The Potential Dangers of Tattoos

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Tattoos are more common than ever. It is now estimated that 21 percent of adults have tattoos, and approximately 36 percent of those ages 18-25 have them. Before getting a tattoo, one must consider many things, including the health risks.

Using unsterilized or used needles and equipment can cause serious health problems, such as HIV and hepatitis. Even if everything is sterile however, there are still risks associated with getting a tattoo.

Tattoo sites can easily become infected when contaminated or expired ink is used and enters the bloodstream. The first signs of an infection usually take place two to three weeks later. Red rashes, swelling, pain, and a pus-like discharge are all common early symptoms of an infection. Pain, fever, chills, and sweats can develop if the infection is not treated. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection.

An allergic reaction to the dyes used in tattoo ink is another cause for concern, specifically the red, blue, yellow, and green dyes. Some people are allergic, but don’t realize it until after they get a tattoo. An allergic reaction can result in an itchy rash or skin bumps at the tattoo site. Allergic reactions can occur immediately, or several months or years later.

Other potential problems associated with tattoos include keloid scarring and sensitivity to MRI exams.

If you do decide to get a tattoo, follow these simple steps to minimize the chances for complications.

• Go to a registered tattoo parlor with licensed tattoo artists.
• Inquire about the expiration date of the ink.
• Make sure inks being used are approved for tattoos.
• Carefully follow aftercare instructions.
• See a doctor immediately if you think you have an infection.

Deciding to get a tattoo is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. You should be informed to make the best decision and do what is safe and best for you.

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

FACT FRIDAY: Do you know what day heart attacks are most common?

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Sage Robinson

FACT FRIDAY: Did you know that heart attacks are more common on Monday mornings?

Several long-term studies have shown that deaths from heart attacks are 20 percent higher on Mondays for adult men and 15 percent greater for adult women.

Though it would be easy to blame the stress of returning to work after two days of rest, when heart attack rates are lowest, researchers suggest that additional factors like heavier drinking and eating over the weekend, might be partly to blame. However, other studies have found that the Monday heart attack risk for retirees is also the same despite not having to worry about work.

The best thing you can do is to take care of yourself all week long by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program and getting regular check-ups from your doctor. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to speak with a cardiologist about your heart health, please contact the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

What Does Gluten-Free Really Mean?

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Sage Robinson

It seems everyone is talking about gluten these days, but what is gluten and should you be following a gluten-free diet?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including semolina and durum), barley, rye, triticale, spelt, farro, and kamut. People with Celiac disease, and some with non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, are allergic to gluten. A gluten-free diet helps control their symptoms which include inflammation in the small intestines. Only a doctor can diagnose you with Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, so make sure you have been correctly assessed before embarking on a gluten-free diet. If you’re not gluten intolerant, avoiding it will deprive you of necessary nutrients found in whole grains like fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron, folate, thiamine, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin B12. Gluten-free products are often made with refined grains which are low in nutrients.

If your doctor confirms a gluten allergy, switching to a gluten-free diet is a big change so it’s a good idea to consult a dietician who can answer your questions and offer advice on how to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Be sure to mention other products you may be ingesting that could contain gluten like certain food additives such as malt flavoring and food starch, as well as any medications and vitamins that may use gluten as a binding agent.

Diabetes Friendly Dessert: Berry Pie With Creamy Filling

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Take advantage of fresh summer berries and enjoy this healthy, delicious and, best of all, diabetes friendly, Berry Pie! Recipe courtesy of Diabetic Living.

Ingredients

2 cups plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/3 cups finely crushed rusk (10 to 12 slices) or zwieback (about 17 slices)
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup low-calorie cranberry-raspberry drink
1 tablespoon cornstarch
6 cups fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and/or halved strawberries
Fresh mint sprigs and/or Lemon Cream** (optional)

** Lemon Cream:

1 1/2 cups frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
3/4 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel

Directions

For yogurt cheese: In a small bowl, combine yogurt powdered sugar, and vanilla. Cover and chill until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine finely crushed rusk and brown sugar. Add egg white and melted butter; stir until well mixed. Press mixture evenly onto bottom and up side of prepared pie plate. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edge is browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, for glaze: In a small saucepan, stir together cranberry-raspberry drink and cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Transfer to a small bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap; let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or until cooled.
Spread yogurt mixture into crust-lined pie plate. In a large bowl, gently toss berries and cooled glaze. Spoon over yogurt mixture. Cover; chill for 3 to 6 hours before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh mint and/or serve with Lemon Cream. Makes 10 slices.
**Lemon Cream: In a small bowl, combine whipped dessert topping and lemon peel.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Servings Per Recipe: 10
PER SERVING: 153 cal., 3 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 8 mg chol., 79 mg sodium, 25 g carb. (3 g fiber, 14 g sugars), 7 g pro.

Diabetic Exchanges: Lean Meat (d.e): 1; Starch (d.e): 0.5; Fruit (d.e): 0.5; Fat (d.e): 0.5; Mark as Free Exchange (d.e): 0; Other Carb (d.e): 0.5

How safe is the water in your public swimming pool?

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned the public about a parasite that can live up to ten days in chlorinated pool water and possibly cause severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. One of the main causes of outbreaks in treated water, including hot tubs and swimming pools, is a resistant parasite called Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is spread through contaminated food or feces. Experts suggest you try not to swallow water in recreational waters, including lakes and water parks, and refrain from swimming for at least a week if you have recently had any gastrointestinal problems to avoid passing an infection to others. There is no treatment for infection except to just stay hydrated and let it run its course.

The CDC recommends that swimmers shower before getting in the pool to prevent them from carrying infectious bacteria into the water. Young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to infection.

For more information, check out the CDC fact sheet about Cryptosporidium and swimming pools.

Peer Pressure: Teen Smoking

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Adolescents feel social pressure in various ways, from wearing the latest clothing trends and styles to current music choices. Your child’s friends are one of the strongest influences during this time in their lives, especially when it comes to risky behaviors like tobacco use.

During the pre-teen and teenage years, your child is asserting their independence and exploring their identity. Yet they still crave the approval of their peers and often worry about being rejected. Peer pressure makes them feel they are being pulled in two directions. When it comes to smoking cigarettes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted the rate among teens that have three or more friends who smoke is 10 times higher than those that reported none of their friends smoke.

However, based on behavior recent research, teenagers who don’t smoke say one of the main reasons is their parents. Your influence is real and as a parent, you can help your child as he struggles with peer pressure, examines their options, and becomes a mature independent thinker.

Some helpful tips for your teen to avoid caving into peer pressure are:
• Set boundaries: Place smoking on the list of things they shouldn’t do. Make sure they understand smoking’s health risks, know the consequences for breaking the rules and enforce them.
• Know your child’s friends: Pay attention to how your teen interacts and observe. Are the relationships equal and respectful? If not, make time to about them.
• Manage stress: Be on the look-out for signs of stress. Empathize with their feelings, and help them prioritize their activities.
• Encourage independent thinking: The more they trust themselves, the less vulnerable they will be to peer pressure.
• Show and teach empathy: By showing empathy for your child’s feelings, you teach them how you value their thoughts and in turn will teach them to trust themselves.
• Get them involved: Try having them become involved in groups or clubs that fit their interest and reduce the chances of boredom while gaining a new set of strengths.

Your influence can bring a world of difference. If you are a smoker and are interested in quitting, call our Freedom from Smoking Program at 718 206 8494.

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True of False: Smoking Cigars is Safer Than Cigarettes?

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Cigarette sales are beginning to see a decline while cigar use has been rising steadily. This is partly attributed to the growing belief that cigars are a safer alternative to cigarettes. Many smokers perceive cigars as having fewer health risks because the smoke is not inhaled into the lungs, but is instead sucked and kept in the mouth for the taste. However, the most concerning misconception among smokers is the belief that cigars are safer because they do not have a Surgeon General’s health warning as cigarettes do.

Research has proven all of these beliefs to be untrue. Cigars do not require health labels because they are not as regulated as cigarettes. Furthermore, they contain some of the same hazardous chemicals such as arsenic and can have the same negative health effects.

Cigars contain high levels of the addictive substance nicotine. Nicotine can enter the body by being inhaled into the lungs and can also be absorbed through the lining in the mouth. Cigars are also known to contain more tar than cigarettes. Tar contains the carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) benzo(a)pyrene. Cigar smokers are at a high risk for developing cancers of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

Cigar smoke has been linked to other health conditions such as oral, lung and cardiovascular disease. Chronic cigar smokers may be twice as likely to be at risk for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). They may also face a higher risk of premature death caused by aortic aneurysms and damage to the heart. Cigars can also wreak havoc on dental health by causing tooth loss, bad breath and stained teeth.

The National Cancer Institute has determined that cigars are no safer than cigarettes and there are no safe tobacco products. There is also no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. For this reason and others previously discussed, the best option for smokers to improve their health and prevent the risk of developing chronic diseases is to stop smoking.

Try a Grilled Romaine Salad This 4th of July Weekend!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The 4th of July usually means dining al fresco and chowing down on grilled burgers, hot dogs and sausages. Why not lighten it up and add a grilled salad to your weekend meal? Remember to keep the cheese to a minimum to reduce your fat intake.

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network.

Ingredients

Dressing:
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon capers
1 teaspoon kosher salt
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
6 anchovy fillets and 1/2 teaspoon of their oil
1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil
Romaine:
3 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise, washed and dried
Olive oil, for tossing
Kosher salt
1 lemon, juiced
20 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
1 cup crumbled blue cheese, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the grill to medium.

For the dressing: In a blender, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, capers, salt and garlic. Blend until smooth. Add the Worcestershire, hot sauce, anchovies and 1/2 cup of the olive oil and blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning. Add the remaining olive oil if needed. Set aside.

In a large bowl, toss 4 of the romaine halves in a little olive oil and season them with salt. Put them in a single layer on the grill and cook for 3 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for 3 additional minutes; the romaine should feel slightly warm and tender. Transfer the halves to a large platter. Spoon a little dressing on each.

On a flat surface, finely chop the rest of the romaine and add it to a medium bowl. Add the remaining vinaigrette, a touch of lemon juice and the basil leaves. Toss to coat the romaine.

Top the grilled romaine with some of the chopped, dressed romaine. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese and serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of Alex Guarnaschelli

Your Fourth of July can be Safe and DYNAMITE!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Joann Ariola

With the Fourth of July celebrations arriving soon, how much do you know about firework safety? Take a quick quiz provided by The National Council on Firework Safety to test your knowledge –http://www.fireworkssafety.org/

Keep in mind that, while the Fourth of July is fun celebrating with family and friends, they are still illegal in New York State (including the five boroughs). Fireworks burn at extremely high temperatures and can rapidly burn through clothing and skin. Items, such as sparklers, are mistakenly thought to be safe, when they can be very dangerous. This year, have a safe Fourth of July and leave the Fireworks displays to the trained professionals.

What is Hypersalivation?

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Have you ever found yourself drooling or swallowing excessively? You might suffer from hypersalivation. Saliva is produced by salivary glands located in the mouth and throat. Saliva helps to keep the mouth moist and assists in comfortable swallowing. It plays a protective role because of its’ anti-fungal properties and components that destroy viruses and attack bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay and produce plaque. Saliva also contains phosphorus and calcium which help to rebuild tooth enamel.

Most people produce between two and four pints of saliva every day. Chewing and swallowing food increases the flow of saliva and you swallow most of it. However, if you find yourself drooling at times other than sleep, which is normal, it can be an indicator of other problems.

Hypersalivation can be caused by everything from difficulty swallowing to problems with muscle control to an infection like tonsillitis or strep throat. Certain medications cause excess saliva production as a side effect, and chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disease can also cause an increase in salivary activity. Some of the medical conditions that affect muscle control over the lips and tongue may cause drooling including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

Other conditions that can lead to drooling are allergies, acid reflux or heartburn and pregnancy.

If you feel like you are producing excessive amounts of saliva and don’t know why, contact your doctor or dentist or make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.