Jumping for Joy!

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Looking for an inexpensive way for you and your family to stay fit this summer? Try jumping rope! For as little as $12 and 10 minutes, you can get a high intensity cardio workout. And best of all, it’s portable.

Jumping rope can help everyone, of any age, achieve a range of fitness goals, including cardiovascular benefits, It can also aid in building bone-mineral density, improving coordination, and increasing muscle endurance, as well as toning and shaping. According to the Compendium of Physical Studies, jumping rope for 10 minutes can burn as many calories as jogging at an eight-minute-per-mile pace.

Jump rope basics:

. To find a rope length that fits you, place one foot in the center of the rope and lift the handles — they shouldn’t go past your armpits.

. Keep elbows close to sides as you turn the rope. The movement comes from the wrists and forearms, not the shoulders.

. Jump only 1 to 1 ½ inches off the floor, giving the rope just enough space to slip under feet — only the balls of feet should touch the floor. Stay high on your toes and use your body’s natural shock absorbers.

Before starting a jump rope workout, check with your doctor. Shoes and jumping surface are important as to how jumping will impact your body. Rope-jumping is considered lower impact than jogging or running if done properly.

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.

Home Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

If you are prone to eczema, the summer months, bringing high humidity, perspiration from exercise and chlorinated pools, can exacerbate your symptoms.

The symptoms of eczema are different for each person and may look different depending on what part of your body it affects. They can include mild, moderate or severe red, inflamed skin, rough leathery patches, oozing or crusting, and scaling.

Eczema is also known for its intense itch. The itch may be so bad that you scratch your skin until it bleeds, which can make your rash and itching even worse, or lead to infection.

There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat eczema, but have you ever tried a warm apple cider vinegar bath? The National Eczema Association recommends adding a cup of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to five gallons of warm bathwater to help soothe the itch and inflammation of eczema.

Why apple cider vinegar?

Vinegars have a long history of medicinal use, and certain vinegars like apple cider vinegar, contain acetic acid which is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, helping to fight the eczema infection. The potassium present in vinegar acts as an astringent which balances the pH levels of the skin and provides faster eczema healing in affected areas.

ACV also contains beta-carotene, an anti-oxidant that promotes the growth of new skin cells, as well as mineral salts, vitamin B1 and riboflavin, providing relief from dryness and itching.

The next time your eczema flares, try a little apple cider vinegar and let us know how it works for you!

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Is Your Child An Internet Addict?

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Michael Hinck

It’s often difficult for parents to know how much time their children spend online.Often children play video games, view videos and browse social networking sites.

Spending too much time online can lead to the deterioration of your child’s school work and can cause problems with their relationships with family and friends.

According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes a day consuming media for fun, including TV, music, video games and other content. About two-thirds of 8 to 18 year-olds had no rules on the amount of time spent watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit their kids screen time for entertainment to less than two hours per day and children under 2 have no TV or Internet exposure.

Research shows that academic failure correlates with addictive video game play, and to a higher incidence of attention problems. Conversely, academic achievers spend less time online. Research has also revealed that child and adolescent video game addiction correlates with functional impairment, emotional problems, poor conduct, hyperactivity and peer problems, as well as with depression and social phobia. In addition, several studies have proven a relationship between excessive video game play and obesity and poor diet among children in grades 4 through 6.

Parents should discuss with their children their expectations for responsible online usage and set limits on how much time can be spent online. Here are some guidelines for Internet use:

Regularly determine how much time your kids are online every day.
Don’t put a computer or game console in your child’s bedroom—rather put them in the living room.
Avoid online activity before bedtime.
Charge children’s cell or smart phone or other handheld devices overnight in your bedroom.
Be a role model. Set an example with your own Internet usage.
Use an alarm clock or timer to limit your child’s time online.
Provide alternatives to online activity and video games: sports, reading, play dates, time with pets, etc.
Set a rule: no handheld devices at the table during meals.

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No-Cook Mango Almond Refrigerator Oatmeal

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Love oatmeal, but think it’s only for cold winter days? Try this healthy and delicious no-cook “summer porridge,” recipe courtesy of The Yummy Life.

Diabetes: Using a Blood Glucose Meter

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you know the importance of controlling your blood glucose levels or “sugar.”

Using a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels after eating, exercising or taking your diabetes medication, can help determine how your lifestyle affects your diabetes. It may even help you to better plan and implement changes that will assist you in managing your diabetes, helping to reduce the risk of complications related to kidneys, eyes, skin, feet and the nervous system.

The blood glucose meter is an electronic device that uses a disposable test strip with a small drop of blood and reads your level of blood glucose on a digital display. A blood glucose test is performed by pricking the skin (typically, on the finger) to draw blood, then applying the blood to the test-strip. The test is usually referred to as capillary blood glucose.

Healthcare professionals advise patients on how often they should monitor their levels based on their diagnosis. Most people with Type 2 diabetes test at least once per day. Diabetics who use insulin (everyone with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2) usually test their blood sugar more often (3 to 10 times per day), both to assess the effectiveness of their prior insulin dose and to help determine their next insulin dose.

Glucose meters are available at a variety of price points. Though the cost of monitoring may be expensive or time consuming, the benefits are worth it if you can avoid the medical costs of diabetes complications.

Electronic Cigarettes – are they safe ?

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Electronic cigarettes, or as they are more popularly called, e-cigarettes, are designed to look like traditional tobacco cigarettes. Though the e-cigarettes contain no tobacco, they can be harmful because they contain nicotine which is a cancer causing chemical. Their manufacturers would like the public to believe that they are a safer alternative to cigarettes, but this may not be the case.

How they work – The user inhales through a mouthpiece similar to traditional cigarettes. This flow of air triggers a sensor that turns on a small battery operated heater. The heater warms up a capsule that contains nicotine and propylene glycol. The vapor that is created gives the user the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. The vapor from these e-cigarettes also contains formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which can also cause cancer.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has done a preliminary analysis of these devices and concluded that the vapors that they emit contain other carcinogens, such as nitrosamines and diethylene glycol. It is presumed that the effects of smoking these e-cigarettes would have similar second hand effects as regular tobacco products and their use should be regulated in a similar manner.

Though they have been marketed as an aid to stop smoking for those trying to quit, there is no evidence that proves that these e-cigarettes accomplish that goal. If you smoke, or know someone who does, and are interested in quitting we recommend speaking with your physician or joining a smoking cessation program such as Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Freedom from Smoking Program. A representative can be reached at 718 206 8494. Additional resources can also be found at www.nysmokefree.com.

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Is Prenatal Yoga Right For You?

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Keeping active while pregnant is good for you and for your baby. Research suggests that practicing prenatal yoga offers many benefits, including helping you relax and prepare for labor.

Many childbirth-preparation classes encourage stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Taking prenatal yoga classes in a yoga studio or using an exercise DVD can:

.Improve sleep and balance

.Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system

.Increase strength, stamina, flexibility and endurance needed for childbirth

.Ease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath

.Decrease the risk of preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction

. Helps with breathwork in preparation for labor

. Increase circulation

Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Prenatal yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth. Namaste!

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The Natural Solution to Spring Cleaning

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Spring is finally here, and springtime means spring cleaning! If you’re looking for an alternative to store bought cleaners, check out these low-cost, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions for a fresh smelling home:

.Baking Soda – cleans, softens water, and scours. You can also use baking soda to deodorize food storage containers and sprinkle on your carpet to absorb smells before vacuuming.

.White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up. Use equal parts white vinegar and water to wash both the interior and exterior of your fridge.

.Lemons – effective against most household bacteria. Use lemon peels in your garbage disposal to help deodorize it.

You can also try these combinations:

.All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, and bathroom mirrors.

.Mold and Mildew cleaner: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

.Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying.

.Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft, slightly damp, cotton cloth. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

One more tip: Whenever you clean your home, save the floor or carpet for last. Clean window blinds and shelves first and then work downwards. This allows time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

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Five Foods to Prevent Osteoporosis

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Osteoporosis can strike at any age and occurs in both men and women, but it is most common in post-menopausal women. Bone is living tissue that constantly regenerates. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle making you more susceptible to fractures. The most common fractures occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

May is National Osteoporosis Month. If you suffer from osteoporosis, try adding foods that are good for your bones and rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamins D, C, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium.

.Dairy products — Low-fat and non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese that contain calcium and are fortified with vitamin D, as well as fatty fishes like canned sardines, salmon (with bones), mackerel and tuna.

.Potassium — Spinach, beet greens, okra, tomato products, artichokes, plantains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens and raisins.

.Magnesium — Tomato products, raisins, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, papaya, oranges, orange juice, bananas, plantains and prunes.

.Vitamin C — Red peppers, green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprout, papaya and pineapples.

.Vitamin K — Vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and Brussels sprout, okra, Chinese cabbage, dandelion greens, and broccoli.

If you think you have osteoporosis, make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

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Getting Fit and Bicycle Riding Safety Tips

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Riding a bicycle can be a fun and effective way to get fit. Cycling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it increases oxygen intake and stimulates the heart. Studies show that riding can increase energy levels by 20 percent and in one hour burn up to 488 calories when pedaling at 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Although a bicycle is an excellent fitness tool, it is also considered a vehicle. Therefore, the rules of the road must be obeyed and a bicycle should be operated safely to prevent injuries and accidents.

Follow these basic riding tips to ensure your safety and reduce the risks:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and do not weave in between other vehicles.
Obey traffic laws and signals.
Do not listen to music or speak on cell phones while riding.
Wear a proper fitting helmet.
Never pass another vehicle on the right.
Always keep your hands on the brakes.
Stay aware of dangerous road hazards such as potholes and broken glass.
Use hand signals to show motorist where you are going.

Bicycling is a great way to get fit; however, cyclists should continue to keep in mind that they share the same rules and regulations as others. Follow the rules of the road to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.