The Eyes Have It: What are Cataracts?

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

A cataract is defined as the clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is made up of water and protein. When the lens is healthy, the proteins are arranged in a very precise pattern allowing light to pass through to the retina in a clear manner. As we age, these proteins may begin to clump together and cause the lens to become cloudy which leads to blurry and dim vision. They are commonly found in people as they get older, and can start when people are in their forties but become noticeable after the age of sixty. Besides aging other factors that can contribute to cataract formation are diabetes, smoking and alcohol abuse.

Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:
• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Colors that appear faded
• Glare from headlights, lamps
• Diminished night vision

Cataracts can be corrected by performing surgery to replace the lens of the eye with an artificial lens. There are two types of procedures that can be performed:

Phacoemulsification – a procedure where a small incision is made to the side of the cornea. The lens is broken up by ultrasound and removed by suction.
Extracapsular surgery – a procedure where a bigger incision is made in the side of the cornea and the lens is removed in one piece.

After both types of surgery a new plastic lens is inserted and allowed to heal. Most people see immediate improvement in their vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures done today. Ninety percent of patients who undergo this procedure have their vision restored completely.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a full range of comprehensive medical, diagnostic, and surgical services from annual eye examinations to surgical procedures. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 or All City Eye Care Center at 718-380-5070.

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.

Healthy Father’s Day Recipe: Turkey Burger w/Roasted Eggplant

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

This Father’s Day, give dad a break on the grill and make him a turkey burger with roasted eggplant. The eggplant adds a great meaty flavor while still cutting down on fat and calories. Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light.

INGREDIENTS

1 (8-ounce) eggplant

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, divided

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 pound turkey tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 teaspoon less-sodium soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon Marmite

4 (1 1/2-ounce) hamburger buns, toasted

4 Bibb lettuce leaves

8 (1/4-inch-thick) tomato slices

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Lightly coat eggplant with cooking spray; wrap eggplant in foil. Place eggplant on a jelly-roll pan; bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until very tender, turning once. Remove from foil; cool slightly. Cut eggplant in half. Carefully scoop out pulp to measure 1 1/4 cups; discard skin. Place pulp in a food processor; process until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup pureed pulp. Combine remaining pulp, 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 teaspoons oil, juice, and garlic. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

3. To prepare grinder, place feed shaft, blade, and 1/4-inch die plate in freezer 30 minutes or until well chilled. Assemble the grinder just before grinding.

4. Arrange turkey pieces in a single layer on jelly-roll pan, leaving space between each piece. Freeze 15 minutes or until meat is firm but not frozen. Combine meat and remaining 2 teaspoons oil in large bowl; toss to combine. Pass meat through meat grinder completely. Immediately pass meat through grinder a second time. Combine reserved 1/4 cup eggplant puree, turkey, remaining 1 tablespoon parsley, soy sauce, and Marmite in a large bowl. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions, gently shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Press a nickel-sized indentation in the center of each patty. Cover and chill until ready to grill.

5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

6. Lightly coat patties with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place patties on grill rack, and grill 4 minutes until well marked. Carefully turn patties over, and grill 3 minutes or until done. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun; top each serving with 1 tablespoon eggplant mixture, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 tomato slice, and top half of bun. (Reserve remaining eggplant mixture for another use.)

Poll Question: What is the right way to brush your teeth?

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

What is the right way to brush your teeth?

A. From side to side

B. Up and down

C. In small circles

If you answered A, you’re right! According to the American Dental Association you should:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush from side to side in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

The ADA also recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. You should replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

To make an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call our Dental Department at 718-670-5521.

Try a Summer Mocktail! Strawberry-Kiwi Sangria

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Nothing says summer more than fancy, fruity drinks, and nothing is more festive than a Strawberry-Kiwi Sangria mocktail! Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.

STRAWBERRY-KIWI SANGRIA WITH ROSÉ GERANIUM

YIELD: Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

8 cups water
8 wild-berry tea bags
2 cups sugar

4 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled
2 25.4-ounce (750-ml) bottles chilled sparkling apple cider
6 kiwis, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
16 fresh rose geranium leaves, crushed slightly, or 3/4 teaspoon rose water*
4 cups ice cubes

PREPARATION

Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add tea bags; cover and let steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add sugar to hot tea; stir until dissolved. Stir in remaining 4 cups water. Chill tea until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)

Puree 2 baskets strawberries in processor. Slice remaining 2 baskets strawberries. Place pureed and sliced berries in large pitcher (or divide between 2 pitchers). Add tea and all remaining ingredients. Stir and serve.

*Rose water is available at Middle Eastern markets and specialty foods stores.

market tip:Unless you already grow them, you’ll most likely have to visit a nursery to find rose geraniums. They make great potted plants and, of course, smell wonderful, too. The aromatic, rose-scented leaves are used to infuse their flavor in sorbets, ices, and beverages.

The Relationship Between Obesity and Sleep Disorders

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

America’s expanding waistline may be responsible for another growing problem in our country – sleep apnea. Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and many of them are overweight or obese. In fact, the most common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in adults is obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. People with this condition often have trouble staying in a deep sleep because their throats close, blocking their airways. As a result, they partially awaken to start breathing properly. They don’t realize they’re waking up and may become very sleepy during the day.

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. People with sleep apnea are also at an increased risk of work and driving-related accidents, due to inadequate sleep at night. It’s important that anyone with signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea — especially loud snoring, repeated nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness speak with a physician.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. Making an effort to lose weight is the best way to help people sleep better. Recent studies have proven that weight loss can significantly improve and potentially eliminate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in obese individuals. If, however, weight loss attempts are not successful, a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where patients wear a mask connected to a machine that blows air into the throat, keeping it open while they sleep at night.

If you believe that you have sleep apnea, it is imperative that you get tested. Speak with your doctor and request a referral to a sleep center so experts can perform an overnight sleep study.

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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.

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!

For more health and lifestyle tips follow us on Twitter @FlushingHospital and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FlushingHospital

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.

For more health and fitness tips find us on Facebook.com/FlushingHospital and follow us on twitter @FlushingHospital

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.