FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit’s Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

During a recent interview with Lieutenant Anthony Mancuso, head of the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit, we learned that the three major causes of residential fires during the holiday season are candles, cooking and electrical failure or malfunction.

Cooking

According to the Lieutenant, cooking stands at the top of the list because it is the leading cause of fire-related residential property damage. Mancuso explained that unattended cooking is a major contributor to incidents- especially during this time of year. His advice for holiday chefs is to:

Never leave cooking food unattended
Avoid distractions while cooking
Properly prepare and follow guidelines when deep frying turkeys or other foods

In the event of a kitchen fire it is important to:

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire
Use generous amounts of baking soda to extinguish small fires. Otherwise use a fire extinguisher (if available) and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Candles

While candles are aromatic and delightful, if not handled safely they can be dangerous. Lieutenant Mancuso recommends flame-less candles, “If aromatic candles are what you prefer, there are many flame-less candle brands that offer that option.” He added, “If you choose to use real candles, do not leave them unattended.”

Electrical

When using electrical lights for decoration it is important to ensure that these products have been tested for safety. Look for UL or ETL listings or certifications on these devices. Without a UL or ETL label, you will not know how safe a product truly is. Other things to keep in mind are to never leave lights on while you are sleeping or not home and to use extension cords and power strips appropriately.

Lastly, Lieutenant Mancuso encourages residents to ensure that their smoke alarms are operational and to make certian batteries are changed as recommended. He also wants members of our community to keep in mind that following these very important tips can be the difference between life and death in some cases. The Fire Safety Education Unit of the FDNY recommends that everyone should visit http://www.fdnysmart.org/safetytips/ to learn more about fire safety.

Lieutenant Mancuso and the Fire Safety Education Unit of the FDNY wishes everyone, “A happy and safe holiday.”

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.

Low Sugar, Easy Bake Oatmeal Cherry Cookies Cookies

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Joann Ariola

With the holidays approaching, we are talking about food and baking much for often than any other time of the year.

Colleagues are bringing in their homemade bakes cookies These comforting and joyous morsels make great snacks and are sweet enough to satisfy the sweetest of sweet tooths.

But, oh the sugar and calories!

With regard to calories and nutrition, cookies:

Depending on their ingredients, can have varying number of calories.
Most of these calories are associated with sugar and fats used to make them.
The nutrients are also dependent on the ingredients used.
The nutritional details are usually available on the nutritional label on the back of the cookie box.

If you are a “cookie monster” and want to indulge without any of the guilt, try these Oatmeal Cherry Cookies from

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies

1 c whole grain pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ c packed brown sugar
⅓ c granulated sugar
¼ c unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 lg egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ c old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ c dried cherries

1. PREHEAT the oven to 375°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.
2. COMBINE the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
3. COMBINE the brown sugar and granulated sugar, applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir until well blended. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the oats and cherries.
4. DROP the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2″ apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.

NUTRITION (per serving) 72 cal, 1.5 g pro, 13.5 g carb, 1.5 g fiber, 7 g sugars, 1.5 g fat, .1 g sat fat, 77.5 mg sodium

PREP TIME: 15 min / COOK TIME: 10 min / TOTAL TIME: 27 min
SERVINGS: 30

Enjoy!

National Handwashing Awareness Week 2016

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center believes that Infection prevention is important to all of us and each of us has a valuable role to play in keeping patients safe from infection.

According to the CDC, handwashing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

Dr. Javeria Shakil, Director of Infection Prevention at FHMC and Maria Savarese, RN, Clinical Coordinator and Hand Hygiene Champion (pictured above) know that proper hand hygiene is important in the prevention of spreading germs.

FHMC will be hosting an educational table in the lobby of the hospital, as well as continuing our hand hygiene initiatives throughout the hospital to continue our commitment to keeping our patients safe from infection.

Diabetes and Depression

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Diabetes does not directly cause depression but can contribute to it for a variety of reasons. Managing diabetes can be stressful because of the dietary and lifestyle changes required to stay healthy. Some diabetics may have a difficult time adapting to these changes and become frustrated which can eventually lead to depression.

Conversely, depression can lead to diabetes. When people are depressed their eating habits tend to be affected and some may overeat to the point of becoming obese. They may also have no desire in being physically active. These factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

There are ways to manage diabetes and depression simultaneously. The most important factor is to speak with a physician who has experience and can help you to gain control of these illnesses. A patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes might benefit from a program that focuses on behavior modifications promoting a healthier lifestyle. There are also medications which can be prescribed that are helpful in managing both illnesses.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center understands the relationship between mental and physical health and has many programs in place to ensure our medical and mental health professionals work together to treat both mind and body.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss diabetes management please call 718-670 5486.

The Influenza Vaccine

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Influenza – the unwelcome guest that comes calling on us every year – often with many very unpleasant consequences. Historically, widespread flu epidemics have had devastating effects on large portions of the earth’s population. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that two scientists, Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Thomas Francis developed the first vaccine to prevent the flu virus. The vaccine was given to American soldiers during World War II and was found to be useful in preventing the widespread outbreaks that had been common before the vaccines were used. In the years after the war, the vaccine was made available to the general public and has greatly reduced the widespread epidemics that were so common before.

Research has helped to develop better vaccines with fewer side effects and also better suited to combat strains of the influenza virus that keep changing every year. Over the past 60 years millions of people have been given the flu vaccine each year. Many people are hesitant about getting the vaccine at all however, there are much fewer catastrophic epidemics throughout the world, thanks in large part to the work done by Dr Salk and Dr. Francis in the early part of the last century.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. It is important that you consult with your doctor before getting the flu vaccine.

Healthy Heart = A Health You

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Every year, more than 1.2 million Americans die from heart attacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50 percent of those deaths occur outside the hospital—a figure suggesting many people with heart disease don’t act on early warning signs.

Some signs to watch for are chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and upper body discomfort are red flags and an indication to immediately call 911. Just a few wasted minutes can stand between life or death.”

There are several factors that can put you at risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure, being overweight, having diabetes, and being over 55 years old for men and 65 years old for women.

Individuals who maintain a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and quit smoking, in addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, or are taking your heart medication regularly are great ways to protect yourself against heart health conditions.

Flushing Hospital offers a non-invasive Cardiology Lab, as well as other services for heart diseases, such as arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.
Our non-invasive Cardiology Laboratory performs the following tests:

• Electrocardiograms, which allow the electrical activity of the heart to be examined
• Echocardiograms, which use sound waves to take pictures of the heart to assess how it is working
• Stress tests, both chemical and exercise, with and without imaging modalities to assess the blood flow to the heart and the function of the heart with exercise
• Holter monitors
• Event recorders
• Tilt table testing
• Nuclear wall motion studies
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Non-invasive treatment of coronary artery disease is available for patients who are not candidates for angioplasty, stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery, but who have continued chest pain or angina.

To speak with a cardiologist about your heart health or to obtain more information about the cardiology services offered at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5489.

Food Preparation Safety Tips

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. More than 200 diseases, like salmonella, listeria and e. coli, are spread through improper food handling, causing symptoms such as stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea.

With holiday season and lots of gatherings where eating is a must, on the way, here are five food handling tips that will help make your meals safer:

Keep clean – Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Keep food preparation surfaces and equipment clean.
Keep raw and cooked food separate – Store food in containers to prevent cross contamination.
Cook thoroughly – Be sure to cook and reheat food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood. Use a meat thermometer to check cooking temperatures.
Store food at safe temperatures – Don’t leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate all cooked and perishable foods below 5 degrees Celsius. Don’t keep leftovers too long and always defrost food in the fridge, not on the counter.
Choose foods wisely – Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating and don’t use food beyond its expiration date.

These few simple guidelines will help keep your food and kitchen cleaner, and your family healthier.

Breastfeeding and the Working Mom

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Joann Ariola

If you’re breastfeeding your newborn and returning to work, you may be wondering how you are going to do both. With a little discipline and some planning, breastfeeding and working is a challenge you can overcome.

Here are some suggestions designed to make nursing your child and transitioning back to work easier:

1. Before going back to work, speak with your supervisor about your plans to breastfeed. Discuss different types of schedules, such as starting back part-time at first or taking split shifts.

2. Many Lactation Consultants recommend that breastfeeding moms join a breastfeeding support group to talk with other mothers about breastfeeding after your baby is born and how they transitioned back into the workplace.

3. Ask if your company provides a lactation support program for employees. If your company does not, ask about private areas where you can comfortably and safely express milk. The Affordable Care Act supports work-based efforts to assist nursing mothers.

4. Ask the lactation program director, your supervisor, wellness program director, employee human resources office, or other co-workers if they know of other women at your company who have breastfed after returning to work.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care department at 718-670-5486.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Hepatitis B, a virus that can cause severe illness, liver damage, and even death, affects over one million Americans; many of these people display no symptoms and are unaware that they are carriers, which can lead to them unknowingly spreading the virus.

While there are measures many can follow to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B, there is one group that requires others to keep them safe – newborns.

There are a variety of ways Hepatitis B can be spread. They include: having unprotected sex, sharing needles, body piercing & tattoos, or using a carrier’s toothbrush or razor, but one of the most common ways to spread the virus is from mother to baby at birth.

Through proper pre-natal care, babies can be protected from getting infected. During their initial prenatal visit, mothers should receive a series of routine blood tests, including tests to check for Hepatitis B. If you test positive, your doctor can take special precautions at the time of delivery to treat your baby immediately after birth, which would most likely prevent infection.

Within 12 hours after you give birth, your doctor will give your baby a shot of Hepatitis B antibodies and an initial shot of the Hepatitis B vaccine. That should be adequate short-term protection from hepatitis B. Together, the antibodies and the vaccine are about 85 to 95 percent effective at preventing hepatitis B infection in babies. The second and third vaccines doses should be administered at regular well-baby check-ups. All three doses are necessary for life-long protection against Hepatitis B.

If you are pregnancy, make sure your doctor tests you for Hepatitis B. If you do not have a doctor, Flushing Hospital’s Women’s Health Center has expert doctors who can guide you through your entire pregnancy. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-8993.