Treating a Cough Naturally

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Coughing is a common health problem. When there is a blockage or irritant in your throat, your brain thinks a foreign element is present and tells your body to cough to remove that element.
Some reasons you may cough are itchy throat and congestion. Instead of using over-the-counter cough suppressants, you may want to try a natural cough treatment using readily available ingredients in your kitchen.
Ginger tea is one of the most popular cures for a cough and is a proven home remedy.
Follow the recipe below for a simple and effective way to quiet a cough.
GINGER TEA
• Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Place them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. You can also use some lemon juice and honey to taste.
It is suggested to drink this herbal solution three to four times a day for relief from a sore throat, coughing and even chest congestion.

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.

How Does Obesity Effect Your Circulation?

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

New York now has the 12th lowest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. New York’s adult obesity rate is currently 27.0 percent. Although the percentages are slightly decreasing, obesity can be the cause of life-threatening health issues for many. The most common health-related issues caused by obesity are hypertension, diabetes and heart disease but, obesity can also lead to poor circulation which can cause blood clots.

The most common symptoms of poor circulation include: tingling, numbness, throbbing or stinging pain in limbs and muscle cramps. Your body’s circulation system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. When blood flow to a specific part of your body is reduced, you may experience the symptoms of poor circulation. As a result of poor circulation blood clots will form in your body. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms.

Blood clots can develop for a variety of reasons, and they can be dangerous. If a blood clot in your leg breaks away, it can pass through other parts of your body, including your heart or lungs. When this happens, the results may be serious, even deadly. If discovered early, a blood clot can often be treated successfully.

Discuss symptoms of poor circulation with your doctor. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, they may be the sign of an underlying health condition. Other untreated conditions can lead to serious complications. Your doctor will work to determine the cause of your poor circulation and treat the underlying issue.

The journey to improved health begins with an improved diet. Here at Jamaica Hospital, the Nutrition Department offers outpatient services at our Ambulatory Care Center as well as many of our MediSys Family Care Centers, located throughout the communities we serve. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Foods That Can Be Unsafe for Babies

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

asian baby eating 497032104 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the best age for babies to begin eating solid foods is around the age of six months. Before making the transition to solids, parents should learn the necessary safety measures needed to protect their baby’s health.

The first thing parents have to do before introducing solids to babies is making certain that the infant is able to sit up in a highchair and has good neck and head control. Additionally, there are certain foods that they should exclude from their child’s menu because their bodies may not be developed enough to digest them. Here is a list of some of these foods:

Honey (or foods made with honey): Honey can be harmful to children under the age of one. The spores of the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, are found in honey and can cause botulism. The symptoms of this illness include; paralysis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Cow’s milk: Babies younger than a year old should not consume cow’s milk because it is difficult for them to digest.
Smoked or cured meats: Smoked or cured meats such as bacon or bologna usually contain nitrates and other chemicals that can be harmful to babies’ health.
Fruit juices: The AAP suggests that fruit juices should be given to infants under the age of six months very minimally or not at all because these juices may contain added sugars. Added sugars are not beneficial for babies’ health and also contain acids that attack enamel in babies’ teeth.
Teas: Teas may contain substances such as tannin that can prevent infants from absorbing Iron from food.
Salt: Avoid giving infants under 12 months foods that contain too much salt because their kidneys are not fully developed enough to process salt.
Fish high in mercury: Some fish such as shark or swordfish are high in mercury and should not be given to babies because they can have a negative effect on their nervous systems.

By following these precautions, parents can safely introduce solid foods to their baby’s diet. Also, keep in mind that if you have a family history of food allergies to consult your pediatrician before giving foods that may cause allergic reactions such as nuts, shellfish or eggs to your child.

Motivational Monday

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day here is a reminder to stay encouraged in your goals!

Cold Weather and Asthma

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

People who suffer from asthma definitely know the effects that cold air can have on their ability to breathe. When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease the symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time. Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside in cold weather. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

People with asthma know the effects it can have during the cold days of winter. Taking a few precautions can help minimize the effects of the cold air on the body.

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.

Robotic Surgery at Flushing Hospital

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Patients deserve a full range of treatment options when they are told they need surgery and one of the most advanced forms is now being performed by Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery is used at the hospital to perform many procedures with great success.

Depending on the patient and the condition being treated, robotic surgery can be an excellent alternative to conventional “open” surgery that typically involves large incisions. This technologically advanced option allows surgeons to operate using small incisions, just a few millimeters in length. The small incisions create a passageway for special surgical instruments to be inserted.

One of the key advantages of robotic surgery is the quick recovery and speedy return to your normal routine. Many patients are able to walk, run errands, go up and downstairs, and drive (as long as you’re not on prescription pain medications) in a little as 72 hours after surgery.

Robotic surgery offers many benefits to patients compared to open surgery, including:

Shorter hospitalization
Reduced pain and discomfort
Faster recovery time and return to normal activities
Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection
Reduced blood loss and transfusions
Minimal scarring

Robotic surgeons at Flushing Hospital are board-certified or board-approved and have extensive training and experience in performing successful robotic-assisted surgeries.

If you are scheduling a surgery and would like to speak to one of our trained surgeons, call Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Joann Ariola

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. It is a time for raising awareness of how frequently birth defects can occur and what can be done to help prevent them.

Birth defects are defined as conditions that are present when a baby is born and can affect nearly every part of the body. Conditions such as cleft lip can be easily diagnosed. Other conditions such as deafness or heart defects may only be discovered after diagnostic testing.

The largest number of birth defects occurs during the first three months of gestation. In the U.S. approximately 120,000 babies are born with birth defects each year.

The 10 most common birth defects in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are:

Down syndrome
Cleft lip (with or without cleft palate)
Atrioventricular septal defect (hole in the heart)
Absence of malformation of the rectum and/or large intestine
Gastroschisis (hole in the abdominal wall)
Tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of heart defects)
Spina bifida without anencephaly
Reduction deformity, upper limbs
Reversal of the heart’s two main arteries

Although birth defects can’t always be prevented, there are plenty of steps pregnant women can take to help reduce the risk.

The womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions:

Make regular visits to your doctor throughout pregnancy
Get 400mcg of folic acid each day through diet or supplements
Don’t smoke, use illegal drugs or drink alcohol while you are pregnant
Always check with your doctor before taking any medication
Get all vaccinations recommended by your doctor
If you have diabetes, keep it under control
Stick to a healthy weight

You may also request a pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy screening test in order to spot potential or real birth defects. The types of tests include a carrier test to see if you or your partner carries potentially harmful genes, as well as screening and diagnostic tests that can determine risks for and detect genetic disorders.

If you are pregnant, or planning to be, and want to discuss your options with one of our doctors, the Women’s Health Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is centrally located and has convenient hours; to make an appointment call 718-670-8992.

Pregnant and Healthy Over 35

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Joann Ariola

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month and with more and more women waiting to have families well into their late 30’s and beyond we felt this is a topic worth revisiting.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five women now wait until they’re 35 or older to have their first child. There may be some risks involved with a pregnancy conceived later in life, but a healthy lifestyle, along with regular visits to your Ob-Gyn can create a healthy pregnancy.

Oftentimes, women worry more about the risks of pregnancy at a later age than conception itself. While a woman’s fertility does decrease after the age of 30, certain risk factors associated with pregnancy do increase including:
• Higher risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
• Greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome
• Miscarriages and still birth
• Low birth weight

A pregnancy should be happy and welcomed news and planning should be no different. Increased risk factors and statistics should not be discouraging news. Often, statistics do not account for life style choices or pre-existing conditions. Here are a few tips to help you take the necessary steps toward a healthy pregnancy later in life:
• Schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn for a visit. Be very honest with your practitioner about any existing health conditions.
• Your Doctor may recommend additional testing such as genetic testing and counseling or sonograms.
• Begin taking pre-natal vitamin. Since folic-acid is important for prevention of birth defects, taking folic acid can add an important level of protection for older women.
• Exercise regularly; eat a well-balanced diet to maintain your weight. Gaining the appropriate amount of weight lessens the chance of your baby growing slowly and reduces the risk of preterm birth.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.

If you are interested in pre-pregnancy and fertility counseling, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center at 718-670-8992 to make an appointment.

Can Your Makeup Be Causing An Eye Infection?

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Eye makeup is used by many women, and some wouldn’t even think about leaving the house before applying their mascara or eyeliner, but if used improperly there can be potential risks when applying these products.

Some of the most common eye problems associated with wearing eye makeup include:

• Scratched Corneas – This can occur when applying makeup with your mascara applicator or eyeliner and can lead to a serious infection
• Conjunctivitis (or pink eye) – This is probably the most common eye problem and it usually occurs after bacteria grows in eye makeup
• Allergic Reactions – This can result in redness, irritation, eye swelling, or infection.

Follow these safety tips to avoid injury and keep your eyes healthy AND beautiful.

• Throw Away Makeup after Three Months – This might be tough given the cost of some products, but bacteria can begin to grow if makeup is not properly concealed.
• Never Share – Your eye makeup should be yours and yours alone. When at the sample counter, only use fresh applicators.
• Apply Eyeliner Outside the Lash Line – This will protect the glands on the upper and lower eyelids which secrete oils that protect the eye’s surface and prevent scratching of the cornea.
• Replace All Eye Makeup after an Infection – Failure to do this could result in a recurrence of an infection.
• Remove Makeup at the End of the Day – Your eyes are sensitive and even the smallest amount of eye makeup could seep into your eyes while you sleep.
• Introduce Only One New Product at a Time – If you apply multiple new products simultaneously, it would be hard to determine the source of a potential allergic reaction

If you do develop an infection or allergic reaction, call your eye doctor immediately. If you do not have one, Flushing Hospital’s Ophthalmology Center can treat a wide array of eye conditions. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

Wound Care and Nutrition

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

The nutritional status of a patient plays a large role in their body’s ability undergo wound healing. It requires a higher than normal level of energy and nutrients if it is going to be successful. The body requires an additional 35 calories per kilogram of body weight to help a chronic wound to heal. This will include eating a well-balanced diet that includes protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
For proper wound healing, a well-balanced diet should include 1.5 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds. Keeping hydrated is also very important, eight glasses of water per day should be the minimum and more if the person sweats profusely, has a wound that is draining, or if vomiting and or diarrhea are present. Meals should include meats, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts, seeds, yogurt and dried beans. In some people who have difficulty obtaining proper caloric intake from their daily meals, high protein and high calorie shakes can be used as supplements. Two amino acids, found in foods having protein and that have been identified as having potential to help wound healing are arginine and glutamine.
People with diabetes often have difficulty with wound healing, and this is due to poor circulation, nerve damage which leads to the constant breakdown of healthy tissue components needed to heal, and a higher than normal level of sugar in the blood which can lead to higher rates of infection and causes fluids to be drained from the body. It is therefore very important for a person with diabetes to keep tight control of their disease.
Wound healing also requires additional levels of vitamins and minerals, however care must be taken too not take in more that the daily recommended amounts because this can have a negative effect on the body..
It is important to consult with a physician about how to eat successfully when trying to heal a wound and also a nutritionist who specializes in wound care.
If you have a chronic or non-healing wound, you may be a candidate for Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient Wound Care Center. To schedule an appointment or speak with a clinician, please call 718-670-4542