Healthy Recipe- Pan-Blackened Salmon with Garlicky Kale

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It’s the middle of winter and the nights are frigid. Here is a delicious and healthy dinner recipe for pan-blackened salmon with garlicky kale that will warm up and comfort you and your family on a cold winter’s night.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sheet-pan-blackened-salmon-with-garlicky-kale-9614139

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.

Why Are More Kids Getting Kidney Stones?

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They typically occur in adults but can affect children and babies as well.

There are many types of kidney stones, including:

Calcium stones are the most common type usually caused by a high intake of certain substances such as salt
Cysteine stones can form in people who have cystinuria, an inherited disorder, marked by increased formation of stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureter
Struvite stones, most often occur in women who have urinary tract infections
Uric acid stones can occur with gout or after chemotherapy

Kidney stones don’t cause symptoms until they move around in the kidney or pass into the ureter. Small stones can pass out of the body with little or no pain. However, larger stones in the urinary system can get stuck and cause many symptoms, including:

Intense pain in the lower back and/or in the sides
Frequent, urgent, and painful urination
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in the urine and/or cloudy urine
Urinary tract infections secondary to kidney stones accompanied by a fever

Kidney stones have several causes, but two of the most common causes in children are not drinking enough water and having a diet containing too much salt and ultra-processed foods. Most children with underlying conditions are more at risk for kidney stones. These conditions include:

Diabetes
Obesity
Problems with how the urinary tract is formed
Metabolic disorders
Gout
Other kidney conditions
Conditions that affect the thyroid or parathyroid gland
Some urinary tract infections

Other reasons that make a kidney stone more likely are:

Not having enough citric acid in the urine
Having too much calcium in the urine
Some medicines
Special diets, such as a ketogenic diet that is sometimes used to prevent seizures

Kidney stones are diagnosed when a healthcare provider asks about the symptoms and how long they have been going on, about the child’s diet, whether the child is dehydrated, and if there is a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems.

The healthcare provider will also perform exams to diagnose kidney stones, including:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Kidney function tests
Imaging tests, which can show the exact size and location of the kidney stones, helping the doctor decide on the best treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of kidney stone and its size. Some children will only need to drink a lot of water and take pain medications to pass the stone. Those with larger stones may need surgery or other treatments to help remove the stones.

It is not always possible to prevent some types of kidney stones. However, all children who have had kidney stones should drink a lot of liquids, water being the best, throughout the day while avoiding dark sodas, soft drinks, and sports drinks. They should also limit the amount of salt and protein in their diet.

If your child is experiencing kidney stone symptoms, you can talk with a doctor at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-3007.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season brings families and friends together. They gather around to eat a delicious meal. Unfortunately, many dangers can occur when preparing a delicious holiday meal. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe when cooking for the holidays:

Wash your hands frequently when handling food
Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
Cook food thoroughly
Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of serving it
Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking
Never leave food that is cooking unattended
Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup
Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
Keep any objects that may be flammable away from the stove
Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on
Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen
Always check the kitchen before bed or leaving the house to ensure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off
Keep the floor clear of any tripping hazards
Exercise caution when handling hot liquids and foods

Whether you are prepping, cooking, or serving food this holiday season, it is important to take the proper precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones enjoy a happy, healthy, safe holiday. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Winter Dehydration

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Dehydration in the winter may seem less likely than in the summertime, but it is still a risk. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 for women. For many of us, it might be harder to reach these quantities during the winter months.

Some causes of winter dehydration include:

Indoor heat
Bundling up in too many layers
Lack of thirst
Fluid loss from respiration
More frequent urination

There are many signs of dehydration, including:

The color of your urine
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry mouth and chapped lips
Dry skin
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Feeling faint or dizzy
A rapid heart rate

Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter:

Drink warm fluids if it is too difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside.
Infuse plain water by adding flavorings such as a wedge of lemon or lime, other pieces of fruit, or unsweetened water enhancers.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to encourage daily hydration.
Eat homemade soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help increase fluid intake.
Avoid drinking caffeine as it can contribute to dehydration.
Swap drinking an alcoholic beverage for a mocktail.
Make hydration a routine by drinking a certain amount of water daily.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications and potentially death. For less severe cases, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Why Do People Feel Tired After Eating?

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Post-prandial somnolence, or the post-lunch dip or food coma, is the feeling of sleepiness after eating.

Researchers have identified various factors that may contribute to wanting to sleep after eating, including:

Eating meals that are high in either carbohydrates or fat is more likely to make you tired than meals high in protein
Eating many calories in one sitting is also linked to post-meal fatigue
The timing of meals can impact energy levels
Research shows that consuming specific nutrients such as tryptophan, melatonin, and other phytonutrients promotes sleepiness

Other causes of post-prandial somnolence can include:

Underlying health conditions
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Anemia
Thyroid problems
Low blood pressure
Medications
Mild dehydration

Although you may not be able to avoid feeling drowsy after eating, there are some things you can try to counteract it, including:

Eating well-balanced meals
Getting more sleep at night
Exposing yourself to enough daylight
Getting regular exercise
Napping for 10-20 minutes

Feeling tired after eating is a normal phenomenon that most people experience. However, if the fatigue interferes with daily life and responsibilities, talk to your healthcare provider as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

National Diabetes Month

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is National Diabetes Month. This month focuses on increasing awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. It aims to educate the public about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and management.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans or one in every 10 people, including children and adults. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancers.

Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on quickly and more severe. Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating often
Losing weight without trying
Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there isn’t enough available insulin
Feeling tired and weak
Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
Having blurry vision
Having slow-healing sores
Getting many infections such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections

Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Here are some tips to help you avoid developing diabetes:

Know your risk of developing diabetes- You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.
Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels- Preventing or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes complications. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs:
- A is for the A1C test that healthcare providers use to measure your average glucose levels.
- B is for blood pressure
- C is for cholesterol
Take small steps towards healthy habits- Lifestyle habits like planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs.
Take your medicines on time- Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicine on time or the correct dosage.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight- If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if eating healthy, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help manage your weight.
Take care of your mental health- Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel sad, down, or overwhelmed, find healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with your healthcare team- Managing diabetes takes a team. Your healthcare team can include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you have any diabetic symptoms and would like to prevent developing diabetes, or if you would like help managing your diabetes, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

It is the fall season and pumpkins are everywhere. Pumpkins are highly nutritious, containing proteins, carbohydrates, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some health benefits of pumpkin:

Highly nutritious and particularly rich in vitamin A
High antioxidant content may reduce your risk of chronic diseases
Packs vitamins that may boost immunity
High in nutrients that protect your eyesight
Nutrient density and low-calorie count may promote weight loss
Antioxidant content may lower your risk of cancer
Potassium, vitamin C, and fiber may benefit heart health
Contains compounds that promote healthy skin
High in vitamins and minerals that improve gut health

Pumpkin is a nutritious fruit to eat all year round, so don’t just save it for fall. Pumpkin is a healthy food ingredient that is versatile enough to be used in sweet and savory dishes and can improve recipes with its taste. You will benefit from its vitamins and minerals.

The MIND Diet

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The “MIND” diet or Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet combines the Mediterranean and the DASH diets to create a dietary pattern focusing specifically on brain health. It targets the health of the aging brain. The MIND diet aims at reducing dementia, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, by targeting the health of the aging brain and helping to prevent cognitive decline.

Many experts regard the Mediterranean and DASH diets as the healthiest. Research has shown they can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and other diseases.

The Mediterranean and DASH diets recommend eating a lot of fruit as they have been linked with improved brain function, particularly berries.

Here are 10 other foods you are encouraged to eat on the MIND diet:

Green, leafy vegetables- aim to eat six or more servings per week. This includes kale, spinach, cooked greens, and salads.
All other vegetables- eat another non-starchy vegetable in addition to green leafy vegetables at least once per day because they provide a lot of nutrients for a low number of calories.
Nuts- try to eat five or more servings of nuts each week.
Olive oil- use olive oil as your main cooking oil.
Whole grains- aim for at least three daily servings of oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or 100% whole wheat bread.
Fish- eat fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, or mackerel because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids at least once weekly.
Beans- include beans, lentils, and soybeans in at least four weekly meals.
Poultry- try to eat chicken or turkey at least twice weekly.
Wine- aim for no more than one glass daily. Both read and white wine may benefit your brain

The MIND diet recommends limiting the following five foods:

Butter and margarine
Cheese
Red meat
Fried food
Pastries and sweets

Researchers encourage limiting your consumption of these foods because they contain saturated and trans fats. Studies have found that trans fats are associated with various diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

If you are looking for a diet that focuses on maintaining brain health as you age, the MIND diet is one to consider, however, it is important to note that you should first speak with your doctor about making any changes to your diet. To consult a physician about whether the MIND diet is best for you, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

13 Essential Foods That Benefit Kidney Health

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage, on each side of your spine. Kidneys play an important role in the body as they filter the blood and remove waste from the body through urine. As they filter the blood, they remove acid creating a healthy pH and balancing the amount of water and minerals (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium) in it.

Because our kidneys are essential in keeping our bodies healthy, we must ensure they work correctly. One of the ways to do this is by eating foods that support the health of our kidneys. Eating certain kidney-friendly foods can be beneficial to helping the kidneys to function properly. Here is a list of foods that benefit kidney health:

Bell peppers
Red grapes
Cauliflower
Garlic
Onions
Apples
Berries
Egg whites
Omega 3 oil-rich, fatty fish
Whole grains
Leafy greens
Olive oil
Pineapples

A balanced diet can support kidney health. This means drinking sufficient amounts of water and eating whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and fish.

If you or someone you know are experiencing kidney problems, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

Too much time spent being inactive
Lack of sleep
Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active
Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages
Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

Monitor growth
Provide nutritious foods
Promote drinking water
Encourage physical activity
Model healthy behaviors
Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.