FACT FRIDAY: Asian American Women Live Longer

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Did you know that Asian American women have the longest life expectancy of any other ethnic group? The average Asian woman will live an average of 85.8 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

The Benefits of Yoga

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

September 30 is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. If you’re looking for a new exercise with many health benefits, why not try yoga?

Developed in India thousands of years ago, yoga is a form of exercise that has gained popularity tremendously over the past 50 years.

Yoga teaches increased flexibility by learning how to stretch your muscles. This can help a person improve mobility, feel less tired and improve their posture.

Some of the other benefits of yoga are:

• Improved immunity

• Lessen severity of migraines

• Improved sexual performance

• Better sleep

• Improved eating habits

Yoga can help you to feel calmer and more relaxed due to techniques that focus on breathing.

Yoga has also been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. This can help people who have been diagnosed with heart disease and who either have had a stroke or are at risk of having a stroke.

Yoga can be practiced by just about anyone, anywhere, not just people who are in good physical condition. When looking for yoga classes, find an instructor who has proper training and who is certified to teach the class. It usually takes a few weeks to start seeing the benefits, but you will be surprised at how effective yoga can be.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women. In the United States, an estimated 22,000 women will be diagnosed every year with this disease and approximately 14,250 will die because of it. This type of cancer usually affects women who are in their fifties and sixties, and who typically have a family history of the disease. When the disease is detected early, the five year survival rate is above 93%.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, and constipation
• Abdominal and pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Backaches
• Urinary frequency and urgency

When a physician suspects ovarian cancer, they will perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. The exam will include a blood test for the CA-125 genetic marker, an examination of the abdomen to see if there is tenderness, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and a biopsy.

There are four main stages of ovarian cancer:

. Stage I – completely confined to one or both ovaries.
. Stage II – Found in one or both ovaries with spread to other pelvic organs (bladder, colon, rectum, uterus).
. Stage III – Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen and/or the lymph nodes.
. Stage IV – Most advanced stage of the disease with spread to additional organs such as liver and lung.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the affected organ(s), hormone therapy, and radiation. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of ovarian cancer, the age of the patient, and the stage of the disease.

Remember that early detection is important and just may save your life. All women should have see their OB/Gyn once a year for a pelvic exam. If you would like to make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

The 10 Best Reasons to Breastfeed

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

You may have heard it before, but the message is clear- Breastfeeding is beneficial for both baby and mother. If you are still undecided, here are JHMC’s top 10 reasons for choosing breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby:

It provides nutrients and protection. The first milk, called colostrum, is the perfect first food for babies. Your breast milk’s antibodies help protect baby from the cold and flu and boost his ability to fight off more serious illnesses such as certain cancers like leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.
It’s always ready & the right temperature. No need to decipher whether your milk is too hot or cold, simply place baby to breast for her feeding.
Creates a greater bond between mother and infant. The skin-to-skin contact you both receive from breastfeeding creates a greater bond since breastfeeding releases the “bonding hormone” oxytocin. The same hormone that’s released when you hug or kiss a loved one.
Provides protection for Mom as well. According to the National Cancer Institute, breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Financially beneficial on the family budget. According to La Leche League International, the cost of formula can range anywhere from $134 to $491 per month. That’s $1,608 to $5,892 in one year! Breastfeeding costs nothing because you are producing milk. If you choose to express your milk, many insurance plans will cover double electric breast pumps.
Breastfed babies are smarter. Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development. Studies concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development.
Helps Mom’s back to their pre-baby shape. With a healthy diet, mom receives the benefits of breastfeeding by burning an average of 500 calories a day, which can help shed those post baby pounds faster than just diet alone.
Lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends breastfeeding for as long as possible to reduce the risk of SIDS. AGerman study published in 2009 found that breastfeeding – either exclusively or partially – is associated with a lower risk of SIDS. The researchers concluded that exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month of age cut the risk of SIDS in half.
Helps with a natural method of birth control. According to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control offering a 98% protection in the first six months after birth.
Creates confidence in mothers.
Nursing mothers have reported increased self-confidence and a closer connection to their babies.

When Should You Throw Out Makeup?

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Beauty products can be expensive! A recent study estimates that the average woman spends approximately $15,000 on beauty products during her lifetime, $3,770 towards mascara alone. So when it comes time to throw out your makeup, many women might be hesitant to toss that blush, especially if it’s a color or product that’s hard to find or has been discontinued. The reality is, even if you take really good care of your makeup, clean your brushes, and avoid cross contamination, your makeup is a hotbed of bacteria.

Here are a few tips on what you should discard and when:

Blush – 2 years

Eyeshadow – 2 years

Eyeliner – 1 year

Liquid foundation – 2 years

Moisturizer – 2 years

Powder – 2 year

Lipstick – 1 year

Lipliner – 1 year

Brow pencil – 1 year

Concealer – 2 years

Cleanser – 1 year

Mascara – 6 months

One last bit of advice — Wash your brushes every few weeks, letting them air dry standing straight up. Also, immediately discard any makeup that’s broken or missing a lid.

Is Soy Bad For Men?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Recent studies regarding the effects of soy and soy based products like soy milk and tofu have caused some confusion about whether or not soy is good for men.

Soy has been a dietary staple in Asia for many centuries, and studies suggest that it may offer some cardiovascular benefits. However, the concentration of phytoestrogens found in soy, a group of natural compounds that resemble estrogen chemically, have led some to question if soy might lower testosterone levels in men and cause problems for women who have estrogen-sensitive breast cancers. Experts say that the phytoestrogens in soy mimic estrogen very weakly. Clinical studies in men have cast doubt on the notion that eating soy influences testosterone levels in any significant way.

A 2012 Journal of Oncology analysis of soy intake and breast cancer rates in women found that soy does not cause any harm. Some studies have even found that women who consume the equivalent of about one to two servings of soy daily have a reduced risk of receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer and of its recurrence. Nutrition guidelines for cancer survivors published by the American Cancer Society note that eating traditional soy foods — like tofu, edamame, miso, tempeh and soy milk — may help lower the risk of breast, prostate and other cancers. However, highly processed soy, like tofurky, and pill supplements, are not recommended. Check with your doctor before adding large amounts of soy to your diet.

Breastfeeding After Augmentation

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Joann Ariola

August is National Breastfeeding Month when we look to improve health by promoting and supporting breastfeeding. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade.Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

Although the prior condition of the breasts, position of the implant and incision could have a direct bearing on milk production, it is very likely that you will have a positive experience when nursing your child.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a lactation consultant.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Xavia Malcolm

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a complete transformation. Many of these changes are due to hormonal shifts and altered blood flow. Women may experience several changes in their skin.

Often, changes in pigmentation are among the most pronounced skin changes during pregnancy. Dark patches may begin to appear on a woman’s face, particularly along the cheekbone, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip. This is known a chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. This occurs because estrogen and other hormones stimulate glands that produce more pigment, but since the pigment is not produced evenly, it results in a blotchy look. While chloasma is not preventable, the effects can be minimized by avoiding exposure to the sun or using sunblock.

Many women also develop acne during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, but is usually not as severe as during adolescence. To combat pimples, simply wash your face with a mild, oil-free cleanser multiple times a day. Avoid abrasive scrubs and exfoliants because your skin during pregnancy is often more sensitive. Check with your physician before using ante-acne prescription medications.

Other skin conditions that women experience during pregnancy include stretch marks, heat rash, spider veins, and the development of a reddish hue to the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, known as palmer erythema.

Regardless of the issue, skin conditions during pregnancy will improve or resolve within weeks or months after your baby is born.

To minimize adverse skin conditions during pregnancy, try following the “pregnancy diet”, a diet that offers women just the right balance of nutrients during pregnancy. Other suggestions include drinking plenty of water and only using “noncomedogenic” and unscented makeup and skin care products. A supplement of B6 might also be helpful for someone with severe skin issues.

For more information about changes to your skin during pregnancy, speak to your obstetrician. If you do not have one, you can make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Avoiding Mastitis While Breastfeeding

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience for mother and baby. It can also pose a few obstacles including mastitis. Mastitis is an infection caused by a clogged duct in the nipple of a nursing mother. Here is some information about mastitis and some helpful tips on how to prevent it.

Mastitis won’t hurt your baby but it can reduce the milk supply in the affected breast.It can happen to occur when bacteria enters the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. It can start as a painful area in one breast and may be red or warm to the touch or both and can be accompanied by fever, chills, and body aches.

Try to avoid mastitis by following a few of these helpful tips:

Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy, balanced diet while you are nursing.
Try your best to avoid letting your breasts become overly full or engorged.
If your breasts are not empty after nursing or pumping, or you have a plugged duct, use warm compresses and massage to get the milk out.
Avoid under-wire bras and bras that are too small.

If you are beginning to feel the symptoms of mastitis, continue to breast feed as you normally would but make sure to see your doctor. Applying warm compresses for several minutes before each feeding will help alleviate any pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but pain should subside within one to two days after taking you prescriptions.

If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a Breastfeeding Support Group where you can get advice and tips from a certified lactation specialist and meet and share experiences with other mothers that are breastfeeding.

For additional information, please call 718-670-5201.

Breastfeeding after Augmentation

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade.Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center for an appointment with a lactation consultant at 718-670-5486.