Health Beat

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.

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.

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!

Flushing Hospital Recognizes Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Michael Hinck

The thyroid gland serves many functions. It regulates our rate of metabolism, growth and development, and our body temperature. So when it isn’t working properly it can have a major impact on our health.

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), thyroid disease is a more common disorder than diabetes or heart disease. It affects as many as 30 million Americans, more than half of whom remain undiagnosed. To raise awareness about the thyroid gland and symptoms of thyroid disease, January has been designated Thyroid Awareness Month.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck.. Although small in size, the gland plays a large role by producing thyroid hormone which influences the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. When the thyroid gland is not producing the right amount of hormone (either too much or too little), problems can start to arise.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. This can result in a range of symptoms that include unexplained fatigue, weight gain, depression, forgetfulness, feeling cold, hair loss, or low sex drive. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is a condition when the body produces an abundance of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heart rate, heat intolerance and unexplained weight loss and anxiety. For both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, medication can be prescribed to regulate hormone levels.

A more serious concern involving the thyroid gland is thyroid cancer, which can develop independent of the above thyroid disease. According to the AACE, about 60,000 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. In most cases, thyroid cancer has a good prognosis and high survival rates—especially when diagnosed in its early stages.
Through attention raised by Thyroid Awareness Month, more and more primary care physicians are screening for thyroid disease, which has greatly helped those who would have otherwise had their condition go undiagnosed.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to help raise awareness for thyroid disease and encourages everyone experiencing symptoms to ask their doctor to do an evaluation. If you do not have a doctor, call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to make an appointment at 718-670-5486.

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.

Are post-menopausal women at risk for developing hypertension?

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Women expect their bodies to undergo several changes during menopause but it is also important for them to know about one of the major changes they may encounter post -menopause. This is a change in their cardiovascular health. As the production of the hormone estrogen decreases, their risk for developing diseases such as hypertension can increase.

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps with keeping blood vessels dilated, reducing sensitivity to sodium, producing collagen which keeps the walls of blood vessels flexible and reducing levels of endothelin (peptides that constrict blood vessels)- all of which are essential factors in normalizing blood pressure.

A declination in estrogen levels during menopause can also contribute to weight gain. Being overweight or obese increases the probability of developing hypertension.

There are preventative measures post-menopausal women can take to reduce their risk of getting hypertension. Living a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising regularly and eating a balanced has been effective in controlling and lowering blood pressure in most women.

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.

Sweet! Sugar-Free Pancakes

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Not all low-carb, low-sugar meals have to be tasteless. These diabetic-friendly pancakes are low in fat and easy to make.

Trading butter for applesauce is a healthy way to cut out excess fat and still enjoy the sweetness of pancakes. Serve with fresh fruit to make it more filling, or add fruit right into the batter. For a heart-healthy whole wheat option, use whole wheat flour.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ

1 cup nonfat buttermilk

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Cooking spray

Sugar-free maple syrup (optional)

Fresh fruit slices (optional)

Share. Eat. Enjoy!

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.