Health Beat

Warm up with healthy Thai Pumpkin Soup!

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Pumpkin is a delicious and healthy fall vegetable. Warm up with this Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe courtesy of Sur La Table.

Serves: Makes 8 cups

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut milk
2½ cups (610 g) canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons (30 g) chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, peeled, chopped
Salt and pepper

Procedures:

For an appetizing presentation, and an authentic dash of extra flavor, garnish this soup with chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts and sour cream.

Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add tomato paste, pumpkin, ginger, garlic, broth, coconut cream and coconut milk. Combine until thoroughly heated through.

Place mixture into the Vitamix container. Add chilies and lemon juice and secure lid.

Select purée program.

Switch machine to start and allow machine to complete programmed cycle.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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.

#TBT A look back at the early days of Flushing Hospital

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

With roots in the community since 1884, here’s a rare photo of the Flushing Hospital ambulance stables circa, 1910.

Asthma and Alcoholic Drinks

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

alcoholic drinks

For most people, a glass of wine, beer or distilled liquor is a nice way to relax, but did you know that for a person with asthma it can cause an attack? Many people end up in hospital emergency departments with alcohol related asthma attacks.

Alcohol contains varying amounts of chemicals, such as histamines and sulfites, that can cause people with asthma to have an attack. They trigger a tightening of the airway which makes it hard to take full breaths. Alcoholic may also cause acid reflux which occurs when liquid in the stomach goes back up in to the esophagus. This reaction can lead to irritation of the airways causing them to swell..

Anyone who knows that they have asthma should be aware of these reactions and should use extra caution when drinking alcohol. Speak to your physician about what to do in case you have this type of reaction and they may be able to recommend a medication that will help to alleviate the symptoms.

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POLL QUESTION: Have you ever tried coining?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Though not utilized in western medicine, coining, or “gua sha,” is a Chinese medicine technique used in treating many illnesses since ancient times. It is a form of dermabrasion therapy still widely practiced in China and South East Asia. This massage treatment is employed to rid the body of “heatiness” or “negative energies.”

The practice of coining involves stroking highly lubricated skin with a smooth edge, such as a coin or spoon. It is used to alleviate symptoms of muscle discomfort, headaches and fever. It is effective in improving blood circulation in the treatment area. However, coining in children has sometimes sparked allegations of child abuse by teachers and caregivers unfamiliar with the practice.

If you have a fever, we recommend you consult with your physician before trying coining.

#MotivationMonday: The Benefits of “De-cluttering” Your Life

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Life is busy. Sometimes we neglect our home, office space, or car, and allow items to pile up. These items soon become part of the scenery and clutter your space. Did you know that clutter can lead to a stressful lifestyle? Take a moment to “de-clutter”- your mental, and physical, health may depend on it.

Clutter is an excessive visual and physical stimulation. A study conducted by neuroscientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute observed people’s task performance in an organized versus disorganized environment. The results of the study exhibited that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.

Stress can reveal itself in various ways demonstrating physical, emotional, behavioral and even cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can include being moody and frustrated, feeling overwhelmed, inability to focus, forgetfulness, and even procrastination. Long term health effects of stress can affect your mental health creating depression and anxiety. Physical stress can suppress the immune system causing fatigue and high blood pressure.

What can you do to “de-clutter”? Some helpful suggestions are:

Create a three pile system – place items that are cluttering your space into three categories: keep trash or donate. Try using this system once a month or even once a week- this can enhance mental clarity; this is a good idea for home and work.
Clear your desk before going home – make sure to file away certain items in a designated area, shred documents you no longer need, and create a ‘To-Do’ list to remind you of the things you need to tackle the following day.
Set an alarm – setting an alarm reminds you to carve out a designated time to clear out a specific area, either in your home or office or car. It can make all the difference to avoid wasting your precious time out with your family and friends.

A little time spent organizing can go a long way in providing some peace of mind, creating clarity and focus on the more important things in your life and career.

Will a Cup of Coffee Help Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found that drinking coffee is associated with a slightly reduced risk for melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer and leading cause of skin cancer death in the United States.

Using health and dietary data, researchers concluded that the more caffeinated coffee consumed, the lower the risk of melanoma. Drinking four or more cups of coffee was associated with a 20 percent risk reduction compared with those who drank none.

While the results are encouraging, more research is needed. There are some health risks associated with excess caffeine intake, so please consult with your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake. The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to limit sun and ultraviolet light exposure, and make sure you or your dermatologist perform a skin check. Usually, skin cancer is not painful. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole or old growth.

To make an appointment with a dermatologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Trying to stop smoking? Why not try acupuncture! Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine procedure that involves inserting thin needles in the skin in specific parts of the body to improve well-being.

Traditionally used to treat pain and diseases, recent studies suggest that acupuncture is effective as part of an overall strategy in smoking cessation. It eases symptoms of nicotine withdrawl, such as cravings, fatigue and irritability.

If you need help to stop smoking, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a counselor.

At What Age Should Kids Walk To School Alone?

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Parents make a lot of difficult decisions regarding the safety of their children, but one of the most debated is at what age should you let your child walk to school alone?

Experts agree there is no one perfect age for when kids can walk or bike to school without an adult. Children should have good cognitive and reasoning skills, as well as the ability to follow directions. The general consensus seems to be that 5-year-olds are too young, 6- and 7-year-olds should walk in a group and that by age 10 most kids are ready.

Your child could walk to school as early as first grade if the route is easy. You should base your decision on the distance to school, the availability of sidewalks, and how safe your neighborhood and surrounding streets are. If you don’t think your child’s ready to walk to school alone yet, organize a Walking School Bus. It can be a fun compromise for your child and other kids who live nearby.

Before your child heads off to school by themselves (or with friends), here are a few safety precautions you should take:

. Never let a child under age 10 cross the street alone.

. Teach your child to recognize and obey traffic signal, pavement markings, and to always look both ways before crossing.

. Choose the safest route between home and school and practice walking it with your child until he/she can demonstrate traffic-safety awareness.

. Stick to well-traveled streets, use the same route every day and avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.

. Carry backpacks and bags close to their body, not dangling by the straps.

. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.

. Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict movement.

. Cross streets only in crosswalks; never enter streets from between parked cars or from behind shrubbery. Use crosswalks with crossing guards when available.

. Teach your child about good and bad strangers. Don’t speak to strangers; if a stranger approaches, tell a teacher, a school principal, a policeman or another mom with small children. These are good strangers.

. Give your child a cell phone for emergencies and teach them how to use 911.

Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

We all know the dangers and health risks involved with cigarette smoking, but what about smokeless tobacco?

Smokeless tobacco, or chewing tobacco, also known as dip, chew, snuff or snus, is tobacco that is not burned, but instead chewed or sucked in the mouth then the tobacco juices are spit out. Nicotine in the tobacco is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

People on many continents, including North America, northern Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, have a long history of using smokeless tobacco products.

According to the National Cancer Institute, at least 28 chemicals in smokeless tobacco have been found to cause cancer, especially nitrosamines, which are formed during the growing, curing, fermenting, and aging of tobacco, polonium–210 (a radioactive element found in tobacco fertilizer) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

Users of smokeless tobacco absorb the addictive ingredient nicotine through the mouth tissues directly into the blood and brain. Nicotine continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream for much longer than for smokers

Smokeless tobacco causes oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, and puts the user at risk for heart disease, gum disease, and oral lesions. There is no safe form of tobacco. Flushing Hospital Medical Center encourages you to quit today. For help with smoking cessation visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco for a list of resources near you.

#MotivatedMonday: Binge Watching and Exercise

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, snuggling up on the bed or couch and binge watching your favorite TV shows or movies is becoming more appealing. However, long hours of inactivity can increase health risks for obesity, heart disease, and even osteoporosis.

Here are a few tips to stay active while marathoning:

Jumping Jacks – try doing multiple sets during breaks or even while you watch.
Side lying leg lifts — While lying on your side, stack your legs and bring them out to a 45 degree angle in front of your body. Flex your feet and lift your top leg slightly higher than you hip and then down. Try doing multiple sets of 20 until you reach 100.
Sit ups – Lay on the floor and do multiple sets of sit ups until you reach 100.
Chair poses – For all over toning stand with your feet together and big toes touching. Inhale and lift your arms up until they are perpendicular to the floor. Exhale and sit your hips back down like you’re about to sit in an invisible chair. Bring your thighs as close to parallel with the floor as you can. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths.
Upper back stretches — Improve your posture and ease tension while sitting on your sofa. Sit with a straight back, stomach held in and feet flat on the floor. Grab your left wrist with your right hand and pull your left wrist to the right until you feel a nice stretch. Keep the stretch for 30 seconds then repeat using the opposite hand.
Free weights — invest in some free weights and vary some arm exercises like curls or the tricep push. Try low weight and high reps for toning.

No matter how long you binge watch, or how frequently, be sure that you always take the time to exercise for a healthier, happier you.