Health Beat

Bicycle Safety

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

According to the New York City Department of Transportation, commuter cycling increased 262% in New York City from 2000 to 2010. Cycling is certainly a healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around, but what are the rules of the road for cyclists?

Did you know that cyclists are subject to the same regulations as drivers of motor vehicles?

Here are some additional rules cyclists must follow, as well as safety tips for riders:

. Ride in the street, not on the sidewalks (unless rider is age 12 or younger and the bicycle’s wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter).

. Ride with traffic, not against it. Do not weave in and out of traffic.

. Stop at red lights and stop signs and obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings.

. Use marked bike lanes or paths when available. Bicycling is permitted on all main and local streets throughout the City, even when no designated route exists.

. When riding at night, use a white headlight and a red taillight, as well as a bell or horn and reflectors.

. Look, signal and look again before changing lanes or making a turn. Establish eye contact with drivers. Seeing a driver is often not enough. Make sure drivers see you before executing a turn or riding in front of a turning car.

. Watch out for car doors. Be prepared for the possibility that a car door may be opened in your path.

. Use your bell. It alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, and it is required by law.

. Don’t wear earphones. By law you may wear one earbud, but keeping your ears clear is a much safer choice.

. Wear a helmet. While, helmets are required by law for children age 13 or younger and working cyclists, they are a good idea for cyclists of all ages.

For more information on bicycle safety, go to NYC.gov

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.

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

prenatal exercise Don’t be afraid to exercise if you are pregnant. As long as you are feeling well, and your doctor approves, it is okay to do some moderate exercising during pregnancy. Exercising is recommended because inactivity is not good for pregnant women. It can lead to excess weight gain, elevated blood pressure, frequent aches and pains, and higher risk of C-sections.

The benefits of exercising during pregnancy include:

• Better posture
• Improved circulation
• Less fatigue and more energy
• Strengthens muscles
• Helps prevent back pain

Exercising during pregnancy has to be done carefully and should be done in moderation. You don’t want to injure your body or your developing fetus. It is advisable to work with an instructor who has experience working with pregnant women. Definitely do not exercise if you are experiencing any type of discomfort, shortness of breath, or become overheated.

One of the easiest ways to start exercising during pregnancy is by simply walking. It is important to always wear shoes that are comfortable and loose fitting clothing. Walking should be done on a level surface at the beginning and slowly increase the distance and duration. For added benefit, you can try carrying light weights, increasing your speed, and walking up and down hills. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and low or non-impact aerobics are also usually safe.

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Strange But True — The Walking Dead?

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Do zombies really exist? Walking Corpse Syndrome (also known as Cotard’s Syndrome) is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder in which the afflicted person believe he or she is dead, missing their soul, organs, blood or other body parts, and being in a state of existence denial. Conversely, some patients may have delusions of immortality.

For people with this condition, entertainment like cable TV’s “The Walking Dead” may be too close for comfort.

Studies indicate that the disease is more prevalent in older patients and women with depression. It is also more likely to occur in patients with disorders such as:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorders
Brain injury
Brain atrophy
Seizure disorders
Depression
Brain tumors
Stroke
Migraine

Lesions in the frontal and temporal regions (front and sides) of the right hemisphere of the brain have been associated with the disease. However, Cotard’s Syndrome is so rare that it is difficult to pinpoint the mechanisms that cause it.

Tests are used to diagnose associated diseases and rule out other conditions. Current treatment for Cotard’s Syndrome involves medication with antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Electroconvulsive therapy, in combination with medication, has been reported to be more effective than medications alone.

Fortunately, patients with Cotard’s Syndrome can experience a complete recovery, even in severe cases.

#TBT — The History of Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Physicians often send patients for Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI’s to help them diagnose certain medical conditions, but do you know what an MRI is?

In 1977 the first human scan was performed in a prototype MRI machine. An MRI is a computerized map of harmless radio signals emitted by the human body. MRI works by creating a strong magnetic field where protons in the nucleus of the hydrogen atoms are magnetized. It is excellent for viewing soft tissue and seeing any defects that may be present.

The rotating magnetic field was discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1882. This eventually led to the definition of the Tesla Unit which describes the strength of a magnetic field. MRI machines, which were developed almost a century later, are calibrated in Tesla Units. The stronger the magnetic field, the stronger the amount of radio signals that are given off by the body’s atoms. The stronger the radio signal will lead to a better quality of the MRI image.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art diagnostic and specialty services performed by Board Certified, Fellowship trained, Radiologists, and highly trained licensed and registered Technologists.To schedule an appointment for a MRI test or for more information about the MRI, please call 718-670-8851.

Is There Medicinal Power in Herbs? Bay Leaf Tea

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

There are many benefits of drinking bay leaf tea. Some of the most widely known benefits are:

1. Bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Also regular inclusion of bay leaves in meals promotes general health.

2. They have been proven to be useful in the treatment of migraines.

3. Bay Leaf contains enzymes that help to breakdown proteins and digest food faster, helping to calm indigestion.

Recipe for Bay Leaf

16 oz water
3 bay leaves
Juice of 1 large or 2 smaller lemons

Place ingredients, together, in a pot and bring to a boil.
Drink, after it cools down

A hot cup of bay leaf tea can be very comforting. The aromatic fragrance that the leaves release is calming and the essence of the spiced tea makes bay leaf tea delicious.

MYTH OR FACT: Can people really cry tears of blood?

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

FACT: Tears of blood, or haemolactia, is an extremely rare condition described as bleeding from the eyes. Because it is so rare, not much is known about the condition, but bleeding from the eye could a sign of tumors in the lacrimal sac, located in the groove between your nose and eye socket. Infection of the sac, bacterial conjunctivitis, a ruptured capillary of the eye lid or any other eye vein , possible due to high blood pressure, can also be a cause.

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

October 8 is recognized as National Depression Screening Day. Started in 1990, the day helps promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression and provides those who need it mental health information and access to support services.

Though many mental health conditions are treatable, many people go through life not seeking help because they are undiagnosed. Medical professionals estimate that one in five Americans has a mental health condition in any given year and less than half will receive treatment.

Depression affects one in 10 adults and is more common in women than in men. Depression can be categorized either as Major Depression which interferes with the ability to sleep, eat, work and study or as Persistent Depressive Disorder which lasts for at least two years having varying levels of severity and which does include Major Depression during this time. Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Waking up and feeling exhausted
• Sleeplessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short temper
• Always worrying or anxious
• Lack of energy
• Sadness

Take this quick and easy depression screening tool to see how you are doing.
(This screening tool © Copyright Mental Health America”)

Depression is real and there are ways to treat it. Treatment options include therapy with a trained professional and in some situations medication may be prescribed. If you would like to make an appointment to speak to one of the mental health professionals at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

Diabetes and Gastroparesis

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be affected by gastroparesis, a condition in which the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.

Diabetics with neuropathy, or nerve damage, to the vagus nerve, which supplies nerve fibers all over the body including the throat, lungs, heart and intestinal tract, can suffer from gastroparesis.

Symptoms of gastroparesis may be mild or severe and include:

. Heartburn

. Nausea

. Vomiting of undigested food

. Early feeling of fullness when eating

. Weight loss

. Abdominal bloating

. Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels

. Lack of appetite

. Gastroesophageal reflux

. Spasms of the stomach wall

Gastroparesis makes it more difficult to manage blood glucose which in turn can worsen diabetes. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise.

Your doctor can diagnose gastroparesis through a variety of different tests including a barium x-ray or blood tests. The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well as possible. Treatments include insulin, oral medications, changes in what and when you eat, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.

The Benefits of Tai Chi

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has been practiced for thousands of years. This low-impact, mind-body exercise combines breath control, meditation, and movements that stretch and strengthen muscles.

The practice of tai chi involves meditation and fluid movements in conjunction with deep breathing that focuses on the area just below your navel. Tai chi theory believes that this area is the body’s storage point for energy, or chi. Tai chi can be gentle or vigorous, depending on the style you practice (there are several different types).Tai chi can be done either in class or at home once you learn the postures, but group sessions are usually preferred.

Some health benefits of tai chi include:

. Improved balance and coordination

. More flexibility

. Increased muscle strength

. Better stamina

Tai chi also helps relieve stress and can even ease chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Beer Bread

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Sage Robinson

October conjures up images of falling leaves, Halloween and fall cuisine. Try this healthy, light whole wheat pumpkin beer bread courtesy of SheKnows.

Yields: 8 slices

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2-3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
12 ounces beer (I used Sam Adams Oktoberfest)
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons melted margarine (*optional)
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray.
Combine flours, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice and sugars. Gradually add the beer and canned pumpkin. Mix until fully combined. Add additional pumpkin pie spice for flavor.
Pour mixture into the loaf pan and then pour melted margarine over it.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until loaf is fully cooked (a toothpick comes out clean when inserted).