Health Beat

Is Pilates Right For You?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The Pilates Method, a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1930s, is a practice intended to strengthen the physical body, as well as the mind. The goal of Pilates is to help the participant realize the connection between how you move and carry yourself throughout the day and any pain or discomfort that you might experience as a result of sitting, walking or moving in a way that might aggravate these conditions.

Pilates believed that stretching, strengthening and body alignment are all important in maintaining good physical and mental health.

Pilates can be done on a mat or using an “apparatus,” a stretching machine usually found in a Pilates studio. Some of the main principles and aims of Pilates exercise include:

. Concentrating and focusing on what you’re doing all the time and aiming for smooth movements.

. Increased control of muscle movement teaches you to be in control of your body.

. Increased core strengthening, called “centering,” of the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs strengthens the rest of the body.

. Better flow and efficiency of movement helps to build strength and stamina.

. Increasing the intake of oxygen through proper breathing can increase circulation to every part of the body.

Pilates is generally recommended for people who have chronic lower back pain, but might not be a cure all for everyone. Check with your doctor before embarking on this or any new exercise plan.

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.

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.

The Importance of Wound Care as a Diabetic

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Cuts and scrapes may not seem like a big deal for most people but for diabetics, healing can often become complicated due to their immune systems becoming compromised. For diabetics, careful monitoring of healing wounds is important to prevent bigger health issues down the line.

If you’re a diabetic, try these helpful tips to prevent a small problem from becoming more complicated:

Should you get a cut, treat it immediately. Cleanse the affected area with soap and water daily. Dry the area well after washing, and apply an antibiotic ointment to keep the site germ-free. Skin injuries generally heal within two weeks, but cuts may take up to three weeks to heal in people with diabetes. Anything beyond that is excessive, and you should have your physician look at it again.
Keep pressure off the wound. Pressure can increase the time it takes to heal.
Be aware of the signs of an infection. Symptoms can include pain, redness, or warmth at the site of the infection. Drainage is another sign of an infection. Don’t ignore any of these signs. Get treatment promptly.

Remember that even a small scrape can become serious if you don’t take proper care of it. Left untreated, wounds can lead to an amputation in the most serious of cases. Taking good care of yourself is an important step toward preventing wounds.

If you have a wound that isn’t healing properly, please contact the Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for an appointment at 718-670- 4542.

Recipe: A Great Summer Salad Dressing

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The summer time is great for grilling and salads but we often forget about the dressing. Why store buy? Here is a great recipe, courtesy of the Food Network, for a salad dressing with ingredients from home to make it even more convenient:

Lemon Balsamic Dressing:

Whisk 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil until blended and then pour over your favorite greens!.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The end of summer is approaching and parents and kids are preparing to go back to school. In addition to new clothes, backpacks and books, all school-age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and today’s vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death. In 2014, he United States experienced a record number of measles cases with 668 cases from 27 states reported to CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). This is the greatest number of cases since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Despite these recent outbreaks, many parents are still unclear which vaccines their children should receive or if their children should receive any at all?

Keep a record of what vaccines your child has received and when. Check with your physician to make sure your child’s immunization schedule is current. By vaccinating your child today, you are not only ensuring their protection against a wide variety of illness, but you are also helping to eradicate these diseases for future generations.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that affects the outermost portion of the ear canal. A common cause is the accumulation of water in this portion of the canal that leads to a bacterial infection. It can also be caused by the insertion of unclean foreign objects into the ear that irritate the lining of the ear canal.

Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear are:
• Redness in the ear canal
• Itchiness in the ear
• Fluid discharge which may include pus
• Muffled hearing
• Sensation of fullness in the ear
• Fever if the infection is severe

A few factors that can make a person more susceptible to swimmer’s ear are:
• Swimming in water that isn’t clean
• Having a narrow ear canal
• Abrasion of the ear canal by improper use of a cotton swab
• Reduced production or improper removal of ear wax

It is important to treat swimmer’s ear as soon as possible in order to prevent serious complications such as hearing loss. Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment options are ear drops containing antibiotics, steroid, and a mild acidic solution. Have your physician evaluate the problem as soon as possible. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-700

Does a larger waist size indicate a shorter life expectancy?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Weight and body mass index (BMI) are used to calculate whether a person is normal, overweight or obese. Recent studies conclude that waist measurements might also indicate health risks.

Data analyzed from 11 studies involving 650,386 adults, most in their early 60s over a nine year span concluded that people with the largest waist sizes were most likely to die at a younger age from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or cancer than those with smaller waists.

Men whose waists measured 43 inches or more were 52 percent more likely to increase their risk of death than men with 35-inch waists; women with 37-inch or larger waists had an 80 percent higher mortality risk than those with waists of 28 inches or less. The chances of dying prematurely increased 9 percent for women and 7 percent for men for every two-inch increase in waist size. Compared with those who had the smallest waists, men with the largest waists had a life expectancy that was three years shorter; for women, five years shorter. The elevated likelihood of dying early applied across the board, affecting even people with normal BMIs.

According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, this “obesity paradox” is because BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle it is a flawed measure of heart risk. Waist size provides a far more accurate way to predict a patient’s chances of dying at an early age from a heart attack or other causes. BMI measurements are still important, but other considerations such as body shape and fat distribution should also be factored in.

Do you know your waist circumference? Here’s how to measure it:

Locate your hip bone on your abdomen.

Wrap a measuring tape around your body at this level. It should be snug but not pressing into your bare skin.

The tape should be parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale and read the measurement.

Being physically active, eating well and watching portions can make a positive impact on your waist and overall health. Discuss your health risks and goals with your medical provider.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

In the United States, about 7.5 million people have psoriasis (pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis), a chronic, inherited disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

Psoriasis can begin at any age. Most people get psoriasis between 15 and 30 years of age. By age 40, 75 percent of people who are prone to psoriasis will get develop it. Another common time for psoriasis to begin is between 50 and 60 years of age. Not everyone who carries the genes will get it. Research shows it takes the combination of many different genes and other possible “triggers” to cause an outbreak.

Some triggers include:

A stressful event.

Strep throat.

Taking certain medicines, such as lithium, or medicine to prevent malaria.

Cold, dry weather.

A cut, scratch, or bad sunburn.

Psoriasis can be a misery for many people, but the good news is that there are many treatments available. Oral and topical prescription medications, biologics and phototherapy are very useful in relieving itch and flaking. Diet, exercise, stress reduction and other complementary therapies like acupuncture are also useful in helping control an outbreak. If you have questions about your skin and would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

High Blood Pressure? Make sure you read the labels on OTC Meds

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Over the counter (OTC) remedies often seem like the way to alleviate allergy symptoms, headaches or common cold symptoms. However, it is always important to read the labels of any OTC medicines, especially if you are taking medications to treat high blood pressure.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), are often used to relieve pain or reduce inflammation. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are OTC medicines, which are considered NSAIDs, and cause you to retain fluid and decrease kidney function, placing a greater stress on your heart or kidneys.

Believe it or not, many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve decongestion and pain. Decongestants can make your blood pressure and heart rate rise and may prevent high blood pressure medications from working properly. Avoid using them and seek alternative ways to ease the symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.

Do you suffer from migraines? Some migraine headache medications work by constricting blood vessels in your head, but the medication also constricts blood vessels throughout your body. This can raise blood pressure, perhaps to dangerous levels. If you have high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease, speak with your doctor before taking medication for migraines or severe headaches.

Trying to lose weight? Appetite suppressants tend to speed-up the body and can make your blood pressure rise, placing more stress on your heart. Before using any weight loss drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to check with your doctor. These medications may do you more harm than good.

Read medication labels before buying over-the-counter preparations. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements. Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines. Give a list of all the medications you use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to every doctor you visit, including dosages. If you do not have a physician and would like set up an appointment to meet with one, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Center at 718-670-5440.

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.