Health Beat

Spice it up! Will Adding Cayenne Pepper to Your Diet Help With Weight Loss?

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Heralded as a way to increase metabolism and maybe even help you lose weight, it seems like cayenne pepper is being added to everything , from juice drinks to over- the -counter supplements, but does it really work?

The red cayenne pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum related to bell peppers, jalapeños, and paprika. Recent studies suggest that red cayenne pepper, when combined with other weight loss efforts, may help burn calories and curb appetite, especially in people who aren’t used to eating it.

The study found that about half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper either mixed in food or swallowed in a capsule helped normal-weight young adults burn about 10 more calories over a four-hour period, compared to eating the same meal but without the red pepper.

Pepper was also found to decrease appetite, especially in people who said they didn’t already eat spicy foods. However, it seems that once a person gets used to the spicy foods, the effects start to wear off.

Incorporating red pepper into your diet works more toward moderation of energy intake and energy balance, but the real bottom line? If you like spicy food, try it, but it’s not going to make you a size 2.

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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 Prenatal Yoga Right For You?

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Keeping active while pregnant is good for you and for your baby. Research suggests that practicing prenatal yoga offers many benefits, including helping you relax and prepare for labor.

Many childbirth-preparation classes encourage stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Taking prenatal yoga classes in a yoga studio or using an exercise DVD can:

.Improve sleep and balance

.Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system

.Increase strength, stamina, flexibility and endurance needed for childbirth

.Ease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath

.Decrease the risk of preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction

. Helps with breathwork in preparation for labor

. Increase circulation

Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Prenatal yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth. Namaste!

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The Natural Solution to Spring Cleaning

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Spring is finally here, and springtime means spring cleaning! If you’re looking for an alternative to store bought cleaners, check out these low-cost, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions for a fresh smelling home:

.Baking Soda – cleans, softens water, and scours. You can also use baking soda to deodorize food storage containers and sprinkle on your carpet to absorb smells before vacuuming.

.White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up. Use equal parts white vinegar and water to wash both the interior and exterior of your fridge.

.Lemons – effective against most household bacteria. Use lemon peels in your garbage disposal to help deodorize it.

You can also try these combinations:

.All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, and bathroom mirrors.

.Mold and Mildew cleaner: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

.Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying.

.Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft, slightly damp, cotton cloth. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

One more tip: Whenever you clean your home, save the floor or carpet for last. Clean window blinds and shelves first and then work downwards. This allows time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

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Five Foods to Prevent Osteoporosis

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Osteoporosis can strike at any age and occurs in both men and women, but it is most common in post-menopausal women. Bone is living tissue that constantly regenerates. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle making you more susceptible to fractures. The most common fractures occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

May is National Osteoporosis Month. If you suffer from osteoporosis, try adding foods that are good for your bones and rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamins D, C, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium.

.Dairy products — Low-fat and non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese that contain calcium and are fortified with vitamin D, as well as fatty fishes like canned sardines, salmon (with bones), mackerel and tuna.

.Potassium — Spinach, beet greens, okra, tomato products, artichokes, plantains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens and raisins.

.Magnesium — Tomato products, raisins, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, papaya, oranges, orange juice, bananas, plantains and prunes.

.Vitamin C — Red peppers, green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprout, papaya and pineapples.

.Vitamin K — Vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, turnip greens and Brussels sprout, okra, Chinese cabbage, dandelion greens, and broccoli.

If you think you have osteoporosis, make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

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Getting Fit and Bicycle Riding Safety Tips

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Riding a bicycle can be a fun and effective way to get fit. Cycling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it increases oxygen intake and stimulates the heart. Studies show that riding can increase energy levels by 20 percent and in one hour burn up to 488 calories when pedaling at 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Although a bicycle is an excellent fitness tool, it is also considered a vehicle. Therefore, the rules of the road must be obeyed and a bicycle should be operated safely to prevent injuries and accidents.

Follow these basic riding tips to ensure your safety and reduce the risks:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and do not weave in between other vehicles.
Obey traffic laws and signals.
Do not listen to music or speak on cell phones while riding.
Wear a proper fitting helmet.
Never pass another vehicle on the right.
Always keep your hands on the brakes.
Stay aware of dangerous road hazards such as potholes and broken glass.
Use hand signals to show motorist where you are going.

Bicycling is a great way to get fit; however, cyclists should continue to keep in mind that they share the same rules and regulations as others. Follow the rules of the road to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.

What is an Allergic Reaction?

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Your own asthma allergy immune system is what really causes allergic reactions. Grass and tree pollen’s, ragweed, dust- it mistakes these harmless allergens for a serious threat and attacks them. The sneezing, watery eyes or coughing are the result of your body mistakenly attacking itself.It begins with exposure to the allergen. Even if you’ve inhaled an allergen many times before with no trouble, at some point, the body flags it as an invader. The immune system studies the allergen and readies itself for the next exposure by developing antibodies; you are now “sensitized” to the allergen.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month. If you are having trouble finding relief from allergies, contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to set an appointment with one of our physicians at 718-670-5486.

Mother’s Day Delight: Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Why not give Mom a break this Mother’s Day and make her some delicious, healthy and low calorie Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps? Recipe courtesy of Weight Watchers.

1 tsp canola oil
3 medium uncooked scallion(s), thinly sliced
1 medium yellow pepper(s), seeded and diced
1/2 tsp ginger root, fresh, peeled and grated
1 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast, lean
1/2 tsp chili powder
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
8 leaf/leaves (large) lettuce, Iceberg variety

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, bell pepper, and ginger; cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
Add the turkey and chili powder; cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce.
Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the lettuce leaves; roll up tightly and serve at once. Yields 2 wraps per serving.

Notes

We think ground turkey, with its rich flavor, is best suited to this dish, but you can use ground skinless lean chicken breast, if you prefer. For a heartier meal, try using 2 (10-inch) flour tortillas for the wrappers instead of the 4 lettuce leaves, making half a tortilla per serving and increasing your PointsPlus value by 2.

Are you at Risk for Stroke?

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke or a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) is an attack on the brain that can occur very quickly and with little warning. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke and one death from stroke happens every four minutes, making it the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

The risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity. Though stroke risk increases with age, strokes can occur at any time. Prevent or reduce your risk of stroke by:

. Keeping your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels in normal range

. Quitting smoking

. Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet and weight

. Treating heart disease

You may be having a stroke if you experience:

. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

. Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

. Confusion or trouble speaking

. Dizziness or trouble walking

. Numbness or weakness in the arm, face or legs, especially on one side of the body

If you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T:

F Facial Weakness

A Arm Weakness

S Slurred speech

T Time to call 911

Remember, the quicker you get medical help, the less damage to your brain and body and the better your chances are of surviving or avoiding long-term disability.

Three Foods That Help Heal Wounds

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Along with the proper wound dressings, immune function plays an important role in the body’s ability to heal. Foods containing protein, vitamins A and C, as well as zinc, keep your immune system functioning and help promote wound healing.

If you’ve been recently injured or are having trouble healing, try adding the following foods to your diet:

.Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and C: Green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and fruits like pineapple, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and juices, as well as tomato juice help heal.

.Yogurt: Especially Greek yogurt, is a good source of protein, which is essential to the development of healthy new tissue. If you are lactose intolerant, you can try soy and tofu based yogurts which will also add protein to your diet.

.Oats and barley: Grains like oats and barley contain protein and zinc, as well as beta-glucan, a fiber that has strong antioxidizing and antimicrobial properties.

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

Do Fitness Trackers Really Work?

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Fitness trackers are more popular than ever. With a variety of wristbands and clip-on sensors you can measure your steps throughout the day, like a high-tech pedometer, and input your exercise program information and synch your progress on your smartphone or computer. These gadgets allow you to set personal fitness and health goals by tracking health behaviors such as how many calories you consume or burn, how many miles you’ve walked or run, and even telling you how well and long you’ve slept. You can even set an alarm that will buzz or beep if you’ve been idle too long to remind you to get up and move. The fancier models can also tabulate other metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen level, skin temperature, perspiration, body weight and body mass.

But how effective are they at tracking exercise? Most studies agree that if you wore all of the most popular trackers at once, you’d get different results from each one.

Fitness trackers are most effective as a motivational tool. They help to increase physical activity among wearers, and studies have shown that they are associated with significant decreases in BMI and blood pressure, as well as a consistent pattern of weight loss. Even a simple, low-cost, digital pedometer seems to be effective at just getting people to move, regardless of calories burned or other personal health measurements.

So while some trackers are more accurate than others, the point is to keep us aware of what we do or don’t do during the course of a day. If it helps you stay motivated toward healthy behaviors, that’s never a bad thing.

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