Avoiding Mastitis While Breastfeeding

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience for mother and baby. It can also pose a few obstacles including mastitis. Mastitis is an infection caused by a clogged duct in the nipple of a nursing mother. Here is some information about mastitis and some helpful tips on how to prevent it.

Mastitis won’t hurt your baby but it can reduce the milk supply in the affected breast.It can happen to occur when bacteria enters the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. It can start as a painful area in one breast and may be red or warm to the touch or both and can be accompanied by fever, chills, and body aches.

Try to avoid mastitis by following a few of these helpful tips:

Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy, balanced diet while you are nursing.
Try your best to avoid letting your breasts become overly full or engorged.
If your breasts are not empty after nursing or pumping, or you have a plugged duct, use warm compresses and massage to get the milk out.
Avoid under-wire bras and bras that are too small.

If you are beginning to feel the symptoms of mastitis, continue to breast feed as you normally would but make sure to see your doctor. Applying warm compresses for several minutes before each feeding will help alleviate any pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but pain should subside within one to two days after taking you prescriptions.

If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a Breastfeeding Support Group where you can get advice and tips from a certified lactation specialist and meet and share experiences with other mothers that are breastfeeding.

For additional information, please call 718-670-5201.

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.

Healthy Father’s Day Recipe: Turkey Burger w/Roasted Eggplant

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

This Father’s Day, give dad a break on the grill and make him a turkey burger with roasted eggplant. The eggplant adds a great meaty flavor while still cutting down on fat and calories. Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light.

INGREDIENTS

1 (8-ounce) eggplant

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, divided

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 pound turkey tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 teaspoon less-sodium soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon Marmite

4 (1 1/2-ounce) hamburger buns, toasted

4 Bibb lettuce leaves

8 (1/4-inch-thick) tomato slices

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Lightly coat eggplant with cooking spray; wrap eggplant in foil. Place eggplant on a jelly-roll pan; bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until very tender, turning once. Remove from foil; cool slightly. Cut eggplant in half. Carefully scoop out pulp to measure 1 1/4 cups; discard skin. Place pulp in a food processor; process until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup pureed pulp. Combine remaining pulp, 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 teaspoons oil, juice, and garlic. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

3. To prepare grinder, place feed shaft, blade, and 1/4-inch die plate in freezer 30 minutes or until well chilled. Assemble the grinder just before grinding.

4. Arrange turkey pieces in a single layer on jelly-roll pan, leaving space between each piece. Freeze 15 minutes or until meat is firm but not frozen. Combine meat and remaining 2 teaspoons oil in large bowl; toss to combine. Pass meat through meat grinder completely. Immediately pass meat through grinder a second time. Combine reserved 1/4 cup eggplant puree, turkey, remaining 1 tablespoon parsley, soy sauce, and Marmite in a large bowl. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions, gently shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Press a nickel-sized indentation in the center of each patty. Cover and chill until ready to grill.

5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

6. Lightly coat patties with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place patties on grill rack, and grill 4 minutes until well marked. Carefully turn patties over, and grill 3 minutes or until done. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun; top each serving with 1 tablespoon eggplant mixture, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 tomato slice, and top half of bun. (Reserve remaining eggplant mixture for another use.)

Poll Question: What is the right way to brush your teeth?

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

What is the right way to brush your teeth?

A. From side to side

B. Up and down

C. In small circles

If you answered A, you’re right! According to the American Dental Association you should:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush from side to side in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

The ADA also recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. You should replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

To make an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call our Dental Department at 718-670-5521.

Top 5 Conditions That Threaten Men’s Health

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

A recent national survey has shown that women are three times more likely to see a physician for checkups than men and men are more likely to see a doctor only when they experience alarming symptoms of illness.

Despite the reluctance to go for checkups, it is important for men to see their doctors because as they age, the risks for developing life-threatening health conditions increase. Many of these conditions are preventative or can be controlled if they are detected early. Some of the leading conditions that threaten men’s health include:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)-The risk of hypertension increases in men who are 45 years old and older; however, it is not uncommon for younger men to be diagnosed with this condition. Your level of alcohol consumption can also affect your chances of developing high blood pressure. Men who drink alcohol heavily are at a higher risk for hypertension than non-drinkers.
Cancer- According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the leading causes of cancer deaths among men is prostate cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
Stroke- Studies have indicated that African American men, seniors and smokers are at higher risk for developing strokes.
Diabetes- The number of men affected by Type 2 diabetes has increased significantly. The risk of this disease tends to increase with age. It is recommended that men are screened regularly after the age of 45.
Cardiovascular disease- The American Heart Association has estimated that one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease.

June is Men’s Health Month, the perfect time to discuss these health concerns with your husband, father or brother, and encourage them to make an appointment for a physical.

Waiting for the onset of debilitating health symptoms is not the best way to gauge your health. There are serious health conditions that can often go undetected until they are at an advanced stage. Going for regular checkups may give your physician a better chance of detecting symptoms that indicate serious health issues. It is important to keep in mind that many health conditions are preventative or treatable with early detection.

Try a Summer Mocktail! Strawberry-Kiwi Sangria

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Nothing says summer more than fancy, fruity drinks, and nothing is more festive than a Strawberry-Kiwi Sangria mocktail! Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.

STRAWBERRY-KIWI SANGRIA WITH ROSÉ GERANIUM

YIELD: Serves 12

INGREDIENTS

8 cups water
8 wild-berry tea bags
2 cups sugar

4 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled
2 25.4-ounce (750-ml) bottles chilled sparkling apple cider
6 kiwis, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
16 fresh rose geranium leaves, crushed slightly, or 3/4 teaspoon rose water*
4 cups ice cubes

PREPARATION

Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add tea bags; cover and let steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add sugar to hot tea; stir until dissolved. Stir in remaining 4 cups water. Chill tea until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)

Puree 2 baskets strawberries in processor. Slice remaining 2 baskets strawberries. Place pureed and sliced berries in large pitcher (or divide between 2 pitchers). Add tea and all remaining ingredients. Stir and serve.

*Rose water is available at Middle Eastern markets and specialty foods stores.

market tip:Unless you already grow them, you’ll most likely have to visit a nursery to find rose geraniums. They make great potted plants and, of course, smell wonderful, too. The aromatic, rose-scented leaves are used to infuse their flavor in sorbets, ices, and beverages.

The Relationship Between Obesity and Sleep Disorders

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

America’s expanding waistline may be responsible for another growing problem in our country – sleep apnea. Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and many of them are overweight or obese. In fact, the most common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in adults is obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. People with this condition often have trouble staying in a deep sleep because their throats close, blocking their airways. As a result, they partially awaken to start breathing properly. They don’t realize they’re waking up and may become very sleepy during the day.

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. People with sleep apnea are also at an increased risk of work and driving-related accidents, due to inadequate sleep at night. It’s important that anyone with signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea — especially loud snoring, repeated nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness speak with a physician.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. Making an effort to lose weight is the best way to help people sleep better. Recent studies have proven that weight loss can significantly improve and potentially eliminate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in obese individuals. If, however, weight loss attempts are not successful, a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where patients wear a mask connected to a machine that blows air into the throat, keeping it open while they sleep at night.

If you believe that you have sleep apnea, it is imperative that you get tested. Speak with your doctor and request a referral to a sleep center so experts can perform an overnight sleep study.

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Jumping for Joy!

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Looking for an inexpensive way for you and your family to stay fit this summer? Try jumping rope! For as little as $12 and 10 minutes, you can get a high intensity cardio workout. And best of all, it’s portable.

Jumping rope can help everyone, of any age, achieve a range of fitness goals, including cardiovascular benefits, It can also aid in building bone-mineral density, improving coordination, and increasing muscle endurance, as well as toning and shaping. According to the Compendium of Physical Studies, jumping rope for 10 minutes can burn as many calories as jogging at an eight-minute-per-mile pace.

Jump rope basics:

. To find a rope length that fits you, place one foot in the center of the rope and lift the handles — they shouldn’t go past your armpits.

. Keep elbows close to sides as you turn the rope. The movement comes from the wrists and forearms, not the shoulders.

. Jump only 1 to 1 ½ inches off the floor, giving the rope just enough space to slip under feet — only the balls of feet should touch the floor. Stay high on your toes and use your body’s natural shock absorbers.

Before starting a jump rope workout, check with your doctor. Shoes and jumping surface are important as to how jumping will impact your body. Rope-jumping is considered lower impact than jogging or running if done properly.

Home Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

If you are prone to eczema, the summer months, bringing high humidity, perspiration from exercise and chlorinated pools, can exacerbate your symptoms.

The symptoms of eczema are different for each person and may look different depending on what part of your body it affects. They can include mild, moderate or severe red, inflamed skin, rough leathery patches, oozing or crusting, and scaling.

Eczema is also known for its intense itch. The itch may be so bad that you scratch your skin until it bleeds, which can make your rash and itching even worse, or lead to infection.

There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat eczema, but have you ever tried a warm apple cider vinegar bath? The National Eczema Association recommends adding a cup of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to five gallons of warm bathwater to help soothe the itch and inflammation of eczema.

Why apple cider vinegar?

Vinegars have a long history of medicinal use, and certain vinegars like apple cider vinegar, contain acetic acid which is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, helping to fight the eczema infection. The potassium present in vinegar acts as an astringent which balances the pH levels of the skin and provides faster eczema healing in affected areas.

ACV also contains beta-carotene, an anti-oxidant that promotes the growth of new skin cells, as well as mineral salts, vitamin B1 and riboflavin, providing relief from dryness and itching.

The next time your eczema flares, try a little apple cider vinegar and let us know how it works for you!

For more health and lifestyle tips follow us on Twitter @FlushingHospital and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FlushingHospital

Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Michael Hinck

Smoking is a bad habit for anyone, but for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is a habit that is especially dangerous.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when your immune system, the system that protects your body from outside harm, mistakenly starts attacking healthy tissue. If not managed properly, over time, RA can cause joint damage—and can even result in permanent joint destruction.

Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA is not associated with factors such as aging, obesity, or injury, but lifestyle choices, such as smoking, not only increase your odds of developing the disease but also make the condition worse for those who already have it. In addition, smoking combined with RA can lead to even greater problems, such as heart disease.

Recent studies indicate that tobacco is highly associated with and the probable cause of RA in many instances and is a leading factor when the condition worsens. According to one study, Smokers with a specific gene makeup are 50% more likely to develop RA than those who do not smoke, and those who get it, usually develop a more serious form of the disease.

Smoking also affects how well those who develop RA respond to treatments. In general, smokers are less likely to achieve remission and have worse outcomes because tobacco reduces the effectiveness of medications used to treat swelling and reduce pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Having rheumatoid arthritis, in and of itself, it’s a risk factor for developing heart disease. In fact, over the last ten years, the leading cause of death for people with RA is cardiovascular disease. Smoking, combined with RA raises your risk of developing heart disease to a much higher level.

Quitting smoking can go a long way toward rheumatoid arthritis prevention. If you’re at risk for developing RA or if you already have it, you don’t want to light up, and if you’re already smoking, you want to quit.

If you or a loved one either has or is at risk of developing arthritis, please speak to your doctor immediately about treatment options. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospitals’ Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Summer Weight Loss Tips for Kids

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Michael Hinck

Is your child at risk of gaining weight this summer?

We consider summer to be a time when kids run around, go swimming and generally remain active. With all this physical activity, it is a common belief that children keep weight off or maybe even lose a few pounds in the summer, but that is not the case. There are many reasons why parents are now noticing that their children are actually gaining weight during the summer.

The rate of childhood obesity has tripled in America in recent decades. Now, one out of three children in this country is considered overweight or obese. When are children gaining the most weight? Recent studies have revealed that during the summer, the rate of weight gain in children is double that of the rest of the year. Why?

One of the biggest contributing factors is that children today live a more sedentary lifestyle. During the school year, children participate in fitness programs, both during recess and in physical education classes. Without a regimented exercise program, children opt to spend their free time playing video games or watching television.

Another factor in summer weight gain is the foods children have access to in their home. In an effort to fight obesity and promote healthy eating habits, many schools provide healthy alternatives for lunches and snacks during the year. During the summer, however, kids have access to whatever snacks are in the home. Kids will often choose unhealthy snacks, such as cookies, chips, and soda, if they are available to them.

In an effort to reverse this trend, Flushing Hospital offers the following summer healthy living tips for your kids:

• Stock your home with healthy food options like yogurt, carrots, or summer fruits like peaches, berries, or melons.

• Make water the beverage of choice. Juices and sodas are high in calories and low in nutrients. To make water more flavorful, consider adding fruit slices or berries.

• Limit TV and video game usage. It will force kids to become more physically active and prevent them from enticing junk food commercials..

• Walk more. Everyone can do it. Incorporate regular family walks to the park or around the neighborhood.

• Be inventive. Not every child is interested in formal team sports, but every kid loves to run around. Encourage activities like hopscotch, jump rope or a simple game of “tag.”

• Be a role mode. Children often take cues from their parent’s eating habits so if you want your kids to eat healthier, you should eat healthier.

For more health and lifestyle tips, follow us on Twitter @FlushingHospital and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FlushingHospital