How Much Bacteria is your Baby’s Pacifier Holding?

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

The pacifier is the saving grace for many new parents to soothe their crying baby. However, what parents may not know are the germs harbored on the pacifier could be causing more harm than good to their baby’s health. If you have noticed your child is more prone to being diagnosed with strep throat and ear infections, the pacifier maybe the culprit.

Germs are not just on the surface of the pacifier. The porous rubber top of the pacifier is likely to grow bacteria from the inside out. Research conducted at the Tulsa Wellness Care Center found standard lab cultures produced strep bacteria, various strains of staph and the bacteria that cause pneumonia. The pacifier samples also produced the yeast that causes thrush. Thinking you can clean or disinfect the pacifier for continual use? Not necessarily. Even after washing and boiling a pacifier, these bacterias build a resistance under a complex structure called ‘biofilm’ and continue to harbor and grow. Surprisingly, the life expectancy of a pacifier, even after continual cleaning and “disinfecting”, is only two weeks.

So after this information, what should a parent do? Quit cold turkey? Cry it out? Here are a few helpful tips to ease the distress for both parent and baby:

Take it away early- newborns have a sucking reflex due to hunger, but by three months of age, it’s non-nutritive. Instead, try soothing your baby rocking or holding them.
Make it taste bad- Once they are older, they have developed their taste buds and are biased to certain tastes. Parents have tried vinegar or lemon to make it taste bad, but once it becomes unappealing, your child may be pacifier-free.
Take it away gradually- using it only for naps can be helpful and then gradually letting go the need for it.
Cut the tops off of the pacifier- an unconventional method, but possibly helpful. Place them strategically where he or she may find them and they will realize they are no longer able to use.

A healthy, happy baby will appreciate your caution in the long run.

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.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

517019433 virus sneeze We have all seen the news reports about the tiny, disgusting germs that are on the surfaces we all encounter every day in our homes and places of work. With cold and flu season upon us, preparations are now being made by many to prevent transmission of viruses, but before you go through drastic measures, there are some important facts about viruses that you should know, such as how long do viruses live on our phones, doorknobs, and keyboards?

There is not one answer to this question. The life of a virus (technically, viruses are not alive) depends on what type of virus it is, the conditions of the environment it is in, as well as the type of surface it is on.

Cold viruses have been shown to survive on indoor surfaces for approximately seven days. Flu viruses, however, are active for only 24 hours.

All viruses have the potential to live on hard surfaces, such as metal and plastic, longer than on fabrics and other soft surfaces. In fact, infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues for only 15 minutes. Viruses tend to also live longer in areas with lower temperatures, low humidity, and low sunlight.

How long these germs are actually capable of infecting you is a different story. In general, viruses are not likely to be a danger on surfaces very long. In fact, while cold viruses can live for several days, their ability to cause infection decreases after approximately 24 hours, and after only five minutes, the amount of flu virus on hands fall to low levels, making transmission much less likely.

The best defense against active viruses remains thorough hand washing. In addition, wiping down surfaces with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based cleaners will help kill viruses and decrease the chances of transmission.

Hover Board Safety Tips

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Hover-boards are the hot new toy, but how safe are they? These self-balancing scooters are on the top of every kid’s (and some adult’s) list to Santa this year, but as these unregulated travel devices rise in popularity, so too have trips to the Emergency Department due to hover board related accidents.

Hospital ERs across the country are reporting a series of injuries, from scraps and contusions, to fractures and sprains, to even head injuries resulting from hover-board accidents. These toys can reach maximum speeds of 15 miles an hour and falls from them can cause significant harm. All you have to do is go to You Tube, Twitter, or Instagram and type in #HoverBoardFalls to see how dangerous hover-boards can be if the rider (or parent, if the rider is a child) does not take proper precautions.

Hover-board price and quality vary greatly so read online reviews from previous buyers before purchasing one. Also, because they are so new to the market, there are no national safety standards for hover-boards. Until regulations are in place, riders should follow the same safety guidelines they would for riding a bicycle, including wearing a helmet, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards and/or gloves.

Other tips to follow before getting on a hover-board include carefully reading the instruction manual to learn how to properly operate it. Also make sure to adhere to all safety rules, including age and weight recommendations.

It is a good idea to have a “spotter” with you when you first attempt to ride your hover-board in case you fall. Lastly, riders should not use their hover boards in the street or on public walkways to avoid seriously injuring themselves or others.

Like everything else, hover-boards can be a lot of fun if they are used responsibly. Happy and safe hovering!

Fire Safety Tips for The Holiday Season

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Fire Safety-494529483 We tend to cook and decorate more during the holiday season. These activities if not exercised with caution and safety can lead to burn injuries, which is one of the most common problems emergency rooms face at this time of year. Doctors are requesting that people pay close attention to potential hazards that can result in burn injuries and avoid them by following these safety guidelines:

Do not leave food unattended on the stove or oven for extended periods of time.
Avoid wearing loose garments around flames by the stove or fireside.
Keep flammable objects such as pot holders, paper towels or utensils made of wood away from the stove.
When buying a real tree make sure that it is green. Also remember to water your tree if it is real – a dry tree is a fire hazard. If purchasing a synthetic tree be sure to check for a label that reads “fire resistant.”
Keep trees away from fire places or radiators.
Never leave candles or oil burners unattended.
Keep gifts and wrapping paper away from fireplaces.
Have chimneys cleaned and inspected each year.
Make certain that smoke detectors are working.
Always have a fire extinguisher within reach.
Do not overload extension cords.
Inspect holiday lights to make certain that wires are not cracked or frayed.

Please keep your holiday season safe and accident free by following recommended fire safety guidelines. For a list of further safety tips please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website www.NFPA.org .

Do The Holidays Stress You Out? Follow These Tips

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Holiday stress 518171227 The holidays are supposed to be about joy and merriment, but for many they can become a very stressful time of year.

The average American spends 42 hours a year on holiday activities including, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, attending holiday parties, and traveling from place to place. Often, these extra activities get squeezed into our already busy schedules.

Our schedules are not the only thing being squeezed during the holidays; so too are our wallets. The holidays promote gift giving, but to what extent? Buying something for everyone on your list can be a very stressful situation, especially when you are on a budget.

To help you enjoy avoid holiday stress and enjoy this very special time of year, try following these simple tips:

• Take Calm-Down Breaks. Soon after you awake, close your eyes, take several deep breaths and meditate or just relax. Quieting down your mind before you begin your day can help it get off to a great start and things will flow for you.

• Create the Holiday You Want – When the holidays come around, you may find yourself getting pulled in many different directions. Don’t give in to outside pressures. Decide how do you want to spend your time and resources. Consider what is most important to you and what memories you want to create.

• Stick to a Budget – Unfortunately, so many people cause their own stress by overspending during the holidays. Try to start saving for the upcoming holiday season early in the year. Sit down and look to see what you can really afford before you start shopping.

• Be Generous With Your Heart – One of the best ways to stay calm, content and cheerful this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money though.

• Get Moving – One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays or any other time is to exercise regularly. Physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your mood.

• Eat Healthy- Inevitably, at this time of year, you’ll be constantly tempted with sweet, empty-calorie treats. But to be your most energetic, focused and happy self, it’s best to avoid the sugary snacks and eat healthier options.

Hopefully, by following these recommendations, your holidays can be calm, relaxing and fun.

Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

toys toddlers -156930341 The holiday season is the best time of the year to buy toys for children. However, parents are often overwhelmed by a larger selection and choosing the best toy can become challenging. The most important thing to remember when choosing toys for toddlers is picking toys that are safe and appropriate for their age.

Each year hospital E.R.’s are visited by over 200,000 young children, typically under the age of three, who have incurred toy-related injuries. These injuries can be avoided if parents keep these guidelines in mind when buying toys:

Carefully read warning labels
Do not buy toys with small and removable parts
Check to see if toys are on a recall list by visiting sites such as recalls.gov or cpsc.gov.
Avoid buying toys with parts that launches or projects
Do not purchase toys with sharp edges or points
Make certain that cords or strings are shorter that seven inches
Avoid buying toys that make extremely loud noises
Check to see if toys have been tested for lead based paint by visiting websites such as www.ecocenter.org

Most toys come with warning labels that advise parents of potential choking hazards and compatibility by age group. Parents should pay close attention to these labels and also do due diligence by researching toys and inspecting them for further dangers.

Facts and Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

acupuncture 115527170 The practice of acupuncture originated in China and can be traced as far back as 2,500 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and illness occurs when the energy (Chi) which flows throughout the body along pathways (meridians) is blocked or interrupted. Inserting very thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body will unblock that energy, allowing it to flow freely and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment with traditional western medicine. It is commonly known to help relieve pain and nausea; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that acupuncture is effective in providing therapeutic treatment for an estimated 28 health conditions.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments are:

Depression
Rheumatoid arthritis
Peptic ulcers
Acute and chronic gastritis
Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
Stroke
Renal colic

As with any form of medical treatment there are risks associated with acupuncture. This treatment can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. If needles are unsterilized you may run the risk of contracting an infection. It is possible, although very rare for needles to break and cause damage to internal organs or needles to be inserted too deeply into the upper back or chest causing lungs to collapse. It is advised that you seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist as this will ensure that required guidelines are being followed.

Generally speaking acupuncture is safe and can be combined as a method of treatment with traditional medicine. Speak with your physician to further discuss the safety of acupuncture and how it can potentially benefit your health.

Watching your weight: Are you drinking your calories?

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

If you are one of many who have vowed to lose weight by watching what you eat , don’t just think about minding what you eat- think about what you drink, as well. If you’re meeting up with friends for a few drinks after work, you may want limit your alcohol intake during the happy hour.

Alcohol is full of empt WeightDrinks y calories and although there is no direct link between alcohol and obesity, research has shown it can be a reason to why people may place more on their plate than necessary. Trusted websites, such as Medicine.net reported, “Studies have shown that in the short term, alcohol stimulates food intake and can also increase feelings of hunger. Having your judgment impaired and stimulating your appetite is a recipe for failure if you are trying to follow a weight-loss plan.” A Margarita with chips and salsa may sound appetizing, but the calories in a Margarita drink can be as high as 270 empty calories; a reason the bowl of chips seem endless. Here are few other drinks and their calories to keep in mind the next time you’re out for lunch, dinner or happy hour:

Alcoholic drink Calories

Beer, regular, 12 oz. 150

Frozen daiquiri, 4 oz. 216

Mai tai, 4 oz. 310

Margarita, 4 oz. 270

Whiskey, 1.5 oz. 105

Wine, dessert, sweet, 4 oz. 180

Some helpful tips to help curb your alcohol calorie consumption are:

Eat before drinking. Having food in your stomach before drinking will help your brain receive its signal of fullness.
Sip your drink to make it last longer and keep water available to quench your thirstwhile you drink alcoholic beverages.
Whenever possible, select light beers, but be mindful that you are still drinking your calories.
Like wine? Try a wine spritzer, which can be as low as 49 calories and your waistline will thank you for it.

As with all things, drink alcohol in moderation and responsibly, it can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Can Honey Hasten Healing?

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Did you know that out of all areas in the home, the kitchen is number one for getting burns and did you, also, know that the kitchen is a place you can find home remedies for that burn?

While most minor burns will heal on their own, there are home treatment remedies that can relieve your symptoms and promote healing, such as:

Honey – Honey has long been a remedy to disinfect wounds and heal burns. When applied to a burn, honey draws out fluids from the tissues, effectively cleaning the wound. You may also apply the honey to a gauze bandage, which is less sticky than direct application. On a piece of sterile gauze, place a dollop of honey and put the bandage directly on the burn, honey-side down. The dressing should be changed three to four times per day.
Additional home remedies for burns that can be found in your kitchen are:
Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths can help relieve the itch while the burn is healing
Tea bags – Tea bags contain tannic acid and help draw the heat from a burn. Gently dab the liquid, from a luke-warm water moistened tea bag, on the burn site.
Vinegar – Vinegar works as an astringent and antiseptic on minor burns and helps prevent infection. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water, and rinse the burned area with the solution.
Cool water. – While ice is nice for sore muscles, cool water is the best liquid refreshment for burned skin. Ice can restrict blood flow to the burn site and further damage delicate tissues. Instead, gently run cool water or place cool compresses over the burn site for ten minutes. Do this as quickly as possible, preferably within seconds of getting a burn. Cool water not only feels good but will help stop the burn from spreading, and the sooner you run cool water on the burn, the greater the effect will be to reduce it.

Do’s and Don’ts to avoid burns:

DO lower the temperature of your hot-water heater to below 120 degrees F. A second-degree burn can happen within seconds in water that’s hotter than 120 degrees.
DO turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
DO keep that steaming cup of java out of a child’s reach, which means off the coffee table or other low-lying areas.
DON’T ever leave a child unattended in the kitchen.
DO make the stove area off-limits to children.
DO put a childproof lock on the oven door.
DO keep oven mitts and potholders handy when cooking.

You can try these remedies for minor burns, but if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, please seek medical treatment immediately.

For more information on wound care or to schedule an appointment , please call the Flushing Hospital Wound Care Center at 718-670-4542.

Did you ever wonder why your teeth chatter when you are cold?

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Teeth chattering is a way for your body to maintain a proper temperature.
We come equipped with our own internal thermostat; it is a part of our brain called the hypothalamus and its job is to keep our body at a constant temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the temperature outside drops, so too can your internal body temperature. When that happens, the hypothalamus sends a message to your body that it needs to warm up.

One way the body can generate heat is to force your muscles to move in a rapid fashion. This is commonly known as shivering. Teeth chattering is just a form of shivering.

So next time you find yourself chilled and your teeth begin to chatter, don’t worry. Just thank your body for trying to heat you up.