lifestyle Archives - Page 5 of 6

Small Changes = Big Benefits

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Joann Ariola

When looking for a routine that can bring wellness to your entire being, you don’t have to climb a mountain in Tibet or strip away all food you love. Experts say that the best way to bring a wellness routine into your life is through a series of small changes that will gradually make a difference.

Changes such as:

Meditation – Take a moment in the morning to meditate. It will set the tone for the day and clear your head to prepare for what the day may bring.
Music – Play calming music. The body’s internal rhythms sync with the rhythms of music. By focusing on the music and its melody, you will start to feel your breathing and heart rate begin to slow down, bringing you to a much calmer place
Plan a trip – According to research, happiness spikes when planning a trip.
Put down your smartphone – When the impulse to pick up your phone comes, and you resist it, you may feel a wave of anxiety. Don’t panic! Breath through the anxiety and you will see that there is calm that will follow.
Breathe deeply – Sit in a comfortable place, breathe naturally and settle your attention on your breath. With each inhale and exhale, mentally repeat the words “in” and “out.” Even if you mind wanders, don’t get distracted; just bring your attention back to your breathing.
Don’t check your email when you first wake up – When you wake, sit silently and allow your mind to wander. Take 10 minutes to just center yourself before you start your day.
Walk – Use part of your lunch break to take a walk. This activity will aid with digestion, keep you active and relieve stress.

No one likes change and it rarely comes easy. That’s why slowly incorporating small steps toward your goals overtime can lead to huge changes 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 Do You Keep Your Immune System Strong?

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Our immune system protects our bodies from illness and infection. While having a strong immune system is important all year long, there are times of the year that its effectiveness is tested more than other.

With cold a flu season upon us, Flushing Hospital wants to offer some day-to-day lifestyle tips to avoid weakening your immune system and keep you healthy.

STRESS
Prolonged periods of intense stress can affect the immune system. Stress causes the brain to boost the production of hormones that weaken the function of the infection-fighting T cells. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, try to adopt stress-relieving activities to boost your immune system.

POOR SLEEP
Poor sleep is strongly associated with a weak immune system as it reduces the number of killer cells needed to fight germs. Recent research has suggested that the amount of flu-fighting antibodies produced was cut in half in those who were sleep deprived.

ALCOHOL
Excessive intake of alcohol may reduce the immune system’s response to invading pathogens because alcohol contains ingredients that impair lung functionality, making us more prone to viral or bacterial infections.

POOR DIET
Excessive consumption of refined sugars and highly processed food containing pesticides, chemical additives and preservatives can weaken the immune system. In addition, obesity can lead to a weakened immune system as it affects the ability of white blood cells to multiply, produce antibodies and prevent inflammation.

By adopting some healthy lifestyle practices and avoiding certain others, we can give our bodies the best chance of staving of illness this cold and flu season.

Low-Sodium = Lower Risk

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Joann Ariola

A low-sodium diet can reduce the risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium should be consumed per day

Here are the approximate amounts of sodium in a given amount of table salt:

1/4 teaspoon salt = 575 mg sodium
1/2 teaspoon salt = 1,150 mg sodium
3/4 teaspoon salt = 1,725 mg sodium
1 teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg sodium

If you are interested in lowering your sodium, this recipe for baked salmon is a good place to start. For this and other low sodium recipes you can go to –

The Benefits of taking a Vacation

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

We live in a stressful society that is full of situation. It is very important for people to take a break in order to stay healthy. Studies have shown not taking a vacation for a few years can increase the risk of heart disease and the potential for a heart attack. People who take vacations have an easier time to breaking bad habits such as nail biting, smoking, and eating poorly because stress the triggers for these bad habits aren’t present.
There are many benefits to taking a vacation:
• Betters outlook on life
• Allows the body to unwind
• Increases happiness
To really benefit from a vacation a person has to leave their work environment at home.
Today, with electronic devices so prevalent, it is important to not check them more than
once or twice a day.

Emergency Preparedness Plans and What You Should Have in Your Kit

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Disasters can occur unexpectedly but being prepared can lessen the effect of damages and the chances of accidents. Developing an emergency plan and creating a kit for your household is the best way to prepare for disasters.

When forming an emergency plan get the entire family or those who live in your home involved. Here is a checklist for things to consider:

Ensure that contact information for family and loved ones is up to date
Designate safe spaces where everyone can meet
Locate emergency shelters in your community
Assign responsibilities to each member of your household
Choose an emergency contact person outside of your immediate area
Create an evacuation plan and practice evacuating your home at least twice a year
If you have pets, keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your neighborhood
Remind everyone to register with the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well website or call 800-RED-CROSS after a disaster. Enrolling will allow concerned loved ones to know that you are safe, by searching the list.

In addition to having an emergency plan, it is vital that you put together an emergency preparedness kit. A few suggested items to include are:

Water- at least one gallon per person for each day , lasting two weeks
Non- perishable food
Flashlights
Batteries
Sanitary and personal hygiene Items
Copies of important documents, such as ID’s, birth certificates, medical information, proof of address and insurance
Cell phones and chargers
Extra cash in small bills
Medications
Multipurpose tools
Battery-powered and two-way radios
Blankets
Maps
Emergency contact information cards
Spare set of house and car keys

If you need assistance in making an emergency plan, City programs such as Ready New York provide ready-made templates, where you can fill in important information. Templates also include resources from utility companies, city and federal emergency departments. Please visithttps://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/downloads/pdf/myemergencyplan_english.pdf to create a plan.

Whole Body Cyrotherapy – Helpful or Harmful?

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a growing treatment trend for athletes looking to recover from injury as well as non-athletes seeking a cure for any number of mental or physical conditions, but there are many questions about the effectiveness and safety of this relatively new form of therapy.

Cyrotherapy involves the “super cooling” of the body for therapeutic purposes. The practice has been used for quite some time, and can include using products such as ice packs in localized parts of the body. Whole body cyrotherapy however involves exposing the entire body to vapors that reach temperatures ranging from -200 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who receive WBC are placed in a confined chamber, some with the head enclosed, others without, for two to three minutes while the body is exposed to frigid temperatures generated by liquid nitrogen.

Those who sell or operate WBC machines claim that this treatment offers many benefits including improved blood circulation, increased metabolism, , quicker recovery and relief from joint pain. Proponents also boast WBC therapy can help slow down or reverse the effects of many conditions, such as:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Asthma
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

The problem unfortunately, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is there is no proof that WBC effectively treats any of these conditions and none of them have been cleared or approved by the FDA in support of these claims. While the healing benefits of WBC remain unconfirmed, the potential risks are substantiated. The use of nitrogen vapors in an enclosed area lowers the amount of oxygen in that area, which can result in oxygen deficiency and loss of consciousness. Other risks include frostbite, burns, and eye injuries.

With so much attention given to WBC, medical experts are concerned that many will opt for this treatment over traditional treatment options, which may result in a lack of improvement or worsening of medical conditions. If you are considering WBC, speak with your doctor first.

The Benefits of Taking a Vacation

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Family on beach

Synthetic Marijuana

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Synthetic marijuana, or K2, is another name for synthetic cannabinoids and it refers to a number of man-made chemicals that are applied to dried, shredded plant material. The substance can be either smoked in the herbal form or inhaled as a vapor in its liquid form. These mind altering chemicals are very closely related to the chemicals found in marijuana, however, the effects on the brain are much more intense and can have unpredictable and sometimes even life threatening consequences. Synthetic marijuana is known to be addictive.
Some of the reasons people like synthetic marijuana are:
• Elevated mood
• Relaxation
• Changes in perception of surroundings
Using synthetic marijuana can have psychotic effects which can lead to extreme anxiety, confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations. People under the influence of this substance are often brought in to hospital emergency rooms with signs and symptoms including rapid heart rate, vomiting and violent behavior.
When people try to stop using synthetic marijuana they often experience headaches, anxiety, depression and irritability. If you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem and would like to receive help, Flushing Hospital has a program that may be able to help. Please call 718-670-5078 to schedule an appointment with a professional counselor who will evaluate and offer suggestions on treatment plans.

Know Before You Go: Summer Travel Tips

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Summer is here and you’re thinking about this year’s family vacation. Depending on the destination, you may need to think about recommended vaccines for you and your kids. Here are a few pre-travel tips you should keep in mind to ensure that vaccine-preventable diseases do not stand in the way of your summer fun.

Research your destination. Know background information about food safety and road safety. With the recent outbreak of the ZIKA virus in Central America and some parts of the Caribbean it’s important to stay educated on affected areas.
See your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider is the best source of information on which vaccines you may need. The best time to visit your healthcare provider is at least six to eight weeks before you travel, especially for older travelers, since it takes longer for vaccines to be effective as the immune system starts to weaken.
Visit a travel clinic. Visit the CDC Traveler’s Health website to find out if you need additional vaccines before your trip. It has handy information listed by country. You may want to consider a visit to a specialized travel clinic, as many primary care physicians don’t stock all required travel vaccines.
Use precautions during travel. Protect yourself by eating and drinking safely, washing hands frequently, preventing bug bites, and keeping a first-aid kit with you at all times.

Following these CDC recommended tips are a guaranteed good start to your summer vacation preparedness. However, the return is just as important as the departure. If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to revisit your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel history, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

For more travel vaccination information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

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Learning to Swim

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

It is summertime and many of us will be spending days off from work or school at the beach, the lake or at a pool getting away from the hot weather. While everyone is having a good time getting wet, are you the person standing by the edge afraid to go in beyond your ankles? If you don’t know how to swim maybe now is the time to learn.
Here are some tips for beginners:
• Don’t swim alone
• Learning in a pool is easier than the ocean
• Only go in up to where you can stand comfortably
• Practice floating by holding on to the sides of a pool
• Always stay calm
• Walk around in the shallow end to get comfortable being in the water
• Put you face in the water and try to blow bubbles
• Swim only where there is a lifeguard on duty
• Once you feel comfortable floating, get a kick board and try moving your feet away from the bottom of the pool
• The key to swimming is all about feeling comfortable in the water. It is great exercise,
Like riding a bicycle, once you learn how to do it, you never forget. All it takes is some confidence, a good teacher to show you proper technique, and time to practice. The local YMCA or high school may even offer classes that you can join.