Category Archives: Smoking

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

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Physical health and wellness are key to our overall well-being. Physical health is the condition of your body and how well it functions, from the strength of your heart and lungs to your ability to fight infection and move without pain.

Physical wellness is a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle choices that sustain energy, resilience, and functional capacity over a lifetime.

The tenets of physical health and wellness are important for keeping your body functioning properly. They include:

  • Watching what you put into your body
  • How much physical activity you get
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

These tenets are positive health habits that can help you decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy.

Here are some strategies to help you improve your physical health:

  • Increase your physical activity
    • Set specific goals for your physical activity
    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
    • Take a walk on your lunch break
    • Set an alarm to go off every hour as a reminder to move around for a minute or two
    • Keep moving while watching TV
    • Take an online exercise class
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
    • Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese
    • Limit foods that are low in vitamins and minerals
    • Cut down on sugar by choosing foods with little or no added sugar
    • Get more fiber
    • Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats, such as olive, canola, or other vegetable oils instead of butter, meat fats, or shortening
    • Avoid foods high in salt, such as canned, smoked, or processed foods. Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat instead
    • Choose more complex carbs such as starches and fiber, which can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes
  • Reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight
    • Weigh yourself
    • Calculate how many calories you need for your healthy goals
    • Record your daily food intake and physical activity
    • Set specific goals
    • Choose healthy meals and physical activities you enjoy
    • Plan activities with friends or family
    • Be patient
  • Build healthy habits
    • Plan and identify unhealthy patterns, and set realistic goals
    • Change your surroundings and find ways to make healthier choices by removing temptations
    • Ask for support by finding family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or support groups
    • Speak with a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or burnout
  • Build muscle safely
    • Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a while
    • Pay attention to your body when you experience exhaustion, sore joints, or muscle pains, which is a sign you are overdoing it
    • Use small amounts of weight to start and add more weight slowly over time, while focusing on your form
    • Use smooth, steady movements to lift weights into position, and don’t jerk or thrust weights
    • Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a straight position
    • Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises
    • Ask for help by looking for a group class at a local gym, recreation center, or find a trainer
  • Combat age-related changes
    • Commit to a healthy diet
    • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Move more
    • Get plenty of sleep
    • Limit alcohol use
    • Avoid tobacco products
    • Visit the doctor regularly

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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 Heart Disease is Different in Women Than it is in Men

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Heart disease can be deadly for anyone, as it is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the U.S.  

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. There are three types of heart disease:  

  • Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.   
  • Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.   
  • Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating. 

While heart disease can occur in everyone, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones, such as estrogen. Estrogen protects the heart in the premenopausal years as it relaxes the arteries and promotes good cholesterol. This changes when a woman begins menopause and estrogen levels decline, increasing the chance of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hypertension.  

Other heart disease risk factors include: 

  • Obesity 
  • Smoking 
  • Emotional stress and depression  
  • Diabetes 
  • Lack of physical activity 
  • Pregnancy complications 
  • Family history of early heart disease 
  • Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions 

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, and it can affect them at any age. However, the prevalence of heart disease in women starts going up around the age of 65, which is about ten years later than men, presumably due to the lasting positive effects of estrogen. 

Women are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure. Although some women may not show any symptoms, others may experience:  

  • Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache  
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat  
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back  

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:  

  • Nausea  
  • Vomiting  
  • Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive  

In some women, the first signs and symptoms of heart disease can be:  

  • A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked 
  • Palpitations  

Treatment for heart disease is similar for women and men, and can include medicines, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.  

However, there are differences in heart disease treatment for women and men, including: 

  • Women are less likely to be treated with aspirin and statins to prevent future heart attacks than men are 
  • Women are less likely to have coronary artery bypass surgery than men. This may be because women have less obstructive disease or smaller arteries with more small vessel disease 
  • Cardiac rehabilitation can improve health and aid recovery from heart disease. However, women are less likely to be sent to cardiac rehabilitation than men are. 

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle: 

  • Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol  
  • Eating a healthy diet 
  • Exercising and keeping a healthy weight 
  • Managing stress 
  • Getting quality sleep 
  • Quitting smoking or stopping the use of tobacco products 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption 

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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.

Tonsil Stones

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Tonsil stones are small, pebble-like lumps of calcified minerals, food debris, and germs, such as bacteria and fungi, that form in the tonsils.  

The most common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Other symptoms can include: 

  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Earache 
  • Bad taste in your mouth 
  • The feeling of something stuck in your throat 

Tonsil stones form when debris gets trapped in the tonsillar crypts, or the folds in the tonsils, and calcifies. You are more likely to develop enlarged tonsillar crypts if you have chronic tonsillitis. 

Anyone can get tonsil stones, but a person is more likely to develop them if they have dehydration or are a teenager. 

Tonsil stones are generally harmless. However, large or chronic tonsil stones can cause swelling and make it difficult to swallow, as well as trigger other types of infections.  

A healthcare provider can diagnose tonsil stones by: 

  • Performing a physical exam and looking inside your mouth and throat 
  • Taking an imaging scan if they can’t see the tonsil stones easily 
  • Dislodging them with a dental pick 

In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed at home by: 

  • Gargling with warm saltwater 
  • Using a water flosser to flush them out 
  • Using a cotton swab to push them out gently 
  • Coughing vigorously to dislodge them 

If they can’t be removed at home, a healthcare provider can remove them during a visit to their office. If you get tonsil stones frequently or if they cause uncomfortable symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as: 

  • Medications, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or antibiotics 
  • A tonsillectomy to remove your tonsils 

Tonsil stones can’t always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, such as: 

  • Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as brushing your tongue 
  • Staying hydrated 
  • Gargling with warm salt water after eating 
  • Quitting smoking  

If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsil stones, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521. 

 

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 as Few as Two Cigarettes Per Day Increases Risk of Heart Disease

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Smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 480,000 people die from cigarette smoking in the U.S. each year, with many of them dying from cancer. What’s more, people who smoke die about ten years earlier than those who have never smoked.  

Smoking doesn’t just cause cancer. It can also cause several other diseases and can damage nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, blood vessels, reproductive organs, bones, mouth, eyes, and skin. 

Smoking tobacco can also damage the heart, as it can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. 

According to a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, who looked at the smoking habits of more than 300,000 adults for almost twenty years, it was discovered that men and women who smoked as few as two cigarettes daily had a 60 percent increased risk of death from any cause compared to those who never smoked. 

Additionally, the study also found that the group of smokers participating in the study had a 50 percent risk of heart disease.  

According to Dr. Jennifer Miao, a cardiologist at Yale University, “tobacco use is a very well-established risk factor for heart disease. It really damages the blood vessel lining and accelerates the development of plaques and coronary disease.” 

Smoking can also cause heart rhythm issues, such as atrial fibrillation and stroke. 

Unfortunately, the study found that cutting back on cigarette smoking may not be enough to undo the harm it causes. Despite current smokers having a higher risk of death than former smokers, former smokers still had an increased risk of heart disease more than twenty years after they had stopped smoking, according to the study. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quitting smoking is the most important action a person could take to improve their health, as it reduces the risk of premature death and smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Treatments such as smoking cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy medications, including over-the-counter patches, gum, lozenges, and prescribed inhalers and nasal sprays, can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and help you quit smoking.  

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

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.

National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week

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National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week takes place March 16th- 22nd.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week’s goal is to dispel myths about drug and alcohol use and to inform teens about the impact and risk of substance abuse as well as addiction.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds of U.S. students have tried alcohol by the 12th grade.

The average age at which children typically experiment with alcohol and drugs is 13 years old.

There are five signs of drug abuse among teens. They include:

Psychological changes such as trouble concentrating, memory issues, and random laughter

Changes in behavior, including bad grades, lack of respect for others, and poor eye contact

Suspicious behavior such as hiding drug paraphernalia, missing cash, or valuables

Health issues, including appetite changes, shakiness, excessive headaches, or frequent illness

Poor personal appearance, such as bad hygiene or bloodshot eyes

There is a lot of misinformation around drugs and alcohol. Many myths have been created and spread through our culture, especially among young people. Here are some myths about drugs and alcohol that have been debunked:

Myth #1- Marijuana addiction isn’t real

Although it is impossible to overdose on marijuana, habitual cannabis use can change the way the body works, create a tolerance, and cause withdrawal symptoms after stopping

Myth #2- It is okay to quit drinking alcohol and start smoking marijuana instead

Switching from one addictive behavior to another is common; however, it creates other addictive cycles

Myth #3- Prescription drugs can’t be addictive if prescribed by my doctor

Even doctor-prescribed drugs can have a tolerance built against them, which eventually causes an addiction. Especially painkillers such as opiates or benzodiazepines

Here are more facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction:

  • Alcohol is the most abused substance in the U.S., and the third most common cause of death
  • Alcohol and drugs are involved in approximately 50% of deaths by suicide and are the cause of death of more than 50% of all violent crimes
  • 80% of all domestic violence abuse reports show a relationship to alcohol or drugs

Although National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is geared toward young people, people of any age are encouraged to participate and educate themselves so that they can make educated choices related to drugs and alcohol.

To learn more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

 

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.

What is Smoker’s Flu?

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Smoker’s flu is a term used to describe the set of symptoms people can develop when they stop smoking tobacco. It is the direct result of nicotine withdrawal, which causes cold and flu-like symptoms.

About 80-90% of people who smoke have a nicotine addiction and may experience some form of withdrawal after they quit. Symptoms are worse if the person quits cold turkey, however, most symptoms tend to subside within two weeks. Symptoms of smoker’s flu include:

  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Smoker’s flu can occur on its own, but it is more likely to accompany classic physical and mental symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including:

  • Slowed heart rate
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Gas and bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased hunger
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Apathy or general unhappiness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nicotine craving

One study showed that 61.1% of smokers who quit experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when they stop. Some symptoms, especially affective ones like anxiety, can start as early as four hours after their last cigarette. Smoker’s flu can be unpleasant, but it isn’t dangerous. Unlike withdrawal from alcohol or opioid drugs, nicotine withdrawal won’t cause harm to your health.

Smoker’s flu is not a diagnosis and there are no specific guidelines on treatment, however, its symptoms will resolve over time. Until they do, several things can help manage the symptoms of smoker’s flu, including:

  • Treating the cough
  • Using over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Exercising
  • Practicing mind-body therapies

Nicotine replacement therapy can also help ease or prevent nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people who want to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

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.

Smoking and Oral Health

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Most people know that smoking is bad for their health. It causes many different health problems and fatal diseases. However, many people don’t realize the damage that smoking does to their mouths, gums, and teeth.

Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and in more severe cases oral cancer. Smoking can also lead to other dental problems, including:

  • Bad breath
  • Cavities
  • Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
  • Increased buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth
  • Increased loss of bone within the jaw
  • Increased risk of white patches inside the mouth called leukoplakia
  • Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
  • Lower success rate of dental implant procedures

If you smoke cigarettes or use other types of tobacco products, quitting is an important health decision to make for many reasons. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking:

  • Set a quit date
  • Seek support
  • Find healthy alternatives
  • Remove triggers
  • Consider nicotine replacement theory (NRT)
  • Stay positive
  • Reward yourself

Enrolling in a smoking cessation program can greatly improve your chances of quitting successfully.

For more information about smoking cessation programs or to register for our program, call: (718) 206-8494.

If you’re experiencing dental health problems, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

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.

Smoking And Cardiovascular Disease

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Smoking tobacco products can lead to adverse effects on our cardiovascular health; it is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

The chemicals inhaled when smoking cigarettes can affect the way our cardiovascular systems function in several ways.  This includes:

  • Damaging blood vessels
  • Causing the thickening and narrowing of blood vessels
  • Causing a rise in blood pressure
  • Causing an increase in heart rate
  • Increasing the risk of blood clots
  • Creating a buildup of plaque in the arteries
  • Reducing the supply of oxygen used by the body
  • Reducing the HDL or good cholesterol in the body

Furthermore, smoking tobacco can lead to the development of life-threatening cardiovascular complications such as:

  • Stroke
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Heart Attack

Smoking is the most preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and complications caused by CVD.   You can protect and improve your heart health by quitting smoking.   Studies show that smokers can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease immediately after quitting.  Additionally, the risk for heart attack greatly decreases one year after quitting smoking, and within five years of quitting, a smoker can reduce the risk for stroke.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s smoking cessation team wants to help you develop a plan leading to your “quit day”. Flushing Hospital has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring you Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program.

For more information about smoking cessation programs or to register for our program, call: 718 206 8494

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.

World No Tobacco Day

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On May 31st each year, the World Health Organization highlights the harmful health effects of tobacco products such as cigarettes. While tobacco usage rates among the general population have decreased over time, approximately 22.3% of people across the world continue to use it. The risks of using tobacco are well documented; however, many people around the world are not fully aware of the dangers.

A substantial amount of information exists about the harmful effects of tobacco usage. Aside from lung-related conditions such as emphysema, there are also very strong links between tobacco usage and heart disease, circulatory problems, and stroke. Coronary vascular diseases are one of the world’s leading causes of death.  Tobacco use is the second leading cause of these types of diseases, with hypertension being the leading cause.

Despite the wealth of information available about the harmful effects of tobacco products, their continued usage results in over 8 million deaths each year. Approximately 1.2 million of these deaths occur due to exposure to second-hand smoke, highlighting the negative health impacts that tobacco usage can have not only on the user, but on the people around them, as well.

A few of the World Health Organization’s efforts to inform people about tobacco’s harmful effects include:

  • Increasing public knowledge of the risks of smoking and secondhand smoke
  • Encouraging healthcare providers to speak to their patients about the hazards of tobacco
  • Encouraging governmental support for educational programs
  • Seeking ways to promote smoke-free zones in buildings and public spaces
  • Increasing taxes on tobacco products
  • Making it more difficult to purchase tobacco products
  • Banning tobacco advertising

If you would like to quit smoking, speak to your medical provider to learn more about the resources available to help you. Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a tobacco cessation program that can support you in your efforts to quit. Please call 718-206-8494 to learn more.

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.

COPD Awareness Month

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that affects at least 12 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of disability and death. This condition causes the body’s airways to become obstructed through the over-production of mucus, which is itself caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes that transport air to and from the lungs.

The symptoms of COPD worsen over time, progressing from coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath to weight loss and an increasing lack of energy and oxygen. Your lungs lose the elasticity they rely on to force air out of the body, preventing sufficient air from leaving the lungs when you exhale.

COPD has a few clear causes, including:

  • Certain chronic conditions affecting the body’s airways, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
  • A genetic disorder that causes a deficiency of the protein alpha-1-antitrypsin, which helps to protect the lungs.

The most common cause of COPD, by far, is smoking. Long-term exposure to cigarette smoke and similar irritants inflame the body’s airways and contribute to the development of a chronic cough. Therefore, the best way for most people to reduce their risk of developing COPD is to quit smoking or avoid environmental exposure to smoke as much as possible.

You can take meaningful steps toward quitting smoking by:

  • Setting a date to quit.
  • Letting family, friends, and co-workers know that you’re quitting.
  • Making a plan for navigating challenges such as cravings and withdrawal.
  • Removing cigarettes and tobacco products from your environment.
  • Working with a doctor.

You can get help to quit smoking through Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s smoking cessation program, Freedom from Smoking, which you can contact at (718) 206-8494 to receive more information. If you need medical attention for symptoms of COPD, schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at our Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

If you or a loved one experiences a COPD-related emergency such as severely-blue lips or fingernail beds, a rapid heartbeat, significant trouble catching a breath, or severe mental fogginess, dial 911 immediately.

 

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.