4Health Magazine #196

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PROS AND CONS OF TONSILLECTOMY

SIGNS

OF A POTENTIAL BRAIN TUMOR

POOR SLEEP MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA

HOW TO REDUCE RISKS OF SOME PAINKILLERS

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suspect that you may have, a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone.

WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not make any expressed or implied warranties, representations or endorsements of any kind whatsoever with regard to the magazine, or with respect to any information, product, service, merchandise or other material provided in or through the magazine. We do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or usefulness of any information, products, services, merchandise or other material provided throughout the magazine. We are not liable to any reader or anyone else for any decision made or action taken based on their reliance upon the information contained in this magazine. www.4health.net

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Should I Have My Child’s Tonsils Removed?

Pros and Cons of Tonsillectomy

11 17 Poor Sleep May Increase Your Risk of Dementia

What to Do to Protect Your Brain

18 Signs of a Potential Brain Tumor

Common Symptoms of This Rare Disorder

20 E-Cigarettes are Not Harmless

How Do These Products Stack Up Against Traditional Cigarettes?

21 What’s the Best Pain Relief for Grandpa?

How to Reduce Risks of Some Painkillers

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SHOULD I SEE AN ENT OR AN AUDIOLOGIST?

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COULD A LITTLE MORE HAIR MAKE YOU LOOK YOUNGER?

12 14 15 16

How to Know Which Ear Doctor is Right for You

Study Shows Interesting Results

WHY ARE MY GUMS RECEDING? How to Address Sensitivity and Prevent Tooth Loss

3 UNUSUAL ALLERGIES Even the Sun Can Cause a Reaction in Some People

COLD? FLU? ALLERGIES? TRY THIS SOLUTION! Acupuncture Can Reduce Reliance on Medications

PAIN IN MY SIDE—IS IT APPENDICITIS? Signs You May Need to See the Doctor

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BUT MY PARTNER LIKES ME FAT

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WHICH TREATMENT WORKS BEST FOR LAZY EYE?

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WHEN TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION

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10 FUN HEART-HEALTHY EXERCISES

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FIBER MAY REDUCE YOUR RISK OF STROKE

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BACK PAIN? FIND HELP AT THE USA VASCULAR CENTERS!

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ULTRA-PREP YOUR SKIN FOR SPRING!

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DO YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE 5 VEIN PROBLEMS?

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DO MOMS WHO WAIT TO GET PREGNANT LIVE LONGER?

How to Manage Relationships and Weight Loss

Tablet Games May Not Be That Effective

Eyesight Disease Expected to Double by 2050

Active Alternatives to Walking and Running

How to Increase Your Daily Intake

The Story of Sophia Verner

Double Procedure Special Creates Radiant Skin with Minimal Downtime

From Varicose Veins to DVT—Early Treatment Prevents Complications

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4HEALTH

SHOULD I SEE AN ENT OR AN AUDIOLOGIST? HOW TO KNOW WHICH EAR DOCTOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU

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By Lynn Merrell

Kerrie’s dad, Don, was having trouble hearing. For the past couple of years, he had been slowly drifting out of family conversations, answering only when others raised their voices and spoke directly to him. If there was background noise, he was often lost, which worried Kerrie.

She didn’t want her dad feeling left out. She spoke to her mom about taking him to the ear doctor.

Brandon was tired of the ringing in his ears. It had been going on for a couple weeks now, and it was starting to drive him nuts. At first, he thought it was just a passing thing, nothing to worry about, but when it was still there days later, he started growing concerned. Was something really wrong with his hearing?

Both of these individuals — Don and Brandon — need to see the ear doctor, but the question is, which one? Should they go to the ENT, or to an audiologist?

WHAT IS AN ENT? An “ENT” is an ear, nose, and throat doctor, a physician who’s trained to deal with medical and surgical issues in the ear, nose, and sinus passages as well as the voice box, mouth, and throat. Also called “otolaryngologists,” they have usually completed at least four years of medical school, and five years of specialty training, though it’s common for them not to start practicing until they’ve completed 15 years of collage and training. They must also pass a certification exam for the American Board of Otolaryngology. After that, some go on to pursue extensive training in some type of subspecialty, such as pediatric otolaryngology (treating children) or otology/neurotology (ears and balance).

That means that Brandon would most likely want to see an ENT. Long-time ringing in the ears is often a condition called “tinnitus,” which is usually caused by some issue within the hearing system. Excessive earwax, for example, can cause the condition, as can middle ear problems like infections or hardening of the tiny ear bones.

An ENT also deals with hearing loss related to medical issues (like ear infections or swimmer’s ear), disorders that affect balance, pain in the ear, sinus problems, speech or swallowing issues, neck tumors, and traumas to the head, neck, and face. Some specialized ENTs also perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

WHAT IS AN AUDIOLOGIST? An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems in both adults and children. Most have completed at a minimum a master’s degree in audiology, though many go on to earn a Ph.D., or doctorate in audiology. Typically, they will achieve certification from the national association “American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association,” as well as state licensing to practice audiology.

They have a thorough understanding of the human hearing system, as well as of other neural systems affecting balance, and have extensive training in sound reproduction, which allows them to accurately fit and adjust hearing aids.

Kerrie’s dad, Don, would most likely want to see an audiologist.

Most people lose some of their hearing ability as they age, and an audiologist can help evaluate how much has been affected, and prescribe treatment that may help. They diagnose hearing loss, and seek to restore quality of life with devices like hearing aids. Unlike ENTs, however, they are not qualified to deal with medical causes of hearing loss, or to perform surgery for hearing loss.

An audiologist conducts hearing tests; selects, dispenses, and adjusts hearing aids and other assistive listening devices; helps prevent hearing loss; and aids in the management of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.

WHAT IF YOU’RE NOT SURE? If you already know what’s causing your problem, this explanation should help you to determine which doctor would be best suited to help you. If you’re not sure what’s causing your hearing loss, however, it’s best to start with a hearing test with your audiologist, and then go from there. www.4health.net

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4HEALTH

COULD A LITTLE MORE HAIR MAKE YOU LOOK YOUNGER? STUDY SHOWS INTERESTING RESULTS ■■■ By Gordon Barclay Some studies can drive a guy batty. Back in 2012, scientists assured those of us who are “follicly challenged” that we weren’t any less sexy or macho than our well-shagged counterparts. Researchers examined how men with shaved heads appeared to others. People looking at their pictures rated the men with shaved heads as more dominant than those with hair.

Now a new study seems to contradict the old findings. Researchers found that men with male pattern baldness who underwent hair trans-

plants appeared more youthful, attractive, successful, and approachable than those who remained bald.

What gives? Do we need to take a second look at hair transplants?

HAIR TRANSPLANTS HELP MEN LOOK YOUNGER Let’s take a look at these two studies. In the more recent one, researchers surveyed 122 people (about half were men) and asked them to rate 13 pairs of images of men who suffered from male pattern baldness. Seven of the images showed men who had undergone a hair transplant procedure, and 6 showed those who did not. Observers

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4HEALTH rated each photo on age, attractiveness, successfulness, and approachability on a scale of 0 to 100.

The men who had undergone a hair transplant procedure were rated as looking younger, more attractive, successful, and approachable than those who remained bald. Researchers wrote, “Men were perceived as being younger and more attractive by casual observers after undergoing hair transplant. Participants also rated post-transplant faces as appearing more successful and approachable related to their pre-transplant counterparts. These aspects have been shown to play a substantial role in both workplace and social success.”

STUDY SHOWS BALD MEN LOOK MORE POWERFUL In the older study, researchers had participants rate a variety of photos, roughly half of which showed men who were completely bald.

When observers rated power, influence, and authority, bald men came out ahead on all three. In a separate experiment where participants couldn’t see the subject, but only read written descriptions about them, they still rated bald men as being the strongest, most masculine, and most dominant, as well as having the highest leadership potential.

You may have heard the theory that bald men seem stronger because they have more testosterone than other men, but that’s not exactly the case. There is a link between the two, but studies show that it’s not about the overall amount of testosterone. Men with low levels can still go bald. It’s believed that it’s the genes that make the final difference, but we still need more research to figure it all out.

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MALE PATTERN BALDNESS AFFECTS MALE SELF-ESTEEM Male pattern baldness affects about 50 million men in the U.S., and is a type of hair loss that is caused by the shrinkage of hair follicles. By the age of 35, about two-thirds of American men have some degree of hair loss, and by age 50, about 85 percent have significantly thinning hair.

It can be a traumatic experience for men. Many believe their hair loss affects their personal life and their career paths as well. It’s why we tend to spend too much money on solutions that often don’t work.

Hair transplants, however, seem to be the exception.

WHAT ARE HAIR TRANSPLANTS? During a hair transplant, surgeons take hair that you still have, from the side or back of the head, and transplant it onto the top of your head, where you’ve lost it. It’s a painstaking process, as the surgeon has to make tiny grafts over the head to implant each follicular unit. Men then have to wait a few months for the new hair growth to take hold. Costs can be prohibitive, as most insurance plans don’t cover the procedures, but many men end up very happy with the results.

What will you do about your hair loss? When I look at the studies above, I guess it comes down to a choice: Do you want to look powerful and strong (then go bald), or younger and successful (get some more hair)? Either way, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks associated with any procedures you decide to try.

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WHY ARE MY GUMS RECEDING? HOW TO ADDRESS SENSITIVITY AND PREVENT TOOTH LOSS

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Morgan Rice

Abby had been suffering from tooth sensitivity for years, but sensitive toothpaste seemed to take care of the problem most of the time. But then she started experiencing pain in one area of her mouth, above two of her teeth, and it was getting worse. She decided to check with her dentist.

Abby was diagnosed with receding gums, or “gingival recession,” as it’s termed medically. Fortunately, her dentist had many treatment options for her, and told her it was a good thing she came in. Without treatment, receding gums can lead to infection, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

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WHAT ARE RECEDING GUMS? The gum usually comes down and over the root of the tooth, protecting it from exposure to food and bacteria. Over time, however, that gum can start to pull back and up, exposing the root. It actually “recedes” from its former position, drawing back like a low tide.

There are a number of causes for receding gums. These include the following: ■ Aggressive brushing and flossing. If you tend to brush “too hard,” you may actu-

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ally traumatize the gums, causing them to recede. This can also happen if your brush is too hard.

Grinding the teeth: Some people grind their teeth and don’t even know it. Unfortunately, teeth grinding can lead to receding gums.

Tooth misalignment: If your teeth don’t line up right with each other, gums may recede over time.

Gum tissue trauma: If your gums suffered trauma for some reason — an infection or injury — the gums may recede.

Genetics: Some people are genetically more predisposed to gum recession. If your parents suffered from it, your risk is higher.

Inflammation: If the gums are inflamed for some reason — lack of oral care, or other health issues that promote inflammation — the gums may recede.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to gum recession.

Smoking: Smokers are more likely to suffer from receding gums.

Poor oral health: If you don’t take good care of your teeth and mouth, bacteria

and plaque can build up on the teeth, and the gums may recede as a result.

The good news is that receding gums are common, so if you have them, there are several treatments available.

HOW DO I FIX MY RECEDING GUMS? Most dentists recommend you start with good at-home care, as long as your condition is mild. This includes brushing more gently, finding a brush with a softer head, and making sure you’re brushing and flossing every day. Avoid acidic foods and drinks that wear away enamel (like soda, wine, and citrus juices) or drink them through a straw and rinse with water afterwards.

Beyond home care, a good dental cleaning can help, and antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and kill off any harmful bacteria. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard may help. Your dentist may also have advanced cleaning measures that can control the condition. Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and bonding agents can help reduce any related sensitivity. Only in more severe cases is surgery recommended, where the dentist grafts a piece of healthy tissue, such as from the roof of your mouth, to the receding area. www.4health.net

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4HEALTH

3 UNUSUAL ALLERGIES EVEN THE SUN CAN CAUSE A REACTION IN SOME PEOPLE

■■■ Colleen M. Story We all know people who are allergic to pollen, peanuts, or certain plants, but can someone really be allergic to exercise? Or shoes?

Apparently it’s possible. Here are a few unusual allergies and how the people who suffer with them cope.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY? An allergy is essentially an immune system dysfunction. When confronted with an otherwise harmless foreign body, such as a protein from a particular food or airborne pollen, the immune system goes into overdrive and attacks the “invader” in an effort to protect the body.

Histamine—a chemical messenger— is released to help the immune system carry out its duties.

Unfortunately, these histamines cause symptoms like inflammation, shortness of breath, hives, cramps, sneezing, vomiting, and more.

Why does the body react this way to certain invaders and not others? Doctors don’t know.

Fortunately, anti-histamines can usually temper symptoms so they don’t become life threatening. Avoiding the “trigger,” however—that substance that causes the allergic reaction—is still considered the most effective treatment, but for some people, that’s a tall order.

UNUSUAL ALLERGY #1: THE SUN People allergic to the sun can experience symptoms like rashes, headaches, nausea, and even

severe blisters and bleeding under the skin. The most common attack sites include the “V” of the neck, the back of the hands, and the outside surface of the arms and legs. The allergy is triggered by the changes that occur in the skin when it’s exposed to the sun, though it can also occur as a result of the effect of sunlight on a chemical that’s been applied to the skin from sunscreens, fragrances, or cosmetics. The best treatment is to cover up and avoid exposure to sunlight.

Some sunscreens may be helpful as well.

UNUSUAL ALLERGY #2: EXERCISE It may seem like the perfect excuse not to work out, but an exercise allergy makes fitness particularly inconvenient. Called exerciseinduced anaphylaxis (EIA), it can cause mild symptoms like hives, wheezing, lightheadedness, and gastrointestinal problems, and can also blow up into a life-threatening reaction.

Those who have this allergy may experience symptoms connected with any exercise, including tennis, swimming, or shoveling snow, but jogging and running are the most common inciting activities.

Doctors don’t know what causes EIA, but suspect that the “trigger” involves exercise and something else, like a medication, food, or even cold weather. In other words, if the person eats a peanut butter sandwich and then exercises and experiences symptoms, it may be the combination of the peanuts and the exercise together that causes the reaction.

Finding the “other” trigger through allergy testing can sometimes help eliminate the problem, as can antihistamine medications.

Because of the health effects involved, it is rarely recommended that the person abstain from all exercise.

UNUSUAL ALLERGY #3: SHOES Many women love the creative process of finding just the right pair of shoes to enhance an outfit. But some women have to get creative about their footwear for another reason—they’re allergic to the glues, resins, or other materials that go into making shoes.

The most common type of shoe allergy is a form of contact dermatitis—a skin allergy that creates uncomfortable itching and inflammation. According to DermatitisFacts. com, the major shoe-based irritants include a formaldehyde resin in shoe glues, shoe parts that contain rubber chemicals, leather components used in leather tanning, and rubber cement glue residues. The quality of the shoe may not matter, as the offending residues can exist in anything from sneakers to the most expensive dress shoes. Symptoms include redness, rash, soreness, dryness, and flaking. People with this allergy can cope by getting rid of the offending shoes, changing socks at least once a day (if not more often), reducing perspiration, using absorbent powders, and trying shoe inserts such as Dr. Scholl’s Air Form Pads into the shoe. www.4health.net

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PAIN IN MY SIDEIS IT APPENDICITIS? SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO SEE THE DOCTOR ■■■ Colleen M. Story You don’t feel like eating. You have a slight fever. And most concerning of all—you’ve got a pain in your side. Could it be appendicitis?

It’s possible, but these could also be symptoms of other health issues, including constipation, an ovarian cyst, a pulled or strained muscle, rib joint inflammation, gallstones, and more. Here’s how to determine whether or not your symptoms may point to appendicitis, and when you need to get to your doctor right away.

WHAT IS APPENDICITIS? Appendicitis is when the appendix becomes infected, inflamed, swollen, and filled with pus. It’s one of the most common reasons for emergency surgery, as without treatment, it can burst, dumping its contents into the abdominal cavity and potentially causing a serious infection in the abdomen. That’s why doctors encourage patients who suspect appendicitis to get treatment right away.

The appendix itself is a small pouch or tube, sort of shaped like a finger, that comes off the first part of the large intestine (called the “caecum”), just before the colon. It sits in the lower right area of the abdomen, between the chest and hips, and is normally about 5 to 10 centimeters long.

Scientists aren’t sure what the appendix is for, though some recent studies suggest it may be involved in supporting the friendly bacteria in our guts that help facilitate digestion and fight infections.

WHAT CAUSES APPENDICITIS? We’re still not sure what causes appendicitis, but so far we have a few theories: 1. Stomach infection: If an infection starts in the stomach, it can move to the appendix, where it would cause inflammation and swelling.

2. Obstruction: If a piece of hardened stool becomes trapped in the appendix (as it’s making it’s way into the colon), it can infect the appendix as it sits there, causing other materials to back up behind it.

3. Pollution: Toxins in the environment may also be to blame, as some studies have found a link between high pollution levels and a higher incidence of appendicitis, because of how these toxins can encourage inflammation in the body.

4. Inflammatory bowel disease: Diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other intestinal disorders that irritate the gastrointestinal tract can lead to appendicitis.

Though anyone at any age may suffer appendicitis, it’s more common in people 10-30 years old.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Abdominal pain is one of the most telltale symptoms of appendicitis. It’s not always present, however. About 50 percent of people who have appendicitis will experience this pain, but the other 50 percent may not.

The type of pain linked with appendicitis usually begins near the belly button and

moves lower and to the right, is unlike any pain you’ve felt before, may occur suddenly (possibly waking you up at night), gets worse in a matter of hours, and feels worse when you press on it, move around, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze.

Other symptoms of appendicitis include: ■ Loss of appetite ■ Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diar■ ■ ■ ■

rhea Inability to pass gas Low grade fever Abdominal swelling The feeling that passing stool will make it feel better

Other, more rare symptoms include painful urination, and a dull or sharp pain in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms listed below and your condition gets worse over a couple of hours, get to your primary physician right away. He or she will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct some tests (like blood tests and ultrasounds) to determine the cause of your symptoms. If it is appendicitis, the standard treatment is surgery to remove the appendix. Prompt surgery reduces the chances that the appendix will burst. Appendix surgery is very common, and most people recover quickly and don’t have to make any changes to their diet or lifestyle afterwards. www.4health.net

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SHOULD I HAVE MY CHILD’S TONSILS REMOVED? PROS AND CONS OF TONSILLECTOMY

■■■ Colleen M. Story Doctors have gone back and forth on the subject of tonsillectomy for years. It used to be they would recommend removing tonsils (and adenoids) in children suffering from multiple ear infections and respiratory problems. But then they started to believe that tonsil removal was unnecessary, and that parents needed only to wait it out for their children to feel better.

What is the current advice about tonsils?

Should children have them removed or not?

WHAT ARE TONSILS? If you still have your tonsils, you may be able to see them if you stick your tongue way out. (If you have really small ones, you may not be able to see them.) They are two small masses of lymphoid tissue that sit on each side of the root of the tongue, right next to the lining of the mouth or cheek.

Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections. When you’re actually suffering from an infection, though, such as strep throat, they can also become swollen, causing a sore throat, fever, and neck pain in some cases.

If the infection doesn’t go away, the tonsils may develop abscesses, which can be painful.

They are also susceptible to chronic tonsillitis, which is a persistent infection in the tonsils. www.4health.net

It is this type of repeated infection — called “tonsillitis”—that often leads to surgery to remove the tonsils.

WHAT IS A TONSILLECTOMY? A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the physician removes the tonsils, usually because the person (most often a child) is suffering from recurrent strep throats or other infections affecting the tonsils. The removal of the adenoids is often done at the same time.

Adenoids are glands in the roof of the mouth that are also supposed to help fight infections. They can also become infected themselves, making it hard to breathe and causing recurrent ear infections that without treatment, can lead to hearing loss.

Once these are removed, the child often experiences relief, with fewer infections, abscesses, sore throats, and other similar problems.

They typically go through life just fine, and enjoy more minor symptoms with the cold of flu.

There have been some studies showing that people without their tonsils, however, seem to be more susceptible to other infections later in life, since they no longer have the protection of the tonsils. Some healthcare providers now say that kids can outgrow their tonsil problems. They add that if the tonsils are left in place, the kids will enjoy the added immune protection throughout the rest of their lives.

SHOULD YOU PROCEED WITH A TONSILLECTOMY ON YOUR CHILD? The number of tonsillectomies performed on kids in this country has drastically declined over the past 30 years, but it is still one of the most common surgeries in children.

It’s still recommended for children who have recurrent abscesses around the tonsils, whose tonsils get large enough to interfere with breathing (causing snoring), or who have tonsils that contribute to adenoid swelling and recurrent ear infections threatening hearing.

If your child has infrequent infections, though, doctors today are likely to recommend that you simply wait them out until the child outgrows the issue. In fact, many doctors today are resistant to removing the tonsils (and adenoids) because of how they may benefit adults. One study even showed that tonsils become important producers of killer T-cells as we get older.

The best advice is for parents to follow their own intuition with each child.

There’s no reason for children to suffer with numerous ear infections or other illnesses if a tonsillectomy would help (which it often does). It all depends on the person, family history, and what you’re comfortable with. Bottom line: if your doctor isn’t helping, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

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4HEALTH

POOR SLEEP MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA WHAT TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN ■■■ Morgan Rice

■ In older adults 65–89 years, more than 8 hours of sleep was as-

How do you feel when you don’t get enough sleep? Do you find your thoughts wandering? Does it take longer to remember things? Are you forgetful?

Most of us experience symptoms like these after a long night. It’s not a big deal if it happens now and then. But what if we have regular sleep problems? New research shows that chronic insomnia can be a more dangerous situation. In fact, long-term sleep problems are associated with memory problems and other signs of cognitive decline as we age.

Want to stay sharp as you get older? It may be as simple as getting to bed on time.

■ In pre-retirement aged adults, sleep quality didn’t affect brain

sociated with lower brain function scores.

BETTER SLEEP COULD PROTECT AGAINST DEMENTIA For the study, researchers examined data from 4,000 male and about 5,000 female participants, aged 50 years and over. They looked at how long they slept and what the quality of sleep was. The results showed the following: ■ An overall association between quality and sleep duration and brain function.

■ In adults between the ages of 50 and 64, less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours of sleep per night were associated with lower brain function scores.

function scores, but it did in adults older than 65 years.

■ Researchers concluded that 6–8 hours of sleep per night is impor-

tant for optimal brain function for all age groups.

“Sleep is important for good health and mental wellbeing,” said co-author Professor Francesco Cappuccio. “Optimizing sleep at an older age may help to delay the decline in brain function seen with age, or indeed may slow or prevent the rapid decline that leads to dementia.”

OTHER STUDIES SHOW INSOMNIA DAMAGES BRAIN This isn’t the only study to show how lack of sleep can harm the brain. In the fall of 2014, researchers reported that sleep problems like insomnia could actually “shrink” the brain. They looked at 147 adults between the ages of 20 and 84. They took MRI scans of their brains, and asked them to fill out questionnaires concerning their sleep habits.

Three-and-a-half years later, they took a second set of brain scans.

The results showed that those with sleep problems had “a more rapid decline in brain volume or size over the course of the study than www.4health.net

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those who slept well,” according to CNN. The effect was even more significant in those over the age of 60. Such reductions in brain tissue have been found in other studies to potentially be linked to poor memory and difficulty thinking.

An earlier study linked poor sleep to poor cognitive performance.

Researchers stated that total sleep deprivation impairs attention and working memory, and also affects long-term memory and decisionmaking. Even partial sleep deprivation can influence the ability to pay attention.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN Sleep is key to protecting the brain, but good, quality sleep can be difficult at all stages of life, and particularly as we age.

Try to make sleep a priority whatever else is going on. The following tips should help you get 6–8 hours of quality sleep on most nights: ■ Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.

■ Make your bedroom conducive to sleep — no phones, no tablets,

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no computers, no televisions. Keep the temperature cool and the light out. Get a good mattress!

If you’re experiencing health problems that are interfering with your sleep, talk to your doctor and ask for solutions.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day — studies have shown it helps promote quality sleep.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least three hours before bedtime.

Establish a bedtime routine that includes an hour of quiet activity with low lights.

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ADVANCED CENTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF: • Headache and atypical facial pain • Neck and back pain • Impinged nerve and neuralgia • Muscle pain, weakness and sensory disturbance • Dizziness and noise in the head or ears • Fainting spells and epilepsy • Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory loss • Parkinson’s disease and other causes of tremor • Residual deficit of a stroke and it’s prevention • Depression and anxiety • The effects of work-related injuries and automobile accidents

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WITH THE AID OF THE MOST MODERN TECHNOLOGY WE PERFORM:

• Computer diagnostics of neuromuscular diseases • Ultrasound diagnostics of intracranial and extracranial vasculature • Electroencephalography

TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT INCLUDE: • Intravenous drips and nerve blocks • Homeopathic treatment • Rehabilitation, massage and traction • Electrotherapy, thermotherapy and ultrasound treatment

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE AND PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION www.4health.net

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4HEALTH

SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL BRAIN TUMOR COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THIS RARE DISORDER

■■■

Gordon Barclay

“IT’S NOT LIKE YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR!” You may have said this to a complaining friend a time or two. We can all get a little too worried about our own health problems, especially if we get on the Internet and frighten ourselves by making our own uninformed diagnoses. It’s always best to check with a doctor before letting the imagination run wild.

But still, there’s that silent voice that says, “But what if it is a brain tumor?” Is there any way to know?

WHAT IS A BRAIN TUMOR? A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine that may disrupt normal brain function. It’s not necessarily cancerous. A benign brain tumor, for example, doesn’t contain cancer cells, and usually doesn’t spread into other tissues. It may still affect the brain, though.

A malignant tumor is cancerous, and may spread to other areas of the body. Sometimes tumors start in the brain, in which they’re called “primary tumors.” Other times, they develop in response to other cancers, like lung

cancer. These types of brain tumors are called “metastatic” or “secondary” brain tumors.

There are over 100 types of brain tumors, and they are all different. They can also act differently, and affect a person differently, which is why it is near impossible to determine that you have a brain tumor without medical help.

The good news is that according to the American Cancer Society, the chance that a person will develop a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than one percent.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIGNS OF A BRAIN TUMOR? The symptoms of brain tumors will vary widely from person to person, depending on what kind of tumor it is, how large it’s grown, and where it’s located. Some potential signs, however, include the following: ■ Daily headaches that don’t go away; they are often worse when you lie down or first wake up ■ Subtle loss of vision, blurred or double vision ■ Muscle weakness and lethargy ■ Slurred or stuttering speech, inability to express or understand language ■ Behavior changes, mood swings, and risky behaviors; personality changes

■ Loss of hearing or ear ringing ■ Loss of balance or coordination ■ Seizures

Remember that having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have a brain tumor. They are simply symptoms of some sort of problem. It’s critical to see your doctor before jumping to conclusions.

HOW IS A BRAIN TUMOR DIAGNOSED? It’s not easy to diagnose a brain tumor.

Doctors will take a full medical history, perform a thorough examination, and may conduct a number of tests, like an MRI, along with hearing and vision tests, tests of balance and coordination, and other imaging tests, like CT or PET scans. Other specialists may get involved, including neurologists. If doctors do see a growth in the brain, they will likely take a biopsy to find out if it’s cancerous or not.

After the extensive diagnostic process, if doctors do determine that the problem is a brain tumor, they have many treatment options available, depending on location, size, and type. If the tumor somewhere doctors can get at it, they will likely recommend surgery to remove it. If it’s cancerous, they may recommend radiation therapy, radiosurgery, or chemotherapy. www.4health.net

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E-CIGARETTES ARE NOT HARMLESS

HOW DO THESE PRODUCTS STACK UP AGAINST TRADITIONAL CIGARETTES? ■■■ Morgan Rice E-cigarettes will help you quit, they say. They’re much safer than regular cigarettes, because they don’t have all that tar and chemicals.

Choose these and enjoy fewer risks of disease!

Well, not so fast. Recent research shows that these newcomers to the tobacco industry are not as benign as they may seem.

ARE E-CIGARETTES SAFER THAN TRADITIONAL CIGARETTES? It seems to be true that e-cigarettes are not as bad as regular cigarettes. Traditional smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It’s not the nicotine (the addictive substance) in the cigarettes that causes cancer: it’s the tobacco and other chemicals that are extremely harmful to the lungs and the rest of the body.

In 2016, the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom actually urged smokers to switch to e-cigarettes, because the are less likely to cause disease. The physicians also referred to the products as promising tools to help people to quit smoking.

E-cigarettes deliver nicotine without the harmful tar and other chemicals that are firmly tied to cancer. They deliver liquefied nicotine in a water vapor (thus the term, “vaping”), rather than delivering via smoke. Many users have switched to these products as the lesser of two evils.

The problem, regulators say, is that the advertisements for these products can make them seem completely harmless, which is far from the truth.

THE DANGERS OF E-CIGARETTES The chemical nicotine, which is the main element in both types of cigarettes, is still addictive, and causes withdrawal symptoms when people stop using it. Some research shows that it may harm the arteries over time. It can also damage the developing brains of young people, and cause developmental problems in unborn babies.

The American Lung Association states that nicotine use during adolescence and young adulthood has been associated with lasting cogniwww.4health.net

tive and behavioral problems, including effects on working memory and attention.

There are also other chemicals that end up in the water vapor of ecigarettes. The FDA conducted lab tests in 2009 and found detectable levels of toxic cancer-causing chemicals, including an ingredient used in anti-freeze, in two leading brands and 18 various cartridges. Other studies have shown varying levels of toxins. In 2014, researchers found that the aerosol from e-cigarettes with a higher voltage level had more formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen.

The other concern is that the e-cigarettes come in different flavors, which may be attractive to children and young people. Not only could these flavors attract more kids to smoke, but the flavorings may be unsafe themselves. Diacetyl, a flavored chemical often added to food products, has been found in some e-cigarettes, and it has been linked with irreversible lung disease.

Second-hand “smoke” (or vapor) has also been found to be anything from safe with e-cigarettes. Studies have found carcinogens formaldehyde, benzene, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines coming from these products, with other studies showing that their emissions can include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other potentially dangerous chemicals. The U. S. Surgeon General now states that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless, as some manufacturers have led us to believe.

SHOULD YOU SWITCH? If you’re someone who is addicted to smoking, transferring to e-cigarettes will likely be a good move for you. We don’t have studies on the long-term effects of using them, but from what we know so far, they contain fewer disease-causing chemicals than regular cigarettes do.

If you really want to protect your health, though, the best answer is still to quit, however you can. Some say that e-cigarettes can help you quit, but so far we have little research showing this to be true. Usually people just switch and continue to smoke (or vape). Of course, it’s always worth a try, and you may be able to work with your doctor to make it happen.

The most important thing is to explain to your kids that this is not a “safe” option. The only safe choice is to avoid smoking completely.

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4HEALTH

BACK OR NECK PAIN? HEAD TRAUMA? SOPHISTICATED TREATMENT AVAILABLE NEAR YOU! AWARD-WINNING DOCTOR SUNDARESAN OFFERS EXPERIENCED NEUROLOGICAL CARE Did you know that if you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, head trauma, spinal problems, or other disorders related to the central nervous system, you can find some of the top doctors in the field right in your home town?

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Narayan Sundaresan — one of the top neurosurgeons at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for seven years — about his practice in the New York City area. Dr. Sundaresan has authored over 100 abstracts and peer-reviewed articles in the top oncology and spine journals, and currently works with a team of neurosurgical specialists of NY Neurosurgery, PC and Generations Neurosurgery, PC at the largest medical center.

WHAT DO NEUROSURGEONS TREAT? Neurosurgeons like Dr. Sundaresan specialize in disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, including the following: ■ traumatic injuries to the brain, skull, spinal cord, or nerves ■ tumors in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skull, or spine ■ back pain caused by pinched nerves, infections, fractures, and ruptured or bulging disks ■ neurovascular disorders such as aneurysms, strokes, and brain hemorrhages ■ brain disorders like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease ■ infections of the brain and/or spinal cord

DOCTOR SPECIALIZES IN TREATING BACK AND NECK PAIN Dr. Sundaresan has managed a level-one trauma center for 25 years, and says he still sees a substantial amount of neurosurgery done for head trauma and spinal trauma from motor vehicle accidents. He also treats a substantial number of gunshot wounds, but says that his actual specialty is in treating patients with degenerative conditions, like back and spine problems.

“I would venture to say that more than 25% of human beings have problems with this,” he says, “and that’s the group I’m focused on right now as they also require surgical treatment.”

He notes that back problems often come from work-related injuries, especially with patients who are in the construction business, or who have been in car accidents.

“The majority of my patients come in because they have a herniated disc or ruptured disk in the neck or back and they’re in excruciating pain from pressure on the nerves. And it’s taking care of them that’s a big part of my practice.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD DOCTORPATIENT RELATIONSHIP As one of the youngest neurosurgeons in the nation, Sundaresan was working in the field before technology became so critical in the care of the central nervous system. Prior to the heavy use of CAT scans and MRIs, for instance, it was important for a doctor to be able to make a diagnosis without a lot of special equipment.

“In the early days there was a lot of good judgment involved,” he says. “Surgeons of my generation learned by talking to the patient, listening to their history, being personally involved. The clinical skills were very, very important. The way that we were taught was we had to assume personal responsibility not only in surgery, in their preoperative care, their postoperative care, and ongoing care, so there was a very complete relationship.”

In the NY Neurosurgery PC, the doctors pride themselves on continuing the idea that complete care must involve a solid foundation of communication and trust between doctor and patient.

RUSSIAN-SPEAKING NEUROSURGEON JOINS NY NEUROSURGERY PC With years of experience treating people with all types of backgrounds, Dr. Sundaresan sees a large number of Russian-speaking patients, par-

ticularly at his Coney Island location, where he works with Generations Neurosurgery, PC. “Coney Island Hospital is unique because it is the hospital for a very large group of Russians,” he says. Most of the physician’s assistants at Coney Island Hospital speak Russian, so patients are very comfortable there.

“We have hired for our group a Russianspeaking neurosurgeon,” he says, “who wants to settle in this community and build a practice and serve the Russian community. It’s very difficult for us to find someone with that background. But we have now gotten an extremely well trained doctor who wants to join us.”

In fact, the doctor’s practice is well suited to take care of all types of neurosurgical issues in the local community, and encourages patients in the Brooklyn area to visit Coney Island. “I think for the outsider who looks at Coney Island or looks at another hospital you’re not aware as to how sophisticated the services are,” he says. “But this hospital does have a lot of advanced tech in neurosurgery, and we have a very, very experienced neurosurgical team taking care of this.

Patients don’t have to go to Manhattan — they have it right here.”

CONTACT DR. SUNDARESAN TODAY In addition to treating back and neck pain along with other neurosurgical conditions, Dr. Sundaresan is often sought out by patients overseas because of his expertise in dealing with complex tumors. He and his team have offices and treat patients in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. For more information, contact the clinic at 212–876–7575, or visit their website at www.nyneurosurgerypc.com.

Generations Neurosurgery, PC

(212) 876-7575 (844)-95-SPINE (77463) www.4health.net

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GENERATIONS

5 East 84th St, New York, NY 10028

Erico CARDOSO, MD TOLL FREE

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4HEALTH

BUT MY PARTNER LIKES ME FAT HOW TO MANAGE RELATIONSHIPS AND WEIGHT LOSS

■■■ Colleen M. Story Lily thought her husband was being helpful when he went to the store to stock up on groceries, but then when she saw what he’d purchased — candy bars, cookies, donuts, and the like — she did a double-take. “I’m trying to lose weight, and he knows it. Is there a reason he’s tempting me to fail?”

Tara had a similar problem. She wanted to lose weight for her health, but her boyfriend insisted he liked her the way she was. “If I lose weight, he says he won’t be attracted to me anymore.”

Achieving a healthy weight is a worthwhile goal for anyone, but it can be difficult when you’re in a relationship. How do you manage the situation without letting it derail your weight-loss goals?

WEIGHT LOSS CAN IMPROVE OR THREATEN COMMUNICATION When weight loss affects relationships, it can leave you feeling conflicted. On the one hand, maybe you’ve had a health scare, and you’re ready to take better care of yourself and your body. On the other hand, you care about your partner, and the last thing you want to do is disappoint him or her.

This isn’t a rare problem. According to a recent study, many relationships go through difficulties when one partner succeeds at losing, and the other doesn’t or has no interest in doing so.

Researchers from the North Carolina State University surveyed 21 couples from across the country. One person in each couple had lost 30 or more pounds in less than two years.

The results showed the following: ■ After weight loss, communication improved. The partner who had lost weight was more likely to talk about healthy

habits, and to inspire his or her partner to join in a healthy lifestyle.

■ If the other person was open to the idea, both partners experienced improved interactions, and increased intimacy.

■ If, however, the other person was not interested, communication became increasingly negative. The partner who did not lose weight sometimes reported feeling threatened by the other’s healthier weight.

Those who felt threatened were more likely to make critical comments about their partners, and to try to sabotage their efforts to remain at the new weight.

Researchers noted it was all dependent on the partner’s attitude — and the pressure that the weight-losing partner either did or did not put on the other. “When both partners bought into the idea of healthy changes and were supportive of one another,” said lead author Dr. Lynsey Romo, “weight loss appeared to bring people closer. When significant others resisted healthy changes and were not supportive of their partner’s weight loss, the relationship suffered.”

TIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION A recent SparkPeople poll showed that 34 percent of respondents said their partner sabotaged their weight-loss efforts more than anyone else in their lives. If you’re facing these sorts of difficulties, here are some tips. In the end, you have to make your own choices. In most cases, remaining unhealthy is not the best choice for you to make for yourself or your partner.

Negative comments: You’re getting too skinny. You think you’re so special. If you’re getting negative comments like these, real-

ize they may be based in fear. Perhaps your partner feels that as you lose weight, you’ll lose interest in him. Continue to reassure him, and try to involve him or her in your new healthy habits. Go for a walk together, or ask him to try a new restaurant with you.

Distance: Just because you want to lose weight, don’t expect your partner to feel the same. Pressuring her to join you will likely only contribute to the distance between you.

Your best way of convincing her is through example, so continue with your healthy habits and talk about how good you feel, but refrain from instructing her on what she should be doing.

Arguments: If you do the shopping and you bring home salads and chicken breasts and your partner’s favorite dinner is pasta, expect a fight. It’s critical that you continue to respect your partner’s wishes. Fix your meals as you like, but allow your partner to do the same. You can offer to share, but don’t force it.

Time: If you’re suddenly spending hours at the gym that you used to spend with your partner, you can’t expect him to feel happy about it. Try to find things you can do together while still getting the exercise you need.

Choose something you know he’ll enjoy now and then, like walking the dog or hiking in the hills.

In the end, your improved health will give you more energy and vitality, which your partner can’t help but notice. Give him time to adjust to the new you, continue to reassure him, and see how it goes. If, in the end, you can’t be yourself, it may be that there were problems in the relationship to begin with, and you’ll need to re-evaluate what’s best for you. www.4health.net

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WHICH TREATMENT WORKS BEST FOR LAZY EYE? TABLET GAMES MAY NOT BE THAT EFFECTIVE ■■■ By Gordon Barclay When I was in second grade, we had a kid named Stan who had one eye that looked, well, sort of funny. The iris turned in toward the corner of his eye, like he was trying to look cross-eyed, but just with one eye, because the other eye looked fine. We didn’t know what was wrong with him, and I’m ashamed to say we poked fun at him at times.

Soon, however, Stan showed up at school with a patch over his good eye, leaving visible only the funny looking one. Of course, that provided the other boys with ammunition to tease him some more, but he was a good sport, and told us he was extra cool, because he looked

like a pirate. We laughed it off, but truth be told, some of us thought he did look cool, and wondered if we should get a patch ourselves, especially when the prettiest girl in the class started helping him with his schoolwork.

After several weeks, Stan’s patch disappeared, and we were surprised to discover his eye looked just fine. To our chagrin, he and the pretty girl were fast friends by then.

Today, I know that Stan suffered from a lazy eye. The National Institutes of Health states that it affects about 1–2 children out of every 100. I did wonder, though — do kids still wear patches to fix it? And is that the best treatment?

WHAT IS LAZY EYE? Lazy eye, or “amblyopia,” as it’s medically termed, is a condition in which one eye doesn’t communicate with the brain like it should. There’s nothing physically wrong with it. It’s not diseased or injured. It’s usually formed correctly and has all its parts, but for some reason, the brain plays favorites, and works only with the opposite eye. As the neglected eye is ignored, it often wanders inward or outward, which is why Stan’s eye looked funny.

The condition is fairly serious. It can cause loss of vision, including loss of depth perception. It cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, and if not treated early on, can prove stubborn and may resist treatment, though new research shows that even older individuals can be cured.

WHAT CAUSES LAZY EYE? Doctors don’t know yet what cause lazy eye.

It usually develops between birth and 7 years, and is the leading cause of decreased vision in children. It may even effect both eyes, but that’s very rare.

Scientists do have some theories. The most popular one is that some of the muscles that position the eye are underdeveloped. The imbalance in muscle strength causes the eye to cross in or turn out, and prevents correct vision. Another theory is that the eyes differ in their ability to see. One may be nearsighted, for example, and the other farsighted.

There are certain risk factors that can increase risk of lazy eye in children. These include premature birth, low birth weight, a family history of lazy eye, and developmental disabilities.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS LAZY EYE? In addition to the “eye wandering” we talked about above, there are some other symptoms of lazy eye. These include poor depth perception, squinting or shutting one eye, tilting the head to better see, or abnormal results on vision screening tests. Ophthalmologists advise parents to make an appointment with the eye doctor immediately if they see the eye wandering at any time during the first few weeks of life, and begin regular eye exams between the ages of 3 and 5.

The eye doctor will examine the child, and check for visual differences between the eyes.

Possible treatments include corrective eyewear like glasses, eye patches, the “Bangerter filter” (a special filter placed on eyeglasses to

blur the stronger eye), and eye drops. Surgery is reserved as a last resort.

WHICH TREATMENT WORKS BEST? Though treatment depends on your child’s individual condition, a recent study reported that of all the treatments available today, patching continues to be the most successful.

Researchers had kids with lazy eyes either play a binocular iPad game for one hour a day, or have their good eye patched for 2 hours a day.

In the binocular game, images are presented “dichoptically,” which means that there is an image presented for each eye.

One is a high-contrast image for the lazy eye, and the other is a low-contrast image for the healthy eye. Results showed that children improved with both methods, but that patching was superior, particularly in kids aged 5–12.

Looks like Stan had it right all along.ow Researbbut that

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4HEALTH

WHEN TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION EYESIGHT DISEASE EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2050

■■■ Colleen M. Story Many of us worry about age-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and joint disease. But what we may not think about is a disease that’s gradually increasing in our population, and threatens to steal our sight—macular degeneration. According to the American Health Assistance Foundation, macular degeneration is a major cause of visual impairment in the U.S., with an estimated 11 million people suffering from some form of it. Even more troubling is the fact that by 2050, experts expect that figure to double to nearly 22 million.

What is macular degeneration? How can you tell if you’re at risk?

WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) gradually destroys sharp, central vision, making it more difficult to focus. It gradually deteriorates the macula, which is at the center of the retina at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for helping us to see clearly straight ahead, and when it’s damaged, the result is blind spots and blurred or distorted vision, and sometimes, blindness. In fact, AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in Americans age 65 and older.

There are two types of AMD: wet, and dry.

In wet AMD, new blood vessels grow under the retina and leak or bleed, which damages the macula. Wet AMD is quite rare, affecting only 10 percent of those with AMD, but it is

more severe, destroys the macula more quickly, and is more likely to result in blindness.

Dry AMD is much more common, affecting 90 percent of those with the disease. In dry AMD, the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring vision.

SYMPTOMS OF AMD How can you tell if you may have AMD? The best way is to get regular checkups with your optometrist, who can detect the disease in its early stages. Symptoms of AMD vary depending on which type you have. Dry AMD shows up as slightly blurred central vision. You may have trouble recognizing faces, reading, or doing other close-up tasks. Only one eye may be affected. Those who have wet AMD may see straight lines as wavy, or distorted central vision, and the changes may occur more quickly.

WHO’S AT RISK? The biggest risk factor for AMD is age—one third of adults over the age of 75 are affected. Other risk factors include smoking, which increases risk by two to five-fold; a family history of AMD; gender, as females are more likely to be affected; race, as Caucasians carry a higher risk than other races; and prolonged and unprotected sun exposure, since UV light damages retinal tissue. Overweight individuals are also at increased risk, particularly those with a body mass index over 30, who are 2.5 times more likely to be affected. Finally, high blood pressure, which affects the blood vessels that nourish the retina, can increase risk.

TREATMENT OPTIONS Though there is no cure for AMD, some treatments can delay its progression and even improve vision. These include nutritional intervention and some FDA-approved drugs and therapies. That’s why it’s important to get regular vision checkups, as an early diagnosis can help delay vision loss if you do end up with AMD.

HOW TO PREVENT AMD Fortunately, AMD is partly under your control. Lifestyle steps can protect your eyes and reduce your risk. If you notice any changes in your vision, take time out of your schedule to see the doctor right away.

Get regular checkups.

Don’t smoke or stop smoking.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a varied diet that includes leafy green veggies, fruit, fish and foods containing vitamins B6, B12, D, E, C, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids, which all help nourish the macula. Talk with your doctor—you may want to take fish oil and/ or vitamin B supplements.

■ Exercise regularly—those who break a sweat at least three times a week experience a 25 percent reduction in the rate of progression to AMD. ■ Maintain a healthy blood pressure.

■ Wear sunglasses and hats to protect the eyes from UV rays.

■ ■ ■ ■

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WHAT’S THE BEST PAIN RELIEF FOR GRANDPA? HOW TO REDUCE RISKS OF SOME PAINKILLERS ■■■ Colleen M. Story Getting old isn’t for sissies, my dad used to say. Indeed, statistics show that 50 percent of adults who live to be 75–85 years old suffer from chronic pain, often back and joint pain. Unfortunately, that pain goes untreated in many cases, or is treated with addictive medications that can have serious side effects.

If you are a senior struggling with chronic pain, or if you have a loved one who is, you may wonder: What is the best way to relieve pain?

MANAGING MEDICATIONS IN THE ELDERLY Seniors often have a number of existing health problems, some of which may cause their pain. They may be taking other medications to www.4health.net

4HEALTH deal with these issues. It’s not unusual, for example, for a senior person to be taking a statin for blood cholesterol, medication for high blood pressure, and perhaps a blood-thinning drug to prevent blood clots, along with other potential medications like antidepressants, diuretics (to manage edema), and more.

Addressing pain, then, becomes difficult.

Certain drugs can interact negatively with each other. Opioids, which are often prescribed for severe pain, are effective, but they can have very difficult side effects. They can also be addictive. In fact, a 2008 study reported that 44 percent of veterans receiving an analgesic (pain relieving medication) were also receiving opioids.

Other studies have shown that opioids can negatively affect the elderly even more than other adults. Those seniors taking morphine and codeine, for example, were at a higher risk for fractures, heart attack and stroke, and death more than those taking other types of pain relievers.

Even over-the-counter pain relievers have their risks, though. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause stomach problems like ulcers and increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Older people have a higher risk in general of side effects from medications.

Recent studies are also discovering that a number of medications act differently in the elderly. Kidneys become smaller with age, and are less able to remove medications from the body. That means the drugs may stay in the system longer than expected. The liver has a harder time breaking down some medications, and the stomach acid levels decrease, affecting how absorption of oral drugs.

All of these factors increase the challenges faced when addressing chronic pain in older individuals.

WHAT’S THE BEST SOLUTION FOR PAIN? Fortunately, doctors are open today to examining a number of other ways to address pain. It’s still best to prescribe opioids in some instances (starting with the lowest dose possible), and drug therapy can still be effective much of the time. But there are other options people should be aware of. These include the following: ■ Radiofrequency denervation: This works

particularly well for back pain, and was found in a 2013 study to have beneficial effects in treating elderly patients with chronic back pain. www.4health.net

■ Meditation: Regular meditation has been

shown to help reduce chronic pain in several studies. It can help change how the brain responds to pain signals, while reducing stress and improving sleep.

■ Acupuncture: Researchers have found that acupuncture can be helpful in treating low-back and headache pain, as well as other types of chronic pain, with few to any side effects.

■ Physical therapy: Increasing strength and flexibility can help relieve many types of pain, particularly joint and muscle pain.

■ Cognitive behavioral therapy: Stress and anxiety are known to increase the perception of pain. Cognitive therapy can help patients better control their pain, and learn to manage their triggers.

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There are other options as well, including biofeedback, spinal-cord stimulation, and more. Patients and their families are encouraged to consult with a pain specialist. These are physicians that are familiar with the various forms of pain relief. They can help evaluate all medications and treatments that a patient is currently using, and recommend other potential solutions.

The bottom line is that no matter how old you are, you shouldn’t have to suffer from chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about your options, be careful with medications, and don’t be afraid to try some other methods you may not have tried before. When dealing with pain relief, there can be more than one solution, and it’s often best to combine a number of different types of approaches to improve quality of life.

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10 FUN HEART-HEALTHY EXERCISES ACTIVE ALTERNATIVES TO WALKING AND RUNNING

■■■ Colleen M. Story Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States, so no surprise that we’re all looking for ways to reduce our risk. A healthy diet is a good start, but we can up our protection even more by committing to a regular exercise program.

Studies show that even moderate exercise like walking can help prevent heart disease.

For example, one study found that brisk walking and vigorous exercise were associated with substantial and similar reductions in heart attacks among women.1 Of course most of us know that running is also great for the heart.

But what if walking or running isn’t for you?

Are there other exercises that are just as effective? We did some looking and found several options to keep you interested and active!

1 - Bicycling. You may have enjoyed it as a kid, but how long has it been since you pulled your bike out of the garage? Biking is great for the heart, and even if you live in cold-weather areas, you can benefit from the indoor models. Today’s recumbent bikes offer a cycling alternative even for those with back problems or other injuries.

2 - Skating. Roller-skating, ice-skating, and inline skating are all great exercises for the heart—and usually a lot of fun! If you’re a newbie, just be sure to wear some protective

gear on your head and knees, particularly if you’re rolling on paved surfaces.

3 - Cross-country skiing. This is a real workout and a great alternative for the winter months. It gets you out into the sunshine while working all parts of your body. And you don’t have to travel for hours to hit the mountain slopes—many city parks now accommodate cross-country skiers.

4 - Rowing. Love the water? Than this one’s for you. Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting can all be great cardiovascular exercises, say nothing of the upper-body workout you’ll get. Meanwhile you can experience some great scenery and enjoy the adventure of the waves!

5 - Yard work. You may not see this as fun, but you can double up and count your lawn mowing as heart-healthy time—as long as you’re using a push mower. Raking leaves, shoveling snow, clipping bushes, pulling weeds, and gardening are all considered great exercise for the heart.

6 - Dancing. Are you a fan of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars?” Then why not cut a rug yourself? Take a dancing class a few times a week and not only will you be learning something new, you’ll be doing your heart a favor.

Don’t have time for a class? Turn on your favorite tunes and spend 20-30 minutes dancing in your living room. No one has to know!

7 - Jump Rope. You can do it at home, you can do it cheap, and you can do it while watching television if you want to. One of the easiest aerobic exercises, this one can be extra fun if you keep track of how many jumps you can do, and try to increase it every day. You can also break it up—jump for ten minutes in the morning and ten later in the day and you’ll still enjoy the health benefits.

8 - Mini Trampoline. You can get one of these just about anywhere, and there’s no doubt this exercise is fun. Like jump roping, you can do it while watching television, which may inspire you to work out a little longer.

9 - Video Gaming. If you have a Nintendo, there are several options out there for video exercising. In fact, the American Heart Association has partnered with Nintendo to show people that active play video games can encourage heart health (see www.Activeplaynow.com). Try games like Wii Fit, Guitar Hero, Just Dance, and Shattered Memories.

10 - Swimming. Great for those with injuries, swimming provides a whole-body resistance workout without straining joints and tendons. Try thirty minutes of laps or take your kids for a fun afternoon in the water.

REFERENCES JoAnn e. Manson, M.D., et al. A prospective study of walking as compared with vigorous exercise in the prevention of coronary heart disease in women. The New England Journal of Medicine, 1999; 341: 650-658.

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FIBER MAY REDUCE YOUR RISK OF STROKE HOW TO INCREASE YOUR DAILY INTAKE ■■■ Colleen M. Story You probably already know that a highfiber diet is good for you. It can help support digestive health, help you maintain a healthy weight, and lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Now, a new study gives you another reason to keep those whole grains on your plate — fiber may help you reduce your risk of stroke.

STUDY SHOWS FIBER REDUCES RISK OF STROKE For this study, researchers analyzed the results of eight other large, observational studies published between 1990 and 2012 that looked at various types of strokes. Four examined what is called an “ischemic stroke,” when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Three examined what is called a “hemorrhagic stroke,” in which a blood vessel bursts in the brain, causing leakage. The total number of study participants was close to 500,000.

After looking at how much total dietary fiber the study participants ate, scientists found the following results: ■ For every 7-gram increase in daily fiber

intake (about half a cup of beans or two to three small servings of fruits of vegetables), there was a 7 percent lower incidence of first-time stroke.

■ Those who ate the most fiber had the lowest chance of stroke.

■ American women consume about 13

grams of fiber, and men eat about 17 grams a day. The American Heart Association, however, recommends at least 25 grams a day — which is equal to 6–8 servings of grains and 8–10 servings of fruits and vegetables.

Why would fiber affect stroke risk? Researchers speculated that it may help people maintain a healthy weight, and may also help keep blood vessels more healthy and flexible, which makes them less likely to be prone to clotting.

WORK MORE FIBER INTO YOUR DIET Though it helps to have the information that studies provide us, how can we apply the findings in our daily lives? According to senior author Victoria J. Burley, “A seven grams a day increase is an achievable goal. You’re talking about swapping white bread for whole wheat or increasing vegetable and fruit by two portions a day.”

Stroke is a serious health risk, with about 800,000 Americans suffering one every year.

Strokes also cause one out of every 18 U.S. deaths, and the risk factors are growing. As more people become overweight, suffer from diabetes, and struggle with heart disease, the risk for stroke increases as well.

Just how much is 25 grams a day? (The Mayo Clinic recommends an even higher 30 grams for men over 51 years old.) Nutrition experts recommend making a few general changes in your diet. These include:

■ Change from white bread to whole grain

or multi-grain bread ■ Use brown rice and whole-wheat pasta

instead of white rice and white flour pasta ■ Choose whole grain breakfast cereals with the grain first in the ingredient list ■ Try to fit in at least 5 servings per day of vegetables and two servings of fruit, preferably with the skin on ■ Eat beans and legumes two to three times a week ■ Snack on a handful of nuts or dried fruits ■ High-Fiber Foods Some other examples of high-fiber foods are listed below. There are a lot of other options, so find some that you like and incorporate them regularly, and you’re likely to lower your risk of not only stroke, but high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes as well.

■ 2 slices of whole-wheat bread (4 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup raisin bran cereal (7.5 grams fiber) ■ ½ cup fat-free refried beans (6 grams fiber) ■ 1 large apple (4 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup carrot slices, cooked (5 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup raspberries (11 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup cooked spinach (4 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup roasted yams (5 grams fiber) ■ 1 cup whole wheat spaghetti (6 grams fiber) ■ ½ cup kidney beans (8 grams fiber) ■ 1 tablespoon flaxseed (3 grams fiber) www.4health.net

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BACK PAIN?

FIND HELP AT THE USA VASCULAR CENTERS! THE STORY OF SOPHIA VERNER According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work, and is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor (outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections). There a number of causes, ranging from overloading of muscles to vertebral fractures and even cancer.

In many cases, back pain can be relieved with physical therapy or other conservative methods. Other spine problems require surgery. If your pain is caused by a spinal fracture or osteoporosis that has caused the vertebrae to collapse, you know the agony of chronic pain.

The USA Vascular Centers are acknowledged experts in the treatment of pain due to spinal fractures and spinal tumors with minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures, such as kyphoplasty and radiofrequency ablation.

Treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, using the most modern equipment, and are customized for each individual patient. One of the key advantages to going to The USA Vascular Centers, as opposed to the hospital, is a minimal recovery period.

For the treatment of back pain caused by spinal fractures due to trauma or osteoporosis, the USA Vascular Centers perform a minimally invasive, highly effective procedure called kyphoplasty. For longterm elimination of severe pain caused by cancer metastases in the spine, they use one of the most modern and effective methods, called radiofrequency ablation.

Today we talk with Sophia Verner, a patient of The USA Vascular Centers, who got rid of back pain with the help of kyphoplasty.

Sophia, why did you go to The USA Vascular Centers?

My back was aching very badly, especially when I stood or walked.

The pain was nagging and strong, and I wanted to sit or lay down. Then I fell, and during a medical examination, my doctors discovered I had two fractures in my spine. How I got them, I didn’t know.

I had already seen my primary physician, a neurologist, and a physiotherapist about my back pain, but none had discovered these fractures. I was told to take painkillers and try physical therapy, but none of these methods helped.

When the pain got really bad, I started to look for a way to cure it. I came across the magazine “Medical Office” and I found an article about Dr. Halpert, who was an expert in the kyphoplasty procedure for the treatment of compression fracture of the spine. After reading the article, I immediately made an appointment.

During the visit, I liked the doctor right away—he was knowledgeable and very compassionate. He was also the first person who said, “I can help you.” And he has kept his promise. I feel much better.

How was the treatment performed?

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I came to the doctor for a consultation, then again for a CT scan, and then went through the treatment, which consisted of only two procedures with an interval of three weeks. Each procedure was performed under general anesthesia and took about 20 minutes. After each session I was told to rest on my back for two hours, and then I was allowed to go home.

How soon did you experience relief?

I felt better after the first treatment. Now, one month after my treatment, I still experience some minor pain, but it can’t be compared to what I experienced before. To promote healing, I now go to physical therapy and get acupuncture treatments.

What would tell our readers who are plagued by back problems?

To anyone who suffers from the same pain after fractures as I did— don’t wait until the pain becomes intolerable, and don’t agree to go to the hospital for surgery.

Instead, contact Dr. Halpert at the USA Vascular Centers, and I’m sure you won’t regret it! The treatment is very easy and the results can be felt instantly. The staff there is very responsive, nice, and compassionate.

I am very grateful to all of them and especially to Dr. Halpert for caring, understanding, and—the main thing—for giving me a life without pain!

718–504–5984 www.USAVascularCenters.com

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364HEALTH

| Plastic Surgery

ULTRA-PREP YOUR SKIN FOR SPRING! NAME:

Roman RAYHAM, MD SPECIALTY: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

CERTIFICATION: Board-certified, American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery.

TRAINING & EDUCATION: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital (Residency), Training at Mayo Clinic, Post-graduate fellowship at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

MEMBERSHIPS: American Medical Association, Medical Society of the State of NY, Medical Society of Kings County, Arnold Society, Priestley Society.

CONTACT: 1616B Voorhies Ave., Ste. B Brooklyn, NY 11235 161 Madison Ave. Ste. 11W New York, NY 10016

(877) 582-0400 www.NYPlasticSurgeryCenter.com

LANGUAGES: ENGLISH • RUSSIAN

DOUBLE PROCEDURE SPECIAL CREATES RADIANT SKIN WITH MINIMAL DOWNTIME Winter weather is hard on skin. All that dry air leaves it dull and flaky, and exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles. Environmental pollutants accelerate damage, breaking down the structure under the surface of the skin and resulting in more sagging and bagging. Dangerous UV rays disrupt melanin and cause age spots and other signs of hyperpigmentation. As the temperatures start to warm up again, you may look in the mirror and wonder what happened.

Dr. Rayham of the RR Plastix/New York Plastic Surgery Center can help you greet the warmer, spring weather with a radiant, more youthful complexion. The secret is a unique combination of two treatments that work together to address all the issues winter causes and more. Pairing the unique FDA-approved “Ulthera System” with the new Sciton Halo hybrid laser, Dr. Rayham addresses all the major factors of aging skin in a one-time office treatment. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice amazing skin you didn’t know you had!

PART I: ULTHERAPY TIGHTENS AND TONES The “Ulthera System” is a therapeutic ultrasound medical device that allows physicians to see beneath the surface of the skin. It delivers focused ultrasound energy to deep layers, triggering the body’s natural healing response. It requires no anesthetic or sedation, and there are no needles or incisions. Instead, the physician uses the device over the surface of the skin to deliver ultrasound energy to the deeper layers.

Each procedure lasts only about 30–90 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated.

All you see when it’s done is a bit of flushing, and maybe some minor swelling or redness.

After a couple weeks, you’ll notice a gradual firming and tightening, as your jaw line and

cheeks take on a new definition, your double chin fades, and your eyes appear more open and refreshed. It also works well on sagging skin above the eyes, and lines and wrinkles on the chest and decollete.

PART II: SCITON HALO LASER FADES AGE SPOTS AND SCARS The Sciton Halo laser is a breakthrough new technology that combines the effectiveness of laser treatments with an accelerated healing experience customers love. A “hybrid” fractional laser machine, it offers both ablative and non-ablative resurfacing at the same time. This “double-action” allows surgeons to address both surface issues and deeper flaws.

In one pass, the doctor can address hyperpigmentation on the surface while also treating deeper skin tissues to tone and tighten skin. In addition to treating sun damage, the Halo can also reduce the appearance of scarring, pores, and fine lines and wrinkles.

SPECIAL ULTRA-PREP PROCEDURE AVAILABLE NOW! To help you get ready for spring, Dr. Rayham is offering for a limited time both of these procedures for a reduced price. You can get it all done in one day at the office, and return to your normal activities usually within less than a week. Soon, you’ll notice a younger looking face in the mirror, with tighter skin, smoother skin tone, and a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A personal consultation is the best way to see if this ultra-prep combination will work for you. For more information, check with Dr. Rayham. He has offices in Manhattan, New York City, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Call the RR Plastix/New York Plastic Surgery Center, 1–877–582–0400, or visit his website at www. rrplastix.com. www.4health.net

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DO YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE 5 VEIN PROBLEMS? FROM VARICOSE VEINS TO DVT — EARLY TREATMENT PREVENTS COMPLICATIONS

■■■ Morgan Rice You may not think about it, but right now, inside your body, there’s a highway bustling with traffic. Cells, blood, nutrients, and more are flowing through you every day, from your legs and arms to your heart and back out again.

This system is made up of veins and arteries — arteries take oxygen-rich blood out to the body, while veins bring oxygen-deprived blood back to the heart and lungs. We often hear about taking good care of our arteries.

If these powerhouse blood vessels become clogged with cholesterol-packed plaques, they can cause blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

Veins aren’t quite as famous, but they can also cause problems if something goes wrong, including deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and more. How can you tell if your veins are healthy, or if you need to get them some attention?

TWO TYPES OF VEIN PROBLEMS The thing with vein problems is that they are more subtle than artery problems. Arteries get the advantage of that strong pumping motion of the heart, pushing the blood out into the body. Veins have a lower pressure, in general, and rely on muscles and “valves” that open and close to get the blood back to the heart and lungs.

If there is a problem with the veins, it usually falls in one of two categories: 1. Blood clot in the vein

2. Inadequate drainage — the vein fails to get the blood back to the heart like it should These problems usually occur for different reasons. Symptoms can be similar, though, so it’s important to be aware of them, and to get help immediately if you need it, as some vein problems are extremely serious.

5 TYPES OF VEIN PROBLEMS Following are seven of the most common vein problems that can develop over time.

These most often affect people 50 and over, but can also attack younger individuals.

1. Superficial blood clot: Doctors may call it a “thrombosis.” A blood clot forms in the vein, and blocks it from traveling back to the heart. This type of clot occurs in the veins that lie just under the skin. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, inflammation, or redness at the site of the clot. These clots that occur near the surface of the skin usually break up on their own, but it’s important to keep an eye on them.

2. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is similar to number one, except that the clot occurs in one of the deep veins of the leg.

These are much more serious, because the blood clot may break off and flow back to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism — a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms include pain with walking, leg swelling, leg pressure, and “heaviness.” Always get to the doctor right away.

3. Pulmonary embolism: As mentioned in number two, this occurs when a blood clot

that formed in one of the deep veins of the leg breaks off and moves to the lung. Here, it can make its way into an artery, and cause heart failure. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.

4. Chronic venous insufficiency: This is a condition in which the valves that open and shut to keep blood flowing aren’t working correctly. This allows blood to pool in the vein, causing swelling and inflammation and increasing risk of blood clots. This is also the condition that causes varicose veins and spider veins. Symptoms include unsightly veins, burning, aching, and itchiness.

5. Venous ulcers or sores: Patients with chronic venous insufficiency may eventually develop venous sores or ulcers. These occur when the blood pools in one place, and patients fail to get proper treatment. The pressure breaks down the tissue, which can cause sores that open and bleed.

TREATMENT FOR VEIN PROBLEMS If any of the above conditions sound familiar to you, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them. Vein problems, if left untreated, can sometimes cause serious complications like sores, blood clots, and even heart failure.

Fortunately, there are a lot of treatment options available that can help reduce your risk of complications. Sometimes lifestyle changes are enough to make a difference — things like regular exercise, elevation, and compression stockings. In other cases, medications or outpatient procedures may be more effective. www.4health.net

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USA VEIN CLINICS OPENS ITS DOORS AT BRIGHTON BEACH, NY USA Vein Clinics is expanding its services in 2017, opening a new clinic at Brighton Beach, New York. The statewide network of vein clinics has already been successfully operating in New York at 17 other locations. This new location is to facilitate patients of this area by offering them patient care and vein treatment at the most convenient location. The vein clinics facility is located at 2965 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, and will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The state-of-the-art clinic is highly equipped and will provide the latest, minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment to patients of vein disease.

USA Vein Clinics has become one the nation’s best clinics under the leadership of Dr. Yan Katsnelson, the founder of USA Vein Clinics, a renowned Harvard Medical School trained vascular specialist and his highly trained staff that includes board-certified physicians and specialists.

“We are excited to continue our mission to improve the quality of life of our patients in Brighton Beach, NY.” says Dr. Katsnelson.

“Our new clinic is equipped with the most modern technology and will provide excellent

patient care and convenience to our patients based in Brighton Beach.”

Symptoms of vein disease such as leg aches or cramps, heaviness in the legs, itching or burning in the legs, skin discoloration or non-healing wounds are progressive in nature and if left untreated can lead to serious complications. The best strategy is to schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist as soon as possible. All vein treatments offered at USA Vein Clinics are quick, minimally invasive, non-surgical and covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Patients can resume normal activity immediately after the treatments.

“We use the gold standard in vein care and have helped thousands of patients suffering from vein disease,” says Dr. Katsnelson. “As a healthcare provider our goal is not just to treat patients, but we consider it our responsibility to raise awareness about the importance of getting treatment as soon as the symptoms of vein disease appear. Some patients come to us for cosmetic reasons-they simply want the unsightly varicose veins of their legs to be treated. Other patients have been living in

pain for years. We always like to emphasize the fact that any symptom of venous insufficiency is not just a cosmetic problem. The prominent varicose and spider veins on the surface of the skin are indicating an underlying issue that needs treatment as soon as possible before it leads to serious complications.”

To schedule a consultation, call USA Vein Clinics at 888-628-9389.

ABOUT USA VEIN CLINICS USA Vein Clinics is a network of state-ofthe-art facilities dedicated to the treatment of venous insufficiency. In each vein center, cardiovascular doctors specializing exclusively in problems with circulation provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan utilizing modern equipment and an individual approach to each of our patients. With 37 clinics currently in operation, and plans for additional clinics, USA Vein Clinics has the distinction of being the nation’s only coastto-coast vein treatment center. Additionally, USA Vein Clinics has been voted “Best Vein Clinic” six years in a row and has a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating.

888-628-9389 2965 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235 www.USAVeinClinics.com www.4health.net

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4HEALTH

DO MOMS WHO WAIT TO GET PREGNANT LIVE LONGER? STUDY SHOWS SURPRISE POTENTIAL BENEFIT FOR OLDER MOMS

■■■ By Lynn Merrell There’s a trend that’s not going away anytime soon — women are having kids later in life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the average age of American women having their first child reached a record high of 26 years old in 2013.

More women are waiting until their 30s and 40s to start having kids. Though the majority of all births are still to women under 35, rates of births to women over 35 has been rising over the past 20 years. Birth rates for younger women are stable or declining.

It used to be we really worried about it. The risks go up, after all, for both mom and baby, particularly after the age of 40. Yet improved medical care helps offset some of those risks. The benefits of being more personally and financially ready to start a family often outweigh any concerns.

Better yet, some studies are showing that women who wait to have kids may experience other surprising benefits. One of them? They may actually live longer!

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4HEALTH SOME ADVANTAGES TO BEING AN OLDER MOM There are a number of good reasons to wait to have a child. Older mothers are usually more educated and more likely to take good care of themselves while pregnant — including eating healthy foods and exercising — than younger mothers. They also tend to have more resources and higher incomes, are likely to own their own homes, and can help support their children’s educations.

Moms are more mature later on, too, and have a better idea of who they are and what they want.

They’ve established careers and lived their adventures, and are often more ready to settle down and devote themselves to child-rearing. If they’re married or with a partner, their relationships are often more stable, and they may also have a good group of friends and other social support to help them through.

In addition to all these good things, it now looks like older moms may be able to look forward to long lives in which to watch their children grow.

DO OLDER MOMS LIVE LONGER? Researchers examined data on about 20,000 women who were part of a long-term national study that started in 1993. These women had been tracked for up to 21 years, and over half of them had survived to 90 years old. They examined the data, looking for outcomes in women who had children under the age of 25, compared to those who waited until after the age of 25.

Results showed that women who gave birth for the first time at age 25 or older were more likely to live to the age of 90 or beyond than those who gave birth before turning 25. They also found that the women who survived to age 90 were more likely to be college graduates, to be married, and to have a higher income.

White women who had between two and four fullterm pregnancies were also likely to live longer than those with only one full-term pregnancy.

Researchers aren’t sure why they got the results they did, and they caution that women shouldn’t wait to start families for this reason alone. But it does give older moms a bit of hope they may be more likely to stick around long enough to see their grandchildren, and maybe even their great-grandchildren.

RISKS FOR MOMS OVER 35 There are still risks associated with waiting to have a baby. Women over 35 have a higher risk of complications like hypertension and gestational diabetes, while women over 40 have a higher risk of giving birth to a child with a genetic disorder. The risk for miscarriage is also higher, and women age 35 and older are more likely to conceive twins because of hormonal changes.

Yet with careful medical care, older moms can enjoy having families when they’re ready — and they may just enjoy the benefits for years to come.

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CLASSIFIEDS To Place an AD in the Classifieds Section, Please Call (212) 738-9230

Medical Office is looking for a FT Front Desk Receptionist and a FT Medical Assistant (experience is a MUST).

718-854-5100

Newly open Medical Office is seeking PT doctors: internal medicine, allergist, pain management, orthopedist.

718-975-3369

Call us if you need Mobile Ultrasound Services: Echo, Vascular and General Ultrasound.

(917) 750-2275

Call Dr. Joseph Juliano 973-752-9559

Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (FT or PT) needed for Medical Office.

Telephone (917) 412-3797

Good reimbursement.

718-954-2202

Medical Office is looking for PA or NP for Internal Medicine Doctor.

(347) 587-3777

For additional information please call Joe 917-208-4291

New multispecialty clinic looking for any specialty doctors.

347-453-0523

available for PT. Own Malpractice Ins.

Ultrasound technologist with five years of experience available for part time.

Medical offices for rent: 1500 sq ft, 2327 83rd St., Brooklyn, NY 1500 sq ft, 7819 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Per Diem Covering CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN (NY/NJ Lic.)

Medical office seeks a Russian-Speaking Registered Nurse Practitioner.

Please submit your resume to medicaloffice41@gmail.com

Credit Card Processing Services: Free terminal with setup NURIT 2085.

Low Rates — 1.67%.

Free setup.

Free plug-in to your software (billing).

Free evaluation of your current statement .

Free customer support 24/7.

FREE online access.

Call now (866) 573-0604 ext 706

Medical space for subleasing at 500 Brightwatercourt in Brooklyn (b/n Brighton 4th street and Brighton 5th Street) for any medical specialist (not for internal medicine doctor and podiatrist). The office is located in the building for senior citizens. There is a big potential for new patients referrals.

For details call (646)251-6646.

Licensed Ultrasound Technologist (RDMS) is looking for part time or full time position. Resume available upon request.

Tel. 718-608-7402; Email at violasvu@gmail.com.

MEDICAL OFFICE FOR RENT First Floor, 1,500 sq ft. located on New Dorp Ln, Staten Island NY 6 MONTHS FREE For additional information please call 212-945-8550

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MEDICAL OFFICE FOR RENT First Floor plus Legal Basement, total 3,000 sq ft., located on New Dorp Ln, Staten Island NY 6 MONTHS FREE For additional information please call 212-945-8550

MEDICAL OFFICE FOR RENT

First Floor, Second Floor plus Legal Basement, total 4,500 sq ft., located on New Dorp Ln, Staten Island NY 6 MONTHS FREE For additional information please call 212-945-8550 www.4health.net

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS

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4HEALTH

DENTISTRY - GENERAL

Vladimir LEMPERT, DMD

3037 Ave U Brooklyn, NY 11229

(888) 607-9725

DENTISTRY - PEDIATRIC

Marina KREPKH, DDS

7708 4th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11209

(888) 502-6245

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Victoria ALEKSANDROVICH, MD

3080 W 1st St, Ste 102 Brooklyn, NY 11224

(718) 207-7071

OB/GYN - GENERAL

Sergey ZHIVOTENKO, MD

2797 Ocean Pkwy, Fl 2 Brooklyn, NY 11235 20-04 Seagirt Blvd Far Rockaway, NY 11691

(718) 576-1212

NEUROSURGERY

DERMATOLOGY

Hayama BRILL, MD

1725 E 12th St, Ste 301 Brooklyn, NY 11223

(718) 336-1909 629 Park Ave New York, NY 10065

Paul GLIEDMAN, MD

2101 Ave X Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 512-2160 OPTOMETRY

(212) 744-0392 OB/GYN - FERTILITY SPECIALIST

Yekaterina LEVIN, DDS

7000 Bay Pkwy, Ste C Brooklyn, NY 11204

(888) 838-6212

Alexander BEYLINSON, DO Leonard LEVITZ, MD

4434 Amboy Rd Staten Island, NY 10312

(718) 984-9658

Margarita BAUMAN, OD

Narayan SANDARESAN, MD

1749 E 16 St Brooklyn, NY 11229

5 E 84 St New York, NY 10028

321 Edison St Staten Island, NY 10306

2601 Ocean Pkwy, FL 7 Brooklyn, NY 11235 199 Mount Eden Pkwy, Fl 6 Bronx, NY 10457

1910 Ave U Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 759-6979

th

th

(212) 876-7575

(718) 375-4747

GASTROENTEROLOGY

(844) 957-7463

Hanna JESIONOWSKA, MD

159 E 74th St, Ste C New York, NY 10021

(888) 455-6619

OB/GYN - UROGYNECOLOGY

Nataliya SAFONOVA, DDS

Lilia LEVITZ, MD

2211 Ocean Ave Brooklyn, NY 11229

Aleksandra ZLOTNIK, OD

1749 E 16th St Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 376-1090 (800) 801-0603

1910 Ave U Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 375-4747

(718) 759-6979

321 Edison St Staten Island, NY 10306

Irina BERLIN, MD

NEPHROLOGY

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Amit SCHWARTZ, MD

948 48 St, Fl 2 Brooklyn, NY 11219 th

40 West Brighton Ave, Ste 104 Brooklyn, NY 11224

(718) 283-7219

(718) 627-8300

OBESITY MEDICINE

Harout MARGOSSIAN , MD 7206 Narrows Ave Brooklyn, NY 11209

(888) 404-5046

1529 Richmond Rd Staten Island, NY 10304

(888) 538-2717

Namik YUSUFOV, DDS, MDT

ONCOLOGY

305 W 28th St New York, NY 10001

Yana SHTERN, MD

(212) 804-0500

170 Morris Ave, Ste A Long Branch, NJ 07740

(732) 728-7075

Alexander BRODSKY, MD

8622 Bay Pkwy, Ste 1 Brooklyn, NY 11214

(718) 333-2121

1599 E 15th St, Fl 2 Brooklyn, NY 11230 369 Lexington Ave, STE 800 New York, NY 10017

1642 W 9th St Brooklyn, NY 11223

(718) 513-6060

321 Edison St Staten Island, NY 10306

(718) 980-2525 NEUROLOGY

Mila MOGILEVSKY, DO

(347) 252-6732

Prabhakara R. TUMPATI, MD

2003 Bath Ave Brooklyn, NY 11214 543 45th St Union City, NJ 07087

(888) 283-0399

Anella BAYSHTOK, MD

2101 Ave X Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 512-2160

158-06 Northern Blvd Flushing, NY 11358

(718) 445-3700

Sam WEISSMAN, MD

202 Foster Ave Brooklyn, NY 11230

(718) 854-5100

www.brooklynroc.com

Dmitriy GRINSHPUN, MD

Yevgeniy SOROKIN, DO

1599 E 15th St, Fl 2 Brooklyn, NY 11230 369 Lexington Ave, STE 800 New York, NY 10017

(347) 252-6732

174 Brighton 11th St, Fl 1 Brooklyn, NY 11235

(888) 747-8009

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ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE - GENERAL

Michael RISKEVICH, MD

2736 Ocean Ave, Ste 1A Brooklyn, NY 11229

(718) 934-8484

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Alina VASILYEVA, DPM

2116 Ave P Brooklyn, NY 11229 2626 E 14th St Brooklyn, NY 11235

(718) 646-0131

LSA RECOVERY

1300 Ave P Brooklyn, NY 11229

(888) 983-4055 RADIOLOGY

GOLDEN APPLE SPA

Ridwan SHABSIGH, MD

3121 Ocean Ave Brooklyn, NY 11235 944 Park Ave New York, NY 10028

(718) 283-7746

3052 A Brighton 1st St., Ste 402 Brooklyn, NY 11235

(212) 920-7959

Ada KULAGINA, LAC

MEDICAL SUPPLY

8635 21st Ave Brooklyn, NY 11214

(888) 410-3442

PSYCHOLOGY

NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Vladislav RUDNER, PT

1901 82nd St Brooklyn, NY 11214

(718) 490-2416 www.magichandspt.com

PLASTIC SURGERY

Chloe CARMICHAEL

230 Park Ave, Fl 10 New York, NY 10196

(212) 729-3922 PSYCHIATRY

Sinai DIAGNOSTICS

2560 Ocean Ave Brooklyn, NY 11229

(888) 496-2688

2071 Clove Rd Staten Island, NY 10304

(888) 496-2688 UROLOGY

Globe SURGICAL SUPPLY

David SHUSTERMAN, MD

800 2nd Ave, Fl 9 New York, NY 10017 69-15 Yellowstone Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 1013 Ave J Brooklyn, NY 11230

(718) 360-9550 nyurology.com

VASCULAR SURGERY

2029 Bath Ave Brooklyn, NY 11214

(888) 418-0442

Albert GROSS, CNS, NYS, CDN

1942 E 8th St Brooklyn, NY 11223

(718) 376-8317 www.nylifex.com

MULTI SPECIALTY

USA VASCULAR CENTERS

2444 86th St, Ste A Brooklyn, NY 11214

Roman RAYHAM, MD, BOARD CERTIFIED IN PLASTIC SURGERY

1616B Voorhies Ave Brooklyn, NY 11235 161 Madison Ave, Ste 11W New York, NY 10016

Felix DRON, MD

7620 Bay Pkwy, Ste 1B Brooklyn, NY 11214

(718) 232-1492

260 W Sunrise Hwy, Ste 102 Valley Stream, NY 11581

Yuly CHALIK, MD

2632 E 14th St Brooklyn, NY 11235 107-15 Jamaica Ave Queens, NY 11418

(347) 508-3991

(877) 582-0400

www.nyui.org

www.nyplasticsurgerycenter.com

USA VEIN CLINICS

1153 First Ave New York, NY 10065

Multi SPECIALTY CLINIC

2511 Ocean Ave, Ste 102 Brooklyn, NY 11229

(877) 807-0989

2444 86 St, Ste A Brooklyn, NY 11214 Th

PODIATRY

(718) 393-5331

3023-3027 Ave V Brooklyn, NY 11229

AESTHETIC CENTERS

116-02 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 1975 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306

Mark GURTOVY, MD

7620 Bay Pkwy, Ste 1B Brooklyn, NY 11214

(718) 232-1492

Vitaly RAYKHMAN, MD

2632 E 14th St Brooklyn, NY 11235 107-15 Jamaica Ave Queens, NY 11418

Leon STEPENSKY, DPM

(347) 508-3991

3111 Brighton 2nd St., Brooklyn, NY 11235 235 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206 99 Moore St., Brooklyn, NY 11206

www.nyui.org

4159 Broadway Washington Heights, NY 10033 59-20 Myrtle Ave Queens, NY 11385 30-33 Steinway St Astoria, NY 11103 122 Fulton St, 5th Fl. New York, NY 10038

Michael PATIN, MD

6417 Bay Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11204

(718) 234-6767

102-51 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375

(718) 896-2333

5221 Broadway New York, NY 10463

(718) 332-8633

Interborough DEVELOPMENTAL & CONSULTATION CENTER

2965 Ocean Pkwy, 3rd fl, Brooklyn, NY 11235

(888) 987-5751

(718) 509-0906

1623 Kings Hwy, Fl 4 Brooklyn, NY 11229

www.4health.net

260 W Sunrise Hwy, Ste 102 Valley Stream, NY 11581

156 Route 59, Ste B1, Suffern, NY 10901 www.usaveinclinics.com

4HEALTH Magazineâ„¢ gathers data from a variety of different sources, public and private. While we strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information possible, we can't guarantee that our listings are completely free of errors. If you feel some data is missing or inaccurate, please feel free to contact us at any time.

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