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Hearing and Vision
Eat better, hear better Good nutrition can benefit your hearing
Nutrition is fundamental to health, but seldom does one learn about the relationship between diet and the auditory system. Nutrition and hearing ability are, in fact, connected.
There is no specific food that will definitely cause or prevent hearing loss. Likewise, lost hearing cannot be restored through a diet change. However, new research suggests that certain nutrition patterns may actually decrease or increase your risk of developing hearing loss.
Some compelling studies directly link a lack of specific nutrients and hearing loss. For example, free radicals in your body can prevent you from hearing certain high frequencies.
How poor nutrition impacts hearing
Your hearing can be affected if your diet lacks certain nutrients and consists mainly of harmful fats, sugars and salts. This is true for adults. And especially in children. One study has found that a lack of nourishment slows down the processes needed for inner ear health in growing kids. Fortunately, it isn’t challenging to get what you need for good ear health.
What you eat can greatly affect pretty much everything that goes on in your body. If you eat junk food, your body lacks certain vitamins and minerals and processes harmful chemicals. A lack of specific nutrients, mostly vitamin B12 and folic acid, has been shown to affect hearing by as much as 39 percent. To lower the risk of hearing loss, it is advised that you eat a healthy and varied diet. Your diet should include antioxidants, potassium, folic acid, zinc and magnesium.
A 22-year diet study
A Brigham and Women’s Hospital study monitored the hearing health of more than 70,000 women on various diets
for 22 years.These diets included the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), Dietary Approaches to Shop Hypertension (DASH), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI2010). These diets favor fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seafood, poultry, and low-fat dairy.
All three also advise limiting foods that are high in sodium (salt) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, discouraging consumption of refined and red meats, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
Women following diets similar to the AHEI-2010, DASH, and AMED decreased their likelihoods of hearing loss by at least 30 percent, with DASH and AMED showing the greatest
benefits. The researchers found that diets that prioritize fruits and vegetables with minerals like folic acid, potassium, and zinc decreased the risk of hearing loss.
Beneficial nutrients
Other findings indicate that certain nutrients are associated with positive hearing health outcomes. Potassium a mineral found in bananas, potatoes and black beans plays a large role in the way that the inner ear functions and converts sounds into signals for the brain to interpret. Regular intake can help you maintain your current level of hearing, says Sherif F. Tadros, M.D., of the International Center for Hearing and Speech Research in a Europe PubMed Central published study.
George E. Shambaugh, Jr., M.D., of the Shambaugh Hearing and Allergy Institute reports that the zinc in almonds, cashews, and dark chocolate can be an effective treatment for tinnitus, hearing ringing or buzzing without an external sound source.
Magnesium is believed to combat free radicals emitted during loud noises and act as a barrier protecting inner ear hair cells.
Folic acid has also been shown to possibly slow the onset of hearing loss. Blood flow is restricted by homocysteine (an amino acid), so folic acid works to metabolize it to keep blow flow regulated. According to Jane Durga, Ph.D., of the Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, because the inner ear relies on a regular flow of blood, folate is extremely important. Foods high in folic acid include spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.
Eating a diet that also includes fruit will contribute to better overall hearing and improve the health of your inner ear and its development.
Photo: Your diet plays a key role in ear health. Studies show that what you eat can damage your hearing if you consume a diet low in certain nutrients.
Eyes on health
Yearly eye exams can reveal more than just vision trouble
More evidence points to the importance of routine eye exams, not only to pinpoint potential conditions of the eye, but also to serve as windows to diseases that affect the entire body. Now more than ever it is essential to make and keep annual eye exams, as they can help to reveal the first signs of serious ailments.
Doctors say dozens of diseases — from certain cancers to arthritis to high blood pressure — can show symptoms in the eye. Under the watchful and knowing gaze of an eyecare professional, individuals can get early diagnosis and begin treatment promptly.
According to Dr. Roy Chuck, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, there are many systemic diseases that can be seen in the eye. In addition to the conditions mentioned, jaundice can indicate liver disease while retinal detachment and bleeding in new blood vessels may indicate hypertension. By looking at the color of the cornea, some doctors can tell if a patient has elevated levels of cholesterol. Many people have had their eye doctors be the first healthcare professional to detect the presence of their diabetes.
Because of their delicate structures, including nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues, the eyes can show signs of many significant health risks in the early stages. That can be critically important to patients, because catching diseases early is often the key to preventing severe outcomes. When you visit your optometrist for your annual eye exam, he or she will carefully examine your eyes for telltale signs of disease that may be impacting other areas of the body.
Diabetes. The tiny blood vessels that supply your retina can be a telltale sign of diabetes — often before other symptoms have led to a formal diagnosis of the disease. These blood vessels can leak blood into the retina, which your optometrist can see during a dilated examination. With early detection, it’s possible to stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid loss of vision and other serious complications of the disease. In 2017, optometrists diagnosed more than 400,000 patients with diabetic retinopathy in people who hadn’t yet been diagnosed with diabetes.
High blood pressure. Once again, the blood vessels of the eye are often the sign that alerts patients to this potentially life-threatening condition. Elevated blood pressure leads to specific changes to the eye’s blood vessels and leaks in the back of the eye, which tell your optometrist that you may be suffering from high blood pressure. By getting your blood pressure under control, you can reduce the risk for related condi-
tions, including cardiovascular damage and other eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Thyroid disease. If the eyeballs are bulging or protruding from eyelids that seem to be retracting, your optometrist will suspect an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), which is often caused by Grave’s Disease. This condition affects the tissues and muscles around the eye and symptoms may also include blurry vision, vision loss or dry eyes.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Patients who present with red eyes and severe pain may be exhibiting signs of RA – rheumatoid arthritis. Pain and redness are symptoms of scleritis, a painful inflammatory condition of the sclera, the white part of your eye. RA patients often also suffer from dry eye and are typically between the ages of 40 and 70.
Brain tumors. When a brain tumor forms and causes swelling and increased pressure in the brain, your optometrist can see its impact in the back of your eye. There may also be pressure on the optic nerve that your eye doctor can detect. As a patient, you may notice double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or a change to your pupil size, sometimes on just one side.
High cholesterol. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance found in the blood. But too much of it can be a bad thing, especially when it attaches to the inside of blood vessels and blocks proper blood flow through your arteries. That’s when it can lead to heart disease and stroke. Your optometrist can catch the early signs of high cholesterol in two ways:
In patients under 40, one sign of high cholesterol is a blue or yellow ring around the cornea. In all patients, cholesterol deposits in the retina’s blood vessels can indicate high levels of cholesterol throughout a patient’s body.
Cancers. A comprehensive eye exam can detect multiple types of cancer that may be lurking in a patient. The most common skin cancers – basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma—may be present on the outer surfaces of the eye or the eyelids. In addition, lymphoma or leukemia can cause changes in the interior of the eye. Breast cancer and other bodily cancers can metastasize and spread to the eye and its structures.
If an ophthalmologist suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she will likely refer the patient to their primary care doctors for a more thorough examination.
Going to the eye doctor can do more than ensure your vision is sharp. It’s a life-saving decision for many people who have major health conditions diagnosed through the eyes.
See clearly now — and for a lifetime
Vision is so important in our daily life, in fact, according to the American Optometric Association’s annual American Eye-Q® survey, 40 percent of Americans worry about losing their eyesight over their ability to walk or hear. However, despite eyesight being among our most treasured of senses, we don’t often take the steps needed to maintain our eye health throughout our lives.
Follow these simple steps to keep your eyesight in focus.
See your eye doctor regularly
When you are seeing well, or not having a noticeable visual impairment, it’s easy to forget about making an appointment to see your eye doctor. Eye exams are not just for people experiencing changes in their visual acuity. An eye exam is an essential way to detect even the slightest changes to your eye health and, it can also detect other systemic health issues, such as glaucoma and diabetes, before there are any symptoms.
Often, patients don’t realize the connection between a larger systemic illness within the body and eye health. Eye care should begin at an early age, and be part of your normal health routine throughout your lifetime.
Protect your eyes
It’s important to protect your eyes from the environment. Most homes and offices have very dry air which can cause eye dryness and irritation. Using a humidifier to control air quality and lubricating eye drops are great options to help protect your ocular surface from irritation and dryness.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can also be harmful to your eyes. In fact, a lifetime of UV light exposure can increase your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes as you would your skin by wearing sunglasses with 100 percent AVA and AVB protection. By the time you have reached age 18, you have received 80 percent of your lifetime exposure, which is why it is also critically important to take these same sunglass precautions with children.
Practice eye safety by using protective eyewear while playing sports or working with hazardous materials. This will help to protect and shield your eyes.
Using computers? Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Staring at your computer or other digital devices can cause major strain on your eyes and can also cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. To help combat these issues, simply rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
Exercise protects your eyes too
You know the importance of a healthy diet and the affect it has on your eye health. But did you know that exercise can also help by increasing circulation, which can lower pressure in the eyes? This can help those with glaucoma — a group of diseases caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye.
Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic diseases, increasing your chance of major eye diseases.
Drink more water
This might sound bizarre, but drinking an adequate amount of water helps in improving eyesight. Did you know your eyes can get dehydrated as well? Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay away from eyerelated complications. Drinking water is beneficial to every part of your body, including your eye health. With increased hydration, you will flush your body of excess salt that can cause eye strain.
Photo: Our eyes are affected by our lifestyle and health conditions.
Photo: Routine eye examinations can help with early diagnosis of certain medical conditions.
HEALTH MEMOS
A minimally invasive surgical solution to fix painful chronic sinusitis
Antibiotics, antiinflammatory medication, surgery — none of them relieved Bob Lazar of the constant facial and nasal pain, congestion, and overall agitation that chronic sinusitis had been causing him since June.
With the 2025 spring allergy season lurking, Mr. Lazar, 78, of Oceanside, a lead trainer for a prominent computer hardware and software company, could not fathom making a presentation to a large group while sniffling, coughing, and coping with the nasal congestion and a thumping pressure above his eyes and the sides of his nose.
Rajesh Kakani, MD, Chief of ENT (Otolaryngology) at Mount Sinai South Nassau is joined by a team of dedicated ENT specialists who specialize in advanced noninvasive procedures to treat patients with all types of issues related to the ears, nose, and throat.
Aware of Mr. Lazar’s situation, his pulmonologist, Frank Coletta, MD, Chief of Critical Care and Associate Director of the Sleep Center, and gastroenterologist, CJ Singh, MD, both Mount Sinai South Nassau physicians, recommended in January that their patient
schedule an appointment with Rajesh Kakani, MD, Chief of ENT (Otolaryngology) at Mount Sinai South Nassau. After getting a complete rundown on Mr. Lazar’s symptoms, Dr. Kakani ordered a diagnostic X-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scan of Mr. Lazar’s head and neck, which showed that all four nasal sinuses were completely blocked.
Considering that the condition persisted after Mr. Lazar’s first surgery (sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure in which a tiny balloon is inflated within the sinus cavity to enlarge the space so that mucus can drain), Dr. Kakani recommended minimally invasive image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery.
This approach is based on the latest advances in minimally invasive surgery, combining a surgical computer station, a highdefinition digital imaging monitor, and an optical tracking system with endoscopic
surgical instrumentation that provides the surgeon with a crisp and clear view as he passes the instrumentation through the nostrils and nasal and sinus cavities to locate and remove diseased sinus tissue or open obstructed areas.
Since having the surgery in January at Mount Sinai South Nassau, Mr. Lazar reports “significant” improvement in breathing through his nose, and says the pressure, pain, and nasal congestion have all “subsided.” “I highly recommend Dr. Kakani for his exceptional clinical skills and Mount Sinai South Nassau for its patient-centered care,” said Mr. Lazar.
Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting approximately 15 percent of the population. A common condition in which the cavities around the sinuses become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks, chronic sinusitis interferes with drainage and causes mucus buildup within the nasal cavity, which can result in serious infection, growths in the sinuses called nasal polyps, and swelling in the nasal lining.
It can be triggered by a range of factors, including allergies and exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander and
environmental factors such as mold exposure, pollution, or recent home renovations
Symptoms include pain and pressure above the eyes, along the sides of the nose, and behind the cheeks; green or yellow mucus draining from the nose; congestion; nose or throat pain, and frequent sneezing.
Dr. Kakani is joined by a team of dedicated ENT specialists who specialize in advanced noninvasive procedures to treat patients with all types of issues related to the ears, nose, and throat, including:
• Endoscopic sinus surgery
• Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty
• Head and neck cancer surgery
• Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Vision and balance
The connection to hearing loss
While there are many factors that contribute to one’s risk of developing dementia, including diet, education, genetics, etc., this report places special focus on the role of both agerelated vision and hearing loss as contributing factors to cognitive decline and dementia.
Vision and hearing impairment in seniors is associated with progressive neural degeneration (there is a reduction in nerves that connect the ears and eyes to the brain). This impact on the neural networks within the brain may lead to significant cerebral atrophy (i.e. brain shrinkage) that contributes to cognitive decline and dementia.
Elderly people with untreated poor vision are significantly more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia than their normal seeing counterparts, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
According to Dr. Mary Rogers of University of Michigan, “Visual problems can have serious consequences and are very common among the elderly, but many of them are not seeking treatment.” Poor vision, like poor hearing, can
reduce the amount of social and physical activities in adults — thus increasing the risk of developing dementia.”
There is not one reason that older adults fall more often, rather a complicated and intricate web of changes in cardiovascular function, nutritional deficiencies, medication interactions, vision problems and hearing loss
that contribute to this increased risk. Although most people don’t instantly think of ‘hearing loss’ as being a leading cause of falls, experts across a range of health care professions agree that the lack of this important sense can deprive the brain of the information it needs to best understand its surroundings, leaving you in serious danger.
In the past decade, the fall death rate (the death of an older adult directly attributed to a fall) has risen over 30 percent and in the next decade it is estimated that there will be approximately seven ‘fall deaths’ every single hour.
A fall can threaten one’s safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal expenses. It is estimated that a fall can cost a family, on average, nearly $30,000 per incident. And, unfortunately, those who fall nearly double their risk of falling again. If you or somebody you love has had a traumatic fall, you are keenly aware of the overall health decline and increase in health care needs that are required after the incident.
The Parker Jewish Institute wins 2024 Healthcare Leadership Distinction Award
The Parker Jewish Institute is proud to announce that its “We’re Full of Life” video won the Distinction Award in the “Best Long Video Content –Over 2 Minutes” category of the 2024 eHealthcare Leadership Awards. This recognition highlights Parker’s commitment to uplift its patients and residents with activities that emphasize positivity and friendship, fostering wellbeing and overall health.
Parker recognizes that many older adults grapple with serious health conditions that are triggered or exacerbated by social isolation and loneliness. Parker averts social isolation with programs that promote engagement and community. Residents and patients look forward to Parker’s drum circles, adaptive pickleball, physical therapy, music programs, multicultural celebrations, arts and crafts, support groups and more. At Parker, engaging the Institute’s patients and residents is a health priority.
“Parker is very attuned to the importance of social connection and the significant role it plays in emotional wellbeing and overall health. By offering a
variety of activities to our patients and residents, we help them strengthen relationships that help them stay happier, and healthier,” said Parker Jewish Institute President and CEO Michael N. Rosenblut.
Alan Ginsberg, President of LIXI Studios, and his team filmed and edited the award-winning video.
The eHealthcare Leadership Awards recognize outstanding health websites and digital initiatives, underscoring the role of digital communications in
achieving healthcare organizations’ business objectives. The awards program, now in its 25th year, draws over 1,000 entries annually.
About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the
Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
HEALTH MEMO
forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) - providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting — as well as PRINE Health — a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis; Certified Home
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.
QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program allows patients to transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. Through training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to home hemodialysis.
If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and
Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute
rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability. Call (718) 289-2600 with questions!. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org. For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.
Queens-Long
Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.
Compassionate care that enriches lives HEALTH MEMO
The only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care.
Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents.
The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over
25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day.
With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and
events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends.
Come in for a tour today!
2914 Lincoln Ave., Oceanside (516) 536-2300 www.oceansidecc.com
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
