Health & wellness 2 24 2017

Health,Wellness&Beauty

a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • february 24, 2017

32 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017

Spring Sports Can Lead To Painful Injuries Spring sports bring exercise and fresh air to millions, but they can also bring injuries to your feet and ankles. One of the most important things you can do to prevent sports injuries is to be sure to stretch before you begin. Muscles and tendons at rest are tight and can be torn or damaged if not properly stretched before any exercise or sports. Before you stretch, it’s important to warm up first. Warming up helps raise the temperature of your body and your muscles so they’ll be ready for exercise and prevent injuries.

Injuries can include shin splints, which is pain in the shin and lower leg as a result of running. Pain can be moderate to severe and can include aching legs. Foot pain can be a result of failure to stretch the muscles and tendons of the foot prior to exercising. Achilles tendonitis, an inflamed tendon at the back of the ankle, can be a burning or throbbing pain. You may experience an instable foot, or pain first thing in the morning or after exercising. Heel pain can also be a symptom of playing Spring sports. Not having proper footwear, or running for a long period of time can lead to pain in the heel of the foot that can make it difficult to walk or put weight on your feet. Additionally, ankle sprains and strains are common during Spring sports. A rolling or turning of the ankle suddenly can damage the tendons in the foot and lead to painful swelling or instability.

If you have enjoyed Spring sports, but find yourself suffering from pain or swelling in the feet or ankles, allow Dr. Mary Carlson to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. As one of Long Island’s top podiatric experts, Dr. Mary Carlson utilizes state of the art equipment that provides her patients with the most effective diagnosis to foot and ankle injuries, and pain-free treatments that help get you back on your feet, including orthotics for sports cleats that can help alleviate foot pain and improve stability.

Combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, Dr. Mary Carlson offers the absolute highest quality of care and service. Every patient is the highest priority and treatment plans are created based on each patients’ individual needs. Call the office of Dr. Mary Carlson today at 516-248-8188 and schedule your appointment today, or you can visit her website at www.drmarycarlsondpm.com and book your appointment any time of day Online booking is fast and easy.

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AgeWell presses for greater eye care AgeWell New York is spreading the word about the importance of taking care of your eyes.

The risk for vision loss and related complications increases with age.

Some type of sight-threatening eye problem affects one in six adults 45 and older, and glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization.

Protecting your eyesight is vital to maintaining your overall quality of life and preventing the onset of glaucoma.

AgeWell New York encourages members to make their eyes a priority by following these few tips. * Know your risk.

Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, nearsightedness, farsightedness, eye injury, or eye tumor, place you in a high risk.

Be aware of your family history and get yourself screened regularly.

Early onset of cataracts or glaucoma can be hereditary and early detection is key. * Regular eye exams.

Adults 40- 65 should have their vision checked every one to two years; after 65, at least once a year.

Comprehensive dilated eye exams detect problems early, when they’re easier to treat.

An eye exam also ensures your eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription is up to date. * Look for changes in your vision.

Be cognoscente of noticeable changes such as double vision, hazy vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, red

eyes, frequent flashes of light or eye pain and swelling.

Speak with your doctor immediately about these changes. * Exercise.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, regular exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of agerelated macular degeneration by up to 70%.

Be cautious of heavy lifting or bending activities, especially if you have a chronic illness or disability. * Protect your eyes from harmful UV light.

Always wear sunglasses or a brimmed hat that shields your eyes from the sun.

This may help reduce your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. * Maintain a healthy diet.

Studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts.

Load up on fruits, vegetables and omega-3, dark green, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids, which may defend against several medical conditions, including glaucoma.

Speak with your doctor about supplementing with eye vitamins to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of nutrients to keep your eyes healthy.

AgeWell New York offers health care coverage to support your health care needs, and gives you resources to help you stay healthy.

Explore eligibility and enrollment for AgeWell New York’s Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Plans at 866-586-8044 or agewellnewyork.com.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

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34 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017

The real value of yoga to our health

BY TOM F E R R A R O Sport Psychologist At the beginning of Jasmine Yu’s yoga class at Healthtrax she asks us to stand up, close our eyes and set our intention for the class.

She says to visualize the many challenges that you must face each day. I picture a giant cinder block wall standing in front of me which is at least 30 feet tall. Upon closer inspection I can see that each cinder block in this wall has a word.

One block has the word ‘anxiety’ and another says ‘fear.’ Another that says ‘fatigue’ and another that says ‘pain.’

Then there are words like ‘procrastination,’ ‘depletion,’ ‘anger,’ ‘weakness,’ ’shame,’ ‘accidents,’ ‘credit card debt,’ and a big block that says ‘monthly mortgage payment’.

Ah yes, the challenges of a life.

I snap out of this reverie to see that the class is already in downward facing dog so apparently I’ve missed the part of the visualization which instructs us in ways to overcome all of my daily challenges.

I make a mental note to ask Jasmine after class how best to deal with my challenges and better yet what happens if I manage to get over that large cinder block wall and encounter peace or joy on the other side.

Peace and joy are two pleasant emotional states somewhat foreign to me so I thought it best to get some kind of instruction on

Jasmine Yu is a yogi who teaches more than how to stretch. what to do should I see them.

Well enough of all that it’s back to yoga class. Jasmine takes us through the surprisingly difficult moves like sun salutation, plank, humble warrior, triangle pose and of course everyone’s favorite child’s pose.

Within short order I find myself sweating and glancing at the clock above her pretty head.

Oh boy it’s only 8:55 a.m. which means we have another 35 minutes to endure.

Yoga is an Eastern discipline that has gained enormous popularity over the last two decades.

They call yoga a moving meditation and I’m sure the reason it’s become so popular has something to do with our fast paced life.

Way back in 1904 Henry Adams wrote an essay entitled “A Law of Acceleration.”

Adams was grandson of President John Quincy Adams and also a professor of American history at Harvard.

He felt that human history traces a path like a comet and that technological growth would be exponentially increasing at greater rates all the time. And please bear in mind that this essay was written before the invention of nuclear power, television, airplanes, space travel, satellites or computer technology.

Suffice it to say that Adams was right.

The acceleration of technology, of modernity, of events and media, of any and all economic and political have “propelled us to escape velocity” according to Jean Baudrillard the great French postmodernist.

Our world is moving at an

ever accelerating pace and so quite naturally America has embraced a discipline that slows things down for us.

We are in what is best described as Rat Race Extremis.

We have all been advertised at a dizzying pace and are witness to an irresistible array of glorious and splendiferous goodies. It’s like we’re running on a diamond studded treadmill as quickly as possible and can’t seem to get off.

Like that scene in Lost in Translation with Bill Murray on the elliptical machine that has run amok.

So it is no wonder that we’ve also embraced a discipline that helps us to slow down at least for an hour or so.

It helps that my yoga teacher is sweet and adorable.

Her name is Jasmine Yu (seen in the photo) and she has that characteristic Asian jeong which enables her to exude warmth and love and respect.

Jasmine was born and raised in Queens with parents who are from Hong Kong. She studied Health Science at Stony Brook and then took up yoga because she liked the challenge and the way it looked.

She has been practicing for four years and is now certified in Yoga Medicine.

She teaches at Hot Flex Yoga in Bayside, Yumcha Yoga in Flushing and at Healthtrax in Garden City.

I am familiar with Hot Flex Yoga in Bayside which is one of

finest hot yoga studios on Long Island.

She told me yoga helps with flexibility, strength and also to slow down ones pace of life.

She adds that yoga can show you the beauty of life.

At the end of class I was anxious to ask Jasmine about that cinder block wall of challenges I had just visualized.

How was I to get over that 30foot wall and if perchance I did get over without breaking any bones what exactly was I to do with all the peace and joy I found waiting for me on the other side?

Well too bad for me she left before I had a chance to get some answers. I was left to fend for myself.

I left the yoga studio, pumped some iron in the gym, went to the locker room to shower and then left.

As I walked to my car the time was about 10 a.m.. The sun was shining brightly and it felt to be 70 degrees on this glorious Sunday morning in February.

Maybe I was on the other side of the cinder block wall right now but didn’t realize it.

Now if there was only a way to freeze this moment. Here I have a Sunday morning, the sun is shining, I am in no pain and have no real problems to speak of.

Peace and joy are mine at least for this morning on this particular Sunday!

So thank you very much dear Jasmine, thank you very much indeed.

Ways to avoid injuries when working out

A desire to live a healthy, active life compels many people to include exercise in their daily routines. Numerous studies have shown that regular workouts that include a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise can make bodies less susceptible to injury while reducing a person’s risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Exercising is most effective when it’s part of a daily routine,

but that routine can be derailed if men and women are not taking the appropriate measures to avoid injury while working out. While even professional athletes succumb to injury from time to time, there are steps everyone can take to avoid injury when working out.

Confirm your technique is the right one. Exercise science is continuously evolving, and that means workouts and fitness machines are evolving as well. When using

a piece of equipment for the first time or altering a workout routine, men and women should consult with a gym employee or personal trainer to learn the correct technique. Incorrect technique can lead to minor and serious injuries because muscles are used in ways they are not intended to be used when exercises are performed properly. Research appropriate techniques, taking advantage of online video tutorials if you don’t exercise at a gym, to ensure the exercises you want to perform are done properly. When beginning a new routine, ask a friend or gym employee to observe your workout and let you know if you are doing anything incorrectly.

Be patient. Lifting too much weight or pushing yourself too hard on the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine will increase your risk of injury. This is especially true for men and women working out for the first time or after lengthy stretches of inactivity.

Men and women who are elderly, inactive and/or overweight are likely to suffer from poor balance because their muscles are weak.

Those muscles can be strengthened over time, but remain patient and stick to light weight during initial workouts so lack of balance does not lead to pain or injury. Take the same approach with aerobic exercise to prevent muscle strains and pulls. Increase weight and the intensity of cardiovascular exercises as muscles gradually strengthen and become accustomed to exercise.

Allow for adequate time to warm up. Failure to warm up is another contributor to exerciserelated injury. Before diving into a workout routine, spend between five and 10 minutes warming up your body with some low-intensity exercises. This increases blood flow to the muscles and makes them more elastic and pliable than cold muscles, thereby improving flexibility. Some low-intensity cardio-

vascular exercise on the stationary bike or treadmill can greatly reduce injury risk during the workout.

Vary workouts and exercise regularly. Varying workouts is a good idea because doing so can prevent repetitive-use injuries and prevent overuse of muscles.

Repetitive-use injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis require extended rest to heal, and that can derail your routine and nullify your progress. Vary workouts so you are not always working the same muscles, and don’t mistake varying workouts for varying workout schedules. Working out five days one week and one day the next increases your risk of injury.

Injuries sometimes happen when exercising. But veteran and novice fitness enthusiasts can employ a handful of simple strategies to greatly reduce their risk of injury while working out.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

North Shore

Vein Center

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36 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 ADVERTORIAL

An Anniversary Gift An article appeared in the Washington Post last month.

It was a story about an active couple, baby boomers, who celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary by purchasing a pair of his and hers hearing aids.

The article went on to highlight how this purchase significantly improved the quality of their lives…not just by cutting down on the "what's" that had become a routine part of their time together, but by allowing them to enjoy music, movies, and theater in ways they couldn't have imagined. Not to mention the pleasure of good conversation with friends and family in restaurants and other noisy places.

Of all your recent purchases, how many have made an improvement in your life on a daily basis? Think about giving the gift of hearing to yourself or your loved ones.

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long workday can be both mentally and physically draining. As a result, office workers and professionals whose jobs are more physically demanding than office work may find themselves less alert at the end of the workday than at the beginning.

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A loss of alertness as the workday draws to a close might be unavoidable. But professionals whose sense of alertness begins to dwindle in the thick of the workday might need to take steps to improve their alertness to protect themselves from injury and to ensure the quality of their work does not suffer.

At GB Audiology, we believe that when you make life changes, providing the right support system is key.

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Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon.

Some professionals rely on caffeinated beverages such as coffee or energy drinks to combat afternoon drowsiness. While that afternoon caffeine fix might provide an immediate, if temporary, jolt of energy, it might also affect a person’s energy levels the following day. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that caffeine consumed as early as six hours before bedtime can significantly disrupt sleep. Professionals who reach for a cup of coffee in the late afternoon might get a sudden boost of energy, but their energy levels the following day might be lower due to a poor night’s sleep.

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Avoid high-fat foods at lunchtime.

Foods that are high in fat should always be avoided thanks to their connection to a host of health problems. Such foods also negatively affect energy levels when consumed in the middle of the day. The University of Rochester Medical Center notes that the body digests and absorbs high-fat foods very slowly. That means workers who

eat high-fat foods for lunch won’t get the afternoon energy boost that low-fat, healthy lunches will provide.

Snack healthy. Professionals who find themselves needing a snack in the midto late-afternoon can sate their hunger and give themselves an energy boost by snacking healthy. Avoid snacks like potato chips that tend to be high in fat and low in nutrition. Foods that are high in fiber and/or protein can provide a longer energy boost and quell the afternoon hunger pangs at the same time. Fresh fruit and Greek yogurt fit the bill.

Change your workout schedule. Regular exercise improves short- and long-term health while also increasing daily energy levels. Professionals who include exercise in their daily routines yet still suffer from a lack of alertness in the afternoon may need to alter their workout schedules. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that participants who were assigned afternoon exercise programs during work hours reported increased productivity versus those who were not assigned afternoon workouts. If working out in the afternoon is not feasible, avoid working out too late at night, as the National Institutes of Health note that exercising within two to three hours of bedtime can disrupt sleep, ultimately having a negative impact on energy levels the following day.

Professionals who find their alertness levels waning in the afternoons can combat such drowsiness in various ways.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

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ADVERTORIAL

Journey with Acupuncture - Pregnancy After Infertility Besides all of the named causes, there are cases where the cause of infertility is unknown. The following account details such a case, where an insightful woman looked beyond the unknown struggles of infertility to give birth to twins. The combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine) during the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process to successfully assist in conception has the most adorable, living proof!

Heather and Brian had been trying to conceive for a year before they consulted a fertility specialist. While Brain was fertile and there was no clear clinical reason for Heather’s infertility, Heather was classified infertile due to unknown causes. It must be noted that Heather had a history of irregular menstruation and had been on birth control for 12 years before she and her husband began trying to conceive. She was a healthy 31 year old, active and had never smoked in her life. After their visit to the IVF specialist, Heather became especially proactive and started doing research on her own. “I was reading a lot of information and found that acupuncture is really helpful [with] the IVF process. I started going to acupuncture before we actually did [IVF]. I went for about three months before the transfer but [especially] during the egg retrieval. Obviously, after battling infertility for a year and 16 months with doing IVF, I really was pretty [anxious] and I wanted it to work the first time. So, I was doing everything that I possibly could to do that. [Then] a friend of mine told me about [Empire Medicine],” Heather recounted.

Empire Medicine is an acupuncture and wellness center with medical doctors from China.

Dr. Ronglan Zheng, Dr. Xiaolin Zheng and Dr. Li are doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Medical Doctorates in what is universally considered, Western Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, massage (Tui na) and exercise (Ch’i gong) to create a balance in one’s Ch’i: the fundamental concept of energy flow and life force that streams through all living things. Western society has become familiar with the yin yang concept of balance that is an emphasized

For a consultation, Please contact one of our local offices:

component in Traditional Chinese Medicine. realize, but now I know why,” Heather recounted Complimentary to Western Medicine, Dr Li and Dr retrospectively.

Zhengs use their expertise in Traditional Chinese Heather and Brian were once again ready to add Medicine to focus on areas of immunology and to their family. Because they had 7 frozen endocrinology. With their cultural understanding embryos, they restarted the initial process before and years of intensive training in Traditional having a single embryo placed. Heather clarified, Chinese Medicine, Heather was reassured that “We felt bad not using them. I always wonder what Empire Medicine could assist her in successfully would have happened if we tried acupuncture and conceiving via IVF. [conceiving] natural. But, I consider those embryos Heather went to acupuncture at Empire Matthew and Meadow. How can I not use those Medicine twice a week for three months before her [embryos]? They existed already. What we did was egg retrieval. On a daily basis, she would drink the let the remaining 7 [embryos] thaw and continue prescribed herbs, twice a day for ten days as per the gestation up to 5 days, leaving the strongest to her physician’s instruction. After the successful survive. Two survived. They said that the 5 day old retrieval they were able to fertilize 18 “good embryos were more likely to be successful.” Two quality” eggs over a period of three days, resulting months ago, Heather resumed her bi-weekly visits in 9 viable embryos. Heather and Brian decided to in conjunction with her twice daily doses of place two of the three-day-old embryos in hopes of prescribed herbs. Excited and confident that she having twins. The embryos would once again become took on the first try and 32 pregnant, family and Heather and Brian are currently pregnant with friends cheered her on weeks later, Matthew and their third child. Through research, patience, Meadow were born! while buffering the support and the willingness to explore the “I went to acupuncture benefits of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal possibility it could be my whole first trimester.

Medicine, someone you know suffering from unsuccessful this time Everybody always talks infertility can find the same hope that lead to around. Heather never about the first trimester once believed she couldn’t their fulfilled happiness. being so hard with morning get pregnant again. Two sickness and [fatigue]. I felt the absolute best of weeks before she provided her testimony, Heather my entire pregnancy during my first trimester. underwent egg transplantation.

And, looking back now –honestly- it was all due to Heather’s recollection of her initial experience acupuncture. There was no particular reason I had was vivid. But, more powerful than the pain was stopped going after [the first trimester]; life was the coming of joy. “I always liken it to a grieving just crazy then. After 5 months of acupuncture, I process every month. Because every month you stopped and started developing pregnancy issues would have the hope. Then, your mind is so like gestational diabetes. I was anemic, and things powerful, that every month I would feel every like that. But, while I was going to acupuncture symptom of pregnancy and then get my period and things were really great. At the time I didn’t restart the whole grieving process. First, I would

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be in denial and then I would be angry. Then, I’d be sad. Then I’d turn back to hope always keeping in mind: ‘There’s always next month.’

But with IVF, I was really overwhelmed with what the process was, with how many medications there are, giving yourself injections every day and just what it was all about. I think getting acupuncture helped with that a lot, too. Besides the fertility benefits I think it gave me peace. A time where I could completely zone out. It was almost like a meditation. At times, I could just let all of that go, because all that was going on in my mind wasn’t going to make it work. And, it can be so overwhelming. It was really overwhelming in the beginning. And yet, I really looked forward to acupuncture then. And now!” Heather exclaimed, “It’s my half-hour of no one bothering me. My phone is off. The twins aren’t there. My husband is not there. It’s literally my 2 half-hours a week to myself! I told my husband, ‘I have to go my entire pregnancy!’” “[Besides] the medications, the injections and appointments; [the] hardest part for me is this period- the 12 days between the transfer and the pregnancy test. It feels like forever. Every day feels like it’s just dragging. But the funny thing is, acupuncture does make it feel like it goes faster. I get that bit of peace for a while each time I go; I go on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it just makes the week go faster. This ‘hopeful’ pregnancy, I definitely plan to do acupuncture the whole time because I certainly feel that will help with any of the issues; like the anemia and the gestational diabetes that I had the first time. I feel like it will help with that. I had a great first trimester the last time and I want exponentially that this time,” Heather concluded.

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38 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 ADVERTORIAL

Why dental hygiene is essential for overall health T he importance of maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums goes beyond having fresh breath and a white smile. Many people are surprised to discover that oral hygiene plays an integral role in overall health.

Research indicates that oral health mirrors the condition of the body as a whole.

Also, regular dental visits can alert dentists about overall health and pinpoint if a person is at a risk for chronic disease. An oral health check-up also may be the first indication of a potential health issue not yet evident to a general medical doctor.

Heart disease According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a distinct relationship between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Joint teams at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could have an increased risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream when bleeding gums are present.

That bacteria can stick to platelets and subsequently form blood clots. This interrupts the flow of blood to the heart and may trigger a heart attack. Brushing and flossing twice daily and rinsing with mouthwash can remove bacteria and keep gums healthy.

Facial pain The Office of the Surgeon General says infections of the gums that support the teeth can lead to facial and oral pain.

Gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease, as well as advanced gum disease, affects more than 75 percent of the American population.

Dental decay can lead to its own share of pain. Maintaining a healthy mouth can fend off decay and infections, thereby preventing pain.

Pancreatic cancer In 2007, the Harvard School of Public Health reported a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. In the ongoing study, 51,000 men were followed and data was collected beginning in 1986. The Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease. The greatest risk for pancreatic cancer among this group was in men with recent tooth loss.

However, the study was unable to find links between other types of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, and pancreatic cancer.

Alzheimer’s disease Various health ailments, including poor oral health, have been linked to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In 2010, after reviewing 20 years’ worth of data, researchers from New York University concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Follow-up studies from researchers at the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom compared brain samples from 10 living patients with Alzheimer’s to samples from 10 people who did not have the disease. Data indicated that a bacterium — Porphyromonas gingivalis — was present in the Alzheimer’s brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s. P. gingivalis is usually associated with chronic gum disease. As a result of the study, experts think that the bacteria can move via nerves in the roots of teeth that connect directly with the brain or through bleeding gums.

These health conditions are just a sampling of the relationship between oral health and overall health. Additional connections also have been made and continue to be studied.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

Depression common but treatable

ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Chen is a credentialed acupuncturist at North Shore Hospital, Dr. Chen has specialized in Chinese Medicine for 20+ years. He successfully treats pain, diabetes, weight control, depression, fatigue, infertility and cancer prevention.

Patients suffering with obesity and/or diabetes may see results within Best of the one to two weeks after starting North Shore treatment.

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Dr. Dazhi Chen, Ph.D., LAC 277 Northern Blvd., Suite 306 Great Neck, NY 11021 (516)562-9221 • altmedny@gmail.com

I

t’s normal to experience feelings of sadness and grief from time to time.

But when these feelings are prolonged or interfere with daily life, they may be symptomatic of depression.

Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or economic status. The National Institute of Mental Health says around 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Understanding depression can help those dealing with the disorder.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. The Mayo Clinic says depression can produce a variety of symptoms and affect the way a person thinks, acts and feels. Symptoms may include changes in sleeping patterns, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, unexplained aches and pains, and difficulty concentrating.

What causes depression?

Although the cause of depression remains a mystery, certain distinguishing factors are common among those who have the condition. People with clinical depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. In addition, naturally occurring brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters likely play a role in depression. The Mayo Clinic states changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.

In addition to biological factors in the brain, hormones can impact rates of depression or even trigger it. These hormone shifts may be a leading reason why women have higher incidence rates of depression than men. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have the condition. Therefore, those with a family history of depression may be more likely to get it than those without such a connection.

Different types of depression There are different types of depression.

A person may have a single bout of major depression or recurring episodes.

Depression that lasts two or more years is called persistent depressive disorder. A less common type of depression is called manic-depressive illness. This involves cycles of depression that alternate with extreme highs, or manias.

Treating depression Depression is a very treatable condition.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications or a combination thereof can be very effective in managing symptoms. Mental health professionals can work with individuals to find the right therapy based on symptoms and severity of the depression. Also, it may take some time to find the right medication or treatment; therefore, people are urged to remain patient and hopeful.

The National Institute of Mental Health says people who suspect they may be suffering from depression should make an appointment to see a doctor or health care provider. The sooner action is taken, the more quickly the condition can be addressed.

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40 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017

The hidden beneďŹ ts of water D

ehydration is a dangerous condition that can cause a host of complications and even prove fatal in severe cases. But as dangerous as dehydration can be, many cases are entirely preventable.

The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink enough water. When the body does not take in as much water as it puts out, it can become dehydrated. People who live in warm climates or in elevated altitudes may lose more water than those who do not. In addition, water loss is accelerated during strenuous exercise, highlighting the emphasis men and women must place on drinking enough water during their workouts.

But water does more for the body than prevent dehydration. The following are a handful of lesser known ways that water benefits the body.

Water can help people maintain healthy weights. Dieting fads come and go, but water is a mainstay for people who want to control their caloric intake in an effort to maintain healthy weights. Water has zero calories, so reaching for a bottle or glass of water instead of a soda, lemonade

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or another caloric beverage can help people keep the pounds off. A study from researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that even diet soda enhances weight gain by as much as 41 percent. In addition, soda has been linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. No such association exists with water.

Water helps to fight fatigue. The fatigue-fighting properties of water are another of its lesser known benefits. When the body is not adequately hydrated, it can experience muscle soreness. And fitness enthusiasts who do not drink enough water may notice their bodies require extensive recovery time after working out. Each of those consequences can be prevented by drinking enough water, and doing so can even improve performance, as studies have shown that just a 3 percent loss of body weight due to dehydration can cause as much as a 10 percent drop in performance level.

Water can improve the appearance of the skin. Skin that does not get enough water can turn dry and flaky and feel tight. In addition, dry skin is

more likely to wrinkle than adequately hydrated skin. Getting water to the skin can be tricky, as the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health notes that water will reach all the other organs of the body before it reaches the skin. But the school recommends applying a hydrating moisturizer within two minutes of leaving the bath or shower and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to ensure the skin is getting enough water.

Water helps the gastrointestinal tract. Water can help maintain normal bowel function. When the body lacks sufficient fluid, the colon will pull water from stools in an effort to stay hydrated. That can lead to constipation, a condition in which people experience difficulty emptying their bowels. By drinking enough water, people can ensure their colon will not have to pull water from stools to stay hydrated, thereby helping them stay regular.

Water helps the body in myriad ways, many of which might surprise people unaware of just how valuable water can be to the body.

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The differences between hot and cold therapies I

nflammation can affect anyone, and those who have battled it likely have nothing positive to say. But while few people may associate inflammation with something good, inflammation is actually a process by which the body’s white blood cells and the substances those cells produce protect the body from infection at the hands of bacteria, viruses and other foreign organisms.

While inflammation is protective by nature, sometimes an inflammatory response is triggered by mistake. When that happens, the body’s immune system, which is designed to protect the body, begins to damage its own tissues. The resulting symptoms of this faulty immune system response may include joint pain, joint stiffness, loss of function in the joints, and swelling of the joints. None of those symptoms are comfortable, and people suffering from them may be on the lookout for ways to alleviate their pain and suffering.

While anyone battling persistent inflammation should speak with their physicians to explore their treatment options, a preliminary search of how to best treat inflammation will no doubt turn up information about heat therapy and cold therapy. The following breakdown should not replace a physician’s advice, but it can help patients battling inflammation better understand both treatment options.

Heat therapy According to the Merck Manual, a reference book for physicians and patients alike, heat works against inflammation by increasing blood flow and making connective tissues more flexible. Heat also can be used to combat edema, a condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the tissues of the body. Upon application, heat can temporarily reduce pain and

Neuropsychological Evaluation

alleviate stiffness in the joints. Heat also may temporarily relieve muscles spasms.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that heat can be effective at relieving pain associated with worn-away cartilage in the joints because it eases chronically stiff joints and relaxes tight muscles. In addition, moist heat can relax painful neck spasms linked to nerves or blood vessels in the head or pain emanating from muscles in the neck. Heat can be applied via hot packs, infrared heat, paraffin baths, and hydrotherapy.

Cold therapy Cold therapy, sometimes referred to as “cryotherapy,” can relieve pain associated with inflammation that has developed recently. Cold can help numb tissues and relieve muscle spasms and can also be used to alleviate pain associated with injuries. The Merck Manual notes that ice bags or cold packs can be used to apply cold. In addition, fluids that cool by evaporation, including ethyl chloride, may be applied topically. Some medicines may interact with ethyl chloride spray, so inflammation sufferers should consult their physicians before applying such sprays.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ice can be used to calm flare-ups and numb pain associated with chronic, inflammatory arthritis. Ice also can ease inflammation and numb pain linked to pulled muscles or injured tendons. Pain and inflammation resulting from the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the joints may also be eased by applying ice to the affected area.

Heat and cold therapies can effectively combat symptoms associated with inflammation, but such treatments should always be discussed with a physician before being instituted.

For more information call: 718-470-8069 or Email: CenterforNeuropsychologicalServices@Northwell.edu

Assistance to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential The Center for Neuropsychological Services at Northwell Health specializes in the assessment of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning of children. We assist in understanding your child’s behavior, unraveling the causes of any difficulties, and overcoming behavior or learning challenges.

When can a Neuropsychological Evaluation be Helpful?

A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended for children experiencing difficulty at home or in school due to emotional or cognitive difficulties.

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Losing Belongings

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42 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 24, 2017

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