Guide to Health Wellness & Beauty

g�ide to

Wellness&Beauty

A B L A N K S L AT E M E D I A S P E C I A L S E C T I O N • J A N U A RY 2, 2015

22 News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

C

Easy ways to start living healthier every day

ontrary to popular belief, adopting a healthy lifestyle is not a difficult undertaking. In certain instances, convenience may need to be sacrificed in favor of nutrition, but many people find that living healthy is not nearly as difficult as they assumed it would be when they initially decided to make a change.

When men and women decide they want to start living healthier, many mistakenly assume they must abandon their existing habits entirely and start from scratch.

But the following are some easy ways to start living healthier every day.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. One of the best and easiest ways to live healthier is to begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Instead of unhealthy snacks like potato chips and cookies, snack on a piece of fruit, and never sit down to a meal unless you include some vegetables to go along with the main course. Studies have shown that men and women whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop

certain types of cancers, including cancers of the digestive tract. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture notes that people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Slow down your eating routine. Some people may already be eating the right foods, but they may just be eating too much of them. It takes time for your body to let you know it’s had too much to eat, so eating too fast can increase your risk of overeating. While eating, try to limit distractions that can take your attention away from how much you’re eating. If you’re always watching television or checking emails on your phone while eating, try a few days of distraction-free, careful eating, and you may find yourself eating less and feeling more energized after a meal.

Skip the second glass of wine. The much publicized medical benefits of wine are somewhat misleading. According

to the Mayo Clinic, when consumed in moderation, red wine can help prevent heart disease. That’s because alcohol and antioxidants found in red wine have been shown to increase levels of highdensity lipoprotein, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, and protect against artery damage. But wine also contains sugars that can fatten the liver, and a fatty liver can contribute to a host of serious health problems. If you already drink wine, limit yourself to one glass per day. If you are not a wine drinker, then it’s important to note that many doctors believe the potential benefits of drinking wine do not outweigh the potentially negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption, which include neurological problems and an increased risk for heart disease.

Get more sleep. Inadequate sleep affects the body in a variety of ways.

Many people are aware that one poor

night’s sleep is certain to affect their energy levels the following day, but fewer may know of the link between sleep duration and chronic disease.

For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that studies have linked insufficient sleep to type 2 diabetes, as the body’s ability to process glucose can be compromised by poor sleeping habits. Other medical conditions that have been linked to insufficient sleep include obesity, heart disease and mood disorders. While you might be proud of your ability to function on minimal sleep, the long-term effects of insufficient sleep can be dire, so be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Choosing to live healthier does not mean you need to completely overhaul your existing lifestyle. In fact, you can make several easy everyday changes to dramatically improve your overall health.

Stay Tight With Your Family For The Holidays!

One Month of Adult Beginner Kickboxing*or Kids Karate*

START NOW, ONLY $99!

Try a FREE Introductory Class Give The Gifts & Get FREE Training Gloves FREE! & l a ic s y of Ph Offer Expires December 31, 2014 !

Mental Health

*Available with enrollment on regular program.

KICKBOXING · MMA · KIDS MARTIAL ARTS

TIGER SCHULMANN’S MANHASSET • (516) 627-2427 1205 Northern Blvd. • www.manhassetmma.com

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Static stretches at the end of a workout can help lengthen muscles that may have tightened during strength training sessions.

How to M

improve flexibility

any men and women become less flexible as they get older. That loss of flexibility can make performing everyday tasks more difficult while also increasing the risk of injury when working out. Fortunately, there are many steps men and women can take to improve their flexibility.

Embrace dynamic stretching before a workout. Static

Spring 2015 Newspaper Ad_Layout 1 12/22/14 4:37 PM Page 1

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • Mommy & Me Classes (Ages 1-3) • Separation Classes (Ages 3-5+)

stretching was once the rage, but research has indicated that static stretching is not as beneficial as people once thought. Static stretching is a blanket term used to describe several techniques that stretch muscles while a body is at rest. When a person is performing a static stretch, he or she gradually lengthens the muscle until it reaches an elongated position, which is then held for 30 seconds or more. But

recent research has indicated that static stretching is not as effective before a workout as dynamic stretching, which are stretching exercises done while a body is moving. Push-ups, squats and lunges are just a few examples of dynamic stretching techniques, and these exercises can warm up your body and prepare it for the workout to come.

Reconfigure your workout.

When you want to improve flexibility, it’s beneficial to examine your existing workout routine. Are you lifting as much weight as possible during your strength training workout but don’t really know why? If building muscle mass is not your goal, you can probably improve your flexibility by lifting less weight.

Lifting less weight can be a great way to tone your muscles, and you won’t be sacrificing the benefits associated with strength training.

Drink water. Properly hydrated muscles are more capable of responding to flexibility training than poorly hydrated muscles.

Make an effort to drink more water throughout the day, and bring your own water with you to the gym so you can stay hydrated during your workouts.

Find ways to unwind. Your workout may not be the culprit behind your inflexibility. Stress can cause muscles to tighten, and it also increases your risk for a host of ailments, including heart disease and stroke. If your workout routine is already one that promotes flexibility but you are still dealing with tightness, then you might be falling victim to stress. If that’s the case, find time to alleviate that stress throughout the day, whether it’s taking a relaxing walk during your lunch break or embracing yoga at the end of a long day.

Perform static stretches at the end of your workout. Static stretches may be ineffective and contribute to injury at the beginning of workout, but that does not mean they can’t help you improve flexibility once your workout is complete. Static stretches at the end of a workout can help you lengthen muscles that might have lost some of their flexibility during strength training.

Men and women who can’t seem to improve their flexibility no matter what they do may benefit from working with a professional trainer or discussing their concerns with their physicians.

Spring 2015 Semester

S C I T S A N GYM New Student Registration Begins January 10, 2015

SPRING 2015 SPECIAL OFFER for Pre-School Classes Only

REGISTER FOR 1 CLASS AND GET A 2ND CLASS FOR 50% OFF (AT TIME OF REGISTRATION ONLY) New for 2015 – Longer Classes… Same Price!

m

ALSO AVAILABLE: Girls Instructional Classes USA Gymnastics Competitive Team

23

Cherry Lane Gymnastics Center One Lowell Avenue - New Hyde Park, NY 11040

516-775-2828

24 News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Hot Trend on Long Island

Fitness “...the hottest new exercise trend is rowing and everyone is singing the praise of this low impact, total body workout.”

Looking for a great workout?

According to Shape Magazine, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Details, The New York Times and The New York Post, among others, the hottest new exercise trend is rowing and everyone is singing the praise of this low impact, total body workout. With the ability to burn 400-600 calories in a work out, the ability to use all major muscle groups (legs, core, arms) and a low impact fun workout, it’s no wonder that rowing is getting all the praise.

Row45, the only indoor rowing studio on Long Island (Albertson), delivers a non-impact total-body workout that combines cardio and toning.

The signature Row45 class is a high-energy, total-body workout that alternates between rowing/cardio and toning/sculpting.

Using the indorow®, a water-based rowing machines, the Row 45 workout, provides the precise resistance to target your main muscle groups, increasing resistance as your speed and intensity increase. Row45 comes from fitness expert and long-time gym owner, Craig Hatchett, of D-Fine Fitness in Albertson.

According to Hatchett, the benefits of rowing are total – • BURN: Rowing is one of the top 5 calorie burning workouts.

Shed 400-600 calories in one class.

• FULL BODY: Hit 84% of your body’s muscle mass— no body part is left behind in this workout.

• LOW IMPACT: Save your knees. See results with a low-impact workout that eliminates the force other cardio workouts put on your joints.

If you’re looking for a great cardio workout that combines toning and is low impact, then check out Row45.

Open since May in Albertson, ROW45 is opening in Jericho in mid-January and additional Row45 locations are coming to Plainview and Bellmore/Merrick in the next few months.

Contact Row45 at 516-625-5700 or at www.Row45.com to learn more about classes and scheduling.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Move over spin class.

An intense, low-impAct, cAlorie burning workout.

View Our Schedule & Register Now at Row45.com

Sign up for a Complimentary Class and try our state-of-the-art water rowers.

Row45.com

1 Albertson Avenue, Albertson, New York 516.625.5700 Watch For Our NEW LOCATION OPENING January 2015: Westbury/Jericho

The only gym in town with no membership fee.

Buy 15 sessions, Get 3 Free!

Call NOW to schedule a complimentary session.

516.484.6300

d-finefitness.com

25

26 News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro

has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596

Foods that pack a nut�itious punch

(building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)

drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189 Your Healthy Life Is Our Mission

HILLSIDE INTERNAL MEDICINE & GERIATRICS DR. WILBERT B. MANIEGO

FLU VACCINES ARE IN! Come in for your flu shot

WE MANAGE: Diabetics, Blood Pressure, Coronary Artery Disease, Obesity, Asthma WE PROVIDE: Most Major Preventive Care, Minor Trauma Care, Insurances Accepted Blood Testing, EKG, Holter, Spirometry Medicare, Medicaid, Cash Only Patients

Walk-ins Always Welcome

AFFILIATED WITH: L.I.J. Hospital Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Flushing Hospital Medical Center

You are always treated with understanding & compassion. We respect the dignity of every patient.

State-of-the-Art Facility with Confidential Electronic Medical Recording System

Comprehensive Annual and School Physicals

915 HILLSIDE AVE., NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040 tel: 718-343-7600 fax: 718-343-7603 info@hillsideinternalmedicine.com www.hillsideinternalmedicine.com Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

A

healthy diet is essential to long-term health. When coupled with routine exercise, healthy diets can be an effective way for men and women to reduce their risk of contracting a variety of diseases, not to mention the positive impact that such a healthy lifestyle can have on an individual’s quality of life. The following are a handful of easily found foods that pack a nutritious punch.

Whole wheat and multigrain pasta: Once difficult to find, these low-calorie alternatives to traditional pastas are now available in many large chain grocery stores as well as organic marketplaces. That’s good news, as a typical two-ounce serving of whole wheat or multigrain pasta typically includes about seven grams of protein and six grams of fiber.

Nonfat Greek yogurt: Nonfat Greek yogurt is a great low-calorie source of protein, making it a great snack option for men and women who want a snack that can boost their afternoon energy levels without compromising their waistlines. Single serving containers of Greek yogurt tend to be right around six ounces, and that six ounces can include 120 grams of protein or more.

Russet potatoes: If baked potatoes are a side dish you typically only enjoy in restaurants, you might want to consider eating more of them at home.

One medium-sized Russet potato is

roughly 170 calories and includes three grams of fiber, five grams of protein and 25 percent of your daily recommended dosage of potassium. Russet potatoes also are high in vitamin C and iron.

Fresh spinach: Popeye was on to something, as a four cup serving of fresh bagged spinach is just 20 calories and loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Just one serving of fresh bagged spinach can provide 160 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin A and 40 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Spinach is also a great source of folic acid, which can help prevent heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.

Dried lentils: Dried lentils make great additions to salads, soups and stews and pack a nutritious punch despite their relatively small serving size. A single serving of dried lentils is 1⁄4 cup, and that serving includes 10 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber.

Brown rice: A single 1⁄4 cup serving of brown rice has roughly 20 less calories than a similar serving of traditional white rice, and brown rice is also a much greater source of dietary fiber (1.8 grams) than white rice (0.4 grams).

Brown rice also is rich in selenium, which can reduce a person’s risk of developing arthritis, certain cancers and heart disease.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Stop colds

27

before they start

T

he stuffy nose, aches and pains that often accompany the common cold can leave sufferers feeling miserable for a week or more. Cold season seems to kick into high gear when the temperatures drop, but this can be the year you don’t come down with a case of the sniffles. The following cold prevention tips can increase your chances of making it to spring without losing any days or sleep to the common cold.

Keep kids clean. School-aged kids tend to carry home lots of germs, so when kids get home after a long day at school, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly and change into fresh outfits.

Such precautionary measures can keep colds and other illnesses from running rampant through your house.

Go outdoors and get some fresh air.

It’s a myth that cold air will bring on a cold. In reality, being outside instead of congregating indoors with other sick people may decrease your risk of getting a cold. Don’t be afraid to go outside when the temperatures drop for fear of getting sick. Fresh air and exercise can be good for you.

Drink plenty of fluids. Keeping your body hydrated will help flush toxins out of your body, strengthening your immune system and making it more capable of fending off colds.

Keep your distance. Did you know the cold virus can be shot up to three feet away when someone sneezes? The virus travels on the small droplets of saliva and mucus that get propelled from the nose and mouth of a sick individual.

If you know someone is sick, stay as far away as possible and wash your hands frequently, paying special attention to your fingertips.

Wipe down surfaces. The cold virus can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours.

That means a sick person can easily transfer a virus by touching a computer keyboard or remote control he or she

shares with others. Use disinfecting wipes or warm, soapy water to clean off doorknobs, telephones, light switches, cabinet handles, and anything that is frequently touched around a home or business.

Let it out gently. Blowing your nose forcefully or pinching your nose to hold back sneezes can irritate nasal passageways and make them more vulnerable to infection.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you are well, keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.

Viruses are especially good at entering the body through the mucus membranes located in these areas of the body. A combination of frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face can keep colds at bay.

Maintain your exercise routine.

Regular exercise can boost the body’s immune system and help it to fend off foreign invaders, including the cold virus.

A recent study found that taking vitamin C in addition to daily exercise can reduce your risk of cold and cut the duration of the cold should you get one. Before taking any supplements, speak with your doctor to make sure they won’t interact negatively with other medications.

Recognize that antibiotics are not the answer. Antibiotics are only effective at treating bacterial infections, not viruses, which means they are ineffective at fighting the cold virus.

If you do get sick, play it smart.

Should you succumb to a cold in spite of your best efforts, steer clear of others so you are not spreading the virus. Rest and fuel your body with healthy foods and beverages. There’s no need to visit a doctor for a cold unless you have a fever after several days of being sick.

Colds normally last between seven and 10 days. If your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to be worsening, visit your doctor.

1730 LAKEVILLE RD. NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040 516.326.4580

Visit our other locations at: 225 Merrick Rd., Lynbrook, NY 11563 516. 599.8734 3961 Long Beach Rd., Island Park, NY 11561 516.897.9700 1169 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793 516.785.4800

Gastroenterology & Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Howard M. Zimmerman, M.D.

Chaim I. Anfang, M.D.

Robert J. Brunner, M.D.

Specialists in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Advanced Interventional Biliary Diseases

Board Certified and Affiliated with the finest hospitals in New York Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore Manhasset and Mt. Sinai Hospital • Heartburn • Ulcers • Rectal Bleeding • Colon Cancer Screening • Painless Treatment of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

• Intestinal Problems • Liver & Gallbladder Disease • Hepatitis A, B, C • AAASF Certified • Video Capsule Endoscopy

*NYS State Certified in-office Colonoscopy & Endoscopy/Gastroscopy

157-02 Cross Bay Boulevard 3003 New Hyde Park Road Howard Beach, NY New Hyde Park,NY 718-845-0909 516-352-0022 • 718-343-9393 • Evening Hours Available • “Serving The Nassau & Queens Communities for 30 Years”

28 News Times Newspapers, Friday, January 2, 2015

Simple ways

to maintain your mental acuity M

any people know that a combination of a healthy diet and routine exercise is the best way to maintain their physical health. But what about mental well-being? Memory lapses are often assumed to be an accepted side effect of aging, but such an assumption is incorrect, as there are many steps men and women can take to maintain their mental acuity well into their golden years.

Find time for cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can help men and women maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk for potentially deadly ailments like diabetes and heart disease. But cardiovascular exercise also can boost brain power.

Cardiovascular exercise pumps oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and that blood contains glucose that can fuel brain cells. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens blood vessels, which can help prevent potentially devastating diseases, such as stroke, that can have a lasting and negative impact on cognitive function.

Find time for friends and family. Many people need no reason to socialize, but those that do can now cite boosting brain function as a great reason to get together with family and friends. Routine socialization can keep a brain sharp by reducing its levels of cortisol, a potentially destructive hormone brought on by stress. Researchers also believe that routine

interaction with other people stimulates structures in the brain’s frontal lobe that are likely responsible for planning, decision making and response control.

Squeeze in a nap every so often. Naps can have a reenergizing effect on men and women, but a study from German researchers also found that naps also can improve memory. In the study, researchers divided participants into three groups: people who would stay awake for 60 minutes; people who would sleep for six minutes; and people who would sleep for 30 to 45 minutes. After the hour was up, participants were given a word recall test, and those who slept performed better on the test than those who hadn’t. But the development that was perhaps most interesting was that those who slept for just six minutes performed just as well on the test as those who slept for far longer, leading researchers to suggest that men and women need not take long naps to improve their memories.

Include fish in your diet. A study from researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that people who eat fish once per week have a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who do not include fish in their weekly diets. Researchers credit this lower risk to DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in both the brain and in fish such as salmon and tuna.

Shine Hair Studio...a cut above the rest.

Treat yourself to the experience

Keratin Special

Blow Out Special

Tame your hair at Shine

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 2-5pm Thursday 2-7pm

$180 Keratin special begins at $180. Above average is an additional $20 per extra ounce of product used

$25 With Select Operators Only

Bookings available for Bridal Parties / Gift Certificates.

Hair Studio and Color Clinic 51 Main Street, Port Washington NY 11050 516.883.1029