AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020
HANDLING STRESS IN THE NEW NORMAL A guide for adults who are dealing with stress as a result of COVID-19
Dr. Marlene L. Levy
PhD, LCSW, DAIPM • CONTACT:
516.944.3885
CLINICAL HYPNOSIS /PSYCHOTHERAPY/TELETHERAPY *Certified: Telehealth Certification Institute
ANXIETY • STRESS MANAGEMENT • RELAXATION TRAINING • INDIVIUAL & FAMILY ISSUES
During Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic 1. Call for app’t: 516.944.3885 2. Upload: Zoom app [wait for appt. time/date] 3. Payment: ZELLE, Cash or Check.
DIPLOMATE/FACULTY “American Academy of Pain Management”
*Limited Insurance accepted
218241 M
PRESIDENT/FACULTY - “The New York Society of Clinical Hypnosis” [NYSCH.ORG] -*NYS Social Work provider for CE credits!
Now Available Teletherapy + Outdoor office
2A SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020 • HEALTHY LIVING
FULL RUN
218240 M
FULL RUN
HEALTHY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020
3A
Do You Have Stress Brought On By The Pandemic? If so, here is a step-by-step process to help you get back on track BY EMILY SAUCHELLI
E
esauchelli@antonnews.com
ver feel that stress is too much to bear? Has the pandemic made you feel even worse than you did before? Well, you are not alone. According to The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report, U.S. adults have experienced an average stress level of 5.9 out of 10, due to the pandemic. In the survey, U.S. adults experienced a general stress rate of 5.4, compared to the 2019 Stress in America survey, which found U.S. adults experiencing a general stress rate of 4.9. Theresa Rauh-Hoell, who is a certified expert in the field of stress management, said the first step in stress management is to recognize that you may have symptoms of stress. “It’s just a matter of recognizing when our anxiety is within a normal range or when maybe certain circumstances trigger our anxiety to maybe overreact and we have to manage that,” she said. “There’s a part of it that comes from within; you have to know yourself. If you don’t know yourself and you’re just feeling overwhelmed by it that’s when I would say that maybe going to therapy [is good], so you can have a better understanding of your process and your experience with anxiety so that you can manage it.” The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report cited 67 percent of parents are stressed due to self-isolating. RauhHoell said people should stray away from being alone during this time as it can lead to an increase in stress. “I feel like what COVID-19 did, is brought on a lot of isolation,” she said. “Human beings are social. We need people. We need to be around people. Even when we hate them and wish we were in a lake house alone somewhere, we need people. This isolation and not seeing other people or only the people in our household is not good for us. With technology right now, we have so many more options available to us to be somewhat social. Different apps that we can connect and see people and family and friends that we haven’t been able to see, and
Theresa Rauh-Hoell (Photo courtesy of Theresa Rauh-Hoell)
U.S. adults have an average stress level of 5.9 out of 10 due to the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay) that recharges us in a way that we don’t even realize until we’ve done it.” Staying healthy is another step that people can do, even at home, to help manage their stress. Rauh-Hoell said exercise and nutrition are keys to living a life that is less stressful. “Everybody can exercise at home right now,” she said. “Nobody wants to admit it, but you can. We can all do push-ups and crunches. Take walks safely with a mask, so there are things. Yoga’s great. If you’re drinking Starbucks all day, you’re going to be gyrating and anxious about everything. Also, chocolate and sugars are going to mess you up. Monster drinks too. All that is awful. We have to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies.” Rauh-Hoell said recreational activities are becoming popular as the pandemic has limited activities that can be done outside the home. “More and more people are telling me that they are doing puzzles, having game nights with their families and actually having conversations instead of plopping on a couch and zoning out, which is what people were doing before COVID-19,” she said. “I see more and more people outside playing and on bikes and walks than I have seen in years.”
The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report cited parental stress for those with children under the age of 18 is 6.7. The report also said that 55 percent of parents feel that their child has been acting out since the pandemic. Rauh-Hoell said it’s important for parents to know the stress signs in their children. “Usually a kid that’s stressed out is going to tell you that their belly hurts more often than not,” she said. “They don’t even understand what stress is. As a parent, you have to know your child and you have to recognize that too. Maybe it isn’t that they ate too much or are hungry and that’s what’s bothering them. If they keep reporting that their stomach is bothering them, it’s probably anxiety and stress. They feed off of the adults too. As an adult and as a parent, it’s airplane rules. You have to put the mask on yourself first and then you can help the kids around you. If you’re not in the physically and mentally healthiest place, you’re not going to be able to help anyone else. I think parents should model the behavior of how to take care of yourself because it is a stressful time.” Breathing is one technique that Rauh-Hoell recommends everyone
can do to manage their stressors. She said stress is both a physical condition as much as it is a mental one. “There’s this natural tendency to tighten up,” she explained. “Our shoulders just go right to our ears. That’s why stress causes so many physical issues, muscle spasms, tension in our neck, upper back and our lower back. It manifests physically if we don’t get a hold of it mentally. Take nice, deep breaths. You can do that anywhere. Doing that for a few minutes is very helpful.” For those who have not addressed their stress concerns to a professional, Rauh-Hoell gave some advice. “Just like anything else, the unknown is scary to anybody,” she said. “It’s something new. It’s okay not wanting to do it and not being 100 percent comfortable. That’s also part of life. We have to go to a doctor, we have to take care of ourselves, eat well, we have to exercise, we have to do things to keep us healthy and that sometimes isn’t fun. Anything that we’ve not done before would be scary. That’s normal. It’s okay to be scared. That’s when you grow the most.” Theresa Rauh-Hoell is a licensed clinical social worker with a certification in alcohol and substance abuse counseling. She owns and operates the private practice Island Counseling in Levittown. To learn more about the services she provides, visit www. island-counseling.org.
4A SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020 • HEALTHY LIVING
FULL RUN
How Much Added Sugar Are You Consuming? New book offers a guide for healthy alternatives BY EMILY SAUCHELLI
Q A
esauchelli@antonnews.com
Why did you want to co-author a book about sugar? It’s really a growing concern. About 75 to 80 percent of the packaged foods that we eat contain added sugars. Largely, those come from five main forces. Those are things like soda, coffee drinks and tea drinks, obviously you know you have your sweets. Even things such as cereal and granola bars. I think it’s really important for consumers to know where these sugars are coming into their diet so that they can cut back. Added sugars can really take a toll on your health. Liquid added sugar, such as those from sugary beverages, such as soft drinks and coffee drinks are especially harmful. For those who don’t know They’re very highly linked to weight about your background, Samantha Cassetty (Photo courtesy of problems. Added sugars can concan you tell readers about tribute to diabetes and they also can Samantha Cassetty) yourself? undermine our immune system. I I am a registered dietitian with I went to school I knew that I wanted think we’re seeing now in this envia masters in nutrition. I have to work more broadly with people ronment of COVID-19 that people previously served as the nutri- in that media setting so that I could who have higher than normal body tion director for Good Housekeeping. help more people with their everyday weights, people who have diabetes I’ve made appearances on national challenges around eating. are at higher-risk for serious infecTV shows like The Today Show and tions from COVID-19 because their How did you become Dr. Oz. I have currently a weekly bodies aren’t functioning optimally interested in being a media because they have these issues. One column for The Today Show and NBC professional in the health News and I also have a small private of the best things that you can do is to industry as well? practice. control the amount of added sugars I’ve actually been doing this that you take in. So how did you get your for two decades. When I first start in the health industry? graduated, I just knew that Can you discuss a few of the this is what I wanted to do. My first added sugars that people I always knew that I wanted job in nutrition was actually at Good should know and for people to do something in health, Housekeeping working in health that are used to added sugars what I guess after I graduated media. At that time in the early days are healthier replacements? college. It’s that period of time where of my career, I was doing monthly segThere are more than 50 names you’re learning to become sort of in- ments that were broadcasted to about of added sugars in our food dependent and on your own and also 90 top tier markets nationwide, doing supply. When you’re reading you have no money. I was cooking little short segments on nutrition and labels you’re going to see things a lot and really undergoing sort of a health. I guess I just always knew I like brown rice syrup or apple juice transformation in terms of feeding wanted to do it and set my mind to concentrate or pear juice concenmyself better and feeling better. I it and I found an opportunity and trate, cane juice crystals. There are really wanted to explore that. When carved that niche for myself early on. a number of different ways that can
E
ver wonder the secret behind added sugars? Have you ever wanted to change your eating habits to include less added sugars? Well, now you can and it’s way simpler than you might think. Samantha Cassetty is a co-author of Sugar Shock: The Hidden Sugar in Your Food and 100+ Ways to Cut Back, who said nutrition is not as hard as people make it seem to be. “There’s this idea that nutrition has to be really complicated, confusing and time consuming,” Cassetty said. “I think the wellness industry has sort of co-opted what healthy eating is and it can be much easier than it’s sometimes made to seem.”
Q A Q A
Q A
Q A
Sugar Shock: The Hidden Sugar in Your Food and 100+ Ways to Cut Back (Photo courtesy of Trevor Rich-
ardson)
show up on a food label. In terms of replacements, now we are going to talk about products versus those individual sweeteners. You always want to compare labels. You want to look at both the added sugars, which is now a lot easier to detect on a food label, because they state it. You also want to see ingredients because you know the nutrition facts panel, looking at the added sugars, looking at serving size, that’s only giving you a piece of the picture. You don’t know the quality of the food if you’re not looking at the ingredients. In terms of the swaps, I would suggest something fizzy like a Spindrift with a splash of juice. It is a bubbly seltzer, carbonated water. It comes in flavors like blackberry, raspberry and lemon. These contain no added sugars; they contain a splash of 100 percent fruit juice so it’s giving you that bubbly sweet flavor, but in a much healthier way. If you’re consuming sweetened cereal, there’s a couple things that I would suggest. One is that you can mix it with an unsweetened cereal to cut the sugar starting with whatever mix or ratio is tolerable to you and then, gradually reducing that down till you’re about 25 percent or less of the sweetened variety and 75 percent or more of the unsweetened, whole-grain, healthy variety or less sweetened variety. Sugar Shock: The Hidden Sugar in Your Food and 100+ Ways to Cut Back, comes out on Sept. 15. The paperback version will be available for purchase at all major booksellers as well as on Amazon.com.
FULL RUN
HEALTHY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020
5A
Friends For Life Homecare & Medicaid Consultants Friendsforlifeny.com COVID-19 has made caring for a loved one even more challenging. Here at Friends for Life Homecare, we understand your struggles and commit to stand by your side through these times not only as a homecare agency but also as a resource, advocate and guide. We will continue to lend a hand and our hearts to those who need us. Whatever help you may seek, we will ensure a successful solution for you and your family. Our main priority is keeping the senior community safe, and giving you and your loved one peace of mind.
What we do today, will define what happens tomorrow How you can reach out: We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer same-day or next-day service during this crisis.
(516) 900-1818 OR (516) 761-7834
218317 S
The Experience You Can Count On David Jurman D.D.S., M.D., F.A.C.S. • Tracey J. Rosenberg D.D.S., M.D., F.A.C.S. • Jason M. Kneller D.D.S. Daniel H. Fleischman D.D.S. • Robert A. Bacigalupo D.D.S. • Brendan O’Rourke D.D.S., M.D. Barry D. Bass D.D.S. • Peter Scharfenberger D.M.D. • Kenneth H. Hirsch D.D.S.
Facial Trauma TMJ Disorders Oral Pathology full mouth rehabilitation Intravenous Sedation Botox & Fillers
1181 Old Country Rd. • Plainview, NY 11803 | 4180 Sunrise Hwy. • Massapequa, NY 11758 2920 Hempstead Tpke. • Levittown, NY 11756
(516)789-5525 • www.PMLOralSurgery.com
218325 S
Wisdom Teeth Extractions Dental Implants Bone Grafting Dental Infections Low Dose 3D Scans
6A SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020 • HEALTHY LIVING
FULL RUN
Abnormal Liver Tests Explained
T
Medication and the liver
he most common reason for abnormal liver tests in the United States are fatty liver and medication induced liver injury. People with underlying liver diseases may be at greater risk of this but many times, abnormal liver tests can occur in people without any known liver conditions. Potential medication effects on the liver are a constant concern for both patients and providers. No one wants to take or prescribe something that could potentially do harm. Almost all medications have a warning associated with them that tell the patient to inform the doctor if they have any liver disease. A careful read of most medication package inserts will list liver test abnormalities as a possible side effect. What then is a practical approach to medications and the liver? First and foremost, the vast majority of medications do not cause liver issues and are safe. 99 percent of the
THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
abnormal tests which are seen, are not clinically significant and resolve when the offending agent is discontinued. Second, all medications, over-thecounter products and herbal products should only be taken when absolutely needed. Third, it is important for prescribing doctors to be aware of all medications and over the counter products to ensure appropriate consideration is given to potential drug-drug interactions. Fourth, patients must be aware of drug interactions when they take multiple over the counter and herbal medications without their doctor’s supervision.
Which common drugs come to mind when providers and patients become concerned about liver toxicity? These concerns can usually be divided into three main classes or medications: prescription drugs, overthe-counter medications and herbal and natural products. Many prescription medications can cause mild liver test abnormalities. Some of these toxicities are dose dependent and many are idiosyncratic or unpredictable. Antibiotics are the most common class of drugs to cause abnormal liver tests. Rarely, certain antibiotics can cause chronic liver disease. Cholesterol lowering agents, such as statins, rarely cause significant abnormal liver tests. Usually, abnormal liver tests are found during the initial six months of therapy with a new drug. If liver tests are found to be elevated after more than six months of therapy, it is likely that something else is the cause. Over-the-counter products commonly cause short-term liver test abnormalities and liver injury. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin or naproxen and other anti-inflammatory agents such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause abnormal liver tests and even jaundice if too many pills are taken or if pills are taken with alcohol. If taken in very large quantities, acetaminophen can lead to liver failure. Over-the-counter medications should only be taken for a few days
for symptomatic relief. If symptoms are not relieved, appropriate medical consultation should be obtained. Over-the–counter medications that can cause liver injury are commonly found in many cold remedies, as well as fever and flu preparations. People should read the labels to learn what they are taking in order to avoid overdose and duplication of treatment and prevent toxicity. The last major class of ingested agents are complementary or alternative therapies such as herbal products, vitamins, or minerals. While the vast majority of these products are safe, many still can cause liver damage. Technically, these products are classified as foods not medications. So, they are not subjected to the same standard of safety testing required of prescription medications. A simple rule of thumb should apply to the use of these products. Take them only as needed, avoid taking multiple products as these products may interfere or enhance absorption of prescribed medications and make sure to read the labels carefully so as not to take any known liver toxic agents. So, what are the most important take home messages regarding medications and the liver? First, 99 percent of therapies are liver safe. Second, know what you are taking, and if you have any questions, ask your doctor. Thirdly, only take what you absolutely need.
Trust Your Face to the Specialists
440 Northern Boulevard Great Neck, New York 11021
(516) 773-4646
630 Park Avenue New York, New York 10065
(212) 570-2500
218239 M
FULL RUN
HEALTHY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020
HEARING AID SERVICE
LIVE-IN/OUT • HOURLY • WEEKENDS
Elite
NOW HIRING
All Makes And Models
HOME CARE SERVICE
FREE REPAIR ESTIMATES
“We Give Your Loved One a Helping Hand”
Lab On Premises • Walk-In Service
WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
See Our 300 Plus...5 Star Google Reviews
• Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia Care
Need A New Hearing Aid?
• Discount 24 -Hour Live-In Caregiver Service
TRY US!
• Assistance with Meal Preparation • Assistance with Dressing
OUR 35TH ANNIVERSARY WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE
• Light Housekeeping, Laundry • Referral Program with Atria Assistant Living
Long Island Hearing, Inc.
10% off starting at 8 hours and up and live-in cases
“Our commitment to you will be life-changing”®
Call 516-636-7617 • 631-315-2874 www.elitehomecaresvs.com • 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 25, Melville Serving Long Island and Queens 218280 M
OVER
YEARS
OF EXCELLENCE IN CARE
Since 1985
1.800.698.5200
OPEN 6 DAYS • Nassau • Suffolk • SINCE 1985
218259 S
CELEBRATING OVER 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN CARE CELEBRATING OVER 25
A Memory Care Neighborhood
NEW ADMISSIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! The Regency continues to take all precautions in keeping residents and staff safe during the COVID pandemic. _________
Real Relationships. Real Warmth. Real Care. The Regency is an assisted living setting with vital seniors who share your interests, caring staff, and upscale amenities that elevate comfort to another level. 94 School Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542 TheRegencyAtGlenCove.com • SafeHarbor@RegencyGlenCove.com
Building on The Regency’s quarter-century reputation of excellence, we’ve created a secure, self-contained neighborhood dedicated to seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss – allowing our residents to age in place.
SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR REGENCY & SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITIES!
516-674-3007
218319 M
3007
7A
SEPTEMBER 9 - 15, 2020 • HEALTHY LIVING
FULL RUN
PARKER CARE. THE BEST. FOR THE BEST.
THEY GAVE YOU THE BEST
NOW IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE THEM THE BEST
271-11 76th Avenue New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | 877-727-5373 | parkerinstitute.org
218329 S
Short Term Rehabilitation | Long Term Care | Social Adult Day Care | Home Health Care Hospice | Palliative Care | Inpatient And Outpatient Dialysis | Medical House Calls Managed Long Term Care | Medicare Advantage Plan
218328 M