your HEALTH body / mind / fitness
March 17, 2022
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Get in tune with your hearing
Turn down the volume
Hearing is easy to take for granted — especially for kids “But they won’t have fun if the music isn’t loud!” This was the response from a parent after someone had the audacity to suggest the music be turned down at an elementary school outing. The children had everything at their disposal for the makings of a good time ice skates, game tokens, snacks and soda, and their friends. Yet this mother and most of the others somehow felt that unless the adults had to shout to be heard, the children couldn’t possibly have fun. Studies show that noise pollution is correlated with hearing loss which in turn impacts speech, language and cognitive, social, and emotional development. Noise is also correlated with sleep disorders, increased blood pressure, poor digestion, slower learning, increased irritability, and increased aggression. Would this one party ruin their ears and cause this host of problems? Almost certainly not. The Problem With Noise Pollution However, hearing loss due to noise is cumulative and permanent. You may think that no harm is being done by loud sounds since your hearing seems to return to normal once you leave the noise of, for example, a concert. In reality, however, each exposure causes a little damage; and the louder a noise is, the less time it takes for damage to occur. By teaching your children that noise is an integral part of fun, you increase the chance that they will choose to turn up the volume when they are the ones running the show. After all, who doesn’t want to have as much fun as possible? Toys Are Noisy Parents get to define for their young children what sound is and what noise is. It starts with the toys you buy, the volume of music and television you listen to, and the loudness of other sounds to which you expose your children. Many toys are loud enough to harm your children’s hearing — even many rattles and learning devices. Current regulations merely legislate that toys be quieter than a jackhammer! Therefore, before you allow your child to play with a toy, you need to test it yourself; if the toy is the least bit annoying when shaken or played right next to your ear, it is too loud for your baby/child whose arms are much shorter and whose hearing is probably more sensitive than yours. What’s A Parent To Do? Noise induced hearing loss is preventable. Recognizing the threat noise poses to youngsters’ health is a great first step. Observe and rescue: Many infants and young children hold their ears, wince, or step back when exposed to noise (or what you might consider sound) — reactions that indicate the noise is too loud or overwhelming. Eventually they may get used to it, but this does not mean it is safe. Psychologically tuning out noise does not mean that physiologically hearing is not being affected. Avoid or minimize what noise you can, and rescue your children when they react negatively to noise. As they get older, your children may insist they study better or sleep better or do whatever better using an earbud or having the TV on, but do their grades, sleep habits, etc. really back that up? If not, it is time to set limits on the amount of time or volume of sound. Model sound not noise: If you blast your music, TV or
video games, so will your children. If you keep sound levels moderate, your children are more likely to keep levels moderate also. If you think loud is “cool,” your children will grow up thinking loud is “cool.” You can show your children you are willing to walk away from noise or are willing to protect yourself and them – for example, by wearing ear protection at loud movies or concerts. Talk about noise: Listen when children talk about loud noise. Reflect back to your children what they are saying so they can clarify their own feelings about noise and how it affects them. Discuss the damage noise does: Noise-induced hearing loss occurs slowly, so it is not obvious. Help your children learn that exposure to noise over a long period of time (i.e.TV,computer volumes turned up) causes permanent damage and that the louder the noise, the more damage occurs. Ask questions about the perceived advantages of noise: Certainly blocking out conversation in awkward social situations and tuning out thinking with loud music after a rough day can be perceived as advantageous. Listen as children come up with their reasons for preferring to turn up the volume. Then brainstorm safer alternatives. Take advantage of peace and) quiet: Family dinner is a great time to enjoy each other and share stories of the day without the distraction of TV or phones. Improved communication, vocabulary, and reading skills are some of the many benefits of eating together. Find ways to enjoy quiet family time. By turning off the outside electronic noises, you can tune in to the natural sounds in your environment. Play games with or without quiet music in the background. Encourage your children to come up with other ideas for quiet activities. Monitor noise levels: Is the noise from the tablet, TV, computer, r musical instrument too loud? A good rule of thumb: if you need to shout from three feet away to be heard, it is way too loud. Report to your children’s doctor any ringing or buzzing in the ear or muffled sound of speech they may mention. Avoid “noise confusion”: Does the TV really need to be on in the background while you are handling the daily household chores? Are there competing TV shows spilling over from one room of the house to the next? What about one person’s music, another’s TV show and the YouTube video simultaneously streaming? Sometimes just getting rid of one source of sound (even if it is not loud) can make the atmosphere less stressful. Five million children in the United States suffer from some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. And more noiseinduced hearing loss and resultant effects are predicted to show up in young adulthood. Do everything you can to protect your children from becoming part of this preventable statistic. Start when your children are young, with the toys they have and the situations you allow them to be in, and continue to be vigilant throughout their childhood and teenage years by offering education and guidance about noise levels.
Above photo:It is important to distinguish between sound, which is one extremely important way children learn about their world, and noise, which becomes a threat to health and well-being.
Once your hearing is damaged, it’s gone for good. That’s why early diagnosis of hearing loss is so important, as is understanding options for taking action to find the best hearing solution for your needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start taking care of your ears! Here are some east ways to protect your ears and your hearing health. Use earplugs around noises Approximately 15 percent of Americans have noise-induced hearing loss because of loud work or leisure environments. Clubs, concerts, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and any other noises that force you to shout so the person next to you can hear your voice all create dangerous levels of sound. Earplugs are convenient and easy to obtain. You can also obtain custom fitted versions. Musicians’ earplugs are custom with filters that allow a person to hear conversations and music but still reduce harmful sound levels while maintaining the quality of the original sound as closely as possible. Don’t blast the sound According to the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults worldwide are at risk for noiseinduced hearing loss from unsafe use of audio devices. If you like to enjoy music through headphones or earbuds, you can protect your ears by following the 60/60 rule. The suggestion is to listen with headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds are especially dangerous, as they fit directly next to the eardrum. If possible, opt for over-the-ear headphones.Don’t forget that any loud music, not just music played through headphones, presents a risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Give your ears time to recover If you are exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period, like at a concert or a bar, your ears need time to recover. What’s more, researchers have found that your ears need an average of 16 hours of quiet to recover from one loud night out. Stop using cotton swabs It’s common for people to
use cotton swabs to clean wax out of their ear canal, but this is not advisable. A little bit of wax is not only normal, but it’s also important. The ears are selfcleaning organs, and wax stops dust and other harmful particles from entering the canal. Plus, inserting anything inside your ear canals risks damaging sensitive organs like your ear drum. If you have excess wax, you can clean around the canal with a damp towel — gently. You could also use ear wax removal solution. This softens the wax so that it will eventually flow out on its own. The best solution is always to seek professional care when possible. Keep your ears dry Excess moisture can allow bacteria to enter and attack the ear canal. This can cause swimmer’s ear or other types of ear infections, which can be dangerous for your hearing ability. Be sure you gently towel-dry your ears after bathing or swimming. If you can feel water in the ear, tilt your head to the side and tug lightly on the ear lobe to coax the water out. Get up and move Did you know that exercise is good for your ears? It’s true. Cardio exercises like walking, running, or cycling gets the blood pumping to all parts of your body, including the ears. This helps the ears’ internal parts stay healthy and working to their maximum potential. Manage stress levels Stress and anxiety have been linked to both temporary and permanent tinnitus (a phantom ringing in the ears). High levels of stress cause your body to go into fight or flight mode, an instinctual reaction that fills your body with adrenaline to help you either fight or flee from danger. This puts a lot of pressure on your nerves, blood flow, body heat, and more. It’s commonly thought that this pressure and stress can travel up into your inner ear and contribute to tinnitus symptoms. Above photo: With over 48 million Americans affected by hearing loss, it is vital to be vigilant in protecting our ears and preserving our hearing today so that our ears serve us well into tomorrow.
March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Say what?
HEALTH HEALTHMEMOS MEMO
March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Catholic Health delivers comprehensive cancer care
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atholic Health provides the highest caliber of personalized cancer care to Long Island. Taking a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, the Catholic Health Cancer Institute — accessible at four locations across Nassau and Suffolk — combines all vital oncologic specialties and expertise into a treatment strategy for each patient’s unique needs. Beyond bringing together the most advanced techniques in medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology, Catholic Health’s physicians and nurses deliver the most important factor — humanity. “We treat the whole person, not just the disease,” said Catholic Health Chair of Cancer Services Bhoomi Mehrotra, MD. “Our cancer team understands that medical and surgical expertise is only one part of the equation. For the patient to truly get through the cancer journey they need holistic support. We deliver that in a very genuine way.” With roots on Long Island spanning 100 years, Catholic Health has earned a reputation for dispensing clinical excellence with a markedly compassionate character. Each patient’s nutritional, social, emotional, and spiritual needs are addressed in combination with a range of leading-edge medical options.
Catholic Health Brings Novel Therapies to Long Island When cancer patients do not respond to conventional therapies, new approaches are sought—novel therapies, still in clinical trials. Catholic Health brings groundbreaking clinical research and exclusive trials to cancer patients on Long Island through its partnership with Buffalo-based Roswell Park Cancer Care Network, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers. “The field of oncology has made major strides in recent years based upon research and the participation of individuals in clinical trials,” said Dr. Mehrotra. “As a member of the Roswell Park Care Network, we’re bringing these new therapies to Long Island.”
Our Quality is Exceptional Catholic Health’s St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® is rated High Performing in Oncology by U.S. News & World Report (2021-22). Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan Hospital is one of only 7 hospitals nationwide to receive 3-Year Full Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer for 6 consecutive surveys, spanning a continuous 18 years. The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) has accredited both Good Samaritan’s Breast Health Center and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital for the prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship, as well as for providing individualized support services for women at all stages of breast cancer. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. The Catholic Health cancer programs of St. Charles Hospital, St. Francis
Science and Support. Treatment and Trust. Catholic Health’s expert cancer services are available at multiple locations across Long Island: • The Catholic Health Cancer Institute at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre • The Catholic Health Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip • The Catholic Health Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital in East Hills • The Catholic Health Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage Catholic Health takes a multidisciplinary approach to cancer, bringing together all oncologic specialties to shape a treatment strategy for each patient’s individual needs. (Left) Chairman of Cancer Services Bhoomi Mehrotra, MD, believes in treating the whole person, not simply the disease.
Hospital and Mercy Hospital are all accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC). “There’s no question, we have some of the finest physicians and nurses in our region. Yet we have something more,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA. “The clinical expertise we provide is always infused with a heavy dose of empathy and understanding. It’s just who we are.”
Additionally, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and St. Charles Hospital also offer cancer services and work in close collaboration with the Catholic Health Cancer Institute. Learn more at chsli.org/cancer or call us at (844) 86-CANCER.
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
HEALTH MEMO
HEALTH MEMO
What is the research behind the relationship of hearing loss and dementia?
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ge-related hearing loss is a progressive and degenerative disorder resulting from the loss of receptor cells (i.e. the hair cells) in the ear. Consequently, there is a significant reduction of the quantity and quality of neural connections from the ear to the brain. This slowonset disorder can have a significant impact on several key brain areas, including the memory, hearing, speech and language portions of cognitive function. Several key research studies have pointed to the potential links of hearing loss and dementia, including the groundbreaking work from Dr. Frank Lin and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins Medical Center that indicate hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia by 200-500%. The initial report first published in 2011 by scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and the National Institute on Aging found that individuals
with hearing loss (when compared to participants with normal hearing) are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia as they age. The relationship of hearing loss and increased risk was rather simple: the more hearing loss they had, the higher the likelihood of developing the memoryrobbing disease. “A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age,” Dr. Lin (of Johns Hopkins Medical Center) says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem.”
(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
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Watch for changes when filing taxes
his year, you have until April 18 to file your taxes. So, you may want to meet with your tax professional soon to discuss changes that could affect you. For starters, if you took a coronavirus-related withdrawal from your 401(k) or IRA in 2020, you may be able to recontribute the money back to these accounts now and earn a tax break. Also, the required withdrawals from retirement plans were suspended in 2020, but were back for 2021, and may have tax implications for you . You might also look at your charitable contributions, even if you don’t itemize, you could take a $300 deduction or $600 for joint filers, for cash contributions to qualified charities. Changes have also been made for 2021 to expand the child tax credit and the child and dependent care credit.
Finally, keep in mind that you can contribute to your IRA for 2021 until this year’s filing deadline. See your tax professional soon to ensure you’ve got everything in order. The IRS is stretched especially thin this year, so you’ll want to consider filing as soon as possible, especially if you’re anticipating a refund. This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Marie Taylor, your Edward Jones Financial advisor.
Marie L. Taylor, Edward Jones Financial Advisor 365 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead (516) 538-4338
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Spring cleaning
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
for your
emotional wellness By Catherine Canadeo After a long winter, are you ready for some fresh new self-care ideas? Springtime is the perfect season for positive change and inner growth. Like the seasons, our bodies change and adjust in a set yearly cycle. In the winter, it can be easy to get into routines that are somnolent and slow, making it challenging to choose a healthy conscious lifestyle. If you’re struggling to consistently take good care of yourself and your wellness needs, you’re going to love this simple seasonal approach. We all want to be happier and healthier and now is the perfect time to care of yourself. My clients often ask,“Where do I begin?” Self-care is the new health care, and it all begins with you! Many of us are juggling kids, work, home and relationships, checking off the tasks on a to-do list while trying to get enough exercise and still find time to relax. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of trying to embrace a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing your routines. Here are some ways how to manage your life and get healthier.
Spring Cleaning Your Goals: Mind And Body Connection Remember all those goals you set at the start of the year? How’s it going so far? Chances are you’ve been able to remain consistent with one or more changes you’ve made. But if you’re struggling to make progress don’t be too hard on yourself. Review the goal itself. Is it clearly defined? Break it down. Do you have everything you need to start working toward this goal? Is it broken down into manageable pieces? Is there a clear first step to take? Assess your “Why.” If you mindfully set this goal in the first place you likely tied it to a strong purpose (or why). Does this “why” still fit the goal, or have things changed? Be honest with yourself. It may be that this goal doesn’t align with your values anymore. That’s not a failure; its natural growth. Relax and give yourself permission to let this one go. Spring Cleaning Your Habits: Practice Gratitude To Manage Stress True inspiration resides at the spiritual side of health. It’s about knowing why you are on the planet, and the meaning and purpose underlying why you do what you do. Knowing and acting on your “why” is critical to living each day with gratitude and joy. So when it comes to assessing your habits this spring, it might help to think in categories. What are my sleep habits? How can I alter my routine so I start each day feeling more rested? What are my financial habits? What is one change I can make to bring more peace and consistency to my finances? What are my work habits? What is one shift I can make to reduce stress and increase my enjoyment? What are my physical activity habits? Is there a new type of movement I want to try?
Catherine Canadeo Health and Wellness Coach
Spring Cleaning Your Self -Care: Self -Care Is Self-Preservation No matter who you are, self -care is an essential component of emotional wellness. Self-care reduces stress. It restores and re-energizes. It enables us to show up as our best selves for our loved ones, our work, and everything else, too. Pull up your calendar. Are self-care activities represented there, along with your other responsibilities? They should be. Go with the flow. Consistent self-care is key, so don’t overthink this. If a certain strategy is working well for you, keep it up! Challenge yourself. Balance out your favorites with some new -to you strategies. Spring Cleaning Your Relationships: Healthy Supportive Relationships Start by developing the relationship you have with yourself first. When you find ways to nurture and love yourself, you will be better able to communicate your needs to others. For better or worse, we’re profoundly influenced by the company we keep. Depending on your current circumstances, this might be welcome news or a wake -up call. Relationships are complex, no doubt. Think of the people you spend the most time with. Do they represent the relationship that you value most? How do you feel when you are with them? What do your family relationships look like? How are you connecting with your co-workers? Do you try to socialize with your friends? Is there a relationship you wish to grow or deepen? Make springtime the best time to rejuvenate yourself and become the best version of you. Catherine Canadeo is a board-certified and nationally recognized holistic health and wellness coach, life coach, and integrative nutritionist. She has coached and consulted with hundreds of private clients, not for profits, and corporations throughout the United States. Her concierge program focuses on wellness for corporate executives. She can be reached at catherine@catherinecanadeo.com.
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Small Changes Make A Big Difference One of my favorite things is to find lifechanging ideas that hide in plain sight. Taking small steps builds a habit rather than just a one -time change. Your previous habits have wired your brain to make it easier to maintain those habits, and we as humans are made up of patterns and habits that create our experiences. To revive your holistic health habits, there are certain steps you should focus on:
The green nut
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vide three grams of fiber and six grams of protein in one ounce and are good sources of copper (20 percent of your recommended daily allowance) and thiamin (15 percent of your RDA) — and they provide only 2 grams of sugar and 160 calories per ounce. Additional perks per ounce of pistachios include: √ 20 percent RDA of vitamin B-6 √ 15 percent of phosphorus √ 8 percent of magnesium √ 4 percent of folate
March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Everyone’s going nuts for pistachios By Sharon Naylor Have you “gone green” lately? If you’ve popped a handful of pistachios, you’ve experienced a superstar of the snack world. According to the Food and Drug Administration,“eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Not only are pistachios great-tasting, but they have many health benefits, and can actually help your vision. Overall Benefits? Dr. Oz Garcia says at www.TheGreenNut.org: “According to new research ... in The Journal of Nutrition, pistachios have cardio-protective benefits, meaning they’re heart-healthy. We have long known that nuts are good for your heart, but this study showed that eating pistachios raises the level of antioxidants in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering the level of oxidized-LDL (bad) cholesterol. Antioxidants are powerhouses that fight the molecules that can cause heart disease and cancer.” Garcia adds: “Pistachios are the only nuts that give you significant amounts of certain important antioxidants like lutein, zeazanthin and gamma tocopherol. I often recommend my patients snack on pistachios daily for the cardiovascular and overall health benefits.” High In Carotenoids One of the many benefits of pistachios is that it is high in carotenoids. Carotenoids are a group of antioxidants found in many foods,
are very effective for protecting against cataracts, common as we age. This condition impairs vision by clouding the lens inside of the eyes. The retina has a tendency to suffer damage as a person gets older. Studies have shown following a diet high in carotenoids can minimize the damage done to the retina. Additionally, carotenoids are stored inside of the retina. Age-related macular degeneration is the top cause of blindness in America. The pistachios’ antioxidants can help protect against macular degeneration by reducing free radical damage. Free radicals are compounds that can cause serious damage to the vision as well as other parts of the body. Contains Monounsaturated Fats You may have heard that all fat is bad for your health. However, that is not true. There are such things as healthy fats, which are monounsaturated fats. They are found in pistachios. Monounsaturated fats can boost the absorption of carotenoids. In fact, one study showed that people who added pistachios to their diets had higher levels of lutein, a type of carotenoid. Sun Damage Protection Excessive sun exposure can damage your eyes. The pistachio can offer a source of protection here too. Zeaxanthin, which is one of the antioxidants in pistachios, can help reverse the effects of sun damage to your skin and can also protect the eye muscles and tissues. Of course, it is still important for you to protect your eyes if you will be spending time in the sun.
Reduce Diabetes Risk Diabetes is one of the health problems that can put you at a greater risk for developing vision problems. Phosphorous is one of the nutrients that helps cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, it is estimated one cup of pistachios has 60 percent of the recommended daily intake of phosphorous. Great Source Of Vitamin E A lack of vitamin E can have a negative effect on your vision. If you get a sufficient amount of vitamin E, you may be able to decrease your risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other vision problems. There has also been evidence to suggest vitamin E can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related vision problem. Additionally, one study showed vitamin E can potentially reduce the risk of cataracts by up to 14 percent.
Additional healthy facts: √ One serving of pistachios delivers a bit more (12 percent) dietary fiber than a half-cup of cooked broccoli (10 percent) √ One serving of pistachios offers more potassium (8 percent) than an orange (7 percent) √ The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid shows that pistachios’ 6 grams of protein make them a healthy alternative to beef, poultry and beans √ Pistachios have no cholesterol or trans fats How Many To Savor The Green Nut’s experts say it only takes 1.5 servings of pistachios, approximately 74 nuts, to reap numerous health benefits when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. You read correctly. One serving of pistachios equals an astounding 49 nuts, which is a greater number than any other nut and certainly makes snackers feel very satisfied. There are many ways to incorporate pistachios into appetizers, side dishes and entrees. As always, be aware of the possibility of nut allergies in your family and guests before serving pistachios.
Many Powerful Perks According to The Green Nut, pistachios pro-
Above photo: Pistachios have many health benefits, including protecting your vision
Carol Kicinski’ s Pistachio Gelato This gluten-free, dairy Free gelato makes for a tasty, healthy treat when it’s time to indulge
large saucepan, combine with the chopped pistachios and sugar and cook over mediumhigh heat until it just starts to boil. Add in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture should be the consistency of pudding. Take off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. If you want the color a little greener, stir in some green food coloring drops, a few drops at a time, until if becomes the desired shade of green. 5. For a smooth gelato, push the mixture through a strainer into a bowl or for a chunkier texture just scrape the mixture into a bowl. Top with a piece of plastic wrap placed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let the mixture cool to room temperature then refrigerate for about 2 hours or until cold. 6. Put mixture into an ice cream machine and process for 20 – 25 minutes or according to the manufactures instructions. 7. Can be eaten immediately or stored in the freezer in an airtight container. Take out of freezer for about 5 minutes to soften before serving.
Cooking ‘green’ The pistacho isn’t just for snacking Try incorporating pistachios into your diet and add some pizzazz to your meals with these tantalizing and healthy recipes.
For Dressing: Mix all ingredients for dressing in bowl and whisk.
Art Smith’s Grilled Salmon and Citrus Pistachio Couscous Salad
For Salmon: 1. Preheat grill or broiler. Brush salmon with olive oil. 2. Place on hot grates or in grill pan and grill 5-8 minutes per side, until it looks opaque and has a slightly rosy center when pierced with the tip of a knife. Serve filets with couscous salad, with extra mint and lemon if desired. White Bean Dip With Pistachios And Cilantro Similar to hummus, this dip gets a boost of flavor from cilantro and scallions. Enjoy it on pita wedges, carrot or celery sticks, or bell pepper strips.
Grilled Salmon: 4, 8-ounce salmon filets 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste Citrus Couscous Pistachio Salad: Juice of 2 oranges 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth ½ teaspoon sea salt 1 cup couscous 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced small ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped Dressing: 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 scallions, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint Freshly ground pepper to taste Juice of 1 lemon
1 can (15.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/4 lemon) 1 tsp coriander seed, crushed or ground 1 clove garlic, halved 3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro 3 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp finely chopped pistachios 1 tbsp finely chopped scallion (white part only)
Instructions For Couscous: 1. Cook couscous according to directions on box, using chicken broth in place of water. 2. Once cooked, add orange juice and salt and mix well. 3. Fold in cucumber, red bell pepper and pistachios.
Instructions 1. Puree beans, lemon juice, coriander, and garlic in food processor until smooth. 2. Stir in cilantro, oil, pistachios, and scallion. 3. Season dip to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4. Transfer to bowl and serve with pita and raw vegetables.
2 cups roasted, unsalted whole pistachios, use divided ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt 2 tablespoons cornstarch ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Green food coloring , optional Instructions 1. Put 1½ cups pistachios in a bowl and cover completely with water, soak for 1 – 8 hours. Drain and rinse pistachios in a strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. 2. Chop the remaining ½ cup pistachios with the salt in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. 3. Put the soaked pistachios in a blender with 2¼ cups of water. Process for 2 – 3 minutes or until the mixture is very smooth. It should be the consistency of very heavy cream. If too thick, add a little more water and blend. 4. Take ½ cup of the pistachio cream and mix with the cornstarch until completely blended. Pour the rest of the pistachio cream into a
Note: if you make this recipe with salted pistachios, leave the additional salt out of the recipe.
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Facts vs. myth
March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Folk wisdom about your family’s eye health debunked Many of us grew up with medical adages handed down by our parents regarding our eyesight. Consider these often repeated maxims and the medical reality behind them. Sitting too close to the TV will damage your child’s eyes. Myth. Sitting in front of the TV or a computer screen for four hours may hinder your child’s intellectual development but it will not damage their eyes,” notes Dr. Mark Borchert, division head of The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Nearly half of all kids spend four hours or more per day using computers and electronic devices, according to a recent national survey. Dr. Borchert notes that children can develop blurred vision, headaches and other problems when focusing too long on one object, such as a computer screen. Long video game sessions may have adverse consequences such as reduced social interaction or less time doing homework, however, they will not permanently damage a child’s eyes. “If a child is sitting too close to the TV or computer screen, it is probably because he needs glasses to see well. Sitting very close to the screen will not cause them to need glasses,” said Dr. Borchert. To make your child’s computer station more comfortable, make sure the screen is at eye level. Reduce screen glare by using a desk lamp with a dimmer so there isn’t a big contrast between the brightness of the screen and the room. Make sure your child can’t see her own reflection on the screen. Enforce the 20/20 rule. Have your child
take a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of screen time, either by getting up and stretching or by looking out the window. The concern about TV screens damaging young eyes originated in the 1960s when some early color TV sets were discovered to be emitting high amounts of X-rays. The problem was soon corrected and modern TV monitors are safe and do not emit any dangerous rays. Eating lots of carrots will improve a child’s eyesight. Myth. Carrots do contain Vitamin A, which is a key ingredient in good overall nutrition, however, eating a lot of them will not improve your eyesight. Recent research findings have found that eating foods rich in Lutein, a plant nutrient, may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of blindness in older adults. Lutein is a carotenoid, natural pigment, found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. “The research is very preliminary, but it does suggest that Lutein can help protect against adults developing macular degeneration. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of green vegetables should be sufficient for most families,” said Dr. Borchert. Carrots reputation as eyesight enhancers is partially due to the fact that Vitamin A sources are helpful in treating night blindness, also called nyctalopia, which can be caused by Vitamin A deficiency. Only adults can wear contact lenses safely. Myth. Children of all ages, even infants, can
wear contact lenses safely if the correct procedures are followed. Under the age of 10, an adult will need to insert, remove and clean the lens. Many children over 10 can handle the contact lenses (wearing and cleaning) themselves. According to Dr. Borchert, pediatric ophthalmologists may prescribe contact lenses for infants and very young children to enhance vision development when the eyes have very different prescriptions after cataract surgery, corneal scarring or diseases like Retinopathy of Prematurity. Dr. Borchert said older children could manage their own contact lens care if they are mature and responsible. “If they make their own bed and shower on their own, they can probably safely handle their contact lens.” Running with scissors is the leading cause of eye injury in children. Myth. A recent national survey found that
approximately 59 percent of pediatric eye injuries occur during sport and recreational events. The National Eye Institute also states that baseball is the sport responsible for the greatest number of eye injuries in children aged 14 and younger. However, basketball is the leading cause of eye injuries in those aged 15 to 24. According to Prevent Blindness America, 72 percent of all sports-related eye injuries are to those aged 25 and younger. Yet, only 15 percent of children wear eye protection. Children should be encouraged to wear the appropriate safety eyewear, such as goggles or face masks, for every sport in which they participate.
Above photo:Your daily habits influence the health and comfort of your eyes.
See clearly — now and for years to come Keep an eye on your eyes We use them every day — so it’s important to keep them healthy. There are many things we can do to maintain the health of our eyes and make sure we are seeing our best. Follow these simple steps you’ll be seeing well into your golden years.
Quit smoking or never start Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages. During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye the same way an open door lets more light into a dark room. This enables your eye care professional to get a good look at the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you’re seeing your best.
Be cool and wear your shades Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Know your family’s eye health history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to deter-
mine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition. Eat right to protect your sight You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too.i Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. Maintain a healthy weight Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic
conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor. Wear protective eyewear Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores.
Give your eyes a rest If you spend a lot of time at the computer, as so many of us do these days, or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain. Clean your hands and your contact lenses — properly This should be common sense to everyone. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate. Courtesy National Eye Institute Above photo: Maintaining healthy vision is more than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eye health.
HEALTH MEMOS
HEALTH MEMO
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he American College of late Eli Pick. A former Health Care executive director of the Administrators (ACHCA) Ballard Rehabilitation Center, honors Vicky Shaw, LNHA, DesPlaines, Ill., for over 30 years, Eli embodied excellence Administrator of Park Avenue as an administrator who cared Extended Care Facility in Long for his residents, their families, Beach, with the 2022 Eli Pick and his community. This award Facility Leadership Award. Only is presented annually in three percent of facilities memory of Eli, a consummate nationwide met the initial member of ACHCA, dedicated selection criteria. This year, 57 to advancing professionalism administrators in 17 states met and leadership in long-term all eligibility requirements and care. were awarded the facility The Eli Pick Facility leadership award nationally. Leadership Award can be Based on the premise that viewed at www.achca.org/elifacility excellence reflects pick-facility-leadership. leadership excellence, this award recognizes the administrator of record who provided such leadership for the entire 2021 calendar year. Eligibility for this award is based on three years of skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey data, including the Health, Fire Safety, and Complaint Surveys, as well as top quartile performance on designated Quality Measures. The criteria also includes at least a 70 percent or greater facility occupancy and a threeyear avoidance of a Special Focus Facility status. This AR R EA CFI LA E XD T EE N DD EDC CA E F ITC Y I L I T Y prestigious award is made possible with the support E X T E N of Inovalon. 425 NATIONAL BLVD. • LONG BEACH, NY 11561 The Facility Leadership Award was introduced in PH: 516.431.2600 WWW.PARKAVEEXTENDEDCARE.COM 2008 by one of ACHCA’s most revered leaders, the
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ocal doctor Dr. Douglas Drobbin, D.C. recently received the National Certificate in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in an exclusive University based training held in Jupiter, Fla. for Disc Centers of America Doctors nationwide. Presenters included an orthopedic surgeon, a neuroradiologist (MRI), and a pain management anesthesiologist. The certificate was presented after completion of the historic education program in nonsurgical spinal care, which is a one-time only university training event extended to some of the most specialized physicians in the country dedicated to the study of spinal disc disease and non-surgical options through the use of non-surgical spinal decompression. The program is administered by the International Disc Education Association (IDEA), Disc Centers of America (DOCA), as well as the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression (IMABSD). The International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression is constituted by 10 physicians and 10 chiropractic physicians who have obtained national nonsurgical spinal decompression university based certification and have demonstrated an exemplary level of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disc disorders. Master’s status in non-surgical decompression, confers elite status and is only awarded to a handful of doctors annually. This advanced certification is considered the gold standard in training and research of the latest and most effective options for the alleviation and treatment of spinal disc disorders, which often cause low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, and more.
Dr. Drobbin is committed to providing first class care to patients who often travel from long distances to seek out a doctor who has made a commitment to help their patients avoid narcotics, epidural injections and unnecessary surgeries. Non-surgical spinal decompression provides safe, gentle and effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care. Dr. Drobbin is presently accepting new patients on a limited basis. If you contact the office within the next seven days, you will be given a priority appointment for a free consultation.
Bellmore Disc Center of America at Drobbin Chiropractic 1298 Newbridge Rd., North Bellmore (631) 870-7979 www.BellmoreDiscCenter.com
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Vicky Shaw receives 2022 Eli Pick Award
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HEALTH MEMO Dr. Douglas Drobbin receives national certificate for back pain treatment
AVOID BACK AND NECK SURGERY
Get relief now for back pain at Bellmore DISC Center of America Dr. Leslie of Mayo Clinic: 88.9% of patients (16 out of 18) reported an improvement in back pain and better function as measured by activities of daily living. On a 0 to 10 scale (0=Not Sa ery Sa tients rated the Non-surgical Spinal Decompression an 8.1. No patient required any invasive therapies (e.g. epidural injections, surgery). A 6 week course of 20 Non-surgical Decompr tly reduced the severity of chronic LBP in 89% (16 of 18) of treated patients from 6.4 to 3.1 after 2 weeks to only 0.8 (scale 0-10) after completion of treatment. • Oswestry Disability scores improved from 23.7 to only 5.5 at end of therapy • Adjunctive pain medication consumption was decreased by Non- surgical Decompression • N t adverse events or safety issues resulted from Non-surgical Spinal Decompression
Multiple Studies Have Shown: Post Treatment: • Over 90% reduction of nucleus herniation in 71% of patients • Torn annulus repair is seen in all • Virtually all subjects have sufficient relief of pain to return to work t pain relief and • complete relief of weakness • 90%+ had numbness in the leg disappear • 86% had "good" to "excellent" relief of Sciatic and back pain • 28% had rapid relief in as few as 3 treatments • 85% improved clinically • Only 6% recu rrence rate at 1 year
Stanford & John Hopkins Doctors report: • Pain decreased from initial average 5.99 to 0.87 out of 10 • NSAID and Opiod use went from 65% of patients to <5% • Patients reported a mean 90% improvement in back pain • Better function as measured by activities of daily living • Patients rated Non-surgical Spinal Decompression an 8.98 out of 10 in Satisfaction • No patient required more invasive therapies (i.e. surgery) • 100% would recommend Non-surgical Spinal Decompression to someone else
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Back and neck pain make the simplest tasks nearly impossible. You may be unable to walk, bend, work or drive as turning your head to see the car behind you - a function we barely even think about under normal conditions - is not possible. This kind of debilitating pain impacts the quality of life. It may be that you've tried to get help. You may have already seen doctors for traditional medical and chiropractic care, without results. You may have tried drugs, physical therapy, pain management, injections and may have had relief, but symptoms return. Perhaps it appears the only possibility is surgery. But this is not your only option. Dr. Douglas Drobbin, DC of Bellmore Disc Center of America has been treating patients with these conditions for more than 40 years, reinstating their quality of life through non-surgical treatment. No spinal injections or drugs are involved. Instead, he utilizes decompression therapy, a leading non-surgical alternative treatment for serious neck and low back pain. Decompression therapy effectively treats disabling low back, neck and radiating leg and arm pain by reducing the pressure on spinal nerves, discs and joints. "lt renders quick, effective, and amazing pain relief that enables most patients to return to a more active lifestyle," says the doctor. Research to develop this procedure was conducted by prominent physicians, engineers, and technicians at major teaching hospitals. We are pleased that we can serve our patients and others in the community with advanced spinal decompression therapy. Decompression therapy begins with a series of sessions that typically run three or four times per week. It's all done while the patient is fully clothed,face up on the table. In addition, patients may be asked to complete exercises designed to help strengthen muscles. People with spinal stenosis, bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs, pinched nerves, arm and leg pain and numbness, and sciatica have found relief through this method.
1298 Newbridge Road-N.Bellmore, NY 11710
www.BellmoreDiscCenter.com
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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at I Love Hearing At I Love Hearing, we use a special MEET OUR TEAM process to ensure that our clients receive the ideal hearing loss solutions for their needs. Dr. Amy Sapodin,
3 Hearing aid fitting 3 Hearing aid repair 3 Hearing testing
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3 Tinnitus therapy
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3 Auditory therapy & rehabilitation
Get to know the risk factors and prevention strategies Is it possible to prevent cataracts? Millions of people are affected by cataracts, which Prevent Blindness America says is the most common cause of vision loss for individuals over the age of 40. In the U.S., there are more cases of cataracts than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration combined. The prevalence of cataracts makes some wonder if they can be prevented. According to The Mayo Clinic, studies have yet to determine a way to prevent cataracts or even slow their progression. However, eye doctors and other experts say that certain strategies can help keep the eyes and the body healthy, which may keep cataracts at bay.
understood, individuals with diabetes mellitus face a greater risk of developing cataracts. That risk may be elevated by as much as 60 percent. When increased blood sugar enters the lenses of the eyes, sorbitol forms, and both this and fructose can build up in the lenses. Increased sugar causes water to be absorbed inside the lens, resulting in swelling and increased cloudiness. By treating high blood-glucose levels, those with diabetes may be able to keep cataracts from forming.
Protect the eyes Always wear sunglasses with UV protection, particularly glasses that block UVB rays, when spending time outdoors. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Remember, ultraviolet rays can be present even when it is cloudy outdoors, so make it a point to don your sunglasses before stepping outside.
Improve your diet A healthy diet should be a priority for everyone, including people at a greater risk for cataracts. Eating foods high in antioxidants like betacarotene, selenium and vitamins C and E may help prevent cataracts. That’s because antioxidants help the body to fight free radicals, which can contribute to cataracts later in life. An article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted two Harvard University studies that noted the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in the development of cataracts. The studies noted that individuals whose diets were high in lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods had a 19 to 22 percent lesser chance of developing age-related cataracts than those who do not incorporate these foods into their diets in high quantities. Foods that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin include green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and peppers, winter squash and eggs. Cataracts tend to be most noticeable when vision begins to grow cloudy. However, cataracts also can cause glares and halos; a myopic shift, in which a person who was once nearsighted becomes farsighted, and vice versa; drop in color vision; lens discoloration; and poor night vision. Those experiencing these symptoms should have an eye examination to confirm or rule out cataracts.
Manage diabetes Although the reasons why are still not fully
Above photo: Clouding of the lenses of the eyes is a common symptom of cataracts.
Regular eye examinations Visiting the eye doctor on an annual basis, or as recommended by an optician or ophthalmologist, can help detect cataracts and eye problems early on. This helps prevent vision loss and enables patients to take proactive steps to treat their cataracts. Cataract surgery, which is now a common proce dure and can usually be done with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, is a common way to treat cataracts. During cataract surgery, the lens inside the eye that has become cloudy from cataract formation is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, to restore clear vision.
Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A
(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com
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Aging not always the culprit behind cataracts
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March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Restore Your Hearing
March 17, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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