with a focus on:
It’s easy to recharge your body during summer with the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies that will keep you hydrated and cool. Yes, ice cream and burgers are tasty, but eat up summer’s harvest in abundance for optimal health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are recognized as “superfruit” because of the high amount of antioxidants. Blueberries are found in blue, maroon to purpleblack color. They are rich source of vitamins such as A, C, E & K; dietary fiber; iron and manganese. They help fight cancer, decrease cholesterol level, promote cardiovascular health, prevent macular degeneration, promote urinary health, delay and reverse the aging signs, prevent neurotic disorders, improve digestion, treat constipation, boost immunity and improve eye health.
Kale
Kale is among the healthiest and nutritious vegetables. It contains high amount of dietary fiber, lutein, protein, iron, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamins A, C, and K. Compared to broccoli, there is seven times more beta-carotene and 10 times more lutein in kale. It also contains phytochemicals such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. It helps to fight cancer, protect vision, boost bone health, good for heart health, boost detoxification enzymes, prevents constipation, promote digestion, fight against cellular oxidation and prevent inflammatory related problems.
Beets are available throughout the year, but young beets are freshest now. Beets are found in many colors such as yellow, deep red and orange. Compared to regular beets, baby (bunched) beets are more tender as they need less time to cook. They are naturally sweet and rich in nutrients. Leafy tops of beets are high in calcium, beta carotene and iron. They are rich in folate, dietary fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, copper, iron and phosphorus.
Beets decrease the cholesterol level, avoid birth defects, prevent some cancers, prevent cataract, stimulate liver functions, boost energy, prevent asthma symptoms, avoid macular degeneration, decrease the risk of stroke and cure fever and constipation.
Watermelon is among the world’s healthiest foods. It has crunchy and crisp texture. It contains 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar. It is rich in vitamins such as A, C, and B6. Watermelon contains lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants in high amount. It also contains amino acids such as citrulline and arginine. Watermelon is also high in fiber and contain thiamin, magnesium and potassium are contained in good amount.
Watermelon helps to prevent cancer, boost immune system, improve heart health, maintain eye health, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gum, boost energy, among its many attributes.
Under the leadership of Administrator Vicky Shaw, Park Avenue Extended Care Facility has been given the rating of 5 Stars by CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This significant designation is awarded to those facilities that meet a standard of excellence as described by CMS. This can be attributed to Park Avenue’s exemplary staff of coworkers from the offices of Admissions, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Dietary, Recreation and Nursing. Park Avenue’s excellent care is guided by the philosophy that its staff is a cohesive team with respect for one another’s work ethic and an emphasis on collaborative teamwork.
The 240-bed skilled nursing facility is centrally located in the heart of Long Beach, with views of the ocean and bay and in walking distance to the Long Island Railroad. Outstanding amenities include a fully enclosed outdoor patio, beauty salon and concierge to welcome and meet with families. Park Avenue has
several medical programs available to its residents, such as HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and wound care, neuro/stroke recovery, bariatric, a secure dementia unit and diabetic counseling, to name just a few.
The foundation of Park Avenue Extended Care Facility is a compassionate, caring team with years of knowledge and expertise. The warmth of the staff is apparent immediately after you step through the door.
Nurses are friendly and welcoming, therapists are patient and encouraging, and each dynamic team member has a
positive demeanor. This creates a cheerful, energetic atmosphere that is conducive to healing and restoration.
To ensure that residents have the best possible experience, the full-time Concierge Department is available to go above and beyond to assure all residents and families feel comfortable. Tours of the facility are always welcome; please call to reserve time that works for you.
Summer has truly heated up now that we’ve reached those “dog days” of the season. Sometimes, we have a tendency to take summer to the extremes; either overdoing it on sun exposure and activities or letting laziness take over while sitting beside the air conditioning vent.
Keep enjoying a healthy, active summer, but don’t overlook maintaining a summer-specific lifestyle routine.
Get Your Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient needed to support proper function of the body. It helps boost the immune system, enhance mood, as well as defend cells against cancer. While most of the nutrients our body needs are available from the food we eat, our main source of vitamin D is obtained through sun exposure. However, as many people spend a majority of their days indoors, vitamin D is, in fact, one of the most common deficiencies today.
So to get outside and get your natural vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, make it a priority to get around 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight, several times per week. Doing so will ensure optimal health in terms of your body’s overall function. That being said, make sure to practice proper sun care as it is an important part of enjoying the sun.
Be Sun Smart
Harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun pose a great risk during the warmer months. Typically, we remember to apply sunscreen during beach or pool visits, but don’t forget to also wear sunscreen for all outdoor activities such as hiking or camping! An SPF of 30 or more is recommended, applied throughout the day. No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, so reapplication is key. It helps to also adjust your wardrobe; long-sleeved tops in breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen will help to block the sun while keeping you cool. Sun hats and sunglasses also serve to protect you.
Eat Fresh
Summer is such a great time to focus on healthy variety in your diet! The bounty of in-season produce makes it easy to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Picnics and cookouts often include a great balance of healthy proteins and various sides to enjoy in moderation. Of course, nothing beats an ice cream cone in the summertime- so, everything in moderation!
Stay Hydrated And Cool
Staying hydrated is essential any time of the year, but it’s even more vital during the summer due to the effects that the sun and heat have on the body. In order to stay hydrated and replenish the fluids that the body loses through sweat, you should aim to drink around eight glasses of water daily. Remember to also increase your water intake when spending time in the heat, especially when exercising and exerting yourself.
Drinking enough water will help you maintain the balance of your body’s fluids
We’re well into those long hot days and lingering summer nights. Your summer probably includes hanging out at the beach, such as pool parties, cookouts, getting treats from the ice cream truck, fishing, 10 walking lunges, and two sets of dumbbell rows. For some, those last few items seem out of place, but it is still possible to make time for exercise when all you want to do is sip your favorite beverage and relax especially lately with the humidity soaring.
According to Mitchell Sherman, MS, CSCS, EP-C, an employee health and well-being specialist, you don’t have to choose one or the other. “The best way to get hooked on exercise and incorporate it into your lifestyle regardless of the season is to find what you like and fit it into your day,” he says.
Step up your summer safety
One trend that has picked up over the last several years is high intensity interval training or HIIT for short. This type of training involves repeated bouts of high intensity effort (such as sprints or biking) followed by varied recovery times. There are a lot of great home workout options now, if you choose to that route, but Sherman cautions taking the time to understand what activities one participates in. For example, some mistake programs like “Insanity” (a video-based exercise program using body weight exercises in rapid succession) for high intensity interval training, which it is not. Just like taking care of your body when you’re sick, it’s important to know what you’re doing when you’re working on improving your fitness.
and temperature, energize and lubricate your muscles and joints, support your digestive system, and deliver oxygen throughout your body. If you’re spending time outdoors and find yourself sweating or overheating, drink a glass of water your body will thank you. Don’t forget that heat exhaustion can also be caused by sweltering weather. If you’re feeling warm and need time to cool off, head to a shaded area or even go inside your body needs time to regulate its temperature, and cooling off will prevent heat exhaustion from occurring.
Involve The Whole Family
Seasonal activities are best enjoyed together! Exercise or activities like pickleball, tennis, hiking, and biking that are done as a group are both fun and motivating. Swimming as a family (with proper sun protection) is both incredibly fun and a great workout!
Think outside the box. Not every workout is a “workout” it could be as simple as an evening walk after the sun goes down or setting up the badminton net on a shady patch of your lawn. Get creative!
Summer, of course, offers up a great time to get outdoors and use the natural landscape to get some exercise. But Sherman offers sound advice to stay safe while logging your workout for the day. “People tend to overhydrate in the summer,” Sherman notes. “Hyponatremia (what can happen when one overhydrates) has similar symptoms to dehydration fatigue, blurred vision, cramps, headache so make sure you’re not overdoing it.”
It’s more important, he says, to replace electrolytes from sweat. Sports drinks are helpful, and foods like bananas, peanuts, olives, yogurt, oranges, tomatoes, and chicken are good choices to replenish those essential minerals.
Working out when its humid can also pose dangerous effects. Sherman recommends creating a natural progression with one’s workout be patient as you ramp up the intensity. The heat creeps up quickly, so stop before you feel tired; symptoms of heat exhaustion mimic some of the symptoms of hyponatremia and dehydration. For instance, if you’re used to running on a moderately comfortable day for 30 minutes or more, scale back to 15 minutes during hot and humid weather and gradually progress from there.
Covid-19 changed the exercise game
While the pandemic originally hampered many activities including going to the gym, people learned how to be resourceful and find new and interesting ways to exercise. Fitness companies started offering virtual personal training and developing online programs to stay competitive. The flexibility, accessibility, and options for exercise are greater than they were pre-pandemic.
Keep cool and safe while working out in hot weather
Steamy temps can present the dangers of dehydration and heat stroke or exhaustion. Plus, whenever you exercise outdoors, it’s essential to be mindful of sun exposure. Take precautions for a successful warm weather workout.
Take time to acclimate. Especially if you’re new to exercising in hot temps, your body needs time to adapt. Keep your outdoor sessions shorter than usual and go easy. According to the journal Sports Medicine, your body may need one to two weeks to acclimate. Be on the lookout for early symptoms of heatrelated illness. Stop your workout and find shade if you feel weak, nauseated, feverish or dizzy or if you experience muscle cramps. Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.
Consider time of day when working out. Avoid exercising outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible. That window is when the sun is the highest and temps will be the hottest.
Hydration is all-important. Keep hydrated. Drink water before, during and after exercise.
Wear sweat-wicking clothing. Fabrics, like bamboo or nylon, lift sweat away from your body and dry quickly. Avoid cotton. It traps moisture and heat against your skin.
Wear sunglasses and a hat too. Make these items a regular part of your outdoor workout gear.
Remember the sunscreen. Slather on a waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 50. Reapply often if you’ll be outdoors for a while.
The season doesn’t last long, so make the most of itPhoto: Summer is one of the best times to refresh your lifestyle. Whether it be a new wellness routine or simply a new healthy habit, the summer often instills a greater sense of energy, optimism, and productivity. Photo: Just because the mercury’s climbing doesn’t mean you have to abandon your exercise regimen.
The award-winning Queens Long Island Renal Institute focuses on care, safety and convenience for kidney dialysis patients in the New York metropolitan area. Located in the lobby level of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation with its own entrance, the center provides care to Parker’s residents and patients as well as to the general public.
Queens Long Island Renal Institute offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultramodern and comfortable setting.
The center is a certified 5-Diamond Status Facility, and is recognized for its demonstrated commitment to quality improvement by building and promoting a culture of patient safety. To earn this status, dialysis facilities must apply for the recognition each year. They must complete the program’s Culture of Safety module each year. A facility’s entire staff - including dieticians, management, nurses, medical directors, social workers and technicians - must participate in the program in order to qualify.
Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, QLIRI is led by a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced nephrologists and dialysis registered nurses, a
renal social worker, and a registered renal dietitian. The team is ready to meet the individual needs of dialysis patients and families, and provides individual and family health education, as well as nutritional counseling and social work services.
QLIRI is outfitted with an in-center chronic hemodialysis. It features comfortable, state-of-theart, private treatment stations with personal TVs. There is also a homelike reception area with a large-screen TV as well as free wireless access. It
Yes. Treating hearing loss can profoundly impact a patient’s life and mental health. Frankly, connecting the dots of treating hearing loss to improvements in overall health and personal independence is simple.
If you ask your primary care physician “Doc, what do I need to do to be healthier?”, the answer is guaranteed to include reduce stress, increase physical activity, stay socially active and engaged, lose weight, and eat healthy.
Treating your hearing loss can help you achieve most of these goals. And achieving these goals is the key to healthy active aging.
There are countless medical studies that find that people who do not treat hearing loss suffer from increased rates of depression, decreased socialization, and decreased physical activity. The National Council on Aging reported that individuals who do not treat hearing loss suffer from depression, anxiety, and decreased social activity. In contrast, individuals who
proactively treat their hearing loss find improvements in relationships with family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.), increased self-esteem, and improvements in overall quality of life.
Hearing loss can be isolating
for so many people for a multitude of reasons. But it doesn’t have to be. It is necessary to understand the importance of treating hearing loss and taking care of your brain — and how these two are connected.
ilovehearing.com
accommodates stretchers, and offers valet parking.
“With Queens Long Island Renal Institute conveniently located in Parker’s first-floor lobby, we continue to safely and comfortably meet the needs of our patients and residents, as well as members of the New York community who also benefit from our services,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation.
Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, which is headquartered in New Hyde Park, is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice.
T
Compassionate care that enriches lives
he only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care.Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents.
The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over
25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day.
With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and
events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends.
Come in for a tour today!
HEALTH MEMO
(516) 788-7830
As the temps rise, we can easily overdue it by not paying attention to the effect temperature has on our bodies.
“Many cases of heat illness are preventable and can be successfully treated if such conditions are properly recognized and appropriate care is provided in a timely manner,” said certified athletic trainer Brendon McDermott, MS, ATC.
To guard against heat illnesses, the National Athletic Trainers Association recommends following these easy steps:
√ Gradually increase activity in terms of intensity and duration in the heat. This prepares your body for more intense, longer duration exercise in warm conditions, and helps prevent injury and heat illness.
√ Intersperse periods of rest during activity and assure adequate rest between exercise bouts. Proper sleeping habits also decrease your risk.
√ Begin outdoor activities only after you’re properly hydrated. Drink water or sports drinks throughout physical activity.
√ A darker urine color is a quick indicator of dehydration. Your urine should look more like lemonade than apple juice.
√ Exercise during cooler portions of the day (early morning or late evening), if possible.
√ Do not participate in intense exercise if you show signs of an existing illness (i.e. fever, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, etc.). These can decrease your body’s tolerance for heat and increase your risk of a heat illness. Understand
“We are not invincible when it comes to exercise in the heat,” McDermott says. “In extreme cases, if medical care is not provided in a timely manner, long-term damage can occur.” Keep in mind these heat-related conditions when working or playing outside.
Exertional Heat Stroke. Thi extremely serious illness can result in death unless quickly recognized and properly treated. Signs and symptoms include an increase in core body temperature (usually above 104°F/40°C); central nervous system dysfunction, such as altered consciousness, seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior or decreased mental acuity; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; headache, dizziness, or weakness; increased heart rate; decreased blood pressure or fast breathing; dehydration; and combativeness.
What to do: It’s very important that treatment be both aggressive and immediate, provided adequate medical personnel are on site. Key steps to take when exertional heat stroke is identified include immediate whole-body cooling, preferably through cold-water immersion, followed immediately by medical treatment in an emergency room or trauma center.
Heat Exhaustion. This moderately serious illness results from fluid loss or sodium loss.
Signs and symptoms include loss of coordination; dizziness or fainting; profuse sweating or pale skin; headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent
muscle cramps.
What to do: Be immediately be transported to a cool, shaded environment with feet elevated, and replace fluids. If condition worsens or does not improve within minutes, go to the emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Those suffering from heat exhaustion should avoid intense activity in the heat until at least the next day.
Heat Cramps. Heat cramps are often present in those who perform strenuous exercise in the heat. Conversely, cramps also occur in the absence of warm or hot conditions, which is common in ice hockey players. Signs and symptoms include intense pain (not associated with pulling or straining a muscle) and persistent muscle con-
tractions that continue during and after exercise.
What to do: People suffering from heat cramps should cease activity, consume high sodium food, a sports drink and stretch the affected muscle. They should also be assessed by a professional to determine if they can return to activity. If cramping progresses in severity or number of muscle groups, patients should be transported to the emergency room for more advanced treatment.
Courtesy of National Athletic Trainers’ Associatio
Photo: Be aware of your fitness limitations and respect them. If you’re not in good physical condition and not conditioned for activity in hot weather, you’re more vulnerable than a well-conditioned athlete
Parker Jewish Institute is proud to announce that it has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-Covid-19 environment now and into the future.
Designed to empower owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to take the necessary steps to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating can help guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community.
“Parker Jewish Institute is proud to receive the WELL Health-Safety Rating for the third consecutive year – something we have earned ever since this program was first established. This recognition demonstrates the diligence and dedication of our team members as they continually develop and practice innovative, effective strategies that protect our residents, patients and staff, as well as the region as a whole,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President
and CEO.
To achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Parker Jewish Institute implemented such features as its rigorous Pandemic Emergency Plan and infection-control protocols. In addition, Parker’s state-of-the-art, awardwinning Family Call Center allows loved ones to stay connected with and informed about residents and patients at the Institute.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, in addition to guidance on the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the
World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-making associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading academic and research institutions, as well as core principles already established by IWBI’s WELL Building Standard, the premier framework for advancing health in buildings and spaces of all kinds.
Parker Jewish Institute was awarded the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review by GBCI to confirm it
has met the feature specific intents and requirements.
About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands aims to improve the quality of life for family caregivers of older adult loved ones by engaging the broader community to provide assistance and respite services.
By Matthew Bruderman
Our wives, moms and all the women who are the backbones of our families and our communities have a lot of demands on their time. Between work and other commitments, more than half of women in a recent study admitted their own health care takes a back seat to helping others. That’s why at NUMC we’ve endeavored to create a one-stop access point for the health care needs of Nassau’s women.
NUMC’s new, modern Women’s Health Center provides the services women often require in convenient location with access to a high quality outpatient care.
The obstetrics and gynecological practice at Nassau University Medical Center provides comprehensive health care throughout the stages of a woman’s life from adolescence through childbearing, and the unique issues that arise with aging into their senior years.
The fight against cancers that commonly impact women is one that has seen marked successes over the last several decades. According to the CDC, 40 percent of new cancer diagnoses and 25 percent of cancer deaths among women
each year are attributed to breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. All of those today have high survivability rates with early detection.
At NUMC, we’ve made providing both information to patients and access to screening a priority. Access to screening and early detection is particularly critical for women of color and economically challenged patients whose cancer and death rates outpace other patients.
At NUMC, breast, cervical and colorectal screenings are regularly performed free of charge for women who qualify. Our clinics are open weekdays to support the needs of every member of the community to ensure these health threats are caught early enabling our physicians to craft a treatment strategy as soon as possible.
Thousands of new Nassau County residents make their way into the world at NUMC every year. For women who are expecting or trying to get pregnant, we’ve created an environment that is welcoming and provides a full range of services from fertility assistance to OB/GYN, maternal fetal medicine and more. We also offer nutritionists and social workers to help ensure both mother and baby have a smooth start.
Our state-of-the-art Maternity and Newborn Center continues to be renovated to include freshly appointed rooms that allow both mother and baby to experience a comfortable atmosphere. We offer a total of twenty private rooms for increased privacy and family time. Our facility also offers safe water-birth amenities for those who desire it.
When it comes to women’s health care — and our other services — we don’t turn women away based on their insurance status, unlike other hospitals.
The women in our lives do so much for us. Their health and their unique healthcare challenges will always be a priority for greater access to the best physicians, treatment techniques, technology, and compassionate care.
Our approach to women’s health is another reason NUMC is much more than a hospital. It’s another reason Nassau needs NUMC.
Matthew J. Bruderman is the Chairman of the Nassau Health Care Board of Directors.
Exceptional
