Your Health - West Zone

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

November 29, 2018

focusing on

Diabetes and Weight Management

November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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Eating for life

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Not all healthy foods are created equal. Greens may be good for you, but the nutrients in iceberg lettuce may not be as plentiful as those in kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.

Besides nutrient content, the glycemic index (GI) of a food may also help you make healthy choices.

The GI measures how quickly a food will raise blood sugar. Low GI foods have a score of 55 or less, while high GI foods have a score of 70 or more.

In general, lower GI foods are a better choice for people with diabetes. Foods that are both nutritious and have a low GI are helpful in managing health and blood glucose levels.

Follow an easy-to-remember mantra from the American Diabetes Association — ”create my plate.”

First, divide your plate in half. Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, then divide the remaining half between grains and starches and proteins.

Choose the right foods to fill your plate. Certain foods pack a substantial nutritional wallop while also working well within the eating guidelines that people with diabetes should follow.

As with all foods, you need to work these superfoods into your indivualized meal plan.

Non-starchy vegetables Non-starchy vegetables have fewer carbs per serving. They include everything from artichokes and asparagus to broccoli and beets.

This category of veggies goes a long way in satisfying your hunger and boosting your intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals.

These vegetables are also low in calories and carbohydrates, making them some of the few foods that people with diabetes can enjoy almost with abandon.

In fact, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) identifies most non-starchy vegetables as low GI foods with a ranking of 55 or less.

Unsweetened Greek yogurt Studies have shown a 14 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes with daily yogurt consumption.

With a low GI score, unsweetened Greek yogurt is full of healthy probiotics, calcium, and protein. It’s also a better option that regular yogurt due to its higher protein and lower carbohydrate content.

Always check nutrition labels, as some brands have a higher carbohydrate content than others, due to additions such as syrup flavorings, sweeteners, toppers, or fruit preserves.

Top unsweetened Greek yogurt with nuts and low GI fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Tomatoes Whether eaten raw or cooked, tomatoes are full of lycopene. This a powerful substance that may reduce the risk of cancer (especially prostate cancer), heart disease, and macular degeneration.

Like other non-starchy fruits, tomatoes have a low GI ranking.

One study found that 200 grams of raw tomato (or about 1.5 medium tomatoes) each day reduced blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers concluded tomato consumption might help reduce cardiovascular risk that’s associated with type 2 diabetes.

Blueberries and other berries From vision-protecting vitamin C to filling fiber, blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses.

These berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit or vegetable and may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are also excellent choices for people with diabetes.

diabetes in women, but drinking the fruit juice could increase that risk.

The average orange has a GI score of 40 while unsweetened orange juice has a GI score of 50.

The citrus with the lowest GI score is grapefruit. With a score of 25, grapefruit has one of the lowest GI scores of all fruits.

Wild salmon and other fish with omega-3 fatty acids Wild salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower your risk of heart disease.

It’s also full of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails, and bones. Other nutrient-dense fish include herring, sardines, and mackerel.

Since fish and other protein foods don’t contain carbs, they won’t increase blood sugar levels. Adding salmon to a meal can help slow digestion of other foods eaten at that meal and help increase fullness.

Walnuts, flax seeds, and other nuts and seeds Walnuts and flax seeds contain magnesium, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Walnuts also contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that boosts heart health and lowers cholesterol. They’re full of vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, and protein.

Many other nuts provide healthy fats and can curb hunger, but these two are particularly powerful.

Substituting nuts and other healthy fats for carbs can help lower blood sugar. Nuts generally have very low GI scores.

An ounce of nuts can go a long way in getting key healthy fats along with helping to manage hunger. In addition, they offer magnesium and fiber. Some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flax seeds, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Oranges and other citrus The pulpiness of oranges and grapefruit provide a great source of fiber. To maximize this, make sure to eat the whole fruit rather than drink just the juice.

One study in 2008 found that eating citrus fruits could lower the risk of

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Eating healthfully and following a meal plan are key components of good diabetes care whether you use oral medicines, insulin, or diet and exercise to manage your diabetes. Learn the tricks to become “label-able” and take the guesswork out of healthful eating.

Carbohydrate counting A practical meal-planning option Carbohydrate counting, or “carb counting,” is a popular method for managing blood glucose levels, most often used by people who take insulin twice or more times a day.

Carb counting may give you more choices and flexibility when planning meals. It involves counting the number of carbohydrate grams in a meal and matching that to your dose of insulin. With the right balance of physical activity and insulin, carb counting can help you manage your blood glucose. It sounds complex, but with time you and your diabetes care team can figure out the right balance for you.

How much carbohydrate?

A great place to start may be to figure out how much carbohydrate you eat at your meals and snacks now. Tracking your food intake and your blood glucose before and about 2 hours after your meals for a few days can provide useful information for you and your diabetes care team to see how different meals impact your blood glucose. You and your health care team can figure out the right amount for you.

Be aware of which foods have carbohydrate Foods that contain carbohydrate or “carbs” are: √ Grains like rice, oatmeal, and barley √ Grain-based foods like bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers √ Starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn √ Fruit and juice √ Milk and yogurt √ Dried beans like pinto beans and soy products like veggie burgers √ Sweets and snack foods like sodas, juice drinks, cake, cookies, candy, and chips Non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower have very little carbohydrate and minimal impact on your blood glucose.

Protein and fat With carbohydrate counting, protein and fat in meals are also a factor but have less impact on your blood glucose than carbohydrates. Protein foods often contain fat, and both protein and fat can affect your blood glucose. While there is currently no clear method of counting grams with protein and fat to predict impact on your blood glucose, if you suspect that it is affecting your blood glucose management, talk with your diabetes care team.

Using food labels Carbohydrate counting is easier when food labels are available. You can look at how much carbohydrate is in the portion of food you plan to eat. The two items on the label that are most useful are the serving size and the total carbohydrate amount.

Look at the serving size. All the information on the label is about this serving of food. If you will be eating 2 or 3 servings, then you will need to double or triple the information on the label. n Courtesy American Diabetes Association

NASSAU HERALD — November 29, 2018

Healthy food choices that pack a punch especially for diabetics

November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, lifts your mood and promotes mental wellbeing. And if you have diabetes, regular physical activity can actually lower your blood sugar and raise your life expectancy.

Get out there and get moving

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But do it wisely

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Exercise enhances our well-being and lowers the risk of many diseases. And this holds true for preventing and controlling diabetes.

Lisa Duncan, PT, ATC, physical therapist, says that for anyone with diabetes, exercise is an essential element of a three-pronged approach — with diet and medication — for keeping blood sugar levels in normal ranges.

She offers the following tips to help you safely harness the power of exercise to control your blood sugar level.

There’s no “One-size-fits-all” exercise prescription for controlling diabetes With the help of your healthcare provider, you can find the types of exercise that are most effective and safe for you, based on your current physical condition and unique needs.

Duncan says: “From a physical therapy perspective, if you are referred to a physical therapist for an exercise prescription, we’re going to look for any red flags or exercise precautions. Do you have diabetic eye disease? Then we need to make sure you exercise in a well-lighted area and limit how much weight you’re lifting. If you have an active foot ulcer from diabetes, we also need to limit the amount of weight you’re bearing. In this case, a bicycle might be a better option, while aquatic exercise would not be an option.”

She adds that people with diabetes who have limited sensation in their feet due to peripheral neuropathy may be cleared for weight-bearing exercise such as walking. “But you need to inspect your feet on a regular basis,” she cautions.

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The first step towards a beautiful smile and a lifetime of good oral health is to schedule an appointment. Our office works with numerous insurance carriers. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options.

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Talk with your health care provider before you begin This is especially important if you haven’t been active in a while. Ask your doctor for exercise recommendations appropriate for you and guidance on a target range for your blood sugar levels.

Also ask if you need to change the amount of medicine you take or food you eat before physical activity, as exercise can increase the effectiveness of insulin in converting blood sugar into energy for your body’s cells.

And if you’re uncomfortable about how safe exercise might be for you, Duncan sug-

gests asking your physician to write a physical therapy prescription. Just a couple of physical therapy sessions can provide the confidence needed to launch a diabetes exercise program, she says.

“As you get started with exercise, physical therapists can monitor you, make sure you’re comfortable with it and that you’re doing it correctly and safely.”

Get aerobic and resistance exercise Aerobic exercise raises your heart rate and breathing. Based on your health condition, you should exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity.

Moderate aerobic exercise includes brisk walking, swimming, aquatic exercise, as well as gardening, raking, shoveling and ballroom dancing. These activities cause you to perspire while allowing you to engage in conversation.

Vigorous aerobic exercise increases heart rate and perspiration and prevents you from speaking in complete sentences. Examples include hiking hilly terrain, riding a bike at a higher intensity, jogging, fast dancing and martial arts.

Resistance exercise includes using dumbbells, medicine balls, weight machines and body weight exercises.

Exercise at least three days a week “We would prefer that you exercise every day,” Duncan said.“But take no more than two consecutive days off from aerobic physical activity unless you’re ill.” Resistance exercise should be done three days a week.

Warm up and cool down Before reaching full intensity, be sure to warm up for five minutes at a lower intensity.

And cool down for five minutes at the end of your exercise session. A warmup gets your blood flowing to warm your joints and reduce the risk of injury.

Think of your family For an extra spark of motivation, Duncan suggests,“Look around at your family and say, ‘You know what? I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing this for them, too.’”n

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xercise can make you fitter. It can also help to ward off many unexpected diseases, from heart attacks, strokes, and some forms of cancer, to diabetes and dementia.

There’s evidence, too, that regular exercise may also be able to boost cognitive performance and brain funcJonathan L. tion.

Brisman m.D., Current federal F.a.C.r., guidelines recommend adults under the age of Attending Neurosurgeon, 65 perform 150 minutes Neurological Surgery, P.C. of moderate physical activity every week, in workouts lasting at least 10 minutes. A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program called Tabata, named after Japanese scientist Izumi Tabata, claims that just four minutes of exercise, in 20-second bursts interspersed by 10 seconds of rest, is enough to significantly boost your fitness and get you into shape.

When Dr. Tabata and a team of researchers from the National Institute of Fitness & Sports in Tokyo put a group speed skating students through this regime five times a week for six weeks, they ended up significantly fitter than another group who ran at a medium intensity for an hour on a treadmill.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower the risk of mini-strokes and brain abnormalities as we age by up to 40 percent. A research group from the University of Eastern Finland has published the results of a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association that John explains how high PiLe-sPeLLman, long-chain omega-3 m.D., F.a.C.r., polyunsaturated fatty Attending Interventional acid content in blood may lower the risk of Neuroradiologist, Neurological Surgery, P.C small brain infarcts and other brain abnormalities in the elderly. Brain infarcts dramatically increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other form of dementia that currently affect more than five million individuals in the U.S. Peer-reviewed results from this study demonstrate the critical importance of regular consumption of fatty fish (several servings per week) or regular supplementation with a purified fish oil product (1,200 to 2,400 mg EPA/DHA daily) to maintain optimal brain and cardiovascular health.

The exceptional neuroendovascular physicians at Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC), provide outstanding care for vascular conditions such as acute stroke,

brain aneurysm, brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and carotid stenosis. Please call 516-4422250 to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Jonathan L. Brisman, M.D., or John Pile-Spellman, M.D. Visit nspc.com for more information about the Neuroendovascular Center at NSPC. Dr. Brisman, a board certified neurosurgeon, serves as the Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital. He is one of about 100 neurosurgeons nationally, trained in both endovascular and micro-

NASSAU HERALD — November 29, 2018

Resolve to lower your risk of stroke through exercise and diet

surgical techniques and was the first endovascular neurosurgeon on Long Island. Dr. Brisman sees patients in Rockville Centre and Woodmere, as well as Lake Success.

1991 Marcus Ave., Suite 108, Lake Success 516-442-2250

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November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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HEALTH MEMOS

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Comfort Keepers: Expanding in your community

omfort Keepers is owned by Oceanside resident Judy Geier. Comfort Keepers is a worldwide franchise servicing Nassau County and surrounding areas. Its main goal is enabling independent living at home with respect and dignity.

Comfort Keepers aims to keep seniors in their own homes while providing non-medical care and companionship. Although elders are the main focus, all adults are serviced, including pregnant women.

The many services provided by Comfort Keepers include conversation, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errand services, grocery shopping, respite or relief for the family, medication reminders, grooming and dressing guidance, incidental transportation, laundry and linen washing, recreational activities and crafts, mail assistance and organization, periodic review and communication, and emergency monitor systems. Caregivers are certified by The Alzheimer’s Association of Long Island.

Each caregiver is equipped to meet the needs of any and all patients. All have cars and have been subject to criminal and DMV background checks. In addition, all employees are bonded and insured.

A free in-home client assessment is done so that your loved one is assured the correct caregiver “match” for his/her specific needs.

The Grand Pavilion provides rehabilitation and nursing at its best

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ounded in 1969, The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing at Rockville Centre is Long Island’s premier location for short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing. The Grand Pavilion’s mission is to foster and provide unprecedented levels of genuine care and customer service for their communities’ rehabilitation and nursing needs, in a soothing, tranquil and state-of-the-art environment.

Their team of cardiac rehabilitation specialists will design a holistic program, including cuttingedge rehabilitation techniques, delicious hearthealthy meals, and lifestyle counseling, to meet the special needs and goals of each cardiac patient. This enables patients to recover faster and return safely

to their everyday healthy lives.

Renowned for their warm atmosphere and exceptional standard of care, those their staff cares for enjoy the finest amenities and a uniquely personal level of attention.

The outstanding team has elevated rehabilitation and healing to a fine art. Their program offers cutting edge techniques and individualized care, ensuring the highest level of recovery and enabling you to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Since the completion of their multi-million dollar renovation, The Grand Pavilion is poised to be a luxurious place to stay, relax, and recover. Conveniently located near area hospitals, it eases the transition from hospital to health care community.

516-442-2300 • www.oceanside-786.comfortkeepers.com.

41 Maine Ave., Rockville Centre • 516- 536-7730 • TheGrandPavilionRC.com

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Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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South Nassau and Mount Sinai team up to give patient second chance at life

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ill R., 67, was considered a model patient.

An ex-smoker, he dutifully took his prescribed medicines for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

During a routine visit to the South Nassau Primary Care Center at Bellmore, Carolyne McHyman, DO, performed a physical exam, ordered further diagnostic tests and recommended Bill see his cardiologist.

The follow-up tests found a serious and potentially lethal blockage in Bill’s heart, known as a “widow maker.” Most patients — like Bill — have no symptoms or pain. Bill’s cardiologist, Pilar Stevens-Haynes, MD, recommended a cardiac catheterization to check for additional blockages. Jason Freeman, MD, director of Interventional Cardiology at South Nassau, performed the catheterization in April and discovered his main arteries were significantly blocked.

Robin Varghese, MD, associate professor of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of Mount Sinai’s Cardiovascular Critical Care, was at South Nassau on the day of Bill’s catheterization. Dr. Varghese is spending time at South Nassau each month as part of South Nassau’s recent partnership with Mount Sinai Health System. He determined Bill needed open-heart surgery.

Bill was very anxious and nervous about having major heart surgery, but he had a great deal of confidence in Dr. Varghese and his team of doctors. “He was so reassuring and calming,” Bill says. “I left his office thinking, ‘This is going to be OK.’” Days later, Dr. Varghese and his team performed a three-hour operation at Mount Sinai to restore blood flow to Bill’s heart. Within four days, Bill was home and back at church in Massapequa the following Sunday.

Today, Bill participates in South Nassau’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program three days a week in Oceanside, right on Long Island.

“The team of doctors at both South Nassau and Mount Sinai … they saved me,” Bill says. “They gave me a new lease on life, and I am taking full advantage of it.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org.

Bill’s lifesaving heart care team: (l to r) Robin Varghese, MD, director of Mount Sinai’s Cardiovascular Critical Care; Pilar Stevens-Haynes, MD, clinical cardiologist at South Nassau; and Jason Freeman, MD, director of Interventional Cardiology at South Nassau, combined to remove a potentially lethal blockage in his heart.

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What your diabetes doctor wants you to know

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Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, the success of your treatment plan depends on a good collaboration with your diabetes doctor. Here’s the lowdown on getting the best care.

“Expect me to be nosy.”

“I ask patients questions about how diabetes has affected them, in addition to how it is affecting their blood glucose levels,” says endocrinologist Richard Shewbridge, MD. Diabetes causes changes throughout your entire body, including your feet, your skin, your mood, and your sexual organs. Tell your doctor about all your health issues — even ones that are difficult to talk about or don’t seem related, like depression or erectile dysfunction. Treatment can help relieve them.

“I need to know the truth about your daily habits.”

Come clean about your diet and exercise routine, says endocrinologist Scott Isaacs, MD. If you fib about what you’re eating or how often you’re active, you’re the one whose health may ultimately suffer.

“Doctors are not ‘just about the medicines’—we would rather help patients make smarter choices in these areas,” says Dr. Shewbridge.

“It’s never too late to make lifestyle changes.”

If you have type 2 diabetes, losing just 7

NASSAU HERALD — November 29, 2018

Insight from the experts

percentr of your body weight —that’s 12 to 13 pounds, if you weigh 180 — can dramatically improve your health, says endocrinologist Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD. Typically, you can do this through diet and exercise. And although weight loss and other healthy changes may be most effective soon after your diagnosis, you can reap the benefits no matter when you begin “Don’t believe everything you read or hear.”

Diabetes information is everywhere — blogs, online forums, small talk with friends and family, terrifying lawyer ads on TV. Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different and some sources are more reliable than others, Dr. Isaacs says.

Your diabetes care team can guide you toward the truth and help you make the best choices for your health.

“We both need continuing education.”

Your doctor should take steps to actively keep up with new research — for instance, attending continuing medical education courses or events. You should take a similar approach, advises endocrinologist Irene O’Shaughnessy, MD. “I encourage my patients to keep up with their diabetes education, and to meet with a dietitian and diabetes educator at least once a year,” she says.

Having diabetes sometimes seems like a full time job, and let’s face it, it is. From testing yourself to remembering to take your medication or injections to the one thing that many people with diabetes never look forward to, the doctor visit. Keep in mind that the success of a diabetes treatment plan depends on a good collaboration between patient and physician.

“Don’t ‘sugarcoat’ your blood glucose readings.”

“Some patients leave off the highest (or below normal) home glucose testing readings because they may fear that the more abnormal readings may upset the doctor,” says Dr. Shewbridge. But your doctor needs to

know all your numbers to adequately assess your health.

“I’m not going to lecture you. I am interested in problem-solving to help turn the glucose levels around, so that the high gluContinued on page S-9

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November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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HEALTH MEMOS

Hypnosis evolves with technology

Happy and healthy smiles

r. Robert Berg and his friendly, knowledgeable staff are dedicated to making every visit a great experience. Expert dental care is provided with a warm, personal touch in a comfortable, relaxed setting.

Smile Solutions of Garden City, is a modern, state-of-the-art practice offering patients a fullrange of general, cosmetic and implant dental services, from routine check-ups to complete smile makeovers. Dr. Berg practices conservative, proactive dentistry utilizing the latest in dental technology. Your comfort is always a primary concern.

For the past 35 years, Dr. Berg has established himself as the consummate cosmetic and restorative professional in Garden City and the surrounding areas. Dr. Berg’s artistic flair sets him apart from others in the field. He creates exquisite smile makeovers while stressing exceptional dental

health.

The first step towards a beautiful smile and a lifetime of good oral health is to schedule an appointment. Our office works with numerous insurance carriers.

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For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options. Call Smile Solutions today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

ith 20 years behind her as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Terry Biener, CCH, believes that the key to a successful result is knowing what to say, how to say it, and which techniques to apply once a person is hypnotized.

This wisdom can only come from extensive training and experience.

“Everyone processes information differently,” said Biener. “There are reasons why a habit or fear has formed, which should be examined before effective treatment can take place.” A thorough intake session is done first. The number of hypnosis sessions recommended varies. Hypnosis sessions are tailored to the person’s triggers and habits.

Motivation and willingness to work with suggestions on a conscious level are important. Trust and rapport with the hypnotist is vital too.

Biener has recently added Computerized ClientBased Weight Loss to her repertoire. A sophisticated computer program is used to pinpoint personality, mental processing, strengths and weaknesses.

Combined with data gathered from the client, she custom designs hypnosis sessions to zero in on imprints that need to be changed. Weight loss workshops, which include group hypnosis, will be offered in the future.

Biener’s true passion is helping people with fears and panic. Having experienced phobias and panic attacks herself, which were ultimately healed through hypnosis, her understanding and empathy is profound. By combining Neuro-linguistic Programming

(NLP) techniques with hypnosis, she can eliminate or reduce unwanted and sometimes devastating anxiety.

“People should realize they aren’t alone. Phobias can seem irrational since they come from the subconscious –the part of the mind that responds without logic. Most people who have never experienced a phobia simply don’t understand.”

Understanding how hypnosis works before trying it is advised. “Ignore what you’ve seen in movies or on stage. A hypnotic trance is actually a natural state we visit frequently; when we’re engrossed a movie, or if we daydream while driving and don’t remember passing certain streets or exits. A hypnotist induces a trance to “reframe” the subconscious part of the mind. A good subject is strong-willed and intelligent. The person being hypnotized never loses control.” Hypnosis can help with trauma, sports, procrastination, self-esteem, stress, anxiety and most habits.

As a former New York City teacher, Biener is comfortable working with children. She holds numerous certifications though the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the National Guild of Hypnotists. She has done speaking engagements and group hypnosis sessions for organizations and wellness centers.

Clients are seen by appointment only. Phone consultations are free and confidential. Easy Changes Hypnosis is located in Valley Stream. Contact Terry Biener, CCH, at 516-791-6174 or visit www.easychanges.com.

Terry Biener, CCH

270 Nassau Blvd. South, Garden City • 516-872-8780

516-791-6174 www.easychanges.com

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Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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Safer, less invasive surgical treatments for obesity at Mercy, and his colleagues in the New York Bariatric Group, Spencer A. Holover, MD, Jeffrey W. Chiao, MD, John D. Angstadt, MD, Eric A. Sommer, MD, and Nikhilesh Sekhar, MD have performed thousands of minimally invasive weight loss procedures. In addition to its specially trained bariatric surgery team, Mercy has a dedicated bariatric unit with rooms and accommodations specially designed for post-surgery comfort and privacy.

Seminars offering education and information are offered monthly at New York Bariatric Group, Mineola, to those individuals who are contemplating bariatric surgery.

Single-incision Surgery Mercy is the first hospital on Long Island to offer a new even less invasive gastric banding procedure known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) that uses just one small opening in the abdomen, through the navel, rather than the five incisions required in traditional techniques. Select Sleeve Gastrectomy patients may also be candidates for SILS. For more information call 516 62 MERCY (63729) or visit www.stopobesityforlife.com.

besity can lead to other illnesses from chronic to acute, some very severe and deadly, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, coronary vascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and even cancer.

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity and overweight together are the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, close behind tobacco use.

Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre is an accredited center of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program that offers weight loss surgery with efficacy, efficiency and safety.

Weight-loss surgery, known medically as bariatric surgery, is performed on patients who are approximately 100 pounds or more overweight and have been unsuccessful with diet and exercise programs, and weight-loss medications. Someone who is 60–80 pounds overweight may qualify if he or she has a medical condition related to obesity.

Mercy offers minimally invasive weight loss surgery performed by some of the country’s leading bariatric surgeons. With a nationally accredited Bariatric Center, Mercy performs more than 600 weight loss procedures a year. It offers laparoscopic: •Sleeve gastrectomy •Adjustable gastric banding •Gastric bypass surgery •Single-incision surgery (SILS)* Shawn M. Garber, MD, chief of bariatric surgery

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Insight from the experts “No symptoms? Your health is still in danger.”

Most signs of diabetes are subtle, and appear gradually over time, Dr. Hamdy says.

But just because you feel fine doesn’t mean your diabetes isn’t progressing. Keep a close watch over your numbers — including your blood glucose, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c—to ensure you aren’t at risk for diabetes complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.

“Taking insulin doesn’t mean you’ve failed at controlling your diabetes.”

“I hear many patients tell me they must be a ‘bad’ diabetic if they need insulin. In fact, insulin is one of the most effective ways to lower blood sugar quickly,” Dr. O’Shaughnessy says.

In some cases, it’s a short-term fix for people with type 2. “However, the natural history of type 2 diabetes is that many patients ultimately need insulin, and this does not necessarily reflect anything they are doing wrong.”

“Don’t choose me as your doctor if you don’t like my style.”

Effective diabetes treatment requires doctor and patient to work together as a team, but your roles can vary depending on your personality, Dr. O’Shaughnessy says.

Some patients want to be told exactly what to do, while others seek a healthcare partner.

Take time to get to know your doctor and make sure he or she is the best fit for your needs.

“Not everyone needs to see an endocrinologist.”

Endocrinologists specialize in diabetes care, and everyone with type 1 diabetes should see one. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your primary care doctor can probably manage your condition, especially at first, Dr. Hamdy says.

If you’re taking more than two diabetes medications; your hemoglobin A1c results remain high or unstable over time; or if you start to develop signs of diabetes complications, it’s time to see a specialist.

“Diabetes is a lifelong challenge …”

There’s no cure for diabetes, and avoiding its long-term health risks takes consistent effort. “Diabetes is unique in that self-management is such an important part of the treatment,” Dr. O’Shaughnessy says. Your doctor can act as a coach, motivator or resource, but the daily task of diabetes management is in your hands.

The right strategies can help you live a long happy life with diabetes.

“ … but if you control diabetes, it won’t control you.”

With proper management — including blood glucose monitoring, a proper diabetes diet, and regular visits to your diabetes doctor

— people with the condition can live full, healthy lives. And don’t fret if you take a wrong turn or two along the way. “It’s not the end of the world. This is a slowly progressive disease, and you can turn things around and

Upcoming Events Mercy Medical Center

LADIES NIGHT OUT

October 18, 2018 Jericho Terrace, Mineola RSVP by October 5th Shopping • Dancing • Open Bar • Dinner To purchase tickets or learn more contact: Temra.Taylor@chsli.org • 516.705.1399

SAVE THE DATE

Mercy Medical Center

WOMEN’S HEALTH SYMPOSIUM November 7, 2018

get back on the right path,” Dr. Hamdy says. n Courtesy Healthgrades

You take care of everyone else.

Isn’t it time to take care of you?

With all of life’s demands, it’s easy to put off taking care of yourself. Mercy’s Women’s Wellness services makes it easier to get the medical care you need in one convenient location. From primary care and preventive medicine to OB/GYN and urogynecology, Mercy's broad range of women's services include: Advanced breast imaging technology, including New York state’s first LumaGem® Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI).

Complete spectrum of advanced maternity and newborn services, including the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the south shore of Nassau County.

Resources to help you eat healthier, sleep better, lose weight, stress less, stop smoking and much more.

Because taking care of you is the best thing you can do for the ones you love.

Call Today! 516-62-MERCY (63729) mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org/womens-wellness

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cose levels will not harm your body.”

NASSAU HERALD — November 29, 2018

Continued from page S-7

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HEALTH MEMO

November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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HEALTH MEMO Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

HEALTH MEMOS

Amputee rehabilitation therapy transforms lives

T

he staff at Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing want to go beyond helping amputee patients return home with confidence to reclaim their independence.

They want to create regular community support, not only for the post-patients but for other amputees in the area.

That’s why the staff started a unique Amputee Support Group that provides a caring, healing atmosphere for amputees in the community to find support among peers. Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing will host the group on the second Wednesday of the month in the facility’s gym. The staff will also hold discussions on pre and post limb care and on the short and long-term goals of the amputee recovery process.

The new monthly community support group is part of the facility’s three-phase Amputee Rehabilitation Program, which is tailored to meet patients’ individual and complex needs — including pain control and training in the use of the prosthesis.

“Our goal is to give patients the support and strength to move on to the next chapter of their lives, physically and emotionally, and to meet others

W

e are all experiencing memory issues from time to time. But experiencing the following more and more often may be an early sign for Alzheimer’s disease: • Misplacing items or forgetting names • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Trouble following familiar routes • Trouble remembering recent conversations • Trouble remembering words and names • Difficulty making decisions

who have gone through the experience,” says Administrator Lisa Penziner.

Lynbrook’s highly organized, multidisciplinary team approach includes an individualized exercise and nutritional program, exemplary nursing care, specialized physicians, psychological support, recreational therapy and on-site prosthetic/orthotic services.

Could GRADUATE 1 be your next step?

The GRADUATE 1 clinical study assesses how safe and effective an investigational drug is at slowing the progression of early (also known as ‘prodromal”) or mild Alzheimers’s disease. To qualify, participants must: • Be 50-90 years old • Have mild Alzheimer’s disease or memory problem that may be the early symptoms of the condition • Have someone they see frequently and who is willing to act as their ‘Study Partner” What this study involves The total length of the GRADUATE 1 study is 3 years, including screening and follow-up. The dosing period of the study will last for 2 years, during which half of the participants will be given the investigational drug and half of the participants will be given

243 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook • 516-634-1400 Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

a placebo( a dummy drug that contains no active ingredients. These will be given a subcutaneous (under the skin) injections at a study clinic or at home, once every 2-4 weeks. Participants will not know which group they have been assigned to. But please be assured that every participant will receive the same close monitoring throughout via regular clinic visits, regardless of their group.

What else should I know?

All study-related drugs and drugs assessments will be provided at no cost to participants. Travel reimbursements may also be included. Of course, taking part in a clinical study is a personal decision and no one had to join if they don’t want to. It’s also important to know that if participants join the study and then change their mind, they can leave at any time without any impact on their usual healthcare.

Learn more If you would like more information, please contact the GRADUATE 1 study team – they will be more than happy to help. Alternatively, visit our website today to learn more.

Study team contact details 1991 Marcus Ave., Suite 110, Lake Success. 516-4664700 or www.neuroli.com or GRADUATE-study.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

Cancer-related early menopause: What to expect

O

varies are tiny organs that Can you have biological secrete hormones, produce children if you go through early and house eggs that can one menopause? day become babies, and help regulate There are ways to preserve a a woman’s menstrual cycle. Some canwoman’s fertility before a risk-reduccer treatments and risk-reducing proing surgery or cancer operation. MSK cedures cause ovaries to stop workhas fertility experts who can counsel ing. While this lessens the threat of women on all of their options. disease, it can also bring about early Is hormone therapy treatmenopause. For the average woman, Dr. Jennifer Mueller ment intense for all women? cares for women menopause — defined by 12 months Estrogen and progesterone protect the heart and strengthen the without a menstrual period — begins with gynecologic bones in younger women. For those in the early 50s, although symptoms cancers at MSK can start in the 40s.

Commack and MSK undergoing early menopause, horJennifer Mueller, MD, a gynecologmone replacement therapy (HRT) is Rockville Centre. ic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Ketteran effective way to manage menoing (MSK) in Commack and Rockville pause symptoms and still get those Centre, explains what it means to go through these health benefits, provided there are no medical reachanges earlier than most. sons why they cannot take hormones.

Is menopause is a drag for everyone?

Some women fear the possible side effects of While common symptoms of menopause include hot HRT, especially if they’ve had negative experiences flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes, not every with hormonal birth control. However, the levels of woman experiences all (or any) of them. The severity of hormone in HRT are lower than those in birth consymptoms is different for each woman as well. trol, usually resulting in fewer side effects.

Does menopause always happen gradually?

If you’re experiencing menopause sympIf you’re going through the average menopause toms, do you just have to ride them out? experience, there might be changes over time. But No. Your care team can prepare you for what’s for those put into early menopause because of a ahead and support you along the way. Resources medical procedure or treatment, the effects are are available to help you manage physical and emomore immediate. tional side effects. Getting back to living and feeling

Dr. Mueller encourages women to ask their care team for help managing menopausal side effects and getting back to living and feeling well.

well are important priorities.

Learn more about Memorial Sloan Kettering’s outpatient cancer centers in Commack, Rockville Centre, and Hauppauge at www.mskcc.org/longisland.

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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Healthy food choices that pack a punch Continued from page S-1

Barley, lentils, and other whole grains Whole grains are full of antioxidants and soluble and insoluble fiber. These help to metabolize fats and keep the digestive track healthy.

People who regularly eat hulled barley typically have lower blood cholesterol. The grain also keeps blood sugar levels stable.

Lentils are another good option since they provide B vitamins, iron, complex carbohydrates, and protein.

While 100 percent stone-ground whole wheat bread is considered a low GI food, other types of whole wheat bread may have medium GI rankings, with scores between 56 and 69. n

Kale and other leafy green vegetables Kale is the king of super healthy greens. It

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Beans Beans are among nature’s most nutritious foods.

They’re high in fiber and protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans. They also deliver essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.

They’re low on the GI, too. Soya beans rank in around 16, while kidney beans come in at 24, and chickpeas around 28.

Kidney, pinto, navy, or black beans are packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. They are very high in fiber too.

Beans do contain carbohydrates, but ½ cup also provides as much protein as an ounce of meat without the saturated fat. To save time you can use canned beans, but be sure to drain and rinse them to get rid of as much added salt as possible.

provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and K. Collard greens are another leafy green that packs a ton of nutrients into a small package.

Kale contains chemicals called glucosinolates that help neutralize cancer-causing substances. It’s also full of potassium and has been shown to help manage blood pressure.

This is another reason it’s considered a superfood for those with diabetes.

These powerhouse foods are low in calories and carbohydrates too. Try adding dark leafy vegetables to salads, soups and stews.

NASSAU HERALD — November 29, 2018

Want another reason to snack on nuts?

Older research has shown the people who eat nuts regularly have less risk of developing diabetes.

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November 29, 2018 — NASSAU HERALD

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