Health, wellness & Beauty 2019_03_29

Health, Wellness &Beauty a blank slate media/ litmor publications special section march 29, 2019

38 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

Tips for managing seasonal allergies Did you know that more than 24 million Americans — and 6 million children — suffer from seasonal allergies?

ENT and Allergy Associates, the nation’s pre-eminent otolaryngology specialty and sub-specialty practice, offers essential tips for residents to better manage allergies as we near the peak of allergy season.

Allergic rhinitis, or more commonly known as allergies, is an inflammatory disease which develops when your immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment. The most common seasonal allergies stem from tree pollen, which is most prevalent in spring, summer and fall.

There are two types of allergies: seasonal and perennial. People with seasonal allergies are typically affected by allergen prevalent throughout the various seasons, namely spring, summer and fall. These allergens can be from mold spores or pollen from trees, grass or weeds.

Conversely, those with perennial allergy symptoms face year-round afflictions most commonly related to dust mites or pet dander.

Allergy symptoms typically include itchy nose, itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose or feeling tired due to poor sleep.

“At ENT and Allergy Associates, we are constantly working to innovate our treatment practices to accommodate the needs of our patients,” said Dr. Robert Marchlewski, an allergist and asthma specialist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City. “While many of us know about allergy symptoms, we may not correlate the constant

fatigue felt throughout the day with them directly. When allergies are severe enough, it can negatively impact your quality of life. We suggest that individuals consult their allergist to get a better idea of their own allergies and find the best path forward in treating them.”

Allergy testing is one of the most certifiable means in which to identify potential allergies. Through skin-prick testing or blood examinations, physicians can more accurately predict allergic reactions. Correctly identifying allergy triggers is a key component of effective management.

Treatment options for allergies can vary based on the person, but the most common and accessible treatment options are environmental control, medications, and immunotherapy.

For the upcoming pollen allergy season, there are few steps you can take which can help you reduce your allergy symptoms.

• Try staying indoors when possible, especially

when pollen counts are high or at their peak.

• Keep windows of your home, workplace and car closed during peak pollen seasons.

• Use air conditioning whenever possible.

• Wash your hands and face to remove pollen.

• Shower and shampoo your hair at bedtime to wash off accumulated pollens.

• Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoor to minimize pollen getting into your eyes.

• Wash bedding once a week using hot water.

For persistent symptoms, many allergy sufferers pursue the use of medications — either prescribed or over-thecounter — to ease the harsh allergy side effects. Intranasal steroid and antihistamines are commonly used for this purpose.

For those who want to avoid chronic/long term medication dependence, immunotherapy may be recommended.

There are two types of immunotherapy: allergy shots and sublingual tablets (under-the–tongue).

To learn more about ENTA, find a local office or book an appointment, download the “ENT and Allergy Associates” mobile app, visit www.entandallergy.com or call 1-855-ENTA-DOC.

ADVERTORIAL

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

500 OFF

$

ANY INVISALIGN TREATMENT See what your new smile will look like!

39

40 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

OUR TOWN

Three secrets to winning in sports Techniques for the mind to better the performance of the body in athletic competition I am scheduled to give a talk at Angelina’s in Williston Park April 11 and if I know anything at all about giving public seminars, it’s three things: 1.

It’s hard to let people know about it; 2. It’s hard to get them to read the advertising; and 3.

It’s even harder to convince them it’s worthwhile to come.

There are so many things competing for people’s attention that it’s difficult to awaken interest and get people to leave the comforts of their living room. But, alas, that is the task I am faced with.

Over the years I have learned many things about how to help the athlete so it’s hard to whittle it all down into a single seminar. Twenty points are way too many and one point seems too little. Maybe I ought to pick just three items. Three seems to be one of the perfect numbers.

Three is a magic number for many people. Putting aside the idea of the Holy Trinity and the interesting beauty of Francis Bacon’s triptychs, we

see that literature loves threes as well. In Moby Dick, Herman Melville used to love repeating one phrase three times like “squeeze! squeeze! squeeze!”

Shakespeare always cited three characters in speeches like “friends, Romans, countryman, lend me your ears.”

And let’s not forget the tale of The Three Little Pigs. The title wasn’t “Two Little Pigs” or “Twenty little Pigs.”

The magic of the number three is also hidden in many phrases including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” “blood, sweat and tears” and “sex, drugs and rock-and-roll.”

So three is the number I will stick within my seminar, which of course then makes it clear how I shall organize the talk. It will be about pregame routines, in-game attitudes and post-game routines. What could be easier?

And as they do on TV, here’s a teaser as to what I will say.

Pregame routines: There are a few keys to a surefire pregame routine. One must be

What are the secrets to winning?

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town physically fit and also optimally rested. One must have full confidence in one’s ability and also have a plan which takes into account all possible surprises.

In other words, one must be ready for anything. “The Art of War” was written by the military genius Sun Tzu in the 5th century B.C. where he said, “You should be so prepared for the battle that it should always be an unfair fight.” That is what the athlete should feel and I will talk about the secrets to readiness.

In-game attitudes: During

the competition every athlete must stay loose, unworried, relaxed, fluid and spontaneous in movement and thinking. This is hard to do with everything on the line, fans screaming in the stands, coaches watching and scouts taking notes about you.

The way to stay loose and focused is by being taught how to enter into and how to remain in the “zone.” Much of my work with competitive athletes will be about how to achieve this sacred place where nothing exists but the ball, the goal and you. The best at this was Wayne Gretzky and Tiger Woods.

The athlete must be taught how to separate from all others, how to remain aggressive and how to be totally forgiving while in the zone. And there are ways to teach this.

Post-game routines: Postgame routines include jubilation, mourning or learning depending upon what happened during the game. When victory is obtained, it is crucial to have routines which enable the athlete to digest and own their ac-

complishments.

If defeat occurs, the athlete must be given routines which help him to mourn, express grief, receive solace and comfort. And after all these things, an evaluation must occur which offers them a chance to learn, make corrections and set new goals. I will provide stories from famous athletes I know to demonstrate these points.

And through it all the athlete must be taught to keep in mind that he or she is more than just their performance on a given day. Sports is very datadriven, outcome-oriented and in some ways black and white so it is easy to forget that the athlete is first and foremost a human being who is far larger and more important than the outcome of a game.

So that is a taste of what I plan to talk about and I do hope you can make it to the talk.

For more information, call Angelina’s at 516-248-8200 or look at my sign in their window.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

41

Stress management strategies S

tress is an issue that knows no geographical boundaries. The Regus Group reports that stress levels in the workplace are rising, with six in 10 workers in major global economies experiencing increased workplace stress.

Workers forced to take on too much work or those tasked with performing jobs beyond their abilities might not be able to do much to quell those demands.

However, they can employ various strategies to manage their stress.

Embrace planning. A 2011 survey from psychologist Robert Epstein asked more than 3,000 participants in 30 countries which stress management technique was most effective at helping them overcome their stress. Epstein discovered that participants felt planning was the most effective way to manage their stress. Planning is essentially a proactive approach

to managing stress and fighting it before it even starts.

Smartphone apps make it easier than ever to schedule your time.

Utilizing such apps or opting for the more traditional route by using a day planner can be a highly effective way to manage stress.

Practice cognitive reframing.

Cognitive reframing is another effective stress-management technique that involves changing the way you look at something so your experience of it changes.

Psychologists note that cognitive reframing is effective because the body’s stress response is triggered by perceived stress and not actual events. So by reframing the way you perceive a potentially stressful event, you can change your body’s response to it. This technique is most effective when people are mindful of their thoughts, particularly those that might be negative or stress-inducing.

RAINDEW

Pharmacy Manhasset

Character Filled Easter Baskets

8 Qt. Potting Mix

Large Selection

Reg. $5.99

$

$ 99

4

99 $

19 24

Sun & Shade or Ultra.

Reg. $14.99

Palm Crosses

$ 99

We Carry A Large Selection Of Weber Gas & Charcoal Grills & Accessories

Four Seasons Quad Chair Q Reg. $12.99

$ 99

9

99

to

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Premium Grass Seed Mixture 3 lb.

Free Local Delivery & Assembly On Weber Gas Grills

Take breaks. A heavy workload may compel people to sit down at their desk and keep working until quitting time. However, that approach takes both a physical and emotional toll. Sitting for long periods of time without getting up not only increases a person’s risk for various diseases, but it also can contribute to something known as decision fatigue.

Decision fatigue occurs when someone must make frequent decisions throughout the day.

Without a break, such persons’ abilities to reason becomes compromised, and they may end up making poor decisions or feeling less confident in their decisions, which may increase their stress levels. Frequent breaks, even if they’re just brief walks to get a glass of water, can help avoid both the physical and emotional effects of stress.

Stress affects people across the globe. Learning to manage it can make people happier in both their personal and professional lives.

9

$ 99

7

Jelly Belly

9.8 oz.

Reg. $4.99

$ 99

3

Gold Bunny

Milk, Dark or White Chocolate.

3.5 oz.

Reg. $3.99

$ 49

3

465 Plandome Rd. • Manhasset, NY 11030 516-869-6034 • Pharm: 516-627-8666 • Fax: 516-627-1768

42 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

Topics to discuss before going under the knife

M

any people will find themselves on a surgeon’s table at one point or another.

Professional athletes who get injured frequently and, of course, surgeons may be accustomed to the surgical wings of hospitals, but the general public has no such familiarity.

Perhaps due to that lack of familiarity, many people are nervous before an impending surgery. Asking the right questions prior to the procedure can calm those nerves and help people approach pending surgeries with confidence rather than fear.

be put completely under, but some surgeries may require that. General anesthesia affects the entire body, and this is the type administered during surgeries that require patients to be unconscious. Regional anesthesia affects a large area of the body, while local anesthesia only numbs a small part. Knowing which type of anesthesia will be administered during a surgery can prepare patients and their families in advance, and may even calm nerves.

Length of surgery Patients and their families often want to know how long surgeries will last. Patients should discuss this with their physicians and surgeons, especially if family and friends will be

Anesthesia Much of the fear people have in regard to surgery surrounds anesthesia. Few people want to

in the waiting room while a surgery is performed. If surgeons note there’s a possibility that a surgery will be extended after it begins, patients should let family and friends know this, even if they don’t want to worry them. People in the waiting room will grow concerned and fearful, possibly unnecessarily, if a surgery is not completed within a certain amount of time.

Pain Pain might be a side effect of surgery. Knowing this in advance won’t raise alarm bells if patients are discharged and begin to experience pain upon arriving home. Ask surgeons if pain is a side effect of your surgery, and where than pain is likely to be felt and for how long.

Many people are prescribed opioids to address pain after surgery, but such medications can be addictive.

Ask about opioid alternatives, as well as any non-prescription relaxation

techniques or therapies that may help manage pain.

Blood clots Pain is not the only potential side effect of surgery. Some surgeries can increase patients’ risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot that can travel to the lungs and block blood flow.

Sometimes referred to as DVT, deep vein thrombosis can be deadly, though it’s often treatable when caught quickly. Certain factors, including age, whether or not you’re a smoker and a history of clots, can increase a person’s risk of developing DVT after surgery. Blood thinners may be prescribed as a precautionary measure.

These are just a handful of topics to discuss with a physician prior to surgery. Patients should not hesitate to ask as many questions as they need to before going in for surgery.

(YHU\RQH QHHGV D GHQWLVW <RX GHVHUYH D JUHDW RQH

: 3 LG & :H 3URYLGH D &RPSUHKHQVLYH $UUD\ RI 'HQWDO 6HUYLFHV K L $ I' W O6 7HHWK &OHDQLQJ Â&#x2021; )LOOLQJV Â&#x2021; 7HHWK :KLWHQLQJ Â&#x2021; ,PSODQWV 9HQHHUV Â&#x2021; &URZQV Â&#x2021; %ULGJHV Â&#x2021; %RWR[ % 5 $ 1 ' 1 ( : 6 7$7 ( 2 ) 7 + ( $ 5 7 ' ( 1 7$ / 2 ) ) , & (

; 5D\ ([DP &OHDQLQJ

)5(( 7$.( +20( :+,7(1,1* .,7 :LWK D FOHDQLQJ

2)) 'HQWDO ,PSODQWV

6H +DEOD (VSDxRO

&DQFHOODWLRQ 3ROLF\ Âą $ FDQFHOODWLRQ IHH ZLOO DSSO\ IRU ODVW PLQXWH FDQFHOODWLRQV ZLWKLQ KRXUV RI \RXU VFKHGXOHG DSSRLQWPHQW

&DOO WR 6FKHGXOH DQ $SSRLQWPHQW 7RGD\

'U $QGUHZ /HY\ ''6 Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; 2OG 6KRUH 5G 3RUW :DVKLQJWRQ 1< Â&#x2021; YLOODJHGHQWDOSZ FRP

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

North Shore

Vein Center

43

44 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019 ADVERTORIAL

11 Neurological Surgery, P.C., Physicians Named to 2018 Castle Connolly List ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY (March 4, 2019) Eleven of the 23 physicians associated with Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) have been named to the latest edition of Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, an annual reference guide published by Castle on Long Island in 1958, Neurological Surgery, P.C. Connolly Medical Ltd., Founded (NSPC) has six conveniently located offices in Nassau and Suffolk a New York City Counties, including one at 1991 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, research and informa- seen here.

NY-based NSPC. “Our (Endovascular tion company. practice has provided Neuroradiology), patients from Long Stephen T. Onesti, The NSPC Castle M.D. (Spine Surgery), Island, and elsewhere, Connolly “Top with the most compasJohn Pile-Spellman, Doctors” are: Jeffrey sionate and compreM.D. (Endovascular A. Brown, M.D. Neuroradiology), Brian hensive brain, back, (Neuropathic Facial and neck care available J. Snyder, M.D. (Pain Pain), Jonathan L. for over 60 years. The & Parkinson’s Brisman, M.D. selection of these Surgery), and Lee (Neurovascular Tessler, M.D. (Brain eleven physicians to Neurosurgery), Surgery). the 2018 Top Doctors: Benjamin R. Cohen, New York Metro Area M.D. (Spine Surgery), Vladimir Y. Dadashev, “It’s a pleasure to con- confirms a tradition of clinical, and patientM.D. (Spine Surgery), gratulate our colleagues and partners centered excellence, at John A. Grant, M.D. for receiving this NSPC.” (Pediatric honor,” said Michael Neurosurgery), Roger W. Kula, M.D. (Chiari H. Brisman, M.D., the For decades, Castle chief executive officer Connolly has been Neurology), Sundeep of Rockville Centre, conducting a peerMangla, M.D.

review survey to select the region’s top doctors based on the theory that medical professionals are best qualified to assess the qualifications of other practitioners. Licensed physicians vote online for those doctors they consider outstanding. A Castle Connolly doctor-led research team then counts the nominations and vets the nominee pool with the aid of a number of screens, including confirming board certifications and investigating disciplinary histories.

The firm’s Top Doctors: New York Metro Area guide lists those whom Castle Connolly has determined to be in the top ten percent of the region’s physicians – approximately 6,000 in all.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

5 Reasons to Call, Now: 1. Founded in Freeport, 1958.

2. First practice on Long Island to adopt routine collaborative care for complex spinal conditions.

3. Only our experienced neurosurgeons will perform your surgery.

4. Leaders in “Bloodless” brain and spine surgery, including laser spine surgery, radiosurgery, and other advanced minimally invasive techniques.

5. Make the Right Call for: • Brain Tumor • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Brain Aneurysm

• Herniated Disc • Spinal Stenosis • Back Pain

45

46 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

How to lose weight after a thyroid condition diagnosis Nighttime snacking best bets

C

alorie-conscious individuals may wonder if eating at night or after a certain time can derail their diets and fitness regimens. The jury is still out on whether eating at night can pack on the pounds or not, with various health recommendations contradicting one another. However, if one does choose to snack at night, there may be a smart way to do so.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Weight Control Information Network says that a calorie is a calorie no matter when it is consumed. That means it doesn’t matter if calories are consumed in the morning, afternoon or evening. It is how many are consumed and the amount of physical activity individuals perform that will affect their weights.

Conversely, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says they’re not sure if a calorie is a calorie no matter when it is consumed. Their research and data from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine’s Center for Weight and Eating Disorders indicates that when food is consumed late at night the body is more likely to store those calories as

fat and gain weight rather than burn it off as energy. Certain animal studies show that food is processed differently depending on the time of day it was consumed.

But what is a person to do when hunger pangs hit at night and one fears that their rumbling stomach may interrupt their sleep? According to the nutrition and fitness experts at MyFitnessPal, powered by Under Armour, stick to a snack that is between 100 and 200 calories.

Choose a food that is high in protein, fiber or healthy fats, which will be more likely to keep a person satiated throughout the night. Apples and peanut butter, string cheese and fruit, or whole grain crackers and Greek yogurt can be healthy, satisfying nighttime snacks. Avoid sugary, calorie-dense foods, which may be hard to digest and can compromise sleep quality.

More studies may be necessary to determine the relationship between body weight and snacking at night.

In the meantime, nighttime snackers should choose healthy foods when reaching for a late night bite to eat.

Reasons to come to us for all your health & beauty needs

Gift Certificates Available

• If you want a deep cleaning facial, micro-needling remove all black and white heads, acne and pimple treatment with skin looking clean and gorgeous…COME TO US! • If you want perfect eyebrow shapes…

COME TO US! • If you want safe waxing & electrolysis with good results…COME TO US!

SKIN CARE AND HAIR REMOVAL CENTER 1551 Kellum Pl., Garden City

1 block North from Lord & Taylor

516-445-8035

Successful Skin Tag Removal, Hair Removal by Spa Touch

P

eople diagnosed with an underactive thyroid condition may have to make several changes to their lifestyles to feel well and maintain a healthy weight.

The thyroid is a tiny gland located in the neck that produces a hormone to regulate one’s metabolism, or the process that converts what a person eats and drinks into energy. With hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, production of that thyroid hormone is insignificant, resulting in a dramatically slower metabolism.

The endocrinology health site Endocrine Web estimates approximately 10 million Americans have hypothyroidism. The reasons the thyroid gland falters vary. But the symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight, hair loss, muscle aches, depression, and irritability.

Each of the side effects associated with thyroid conditions can be troublesome, but many people with thyroid issues struggle most with weight gain and their inability to keep weight off. The president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, R. Mack Harrell, MD, says to first visit a doctor, who can determine if a synthetic thyroid hormone medication can help. Regular exercise also can be an important part of the strategy to lose weight and manage other hypothyroidism symptoms.

Christian Nasr, MD, an endocrinologist with the Cleveland Clinic, advises his patients to wait a few weeks before exercising so that their condition is controlled with

medication. After that waiting period is over, gradually easing back into exercise can help with the fatigue and weight gain that may not abate with thyroid medications.

The online health resource Everyday Health advises a program of lowimpact aerobic exercises and strength training. The aerobics will raise the heart rate without putting too much pressure on the joints. These exercises include using a stationary bicycle or a low-impact elliptical machine. Pilates and gentle yoga can improve core muscles and help alleviate joint pain as well.

Incorporating strength training into a workout can help build muscle mass, which burns calories, even when a person is at rest. That can be essential for a person finding it difficult to control his or her weight due to a sluggish metabolism.

Additional benefits of exercising are improved mood and reduced inflammation. Exercising can release endorphins into the body to help fight off depression. Also, researchers from the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine found a single 20-minute session of exercise was enough to trigger something called sympathoadrenergic activation, which suppresses the production of monocytic cytokines in the body that produce an inflammatory response in the immune system. That means exercise can keep inflammation in check.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that produces various unwanted side effects. However, with proper care and exercise, many symptoms can be managed effectively.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

47

ADVERTORIAL

Back-To-Sleep, Plagiocephaly and Cranial Helmets Since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a change to infant sleeping position, the incidence of Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) has increased exponentially. The reason for the change in sleep position was based on research in preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) related deaths. While the research showed a 40% decrease in SIDS deaths when infants were placed on their back to sleep, the incidence of Deformational Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) increased just as dramatically.

While cranial molding dates back as far as Hippocrates, using such materials as birch bark to bind the skull, today we utilize sophisti-

cated equipment such as 3-dimensional surface scanning devices to capture the infant skull shape, CAD-CAM (computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing) foam carvers to produce a symmetrical foam model which is used to fabricate the corrective helmet. Plaster of Paris casting of infants is a thing of the past. The use of a 3-dimensional surface scanner allows the Orthotist to produce digital model of your baby’s head in about 3 minutes. The surface scanner basically takes pictures of the baby’s head and assembles them into a digital image which can be manipulated, modified in shape and emailed. In addition, this scanning technology per-

mits before and after comparisons, thus tracking your baby’s progress is fast and accurate.

Cranial molding is best initiated between the ages of 3 and 6 months. To be effective, the CRO must be used during the period of rapid brain growth, normally between birth and 8 months of age.

Daily wearing time is between 22 and 23 hours, with time off for cleaning and hygiene.

The total treatment time is dependent on several factors.

Starting age probably plays the greatest role due to the need for rapid brain growth. The older the child starts the longer the treatment time and the greater the chance full correction will not be achieved.

Severity of the asymmetry and compliance with wearing are other important factors when calculating treatment time length.

The best thing to do is discuss your concerns with your physician and call us for an appointment.

The NiC BAND Program provides a no fee consultation assessment.

We will perform a complete evaluation of your child, calculate all the variables to determine severity and offer an estimate of treatment time.

We have offices located in Mineola and Queens. Please call toll free 833-NiCBAND to schedule your consultation

Anthony J. Cappa, BS, CPO has over 25 years of experience in cranial remolding. He has worked closely with the leading neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons in New York City, the five boroughs, Nassau and Suffolk. He has lectured physicians, allied health professionals, case workers and insurance companies on the treatment of Plagiocephaly and post-operative craniosynostosis. Founded in 1996, the FDA approved (Non-invasive Cranioplasty Band) N i.C. BAND™ Program established 11 standards of care for the treatment of infants with cranial asymmetry. The Program utilizes the latest 3-dimensional Class 1(safe for the eyes) structured light scanner to capture the outer contour of an infant’s head. This device is portable so it may be used in hospitals for post-operative cranial care. Please call for a free brochure outlining all 11 standards and more detailed information on Plagiocephaly and cranial remolding.

246 Mineola Blvd., Suite 107, Mineola,, NY 11501 185-15 Union Turnpike, Jamaica Estates, NY 11366 833-642-2263

We don’t “do” helmets,

we treat Plagiocephaly.

Cranial Remolding Specialists Addressing the needs of children since 1996.

Call toll free to discuss your child’s needs

Toll Free: 833-NIC-BRAND / 833-642-2263 / Fax: 516-282-0011 246 Mineola Blvd., Suite 107, Mineola, NY 11501 185-15 Union Tpke., Jamaica Estates, NY 11366

48 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

Reduce exposure to harmful VOCs at home

Banish belly fat and improve cardiovascular health

T olatile organic compounds are emitted by a vast array of products. The Environmental

V

and baking soda are as effective as chemical cleaners without the same harmful side effects.

Protection Agency warns that VOCs consist of gases discharged from solids or liquids that produce shortand long-term health effects.

• Use an air purifier in conjunction with HVAC systems. Purchase an air purifier that specifically filters out odors and VOCs, which can help people with chemical sensitivities.

VOCs are particularly troubling because their concentrations are consistently up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Those who spend time inside of homes and businesses may be at risk from concentrated exposure to VOCs.

• Rely on natural ventilation when using products that have strong odors or are suspected of emitting VOCs. This can be as easy as opening windows and doors or doing work outside.

Notable items that produce VOCs include treated woods, carpeting, building materials, paints, waxes, fabrics, and varnishes. Since people are constantly breathing in air, and whatever is circulating within it, it’s important for individuals to be conscious of these common offenders.

VOCs can be dangerous because they may cause everything from minor symptoms of headaches, nausea and stuffy noses to more serious conditions like nervous system problems and kidney and liver damage. Some VOCs are known to cause cancer in humans, warns the EPA. To reduce exposure to VOCs, homeowners are advised to take the following steps.

• Read product labels carefully for warnings against VOCs. Whenever possible, select products that do not emit VOCs. • Invest in alternative products, such as all-natural cleaning solutions.

Many people find that common and safe items like vinegar, citrus oils

• Use a shed rather than an attached garage to store gas cans, pesticides, paint thinners, and other odoriferous materials away from the home. Contact the municipal waste department to learn how to properly dispose of leftover chemical products.

• Rethink flooring materials to include carpeting that is low VOC or alternatives such as washable rugs or hard flooring.

• Don’t forget to fill a home with plenty of live plants. A study from researchers at NASA found that certain indoor plants are effective at naturally purifying air.

• Exercise caution with dry-cleaned clothes. Perchloroethylene is a chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. Air out dry-cleaned clothes before wearing them, particularly if they have strong chemical odors.

Volatile organic compounds can be excreted through various items.

Individuals who educate themselves can greatly reduce their exposure to these harmful compounds.

he way to a person’s heart may be through his or her stomach in more ways than one. Doctors have tied heart health to the abdomen, and having extra pounds around one’s middle can be detrimental to cardiovascular wellbeing.

Excess visceral fat in the belly, something doctors refer to as “central adiposity,” may have potentially dangerous consequences. While the link between belly fat and heart health has long been associated with men, women may be even more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of belly fat. A study published in March 2018 in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined 500,000 people between the ages of 40 and 69. Participants had their body measurements taken, and then were kept track of for heart attack occurrence over the next seven years. During that period, the women who carried more weight around their middles (measured by waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio or waist-to-height ratio) had a 10 to 20 percent greater risk of heart attack than women who were just heavier over all.

Belly fat is particularly dangerous because it doesn’t just include the insulating, or subcutaneous, fat under the skin. It is largely visceral fat that also surrounds the organs in the abdomen. Harvard Medical School reports that visceral fat is metabolically active and has been strongly linked to a host of serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia.

Visceral fat is like an endocrine organ

that secretes hormones and a host of other chemicals linked to diseases that can affect adults. One substance is called retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), which has been tied to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In 2015, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that normal-weight people with excessive belly fat had a higher risk of dying of heart disease or any other cause compared with people without central obesity.

The online health and wellness resource Medical News Today says doctors determine belly fat to be a problem when a woman’s waist measures 35 inches or more and a man’s 40 inches or more. MRIs also can be used as a fat analyzer and will be judged on a scale of 1 to 59.

A measurement of 13 and under is desireable.

The Mayo Clinic advises that poor diet and fitness habits can contribute to belly fat. As people age, they may have to make more drastic changes to their diets and exercise regimens to counteract changes in their metabolisms. Eliminating sugary beverages, watching portion sizes, counting calories, doing moderate aerobic activity daily, and choosing healthier foods can help tame visceral fat. Also, doctors may recommend those who are stressed to try stress-busting techniques, as stress also may be tied to excessive belly fat.

Belly fat should not be overlooked, as its presence can greatly increase a person’s risk for various diseases.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

49

Life-saving Breast Imaging Technology, Exclusively Offered at NY Hospital, Gives Women Advantage in Early Detection Did you know that Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, NY offers life-saving breast imaging technology that can’t be accessed anywhere else in New York?

I Óä£Ç] iÀVÞ Ü>Ã Ì i wÀÃÌ Ã« Ì> iÜ 9 À -Ì>Ìi Ì >`` LumaGem® Molecular Breast Imaging ­ ® ÌiV }Þ Ì Ìà Û>ÃÌ >ÀÀ>Þ v Ü i ½Ã ÃiÀÛ Við - Vi Ì i ] Ì i Ìi> >à V « iÌi` Õ `Ài`à v «>Ì i Ì ÃV> Ã] Õ V ÛiÀ } > Þ Õ `iÌiVÌi` V> ViÀð Ƃ`` Ì > Þ] iÀVÞ Ã Ü Ì i Þ } à > ` ë Ì> vviÀ } VolparaDensity™] > LÀi>ÃÌ >} } à vÌÜ>Ài `ià } i` Ì «À Û `i V V> à } Ì Ì >Ì V> i` >Ìi Þ `i Ì vÞ «>Ì i ÌÃ Ü Ü Li iwÌ ÃÌ vÀ ° à > ÃiV `>ÀÞ ÃVÀii } «Ì Ì > }À>« Þ v À Ü i Ü Ì `i Ãi LÀi>ÃÌ Ì ÃÃÕi] >à Üi >à v À «À L i Ã Û }° Ài>ÃÌ `i à ÌÞ Ã Ì Þ i` Ì > VÀi>Ãi` À à v LÀi>ÃÌ V> ViÀ LÕÌ > à `iVÀi>ÃiÃ Ì i Ãi Ã Ì Û ÌÞ v > }À> à > ` >Þ «>VÌ i>À Þ `iÌiVÌ ° ,i Þ } ÕV i>À >} } ÌiV }Þ] ½Ã >L ÌÞ Ì w ` à > LÀi>ÃÌ V> ViÀà i>À Þ >à à } wV> Ì Þ «À Ûi` ÕÌV ià v À Ü i ° Ƃ ÀiVi Ì «>Ì i Ì Ã> `] º >` > iÝ> >vÌiÀ Ì iÞ v Õ ` > `Õ i Þ ivÌ LÀi>ÃÌ° Ü>à à Ài iÛi` Ì w ` ÕÌ Ì >Ì Ì iÀi Ü>Ã Ì } Ì i Ì iÀ LÀi>ÃÌ Liv Ài >` Þ ÃÕÀ}iÀÞ° / à ÌiÃÌ }>Ûi i «i>Vi v `t» ÌiV }Þ Ì Þ >Ãà ÃÌà « Þà V > Ã Ü Ì > i>À Þ] Ài >VVÕÀ>Ìi ` >} à à LÕÌ > à } Ûià «>Ì i ÌÃ Ì i v À >Ì Ì iÞ ii` Ì > i « ÀÌ> Ì `iV à Ã.

For more information, call 516-62-MERCY (63729), or visit mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org.

Mercy Medical Center 1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9024

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

With all of life’s demands, it’s easy to put off taking care of yourself.

Mercy Medical Center’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:

Mercy Medical Center

•

Life-saving breast imaging technology, including LumaGem® Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) — the only hospital in New York to offer this technology.

•

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.

Call Today! 516-62-MERCY (63729)

WOMEN’S HEALTH SUMMIT May 15, 2019 | 6-9pm Rockville Links Club | 600 North Long Beach Road | Rockville Centre, NY 11570 To register for the event, call 516-62-MERCY (63729)

mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org/womens-wellness

50 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

Did you know? Another reason to quit smoking F S at has a bad reputation.

Many people hear the words “fat” or “fats” and immediately think the worst.

Fats go by many names, including lipids, fatty acids, vegetable fats, animal fats, and oils. While some fats can be harmful when consumed in excess, many fats are actually helpful to the body. Educating oneself about the different types of fats can make for a more well-rounded diet.

Saturated fats: These are solid at room temperature and tend to come from animal products and processed foods. A large intake of saturated fats can increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Monounsaturated fats: This “healthy” fat may lower LDL cholesterol and keep HDL

cholesterol at higher levels when saturated fats are held in check.

Polyunsaturated fats: These fats also are considered good for cardiovascular health and are commonly known as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are found in certain seeds, fatty fish and nuts.

Trans fats: Trans fats are synthetically manufactured by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. They are not good for a person’s health, but they have been widely used in the past because they tend to be stable and inexpensive and can improve shelf life of processed products.

It is important to distinguish between helpful and harmful fats so a body gets the healthy fuel it needs.

moking has been linked to many different illnesses.

It’s widely known that cigarette smoke can impact respiratory and cardiovascular health, but there may be a new reason to quit, particularly for those plagued by chronic inflammation. Researchers at Sweden’s Umea University, in collaboration with researchers in the United States, found that nicotine strongly activates immune cells to release DNA fibers decorated with pro-inflammatory molecules called neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs. Continuous exposure to NETs can harm tissues and may explain why smokers are vulnerable to inflammatory diseases. NETs have been implicated in several inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and small vessel vasculitis. This evidence

presents yet another reason why people should quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, or never begin smoking at all.

Improve life expectancy with some healthy habits “W ho Wants to Live Forever” is a song that appeared on the 1986 album “A Kind of Magic” by the rock band Queen. The song often sparks conversation about the potential benefits of immortality .

Immortality may not be possible, but many people aspire to improve their chances to live a long and prosperous life. A study published in the journal Lancet analyzed data from the 2016 Global Burden of Diseases project to generate life expectancy predictions from 2017 to 2040 for most countries.

The United States saw the largest decline in ranking among high-income countries, as life expectancies in the United States are projected to fall from 43rd in 2016 to 64th by 2040, with an average life expectancy of 79.8. Life expectancy in the U.S. has dropped in each of the past two years, according to annual reports by the National Center for Health Statistics.

But there may be hope for Americans yet. Doctors and scientists continually study the lifestyles of people who

outlive their life expectancies. While genetics can play a role, so can following healthy habits, which have been identified to promote longevity.

Don’t smoke. Many smokers have been told that smoking trims 10 years off their life expectancies, and that statement is corroborated by a study published in 2013 in The New England Journal of Medicine that tracked participants over a span of several years. The good news is people who quit before the age of 35 can usually regain those lost years.

Avoid drug use. Accidental drug overdoses contributed to 63,600 deaths in the United States in 2016, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Usage of prescription opioids and heroin has skyrocketed in recent years. Drug use also may exacerbate mental illnesses, potentially making drug users more vulnerable to suicide.

Maintain healthy body mass.

Moderate to vigorous exercise regimens and diets loaded with

healthy foods can keep weight in check. Maintaining a healthy weight has a host of positive side effects, including reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer in North America. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly four in 10 adults and 18.5 percent of children in the United States are obese.

According to the 2015 Canadian Health Measures Survey, 30 percent of adults in Canada are obese and may require medical support to manage their disease.

Limit alcohol consumption. Some evidence suggests that light drinking can be good for cardiovascular health. However, a paper published in the Lancet suggests every glass of wine or pint of beer over the daily recommended limit will cut half an hour from the expected lifespan of a 40-year-old. The paper says the risks are comparable to smoking.

Simple, healthy lifestyle changes can help people increase their life expectancies.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019 ADVERTORIAL

1991 Marcus Ave., Suite 110, Lake Success, NY (516) 466-4700 • www.neuroli.com

We’re all forgetful sometimes, But if your forgetfulness is caused by Alzheimer’s disease, you may be interested in the GRADUATE 1 clinical study.

1991 Marcus Ave., Suite 110, Lake Success, NY (516) 466-4700 • www.neuroli.com

51

52 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 29, 2019

How aging adults can maintain their mental acuity

A

ging is associated with or linked to a host of mental and physical side effects. For example, many adults expect their vision to deteriorate as they grow older. Such a side effect can be combatted with routine eye examinations that may indicate a need for a stronger eyeglass prescription, a relatively simple solution that won’t impact adults’ daily lives much at all.

While physical side effects like diminished vision might not strike much fear in the hearts of aging men and women, those same people may be concerned and/ or frightened by the notion of age-related cognitive decline. Some immediately associate such decline with Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive skills, ultimately compromising a person’s ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. But agerelated cognitive decline is not always symptomatic of Alzheimer’s disease.

Learning about Alzheimer’s and how to maintain mental acuity can help aging men and women better understand the changes their brains might be undergoing as they near or pass retirement age.

Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary?

The National Institute on Aging notes that only a very rare form of Alzheimer’s disease is inherited. Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease, or FAD, is caused by mutations in certain genes. If these genes are passed down from parent to child, then the child is likely, but not certain, to get FAD. So while many adults may be concerned about Alzheimer’s because one of their parents had the disease, the NIA notes that the majority of Alzheimer’s cases are late-onset, which has no obvious family pattern.

Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?

Studies of Alzheimer’s disease are ongoing, but to date there is no definitive way to prevent the onset of the disease.

How can I maintain mental acuity as I age?

Researchers have not yet determined a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but adults can take certain steps to maintain their mental acuity into retirement.

Exercise regularly. Routine exercise may be most associated with physical benefits, but the NIA notes that such activity has been linked to benefits for the brain as well. For example, a 2011 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory. The NIA also notes that one study indicated exercise stimulated the brain’s ability to maintain old network connections and make new ones vital to cognitive health.

Read more. Avid readers may be happy to learn that one of their favorite pastimes can improve the efficiency of their cognitive systems while delaying such systems’ decline. A 2013 study published in the journal Neurology by researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that mentally active lifestyles may not prevent the formations of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but such lifestyles decreases the likelihood that the presence of plaques or tangles will impair cognitive function.

Stay socially connected. Maintaining social connections with family, friends and community members also can help women prevent cognitive decline. Epidemiologist Bryan James of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center studied how social activity affected cognitive decline, ultimately noting that the rate of cognitive decline was considerably lower among men and women who maintained social contact than it was among those with low levels of social activity.

The idea of age-related cognitive decline strikes fear in the hearts of many men and women, but there are ways for adults to maintain their mental acuity well into their golden years.

Simple ways to avoid injuries when working out injury when working out.

Five to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise before working out can help men and women avoid injury.

A

desire to live a healthy, active life compels many people to include exercise in their daily routines.

Numerous studies have shown that regular workouts that include a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise can make bodies less susceptible to injury while reducing a person’s risk for conditions such as heart

disease, stroke and diabetes.

Exercising is most effective when it’s part of a daily routine, but that routine can be derailed if men and women are not taking the appropriate measures to avoid injury while working out. While even professional athletes succumb to injury from time to time, there are steps everyone can take to avoid

Confirm your technique is the right one. Exercise science is continuously evolving, and that means workouts and fitness machines are evolving as well. When using a piece of equipment for the first time or altering a workout routine, men and women should consult with a gym employee or personal trainer to learn the correct technique.

Incorrect technique can lead to minor and serious injuries because muscles are used in ways they are not intended to be used when exercises are performed properly. Research appropriate techniques, taking advantage of online video tutorials if you don’t exercise at a gym, to ensure the exercises you want to perform are done properly.

When beginning a new routine, ask a friend or gym employee to observe your workout and let you know if you are doing anything incorrectly.

Be patient. Lifting too much weight or pushing yourself too hard on the treadmill, exercise

bike or elliptical machine will increase your risk of injury. This is especially true for men and women working out for the first time or after lengthy stretches of inactivity. Men and women who are elderly, inactive and/ or overweight are likely to suffer from poor balance because their muscles are weak. Those muscles can be strengthened over time, but remain patient and stick to light weight during initial workouts so lack of balance does not lead to pain or injury. Take the same approach with aerobic exercise to prevent muscle strains and pulls. Increase weight and the intensity of cardiovascular exercises as muscles gradually strengthen and become accustomed to exercise.

Allow for adequate time to warm up. Failure to warm up is another contributor to exerciserelated injury. Before diving into a workout routine, spend between five and 10 minutes warming up your body with some low-intensity exercises. This increases blood flow to the muscles and makes

them more elastic and pliable than cold muscles, thereby improving flexibility. Some lowintensity cardiovascular exercise on the stationary bike or treadmill can greatly reduce injury risk during the workout.

Vary workouts and exercise regularly. Varying workouts is a good idea because doing so can prevent repetitive-use injuries and prevent overuse of muscles.

Repetitive-use injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis require extended rest to heal, and that can derail your routine and nullify your progress. Vary workouts so you are not always working the same muscles, and don’t mistake varying workouts for varying workout schedules. Working out five days one week and one day the next increases your risk of injury.

Injuries sometimes happen when exercising. But veteran and novice fitness enthusiasts can employ a handful of simple strategies to greatly reduce their risk of injury while working out.