focus on health nslij fall 2012

7/30/2019 Focus on Health NSLIJ Fall 2012

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FocusHealthON

And Your Community Hospital

VOLUME FOUR, ISSUE THREE, 2012

Organic Food:There Really is a DifferenceVaccinations Are Not the Enemy

Coping with FearINSIDE:Newsf

rom

Franklin

Hospital


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Organic Food: Health or Hype?Organic choices are more abundant than ever, but many shoppers wonder iforganic food really is better. Learn more about what it means to buy organic. ..............................2Vaccinations: Too Important to IgnoreIts easy to take them for granted, but vaccines play a vital role in preventing the spreadof many diseases that once caused deadly epidemics. Know the facts and protect your family. ............4

Coping with FearPhobias of all kinds affect millions of adults and children.Although the cause of these fears may not be defined, in most cases, phobias are treatable. ............5

FocusHealthON

And Your Community Hospital

VOLUME FOUR, ISSUE THREE, 2012

North Shore-LIJ Health BlogArm yourself with the latest news to help you make better health choices at

NorthShoreLIJ.com/HealthBlog. Our experts share valuable insight on wellness,

behavioral health, pediatrics, heart health, neuroscience, orthopedics and more.

LegumesGrain legumes, such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas are a great choice for a healthier diet,

packed with energy and essential nutrients. Theyre high in protein like meat, but contain much

more fiber and are low in fat. Pound for pound, they are a bigger bang for your buck. Most of

all, they are extremely versatile and can be easily incorporated into any meal by adding them to

soups and salads or replacing the meat in your main dish.

Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeMake the most of each day with a little help from your friends at North Shore-LIJ. Get

up-to-the-minute healthcare news and information when you follow the

North Shore-LIJ Health System on Facebook and Twitter. Youll get the latest health-

related news, videos and information about free health screenings and educational

offerings in the community, plus a host of wellness tips. In addition, you can lend

your voice to the healthcare discussion with your questions and insights. Find us

at facebook.com/NorthShoreLIJ and twitter.com/NorthShoreLIJ

HealthIQ


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On one hand, you have a conventionally grown apple. On the other,

you have an organic apple. Both are f irm, shiny and red. Both provide

vitamins and fiber, and both are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Which should you choose?

Conventionally grown produce generally costs less, but many shoppers

wonder if the organic choices are truly more healthy. As they say, thebest customer is the most informed, so what does organic mean in

terms of food?

Causes and TreatmentsThe word organic refers to the way farmers grow and process

agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and

meat. Organic farming practices encourage soil and water conservation,

and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat dont

use conventional petroleum-derived fertilizers, chemical pesticides or

antibiotics, instead using methods inspired by natures own balance.

Here are some key differences between conventional farming and

organic farming:

Once found only in health food stores, organic food is now aregular feature at most supermarkets, creating a bit of a dilemma.

OrganicFood

Health or Hype?

Conventional Organic

Apply chemical fertilizers to promote

plant growth.

Feed soil and plants with natural

fertilizers like manure or compost.

Spray insecticides to reduce pests

and disease.

Use benecial insects and birds,

mating disruption or traps to reduce

pests and disease.

Use herbicides to manage weeds.Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch

to manage weeds.

Give animals antibiotics, growth

hormones and medications to prevent

disease and spur growth.

Give animals organic feed and allow

them access to the outdoors. Use

preventive measures such as rotational

grazing, a balanced diet and clean

housing to help minimize disease.


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Organic or Not?The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic

certification program that requires all organic foods to meet government

standards. These standards regulate how such foods are grown, handled

and processed.

Any product labeled as organic must be USDA-certified. If a food bears

a USDA organic label, it means its produced and processed according to

the USDA standards. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers

use it. Products that are completely organic fruits, vegetables, eggs

and other single-ingredient foods are labeled 100 percent organic and

may carry the USDA seal.

Products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients may say

made with organic ingredients on the label, but may not use the seal.

Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients cant use the

seal or the word organic on their product labels. They can include the

organic items in their ingredient list, however.

Do Organic and Natural Mean theSame Thing?Buyer beware: natural and organic are not interchangeable terms.

You may see natural and other terms such as all natural, free-range

or hormone-free on food labels, but these terms are not regulated and

many food producers use language like this in misleading ways. Only

foods that are grown or processed according to USDA organic standards

can be labeled organic.

Is Organic Food More Nutritious?The answer isnt yet clear. A recent study examined the past 50 years

worth of scientific articles about the nutrient content of organic and

conventional foods. The researchers concluded that organically and

conventionally produced foodstuffs are comparable in their vitamin

content. Another study showed that organic produce contains

significantly more anti-oxidants. Research in this area is ongoing.

Pesticides, Additives, theEnvironmentand CostSeveral factors influence the decision to choose organic food. Some

people choose it because they prefer the taste or for sustainabilityreasons, since organic farms dont use fertilizers that come from fossil

fuels and have less impact on water and soil quality. Others opt for

organic produce because of health concerns regarding exposure to

chemical pesticides and herbicides. Theres some validity to those

concerns. Though the USDA sets acceptable pesticide levels for foods,

studies suggest that pesticide residues may have cumulative health

effects on both humans and animals.

At the same time, cost is a common concern with organic food.

Organic meat and produce typically cost more than their conventional

counterparts, mostly because organic farming methods are more

labor-intensive and can produce lower yields.

For most families, a good strategy for going organic is a moderate one

focus on foods that make the biggest impact. Commercially farmed

foods can vary in the levels of chemical residue that makes it to your

table; thin-skinned fruits and potatoes have the highest levels of

pesticides, while bananas, pineapples and onions carry very little. A

good resource is the Environmental Working Group shoppers guide,

which features the dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists of produce.

View the list at www.ewg.org/foodnews/.

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PeachesApples

Sweet Bell Peppers

Celery

Nectarines

Strawberries

CherriesPears

Grapes (Imported)

Spinach

Lettuce

Potatoes

The Dirty DozenAccording to the Environmental Working Group, these

foods are the most important to buy organic since

they are more likely to carry pesticide residues.

OnionsSweet Corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Cabbage

Sweet Peas

Asparagus

Mangoes

EggplantKiwi

Cantaloupe(domestic)

Sweet Potatoes

Grapefruit

Watermelon

Mushrooms

The Clean 15The produce listed below have shown little to no

traces of pesticides, and are considered safe to

consume in non-organic form.


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Thats why vaccines are so important: Vaccines can protect both the

people who receive the immunization and others around them. Over the

years, vaccines have prevented countless cases of infectious diseases,

saving millions of lives.

Many formerly common infectious diseases have been controlled by

vaccines, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping

cough), rubella (German measles), mumps and tetanus. A vaccine

eradicated smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases in history.

We are all connected, explained Bruce Hirsch, MD, attending physician

in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital. Our health

is related to the health and well-being of others around us. The great

infectious diseases of our day circle the globe as is the case with

influenza. The vulnerability of our society is enhanced when individuals

are susceptible to infection and to spreading that infection to others.

Vaccines help the healthy stay healthy as well as protecting the vulnerable

from dangerous exposure in the f irst place.

Why Are Childhood Vaccines So Important?

While babies are at f irst immune to many diseases because they receive

antibodies from their mothers, this immunity goes away during the first

year of life. Young children dont have this maternal immunity against

some diseases, such as whooping cough.

An unvaccinated child who is exposed to disease germs may not be

strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many children died

from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough,

measles and polio. Those same germs exist today, but thanks to

protection by vaccines, these diseases are much less common.

Within my professional career, I have seen the disappearance of serious

infections, said Lorry Rubin, MD, director of pediatric infectious

diseases at the Cohen Childrens Medical Center of New York. For

example,Haemophilus influenzaeType b, also called Hib, was the most

common cause of bacterial meningitis in young children and was the

most common cause of acquired developmental disabilities. The vaccine

is so effective that none of our current pediatric resident physicians have

ever seen a case.

Dr. Rubin also cites the relatively new rotavirus vaccine as a current

example of a highly effective vaccine that prevents a serious form of

diarrhea in young children that often results in doctor visits and

hospitalization to treat dehydration.

In some ways, vaccines are victims of their own success. Since they are

so effective, it is easy to take them for granted. But parents who choose

to opt out of vaccinations for their children could be putting their familie

at risk. Parents who may be reluctant to vaccinate their children should

talk to their healthcare provider. No vaccine, or for that matter any

medicine or procedure, is entirely without risk, but each of the vaccinesrecommended for children has been carefully studied and analyzed and i

has been determined that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Its always better to prevent adisease than to treat it.

VACCINATIONS:TOO IMPORTANTTO IGNORE

OnlineExtraLearn more about vaccinations atwww.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/focus-on-health-videos or scan the QR code.


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Terrified of spiders? Scared to step into an elevator? Well, youre not

alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, phobias an

irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation affect millions of

Americans. Why do people have phobias? There are plenty of theories, but

whatever the cause, phobias can usually be successfully treated.

Up to 50 percent of people suffering from anxiety do not seek treatment

and manage with the symptoms as best they can, said Victor Fornari, MD,

director of child and adolescent psychiatry for the North Shore-LIJ Health

System. Phobias, specifically, are largely under-reported, mostly because

many sufferers find ways to avoid the situations that trigger the anxiety.

Statistics estimating how many people suffer from phobias vary widely for

this reason. At minimum, they afflict more than six million people in the

United States, often starting in childhood. In all western countries, phobias

strike seven to 13 percent of the population. Women tend to be twice as

likely to suffer from phobias as men.

Common symptoms associated with phobias include:

Dizziness

Breathlessness Nausea

A sense of unreality

Fear of dying

In some cases, these symptoms can escalate into full-scale anxiety

attacks. Consequently, some individuals begin to isolate themselves,

leading to severe difficulties in daily life. In other cases, the individual

may seek out medical care.

Causes and TreatmentsWhile there is no one specific known cause for phobias, they are thought

to run in families, be influenced by culture and ones upbringing, and

triggered by life events. Immediate family members of people with

phobias are about three times more likely to suffer from a phobia than

those without such a family history. Those whose parents were either

overly protective or distant may also be at a greater risk.

According to Dr. Fornari, Our anxiety is a barometer for when we need to

be cautious, so a certain amount of fear is normal and healthy like when

we cross a busy street. When were immobilized by our fears and they

interfere with our relationships, work and daily activities, that is something

much more serious and should be treated. Some combination of

psychological counseling and medication can reduce symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, has helped to decrease phobic

symptoms significantly by helping the sufferer change thought patterns

gradually shifting from paralyzing negative thoughts to more rational

responses and behavior.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can resolve most or all of the symptoms,

along with anti-anxiety medications, if the counseling isnt quite enough.

These are very effective evidence-based treatments, Dr. Fornari explained.

In mild cases, a few sessions may be needed. In moderate cases, 10 to 12

sessions may do the trick, along with medication. Severe cases may

warrant longer treatment.

Scary MonstersYoung children also exhibit irrational fears, often at bedtime. Children can

be frightened of anything from the idea of monsters under the bed to being

abandoned by their parents.

The goal for parents is to calm the child and not exacerbate the fear.How to approach this goal depends on the childs personality.

Some kids may be soothed if Mom or Dad checks under the bed for

monsters. But those with a scientific bent may see the monster hunt as

proof that the creatures exist. If your child only seems more upset, back off

and try talking more directly about the fear: I know a dark room can be

scary. I was scared when I was your age, too. Offer a practical solution,

such as a night-light or a special back rub to calm her.

However you proceed, never minimize your childs fears. Bluntly stating,

theres no such thing or theres nothing to be afraid of wont help at

all. Those monsters are very real to kids. Your job is to help your child

cope by offering compassionate reassurance and comfort.

Are phobias inhibiting your life?

OnlineExtraWant more tips about about copingwith common fears and phobias? Visitwww.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/focus-on-health-videos or scan the QR code.

1. Arachnophobia: The fearof spiders.

2. Ophidiophobia: The fearof snakes.

3. Acrophobia: The fearof heights.

4. Agoraphobia: The fear ofsituations in which escapeis difficult (crowded orconfined spaces).

5. Cynophobia: The fearof dogs.

6. Astraphobia: The fear ofthunder and lightning.

7. Trypanophobia: The fearof injections.

8. Social Phobias: A fear ofbeing judged by othersand being embarrassed.

9. Pteromerhanophobia:The fear of flying.

10. Mysophobia: The fearof germs or dirt.

Ten of the Most Common Phobias:


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When you need a laboratory test, nothing is more frustrating than using a facility that doesnt accept your

insurance, doesnt perform the test you need, or doesnt have convenient hours.

We operate differently. Were here for you (not the other way around). Through our patient service centers

conveniently located throughout the region, we perform the full range of tests, from the simplest to the most

specialized. And, we accept all major insurance plans, including Oxford, United, Emblem, and Aetna.

The North Shore-LIJ Laboratories. The tests you need. The exibility you want.

Ask your physician about us or visit one of our patient centers.

To nd a location near you, call (516) 719-1100 or visit northshorelij.com/labs.LOCATIONS

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Need to find a doctor? 1.888.321.DOCS www.NorthShoreLIJ.com

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Work it out!Shaking off the dust with group exercise

North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Inc.Franklin Hospital900 Franklin AvenueValley Stream, New York 11580

Michael Dowling President and CEO,North Shore-LIJ Health System

Terry Lynam Vice President, Public Relations

Brian Mulligan Assistant Vice President, Public Relations

Maria Conforti Managing Editor

For advertising opportunities, contact Alan Heyman at631-656-9900 or [email protected].

Focus on Health is published by the Public RelationsDepartment of the North Shore-LIJ Health System

(516) 465-2600The information within this publication is intended to educatereaders about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meantto be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician.

Designed, written and produced by: Onward Publishing, Inc.,Northport, NY 11768

2012. Printed in USA.

From cardio-kickboxing and spinning to yoga and Pilates, fitness classesare available to match your fitness level and needs. Experts agree that

group exercise can be beneficial and fun. Working out in a group

provides support and greater sustainability over time, said Jennifer

Mieres, MD, a cardiologist and senior vice president for community

health at the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Data from the American

Heart Associations Go Red for Women campaign shows that 65 percent

of the women who joined the program stayed with it after two years.

There is definitely strength in numbers.

Group exercise can help you stay focused. When people in the group arefocusing on the same goal, everyone is more engaged and determined,

added Dr. Mieres, especially if the instructor is inspirational and in tune

with the needs of the participants. If thats the case, she added, a class

can also help you move past a plateau and improve.

To view the full article, please visit NorthShoreLIJ.com/HealthBlog.

focus on health nslij fall 2012

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