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your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

April 28, 2022

Senior Healthy Living

April 28, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Cancer care you can trust, right here on Long Island.

When Jimmie rang the Victory Bell to signify his final cancer treatment at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, our team celebrated with him. Our cancer experts were able to be at his side every step of the way because we offer the full spectrum of cancer care, from chemotherapy to radiation therapy to surgery. We’re also the only Long Island hospital to be part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center at Mount Sinai. With this multidisciplinary approach, we help you overcome not only the cancer, but whatever else cancer brings with it. Learn more at southnassau.org/cancer

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Sleep and aging

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Sleep needs change over a person’s lifetime. Children and adolescents need more sleep than adults. Interestingly, older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults — seven or more hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many older adults often get less sleep than they need. One reason is that they often have more trouble falling asleep. A study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Changes affecting sleep do occur naturally after age 60. Shifts in hormone and melatonin levels may cause us to take longer to fall asleep, sleep more lightly, and wake more often during the night. We may find ourselves going to bed earlier and rising with the birds. And yet studies show that seniors still need seven to eight hours of sleep each night — not much less than we needed in our 20s. Also, older people often sleep less deeply and wake up more often throughout the night, which may be why they may nap more often during the daytime. Nighttime sleep schedules may change with age too. Many older adults tend to get sleepier earlier in the evening and awaken earlier in the morning. Older adults may also have other medical and psychiatric problems that can affect their nighttime sleep. Researchers have noted that people without major medical or psychiatric illnesses report better sleep. Not sleeping well can lead to a number of problems. Older adults who have poor nighttime sleep are more likely to have a depressed mood, attention and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, more nighttime falls, and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. Poor sleep is also associated with a poorer quality of life. Lack of sleep is not to be taken lightly. It’s really as vital to good health as good nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive attitude. So if you’re not sleeping soundly, see your doctor. How Does Our Sleep Change As We Get Older? Scientists have suggested that our sleep becomes more “fragile” as we age, which may contribute to light sleep, falling asleep during the daytime, waking at night, and obtaining fewer total hours of sleep. Not all older adults will experience decreases in sleep quality and quantity that are noticeable enough to cause dissatisfaction. However, if you find yourself with poorer sleep than you would like, there are steps to combat sleep problems. These often involve focusing on improving sleep hygiene and developing habits that encourage quality sleep. Develop a more consistent sleep routine. Going to bed at the same time every night. Falling asleep in the same position. Having a cup of warm milk or herbal tea. A warm soak in the tub. What’s important is to find a routine that works for you and trains your mind and body that it’s time for sleep. Reduce technology in the bedroom. Technology is an incredible invention that has changed the way we communicate with each other, changed the way we learn, and is a main source of our entertainment. And certainly since the onset of the pandemic, it’s become more essential to our daily lives than ever. Unfortunately, it has intruded into our bed. Although these technological gifts have brought us joy, they also interrupt our circadian rhythms. Scientists suggest that bright screens make us release lower levels of melatonin in our brain at night. Melatonin is a hormone that our body produces to regulate our sleep cycle. When disrupted by technology, artificially lower levels can affect our sleep quality. Let your mind and body slow down close to bedtime. Try to avoid late night stimulating activities such as eating (especially spicy foods), watching TV, or lively debates with family or friends. Some quiet music or a little reading are better bedtime choices. Or try progressive muscle relaxation — systematically tensing and then relaxing all the muscle groups of your body. It’s been known to help with insomnia. Reduce alcohol and check medications.Alcohol has been used as an over-the-counter bedtime sedative for decades. Unfortunately, this practice is likely giving you worse sleep. As a depressant, alcohol may help in falling asleep, but it significantly disrupts the sleeping process later on. For those who frequently consume alcohol before bedtime, the effect of sleepiness goes away, yet the consequences remain. Psychoactive and occasionally blood pressure medications may also affect insomnia and should be consulted on

CBD for seniors Potential health benefits of the ever-expanding cannabidiol market By Christopher Crown

with a physician. Melatonin should not be consumed frequently, as the over-the-counter dosages are unusually high for older adults; this may lead to side-effects. Try using more pillows if you have body aches. Some side sleepers, for example, will use a pillow between their knees. If you sleep on your back, a small pillow under the back of your knees will reduce stress on your spine. Equally important — consider the age of your mattress. You may be long overdue for a replacement that would provide more support. Skip your afternoon naps. Naps are fine as long as you’re sleeping well at night, but are bad habits for those suffering from insomnia. Change your sleeping environment. Temperature changes, light and noise levels can interrupt your sleep. Consider using layered covers of varying weight so you can pull more on or throw some off as needed during the night. Noisy parties next door? It might be worthwhile to invest in something that creates white noise, whether it’s a fan or special white noise machine. Address your stress levels. Worries are another culprit of sleepless nights. Find a strategy to release the stress. You might try writing in a journal or reading before bedtime. Worry is the result of an overactive mind, so relax by focusing on something else — such as your favorite memories of family and friends. That should inspire more pleasant dreams. Sleep Safely Insufficient sleep in older adults can lead to a higher risk of falls and accidents. As people age, it’s helpful to make changes to the bedroom environment that reduce the risk of accidents and makes it easier to call for help when needed. Keep a telephon by the bed.. Put a phone on the nightstand and, even better, keep a list of important phone numbers nearby. Be careful about keeping a cell phone nearby particularly if it receives too many notifications during the night or if there’s too much temptation to look at the bright screen. Make sure a light is within reach. Having a light easily accessible reduces the need to stumble around in the dark when getting out of bed. This can reduce the risk of trips and falls when trying to find the lightswitch. Lights with motion sensors may be helpful in hallways or the bathroom. Reduce hazards in the bedroom: Never smoke in bed and be careful when placing objects in the bedroom that may become trip hazards, like rugs, cords, stools, and furniture. Above photo: Many people believe that poor sleep is a normal part of aging, but it is not. In fact, many healthy older adults report few or no sleep problems. Sleep patterns change as we age, but disturbed sleep and waking up tired every day are not part of normal aging.

Milkshakes, nasal sprays, coffee, toothpicks, topical creams, hamburgers and suppositories — with the current CBD trend, there seems to be no product off-limits. Cannabidiol is taking the health world by storm and is touted as an ailment panacea. This legal, nonpsychoactive cousin of the controlled compound THC is found both in cannabis plants and less controversial hemp plants. Research has shown that CBD is safe to use and suitable for all age groups. Until recently, the CBD movement has mainly been embraced by the younger generation. But as more and more seniors look toward CBD for relief, it is important to highlight what we know, what we don’t know and how CBD may fit into a health plan for the elderly. Although CBD has been reported to cure cancer and reduce or reverse countless bodily ailments, we can only rely on what science actually supports through measured, peer-reviewed and repeatable clinical trials. According an article by Dr. Peter Grinspoon for the Harvard Health Blog, due to CBD being largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, there are only a handful of worthy CBD studies. They support several uses for CBD including treatment of insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain. Potential Uses For CBD Sleep problems are fairly common among seniors, and CBD has been hailed as a solution for catching more z’s. In an interview with CNN World Sport’s Don Riddell, two-time PGA Masters champion Bubba Watson claimed he uses CBD to help him stay calm and drift off to sleep. But is there any evidence to Watson’s — and a growing body of thousands of CBD users’ — endorsement? The New York Times’ Dawn MacKeen interviewed Dr. Scott Shannon, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado, Denver and the lead author of a clinical study on CBD’s potential for improving sleep quality. While no significant improvements in sleep quality showed for the 72 psychiatric patients treated with CBD, many did experience a reduction in anxiety, which helped them get to sleep. Given that falling asleep is often half the battle, CBD could lead to more restful nights. Seniors may experience stress from physical ailments, loneliness or loss of loved ones. CBD is widely reported as an anxiety treatment: A 5,000 participant survey conducted by the cannabis market research firm Brightfield Group, for example, showed that more than 60 percent of CBD users take it for anxiety. CBD even seems to work effectively as an antidepressant, oftentimes working faster than conventional prescriptions. A Pain Management Alternative Chronic pain and neurological disorders are widespread in the elderly populace, and many are turning to CBD in hope of relief. One million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s, and 400,000 suffer from multiple sclerosis, says the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center. Fifty percent of people ages 65 and older surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experience symptoms of arthritis. Although there is a need for more high-quality evidence on CBD doses and treatment for chronic pain, several studies now support this use. A study published in the European Journal of Pain found significant evidence that topical CBD application could be an effective treatment for arthritic pain. Another study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that CBD oil was effective in suppressing inflammatory and neuropathic pain. All in all, we still don’t know a lot about CBD or its long-term effects. But science is discovering new uses for CBD every year as well as continual support for use as a relatively low-risk supplemental health treatment that improves quality of life. Talk to your doctor to see whether cannabidiol is worth a try. Above photo: Why is it all the rage? The oil is hyped as a catchall remedy, and science supports some options for seniors to “go green.”

Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 28, 2022

Why you need a good night’s sleep

Spring is the Season of New Beginnings Holistic Time Management – Be More Productive With Your Time By Catherine Canadeo We’ve all acknowledged that there are never enough hours in a day. Learn how to use holistic time management to look at yourself as a whole person, rather than the separate parts of your life, and manage your time accordingly: the work you, home you, leisure you.

doing today that my future self will thank me for?” Do three important things and not a hundred low value things. Go hard for an hour, your “power hour.” Get to work, whether you need to do laundry or prepare a presentation for an upcoming meeting and stay focused for one hour at time.

Give yourself space

Resist perfectionism and embrace self-compassion

Remind yourself that in order to be your best self you need space. There is a lot we can do to take control of our own wellbeing. Make sure our body (and mind— for they are inseparable) gets what it needs to function at its best. Creating space for self-awareness and perspective can greatly improve our quality of life. You don’t need to be 100 percent “on” 100 percent of the time. That’s the path to burnout and illness. If you’re too busy with your full calendar that people can’t get time with you, chances are you are missing important moments of your life. The key is to operate at 85 percent capacity, so you’re not fully stretched and stressed all the time. Less is more.

Discovering the buzz-kills in your day can help you to discover how your decisions affect your energy. Each decision takes energy and requires us to weigh options and sacrifice one path over another. It’s a lot of mental and emotional effort, and it can leave you with decision fatigue. It’s times like this that you need to be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself with compassion and understanding, and accept you’ve done your best today, and tomorrow is a new day with a clean slate.

Self-care is at the heart of holistic time management

How to manage your time holistically: Establish your ‘why’ Start small. Find time to just sit, decompress and take stock. Write down everything that’s on your mind, including tasks to be done and things you’re thinking about; which ones have the biggest impact, and which activities can be eliminated, automated or delegated. Right there you’re freeing up space.

Define what productivity means to you. Productivity is subjective. Ask yourself: “What am I

Catherine Canadeo, CEO

In fact, I believe self-care should be at the heart of everything. True self-care is all about staying emotionally fit and healthy, being aware of what depletes you and taking steps to replenish your mental and physical health. By taking small positive actions consistently you create a balanced lifestyle. Be mindful of your sleep, exercise, nutrition, career, stress and relationships and make time to take care of yourself; when you take care of yourself everything naturally falls into place and you find time for your happiness.

Isn’t It Time For Your Own Personal Executive Health Coach?

Y O U D E S E RV E I T.

CATHERINE CANADEO, CEO Executive Health Coaching • Corporate Wellness Programs • Weight Loss • Stress Management • Autoimmune and Hormonal Imbalances It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What’s Eating You. SM Catherine Canadeo Health and Wellness Corp.

Affiliated with Westbury Integrated Collective 400 POST AVENUE, SUITE 100, WESTBURY, NY 11590 516.849.2564 CELL 516.280.8321 OFFICE CATHERINE@CATHERINECANADEO.COM • WWW.CATHERINECANADEO.COM

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April 28, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Sip away

There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea to fire up our day or to downshift at day’s end. After water, tea is the most popular drink in the world and an integral part of various cultures since ancient times. Seniors who drink tea may not know that their beverage habit may be supporting their physical and mental health as they age, according to various studies. Being an avid tea consumer as an older adult may be particularly advantageous in managing chronic conditions like heart disease, according to medical research.

Mood booster and stress reliever Put on the kettle to lift your spirits. Depression is common among older adults, and tea can help. Scientists examining how tea may affect mood have found that regularly drinking tea can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A water-soluble amino acid in tea called L-theanine is known as a relaxing agent that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Improves Cognition/Brain Function We all strive hard to maintain soundness of mind and keep our brains sharp. Some engage in mentally stimulating activities, while others focus on exercising and socialization. While all of these pursuits are proven helpful to improve brain function, it’s good to know that tea is a healthy habit that can help maintain and improve cognition. According to the study by the Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging, tea consumption reduces the risk of cognitive damage in seniors by 50 percent. Furthermore, not only does tea enhance brain function immediately after drinking, but it also prevents brain aging over time. Regular drinkers of oolong, black, and green tea were seen to have gained these benefits after drinking the beverage for years. Another study, according to researchers from the National University of Singapore, demonstrated that drinking a cup of tea daily can improve brain health later in life and possibly reduce the risk of dementia. This study also claims that drinking tea can reduce the risk of someone genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 90 percent.

Aids With Sleep Many older adults deal with insomnia. Fortunately, tea can aid with sleep. Studies have shown that sipping calming teas, such as chamomile or lavender, 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime can help you get the sleep you need. These teas can also help ease anxiety. They, in essence, are mild tranquilizers and deliver a calming effect once consumed. Helps Lower Blood Pressure If you have high blood pressure, as many of us do, consider sipping on a cup of green tea to help lower your numbers. Hypertension generally increases with age. It is a serious condition that can complicate other chronic health problems. According to one study, though, consuming one cup of tea per day can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Green tea and hibiscus tea are both great teas to drink if you suffer from hypertension. Keeps Your Heart Healthy Another important benefit of drinking tea is a reduced risk for heart disease or stroke. According to a study published by the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, older adults who drank tea at least three times a week saw an improvement in cardiovascular health. Participants in this study also experienced a greater life expectancy. Green tea, in particular, offers the most benefits to cardio health, as it reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels.

Increases Hydration Nearly 30 percent of older Americans are chronically dehy-

Above photo:Tea has been a popular beverage since ancient times. Originating in China, teas were initially used for medicinal purposes. Today, numerous studies have shown positive correlations between drinking tea and improving one’s health.

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Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 28, 2022

Surprising benefits of drinking tea

drated. Seniors are at greater risk because as we age, our body’s S-5 fluid reserve shrinks, the ability to conserve water is less and thirst sense becomes less acute. Recent research shows that drinking tea in moderate amounts can be as effective as drinking water — a boon for older adults who struggle with drinking plain, tasteless water.

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April 28, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month:

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New TreATMeNTs offer hope

ou have a brain tumor.” That’s a cognitive and language tests. That allows him diagnosis that no one wants to to identify the sources of various functions in receive. However, having a brain the eloquent brain to avoid them as much as tumor now, asserts Ramin Rak, M.D., FAANS, a possible during tumor resection. Dr. Rak has board-certified neurosurgeon at NSPC Brain & been performing awake craniotomy with Spine Surgery (NSPC) and Director, Brain & Spine functional mapping for a decade and is a Tumor Center, Mount Sinai South Nassau, is not regional leader in this procedure. the same as being diagnosed with one 20, 10, or “Awake craniotomy with functional even five years ago. “Recent advances in mapping is individually designed care based diagnosing and treating tumors of the brain,” he on the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and notes, “mean those words do not have the same profession,” Dr. Rak says. “I operate based on meaning that they used to.” functionality by mapping the areas of the Dr. Rak points out that “we are finding brain responsible for speech, language, and tumors sooner, and in many cases, we’re able to motor and sensory functions. The entire Ramin Rak, M.D., FAANS address them before they cause a problem.” procedure is custom designed for each Improved MRI and targeting systems have patient.” allowed for more accurate minimally invasive biopsies. Once a The advent of non-invasive options such as stereotactic tumor is identified, technology such as 3D computer stereotaxis, radiosurgery (Gamma Knife®) has revolutionized the treatment intraoperative functional MRI, and hand-held carbon dioxide of tumors once thought to be “inoperable.” Patients with lasers have improved the precision of surgical removal while multiple tumors can benefit from the accuracy and precision of minimizing damage to the surrounding normal brain. Another radiosurgery. This same technology is also used to prevent advanced treatment for brain tumor is the use of awake tumors that have been removed from growing back. craniotomy with functional mapping to preserve function while Dr. Rak performs most of his radiosurgery procedures using producing excellent clinical outcomes. the Gamma Knife at the Long Island Gamma Knife Center at With the patient awake during the procedure, Dr. Rak uses Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside which was the first on functional (fMRI) and electrophysiology to map the brain while Long Island to acquire the Gamma Knife system and has hosted a neuropsychologist leads the patient through a series of thousands of procedures over nearly two decades. Dr. Rak’s

colleague and partner, Michael H. Brisman M.D., is the co-medical director of the center. Now more than ever, participation in clinical trials offers patients advanced treatment options while improving our knowledge of which methods offer the best results. Until recently, for example, medical treatment of brain tumors has been somewhat limited due to something called the “blood brain barrier” which prevents most drugs from affecting tumors within the brain. Remarkable advances in drug delivery options, as well as the drugs themselves, have allowed us to break down that barrier and begin treating these tumors directly. What was once described as suffering from a brain tumor has now become living with a brain tumor. Or, in some cases, without one. For more information, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Rak, call (516) 442-2250 or (631) 864-3900 or visit nspc.com.

Advanced Treatment Starts Here

100 Merrick Road, Suite 128W, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 • 844-NSPC-DOC Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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Parker Jewish Institute offers unparalleled care, comfort for older adults

ounded in 1907, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park. The facility is a leading provider of short term rehabilitation and long term care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, Parker Jewish Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research, serving as a teaching affiliate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Parker features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean older adults in Nassau and Queens. It is staffed by medical team members fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Gujarati and Bengali. Here, residents and patients stay connected with their traditional lifestyle and traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine is always served. Parker At Your Door provides Medical House Calls to patients in Nassau, Queens and Brooklyn. With this service, patients receive the medical care they need, right in the comfort of their home so that they can achieve the best level of health possible. Parker is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, providing safe, comfortable hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting. Through the unprecedented pandemic, Parker remains a leader. As mandates changed rapidly, Parker continues to drive new policies ahead of regulatory protocols. This includes Parker’s Infection Control Patrol, through which a multidisciplinary team rounds the facility’s care areas, ensuring that team members comply with

includes a regular concert series, during which residents sing, dance and clap along to the music. Through Virtual Reality experiences, residents can see Broadway shows, visit new cities, or even stop by an animal exhibit at a world-class zoo. And there are arts and crafts and other activities that remain popular year-round, promoting engagement and overall wellness. Today’s Parker is well positioned to continue its leadership in patient care, teaching and research, on the wings of compassion, excellence and innovation. Learn more about Parker Jewish Institute by visiting parkerinstitute.org, or call (718) 289-2100.

meticulous standards. It includes Parker’s virus-killing ultraviolet light system for its HVAC units, and upgraded generator system. Parker also launched a COVID 19 testing center and vaccination site. And with Parker’s Family Call Center, staff communicate regularly with families, providing resources as needed. During the height of the pandemic, Parker’s Family Call Center played an important role in enabling families to stay connected. “It is so important for families to see and speak with each other to stay in touch and enjoy companionship,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO. “Parker’s new Family Call Center continues to extend our ability to help families get the information they need, quickly. And the ability to connect family members through virtual technology helps to foster family relationships.” Parker continues to offer programs that residents enjoy. This

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212 • lscacco@parkerinstitute.org Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Benefits of meditation

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By Chelle Cordero

tionship with our thoughts.”

You do not need to twist yourself into a pretzel, climb to the highest mountain or hire your own personal guru to experience the positive effects of meditation. Mindfulness meditation helps you focus and relaxes your body, and according to a study published in NeuroImage Magazine, it can have the effect of “increased brain connectivity.” In geriatrics, meditation can help correct dysfunctions, eliminate impairments, and prevent disease and deformity. The word “meditation” is rooted in Latin: “meditari” means to think, and “mederi” means to heal. MRIs on patients who practice meditation regularly have shown differences in the frontal and temporal regions of the brain. These areas influence focus, conscious awareness of one’s body and greater senses (vision, touch, smell, taste). Meditation may even help offset age-related cortical thinning, which will help naturally lower anxiety. Other physical benefits include lowered blood pressure, pain relief, less anxiety and better sleep patterns. Successful meditation after an illness or injury can help promote tissue regeneration and healing. “People often think meditation is about getting rid of thoughts or feelings, which it’s not,” Sharon Salzberg, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and author of “Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation and the Forthcoming Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World,” tells AARP Magazine. “Or they think it’s about having only beautiful thoughts or peaceful states, which it’s also not. Meditation is about developing a different rela-

Meditation is both simple and versatile The convenience of mindful meditation lies in its versatility; you do not have to be in a group or a special room. You don’t need more time than you have to give. You don’t need any special equipment, music or guidance. Of course, if you want to, you can combine it with fitness regimes like yoga or tai chi, or you can join other like-minded individuals to support your relaxation efforts. Here are some important things to remember when meditating: You don’t need to meditate for hours; when and where you meditate is up to you; you should choose something specific to focus on; there’s no right or wrong way to meditate; allow your mind to wander; mini meditations count, too, so even 10 minutes can make a difference. There are some easy, mindful meditation methods that depend only on YOUR comfort and preferences. Focused meditation, often used in yoga, requires you to focus on a fixed object such as a painting or a statue, which will help to establish your mind-body connection. Mantra meditations involve the conscious repetition of certain sounds (like, “Ohm”) that appeal to the mind to achieve a meditative state. In a group setting, this can help dispel feelings of isolation and loneliness. The setting where meditation takes place can be a wonderful opportunity to commune with nature, which is, by itself, a relaxing and fulfilling activity. Meditation can happen with guided and controlled movements, especially in exercise programs such as yoga, which will help to sharpen focus.

Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 28, 2022

Start practicing meditation to gain control of your mind

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April 28, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Award-winning orthopedic care close to home at Mount Sinai South Nassau

“Having the surgery is the t started as a searing pain in best thing I ever did,” said Ms. the middle of 62-year-old DeDomenico. “Dr. Hushmendy Patricia DeDomenico’s back. was informative, he listened to But no sooner had the me, called to check on my Massapequa resident’s pain recovery. I’d recommend him in a specialist administered a lidocaine heartbeat.” shot, when her hip began to hurt. More than 60 million people About six weeks later, she in the U.S. who are 65 or older received a cortisone injection in experience debilitating and her hip, but the pain intensified, chronic musculoskeletal pain due making it nearly impossible to sit, stand, or lie down. “I would have Shazaan Hushmendy, MD to a bad back, achy shoulder, cranky hip, or tender knee. But benefited from a cane or walker,” Chief of Joint you don’t need to simply live with recalled the grandmother of six. Replacement Services the pain. Help is available, close to Ms. DeDomenico consulted home for both surgery and rehab. orthopedist Shazaan Hushmendy, MD, at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Dr. Orthopedic surgeons at Mount Sinai South Hushmendy ordered an MRI of her left hip, Nassau use minimally invasive and imagewhich showed significant osteoarthritis. He told guided surgical technology to repair her the condition and pain would only worsen musculoskeletal injuries as well as to perform over time and recommended hip replacement joint replacement surgery, which reduces pain surgery. and helps patients recover quicker after surgery Within hours after the surgery, Ms. and return to normal activities. DeDomenico was discharged home and able to Knee and shoulder injuries repaired at walk up a stairway. Today she feels like a “new Mount Sinai South Nassau include torn woman”. She can salsa dance, play with her cartilage, anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, grandchildren, ride her bike, and walk to the and medial collateral ligaments in the knee as train station pain-free. well as instability, impingement, rotator cuff, or

labrum tears, and recurrent dislocations in the shoulder. Joint replacement specialists use the latest advancements in partial and total knee replacements. Also, anterior and posterior hip replacement techniques are performed at Mount Sinai South Nassau. The hospital’s orthopedic spine surgeons use a range of patient-centered, minimally invasive surgical approaches to fix debilitating, painful back problems, including herniated discs and stenosis. “Our tradition of excellence and quality is a direct result of treating our patients with leading-edge medical technologies while maintaining the highest standards in safety and care,” said Stelios Koutsoumbelis, MD, Chair of Orthopedic Surgery, Mount Sinai South Nassau. To ensure that patients maximize the benefits of their surgery, Mount Sinai South Nassau offers the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Therapy (SMART) Center. Its physical therapy and rehabilitation programs combine a physiatrist’s keen understanding of the body’s mechanics with a staff of experienced physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only hospital on Long Island named to

Healthgrades’ list of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery for five consecutive years. Additionally, this is the eighth consecutive year that Mount Sinai South Nassau received the Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award as well as being named among the top 10 percent in the nation for overall Orthopedic Services. Mount Sinai South Nassau has also been named a Five-Star recipient for hip fracture treatment for nine years in a row by Healthgrades. Mount Sinai South Nassau is also rated high performing by U.S. News & World Report for care in Orthopedics. For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau orthopedics go to www.southnassau.org/ortho or to schedule a consultation, call (866) 32-ORTHO or (866) 326-7846.

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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Queens Long Island Renal Institute provides dialysis patients care, safety and convenience

he award-winning Queens Long Island Renal Institute focuses on care, safety and convenience for kidney dialysis patients in the New York metropolitan area. Located in the lobby level of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation with its own entrance, the center provides care to Parker’s residents and patients as well as to the general public. Queens Long Island Renal Institute offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultramodern and comfortable setting. The center is a certified 5-Diamond Status Facility, and is recognized for its demonstrated commitment to quality improvement by building and promoting a culture of patient safety. To earn this status, dialysis facilities must apply for the recognition each year. They must complete the program’s Culture of Safety module each year. A facility’s entire staff - including dieticians, management, nurses, medical directors, social workers and technicians - must participate in the program in order to qualify. Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, QLIRI is led by a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced nephrologists and dialysis registered nurses, a

About Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, which is headquartered in New Hyde Park, is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. renal social worker, and a registered renal dietitian. The team is ready to meet the individual needs of dialysis patients and families, and provides individual and family health education, as well as nutritional counseling and social work services. QLIRI is outfitted with an in-center chronic hemodialysis. It features comfortable, state-of-theart, private treatment stations with personal TVs. There is also a homelike reception area with a large-screen TV as well as free wireless access. It

accommodates stretchers, and offers valet parking. “With Queens Long Island Renal Institute conveniently located in Parker’s first-floor lobby, we continue to safely and comfortably meet the needs of our patients and residents, as well as members of the New York community who also benefit from our services,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600 Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS

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Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 28, 2022

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April 28, 2022 — Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Your brain loves to dance By Marilynn Preston It’s one thing to lose your keys, your phone, a wallet filled with credit cards. It’s wildly upsetting, but it’s all stuff you can get back. But losing your mind? Losing your memory? Your thoughts, in mid-stride, so you have to double back and ask yourself where was I going with that story about the guy I met in yoga class who has the apricot-colored poodle? It happens to everyone — kids forget stuff, too — but I don’t like it. And one reason is that I know the mind is like a muscle. Use it or lose it. Back in the old days — maybe 40 years ago — neuroscientists thought the brain was fixed, not fluid, and the older you got, the more senile you became. Not true! (They were also wrong about eating fat making you fat, but I’ll save that for another time.) Your brain has more plasticity than a can of Play-Doh. With luck, and grace, and effort, you can keep it juiced and joyful and learning new things right till the end. It’s not only possible but also fun! Here are two brain boosters to help you keep your mind active, your memories sharp and your synapses sparking joy: Be Your Own Fred Astaire It’s well established that your brain thrives on exercise. Physical activity —from cleaning house to climbing walls — increases blood flow to the brain. And within the brain, it stimulates the release of chemicals that make us think better, feel better and even bebetter at certain tasks, like remembering the point of that story about the guy in yoga class with the apricot-colored poodle.

While all exercise is good for the brain, new research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience recently set my toes a-tapping. Dancing, it turns out, is one of the best exercises you can do for the aging brain. Repetitive endurance training (such as cycling and walking) also ranks high when it comes to an anti-aging effect on your hippocampus — the region that controls memory, learning and balance — but dancing beats the competition. And here’s the twist: It works best if you’re constantly changing your dance routines and genres. The seniors who showed the biggest boost to their brains were switching between jazz, square, Latin American and line dancing.

“Steps, arm patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changing every second week to keep them in a constant learning process,” said Dr. Kathryn Rehfield, the lead author in the study. “The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and without any cues from the instructor.” Yes! That level of challenge could make me cry, but that’s what the brain likes. And why it wants you to play strategy games such as chess, do word puzzles, read books or take classes that make you think, think, think, think. Combine Mental And Physical Exercise Another way to strengthen brainpower is to do some brain exercises while the body is in

motion. Excuse me? “Any movement is good during mental tasks,” writes Lawrence Biscontini, an advisory board member for the International Council on Active Aging, in IDEA Fitness Journal.“It does not have to be intense.” So while doing sudoku, sitting still, is good for you, your brain’s neuroplasticity — its remarkable ability to change and adapt — is even more stimulated when you pair it with simple moves such as seated marching or alternating heel raises. Biscontini has come up with a series of brain-training exercises, including this one: “While your body is in motion, say your favorite color aloud. Spell it forward then backward. How many letters does the word have? Does your telephone number contain that number? If it does, then say the section of your phone number that contains that number. Repeat the numerical answer backwards. If not, then repeat a section of your phone number forward and then backward.” If you like the challenge of that, you’ll love his website. “Coupling brain games with appropriate movements,” says Biscontini,“is one of the waves of the future for helping to change not that we age but how we age.” Yes! And that makes all the difference. If you forget why, start tapping your toes and go back to paragraph five.

Above photo: Dancing is the ideal exercise for aging brains.

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Your Health - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 28, 2022

DEAR

Dr. Tina Board-Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the author of “The Doctor’s Secret”

an I reduce my increased risk of developing dementia by treating my hearing loss? Thankfully, the data appears to be trending towards a resounding “Yes!” Recent reports have found a significant positive impact of treating hearing loss on cognitive health. Since 2011, multiple long-term studies have provided strong evidence that treating hearing loss may eliminate the increased risk of developing dementia. Dr. Lalwani at Columbia University noted that treating hearing loss may offer a simple, yet important, way to prevent or slow the development of dementia by keeping adults with hearing loss engaged in conversation and communication. Perhaps the most definitive report comes from

(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com

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

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Dr. Tina is taking your skin related questions via her Instagram @tinafuntmd and Tfmdbook@gmail.com

Dr Tina Funt

the Lancet Commission, which presented a new life-course model documenting potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. The Commission’s report suggests that treating hearing loss is the single most effective modifiable factor to preventing dementia. Other modifiable factors include reducing depression, increasing physical activity and reducing social isolation — each of which is positively impacted by treating hearing loss.

SKIN CONCERNS FOR SENIORS

Board-Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and Author of The Doctor’s Secret

These can be keratosis (warty Why is my skin itching? has we been growths), angiomas (red bumps) and As seniors, losenamed moistureain brown spots (liver spots or lentigos). our skin. This is due to older cells Power Womanmoisture. of the This East not maintaining is End! They are benign but can itch, bleed, or look unsightly. The good news is the number one reason itching that they are easy to remove. occurs. It is essential to moisturize at least once daily. You can use Do skin cancers occur more lotions (lighter), creams (thicker) or frequently as we age? ointments (greasy). If we still itch Yes. Again, cell communication after we add moisture, we need and the body’s immune system to check for underlying medical decreases with age, leading to conditions that cause itching. development of skin cancer. It is vital Diseases such as thyroid, liver, to get “skin checkups” on a regular kidney, and blood diseases can basis. Skin cancers that are detected cause severe itching. Thus, the earlier are easier to treat with better itching can be a marker for severe outcomes. internal disease. Why do I get more spots as I age? As we age, the communication between our cells diminishes leading some cells to grow more rapidly causing small growths.

Can we treat wrinkles and sunspots? We treat wrinkles with fillers, Botox products and lasers. We treat brown spots with lasers and bleaching creams.

IS YOUR BOOK “THE DOCTOR’S SECRET” AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY? The Doctor’s Secret is a fiction based on autobiographical events. Many authors write about real events but use the platform of fiction to enhance creativity. The book stresses the importance of determination, resilience and support of friends and family while navigating life’s challenges. “The Doctor’s Secret” is a must read and can be purchased on amazon. com (Tina K. Funt, M.D., The Doctor’s Secret) or DM Dr. Tina at tfmdbook@gmail.com to purchase novel or ask your skincare questions.

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Clinical Audiologist, M.A., F.A.A.A

Dr. Tina K. Funt is a Board-Certified Dermatologist practicing in Garden City for 33 years. She works for Schweiger Dermatology Group with 80+ offices throughout Long Island and the tri-state area. Dr. Funt specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Her passions are medicine, the arts, golf and dogs.

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