Winter Safety - Healthy Life Magazine

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WINTER 2015 · ISSUE 46
HOT TOPIC:
Winter
Safety
Should You
Join a Gym?
HEALTHCARE
PLANS
HLM • 1
WINTER 2015 · ISSUE 46
Table of Contents:
Medical News ∙ 3
Hot Topic ∙ 4
Out and About ∙ 5
Health Insurance ∙ 7
Winter Blues ∙ 8
Should I Join A Gym? ∙ 9
Snow Problem ∙ 11
Diabetes and Obesity ∙ 12
Family Focus ∙ 13
Healthy Recipe ∙ 14
Publisher/Editor
Christopher Coyne
Staff Writers
Christopher Coyne
Lisa M. Mayers
Stephanie Blodgett
Kathryn Fletcher
Elise Grose
Designer
Howard Mitsakos
Advertising Sales
Jim Blodgett
Arnot Ogden Medical Center was recognized by Premier, Inc.
as one of only 10 hospitals in the U.S. that set and exceeded goals
for the safety of our patients.
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Carr Printing, Inc.
When you consider what’s at stake, why would
you consider anywhere else?
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Division of Ad Elements, LLC
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The information contained in Healthy Life
Magazine is intended to educate and inform the local population about a variety
of medical & health topics. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. This publication is not intended
as medical, legal or regulatory advice.
Healthy Life Magazine and its affiliates
disclaim all liability arising from or related
information contained in this publication.
2 • HLM
Medical News
The Minimally
Invasive Option
by Christopher Coyne
If you or any one you know has had back surgery
in the past, you know the prospect of having to
undergo that type of procedure can be frightening. A major spinal surgery could result in significant scarring and substantial recovery time. The
daunting undertaking of back surgery is enough
to discourage some people who could really be
helped by a procedure, from having it done.
Thankfully, advances in equipment, training and
techniques are making many spinal procedures
quicker and less invasive. With minimally invasive spine procedures becoming more common,
the decision to have back surgery is becoming
easier to make for patients everywhere.
Healthy Life spoke to Dr. Shahnawaz Qureshi, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Rochester, and practicing
neurosurgeon at Southern Tier Neuromedicine in Big Flats
about the advantages of minimally invasive spinal procedures.
Dr. Qureshi, fellowship trained in complex/minimally invasive
surgery says that many of procedures that were once only possible through traditional surgical methods are now performed
with minimally invasive techniques. For more common procedures like herniated disc surgery, to more advanced spine problems such as disc removal, tumor removal, fractures, infections,
spine deformities and more, surgeons like Dr. Qureshi can now
treat these conditions via minimally invasive procedures - all
of which are now available locally at Arnot Odgen Hospital in
Elmira.
HLM • 3
With many minimally invasive spinal procedures, the surgeon
is able to access the affected region from the patient’s side
through a much smaller incision than the much larger chest or
abdominal incision required in a traditional surgery. There is
also less upsetting of the abdominal organs using this method,
taking away some of the complications that can occur. In
general, minimally invasive procedures are performed using
smaller incisions and specialized instruments such as tubular
retractors and a microscope. The procedures results in less
tissue disruption which contributes to quicker recoveries. Dr.
Qureshi says that in many cases, the patient is able to eat solid
food and even walk as early as a day after surgery. The quick
recovery time is a major advantage over traditional surgery,
and the patient will spend less time in the hospital. Patients
feel less pain and discomfort after minimally invasive surgery
because there is less tissue disruption, and they won’t be left
with a large scar on the chest or abdomen.
Minimally invasive procedures are not for everyone, and your
neurosurgeon will certainly inform you of the approach that’s
best for you, but if it’s your first-time surgery, you have good
bone quality and are suitable anatomically for the procedure;
you may be an ideal candidate.
Contributor
Shahnawaz Qureshi, D.O.
Southern Tier Neuromedicine
84 Canal Street
Big Flats, NY
Hot Topic!
ENJOY THE SEASON...SAFELY!
Some people love winter. They look forward to snowy landscapes and cozy evenings by the fire. Others can’t wait for
the cold to go away and for the return of spring. Whichever
camp you’re in—or if you’re somewhere in between—as
residents of the Twin Tiers, we know what’s coming after
autumn’s leaves have all fallen. So we’ll drag out the box of
scarves and gloves. We’ll close all the storm windows, put
away the patio furniture and tune up the snow thrower. But,
even winter lovers need to be prepared for the severe conditions, possible emergencies and dangerous situations that
the season can bring.
A good resource for a wide array of winter safety checklists
is the New York State Department of Homeland Security &
Emergency Services website (www.dhses.ny.gov), and we’ve
compiled some of their most important tips for having a safe
winter season whether you’re outside, at home, or in the car.
Outdoors:
· Dress for the season. Warm, lightweight clothing in layers
can act as an insulator, and layers can be removed to adapt
to temperature.
· Always wear a hat or cap in cold weather; it’s true that
much of your body’s heat can escape through your uncovered head.
· Mittens are actually better than gloves in the coldest
weather, as you fingers maintain more warmth when they
touch each other.
· Slow down when working outside in winter, take frequent
rests when shoveling, clearing cars etc. Cold temperatures
put an extra strain on your heart, so avoid over-exertion.
· Make sure you and your kids practice safe sledding and
skating. Only sled during daytime hours and don’t sled on
icy hills. Small children should never sled alone; an adult
needs to join them. Avoid bumps that could cause a sled to
become airborne.
· When ice-skating, try to skate only in areas that have been
approved and posted for skating. Don’t skate alone; and
children especially should never be allowed to skate on a
pond without supervision. Ice thickness is never consistent
on lakes and ponds, be especially careful near narrow spots,
bridges, inlets and outlets—as they’re common spots for
thinner ice.
At Home:
· Have your home’s heating system checked every year. If
you heat with wood, clean your fireplace, and have your flue
checked for any build-up to lessen the risk of fire. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
· Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris that can
hamper drainage.
· Carefully follow ALL manufacturers’ instructions when using
portable space heaters.
· Keep an emergency supply kit ready in case of a winter
power outage: Flashlights and extra batteries, battery operated radio, non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration,
manual can opener, bottled water, extra blankets and sleeping
bags, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
· If power does go out—NEVER run a generator indoors.
On the Road:
· Did you do a pre-season check on your car? It’s never too
late. Most reputable service stations will do a multi-point
safety and maintenance check that includes battery, thermostat, lights, exhaust, brakes, heater, and defroster in addition
to topping off anti-freeze, window washer fluid and oil.
· Make sure you have good winter tires—snow tires or all-seasons. And always keep your gas tank at least half-full in winter
months. Drive carefully and maintain focus when driving in
poor weather conditions. Minimize distraction inside the car.
· Don’t forget to keep a window scraper in your car. And it’s
a smart idea to keep a spare tool kit, flares and even extra
blankets and bottled water in the trunk, in the event you get
stranded or stuck.
· In the event you do get stranded or stuck on a snowy road,
run your engine for short periods to stay warm. Keep a downwind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is free
from snow. Turn the interior light on at night while the car is
running to signal rescuers.
Whether you’re a big fan of the winter weather or not,
you should do what you can to ensure that you and your
family get through the season safely.
Source
NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, www.dhes.ny.gov
4 • HLM
Out & About in the Southern Tier
Here are just a few of the great things coming up this
Winter that showcase all that’s wonderful about the
Southern Tier Region.
Lend Me a Tenor
January 22 - February 8, 2015
The Cider Mill Playhouse in Endicott presents
‘Lend Me a Tenor’, a sensation on Broadway and
in London’s West End. This madcap, screwball
comedy about one frantic,crazy night at the
Cleveland Opera is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. For show times
and ticket information go to
www.cidermillplayhouse.com.
America East
Women’s Basketball
Championships
March 7 and 8, 2015
Binghamton University will play host to this year’s
Women’s Basketball Conference Championship, as
the Bearcats welcome their rivals from around the
league to the Events Center on the Vestal Campus. Come catch the Division 1 excitement as the
women vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament!
For information go to www.BUBearcats.com.
HLM • 5
The Harlem Globetrotters
February 5, 2015
Returning to the Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena, the world
famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions
of fans for 88 years, all the while innovating the game in exciting new
ways. Bring the kids; bring the grandparents for an evening of amazing
basketball showmanship, and good old family fun! For ticket info call
(607) 778-6626 or online at www.BroomeArena.com.
Binghamton on Tap
Craft Beer Festival
February 21, 2015
The Festival takes place Saturday, February 21st at the DoubleTree by
Hilton in downtown Binghamton. Choose from one of two sessions:
1-4PM or 5-8PM. This event will showcase over 100 releases from some
of Americas best craft breweries. Attendees will enjoy samples, a souvenir sampling glass, plus live music, delicious food available for purchase
and great vendors. Must be 21 or older to attend. For information go to
www.binghamtonontap.com.
6 • HLM
The Heath Plan
Marketplace
What to Know, Before You Enroll
Open enrollment for NY State of Health: The
Official Health Plan Marketplace is underway,
and selecting the coverage that’s right for you or
your family, may seem to be a daunting task, but
there are resources to help you make the right
choice.
Remember important dates
Open enrollment runs until February 15 for coverage in
2015, but if you need your coverage to be effective on
January 1, 2015, you must enroll by December 15. If you
already have coverage through the Marketplace and do
not wish to make changes, you do not have to take any
action. Most residents are required to have coverage in
2015 or face a tax penalty.
Determine the cost of coverage
The Marketplace was created as part of the
federal Affordable Care Act to help all Americans
obtain and afford health insurance coverage.
All participating health plans offer standardized products, making them easy to compare.
The products are organized by metal levels:
platinum, gold, silver, bronze, catastrophic, and
child-only. Each metal level offers the same coverage but with different premiums, deductibles,
and levels of cost-sharing.
Everyone wants to know how much their coverage will
cost, but it’s not always as simple as looking at the premium rate that’s listed. Many individuals and families qualify
for subsidies or tax credits that can lower their premiums
and cost sharing.
Many providers offer tools that help you estimate the
cost of coverage, including government subsidies and tax
credits. For example, Fidelis Care’s Affordable Care Advisor tool on its website only needs basic information to
calculate an estimated monthly cost. It can also determine
if you may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Advantage.
One regional company that offers plans through
the marketplace is Fidelis Care. “Last year, more
than 50,000 New Yorkers chose Fidelis Care for
their metal-level coverage. And we are happy to
now offer coverage in 11 additional counties in
2015, including Broome and Chemung counties,” said Chief Marketing Office Pamela Hassen.
If you see a specific primary care doctor or specialist, or
prefer to be treated at a certain hospital, find out if they
are part of the health plan’s network for Marketplace
products.
Hassen offers the following tips to anyone in
need of coverage:
Find out if your doctor participates
Meet with a trained representative
You can enroll in Marketplace coverage by phone or online, but if you have questions, meet with a plan representative for assistance. They have the training and expertise
to answer your questions and help guide you through
what may sometimes seem like a maze of information
For more information or to make an appointment to meet
with a Fidelis Care representative, call 1-888-FIDELIS
(1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.
Contributor Fidelis Care
HLM • 7
S.A.D.
More than the Winter Blues
The days get shorter, the sun goes into hibernation, and
when it’s bitter cold, it’s harder for us to get outside and get
some fresh air. It’s the perfect recipe for the winter blues. But
for some, it’s more than just a case of ‘the blahs’ when winter
rolls around. It’s a more serious mood condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD is a mood disorder that
has similar symptoms to depression and is related to seasonal
variations of light. As sunlight affects animal activity, SAD
may be the way that seasonal light variations are manifested
in some humans. SAD is diagnosed in three times as many
women as men--a number that’s still a mystery to researchers. The largest affected age group is between 18 and 30, and
SAD becomes progressively more common in the populations further north or south of the equator where the most
drastic seasonal light changes occur.
Fighting Season Affective Disorder:
- Consult your doctor to determine if medication or a
referral to a mental health practitioner can help.
- Full Spectrum commercial lighting can be found on
the internet for $225-$550.
- Increase your exposure to light. Allow natural light into your
house by unblocking windows. Use the maximum size bulb
recommended for your lamps. Go outside, even on a cloudy
day. Sit near well-lit windows or sunrooms.
- Get regular exercise. It can be as powerful as an
antidepressant medication for mild to moderate depression.
- Stay socially active and involved with your friends and family.
- Increase the quality of carbohydrates (whole grains, etc)
and proteins in your diet, and see if that helps.
- Practice some form of stress-relieving or relaxation exercise
such as deep relaxation, meditation or yoga.
- If possible, head south for a winter break!
- There is some evidence that exposure to the sun can
help SAD.
For those whose winter blues has advanced to the more intense
Seasonal Affective Disorder, the causes can be traced to circadian
rhythms, a kind of internal biological clock. This internal clock resets itself in response to the seasonal changes in light, and for those
who suffer with SAD, their natural circadian rhythms become out
of step with their daily schedules and activities. In many SAD patients there is also an increase in their melatonin levels. Melatonin
is a hormone that’s related to sleep and more of it is produced in
the dark. Shorter, darker winter days mean more melatonin, and
thus more desire to sleep. Lack of sunlight can also drop our serotonin levels, a mood regulating hormone. Some researchers believe
this may also be relevant in patients with SAD.
To be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, you must
exhibit symptoms for three consecutive winters, and then have
a remission of symptoms in the spring and summer. Symptoms
include: depression, anxiety, sleep problems (mostly oversleeping),
lethargy, overeating--especially starchy or sweet foods, social and
sexual disinterest and others. If you feel that your annual funk is
more than just the winter blues, talk to your physician or mental
health professional and ask them about Seasonal Affective Disorder. If there is any bright spot for this draining condition, it’s that
it’s treatable, and there are even things you can do on your own to
lessen or completely alleviate the symptoms. Shed a little light on
SAD, and your winter blues could melt away.
Source
National Mental Health Association
8 • HLM
Thinking of Joining a Gym?
READ THIS FIRST!
by Christopher Coyne
You’ve been thinking about joining a gym? Good for you! With
winter upon us, it’s harder to get outdoors to get the exercise
we need, and we tend to go into hibernation mode if we don’t
have a reason to get up and get moving. Joining a health club is
a great way to keep up that exercise regimen….IF you join the
right one. “ I’ve learned that exercise, like so many life activities, is a deeply personal ritual that differs from individual to
individual,” says Brian Nayor of Gas Lamp Gym in Downtown
Binghamton, “No two persons’ workout regimens are the same,
and likewise, no two gyms should be the same. Some embrace
cross-fit or classes, and others feature swimming or sports. An
often-overlooked albeit just as important factor in finding a
fitness facility, however, is customer service. Do you know the
management, and do they know you? Every customer wants to
feel valued and know that their name is remembered and their
input matters. If you address a concern (be it machinery, pricing, safety, or otherwise) to your gym’s staff or management, do
they resolve the issue promptly & courteously?”
The whole point of getting a gym membership is to use it,
right? If there are things about a particular health club that
will potentially keep you from going there, then it’s probably
the wrong one for you. Before you sign on the dotted line at
that health club, there are some important things you should
consider:
Where is it?
Sure, that great new gym has all the best equipment. It’s clean,
the staff is great—and they have the softest towels! But it’s way
across town, and there’s always construction on the way there.
Don’t let the distance or location of your health club become
an excuse that keeps you from going as often as you’d like.
When is it open?
Seems simple enough, but not everyone has the most ‘predictable’ schedule. You may find that you’re only able to get the
gym at odd hours—early in the morning or late in the evening,
for example. Make sure you pick a gym that can accommodate
you’re busy schedule.
How much does it cost?
Most gyms make you sign a contract of some length, so make
sure it fits your budget. Do a little research and compare
gym prices. Sometimes the ‘cheaper’ health clubs aren’t truly
less expensive. Read the fine print and consider any add-on
charges such as towel fees or maintenance charges. Make sure
that the club has a cancellation policy that lets you opt out of
HLM • 9
your contract for unforeseen circumstances without a major
penalty.
Is there adequate parking?
Nothing quashes the excitement of going to work out like a
half an hour struggle to find a parking spot.
Does the club have the features and
environment you want?
You may have to explore a few places for this one. Most
gyms have trial memberships so you can experiment with
their equipment, learn about their features and get a sense
of the type of environment where you’ll be working out. Is
there a good diversity of machines to keep your workouts
fresh? Is the club clean and inviting? Are there good amenities? You know what’s important to you and what will keep
you coming back. Make sure your health club can meet
these needs.
Before you sign that contract, take advantage of trial membership. Visit the gym at the times of day that you’ll most
likely be visiting in the long term. This will give you a sense
of how crowded the club will be or if you’ll have to wait for
certain machines or equipment. If you’re new to a fitness
club environment, make sure the gym offers the services of
an experienced trainer who can show you around and teach
you how to use the equipment properly.
“My suggestion for curious customers, is to shop around
the area and ‘drop in’ at local gyms.” Said Mr. Nayor, “Buying a day pass is commitment free, and it’s the best way to
determine which gym best fits your needs! Call your friendly
fitness center, and chances are, each facility will charge a
minimal fee to work out for just a day. I’ve learned that most
people know from their first visit as to whether a particular
athletic club works for them.”
Joining a fitness club is a great way to stay in shape or to get
in better shape, especially in the winter when we don’t have
the luxury of just going outside and getting some exercise.
But if you don’t do a little homework before you join, your
fitness club membership could turn into a frustrating experience that turns you off to working out. A little research can
go a long way toward giving you a rewarding and healthy
new
habit. Go on, you can do it!
Contributor
Brian Nayor, Gas Lamp Gym
33.5 Court Street, Binghamton, NY
healthylm.com
When your doctor
orders blood work,
choose Quest Diagnostics!
Binghamton Area,
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345 Harry L. Drive
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607-798-1097
To find a location or to schedule an appointment:
Quest Diagnostics.com or 1-866-MYQUEST (1-866-697-8378)
10 • HLM
Snow
Problem!
6 Tips for Clearing the White
Stuff Without Wiping Out
by Beth M. Dollinger, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, Arnot Health
We talked about some winter safety tips on
page 4 of this issue, but we thought we’d get
a bit more specific and discuss the removal of
snow—and how to do it safely. For any seasoned upstate New Yorker, snow is a fact of life.
Even so, every year, 16 – 17,000 people are
hurt and/or end up in the emergency room due
to shoveling or ice removal. Of these numbers,
men sustain the most injuries, and children are
included as well, with injuries from being accidentally hit in the head by shovels. In addition,
about 6,000 people are injured by snow blowers annually. Fortunately, a little common sense
goes a long way. Arnot Health offers the following tips to keep you safe this winter as you toil
to keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of
the dreaded white stuff.
1. Layer up. With shoveling, we have to deal with the exposure to cold. So, of course, wearing layers, gloves, and a hat
are necessary to avoid frost nip or frostbite.
2. Give your heart a break. Depending on the amount of
snow, shoveling can easily fall into the ranks of strenuous
exercise, which then requires warming up, as with any vigorous exercise. Anyone who has a heart condition also needs
to keep this in mind, along with the extra stress of the cold,
as this will strain the heart and could lead to a heart attack.
3. Don’t put your back into it. As for the strain of the
simple act of shoveling, good advice is to pick up smaller
amounts of snow at a time, making sure that you lift with
your knees and avoid twisting when you dump the snow,
since this can injure your back, neck, and shoulders. It
also doesn’t help that the design of the shovel has not been
updated in a long time.
4. Get a handle on things. There are a few newer ergonomic shovels on the market that feature bent handles. The bent
handle reduces the distance you have to bend over to pick
up the snow, which reduces the strain on your body.
HLM • 11
5. Give repeat performances. Overall, it’s best to shovel repeatedly during a storm, so that you can keep up with the snow,
and never be shoveling too much at one time.
6. Be smart about electronics. With snow blowers, again,
use common sense. Always read the instructions. Never stick
your hands into the snow blower. Instead, shut off the engine
and let it sit for a few minutes. If you reach in too quickly to
clear a block, there could still be built up energy, which causes
recoil and, well, I bet you can fill in the rest. Always be careful
when adding fuel; never add fuel to a hot engine. Don’t try to
fix the snow blower on your own. If your snow blower requires
a power cord, of course be careful never to run over the cord
while the snow blower is on. Lastly, never allow children to be
on or around a snow blower or snow plow. If you have your
child on your lap and you hit something, serious harm could
befall them.
Diabetes News
by Christopher Coyne
Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions
all over the world; and while that is not good news
for the health of our society, one positive that has
resulted from the spread of the disease is that
research into its causes has increased dramatically.
Diabetes is commonly linked to obesity, but that is
not the only factor. New clues about how diabetes
develops are being discovered with greater
frequency; and with more clarity comes a brighter
hope for finding a cure. Let’s talk about three recent
developments in diabetes research to illustrate this
point. They include a genetic mutation; a
lesser-known hormone; and the disruption of
our body’s natural clock.
First, the genetic factor: It’s been known for quite some time
that genes definitely play a role in type 2 diabetes, whether
through family history, ethnicity or other factors. But a recent
study of a gene called PPARG found that one percent of people
studied, that had a mutation of the PPARG gene, were seven
times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Now armed with
this knowledge, researchers can explore ways to address these
particular gene mutations and work on strategies to combat
their effects.
Another recent study focused on a hormone made in the
pancreas called amylin. Amylin is supposed to work with
insulin to help our bodies process and use the sugars in foods
for fuel. Researchers found, in some cases, some amylin can
get deposited around the pancreas forming toxic clumps. The
clusters can kill insulin-producing cells, and possibly lead to
diabetes. It’s another development worth further research and is
another step in the right direction.
The third discovery we’ll highlight was recently published online
in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. The study contends
that the disruptions of our body’s internal clock could be a contributing factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyles
that are counter-intuitive to a body’s natural sleep/wake cycles
can throw off the body’s ability to function properly—including
the breakdown of sugars into fuel.
These are just a few of the recent potential breakthroughs that
are occurring in the medical research field regarding type 2
diabetes. It’s research like this that gives us a glimpse of hope
toward eradicating this epidemic.
Source WebMD
12 • HLM
Family Focus
Retail Therapist
When you feel blue, do you decide to go shopping to lift your
spirits? Many people get caught up with materialistic things
that they forget about what really brings joy. Sure the latest
thingamajig may make you feel good for the day, but that
high is temporary, and you will soon be looking for your next
retail fix. Try getting out to experience something new. Take a
weekend or day trip if you can get away. Go to the beach, take
a hike, try snow shoeing, anything that takes you out of your
routine. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can explore your
own city. Try a museum, see a movie, call a friend you haven’t
seen in ages for coffee, or show up at a local non-profit to see
if you can volunteer. There are so many great things you can
do to enrich your life that don’t involve buying one more thing
to sit in your closet.
Binge Drinker
Habits That Create
Unhappiness
by Stephanie Blodgett
There are certainly things that affect our lives
that we can’t control, that make us unhappy.
But, there are also some habits or behaviors
that contribute to our unhappiness that we
CAN change. If you or someone in your family
fits the description of any the types listed
below…make a change, and be happy!
Chronic Complainer
Is it okay to vent a little to get stress off your chest? Sure it is, but
don’t be a chronic complainer! You know the type, the chronic
complainer tends to always have something wrong in their life,
whether it’s their spouse, job, kids, money, friends, even the weather. Is this you? We all have things to complain about but constant
complaining brings negativity to ourselves and those around us.
Focus and talk about some of the positive things in your life, and
if you have an issue that you chronically complain about, sit down
and try to work out a solution. If that doesn’t work, reach out to a
friend and seek guidance. Friends would rather be part of a solution than listen to continual complaining. You will both feel happier.
HLM • 13
If you are feeling down about a relationship, money or whatever, do you decide to drown your woes with alcohol? Sure, it
may loosen you up and make you feel good for the moment,
but it is a depressant! It is hard to avoid, since it is available in
most social situations. Drinking excessively on a regular basis
can wreak all sorts of havoc on your life and it won’t help whatever situation you are trying to avoid dealing with either. You
most likely will make a fool out of yourself, you will be hung
over the next day and will be unproductive. Binge drinking
leads to poor decision making. Call a friend or go for a walk to
see if you can work through your issue, if not seek professional
help.
Hobbyless
Yes, ‘hobbyless’ is not a recognized word in the English language, but you know what it means. Is this you? And driving
your kids to hockey practice, running to the grocery store and
watching television do not count as hobbies. A hobby is an
activity that you are passionate about that brings you pleasure
or relaxation. People who don’t have hobbies tend to be
unhappy. You have to take time out for yourself to find a diversion from everyday life; whether it’s alone or with friends. Save
a few hours for things you enjoy such as: yoga classes, playing
the guitar, or even wood working. Happy people tend to have
hobbies. A hobby gives you something to do with your free
time, and time to invest in yourself. If you don’t have a hobby,
find one. Figuring out what you are passionate about can be
fun in and of itself, just don’t be hobbyless!
Anti-Social
Do you consider interaction through Facebook, Twitter and
text messaging socializing? One of the biggest causes of
unhappiness is loneliness, which usually stems from a lack
of social stimulation. And being ‘social’ on technology can
perpetuate loneliness because you are deficient of real human
interaction. Socially insecure people tend to gravitate to online
socializing because they have more control over their communications. Unfortunately staying within your comfort zone,
limits personal growth, and prevents the development of
valuable relationships. Instead of commenting on everybody’s
Facebook statuses, give somebody a call and meet up for
lunch, a walk, or catch dinner and a movie. Get out and talk to
a real human being, face-to-face. You will feel happier.
Tuscan Bean &
Spinach Soup
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 shallot, finely diced
3 -4 cups fat free chicken broth or 3 -4
cups vegetable stock
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can white beans
(cannellini or other)
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta shells or
1/2 cup shell pasta
1 teaspoon rosemary
3 cups Baby Spinach,
cleaned and trimmed
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
Welcomes
In a large sauce pan, sauté the shallots & galic in the olive oil. Add broth,
tomatoes, beans and rosemary to pot. Season with black and red pepper.
Bring to boil. Add pasta and cook 12 minutes. If the soup seems too thick
for your liking add a bit more broth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese when serving.
SEE MORE RECIPES AT
HealthyLM.com
Shahnawaz Qureshi, D.O.
Call 607.301.4141
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Fax: 607.301.4140
Brain, Complex Spine and Minimally Invasive Surgery
or visit southerntierneuro.com
*Specializing in:
• Brain Tumors
• Pituitary Tumors
• General Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
Accepting most NYS & PA Insurances
• Complex Spine Fusions
• Adult Spinal Deformity
• Revision Surgery
• Spinal Tumors
Located at:
Southern Tier Neuromedicine
84 Canal Street
Big Flats, NY 14814
* Dr Qureshi performs surgery at
Our Big Flats Team
Gait/Balance
Neurology
Richard Welles,
M.D.
Su Kanchana,
M.D., Ph.D.
Linda Welles,
M.D.
Neurosurgery
Webster Pilcher,
M.D., PhD
Andrew Wensel,
M.D.
Robert Replogle,
M.D.
14 • HLM
Coming up in the next
HLM • 15
• Healthy Joints
• Glaucoma Awareness
• Exciting Local Health Care News
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16 • HLM