10 Million Females Will Be Affected By An Eating Disorder This Year, Do You Know The Signs & Affects?

NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

 
10 million females will be affected by an eating disorder this year, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. 

In today’s society, the pressure to be thin and fit a certain body size has taken over the minds of many women (and men). Stressful psychological situations, such as traumatic events in childhood, troubled personal relationships or major changes in life also feed the eating disorder beast. Recent studies have shown family influence plays a huge role in eating disorders. For example, those with a relative with an existing eating disorder, or those whose parents constantly criticize their appearances are more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. 

Usually, it takes more than one factor to trigger an eating disorder. Once a disorder develops, mental health issues quickly arise, including low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. A recent article published by The Milford Daily News points out the dangers and effects of eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa consists of a refusal to maintain a normal body weight through self-induced starvation. Those suffering from this disorder fear gaining weight, are fixated on losing weight and are very dissatisfied with their bodies. Anorexia has serious physical effects on ones body, including cardiac conditions such as a weakened heart which in extreme cases can cause sudden death. Another danger is deteriorating bone health, a particular concern for adolescents because the teenage years are the most important for developing strong bones.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating consuming large amounts of food in a short amount of time in a way that feels out of control followed by actions to compensate for overeating, such as vomiting, restricting food or the use of laxatives. Without the compensating actions, this disorder turns into obesity. Those suffering from bulimia nervosa have similar traits as those with anorexia; fear of gaining weight, fixated on losing weight and being dissatisfied with one’s body. The dangers of bulimia come from the purging of what has been consumed, which changes the electrolyte levels in the body. It can also cause cardiac problems, like anorexia. Gastrointestinal issues may also arise from the constant purging, as well as heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

The first step to recovery is getting the right treatment. NuHealth Women’s Care Center and NuHealth System Family Center’s are great places to start. Visit www.NuHealth.net for more information on taking the first step towards a healthier life.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine at NuHealth Women's Care

  NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

At NuHealth Women’s Care, they understand that not every pregnancy goes as planned.

The multi-disciplinary Maternal-Fetal medicine team at NuHealth is well prepared to give every pregnancy a fighting chance. The board-certified MFM specialists are there to help assess risks, diagnose complications and manage difficult pregnancies resulting from a broad spectrum of medical and surgical problems.

Maternal Fetal Medicine is described as a “sub-specialty of obstetrics that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of expectant mothers and their unborn babies,” (MFMNYC.com). Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians specialize and are diligently trained in providing care for women who are at high risk for problems during their pregnancy.

At NuHealth Women's Care Maternal Fetal Medicine Department, they are equipped to handle repeated miscarriages, premature labor, advanced maternal age, diabetes, hypertension, lupus, bleeding and coagulation defects, blood type incompatibility, asthma/seizure disorders, post-transplant pregnancies, fetal anomalies and fetal growth reconstruction.

MFM specialists are not just for those at high risk during pregnancy. You may benefit from seeing on these specialists even if you are experiencing a healthy, happy pregnancy.

To schedule an appointment with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at NuHealth, call 516-572-6566. For more information on the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department at NuHealth, click here.

Lung Cancer in Women Decreasing in the US

  NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

Lung Cancer has been declining in men for years, and according to a recent article published by MSNBC, the decline in women is on the rise. 

Although NY is not on the list of six states to see significant drops in female lung cancer rates, there are high hopes. California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Florida were the six states responsible for pulling down the national rate of lung cancer in women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that lung cancer rates among women decreased 2% from 2006-2008, but dropped 4% in Western states. 

Lung cancer is described as the “uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the functions of normal cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissues. As they grow, the abnormal cells can form tumors and impede the function of the lung, which is to provide oxygen to the body via the blood,” (Lungcancer.org).

Schedule an appointment at NuHealth if you suspect you are at risk for lung cancer. For more information, including contact information, locations and a full list of services provided by NuHealth Woemn's Care facilities, click here.

Breast Cancer & Health Insurance

  NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

 

Breast Cancer will affect one in eight American women during their lifetime, being the second leading type of cancer among women. The last thing a woman needs to be burdened with after hearing she has breast cancer is insurance and finances.

Rising health care costs and inadequate coverage burden many American’s on a daily basis, not just those with Breast Cancer. Unfortunately, it’s those people with life-threatening diseases that feel the consequences the deepest. 

Breast Cancer patients face great uncertainty in the current health care system. Women diagnosed with Breast Cancer, whether insured or not, face significant and sometimes devastating hurdles towards receiving timely, affordable treatment.  

This year alone, an estimated 192,370 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,170 will die from the disease. Medical coverage should not be a hurdle in the way of the rest of your life.

Health insurance reform seeks to eliminate these hurdles to ensure that women with breast cancer, along with all Americans, receive the quality, affordable and timely health care they deserve. 

NuHealth System accepts both Medicare and Medicaid, making breast healthcare more accessible to all women. NuHealth’s Breast Imaging Center offers the ideal combination of technology and clinical expertise from early detection through care during your treatments. 

For more information on Breast Health at NuHealth, click here. To schedule an appointment, call 516-596-NUMC (6862). 

NuHealth's Theresa Giangarra Recipient of ACLD Advocate of the Year Award

  NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

NuHealth’s Theresa Giangarra has been recognized for her outstanding support of Adults And Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc (ACLD). 

Giangarra is the Director of Food and Nutrition at Nassau University Medical Center. She is being honored by ACLD for her tremendous efforts to secure meaningful jobs in the community for members of ACLD. 

 

On Wednesday, October 5^th, Giangarra will be honored and recognized at the Huntington Hilton during the twenty-sixth annual Employment Recognition Breakfast.

  

President and CEO of the NuHealth System, Arthur Gianelli, expressed his appreciation for Giangarra when he said, “we are delighted that the ACLD has selected Theresa Giangarra as its honoree for her outstanding support of ACLD’s efforts to secure meaningful jobs in the community… Ms. Giangarra’s continued commitment to hiring people with disabilities makes her an excelled choice as the ACLD 2011 Advocate of the Year recipient.”

Giangarra stated, “I am honored and humbled to have been named as a recipient of this year’s ACLD Advocate of the Year. My staff and I are committed to continue making a positive difference in the lives of the young people in the ACLD program. I accept this award on behalf of the entire NUMC Food and Nutrition Department. It takes all of us working together to make a difference.”

For more information on Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, click here.

Heart Health for Women in their 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's

  NuHealth Women's Care

Nassau University Medical Center

2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

www.nuhealth.net     516-572-5809

Taking care of your body, especially your heart is important at all ages. The common misconception that heart problems are only for men needs to be addressed. According The Times of India, more women die of heart disease than men. You can start ensuring proper heart health in your early 20’s all the way through your late 50’s and beyond.

Heart disease occurs due to the narrowing and/or hardening of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscles because of plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other substances on the inner walls of the arteries. This buildup often leads to heart attacks and can be fatal.

Major symptoms women develop associated with heart disease are chest pressure or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Some of the common risk factors for women are family history, menopause, stress or depression and smoking.  

Here are a few facts: 

• women are 1.5 times more likely than men to die within the year following a heart attack
• heart disease in women can present itself differently than that for men
• women can have different symptoms of both heart disease and a heart attack as opposed to men
• a women is more prone to develop heart disease if her father or brother had heart attacks before the age of 55 or if her mother or sister had one before the age of 65
• depression or tension affects women’s heart more than men
• men and women in their middle-age period are at higher risk to develop heart disease risk factors

Here’s what you can do suggested by The Times of India, no matter how old you are, to manage your heart health!

20’s: be familiar with the risk factors involved with heart disease. Check your family history, control your weight, keep a watchful eye on your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and pay attention to what you eat. Incorporate heart healthy foods like fruits, whole-grains, vegetables and lean meats in your everyday diet.

30’s: pay attention to your bodily needs and the signs it is giving you. Avoid trigger factors to heart disease like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption and follow basic nutrition guidelines involving foods low in saturated and trans fats, fiber-rich whole grains and plenty of lean meat, fruits, vegetables and fish.

40’s: regularly monitor your weight and start a balanced health program of heart healthy foods and exercise session. Count your calories and stick to a diet of at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day, whole grains, and oily fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

50’s: adopt a healthy lifestyle by minimizing risk factors as much as possible. Be active and indulge in outdoor fitness programs as often as possible and adopt a monthly health-check regime. Consult your physician in case of any doubts and choose foods that have the lowest sodium content to help you prevent or control your blood pressure.