Summer Sunshine and Your Daily Dose: How to Obtain More Vitamin D

By Lia Threat

Click aqui para español- >Dosis diaria de sol de verano: Cómo obtener más vitamina D

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” and June in New Orleans is a great time to soak it all up! Vitamin D is absorbed by our bodies via ultraviolet rays from the sun. After it is absorbed by the skin, it undergoes a process of synthesis before being utilized. More than just a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D also acts as a hormone with receptors present on cells throughout nearly every system in the body. It can affect mood as well as our immune system. 

So, what is the best way to get more? Well first, we must consider how our bodies absorb vitamin D through sun exposure and the foods that we eat. With sun exposure, the amount of melanin in our skin may contribute to how easily vitamin D is synthesized by our body. Those with lighter skin absorb vitamin D faster and may require only about 10-15 minutes in direct sunlight on exposed skin (without sunscreen). Others with darker skin may require up to 30 minutes.

Anyone with skin conditions or those with a sensitivity to the sun may want to obtain their vitamin D through foods and supplements.

Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels and determine if you need a supplement.

Consume foods with high levels of naturally occurring vitamin D such as cod liver oil, eggs, mushrooms, and salmon.

Find Your Balance With Reiki

By Patricia Prychodny 

Click aqui para español- >Encuentra tu balance con el Reiki

What does the word Reiki mean? Reiki is a Sanskrit word. REI means universal life and KI means vital energy.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a technique of channeling and transmitting vital energy through the laying on of hands.

What is Reiki used for?

Reiki is used to obtain peace and balance on all levels, both physically and mentally, as well as emotionally and spiritually. Reiki is a great tool for stress reduction and relaxation. Many people use Reiki for wellness. Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness, but it may assist the body in creating an environment to facilitate healing. Reiki is a great tool to use as a complement to traditional medicine and is practiced in many hospitals and medical care settings.

Where does Reiki come from?

Reiki is of Japanese origin and was discovered by a monk named Mikao Usui in the mid-nineteenth century.

Who can practice it? All human beings can practice Reiki. Even unconsciously, many times, we do it with our children or loved ones. But to understand it and achieve a conscious channeling, we need a guide.

How can one learn Reiki?

 The learning of Reiki consists of three levels. The first level is the initiation to Reiki, which focuses on learning how to tune into the universe, learn the symbols of Reiki and how to apply Reiki using the tools taught at this level. In this first level, we learn how to use a breathing technique called HARA. We also learn to identify the Chakras, meditation techniques, and to feel the energy in the hands. It is a very special inner journey for the student.

Th e second level teaches us to channel the energy, so that it can be sent from a distance, and thus, be able to help other people using more advanced symbols.

Th e third level is to obtain the final master, which enables you to teach it to others.

In my own experience, Reiki has been one of the most beautiful gift s I have received. It has given me the opportunity to heal myself, and I have also been able to help many others who needed healing. 

Join us for a Reiki workshop in Spanish on Saturday, May 18th from 8am to 2pm. For more details about the workshop, call 504-458-0311.  - -

Sugary Sweet - Treat Yourself Without the Guilt
By Lia Threat @wellnesswithlia

Click aqui para español- >Antojos dulces - Un gusto sin culpa.

May brings with it all the indulgences: festival grub, snowballs, ice cream, and sweet treats. How does one keep their sugar consumption in check with all the temptation?

To reduce daily sugar consumption, run down this mental list of questions:

1. HAVE I ALREADY INDULGED IN SOMETHING SWEET TODAY?

2. HAVE I EATEN OR AM I THIRSTY?

3. AM I TIRED AND SEEKING AN ENERGY BOOST?

4. CAN THIS TREAT BE MODIFIED TO DECREASE THE SUGAR CONTENT?

5. IS MY CRAVING RELATED TO HOW I AM FEELING?

6. IS THERE A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE?

Sugar comes in many forms- it is usually added to food under the guise of other names such as brown rice syrup, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, dextrose, and sucrose. Th ere are more than 50 names for various forms of sugar!

Becoming familiar with the most common names will help you scan food labels before buying.

Beware! If a product lists a form of sugar as the first or second ingredient, it is likely very high in sugar per serving. Food labels list ingredients from largest to smallest so look before buying. To avoid excess sugar, keep homemade treats on hand that are naturally sweetened.

Try this frozen yogurt popsicle recipe:

• 6-8 oz container of plain, unsweetened yogurt
• 2 ripe mangos cubed or 1 1/2 cup berries
• Splash of coconut milk to thin
• (Optional) fresh mint, Stevia, or honey
• Blend, pour in popsicle molds and freeze
• Enjoy!

Spring is Here! Get Outdoors and Get Moving!

By Lia Threat

Click aqui para español- >¡Sal al aire libre y muévete esta primavera!

Spring in New Orleans usually means a beautiful, albeit short, season before the heat kicks in around Jazz Fest. Consider taking advantage of the moderate temperatures by planning outdoor activities and family functions.

Add physical activity to your next gathering

Family and food are an essential part of New Orleans culture. You may want to try integrating physical activities into family picnics, so everyone has an opportunity to get involved. Something as simple as bringing a ball along can make for a few hours of fun while burning calories!

Think about which activities you enjoyed as a child

Many times, going back to some of those activities can really inspire you to exercise without feeling as if it is a burden. Examples are swimming, biking, enjoying a nature trail, gardening, spending time near the ocean, or even signing up for a spring marathon! For those interested in biking, the blue bikes around the city of New Orleans have been a big hit! Play tourist for a day and check out how to use them at bluebikesnola.com.

Be open to new forms of exercise

You may want to try kayaking for the first time or take tennis lessons. Whatever it may be, challenging your body and your muscles in a new way can add variety to your routine. You may even discover a new form of exercise that you truly enjoy! Just remember to stay hydrated and aim for morning and evening workouts to avoid the midday heat!

Spring Brings Bites and Stings!

By Arturo Gastanaduy MD - www.a-g-pediatrics.com

Click aqui para español- >La primavera trae picaduras y aguijonazo

Insects resurface with warmer temperatures. These small creatures are the most common and diverse type of animals on Earth. Over 90% of animals are insects and there are more than one million species identified.

The most common blood sucking insects are mosquitoes, flies and fleas. Their saliva produces small itchy pale-red hives that improve spontaneously in a few days. Nevertheless, insect bites may produce severe allergic reactions, become infected, or may transmit serious illness like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, viral encephalitis, etc. Most of these illnesses are rare in the USA; however, we have several hundred cases of encephalitis every year Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. They are more active at dawn and dusk, are attracted by bright colors and sweat and bite exposed areas of skin. Flies are attracted to food, garbage and animal excreta. Fleas are more frequent in homes with pets and they usually bite under clothing. Fleas can survive in carpets for a long time

Bees, wasps, hornets, and ants do not bite but sting. They do not transmit systemic illnesses but are responsible for half of human deaths which are due to a severe allergic reaction to the venom

Reactions to bites and stings are usually less than two inches in diameter; 10 % of people will have large (≥ four inches) and painful local reactions. Both can be treated with cold compresses, calamine lotion, cortisone cream, cetirizine or loratadine for itching and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.

The area should be washed with cold water and soap. It should be kept clean and scratching should be avoided to prevent infection. Bee stingers are barbed, and they remain with the venom sack on victim’s skin. They should be removed quickly to decrease the dose of venom received. Severe allergic reactions to stings develop quickly and include generalized hives and swelling away from stung area; hoarseness, throat or chest tightness, wheezing, difficult breathing; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain; lightheadedness, dizziness, and passing out.

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911. If your child is known to have severe allergic reactions, your doctor may have prescribed EpiPen that should be administered to the lateral side of the thigh immediately.

Prevention is best by utilizing insect screens, removing objects that can hold water around your house, clean clogged gutters, use insecticides and pest control to eliminate ants, bees and wasp nests, staying inside at dawn and dusk, wearing closed shoes, long pants and long sleeve shirts outdoors, avoiding bright colors, and using insect repellents.

The most effective repellents are DEET based. DEET is safe for pregnant women and infants older than two months. Thin spray over exposed skin and clothes is enough. Do not spray under clothes or on the hands of small children who will touch their mouths and eyes. To protect their faces, spray a little of it on your hands, rub them together, and then apply over their faces including the ears.

Achoo! Achoo! ...Spring Is Here!

By Arturo Gastanaduy, MD.

A & G Pediatrics

Click aqui para español- >¡Atchis, Atchis! ¡La primavera ha llegado!

Green lawns, full bloom trees and multicolor flowers bring the pleasant sound of birds singing telling us that spring is here. However, we also will be hearing lots of sneezing, pointing out that allergic rhinitis (AR) season has also come back.

Allergic rhinitis is very common, especially in young people, affecting close to 20% of children and adolescents. It is more frequent in boys than girls and in persons with family history of allergies and maternal smoking. People with AR have three times more chances of developing asthma.

The illness is caused by hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa to foreign substances (allergens). Re-exposure produces an immediate reaction that produces vasodilation, mucosal swelling, increased mucus secretion and increased sneezing. Classical symptoms are itchy, congested nose, profuse and clear nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, loss of sense of smell, and itchy, red, teary eyes.

It is not a life-threatening illness, but it produces adverse effects on the quality of life of affected persons. It has been associated with sinus infections, asthma attacks, disturbed sleep, snoring, tiredness, poor school performance, puffy dark circles under eyes, mouth breathing, dental malocclusion, and transversal nasal crease.

Historically, allergic rhinitis was classified as seasonal or perennial. Seasonal was usually caused by tree, grass or ragweed pollens while perennial was caused by indoor allergens, like animal dander, house dust mites and mold spores. The World Health Organization has classified AR based on duration of symptoms as intermittent (<4 days/week or <4 weeks/year) and, persistent (>4 days/week or >4 weeks/year). This classification is more helpful to develop a management plan. Diagnosis of AR is based on medical history and physical exam, and occasionally specific tests are needed. AR is a chronic condition and there is no cure for it; nevertheless, it can be controlled, resulting in better quality of life of affected individuals.

Every person is unique, and the symptoms are variable, therefore, treatment must be individualized and may need to be modified. Do not expect a “magic pill” from the doctor, but instead ask for a treatment plan and how to evaluate it. Most likely, the plan will include changes at home and of life style to decrease exposure to allergens, some medications like nasal corticosteroids, non-sedating oral antihistamines, etc.

Most of the patients can be managed by their primary care doctor. Sometimes referral to an allergist may be necessary.

Do You Really Need that Expensive Cleanse?

By Lia Threat

Click aqui para español- >¿Realmente necesitas esa limpieza costosa?

With spring approaching, our bodies naturally begin a process of renewal. During this time of the year, many may also consider a whole-body cleanse. Before starting an expensive program, consider these alternative ways to support the body without the price tag.

1. Eliminate Toxins Sweating is a way in which our bodies expel toxins. Aside from exercise, a few options to detox are to utilize a steam room or sauna. Ask your gym about these amenities!
2. Control Incoming Toxins Eat organic or consume foods not heavily sprayed with pesticides. Lowering the toxin load on the body can have a tremendous effect on how you feel. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen." These lists of fruits and vegetables are tested yearly to determine the number of pesticides each product contains. Even if some people cannot afford organic, they can avoid heavily sprayed foods listed at the top of the “Dirty Dozen” list and choose foods that are locally grown. Check out www.ewg.org for 2019 listings.
3. Remove Toxins with Food One way is to add cilantro to your smoothies, salads, or meals. The body releases toxins that may recirculate in the blood unless they bind to something to be carried out. Cilantro is a fantastic herb that acts as a magnet or “binder” to toxins like heavy metals and safely removes them from the body.

As always, consult a medical or health professional before starting a detox or cleanse program.

Believe in Yourself

By Patricia Prychodny

Click aqui para español- >¡Cree en ti!

Never give up on your dreams.

Aiming to attain our dream allows us to reach high and far. Remember that success always comes with its ups and downs, but only you decide where you want to stop.

By overcoming life’s challenges and by acting in accordance with your decisions and desires you will rise above and achieve all of your goals.

You must have the strength to persevere. You will become so great that you will feel proud of who you are.

Life will give you many tests, but the most beautiful thing is that the universe will listen to your requests. When you feel that you are alone, remember that you have the most beautiful beings of light called angels that support you and are always with you, emanating their best energies for you to receive them.

Try to always be attentive to the signals that these angels are constantly sending you, guiding you and telling you to keep moving forward, to not give up on what you want and what you believe in, and to never limit how far you will go.

You can achieve your life goals! That power is unique and if you let that light carry you through, your knowledge and wisdom will open you up to an unimaginable dimension. Always remember how great you are. Remember your value, trust your heart, and reach the peak that you desire so much.

This is how you can build the foundation and the staircase to achieving your goals. Believe in yourself! These messages are the best advice I have to offer.

Always be reminded that you can achieve much more than you think.

It’s Mardi Gras Season! Have fun but be careful!

By Arturo Gastanaduy, MD.

A & G Pediatrics

Click aqui para español- >¡En temporada de Mardi Gras, diviértase con cuidado!

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday in French, is the last day of Carnival. The season is celebrated with King Cakes, gold, purple and green decorations, costumes, masks, bead necklaces, parades, and parties with lots of delicious foods and drinks.

New Orleans has a long tradition of Mardi Gras celebration and it is one of the most famous in the world. The first parade was in 1837, the first float appeared in 1857 and beads in 1900. Mardi Gras season is a lot of fun, but there are some common health problems associated with it.

Trauma: Bruises, cuts, sprains, concussions, dislocations, and even fractures caused by trips, falls, motor vehicle accidents, projectiles, etc. The most common ones are smashed fingers, sprained ankles, wrist fractures, and head or face contusions caused by projectile bead bags. Elbow subluxation and eye scratches also occur. Tendinitis and feet friction blisters are frequent in dancers and marching band members. Watch your footing, be aware of the curbs, fences, potholes, projectiles, moving vehicles, etc. Be sure that children’s ladders are well designed and placed in a safe spot at least 6 feet inside the curb. Wear comfortable previously used shoes with double socks (thinner inside). Pay attention to your children and minimize cell phone use.

Exposure:

Cold injuries, sunburns and dehydration may occur, especially in children. Plenty of water, sunscreen and layered clothing to adjust to weather changes are recommended.

Foreign bodies:

Every pediatrician in New Orleans has had to remove beads from ears and noses of children. The procedure could be easy or traumatic, sometimes requiring an ear nose and throat consultant. Infants and small children have a high risk of choking with a bead or small toy like a king cake doll. Prevent little children playing with small objects.

Gastrointestinal Problems:

Parties, outside cooking, previously prepared meals, multiple food handlers and lack of bathrooms and hand-washing facilities, provide opportunities for the food to become contaminated. Food poisoning and stomach infections may occur. Sometimes outbreaks develop from a common food source. Keep food refrigerated, use disposable utensils, minimize the number of food handlers, use hand sanitizer and wash hands with water and soap whenever possible.

Drugs, alcohol, sex:

These are potential problems for adolescents. Parties with lack of supervision provide the opportunity to experiment and for risk-taking behaviors. Remember that small children can get intoxicated by partially filled cups they find lying around. Watch and counsel your children, be sure you know where they are and with whom as well as who is supervising them.

Making Healthier Choices During Parade Season and Lent

By Lia Threat

Click aqui para español- >Toma decisiones saludables durante los desfiles y la cuaresma

It is already hard enough to make (and keep) New Year's resolutions, but in New Orleans, it is extra challenging with Mardi Gras season opening soon after the new year begins. So, how does one start off strong and stay resilient through the partying, parades, and king cake? Below are five tips to stay on track and manage the bulge of the season through Lent:

1.Set Intentions Setting an intention, writing it down, and seeking support are key to staying committed to goals. Start small with a goal that is attainable, such as decreasing your daily intake of added sugar.

2. Plan If you know you will be attending parades or parties on certain days, eat light and healthily for the remainder of the week. Eat vegetables and protein-rich meals before attending any functions and choose select days you will indulge. The key is balance!
3. Hydrate Hydration is key to not only weight loss, but also to keeping digestion on track and balancing an influx of toxins such as alcohol. If you know you will be out parading, bring plenty of water with you. Drink water before attending parades and after consuming any alcoholic beverages.
4. Choose whole foods and short ingredient lists Fill your plates with whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Try to avoid overly processed and refined foods with long ingredient lists. (These usually contain toxins, preservatives, and chemicals).
5. Look for healthier seafood dishes During Lent, when eating out or meal-planning, look for dishes that are baked, grilled or boiled over those that are deep-fried, covered in butter, cream, or heavy sauces.

Enjoy the 2019 Parade season and laissez les bon temps rouler!!

“Bronchiolitis in my baby’s daycare …What is that?”

By Arturo Gastanaduy

A & G Pediatrics

Click aqui para español- >Bronquiolitis en la guardería de mi bebé” …¿Qué es eso

Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the bronchioles which are the smallest airways of the lungs. This inflammation is caused mainly by a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is so highly contagious that everyone has been infected before reaching two years of age. Typical outbreaks of RSV occur yearly between November and April.

Most of the illnesses associated with RSV are mild to moderate, but the disease is more severe in infants and adults over 65 years of age. RSV causes 2 million outpatient visits and 60,000 hospitalizations per year in children and 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths in senior citizens.

The illness begins with runny nose followed by sneezing, cough, congestion, fever, fast respiration and wheezing. By the third to fifth day of illness, children present difficulties while breathing, chest retractions, irritability and problems with eating and sleeping. Frightening periods of stopping breathing may occur. The length of the illness duration is about two weeks and it resolves spontaneously. Breast fed babies have milder disease.

Severe disease occurs more commonly in younger infants, premature or low-birth weight babies, and those with chronic lung or heart disease, neuromuscular disorders and immunosuppression. Common complications include viral pneumonia and ear infections and there is some association of RSV with the development of asthma.

Diagnosis can be made based on symptoms and the time of the year and can be confirmed with a nose swab sample test. There is not routinely used specific treatment for RSV infections. Therefore, supportive treatment is recommended with frequent nasal saline drops and nose suction, encouraging fluid intake, and fever control. Very sick patients may require intravenous fluids, and oxygen in hospital. Ribavirin aerosol can be used for high-risk hospitalized patients.

Infection does not produce immunity. Multiple re-infections are the rule, producing common-cold-like illness. There is no vaccine for RSV but monthly injections of RSV antibodies (Palivizumab) during the RSV season are available for high risk infants.

You could decrease the chances of RSV in your children by avoiding contact with sick people and practicing good hygiene with frequent hand washing.

It is Flu Season: Protect Yourself and your Children

By Arturo Gastanaduy, M.D.

A & G Pediatrics

Click aqui para español- >Temporada de Gripe: Protéjase y proteja a sus hijos

The “Flu” is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Influenza viruses. It usually comes during the Fall and Winter months and attacks millions of people. Most illnesses are mild-moderate.

However, about a half million persons require hospitalization and between 12,000 and 56,000 die from it each year. People exposed to influenza become ill in 1 to 4 days with sudden onset of high fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough and nose congestion. The illness lasts between 7 to10 days and resolves gradually.

Influenza complications could be moderate like ear and sinus infections or severe like pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain, and muscles, and generalized infection. The complications are produced by the virus itself and by co-infection with other germs.

Severe disease and death are more common in infants and small children, adults over 65 years, pregnant women and persons with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc.

Influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the illness and its complications. Everyone older than 6 months of age should be vaccinated. Yearly immunization is needed because the viruses change with time. The best season for vaccination is the Fall.

Influenza can be diagnosed with a nose swab sample and doctors can prescribe medicines to treat it. These medicines do not prevent the disease, but they can make it less severe, and to be more effective, they should be given during the first two days of the illness.

You can prevent the spread of influenza by vaccinating yourself and your family members, and by following simple steps like covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, hand washing and avoiding contact with sick people.