NYP Brooklyn Methodist

Fall 2017

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ON THE GO WITH LITTLE TIME TO SPARE? TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO ABSORB THESE FIVE DIGEST VERSIONS OF th r ive's FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE. CHRONIC PAIN The risk of drug addiction has encouraged physicians to be more cautious when they prescribe opioid-based pain medications. While opioids are appropriate in certain situations, there are other ways to manage chronic pain that can be safer and more effective for the patient. Muscle relaxants, topical treatments that are applied to the skin, like patches, gels or creams, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or injections can be used to manage chronic pain instead of opioids. Losing weight, engaging in flexibility exercises, acupuncture, physical therapy and electroconvulsive therapy are alternative methods used to manage chronic pain. Find out more on page 8. MANAGING PCOS At least ten percent of American women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause weight gain, acne and irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS can also cause infertility and increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer and sleep apnea. Higher-than- normal levels of androgens, or "male hormones," are suspected to cause PCOS-related symptoms. Though there is no cure, PCOS can be managed through oral contraceptives, fertility drugs and weight loss. Other medications help reduce facial hair growth, scalp hair loss and insulin resistance. Read the entire article on page 10. TO ED OR NOT TO ED Deciding whether to visit the Emergency Department (ED) of a hospital can cause a dilemma. When in doubt, ask yourself three questions: Does the condition threaten my life? Is the condition potentially disabling? Is the condition extremely painful? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, a trip to the ED is the right choice. Do not hesitate to visit the ED if you're still unsure about what to do. It is better to be safe than sorry. A pre-written list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements, as well as allergies, emergency contacts, and facts about personal and family history can be handy in an emergency situation. Learn about the ED on page 16. TUMMY TROUBLES Stomachaches can be difficult to diagnose in children, and may stem from several different causes. A child two to four months old may become more difficult to console and pull up her legs and arch her back, which is a sign that she may have colic. With an older child, stomach pain may be a result of a virus. Pain or nausea after eating can be a sign of food poisoning. If specific items like cow's milk, cheese or ice cream cause stomachaches, this can mean a child is lactose intolerant (lactose is a sugar in dairy products). Sharp, sudden pain that follows a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may be a sign of appendicitis. Get information about signs and symptoms of children's stomach disorders on page 20. DITCH DRY MOUTH Medications, certain health conditions or cancer treatments, smoking, and drinking sugary or caffeinated beverages can cause xerostomia, better known as chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause problems with tasting, chewing and swallowing. It can also pose more serious oral health concerns like cavities, periodontal disease and oral thrush. When medications are the culprit, talking to the prescribing doctor about using an alternative prescriptions or lower doses may help. Drinking water, using saliva substitutes and chewing sugar-free gum are other good ways to keep dry mouth at bay. Discover more about dry mouth on page 24. FA L L 2 017/ / W W W.N Y P.O RG / BRO OKLY N 30 T A K E F I V E / YO U R H E A LT H C H E AT S H E E T

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