North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Inc.
Staten Island University Hospital,
475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
Focus on Health is published by the Public Relations Department of Staten Island University Hospital (718-226-2483).
The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not
meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Produced by True North Custom, Chattanooga, TN. ©
2015. Printed in USA.
MICHAEL DOWLING
President and CEO,
North Shore-LIJ
Health System
TERRY LYNAM
VP, Public Relations
ANTHONY FERRERI
Regional Executive Director,
North Shore-LIJ Health System;
President and CEO, Staten Island
University Hospital
DONNA PROSKE
Executive Director,
Staten Island University Hospital
ARLEEN RYBACK AND
CHRISTIAN PRESTON
Editors
FOR ADVERTISING
OPPORTUNITIES
Please contact
Alan Heyman at
631-656-9900 or
alan.heyman@patientpoint.com.
facebook.com/SIUHospital
twitter.com/SIUHOSPITAL
Scan this QR code for easy access to our website.
No smartphone? Visit us on the Web:
siuh.edu
Find Us Online!
Winter Days
SAD Symptoms
When seasonal disorders go beyond mild
gloominess and represent a pattern of recurring
episodes, a form of depression known as seasonal
affective disorder (SAD) may be to blame. A
SAD diagnosis typically results when patients
experience the following symptoms for at least
two winters:
• Irritability
• Low energy levels
• Reduced ability to concentrate
• Sleep schedule changes and oversleeping
• Social avoidance
• Weight gain
Preventing SAD
To avoid SAD, try the following tactics:
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Soak up some sunlight every day.
• Go without sunglasses when possible, as the
amount of light your eyes absorb can affect
your mood.
• Eat a fresh, balanced diet.
• Use full-spectrum light bulbs.
• Ask your doctor about a vitamin D
3
supplement.
If your symptoms of seasonal depression persist, the
professionals at North Shore-LIJ can help. To fi nd a
physician, visit fi nd-a-doctor.northshorelij.com.
MOOD CHANGES CAUSED
by seasonal disorders affect
an estimated 10 percent to
20 percent of Americans.
In the United States, the
disorders are most common
in northern climates,
where days are shorter and
sunlight is less abundant.
After the excitement of the holidays and
the stress of returning to a routine, the
short days of January and February can
take a toll on your mood.
SAD patients report sleeping
an average of
2.5 HOURS
more per night in the winter
than in the summer.
Did You Know?
