Northwell Health - Plainview & Syosset Hospitals

Winter 2015

Look North is a magazine published by the Northwell Health System. This publication features health and wellness information geared toward healthcare consumers in the Long Island and New York City region.

Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/432770

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 15 of 15

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? North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Inc. Plainview and Syosset Hospitals 888 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803 MICHAEL DOWLING President and CEO, North Shore-LIJ Health System WINIFRED MACK, RN Regional Executive Director MICHAEL FENER Executive Director Plainview and Syosset Hospitals TERRY LYNAM VP, Public Relations North Shore-LIJ ALEXANDRA ZENDRIAN Editor Focus on Health is published by the Public Relations Department of Plainview and Syosset Hospitals (516-465-2600). 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. FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Please contact Alan Heyman at 631-656-9900 or alan.heyman@patientpoint.com

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Northwell Health - Plainview & Syosset Hospitals - Winter 2015