Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/872903
High heels were once a footwear trend for men in the 16th century but have since become a staple in women's closets. While the fashion world says the higher the heels the better, the medical world takes a different stance. "The higher the heel, the more pressure and strain are put on the body," says Ronald Soave, D.P.M., chief of podiatry and director of the podiatry residency program at NewYork- Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. "Women who frequently wear high heels often experience pain or other problems in the feet, ankles, calves and back." To avoid such complications, Dr. Soave recommends wearing heels infrequently, stretching the calf muscles before putting on heels, and placing an insole cushion inside the shoes so that the ball of the foot touches a soft surface. He also recommends choosing wedges or thicker high heels to promote better balance and avoid falls. THE HIGHER the Heels Skin-to-skin contact between a parent and infant after birth is known as kangaroo care. The diapered baby is held on the parent's bare chest, with a blanket, elastic cloth tube or the parent's clothing covering the child. This practice is commonly used for premature infants, but full-term babies can benefit, too. "Kangaroo care helps new moms bond with their babies and it can facilitate breastfeeding," says Roseanne Seminara, C.N.M., midwife at NYP Brooklyn Methodist. "The practice also helps newborn infants maintain body temperature. If the mother is unable to participate in kangaroo care at the time of birth, another family member is often asked to hold the baby." Through kangaroo care, parents can provide their babies with a relaxed and peaceful environment. Some research suggests the practice may also boost brain development and confidence later in life. Kangaroo Care FOR FULL-TERM BABIES "Get With the Guidelines is about patient-centered care throughout the course of the illness, which depending on the situation, may be the duration of the patient's life," says Steven Silber, D.O., chief medical officer and chief quality officer at NYP Brooklyn Methodist. "Prior to discharge from the Hospital, each heart disease and stroke patient is informed about how to prevent future heart attacks or strokes, and the patient's primary care doctors are kept abreast of the patient's care and progress. These and other measures help ensure that patients receive the best ongoing care possible." NYP Brooklyn Methodist staff members continue to meet and exceed these objectives for patients, earning not only the Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award but also the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus recognition, both signifying the Hospital's commitment to provide the highest standard of stroke care. GET WITH THE GUIDELINES FA L L 2 017/ / W W W.N Y P.O RG / BRO OKLY N 6 I N S I G H T S