Food addiction is difficult to treat but can be an underlying reason for the weight problem. Drug addiction programs with intensive therapy and supervision have proven to be effective models in obesity treatment.  A cycle of poor self esteem, overeating, sedentary lifestyle and generalized health problems (joint and back pain, diabetes, hypertension) are some of the underlying findings seen in teens who are obese.

There are two websites that have present and encourage different strategies through education and support to assist teens in overcoming obesity. One is http://weigh2rock.com and another is http://letsmove.gov. Simple strategies like decreasing screen time and making some type of physical activity a part of your daily routine are recommended.

These may sound simple but to a teenager they require a great deal of effort. This generation of teens spend many hours a day sitting at a screen, not engaged in physical activity (due to pain or weight related limits). The isolation that comes with increasing hours of computer time also leads to poor self esteem. See more info on the  sites above  and encourage a child/teen that may be trying to overcome obesity.

Our participants suffer many losses including losing loved ones, losing their memory or seeing a decrease in their physical functioning. We always try to focus on what is NOT lost, and continuing to do activities that bring joy, satisfaction and a feeling of being productive. One example of this is our cooking groups. Many of our participants are excellent cooks and spent much of their lives cooking for their families. Many of them don’t get the opportunity to cook anymore, and that’s where we come in…

Ms. C., a participant in our dementia program, was agitated and depressed when she started coming to our center. She began attending once a week and after two months, she increased it to 5 days a week. Her depression and agitation lifted, she has made many friends, and she actively engages in all activities. She also loves to suggest activities and share stories about her life, and we discovered that she loves to cook Italian food and bake. She is now taking the lead in cooking groups here at the center. In the above picture, you can see her rolling out dough to make pizza for the group. She gets such a sense of satisfaction and pride when everyone is enjoying her food! Everyone should have the opportunity to experience those feelings, no matter what your age, so keep doing what you love!

If New York City has taught me anything it is that in order to support my ambitions I must also find balance. Sure, that sounds like a line straight out of the film, “Eat Pray Love,” which I did see last evening and quite enjoyed, but the theme of balance is crucial to overcoming the harmful effects of stress.

Mary Roach, author of “Packing For Mars” quotes a Russian psychologist to astronauts as follows:

‘The human organism is built for tension and relaxation, work and sleep. The principle of life is rhythm”.

So, today, I encourage you to take some time out of the hustle and bustle, slow down, and breathe… if only for a moment.

Try to sneak away from your obligations for an hour if you can. Here are a couple of suggestions for quiet spaces in NYC.

1. The Meditation Room at The New York Open Center (22 E. 30th St. NY, NY at 5th Ave): You can meditate for as long as you wish in this cool, beautifully decorated room with ancient relics and decorative meditation pillows. You may light a candle and dim the lights as well.

2. The Duck Pond at Central Park (located at the Southeast entrance by the Central Park Zoo, walk under the bridge and up a few steps to the left. See Pond on Central Park Map: http://www.centralparknyc.org/maps/). This nature-filled getaway is a living painting complete with floating ducks, blooming flowers, and an ivy covered bridge.

3. And if you absolutely cannot get away from your duties at home or work, or if you don’t live anywhere near NYC, please enjoy the following created by Greg Slawson at GCC Creative Studios.

This beautiful video is titled “Autumn Spirit” underscored by the music of Debussy. It’s a perfect homage to Autumn and the transitions in our own lives. A nice reminder to slow down and notice the subtle details surrounding us.

Click here for ‘Autumn Spirit’.
You can find additional nature soundscape videos by Greg at http://www.GCCreativeStudio.com and http://www.YouTube.com/GCCreativeVideos

Happy September, everyone!

• Consume breads that are highest in fiber.
• Protein is important and make it count — reduce red meat consumption and eat more poultry, fish and white meats.
• Pass on the carrots, corn and high starch vegetables like potatoes and consume more of the green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and asparagus.
• Eat seafood or more specifically oily fish (those that are high in Omega vitamins) such as salmon, blue fish and flounder. It is recommended to eat fish or seafood twice a week.
• Finally, READ THOSE LABELS! All packaged food has labels and you need to become astute in knowing what all those words mean.

If this seems overwhelming to you, enlist the resources of a nutritionist to get started — it may be covered by your insurance if you are newly diagnosed or having difficulty controlling your diabetes. Also remember to discuss diet with your MD and nurse. They can provide you with reliable resources to learn more.

Photo by graur codrin

I recently visited a patient who had undergone cataract surgery on her eyes.  She had told me that as she got older and started to have vision changes, she just thought that was a natural part of aging, the way people eventually use reading glasses or bifocals. It wasn’t until a “cloud” started forming on her eye that a friend told her to get an eye exam and have it professionally looked at. According to the MayoClinic, the symptoms of cataracts include:

• clouded, blurred or dim vision
• increasing difficulty with vision at night
• being sensitive to light and glare
• seeing “halos” around lights
• frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• fading or yellowing of colors
• double vision in a single eye

When you see your doctor, make sure you inform him or her of all your symptoms and have a list of all the medications and vitamins you are taking available. The examination will include reading an eye chart, a special slit lamp and drops to dilate the eyes to exam the retina. From there, the doctor will discuss with you the best course of action, which in my patients case was surgery.

I asked her even though it was soon after the surgery, how did she feel? She said, “Well wearing these big glasses while I wait to heal make me feel like Jackie O, so I’m OK with that!” But she was also thankful that her friend took her to get her eyes checked. It’s important for the health of your eyes, your general safety and the quality of your life.

Be well.

We had a wonderful celebration and I’d like to share some comments from our participants:

• Age has no meaning here.
• Without this place, I wouldn’t be going out.
• I have learned a lot since coming here.
• I feel accepted with open arms.
• The staff here appreciate seniors’ thoughts and behaviors.
• There are plenty of bathrooms!
• I would be playing solitaire on my bed without this place!
• I have met so many beautiful people here.
• We are treated like family.
• It’s so clean here!  Not like other centers I have been to.
• I am proud to be a part of this place.

When we opened 10 years ago, my hope was to create a place where seniors felt this way.  Words can’t describe the joy I feel seeing it come to fruition… Thanks to our participants and staff for creating such a special community!

• medications,
• special therapies,
• corrective surgeries,
• special vehicles to transport child,
• special education (and all that comes with it-a long list I assure you!),
• sibling conflict,
• emotional turmoils in family and extended family,insurance
• and yes, money.

None of this comes cheaply to your physical, emotional and financial well-being. Some families have to choose where too spend the resources they have. Not an easy decision but it may be a quality of life issue — decisions that are not easily made. I guess the best advice I have heard and have given is that as a parent you must  remember to keep perspective —not easy I know! Parents are the voice of their children and often give a viewpoint that we, as clinicians, rarely see in our patients. I have learned early on to listen to parents first before decisions are made. It has guided me well. So if you are a parent of a special needs child talk to other parents, they are truly one of your best resources.

Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people are able to stay active outdoors with the assistance of canes, walkers, rollators and wheelchairs. However these devices are a safety hazard when certain parts start wearing out. Please take a moment to check the condition of your assistive device before going outdoors.

Brakes

Wheelchairs and rollators with worn brakes are a safety hazard. Your local surgical supply store or medical supply vendor can assist with repairing or replacing worn brakes.

Rollator Brake

Rubber Tips

Walkers and canes have rubber tips that provides traction and absorbs impact. Over time these tips can become worn and need to be replaced. Replacement tips can either be purchased online or at a local surgical supply store.

Stay safe and strong.

Ten years ago, we started our center with about 15 participants on our census. Over the past 10 years, we’ve enrolled over 1,100 seniors from Queens and Brooklyn. Our seniors came here not knowing a soul and now they have a family. Not only do they come here for personal care, health education, supervision, meals and activities, but more importantly they come here to make connections and get social support.

So many people have remarked over the years that there’s an intangible positive feeling when they walk through our doors. Mr. K, 71 years, said it beautifully last week – “age has no meaning here… when you walk in the door, you know that our thoughts and behaviors are appreciated and understood.” The staff have shown remarkable dedication and commitment to making this a reality, and it’s so rewarding to know this is felt by our participants and their caregivers!

I am so proud to work with such an exceptional staff, from our Activity Leaders and Business Staff to our incredible Home Health Aides from Partners In Care. Every member of our team fills this center with a feeling of respect and compassion, and for this I am so very grateful. I would like to also especially thank all the staff throughout VNSNY and VNS CHOICE that have worked with us closely over the years to get our center up and running, and keep it running smoothly. As Hillary Clinton said, it does take a village, and I’m very grateful that our center is thriving due to the magnificent village that is VNSNY.

I recently spoke to a woman that started performing tai chi after her knee surgery. She said, “I wanted to keep myself limber so I wouldn’t stiffen up after surgery. I actually feel more relaxed and energized after I finish my movements.” Not only was it a way to increase physical activity and improve flexibility, but it helped with her peace of mind. It was something she could do alone or with a group, and it boosted her confidence in what she could accomplish. Other forms of movement to consider include walking, swimming and even yoga. There are even water aerobic classes, a form of activity a patient of mine found challenging and fun.

There are many ways to become physically active for those at different ages and levels of ability. Find out what is best for you and enjoy!