Download the March/April 2009 issue - Riverview Medical Center

More documents

Recommendations

Info

& WISE&WELL HEAltH nEws And inForMAtion For tHE ACtivE Adult Keep a healthy Love Life, for Life Intimacy in the bedroom can help a couple feel more committed and content. And research suggests that for older adults, sexual activity is linked to better health. “Many older adults consider sexual activity to be a natural part of their lives,” says Evelyn Minaya, M.D., a gynecologist with Riverview Medical Center. “Yet they may not experience the level of closeness they desire.” Break out of the rut If your bedroom habits have become somewhat stale, talk with your partner about what you might do to spice things up. Try these tips: • Tell each other what you like — and don’t like. For instance, you might discuss the types of intimacy that you enjoy. “Don’t assume you know everything about your partner,” advises Dr. Minaya. “Preferences change.” • If you usually go to bed right after the evening news, take a warm bath before bedtime to relax. Or try cuddling in the morning, when you have more energy, rather than at night. • Feeling a little out of practice? There are many tasteful, informative books and other resources for couples that can help you refresh your skills. • Try to maintain realistic expectations about your love life. Every couple has times when they are more — and less — in sync. Stresses of life can also influence your libido. look at the Big piCture If you’re unhappy with your sex life, examine your partnership as a whole. “Maybe there is another aspect of your relationship that is tense,” explains Dr. Minaya. “For example, if you have grown unhappy with your body, it can affect your sexual relationship. Work on building your selfesteem and it may ease the strain.” Perhaps the problem goes beyond the bedroom. Maybe you’re upset with how your partner communicates with you. Whatever the issue, acknowledge that it has come between you two. A simple and constructive conversation is a good place to start. finD fiXes for physiCal proBlems As you age, changes in your body can affect your sex life. “It’s not uncommon for older adults to feel their sex drive slow down,” says Dr. Minaya. “Factors like menopause in women, erectile difficulties in men, medications, and even depression can affect libido.” But there are solutions: aBout the DoCtor evelyn Minaya, M.D. Board certified in Gynecology Red Bank | 732-530-5550 • A lubricant can help ease the vaginal dryness that some women experience. • Adhering to your medication schedule could ward off the long-term side effects of existing conditions. • Drinking only in moderation can help you avoid sexual difficulties, such as erection problems, that are caused by too much alcohol. If you are concerned about your sexual health, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. He or she can help you identify factors that may contribute to sexual problems and offer solutions. • are you doing all that you can to be physically fit? Find out by taking the quiz at the Meridian Health Wellness Center. Visit WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com/Interactivetools/Quizzes. Click on “senior Fitness Quiz” to take the quiz. 14 Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors 6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 14 1/26/09 11:16:14 AM
Ask the Health Experts: Keeping Grandchildren Safe Caring for your young grandchildren can be an absolute joy. But besides a lot of love, it also requires preparation. Take steps to keep grandchildren safe under your watch. Our health experts can help. Q: What should I do if my toddler grandchild gets sick? A: Providing plenty of rest and lots of fluids are still proven cold and flu remedies. But be cautious about medication. “If your grandchild is younger than age 4, stay away from cold or cough medicines,” says Shrikrishna Mate, M.D., chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Ocean Medical Center. Both drug manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agree that these medications are safe and effective only for people ages 4 and older. The labels of these over-the-counter drugs are currently changing to reflect this warning. If you have any questions or concerns about the care of a sick grandchild, always consult a doctor, Dr. Mate says. Also, call the pediatrician if your grandchild has constant diarrhea or vomiting, a fever that comes and goes for a number of days, an earache, or problems breathing. Q: How can I make sure my home is safe for my grandchildren? “To keep curious A: grandchildren safe, walk through your home and look for potential hazards — especially at their eye level,” says Riverview Medical Center’s Jennifer D. Engel, M.D., who is board certified in pediatrics. “Then, take steps to remove the risk.” • Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plug protectors. • Keep cords from curtains or blinds up and out of reach. • Store household cleaners in a locked cabinet. • Ensure medications are stored in childproof containers. • Remember to turn pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking. Q: My grandchild has asthma. How can I make sure the toys I buy are asthma-friendly? If you want to play it safe, A: stick with nonfabric toys. Soft toys collect dust mites, which are common asthma triggers. “If you want to give your grandchild a teddy bear or other plush toy, there are options,” says Charles Dadzie, M.D., a pulmonologist at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “Look for cuddle toys that carry the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‘asthma-friendly’ certification.” These toys, available at major retailers, have a logo picturing a smiling boy with clear lungs. The label comes with specific instructions to help keep the toy in top condition. ❯ We Shrikrishna K. Mate, M.D. Board certified in Pediatrics Brick | 732-458-1177 want to hear from you! Jennifer D. Engel, M.D. Board certified in Pediatrics Holmdel | 732-888-0010 Do you have a general health question? You’re probably not the only one. The best health questions come from you — and by asking them you will be helping all our readers. Send us your question, and it may appear in an upcoming issue of HealthViews, answered by one of the experts at Meridian Health.* Simply for submitting your question, you will receive a FREE copy of our brochure, Being Active for Life. Submit your question to: Charles K. Dadzie, M.D. Board certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatric Pulmonology Neptune | 732-776-4268 Meridian Health, Attn.: Maura McBride 1350 Campus Parkway Neptune, NJ 07753 Please include your full name and mailing address, so we can send you your brochure. We will use only your first name and city of residence in the publication. *If you need personal advice, please consult your own general practitioner, consultant, or nurse. 6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 15 1/26/09 11:16:22 AM
Page 1 and 2: healthviews A HEALTH PUBLICATION FR
Page 3 and 4: inside this issue March/April 2009
Page 5 and 6: about the Doctors Charles K. Dadzie
Page 7 and 8: have an unexpected hospital and dep
Page 9 and 10: QuiCk, smooth transitions in Care I
Page 11 and 12: FOUNDATION e growing up Fast: Child
Page 13: sinus Relief is in your hands You
Page 17 and 18: Ocean medical centeR Ocean Vascular
Page 19 and 20: CAleNdAR of eVeNts MARCH AND APRIL
Page 21 and 22: services | events | lectures | scre
Page 23 and 24: JeRSeY SHORe UniveRSitY medical cen
Page 25 and 26: meridian health can use the Interne
Page 27 and 28: HV-RMC_IBD_7.375x9.875:Layout 1 12/

Download the March/April 2009 issue - Riverview Medical Center

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?