Winter 2015 Newsletter
Winter Weather and Asthma
The effect of weather on asthma symptoms isn’t fully understood,
but clearly there is a link. Numerous studies have shown a variety
of connections, such as increases in asthma-related emergency
department visits when certain weather conditions are present. Some
people find that their asthma symptoms get worse at specific times
of year. For others, a severe storm or sudden weather change may
trigger an attack.
Exposure to cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger and can quickly
cause severe symptoms. People with exercise-induced asthma who
participate in winter sports are especially susceptible. Dry, windy
weather can stir up pollen and mold in the air, leading to problems
for some people.
Avoiding Allergy Triggers
If you suspect weather is playing a role in your child’s asthma, keep
a diary of asthma symptoms and possible triggers and discuss them
with your doctor.
Once you know what kind of weather triggers asthma symptoms,
try these tips to protect your child:
• Watch the forecast for pollen and mold counts as well as
other conditions (extreme cold or heat) that might affect your
child’s asthma.
• Limit your child’s outdoor activities on peak trigger days.
• Make sure your child wears a scarf over his or her mouth and nose
• Dry
clothes in the dryer (hanging clothes or sheets to dry can allow
mold or pollen to collect on them).
• Make sure your child always has rescue medication on hand.
Your child’s written asthma action plan should list weather triggers
and ways to manage them, including any seasonal increases in
medication. A child whose asthma seems to be allergy-related may
also need to see an allergist for medication or allergy shots.
Healthy Lifestyle for the
Whole Family: Mediterranean Diet
We all know that healthy diet and exercise are important to feeling
good and staying strong, vibrant and healthy. A healthy diet consists
of foods low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol and added sugars,
and foods high in whole grain fiber, lean protein, and a variety of
colorful fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, we do not always make
the best food choices. Recent studies show that more than 90% of
Americans fail to consistently eat a heart-healthy diet. As a result, we
face epidemics of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Some of the
known risk factors for cardiovascular disease are high cholesterol, high
blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and unhealthy weight. Researchers
believe that the origin of these diseases begins in childhood.
Naturally everyone is interested in learning what contributes to
cardiovascular disease and how to prevent it. Researchers have found
that inflammation seems to play an important role.
What causes this inflammation?
• Diet high in sugar, refined flour, trans/saturated fat
•Inadequate exercise
•Stress
Today, we will focus on the healthy diet that reduces inflammation.
According to the American Heart Association a healthy diet is one of
the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. Mediterranean
diet has been found to be superior in reducing the risk of
cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer,
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that
a Mediterranean diet, supplemented with nuts and olive oil, reduces
the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke
and even death by 30%.
Key components of the Mediterranean diet:
• Eating
primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables,
whole grains, legumes and nuts.
• Choosing healthy fats, such as extra virgin olive oil and canola oil.
• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
• Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
• Eating
fish and poultry at least twice a week. For healthy
sustainable fish visit seafood.edf.org/guide/best/healthy
(Continued on page 2)
Quality Improvements
and Initiatives
Not only are we working every day to keep our patients and their
families healthy and happy, we are also working every day to
strengthen and improve the care we give. Here are a few of our
ongoing endeavors and projects:
Proactively Manage Chronic Complex Conditions
We have been developing programs and individualized Care Plans
that aim to educate families and prevent complications that may
develop from common chronic conditions such as Asthma, ADHD,
Developmental Delay and Elevated Body Mass Index.
Lab Services
For your convenience, we have partnered with MedLabs Diagnostics
and now offer blood drawing services on site for your convenience.
They accept all insurances and will provide care from infants and
adults. No appointment is necessary. Erika, the Medlabs
Diagnostics’ phlebotomist, will be on site Monday through Friday
9am to 5pm.
Medical Home Model
We continue in our efforts to be your medical home. The medical
home is best described as a model or philosophy of primary care
that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated,
accessible, and focused on quality and safety. It is a place where
patients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and
enable strong and trusting relationships with providers and staff.
Mediterranean Diet (Continued from page 1)
To make this happen, you will need to plan in advance. Stock
your kitchen with healthy food. Have good-fat, low-sugar snacks
on hand at home, at work, or on the go to combat hunger and
prevent overeating.
To learn more about Mediterranean diet, check out Mayo clinic’s
Healthy Lifestyle: www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-andhealthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801
If you want more information on preventing cardiovascular disease
and free heart healthy recipes visit the American Heart Association
website: www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/
Nutrition-Center_UCM_001188_SubHomePage.jsp
Have fun and enjoy the new flavors!
Additional References
CDC: Ramón Estruch, M.D et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular
Disease with a Mediterranean Diet, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:
1279-1290
M Á Martínez-González, et al. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and
risk of developing diabetes: prospective cohort study. BMJ. Jun 14,
2008; 336(7657): 1348–1351.
Enhancing our Adolescent and Adult Care Services
With the addition of Dr. Yelena Pyatov, a Board Certified Family
Medicine Physician, we now offer comprehensive care to adults.
Whether they need preventative care or follow-up of medical issues
such diabetes, hypertension, or menstrual irregularities, our older
patients who wish to transition care to an adult specialist can do so
without leaving their medical home.
Concussion Care/Sports Medicine
We now offer free baseline ImPact testing for our patients
age 10 and up. ImPact is a computer based test developed to
evaluate cognitive recovery following a concussion.
249 Route 94, PO Box 739, Vernon, NJ 0739 • 973.827.4550 • advocaredoctors.com/vernon