Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease or an illness. Instead, Metabolic Syndrome is the name for various factors that can heighten a person’s risk for heart disease, specifically, coronary heart disease, and other health issues, such as diabetes or stroke. There are five factors that cause Metabolic Syndrome, and a person only needs to be diagnosed with three of them to have the condition. These factors are:  

Abdominal obesity, which is when a person carries an excess amount of weight around their waist and in their stomach. People with large waistlines, over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men, are at a higher risk for Metabolic Syndrome than people who carry their weight on other parts of their bodies.

High blood pressure. Having blood pressure of over 130/85 mmHG, having only one blood pressure number in the high range, or currently being on high blood pressure medication all put one at risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

High fasting blood sugar, or high fasting glucose, is the amount of sugar (glucose) found in the blood after not eating for an entire night. To be at risk for Metabolic Syndrome, one’s high fasting blood sugar must be over 100 mg/dL. A normal fasting blood sugar is under 100 mg/dL. Over 126 mg/dL is diagnosed as diabetes.

A high triglyceride level. Triglyceride is a type of fat found in a person’s blood. Either currently being treated for high triglycerides or having triglyceride levels of over 150 mg/dL heightens the risk for Metabolic Syndrome.

A low HDL cholesterol level. HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the arteries. Having a level of 50 mg/dL for women and less than 40 mg/dL for men puts a person at risk.

Other factors also heighten a person’s risk. 85% of people suffering from type two diabetes also suffer from Metabolic Syndrome. Having an inactive lifestyle (not exercising), having a parent or sibling with diabetes, or being a women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome also heightens the risk. Mexican Americans are at a higher risk, and women are more likely to have Metabolic Syndrome than men.  

Symptoms

Metabolic Syndrome does not have many clear symptoms. The most noticeable symptom of abdominal obesity is a large waistline. High blood pressure usually does not have many symptoms, though sometimes it can cause a person to experience headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination, tiredness and blurry vision. Both triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels must be tested in order to be diagnosed.

Treatments and Preventions

Metabolic Syndrome is incurable, but it can be managed. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, cutting down stress, not smoking, and taking any medications prescribed for any of the factors are all healthy lifestyle changes that help control Metabolic Syndrome. Even if you don’t have Metabolic Syndrome, keeping a healthy lifestyle, as well as keeping track of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels can all help lower your risk.

New York Senior Nutritional and Disease Prevention Services just received a hefty sum of $74 million in State and Federal funding. Officially announced by Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Aging Committee, over $33 million will go into New York City-based senior health services.

So, where exactly is this money going to? Services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, nutrition and meal programs, and health education services will be funded even further, helping more seniors across New York City. More than 700 community meal sites will provide meals for over 175,000 seniors. Home-delivery meal services will access an estimated 62,000 seniors, and senior health education programs will serve up to 300,000 seniors.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz, a staunch advocator of senior health initiatives, commented that he “… commend(s) Gov. Cuomo and New York’s Congressional delegation for making available this essential funding that will help to keep our older adults healthier and to remain active and vital in our communities.”

To learn more about these programs, call Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office at (718) 743-4078, or visit our article on NYC senior meal programs here.

Pumpkin. Pumpkin is the king of winter vegetables. Aside from making great jack-o-lanterns and holiday pies, pumpkins are incredibly rich in vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C. Pumpkins stay fresh for up to a few weeks, and can be stored outside. For optimal usage, don’t keep a pumpkin on a carpeted or wooden surface, which can cause it to soften and become mushy.

Guava. Come the fall, sweet, ripe guavas are all the rage. Guavas are high in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. For best storage, keep guavas in room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, place into the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to four days.    

Apples. If you’ve ever visited a farmer’s market in the fall, you’ve probably noticed the large amounts of apples. Apples are chock full of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. They can be stored at both room temperature and in the refrigerator, both for a few days at a time.

Eggplant. Eggplants are extremely versatile and delicious. They’re low in calories and high in dietary fiber. To properly store, place whole eggplants in a cool temperature. Avoid cutting the vegetable before storing it because it will dry up.  

Winter Squash. Winter squash is overflowing with vitamin A, C, B6, fiber, magnesium, copper and potassium. To store, keep away from direct sunlight and place in a cool temperature. If properly stored, the squash can be kept fresh for multiple weeks. Once the squash is cut up, wrap in plastic and store in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to two days.  

Sage. Whether it’s fresh or dried, sage is an absolute cooking essential. High in vitamin K, dried sage should be placed in a glass container in a cool, dark place. In this manner, it should last up to half a year. To store fresh sage, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and store inside a sealed plastic bag. Keep it refrigerated and it should stay fresh for several days.

Sweet Potato. As one of the ultimate Thanksgiving side dishes, sweet potatoes are extremely high in vitamin A, C, B6, B3, B2, B1, magnesium, potassium, and copper. To keep fresh, avoid refrigerating. Instead, keep the potato in a cool, well-ventilated place.

Kale. There’s a reason why so many people are obsessed with kale. It’s one of the healthiest greens, filled with vitamin K, A, and C. Keep the kale in an airtight plastic bag for up to five days in the fridge.

Turnips. Turnips get a bad rep. They’re extremely healthy with vitamin K, A, C, E , B6, folate, copper, magnesium, fiber, and calcium. If you purchase your turnips with the greens still attached, remove the greens before storing. Then, store the turnip and the greens separately in airtight plastic bags. Refrigerate for up to four days.

Cauliflower. Filled with vitamin C and K, cauliflower is the perfect side dish to any dinner. To store, place a full cauliflower in a paper or plastic bag. It can be refrigerated for up to a week. For pre-cut cauliflowers, store in an airtight plastic bag or container. It should be consumed two to three days after buying.

What is rent stabilization?

Rent stabilization is a New York-based program, which regulates an apartment’s rent and the landlord’s power. Under rent stabilization, tenants are protected by certain rights. These rights include:

• Protection against unreasonable or unwarranted rent increases.
• The right to renew one- or two-year leases.
• Protection against unfair evictions.
• The right to proper services and repairs.
• The right to pass on the apartment after they are deceased or leave the apartment.

When understanding rent stabilization, it is important to remember that each right has certain limitations and exceptions. Knowing your rights as a tenant is important, and knowing these rights will help tenants of rent-stabilized apartments further understand the extent of their rights.

Knowing tenant’s rights

Rent stabilization rights focus on an apartment’s affordability, habitability, and the tenant’s security.

Affordability

Although rent stabilization controls rent, the rent does not reflect the surrounding area market rents or the tenant’s or household’s income. Instead, an apartment’s rent is determined by the building’s rent history. Legally, a new tenant to a rent-stabilized apartment cannot be charged more than a certain percentage than the last tenant. If the apartment was vacated for  two years or less, the new rent can increase 5%; less than three years, 10%; less than four years, 15%; and less than five years, 20%. These are known as vacancy increases.  

Furthermore, tenants who renew their leases cannot have their rents raised any higher than the approved rate for their location. These rates are chosen by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board and change every year. For this year’s rates, visit here.  

Habitability

Landlords must provide necessary repairs and services, including heat and hot water, maintenance, painting and janitorial service. If a landlord does not provide these services, then the tenant has the right to report the neglect.

When an apartment or building lacks essential repairs (i.e: no heat or hot water, filthy halls, lobbies or other common areas, broken locks, etc.), then tenants have the right to file a Rent Reduction Based Upon Decreased Service(s) – Individual Apartment form. If approved, the tenant(s)’s rents will be lowered until all services are fully restored. To learn more visit here.

If an apartment requires emergency repairs which force the tenants to evacuate their homes, then an Application for Decreased Services – Individual Apartment Emergency Conditions can be done. These cases get special privileges and are given first priority. To learn more, visit here, and to go to the form site, visit here.

Tenant’s Rights

The right to pass on a rent controlled apartment to a family member is known as succession rights. Family members who have resided with the primary resident for more than two years are allowed to renew the apartment’s lease after the primary tenant passes away or leaves the apartment. The immediate successor cannot be charged with vacancy increases. A family member can be anyone related by blood or law or can be anyone who lived with the primary tenant who shared an emotional and financial commitment with them. For more information, visit here.   

Tenants also have the right to file for overcharge if they are being overcharged on their rent. (Find more information here)

Additional sources

http://www.nyshcr.org/Rent/FactSheets/orafac1.pdf

http://www.nyshcr.org/Rent/FactSheets/index.htm#fac16

http://metcouncilonhousing.org/help_and_answers/about_rent_stabilization#answer03

http://www.nycrgb.org/html/resources/faq/rentstab.html

What is the Prostate?

The prostate, found in men, is a walnut-sized gland located behind the scrotum and under the bladder, and is responsible for generating fluid that makes up part of the sperm. The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system. As men become older, the prostate generally enlarges, which can cause or be a sign of one of three of the most common prostate issues. These medical conditions are prostate cancer, prostatitis, and BPH.

Prostate Cancer, also known as adenocarcinoma, forms in the glands’ cells. Prostate cancer is notorious for developing slowly and can sometimes show little to no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood present in the urine or semen, painful urination and ejaculation, and pain in the back, pelvis, and hip areas.It is important to know that while these are all symptoms, they are not all direct signs of prostate cancer, and can be linked to other prostate complications.

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, and can be caused by infection. The symptoms are similar to prostate cancer symptoms, and include chills and fever, pain in the stomach, groin and scrotum, and loss of sex drive. Prostatitis comes in different forms, all curable through medication, antibiotics, and pain-control treatments.

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the enlargement of the prostate that causes issues with urination. Like prostate cancer, BPH is most commonly found in men over the age of 50, and has the same symptoms. BPH is incurable and if untreated can lead to kidney or bladder infection, kidney failure, bladder weakness, and complete blockage of urine flow. Drugs and surgery, limiting consumption of alcohol and coffee, and urinating completely can lessen symptoms.  

Though they share the same symptoms, prostatitis and BPH do not lead or heighten the chances of contracting prostate cancer. But, it is possible to have more than one condition at the same time.

How to Keep A Healthy Prostate.

There are four major factors that influence a man’s chance at developing prostate issues during his lifetime. Some of these factors are age, family history, and race. Half of men in their 60s will suffer from BPH or symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This percentage goes up to 90% in men over 70. Before the age of 50 the most common prostate problem in men is prostatitis. Men with a family history of prostate health issues are at greater risk of developing these issues during their life. Men with fathers or brothers who have or had prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the cancer. African American men are at a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.

Keeping a healthy prostate falls into keeping a healthy lifestyle. Ways to keep a healthy prostate are:

• Eating a healthy diet low in calories and fat, especially fat from red meat and dairy products. Foods that have been shown to aid prostate health include: fish, tomatoes cooked in olive oil, broccoli, cauliflower, soy, and green tea.
• Avoiding consuming too much calcium, over 1,500 mg; and over-supplementing with megavitamins.
• Avoiding smoking.
• Drinking alcohol only in moderation.   
• Seeking treatment for medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression.
• Reducing stress.
• Having yearly rectal examinations and PSA tests if you are over 50 (or over 40 if you are at high risk of prostate cancer).

What are sinuses?

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located inside the face and skull. Each sinus is lined with tissue called the mucosal lining and connects to the nose. There are four pairs of sinuses in the face: the frontal sinuses, found above the eyebrows; the ethmoid and sphenoid cavities, found between the eyes aside the bridge of the nose; and the maxillary sinuses, which are located on top of the cheek bones.

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are caused when the tissue in the sinuses become inflamed, blocking drainage of mucus and other secretions. The held secretions then develop an infection, and is at risk of developing further infection. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Facial pain or tenderness, especially near sinuses
• Discharge of thick, yellow-green mucus
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue

Other symptoms may vary depending on the infected sinus. These symptoms can include:

• Swelling around the eyes
• Coughing
• Stuffy nose
• Throat irritation
• Post-nasal drip
• Dizziness

Sinus infections can be caused by allergies, asthma, colds, or bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Sinus infections are not contagious. The two most common types of sinus infections are:

Acute Sinusitis, which lasts for no more than four weeks and is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Acute sinusitis is most common in people with allergies, asthma, or lowered immune systems.

Chronic Sinusitis, also known as Rhinosinusitis, lasts for more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or years.

Treatments

With proper treatment, sinusitis can usually clear up within two to four days. Treatments can include:

• Over-the counter pain relievers or decongestants
• Prescribed antibiotics (for bacterial infections)

If you are suffering from a sinus infection, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications with potential side effects, or if you are on any current medications that should not be mixed with others.  

When dealing with sinusitis, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of fluids to loosen up mucus and secretions
• Blow the nose gently. Roughly or forcefully blowing the nose can cause mucus to push back into the cavities
• Refrain from strenuous activities until fever, pain, or other acute symptoms subside
• Elevate the head on pillows when sleeping to reduce stuffiness
• Place either a warm or cold compress over affected areas (temperature depends on preference)
• Use a humidifier or steam from hot water to open up the sinuses

If a sinus infection continues for more than a week, visit your healthcare provider. See a doctor  immediately if you are suffering from any of these symptoms:

• Persisting fever
• Blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Continued pain that disrupts sleep
• Red, tender, swollen areas of skin on the face
• Inability to swallow or uncontrollable drooling
• Development of a rash
• If given antibiotics and not improving after 2 days

(Source: Mckinley Health Center)