SUZANNA’S FOOD LABELS

Last month the Wellness School had a two session course on reading food labels and making healthier food choices, organized by Suzanna.  In doing research for this project, she discovered a web site that converts data on food ingredients into food labels almost identical to those available on store bought food.  A project for the Wellness Unit has been to create food labels for our breakfast and lunch choices.  The first items labeled have been our smoothies and carrot muffins.  We are able to calculate not only calories for each item, but complete nutritional information.  This information will be enlarged and laminated, bringing food choices at the Wellness Cafe to a new level of sophistication.  This information will also be very useful for menu planning.  This is another home run for the Wellness Unit.

sophistication,

UNION SQUARE DENTAL

Ruth Parson, Wellness Unit leader, recently referred me to a dentist Nettie Edwards had used and recommended.  This kind of referral is so useful because it indicates a health care professional who is likely to be sensitive to the needs of our members.  This morning I had my first appointment and I also was very pleased with Dr. Neal Fujishige from Union Square Dental.  I do not have Medicaid insurance but Medicaid is accepted at this facility.   I must self pay and then submit computer printouts to my insurance carrier for partial reimbursement.   Prices without Medicaid were standard for private dental care but the big advantage was courteous, sensitive and prompt treatment. 

My first visit a complete set of x-rays were taken of my entire mouth by a skilled technician who was friendly and tried to make me as comfortable as possible.  X-rays were developed immediately and then Dr. Fujishige examined me.  When he recommended a crown, he took a mirror so I could see the cracked tooth.  A treatment plan was developed for me and prices quoted immediately.  Next a dental hygientist cleaned my teeth and explained the need for a deep cleaning.  I requested novacaine for this procedure and she had planned that already.  I was given an appointment for the deep cleaning in three days and the entire mouth will be cleaned in one visit, which is very convenient for me.  After that, the crown will be worked on before the tooth cracks. 

Everyone in this office was friendly and efficient.  My first impressions are often very accurate and I have the advantage of a referral from the Wellness Unit.  Finding a good dentist can be daunting but I think I have found one.  Union Square Dental is conveniently located on 14th street between 5th and 6th avenues.  Samuel, the pleasant assistant who schedules appointments, can be reached at 212-989-5253.

The Case Against Unrestricted Smoking in Outdoor Areas

· There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke.

· Short exposure to secondhand smoke can cause decreased coronary flow velocity reserves, damage the lining of the blood vessels, cause platelets to become stickier, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack. Other health risks are also increased such as lung cancer.

· A smoke-free environment is the only way to fully protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

· There is evidence emerging that secondhand smoke levels outdoors can approximate those that are known to cause serious diseases after regular indoor exposure.

· In outdoor stadiums the concentration and proximity of smokers to non-smokers can result in a significant exposure to secondhand smoke over several hours (if not less).

· Research has shown that outdoor tobacco smoke can be high during periods of smoking in locations where persons are near active smokers. For example, a non-smoker sitting a few feet downwind from a smoldering cigarette is likely to be exposed to substantial levels on contaminated air for brief periods of time.

· Outdoor tobacco smoke levels may be high in situations such as eating dinner with smokers on a outdoor patio, sitting next to a smoker at a sidewalk café, sitting next to a smoker on a park bench, or standing near a smoker outside a building.

· As one can see from the above commentaries and evidence, something as “innocuous” as standing next to a smoker outside a building can be deleterious to the non-smokers health. Therefore an appropriate distance restriction should be imposed in this circumstance. (e.g. 25 feet)

Yoga and Massage

On Wednesday night this week we struggled to find enough yoga mats for our Stress Reduction Through Massage and our newly started Yoga class. Two big classes full of folks making a statement about taking better care of ourselves. Yeah! Way to go! We want to thank L Ruth Federman from our Chelsea neighbor, the Breathing Project and our own Anna Kuchinsky of Horticulture for bringing their expertise to FH!