Nick Roselli OT - June 2022

Nick Roselli OT - June 2022

THE OT OBSERVER

. • Nick Roselli - Therapy N R-QT S peciali z in g in H and and U pper Ext re m i ty R eha b ili t a t ion

Queens 61-18 190 St. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718) 454-0842

Bronx 931-A Morris Park Ave.

Manhasset 585 Plandome Rd., Ste. 102 Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 869-5576

JUNE 2022 WWW.NROTHANDREHAB.COM

Bronx, NY 10462 (718) 822-4054

FROM FIREWORKS TO GARDENING TOP 5 RISKS FOR YOUR HANDS IN SUMMER

No. 4: Be careful about increased arthritis pain. The warmer months often mean an increase of arthritis patients with severe joint pain. In summer, this is sometimes because they’ve returned to doing activities they love, such as gardening. However, hot and humid weather can make your body more susceptible to swelling, thus more pain. No. 5: Never hold lit fireworks in your hands. Even millionaires like Jason Pierre-Paul, an NFL player for the Buccaneers, forget to be careful with fireworks and severely injure their hands — or even lose fingers. That’s why there are many fireworks safety tips that you should follow, especially those by the National Safety Council (NSC). However, if I had to pick one of the most important ones, it’s that you should never hold lit fireworks. Always set them away from you with the aid of a match or long torch. Not so fun fact: Even sparklers can be dangerous and should be handled very carefully! They burn at nearly 6,000 degrees F, which can easily set a loved one’s clothes on fire. They are partially why fireworks are a leading cause of injury for children under the age of 5. Safety is always more important than we think it is. I recently treated a patient who is a father. He didn’t want to light any fireworks, but his son asked him. This led to a traumatic accident that caused the father to lose four of his five fingers. These events can have a lasting impact on our families. If you get injured this summer, don’t hesitate to give our offices a call. We’ll offer you comfort and guidance to get through every unexpected injury.

Nobody plans to get hurt. It’s often when you least expect injury that it usually happens — but if you’re familiar with the most common threats to your safety, you’ll at least recognize risk factors before it’s too late. Since June is National Safety Month, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share the most common hand injuries I see during the bright, hot summer months in New York. No. 1: Never remove debris from machinery with your bare hands. Believe it or not, lawnmower injuries are fairly common in the summer. Grass grows taller and faster, and people bring lawnmowers out after months of disuse — but are they mowing as carefully as they should? Debris might fly into the machinery, and people will try to take it out themselves. Whether we’re talking about a lawnmower, woodchipper, or even a snowblower during winter, please think twice before putting your hand near active machinery. Make sure to turn off and unplug machinery before dismantling it. No. 2: Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling deli machines. During the holidays and summertime, I often see more butcher injuries. For example, when a deli is crowded and busy, the pressure can be high to work as fast as possible. Make sure to be careful, and don’t forget to wear your cut-resistant gloves whenever handling one of these machines. The big yellow gloves might seem cartoonish, but your hands — a crucial tool not to be undervalued — will thank you in the long run. No. 3: Do your best to maintain your balance. I’m not talking about drinking here (not just drinking, anyway!). If you’re a weekend warrior and play frequent sports, you might find yourself busier than ever in the summer. Don’t get too reckless; try to play smartly on your feet to maintain your balance and your hand health. Even during innocuous daily activities, families and kids should be careful too. I’ve treated kids who play a little too roughly and have fallen too hard on their hands. I’ve also treated people who have fallen off stepladders while tending plants and flowers around the home. It’s worth the effort to make sure you’re properly supported in whatever you’re doing around the house.

–Nick Roselli, OTR/L, CHT, Owner

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HOW YOUR ORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH LINK TOGETHER EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

Our bodies are made up of many systems working together to keep us functional and healthy. It’s so complex that even scientists don’t understand how all of it works. But we do know that our health is a whole-body experience, and ignoring one aspect of our wellness will often lead to other problems down the line. Oral health is no exception. For example, poor dental health can contribute to cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can lead to gum disease. Still, most people don’t know that their oral and mental health are linked. Researchers have found that people who suffer from mental illnesses are more likely to develop oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, experts have identified several reasons for the apparent connection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people across the globe are affected by depression. That’s about 5% of the adult population. Depression is more than just sadness, and it impacts people’s ability to think clearly and engage in regular activities. Oral care routines often fall by the wayside as a result, along with dental visits. This neglect of regular mouth maintenance can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Meanwhile, anxiety can make social interactions terrifying, and sufferers may have difficulty scheduling and attending dental appointments. Additionally, many people have a phobia of dentists that causes them to postpone care. Due to this anxiety or fear, oral health issues can go untreated and significantly worsen.

There are still more connections. People with eating disorders may experience dental erosion or low calcium levels that affect their teeth. Pain is a risk factor for depression, so existing oral pain can spark or worsen mental health problems. And while more research is needed, a 2019 study found a possible genetic link between depression and oral health conditions. If you’re struggling, you need to protect your mental and physical health. Talk to your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing, and be open to their recommendations. Treating your mind well will lead to better health and perhaps a happier and longer life. In addition to this, don’t forget to include your dentist in your plans for full-body health. They’re not trained mental health professionals, but they can provide helpful strategies to help you maintain your dental health while seeking treatment for your mental health as well. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medication you’re taking. Side effects from antidepressants can include dry mouth or teeth grinding, and your dentist can help you minimize the damage. Whatever you're going through, it's crucial to keep your entire health team engaged. Physicians, dentists, and therapists all have specialized roles, but outcomes are better when each specialty has the complete picture and can work together. Keep the lines of communication open — and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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Making a meal plan is a pain, but you still want to get all your necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein through everyday foods. Even if you’re not a cooking expert, you can employ a few very simple cooking hacks in the dishes you commonly prepare! You'll be surprised how these little boosts can reap big, nutritious rewards. No. 1: Add quinoa to recipes. Want to add extra texture or color to your steamed white or brown rice? Mix it up with 1 cup of quinoa (any color) and another 2 cups of water or broth. Or, simply throw quinoa into any grain-friendly soup you’re preparing, like a simple chicken soup! Quinoa is rich in antioxidants and filled with fiber to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease. No. 2: Replace cream with almond, walnut, or oat milk. Cream is a popular mainstay in any American kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be dairy cream. Plant-based milk and creamer (such as almond, walnut, or oat milk) are often extra rich in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. They contain no cholesterol and are easy on your digestive system. Because they all have slightly different flavor profiles, you can pick your favorite! Walnut milk works surprisingly well in a creamy pasta sauce. 3 Easy Cooking Hacks for Better Nutrition

No. 3: Add frozen spinach to almost anything. Fresh spinach quickly loses its folate, powerful vitamins, and nutritional benefits over time, but spinach, frozen at its peak freshness, saves the day. That’s why frozen spinach is actually more nutritious than most fresh spinach at the supermarket! Whether it's for pasta, pizza, scrambled eggs, cheese dip, a smoothie, or curry, frozen spinach is more versatile than you might think. Plus, studies show spinach may have amino acids that help reduce stress and depression! (Bonus) No. 4: Add chia seeds to cold drinks, yogurt, baked desserts, and more! It’s easy to feel guilty for indulging your cravings for sweet tea, pudding, cookies, and cake. But if you add chia seeds, you might feel a little better about it! These small seeds are densely packed with antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management.

We hope these tips help make your favorite dishes a little more fun and guilt-free! Enjoy!

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

TAKE A BREAK!

Inspired by RecipeRunner.com

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt For the Skewers • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!

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. • Nick Roselli - Therapy N R-QT S peciali z in g in H and and U pper Ext re m i ty R eha b ili t a t ion

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

www.nrothandrehab.com

61-18 190 St. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

1. 5 Summertime Hand Safety Risks 2. Your Mental Health Can Affect Your Mouth 3. 3 Cooking Hacks to Eat Better Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers 4. Permanent Weight Loss Is Too Hard — Or Is It? INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SPOILER: YOUR BODY IS SCARED OF IT WHY IS PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS SO HARD?

Losing weight is hard — and not just because creating new diet and exercise habits is difficult. The truth is that you’re working against your body’s natural instincts, which is to preserve weight. In other words, even when weight loss is the healthiest thing you can do for your body, physiologically, your body rarely realizes that.

A popular, effective way to think of weight loss is “calories in, calories out” (CICO). You want more calories going out than coming in because this helps sustain a caloric deficit which can assist in losing weight. However, not all calories affect your hormones the same way, and being overweight to begin with can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate an appropriate appetite. So, how do I lose weight — for good? Even after following a new diet and exercise regimen, most people are likely to regain about 30%–35% of the weight they’ve lost after one year. After sacrificing those potato chips for sugar snap peas, this is frustrating! But we promise that some changes do help maintain permanent weight loss, including replacing processed foods in your diet.

As just one example, according to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a diet with added fructose (high-fructose

corn syrup) is linked to insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, and higher triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels — but if you replace fructose with regular sugars and glucose, the risk is noticeably less. That said, fruit with natural fructose does not appear to carry the same risks as added fructose. Our bodies are complex machines. Many factors beyond diet (genetics, medical comorbidities, long-standing diabetes, stress, sleep, etc.) can affect your ability to lose weight. The best path to a healthier weight is to move more and find multiple ways to live a healthier life, one small step at a time.

How does weight loss work? Complex interactions between hormones and neurons in your

hypothalamus control how much you weigh. Your hypothalamus controls your thirst, hunger, and body temperature. The chemicals that interact with the hypothalamus therefore influence your appetite and how much food you eat. In particular, fat cells in your body produce the hormone leptin, which then tells your body when you’ve stored enough fat, thus decreasing your appetite.

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YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. HELP US GIVE YOU ANSWERS!

Remember, you don’t have to live in pain. Let us help you! Tell us what condition of the hand and upper extremity you would like to know more about. Scan the QR code below and answer a simple 30-second 4-question survey. We’ll let you know the results of this survey in our upcoming newsletters. Thank you so much for your participation!

When the remote worker starts to feel like typing is painful … When the chef can’t hold their tools in the same way as before … When the weekend warrior starts to dread their elbow pain … When the parent starts to lose their own independence … These are all moments when people have questions about their hand, wrist, and elbow health, but they might be afraid to ask. Even the strongest individuals may choose to ignore the pain instead.

SCAN ME! TAKE OUR SHORT 30-SECOND SURVEY

. • Nick Roselli - Therapy N R-QT S peciali z in g in H and and U pper Ext re m i ty R eha b ili t a t ion WWW.NROTHANDREHAB.COM

Queens 61-18 190 St. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718) 454-0842

Bronx 931-A Morris Park Ave.

Manhasset 585 Plandome Rd., Ste. 102 Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 869-5576

Bronx, NY 10462 (718) 822-4054