Did You Gain Weight During Quarantine? Here’s How to Lose it.

May 5, 2021 | COVID-19, Diet and Nutrition, Your Health

Have you gained any weight since the stay-at-home orders were issued in March of 2020? If so, you are not alone. The American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” poll found that 61 percent of its 3,013 adult respondents experienced undesired weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 42 percent reporting they gained more weight than they intended. The median weight gain was 15 pounds.

Whether it is 15 pounds or the “Quarantine 19,” studies have found that stress, in this case generated by the health crisis, influences changes in eating patterns and increases the desire for foods high in fat and sugar. Excessive weight gain and obesity is a risk factor for developing potentially life-threatening health problems, including COVID-19.

You can begin to make changes in your lifestyle to lose this weight. Mary Graffagnino, Chief Dietitian at Mount Sinai South Nassau, offers these 10 simple steps:

  1. Eat more veggies, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
  2. Avoid processed foods, such as baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and meat products, such as bacon, sausage, and salami.
  3. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages.
  4. Engage in regular physical exercise. Get at least 150 minutes each week.
  5. Eat breakfast every day. Skipping the first meal of the day makes you hungrier for the next one.
  6. Make sure you get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep is linked to a higher risk of obesity.
  7. Do not be a member of the “clean-plate” club. Leave a few bites of food on your plate, especially when eating out.
  8. Eat mindfully and savor your food. Consider putting away your phone at meal time.
  9. Control your portion size. If you crave a chocolate bar, have a smaller size or half a bar. One serving of meat or poultry should fit in the palm of your hand, or no bigger than a deck of cards
  10. Keep a food journal. Jot down all the meals and snacks you have eaten throughout the day.
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Can COVID-19 Spread Faster in an Air Conditioned House?

May 3, 2021 | COVID-19, Health Hub, Your Health

As the weather begins to turn warmer and people spend more time at home, many will be thinking about cranking up the AC. Some might wonder whether COVID-19 can spread faster in an air conditioned home.

Waleed Javaid, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, says it is possible, but not likely.

If someone in the house who is infected with the virus is coughing and sneezing and not being careful, then tiny virus particles in respiratory droplets could be circulated in the air. Anything that moves air currents around the room can spread these droplets, whether it is an air conditioning system, a window-mounted AC unit, a forced heating system, or even a fan, according to Dr. Javaid.

But he notes the added risk is limited and can be overcome with careful observance of the general rules for minimizing the spread of the virus. The most important point is that people with the virus should be very careful about covering their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Anyone who is infected should stay in an out-of-the way part of the residence, away from others, he says. Those in the residence should treat others as if they could be infected with the virus by maintaining a safe distance and frequently washing their hands.

One thing you can do if you are a homeowner and have a forced air heating and cooling system is ensure that the air filter in your unit is replaced according to the filter instructions, he said. Some filters are designed to remove particles such as respiratory droplets.

Also, opening a window can help bring in fresh air from the outside and disperse stale air inside, and that could help reduce the possibility of the spread of the virus particles in the house.

Questions about the possible role of air conditioners in spreading the virus arose after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently posted a paper to be published in the July 2020 issue of an agency publication. In the paper, Chinese researchers traced an outbreak of COVID-19 to the air flow in an air-conditioned restaurant and recommended increasing the distance between tables and improving ventilation.

Currently, one of the best ways to protect against COVID-19 is to get yourself, and all eligible household members, vaccinated. Vaccination has been proven to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 as well as transmitting the illness. 

If you would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine, contact your state or local health department for scheduling information.

 

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How to Cope With Post-Pandemic Anxiety

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | COVID-19, Mental Health, Psychiatry, Your Health

Young woman sits in window sill while looking at phone

With vaccination efforts ramping up across the United States, people are looking forward to a sense of normalcy. However, for many, the thought of things returning to normal brings a paralyzing sense of anxiety. Shannon O’Neill, PhD, licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the post-pandemic anxiety you may be experiencing and how to overcome those complicated feelings.

Why are people feeling anxious as we see signs of the pandemic easing?

It makes a lot of sense that people are feeling anxious and unsettled right now. Just when we were finally adjusting to a new normal with some predictability and flow, the world is preparing to change all over again. Future uncertainty and a sense of not knowing what to expect can fuel anticipatory anxiety. There is even a diagnosis for this feeling: adjustment disorder.

What does that mean?

Adjustment disorder is described as an emotional or behavioral reaction to stress or change in a person’s life. As vaccinations tick up and warmer weather approaches, there will likely be a significant readjustment of phasing normalcy back into our lives, similar to the adjustments made to social distancing or quarantining at home. This can, naturally, cause feelings of anxiety, as well as depression.

In most circumstances, beginning to reintegrate a ‘normal’ routine can enhance ones confidence. So, having the extra protection of the vaccine amongst ourselves and within our community may offer added physical and emotional security for those who are feeling anxious about things going back to normal.

How can I overcome the new feelings of anxiety I’ve developed during quarantine?

A classic treatment approach for an anxiety diagnosis is exposure. Rather than avoiding what is feared, it is important to lean into those activities.

Technology has been a wonderful and very helpful incentive for us to stay home when it was important to do so. Whether enabling us to receive a grocery or pharmacy delivery or attend a virtual happy hour, technology has allowed us to obtain resources and socialize from a distance. However, for some, this adaptation can turn into over accommodation and avoidance.

Thankfully, through repeated exposures to feared stimuli, while also following CDC guidelines, you should eventually become more comfortable. However, this may mean that you will need to ease in with smaller social commitments that have time limits before expanding out to larger outings. For instance, if attending an extended outing with your larger—hopefully fully vaccinated—social group sounds too much, try connecting with a friend you haven’t seen in a year with an hour-long picnic in the park. Once you feel comfortable with these smaller interactions, you can begin to safely expand your social network.

Another good rule of thumb is to know your boundaries and limits ahead of time as this will allow for some predictability and certainty. Ask yourself, what are you willing to tolerate? Is it the group size, rules around mask wearing, or the amount of time you are present? Acknowledging your boundaries and sticking to a plan can offer a good sense of confidence when you leave your home.

How can I tell if my anxiety about leaving the house is agoraphobia? What are the symptoms?

Agoraphobia is a clinical diagnosis under the umbrella of anxiety. This entails marked fear or anxiety across a number of situations whether that is going outside alone, using public transportation, standing in line, or being in large crowds or within closed spaces.

When there is fear of leaving the home, significant avoidance or behavioral modifications can develop. This can be turning down invitations, starting to self-medicate before leaving the home, or engaging in ‘safety behaviors’ such as only leaving the home with a trusted loved one.

How do I know if I should seek care for these feelings?

If current behaviors and emotions cause significant distress, impact daily functioning, or affect interpersonal relationships, it would be a good time to seek help from a trusted provider. Additionally, if self-medication—via drugs, alcohol, or even food—is necessary to white-knuckle your way through a task, seeking help would be important.

Telehealth services have expanded throughout the Mount Sinai Health System during the pandemic and this can be a wonderful way to begin psychotherapy for those with anxiety or agoraphobia. Working towards even just meeting in person with your provider is a great treatment goal at the start of these sessions.

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How Can I Tell the Difference Between Seasonal Allergies and COVID-19?

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Allergy, COVID-19, Your Health

Today, every sniffle, every cough, and every sneeze are a cause for concern. “Do I have COVID-19?” races through our minds. Madeleine R. Schaberg, MD, Director of Rhinology and Endoscopic Surgery, Mount Sinai Downtown, helps you tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19.

How do the symptoms of seasonal allergies differ from COVID-19?

The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies are itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing, while the symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Many symptomatic patients with COVID-19 will have a fever which, in an adult, is a temperature above 99°F.

Other symptoms of seasonal allergies include post-nasal drip, facial pressure and sinus headaches, and mild fatigue. We generally do not see a significant amount of coughing with seasonal allergies, except in patients with significant post-nasal drip or allergy associated asthma. Sneezing is generally a prominent feature of seasonal allergies, but it has not been reported with COVID-19, although it may happen occasionally.

In general, the key differentiating factors between COVID-19 and allergies are fever and body aches (malaise). Typically, you do not see either symptom in allergy sufferers. While you may see some mild fatigue with allergies, the fatigue we are seeing with COVID-19 is more extreme.

Are there other symptoms that may indicate COVID-19?

Yes, in addition to cough and fever, many patients will experience a loss of smell (anosmia). We don’t typically see a loss of smell with seasonal allergies, unless patients have significant congestion of the nasal passages or have polyps blocking their nasal passages. The loss of smell that is associated with COVID-19 is thought to be due to direct damage to the olfactory nerve and specialized olfactory neuroepithelium.

It’s also worth noting that, for most people, COVID-19 is an acute illness. Patients will develop symptoms between 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. Those symptoms will then last 10 to 14 days. Although symptoms may differ from person to person, they will appear in most people within the 14-day exposure window. This is true whether you have a moderate case or a severe case.

Allergies are more of a chronic issue. They will generally manifest as mild symptoms and last for the allergy season, which is typically from April to mid-June.  Compared to COVID-19, seasonal allergies, as well as allergies that occur perennially, have a much longer time course. In addition, patients will often be familiar with their typical seasonal allergy symptoms, as they often will be similar each spring.

What is the treatment for allergies?

For allergies, the first line of treatment is over-the-counter antihistamines. The main inflammatory mediator of seasonal allergies is histamine. This would include such medications as, cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine. There are also many over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays, which are extremely effective for allergy relief, such as budesonide, fluticasone, and triamcinolone.

If patients don’t get relief with over-the-counter medication, then an appointment with a rhinologist would be appropriate to explore possible prescription medication.

There are many prescription medications that can be extremely helpful.

I’m unsure if I am suffering from allergies or COVID-19. What should I do?

If you are experiencing mild symptoms that you are concerned may be COVID-19, there are a number of testing options available.

In-person testing is available at all Mount Sinai Urgent Care locations for walk-in or scheduled appointment.

You can also have your symptoms assessed virtually throughout Mount Sinai Urgent Care. Physicians are available for online consultations, video calls, and via text from your mobile device. Additionally, you can contact your Mount Sinai primary care physician or use Mount Sinai’s Express Online Consult Click4Care to receive virtual assessment of your symptoms.

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I’m Young and Healthy. Why Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | COVID-19, Vaccines, Your Health

States are moving quickly to enable more people to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines. In New York, for example, those 16 and older are now eligible. But many young adults may believe they do not need to get vaccinated.

In this Q&A, Michelle Cespedes, MD, MS, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Sinai who has treated many patients with COVID-19, explains that young people should get the vaccine to limit the spread of the disease, especially new variants; to avoid potential long-term complications for themselves; and to protect others, especially older family members, relatives, and friends. Dr. Cespedes is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Should young people worry about becoming infected with COVID-19?

This is a question I hear often these days. A lot of people think that because they’re young, they probably won’t get COVID-19. And even if they do, the reasoning goes, they won’t get a bad case. There are data that suggest younger people might not get as sick with the coronavirus as older people. They might be less likely to need hospitalization. But that doesn’t mean young people can’t get COVID-19 and potentially spread it on to other family members. This is especially important to remember when you think about visiting family members around the holidays. We saw that huge spike in cases last year right after Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’d like to avoid a repeat of that.

Is it true that if I get a mild case of COVID-19, it’s nothing to be concerned about?

It is true that young people might not get as sick as the elderly. But that doesn’t mean COVID-19 has no effect on you. Even people who had a mild case may experience long-term effects. Evidence suggests that COVID-19, like any other virus that causes inflammation, can affect the lungs, the nerves to the brain, and even the brain itself. For instance, the loss of taste or smell suggests inflammation in the nerves that control the ability to taste or smell.

Another common side effect is what we call brain fog, which is not a distinct medical or scientific term used regularly by medical professionals. Brain fog describes a collection of symptoms related to changes in thinking and memory. Patients who have had COVID-19 sometimes report that their thinking is sluggish or not sharp, often with poor memory, recall, or attention span. It can be best described as the sense that “I came into this room for something, but I can’t remember what.” While brain fog won’t land you in the hospital, it can last for many months.

Additionally, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Naval Medical Research Center, past COVID-19 infection does not fully protect young people against reinfection. The study found that reinfection was quite common amount young healthy adults, making it even more important for them to get vaccinated in order to prevent reinfection, boost their immune responses, and reduce transmission.

How does my getting the vaccine help other people?

When you get vaccinated, it means you likely cannot get the virus, which means it won’t make you sick—and you won’t pass it onto anyone else. In addition to protecting yourself, the vaccine also helps the larger community. If there are fewer targets for the virus to jump to, fewer people will get sick. And that means there will be less chance for more virulent variants to develop. Getting the vaccine is an act of love for your friends and family and the larger community.

 

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If you would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine, contact your state or local health department for scheduling.

New York State       New York City

New Jersey               Connecticut

Mount Sinai Employees Reflect as a Community One Year into the Pandemic

Mar 16, 2021 | Community, COVID-19, Featured

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, Mount Sinai Health System employees marked one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic with a day of reflection.

Across Mount Sinai, at 10:30 am, 4:30 pm, and 11:30 pm, employees paused to reflect on everything they have experienced this last year—the loss of loved ones and cherished colleagues, the struggles that have helped them grow, the ways our world has changed, the means by which they find resilience, and the moments and people for whom they are grateful. Sharing this moment together allowed members of the Mount Sinai community to acknowledge where they have been, how they feel today, and how they will move forward together.

Employees at Mount Sinai Queens gathered outside to share the moment together while the Rev. Rachelle Zazzu, DDS, read a blessing and eloquently stated, “One year ago, COVID-19 changed the world. We could suddenly see the top of the tallest mountains, but not our friends and our family. And it changed us forever.”

At Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, and many of the surrounding ambulatory sites, leaders, chaplains, and wellness committee members rounded on all three shifts over a 24-hour period. They brought LED tea lights and sticky notes to work areas and invited staff to remember and reflect. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate. Recurrent themes included sadness about loved ones lost to COVID-19, hope about the approaching end of the pandemic, and pride in their “work families.”

The Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai-Union Square, and other ambulatory locations collected notes of resilience and loss in a central location with tea lights for the community to view and experience collectively. Many sites also shared information on Mount Sinai’s employee wellness resources.

“We had quite a bit of patient participation and a lot of valuable conversations about what people have endured in the past year, whom they have lost, and what they are grateful for,” said Lititia Satpathy, Project Manager, who organized the event at Mount Sinai-Union Square. “Hosting the event in the atrium attracted a lot of attention toward the table, and even if people did not choose to write a note or light a candle, almost everyone acknowledged the meaning behind this important day.”

Like the rest of the world, the Mount Sinai community has experienced immeasurable loss and sacrifice on an individual and community level. And yet, through groundbreaking innovation, an unwavering commitment to our patients, and exceptional agility and teamwork, Mount Sinai employees have saved thousands of lives and have vaccinated tens of thousands of people, bringing us closer as a community and closer to the end of this pandemic.

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