Jan 10, 2025 | Recipes, Your Health
Whether you have a craving for lime, mango, or guacamole, these delicious dips will make a nutritious snack for you and your guests. Enjoy!
Tiny Lime Scoops
Ingredients:
1/2 to 1 small red bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
3 peaches (fresh or canned), chopped into small cubes
3 tangerines, peeled (fresh or canned, drained)
1 lime, cut into wedges
Bag of multigrain tortilla chips
Preparation:
Place the pepper, peaches, and tangerines into a bowl. Squeeze the lime over the fruit and vegetables. Stir.
Dip and scoop the mixture with multigrain grain chips and enjoy.
Each serving:
13 chips and 1/4 cup dip
200 calories per serving
While I was taking nutrition class for a certification, I learned how to put fruits and vegetable together. The lime in this dip reminds me of my culture in Puerto Rico, and the bright colors are inviting. I enjoy this while watching my son’s baseball games, and I serve it at parties. This is a guilt-free treat, because of the nutritional value of the dip. – Taynisha, Jr Secretary/Scheduler, Mount Sinai Queens
Mango Salsa
Ingredients:
3 ripe mangos, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup of chopped red onion
1/4 cup of packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 large lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
1/8 to 1/4 t salt, to taste
Preparation:
In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
Drizzle with the juice of one lime.
Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt, and stir again.
For best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.
Nutrition:
Serves 6
Calories 48
Total Carbohydrates 11.8g
Protein 0.9g
Fat 0.3g
Growing up I always loved mango which is a tropical fruit from my native Dominican Republic. It is a simple recipe that can be prepared in minutes. This tropical and colorful mango salsa is simple to make. Serve it as a healthy appetizer or side, with tortilla chips, tacos, meal bowls, seafood, and more! -Ana, Director Community Affairs, Mount Sinai Queens
Guacamole Dip
Ingredients:
4 large ripe avocados
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoon of lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 slices whole-wheat pita bread
Preparation:
Add lime juice, garlic, and salt to a medium-sized bowl and combine. Cut avocados in half, removing the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl with the lime juice mixture. Mash the avocado with a fork until a creamy dip is formed, leaving some large chunks for texture.
Toast pita bread for one to two minutes until slightly crispy. Once toasted, use a sharp knife to cut into six equal triangles for dipping.
Serve the guacamole dip immediately with the toasted pita slices and cut-up vegetables, like carrots, celery sticks, or zucchini spears.
Recipe Tip: This classic guacamole is mild and creamy, making it a hit with kids. If making ahead of time, squeeze extra lime juice over the top and cover very tightly with plastic wrap to keep from browning.
Nutrition:
270 calories per serving
Makes 4 servings
Jan 9, 2025 | Infectious Diseases, Your Health
Norovirus, also known as stomach flu, is a group of viruses that cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. There are an estimated 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While norovirus is common in the winter and spreads easily, there are actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe.
Bernard Camins, MD
In this Q&A, Bernard Camins, MD, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Medical Director for Infection Prevention for the Mount Sinai Health System, explains how to prevent and treat norovirus.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people may have fevers and chills.
How long does norovirus infection last?
About one to three days.
How contagious is norovirus, and for how long?
Norovirus is very contagious. Most people are contagious for at least three days, and some people are contagious for up to two weeks, even after symptoms are gone.
How does norovirus spread?
Norovirus is primarily spread through fecal-oral transmission—for example, restaurant staff or members of the same household fail to thoroughly wash their hands after using the bathroom, then spread it to others through contaminated food. You can also get it by touching shared surfaces from a sick person after they use the bathroom and less commonly from droplets contaminated with the virus when an infected person vomits.
How can I prevent norovirus?
Number one is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds before eating or preparing meals. Alcohol-based sanitizers do not work as effectively against norovirus. Stay home if you are sick and avoid preparing food for others or sharing food, and avoid shared bathrooms, if possible. If you do have to share a bathroom, disinfect the toilet, sink, door handles, and any other shared surfaces, after you use it. Do not share dishes, utensils, or cups.
How can I treat norovirus?
The most important thing is to prevent dehydration by drinking water, juice, or a sports drink. Eat bland foods if you can tolerate them.
How do I know if I should see a doctor?
While norovirus symptoms are often severe, most infections clear on their own after a few days and do not require a doctor. However, if you are not able to keep liquids down, you should seek medical attention.
What should I do if my child has norovirus?
Keep them home. Norovirus can lead to severe dehydration in babies and children with underlying health problems. Learn more about what to do if you suspect your child has norovirus.
Is norovirus worse this year than previous years, and if so, why?
There is no evidence that norovirus is worse this year compared to previous years. Norovirus outbreaks usually happen around January due to people gathering for the holidays. Peak season for norovirus is November through April.
Updated on Dec 6, 2024 | Your Health
If you have been trying to conceive for some time and are considering fertility treatment, you may have been told about the options of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In this Q&A, Devora Aharon, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of New York, explains the advantages of each approach and how to choose the path that is right for you. RMA of New York is the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Health System.
What is IUI?
Devora Aharon, MD
IUI involves preparing a concentrated sample of sperm that is inserted into the top of the uterus using a soft catheter. This brings the sperm in closer proximity to the egg to fertilize it, bypassing some of the barriers in the vagina and cervix. IUI is timed around ovulation, but for patients who do not ovulate regularly, oral medication may be used to augment your chances of success. In you ovulate monthly, these medications may cause multiple eggs to be released, increasing the chance that at least one egg will be healthy and result in pregnancy.
What is IVF?
IVF involves the use of injection medication for 1½ to 2 weeks to stimulate the ovaries to mature multiple eggs in one cycle. The eggs are extracted through a vaginal egg retrieval procedure under anesthesia and then fertilized with sperm to form embryos. The embryos can be biopsied to test for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic conditions before being frozen. In the same or subsequent cycle, the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation using estrogen and progesterone.
What are advantages of IUI vs. IVF?
From a practical perspective, an IUI cycle involves fewer medications and visits for monitoring and does not involve a procedure under anesthesia. However, IVF has a higher chance of success compared to IUI. Moreover, more than one healthy embryo is often created from one IVF cycle. All of these embryos can be tested and frozen for future use when age may present a greater barrier.
What are specific situations in which one might choose IUI vs. IVF?
Depending on your individual diagnosis and personal circumstances, there are important factors to consider when choosing between IUI and IVF to build your family. While the following is not an exhaustive list, below are diagnoses and factors that might lead one to choose IUI or IVF:
- Male factor infertility: If sperm counts are low, IUI can help give sperm a boost and increase chances of pregnancy. If sperm counts are extremely low, IUI is less likely to work and IVF is typically recommended.
- Tubal factor infertility: If the fallopian tubes are blocked or abnormal, IVF is needed to bypass the tubes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Many patients with PCOS do not ovulate regularly. Oral medications can induce ovulation, and intercourse or IUI timed around ovulation can be effective in achieving pregnancy. IVF is also effective in patients with PCOS because these patients often have a high ovarian reserve, which can lead to a high response to ovarian stimulation.
- Advanced reproductive age: Pregnancy becomes more difficult to achieve in your late 30s and 40s due to decreases in the quality and quantity of eggs. IVF with preimplantation genetic testing can help identify normal embryos that have a high chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
- Using sperm donation, egg donation, or surrogacy: Patients using a sperm donor will often start with IUI, especially if the patient does not have an underlying diagnosis of infertility. However, even in these cases, IVF can increase chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy sooner. Egg donors will undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and the eggs will be fertilized with sperm and then transferred to a patient’s uterus or that of a gestational carrier. Patients using a gestational carrier with their own eggs will undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval before the eggs are fertilized with partner or donor sperm, and an embryo will be transferred into the uterus of the gestational carrier.
The choice to undergo IUI or IVF is highly personalized based on individual factors like your age, diagnoses, timeline, and desired family size.
Updated on Dec 5, 2025 | Your Health
As the colder weather is here and children typically spend more time indoors and in close contact, it’s common to see a rise in cases of respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We have also seen what we now recognize as a seasonal rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the summer. Those combined with back-to-school season make it particularly important to stay vigilant with your child’s health and vaccinations.
Jennifer Duchon, MD, DrPH, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers ways you can keep your child protected and discusses vaccination recommendations.
“Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are our most important tools for preventing these viruses and their complications,” says Dr. Duchon. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is critical to safeguarding not only ourselves but our most vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
In addition, there are practices you can teach your child to prevent the spread of viruses. It’s recommended that everyone follow these tips:
- Wash hands often and with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and sneeze into a tissue.
- Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- If you are sick, try to stay home.
- Keep kids at home when they are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often.
“Recently, there has been a lot of information and ‘disinformation’ about vaccines in general, and information that seems conflicting can be very confusing. The vaccines that we give to children are safe and prevent serious complication from the disease that they target,” Dr. Duchon says. “The best place to get information is your pediatrician or other health care provider who cares for your family, and whom you trust. Part of our job as physicians is answering your questions, so please do not hesitate to ask.”
COVID-19
Though COVID-19 cases are much lower than during the pandemic, there are still cases that arise throughout the year, and it’s advised that parents remain cautious.
Some symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, shortness of breath, congestion and fatigue. Symptoms may be similar to a cold or the flu, so it’s important that if your child presents any symptoms, they get a test to determine the best course of treatment.
It’s recommended that children over six months old receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they have received doses of earlier versions. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are aimed at protecting people from the latest strains of the virus. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are similar to earlier versions, relying on the same “messenger RNA” or “mRNA” technology and are expected to remain effective as the new strains emerge throughout the year.
RSV
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, but can cause very severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, in very young infants and elderly people. The RSV “season” typically starts in October in the Northeast, and cases tend to reach a peak in December. Babies and young children are more at risk to develop severe RSV.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one year of age. Additionally, most of the deaths or severe disease from RSV occur in infants up to six months old.
The most at-risk groups are premature infants; infants younger than six months of age; children younger than two with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease; children with weakened immune systems; and children who have neuromuscular disorders.
Early symptoms for infants and children include a runny nose, eating or drinking less, or a cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing. Very young infants may display irritability, decreased activity, eating or drinking less or apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds).
There are two immunization strategies available to protect infants. Babies and some young children may receive an immunization containing an antibody against RSV (passive immunization) called nirsevimab. Nirsevimab contains monoclonal antibodies, which are man-made proteins that protect against RSV. Studies on the U.S. population have shown that this immunization reduces the risk of severe RSV disease by approximately 80 percent. It’s recommended that infants less than eight months of age get this immunization between October and March.
Additionally, pregnant mothers may receive an RSV maternal vaccine (active vaccination), Abrysvo®, at weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. When a person receives this vaccine, their body responds by making antibodies that protect against RSV. These antibodies are then passed to the baby. This vaccine is more than 80 percent effective in preventing severe RSV disease through three months of age and about 70 percent effective through six months of age. Immunization is recommended between September and January.
Speak to your health care provider to learn more about these vaccines and choose the right option for you.
Influenza
Children younger than five, and especially those younger than two, are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. Children of any age with certain chronic health conditions are also at a higher risk. While children over five are not at a higher risk, they can spread the flu to vulnerable groups, such as older family members. Also, children who catch the flu will feel miserable.
It’s recommended that children over six months old get vaccinated, not only for their own protection, but to protect those around them. There are two types of vaccine options currently available: the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine. Speak to your child’s health care provider to find out which vaccine would be right for your child. It’s recommended to get vaccinated between September and October, but vaccination can occur any time if your child has not gotten the flu vaccine yet.
Nov 28, 2024 | Mental Health, Your Health
The holidays are a joyous time. But they can also be a very busy time, which can cause us to overlook the things we should be grateful for, the simple pleasures of life, and the importance of our health and well-being. Here are 10 holiday wellness tips from Mount Sinai Fit, whose staff of nutritionists—all certified diabetes educators—work year round to support the wellness of Mount Sinai employees and patients and help them to achieve their health goals.
Express Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect on your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues and all that is positive in your life. As you prepare for the holidays, set your intention to approach each celebration with gratitude, less stress, and greater happiness. Many experts believe that feeling grateful and expressing gratitude is beneficial to your health.
Celebrate Together, in Person or Virtually
This year, some of us may not be able to be with family and friends to celebrate the holidays in large gatherings. Consider sharing a recipe with them to make in their homes, and enjoy it together virtually.
Scale Back
It is okay to scale back your menus, to reduce food waste and not feel obligated to eat leftovers for days. Consider making fewer dishes, or try healthy alternatives, like a whole roasted cauliflower head as the main course or as a side dish. Use the holidays to try something new and seasonal for you.
Follow the One Plate Rule
Put the one plate rule into practice by implementing mindful eating. Enjoying your food and eating slowly. Take time in between bites to drink water and catch up with friends or family. Practicing mindful eating and portion control is one of the best ways you can allow yourself some indulgences while sticking to your eating plan.
Eat Vegetables
Fill at least half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as salad, other greens, and roasted vegetables. These healthy options will add volume, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal. You will still have room, but less room, on your plate for other types of dishes. Roasting cauliflower, broccoli, butternut or delicata squash or carrots are delicious, healthy and satisfying. After they are roasted, they can be pureed with some olive oil and serve a nice substitution for mashed potatoes.
Keep Dessert to a Few Bites
Desserts can tack on a large amount of calories, fat, and sugar. Enjoy just a few bites of your favorite sweet treats and take a moment to savor them. Take time to appreciate the flavor and feel satisfied.
Drink Wisely
Sweet cocktails and beverages such as juice and soda are high in calories and sugar, which can increase blood sugar. Why not choose beverages such as seltzer, water or unsweetened iced tea to quench your thirst?
Move
Exercise and movement help to burn calories, improve blood sugar levels, increase energy and boost your mood. Plan to get in at least 30 minutes of activity each day. Invite family or friends to take a walk with you after each holiday meal.
Listen to Your Body
Eat slowly so that you notice when you are satisfied. Once you feel you are getting full, put down your fork and save the remaining contents of your dish for leftovers. Your body will feel better and you will be happy with your choices.
When Invited, Bring Your Own Healthy Dish (BYOHD)
Why not bring a healthy dish to share with your host and other guests? Everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Nov 25, 2024 | Featured, Your Health
True or false: Lung cancer only affects those who have smoked a long time. The answer: False.
The actual connection between smoking and lung cancer is one of three key takeaways about lung cancer from the experts at Mount Sinai.
- Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but not the only cause. Smoking is responsible for about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. But a growing number of nonsmokers are being diagnosed with lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and how long someone has smoked. For non-smokers, a family history, secondhand smoke and exposure to chemicals like radon and asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women.
- Early diagnosis is important. Lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in survival rates.
The symptoms of lung cancer are the same whether or not you have smoked. Some people have general symptoms of not feeling well or feeling tired all the time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some people cough frequently, cough up blood, or have chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can happen with other illnesses. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, who can help find the cause.
Here are more important updates on lung cancer prevention and treatment from the Center of Excellence for Thoracic Oncology, led by co-directors Fred R. Hirsch, MD, PhD, and Andrew J Kaufman, MD, and the entire team at Mount Sinai Health System have vast experience researching, detecting, and treating lung cancers.
These experts note a number of important developments in the field, including improved cure rates thanks to early detection of lung cancer through low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans and by raising awareness of lung cancer risk in “never smokers.” Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is helping to find lung cancer earlier and more accurately, while a recent study points to disparities in lung cancer testing.
Cure Rate From Early Detection
Research led by Claudia Henschke, MD, PhD, Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology and Director of the Early Lung and Cardiac Action Program (ELCAP) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, indicates that early detection works. In a multi-decade study (1992-2022) involving more than 31,000 people, those who detected lung cancer early through low-dose CT scans had an 81 percent survival rate after 20 years. The average five-year survival rate for all lung cancer patients is 28 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. However, only 23 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.
“Early detection is crucial in the fight against lung cancer,” said Dr. Henschke. “Our research shows that annual low-dose CT screening significantly increases survival rates by identifying cancers at their most treatable stages. We encourage individuals, especially those at higher risk, to take advantage of these screening opportunities.”
Lung Cancer in Never Smokers
According to the American Cancer Society, up to 20 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked. This fact helps us understand that lung cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers. Factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, asbestos, or a family history of lung cancer may increase your risk of lung cancer. Researchers estimate that second-hand smoke contributes to about 7,300 and radon to about 2,900 of these cases. Mount Sinai offers a program that allows individuals 40 and older to be screened even if they have little to no smoking history.
“Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, but it’s important to recognize that it can develop in people who have never smoked or have smoked very little—fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime,” said Raja Flores, MD, Chair of Thoracic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System. “In fact, about 10-20 percent of lung cancers in the United States occur in individuals who have never smoked. Lung Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to highlight that many factors beyond smoking influence an individual’s lifetime risk for lung cancer. We need education about exposure and subsequent access to testing to improve early detection in all populations, regardless of smoking history.”
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Screening
Icahn Mount Sinai is advancing the use of AI technology to find lung cancer earlier and more accurately. Recently developed by the I-ELCAP team, the Open Source Automated Image Reading System (AIRS) will analyze CT scans to spot nodules that might be missed by the human eye and assess a patient’s risk for lung cancer based on their medical history and other factors. Designed as a future “rule out” tool for annual repeat and follow-up low-dose CT scans, AIRS is expected to cut radiologists’ reading time by approximately 85 percent.
“Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we approach lung cancer screening. By enhancing the analysis of CT scans, AI can help us detect growths earlier and more accurately than ever before,” said David F. Yankelevitz, MD, Director of the Lung Biopsy Service at Icahn Mount Sinai. “This technology is a tool not only to improve diagnostic precision but also to allow us to tailor screening protocols to individual patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes and survival rates.”
Disparities in Lung Cancer Testing
A recent Mount Sinai study found that people with lung cancer face significant differences in getting important tests based on their race and income. This study, led by Emanuela Taioli, MD, PhD, and her team at the Institute for Translational Epidemiology at Icahn Mount Sinai, identifies a serious concern in cancer care.
“The results of this study are important because they show that if we can fix these gaps in testing, more people will be able to get the treatments they need and improve their chances of survival,” said Dr. Taioli. “For doctors, this means they need to make sure that everyone has equal access to these important tests. For patients, especially those from lower-income or minority backgrounds, it means there’s a need for better access to treatments that can improve their health and improve their chances of survival.”
Accessing Care at Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai has broad experience with a variety of diagnostic tools and some of the most advanced treatment options in the New York City area. Here are a few of our locations across New York City and Long Island:
- Mount Sinai Brooklyn, 3201 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY
- Lung and Thoracic Cancer Services at The Mount Sinai Hospital, 1190 Fifth Avenue
For more information, please visit www.mountsinai.org/lungcancer
