Health focus on

qualit y healthcare in the seaway valley • spring 2012

New Medical Building to Break Ground Confused About That Colonoscopy? Don’t Overdo the Flip-Flops

Wi-Fi Keeps Patients and Family Members Connected

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assena Memorial Hospital provides free wireless Internet service to help our patients and visitors stay in touch. It’s never been easier to chat with family, share photos of newborns, conduct business, or get news and entertainment while you stay at our hospital. Wi-Fi computer network technology allows computers, PDAs, smartphones, iPads, DSLs and Kindles to connect to the Internet via a wireless network. The MMH Information Technology and Environmental Services Departments have installed access points throughout the hospital for patients and guests to use. MMH is providing this service free of charge for its patients and guests, but users must bring their

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own Wi-Fi-enabled equipment service is separate from any network and software. used to transmit patient data. Wireless service is available “Technical support for Wi-Fi in designated patient care areas users is supported by the hospital’s and visitor lounges throughout the Information Technology Department hospital. Free Wi-Fi service can be during normal working hours of accessed by any Internet-enabled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” says Jana Grose, device or equipment by connecting Chief Information Officer. “This to the MMH Guest Wi-Fi wireless will be very useful for patients and network. Patients and visitors will guests, allowing them to connect not need a password to connect. back to their office or home to When they search for Wi-Fi retrieve email or access files.” networks on their personal device, they should select the one named MMHGuest and click “Connect.” Patients and guests For the latest news and events, visit us at need to provide their own www.massenahospital.org to keep our laptops and software; communities healthy. no printer service is available. The Wi-Fi

Visit Us Online!

Massena Memorial Hospital Expanding Campus

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s a community hospital, Massena Memorial Hospital provides the same quality healthcare as the big medical centers. Caring for your health takes a dedicated team. The kind we have on the job here every day. To serve you even better, Massena Memorial Hospital is expanding its campus with the addition of a new medical office building across from the hospital. “As a leader in the healthcare community, MMH takes the next step in ensuring strategically we have the right practitioners, equipment, and services,” says Charles F. Fahd, II, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer. “As part of this plan, the hospital will be breaking ground this spring with a new Medical Office Building and expanding our campus.” The $3.9 million, 20,300-square-foot medical office building will have two levels. Ten to 12 medical practitioners will have offices in the top level of the building. The first phase of the construction will complete the medical suites on the top level, along with a beautiful sunlit atrium, phlebotomy center, conference

room, and a comfortable patient/visitor waiting area. The design takes advantage of natural lighting, an added comfort to our patients. The two-story office building will be set on a hill, which will give the appearance from Maple Street of a one-floor structure that fits in better with the surrounding buildings. The second phase of the project includes the lower level, which will have a separate entrance facing the Grasse River. The medical suites will be built to the providers’ specifications. “The design of the building is a very welcoming, very warm, well-lit atmosphere,” says Mark Brouillette, Senior Director of Ancillary Services. “In designing the building, we took into effect that natural sunlight promotes healing.” The new office building will be across from the hospital on the corners of Maple Street and West Avenue. Entrance to the facility will be from Maple Street. Design and renderings are from King and King Architects of Syracuse. “Today we are presented with many

challenges and changes in the form of legislative reform, economic recession, but we need to continue planning and making the improvements necessary to meet the communities’ healthcare needs,” says Fahd. “We continue to persevere and focus on providing quality healthcare in a professional, compassionate, and cost-effective manner,” he adds. Our goal at Massena Memorial Hospital is to provide the personal attention you expect to receive in a local community hospital setting, while offering the most advanced technology available for you and your family. You might be surprised to learn that our 50-bed hospital can meet 90 percent of the healthcare needs you may experience during your lifetime. From preventive medicine to full surgical care, obstetrics and maternity to geriatrics, simple lab tests to stateof-the-art cardiac monitoring—Massena Memorial Hospital is here for you when you need us.

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Colonoscopy Screening: Yes or No? Highly effective at preventing colon cancer deaths, colonoscopy is still considered the gold standard screening test

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our cousin frequently talks about the benefits of colonoscopy screening. Her colon cancer was detected early through screening, and she often says that “colonoscopy saved my life.” Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and women, and it’s probably the easiest to prevent through screening, explains Dr. Luis Canales, board certified gastroenterologist. Most cancers develop as polyps, small wartlike growths in the lining of the colon. Although the majority of these polyps are benign, a good number of those identified as adenomas are potentially cancerous or precancerous. Colonoscopy, one of several screening tests recommended by the American Cancer Society, uses a thin, lighted tube about the diameter of your finger to examine the entire length of the colon. When cancer or a suspicious-looking polyp is found, it is removed and tested in the laboratory for the existence of cancer cells. Performed as an outpatient procedure under sedation, colonoscopy is considered a highly effective way of detecting cancer and, in many cases, removing precancerous growths before they become dangerous. Among people with colorectal polyps, colonoscopy provided a 76 to 90 percent reduction of cancer, according to the National Polyp Study [New England Journal of Medicine,

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1993]. And a more recent study found that cancers and advanced adenomas were rare even five years later among people with negative colonoscopies (no evidence of polyps).

Too Good To Be True? If all of that sounds too good to be Luis Canales, M.D. true, it probably is. A Canadian study Gastroenterologist published in the Annals of Internal Medicine [December, 2008] raised doubt about the accuracy of the test. Colonoscopy missed nearly every cancer in the right side of the colon—where 40 percent of cancers start—and even about 30 percent of those in the left side. This study suggests that the 90 percent effectiveness often cited from the National Polyp Study should be revised downward. Even if colonoscopy prevents only 60 percent of colon cancer deaths, that is far superior to the mortality prevention rates for breast cancer screening (25 percent) or prostate cancer (none proven). Experience is probably the most important factor. If you’re planning to have a colonoscopy, it’s probably a good idea to inquire about the number of colonoscopies your doctor has performed. Theoretically, a gastroenterologist should be

better at performing the procedure, and several studies have confirmed better detection rates among gastro-specialists. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that doctors track their polyp detection. On average, 25 percent of men and 15 percent of women ages 50 and older are likely to have polyps. As a patient, you, too, play a role in improving the quality of colonoscopy results. The most difficult part is the bowel preparation, and doing it well, according to directions, is critical to a satisfactory screening test. If the bowel prep is done too long before the test, mucus and intestinal secretions can creep back, making it difficult for the doctor to visualize the colon. This is particularly true in the right side of the colon.

Try This Strategy One solution, endorsed by the American College of Gastroenterology in 2009, is for the patient to take half (two liters) of the bowel-prep solution the night before and the other two liters the morning of the test. Dr. Canales says, “The closer the colonoscopy to the time of the prep, the better the visibility is.” In addition to colonoscopy, options for colorectal cancer screening include:   Fecal occult blood testing (which can be used in conjunction with other methods)   Sigmoidoscopy, which examines the lower part of the colon only and is usually performed without anesthesia   CT or MRI colonography, known as virtual colonoscopy Virtual colonoscopy avoids the risk for bowel perforation, which can occur with colonoscopy. It is more expensive, however, and, when a CT scan is used, the patient is exposed to radiation. It has not been endorsed for screening, and the appeal to patients usually fades when they learn that bowel preparation is required and not virtual. “Even when another method is used for screening, colonoscopy must be used to remove adenomas, so there is some advantage in combining detection and removal in one procedure,” adds Dr. Canales. Whatever the weaknesses, doctors still consider colonoscopy the gold standard of colon cancer screening tests. A Canadian study using a database of 2.4 million patients, found a 3 percent reduction in colon cancer deaths for every 1 percent increase in the use of colonoscopy screening.

DON’T TAKE CHANCES Call 315-842-3030 or check our website, at massenahospital.org, to make an appointment to have one of these tests.

Culture an Appreciation for Yogurt When a grumbling in your belly bothers you, try snacking on yogurt. A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found low-fat yogurt gave people a “fuller” feeling than a fruit drink. This was true for spoonable and drinkable varieties. The protein in yogurt could explain the filling effect.   Other studies have shown that yogurt can help fight ulcer-causing bacteria in the stomach and intestines. In addition, there’s some evidence that yogurt aids digestion.   Yogurt is also good for you because it supplies bone-building calcium. One cup of low-fat yogurt packs 300 milligrams of calcium—at least one-fourth of what most people need each day.   To get the most benefits, choose regular yogurt over frozen yogurt. It has more nutrients. Another tip: Plain yogurt mixed with chives, dill, lemon juice, and low-fat mayo makes a tangy, creamy topping for veggies.

Help Stop Digestion Woes and More with Some Mindful Eating Experts recommend eating smaller meals and being more aware of what you eat. Such awareness—called mindful eating—has helped reduce binge eating and could promote weight loss. To take a more mindful approach to eating:   When you eat at home, turn off the television. Families who eat in front of the television consume fewer healthy fruits and vegetables and more pizzas, snacks, and soda than people who eat first and watch later. Television snackers tend to swallow more calories, too.   Choose healthier foods and use all your senses to enjoy them when you eat, just as if you were a wine taster.   Eat slowly to swallow less gas-producing air.   Don’t automatically clean your plate. Learn to be aware of feeling hungry and full.   Consider what you love about certain treats and find healthy alternatives. www.massenahospital.org 5

We Want to Help You ‘Opt-to-Quit’ Massena Memorial Hospital Joins Statewide Stop-Smoking Initiative

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very 10 seconds someone dies of a tobaccorelated disease. Tobacco use causes more deaths every year than alcohol, heroin, cocaine, HIV, homicides, suicides, fires, and accidents combined. Massena Memorial Hospital has partnered with the Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern New York since 2003 in offering patients, employees, and community members tobacco-cessation information and nicotinereplacement therapy. In addition, Beth Gero, Ph.D., M.A., certified tobacco intervention specialist, has spent hundreds of hours in offering workshops and individual counseling on tobacco cessation and pharmacotherapy. Dr. Gero provides training on the U.S. Public Health Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations for clinician-patient intervention, called the 5-A Model, to our local healthcare providers. “Few opportunities hold more promise for increasing the rate of tobacco-use cessation than patient contact within a healthcare system. Thanks to Massena Memorial Hospital’s efforts in implementing the Optto-Quit program through the New York State Smokers Quitline, a big step forward has been made to help their patients who use tobacco. The Opt-to-Quit

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program supports patients with their quit attempt after discharge,” says Gero.

First in the state MMH is the first in the state to launch the Hospital Opt-to-Quit program with the support of the Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern New York. “We are very pleased to be recognized as the first hospital in New York State to initiate this new program to assist our patients with a comprehensive program to give up smoking,” said Charles F. Fahd, II, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer at Massena Memorial Hospital. “This has been a team effort with Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Information Technology and the Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern New York, many hours in getting this ready for the benefit of our patients.” When patients are admitted to Massena Memorial Hospital, they are asked during their inpatient assessment from the nursing team if they use tobacco and would like information about quitting. If a patient answers yes, a member of the hospital’s respiratory therapy team will visit the patient during his or her hospital stay and offer brief counseling on tobacco

Representatives of the departments setting up the MMH Opt to Quit Program are, from left, Jay Lawrence, Information Technology; Donna Dishaw, R.N., Medical/Surgical Unit; Debbie Willer, R.T., Respiratory Therapy Director; Beth Gero, Ph.D., M.A., Certified Tobacco Intervention Specialist; and Ty Batten, Information Technology.

use and dependence and information about the New York State Smokers Quitline Opt-to-Quit program, or NYSSQL. Then the respiratory therapist will ask the patient to sign a release form, authorizing MMH to electronically send the patient’s request to the Quitline. “We are very much in support of this program. Last year, our Respiratory Therapy Department had discussions with almost 700 inpatients regarding the need to stop smoking. While most expressed an interest in getting more information, they had to make the phone call to the Quitline on their own. We believe the new program, where the Quitline calls them, will increase the likelihood that the patient will truly follow through on their commitment,” says Debbie Willer, R.T., respiratory therapy director. “Every day, more than 1,200 people in the United States will die due to smoking-related illnesses. Despite the known dangers of smoking, nearly one in five adults continues to smoke. The health and financial consequences are overwhelming; cigarette smoking costs the country more than $193 billion per year in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity. If we can get increased participation in a FREE program, the savings will follow.”

ONGOING SUPPORT SYSTEM “The intent of the Opt-to-Quit program is to provide follow-up contact to help tobacco users quit and remain tobacco-free and hence avoid readmissions; smoking can cause many diseases such as pneumonia, heart disease, and cancers,” says Gero. “Tobacco use is a known chronic condition with many quit attempts and relapse cycles. Therefore it is necessary to enter tobacco-using patients into an ongoing service that will continually motivate quit attempts and offer evidence-based practices for help to quit. Once the patient is discharged he or she will be receiving free services, including nicotinereplacement therapy, coaching, and other web-based services,” says Gero. Cessation centers work with healthcare organizations and providers to implement systems to screen patients for tobacco use and prompt providers to offer advice and assistance to quit. “Massena Memorial Hospital is partnering with the Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern New York and NYSSQL to improve the health of our patients and community,” says Sue Beaulieu, R.N., FACHE, chief nurse executive.

To learn how Massena Memorial Hospital can help you quit smoking, visit www.massenahospital.org and click on “Our Services,” then “Tobacco Cessation Center.”

Nicotine Patches and More!

Free!

The New York State Smokers Quitline provides free nicotine patches for eligible New York State smokers, trained Quitline specialists offering coaching and encouragement for quit attempts, and information about local stop-smoking programs. To find out more, please call the toll-free number, 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), or visit www.nysmokefree.com/newweb/default.aspx.

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Take a Step in

the Right Direction Walking helps you lose weight and lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes

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ou probably know someone who started running or biking just for exercise and weight loss— and got hooked on the activity. As you see him bounding out of the driveway, lean as a greyhound, you think: “That’s fine for John, but it’s not for me.” Exercise is for you, however. Study after study has demonstrated that regular physical activity is good for just about everything—controlling weight, toning muscles, strengthening the cardiovascular system, and lowering the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and many cancers. If you want to exercise but are unsure of your ability—or just not interested in becoming as fanatical as John—walking may be the activity for you. Everyone knows how to walk, and you can start at any pace or distance that suits your level of health and fitness. “We are very fortunate here in the North Country to have beautiful places to walk,” says Eileen Fregoe, director of physical therapy. “Walking along the St. Lawrence River, Robert Moses State Park, John Story Trail, and the vast number of trails in the state forests will allow you to vary your route. In bad weather, many schools open their doors in the evening for a ‘walk around.’ ”

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Following a report by a panel of experts in 1995, the American Heart Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and many other groups endorsed a plan recommending 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise such as brisk walking. This can be done continuously or broken up into smaller segments. More recently, the Institute of Medicine said that 60 minutes a day of vigorous physical activity would be more beneficial. Walking still qualifies, however, as a good choice. It gets the muscles moving and the heart pumping for an extended period without putting excessive impact or stress on the joints or muscles.

The More, the Merrier While some individuals don’t have the time or inclination for 60 minutes a day, the more exercise you get, the better. A long-term study of 17,000 Harvard alumni found that men who exercised regularly lived longer than those who were sedentary. The ongoing Women’s Health Study, with data from 73,000 women, concluded that those walking 2½ hours a week had a 30 percent reduced risk of dying of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem

over a six-year period. The benefits increased with a faster walking pace. The most obvious benefit of walking, or any exercise, is weight control, adds Fregoe. Excess weight, like physical inactivity, is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. “Each mile you walk uses up about 100 calories, so 20 miles of walking a week adds up to more than half a pound of weight lost (or not gained). Faster walking (or jogging) allows you to cover more miles in the same amount of time, and there is some extra benefit from the intensity,” says Fregoe.

Pick Up Your Pace The most significant advantage from greater intensity may be to the cardiovascular system. Exercise that gets the heart beating fast enough to speed up your breathing and produce at least a little sweat strengthens the heart muscle and makes the blood vessels less likely to accumulate fatty plaque deposits. Sustained exercise also speeds the body’s metabolism and makes it more efficient at using energy, decreasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. The great thing about walking is that you can just put on your shoes and start walking. There are special shoes designed for walkers, but most people do fine with casual or running shoes, as long as they’re comfortable. If you’re overweight and have been sedentary for several years, even a little bit of walking will produce results. If you’re a former runner or aerobic dancer, even a 15-minute mile may be too slow to get your heart rate elevated. To increase your speed, take faster steps rather than a longer stride, which can put unusual stress on your joints and muscles.

Take It Easy at First Whatever your overall pace, take it easy for the first five minutes or so to warm up and slow down again at the end for a cool-down. Gentle stretching afterward will make you less likely to have sore muscles the next day. As with any exercise, take it gradually as you increase distance and intensity.

We Can help you find a doctor Are you looking for a physician to help you get on track with healthier habits? Check our website, massenahospital.org and click on “Find a Physician/ Provider.”

Go Easy on Your Feet: Wear Flip-Flops Sparingly Got flip-flops? Of course you do—flip-flops are as American as apple pie. But just like eating too much pie can make you ill, wearing flip-flops 24/7 can damage your feet. Learn where to draw the line to keep your feet safe from problems this summer. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, wearing flip-flops nonstop can lead to a host of foot problems, including blisters, stubbed toes, and tendinitis. And although they may look adorable, flip-flops offer minimal support for the 26 bones of the feet, which may increase your risk for sprains, breaks, or ligament injuries.  If you already suffer from heel pain, flip-flops will only add to your misery. Also, if you have diabetes and want to protect your feet, flip-flops make you more susceptible to cuts and scrapes, so opt for lightweight summer shoes with more coverage instead. Although flip-flops and summer seem synonymous, you need to ditch the flimsy footwear and switch to more sturdy, athletic shoes when:   Walking long distances   Playing sports   Gardening or mowing the lawn Sturdy flip-flops are appropriate when you are at public pools, locker rooms, beaches, or hotel rooms, because going barefoot in these settings increases your risk of contracting infections such as athlete’s foot or plantar warts.  When purchasing flip-flops, choose those that:   Have some support (If you can bend them in half, they are not supportive.)   Are made of soft leather (to minimize blisters)   Carry the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance (evaluated by their podiatrists)  If your current crop of flip-flops appear worn or have straps that irritate your feet, throw them out. Luckily, flip-flops can be replaced fairly cheaply. Above all, enjoy flip-flops in moderation and your feet will carry you far this season.

www.massenahospital.org 9

Make Kids’ Snack Attacks Healthier Can a snack a day keep the doctor away? It’s possible, if it’s low in fat and sugar and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

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ids love to snack. In fact, it’s good for them, as long as they choose healthy foods rather than sugar-, salt-, and fat-laden cookies, chips, and microwaved pizza. To make healthy snacking easier, keep your kitchen stocked with low-fat, low-sugar foods in snack-sized amounts.   Offer an abundance of fruit and vegetables. That helps kids and grownups alike consume the daily recommended five to 13 servings of produce.   Include a high-protein food such as a hard-boiled egg, cheese, yogurt, nuts, or peanut butter. Such foods provide energy and are more likely to satisfy hunger.   Serve low-fat dairy foods to provide needed calcium without the fat of regular milk, yogurt, and cheese.   Stuff ham, turkey, and roast beef in a pita pocket or wrap them in a whole wheat tortilla for a meatier snack.   Try plain-water alternatives, such as seltzer, sparkling water, and club soda served over ice or mixed with 100 percent fruit juice. Children who drink more sweetened soda, iced tea, lemonade, and juice are more likely to be overweight and to have cavities than those who don’t.   Pack low-fat string cheese, dried fruits and nuts, carrot and celery sticks, or cut-up fruit in bags for healthy snacks when you’re out and about.   Don’t forget these kid-friendly favorites: celery sticks with peanut butter topped with raisins, frozen grapes, apple slices smeared with nut butter, single-serve containers of fat-free vanilla yogurt, and baked tortilla chips and salsa.

Summer Breezes Smoothie Ingredients:

1 cup yogurt 6 medium strawberries 1 cup pineapple, crushed, canned in juice 1 medium banana 1 tsp. vanilla extract 4 ice cubes

Yield: Three servings Serving size: 1 cup Each serving provides:

Calories: 121 Fat: less than 1 g Saturated fat: less than 1 g Cholesterol: 1 mg Sodium: 64 mg

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. 2. Serve in a frosted glass.

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Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Office of Research on Minority Health, National Institutes of Health

Community Education, Events, and Support Groups Auxiliary Annual Spring Luncheon May 23 at the Village Inn. Call 315-769-4262. Auxiliary Book Sale The sale will be held June 10-11 in the Massena Memorial Community Education Room. Uniform Sale Sponsored by the MMH Foundation, this sale takes place June 20 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Education Room.

Celiac Support Group Meets in the Main Floor Board Room at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, except holidays. To learn more, call the MMH Public Relations Office at 315-769-4305. Childbirth Preparation Classes Classes are held on Wednesdays in the Community Education Room beginning at 7 p.m. Moms-to-be should sign up by 20 weeks gestation. Next class starts May 30. To register for a class, please call 315-769-4349. Fibromyalgia Support Group Meets at 1:30 p.m. in the Lower Level Conference Room the second Tuesday of the month through October. Call the MMH Public Relations Office at 315-769-4262 or 315-769-5778.

Narcotics Anonymous Support Group Held on Saturdays, except holidays, in the Community Education Room at 7 p.m. Call Donald at 315-842-8025, or 315-769-4262. Overeaters Anonymous Support Group Held Thursdays, except holidays, in the Community Education Room at 7 p.m. Call Debbie at 315-384-4833. Quit Tobacco Workshops Held every other Tuesday in the Lower Level Conference Room at 4 p.m. Call 315-769-4262 or Beth at 315-261-5436 or 315-769-4262. Next workshops: May 29, June 12, and June 26. Skin Tumor/Lesion Detection Clinics Dr. Rosalind Mariano offers these FREE clinics by appointment only the third Tuesday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 315-769-4656. Weight-Loss Surgery Group Meeting the third Wednesday of the month, except holidays, in the Emergency Preparedness Room, at 6:30 p.m. Call the Louisville Family Health Center at 315-769-4340 or the MMH Public Relations Office at 315-769-4262. Community Blood Drive Aug. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Massena Memorial Hospital Community Education Room. Call 315-769-4262.

SPRING 2012

Breastfeeding Support Group Meets at the New Testament Church Nursery the first Tuesday of the month except holidays. Facilitated by certified childbirth educator Snow Harper-Moulton, R.N. No preregistration required. Refreshments served. Call 315-769-4349.

Emotions Anonymous Support Group Held every Sunday, except holidays, in the Community Education Room at 6 p.m. For details, call Scott at 315-769-9240.

www.massenahospital.org 11

Health

Massena Memorial Hospital One Hospital Drive Massena, NY 13662

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Presort STD U.S. Postage

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Massena Memorial Hospital

Charles F. Fahd, II, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

Tina Corcoran Senior Director of Public Relations, Planning, and Physician Recruiting Focus on Health® is published by Massena Memorial Hospital to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. © 2012 Printed in U.S.A.

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Tall Tale — or Totally True?

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rban legends and old wives’ tales about children’s health pass back and forth among families, friends, and coworkers along with solid advice. Here’s a look at five common beliefs and the real deal on whether they’re fact or fiction.

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Spinach is a good source of iron. Fact: While it’s not the best source, it’s in the top dozen.

Half a cup of fresh cooked spinach has about as much iron as 3 ounces of cooked beef. Fortified cereals and white beans are rich in iron, too. However, our bodies absorb iron from animal sources better than iron from vegetables and grains. Your child’s body may get more iron from nonanimal sources (including spinach) if you serve them with foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice or kiwifruit. Children need iron because it helps carry oxygen throughout the body’s cells.

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Sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyes. FICTION: There’s no evidence that plunking down right

in front of the TV set damages the eyes. Children can focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often get into the habit of sitting right in front of the TV or holding reading material close to their eyes.

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Eating carrots improves eyesight. Fact: This one is true on a technicality. Carrots con-

tain vitamin A, which promotes vision health. However, if a child eats a healthy diet that includes daily servings of many fruits and vegetables, you don’t have to focus solely on carrots. Spinach, cantaloupe, and vegetable soup are also good sources of vitamin A.

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Wounds need fresh air to heal. It Depends: It makes sense to think that wounds

must breathe in order to heal. And, in truth, the air aids healing by keeping them dry. But large scrapes are best kept covered, moist, and clean to avoid excessive scarring and to promote healing. It’s also wise to cover wounds in spots that tend to get dirty or that may be irritated when clothing rubs against them.

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You should wait at least 30 minutes after eating to swim. FICTION: According to the American Red Cross, you probably don’t need to wait that long. Still, use common sense: If you’ve just had a huge meal and you’re about to begin strenuous exercise, give your body some time to digest your food.