28 THE Courier sun • health • december 1, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶health Traffic pollution contributes to hundreds of NYC deaths each year: report BY THE QUEENS COURIER STAFF [email protected] @QNS More than 300 people are killed prematurely and another 870 are hospitalized annually just from the pollution created by traffic in New York City, according to a study released last week by the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The analysis focused on the health effects from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted by cars, trucks and buses using city streets. The study concluded that low-income neighborhoods across the city had the highest amount of people whose health was so adversely affected by pollution that they either died of, or are suffering from serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness. “Air quality in NYC has improved dramatically over the last several decades, but pollution levels remain harmful to New Yorkers, particularly for those living in low-income neighborhoods,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.Some specific findings in the study include the following: • Traffic-generated fine PM2.5 in the NYC metropolitan region contributes to 320 premature deaths and 870 emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year among city residents. • The largest share of PM2.5- attributable health outcomes from traffic comes from trucks and buses traveling city streets. • Traffic-related PM2.5 pollution and its health impacts are greatest in the city’s poorest neighborhoods. • Relative to more affluent neighborhoods, high-poverty neighborhoods had 1.7 times the PM2.5 exposure and 9.3 times the rate of emergency department visits for asthma due to emissions from trucks and buses. The report did find overall improvement in pollution levels as a result of actions taken by the city in previous years. The Health Department’s Community Air Survey concluded that PM2.5 levels dropped by 16 percent between 2008 and 2014. “This study shows that poor trafficrelated pollution has serious public health effects including asthma-related issues, hospitalizations and premature death. The effects are even starker in lower-income neighborhoods,” said Councilman Costa Constantinides, chair of the Council’s Environmental Protection Committee. “Our city has been implementing policies that reduce emissions from vehicles including encouraging use of electric vehicles and expanding use of a more sustainable fuel oil. I look forward to working with agencies and stakeholders to implement even more policies that will benefit our public health.” Eight ways to deal with the holiday stress The holiday season is meant to be a joyous occasion, but this time of year can also bring added emotional and financial stress that may trigger depression. Dr. Patricia Woods, Director and Psych Consult - Liaison Service for NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, says that those who are depressed are advised to seek professional help. Dr. Woods suggests the following strategies to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season for those who may be prone to the “holiday blues.” 1. Keep It Real. There are so many social activities, chores and events during the holiday season. You simply can’t do it all. Keep your expectations reasonable and set realistic goals about what you can and cannot accomplish. Say “no” when you need to; your priority is you and your family. 2. Spread the Joy. Spread the joy out over the entire holiday season rather than placing all of the importance on one specific day or event. In doing so, you’ll be less likely to become overwhelmed. 3. Don’t Expect Miracles. If you and a family member tend to bicker, this will probably be the case during the holidays as well. Prepare yourself for the inevitable. You can’t change your relationships in one day. Enjoy your time with your family without expecting them to be someone else on a holiday. 4. Change Things Up. Make a few changes in your holiday celebrations this year. Think about the things that caused you the most stress in past years and look for new ways to enjoy them. For example, if you baked six types of pies last year, only bake two this year. Or if you made five types of cookies, only make three this year. In other words, enjoy your baking, but cut down on the time and effort. 5. Take Care of Yourself and Others. Make a special effort to eat healthy and nutritious meals and to include a little exercise in your daily activities. Taking care of yourself can help boost your mood and give you the extra energy you need to accomplish your tasks. Try to make time for others as well. For example, you can volunteer at a soup kitchen or prepare a few gifts for families in need. Doing things for others who are less fortunate than yourself will help you to keep the holidays in perspective. 6. Stay Connected. Holidays can be lonely if you have lost a loved one. Stay in touch with family and don’t be afraid to share your feelings. Acknowledging your emotions can help to reduce their effect on you. 7. Be Grateful. Rather than thinking about what you can’t buy, be grateful for what you have and all of the positive things in your life. Think about the extra time and joy that you have to share with your friends and family. 8. Recognize Depression. If you are experiencing some signs of depression — crying spells, difficulty sleeping, feelings of sadness or guilt and appetite changes — reach out and get help. If these symptoms show up in your daily list, slow down and reach out to friends and family for extra support. If the symptoms persist for several weeks past the holidays, seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional to help you cope with your depression. From NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens Multi Specialty Physical Rehabilitation Center SPINAL & SPORTS INJURIES, ARTHRITIS, POST SURGICAL & MORE! • Pain Management • Internal Medicine • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Physical Therapy We accept most types of Insurance & Workers Compensation Please call to make an appointment: 516-218-2222 40 East Merrick Road, Suite #104 · Valley Stream, NY 11580
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