Health Beat

National Poison Prevention Week

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Each year, more than 2 million poison-related injuries and deaths occur in the United States. In the majority of these cases, the victims are children, and more than 90 percent of these cases occur at home due to exposure to (or ingestion of) common household items that can be toxic. This often occurs due to a lack of proper storage, disposal, or concealment of these items, making it easy for children or other vulnerable members of the household to access them.

To keep your family safe from poisoning, the American Association of Poison Control Centers recommends that you follow these best practices:

Display the Poison Help phone number (1-800-222-1222) in a location that is readily accessible or easily noticeable. Remember: this phone line is meant to help in the event of an accidental exposure, but if you or someone else experiences a medical emergency, such as loss of consciousness, severe illness, seizures, or other symptoms, dial 911 right away.
Safely store the following substances in cabinets with child-proof locks or in child-resistant containers:
- Medications
- Vitamins
- Tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine
- Laundry and cleaning supplies
- Alcohol
- Pesticides or insect repellants
- Hand sanitizers
- Small batteries
Read medication labels thoroughly before taking or administering them; if you don’t understand something, call your doctor.
Avoid calling medication “candy” to get children to take it.
Avoid taking medications in front of young children.
Do not use food storage containers to store harmful products such as detergents or pesticides; make sure these products remain in the containers they came in and store them out of the reach of your children.

Make sure to implement a regular routine that reinforces these practices. If you, your child, or someone else in your household experiences a poison-related medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Yuna Lee, RN

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to highlight Yuna Lee, RN, a nurse in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Yuna began her nursing career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 2014 and in our NICU in 2015. Her passion for working with babies, especially pre-term babies, began when she was doing her clinical rotations in nursing school. One of the babies she worked with was born at 23 weeks, was on a ventilator and weighed only 600 grams. It was at that point that her passion for taking care of fragile babies really blossomed.

The babies in the NICU are very delicate and fragile. It really takes a special type of person to care for them properly. Yuna’s main role is of course to take care of the babies, but she also has to comfort the parents of these babies because they very often need support.

Yuna feels very fortunate to be working with such a wonderful team in her unit. They have all become like a family to her. She also enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because it is her community and she is helping to make people’s lives better.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Acne doesn’t necessarily stop after your teenage years; it can affect you far into your adult life. This is what is referred to as hormonal acne (also known as adult acne), which typically occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. It is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 80% of Americans at some point during their lifetime. It is most common in women, particularly those who are pregnant or experiencing menopause, but it can affect men, as well.

Hormonal acne occurs due to an excessive amount of sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes and protects your skin. This can cause your pores to become clogged, causing the sebum to interact with bacteria on the skin, which in turn causes acne to form. Your skin’s production of sebum is affected by hormonal changes in your body. Some factors that can affect these hormonal changes include:

Stress
Sleep
Certain hair and skin products
Periods
Pregnancy
Menopause
Testosterone treatment
Certain medications, such as some steroids
Certain pre-existing medical conditions
A family history of acne

Not all cases of acne necessarily look the same. It can cause several different types of growths to appear, including:

Pimples
Whiteheads (small white or yellowish bumps)
Blackheads (tiny black bumps or spots)
Papules (small, cone-shaped bumps)
Pustules (small bumps that contain pus)
Cysts (pockets of tissue filled with pus or other fluids)

In some cases, acne may resolve on its own; however, a variety of treatment options are available to reduce its severity, such as steroid injections and topical creams, ointments, and antibiotics. Daily skin cleansing, birth control medication, dietary adjustments, and light therapy can also help.

A dermatologist can help you determine the cause of your acne and find the appropriate course of treatment. To schedule an appointment with one at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 670-5486.

Coping With a Difficult Medical Diagnosis

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Being diagnosed with a serious or chronic medical condition can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. You might feel sad, angry, anxious, or any number of different emotions, possibly all at once. This can be challenging to deal with on top of the symptoms you already experience as a result of your condition. However, there are effective strategies you can use to cope with this diagnosis and maintain as stable and positive of a state of mind as possible. These include:

Accepting your illness: It may be tempting to ignore the diagnosis or try to make yourself forget about it. While it’s important not to excessively dwell on your condition at every moment, it’s also important to consciously accept the current situation and do the best you possibly can.

Developing a plan: Once you’ve come to terms with your diagnosis, one of the most helpful steps you can take is to develop a plan of action. No matter what kind of condition you’ve been diagnosed with, part of this plan should involve working with your doctor to find an appropriate treatment plan that can improve your symptoms or potentially lead to a full recovery. If your condition is terminal, it’s also important to determine what steps you’ll need to take to ensure your family has future financial security and support.

Forming a support network: You may find it helpful to have trusted people to talk to about your thoughts and feelings regarding your diagnosis. These people could be loved ones, friends, or other important people in your life.

In addition to these steps, you may find it beneficial to speak with a licensed psychiatrist, who can provide you with a safe space to talk about your condition and help you to learn useful coping mechanisms to work through your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5316.

What is Norovirus?

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) to develop. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning in the United States.

Norovirus is most prevalent between the months of November and April. Each year, over 19 million Americans are infected with this virus. Currently, the percentage of positive norovirus test results throughout the United States is over 12%, reaching as high as over 16% in the Northeastern United States.

People with norovirus are most contagious while experiencing symptoms and during the first few days after symptoms subside; however, they can still be contagious over two weeks after they start to feel better. Some specific ways in which norovirus is often transmitted from person to person include:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as by caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them
Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth

There are effective steps you can take to protect yourself and others against norovirus. These include:

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching surfaces, food, or other people
Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables if you plan to eat them
Thoroughly cleaning utensils, plates, bowls, counters, and other frequently-touched surfaces in your home, especially if a sick person has been using them
Cooking shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145° Fahrenheit
Washing laundry with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length, then machine drying them at the highest heat setting
If you are sick, avoiding preparing food or caring for others for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

How a Plant-Based Diet Can Help Your Heart Health

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Plant-based diets, which prioritize foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains with only small, occasional servings of animal protein, are associated with a lower risk of heart disease at any age. However, not everyone may fully understand what a healthy, nutritious plant-based diet looks like.

A wide variety of foods can fall under the “plant-based” umbrella, with many options not necessarily providing significant benefits to your heart health. Some foods, such as white rice and white bread, are highly processed, meaning that you will not receive many of the necessary nutrients to promote better heart health from them. Other foods that are best avoided include those that are high in sugar, sodium, and extra additives.

A plant-based diet does not have to involve cutting out all meat. You can make beneficial changes for your heart health by keeping your overall meat consumption at a moderate level and by eating healthier types of meat. It is recommended that you stick to unprocessed red meat and poultry, as well as limit your meat portions to approximately three 3.5-ounce servings each week.

Fish can also be a healthy, beneficial element of a plant-based diet. Similarly, however, you should keep your intake at a moderate level, meaning that you should limit your fish consumption to two servings of approximately 3 ounces of fish per week. Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel can be a particularly beneficial addition to your diet.

Remember that what you eat is not the only thing that matters when it comes to your heart health; you also need to monitor how much you eat and how physically active you are. Make sure to stay within the recommended number of calories for you to consume each day and to follow an exercise routine that incorporates strength and aerobic activities three days per week.

If you experience heart problems or may be at risk of heart disease, you can schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718)-670-5486.

Managing The Transition To Daylight Saving Time

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

Sunday, March 10^th, 2024 marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST), and most people living in the United States will advance the time on their clocks by one hour.

The transition between standard time and DST causes many to lose one hour of sleep. Although one hour less of sleep may seem harmless, it has been found that the change in time can adversely affect our health.

The Sleep Foundation explains, “The transition between DST and Standard Time has darker mornings and more evening light. This can essentially “delay” your sleep-wake cycle.” This disruption in our sleep cycle or circadian rhythm can lead to problems such as insomnia, grogginess, problems concentrating, lower cognitive performance, and mood changes.

Fortunately, there are ways we can prepare our bodies for the change to DST and reduce the risk of these problems. Here are a few ways to manage the change:

Set your clocks ahead on Saturday evening and go to bed on time
Take afternoon naps following the days after DST
Get more light during the first days of the change
Limit the consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages a few days before the change

Getting a good night’s rest is essential for your health. If you are having trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlying medical issue.

To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Cushing Syndrome

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol (the stress hormone) over an extended period. The disorder may also develop as a result of taking medications such as glucocorticoids.

Cortisol, when produced within normal levels helps the body to suppress inflammation, metabolize food into energy, regulate the stress response, control the sleep/wake cycle, and regulate blood pressure and blood glucose. However, too much cortisol can cause the following symptoms to develop:

The formation of a fatty lump between the shoulders
Weight gain in the face
Weight gain in the trunk
Thin arms and legs
Pink or purple stretch marks mostly on the abdomen, hips, underarms, and breasts
Acne
Skin that bruises easily
Hirsutism
Irregular periods
Infections
Muscle weakness
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced fertility in men
Slowed or delayed growth in children

Some people are more likely to develop Cushing syndrome than others. A person may have a higher risk if they are taking high-dose corticosteroids over some time, living with adrenal or pituitary tumors, assigned female at birth, or have a family history of certain genetic disorders.

Cushing syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often have other causes. However, a physician such as an endocrinologist can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order a series of tests to measure cortisol levels or look for tumors to determine a diagnosis.

It is crucial to receive timely treatment for Cushing syndrome, delayed treatment can lead to the following complications:

Diabetes
Depression
Heart disease
Stroke
Heart attack
Osteoporosis
Hypertension

Treatment focuses on lowering cortisol levels in the body. This may be achieved through medications, surgery, radiation therapy, or lowering the dose of glucocorticoids.

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. A bleeding disorder is a condition in which blood cannot clot properly. This can lead to either too much clotting, significantly increasing your risk of experiencing conditions such as heart attack or stroke, or too little clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

The two most common bleeding disorders are hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Hemophilia slows the blood clotting process. It is inherited genetically and more commonly affects people assigned male at birth than people assigned female at birth, occurring in one in every 5,000 male births in the United States. The disorder very rarely develops in women.

Von Willebrand disease is a much more common bleeding disorder than hemophilia. Similarly, it is an inherited condition, but generally causes milder symptoms. It can also affect both men and women. People with this disease lack a functioning von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood form clots; as a result, they are unable to form blood clots as easily as other people.

In the case of both hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, early diagnosis is best for effective treatment outcomes. For people with hemophilia, a common treatment is to replace the missing blood clotting factor. People with von Willebrand disease may not require treatment at all if their symptoms are mild; however, if treatment is needed, common options include medications that increase the amount of von Willebrand factor in the blood or infusions of blood factor concentrates.

If you experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible; even if your symptoms are mild, talking to a doctor can help you avoid potential risk factors that may worsen them. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Richard Calvo

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Richard Calvo, HVAC Mechanic in Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Engineering Department.

Richard has been at Flushing Hospital for eight years. He began his career at the hospital in the Housekeeping Department working the overnight shift cleaning the operating rooms. He then transferred to the Engineering Department, first as a grounds keeper and then on to the position he currently holds as an HVAC mechanic.

Richard grew up in Oceanside, Long Island where he attended elementary school through high school. His family is very important to him and he enjoys spending his free time with them. Richard has two cats and a dog in his home. In his free time he enjoys reading, especially studying about pressure boiler systems. His favorite TV programs are Japanese Anime. Richard also enjoys comedies and shows about the supernatural. His favorite foods are sushi and Italian food. He listens to different types of music, especially rock, rap and alternative. He has traveled to Florida and hopes one day to visit Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Richard’s favorite sports to participate in and to watch are MMA, boxing and swimming.

Richard enjoys working in the Engineering Department at Flushing Hospital because his coworkers have become like family to him. It is a wonderful place to grow and learn. We look forward to Richard continuing to work with us for many more years.