Dangers of Combining OTC and Prescription Drugs

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Taking over- the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications together can be dangerous, because combining certain medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening side effects.

Taking two or more medications can lead to drug interactions. For instance, anticoagulants, which are prescriptions used to prevent blood clotting should not be taken with other blood thinners such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and common OTC pain killer. Taking both may increase the risk of bleeding.

Other potentially harmful OTC and prescription combinations include:
• Antidepressants and OTC NSAIDs – may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Certain antihypertensive prescriptions and NSAIDs – may increase blood pressure or increase the risk for renal failure
• Certain antidepressants and OTC drugs that contain ephedrine (used to treat congestion) –  may increase blood pressure and cause heart rhythm problems

Although OTC medications are generally considered safe, they can be hazardous to our health when combined with certain prescriptions. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician or pharmacist before taking a combination of any medications.

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.

Loneliness

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Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and feeling like you don’t have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.

Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:

  • Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
    • Chronic disease or condition
    • Psychiatric or depressive condition
    • Long-term disability
  • Being marginalized or discriminated against
  • Having limited or no access to resources may result in:
    • Living in rural areas
    • Limited transportation
    • Language barriers
    • Being a victim of violence or abuse
  • Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:

  • Low-income adults
  • Young adults
  • Older adults
  • Adults living alone
  • Immigrants
  • People who identify as LGBTQ+

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
  • Dementia
  • Earlier death

It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:

  • Less stress
  • Better sleep
  • A longer, healthier life

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including:

  • Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
  • Connecting with others on social media
  • Volunteering in your community
  • Being kind to yourself
  • Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
  • Getting help from a professional

To find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

 

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.

What To Do If Your Toddler Has A Fever

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A fever is an above-normal increase in the body’s temperature. A normal body temperature is about 98.6°F. A temperature of 100.4˚ Fahrenheit (38˚ Celsius) or higher is considered a fever for a child. Fevers show the body is fighting off infection from a virus or bacteria. Your child’s body is raising its temperature to kill the germs.

In most cases, fevers are harmless and go away in three days. Signs and symptoms that your child may have a fever include:

  • Feels warmer than usual
  • Shivering
  • Sweating
  • General body aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fussiness or irritability

The best way to check your child’s temperature depends on their age. The type of thermometer used to take a temperature may make a difference. Use a digital thermometer. Never use a mercury thermometer. Additionally:

  • Rectal thermometers are the most accurate.
  • Forehead thermometers are the next best choice if used the right way.
  • Oral and ear thermometers can be used if done properly. For oral temperatures, wait 30 minutes after drinking something hot or cold. Wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold for an ear temperature.
  • An axillary or armpit temperature can be used as a quick check but it isn’t very accurate.

A fever may not need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable. Even higher temperatures are not usually dangerous unless they have a long-term illness. Here are some ways to provide relief and help reduce your child’s fever:

  • Dress your child in light clothing. Overdressing them can trap the body’s heat, causing the temperature to rise.
  • Make sure they drink lots of fluids. Prolonged fever can lead to dehydration.
    • For babies under a year old, continue to give breast milk and formula. They should not be given water. If they are older than six months, give them rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
    • For children over a year old, give them extra liquids, like water, diluted 100% juice, popsicles, or rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
  • Your child may not want to eat much. Give them small amounts of soft foods, but do not force them to eat.
  • Give them sponge baths or let them soak in a tub. Water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold. Use a washcloth to pour the water over them.
    • Do NOT add alcohol to the water as it can be dangerous.
    • Recheck their temperature 15 minutes after the bath. Repeat the sponge bath if the temperature is 103˚F (39.4˚C) or higher.
  • Over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever. Read the label on the bottle to know the right dose for your child.
    • Acetaminophen may be used for all children over two months.
    • Ibuprofen may be used for children over six months.
    • Do not give aspirin to children.

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child:

  • Has a temperature of 104 ˚F (40 ˚C) or above.
  • Has a temperature above 102˚F (38.9˚C) for more than 2 days or keeps returning.
  • That has been treated to bring it down, but it has not worked.

To speak with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s fever, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

 

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.

Robotic Gynecological Surgery

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Endometriosis is an often painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.

Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn’t belong, and it doesn’t leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can be intense or mild. Symptoms often feel worse just before and during your period due to inflammation brought on by the hormonal changes that occur at the time. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Excruciating menstrual cramps
  • Abdominal pain or back pain during your period or in between periods
  • Heavy bleeding during periods, or spotting between periods
  • Pain during sex
  • Infertility
  • Pain when pooping or peeing
  • Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating

You can have no symptoms of endometriosis. The seriousness of your pain may not be a sign of the number or extent of endometriosis growth in your body. You could have a small amount of tissue with bad pain. Or you could have little to no pain and have lots of endometriosis tissue. Women often find out they have the condition when they can’t get pregnant or after they have an unrelated surgery.

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear. But some possible causes include:

  • Retrograde menstruation
  • Transformed peritoneal cells
  • Embryonic cell changes
  • Surgical scar complication
  • Endometrial cell transport
  • Immune system condition

Factors that raise the risk of endometriosis include:

  • Never giving birth
  • Starting your period at an early age
  • Going through menopause at an older age
  • Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
  • Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
  • Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
  • Low body mass index
  • One or more relatives with endometriosis, such as a mother, aunt, or sister

Any health condition that prevents blood from flowing out of the body during menstrual periods also can be a risk factor for endometriosis. So can conditions of the reproductive tract.

To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor will likely start by giving you a physical exam. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms, including where and when you feel pain. Tests to check for clues of endometriosis include:

  • A pelvic exam
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Laparoscopy

Treatment for endometriosis often involves medicine or surgery. The approach you and your healthcare team choose will depend on how serious your symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant. Medicine is typically recommended first. If it doesn’t help enough, surgery becomes an option. Treatments for endometriosis include:

  • Pain medicines
  • Hormone therapy
  • Fertility treatment
  • Conservative therapy
  • Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries

Surgery options may include robotic surgery. Long recovery times of up to six weeks and large incisions made recovery very difficult, but with advances in gynecologic surgery, especially robotic-assisted surgery, women can expect a much shorter recovery from pelvic surgery.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars.
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
  • A shorter hospital stay.

Experienced surgeons use the da Vinci robot to treat women who suffer from troubling gynecologic conditions like endometriosis.

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

 

 

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.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can use to take care of your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

Different types of dementia include:

  • Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  • Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Frontotempotal Dementia
  • Huntington’s Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time and place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

  1. Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
  2. Fueling up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help.
  3. Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
  4. Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
  5. Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short—and long-term benefits for your brain.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

National Family Caregivers Month

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November is observed as National Family Caregivers Month. It is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the selfless individuals who provide essential care and support to ill, disabled, or elderly loved ones.

National Family Caregivers Month was established to recognize their significant contributions and raise awareness about their challenges. President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed it in 1997 as a time to honor and support caregivers across the country.

Celebrating family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:

  • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
  • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
  • Educate family caregivers about self-identification
  • Increase support for family caregivers
  • Reduce feelings of isolation

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. Today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care.

There are several ways to get involved and show your support for family caregivers during National Caregivers Month, including:

  • Express your gratitude
  • Offer assistance
  • Join support groups
  • Advocate for caregiver rights
  • Donate to caregiver organizations

Family caregivers should be celebrated every day. This is a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation’s caregivers.

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.

E. coli

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E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your stomach, urinary tract, and other body parts. E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals without hurting them. But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is most likely to cause severe illness.

Common types of E. coli infection include gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Other types of E. coli infections include:

  • Bloodstream infections
  • Prostatitis (prostate infection)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Gallbladder infection
  • Wound infections

Pneumonia and meningitis are rare cases of E. coli infections.

Some symptoms of E. coli gastroenteritis include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pains and cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low fever
  • Nausea and vomiting

Some symptoms of E. coli in your urinary tract include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain or burning sensation when you pee
  • An urgent need to pee frequently
  • Cloudy foul-smelling pee

Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. Some causes of E. coli infections include:

  • Eating contaminated food
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Contact with someone infected by E. coli
  • Touching poop or contaminated surfaces
  • Not wiping properly after going to the bathroom

E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. Some people are more likely to develop problems than others including:

  • Newborns and young children
  • People over the age of 65
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with diabetes
  • People with ulcerative colitis

E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including:

  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Sepsis
  • Malnutrition

E. coli is diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your healthcare provider will perform specific tests for E. coli, including:

  • Stool test
  • Urinalysis or urine culture
  • Blood culture
  • Spinal tap or lumbar puncture

You often don’t need to treat E. coli infections that cause digestive symptoms. But if you have another type of E. coli infection like a UTI, meningitis, sepsis, or severe symptoms, you will be treated with antibiotics.

The most important thing you can do to protect against E. coli infections is to wash your hands with warm water and soap:

  • Before and after handling raw meat and poultry
  • Before and after cooking raw meat and poultry
  • After using the restroom, changing diapers, or contact with animals

You can also reduce your risk of an E. coli infection by following these safe food preparation procedures:

  • Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or ciders
  • Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them
  • Don’t defrost frozen meat unwrapped on the counter
  • Don’t rinse meat before cooking
  • Use a plastic, silicone, or ceramic cutting board to cut raw meat
  • Use different surfaces for prepping different types of food
  • Cook all meat to a safe temperature before eating
  • Refrigerate leftovers right away

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of E. coli and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

 

 

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.

National Diabetes Month

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November is National Diabetes Month. This month focuses on increasing awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. It aims to educate the public about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and management.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans or one in every 10 people, including children and adults. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancers.

Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on quickly and more severe. Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

  • Feeling more thirsty than usual
  • Urinating often
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there isn’t enough available insulin
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
  • Having blurry vision
  • Having slow-healing sores
  • Getting many infections such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections

Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Here are some tips to help you avoid developing diabetes:

  • Know your risk of developing diabetes- You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.
  • Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels- Preventing or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes complications. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs:
    • A is for the A1C test that healthcare providers use to measure your average glucose levels.
    • B is for blood pressure
    • C is for cholesterol
  • Take small steps towards healthy habits- Lifestyle habits like planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs.
  • Take your medicines on time- Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicine on time or the correct dosage.
  • Reach or maintain a healthy weight- If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if eating healthy, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help manage your weight.
  • Take care of your mental health- Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel sad, down, or overwhelmed, find healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
  • Work with your healthcare team- Managing diabetes takes a team. Your healthcare team can include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you have any diabetic symptoms and would like to prevent developing diabetes, or if you would like help managing your diabetes, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

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.

Effective Post Workout Stretches

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The benefits of stretching have been well established. When you stretch after a workout, you help give your body a jump start on recovery, while releasing stress and tension, and boosting the flexibility of your joints. Here are some post-workout stretches you can try:

  • Lunging hip flexor stretch
  • Piriformis stretch
  • Cat-cow stretch
  • Standing calf stretch
  • Overhead triceps stretch
  • Standing bicep stretch
  • Quadriceps stretch
  • Hamstring stretch
  • Shoulder stretch
  • Butterfly stretch
  • Lower back stretch
  • Downward-facing dog
  • Seated forward fold
  • Figure four stretch
  • Supine spinal twist
  • Wide leg forward fold
  • Floor scorpion
  • 90/90 with a forward fold

Here are some safety tips to consider when stretching:

  • Don’t stretch to the point of pain
  • Watch your posture
  • Breathe through your stretches
  • Start slowly

Consider cooldown stretching if you are looking for a simple quick, and almost effortless workout routine that could help you reduce the risk of injury, increase blood flow for better recovery, and return your body to balance.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

                                                                   

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Brenda Rodriguez

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This month,  we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Brenda Rodriguez, manager of the Emergency Department Registration. Brenda began working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 23 years ago. She started her career as a dietary worker, and then began working in the ACC registration area, which eventually led to her position as a manager in ER registration. While Brenda has been a part of the Flushing Hospital team for several years, her story at the hospital began years before that. Her mom was employed by the hospital for 32 years and often Brenda would come to visit her as a young child.

Brenda grew up in Queens. She attended P.S. 154, Parsons Junior High School, and Queens Vocational High School. She currently lives on Long Island. Brenda has a 26 year old daughter and a dog named King. In her free time she likes to unwind by watching tv with her dog. Her favorite tv shows  are old sitcoms, documentaries, sports and reality shows. Brenda enjoys going to see movies, mostly romance films and she is also a big Disney fan. Brenda also likes going to concerts to see old R&B and Freestyle groups. Recently, she started going to see Broadway shows with her daughter. Together they have seen Alladin, The Wiz and Wicked which was her favorite.

Brenda enjoys travelling and has visited Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Aruba. Being of Puerto Rican descent, she has a fondness for that type of cuisine. In particular she likes rice and beans with pork chops and pernil. She enjoys playing softball and is a member of an all women’s softball league. Her favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees.  The best way she can spend her free time is with her daughter, niece, family and friends. Spending time with her loved ones is very important to her.

The people at Flushing Hospital have become like a family to Brenda. She is thankful for the opportunities the hospital has given to her to advance her career. Working with the staff, the patients and the friends that she has made makes this an incredible experience. We are fortunate to have Brenda as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing with us for many more years into the future.

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.