What Is a Canker Sore?

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Canker sores are small ulcers that form in the lining of the mouth. These sores look white or yellowish with a red border. They can appear at the base of the gums, on or under the tongue, or inside your lips or cheeks.

There are three types of canker sores:

Minor canker sores

Major canker sores

Herpetiform canker sores

These types of sores are common and usually go away within two weeks without treatment.

The common symptoms of canker sores include:

Burning or tingling in your mouth, which is a sign that a canker sore is forming

Small, round ulcers that are white, gray, or yellow with a red border

One or more painful sores on the tongue, the inside of the lips, inner cheeks, or the roof of the mouth

Experts aren’t really sure what causes canker sores. They do know, however, that they aren’t contagious.

There are several possible causes of a canker sore, including:

Conditions that involve a weak or dysregulated immune system, such as celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease

Your genes, which may predispose you to canker sores based on your DNA

Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamins B12 and D, folate, iron, or zinc

Medication side effects from taking beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, or NSAIDs

Experts have identified factors that can trigger the development of these ulcers, including:

Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as acidic foods, spicy foods, caffeine, eggs, cheese, peanuts, and almonds

Stress

Changing hormone levels during your period

Injury to the inside of your mouth

Toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate

Anyone can develop canker sores, but they are most common in teens and people in their 20s. Females are more likely than males to get them because of hormone differences.

There isn’t one reliable way to prevent canker sores. But if you have had them before and want to stop getting new ones, it is important to notice their triggers.

Here are some tips to help you prevent canker sores:

Practice good oral hygiene

Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, or other “trigger” foods

Try stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation

Try a canker sore toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate

Talk to your healthcare provider about any potential nutritional deficiencies

To diagnose canker sores, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and recommend a blood test to see if another condition is causing the ulcers.

Treatment for canker sores may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription products to ease your symptoms. Some of these treatments may help you get rid of the sore faster. A healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these remedies:

Prescription or OTC mouth rinses

Oral corticosteroids

Corticosteroid ointments

Topical anesthetics

Vitamins or supplements

A healthcare provider may recommend laser therapy or electrocauterization for severe canker sores. These treatments can get rid of germs in the area, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.

Other treatment options that may help reduce canker sore pain include rinsing your mouth out with saltwater or a mild mouthwash, or using a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, followed by a dab of a small amount of milk of magnesia. It is important to make sure you don’t swallow hydrogen peroxide.

If you are suffering from a canker sore and would like help treating it, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

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 Education Week

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The first week of November is observed as National Diabetes Education Week.

In the U.S., nearly 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, another 86 million have prediabetes, and 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It is also linked to some types of cancer.

The best way to prevent diabetes-related health problems is to take charge of your health. Here are some tips to help get you started:

Know your risk for developing diabetes: you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if:

- You are overweight or obese

- You have a family history of diabetes

- You are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander

- You are not physically active

- You have prediabetes

Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels: preventing diabetes or managing it as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent health problems. You can start managing your diabetes by following the ABCs:

- A is for the A1C test that healthcare professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels

- B is for blood pressure

- C is for cholesterol

Take small steps toward healthy lifestyle habits: Lifestyle habits, such as being physically active, planning healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and not smoking, may help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs

Take your medications on time: Remember to take your medications even if you feel healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medications on time or at the correct dose

Reach or maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, ask your healthcare provider whether a healthy diet, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help you manage your weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5%-7% of your starting weight

Take care of your mental health: It can be difficult to manage diabetes. If you are feeling down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn healthy ways to cope with stress. You can also consult with a mental health professional or join a support group

Work with your healthcare team: It takes a team to manage diabetes. Your healthcare team may include:

- A primary care provider

- Diabetes specialist

- Registered dietician

- Certified diabetes educator

Consult with your primary care provider if you should speak with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you are experiencing diabetic symptoms, would like help managing your diabetes, or if you would like to prevent developing diabetes, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Wellness Wednesday: 5-Minute Stretch Breaks

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Most office jobs require lengthy periods of sitting, which can cause tight hip flexors, compress your spine, and cause your neck to lean forward towards the screen. Over time, this posture creates discomfort, muscular imbalance, and reduced blood flow. It can also cause office workers to experience ailments such as back pain, shoulder tightness, neck stiffness, eye strain, and low energy by the afternoon.

A simple solution that can be helpful is taking five-minute stretch breaks for your health. These short workplace micro-break exercises can improve mobility, reduce tension, and help you stay active even on days when you’re busiest. A quick stretch routine of five minutes is enough to reverse the tension in your body, keep your joints healthy, and recharge and refresh your mind and body without stepping away from your desk for a long time.

The key benefits of five-minute stretch routines include:

Improved posture

Better circulation

Less back and neck pain

Reduced muscle fatigue

Enhanced focus and productivity

Lower stress levels

Here are some desk stretches for back pain and neck stiffness you can include in your five-minute stretch routine:

Neck mobility stretch

Shoulder roll

Chest opener stretch

Seated spinal twist

Forward fold stretch

Wrist and finger stretch

Ankle rotation

Stretching can also act as a preventive habit that can help you avoid chronic conditions like repetitive strain injuries.

Neck stiffness is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints among office workers. It is often considered a type of work-related repetitive strain injury. Here are some movements you can do to help relieve the tightness in your neck:

Chin tuck stretch

Gentle neck rotation

Upper trapezius stretch

Screen height check as part of posture correction

Practicing these movements regularly prevents tension headaches and upper back discomfort.

If you have a busy schedule and are unable to find time to stretch while at work, here are some simple stretches you can add to your routine:

Shoulder roll

Seated twist

Wrist stretch

Neck tilt

Chest opener

This entire sequence takes a very little amount of time and can fit into any schedule.

Simple five-minute stretch routines can transform your office health. Taking regular workplace breaks to perform these exercises can reduce stiffness, improve posture, boost productivity, and protect your long-term wellbeing.

It is recommended that you consult a doctor about your ailments and 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.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Brash

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce Dr. Andrew Brash, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Brash moved to and was raised on Long Island, after initially living in Flushing. He knew he wanted to become a physician from a young age. He was fascinated by the complexity of the human body and inspired by the opportunity to help people during some of their most challenging moments. His path began with a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, followed by medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and subsequently a fellowship in sports medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he served as an assistant team physician for the New York Jets.

He gravitated toward sports medicine because of the remarkable diversity of conditions and patients it encompasses. Whether caring for a young athlete with a sprained ankle or an active adult managing knee arthritis, he finds great fulfillment in helping individuals regain function, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that are most meaningful to them.

He specializes in the operative and nonoperative treatment of athletes and active individuals of all ages. His clinical expertise includes injuries and conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. He has advanced training in arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, and articular cartilage restoration. This allows him to offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and activity levels.

Having trained alongside leading surgeons and pioneers in sports medicine, he is committed to bringing world-class, evidence-based care to patients throughout Long Island and Queens. He and his team believe in partnering closely with patients, taking the time to understand their needs, and developing individualized treatment strategies that help them achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486.

Halloween Safety Tips

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Tomorrow is Halloween, and it is a day for dressing up, eating candy, and having fun with friends and family. Unfortunately, there can be several risks when going trick-or-treating. Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe this Halloween:

Wear costumes that say “flame-resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon.

Wear bright, reflective costumes, or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible.

Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.

Always accompany young children when trick-or-treating.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again when crossing.

Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left.

Put electronic devices down and keep your head up while you walk.

Caution kids to never enter a home or a car for a treat.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them.

Don’t eat candy until it is inspected at home.

If a child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen is not present. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t wrapped correctly.

Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from their Halloween bags.

Follow these important tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe this Halloween. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Samuel Hart, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Andrew Rubin

This month, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to shine its Employee Spotlight on Samuel Hart, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Critical Care. Samuel has been employed at Flushing Hospital for 3 ½ years.

Samuel grew up on Long Island. He is a graduate of Jericho High School, and went on to study at the University of Arizona where he majored in Anatomy and Physiology and minored in Nutritional Sciences. Samuel earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Long Island University Pharmacy School in Brooklyn. After Samuel completed his Pharmacy Residency at Plainview Hospital, he was hired to work at Flushing Hospital as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist focusing on Emergency Medicine in the Emergency Department. He worked in the Internal Medicine Department for a year and now works with the MICU, CCU, and SICU teams. Samuel earned two pharmacy specialty board certifications. He is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist ( BCPS) and a Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP). Samuel is one of 1,071 pharmacists in the country to hold both certifications simultaneously.

Samuel currently lives with his wife in Long Island City. In his free time, Samuel enjoys keeping up with his physical fitness. He and his wife like to walk around Manhattan and discovering new restaurants. They have traveled to Columbia, where his wife is originally from and have also traveled to Italy and Curacao. In the future they hope to travel to Japan for their honeymoon, Eventually, they would like to travel to Greece, France and England. Samuel is currently learning Spanish so that he can communicate better with his wife’s family.

Samuel enjoys Italian food as well as Mexican and Thai cuisine. He likes many different types of music, his favorite musical artist is Kygo who he finds to be very relaxing with a tropical sound. Samuel’s favorite sport teams are the Knicks, the Jets and the Mets.

Samuel enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because of its diverse patient population. He finds working in a community hospital setting rewarding due to the fact that professional relations can develop over time. These strong relationships create opportunities for interdisciplinary education and collaboration, which ultimately contribute to better patient care. One of his favorite parts of his career is working alongside other clinical pharmacists because they help each other work through challenging clinical situations and learn from one another. We are very fortunate to have Samuel as a member of our team and look forward to him working with us for many more years into the future.

Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Fatty liver disease, or steatotic liver disease, occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver. This can interfere with normal liver function or lead to scarring, inflammation, or damage.

Fatty liver disease is divided into two main categories: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty disease, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD); formerly known as alcoholic fatty disease.

MASLD is the most common type; it can progress into a more serious form of fatty liver disease known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASLD becomes MASH when fatty buildup in the liver leads to cell inflammation and damage.

While the two main types of fatty liver disease are MASLD and ALD, doctors also recognize subtypes, such as metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD); which occurs when a person has metabolic risk factors such as diabetes alongside moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption.

Fatty liver disease can develop for several reasons, depending on the type. Fatty liver disease is linked to:

Genetics
Metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity
Heavy alcohol consumption
Certain prescription medications
Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood)

Some people are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease than others. Risk factors are:

Being overweight or obese
Having high cholesterol or triglycerides
Having high blood pressure
Having diabetes
Heavy and chronic alcohol use
Living a sedentary lifestyle
Taking certain medicines, such as corticosteroids

Early-onset fatty liver disease may not present symptoms. However, the following symptoms may occur over time:

Abdominal swelling
Shortness of breath
Itchy skin
A change in the skin color of the palms
Persistent fatigue
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Confusion or trouble thinking
Swelling of the legs

Fatty liver disease can get worse if left untreated. It can cause cardiovascular disease, scarring of the liver, liver damage, or liver failure.

Doctors diagnose fatty liver disease using your medical history, blood tests, imaging procedures, or a liver biopsy. Treatment may involve managing underlying medical conditions, losing weight, avoiding or limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, or eating a healthy diet.

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

Teen Vaping

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by the heated nicotine liquid in an electronic cigarette, vape pen, or personal vaporizer.

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in recent years. It has even been marketed as a safer option for smoking cigarettes.

Although some of the health risks associated with vaping appear to be less severe than traditional smoking, there are still risks. They include:

Nicotine is highly addictive, and exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain

E-cigarettes contain chemicals that can cause irreversible lung damage and alter teen brains

E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer, and acrolein, which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage

Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to use traditional cigarettes

In the short term, e-cigarette aerosol can irritate your lungs, throat, and eyes. It can also make it more likely that you’ll catch colds or get the flu

In addition to these health risks, vaping can cause other harmful effects, including:

Altered oral microbiome leading to gum disease, tooth decay, oral mucosal lesions, impaired wound healing, dry mouth, and bad breath

Cavities and gum disease

Short- and long-term effects on attention, learning, and memory

Irritability and mood swings

Insomnia, restlessness, and sleeplessness

Coughing and wheezing

Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness

Increased risk of seizures, especially in youth

New onset of seizures

Severe burns or other injuries due to vape explosions

Vaping among teens has become popular due to several factors, including:

Some vapes can cost less than regular cigarettes, as well as price incentives or free samples

Gamification through engaging features, competition, reward systems, and flavors attractive to youth

Sleek and modern design of devices that feature bright colors to give them a less harmful appearance

Social influences, such as the use of online or social media strategies

Positioning products at festivals and within digital games

Predatory marketing tactics like those used by tobacco companies

Here are some facts to know about vaping:

In 2024, more than 1.6 million U.S. youth vaped

Vapes have been the most used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S. for a decade

Disposable e-cigarettes were the most common type of vape used in 2024, at 55.6%. What’s more, 87.6% of those e-cigarette users vaped flavored e-cigarettes

When vaping, nicotine absorbs rapidly and reaches the brain quickly, delivering a dopamine surge resulting in feelings of pleasure and reward

Use of multiple tobacco products is also a concern among middle and high school students, with 38.9% and 36.6% of users, respectively, using more than one type of tobacco product in 2024

Youth who vape are 3 to 4 times more likely to go on to smoke tobacco compared to teens who do not vape

More than half of middle and high school students who currently use e-cigarettes want to quit and have tried to quit; in 2020, 63.9% of current e-cigarette users reported wanting to quit, and 67.4% reported trying to quit in the last year

As of September 2025, there were only 39 FDA-authorized e-cigarette products for sale to persons over the age of 21. The sale of e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 21 is prohibited

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a seasonal virus that spreads in fall and winter alongside other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

RSV symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19. RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms that most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious and can easily spread while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can infect anyone and can cause many complications, such as hospitalization, middle ear infection, asthma, and repeated infections. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed, but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus

Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

Hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur and may include treatments, such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine.

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

Emotional Eating

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Emotional eating is using food to escape, numb, change, or amplify our feelings. It is a very common and normal coping mechanism in response to strong feelings.

When a person is an emotional eater, they have difficulty telling the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Physical hunger is when your body sends you signs to let you know it is time for nourishment.

Emotional hunger is when we don’t eat because we are hungry, but because we are bored, stressed, sad, lonely, or anxious.

Research shows that about 75% of all our eating is emotionally driven.

Other causes of emotional eating include:

Dieting

Situational stressors

Seasonal stressors

Several signs indicate a person might be prone to emotional eating, including:

Sudden, urgent cravings

Only craving certain foods, such as sweets or junk food

Overeating

Shame or guilt

Having unhealthy food on occasion isn’t harmful. Sometimes we need a piece of chocolate, candy, or a few potato chips to feel better. However, it can become a problem when it happens frequently, or it becomes your main coping mechanism.

There are many steps you can take to reduce or stop emotional eating, including:

Changing your diet to be healthier

Being mindful of what you’re eating

Avoiding letting yourself get too hungry

If you are dealing with emotional eating, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional, for an assessment to help determine if you have an underlying medical issue or something else.

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