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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April 26^th, 2025, is observed as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is a day that encourages the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

Starting in the fall of 2010, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day promotes the safe and anonymous disposal of unnecessary, expired, and unused prescription medications at over 4,100 collection sites across the United States. Since its inception, the day has brought in 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medication.

On this National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, make a difference by tracking your medicine, rethinking where and how you keep your medications in your home, and safely disposing of any unused medications.

To learn more, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday to find a prescription drug collection site near you.

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.

Shin Splints

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that occurs when the muscles and bones in your lower leg become strained and irritated. Athletes (especially runners), dancers, members of the military, and individuals with osteoporosis, flat feet, and high or very rigid arches are at a higher risk of developing shin splints.

If you have shin splints, you may notice tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. Initially, the pain may subside when you stop exercising. However, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture, so it is best to take it easy while they heal.

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the bone.

Healthcare providers diagnose shin splints based on your medical history and by performing a physical exam. They will observe how you walk and examine your lower leg, ankle, and foot.

In some cases, they may also perform an X-ray or other imaging tests that can help identify other possible causes for your pain, such as a stress fracture.

Shin splints can be treated with simple self-care steps that include:

Rest
Ice
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
Supplements
Shin splint stretches
Slow increases in activity levels
Wearing supportive shoes and shoe inserts
Resting in between activities to allow your bones and muscles time to heal
Physical therapy

There are several ways to help avoid shin splints, including:

Analyzing your movement
Avoiding overdoing high-impact activities
Choosing the right shoes
Considering arch support
Considering shock-absorbing insoles
Lessening the impact on your shins
Adding strength training to your workout

If you experience shin splints often, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Is Narcissism a Sign of a Mental Health Disorder?

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive admiration, fascination, or interest in oneself.

A person often described as a narcissist or having narcissistic tendencies may display the following personality traits:

Arrogance
A strong desire to be the center of attention
Selfishness
Being self-absorbed
Being vain
Being insensitive

Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, where they can be mild and situational or pathological and severe, interfering with daily life.

Pathological or problematic narcissism can indicate a mental health disorder called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is estimated that 1% to 2% of the U.S. population has NPD. Individuals with this disorder often display a consistent pattern of certain behaviors, including:

A pervasive sense of superiority
A sense of entitlement
A grandiose sense of self-importance
A lack of empathy
Manipulating or exploiting others
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
Fantasizing about power and unrealistic success
A constant need for praise or admiration
Difficulty accepting criticism

Unlike individuals with narcissistic tendencies, those with NPD often lack accountability and may avoid taking responsibility for their behaviors.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s life. It can lead to difficulties in their relationships, careers, and education. NPD may result in complications such as:

Depression and anxiety
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Drug or alcohol misuse
Other personality disorders

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown; however, it is believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. An NPD diagnosis is based on:

Guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
A Psychological Examination
A physical examination

Treatment for NPD typically involves talk therapy; medications may also be prescribed if needed.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional. To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that cause chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes break down food, allowing the body to get nutrients.

When you have EPI, food passes through the intestines in an undigested state, resulting in the body not receiving the needed nutrients. There are different types of pancreatic enzymes, including:

Amylase
Lipase
Protease and elastase

The main cause of EPI in adults is chronic pancreatitis. As many as 8 in 10 adults with this disorder develop EPI. Pancreatitis causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage the digestive enzyme-making pancreatic cells. Other causes of EPI in adults include:

Celiac disease
Diabetes
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Pancreatic cancer
Surgery on the digestive tract, including weight loss surgery

Cystic fibrosis is the top cause of EPI in infants and children. Children inherit cystic fibrosis from a parent. Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making breathing hard. Mucus can also collect in the pancreas, keeping digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestines.

Nearly 9 in 10 infants with cystic fibrosis develop EPI within the first year. The rest are at risk of developing EPI during childhood or adulthood.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is another inherited condition that causes EPI in children. SDS causes the part of the pancreas that makes enzymes not to work properly.

People with EPI have a particularly difficult time absorbing fats from foods, which leads to uncomfortable digestive problems, such as:

Abdominal pain, gas, and bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fatty stools
Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive in infants and children

Many digestive problems can cause symptoms similar to EPI. A healthcare provider may suspect EPI if you have a condition that affects your pancreas.

You may get one or more pancreas function tests that include:

Fecal elastase test (FE-1)
Fecal fat test
Secretin pancreatic function test

You may also get a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, or other imaging tests that can spot problems with the pancreas that lead to EPI.

People with EPI can’t absorb enough fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from the foods they eat. This problem is called malabsorption. Your body needs these nutrients for energy and to maintain organ function. Malabsorption of nutrients can lead to malnutrition. Signs of malnutrition include:

Dry skin
Depression
Edema
Fatigue or dizziness
Feeling cold all the time
Irritability
Memory and concentration issues
Muscle loss

EPI is a lifelong condition. Treatments for the condition focus on the body receiving the necessary nutrients to maintain good health. Treatments include:

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
High-calorie, high-fat diet
Vitamins

To prevent EPI, it is helpful to avoid smoking and alcohol use as they make the pancreas work harder and can contribute to pancreatitis, which leads to EPI.

Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis and SDS are inherited, so they can’t be prevented, and the risk of EPI with these conditions can’t be lowered. Keeping a close eye on symptoms can help identify possible EPI and treat it immediately.

If you are experiencing symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by ca

Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease, describes the buildup of excess fat in the liver. A healthy, high-functioning liver contains a small amount of fat. However, fat buildup can become a problem when it reaches over 5% of your liver’s weight.

Healthcare providers classify SLD based on its causes and the conditions associated with it. The types of steatotic liver disease include:

Alcohol-related liver disease
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Risk factors associated with MASLD include:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lipid normalities
Metabolically associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
MASLD and increased alcohol intake (MetALD)

In most cases, the fat buildup in the liver doesn’t cause serious problems or prevent it from functioning normally. In some cases, the condition progresses to liver disease. It usually progresses in stages:

Hepatitis– in this first stage, called steatohepatitis, your liver goes from fatty to inflamed, damaging the tissue.

Fibrosis– in this second stage, causes bands of scar tissue to form where the inflammation damages the liver, causing it to stiffen.

Cirrhosis– in this third stage, extensive scar tissue caused by inflammation replaces healthy tissue. This is called cirrhosis of the liver. Without treatment, cirrhosis can lead to potentially fatal conditions like liver failure and liver cancer. About 90% of people who develop hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) have cirrhosis.

Steatotic liver disease doesn’t always cause symptoms. When they are present, symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of your abdomen
Extreme exhaustion or fatigue

People will more commonly notice symptoms once SLD has progressed to cirrhosis of the liver. When cirrhosis develops, you may experience:

Nausea
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice
Swelling in the abdomen
Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands
Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or rectum

Steatotic liver disease has multiple causes. You are more likely to develop SLD if you have a cardiometabolic risk factor, if you consume unhealthy amounts of alcohol, or both. You have a greater chance of developing SLD if you have the following:

Alcohol use disorder
Metabolic syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Are overweight (a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2)
Obesity (a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Obstructive sleep apnea
Hypothyroidism
Hypopituitarism
Hypogonadism
Take certain prescription medications

Without treatment, a steatotic liver can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, which can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and cancers outside the liver. People with MASLD are also at increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in people with MASLD.

Because SLD doesn’t usually cause symptoms, a healthcare provider may be the first person to notice an issue. High levels of liver enzymes that turn up on a blood test for other conditions can raise a red flag. Elevated liver enzymes are a sign of liver damage.

To diagnose SLD, a healthcare provider may ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy.

There are no specific treatments or medications for SLD. Instead, healthcare providers focus on helping you manage risk factors that contribute to the condition. This can include making lifestyle changes that can improve your health. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:

Avoid alcohol
Lose weight
Take medications to manage metabolic conditions
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B

A healthcare provider may change your prescriptions if your medicine is causing fat to accumulate in your liver.

The best way to avoid SLD is to maintain your overall health. You can prevent SLD by:

Exercising regularly
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you
Taking medications as prescribed if you have Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Working with a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center can help you determine your biggest risk factors for liver damage, identify medications that may lead to further damage, and find the right treatment for any scarring or disease you are experiencing. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

World Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April is World Autism Acceptance Month, an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.

The Autism experience is different for everyone. Defined by a specific set of behaviors, it is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

There is no known single cause for Autism, however, it is generally accepted that differences in brain structure or genetic factors cause it. Early diagnosis and intervention can support an Autistic individual with the resources needed to live fully.

There are many ways to participate in Autism Acceptance Month, including:

Listen to and amplify autistic voices
Create inclusive spaces
Advocate for policy change
Educate yourself and others
Support the autism community

Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance. We all need to do our part to help create a society that actively supports and includes autistic individuals.

Risk Factors for Gallstones

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time.

People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones that don’t cause any signs or symptoms typically don’t need treatment.

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:

Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone
Back pain between your shoulder blades
Pain in your right shoulder
Nausea or vomiting

Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours.

It isn’t clear what causes gallstones to form. Doctors think gallstones may occur when:

Your bile contains too much cholesterol
Your bile contains too much bilirubin
Your gallbladder doesn’t empty correctly

The types of gallstones that can form in the gallbladder include:

Cholesterol gallstones
Pigment gallstones

Factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include:

Being female
Being 40 years old or older
Being Native American
Being Hispanic of Mexican origin
Being overweight or obese
Being sedentary
Being pregnant
Eating a high-fat diet
Eating a high-cholesterol diet
Eating a low-fiber diet
Having a family history of gallstones
Having diabetes
Having certain blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
Losing weight very quickly
Taking medications that contain estrogen such as oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs
Having liver disease

There are several complications of gallstones, including:

Inflammation of the gallbladder
Blockage of the common bile duct
Blockage of the pancreatic duct
Gallbladder cancer

You can reduce your risk of gallstones by:

Not skipping meals
Losing weight slowly
Eating more high-fiber foods
Maintaining a healthy weight

There are several tests and procedures used to diagnose gallstones and complications of gallstones, including:

Abdominal ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Other imaging tests
Blood tests

A healthcare provider will determine if treatment for gallstones is indicated based on your symptoms and the results of diagnostic testing. Treatment options for gallstones include:

Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)
Medications to dissolve gallstones

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers multiple options for gallbladder removal surgery, this includes robotic surgery. To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call (718) 670-5000.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse, and its impact on health.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) started the Alcohol Awareness Month program in 1987. The program targets teenagers and college-aged youth, aiming to educate them on the dangers of heavy drinking and other harmful behaviors that can be common during these years.

Binge drinking and heavy drinking are two patterns of excessive alcohol use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more for men on a single occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

There are several ways to support Alcohol Awareness Month, including:

Wear a red ribbon
Participate in an alcohol-free 72 hours
Host dry parties
Talk with kids and teens about alcohol
Talk with friends and family about alcohol
Reflect on your relationship with alcohol

Alcohol Awareness Month’s primary goal is to increase public awareness and education about alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD), formerly known as “alcoholism”.

Preparing for Allergy Season

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has arrived, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and the blooming of trees and flowers. However, as trees and flowers bloom they release pollen, causing those who suffer from seasonal allergies to experience allergy symptoms. Spring allergy symptoms can include:

Runny nose
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Itchy eyes and nose
Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
Checking your local TV or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

Using air conditioning in your house.
Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

Oral antihistamines
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
Oral decongestants

If you are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms, you can get an allergy test and treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Brittany Choe

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Meet Dr. Brittany Choe. She is thrilled to join the MediSys team as Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Choe completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. She then went on to complete a Fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Hospital Administration coupled with an Executive MBA.

Throughout her career, Dr. Choe has been dedicated to developing processes that deliver safe and effective care to all patients. Her work has focused heavily on performance improvement initiatives that expand the scope of Emergency Medicine and provide increased access to care for patients in the Emergency Department. As a daughter of first-generation Korean immigrants, the opportunity to work in “The World’s Borough” of Queens is both an honor and a privilege.

Through this new role as Chair of Emergency Medicine, she aims to support the mission and vision of the MediSys Health Network, serving the community of Flushing and continuing the delivery of high-quality patient care.