March 2017 - Health Beat

Is It A Cold Or Is It Allergies?

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Michael Hinck

The transition from winter to spring can be challenging to your health. The change in seasons often results in an overlap of symptoms that could be either the remnants of a winter cold or the first signs of spring allergies.

While many of the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, the causes of each are very different.

Colds are contagious and they are contracted when a person is exposed to an individual infected with a cold virus. Our body’s immune system will launch a counter attack against the virus. This response usually brings on the classic symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough.

An allergic reaction is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakes harmless things, such as pollen, and attacks them. To combat what it thinks are germs, your body releases chemicals called histamines as a defense. The release of these histamines can cause a swelling of the nasal passages and result in coughing and sneezing. Allergies are not contagious.

While many of the symptoms are similar, the easiest way to determine if you have a cold or are suffering from allergies is the duration of your condition. While most colds last from three to 14 days, allergies can last for months as long as the person is in contact with the allergen. Other differences are:

An allergic reaction will begin immediately after exposure to an allergen while cold symptoms usually take approximately three days to appear after exposure
Colds can sometimes cause fever and body aches while allergies never do
An allergic reaction can often result in itchy, watery eyes, which a cold rarely produces this type of reaction

Once a determination between cold or allergy is made, the appropriate treatment can be applied.

There is no cure for a cold, but there are medications that can help alleviate the symptoms. Cough syrups, pain relievers, decongestant sprays, or multi-symptom cold relief medicines can all be used to help, but should only be taken after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have other underlying health conditions. Drinking plenty of liquids also speeds up the recovery process.

To treat allergies, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine to block the reaction to the allergens. There are many forms of antihistamines and some may cause drowsiness so be sure to look for the non-drowsy formula or only take them at night. Decongestants may also be suggested to relieve nasal congestion and avoid an infection.

If you are not sure if you have a cold or allergies, please speak with your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center can help. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-8939.

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.

Chemical Dependency Unit

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Chemical dependency is a term used to describe a disease characterized by the addiction to mood- altering chemicals found in legal or illegal drugs or alcohol. Some of the causes of chemical abuse and dependence are environmental stressors, social pressures, psychiatric problems or possible genetic traits.

People who have a chemical dependence most often abuse one or more of these agents:

Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Inhalants
Hallucinogens
Methamphetamine
Pain medications

Warning signs that indicate a growing chemical dependence on these substances include:

Developing a tolerance to use more alcohol or drugs to get a desired effect
Interference with work, school, and relationships
Spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering from the use of substances
Craving drugs or alcohol on a continuing basis
Having withdrawal symptoms if drugs or alcohol are not available

The Chemical Dependency Unit at Flushing Hospital is a medically managed detoxification unit that offers safe withdrawal from alcohol and drugs. Culturally-sensitive treatment is provided by a dedicated and caring staff that consists of physicians, physicians’ assistants, specially trained nurses, credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, creative arts therapists, social workers, and psychiatric consultants. Their focus is stabilizing the individual physically and emotionally so they can start the recovery process.

In addition to providing treatment, educational groups are facilitated to help patients learn about addiction as well as creative arts groups to help patients understand and express their emotions. Also self-help groups, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), conduct meetings on the unit to familiarize patients with the support services they provide.

Patients are admitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The length of stay is usually between three and seven days. Discharge plans are based on the individual needs of the patient.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Chemical Dependency Unit at Flushing Hospital, call or .

Adult Braces

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Joann Ariola

All too often, when people hear the word “braces” they associate it with a young child or adolescent with a mouth full of metal brackets. However the association of braces with children is quickly changing as more and more adults are reaping the benefits of advances in orthodontic care.

Due to improvements in hardware and technique, braces have become more obtainable and aesthetically pleasing for anyone, including adults, who are self-conscious about their smile.

“More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to create a beautiful, healthy, straight smile,” stated Dr. Rekha C. Gehani, Chair of Orthodontics at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Braces offer many health benefits including improving dental hygiene and aligning teeth that are out of place. If your teeth are misaligned or crooked there may be biting or chewing issues and food buildup between teeth, which can put you at risk for developing oral diseases.

There are several kinds of braces available to adults; the type of braces your dentist may recommend depends on the severity of your dental problems. Some braces that may be suitable are:

Ceramic Braces – less noticeable than metal
Lingual Braces – invisible from the outside
Invisalign – nearly invisible (removable)

If you are interested in learning more about adult braces, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Center. Call .

Potty Training Tips – Is my child ready?

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

If you are wondering, “how will I know when my child is ready to begin potty training?” You should know there are several signs you can look for that can help with gauging your toddler’s readiness.

The first step in determining if your child should begin potty training is making certain they are physically and emotionally ready. Beginning training before your toddler is ready can result in frustration and delay.

Most children show an interest in potty training between 18- 24 months; however, it is important to keep in mind that not all children are ready to begin training around this age. Some toddlers are ready to train earlier and others later. Paying attention to the following signs can serve as a better indicator than age:

Dry periods (going without urinating) of at least two hours.
Regular bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Telling you when their diaper is dirty and wanting to be changed.
Understanding and using “potty” language such as “poo” or “pee”.
Being able to sit down and get up from the potty.
Having the ability to understand and follow basic directions.
Being able to pull pants up and down.
Being able to tell you that they need to go or have gone.

If you feel that your child is ready and you decide to begin training, you should prepare yourself for the journey ahead by keeping in mind; patience is the key to successful potty training. This process will take time so do not have unrealistic expectations and timeframes. Prepare your child by talking to them about potty training- reading them storybooks can also be helpful. Teaching them the names of their body parts and how they eliminate waste is essential. This will help your toddler to understand body function and pay attention to cues that signal it’s time to use the potty.

Speaking to your pediatrician about what to expect is a very important part of your preparation. Your child’s doctor can offer advice and helpful tips to ensure a positive experience for you and your toddler.

Will Having Shingles Effect My Pregnancy?

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles. Shingles is the term used for a skin rash that is caused by the herpes-zoster (varicella) virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. In some cases it can reactivate and cause shingles. Anyone who has had chickenpox may develop shingles, including pregnant women and even children.

As a new or expecting mother there are a lot of concerns for staying as healthy as you can for you and your baby during pregnancy. Although you can’t give anybody shingles, you can pass the virus on as chickenpox. Whereas shingles is harmless in pregnancy, chickenpox can cause problems for an unborn baby. For this reason, stay away from other pregnant women while you have shingles.

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant:

First, get a blood test to find out if you’re immune to chickenpox. If you’re not immune, you can get a vaccine. It’s best to wait 1 month after the vaccine before getting pregnant.
If you’re already pregnant, don’t get the vaccine until after you give birth. In the meantime, avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles.
If you’re not immune to chickenpox and you come into contact with someone who has it, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor can treat you with medicine that has chickenpox antibodies.
Tell your doctor if you come in contact with a person who has shingles. Your doctor may want to treat you with an antiviral medication. Antiviral medication will shorten the length of time that the symptoms will be present.

There isn’t a cure for shingles but a physician will usually prescribe medications to make the symptoms less intense. If you have questions about shingles send them to

To learn more about prenatal treatments please call the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 718-670-8994.

Pulmonary Medicine

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The specialty of Pulmonary Medicine concentrates on the respiratory system which includes the lungs, the upper airways, the thoracic cavity and the chest wall. Doctors that work with the pulmonary system are called pulmonologists. Some of the illnesses that they treat include asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) emphysema, lung cancer, and occupational lung diseases.
Flushing Hospital’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine offers a wide range of services to help diagnose and treat patients with lung disease.
Some of the diagnostic testing performed in the Pulmonary Function Lab includes:
• Spirometry
• Lung Volumes (nitrogen washout or body plethysmography)
• Diffusing capacity
• Arterial Blood Gas Testing
• Pulmonary Stress Test
• Six-minute Walk Test
• Sputum Induction
• Cold Air Exchange
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Healthy Veggie Alternative to Meatballs

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Last week we posted that Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) hosted a Healthy Recipe Makeover Contest.

Below is the WINNING recipe.

Ingredients:

2 – Eggplants, (peeled and chopped)

2 – Packages of button mushrooms (chopped)

1 – Onion (finely chopped)

2- Cloves of garlic (finely chopped)

2- Large Egg White (lightly beaten)

1 – Teaspoon dried oregano

1 – Cup bread crumbs (whole wheat)

½ cup – Parmesan Cheese

Directions –

Sauté Eggplant, mushroom, onions and garlic until soft (let cool)

Combined Oregano, breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese

Add all of the above ingredients together.

Form into inch balls bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

Place in sauce and enjoy..

Our winner assures us that “No one will know they are meatless until they bite into them.”

Q and A: Medication Expiration Dates

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Q: Do over -the-counter and prescription medications have expiration dates? Do they mean anything and is it safe to take them past the expiration date?

A: Over-the-counter and prescription medications are time stamped with expiration dates. Time stamps can be found on the labels or on the actual container. It is important that you pay attention to these dates. The expiration dates indicate a guarantee of full potency and safety within the recommended shelf life.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – “Don’t be tempted to take expired medications.” The FDA states, using expired medical products is “risky and possibly harmful to your health.” This is because the efficiency of a medication may lessen over time due to changes in its chemical composition or a decrease in its potency.

Artificial Sweetners

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Anyone who has ever tried to watch their weight, protect their teeth, or has been told that they have diabetes, has probably tried something made with an artificial sweetener. The concept of using sugar substitutes has been around for a very long time. A researcher at Johns Hopkins University accidently discovered a product that would be developed into what we now know as saccharin in 1879. The use of artificial sweeteners as part of our daily lives became more prevalent in the mid 20th century.

There are six sugar substitutes that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in foods and beverages. These are aspartame, sucralose, stevia, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium. These products are very sweet and therefore only very small quantities need to be added to food and beverages to make them taste good. For as long as these products made with artificial sweeteners have been available there has been controversy over any harmful side effects that they may pose. So far the FDA has not been able to substantiate any claims of harmful effects from their use.

As people in the United States have become more health conscious, the use of products made with artificial sweeteners has increased. More and more products are being produced each year that are labeled “Sugar Free”, “Diet”, “Low-Cal”, “Light”, or “Artificially Sweetened”. People are naturally attracted to foods that taste sweet. It has been stated that the taste of sugar may even be addictive. While limiting the intake of sugar may be seen as a good trend, people seem to be consuming more of the artificially sweetened products which may not be beneficial in the long term. Over indulgence in products that are made with these artificial sweeteners can still cause weight gain.

Five Best Tips for Putting Your Best Fork Forward to Shed the Winter Pounds

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? Every year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics generates a nutrition, education and information campaign. This year’s message is “Put Your Best Fork Forward.”

Each person has the tools to make healthy dietary choices. Now that winter is coming to an end, and spring is approaching, it is a wonderful time to reflect on our current habits and lifestyle and decide which tools we will use to shed some excess weight gained over the winter months.

Tool #1 – Balance

Visit Choose My Plate at – Use the “my plate” method of ½ plate non starchy veggies, ¼ plate protein, ¼ plate fiber rich carbohydrate to balance your nutrients throughout the day.
Drink water or mild instead of sweetened beverages (soda or juice).
Eat healthy snacks, such as fruits/nuts with yogurt or crackers with peanut butter.
Substitute processed or artificially flavored food items with natural unprocessed foods. By skipping the cookies and having a piece of fruit, you will get more vitamins and fiber allowing your body to feel more energized throughout the day.

Tool #2 – Let’s get Physical

Physical activity, in any form, is imperative for managing weight. Some ways to get more active are:

Consider non weight bearing exercises such as using resistance bands for building muscle and increasing flexibility, stationary bike or water aerobics.
Walking 10,000 steps per day is equivalent to walking five miles! Aim to achieve as many steps as possible throughout the day such as parking your car a little further from your destination, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and partaking in walking breaks, especially if you are sitting for most of the day.
March gives us extra daylight, so the best way to utilize this extra time is by being active. Activities such as walking, jogging, gardening, swimming and yoga are perfect ways to spend 30 minutes doing an outside activity.

Tool #3 – Reduce Stress

Everyone has stress which can obstruct weight loss. Stress increased the hormone called cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain. Stress also contributes to emotional eating and other damaging behaviors.
It is important to ask for help and have support to get through the daily stressors of life. Consider support groups, meditation, coloring, knitting or spending time with a loved one to relieve the stressors in your daily life and help you stay focused and on track of your goals and progress.

Tool #4 – Be SMART About Your Goals

By setting SMART goals, results are greater! SMART goals encompass five parameters to make the goal more productive:

S is the SPECIFICS of the goal. Is the goal definable?

M is the MEASURABILITY of the goal. Is it possible to track/measure progress?

A is ATTAINABILITY of the goal. Is the goal a reasonable one ?

R is RELEVENCY of the goal. Is the goal worthwhile and will it meet your needs?

T is TIMELINESS of the goal. How much time can you give to accomplishing goals?

Tool #5 – Track Your Progress

Keep a diary or journal and record your progress and shortcomings.
Keep a food log and track your dietary intake.
“There’s an App for that” – There are so many wonderful Apps for goal setting and tracking caloric intake, physical activity, etc., utilize the technology on your smart phone or tablet to monitor your progress.

This article was submitted by Sadia Tahir Khan MS, RD and Michelle Hill, RD, CDN, CDE, Food and Nutrition Department of Flushing Hospital Medical Center