June 2018 - Page 2 of 2

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovary or on its surface. Many women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime.

The two most common types of ovarian cysts are follicle and corpus luteum cysts. Other cysts that are less common include endometriomas, dermoids and cystadenomas.

Causes for ovarian cysts include:

Hormonal problems
Pregnancy
Severe pelvic infections
Endometriosis

In most cases, ovarian cysts are symptomless and do not lead to further complications. Typically, they disappear within a few months without treatment. However, if cysts continue to grow and become enlarged, symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, painful intercourse and pain in the lower back or thighs can develop. Cysts can also lead to complications such as infertility.

If you are experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor. If cysts are discovered after a thorough examination and testing, your doctor will determine the course of treatment based on the type of cyst and severity. Medication or surgery may be recommended.

If it is determined that surgery is needed, a common procedure known as an ovarian cystectomy can be performed utilizing robotic technology. The da Vinci Robot Surgical System is the platform most popularly used by surgeons. Doctors at Flushing Hospital Medical Center operate using this state-of-the-art equipment because of the many benefits it can offer.

The advantages of operating with the robot include a reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and minimal pain. The dexterity of the machine also allows for greater control and precision than the human wrist.

To learn more about the da Vinci robotic ovarian cystectomy or to schedule a consultation with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-8994.

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 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Joann Ariola

According to the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP), June is recognized by the federal government as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

More than 38 million people in the United States experience migraines or some type of tension headache with 2 -3 million of them experiencing chronic migraines.

The exact causes of migraines are unknown. People with migraine or tension headaches may have a tendency to be affected by certain triggers such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes and hypertension.

Some symptoms of migraine or tension headaches are:

Throbbing pain, numbness, weakness
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vertigo
Mood changes
Neck pain
Vision changes

Treatment for migraine or tension headaches depends on the how often or how severe the headache is, the level of disability your headache may cause and contributing medical conditions you may have.

Over the counter medications such as anti-nausea or Ibuprofen may help with more minor episodes, but if you are experiencing multiple headaches per month lasting more than 12 hours, over the counter medications aren’t helping and your migraine symptoms include numbness or weakness, it is best to consult your physician.

If you are experiencing painful migraine or tension headaches, the Ambulatory Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center has convenient hours and days of operation. To schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5486.

Learn How to Better Avoid Slips and Falls

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Michael Hinck

June is Safety Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital Medical Center wants everyone to focus on preventing injuries and making safety a priority.

Whether at home or in the workplace, one of the most common types of avoidable injuries are slips and falls. Millions of people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year and falls are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States.

Most fall-related injuries take place when ladders are involved. With the warm weather upon us, more and more people are working on outdoor projects where slips and falls are likely.

To avoid these types of injuries, Flushing Hospital’s Safety Department offers the following tips:

Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting any work
Make sure you have level ground to set up your equipment
If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather
Use the correct tool for the job, and use them as intended
Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open
Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface
Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung from the top
Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom
Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use

By following these simple tips, you can minimize your chances of suffering a fall-related injury and enjoy your summer.

Meet Sarah Kan

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Joann Ariola

June’s Employee Spotlight shines on Sarah Kan, Executive Receptionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

When you enter the hospital’s lobby, Sarah Kan is the first friendly person you will meet. She is knowledgeable, multi-lingual and always ready to help our patients and visitors.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when the people I have helped come back through the lobby to say ‘thank you’ as they are leaving.” stated Sarah.

Sarah has been a valued employee of the hospital for 7 years and is highly regarded by her co-workers.

Congratulations Sarah!

The Stages of Alzheimer’s and How the Disease Progresses

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and other mental functions over time, eventually leading to the inability to carry out daily activities.

Progression of the disease can vary by the individual. The average life expectancy of a person diagnosed is eight to 10 years. However, depending on several factors, a person could live as long as twenty years or more after diagnosis.

As the disease gradually worsens, symptoms that are associated with the three main stages of Alzheimer’s will appear. It is important to note that these stages serve as a general guideline as symptoms may vary. The three stages are:

Stage 1: Mild, Early Stage – During this stage a person may function independently but may experience memory lapses and other difficulties in concentration such as problems coming up with correct names or words and staying organized.

Stage 2: Moderate, Middle Stage – Typically, this is the longest stage and can last many years. At this point symptoms become more noticeable, and the individual will require more care as they may not be able to successfully complete some routine activities on their own. Symptoms may include moodiness or withdrawal, confusion about what day it is or location, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements and increased risk of wandering.

Stage 3: Severe, Late Stage –This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s and individuals will need an extensive amount of help and care. At this stage, a person loses many physical abilities such as eating, sitting or walking. Other symptoms that can occur include having difficulty communicating, significant personality changes, lack of awareness of surroundings and becoming more susceptible to life- threatening infections such as pneumonia.

Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is important; as early detection of the disease can help individuals to receive the maximum benefits from available treatments, maintain their independence longer and better prepare for their care in the future.

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are raising awareness about the disease as it affects an estimated 5.7 million people living in the United Sates. Through education we hope to increase public knowledge of the disease, and its effects on individuals as well their caregivers. To learn more about Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at www.alz.org

Proper Air Conditioner Maintenance is Important For Your Health

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Michael Hinck

As the weather gets warmer, we look for relief from the heat. One of the best ways to cool down is by turning on our air conditioning units, but can our air conditioners be harmful to our health?

Air conditioners contain filters that are intended to block these particles from entering the air we breathe. This is why it is important to change your filters regularly.

If not properly maintained air conditioners can lead to or worsen existing health issues, such as several types of respiratory conditions. AC units can spread dust, mold spores, pollen, and other airborne particles throughout your home. This can have a detrimental effect on your respiratory system, which can result in discomfort and hay-fever -like symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose.

In addition, continued exposure to an improperly maintained air conditioning unit can irritate very sensitive mucous membranes and exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as asthma. Studies have even concluded that young children exposed to high amounts of mold in the air are more likely to develop asthma. One major source of mold exposure is through a poorly maintained air conditioning unit.

Every air conditioner is different so it’s important to read your manufacturer’s recommendations to determine how frequently you need to change your filters.

Another option is to not rely on your air conditioner so much. Open the windows and use fans to circulate the air in your home on cool evenings and on days that aren’t so hot.