August 2018 - Health Beat

How Important is “Gut Health” to Your Overall Well Being?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Once thought to be a relatively simple bodily system, we are now learning more and more about our digestive system and the major impact it has on our overall health.

Links are now being made between our digestive health and our immune system, mental health, endocrine system, skin diseases and even certain cancers. As a result, doctors are now stressing their patients to practice good “gut health,” which involves taking certain measures to protect and maintain proper functioning of our digestive system.

There are many ways an unhealthy gut can reveal itself. Obvious symptoms such as an upset stomach, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut.

Poor gut health can affect the functioning of the autoimmune system, leading to the body attacking itself. It can also be the reason for the development of certain food intolerances due to poor quality of bacteria in the stomach. Unintentional weight changes, skin conditions such as eczema, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia and fatigue can all also be linked to poor gut health.

There are several things that a person can do to improve their overall gut health, including:

Lower Stress Levels – Some ways to do this involve practicing meditation or yoga, taking a relaxing walk, or receiving a massage.
Get Enough Sleep – Try to prioritize getting at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
Eat Slowly – Chewing your food thoroughly and eating more slowly can help promote full digestion and absorption of nutrients
Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in the gut
Take a prebiotic or probiotic – Prebiotics provide “food” meant to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live, good bacteria
Check for Food Intolerances – . By eliminating certain common food triggers you may be able to identify a food or foods that are contributing to your symptoms.

By concentrating on your gut health, you will not only improve the functioning of your digestive system, but you can also experience many other benefits to your overall health.

If you are experiencing problems that might be due to poor gut health, please speak to your physician. To make an appointment 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.

The History of Contact Lenses

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Contact lenses are so commonly worn today that people don’t give them a second thought. Did you know that the concept for contact lenses goes all the way back to Leonardo DaVinci who described them back in 1508. Many scientists experimented with different materials over the next few centuries with only a little success. It was in the late 1800’s that German scientists devised a prototype of a contact lens made from a thin piece of glass that covered the entire eye.

In the early 1900’s it became possible to make a mold of the entire eye and this helped to make lenses that fit better. By the 1950’s plastics were being developed that could be made thinner and with a better fit for the eye and they were replacing glass as the material of choice for contact lenses. In 1960 the company Bausch and Lomb developed a technique to cast hydrogel, a plastic material that could be molded and shaped when wet, which allowed for the production of lenses that were able to be mass produced and of extremely high quality.

Today lenses are much more comfortable than the lenses made 20 years ago. They can be worn for long periods of time and they allow the eye to breathe which earlier versions couldn’t do.

If you would like to make an appointment with our ophthalmology department at Flushing Hospital please call 718-670-5486.

Employee Spotlight – Melissa Melgar

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Employee Spotlight shines on Melissa Melgar.

Melissa is a Flushing Hospital Medical Center employee for the past 12 years. She currently holds the title of Office Manager, Psychiatry Administration.

On any given day, Melissa assists with organizing on-call coverage for the Department of Psychiatry, credentialing newly assigned medical professionals and arranging Continuing Medical Education credits (CME).

Additionally, Melissa works with and prepares for the Joint Commission on HealthCare Organizations (JCAHO), Office of Mental Health (OMH), Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASAS) and Department of Health (DOH) prior to and during surveys.

Melissa’s greatest loves are her two children, Matthew age 4 and Maya, age 3. She spends her free time site seeing, biking, dancing, taking road trips and adventures with her family and friends.

She is also a champion of charities such as Breast Cancer Walk, raising funds for Breast Cancer Research, advocating for heightened awareness for Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome and Ronald McDonald House.

Although her job can, at times, be challenging; Melissa feels that helping others, making a difference in another person’s life and seeing the gratitude in patient’s faces is what makes it all worthwhile.

Melissa Melgar strongly believes that everyone should be made to feel important.

Back To School – Time To Reestablish Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Summer vacation is an opportunity for children to extend their bedtimes at night and sleep a little later in the morning. While most parents tend to be a bit more flexible with their kid’s sleeping habits during this time of the year, it’s important to remember that back to school is just around the corner and now is the time to reestablish a proper sleeping routine for your children.

After a relaxing summer, children might need some time to adjust to a regular schedule. Here are some tips to help your child ease into his or her school-time sleep pattern and to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout the year:

Every night, beginning 1-2 weeks before school begins, set an incrementally earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
Once your child’s sleep schedule is established, stick with it! Don’t use the weekend to “catch up on sleep.”
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to allow your child to unwind including a bath and a bed-time story (for young children) or a reading time (for older children).
Limit television, video games, and other electronic distractions before and during bedtime.
Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages close to bedtime as they may prevent your child from falling asleep.
Maintain a peaceful bedroom environment which includes a comfy bed, appropriate room temperature and lights turned off, or with a night light if your child needs one.
Be a role model by setting a good example for your child. Establish your own regular sleep schedulec and maintain a home that promotes healthy sleep.

Getting your child back on track at bedtime will allow for a smooth transition for the first day of school and will help your children reach their full learning potential.

Could You Be Pregnant? 10 Signs You May Be

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

A common question many women ask after missing their period is, “could I be pregnant?” There are early symptoms that you could look out for that may indicate pregnancy. These signs may show up a week or two after you have missed your period and can include:

Mood swings
Food aversions
Frequent urination
Spotting and cramping
Constipation
Changes in breasts that may involve swelling or tenderness
Fatigue
Headaches
Back pain
Darkening of nipples

Every woman’s body is unique; therefore, some may experience multiple symptoms or none at all during the early stages of their pregnancies. If you believe you could be pregnant, it is advised that you see your doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will discuss a prenatal care plan that is best for you and your baby’s health.

Prenatal care is vital because it improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Women who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birthweight babies and are more at risk of having complications caused by pregnancy.

Mononucleosis – the “Kissing Disease”

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Mononucleosis is a condition caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). It is called the “Kissing Disease” because it is spread through the saliva from one person to another. It can also be spread when drinking from the same glass or bottle as someone who is infected. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact or through a blood transfusion. Mononucleosis can remain in the body long after the symptoms have disappeared. Some people have the disease without even being aware.

Symptoms of mononucleosis can include:

Feeling tired
Fever
Lack of appetite
Rash
Sore throat
Weakness

The spread of mononucleosis can be prevented by staying away from people who are infected and by not sharing drinking glasses, silverware, toothbrushes, and not having sexual relations with them.

There is no medication to treat mononucleosis. It usually clears up by itself over time. The symptoms can be relieved by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, taking pain medication, and gargling with warm salt water It is important to avoid strenuous activities while the symptoms are present and ease slowly back to your normal routine once you start to feel better.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

What You Should Know About Legionnaire’s Disease

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Legionella is a type of bacterium that is typically found in freshwater environments; however, it can also grow in man-made water systems such as cooling towers for industrial air conditioning mechanisms, grocery store misting machines, decorative fountains, as well as hot water tanks and heaters.

Exposure to Legionella is known to cause legionnaire’s disease which is a severe form of pneumonia. This disease can develop after a person breathes in small droplets of water contaminated by bacteria. Infection may also occur through aspiration -when water accidentally gets into the lungs while drinking.

Legionnaire’s disease usually develops between two to 10 days after exposure to legionella. The most common symptoms include:

Coughing
Fever
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Chills
Headaches
Chest pain
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

Some people are more prone to develop legionnaire’s disease than others. Individuals who are most at risk include:

Smokers
Adults who are 50 years of age and older
People with weakened immune systems
Those who have a chronic lung disease

Treatment of legionnaire’s disease involves the administration of antibiotics and may require hospitalization. If symptoms are left untreated they can develop into life-threatening conditions such as septic shock, respiratory failure and acute kidney failure.

Legionnaire’s disease can be prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease is to make sure that building owners and managers maintain building water systems.” Smokers are also advised to quit smoking, as this can reduce their risk.

To learn more about Legionnaire’s disease please visit https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html

Are there Benefits If You Drink Kombucha Tea?

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The internet is all a buzz about the benefits of Kombucha Tea, but what is kombucha?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Although it’s sometimes referred to as kombucha mushroom tea, kombucha is not a mushroom — it’s a colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is made by adding the colony to sugar and tea, and allowing the mix to ferment. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds.

Some of the professed benefits of Kombucha are:

Gut health – the pro-biotics released in the fermentation process are similar to healthy bacteria that are found in the gut. Probiotic bacteria have been linked to helping diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cancer risk – Some studies show that drinking kombucha may help reduce the risk of cancer. It’s important to note that these studies were conducted on cells in a test tube.
Infection risk – Acetic acid found in vinegar is also found in kombucha after it ferments.
Mental Health – Since probiotics have been linked to treating depression and probiotics are evident in kombucha after fermentation, it may help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression.
Heart disease – Some studies have found that kombucha helps reduce levels of cholesterol that may cause heart disease.

The Mayo Clinic further reports that there have been adverse effects while using kombucha. Some people complained of an upset stomach, infections and at times an allergic reaction. This may have been caused because contamination can occur if the tea is brewed in homes with a nonsterile preparation area.

They further state that since there isn’t enough evidence that kombucha tea delivers on its health claims, the safe approach may be to avoid kombucha tea until more definitive information is available.

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Flushing Hospital

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system and movement.

The disease occurs when nerve cells (or neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die. These neurons produce a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it leads to abnormal activity in the brain.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person with early signs often going unnoticed before they begin to progress. Symptoms often start on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can include:

Tremors. Shaking that begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. Your hand may tremor when it’s at rest.
Slowed movement. Over time, Parkinson’s disease may make simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter or you may drag your feet.
Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have difficulty balancing.
Loss of automatic movements. You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Speech may also become monotone.
Writing changes. It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.

Parkinson’s disease can also lead to other complications, including difficulty remembering or concentrating, emotional changes and depression, difficulty chewing and swallowing, sleep disorders and fatigue, constipation, and bladder control issues.

The most common risk factors for Parkinson’s disease are:

Age. People usually develop the disease around age 60 or older.
Heredity. Having a close relative with Parkinson’s increases the chances that you’ll develop the disease.
Gender. Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than are women.
Exposure to toxins. Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Because the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, proven ways to prevent the disease also remain a mystery. Some research has shown that regular aerobic exercise might reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

While there is still no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatments that can slow down the progression and alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Most treatments involve the use of medications that increase the production of dopamine in the brain. Unfortunately, the effects of these drugs usually wear off over time. There are also surgical options designed to stimulate brain function. This type of procedure has led to dramatic improvements in many patients with Parkinson’s disease.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms or Parkinson’s disease, see your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, you can make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. It is a condition that is characterized by raised, red scaly patches. It is often found on the scalp, knees and elbows, but can show up on other parts of the body as well of people who have the disease. The exact cause is not known but there is a correlation between genetics and also the body’s immune system. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells multiply at a faster rate than normal cells. This causes a buildup up skin lesions and the area of the body also feels warmer because it contains more blood vessels.

Psoriasis is not contagious so it does not get passed by coming in to contact with a person who has it. It is a condition that affects men and women equally and it can develop at any age, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 35.

Common signs of psoriasis include:
• red patches of skin with thick silvery scales
• cracked and dry skin that may bleed
• stiff joints that may be swollen
• itching, burning and soreness
• nails that are pitted, thick and ridged

There are certain risk factors for developing psoriasis. This includes stress, smoking, obesity, alcoholism, skin infections, a vitamin D deficiency, and a family history. Psoriasis is diagnosed by examining the skin and making a diagnosis. A dermatologist will be able to determine if it is psoriasis by the amount of thickness and redness it has. There are different types of psoriasis and they are classified by how they show up on the skin.

There are three ways that treatment for psoriasis can be approached. They can be used by themselves or together, depending on the severity. Topical creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids are usually the most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate conditions. Light therapy that is either natural or artificial ultraviolet light can be used and it is directed at the area of the body that is affected. In severe cases, medications that are either injected or taken orally may be required. There are also alternative treatments that are being used and this includes Aloe vera which comes from a plant and omega-3 fatty acids that comes from fish oils.

Depending on the severity of the disease, it may have an impact on a person’s quality of life. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Hospital for any type of skin condition, please call 718-670-5486.