November 2018 - Health Beat

Fascinating Facts About Our Liver

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Michael Hinck

The human liver is a very vital organ. It is so important that we cannot survive if it stops functioning for one single day. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least thought about organs. Given its importance, let’s take some time to learn more about the liver and give it the attention it deserves. Here are some fascinating facts about the liver:

Largest glandular organ – Our liver is the largest glandular organ of the human body and the second largest organ besides our skin.
Multifunctional – Our liver simultaneously performs over 200 important functions for the body. Some of these important functions include supplying glucose to the brain, combating infections, and storing nutrients.
It contains fat – 10% of our liver is made up of fat. If the fat content in the liver goes above 10% it is considered a “fatty liver” and makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
It stocks iron – Our liver stores important vitamins and nutrients from the food we eat and stocks them up for when we need them later.
Detoxifier – Our liver detoxifies the harmful things we take in like alcohol and drugs. Without the liver the body cannot process these items.
Creator of blood – The liver creates the blood that circulates in our bodies. In fact, the liver starts producing blood before we are born. Without the liver there would be no blood and no life.
It regenerates – Our liver has the amazing ability to regenerate itself, making liver transplant possible. When people donate half their liver, the remaining part of the liver regenerates the section that was removed.

As you can see, our livers are extremely important organs and serve many vital functions. In other words, our livers are no chop- liver.

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.

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

More and more people, both children and adults are seeking orthodontic treatment today. Having well aligned teeth is not only important for a nice smile but also for proper dental health.

The importance of having healthy and aligned teeth dates back as early as 1000 BC. The ancient Egyptians and the Etruscans were using material made from animal intestines to move teeth into better alignment. An ancient Roman scientist discovered that by applying finger pressure on teeth for an extended period of time over the course of months would help move teeth into a new position.

The first more modern practice of orthodontics was documented in the early 1770’s. A French surgeon dentist named Pierre Fauchard came up with the concept of the “Bandeau” which was a horseshoe shaped device that gave the mouth a natural arch. Later on in the early 1800’s Francois Delabarre invented the wire crib that was placed on the teeth and help move them into better alignment. In the mid 1800’s dentists began to realize that the jaw and the teeth would have to be aligned simultaneously and this was accomplished by using tiny rubber tubing and wire cribs together.

In the early 1900’s, we entered the era of orthodontics that we are more familiar with today. Back then, dentists would wrap different materials depending on their preference (ivory, wood, copper, or zinc and later on gold or silver) and connect them with bands that helped move the teeth into the desired position. In the 1970’s stainless steel was more widely used and this had the advantage of being less costly and also more flexible than the other materials used previously.

In the late 1990’s, orthodontics changed with the introduction of the invisible braces. In addition to brackets that were placed on the inside of people’s teeth to make it more aestically appealing, clear retainers were also being used which would help to align teeth.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5522.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT – WOUND CARE SERVICES

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month our Department Spotlight shines on Wound Care Services. Wound healing is a multidisciplinary service that provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds. They are usually wounds that do not show improvement in four weeks or are not totally healed in eight weeks.

These types of wounds can lead to life-threatening infections, amputation, and debilitating health problems.

The Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art unit that provides specialized, interdisciplinary wound care to patients who suffer from non-healing or chronic wounds.

Designed to bring technically advanced, surgically-oriented wound care to patients whose wounds are resistant to traditional forms of treatment, the center is staffed with plastic surgeons, general surgeons, podiatrists, vascular surgeons and RNs certified in wound care.

It currently boasts a success rate of 91%, which is above the national average, and has expanded to a six-bed unit to better accommodate its growing number of patients.

If you have a sore or wound that just won’t heal and you’d like to schedule an appointment with our Wound Care Services, call 718-670-4542.

Employee Spotlight – Fran Goulston

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The November Employee Spotlight shines on Frances (Fran) Goulston. Fran is the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC). She has been a well-respected member of the FHMC team since October, 2000.

As Coordinator for CME activities, her duties include the organization of conferences, maintaining resident attendance records, distribution of CME credits, handling the funds devoted to conferences, finding and contacting guest speakers, maintaining relationships with sponsoring agencies as well as maintaining relationships with staff at Flushing and Jamaica Hospital’s. Fran also works with the hospital’s surrounding community organizations and medical groups such as the Association of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP).

At home, Fran Goulston is known as the backbone of her family. When she is not at work, she can be found with her daughter Eva, Drew, shopping with her nieces, watching TV with their puppy Royce or working for her community as Vice President of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association.

When asked about how she feels about her work, she stated, “Being a people person, I really like the day to day interactions I have with people from different professional and ethnic backgrounds. My job can be challenging, but I like a good challenge!”

Talking to Children About Sexual Abuse

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. One of the most effective ways to prevent abuse from occurring is through education.

Sexual abuse is a sensitive but much-needed discussion that parents should have with their children. Experts suggest that this discussion should begin with children at a young age as part of conversations about safety, and talks about sexual abuse should be ongoing throughout a child’s development.

Lessons about sexual abuse can be introduced by first teaching children about their bodies. Teach them the proper names for the parts of their bodies, and also inform them that some areas are private and should not be touched or looked at by others. Other important lessons that should be included in your talks are:

Secrets are not okay- According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), “Perpetrators will often use secret-keeping to manipulate children.” Let your child know that they should not keep secrets and that they can speak to you about anything. Providing an environment of openness and patience will help them to feel secure.
Do not accept bribes- People who sexually abuse children sometimes use bribery to keep them from telling. Teach your child not to accept gifts from adults without your permission.
It is okay to say “no”- Teach your child it is okay to say no when touched in a way that makes them uncomfortable or if touched in private areas. Respect your child’s decision to say “no.” Do not force them to give hugs or sit in the laps of adults if they refuse to.

Although the topic of sexual abuse is often dreaded by parents, it must be done in order to protect children from harmful situations. Parents should not risk abuse because of their own discomfort.

If you are uncomfortable about speaking about this topic, experts recommend reading books with your child to build a bridge of communication. Your pediatrician can also be a helpful resource, they may recommend child health professionals or organizations that can provide you with the support you need.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Obesity is a growing public health issue in our region. According to NYC.gov, more than half of New Yorkers are overweight, and nearly a quarter qualify as obese. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, reports that an estimated 23% of the population living in Queens is obese.

These rates are concerning because people who are obese are at an increased risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers. However, the good news is the risks associated with many of these conditions can be significantly reduced by losing weight.

Diet and exercise are highly recommended methods of weight loss but they may not be enough to yield significant results for those who are obese. Bariatric surgery offers an extremely effective weight loss solution for people who have tried and failed to lose weight by way of diet and exercise. Additionally, it has been shown to help improve several obesity-related health conditions.

The two most popular bariatric surgeries are the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass procedures. In the sleeve gastrectomy operation a large portion of the stomach is removed and a smaller, new stomach in the shape of a tube or “sleeve” is created. During bypass surgery, a new small stomach pouch is created, and a section of the small bowel is bypassed. These surgeries are usually done through small incisions either laparoscopically or using the da Vinci surgical robot, ensuring a minimally invasive approach. Both surgeries offer excellent long term results and positive outcomes in most patients.

With this is in mind, it is important to understand that bariatric surgery is a major operation, no matter which procedure is chosen. Bariatric surgery is not an easy way out. It is an important decision to be made under strict physician supervision and with the support of loved ones. The process is immersive and takes approximately 4-5 months of supervised dieting and being seen by multiple specialties for approval.

Although bariatric surgery is considered safe, it is very important that patients understand the risks of surgery. As with most major surgical procedures, the risks can include bleeding or other complications.

For those who would like to explore non-surgical weight loss procedures, there are options such as the FDA-approved Obalon Balloon System. This involves three air filled balloons inserted via a swallowed capsule. The patient is given no anesthesia and most people return to work the same day. The balloons stay in for six months after which they are removed via endoscopy. The procedure is generally very well tolerated with some side effects such as nausea and cramping. Studies have shown weight loss to continue beyond removal and many patients lose significant amount of weight.

When deciding which procedure is best for you, it is recommended that you receive an expert consultation with a surgeon. Your physician can assess your health which can lead to the decision on which surgery is suitable for your needs.

To ensure the highest quality care and maximize your chances of a successful weight loss procedure, it is recommended that you receive treatment at a “Bariatric Center of Excellence”, such as Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Flushing Hospital is the only Center of Excellence in Queens. The process to reach this designation is arduous and ensures that the center and the surgeons are of the highest quality and preparedness. Surgical outcomes are measured very strictly and the capability of both the surgeons and the center must be of the highest caliber when compared nationally.

To make an appointment, please call 718-408-6977.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is a common type of anxiety disorder that affects approximately 15 million adults living in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is characterized by “an intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.”

There is no exact known cause for social anxiety disorder; although, it is believed that genetics play a significant role. Social phobia is also linked to having an overactive amygdala; the part of the brain that controls our response to fear. Others factors believed to contribute to the disorder are a history of abuse or bullying.

The onset of social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid –teens; however, it can also occur in young children and adults.

Those with social anxiety disorder often experience physical symptoms associated with fear or anxiety in social situations. These symptoms may include rapid heart rate, dizziness, muscle tension, sweating or nausea.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to live a normal life. Those affected often avoid or have trouble with normal, day-to-day social situations such as making eye contact, entering rooms where there are people, using public restrooms, eating in front of people or going to work or school.

These behaviors are often indicative of a more serious problem that could be developing as a result of social anxiety disorder. If left unaddressed, social phobia can lead to low self-esteem, negative thoughts, depression, substance abuse or suicide.

The best approach to treating social anxiety disorder is to receive assistance from a mental health professional. They will be able to assess your health to determine whether you have social anxiety disorder or other mental health conditions. As part of your treatment, a mental health professional may recommend psychotherapy or medications. They may also suggest implementing lifestyle changes such as exercising, learning stress reduction skills or participating in support groups.

To make an appointment or to speak with a health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

What To Do If You Get The Flu

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

One of the most frequently asked questions at this time of year is “What should I do if I get the flu”? Since the flu is a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics aren’t going to help. The best way to treat the flu is to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may also help to reduce the symptoms.

In some situations a physician may prescribe an anti-viral medication if the virus is caught early enough. Any time medication is prescribed, it should always be taken as directed. People should be aware of any potential side effects, and in some cases, contraindications, especially for those who have certain chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure.

In some cases, home remedies may be effective for treating the symptoms of the flu. These include:

Eating chicken soup
Drinking herbal tea
Using a humidifier
Applying a warm compresses on the nose and forehead
Taking cough drops and throat lozenges
Gargling with salt water
Using a neti pot
Practicing nasal irrigation

Under most circumstances, the symptoms of the flu will subside on their own after a few days. If you have concerns, see your physician right away. You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Today is the Great American Smokeout – Quit Smoking Today!

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event when the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to quit smoking. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.

The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.

Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:

• Smoking Cessation Groups
• Nicotine substitute products
• Support from family and friends
• Telephone quit lines
• Counseling
• Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke

If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.

#Wellness Wednesday

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. -John F. Kennedy