April 2019 - Page 2 of 2

Men’s Health – Learn About Testicular Cancer

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Michael Hinck

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This month-long observance spotlights the disease and emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and warning signs of it.

Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-34, with an estimated 10,000 cases diagnosed in the United States every year. Testicular cancer, which can develop in one or both testicles, occurs when sexual reproductive cells called germ cells experience abnormal growth. If germ cells become cancerous, they multiply, forming a mass of cells called tumors that begin to invade normal tissue. If not treated, they can spread rapidly to other parts of the body including to the abdomen, liver, lungs, bones and brain.

Regular testing by your physician and conducting monthly self-examinations of the testes is important for early detection. Since testicular cancer is usually isolated to a single testicle, comparing your testicles with one another for abnormalities can be helpful. It is important to know that it is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other so your focus during a self-exam should be on other differences between the testes as well as changes from the previous month. In addition to self-exams, all men should have their primary care physician check their testicles as part of their annual physical.

The warning signs of testicular cancer include:

A lump of any size on the testicle
Enlargement of the testicle, change in shape, size or any irregularities
Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle
A dull ache or sense of pressure in the lower abdomen or back
A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts due to elevated hormone levels

In most cases early stages of testicular cancer present themselves in a completely painless manner. If any of these symptoms are present, you need to see your doctor for further testing immediately.

By raising awareness during the month of April, we can empower individuals to learn more about testicular cancer and educate men about the importance of early detection.

To make an appointment with a doctor 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.

Why is it Important to Keep the Brain Active ?

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Why is it important to exercise your brain? Just like we exercise our bodies to keep it in good working order, research has shown that it is equally important to exercise our brain to keep it sharp and potentially to lower the risk of developing dementia.

A few of the activities that can help exercise the brain are:

Working on puzzles
Socializing with others
Reading books and newspapers
Playing board games or cards
Volunteering or joining a club
Learning how to play an instrument
Visiting a museum or going to the movies

It is normal for the brain to slow down with age. We tend to be less active physically and this can affect our brain activity. Therefore in addition to keeping our brains active we should exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Maintaining our physical health helps the process of neurogenesis which is the creation of new brain cells. Exercise also helps the flow of blood to the brain

If you would like to discuss with a physician any issues concerning the brain functioning, please call 718-670-5486.

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition marked by recurring or alternating bouts of cramps, diarrhea or constipation. It affects an estimated 30 to 45 million people in the United States – or 10 to 15 percent of the population. Despite its prevalence, many people living with this disorder are unaware that they have it and do not receive the necessary treatment and support.

In an attempt to help others gain a better understanding about this condition, April has been designated IBS Awareness Month. During this time, those involved in this effort will look to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.

There are many obstacles in raising awareness about IBS. One of the biggest hurdles is getting people to openly discuss their condition. Even though the disorder is very common, many with IBS are reluctant to openly talk about their symptoms or seek medical care. They may feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms, even with their doctor, because of social taboos surrounding bowel symptoms.

In addition, IBS is often mischaracterized as a trivial condition, but it is actually one of the most prevalent and burdensome chronic issues reported by patients. IBS has been cited as one of the leading causes of work absenteeism (second only to the common cold) and its symptoms also have a profound impact on the personal and professional activities of those living with it.

Another obstacle that many that IBS encounter is that there is still so much that is unknown about the disease. IBS symptoms result in no damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) system, making it difficult to diagnose. In addition, even though there are many theories regarding what causes IBS, there is no known official cause for the condition. There is also no official test to diagnose IBS and there is no cure.

In an effort to help those living with IBS, many health care professionals suggest patients learn all that they can about their condition, including identifying those things that seem to make their symptoms worse. Most importantly, people with IBS are encouraged to talk openly with their doctor about IBS so they can help them better manage their condition through improved lifestyle choices and medication therapy aimed to relieve symptoms.

Flushing Hospital is committed to joining the fight to raise awareness and addressing misconceptions about IBS to help those affected get diagnosed and receive appropriate care.

To schedule an appointment to speak with one of Flushing Hospital’s doctors, please call 718-670-5486.

How Fluoride In Drinking Water Benefits Our Teeth

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Michael Hinck

One way to prevent tooth decay is to drink plenty of water. Most public water systems in the United States (approximately 75%) have added fluoride to their supply.

Drinking fluorinated water has been proven to be a key contributor in the prevention of tooth decay. It keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities in adults and children by about 25%. By preventing cavities, community water fluoridation has been shown to save money for families and for the U.S. health care system.

Fluoride exists naturally in most water supplies, but usually not enough to prevent cavities. Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level for the prevention of tooth decay. It is recommended that community water systems adjust the amount of fluoride to 0.7 milligrams per liter of water.

While some have questioned adding fluoride to our water supply, for more than 70 years, the best available scientific evidence consistently has indicated that community water fluoridation is safe and effective. It has been endorsed by numerous U.S. Surgeons General, and more than 100 health organizations recognize the health benefits of water fluoridation for preventing dental decay, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and the American Dental Association

Thanks in part to adding fluoride to our drinking water, the oral health in the United States is much better today than it was many years ago; however, drinking water alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is recommended that everyone still brush (with fluorinated toothpaste) and floss daily and see their dentist regularly.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department, please call 718-670-5521.

How would you know if you have meningitis ?

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Hearing the word meningitis scares most people. We know that it is a serious disease, but do we really know what it is or what causes it?

Meningitis is a disease, caused by either a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. It causes an inflammation of the membranes, also called meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

Stiff neck with sudden onset
Fever
Confusion
Severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of appetite
Skin rash

There are several complications that can occur from meningitis. These include, seizures, hearing loss, difficulty remembering things, kidney failure and in severe cases, death.

In most cases in the United States the cause is due to a virus, which is the least severe form of the disease. It is spread by poor hygiene, or coming in contact with bodily fluids of someone who is infected, such as through kissing, sharing utensils, sneezing and coughing.

Viral Meningitis is the least severe and often it can get better on its own. The viruses that cause it are more prevalently found in summer and early fall. Bacterial meningitis is more severe and is caused when certain types of bacteria enter the blood and travel to the brain. Bacterial meningitis can also start as a sinus infection or an ear infection. Meningitis caused by a fungus is a rarer form and it usually affects people who are immunocompromised, like those with AIDS.

People who are at higher risk of getting meningitis are usually the people who haven’t been vaccinated against it. Children under five are at higher risk for viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis is more commonly seen in people under the age of 20. Other at great risk are people living in group settings like dormitories.

Treatment for meningitis is dependent on the cause. If it is bacterial, treatment will include antibiotics, for viral it may be mild and just treat the symptoms. If it is fungal it can be antifungal medications.

Keeping in mind that meningitis is contagious, it is best to seek appropriate medical care immediately. You should consult with your medical doctor or go to an emergency room to have the appropriate tests performed. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

ACL Injury

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

One of the most common knee injuries people receive is tearing or spraining their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The ACL is a major ligament that helps to hold the bones together in the knee. This band of connective tissue also helps to keep the knee stable by limiting joint mobility while doing activities such as walking or running.

Injury to the ACL typically occurs among individuals who participate in sports or fitness activities where rapid pivoting or turning is common. Injuries can also happen when someone:

Lands awkwardly after jumping
Stops suddenly
Receives a direct blow to the knee
Slows down or changes direction suddenly

Women are more prone to ACL injuries than men. This is due to differences in anatomy such as wider pelvises in women. Others who may have an increased risk for injury include those who:

Are participating in certain sports such as basketball, soccer, football, skiing or gymnastics
Do not participate in conditioning training
Have a previously torn ACL
Wear footwear that does not fit properly

Individuals who receive an ACL injury may experience symptoms that include:

A “popping” sound at the time of injury
Feeling a sudden shift in the knee joint
Rapid swelling
Loss of full range of motion
Pain

ACL injuries can be prevented by:

Strengthening quadriceps and hamstring muscles
Crouching and bending at the knees when pivoting
Training and conditioning all year round
Practicing proper landing techniques when jumping
Stretching

A diagnosis of an ACL injury is determined by a physical exam and (or) X-ray, MRI or ultrasound imaging. Treatment varies with severity and may include rehabilitation or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.