May 2019 - Health Beat

Try Gardening to Reduce Your Stress Levels

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Michael Hinck

With spring weather finally upon us, there is an opportunity to get outside and relieve some stress. One particular springtime activity that is highly recommended to reduce tension and anxiety is gardening.

Research has proven that gardening can be one of the most effective ways to reduce stress levels. In one particular study, subjects were asked to perform a stressful task and then asked to either garden or read for 30 minutes. While both groups experienced a decrease in stress, the gardeners experienced a significantly greater decline (as measured by stress hormone levels), as well as a full restoration of a positive mood while the readers actually experienced a further decline in mood.

The reasons why gardening is so helpful in reducing stress are numerous. Some include:

Being Outside – Sunlight is not only good for your physical health, but it can actually help improve your mood. Also, just being outdoors helps you feel more removed from the stressors of everyday life.
Getting Exercise – The manual labor associated with gardening, whether it is digging, raking, planting, pruning, or weeding provides a physical outlet to release the tension that is stored in our bodies.
Creating Beauty – The wonder of nature is a stress reliever in itself, but when you are responsible for creating and nurturing that beauty, it can be very uplifting. Gardening is an exercise in hope.
Meditative Qualities – The act of gardening is time consuming, quiet and repetitive. These attributes provide a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation and reflection.

So if you are feeling stressed, take advantage of this beautiful spring weather and try gardening. It doesn’t matter whether you are tending to a large backyard or a small patio garden – the benefits can be great.

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.

Sunglasses – Strength and Protection

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

At this time of year we spend more time outdoors and for that reason it is important to protect our eyes from the potentially harmful rays of the sun. One of the ways we can do this is by wearing the right sunglasses.

Don’t be fooled by the price tag when purchasing sunglasses. Just because sunglasses are expensive doesn’t always mean that they are the best at blocking the UV rays. Always check the label first.

For sunglasses to be completely effective they should:

Block out as close to 100% of the UVA and UVB rays as possible
Block out 75 to 90 percent of the visible light
Have gray lenses for proper color recognition

If we are exposed to too much UV rays, over time, it can cause cataracts and can also harm the cornea and the retina. Short term exposure to UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. It is temporary in the short term but can have serious consequences long term.

It is also important that sunglasses fit properly. They shouldn’t be worn so close that they touch the eyelids yet not too far off that they let sun get in around them.

A good rule to follow is if you are wearing sunscreen you should also be wearing sunglasses.

Employee Spotlight Shines On Cyril Reid

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Joann Ariola

May’s Employee Spotlight shines on Cyril Reid, better known to all as “CJ,” a Third Cook at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) cafeteria.

Each morning, CJ is at the server grilling delicious breakfast fare for visitors and employees. He is well known for his vegetable omelets. He takes great pride and care in the preparation and presentation of each dish prepared.

Although CJ is a fairly new employee at FHMC, he has quickly developed a positive reputation and following.

When CJ is not at FHMC, he enjoys spending time with his lovely girlfriend, mother, grandmother and siblings. When they are together CJ shares with them his love for family, basketball and, of course, food.

CJ stated that the most rewarding part of his job is, “Getting compliments from customers telling me that what I served them was delicious.” He tries his very best to make sure that any and all unforeseen obstacles within his control are addressed before he takes his place at the grill station.

For serving it up just right, we shine the Employee Spotlight on Cyril Reid.

Flushing Hospital Recognizes National Don’t Fry Fry Day

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Michael Hinck

The Friday before Memorial Day is designated National Don’t Fry Day – a day to raise awareness about sun safety and encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to protect their skin from cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year – more than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined. In fact, one out of every five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some time in their lives.

Flushing Hospital and the American Cancer Society would like to share the following tips to avoid frying in the sun this summer:

Seek shade during the peak time of day – the sun is at its strongest between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dress properly – Wear sun-protective clothing as well as UV blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats
Use sunscreen – It is recommended that you apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 every 2 hours
Avoid tanning devices – These give off UVA rays just like the sun.

By following these tips, you and your family can enjoy the sun, while protecting yourself from the harm that it can cause

Rosacea

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by reddening and the appearance of blood vessels on the face. Rosacea can also cause red bumps containing pus to develop as well as redness of the eyes and thickening of the skin on the nose- causing it to appear bigger than it really is.

Currently, there are approximately 14 million people living with rosacea in the United States. While the condition can affect anyone, it is most likely to occur in:

Women more than men
People between the ages of 30 and 50
Those with a family history of rosacea
Those who had acne when they were younger
Those with fair skin, blue eyes and blond hair
Smokers

The causes of rosacea are unknown; however, there are indications that suggest symptoms may present as the result of an immune response, intestinal bacteria (H. pylori), a mite found in nature or a protein in the skin that is not functioning properly.

There are triggers that can cause a flare-up of rosacea, they include: being overheated, eating spicy foods, drinking hot liquids or alcoholic beverages, strong or sudden emotions, cosmetics, medications for blood pressure, sunlight, or having cold wind blowing on the face.

There aren’t any specific tests for rosacea, but doctors will want to rule out lupus and an allergic reaction. Depending on the severity, there are a few ways to alleviate symptoms of rosacea. These include:

Avoiding triggers
Protecting the skin from strong sunlight by applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing
Using mild soap and skin cream
Taking medications that help tighten the blood vessels
Undergoing laser treatments
Getting dermabrasion

If you are experiencing symptoms of rosacea, it is important that you see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis and start a treatment plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486,

Do Detox Teas Do More Harm Than Good?

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Dieting is never easy, nor is there a “quick fix” for weight loss on the market that comes without some risk.

The latest trend seems to be detox teas. The active ingredient in most of the teas is caffeine. Caffeine can produce side effects such as nervousness, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and agitation, headache, ringing in the ears as well as increased heart and breathing rates.

As an appetite suppressant, products containing caffeine may work for the short term. Often times detox teas that combine caffeine with a diuretic that may trigger a false sense of weight loss since diuretics cause a loss of water weight, not actual body fat.

Additionally, the caffeine in the teas may cause you to have insomnia. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can trigger excessive eating and even slow your metabolism causing you to gain weight.

Nutritionists and healthcare professionals agree that there is no magic formula to weight loss. The best way to plan for weight loss is to start with a visit to your doctor, make healthy food choices, implement portion control when eating and start a light exercise regimen slowly building as your endurance increases. The formula for keeping the weight off is to retrain your brain so that you can maintain your new healthier lifestyle.

If you are thinking about taking off a few pounds and would like to speak with a health care professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Our nurses are the pillars of our community. In addition to meeting the demands of being a caregiver, they wear several hats including that of an educator, nurturer, and comforter.

Not only to do nurses care for patients; they provide support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Our nurses pour their hearts into all aspects of their job, and this is one of the many reasons why we celebrate their accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Eileen Flores RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Eileen:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I started as a student at Flushing’s nursing school in 1976. I graduated as an RN in 1979 and have worked here since.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: The name of the department I work in is PACU. I worked in PACU since 1988. My present position is Assistant Head Nurse.

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: I decided to become a nurse when my youngest brother was admitted to the hospital. I saw the care he was given and how it made a difference. I wanted to be able to do the same.

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: Working in a place that treats everyone like family. I have taken care of so many people during my time at Flushing Hospital. We have seen many children grow up and have families of their own, which we also take care of. I take pride in our sense of community.

What is a Herniated Disk and What Are the Symptoms?

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Our spine consists of a series of bones called vertebrae. Separating these vertebrae are cushions filled with a jellylike substance. These cushions allow the spine to bend. When one of these disks starts to slip out of place, it causes a condition called a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disk.

Most herniated discs occur in your lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in your neck (cervical spine). You can suffer a herniated disk and not experience any symptoms, but most people do. The most common symptoms associated with a herniated disk are:

Arm or leg pain – If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you’ll typically feel the most intense pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be most intense in the shoulder and arm. This pain may be more intense when you cough, sneeze or move your spine into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling – People who have a herniated disk often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
Weakness – Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This may cause you to stumble, or impair your ability to lift or hold items.

While suffering a herniated disk is most often the result of a natural aging process called disk degeneration, it can sometimes be the result of a traumatic event or improperly lifting heavy objects.

Risk factors for developing a herniated disk include:

Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back.
People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems.
Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disk.

Tips to avoid a herniated disk include exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, lifting heavy objects with your legs and not your back, and practicing good posture.

In many cases, the best treatment for a herniated disk is rest, but if your symptoms are persistent or worsening, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor who may prescribe medications or refer you for physical rehabilitation.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated disk and would like to see a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670- 5486 to make an appointment.

Esophageal Cancer

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Esophageal cancer is a disease that develops when cancer forms in the esophagus- the long, hollow, muscular tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. The esophagus helps to move food and liquids to your stomach after you swallow.

Cancer of the esophagus is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It occurs more often in men than in women.

Although the cause for esophageal cancer is unclear, research indicates that the disease may develop as a result of damaged DNA in the cells that line the esophagus. It is also believed that chronic irritation to the esophagus is a contributing factor. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease include:

Being obese
Having GERD
Having Barrett’s esophagus( A serious complication of GERD)
Having bile reflux
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Smoking
Undergoing radiation treatments to the chest or upper abdomen

Esophageal cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses the following symptoms may occur:

Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Chronic cough
Chest pain or discomfort
Indigestion and heartburn

Cancer of the esophagus can be diagnosed by performing a series of tests and procedures that include genomic testing, imaging scans, endoscopy or biopsy. If it is found that you have developed esophageal cancer, your doctor may request further testing to determine the stage of cancer.

Treatment for esophageal cancer is based on stage, overall health and your preferences for care. Immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or interventional radiology are some of the approaches that your doctor may discuss with you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of esophageal cancer, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment.

Healthy Guacamole Recipe

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Clinical Nutritional Manager, Jessica Hyman RD, CDN- is sharing one of her favorite, healthy Guacamole Recipes:

INGREDIENTS: Serves 8
4 Ripe avocados
1 Lime, juiced
3 Tbsp. Onion, finely minced
1 Serrano chili, thinly sliced (or seeded and diced to lessen the heat)
1 Clove garlic, finely minced
2 Tbsp. Cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
1 Tomato, medium 1/4 inch dice

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, mash avocado with lime, onion, chile, garlic, and cilantro (optional) until the guacamole is mostly smooth only small chunks of avocado remain.
2. Stir in tomatoes, gently (so they don’t get smooshed!)

Serve with warm corn tortillas instead of chips!

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING:
Calories 120
Total Fat 11 g
Chol 0 mg
Potassium 397 mg
Total Carbohydrates 7 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g

Includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium
Why this recipe is so great: Most of the fats from avocado are monounsaturated fats, which are the fats that are known as “Healthy Fats.” These can help lower “Bad Cholesterol” levels, helping to reduce incidence of heart disease and stroke.