January 2020 - Health Beat

Understanding How Diabetes Can Affect Your Digestion

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Nausea and vomiting are two unpleasant feelings that most everyone has encountered at some point in their life, but for many diabetics, these are symptoms that they live with every day as a result of a condition known as diabetic gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a known complication of both the type 1 and type 2 forms of diabetes. It occurs because high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes often leads to nerve damage throughout the body. One such nerve is the vagus nerve. It controls the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. When it is damaged, food cannot move as quickly through the digestive system because the stomach muscles aren’t working well or stop working completely. When undigested food remains in the stomach for too long it can lead to a variety of problems such as bacterial overgrowth and the build-up of hardened, solid masses.

It is estimated at as many as 50% of all people living with diabetes develop some level of gastroparesis during their lifetime, but symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

The most common symptoms associated with diabetic gastroparesis include:

Nausea after eating
Vomiting after eating
Fullness after eating small amount of food
Bloating
Pain in the upper section of your stomach
Lack of appetite
Heartburn
Unexplained weight loss

Diabetic gastroparesis can affect lead to many complications including dehydration and malnutrition. It can also make it hard for someone with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels as well as maintain a healthy weight.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for gastroparesis, but there are some medications that have shown temporary relief. There are also some alternative food delivery methods available, such as feeding tubes and IV nutritional therapy for those with severe symptoms.

The best way to reduce the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis involves adjusting your lifestyle through:

Maintaining a low fat / low fiber diet
Drinking plenty of water
Reducing stress levels
Quitting smoking
Avoiding alcohol and carbonated beverages
Eating small meals and chewing your food slowly
Taking walks after meals

It is also recommended that you talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking as they can also worsen gastroparesis symptoms.

If you would like to make an appointment with a diabetes specialist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, 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.

Employee Spotlight – Esmeralda Wills, RN

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Joann Ariola

January’s Flushing Hospital Employee spotlight shines on Esmeralda Wills, RN. Ms. Wills is a nurse on the hospitals 4 North 1 unit. She is known for always smiling, being a team player, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and her co-workers.

Claude Thomas, Clinical Nurse Manager of 4 North 1 and 2 stated, “Ms. Wills is a person who is always willing to learn new things and take on new challenges. She is highly regarded by her peers and her patients.”

For these and so many other reasons, Esmeralda Wills, RN is our January Employee Spotlight. Congratulations!

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, a sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.

What To Do When Your Baby Suddenly Stops Breastfeeding

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Michael Hinck

When most people hear the words “nursing strike” the most common assumption is that it has something to do with a work stoppage by hospital caregivers, but the term can also refer to when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. This response can sometimes be mistaken for weaning, but unlike a nursing strike, weaning normally takes places gradually over a period of weeks or months.

Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes end with your baby back to breastfeeding, within a few days. In some cases the cause is a mystery, but most of the time it is due to some external factor. Some of the most common triggers for a nursing strike include:

An illness affecting your baby such as an ear infection or stuffy nose
A change in deodorant, soap, lotion or anything that would result in you smelling different to your baby
Your baby is teething or experiencing sore gums
A temporary reduction in milk supply
A change in nursing patterns
Your baby was frightened during a previous nursing experience

Whatever the cause, getting the baby back to the breast can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips that can help get your baby back to breastfeeding:

Be patient. Don’t try to force your baby to breastfeed as it can make the situation worse.
Rule out any physical problems such as an ear infection, stuffy nose, teething issues or a bladder infection.
Spend more skin-to-skin time together.
Avoid giving your baby a pacifier.
Attempt to nurse when your baby is either falling asleep, sound asleep, or just waking up.
Movement helps so try putting your baby in a sling while you walk around or try relaxing in a rocking chair.
Take a bath together or cuddle in a quiet, dark room.

You should continue to pump or hand express milk while your baby is refusing to nurse to prevent plugged ducts and infections. It is also important to remain calm and understand that your baby isn’t rejecting you and while the situation can be upsetting that it is only temporary and everything will go back to normal.

If your baby is experiencing a nursing strike and you have additional questions, you should speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

If you would like to speak to a lactation consultant at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5201.

Flushing Hospital Wants You To Know About Cold Sores

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Cold sores are small fluid filled blisters, also known as fever blisters, that are develop on or near the mouth and the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Cold sores are highly contagious and are spread by coming in close contact with secretions from the blisters or sharing utensils or other personal hygiene items with an infected person. It is important to keep in mind that the virus can spread even when an infected person does not have a cold sore.

A cold sore usually develops in several stages during an outbreak. The stages of a cold sore are:

1 Tingling and itching near the mouth
2 Formation of a fluid filled blister
3 The blister breaks
4 Scab forms
5 Scab falls off and sore heals

Additional symptoms a person may experience during an outbreak include:

Headache
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes

There are several factors that can cause a cold sore to develop or reoccur if a person has already had an outbreak in the past: These include:

Stress
Fatigue
Eating certain foods
Having a cold
Allergic reaction

The diagnosis of a cold sore can usually be made by visual inspection. It is also possible to do a blood test to see if the virus is present.

There are no cures for a cold sore but there are ways to treat the symptoms. Antiviral medications are often prescribed and there re over the counter medications treatment available to purchase.

Speak to your physician if you think you have a cold sore and it doesn’t start to heal in two weeks. You can also schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What is Aortic Valve Disease

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

One of the most important organs of the body is the heart. It’s main function is to pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body which is what keeps us alive.

The heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left. Blood enters the heart through the right atrium, it then passes to the right ventricle. From the right ventricle the heart pumps blood to the lungs where it receives oxygen and then returns blood into the left atrium. From the left atrium blood then passes to the left ventricle. The heart then pumps blood to the rest of the body from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and into the aorta. When this valve doesn’t function properly, it causes a condition called aortic valve disease.

Aortic valve disease can be due to a birth defect, an infection, the aging process, or an injury to the heart.

There are two main types of aortic valve disease:

Aortic valve stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve opening is narrowed due the valve flaps being either thickened, fused or too stiff. This leads to reduced blood flow from the heart to the aorta. This can be caused by a calcium buildup on the valve leaflets. A history of rheumatic fever can also lead to aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition where blood flows back into the heart from the aorta due to the valve flaps being weakened and unable to keep the blood flowing in only one direction. This may be due to a birth defect that worsens over time.

Aortic valve disease can cause the following symptoms:

Heart murmur
Shortness of breath
Swollen ankles
Fatigue
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness

Aortic valve disease can lead to heart related complications such as stroke, blood clots, heart failure, and death.

Diagnosing aortic valve disease is done by a physician who will take a full medical history and listen to the heart with a stethoscope to determine if there are signs of a murmur. Diagnostic tests will foloow and these include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a chest x-ray to determine if the heart appears enlarged. Other tests that may be performed are a CT scan, a MRI, and a stress test.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease. They can range from lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, smoking cessation, and diet modification, and possibly prescribing medications to control heart function. In more severe cases surgery to repair or replace the valve may be necessary.

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

Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Dietitian Laura Wang is sharing one of her favorite stew recipes.

Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde!

This delicious hearty meal is only 322 calories per serving.

Here is the step-by-step recipe that can be found by clicking the link below –

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/274835/chilean-lentil-stew-with-salsa-verde/

Tips To Guard Against the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Michael Hinck

The flu isn’t the only virus that we need to protect ourselves against this time of year. Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu is a very contagious bug that is common in our region beginning in the fall and winter months.Unlike influenza, which affects your respiratory system, the stomach flu attacks your intestines causing the following symptoms:

• Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Occasional muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever

Gastroenteritis is typically spread through the sharing of food or drink with someone who is infected or sharing other items with them such as utensils or towels. Children can also spread the illness by placing their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated items or surfaces.

Symptoms usually appear within one to three days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Typically symptoms last only a day or two, but in some cases, they may persist for up to ten days.

The main complication from viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem. However, infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously. Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely.

To avoid catching the stomach flu, it is recommended that individuals wash their hands thoroughly, use separate items around the home, disinfect all potentially infected items and surfaces, and keep your distance from those who are infected.

If you do contract gastroenteritis, follow these tips:

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. You might also try drinking clear liquids or broths or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as ginger ale crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.

See a doctor if you become dehydrated (characterized by excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow or no urine, severe weakness or dizziness), if symptoms persist for over 24 hours, if you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool, or if you have a temperature of 104 degrees or above.

The Stages of Wound Healing

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Whether it’s a minor cut or a more serious injury everyone has sustained a wound at some point in their life. Each time we develop a break in our skin our bodies go through a wound healing process to repair the damage, but how does this happen?

When the skin is injured, our body sets into motion an automatic series of events, often referred to as the “cascade of healing,” in order to repair the injured tissues. The cascade of healing is divided into these four overlapping phases:

Phase 1: Stop the bleeding (hemostasis)
The first stage of wound healing is for the body to stop the bleeding. This is called hemostasis or clotting and it occurs within seconds to minutes after you suffer a wound. During this phase the body activates its emergency repair system to form a dam to block the drainage and prevent too much blood loss. Clotting also helps to close and heal the wound, making a scab.

Phase 2: Scabbing over
Once your wound isn’t bleeding any more, the body can begin cleaning and healing it. First, the blood vessels around the wound open a bit to allow more blood flow to it. Fresh blood brings more oxygen and nutrients to the wound. White blood cells called macrophages help clean the wound by fighting any infection. They also send out chemical messengers called growth factors that help repair the area.

Phase 3: Rebuilding
After the wound is clean and stable, your body can begin rebuilding the site. Oxygen-rich red blood cells come to the site to create new tissue. Chemical signals in the body tell cells around the wound to make elastic tissues called collagen. This helps to repair the skin and tissues in the wound. At this stage in healing, you might see a fresh, raised, red scar. The scar will slowly fade in color and look flatter.

Phase 4: Maturation (strengthening)
Even after your wound looks closed and repaired, it’s still healing – this is called the Maturation phase. During this phase the new tissue slowly gains strength and flexibility. You may also experience itching or tightness over the area at this time. This phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to months.

If you suffered a wound, you can help the healing process by thoroughly cleaning it with mild soap and water and covering it with a sterile bandage to prevent infection. See your doctor if you think your wound has become infected.

Due to a variety of underlying conditions, some people may experience slow or non-healing wounds. For those patients, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a Wound Care Center. Speak to you doctor to see if you require specialized wound healing services.

Mental Health Issues Affecting Young Adults

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Mental health issues are on the rise in adolescents and young adults (12-25 years of age) living in the United States. In research published by the American Psychological Association, it was reported that, “More U.S. adolescents and young adults in the late 2010s, versus the mid-2000s, experienced serious psychological distress, major depression or suicidal thoughts, and more attempted suicide.”

Experts believe the reason for the increase in mental health problems in young adults is due in part to an increase of digital media and electronic communication. Studies show that young adults are having less face-to face interactions and are spending less time with friends, neither of which are advantageous for mental health. Additionally, many young adults are feeling pressured to present a flawless physical appearance or a perfect life online. They often measure themselves against unrealistic and often fabricated ideals which can affect self-esteem.

It was also found that young adults are getting less sleep because too much time of their time is spent on electronic devices such as smartphones. Young adults tend to be late night screen addicts, as there is always a need to feel connected to electronic devices due to a fear of missing out. A study published in the Journal of Youth Studies showed that “1 in 5 young people regularly wake up in the night to send or check messages on social media.”

Sleep deprivation in young adults can take a toll on their mental health. A lack of sleep over time can affect mood and lead to mental health disorders such as depression.

There are steps that can be taken to minimize the negative effects digital media and electronic communication can have on mental health. They include:

Minimizing or setting time limits on screen time
Encouraging face-to-face social interactions
Taking breaks from social media
Putting devices on a “ Do Not Disturb” mode before going to bed
Monitoring and customizing social media feeds to minimize exposure to negative or harmful content
Building self-esteem

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of mental health professional.

To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.