August 2020 - Health Beat

Gestational Diabetes

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Gestational diabetes is the term used to describe a high level of blood sugar that develops in pregnant women who never had diabetes prior to their pregnancy. The exact cause is not certain, but it is thought to be due to the placenta blocking the body’s ability to use insulin, causing the blood sugar level to rise. The body simply can’t manufacture a high enough quantity of insulin to keep blood sugar under control.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes:
• Women over the age of 25 who become pregnant
• Family history of diabetes
• Excess weight before and during pregnancy
• Race and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian and American Indians are at higher risk)

Gestational diabetes usually affects the mother after the 24th week of pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who have gestational diabetes tend to be heavier than babies born to mothers who have well-controlled blood sugar. There is also the chance that women with gestational diabetes will deliver their babies pre-term. Later on in life, these babies may develop diabetes on their own. After the baby is born, the mom’s blood sugar often returns to normal but there is a higher risk of developing type II diabetes later in life.

Treatment for gestational diabetes includes regular daily testing of blood sugar, a rigorous diet, and a regular schedule of exercise. Medication may be necessary to control blood sugar in some cases.

There are a few ways to lower the risk of diabetes. This includes:
• Watch your weight
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and would like to schedule 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.

Bee Stings

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

It is summertime and we all spend more time outdoors. Whether it be in our gardens, the park, or at the beach, the potential to get bitten by a bee is always there.

Bees are typically attracted to flowers because of their scent and bright colors. They can be attracted to a human if they are wearing brightly colored clothing or have a particular scent.

Getting stung by a bee is not the most pleasant experience to say the least. In the event that you are stung by a bee here are a few helpful steps to follow:

Remove the stinger as soon as you can, as it only takes seconds for the venom to enter your body. You can remove the stinger by scraping it off the best way you can. (example: fingernail, tweezer, credit card ).
Wash the sting area with soap and water.
Apply cold compresses or ice to relieve pain and ease swelling.

The treatment steps for minor reactions to bee stings are not as effective for those who have severe allergic reactions. If you are allergic to bee stings, contact your primary care provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe reactions may need epinephrine, by way of an Epi-Pen.

If you are stung by a bee, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you are having any sort of reaction.

Mistakes That Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Measuring your blood pressure at home is a very important part of properly managing hypertension. Therefore taking accurate measurements is crucial.

To ensure accuracy, there are several things you should and should not do while measuring, as they can affect your reading. Here are a few:

Always use the bathroom before measuring- Having a full bladder can add points to your reading.
Remain quiet- Talking while checking your blood pressure can cause deviations in measurements.
While seated make sure your back is supported and both your feet are placed flat on the ground-Measuring blood pressure in a posture where your back or feet are not supported can affect readings.
Keep your arm leveled with your heart- If your arm is not on the same level as your heart while getting a reading, you run the risk of getting measurements that are higher than your actual blood pressure level. Always make certain your arm is supported, you can rest it on a chair arm, table or desk to receive the best positioning.
Do not place the blood pressure cuff over clothing – Studies show that doing so can have an impact on systolic blood pressure. Your cuff should be placed on your bare arm during measurements.
Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure- Consuming food or drinking beverages within that time can result in a reading that may be inaccurate and high.

Improperly measuring your blood pressure can have serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A reading that underestimates your blood pressure might give you a false sense of security about your health. But a reading that overestimates your blood pressure might lead to treatment you don’t really need.”

In addition to following best practices for an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important that you keep track of your numbers. You can use a notebook, app or chart to do so. If you are concerned about changes in your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor right away.

The Importance of Not Skipping Taking Your Medications

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Anyone who has ever taken a prescription medication has probably missed taking a dose. On some occasions the reason is as simple as forgetting, on other instances it may be intentional. Whether accidental or on purpose, it’s important to know the implications of failing to take your medications and what you should do if you miss a dose.

Depending on the medication, skipping a dose or multiple doses can have a major impact on your health as many medications won’t be effective if you don’t take them when and the way they are supposed to, especially if you miss multiple doses.

Some of the consequences can include:

Missing Your Window – Some pain medications work best if you treat the symptoms before they begin. Failing to address the symptoms early on may result in difficulty suppressing potential flare-ups. This is especially true for medications intended to treat arthritis and other auto-immune disorders.
Treatment Might Not Be Effective – In instances where antibiotics are necessary to treat an infection, failing to take a full dose of your prescribed medications can cause an infection to linger or even come back stronger. Incomplete treatments may also make you resistant to antibiotics in the future.
You May Experience Withdrawal – If you miss a dose of your medication or stop taking it altogether, it can trigger chemical changes in your brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and flu-like symptoms.
Lead To Complications – If you don’t take your medications to treat hypertension, it could increase your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. If you fail to take your diabetes medications, it can increase your chances for kidney disease or blindness.

You should speak with your physician or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose or multiple doses of your medication. The answer could depend on the type of medication you are taking, the dosage, and how frequently you take it.

The retail pharmacy at Flushing Hospital is staffed with experienced pharmacists to help you with any questions about your medication adherence plan. To talk to a pharmacist, please call 718-353-3160.

Factors That Make A Pregnancy High Risk

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Joann Ariola

More and more women are waiting to have families well into their late 30’s and beyond. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five women now wait until they’re 35 or older to have their first child. There may be some risks involved with a pregnancy conceived later in life, but a healthy lifestyle, along with regular visits to your Ob-Gyn can create a healthy pregnancy.

Oftentimes, women worry more about the risks of pregnancy at a later age than conception itself. While a woman’s fertility does decrease after the age of 30, certain factors associated with pregnancy can cause it to be “high risk,” even in younger moms, who have existing health conditions, the mother’s age, lifestyle, and health issues that happen before or during pregnancy.

Some of those conditions could include:

• Higher risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
• Greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome
• Miscarriages and still birth
• Low birth weight

A pregnancy should be happy and welcomed news and planning should be no different. Increased risk factors and statistics should not be discouraging news. Often, statistics do not account for life style choices or pre-existing conditions. Here are a few tips to help you take the necessary steps toward a healthy pregnancy later in life:

• Schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn for a visit. Be very honest with your practitioner about any existing health conditions.
• Your Doctor may recommend additional testing such as genetic testing and counseling or sonograms.
• Begin taking pre-natal vitamin. Since folic-acid is important for prevention of birth defects, taking folic acid can add an important level of protection for older women.
• Exercise regularly; eat a well-balanced diet to maintain your weight. Gaining the appropriate amount of weight lessens the chance of your baby growing slowly and reduces the risk of preterm birth.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.

If you are interested in pre-pregnancy and fertility counseling, contact Flushing Hospital Women’s Health Center at 718-670-8994 to make an appointment.

The Difference Between Being Overweight and Obese

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 20 years and older with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0- 29.9 are considered to be overweight, those with a BMI of 30.0 and above are categorized as obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is indicative of being morbidly or severely obese.

If a person is obese, they are at risk of developing health problems such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. The risk for these complications can be decreased by losing weight.

While applying lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising can help in achieving weight loss, they may not be enough to yield significant results for individuals struggling with obesity-related diseases.

Weight loss (bariatric surgery) has been proven to be a safe and effective way to overcome this challenge. This type of surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines to reduce food intake or absorption, and induce weight loss.

Candidates for weight loss surgery include those who:

Have a body mass index (BMI) over 40
Are more than 100 lbs. over their ideal body weight
Are experiencing disabling pain in weight-bearing joints
Have a BMI of 35 along with obesity-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease
Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful

Choosing a weight loss surgery provider that is accredited by programs such as the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) is highly recommended. This accreditation ensures that your provider follows a high standard of care.

Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center is the first Bariatric Center of Excellence accredited by the MBSAQIP. The center provides care from a multi-disciplinary group of health care practitioners who are compassionate and fully invested in helping you in every step of your weight loss journey.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center, please call 718-408-6977or 718-670-8908.

The West Nile Virus Crisis of 1999

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Just before Labor Day in 1999, Northern Queens became the epicenter of a very serious, and in rare cases, deadly disease – the West Nile Virus.

The West Niles Virus is primarily spread through the bite of a mosquito. While the overwhelming majority of those infected with the virus suffer either no or very minor symptoms, people over age 60, or those with a comprised immune system may be at risk of developing serious symptoms. In rare cases (less than 1%), individuals may develop headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, or swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or paralysis. West Nile can even cause permanent neurological damage and death.

The disease was found only in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. It had never seen in the United States, however, in the summer of 1999, Flushing Hospital doctors noticed a cluster of patients experiencing very mysterious symptoms that could not be explained. The medical staff immediately reached out to their partners at the local health authorities to report their findings. Together, the team identified the virus and alerted the public. The City’s response was immediate as they instituted an aerial assault days before the Labor Day weekend to eradicate the source…the mosquitoes. Thanks to the efforts of Flushing Hospital, many New Yorkers who might have otherwise been exposed while enjoying time outdoors were spared from becoming infected.

As we near the anniversary of this event, Flushing Hospital wants to continue to educate the public on how to stay safe and avoid becoming infected by West Nile or any other mosquito-borne diseases by following these tips to reduce your chances of exposure:

Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeved shirts, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest
Remove any places where standing water can collect on your property, such as tires, cans, plastic containers or pots,
Make sure your roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and the fall.
Clean and chlorinate your swimming pools, outdoor saunas or hot tubs and drain water from pool covers
Change the water in your bird baths at least every three to four days.

Flushing Hospital urges everyone to take proper precautions and enjoy the remainder of your summer.

Do You Suffer From Summer Migraines ?

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

For many people who are prone to migraine headaches, summer can be the season when they are most affected. This doesn’t mean having to stay indoors to avoid symptoms, but instead learning the causes of migraines and taking precautions they should be taking to prevent them.

Migraine headaches are caused by changes in the brain that are brought on by several factors which include stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep and food allergies. Factors that occur most commonly in summer include:

Changes in the weather
Sensitivity to bright light
Excessive heat and humidity
Changes in barometric pressure
Dehydration

In order to help prevent some of the causes of summer migraines, one can follow these helpful tips:

Make sure that you are drinking water adequately and frequently
Avoid beverages containing caffeine and alcohol
Wear a hat to keep the sun’s strong rays from your head and eyes
Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses
Minimize the amount of time spent outdoors during the hottest part of the day
Do your errands during the cooler times of the day, if this is not possible, try to take breaks when you can and move into a cooler place.

People who experience frequent summer migraines don’t have to spend the summer indoors. If they take adequate precautions, they too can enjoy their time outdoors.

Speak to your physician if you experience frequent migraines at any time of the year and would like recommendations on how to manage them. To make an appointment to see a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Is It Stomach Flu Season Already?

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Joann Ariola

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.

How To Help Kids Wear Face Masks

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults and children over the age of two years old wear a face mask when going outside- especially to places where it may be difficult to practice social distancing.

While most adults can easily adhere to these recommendations, it may be harder to introduce the habit of wearing a mask to young children. Parents may encounter the following challenges:

Some kids may not like how masks look
Masks may feel uncomfortable to children
Some children may feel panicked when a mask is placed on their faces

Here are a few steps adults can take to help children feel more comfortable and adjust:

Be a role model by wearing a mask when appropriate.
Explain why it is important to wear a mask in simple words that kids can understand.
Make masks appear less scary by placing them on a child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll, or by showing pictures of other children in masks.
Make masks feel special or personalized by allowing children to decorate or pick them out.
To avoid discomfort, ensure that masks fit correctly and children can breathe easily.
Allow kids to practice wearing a mask for a few minutes each day. This will help with their comfortability when wearing a mask outside for longer periods of time.
If masks feel uncomfortable, parents can purchase additions such as face mask extenders or ear savers.
Empower children by using positive reinforcements such as praises when they are wearing their masks.

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease, by wearing a face mask in public settings you are creating a barrier that can help protect you and your child. Please keep in mind, the CDC does not recommend that children under the age of two wear masks; additionally, any child who is unable to remove their mask without assistance should not wear one.