April 2021 - Health Beat

Recommendations For People Planning To Travel

Posted on April 29, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for travel to destinations within the United States and internationally. Currently, the CDC recommends delaying travel unless you are fully vaccinated. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you are advised not to travel. This lessens the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

According to the CDC, people who are fully vaccinated can travel safely to destinations within the United States. Fully vaccinated people do not have to self-quarantine upon arrival at their destination and they do not have to be tested before or after their trip unless it is required by their destination.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated:

Two weeks after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
Two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson and Johnson vaccine

The CDC still recommends that travelers within the United States:

Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth
- Masks are required on planes, trains, buses, boats and other forms of public transportation.
- Masks are required in airports, train stations and all other public places
Avoid crowded areas
Wash their hands and use sanitizers often
Remain six feet away from others

People who are not fully vaccinated must be COVID-19 tested 1 – 3 days prior to traveling and again get tested 3 – 5 days after their trip. Travelers must self-quarantine for 7 days after they arrive at their destination. They should also avoid coming in contact with anyone at risk of contracting the virus.

People traveling to the United States from other countries must have an approved Covid test performed 1 -3 days prior to travel and the result must be negative. Documentation of test results must be shown upon request. If the test result is positive, they will not be allowed to enter the United States and will be banned from traveling. International travelers must also follow the safety precautions listed above once they arrive to their destinations.

There is some progress being made in terms of safe travel but there are still many places where the risk of contracting the Covid virus is still high. Therefore, following safety recommendations is always in your best interest.

The CDC will update their recommendations as more people get vaccinated and as the rates of infection diminish. You may get more information about travel by going to the CDC website www.cdc.gov/covid19travel

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 – Leonel Torres

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Joann Ariola

April’s Employee Spotlight shines on Leonel Torres. “Leo” as he’s referred to, has been an employee at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) for the past three years as the Information Systems Supervisor and before that, Leo worked at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 4 years.

In his capacity, he provides technical support related to network issues, computer systems and hardware and software issues to insure all departments, hospital wide, are able to provide the necessary quality of care to patients or meet departmental performance goals.

Leo finds his job very rewarding because he is ensuring patients get the best quality of care by helping the healthcare providers have the resources available to provide such care.

He admits that it can sometimes his job can be challenging especially when he is trying to understand an issue and resolve it in a timely fashion, especially when the user isn’t a technical person themselves, but Leo notes, “The silver lining is the ability to both resolve the issues for them and help them better understand what presents the issue in the future.”

When he isn’t at work, Leo spends a great deal of his downtime spending quality time with his family and working on continuing to enhance his skills in his field by keeping up with certifications and programming computers and network switches.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center congratulates Leonel Torres as April’s Employee Spotlight!

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

The month of April has been designated as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This is a disease where cancer cells form in one or both testicles. The average age of detection is 33 years old.. The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,430 new cases are diagnosed each year and more than 380 men will die from the disease. It is considered to be a highly treatable disease, with an average of one death per 5,000 men.

There are a few risk factors of testicular cancer:

Family history
History of HIV positivity
Races – Caucasian American males are at highest risk followed by African American males then Asian American males
Body size – tall slender males are at higher risk
History of an undescended testicle

The signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

A lump or swollen testicles
Loss of sex drive
Back pain
Breast growth or tenderness
Pre puberty growth of hair on face and body
Aches in the belly or testicles

Diagnosing testicular cancer is done by performing a physical exam as well as an ultrasound to detect whether a mass is solid ( more likely to be cancerous ) or fluid filled, a blood test to detect certain proteins, a biopsy to see if there are cancerous cells present, and an MRI or Cat Scan to see if the cancer has spread.

Treatment of testicular cancer is determined based upon what is found at the time of diagnostic testing. Typically surgery to remove the affected testicle(s) as well as radiation and chemotherapy are needed.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable if caught early. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Pregnant Women And The COVID-19 Vaccination

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Joann Ariola

One of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is, “Should pregnant women receive the vaccine?”

According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), although the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to non-pregnant people. Severe illness includes illness that results in intensive care admission, mechanical ventilation, or death. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, compared with pregnant women without COVID-19.

The best answer is, getting vaccinated is a personal choice and, although not required, should be made with the advice of your Ob/Gyn.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and would like to learn more information about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you can make an appointment at the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology by calling 718-670-5239.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Foods To Avoid

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

An estimated 1.3 million people living in the United States have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disease that attacks the tissues around the joints.

There are many treatments available to help those diagnosed lead a healthy life. Additionally, eating a balanced diet void of certain inflammatory foods prove beneficial in helping to control RA.

Here is a list of foods that individuals living with RA are advised to avoid or limit:

Grilled, broiled, or fried meats
Organ meat, such as liver
Fried food
Foods that include preservatives or flavor enhancers
Sugars and refined carbohydrates
Fatty foods that are full of omega-6 fatty acids
Alcohol
Dairy

If you or a loved one either has or is at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, please speak to your doctor immediately about treatment options. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Is It Spring Allergies Or COVID19?

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Michael Hinck

With Spring now upon us, more and more people are taking advantage of the nicer weather and spending significant time outdoors, but this change in season can also bring the return of allergies for many. For some, these allergic reactions could be confused with symptoms of Covid-19. Flushing Hospital wants to offer our community with tips on how to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and Covid.

While the symptoms of allergies and Covid-19 can be similar, there are some definitive ways to tell which you are experiencing so you can treat it appropriately.

Typically, a virus such as Covid-19 causes a system-wide response, while an allergy, which is an overreaction of the immune system in response to exposure to a trigger, is usually more localized. For instance, someone with Covid-19 may have a fever, body aches, chills, a sore throat, weakness, and respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, someone with allergies will be more likely to have the symptoms centered on the nose, eyes, and throat, and they usually will not have a fever.

In addition, allergies cause itchiness: itchy eyes, itchy nose and sneezing, and a tickle in the throat, while itchiness is usually not a symptom of illness. COVID-19 also does not seem to cause much in the way of nasal symptoms, which means if your child is sneezing a lot, it is more likely allergies and isn’t related to COVID-19.

To treat allergies, your doctor may recommend using allergy medications to prevent or manage the symptoms. This can include antihistamines (a medication that blocks histamine, a chemical your body releases when exposed to a trigger), nasal corticosteroids (prescription medications that relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages), and if you also have asthma, a rescue asthma inhaler (this contains a medication that opens airway passages) and inhaled corticosteroids (this reduces the inflammation in your airways).

In addition, there are some things you can do to limit your chances of experiencing allergy symptoms, including:

Wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.
Remove your clothes as soon as you come home and wash them remove allergens.
Wash your child’s hands and face as soon as they come in from the outdoors.

It is important to note that you can have seasonal allergies and still contract Covid, so it is important to not dismiss the possibility of one just because you have the other. If you have any suspicions, it is important to consult with your physicians. To make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

#WorkoutWednesday How Much Water To Drink While Working Out

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Staying hydrated while exercising is very important, especially during the hotter months when we tend to lose more water by sweating. The best way to hydrate our bodies is to drink water, as it helps to prevent dehydration.

While drinking water greatly benefits our bodies, consuming too much can have adverse effects, one of which is hyponatremia. This condition occurs when the blood becomes excessively diluted from drinking too much water, dangerously reducing sodium levels in our bodies. Hyponatremia can result in symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, and in severe but rare cases, death. It is important to follow proper hydration guidelines to avoid these symptoms.

According to Harvard Health, four to six cups of fluid daily is generally recommended for most people to consume. While exercising, The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking:

Seventeen to 20 ounces of fluid, 2 to 3 hours before working out
Another 8 ounces, 20 to 30 minutes before starting your workout
Seven to 10 ounces, every 10 to 20 minutes while exercising
Eight ounces post workout

General recommendations are based on weight and gender. They may vary with each individual. It is also important to keep in mind, that individuals with certain health conditions such as kidney or liver disease may retain too much fluid and should consult their physician

If you are uncertain about how much water you should drink per day or while exercising, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to provide more specific guidelines.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486

Zoom Fatigue

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Statistics show that hundreds of millions of people are utilizing video conferencing applications such as Zoom to interact each day.

While this has become a new normal, it is important to note that spending a significant amount of time on these platforms can potentially lead to “Zoom Fatigue.”

The term Zoom fatigue is used to describe tiredness or burnout resulting from the excessive use of any video-conferencing application. According to experts, people are likely to feel exhausted or tense after prolonged use of these platforms, and here are the reasons why:

Video chats greatly reduce mobility (Being confined in the same space for an extended amount of time can be tiring).
Our brains need to work harder to process social cues which otherwise would be easier to interpret in person.
We are unable to break eye contact. There is an excessive amount of direct eye gaze as we focus more intently to absorb information.
Constantly seeing our own faces in real-time can be stressful-this is likened to always having a mirror in front of us. Some individuals may become increasingly aware of the way they look and worry more about presenting themselves well.

There are a few ways to alleviate Zoom fatigue, experts recommend:

Limiting video calls to those that are necessary
Turning your video off if it is not mandatory
Minimizing or having your screen off to the side instead of straight ahead
Hiding self-view
Taking breaks when you can
Building in breaks or transition periods in meetings so that participants can take a moment to refresh
Taking a digital detox from your computer, cellphones and other devices

Lastly, it is important to establish a daily routine that helps you to find a healthy balance in life. Too much stress or fatigue can prove disadvantageous to our physical, mental and social health.

Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of conditions that can significantly impair behavioral, communication and social skills.

There are three different types of autism spectrum disorders; they include Classic Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Each condition differs by the severity of symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children or adults with ASD may display the following symptoms:

Having delays in speech and language skills
Not responding to their name by 12 months
Avoiding eye contact or wanting to be alone
Having difficulty understanding the feelings of others
Displaying unusual reactions to the way things look, feel, sound or smell
Repeating actions over and over
Not looking at objects when other people point to them
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal language
Preferring not to be cuddled or cuddling only when desired
Having trouble adapting to changes in daily activities
Displaying behaviors such as flapping hands, spinning in circles or rocking the body

The most obvious symptoms of ASD typically emerge between two to three years of age. However, in some cases, they can be identified earlier.

There are no definitive causes of ASD but it has been discovered that there are several factors that can make a child more likely to have the disorder. The CDC asserts the following findings:

Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.
Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.
ASD tends to occur more often in people who have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.
There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.
Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having ASD.

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult as assessments are primarily based on behavior and development. There are two stages of diagnosis: the developmental screening and the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Currently, there is no cure for ASD but research shows that early intervention services and treatment can improve development in children.

April is National Autism Acceptance Month, during this time, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hopes to promote autism awareness and acceptance through education. The hospital proudly supports the nationwide goal of building a greater understanding and acceptance of ASD.

Anger Management in Children

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Children, just as adults, can exhibit different ways of expressing their anger or frustration. The difference is that adults typically have better ways of coping with and understanding these emotions. Children, on the other hand lack the maturity to understand why they feel the way that they do.

It is not unusual for a child to experience moments of stress which can lead to anger. Children will tend to respond to these situations by “acting out “. This can be displayed by crying uncontrollably, screaming, clenching their fists, hitting or being difficult to console.

These are a variety of events that can lead a child to displaying their frustration, including:

A new person, such as a baby, coming into the home
Parents fighting all the time
Starting a new school
Moving to a new home
Having a difficult time in school
Being bullied
Experiencing a trauma such as the loss of a loved one

What are some of the ways to help a child cope with their anger? Here are a few suggestions:

Children have to understand that there are certain rules and limits that they must live by. Setting a good example as an adult as to what constitutes good behavior is very important. It is also important to be consistent when setting boundaries. Rules can’t change from one situation to another and from one adult to another when dealing with a child.

Additional recommendations include:

Rewarding good behavior.
Keeping calm, getting angry at the already angry child can make things worse
Trying to speak to the child away from others so that they aren’t being embarrassed in front of others
Be reassuring to the child, tell them everything will be okay.
If the child is old enough, allowing them to verbalize why they feel the way they do.

Some activities that a child can do to relieve stress and lessen anger include having them:

Pop bubble wrap
Squish playdough
Scribble on a piece of paper than crumple it up
Do exercises
Rip a piece of paper

Most children will respond well to an adult who wants to help them learn how to cope with their anger. However there are some situations where professional intervention may be necessary. Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child is becoming angry too frequently or is overreacting. If you would like to make an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.