May 2021 - Health Beat

Celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Awareness Day

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

This year marks the 28^th anniversary of National Senior Health and Fitness Day. The purpose of this event is to promote fitness in older adults and raise awareness of the benefits of regular exercise.

Exercising regularly is an excellent way to maintain good health as you grow older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle strengthening activity at least twice a week. These guidelines are recommended for those who are 65 years of age and older, are generally fit, and have no limiting health conditions.

Some of the benefits of keeping active, for everyone but especially seniors, include:

Improving balance and reducing the risk of falling
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
Allowing for more socialization
Reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease
Reducing the risk of joint stiffening

There are many ways to participate in National Senior Health and Fitness Day. Some of them include:

Visiting a park and walking along a path or a trail
Participating in a fitness class
Gardening
Swimming
Dancing
Getting a check-up to know the status of your physical health

Many senior centers, parks and recreation centers will be holding classes to recognize this event. You can also start a fitness routine at home that will help keep you active. It is advised that you speak with a doctor before starting an exercise routine. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to monitor your health, 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 – Lois Pettis

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Joann Ariola

This month’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines, once again, on Lois Pettis, LPN and Office Manager of the Wound Care Program.

Lois is best known as a member of the Wound Care Team. Where a “normal” day is spent scheduling patients, meeting with patients, speaking with insurance providers, family member and working on staffing issues.

But, since January of 2020, days have been anything but normal. When the COVID-19 virus pandemic hit the Borough of Queens, Flushing Hospital became an epicenter for the care of COVID-19 patients. The Wound Care Department suspended treating patients and it was all hands-on deck to treat the patients being screened and diagnosed with COVID-19.

Lois never wavered. She was willing to help in any capacity necessary. She only went home after she contacted the COVID-19 virus herself. Thankfully, she has made a full recovery.

Since then, Lois has been a part of the vaccination team and has been an extremely valuable resource in managing the “vaccination pod” at FHMC.

Lois is best known for her welcoming smile and gentle nature with our staff and patients. She is an asset to any department she has been a part of during these trying times.

When asked what motivates her to do her job so well, Lois answers with a wide smile, “The patients! ”

Thank you Lois Pettis. You are a valued Flushing Hospital Medical Center team player. Congratulations on being our FIRST, TWO TIME EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT!

Flushing Hospital Receives NYSPQC Award

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Flushing Hospital Medical Center was a recent recipient of “The New York State Perinatal Collaborative (NYSPQC) Enteral Nutrition Improvement Project Improvement Award”

This award recognizes Flushing Hospital’s participation in the NYSPQC quality improvement initiative which goals are to maximize early enteric nutrition, minimize post-natal growth failure in preterm babies (less than 31 weeks gestational age) and improve the outcomes in this vulnerable population of newborns.

As part of this initiative, Flushing Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Unit Care team has worked to develop and implement policies and procedures to optimize the nutrition of preterm newborns by utilizing human milk as the only mode of enteric nutrition-initiating early nutrition, improve family-center care, decrease inequities, and foster a culture of safety and improvement. “This exemplary work was a collaborative effort of the entire NICU team, and we continue to keep our commitment to this goal to ensure ongoing success,” stated Dr. Lourdes Cohen, Pediatrics Director.

Marilyn A. Kacicia, MD, MPH, Executive Director, New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Medical Director. Division of Family Health, New York State Department of Health stated, “We congratulate and recognize the work the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s birthing team has done to reach the goal of optimizing early enteral nutrition and postnatal growth among very preterm newborns. We thank you for your dedication to improving the health outcomes for these vulnerable newborns.”

Is it Advisable to Mix Covid Vaccines ?

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

At the present time, most Covid vaccines require two doses. The exception is the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine.

The question asked by many is it okay to mix two different vaccines? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is not recommended to mix vaccines unless there are extenuating circumstances where there is no availability of the first type that was administered. One reason for this is reports have shown that people who mix vaccines will often have more severe reactions. Another reason is that not all of the vaccines use the same mechanism of action to build the body’s immunity, and may not give a person the same amount of protection.

To schedule an appointment for a Pfizer vaccine you can click on this link and select a time that works best for you https://mychart.medisys.org/MyChart/covid19#/

Tips to Avoid Stress and Anxiety While Awaiting a Diagnosis

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Awaiting a clinical diagnosis or the results of a medical test can be a frightening experience for any patient. Even though most of us have experienced the anticipation of receiving good or bad news from a doctor or healthcare provider, depending on the person, this process can produce a wide range of feelings including: impatience, frustration, anger, sadness and anxiety.

It is totally natural to have some degree of concern while waiting for answers, but if you happen to be someone who has a higher degree of anxiety, please consider following these tips to help you remain calm:

Consider yourself proactive –Understand that getting tests performed is part of a process. Rationalize to yourself that if the results are positive, then testing is the first step to addressing the problem and if the results are negative, then you can finally feel relieved.
Get professional advice – Seek as much information as you can from your doctor before the tests and avoid searching the internet unless these are recommended sites.
Speak with friends and family – If you are anxious, bottling up your feelings can make you feel much worse. Speaking with trusted friends and family members can help you get things off your chest.
Maintain your normal routine – Sticking to your usual day-to-day schedule and staying busy can help. You are more likely to dwell on pending test results if you are sitting at home alone.
Practice mindfulness – Incorporating breathing exercises when your anxiety levels rise can also help to calm you and improve your mental well-being. You can also try complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation to alleviate stress.

Understand that fixating on the pending results will not change the outcome, so there is no benefit in doing so. Hopefully, by following the suggestions above, you can better manage this otherwise tense time in your life.

The 3 Different Types of Stress and How Each Can Affect Our Health

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It is our body’s normal response to pressure, change or other stressors.

While it is normal for us to experience stress, there are times when it occurs too frequently and poses a threat to our health.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are three different types of stress, and each can take a toll on our bodies. They include:

Acute stress – We experience acute stress multiple times each day. It can occur when there is a challenge, a perceived threat or when something unexpected happens- examples include: giving a speech, arguing with a spouse, getting stuck in traffic or getting a speeding ticket. The symptoms of acute stress develop quickly and do not last long. Some people may experience irritability, anxiety, sweating, headaches, stomach pains or a rapid heartbeat.
Episodic acute stress – This occurs when we frequently experience acute stress and can develop as a result of taking on too much responsibility or being overburdened. Type “A” personalities or people who worry constantly are more prone to experience this type of stress. The symptoms of episodic acute stress are similar to those of acute stress; however, they occur more often and accumulate. If not managed properly, symptoms can lead to serious health problems such as clinical depression or heart disease.
Chronic stress- The APA defines chronic stress as stress that is constant and persists over an extended period of time. It is the most harmful type of stress to our overall health. Chronic stress can be caused by poverty, abuse of any kind, a poor work environment, having a dysfunctional marriage or family, or substance abuse. Symptoms of chronic stress can become overwhelming or debilitating. Some people may experience fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, headaches or difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress left untreated for a long period of time can have serious consequences and lead to health problems such as insomnia, obesity, heart disease, hypertension or diabetes.

Our bodies can handle stress for a short period of time. It is not equipped to cope with long-term or chronic stress. Seeking healthy ways to manage stress can help us to avoid the risk of developing health complications. If you are experiencing long-term symptoms of stress, you should speak with a doctor or mental health provider immediately.

The Benefits Of Beets and A Recipe Too!

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Joann Ariola

According to Healthline, Beets are packed with essential nutrients. They are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beetroot and beetroot juice have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance.

If you are in the mood for a beet based citrus salad delight, try this recipe for a quick, nourishing, and delicious salad.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch kale
1 bunch lettuce
1 kohlrabi
1 beet
2 carrots
1 grapefruit
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ cup sunflower seeds or pepitas

DIRECTIONS:

Remove the stems from the kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Peel the kohlrabi, beet, and 2 carrots and chop them into matchsticks (julienne) with a knife or using a food processor. Remove the sections from half of the grapefruit and peel them.
In a small canning jar, combine juice from the remaining half grapefruit (around ¼ cup), 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Cover the jar and shake vigorously to combine (or whisk all ingredients together in a bowl).
To serve, place vegetables on serving plates or in bowls. Top with grapefruit vinaigrette and sunflower seeds or pepitas.

For this and other delicious seasonal recipes visit – www.acouplecooks.com

If you want to learn more about the nutritional value of beets, visit: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/beetroot#:~:text=Packed%20with%20essential%20nutrients%2C%20beetroots,pressure%2C%20and%20increased%20exercise%20performance.

Facts About Dietary Supplements

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that more than two-third of adults in the United States are overweight or obese?

According to the National Institute of health (NIH), many ameri9cans are using dietary supplements for weight loss as a solution. The trend towards dietary supplements could be attributed to the belief that these products may help you lose weight more quickly. However, according to the NIH, “There’s little scientific evidence that weight-loss supplements work. Many are expensive and some can interact or interfere with medications, and a few might be harmful.”

There are many kinds of dietary supplements. They come in a variety of forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and bars.

Some of the more common ingredients in dietary supplements that are mostly save include:

Dietary fiber
Caffeine
Minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium)

Certain ingredients included in supplements that might be harmful are:

Bitter orange
Hoodia
Yohimbe

Keep in mind, before choosing to take dietary supplements, it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor or a licensed nutritionist. They may be able to assist you in preventing supplement-drug interactions and other risks.

The proven and healthy way to lose weight is by eating a balanced diet and exercising. If you would like to speak with a nutritionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about how to get started on a healthier lifestyle, call 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Importance of Getting Fully Vaccinated

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

More and more Americans are receiving their COVID-19 vaccination every day, which is cause for optimism. But those who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines need to get both doses to be fully protected. Unfortunately, recent data has revealed that as many as 8% of people are not getting their second dose.

Research during the trial phase for each of the two-dose vaccines showed that, after a certain time, the rate of immunity to COVID-19 plateaued with just one dose but that the second dose helped boost the immunity to higher rates. Typically, these vaccines are only between 60% and 70% effective after the first dose, but approximately 90% effective after the second.

Trying to determine why up to 5 million Americans have skipped their second dose vary. In some instances, it could be due to a scheduling mishap or canceled appointments, but other reasons cited include the belief that one dose is enough or fear over side effects after a second dose.

There are multiple reasons why the second dose is so important.

Protecting Yourself – Probably the biggest reason for getting both doses is easy and obvious: better protection against COVID-19. With such high rates of effectiveness, getting both doses better protect you against not just getting COVID-19, but from serious illness and hospitalization.
Protecting Your Community – Just as important, the more protected you are against COVID-19, the more your family and friends are protected as well.
Achieving Herd Immunity – The more people get both shots, the closer we get to herd immunity. (Herd immunity, or population/community immunity, is when a large part of the population has gotten vaccinated or has enough antibodies to resist the infection).

It is also important to not get discouraged if you miss your scheduled second dose. While it is recommended that you get your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine 3 weeks after the initial dose, and four weeks after for the Moderna vaccine, the CDC has stated that you can still get your second dose up to six weeks after the first shot for both vaccines. If you hesitated and think you missed your window, you may not have. You should check with your health care provider for guidance.

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 6, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

The month of May is recognized each year as National Arthritis Awareness Month. The significance of this observation is to bring attention to a condition that currently affects over 53 million Americans and is expected to grow to over 67 million people by the year 2030. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and has an economic impact of over $156 million in medical expenses and lost wages.

There are three major forms of arthritis. These are:

Osteoarthritis – This is the most common form of arthritis which results in the wearing down of the cartilage at the ends of bones. Osteoarthritis leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes an inflammatory reaction to occur in the synovium or lining of the joints. Eventually this will cause the joints to deteriorate.
Psoriatic arthritis – occurs in people who have psoriasis. It affects the joints as well as the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bones.

There is a lot of misinformation about arthritis and available treatment options. Some common misconceptions are:

Arthritis only affects the elderly – this is not true. Arthritis can occur at any age.
Exercise may make arthritis worse – this is not true. Exercise improves muscle strength which can take some of the pressure away from the joints.
All joint pain is related to arthritis – this is not true. Other causes of joint pain include gout, bursitis, lupus and tendonitis.
There is no treatment for arthritis – this isn’t true. Often treatment will involve relieving the symptoms with medications and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed if the condition is causing limitations in one’s ability to perform functions of daily living.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your joints, it is advisable to speak with a rheumatologist or orthopedist who specializes in treating arthritic conditions. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center you may call 718-670-5486.