September 2021 - Health Beat

September’s Employee Spotlight – William Ward

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Joann Ariola

The September Employee Spotlight shines on William Ward the Executive Chef at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

For almost 2 years, William has overseen all the nutritional purchasing, production, staff scheduling and patient services for the Department of Food and Nutrition.

When not at work, William enjoys spending time with his wife and five children. He is the Assistant Coach for boys’ baseball, loves catering food and playing poker.

William Ward is dedicated to his job. He notes that “It is my priority to make our customers happy and always put my best foot forward.”

He is adept at getting the staff to work as a team so that it makes the job easier and more gratifying.

For these, and so many other reasons, William Ward is FHMC’s September Employee Spotlight.

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.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Facts

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.”

It is for this reason that the CDC recommends a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID or developing complications from severe disease.

Receiving the booster shot can provide additional protection from the virus by helping people maintain their level of immunity longer.

At this time, the CDC is recommending that the following individuals receive a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

If you have questions about your eligibility for a booster vaccine please contact your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Fall Allergies

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Ever ask yourself, “Why are my allergies kicking up, it’s not spring or summer?” The answer may be that if you are a warmer weather allergy sufferer, you will most likely be sensitive to allergens in the fall too.

While the fall season signals the beginning of cooler temperatures, it can be especially difficult for those who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen. If you are one of these people, symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and headaches can reoccur leaving you feeling miserable.

There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever ragweed counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

If your symptoms are continuous and affect your ability to carry out routine activities, you should speak with an allergist. Your allergist will be able to help you identify what triggers your seasonal allergies and provide the best course of treatment to offer relief or stop symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with an allergist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Fall Allergies

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever ragweed counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

Healthy Comfort Food Swaps

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Joann Ariola

As a result of the stress that comes along with juggling home and work, it is easy to reach for the most comforting food choice to make us feel better. Let’s talk about some ways to choose comforting foods without forsaking and maintaining healthy eating habits.

Since less healthy choices are so available while we are on-the-go. This can add to the level of difficulty when attempting to make healthy food choices. Here are some tips that may make your hectic lifestyle somewhat simpler by planning meals:

Plan your menu for both home and when eating out – Planning meals well in advance will help make sure your meals are healthier and well-balanced. Such as choosing, chicken, fish, salad, fruits and veggies over foods with higher fat and calories. You can substitute potatoes and pizza crust with cauliflower, flour oil and eggs with pumpkin and cook spaghetti squash instead of grain pasta.

Avoid fast food baked goods for breakfast – Don’t be fooled by the healthy “looking” muffin, reach for a yogurt smoothie instead. It will provide you with vitamin C and potassium, high fiber and keep you full from breakfast to lunch.

Prepare Coffee or Tea at home – Often times, barista coffee can be flavored with syrups that are high in fructose. Additionally, while waiting in line at your local coffee shop, you may be more apt to choose an unhealthy breakfast choice. Skip the impulse purchase and brew your coffee or tea at home.

Passing on the less healthy comfort food choices can be more challenging when you’re busy. Often times, it’s easy to lose track of time and skip lunch. No matter how heavy your workload, make time to leave the office and eat your lunch. Starving through lunch will only lead to making unhealthy food choices later.

In order to maintain a healthy diet, you should prioritize time to purchase and prepare healthy eating choices. Although a home cooked substitution isn’t always possible, these tips can help you choose food that will give you all the comfort you need with none of the guilt.

How to Recognize Back-to-School Anxiety ?

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Summer vacation is over and it is time for millions of children to head back to school. For many the transition is easy, but for some, starting school after a long break can be filled with anxiety.

Usually, children who have school anxiety show a range of stress-related symptoms such as complaints of aches and pains, no appetite, or lack of sleep. In these instances, children are not being oppositional; they are simply displaying their anxieties through these physical symptoms.

Parents can also experience back-to-school anxiety when their children go back to school. The important thing to remember is that children often sense when a parent is nervous. Try to remain calm, and do not pass along your anxiety to your child. When your child expresses to you that they are feeling nervous, listen to them and offer suggestions that will keep both of you calm.

Here are some additional tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

A week or two before school starts, children should get back into the habit of eating meals and going to sleep at an appropriate time.
Try to take a tour of the school if it will be the first time the child will be attending.
If the child is very young, it might be a good idea to introduce them to the teacher and their new classroom ahead of the first day.
Start shopping for back to school clothes and supplies early to avoid the rush when school starts.
Prepare for the first day of school by selecting clothes the day before.
Leave home a little earlier for the first few days to avoid rushing.

Of course, it is always important to maintain open communication with your children. Always check with your pediatrician to rule out any physical issues If you would like to speak to a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to help your child with their anxiety, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Excessive drinking of alcohol is classified as more than eight alcoholic drinks per day in women and more than 15 in men. Consuming alcohol heavily over an extended period can result in the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

ARLD causes damage and inflammation of the liver and can potentially lead to liver failure.

There are three types of alcohol-related liver disease, each categorized by stages. They include:

Alcoholic fatty liver disease– This is the earliest stage that occurs when there is a build-up of fat in the liver. There are rarely any symptoms. However, developing fatty liver disease is a clear indication that the body is taking in more alcohol than the liver can process. Fatty liver disease is sometimes reversible when an individual removes alcohol from their diet.
Acute alcoholic hepatitis– In this stage, the excessive consumption of alcohol causes inflammation and swelling of the liver, as well as the destruction of liver cells. This condition can be mild or severe, and symptoms may include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain. In some cases, treatment may reverse liver damage. In other cases, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver failure.
Alcoholic cirrhosis– According to the American Liver Foundation, “Between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, usually after 10 or more years of drinking.” This is the most severe stage that causes the liver to become scarred, stiff and swollen. At this point, damage that is done to the liver generally cannot be undone. Cirrhosis often presents no symptoms until there is extensive damage done to the liver. Symptoms may include red or blotchy palms, jaundice, weight loss, nausea, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, breast enlargement in men or the loss of periods in women. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek treatment because advanced cirrhosis can be life-threatening.

If you are believed to have alcoholic-related liver disease, your doctor may assess your history of alcohol consumption, order blood and imaging tests to rule out other liver diseases or request a liver biopsy to determine a diagnosis.

Treatment for alcoholic-related liver disease is based on severity. The first thing your doctor will aim to do is help you to stop drinking. Abstinence will help to prevent further liver damage and promote healing. It is common for patients with ARLD to have some degree of malnutrition, as a result, your doctor may recommend that you see a nutritionist. Medications may also be added to your care plan to reduce liver inflammation. In severe cases of ARLD, where there is advanced cirrhosis, treatment can include liver transplantation.

To schedule an appointment with an alcohol addiction specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5078.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month was started in 2012 in order to raise awareness about the disease and to link families affected by it with resources to help. There is great emphasis placed on early detection and early intervention when dementia is detected.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It mainly affects the part of the brain that is responsible for memory, and is responsible for almost 75 percent of the cases diagnosed of dementia. While most commonly seen in people who are over 65, it can be found in people who are younger.
Commonly seen symptoms include:
• Forgetting of names, places, and recent events
• Confusion
• Personality changes
• Mood swings
• Loss of inhibition
• Wandering from home
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s at the present time though some medications are available that may slow down its progression. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital who may be able to assist you or someone you know, please call 718-670-5486.

Healthy Labor Day Cookout Tips

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

One of the best things about the Labor Day Weekend is spending time with family and friends at cookouts and barbeques. While we look forward to these outings, the foods found can cause us to pack on the pounds. Whether attending or hosting your a Labor Day gathering, try some of these calorie conscious techniques:

• Skip the chips and dip. Instead, try healthier alternatives, like fresh vegetables. If you want to make a dip, use non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.

• Try kabobs. They offer the same opportunity to enjoy grilled chicken, beef, or pork, but minus the bread. Plus, the grilled vegetables on them will help you fill up.

• If you insist on having a burger or hot dog, choose healthier options, such as chicken or turkey instead of beef. Also, avoid whit flout buns and breads and opt for whole grains instead.

• Instead of heavy macaroni or potato salads loaded with mayonnaise, look for salads with a vinaigrette base as a lighter alternative.

• Don’t limit yourself to just grilling meat. There are many types of fish that are not only healthier, but also taste great on the grill. Vegetables, lightly coated in olive oil are also tasty and filling.

• For dessert, serve some refreshing summer fruit, such as cherries, peaches, plums or melons.
By following these tips, you can still enjoy your end of summer, but not pay for it in the fall.

Back To School – Time To Reestablish Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Summer vacation is an opportunity for children to extend their bedtimes at night and sleep a little later in the morning. While most parents tend to be a bit more flexible with their kid’s sleeping habits during this time of the year, it’s important to remember that back to school is just around the corner and now is the time to reestablish a proper sleeping routine for your children.

After a relaxing summer, children might need some time to adjust to a regular schedule. Here are some tips to help your child ease into his or her school-time sleep pattern and to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout the year:

Every night, beginning 1-2 weeks before school begins, set an incrementally earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
Once your child’s sleep schedule is established, stick with it! Don’t use the weekend to “catch up on sleep.”
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to allow your child to unwind including a bath and a bed-time story (for young children) or a reading time (for older children).
Limit television, video games, and other electronic distractions before and during bedtime.
Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages close to bedtime as they may prevent your child from falling asleep.
Maintain a peaceful bedroom environment which includes a comfy bed, appropriate room temperature and lights turned off, or with a night light if your child needs one.
Be a role model by setting a good example for your child. Establish your own regular sleep schedulec and maintain a home that promotes healthy sleep.

Getting your child back on track at bedtime will allow for a smooth transition for the first day of school and will help your children reach their full learning potential.