August 2022 - Health Beat

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

The annual International Overdose Awareness Day campaign began in 2001. In the years since then, government and non-governmental agencies worldwide have worked to raise awareness about drug overdoses and the issues surrounding them.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, over half a million people died from drug overdoses internationally in 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics also reported that over 100,000 people in the United States alone died due to drug overdoses in 2021. This is an increase of more than 8,000 deaths since 2020.

Many of these deaths may be fueled by factors such as economic uncertainty, increased rates of anxiety and depression, and insufficient mental health resources. Additionally, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become more available since the COVID-19 pandemic as access to other drugs such as heroin has decreased.

People who regularly use drugs have also become more likely to do so alone since the beginning of the pandemic. This greatly increases the risk of overdose, as there’s no one present to call 911 or administer life-saving treatments such as naloxone in the event of an emergency.

You don’t have to face addiction or mental health issues alone. If you’ve developed a substance abuse problem, Flushing Hospital’s Division of Addiction Services provides a safe space for drug withdrawal and offers access to psychiatric assistance, substance abuse counseling, and care from our medical team. Our Reflections treatment program also offers helpful holistic techniques for curbing addictive behaviors.

To learn more about our addiction services, call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. For more information about the Reflections program, call (718) 670-5078.

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.

The Monkeypox Vaccine

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Monkeypox cases have emerged across most of the United States. Symptoms of the virus include:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms

Most people with monkeypox also experience a rash that’s typically located near the genitals or anus. It may also be present on other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and chest.

Two vaccines are now available that may effectively offer protection against monkeypox. JYNNEOS is the only vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone at risk of contracting the virus. Another vaccine, ACAM2000, may also be used to prevent monkeypox under the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug system, but is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, an exfoliative skin condition like eczema, or people who are pregnant.

Studies have shown side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, brain or spinal cord swelling, and infection in patients who received ACAM2000. These reactions have not been observed in patients who received JYNNEOS.

Your doctor can help you determine which vaccine is right for you, but vaccination in general, combined with practices like safe sex, maintaining distance from infected people and animals, and disinfecting your home when an infected person has been there, can help protect most people against the virus. Children in particular may benefit from vaccination, as their symptoms are likely to be worse than those of infected teens and adults.

You can make an appointment for monkeypox treatment and prevention at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s on-site ambulatory care center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Carmen Nunez

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Carmen Nunez, Dietary AM Server.

Carmen has been at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 20 years. She grew up on Delancey Street in Manhattan before moving to Laurelton Queens where she currently resides.

Carmen attended P.S. 20 in Manhattan, and graduated from Seward Park High School, also in Manhattan, in 1989. She has two children, a 29 year old son and a 21 year old daughter. She also has a 1 year old grandson.

In her free time Carmen enjoys going to concerts, movies, shopping, museums, spending time with family and friends. In the nice weather she likes going to the beach and also riding her bicycle with her daughter. Carmen likes to travel and some of the places she has been to are Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Florida. She enjoys different types of food, especially Mexican, Italian and sushi. Carmen likes different types of music, especially salsa, merengue, and R&B.

Carmen is a very caring person who strives to make people’s lives better. She is known for having a friendly face and tries hard to make others smile. She believes in treating people with kindness at all times. The most important things in her life are her family, her friends and her faith.

Carmen enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because of all the nice people she works with. People take their jobs seriously and they all work together to make sure that our patients have a good experience. We look forward to having Carmen work with us for many more years to come.

What’s The Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Everyday activities or important occasions like a job interview or a date can make you feel anxious.

However, in certain situations, you may find your level of anxiety growing far beyond what is normal, reaching a peak where you may experience physical symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. When that happens, what you’re experiencing may not just be anxiety, but rather a panic attack. Knowing the difference between these two responses can be key to helping you identify what you are experiencing and manage the factors that trigger them.

Certain symptoms associated with anxiety are to be expected occasionally. These include:

Nervousness and trembling
Gastrointestinal issues
Sweating
Increased heart rate
Fatigue and weakness

Panic attack symptoms, on the other hand, are generally more severe. They may include:

Heart palpitations
Chest pain
Shortness of breath

Anyone can have a panic attack, but they’re more common for women and people in their teen and early adult years. Additionally, if you or family members have a history of anxiety disorders or other mental health issues, you’re at a higher risk of suffering from them. Substance abuse also increases this risk.

Are you consistently experiencing panic attacks and struggling to manage them? Schedule an appointment with at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Psychiatric Department, where we provide outpatient and inpatient services offering a variety of therapeutic treatments.

Parechovirus

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a health advisory alerting public health officials of a growing number of parechovirus (PeV) cases. According to the organization, “Since May 2022, CDC has received reports from healthcare providers in multiple states of PeV infections in neonates and young infants.”

Parechovirus is a common viral infection that can affect adults and children. For adults and older children, the symptoms of the virus are typically mild and may include vomiting, fever, gastrointestinal problems, or a rash. Symptoms may not be visible in some individuals.

In newborns and babies under the age of 3 months old, symptoms caused by PeV can be severe and include high fever, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure. PeV infections can also lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as:

Seizures
Encephalitis
Sepsis-like illness
Meningitis

Parechovirus is highly contagious, spreading from person to person by way of contact with respiratory droplets (sneezing or coughing) or by fecal-oral route, meaning fecal material of an infected person is ingested by another person. You can also catch the virus by touching objects that are contaminated and then later touching your nose or mouth.

PeV infections are more common in the spring, summer, and fall months. However, transmission can be prevented by practicing proper hand hygiene; especially after diaper changes, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and staying away from those who are sick.

If your child is displaying signs of a parechovirus infection, consult your pediatrician immediately or seek emergency medical care. An early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Treatment for mild symptoms may include getting plenty of rest and fluids and taking over-the-counter medications. Hospitalization may be required for younger babies and children with more severe symptoms.

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

COVID Reinfection: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

COVID-19 is better controlled now than when it first emerged. However, it still remains a widespread health risk.

Even though vaccines have given healthcare centers like Flushing Hospital a much greater capacity to prevent and treat COVID-19 now than at the height of the pandemic more than two years ago, you may still be at risk for reinfection even if you’ve already contracted and recovered from the virus.

While it’s true that a previous case of COVID gives you a level of protection against reinfection, it does not make you immune to the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, research is ongoing when it comes to what factors make someone more likely to be reinfected or how reinfections impact their risk of transmitting the virus to other people.

Reinfection of COVID is less likely to be severe than a person’s initial infection, though more severe exceptions do exist. It’s unclear at this time what causes some cases of reinfection to present worse symptoms than others.

It also isn’t clear how frequently reinfection may occur. However, research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that people who receive a positive result on an antibody test may be at a lower risk level of re-contracting the virus over an extended period of time. It also suggests that reinfection may most likely occur within a 90-day timeframe of your initial infection.

Though many elements of reinfection require further study, these cases are treated and prevented in the same way as initial infections.

Boosted vaccination remains the most effective measure of protection against contracting the virus, including cases of reinfection. Maintaining six feet of distance from other people, wearing a mask in indoor public places, regularly disinfecting your hands and surfaces you frequently touch, and getting tested when you’ve been exposed to the virus all also remain effective ways of preventing the spread of all COVID cases.

If you haven’t received your full vaccination or boosters, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Preventing and Treating Pancolitis

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Do you, or does someone you know, suffer from pancolitis? It’s one of four forms of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease that causes ulcers in your digestive tract. While the other four types of ulcerative colitis usually only impact parts of the colon and digestive tract, pancolitis typically affects the entire colon.

All forms of ulcerative colitis can lead to serious symptoms and life-threatening complications, but the problems associated with pancolitis are particularly severe.

Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and substantial weight loss are some of the symptoms you can expect in connection with the disease. As with any form of ulcerative colitis, pancolitis also increases your risk of developing bowel cancer.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated 600,000 to 900,000 people in the United States may suffer from ulcerative colitis. Of those people, roughly 20% may have pancolitis.

People of any age may potentially be diagnosed with pancolitis, though as with other forms of ulcerative colitis, it typically presents in people under the age of 30. You’re also more likely to develop pancolitis if a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has it.

There’s no known cure for pancolitis or ulcerative colitis in general, and since the causes of the disease remain equally unclear, there’s no obvious means of preventing it aside from seeing a doctor and developing a treatment plan as soon as you start displaying symptoms that may be associated with it.

Your gastroenterologist may prescribe aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or biologics to help you manage your symptoms. A complete surgical removal of your colon will also eliminate pancolitis entirely. All of these treatment options come with their own side effects and consequences, though, so work closely with your doctor to determine the right plan for you.

To make an appointment with Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine, please call (718) 670-5000.

What are Sebaceous Cysts?

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

A sebaceous cyst is a white or yellow bump under the skin. Sebaceous cysts can be found anywhere on the body, most commonly on the face, the neck, or the torso.

Sebaceous cysts occur when a sebaceous gland or its’ duct becomes blocked due to minor trauma. They contain a liquid or semi-liquid substance called sebum.

Cysts are typically harmless; however, if they become infected, they may become larger, tender, and turn red.

Treatment of a sebaceous cyst may not be necessary because many heal on their own. If the cyst becomes large and tender, it may be necessary to have it drained by a medical professional. Never try to burst the cyst on your own as this may spread the infection and make it worse. A physician may have to prescribe an antibiotic and remove the cyst.

Methods of excising the cyst include:

Laser excision – performed with a laser
Minimal excision – minimal scarring
Punch excision – a small hole is created and the cyst removed
Wide excision – the whole cyst is removed and can leave a large scar.

If you think you have a cyst and it is not improving, do not diagnose it yourself. Seek professional care from a medical provider. If you would like to be seen by a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you learn more about what makes getting vaccinated so important, which immunizations you should receive, and what they protect you against.

Vaccinations against prevalent, dangerous diseases are an important part of protecting both your own health and the health of those around you. Issues like pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and more can introduce potentially lifelong complications that may reduce your quality of life or even shorten it.

The benefits of vaccinations hold true at any age, though some immunizations are more important at certain ages than others.

Children whose immune systems are still developing, for instance, need them not only as a protective measure for themselves, but often as a requirement for enrolling in school and participating in other activities. As another example, adults over 60 years of age may still need pneumococcal vaccines, seasonal flu vaccines, and more.

Though the list of necessary immunizations evolves as new diseases are discovered and researched, the most common vaccinations recommended by the CDC include:

HepA, HepB (Hepatitis A and B)
DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)
IPV (Polio)
PCV (Pneumococcal)
RV (Rotavirus)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella)
Influenza (flu)
Meningococcal conjugate
HPV
Zoster

If you or your child aren’t up to date with your immunizations, schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Best And Worst Foods For High Cholesterol

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and used by the body to help make cells, hormones, and vitamin D.

High cholesterol occurs when there is too much of this fatty substance in the blood. Although high cholesterol can be inherited, it is often caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.

A buildup of fatty deposits in our blood vessels can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke. Therefore, it is important to make changes to our lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications.

Improving our diets is a good place to start, and that involves avoiding or limiting the following foods:

Fried foods
Processed meats
Baked goods made with butter or shortening
Dairy products made from whole milk
Red meat
Organ meat
Saturated vegetable oils such as coconut oil or palm oil
Food made with hydrogenated oil

Adding these foods to your diet can help reduce high cholesterol levels:

Fruits that are rich in pectin such as apples, grapes, and strawberries
Oats
Whole grains
Nuts
Legumes
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon

Other lifestyle changes you can make to improve cholesterol levels are exercising at least 2 ½ hours each week and reducing stress.

If you are at risk of developing high cholesterol, speak with your physician about taking steps to reduce your levels. Your doctor’s treatment plan may include adhering to a healthy diet, working out regularly, or taking medications.