January 2023 - Health Beat

What is Myocarditis?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10 to 20 out of every 100,000 people around the world are affected by myocarditis each year. Myocarditis is a condition that causes inflammation in the heart muscle, enlarging it and weakening its ability to pump blood. It is most often caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as some medical treatments and inflammatory conditions.

Myocarditis can cause a range of different symptoms, and not everyone may experience the same ones. They may include:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Abdominal pain
Leg or foot swelling
Fainting

Certain serious complications are associated with myocarditis, including arrhythmia, heart failure, lung problems, and even death. However, in most cases, this condition is mild and will go away on its own.

Some people are at greater risk of developing myocarditis than others. People of all ages and any gender can get it, but it is most common in young adults assigned male at birth. A genetic tendency to react poorly to inflammation can also increase your risk, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain medical conditions may also make you more vulnerable to myocarditis, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, chest injuries, skin injuries or infections, and eating disorders. Additionally, medical treatments such as dialysis, radiation, a central venous line, and certain heart condition or cancer treatments may also increase your risk.

If you experience severe myocarditis, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Corticosteroids, heart medications, or treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your myocarditis could help. If these do not provide adequate relief, you may require procedures such as:

IV medications
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Heart transplant

If you experience chronic or severe myocarditis, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If cardiac arrest or acute heart failure occurs, dial 911 immediately.

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 Shines on Antoinette Ormaza, RN

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Antoinette Ormaza, RN in our Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. Antoinette began her career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in September of 2001. She spent her first five years working in the Labor and Delivery Department and later transferred over to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.

Antoinette is a native of Queens, having grown up in Astoria and still residing in the borough. She attended elementary school at Immaculate Conception in Astoria, high school at St. John’s Prep and then the College of Mount St. Vincent where she graduated with a BSN degree in nursing.

Antoinette has one daughter, Valentina who she enjoys spending her free time with. Antoinette also enjoys playing softball and shopping whenever she has an opportunity. Her favorite types of food to eat when she dines out are Italian and Greek. She likes going to the movies, especially to see comedies and dramas.

When Antoinette goes on vacation, she likes to visit places that have warm climates and nice beaches. She has vacationed in Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Aruba.

Antoinette feels that Flushing Hospital is a very special place to work. As a nurse in the Maternal Fetal Department, she gets a lot of satisfaction seeing a new life come into the world and sharing that experience with her patients. She also finds working with a great team of people in a pleasant environment to be enjoyable.

We are very fortunate to have Antoinette as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to working with us for many years.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department with Bronze-level accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department. This achievement recognizes the Emergency Department’s commitment and ability to provide the highest quality care to geriatric patients.

An emergency department with Bronze ACEP accreditation features a geriatric emergency care policy initiative, at least one physician with four or more hours of geriatric emergency medicine education, and at least one registered nurse with geriatric emergency medicine education, as well as access patient access to mobility aids, food, and beverages 24/7.

Flushing Hospital’s Emergency Department cares for the needs of older patients in a variety of ways, including:

Early recognition and care for patients with confusion from causes such as infections, medication reactions, or dementia
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Social work and case management support across the spectrum of care from home care to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility placement
Palliative care services to assist patients and families with decisions about end-of-life care that align with their own values and priorities

“We recognize that our older patients often have special needs, and our team is dedicated to supporting those needs,” said Dr. James F. Giglio, Chair of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We utilize best practices promoted by the American College of Emergency Physicians to optimize care within the Emergency Department throughout hospitalization and when transitioning care at the time of hospital discharge.”

Congratulations to everyone at the FHMC Emergency Department for this achievement!

How Cold Weather Affects People With Asthma

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs, it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should always carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time.

Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes, the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma and would like to seek the advice of a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

3 Important Tips for Protecting Your Child from the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) is a very common medical problem among young children. It typically causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea; in some cases, a fever may also develop.

The stomach flu is usually not a serious illness and may resolve within a few days with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if your child becomes severely dehydrated due to this illness, they may require a visit to the emergency room.

Your child is most likely to come into contract with gastroenteritis at daycare or in school due to consistent exposure to a large number of other children who they may share snacks and other items with. To give them the best chance of avoiding this illness, you should teach them to:

Consistently wash their hands thoroughly: Your child should wash their hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating any food or touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure they also have hand sanitizer available for when hand washing isn’t possible.

Avoid sharing snacks with other children: It may be difficult for your child to determine whether any other children around them are sick. Teach them to avoid taking snacks or utensils from other children as much as possible and give your child plenty of their own food to enjoy throughout the day.

Speak up if they feel sick: If your child is suffering from symptoms of the stomach flu, they should feel comfortable telling an adult and visiting an on-site medical professional (such as a school nurse) immediately. It is essential for them to rest and get the fluids they need to avoid severe symptoms and recover as quickly as possible.

If your child experiences serious stomach flu symptoms such as a fever, pain, or dehydration, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

Dementia Home Safety Tips

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Dementia is a general term used to describe the loss of cognitive functioning, this includes memory, language, reasoning, and other mental abilities. It is also common to experience changes in vision, depth perception, hearing, and sensitivity to temperatures. Although dementia occurs more commonly in the elderly, it is not a normal part of aging.

Symptoms of dementia can affect a person’s ability to conduct normal activities. They can also pose a threat to personal safety.

Individuals with dementia may get lost in a familiar neighborhood, become confused, forget the name of objects around the house, have trouble with balance, or may not be able to complete tasks independently. Following these tips can reduce the risk of potential hazards and help keep someone living with dementia safe at home:

Display emergency numbers and your loved one’s home address near all telephones.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, and make sure they are in working order.
Avoid clutter.
Keep plastic bags out of reach.
Remove or lock up all guns or weapons.
Install safety locks on guns or remove ammunition.
Keep all medications in a locked cabinet or drawer.
Install grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and on toilets.
Secure large furniture to prevent tipping.
Mark the edges of stairs with neon-colored, glow-in-the-dark tape.
Place stickers or decals on glass doors.
Place “STOP” signs on all doors leading outside.
Install alarms on doors and windows.
Place deadbolts or latches on doors above eye level.
Keep car keys hidden.
Keep potentially dangerous kitchen tools such as knives locked up.
Remove the knobs from stoves.
Install appliances with an automatic shut-off feature.
Throw away decorative food or toxic plants that may be mistaken for real food.
Lower the temperature setting on water heaters.
Cover heating pipes and radiators.

These tips will help loved ones remain safe in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. As the disease progresses, safety precautions will have to be adjusted to adapt to a person’s abilities.

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The month of January has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as National Birth Defects Month. The reason for this designation is to raise awareness about birth defects as it is estimated to affect 1 in every 33 births every year in the United States.

A birth defect is defined as a structural change that can affect almost any part of the body. The defect can be structural or functional or both in nature and can vary in severity from mild to severe. Some birth defects can be detected before birth while some may not be seen until the baby is born.

Some of the known causes of birth defects include:

Smoking during pregnancy
Being an older mother
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy
Taking certain medications during pregnancy
Having certain infections during pregnancy
Having uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy

There are no guarantees that birth defects can be prevented, however it is recommended to have regular prenatal medical check-ups, always consult with a physician before taking any medications during pregnancy, avoid situations that can cause the body to overheat such as hot tubs, saunas, or other environments where the temperature can be excessively hot, and avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks.

It is important to speak with a physician if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already know that you are pregnant to make sure that you are receiving the proper prenatal care. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that often begins during the fall, continuing through the winter before subsiding during the spring and summer seasons. Some cases of SAD, however, can follow an opposite schedule, occurring during the spring and summer and ending during the fall and winter.

Millions of people may potentially experience SAD without realizing they have this condition. People who experience SAD can present many symptoms typically associated with other forms of depression such as moodiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. SAD that occurs during the spring and summer is particularly associated with irritability and anxiety. Symptoms of both forms usually begin during young adulthood.

Several factors may contribute to your risk of developing SAD, including low serotonin levels, disrupted melatonin levels, changes in sunlight exposure, and family history. Additionally, people who experience bipolar disorder or major depression are at an increased risk of developing this disorder. SAD is also much more common in women than men, and is more frequently experienced by people living in northern regions that receive less sunlight during the winter.

SAD is often treated through a variety of approaches. Many people may experience improvement in symptoms from regular exercise and adjusted sleeping schedules that ensure adequate sleep and increased exposure to sunlight. Light boxes also often improve symptoms within days or week with few side effects.

People who experience severe symptoms associated with SAD or who also have a condition such as bipolar or major depressive disorder may require treatment through psychotherapy and medication. These can help you develop strong coping mechanisms, build healthy habits, and manage physiological factors that may contribute to your symptoms.

You can receive mental health care for SAD at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562. If you begin to contemplate suicide or self-harm, please dial 988 immediately to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Weight Loss Solutions for the New Year

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

One of the most common resolutions people make at the beginning of each year is to lose weight. However, many people may have a hard time sticking to this goal if they cannot find a weight loss method that offers long-term results and maintains a balanced, healthy quality of life.

The right approach to weight loss may be different for everyone, but a natural approach that emphasizes consistency and moderation when it comes to your diet and exercise may offer the results you’re looking for. When you attempt to lose weight through this method, you should:

Incorporate single-ingredient and high-protein foods into your diet
Cut back on fried food, fast food, and other processed foods
Drink more water (about 15.5 cups per day for men and 11.5 cups per day for women)
Reduce your intake of liquid calories through soda, sugary drinks, alcohol, and other beverages
Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (about 22 minutes each day if you exercise throughout the entire week) and at least one set of resistance exercises that target all major muscle groups

While most people may achieve their weight loss goals by following these guidelines throughout the year, they may not be sufficient for people with extreme obesity or those who suffer from chronic conditions related to obesity. Certain prescription medications recommended by a doctor can often help, but for some people, bariatric surgery may be the right path forward.

Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach and intestines to reduce food absorption. It includes several different types of procedures, such as:

Sleeve gastrectomy
Gastric bypass
Gastric revision
Lap band
Duodenal switch
Obalon balloon

Bariatric surgery is best suited for people who are:

Over a body mass index (BMI) of 40
Over 100 lbs. above their ideal weight
Experiencing severe pain in weight-bearing joints
Suffer from obesity-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or degenerative joint disease

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center, procedures are performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. This technology allows for a minimally invasive approach and reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time. To schedule an appointment and learn more about our approach to bariatric surgery, please call us at 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Your thyroid plays an important role in regulating your bodily functions, including those of the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems through the release of hormones into the bloodstream. When the thyroid experiences problems, it can disrupt these functions and negatively affect your entire body.

Thyroid disease in general is fairly common, with approximately 20 million people throughout the United States experiencing it in some form. It is more common in women than men across the board, but regardless of your gender, you may be more likely to develop thyroid disease if you already suffer from a chronic condition, take medication that is high in iodine, have previously been treated for a thyroid condition, are over the age of 60, or if it runs in your family.

Thyroid disease comes in a variety of forms; some of the most common types include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism: This condition, also known as overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland produces an excessive supply of hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood swings, weight loss, and goiter, which causes your thyroid gland to become swollen.

Hypothyroidism: This form of thyroid disease occurs when your thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones to meet the demands of your bodily functions. It can cause fatigue, depression, dry skin and hair, a slowed heart rate, and fertility problems in women. Like hyperthyroidism, this condition can also cause goiter.

Thyroid cancer: This form of cancer typically occurs in people between the ages of 25 and 65 and is most common in people of Asian descent. Symptoms include a lump and swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and a constant cough. While lumps in the thyroid are usually benign, you should see a doctor immediately if you notice one.

If you’re suffering from symptoms of a thyroid problem, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.