April 2023 - Health Beat

Hair Loss

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The loss of hair (known scientifically as alopecia) can occur on any part of the body. It can be permanent or temporary. It may be a normal part of the aging process or due to a medical condition.

A person typically loses 50 – 100 hairs a day. Under normal circumstances this isn’t noticeable because these hairs are replaced at the same rate as they are lost.

The most common form of hair loss involves thinning of hair on the scalp. This is due to heredity. Men experience male-pattern baldness which is characterized by a receding hairline. While women who experience female-pattern baldness notice the loss of hair on top of the head.

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, ringworm, immune system disorders (lupus), significant weight loss, pregnancy, menopause, trauma, stress and poor nutrition. Some medications that treat cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, and high blood pressure can also cause hair loss.

Hair loss duration depends on what is causing it. Other than hair loss due to heredity, hair loss usually resolves once the medical condition is resolved or chemical factor is removed. Hair loss due to excessive brushing, pulling hair tightly as in certain hairstyles, and using some hair dressing chemicals should resolve once those factors are reduced or eliminated as well.

Speak to your physician if you are experiencing any unexpected hair loss. If you would like to speak to a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your hair loss call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

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.

National Infant Immunization Week

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Infants under the age of two are susceptible to a variety of serious illnesses that can significantly harm or even kill them, as their immune system is still in an early stage of development. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of immunizations that can protect infants against some of the most dangerous diseases to their health.

Many parents may have concerns about vaccinating their children due to potential side effects. While mild adverse reactions are possible with many vaccines, they typically disappear on their own within a few days. Generally, the side effects most children may expect include reactions such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling or tenderness around the site of the injection. More serious, long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccines such as those given to infants only use the ingredients necessary to be safe and effective. These ingredients may often include adjuvants (commonly found in antacids and antiperspirants), stabilizers (such as sugar or gelatin), and formaldehyde (which is already present in the body). Additionally, all vaccines go through extensive lab testing, often for years, before they are available to the general public.

The CDC recommends vaccinating children under the age of two against:

Hepatitis B
Rotavirus
Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Pneumococcal conjugate
Inactivated poliovirus
COVID-19
Influenza
Measles, mumps, rubella
Varicella
Hepatitis A

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the CDC’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines they need, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

When Does Depression Become An Emergency?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

People often associate going to the emergency room (ER) with treating physical emergencies; however, it is important to know that the ER is also equipped to treat mental health emergencies.

One of the most common mental health conditions treated in the ER is severe depression which requires immediate care.

Severe cases of depression should be taken as seriously as any other physical, life-threatening health condition, especially when an individual is expressing the desire to harm themself or others, or is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Depression should also be treated as an emergency when:

A person who has been diagnosed with clinical depression has an acute change in their mood that persists for weeks
A person is unable to care or has stopped caring for themself
There are new symptoms presenting such as psychosis, hallucinations, mania, or delusions

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 right away. If there are concerns about suicide, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call, text, or chat 988.

Flushing Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Dental Center

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new, state-of-the-art dental center.

In addition to various members of the hospital’s faculty, administration, and staff, Congresswoman Grace Meng, a long-time supporter of Flushing Hospital and advocate for improved health care resources in the community, attended the ceremony.

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department currently treats an average of 11,000 patients each year. With the improved capabilities of the new dental center, this number is expected to increase to over 14,000 patients, an increase of more than 20%.

The 3,550-square-foot facility features eight examination rooms, one imaging room, one laboratory, and one sterilization room. The center is expected to significantly improve dental patient capacity and treatment efficiency at the hospital and expand community access to a variety of specialized dental treatments.

The dental center also features a wide range of new equipment, including a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine with 3D imaging, fiber-optic handpieces in all operatories, and all-new dental delivery units with monitors for patients to see their radiographs and better understand their treatment plan. Other amenities include curing lights, specialized sterilization cassettes, a larger registration area, and a larger, more convenient waiting area.

“Our new facility allows us to provide our full range of dental treatment options to a higher volume of patients,” said Dr. Bijan Anvar, Chairman of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Dental Medicine. “With this expanded capacity, we can make a greater impact on dental health in our community, particularly for patients experiencing common conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease.”

Across the United States, approximately 90% of all adults have had at least one cavity and nearly half of all adults show signs of gum disease. Over half of all children have also had cavities in their baby or adult teeth. These problems are more common among underserved communities. With the expanded care resources offered by Flushing Hospital’s new dental center, patients have closer local access to specialized treatment for these conditions and others.

“We’re excited to provide the Flushing community with a new, state-of-the-art destination for accessible, high-quality dental care,” said Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Flushing Hospital. “The facility and the cutting-edge equipment it features provide our dental team with the tools they need to offer an even higher level of dental care to our patients.”

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department provides treatments in several specialty areas, including pedodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. These treatments are provided by a team of 41 attending physicians, eight residents, and 10 support staff members.

Appointments at Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department are available from 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 9 AM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Jessica Macean, RN

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Jessica Macean, RN has been a Labor & Delivery Nurse at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for six years. She is known on the New Beginnings Unit for her big smile and ability to make people laugh.

Her coworkers on the unit are like family to her. They work well together and according to her they are the true definition of teamwork, making sure that every day their patients are well taken care of. One of Jessica’s true joys is to make the birthing experience memorable for soon to be parents. It is her favorite part of bedside nursing.

Jessica feels that working at Flushing Hospital is a real pleasure. She has learned so much through the years and enjoys teaching new nurses lessons she has attained through experience.

Do Genetics Affect Obesity?

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Most people become obese when they habitually consume more calories than the amount needed to maintain their regular bodily functions. However, obesity may occur in some people more easily than in others, partially as a result of their genes.

More than 50 genes are associated with obesity. These genes typically affect the brain signals and subsequent hormonal responses associated with food intake; for example, the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO) gene promotes food intake.

Most people do not have a single identifiable genetic cause for their obesity, but rarely, monogenic (single-gene) obesity may occur due to inherited changes in specific genes. This most commonly occurs due to the changes in the gene MC4R, which stimulates appetite. These changes may lead to extreme hunger and increase the risk of developing conditions such as hyperphagia (excessive eating).

Generally, individual genes only lead to small effects on a person’s likelihood of becoming obese. In most cases, obesity is actually the result of many genes and environmental factors interacting with one another.

For many people with an increased genetic likelihood of becoming obese, standard methods of managing weight, such as regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, can be effective. However, other people with these genes may only see minimal results from these methods. In these cases, a medical intervention such as bariatric surgery may be the best path forward.

Bariatric surgery is typically reserved for:

People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
People with a BMI of 35 or higher who have a serious weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure

You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center to determine whether this type of procedure is right for you by calling (718) 670-8908 or (718) 408-6977.

Springtime Allergies

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Spring is a beautiful time of year. The weather starts to improve, there are more hours of daylight, and people spend more time outdoors. It is also the time of year when flowers, grasses, weeds, and trees start to bloom and release pollen into the air.

Pollen triggers an immune reaction by releasing histamine into the blood. The immunologic or allergic reaction can manifest as sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, itchy skin, wheezing, head congestion, and watery eyes.

Diagnosing allergies can be done by either a blood test or by a skin test. The skin test involves pricking the skin with different allergens and seeing which ones cause a reaction.

Once an allergy is identified it can be treated with:

Oral antihistamines
Oral decongestants
Nasal sprays
Eye drops
Allergy shots
Nasal saline irrigation

Some suggestions for minimizing the effects of springtime allergies include:

Avoiding freshly cut grasses
Staying indoors on windy days
Keeping windows closed
Wearing a face mask outdoors
Washing your hands, hair, and clothing frequently after being outdoors
Using an air conditioner and changing the filters frequently
Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter
Keeping pets clean

If you suffer from springtime allergies, speak to your physician about getting tested and ways to treat them. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Does Your Child Have a Viral or Bacterial Infection?

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Throughout the spring season, there are a number of different ways your child can become sick, leading to common symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or stomach problems. In some cases, these issues may only be a result of seasonal allergies to substances such as pollen. However, these symptoms could also occur due to an infectious disease, such as the common cold or flu.

Children develop infections due to either viruses or bacteria. A virus is a piece of genetic material surrounded by protein that requires a living host; when it infects something, it takes control of the host’s cells and uses them to create more of the virus. Some examples of common pediatric viral infections include:

Influenza
Colds
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
Chickenpox
Bronchitis

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that live in a variety of different environments; most cause no harm to humans, with some even aiding in bodily processes such as digestion, but others may cause illnesses to develop in certain parts of the body. Common bacterial infections in children include:

Strep throat
Ear infections
Impetigo

Some infections may also be caused by either a virus or bacteria. These include:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Diarrhea

Knowing the cause of your child’s infection is important, as this will determine the type of medicine they will need. Viruses are treated with antiviral medication, while bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Trying to treat your child’s infection with the wrong type of medication will not work, and in some cases could even lead to negative side effects.

Both antiviral medication and antibiotics can only be obtained with a prescription. A doctor can determine the most likely cause of your child’s infection and prescribe them with the appropriate medication for effective treatment results. You can schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

Babesiosis

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

As temperatures warm up, more time will be spent doing outdoor activities in areas with grass or shrubs, where ticks are commonly found. Increased exposure to these environments heightens our risk of contracting illnesses that are transmitted by ticks such as babesiosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babesiosis is an emerging tickborne parasitic disease that has become significantly more prevalent in the Northeast regions of the United States such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The CDC classified the disease as endemic in these and other states where cases have grown the fastest.

Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells and is carried by blacklegged or deer ticks. The disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of these ticks. Cases of infection peak during the warmer months of spring and summer.

In addition to being transmissible by the bite of a blacklegged or deer tick, babesiosis can also be spread by the transfusion of contaminated blood.

Many people who are infected with babesiosis do not experience symptoms; however, some may present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or chills. Symptoms may take one to nine weeks to appear. Complications can include blood clots, severe hemolytic anemia (hemolysis) low or unstable blood pressure, organ failure, and in rare cases death.

The disease can be severe or life-threatening to:

Individuals living without a spleen
Those with weakened immune systems
The elderly
Those who have serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease

Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to ticks and prevent the transmission of babesiosis. The CDC recommends doing the following while you are outdoors:

Walking on cleared trails and staying in the center of the trail, to minimize contact with bushes or other places where ticks typically live
Minimizing the amount of exposed skin, by wearing socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt
Applying repellents to skin and clothing

It is also recommended that you conduct tick checks before going indoors and promptly remove any ticks that are found.

If you are experiencing symptoms of babesiosis and believe you were exposed to ticks, make an appointment to see your doctor right away, Your physician can order blood tests to diagnose the disease and provide effective treatment.

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

April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

In 2008, April was designated National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by the United States Congress. This designation aims to bring awareness to this disease and encourage research efforts to learn more about it.

Sarcoidosis is an auto-immune disease. It is rare, affecting approximately 2 million people worldwide. Only 250,000 people have been known to have it in the United States. sarcoidosis is often a long-term illness and is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 20-40 and more often seen in African-Americans.

Sarcoidosis can primarily affect the lungs, the lymph nodes, as well as the skin, the eyes, and other organs in the body. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, nausea, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and weight loss.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.