June 2023 - Health Beat

Can Your Medication Make Your Skin Sensitive to the Sun?

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Certain medications may increase your risk of sunburns due to photosensitivity, a chemically-induced change in the skin that can cause sunburns. Photosensitivity can occur as an allergic reaction in the skin after several days (known as photoallergy) and as skin irritation that occurs within a few hours of sun exposure. Medications that can cause these reactions include:

Antibiotics
Antifungals
Antihistamines
Statins
Diuretics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Oral contraceptives and estrogens
Phenothiazines
Psoralens
Retinoids
Sulfonamides
Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes
Alpha-hydroxy acids (found in acne medication and cosmetics)

Although these medications can increase photosensitivity, they may not lead to a reaction in everyone who takes them. While there are no specific identifiable risk factors to indicate who may be more likely to experience a reaction, people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyes are more sensitive to sun exposure in general and may face a heightened risk.

The best way to reduce your risk of a heightened reaction to sunlight due to any medication is to limit sun exposure and follow recommended practices for protecting your skin. Some ways you can do this include:

Staying in the shade as much as possible while outdoors
Using 30+ sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light
Applying at least one ounce of sunscreen across your body at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapplying it every two hours
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, sunglasses, hats, and other protective clothing that limits how much of your skin is exposed to the sun

If you experience a severe sunburn, or one that is accompanied by a fever, headache, nausea, chills, confusion, or dehydration, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If your symptoms become severe and lead to a medical emergency, please dial 911 right away.

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.

What are Statins?

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Cholesterol is an important part of many of your body’s functions. However, too much of it can cause your arteries to become narrowed or blocked, increasing your risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks or strokes. This problem is particularly linked to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. For adults, an optimal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL; a near-optimal level is 100 to 129 mg/dL.

Statins are prescription medications that disrupt cholesterol production in your liver, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and increase the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your blood; HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol from your blood and transports it back to your liver. Statins are available in brand-name or generic versions and are typically taken as tablets or capsules once per day.

Statins are typically prescribed to people who cannot reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco products, as well as:

People who have experienced serious cardiovascular problems such as a stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease
People over the age of 40 with an LDL above 70 mg/dL who have diabetes or are at high risk of heart disease

Statins are also often taken for the rest of a patient’s life to keep their cholesterol levels low, as these levels tend to increase with age before gradually decreasing later in life.

While most patients should not have much trouble tolerating statins, they may cause some side effects. These commonly include headaches, nausea, and aching in the muscles and joints. Rarely, however, statins may lead to more serious side effects, such as increased blood sugar, muscle cell damage, liver damage, or memory problems.

A cardiologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of statins to determine whether they’re the right treatment approach for you.

What are the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness?

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Thousands of people visit the emergency room due to heat-related health problems each year. As the summer begins, it’s important to stay aware of the signs and risk factors of heat-related illnesses.

There are five main categories of heat-related illness. These illnesses and their warning signs include:

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can lead to permanent disability or death without emergency treatment. It occurs when the body’s heat rises uncontrollably and stops sweating. Warning signs of this condition include:

Body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Red, hot, and dry skin that does not sweat
Nausea, dizziness, confusion, or vomiting
Rapid and strong pulse
Unconsciousness

Heat exhaustion: This type of illness can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 65 and people with high blood pressure. Without prompt treatment, this illness can develop into heat stroke. Some of the indicators of heat exhaustion include:

Pale, moist, cool skin
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Headache
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting

Heat cramps: Heat cramps typically occur as muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs, often in association with physical activity. Excessive sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture, leading to cramps. People with heart problems or who follow a low-sodium diet are most prone to this illness and should seek medical attention if it occurs. Warning signs include:

Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Thirst
Muscle pain or spasms

Heat rash: This illness occurs due to excessive sweating that causes skin irritation. It occurs most commonly in young children and generally appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters on the neck and upper chest. It can also occur in the groin, under breasts, and in elbow creases.

Sunburn: Sunburn is one of the most common forms of heat-related illness. It can affect anyone, but is more likely to occur in people with lighter skin tones. Skin affected by sunburn will often first appear red and feel warm and tender; this skin may later develop blisters.

If you are experiencing heat-related medical problems, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

What is Periodontitis?

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures around the teeth. It affects nearly half of all American adults over the age of 30 and is the leading cause of tooth loss.

There are a few telltale signs of gum disease. Some of the most common ones include:

Swelling and discoloration in the gums
Gums that are tender and bleed easily
Bad breath that will not go away
Loose teeth
Black, triangle-like spaces that form between the teeth
Receding gums
Pus between the teeth and gums

If it is left untreated for too long, gum disease damages the supporting bones of the teeth, resulting in eventual tooth loss.

Gum disease typically develops because of a buildup of plaque (a sticky film made up of bacteria). Plaque accumulates on the teeth and gums over time, eventually hardening into tartar and causing gum irritation. This irritation then leads to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and eventually evolves into periodontitis.

A few different risk factors may also contribute to your likelihood of developing periodontitis. Some of the most common factors include poor oral hygiene, tobacco usage, a weakened immune system, and diabetes. Others include:

Genetics
Obesity
Certain chronic conditions, such as leukemia and HIV/AIDS
Medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice a regular routine of good oral hygiene (particularly brushing your teeth and flossing twice per day), as well as avoiding habits that may increase your risk. You should consult your doctor and dentist to determine which medications may affect your risk of gum disease and how best to manage this risk.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, you can receive expert periodontal treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5521.

When Should You Worry About Your Infant Vomiting?

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

It’s common for infants to struggle with keeping food and liquids down as they eat, particularly during their first month of life. However, certain symptoms accompanying this vomiting may indicate a more serious underlying medical problem with your child, potentially requiring a visit to a pediatric specialist. Some of these conditions include:

Gastroenteritis: Symptoms that may indicate gastroenteritis include mild diarrhea, irritability, stomach pain, and a poor appetite. This condition typically goes away on its own within a week, but if your baby starts to display symptoms such as dry skin, mouth, or eyes, a lack of tears, no wet diapers for up to 12 hours, or an unusual level of sleepiness or fatigue, they may be dehydrated and require an immediate visit to a pediatrician.

Ear infection: If your baby has an ear infection, it could cause nausea and vomiting without a fever. Some other symptoms they may experience include pain or discomfort in one or both ears, muffled hearing, and diarrhea. While an ear infection will usually resolve on its own without treatment, you should still take them to a pediatrician in case antibiotics are needed; severe infections could potentially damage a baby’s hearing.

Overheating: Hot weather and warm environments could overheat your baby, causing them to vomit and become dehydrated. In more serious cases, this can even lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Make sure to get your baby into a cooler environment and hydrate them as soon as possible; if they continue to display symptoms such as pale skin, abnormal irritability, and fatigue, get them medical attention immediately.

Pyloric stenosis: This rare condition occurs when the pathway between the stomach and the intestines is too narrow, leading to excessive vomiting as well as dehydration, weight loss, constipation, and abnormally few wet diapers and bowel movements. Surgery is required to correct this condition; tell your pediatrician right away if you notice these symptoms.

Intussusception: This rare intestinal condition occurs when a baby’s intestine is damaged and slips into another part of the intestine. Aside from vomiting without a fever, a baby with intussusception may experience severe stomach cramps that cause them to curl their knees up to their chest, as well as fatigue, nausea, and blood or mucus in their bowel movements. Treatment for this condition involves pushing the intestine back into place.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, they can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatrics Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

What is Preeclampsia?

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy and can complicate the delivery of a baby. Up to 15% of premature births in the United States occur because of this condition.

Preeclampsia often occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can develop sooner. It can also occur after pregnancy, typically following the first few days or week after delivery; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Not everyone with preeclampsia may experience noticeable symptoms; in fact, most expecting mothers are unaware they have this condition until receiving a prenatal checkup. If symptoms do occur, some of the first signs typically include high blood pressure, retention of water weight, and protein in urine (detectable through diagnostic tests). Other symptoms may include:

Headaches
Visual disturbances, blurring, dark spots, or light sensitivity
Right side abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Edema (swelling of the hands and face)

Certain severe symptoms of preeclampsia may indicate a medical emergency, requiring a hospital visit and, potentially, early delivery of the baby. These include blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg or higher, fluid in the lungs, decreased urine production, low blood platelet levels, and decreased liver or kidney function.

While medical experts are uncertain what specifically causes preeclampsia, certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this condition. These include:

A family history of preeclampsia
A personal medical history involving high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or an autoimmune disease such as lupus
Multiple expected babies

You should consult your doctor about the most effective approach to treatment for preeclampsia. In most cases, this condition can only be resolved once the baby has been delivered; however, your doctor may provide medication to assist with managing your blood pressure and the development of the fetus’ lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia and require specialized medical care to protect the health of yourself and your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at (718) 670-5702 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our New Beginnings labor and delivery unit.

5 Tips for Preventing Older Adult Falls

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Falls can prove both costly and dangerous as you get older. Millions of older Americans fall each year, with many sustaining serious injuries such as broken bones or concussions. However, there are steps you can take to prevent falls and avoid serious complications when they do occur. You should:

Stay in shape: Regular exercise provides a vast number of benefits to your health and can help you remain strong and mobile as you get older. In particular, exercises that help you improve your balance (such as Tai Chi) can significantly reduce your likelihood of falling or getting seriously injured from a fall.

Remove home hazards: A variety of hazards may make a fall more likely at home, such as clutter in your walking paths, lights that are not properly functioning, or a lack of handrails or bars in places such as your bathroom or stairs. Make sure to keep clutter out of your way, that all lights remain functioning normally in and around your home, and that you have bars and railings available where needed to help keep your balance.

Get your eyes and feet checked: Poor eyesight or conditions that affect your feet can impact your ability to move normally and remain upright. Make sure to get both of these parts of your body checked by a specialist; prescription glasses and recommended footwear can help you safely stay mobile and functional.

Review medication side-effects: Certain medications may have side-effects that cause dizziness, fatigue, or other symptoms that may affect your balance. Discuss these potential side-effects and how to manage them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Talk to a doctor immediately if you fall: If you fall but don’t sustain any serious injuries, you should consult your doctor immediately to determine the cause and the best ways to prevent future incidents. If you do experience a serious injury (such as head trauma), call 911.

If you’ve been injured from a fall or are at risk of falling, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by calling (718) 670-5515.

Meet New Beginnings Team Member Rima Mujib, RN

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Rima Mujib has worked at Flushing Hospital Medical Center as a nurse since 2022. As a nurse working on the postpartum unit, she is a strong believer in the principle of providing quality nursing care to all patients and treating each of them as an equal individual.

Rima is bilingual in Bengali and English, allowing her to communicate with and teach patients from the Bengali community as well as other communities. She believes that better communication establishes a rapport with patients and, as a result, helps her to better serve the Flushing community.

Rima finds her work with the New Beginnings team to be very rewarding; she enjoys being able to witness the joy her patients experience after childbirth. Her work involves comforting new mothers and guiding them through their postpartum care.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 5.8 million Americans experience Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dementia is a general term that refers to memory loss; Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of cases.

The earliest signs of Alzheimer’s involve difficulty retaining new information, but can also involve vision or language-related problems. These symptoms gradually transition into more severe problems such as worsening confusion and memory loss, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. These problems are likely to be less obvious to the person experiencing them than to others who interact with them regularly.

Alzheimer’s is believed by medical experts to be caused by buildups of proteins such as amyloid, which forms plaque around brain cells, and tau, which forms tangles within brain cells. These buildups lead to lower levels of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which send signals between brain cells. Other factors that increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing Alzheimer’s include:

Age
Family history
Down’s syndrome
Head trauma
Cardiovascular disease
Untreated depression

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s; symptoms can only be managed as they progress. Some ways that caregivers can help a person with Alzheimer’s cope with their symptoms include:

Helping them maintain a regular daily routine
Reassuring them and acknowledging their feelings
Avoiding showing frustration or anger with them
Avoiding arguments with them
Making sure they have a safe space to walk
Helping them stay hydrated and fed throughout the day

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What is Sciatica?

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Sciatica is nerve pain that can occur throughout the lower back, buttocks, hips, and down the legs. This pain may be mild or severe and cause a variety of sensations, including anything from sharp or shooting pain to a burning or electric feeling. It can also occur constantly or intermittently and worsen based on posture, movement, and time spent sitting or standing.

The primary cause of sciatica is injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve is most commonly injured due to a herniated or slipped disk. However, injury to the sciatic nerve can occur in a few different ways, including:

Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis
Pressure from tumors
Piriformis syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome

Several risk factors, such as aging, obesity, prior injuries to the lower back or spine, pregnancy, or a job that requires significant physical exertion such as heavy lifting, may increase your likelihood of experiencing sciatica. However, these risks may be reduced through adjustments to your lifestyle and activities, such as:

Improving your posture: Improper form while exercising or lifting heavy weights, as well as poor posture while sitting, standing, or moving can increase your risk of sciatica.

Following a regular diet and exercise routine: A healthy, balanced diet and a workout routine that incorporates aerobic and strength exercises can help you manage sciatica risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Exercises that build core strength can be especially helpful, as a stronger core provides more support for your lower back.

Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco products such as cigarettes contain nicotine, which causes spinal tissue, vertebral disk, and bone damage over time that can impact the sciatic nerve.

You can find effective treatment for most cases of sciatica from specialists such as chiropractors and physical therapists. However, for severe cases, you may need to work with a neurologist to diagnose the most likely cause and find the right treatment approach.