May 2024 - Health Beat

What is Chronic Inflammation ?

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Inflammation is one of the body’s ways of healing itself. It is the immune system’s response to an internal or external irritant.

Inflammation can be acute, meaning short-lived or it can be chronic (long lasting).

Chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months, or even years, leading to damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Eventually, in some cases, this can result in internal connective tissue scarring, DNA damage, and even tissue death. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of asthma, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation include body pain, anxiety, weight loss or gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation), and general fatigue.

Factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation include:

Long-term stress
Alcohol abuse
Obesity
Smoking
Lack of sleep
Exposure to chemical irritants
Autoinflammatory disease
Acute inflammation that worsens

One way to diagnose chronic inflammation is through a blood test for C-reactive protein (CRP) which shows up when there is inflammation in the body or high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which shows inflammation of the heart.

Treatment of chronic Inflammation can be achieved with:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Steroids
Dietary supplements (fish oil and lipoic acid)
Weight loss
Exercise
Stress reduction

Some foods can affect chronic inflammation. Tomatoes, salmon, sardines, olive oil, and nuts can help reduce chronic inflammation while fried foods, hot dogs, sausages, and highly processed foods like white bread and pastries can make it worse.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic inflammation, consult with your physician to see what treatment options may be helpful to you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

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.

A Tasty Spring Evening Recipe for Linguini and Shrimp Scampi

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Warm springtime evenings call for an easy to prepare, delicious linguini and shrimp scampi recipe. This is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/shrimp-scampi-with-linguini-recipe-1942429

New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently shared new guidelines for breast cancer screening. The organization advises women to begin receiving mammograms at the age of 40, instead of the previously recommended starting age of 50.

Additionally, the USPSTF recommends getting mammograms every other year until the age of 74.

According to the organization, changes were made to screening guidelines based on “new and more inclusive science.” Scientific research has found that more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their forties, and with more aggressive cases.

Routine screenings and the early detection of breast cancer can save lives. The USPSTF estimates that screening women at the age of 40 can save close to 20% more lives from the disease.

The newly updated USPSTF breast screening guidelines were created for people assigned female at birth, with an average risk of developing breast cancer. Those who have a history of cancer or are at a higher risk of developing the disease should speak with their doctor for individualized recommendations.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about breast cancer screenings or assessing your risk, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Older Americans Month 2024

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Older Americans Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to spotlight the importance of meaningful social connections for the health and well-being of aging members of our community.

Socialization is beneficial for people of any age when it comes to mental and physical health. However, it becomes even more important as we age as a way of managing a wide range of increasing health risks.

According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), approximately one third of adults aged 45 or older feel socially isolated. Several factors, such as the loss of loved ones or other significant life events, can contribute to this feeling. It is important that we pay attention to the effects of social isolation as they have been linked to a significantly increased risk of experiencing a variety of medical problems, including mental health conditions, such as depression, as well as chronic physical problems, such as heart disease.

The negative mental and physical impacts of social isolation on older adults are intertwined. Social isolation has specifically been linked to a 50% increase in the risk of developing dementia, as well as a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke. These medical problems, in turn, increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, which is more likely to occur in people with a chronic or disabling medical problem.

Older adults who feel socially isolated have a variety of options for seeking out opportunities for social interaction. A few of these include:

Calling or visiting family members or friends regularly
Joining a local community group or attending local events
Joining a gym or exercise class
Going out for a walk each day and visiting a specific location, such as a cafe or shop

Taking these steps may not immediately make you feel better or lead you to instantly develop close, high-quality relationships. However, making a point to interact with people regularly allows you to cultivate these relationships gradually over time and develop a healthier, more active social life.

If you feel socially isolated and start to experience symptoms of a medical problem, such as depression, dementia, or heart disease, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

7 High-Fiber Foods for Better Gut Health

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Your digestive system plays an important role in the overall wellbeing of your body. A healthy gut helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients; this affects nearly every function your body performs by providing the energy needed for those functions. Your digestive system is also the home of your gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria that assist in digestive processes. A key part of supporting this microbiome is to consume a sufficient amount of fiber each day. Unlike other cells, your gut bacteria have the enzymes needed to break down fiber.

Getting the recommended amount of fiber each day (38 grams for men and 25 grams for women) can produce a variety of beneficial effects, including:

Healthier stools
Decreased constipation
Decreased blood sugar spikes after high-carb meals
Reduced appetite

There are many different foods you can incorporate into your diet to increase your intake of fiber. A few of these include:

Raspberries: A one-cup serving of raspberries contains about eight grams of total fiber. Raspberries make for a simple snack on their own, but you can also mix them in with yogurt or oatmeal.

Bananas: A medium-sized banana contains approximately three grams of fiber. Bananas make for an easy on-the-go snack, but they can also be included in sandwiches, smoothies, and other recipes.

Broccoli: This popular vegetable contains five grams of fiber for each one-cup serving. Broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be served as a side dish or mixed in with other foods, such as pasta.

Potatoes: One medium potato with skin contains about four grams of fiber. Like broccoli and other vegetables, potatoes can be cooked and served in many different ways, either on their own or as part of a more complex meal.

Brown rice: One cooked cup of brown rice contains three and a half grams of fiber.

Whole-wheat foods: Whole-wheat foods are great for boosting your fiber intake. Whole-wheat spaghetti, for example, often contains about six grams of fiber in a one-cup serving.

Almonds: Almonds, as well as other nuts such as pistachios, are snacks that serve as excellent sources of fiber, containing about three and a half grams per one-ounce serving.

If you experience symptoms of a digestive problem, you can receive treatment from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Christine Parasram, RN

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in our NICU, Christine Parasram, RN. Christine began her nursing career in the NICU in August of 2018, and became an Assistant Head Nurse in July of 2023.

Although Christine’s career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center began six years ago, her history with our hospital began much earlier. She started the first few weeks of her life as a preemie in Flushing Hospital’s NICU.

In addition to being a NICU graduate, what further inspired Christine to become a NICU nurse was experiencing the early arrival of her daughter who spent the first few months of her life in the NICU. Christine still remembers how intimidating the NICU was as a parent. She deeply admired the nurses who cared for her fragile newborn daughter. Christine’s firsthand experience gave her the passion for taking care of her patients and the empathy for caring for the patients’ families.

Everything You Should Know About the Bird Flu Virus

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

You may have recently heard about the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among poultry and dairy cows in the United States. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk to public health posed by this virus is low; however, the situation is being monitored closely, and it’s important for you to know the potential risks posed to humans by H5N1.

So far, the H5N1 strain of the bird flu has infected wild birds in all 50 states and poultry in 48 states. More recently, it has also been discovered in herds of dairy cows in nine states; this is concerning to health experts because it may indicate that the virus could mutate in a way that makes it easier to spread among humans. In fact, a dairy worker had reportedly become infected in April after exposure to infected cows.

The CDC recommends taking certain actions to protect yourself against this virus and prevent it from spreading among human populations. These actions include:

Avoiding direct contact with wild birds as much as possible, particularly if they seem ill or are dead
Avoiding unprotected exposure to live or dead infected animals (particularly dairy cattle) as much as possible
Monitoring and reporting any new symptoms you experience within 10 days of exposure to the virus, particularly respiratory symptoms or eye redness
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine; while this does not reduce your risk of bird flu infection, it is recommended for reducing your risk of co-infection with human influenza viruses

If you have become sick within 10 days of exposure to the bird flu virus, you should isolate yourself at home away from other members of your household and avoid your workplace or school until you are confirmed to no longer have the H5N1 virus.

Poultry products such as chicken and eggs, as well as beef products, can still be consumed safely as long as they’re cooked to an appropriate internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. You should avoid consuming raw milk or any products that contain raw milk.

If you become sick with flu symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to H5N1, it’s important that you receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Stroke Awareness Month

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Stroke Awareness Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is working to educate our community about important stroke facts that can help prevent stroke deaths and increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes for our patients.

When looking for warning signs of a stroke, it’s important to B.E.F.A.S.T. If someone you know is suddenly exhibiting the following signs, call 911 for help immediately:

B – Balance loss: A person experiencing a stroke might suddenly lose their balance.

E – Eye problems: When someone experiences a stroke, they may experience temporary vision loss.

F – Face drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile. You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A – Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S – Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence repeatedly.

T – Time to call 911: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 911 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

A person experiencing a stroke may not experience all of these symptoms, or they may not all occur at the same time. Additionally, while these are some of the major warning signs to watch for, there are others that are important to recognize as they appear. Additional symptoms of a stroke can include:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable; by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically. Remember, don’t wait; if you believe someone you know is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

. Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Pediatric Liver Disease

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Liver problems can lead to very serious medical complications. Whether these problems are urgent potential emergencies, such as acute liver failure, or long-term health issues, such as fatty liver disease, they can become life-threatening if they are not treated promptly and effectively. Liver problems are not rare in adults; according to the American Liver Foundation, they affect over 100 million people throughout the United States. However, in rare cases, they can also occur in children.

The most common type of liver condition in children is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which occurs when too much fat forms in the liver cells. NAFLD can occur due to:

Obesity
Insulin resistance
Type 2 diabetes
Abnormally high amounts of cholesterol or fat in the bloodstream
Sleep apnea

In its early stages, NAFLD doesn’t usually cause symptoms. As damage to the liver accumulates, the following symptoms may occur:

Abdominal discomfort or pain
Fatigue
Irritability, depression, and/or anxiety
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in skin color around the joints, upper back, and/or the back of the neck

Continued damage to the liver over an extended period of time leads to cirrhosis, which refers to the formation of nodules on the liver. Cirrhosis also causes the liver to harden. As cirrhosis occurs, other symptoms may begin to appear, including:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Itching skin
Stomach swelling
Dark-colored urine
Bruising easily

A variety of other conditions can also cause liver disease to occur in children. Many of these can occur as a result of a variety of factors, such as inherited genes or viral infections. They include:

Alagille syndrome
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Glycogen storage disease type 1
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
Gilbert syndrome
Autoimmune liver disease
Biliary atresia
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Galactosemia
Hepatitis B and C
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Reye’s syndrome
Wilson disease

If your child is experiencing symptoms of liver disease, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.