July 2024 - Health Beat

Diverticulitis

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Diverticulitis is caused when the diverticula- irregular bulging pouches in the colon wall develop over time and become inflamed, tear, swell, and become infected. Diverticula can form due to spasms or straining.

Pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom of diverticulitis. Other symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
Changes in stool which include constipation or diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
A distended abdomen

Diverticulitis is more common in people over 50. Other factors that put you at risk of diverticulitis include:

Obesity
Smoking
A low-fiber diet
A high-red meat diet
Heavy alcohol use
Lack of exercise.
Low vitamin D levels
Certain medicines such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Many conditions can cause pain and other symptoms related to diverticulitis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam where they gently touch different parts of the abdomen to learn where the pain and tenderness are.

They may also order laboratory tests to determine what is causing your symptoms and use them to rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis. These tests include:

Blood tests for signs of infection and immune system activity.
Urine test
Stool test
Pregnancy test
Liver enzyme test to rule out liver disease.

A CT scan can show inflamed diverticula, abscesses, fistulas, or other complications.

There are many ways to help prevent diverticulitis including:

Exercising regularly.
Eating a high-fiber diet.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Limiting alcohol use and quitting smoking.

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is when there are mild symptoms and no complications, and you can be treated at home. A healthcare provider will recommend a liquid diet and then a gradual increase to low-fiber solid foods. You may also be prescribed antibiotics.

Complicated diverticulitis is when the symptoms are serious and there are signs of complications. You will need to be in the hospital for treatment.

Surgery on the colon may be performed if complicated diverticulitis is diagnosed. Other reasons surgery may be needed include:

Complications include ruptures in the colon wall, fistulas, or other serious tissue damage.
There were multiple episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis.
You have a weakened immune system.

Surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. Two procedures used for treating diverticulitis include:

The diseased section of the colon is removed. The remaining healthy tissues are connected to recreate a complete colon.
The healthy section and the diseased section are separated. The healthy section is directed to an opening in the abdomen wall. Waste is collected using a colostomy bag giving the diseased section time to heal. When it is healed, the two sections are reconnected, and the opening in the abdomen wall is closed.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of diverticulitis and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, 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.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Isabel Ortiz, RNC

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in the NICU, Isabel Ortiz, RNC. Isabel began her career in the Flushing Hospital Medical Center NICU 36 years ago.

Isabel’s nursing career began in Puerto Rico where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked there for the first three years of her nursing career. Her entire career at Flushing Hospital has been spent working in the NICU which she finds to be very fulfilling on many levels. Taking care of NICU patients can have many challenges but is very rewarding when she sees her patients thrive and go on to live happy lives.

In addition to caring for her patients, she also spends a lot of time with assisting their parents. Isabel feels a strong connection to the community. Being bilingual (English and Spanish) helps her to communicate well with many patients and families.

Isabel enjoys working with the NICU team. They have become like family to her. They teach one another and are always learning new techniques that benefit patients. Isabel’s passion for taking care of the NICU patients and their families is well known and we are very happy to have her as a member of the New Beginnings Team.

The Blue Zone Diet

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Blue zones are identified as regions of the world in which people tend to live longer and healthier lives than average. Many live to be over 100 years old.

Parts of the United States, Japan, Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica have been found to have blue zones. One of the things people living in these areas share in common is the types of food they eat; their food choices have inspired the Blue Zone diet.

The Blue Zone diet is mainly plant-based, consisting of fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes. Meats, dairy, processed, and sugary foods are avoided or eaten occasionally.

In addition to eating healthy whole foods, people living in blue zones also practice a lifestyle that focuses on:

Family
Being sociable
Stress reduction
Staying active
Finding purpose

Following the Blue Zone diet and principles is simple and has proven beneficial for most. However, it is advised that you speak with your doctor or dietitian to learn if this diet or making any lifestyle changes is best for your health.

Five Things To Know About Whole-Body Deodorants

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

You may see advertisements for whole-body deodorants everywhere. These products claim to stop odors from forming on various parts of the body beyond our armpits including the feet, skin creases, breasts, thighs, groins, and more.

Whole-body deodorants are available in different forms including creams, sticks, and sprays. So, there are several options to choose from. But, before you purchase one of these products, here are five things you should know:

Deodorants and antiperspirants are not the same. Therefore, these products are not made to prevent sweat, they can however change the smell of sweat.
Most whole-body deodorants are not designed to target underarm sweat.
These products may include ingredients such as essential oils, zinc compounds, starch to absorb wetness, or cyclodextrins to absorb odor.
Some ingredients can cause allergic skin reactions or irritation.
Avoid applying these products in areas with mucus membranes such as the anus or vagina.

Whole-body deodorants are generally considered safe. However, it is important to remember that they cannot be applied everywhere on our bodies. If you are experiencing skin irritation or an allergic reaction stop using the product immediately. If symptoms persist, make an appointment with your doctor. To make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5486.

Robot-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs slip down into the vagina after the muscles and tissues that support them become weak or damaged.

There are many types of prolapse depending on what organs are involved. They include:

Uterine prolapse
Vaginal prolapse
Cystocele
Rectocele
Enterocele

There are many causes of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common causes include:

Vaginal childbirth.
Surgery on your pelvic organs.
Getting older.
Extreme physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
Increased abdominal pressure from straining during bowel movements or a chronic cough.
Genetics, like being born with weaker pelvic muscles.

There can be many symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common symptoms include:

Seeing a bulge or lump coming from the vagina.
Feeling like there is a ball stuck inside of the vagina.
A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis or lower back.
Leaking urine or problems with bowel movements.
Issues inserting tampons or pain during intercourse.

Surgeons can perform a sacrocolpopexy to help relieve these symptoms. A sacrocolpopexy can be done in two ways.

One way is with a thin telescope-like tube with a camera called a laparoscope put through incisions as the surgeon performs the surgery.

The other way, a robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy, uses special tools like a surgical robot. This procedure uses similar steps but passes robotic controllers through small incisions as the surgeon guides them.

Robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy has some benefits over other methods as it may lower the risk of complications for some people. Other benefits include:

A shorter hospital stay.
A faster recovery time.

Speak to your healthcare provider to learn which robotic surgery is best for you.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please get in touch with Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

COVID-19 FLiRT Variants

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

There has been a recent surge in COVID-19 infections, and data shows that FLiRT variants have been linked to a significant number of cases.

FLiRT is a term used to describe a family of mutated COVID-19 variants, which include KP.1.1, KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, and other variants starting with KP or JN. The name is based on the technical names for locations of the virus’ mutations.

There is still much to learn about FLiRT variants, but here are some important facts we can share:

It is the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States at this time
Symptoms are consistent with those of other variants and include body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills and shortness of breath
People can protect themselves by wearing a mask, testing for COVID-19 if they have been exposed, and getting the latest vaccines (It is important to note that while vaccines may not prevent infections, they can lessen the severity of illness.)
Antivirals such as Paxlovid work effectively against FLiRT variants

Additionally, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home or away from others when we are sick.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are at risk of developing serious illnesses due to an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Estela Divino, LCSW-R

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are very proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Estela Divino, LCSW-R in the Palliative Care Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Estela began her career at Flushing Hospital three years ago. She was born in the Philippines and moved with her family to New York at the age of six. She saw all that her parents went through as immigrants and how hard they worked to give her family opportunities in the United States. Because of this, she has a deep appreciation for the immigrant experience and all that it takes to build a life here.

Estela grew up in Queens where she attended elementary school at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, and high school at Saint Francis Prep. Estela received her BS degree from Albany State University and her MSW from Adelphi University School of Social Work.

Estela currently lives with her family on Long Island. She is very proud of her two daughters. One daughter will be graduating from college in 2025 and the other daughter will be graduating from medical school the same year. The family also has a Havanese dog that lives in their home. Estela enjoys spending her free time with her family and her friends. She likes to travel. Most recently she went to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a family reunion. Her favorite places to vacation are places that have warm weather and beautiful beaches. She also likes to go to concerts, go thrifting, work on crossword puzzles, go to Broadway musicals and practice yoga.

She enjoys many different types of food, especially Filipino, Korean, Italian, Chinese and Greek. Estela listens to all types of music but R&B, classical, jazz and pop are her favorite genres. One of the most fulfilling experiences in Estela’s life was being a Peace Corps volunteer in the area of community health and served from 1988-1990 in Guinea Bissau, West Africa. During her time there she learned Portuguese and Portuguese Creole.

The most important things in Estela’s life besides her relationship with her family and loved ones, are keeping a work/life balance, and finding meaning and purpose in both. She appreciates the sense of community among the different disciplines at the hospital and how everyone works well together to care for the patients and their families during difficult times in their lives. We are very fortunate to have Estela as part of our team at Flushing Hospital and we look forward to her continuing work with us for many more years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) During Summer

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the changes of the seasons. SAD is commonly referred to as winter depression because symptoms typically occur during the late fall and early winter months.

Although most people living with SAD experience symptoms during the onset of winter, 10% of individuals with the disorder experience the reverse where symptoms present during late spring into early summer. This is known as summer depression.

The symptoms of summer depression can include:

Poor appetite
Weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Mood swings
Lethargy
Feeling agitated
Feeling anxious
Increased irritability
Violent or aggressive behavior

The cause of SAD in summer is not yet known; however, it is believed that the following are contributing factors:

Disruptions in routine schedules due to summer vacations or children being out of school
Changes in sleep routine
Body image issues
Excessive heat and humidity
Allergies
Longer days (which can interfere with melatonin production)

There are a few ways one can manage summer depression. Managing symptoms may involve:

Medications
Psychotherapy
Stress management
Getting adequate sleep
Staying cool by avoiding the heat as much as possible
Establishing and keeping a routine
Practicing self-care
Practicing mind-body techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with summer seasonal affective disorder, seek assistance by connecting with loved ones and talking to a mental health provider who can offer a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment.

Senior Summer Health Tips

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Rising summer temperatures can be unbearable for everyone. They can be even worse for senior citizens because they can be severely affected by heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses include:

Heat exhaustion
Heatstroke
Heat syncope
Dehydration
Heat cramps
Heat edema
Heat rash
Sunburn

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk include:

Health problems such as heart, lung, or kidney disease.
Skin changes that are caused by normal aging.
Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever.
Drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications can make it harder for the body to cool itself off.
Being on several prescription drugs at the same time.
Being obese, overweight, or underweight.
Drinking alcoholic beverages.
Living in places without air conditioning or fans.
Dehydration.

Hot summer days can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. Especially for older adults. Here are some tips to keep them safe and prevent heat-related illnesses:

Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible.
Stay hydrated.
Wear loose and light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Take cool showers and baths.
Avoid exercising outdoors and other physical activity when it’s hot.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day.
Find out if certain medications can contribute to heat-related illnesses.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Anaerobic Exercise

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Anaerobic exercise is any short, fast high-intensity exercise that uses stored energy to supply working muscles instead of oxygen.

Some types of anaerobic exercises include:

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Heavy weightlifting
Sprinting
Plyometrics: jumping, hopping, skipping, jumping squats, and jumping lunges
Calisthenics: bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and dips

Anaerobic exercise benefits the cardiovascular system, muscles, and joints. These benefits include:

An increase in muscle strength and power.
An increase in fat loss and muscle mass.
An improvement in bone mineral density.
A decrease in joint stiffness.
Corrected muscle imbalances and improved posture.
An improvement in circulation and heart and lung function.
A decrease in high blood pressure.
A decrease in inflammation throughout the body.
An improvement in mood and energy.
A decreased risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Lowered blood sugar, high cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Anaerobic exercise isn’t easy, it may be helpful to find a certified fitness trainer to help you create a program based on your medical history.

If you want to create a program on your own, here are some basic weightlifting tips to consider:

Warm up for at least five minutes.
Start with large muscle groups first.
Do one to three sets of eight to 15 reps.
Complete eight to 10 exercises following the proper technique.

Please note that when beginning or increasing the amount of anaerobic exercise, get cleared to do so by your healthcare provider. Start slowly and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.