November 2024 - Health Beat

Dangers of Combining OTC and Prescription Drugs

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Taking over- the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications together can be dangerous, because combining certain medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening side effects.

Taking two or more medications can lead to drug interactions. For instance, anticoagulants, which are prescriptions used to prevent blood clotting should not be taken with other blood thinners such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and common OTC pain killer. Taking both may increase the risk of bleeding.

Other potentially harmful OTC and prescription combinations include:
• Antidepressants and OTC NSAIDs – may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Certain antihypertensive prescriptions and NSAIDs – may increase blood pressure or increase the risk for renal failure
• Certain antidepressants and OTC drugs that contain ephedrine (used to treat congestion) – may increase blood pressure and cause heart rhythm problems

Although OTC medications are generally considered safe, they can be hazardous to our health when combined with certain prescriptions. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician or pharmacist before taking a combination of any medications.

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.

Loneliness

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and feeling like you don’t have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.

Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:

Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
- Chronic disease or condition
- Psychiatric or depressive condition
- Long-term disability
Being marginalized or discriminated against
Having limited or no access to resources may result in:
- Living in rural areas
- Limited transportation
- Language barriers
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:

Low-income adults
Young adults
Older adults
Adults living alone
Immigrants
People who identify as LGBTQ+

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

Heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
Dementia
Earlier death

It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:

Less stress
Better sleep
A longer, healthier life

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including:

Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
Connecting with others on social media
Volunteering in your community
Being kind to yourself
Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
Getting help from a professional

To find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

What To Do If Your Toddler Has A Fever

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A fever is an above-normal increase in the body’s temperature. A normal body temperature is about 98.6^°F. A temperature of 100.4˚ Fahrenheit (38˚ Celsius) or higher is considered a fever for a child. Fevers show the body is fighting off infection from a virus or bacteria. Your child’s body is raising its temperature to kill the germs.

In most cases, fevers are harmless and go away in three days. Signs and symptoms that your child may have a fever include:

Feels warmer than usual
Shivering
Sweating
General body aches
Loss of appetite
Fussiness or irritability

The best way to check your child’s temperature depends on their age. The type of thermometer used to take a temperature may make a difference. Use a digital thermometer. Never use a mercury thermometer. Additionally:

Rectal thermometers are the most accurate.
Forehead thermometers are the next best choice if used the right way.
Oral and ear thermometers can be used if done properly. For oral temperatures, wait 30 minutes after drinking something hot or cold. Wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold for an ear temperature.
An axillary or armpit temperature can be used as a quick check but it isn’t very accurate.

A fever may not need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable. Even higher temperatures are not usually dangerous unless they have a long-term illness. Here are some ways to provide relief and help reduce your child’s fever:

Dress your child in light clothing. Overdressing them can trap the body’s heat, causing the temperature to rise.
Make sure they drink lots of fluids. Prolonged fever can lead to dehydration.
- For babies under a year old, continue to give breast milk and formula. They should not be given water. If they are older than six months, give them rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
- For children over a year old, give them extra liquids, like water, diluted 100% juice, popsicles, or rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
Your child may not want to eat much. Give them small amounts of soft foods, but do not force them to eat.
Give them sponge baths or let them soak in a tub. Water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold. Use a washcloth to pour the water over them.
- Do NOT add alcohol to the water as it can be dangerous.
- Recheck their temperature 15 minutes after the bath. Repeat the sponge bath if the temperature is 103˚F (39.4˚C) or higher.
Over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever. Read the label on the bottle to know the right dose for your child.
- Acetaminophen may be used for all children over two months.
- Ibuprofen may be used for children over six months.
- Do not give aspirin to children.

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child:

Has a temperature of 104 ˚F (40 ˚C) or above.

Has a temperature above 102˚F (38.9˚C) for more than 2 days or keeps returning.
That has been treated to bring it down, but it has not worked.

To speak with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s fever, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

Robotic Gynecological Surgery

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endometriosis is an often painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.

Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn’t belong, and it doesn’t leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can be intense or mild. Symptoms often feel worse just before and during your period due to inflammation brought on by the hormonal changes that occur at the time. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

Excruciating menstrual cramps
Abdominal pain or back pain during your period or in between periods
Heavy bleeding during periods, or spotting between periods
Pain during sex
Infertility
Pain when pooping or peeing
Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating

You can have no symptoms of endometriosis. The seriousness of your pain may not be a sign of the number or extent of endometriosis growth in your body. You could have a small amount of tissue with bad pain. Or you could have little to no pain and have lots of endometriosis tissue. Women often find out they have the condition when they can’t get pregnant or after they have an unrelated surgery.

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear. But some possible causes include:

Retrograde menstruation
Transformed peritoneal cells
Embryonic cell changes
Surgical scar complication
Endometrial cell transport
Immune system condition

Factors that raise the risk of endometriosis include:

Never giving birth
Starting your period at an early age
Going through menopause at an older age
Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
Low body mass index
One or more relatives with endometriosis, such as a mother, aunt, or sister

Any health condition that prevents blood from flowing out of the body during menstrual periods also can be a risk factor for endometriosis. So can conditions of the reproductive tract.

To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor will likely start by giving you a physical exam. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms, including where and when you feel pain. Tests to check for clues of endometriosis include:

A pelvic exam
Ultrasound
MRI
Laparoscopy

Treatment for endometriosis often involves medicine or surgery. The approach you and your healthcare team choose will depend on how serious your symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant. Medicine is typically recommended first. If it doesn’t help enough, surgery becomes an option. Treatments for endometriosis include:

Pain medicines
Hormone therapy
Fertility treatment
Conservative therapy
Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries

Surgery options may include robotic surgery. Long recovery times of up to six weeks and large incisions made recovery very difficult, but with advances in gynecologic surgery, especially robotic-assisted surgery, women can expect a much shorter recovery from pelvic surgery.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars.
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
A shorter hospital stay.

Experienced surgeons use the da Vinci robot to treat women who suffer from troubling gynecologic conditions like endometriosis.

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can use to take care of your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

Different types of dementia include:

Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
Frontotempotal Dementia
Huntington’s Disease
Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time and place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Fueling up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help.
Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short—and long-term benefits for your brain.

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.

National Family Caregivers Month

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is observed as National Family Caregivers Month. It is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the selfless individuals who provide essential care and support to ill, disabled, or elderly loved ones.

National Family Caregivers Month was established to recognize their significant contributions and raise awareness about their challenges. President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed it in 1997 as a time to honor and support caregivers across the country.

Celebrating family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:

Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
Educate family caregivers about self-identification
Increase support for family caregivers
Reduce feelings of isolation

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. Today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care.

There are several ways to get involved and show your support for family caregivers during National Caregivers Month, including:

Express your gratitude
Offer assistance
Join support groups
Advocate for caregiver rights
Donate to caregiver organizations

Family caregivers should be celebrated every day. This is a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation’s caregivers.

E. coli

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your stomach, urinary tract, and other body parts. E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals without hurting them. But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is most likely to cause severe illness.

Common types of E. coli infection include gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Other types of E. coli infections include:

Bloodstream infections
Prostatitis (prostate infection)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Gallbladder infection
Wound infections

Pneumonia and meningitis are rare cases of E. coli infections.

Some symptoms of E. coli gastroenteritis include:

Diarrhea
Stomach pains and cramps
Loss of appetite
Low fever
Nausea and vomiting

Some symptoms of E. coli in your urinary tract include:

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Pain or burning sensation when you pee
An urgent need to pee frequently
Cloudy foul-smelling pee

Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. Some causes of E. coli infections include:

Eating contaminated food
Drinking contaminated water
Contact with someone infected by E. coli
Touching poop or contaminated surfaces
Not wiping properly after going to the bathroom

E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. Some people are more likely to develop problems than others including:

Newborns and young children
People over the age of 65
People with weakened immune systems
People with diabetes
People with ulcerative colitis

E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including:

Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Sepsis
Malnutrition

E. coli is diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your healthcare provider will perform specific tests for E. coli, including:

Stool test
Urinalysis or urine culture
Blood culture
Spinal tap or lumbar puncture

You often don’t need to treat E. coli infections that cause digestive symptoms. But if you have another type of E. coli infection like a UTI, meningitis, sepsis, or severe symptoms, you will be treated with antibiotics.

The most important thing you can do to protect against E. coli infections is to wash your hands with warm water and soap:

Before and after handling raw meat and poultry
Before and after cooking raw meat and poultry
After using the restroom, changing diapers, or contact with animals

You can also reduce your risk of an E. coli infection by following these safe food preparation procedures:

Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or ciders
Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them
Don’t defrost frozen meat unwrapped on the counter
Don’t rinse meat before cooking
Use a plastic, silicone, or ceramic cutting board to cut raw meat
Use different surfaces for prepping different types of food
Cook all meat to a safe temperature before eating
Refrigerate leftovers right away

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of E. coli and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

National Diabetes Month

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is National Diabetes Month. This month focuses on increasing awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. It aims to educate the public about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and management.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans or one in every 10 people, including children and adults. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancers.

Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on quickly and more severe. Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating often
Losing weight without trying
Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there isn’t enough available insulin
Feeling tired and weak
Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
Having blurry vision
Having slow-healing sores
Getting many infections such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections

Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Here are some tips to help you avoid developing diabetes:

Know your risk of developing diabetes- You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.
Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels- Preventing or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes complications. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs:
- A is for the A1C test that healthcare providers use to measure your average glucose levels.
- B is for blood pressure
- C is for cholesterol
Take small steps towards healthy habits- Lifestyle habits like planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs.
Take your medicines on time- Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicine on time or the correct dosage.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight- If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if eating healthy, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help manage your weight.
Take care of your mental health- Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel sad, down, or overwhelmed, find healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with your healthcare team- Managing diabetes takes a team. Your healthcare team can include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you have any diabetic symptoms and would like to prevent developing diabetes, or if you would like help managing your diabetes, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Effective Post Workout Stretches

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The benefits of stretching have been well established. When you stretch after a workout, you help give your body a jump start on recovery, while releasing stress and tension, and boosting the flexibility of your joints. Here are some post-workout stretches you can try:

Lunging hip flexor stretch
Piriformis stretch
Cat-cow stretch
Standing calf stretch
Overhead triceps stretch
Standing bicep stretch
Quadriceps stretch
Hamstring stretch
Shoulder stretch
Butterfly stretch
Lower back stretch
Downward-facing dog
Seated forward fold
Figure four stretch
Supine spinal twist
Wide leg forward fold
Floor scorpion
90/90 with a forward fold

Here are some safety tips to consider when stretching:

Don’t stretch to the point of pain
Watch your posture
Breathe through your stretches
Start slowly

Consider cooldown stretching if you are looking for a simple quick, and almost effortless workout routine that could help you reduce the risk of injury, increase blood flow for better recovery, and return your body to balance.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.