Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors

As we age, our metabolism slows down, causing us to require fewer calories than we did in our younger years. Our body also needs more of certain nutrients. Eating a healthy diet can support healthy aging.

Here are some tips to help get the most nutrition out of your meals:

  • Know what a healthy plate looks like
  • Eat more whole foods and limit processed foods
  • Look for essential nutrients
  • Read the “Nutrition Facts” label
  • Use recommended servings
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water with your meals and eating water-rich foods
  • Focus on getting enough protein to prevent muscle loss
  • Eat fiber-rich foods
  • Watch your sodium intake
  • Subscribe to a grocery or meal delivery service

Making these simple adjustments to your eating habits can go a long way toward building healthier eating habits. Getting the most out of foods and beverages can help you meet your nutrition needs and reduce the risk of disease. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about creating a dietary plan that works best for you before making changes to your diet.

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.

STI Awareness Month

April is STI Awareness Month, a month observed to educate people on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

S.T.I.s are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. S.T.I.s are common medical issues, however, many people don’t know they’re infected because they have mild symptoms that are easily overlooked or have no symptoms at all.

STI Awareness Month is important because it

  • It teaches others to be more responsible
  • It encourages regular S.T.I testing
  • It corrects the stigma and misinformation

Ways to observe STI Awareness Month:

  • Get involved in youth sex education
  • Educate yourself on S.T.I.s
  • Contribute to an S.T.I organization
  • Practice or promote safe sex

STI Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and how they impact our lives. Getting involved can help remove the stigma from S.T.I.s.

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.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation that makes the environment around you spin in circles. It can make you feel dizzy and off-balance. Vertigo is a symptom of several health conditions rather than a disease itself, however, it can occur along with other symptoms.

Other symptoms that might be experienced when you have vertigo include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Balance issues
  • Hearing loss in one or both ears
  • Tinnitus
  • Headaches
  • Motion sickness
  • A feeling of fullness in your ear
  • Nystagmus

There are two main types of vertigo: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is the most common type. It occurs when there is an issue with the inner ear or vestibular nerve.

Subtypes of peripheral vertigo include:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Vestibular neuritis
  • Ménière’s disease.

Central vertigo is less common. It occurs when a condition affects the brain, such as an infection, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. People with central vertigo usually have more severe symptoms like severe instability or difficulty walking.

The causes of vertigo vary from person to person. Causes can include:

  • Migraine headaches
  • Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and cardiovascular drugs
  • Stroke
  • Arrhythmia
  • Diabetes
  • Head injuries
  • Prolonged bed rest
  • Shingles in or near your ear
  • Ear surgery
  • Perilymphatic fistula
  • Hyperventilation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Ataxia
  • Syphilis
  • Otosclerosis
  • Brain diseases
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Acoustic neuroma

Vertigo can cause falls resulting in bone fractures or other injuries. It can also interfere with your quality of life and hinder your ability to drive or go to work.

To diagnose vertigo, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. They may also recommend one or more tests to confirm your diagnosis. Healthcare providers can also perform tests to diagnose vertigo, including:

  • Fukuda-Unterberger test
  • Romberg’s test
  • Head impulse test
  • Vestibular test battery
  • Imaging tests

Treatments for vertigo depend on the underlying cause. Healthcare providers use a variety of treatments, including:

  • Repositioning maneuvers
  • Vertigo medication
  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (vertigo exercises)
  • Surgery

If you are experiencing vertigo symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Bloating

Bloating describes a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended or swollen abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but it can be a recurring problem for some people.

The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. Another cause may be a digestive issue after eating. It could be as simple as eating too much too fast, a food intolerance, or another condition that can cause gas and digestive contents to build up. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. Menstrual cycles are another common cause of temporary bloating.

Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy people complain of occasional abdominal bloating. As many as 75% describe their symptoms as moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it may be as much as 90%. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.

If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank, or hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours or days. If you are constipated, bloat won’t go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise, and herbal teas may help. If bloating doesn’t go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.

If bloating is caused by diet or alcohol consumption, it can be prevented by making certain lifestyle choices such as:

  • Eating enough fiber
  • Drinking enough water
  • Getting exercise
  • Avoiding processed foods
  • Practicing mindful eating
  • Notice stomach sensitivities

What can help relieve bloating depends on the cause. A professional diagnosis may be needed to get to the bottom of it. However, if you are looking to combat bloating in the interim, some home remedies can include:

  • Peppermint oil capsules
  • Antacids
  • Magnesium supplements
  • Probiotics
  • Fiber supplements
  • Regular exercise

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or dietitian 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.

Epilepsy Awareness

March 26th is observed as World Epilepsy Day or Purple Day, a global initiative to raise epilepsy awareness and support the millions of people living with epilepsy worldwide.

Purple Day launched internationally in 2009 thanks to global sponsors The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and The Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes.

Approximately 65 million people are living with epilepsy across the world, and one in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime.

Purple Day was created in 2008 by Cassidy Megan who was inspired by her own experience living with epilepsy at just 9 years old. Cassidy often felt isolated because of her seizures, but she envisioned a day when everyone with epilepsy could feel connected and understood.

There are many ways to get involved on Purple Day, including:

  • Wearing purple
  • Share on social media
  • Sharing your story
  • Donate for Purple Day
  • Taking seizure first aid training

By wearing purple, sharing stories, and supporting each other, the voices of those with epilepsy can be amplified. Every conversation started, post that is shared, and every person educated brings us one step closer to breaking the stigma and creating a world where no one faces epilepsy alone.

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 Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week or NDAFW is an annual, week-long health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities nationwide.

Launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, stimulates educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. In 2016, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner, and alcohol was added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health and work with leading organizations, media outlets, and other Government agencies to spread the word about NDAFW.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week looks to empower youth to make informed choices about their health and learn lifesaving skills focused on overdose awareness and response. Make an impact and inspire others to join the NDAFW observance.

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.

Patient Testimonial: Sonia Rivera says, “The Flushing Hospital Medical Center Staff Saved My Life”

“They saved my life”, is what Sonia Rivera said after her experience at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. On October 23rd, 2024, Ms. Rivera was suffering from complications from hernia surgery. She wanted to go to her usual local hospital but was brought to the ER at Flushing Hospital because it was closer.

When Ms. Rivera arrived at the ER, she was taken immediately. Two doctors and three nurses attended to her. After an hour of assessment, they explained to her that her digestive system was shutting down, there was a blockage due to her not being able to digest, and gases and toxins were building up. “They explained everything well”, she said. She wasn’t digesting anything, and if she had waited a day or two longer to go to the hospital, she would have become septic.

“It was the best experience I’ve ever had at a hospital”, Ms. Rivera said. She boasted about how well she was treated and how friendly everyone was during her recovery time at the hospital. “They didn’t talk down to me or beat around the bush. They treated me like a friend. Everyone knew about my case and checked in on me while I was there.” Because of her experience at Flushing Hospital, Ms. Rivera changed her gastrointestinal doctor to one at the hospital. “I’m exceptionally happy with Flushing Hospital.”

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 Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

Paper with Hiv aids and red ribbon. Medical conceptSometimes, people mistakenly use the terms AIDS and HIV interchangeably. The two conditions are related but different.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be transmitted through:

  • Unprotected sex
  • Contact with bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids
  • Sharing needles with an infected person
  • Transfusion of contaminated blood products

HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV-infected mother to a child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

When a person is infected with HIV, the virus weakens and gradually destroys the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases. The symptoms of HIV include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fevers
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat

HIV can be treated through antiretroviral therapy (ART), which includes a combination of HIV medications. ART prevents the virus from multiplying and reduces the amount of HIV in the blood.  If HIV is left untreated, it can progress to the chronic stage of infection or clinical latency and eventually the onset of AIDS.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. The immune system is severely damaged at this stage. Opportunistic infections, which are infections that are uncommon in people with healthy immune systems and certain cancers, are more likely to develop. These illnesses may include:

  • Recurrent pneumonia
  • Candidiasis
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Kaposi sarcoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Cryptococcal meningitis
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Wasting syndrome

If you are at risk of contracting HIV and are experiencing symptoms of infection, you should see a doctor.  Your physician will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle, conduct a physical examination, and order a series of tests to determine a diagnosis.

There is no cure for HIV; however, it can be managed through ART, medication monitoring, and applying lifestyle changes that help support the immune system.

 

 

 

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 Nutrition Month

A registered dietitian is a trained nutrition professional who has met the strict educational and experiential standards set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

They can be employed in various practice areas, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, corporate wellness programs, food service operations, universities, research, or private practice.

RDs advise and counsel others on food and nutrition. They explain nutrition issues to their patients, develop meal plans for them, and measure the effects of those plans.

To become an RD, you must:

  • Complete a Bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Complete a 1200-hour dietetic internship, which is an accredited, supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community program, or a food service corporation
  • Pass a national registration exam
  • Complete continuing professional education credits.

At Flushing Hospital, dietitians are available for the following services: nutrition assessment, diet instruction, recommendations for enteral and parenteral support, staff in-service, food and drug interactions, and nutrition counseling in the outpatient setting.

Flushing Hospital would like to thank our registered dietitians for the essential job they do every day. Their hard work helps our patients and community live healthier lifestyles.

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.

Bad Breath

Bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing and, in some cases, can cause anxiety.

Bad breath that doesn’t go away means you have an oral health issue or a condition affecting another body part.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral health. Without proper oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, harmful bacteria invade the mouth and multiply out of control. This leads to several oral health issues, including halitosis, cavities, and gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene isn’t the only cause of bad breath. Several other conditions can cause bad breath, including:

  • Dry mouth
  • Food
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Tobacco products
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Tonsil stones
  • Gum disease
  • Infections in your nose, throat, or lungs
  • Diabetes
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Medicines
  • Sjögren’s syndrome

The main symptom of bad breath is a foul-smelling odor that comes from the mouth. The odor can be strong enough for other people to notice.

To diagnose bad breath, a dentist will smell the breath from your mouth and nose and rate the odor on a scale. The back of the tongue most often causes the smell, so they may also scrape it to rate its odor.

When treating bad breath, regularly cleaning your mouth and teeth can reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities, and lower the risk of gum disease. Further treatment for bad breath can vary. If your dentist thinks another health condition is causing your bad breath, you will likely need to see your primary care physician or a specialist.

Your dentist will work with you to help you better control bad breath caused by mouth issues. These dental measures can include:

  • Mouth rinses and toothpastes
  • Treatment of dental disease

Ways to reduce or prevent bad breath include the following:

  • Brushing your teeth after you eat
  • Flossing at least once a day
  • Brushing your tongue
  • Cleaning bridges, dentures, retainers, and mouthguards
  • Keeping your mouth moist
  • Changing your diet
  • Replacing your toothbrush
  • Scheduling regular dental checkups

If you’re experiencing bad breath, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

 

 

 

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.