Nitazenes

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Researchers believe the use of benzimidazole opioids, also known as nitazene opioids or nitazenes, is on the rise.

Nitazenes are a class of highly potent (powerful) synthetic opioids that were developed over 60 years ago, in the 1950s, as an alternative to morphine. However, they were never approved for medical use in the United States due to their high risk of dangerous side effects and overdose.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), nitazenes are often abused for their psychoactive effects. These effects may include feelings of euphoria, pain relief, reduced stress, sleepiness, relaxation, or sedation. Other potential effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, itchiness, slow breathing, and a slow heart rate.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) states that nitazenes are distributed in pure form or mixed with other drugs. They can be made into sprays, pills, or powders, which can be inhaled, swallowed, taken sublingually, or injected. Nitazenes are sometimes used unintentionally because people are unaware that other illicit drugs are laced with it.

Nitazenes, which can be far more powerful than fentanyl and other opioids, present an increased risk of overdose. Taking a high dose of nitazene may result in the following symptoms of an opioid overdose:

Discolored skin (Blue or gray skin, lips, or nails)
Losing consciousness
Weak or limp limbs
Unresponsiveness
Pin-point pupils
Vomiting
Gurgling or snoring sounds
Coma
Death

If someone you know is displaying these signs, act quickly by calling 911 and administering Naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal drugs, if available.

If you have a loved one struggling with substance abuse, it’s natural to feel confused and helpless. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the path to recovery and healing alone.

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department has a Division of Addiction Services where your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. These services are available through our outpatient Reflections Treatment Program.

For more information about our Reflections treatment program, please contact us at (718) 670-5078.

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 Primary Care Week

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

National Primary Care Week is celebrated from October 6^th through October 11^th. It is a time to raise awareness about family medicine and to thank the doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and healthcare teams who help keep us healthy every day.

Primary care is the first stop you make when you’re sick, require a checkup, or have any questions about your health. These are the family doctors, pediatricians, or nurse practitioners who know you best and help you to stay healthy, catch problems early, and guide you when you need more care. They don’t just treat you when you are ill; they help keep you well.

Primary care providers do more than administer shots or check blood pressure. They listen to a patient’s concerns, help manage long-term conditions such as diabetes or asthma, and refer you to specialists when needed. They also help with mental health, food and housing needs, and other factors that may affect your well-being.

Here are some ways you can participate in National Primary Care Week:

Schedule a checkup if you haven’t had one in a while
Update your health records to make sure your healthcare provider has your latest information
Thank your doctor or nurse for the care they give
Learn more about what your primary care provider can do for you
Talk to family and friends about the importance of having a primary care provider

If you would like to receive a checkup, you can receive treatment from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How Having a Sedentary Job Contributes to a Higher Risk of Insomnia

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to a study published on January 7^th, 2025, by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, people with sedentary jobs, an estimated 80% of the workforce, have a much higher risk of experiencing insomnia compared with people who are active at work. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A sedentary job is any job that requires an employee to sit for about six hours of an eight-hour workday.

Researchers surveyed nearly 1,300 people twice over a span of ten years, inquiring about their job schedules and physical activity levels while at work. They also asked about the participants’ sleep habits, identifying three sleep health categories: good sleepers, insomnia-like sleepers, and catch-up sleepers.

Good sleepers are people who exhibit optimal sleep patterns, such as regular sleep cycles with low levels of daytime tiredness.

Insomnia-like sleepers are people who experience short sleep cycles and higher levels of daytime fatigue.

Catch-up sleepers fall between both groups and often rely on naps or extra weekend sleep to compensate for irregular sleeping patterns.

Compared to active work, sedentary work was 37% likely to lead to a variety of insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and frequent daytime tiredness. The findings of the study also indicated that workers who fall into a pattern of poor sleep due to their job design (defined as elements such as the amount of technology used at work, levels of physical activity, and work schedules, and specifically the time of day when the employee works) can end up stuck in such unhealthy patterns for many years. Insomnia-like sleepers, for example, reported their symptoms persisted ten years later, at the end of the study.

Those experiencing insomnia may have the following symptoms:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
Feeling cranky, depressed, or anxious
Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering
Making more errors or having more accidents
Having ongoing worries about sleep

If you are experiencing insomnia, there are several ways you can improve your sleep, including:

Taking short breaks throughout the day to move
Unplugging smartphones and computers two hours before bedtime
Using light exposure to readjust your circadian rhythms if you work a night shift

If you are experiencing symptoms of insomnia, you can learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October 5th-11th is observed as Mental Illness Awareness Week, with World Mental Health Day being celebrated on October 10th.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is at the forefront of advocating for those who are struggling with their mental health. NAMI’s goals are to raise awareness of mental illnesses, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Through NAMI’s advocacy, Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week, as the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges was recognized.

Mental Illness Awareness Week has become a time when mental health advocates across the country come together as one unified voice to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health.

Millions of people live with a mental illness. One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition annually. Mental illness not only affects the person who has the illness, but it also affects everyone around them, such as their friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them.

No one should face their mental health challenges alone. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

One-sided Headaches

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

A headache is a feeling of pain that can occur in the head, face, or neck.

Headaches can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary headaches occur independently and are not caused by any underlying medical conditions. In contrast, secondary headaches are triggered by other health issues.

Headaches can be further classified based on their location, intensity, duration, and frequency.

It is common for people to experience headaches on just one side of the head. Types of headaches that are more likely to occur on one side of the head (left or right) include cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches, SUNCT headache, or Hemicrania continua.

Throbbing and persistent pain on one side of the head, particularly in the temples, can also be a sign of temporal arteritis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the neck and head.

Other potential causes of left or right-sided headaches are:

Neurological conditions
Stroke
Environmental triggers such as bright light or changes in temperature
Allergies
Sinusitis
Stress
Hormonal changes
Medication side effects
Teeth grinding
Anxiety disorders
Trauma (Head Injury)
Aneurysm
Genetics

Most headaches will resolve on their own. However, if you have a headache that persists or occurs frequently, it is important to see a doctor. If the pain is sudden and severe, or accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, or fainting, this may indicate a serious condition, and you should go to your nearest emergency room.

If you need help managing your headaches, please schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein sometimes found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.

When a person has celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in the small intestines. The immune system sends inflammatory cells and antibodies to destroy the gluten molecules. Over time, this reaction can damage the lining of the small intestine, which prevents it from absorbing nutrients. This condition is called malabsorption. It can also lead to malnutrition and many other conditions that follow from the lack of different nutrients.

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. They can also be different in children and adults. Digestive symptoms for adults include:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Belly pain
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation

However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, including:

Anemia
Osteoporosis
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Mouth ulcers
Headaches and fatigue
Nervous system injury, including numbness, tingling in the feet and hands, as well as possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment
Joint pain
Hyposplenism
Elevated liver enzymes

Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including

Nausea and vomiting
Chronic diarrhea
Swollen belly
Constipation
Gas
Pale, foul-smelling stools

For children who aren’t able to absorb nutrients, it may cause:

Failure to thrive in infants
Damage to tooth enamel
Weight loss
Anemia
Irritability
Short stature
Delayed puberty
Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures

Celiac disease is most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. It is estimated to affect 1% of the populations of Europe and North America. A person has a 10% chance of developing the disease if they have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or child, who has it. About 97% of people diagnosed with celiac disease have a recognizable gene variant associated it with it.

A person’s genes, combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors, can contribute to celiac disease. However, the precise cause isn’t known. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional distress.

Several risk factors cause celiac disease to be more common in people who have:

A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
Type 1 diabetes
Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Turner syndrome
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Microscopic colitis
Addison’s disease

Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. However, two blood tests can help diagnose it:

Serology testing
Genetic testing

It is important to be tested for celiac disease before trying a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from your diet might make the results of the blood tests appear in the standard range.

The first and most important step in treating and the only way to manage celiac disease, is to stop eating gluten and adopt a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. You can’t change the way your body reacts to gluten, but you can prevent gluten from triggering a reaction. Additional treatments may include:

Nutritional supplements
Specific medications
Corticosteroids
Continuous follow-up care

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or dietitian at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What Are the Healthiest Oils to Cook With?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When you are cooking with oil, it is important to choose the right cooking oils, as it is essential for both flavor and health.

An easy way to do this is to choose non-tropical vegetable oils to cook and prepare food. Nontropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in temperate climates and are healthier alternatives to tropical oils, and are rich in unsaturated fats. Tropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in warm tropical climates, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil.

When you are shopping for healthy oils, choose oils with less than four grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and no partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some common cooking oils that contain more of the “better for you” fats and less saturated fat include:

Canola oil
Corn oil
Olive oil
Peanut oil
Safflower oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Vegetable oil

Blends or combinations of these oils, which are often labeled “vegetable oil”, and cooking sprays made from these oils are also good choices.

Some oils have distinctive flavors, so it is important to try different types to determine which oils you prefer. Additionally, some oils are better for certain types of cooking than others, so you may want to have more than one type of oil in your pantry.

Some ways you can use healthy oils include:

Making your own salad dressings, marinades, dips, and sauces
Grilling, sautéing, baking, or roasting foods
Coating pans to keep food from sticking
Lightly drizzling them on foods for flavor
“Seasoning” cast-iron cookware
Substituting oil for butter, stick margarine, or solid fats

Here are some tips for cooking with healthy oils:

If your oil starts to smoke or catch fire, don’t use it. Oil starts to degrade once it reaches its smoking point
If the oil smells bad, don’t use it and throw it away. When oil is stored for too long, it can become oxidized or rancid, and it has a distinct smell
Do not reuse or reheat any cooking oil
Buy oil in smaller containers if you don’t use it frequently. This will allow you to use it before it expires
Store your healthy oils in a dark, cool place

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s nutritional services, you can visit the Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Stomatitis

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stomatitis, or oral mucositis, is inflammation in the mucous membranes, or mucosa, that line the mouth or lips. The most common types are cold sores and canker sores.

Other less common types of stomatitis include:

Angular cheilitis
Thrush
Contact stomatitis
Denture stomatitis
Gingivostomatitis
Nicotine stomatitis

Stomatitis can have many causes, including:

Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth injuries
Allergic reactions or mouth irritation
Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Certain medications
Systemic conditions such as Bechet’s disease and celiac disease
Skin conditions such as Bullous pemphigoid and lichen planus
Nutritional deficiencies

Signs and symptoms of stomatitis include:

Redness and swelling inside the mouth
A tiny blister, or cluster of blisters, that appears on or around the lips
One or more sores inside the mouth that are usually white, gray, or yellow, with a red border
White or gray patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or inside the cheeks
The sensation that the tongue and the roof of the mouth are burning
Mild to severe pain or discomfort that may make it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk

Many factors put you more at risk of developing stomatitis, such as:

Not regularly cleaning your teeth
Having dry mouth

Stomatitis can cause various complications. The pain and swelling that stomatitis causes can be so severe that it hurts to eat or drink. This can cause someone to skip meals. However, not getting the nutrients or fluids you need can pose serious health risks such as malnutrition and dehydration.

Although infections can cause stomatitis, they can also cause another complication that can make you more vulnerable to germs, which can trigger more inflammation and tissue damage when you have an injured mucosa.

To diagnose stomatitis, a healthcare provider may look for visible signs of more recognizable types of stomatitis, such as canker sores and cold sores, just by looking at them. Reviewing your symptoms and medical history can help as well. For instance, if you are receiving cancer treatment, your doctor may conclude that your oral stomatitis is a side effect of treatment.

You may also need tests to diagnose stomatitis, such as:

Tests to check for viruses, bacteria, and fungi
Blood tests to check your overall health or for signs of systemic diseases
Allergy tests to check for allergens causing stomatitis
A biopsy to check for unusual cells that may be signs of a more serious condition

The treatment for stomatitis depends on what is causing it. The only way to cure stomatitis is to treat or manage the issue that is creating the problems. Treatments can include:

Over-the-counter medications for canker sores and cold sores
Prescription medications for infections such as antivirals, antibiotics, and antifungals.
Vitamins or supplements that give you the nutrients you need
Staying away from foods or products that trigger inflammation
Practicing good oral hygiene to keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria while your mouth heals

All causes of stomatitis can’t be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of developing it by doing the following:

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental cleanings
Eating balanced meals and drinking enough water daily
Choosing not to smoke or use tobacco, or quitting if you do
Avoiding sharing foods, drinks, or lip balm, and intimate contact with someone with a cold sore

If you’re experiencing symptoms of stomatitis, 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.

Pica

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all experienced unusual cravings for certain foods. However, if a person begins to crave or eat non-food items, this should not be ignored because it may be a sign of pica.

Pica is an eating disorder in which a person persistently craves or eats items that are not food or items that have no nutritional value, such as:

Ice
Dirt
Hair
Paint chips
Chalk
Baby powder
Paper
Soap
Egg shells
Glue

Pica can lead to the following health problems:

Poisoning
Choking
Intestinal blockages
Parasitic infections
Dental damage
Constipation

The exact cause of pica is unknown; however, it is believed that the following risk factors may increase the chance of developing it:

Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or calcium deficiencies
Certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or pregnancy
Stress or anxiety
Child neglect or living in adverse conditions during childhood
Cultural or learned behaviors
Taking certain medications, such as antipsychotics or those that cause nausea

Anyone can develop pica, but it more commonly occurs in young children, pregnant women, people with certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder, or individuals with intellectual disabilities.

If you are experiencing symptoms of pica, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the disorder by asking about your medical history and eating habits. Your doctor may also order blood tests to investigate nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, a psychological evaluation may be requested to determine mental health conditions.

Pica is typically treated based on the underlying reason that is believed to be the cause. A doctor may prescribe or recommend supplements for people with nutritional deficiencies. Therapy, lifestyle modifications, or medications may be recommended to treat individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.