New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s Eve is a time when we come together to reflect on the previous year, as we prepare to celebrate the start of a new one. However, these celebrations can come with dangers and responsibilities.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this New Year’s Eve:

Plan your rides in advance. On average, driving accidents rise during the holidays, so it is extremely important to have a safe ride when so many people will be out that night celebrating. Do not assume that you will be able to get a cab. Knowing your options in advance can help you decide whether you will be taking public transportation, using a rideshare app, or carpooling with friends.

Plan for the safety of your guests. If you are going to host a party, be sure your guests get home safely. Hire a driver for the evening who can provide people with a way to get home. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the party, provide additional food or snacks, and ensure that your guests don’t drive after drinking.

Make a plan with your kids. Set a reasonable curfew for your kids for their New Year’s Eve activities. If they are old enough to drive, be sure they understand the dangers of driving on that holiday. Encourage them to stay in one location instead of going from party to party. Discuss the dangers of driving distractions and how to avoid them. A teen passenger and teens driving with friends face a higher risk than teens who are driving alone.

Take care of your pets. New Year’s Eve can cause high anxiety in pets. You can keep them safe in the house and comfortable by drowning out any sounds outside that are loud. If your pet has a history of high anxiety, consider consulting your vet for anxiety medication.

Avoid leaving your car somewhere overnight, as New Year’s Day is the most active holiday for cars to get stolen. If you do have to leave your car overnight, make sure it is locked and try to pick it up as early as possible the next day. If you do decide to drive home, be sure to let someone know when you leave and when you get home safely.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any medical problems, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

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.

Can You Breastfeed If You Have the Flu?

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

New moms often wonder whether they can continue breastfeeding their babies if they have the flu. The answer is yes, you can continue breastfeeding your baby if you have the flu.

The flu virus is not transmitted through breast milk. However, it is important to take the steps needed to protect your baby from germs. You can do this by:

Wearing a mask while breastfeeding
Limiting face-to- face contact with your baby
Frequently washing your hands before touching the baby, or items the baby might touch during breastfeeding
Frequently disinfecting surfaces
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue and throwing the tissue away immediately after use

If you are uncomfortable breastfeeding when you are sick or worried about the risk of spreading germs to your baby, you can also pump your breast milk and follow the recommendations for cleaning the pump.

In addition to following precautions to limit the spread of germs, flu vaccination is strongly recommended for moms, as it provides added protection from the virus and for their babies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older. Women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies that are shared with infants through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding provides some flu protection for infants, including children younger than 6 months who cannot receive the flu vaccine.”

Winter Dehydration

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Dehydration in the winter may seem less likely than in the summertime, but it is still a risk. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 for women. For many of us, it might be harder to reach these quantities during the winter months.

Some causes of winter dehydration include:

Indoor heat
Bundling up in too many layers
Lack of thirst
Fluid loss from respiration
More frequent urination

There are many signs of dehydration, including:

The color of your urine
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry mouth and chapped lips
Dry skin
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Feeling faint or dizzy
A rapid heart rate

Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter:

Drink warm fluids if it is too difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside.
Infuse plain water by adding flavorings such as a wedge of lemon or lime, other pieces of fruit, or unsweetened water enhancers.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to encourage daily hydration.
Eat homemade soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help increase fluid intake.
Avoid drinking caffeine as it can contribute to dehydration.
Swap drinking an alcoholic beverage for a mocktail.
Make hydration a routine by drinking a certain amount of water daily.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications and potentially death. For less severe cases, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Christmas Recipe

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It is Christmas Eve, and we are putting the final touches on our Christmas trees and putting the remaining wrapped gifts underneath, with Christmas only a day away; we are also preparing our menus for the festive holiday.

One dish that will help brighten up the dinner table is a Christmas pasta salad. With its festive colors and vibrant green dressing, this pasta dish will be pleasing to the eye and the palate.

Christmas Pasta Salad Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network

Holiday Eating Tips After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It’s the holiday season, and as we spend time with our family and friends, we enjoy each other’s company over delicious meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when we run into problems with weight gain. It can be especially challenging after bariatric surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage our weight during the holiday season. Here are 10:

Don’t save your calories. It may be tempting to skip meals to save calories for holiday treats, but it is better to stick to your regular eating patterns. You are more likely to overeat if you arrive at a holiday function hungry

Remember the basics. Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t maintain the same healthy eating habits you had during the rest of the year. Pay attention to your portion sizes, start with protein, eat slowly, and track what you eat. Keeping these basic rules in mind can help you avoid overeating

Be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating while socializing can easily lead to eating too much. Enjoy the company and conversation and save eating for a time when you can focus on your meal

Avoid the buffet table and the kitchen. Standing close to where the food is being served may result in mindless noshing. Carefully select the food you truly want to try, and then walk away

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinks containing alcohol are full of empty calories. It is better to eat your calories than to drink them. Additionally, alcohol doesn’t just add calories; it can also dehydrate you. Be aware that alcohol can affect you differently after bariatric surgery. You may feel the effects much sooner, even after consuming less alcohol. You are also more likely to overeat at the buffet table after a couple of drinks

Stay hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water and plan ahead. This ensures that you can avoid drinking within 30 minutes of eating and still get in the recommended 64 ounces a day

Exercise. The holiday season can be a busy time, and our exercise routines may suffer because of it. It is easier to get out of the habit of exercising than it is to get back into it after the holidays. Consider creating a workout schedule or organizing activities for the family that get everyone moving

Bring a healthy dish to share. This will ensure that there is a healthy food option at the gathering

Find healthy alternatives for your favorite recipes. Look for healthier substitutions that cut the fat and calories of recipes. Some examples include:

Using skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes

Using fat-free creamed soups in recipes rather than full-fat versions

Replacing sugar with unsweetened apple sauce or noncaloric sweeteners in desserts

Adding flavor with garlic, spices, and herbs rather than fats such as butter and gravy

Combining ¼ cup of Greek yogurt with ½ cup of butter to replace 1 cup of butter in a recipe

Replacing each egg with two egg whites and substitute evaporated skim milk in place of heavy cream when baking your favorite holiday treats

Be kind to yourself. You may overeat a bit or sample more treats than you should. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost. It is important to forgive yourself and recommit to healthy patterns and move forward. It is okay to have a treat once in a while.

Undergoing bariatric surgery requires preparation, dedication, and several lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a whole different way of eating can be challenging, and it will take some time to get used to it. Following these tips can help you plan and enjoy your food in moderation.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization, Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.

Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.

Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.

Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.

Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.

Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital’s Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

For many people, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Whether you’re experiencing financial difficulties, relationship issues with loved ones, or health problems that interfere with your ability to enjoy the holidays, it’s important to have effective ways to manage these causes of stress to prevent them from disrupting your holiday season. Some steps you may consider taking include:

Setting reasonable expectations for yourself: Circumstances such as cost or availability may sometimes make it difficult to accomplish certain things during the holiday season, such as getting an expensive gift for someone or hosting a big family dinner. To avoid stress, don’t over-extend yourself; instead, recognize what you can reasonably accomplish with the time and resources you have. Set realistic expectations for any gift-giving, hosting, or other holiday responsibilities you have.

Learning to de-escalate (or avoid) conflicts: Some holiday gatherings may bring family members together who don’t get along well. Conflict at these gatherings can create negative experiences for everyone involved, so it’s helpful to consider ways to de-escalate them. If you’re hosting, try to steer the conversation into a more friendly direction; if the conflict escalates, remove the involved members from the gathering. Alternatively, it can help to remove yourself from the situation, particularly if you’re directly involved in the conflict.

Keeping up with therapy: If you regularly attend therapy sessions for your mental health, try to maintain this schedule during the holiday season. While this part of the year can become extremely busy for many people, therapy can be an outlet for stress, as well as a tool to help you learn coping mechanisms throughout the holidays.

If you need a psychiatrist to help you manage mental health problems, such as severe stress, that worsen during the holiday season, you can schedule a therapy appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry by calling (718) 670-5562.

Marijuana Addiction

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder (CUD), is a complex mental health condition that involves a problematic pattern of cannabis use.

Cannabis refers to all products that come from the Cannabis sativa plant. This includes its dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds. The plant itself contains over 500 chemical substances.

Cannabis use disorder mainly involves THC-containing substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana is part of, or products from, the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical that creates the “high” feeling.

CUD is a spectrum, which can be mild, moderate, or severe, typically involving an overpowering desire to use cannabis, increased tolerance to cannabis, and/or withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped being taken.

CUD can significantly impact a person’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Cannabis use disorder can be mild or moderate, with the most severe form being marijuana addiction. This is due to continued marijuana use despite negative consequences. Marijuana addiction occurs when the reward system in the brain takes over, increasing compulsive marijuana-seeking.

CUD is common. Researchers in 2021 estimated that 5.8%, or about 16.3 million people, in the U.S. 12 years or older have a cannabis use disorder in the previous 12 months.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the signs of cannabis use disorder include:

Taking cannabis in larger amounts and for a longer period than you intended

Having a strong desire or urge to use cannabis

Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control cannabis use

Spending a lot of time getting or using cannabis or recovering from its effects

Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to cannabis use

Continuing to use cannabis even when it causes problems in relationships

Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use

Using cannabis repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger

Continuing cannabis use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem that cannabis is likely causing or making worse

Developing tolerance, which is the need for increased amounts of cannabis to get the same effect

Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms, which you can relieve by taking more of it

It is essential to seek medical care as soon as you have signs of cannabis use disorder.

There are other symptoms and behaviors of cannabis use disorder. They include:

Memory issues, such as confusion

Difficulty learning

Hallucinations and/or delusions

Sudden changes in your mood and behavior, such as withdrawing from friends and family

Hostility or denial when someone confronts you about your excessive cannabis use

No longer caring about your physical appearance as much as you used to

Secretive behavior, such as hiding your cannabis use

There is a progression to cannabis use disorder that often follows a pattern that includes:

Experimental use

Occasional use

Heavy use

Substance use disorder

The progression of cannabis use disorder is complex, and several factors can contribute to the development of substance use disorder, including:

THC’s effect on brain chemistry: marijuana sends massive surges of dopamine, the neurotransmitter and “feel good” hormone, through the brain, causing the user to seek out experiences that reward them with good feelings

Genetics: studies show that genetic factors are responsible for 40%-60% of the vulnerability to any substance use disorder

Mental health conditions: about half of people who experience a mental health condition will also experience a substance use disorder, such as CUD, and vice versa, which is known as a dual diagnosis. Substance use disorders and other mental health conditions happen because of overlapping factors such as:

Genetic vulnerabilities

Issues with similar areas of the brain

Environmental influence

Access and exposure to cannabis: having access to cannabis is a major environmental factor that can increase the extent of exposure and the opportunity. Other factors can include:

Use of cannabis by a member of your household

Use of cannabis by your peers

Having a medical marijuana certificate in states where it is legal

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing CUD, including:

Age: People who begin using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop CUD than adults

The potency of marijuana: Using marijuana with a higher potency may increase your risk for CUD. In addition, some methods of using marijuana, such as dabbing or vaping concentrates, may deliver very high levels of THC to your body

Frequency of use: In one study, 17% of people who used cannabis weekly and 18.8% of people who used cannabis daily met the criteria for cannabis dependence

Depression: Having depression may increase your risk of developing CUD

Sex: males are more likely to develop CUD

Other substance use: using or misusing other substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or hallucinogens may increase your risk of CUD

Cannabis use disorder can’t be diagnosed with a single test. Healthcare providers instead rely on a thorough evaluation of your medical history and behaviors surrounding cannabis use. They may also order drug tests.

A healthcare provider will also ask about your mental health history, as it is common to have CUD and some type of mental health condition.

Treatment for cannabis use disorder depends on the severity of the disorder and is highly individualized, and you may need different types of treatment at different times.

Treatment for CUD often requires continuing care to be effective because it is a chronic condition with the potential for both recovery and relapse.

People with CUD often have co-occurring mental health conditions, and it is generally better to treat them together rather than separately.

There are two main forms of treatment for CUD. They include:

Detoxification

Cognitive and behavioral therapies

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

What is the Chikungunya Virus?

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

There have been many cases of the Chikungunya virus reported in the news lately. The Chikungunya virus is a virus that spreads to people through the bite of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus.

Experts believe that the number of cases of the Chikungunya virus is underreported because its symptoms are like other diseases. Once only in Africa and Asia, the virus has affected more than 110 countries worldwide.

Symptoms of chikungunya usually develop between three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, some people have symptoms as early as two days or as long as 12 days after a mosquito bite. Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms of the Chikungunya virus. The intensity of symptoms can vary depending on the person. Many people can feel crippling joint pain and develop a sudden fever. Other people may have mild symptoms that they mistake the virus for another illness or don’t visit a healthcare provider. Other symptoms of the Chikungunya virus include:

Headache

Muscle pain

Swelling in the joints

Rash

Fatigue

Nausea

Most people can experience symptoms for about a week and go on to make a full recovery. However, the most common complication of the Chikungunya virus is chronic joint pain, which some people have reported for months or years after they were infected with the virus.

Getting bitten by a mosquito infected with the chikungunya virus causes a person to get the virus. It is not spread from person to person through bodily fluids or contact. However, although rare, transmission of the virus is possible when coming into direct contact with infected blood.

A person who has traveled to a country that has had a current outbreak or known transmissions is most likely to get the virus, so it is very important to check with your healthcare provider or with health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to see if you are at risk of getting the Chikungunya virus before you travel.

Please note that pregnant women with the virus don’t transmit it to the fetus. There is also no evidence that shows the virus spreads to an infant through breast milk. However, women who are pregnant and near their due date should avoid traveling to countries with known cases because it may be passed to their baby during delivery.

There have been cases of the chikungunya virus reported in the U.S., but it is rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 36 cases were reported in the U.S. in 2021. Almost all cases occur in people who have returned to the U.S. from countries with active outbreaks. Some places that have had outbreaks reported include countries in:

Africa

Asia

Europe

India

Islands in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian oceans

Central and South America

Newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with certain health conditions are at risk for more severe complications from the virus. These health conditions include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Heart disease

There have been several cases where a person has reported ongoing heart, eye, or neurological symptoms after recovering from the virus. Death from the virus is rare.

Chikungunya virus is diagnosed when a healthcare provider performs a blood test after you have let them know that you have been experiencing symptoms of the virus, and if you have recently traveled to an area of the world that is known to have chikungunya transmission.

Treatment for the Chikungunya virus focuses on managing the infected person’s symptoms. Treatments include:

Drinking plenty of fluids

Getting a lot of rest

Taking acetaminophen for pain. Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin until your healthcare provider makes a diagnosis

Most people feel better within one week of their first symptoms. However, despite some people reporting ongoing joint pain for several months or years, most evidence suggests that once you’ve had the Chikungunya virus, you are unlikely to get it again because you develop immunity to the virus.

There is no cure for the Chikungunya virus, but the illness is temporary. However, it can be prevented by getting the vaccine, avoiding mosquitoes, and being especially cautious when traveling to areas where outbreaks of the virus are more common.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of the Chikungunya virus, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated During Cold and Flu Season

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Flu season can be unpredictable, as it can begin as early as fall and can last until spring. Flu activity is usually at its peak during winter, and public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together to promote flu vaccination as the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including pregnant women and young children. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Women are also at higher risk of developing serious flu complications during pregnancy.

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of the flu. A flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against the flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of illness from the flu, hospitalization, and death.

During flu season, we encourage everyone six months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, young children, and other people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The more people who get vaccinated against the flu, the more people who will be protected from it.

If you or a loved one would like to get the flu vaccine, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.