Big Game Safety Tips

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Like so many other events over the past 12 months, this year’s Super Bowl celebrations will be different from previous ones. The “Big Game” is typically one of the largest social events of the year, but because of the COVID pandemic, large gatherings are strongly discouraged.

The fact that we are unable to get together the way we normally would doesn’t mean we still can’t have a fun experience.

One way to enjoy the game with extended friends and family is to host a virtual event. This is considered the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the ways to make a virtual event fun include:

Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.
Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.

Another option is to use a projector screen to host an outdoor viewing event. While not as safe as a virtual event, getting together outdoors is considered less risky than an indoor event.

Normal behavior at Super Bowl gatherings include a lot of shouting, cheering and laughing. When this occurs outdoors, the tiny droplets of saliva that come out of our mouths is better dispersed into the environment and become more diluted, making the risk of infection less likely.

When hosting an outdoor party, some safety tips include spacing guests six feet apart and encouraging everyone bring their own snacks.

Like holiday gathering, Super Bowl parties can be super-spreader events. Following these suggestions will help control the spread of COVID and save lives.

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.

This Month’s Home Exercise Tips

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

This month’s home work out tip is very simple. All exercise routines, whether performed at home or in a gym should include the following elements:

Warm-up
Cardiovascular workout
Strength building
Movement to help flexibility
Cooling off period

It is always important to get the body ready for exercise by warming up. It is just as important to help the body recover by cooling down. Cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises help us to target all the major muscle groups in our bodies, and improve our overall level fitness.

Cold Weather and Asthma

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

People who suffer from asthma definitely know the effects that cold air can have on their ability to breathe. When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease the symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time. Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside in cold weather. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

People with asthma know the effects it can have during the cold days of winter. Taking a few precautions can help minimize the effects of the cold air on the body.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. There are more than three million people in the United States and 60 million people worldwide who suffer from glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Typically the disease starts to develop suddenly, often without symptoms, and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost before some people even notice a problem. It usually starts with loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve so that the brain isn’t able to receive images from the eyes. There are two types of Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma where pressure inside the eye increases on its own and damages the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma where another disease causes the pressure in the eye to increase and that results in optic nerve damage. Both types will eventually lead to blindness.

Early detection of Glaucoma can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are very important. To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718- 670-5486.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve 2021

Posted on December 31, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidelines for Americans to safely celebrate New Year’s Eve.

The CDC recommends postponing travel and celebrating at home with people you live with. You can always ring in the New Year virtually with friends and family. These are the best and safest ways to protect those living in your household and others.

If you are intending to travel or go out for New Year’s Eve events, the CDC cautions you to:

If traveling – Research your chosen destination for cases of COVID- 19. You can utilize the CDC’s COVID Data Trackerto identify the latest number of cases in each area.
Always wear a mask in public settings (restaurants, public transportation, when around people who don’t live with you)
Wear your mask correctly – Over your nose and mouth, secured under your chin while snugly hugging your cheeks.
Get your flu shot
Stay at least 6 feet from people who do not live with you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and before eating
Stay home if you are sick
Isolate yourself from other members of your family and wear a mask if you are sick.

If you are hosting a celebration, the CDC recommends:

Talk with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
Limit the number of guests.
Keep celebrations outdoors, if possible.
If indoors, open windows and doors. Use a window fan to blow air out, which will pull fresh are in through the open windows.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use
Have guests bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils
Have extra unused masks available for your guests and encourage everyone to wear them inside and outside.
Keep background music volume low so guests don’t need to shout.

You also need to be mindful that, along with the new CDC guidelines, New Year’s Eve revelers are also urged to keep the traditional safety tips such as not drinking excessively or driving while intoxicated.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been an unusual year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has all but re-imagined how we celebrate our holidays. With the New Year approaching, we are all awaiting better days to come. Let’s celebrate, but let’s do it safely.

For more tips and guidelines visit – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/new-years-eve.html#:~:text=Stay%20at%20least%206%20feet,as%20masks%20and%20hand%20sanitizer.

Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are typically holidays where we gather with our family and friends to celebrate but this year is unlike any other. In an effort to keep you safe, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers the following tips to modify your holiday celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year many health experts are recommending that we spend the holiday with only the people we live with year round and who are consistently taking precautions and are at the lowest risk. Once we open our home to people who don’t live with us, such as people traveling from other cities or states such as college students, we are increase the risk of spreading the virus. In addition, it is strongly recommended that gatherings be limited to ten people or less.

The Centers for Disease Control issued the following criteria for people who should not attend holiday gatherings. They include:

Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 recently
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19
Anyone waiting for test results
Anyone who was exposed to someone else with COVID-19
Anyone who is immunocompromised

All guests should be asked to wear a mask and to maintain social distancing and avoid loud talking and singing. The number of people preparing and serving the meal should be limited to just a few. They should all be wearing masks and they should be washing their hands frequently. Other guests should also be encouraged to wash their hands as soon as they enter the home and limit contact with surfaces of furniture. It is also recommended that there be only one source of food preparation. This means food from other households should be avoided as best as possible.

This year the holiday will definitely have a different vibe than what we have been accustomed to in the past but if we all practice safety precautions, we can still enjoy festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determines if a vaccine is appropriate based on the recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunizations and Practices (ACIP). The ACIP is a group of medical and public health experts that develop recommendations on how to use vaccines to control diseases in the United States.

Factors that the ACIP consider in their recommendations of vaccines include:

Safety and effectiveness
Severity of the disease
The number of people who get the disease if there is no vaccine
How effective is the vaccine for different age groups

The recent news about the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine has led to questions from many members of our community. Flushing Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an attempt to answer them.

Some commonly asked questions that people are asking:

Who will receive the vaccine first?

At the present time, the first people to receive the vaccine will be frontline healthcare workers and elderly patients who are in extended care facilities such as nursing homes.

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccines that are being distributed have undergone rigorous testing and have met the safety standards set forth by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Are there any side effects of this vaccine?

The known side effects of the vaccines currently being distributed include soreness in the arm in which the vaccine was administered and some people have developed low grade fevers. Both of these only lasted less than 48 hours. There may be other side effects that we aren’t aware of yet.

Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19 ?

This vaccine, like all other vaccines, will lessen the chances of getting the virus but is not 100 percent guaranteed to be effective for everyone.

How long will the vaccine be effective for?

Until more time has passed and more people have been vaccinated, the CDC is not sure how long the vaccine will be effective for.

Do I need to wear a mask when I receive the vaccine?

Yes. Receiving the vaccine does not guarantee that you will not get the virus. Anytime you are outside of your immediate household and in contact with others, you should wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

Will I still have to follow safety protocols even though I have received the vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine is only one component of the safety measures that will still have to be followed.

How many times will I have to be vaccinated?

At the present time, it will be necessary to receive two doses of the vaccine and you will be given a date when you receive the first dose and when to come back for the second one.

If I already had the virus, should I still get the vaccine?

At the present time the CDC feels there isn’t enough information available to answer this question.

What should I do if I have a reaction to the vaccine?

You should contact your health care provider immediately as well as to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

The first doses were delivered around the United States on Monday December 14^th. Once mass distribution begins the answers to the frequently asked questions will be answered more accurately. Here is the link to the CDC to provide you with more
information about the vaccine https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder ?

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

When people live through a traumatic event such as a war, an act of violence, a rape, a serious accident, an act of terrorism, or have been seriously threatened, they may experience Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD. This is a mental health disorder that affects approximately 3.5% of the U.S. population. PTSD is known to occur more commonly in women than men and certain ethnic groups including Latinos, African Americans, and American Indians.

When people go through traumatic events they may not necessarily experience the effects immediately. It is not uncommon for the symptoms to start anywhere from a month to several years after the event. Sometimes traumatic events that occur during childhood may not manifest until later in life.

Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person and are divided into four groups: Intrusive memories, avoidance, changes in emotional and physical reactions, and negative changes in thinking.

Symptoms of intrusive memories include:

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions

Symptoms of avoidance include:

Avoiding certain places that remind you of the event
Avoiding talking about the event

Symptoms of changes in emotional and physical reactions include:

Easily frightened
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating
Aggressive behavior

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking include:

Feeling hopeless
Negative thoughts about the world or yourself
Difficulty maintain relationships
Sense of detachment

Long-term PTSD may lead to alcohol or substance abuse, eating disorders, thoughts of suicide or depression. Complications can also lead to poor coping skills, loss of work, loss of relationships and health complications.

Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event and has any PTSD symptoms that last more than a few weeks should seek professional care. If any of the symptoms are so severe that they may lead to physical danger, for themselves or to someone else, 911 should be called immediately. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center please call, 718-670-5486.

Winter Skin Care Tips

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Winter can be a particularly harsh season for our skin. Not only is the cold temperature to blame but also the dry air which affects the skin. A major reason skin becomes dry is because of the low humidity in the environment. Another reason is because we spend more time indoors where heating systems tend to warm the air and deplete the water content in the environment.

Dry skin most commonly appears as being rough and flaky patches on the arms and legs which are typically the areas exposed to the air. In more severe cases, the skin will develop creases and cracks when it is extremely dry. The feet and hands frequently show deep fissures and cracks during the winter months because the skin tends to be thinner and there is less protection from micro trauma.

The outer layer of the skin is called the stratum corneum. It is composed of dead skin cells and natural oils that act as a protective layer, preventing water from evaporating from the surface. When the outer layer becomes compromised, water begins to evaporate, outer skin cells become flaky and will cause cracks and fissures.

Steps we can take to prevent dry skin:

Bathe in warm water, never hot
Use mild soaps that contain moisturizing creams
Pat the skin dry with soft towels
Use a moisturizer several times a day on exposed areas of the body.
Drink a lot of water
Apply sunscreen to prevent drying out from the sun’s rays
Wear gloves
Avoid wearing wet articles of clothes outdoors.
Have a humidifier in the home

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss dry skin and how best to treat it, please call 718-670-5486.

The Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to take part in the Great American Smokeout. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.

The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.

Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:

Smoking Cessation Groups
Nicotine substitute products
Support from family and friends
Telephone quit lines
Counseling
Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke

If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.