Testing for Memory Loss

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

As people age, they may experience memory loss. This may be due to several factors which include medication side effects, circulation issues, and simply because the brain doesn’t function as it once did. It is estimated that 10 percent of people over the age of 65 have some memory loss.

They may experience the following symptoms:

Asking the same question over and over
Mixing up words
Changing mood for no reason
Delaying the completion of tasks
Misplacing possessions
Confusing words

How is memory loss detected?

If memory loss is suspected, a physician will start by evaluating a person’s ability to recall names of objects, speak in coherent sentences, see clearly, have proper reflex responses, and follow commands. In addition to these basic exams, a physician will evaluate a patient’s ability to focus on a task, check for the ability to recall the time and place of events.

Other methods for evaluating a person for memory loss include psychometric testing which tests for decision making capability, problem solving, mental accuracy, and remembering details. Sometimes an MRI or a PET scan may be used to determine if there are any biological or anatomical causes, such as a tumor, that may be affecting memory.

If you feel as though you may be experiencing memory loss, it is advisable to speak with your physician. To schedule an appointment with a physician 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.

Our Employee Spotlight Shines on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM on 2 North. Dave began working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center nine years ago. He started as a unit clerk and after passing his NCLEX exam, became a night shift nurse on 2 North where he held the position for six years and was later promoted to Assistant Head Nurse then Nurse Manager.

Dave grew up in the Philippines. He attended Isabela West Elementary school. Dave continued his education at Isabela National High School. He graduated from the University of St. LaSalle where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Nursing degree.

Dave moved to the United States in 2014, initially residing in Woodside, Queens and currently lives in the Flushing area. He has no pets of his own, but his friend has two dogs, Mochi and Boba, that he considers to be like his own and with whom he enjoys spending time. In his free time, he likes going to his Jiu Jitsu class two or three times a week. His goal is to obtain his black belt one day soon. Dave also likes to paint and play chess. He also enjoys listening to music while he paints. Dave’s favorite food is Korean barbecue, especially oxtail if it is made by one of the members of the nursing staff in the ICU.

There are a few places Dave would like to visit, both for their culture and their art. He hopes to go to Japan, Paris, the Vatican, and Israel.

A few of the things that are important in Dave’s life are his religion, his health, his family, and loved ones. Having cherished memories of his experiences are also very important to him.

There are many reasons why Dave likes working at Flushing Hospital. He enjoys the interactions with his colleagues from whom he has learned so much. The nursing department administration has always encouraged him to move up in his career. He has learned so much about the profession from them and feels fortunate to be a part of the team. We look forward to having Dave work with us for many more years in the future.

A Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe – Glazed Green Beans

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Thanksgiving dinner is typically a large meal that consists of turkey and many side dishes. Here is a recipe from Good Housekeeping for glazed green beans that is healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a34349776/glazed-green-beans-recipe/

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Vivian Chen, RN

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to highlight Vivian Chen, RN. Vivian has been a member of our Flushing Hospital Medical Center team for five years, the last four in our Labor and Delivery suite.

There are many reasons why Vivian enjoys working on our New Beginnings Mother – Baby unit. She has a great deal of joy and pride in taking part in the birth of a child. She finds it very exciting and is so happy to share that moment with the moms she takes care for. Vivian also enjoys caring for the new moms and helping them with any challenges they may face.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a wonderful place to give birth because of people like Vivian who strive to make sure that the moms and their babies have the very best experience.

Pilates

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Pilates is a form of strength training exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago. Initially, it was practiced by dancers who were using it to recover from injuries that they had sustained. It has become very popular among the general population within the past quarter century.

Improper alignment of the body is the primary condition many people have that can be helped with Pilates. The concept behind Pilates is to build body core strength by focusing on improving muscle tone and improving muscle balance. This is achieved through low impact exercises that concentrate on lower back and abdominal muscles, precision patterns of movement and controlled breathing. Pilates can be performed on a mat or a device called a “reformer.” It may look easy to do but it requires a lot of precision and coordination.

The benefits of Pilates include:

Building core strength
Improving posture
Increasing flexibility
Improving balance
Increasing body awareness
Helping to control breathing
Improving mental health

Before beginning any new exercise routine, it is a good idea to speak with your physician to see if that type of exercise is appropriate for you. Find a Pilates class that is taught by someone who has expertise in the field. Pilates classes usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Make sure that you start slowly and don’t be in a hurry to learn the proper techniques.

A Delicious Fall Recipe for Roast Pork and Sweet Potatoes

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Here is a Fall season recipe from the Food Network for roast pork and sweet potatoes that we think you will enjoy https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roast-pork-and-sweet-potatoes-3363155

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

October was declared as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in 2006. The purpose of the designation is to bring nationwide attention to bullying.

Bullying can occur in many different ways. It can be done through verbal or physical exchanges. Bullying can involve playing practical jokes, making threats, verbal abuse, and spreading rumors. It can also be done through posting hurtful things on social media platforms, as well as through texts, emails, and telephone calls.

Bullying is the result of one person, or group of people, who have the need to feel more powerful than the person they are bullying. The bully, or bullies, may be bigger in size or strength, they may be more assertive, have a perceived higher social status, or may derive pleasure from making someone fear them.

It is important to note that while bullying is thought to primarily affect school age children, it can also occur in other places, such as at work.

Bullying can affect the target’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Some of the signs that a person exhibits when they are being bullied are:

Avoidance of the place where the bullying is taking place
Loss of self-esteem
Experiencing headaches, stomach aches, high blood pressure and insomnia
Increase in level of anxiety
Exhibiting signs of depression
Failing to do well in school or in the workplace
Experiencing suicidal thoughts

There are ways to prevent bullying. These include training in awareness of the effects of bullying, empowering people to enlist the help of others, such as teachers, parents, clergy, and co-workers to assist them when they are targeted, establishing school or workplace policies on bullying, and when possible, directly addressing the person or persons who are doing the bullying. This should not be done alone, but rather with a teacher, co-worker, supervisor, or someone authoritative.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Donna Provenzano, RN, CEN, Assistant Head Nurse of the Emergency Department

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Donna Provenzano, RN, CEN, and Assistant Head Nurse of the Emergency Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Donna began her nursing career at Flushing Hospital in 1989 as a student nurse and was welcomed with open arms on 2 West, formerly the med/ surg floor, by amazing nurses.

After obtaining her RN degree, Donna remained on 2 West until 1995 when she began to work as a float in the Emergency Department. This is where she found her passion for providing emergency care and remained there for the past 27 years.

Donna was raised in the Borough of Queens. She attended Catholic schools through high school and obtained her nursing degree from Queensborough Community College. She continues to perfect her trauma nursing skills by participating in initiatives that promote critical thinking and solidify communication.

When she is not working, Donna enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music daily, especially while she exercises. This helps her to relax after a challenging shift. Donna also enjoys traveling with family and friends and going to new places every year. Her favorite destinations typically include warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Donna feels as though she grew up working at Flushing Hospital and credits her career growth to having wonderful mentors. They helped her to become the nurse that she is today. Donna now tries her best to be a supportive mentor to the young nurses she works with. She is always willing to teach, guide, and share her knowledge with them. Donna also encourages new nurses to continue their education and to keep updated on the changing trends in emergency medicine.

Flushing Hospital has been like a second home and family to Donna. She likes the fact that she gets to spend so much time with her colleagues and that they can share their happiness, sadness, stress, and sense of fulfillment for taking care of patients.

Donna has had a long and successful career at Flushing Hospital. We look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.

Late Summer Recipe – Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

End of summer, weeknight meals call for recipes that are easy to prepare and that don’t require much cooking time. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend for penne with sun dried tomato pesto.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe-1942250

Exercise and Aging

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

It is never too late to begin a regular fitness routine. In fact; the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute on Aging promotes exercise and physical activity as an important factor in healthy aging.

Older adults are encouraged to incorporate the following four main types of exercise into their routine:

Strength Exercise
Endurance Exercise
Balance Exercise
Flexibility Exercise

Each type of exercise offers several benefits when performed on an ongoing basis. These benefits can be achieved by doing a variety of physical activities.

Strength Exercise- Helps to build muscle and makes them stronger. Building stronger muscles can be achieved by participating in activities such as lifting weights or resistance training.
Endurance Exercise-Helps to promote a healthy heart rate and improve breathing. This type of exercise focuses on overall fitness as well as keeping the cardiovascular and respiratory systems healthy. Activities such as aerobics, swimming, walking, dancing, or jogging are considered endurance exercises.
Balance Exercise-Helps to reduce falls, a problem that is common in older adults. This type of exercise focuses on building lower body strength. Activities such as Tai Chi, walking heel to toe, and standing on one foot are considered balance exercises.
Flexibility Exercise- Helps to stretch muscles, promotes freedom of movement, and in some instances improves balance. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, bending to touch your toes, or stretching your arms across your chest.

Before beginning a fitness routine, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first. You can work with your physician to create a routine that is compatible with your lifestyle and health. To receive more information about exercise and aging, please visit the National Institute on Aging website https://www.nia.nih.gov/