The month of January has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as National Birth Defects Month.  The reason for this designation is to raise awareness about birth defects as it is estimated to affect 1 in every 33 births every year in the United States.

A birth defect is defined as a structural change that can affect almost any part of the body. The defect can be structural or functional or both in nature and can vary in severity from mild to severe.  Some birth defects can be detected before birth while some may not be seen until the baby is born.

Some of the known causes of birth defects include:

• Smoking during pregnancy
• Being an older mother
• Consuming alcohol during pregnancy
• Taking certain medications during pregnancy
• Having certain infections during pregnancy
• Having uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy

There are no guarantees that birth defects can be prevented, however it is recommended to have regular prenatal medical check-ups, always consult with a physician before taking any medications during pregnancy, avoid situations that can cause the body to overheat such as hot tubs, saunas, or other environments where the temperature can be excessively hot, and avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks.

It is important to speak with a physician if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already know that you are pregnant to make sure that you are receiving the proper prenatal care. If you would like 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.

It’s the beginning of a new year which is a perfect time to make a promise to take better care of yourself.  The best way to do this is by scheduling an appointment for a regular medical check-up. Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your medical doctor to ensure that you don’t have any underlying health issues.

The American Medical Association is now recommending that physical exams be performed once every five years for people between 18 and 40 years of age and every three years after the age of 40, as long as there are no chronic illnesses that require more frequent check-ups.  After the age of 55, an annual exam is probably a good idea.

There are many reasons why having a physical exam is something that everyone should make time to do.  These include:

• Preventing of illnesses
• Monitoring the risk of chronic disease
• Identifying illnesses that don’t have symptoms
• Monitoring your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry
• Adjusting your lifestyle to best suit your age
• Keeping an ongoing relationship with your physician

If you would like 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.

Holiday treats are always in order whether you will be having guests at your home or will be visiting others at this time of year. Here is a delightfully delicious recipe for a Winter Fruit Salad from the Food Network  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/winter-fruit-salad-recipe-1973035

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.

The loss of hair (known scientifically as alopecia) can occur on any part of the body. It can be permanent or temporary. It may be a normal part of the aging process or due to a medical condition.

A person typically loses 50 – 100 hairs a day. Under normal circumstances this isn’t noticeable because these hairs are replaced at the same rate as they are lost.

The most common form of hair loss involves thinning of hair on the scalp. This is due to heredity. Men experience male-pattern baldness which is characterized by a receding hairline. While women who experience female-pattern baldness notice the loss of hair on top of the head.

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, ringworm, immune system disorders (lupus), significant weight loss, pregnancy, menopause, trauma, stress and poor nutrition. Some medications that treat cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, and high blood pressure can also cause hair loss.

Hair loss duration depends on what is causing it. Other than hair loss due to heredity, hair loss usually resolves once the medical condition is resolved or chemical factor is removed.  Hair loss due to excessive brushing, pulling hair tightly as in certain hairstyles, and using some hair dressing chemicals should resolve once those factors are reduced or eliminated as well.

Speak to your physician if you are experiencing any unexpected hair loss. If you would like to speak to a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your hair loss call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

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.

During the holiday season, many people fail to keep up with their exercise routines. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to get some exercise in during this busy time of year:

• Set goals of what exercises you can realistically do during the day
• Plan your workout time in advance so as to not interfere with your other activities
• Condense your workout into a time frame that you will be able to maintain
• March in place for five to 10 minutes
• Do 10 to 20 repetitions of upper and then lower body exercises
• Jump rope, which gives you a good cardio workout
• Use resistance bands and tubes for strength exercises
• Take the stairs instead of an elevator when you are out shopping
• Exercise with a friend or family member
• Walk as much as you can
• Wear a fitness tracker

Keep in mind that even a little exercise is better than none. Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise routine to make sure that it is safe for you.

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.

November is National Family Caregivers Month.  The observance was created by the Caregiver Action Network as an initiative to honor family caregivers across the United States.

Taking care of a loved one with a serious illness can be physically and mentally challenging. Many family caregivers often experience sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, stress, anxiety or depression; all of which can take a toll on their health.

As a family caregiver, it is important to keep in mind that taking care of your own health is equally as important as caring for the health of loved ones.   You need to be at your best in order to take good care of others.

Here are a few tips to help you take care of yourself while caring for loved ones:

• Recognize when you are stressed-Paying attention to early signs of stress can you help to identify stressors and put a plan into action to diminish or reduce their effects.
• Make time for yourself- It is important to take breaks to avoid burnout and help you re-energize.
• Take care of your health-Neglecting your health can lead to medical complications. It is important that you eat healthy, exercise and keep up with routine doctor visits.
• Ask for help- Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming; feeling alone and overwhelmed can lead to depression or anxiety. It is important that you do not isolate yourself and seek the support of a group or individual that can help you navigate challenges.

Being a caregiver often requires a 24/7 commitment. While this level of dedication can be difficult, there are many resources available to alleviate some of the challenges.  The Caregiver Action Network provides helpful tools to help you overcome obstacles you may encounter. Please visit caregiveraction.org for more information.

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.

Big orange pumpkins are most frequently associated with the Fall season. They can be decorated for display purposes and they can also be used in many recipes. Here is a recipe from The Pioneer Woman magazine for pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls that you will definitely enjoy.  https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11247/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/

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.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This designation serves to bring awareness of the disease to the general public.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that is not a normal part of aging. At the current time, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and it is estimated that by the year 2060 this number is estimated to exceed 14 million people. There is no cure for the disease but there are treatments being studied.

If you think that you or a person you know may be experiencing memory loss that could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, speak to your physician about a screening exam. 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.

Fall has arrived and we would like to share a recipe from allrecipes using applesauce as one of the ingredients. It is easy to make and everyone will enjoy it. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17683/spiced-applesauce-bread/

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.

Inflammation is one of the body’s way of healing itself. It is the immune system’s response to an internal or external irritant.

Inflammation can be acute, meaning short-lived or it can be chronic (long lasting).

Chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months or even years, leading to damage of healthy cells, tissues and organs. Eventually in some cases this can result in internal connective tissue scarring, DNA damage and even tissue death. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of asthma, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation include: body pain, anxiety, weight loss or gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation) and general fatigue.

Factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation include:

• Long-term stress
• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Exposure to chemical irritants
• Autoinflammatory disease
• Acute inflammation that worsens

One way to diagnose chronic inflammation is through a blood test for C-reactive protein (CRP) which shows up when there is inflammation in the body or high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which shows inflammation of the heart.

Treatment of chronic Inflammation can be achieved with:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
• Steroids
• Dietary supplements (fish oil and lipoic acid)
• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Stress reduction

Some foods can have an affect on chronic inflammation. Tomatoes, salmon, sardines, olive oil and nuts can help reduce chronic inflammation while fried foods, hot dogs, sausages, highly processed foods like white bread and pastries can make it worse.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic inflammation, consult with your physician to see what treatment options may be helpful to you. If you would like 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.