How Many Calories Should You Eat Each Day?

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Whether you’re trying to lose, gain, or maintain your weight, it can be helpful to know the ideal amount of calories you should be eating each day. However, this amount varies from person to person based on a variety of different factors.

Your current weight and height are primary factors in determining the number of calories you should eat each day. Generally, people who are taller and heavier require a greater number of calories to maintain their physique than lighter, shorter people.

Age also plays a role in determining your calorie requirements. As your age increases, you’ll need less calories to maintain your weight than a younger person, though you may need the same or an increased amount of nutrients to stay in good physical condition. This is due to factors such as changes in your metabolism, decreasing activity, and a loss of muscle mass and bone density over time.

People who engage in regular physical activity have higher daily calorie requirements than people who are typically inactive. Your calorie needs are also affected by the type of activity you’re engaged in; aerobic exercise, for example, burns more calories than anaerobic activity, resulting in a higher number of calories needed to maintain your weight.

Calorie needs vary between genders, as well. People assigned female at birth generally have lower calorie requirements than people assigned male at birth.

Hormones such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin, cortisol, and estrogen may also all directly impact your body’s calorie-burning efficiency, as well as where fat accumulates in your body. These hormones, and by extension your body’s calorie-burning functions, may also be affected by certain medications.

Taking these factors into account to determine your daily calorie needs can be particularly instrumental in finding the right diet and exercise routine to achieve your weight loss goals. However, due to certain conditions, not everyone can lose weight effectively through these methods alone, with some people requiring medical intervention to get the head start they need.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center can provide potentially life-saving weight loss procedures for eligible candidates with a body mass index greater than 40 who are 100 or more pounds above their ideal weight. To learn more about our procedures or to schedule an appointment, please call at (718) 408-6977 or (718) 670-8908.

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.

3 Mental Health Tips for Online Dating

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, you may be using online dating apps as part of your search. The odds of success may be in your favor, as most couples today first meet online, but if you aren’t careful, your approach to online dating could be harmful to your mental health.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may experience symptoms as a result of the way many major dating apps work. Most apps display photos of users along with information about their personalities. Users may develop negative thoughts about their body image or about themselves in general if they aren’t getting many responses to their profile.

On the other hand, while a high number of responses may provide an initial sense of validation, it can quickly turn negative if potential connections or conversations come to a quick or unexpected end. Negative feelings can also occur after first dates if the person you met decides to “ghost” you, never responding or asking to go out with you again.

To stay mentally healthy despite these potential bumps in the road of your online dating journey, you should:

Set limits on the time you spend on each app: The unhealthy effects of online dating apps can increase as you spend more time on them at the expense of other activities. Set a time limit of about 30 minutes each day or limit your number of swipes for each app. Take a break to do something else after finishing your time with one app if you plan to use another.

Make genuine connections your goal: It can be easy to swipe thoughtlessly on a high volume of profiles, resulting in either a low number of matches or conversations that lead nowhere. Don’t swipe just to see how many matches you can get; use online dating apps as a tool to meet people you can genuinely connect with based on your true personality.

Avoid online dating on bad days: If you are in a negative frame of mind due to the events of your day or are experiencing sudden symptoms of a mental health condition, avoid online dating apps for that day entirely, as they can do more harm than good to your self-esteem and self-image in these moments.

If you’re experiencing mental health problems that are interfering with your ability to make connections with other people, romantic or otherwise, you can find help from a therapist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5562.

Everything You Need To Know About Fentanyl

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Fentanyl is a type of synthetic opioid used in pharmaceutical products to manage pain. It is also one of the main contributors to the ongoing epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, which have accounted for nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths in recent years.

Drug dealers often sell fentanyl mixed with other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, as it is a cheaper ingredient for producing a stronger high compared to other substances. This can make an overdose more likely, as many buyers may not be aware that fentanyl is present as an additive in their drugs and may not be able to physically handle its strong effects.

Fentanyl is also approved as a legitimate prescription treatment for severe pain, particularly due to late-stage cancer. Its effects can be as much as 100 times stronger than morphine, another drug frequently used for pain management, and may include extreme happiness, sedation, breathing problems, and unconsciousness.

As a result of its potency, fentanyl can be very addictive, potentially resulting in dependency even for people who have been prescribed this drug. If a person becomes dependent on fentanyl and stops taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, severe cravings, diarrhea and vomiting, muscle and bone pain, and cold flashes.

If addiction occurs, it can be treated through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Some of the most frequently-used medications for treating fentanyl addiction include methadone (which eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings), buprenorphine (a partial agonist which creates similar effects as methadone), and naltrexone (which blocks the effects of fentanyl by preventing it from attaching to opioid receptors).

In the event of a fentanyl overdose, naloxone can block the drug’s effects when administered rapidly, but may require multiple doses. It is typically available as an injectable solution or nasal spray. In New York City, you do not require a prescription to get naloxone. If you have any naloxone, administer it, then immediately dial 911 for emergency medical services.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with fentanyl-related substance abuse problems, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can offer a safe place to experience drug withdrawal in our Chemical Dependence Unit and take the first steps toward recovery from addiction in our Reflections treatment program.

To learn more about our Chemical Dependence Unit, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. For more information about our Reflections program, please call (718) 670-5078.

What is Winter Itch?

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

During the winter, cold temperatures, low humidity, and high winds wear away at the natural oils and dead skin cells in the outer layer of your skin that preserves moisture content. This, combined with other potential factors such as a sensitivity to soaps and detergents, pre-existing skin conditions, infections, allergies to materials such as latex, sunburns, and stress or fatigue, may cause you to develop a rash sometimes referred to as “winter itch.”

Winter itch may cause similar symptoms to other types of rashes, such as redness, swelling, flaking, blisters, and itchiness. It most often occurs on the arms, legs, or hands, as these are most often exposed to cold air, but it can also develop anywhere on your body.

Certain soaps and moisturizing products may be helpful for treating winter itch. These include:

Skin cream or lotion
Petroleum jelly
Natural oils
Oatmeal soap or baths
Topical cortisone cream

Developing winter itch may indicate the need to make certain lifestyle changes during periods of cold weather to protect your skin. A few steps you can take to prevent the occurrence of a rash during the winter include:

Choosing clothes with less irritating materials: Clothes made from natural breathable fibers such as cotton and hemp may reduce skin irritation and overheating, both of which may contribute to an increased risk of developing a rash.

Wear appropriate protective clothing: Gloves, scarves, hats, and long socks can all go a long way to protecting skin that may be vulnerable to cold air and preventing rashes from developing in these areas.

Bathing less often: During the winter, overly frequent bathing can wear away at your skin’s natural outer layer of oils and dead skin cells, which build up more slowly during the winter due to decreased sweating. You may find it helpful to shower or bathe every other day, lathering up as little as possible and reducing the amount of hot water you use.

If you’re looking for the right treatment for a rash, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

What is Myocarditis?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10 to 20 out of every 100,000 people around the world are affected by myocarditis each year. Myocarditis is a condition that causes inflammation in the heart muscle, enlarging it and weakening its ability to pump blood. It is most often caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as some medical treatments and inflammatory conditions.

Myocarditis can cause a range of different symptoms, and not everyone may experience the same ones. They may include:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Abdominal pain
Leg or foot swelling
Fainting

Certain serious complications are associated with myocarditis, including arrhythmia, heart failure, lung problems, and even death. However, in most cases, this condition is mild and will go away on its own.

Some people are at greater risk of developing myocarditis than others. People of all ages and any gender can get it, but it is most common in young adults assigned male at birth. A genetic tendency to react poorly to inflammation can also increase your risk, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain medical conditions may also make you more vulnerable to myocarditis, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, chest injuries, skin injuries or infections, and eating disorders. Additionally, medical treatments such as dialysis, radiation, a central venous line, and certain heart condition or cancer treatments may also increase your risk.

If you experience severe myocarditis, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Corticosteroids, heart medications, or treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your myocarditis could help. If these do not provide adequate relief, you may require procedures such as:

IV medications
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Heart transplant

If you experience chronic or severe myocarditis, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If cardiac arrest or acute heart failure occurs, dial 911 immediately.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department with Bronze-level accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department. This achievement recognizes the Emergency Department’s commitment and ability to provide the highest quality care to geriatric patients.

An emergency department with Bronze ACEP accreditation features a geriatric emergency care policy initiative, at least one physician with four or more hours of geriatric emergency medicine education, and at least one registered nurse with geriatric emergency medicine education, as well as access patient access to mobility aids, food, and beverages 24/7.

Flushing Hospital’s Emergency Department cares for the needs of older patients in a variety of ways, including:

Early recognition and care for patients with confusion from causes such as infections, medication reactions, or dementia
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Social work and case management support across the spectrum of care from home care to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility placement
Palliative care services to assist patients and families with decisions about end-of-life care that align with their own values and priorities

“We recognize that our older patients often have special needs, and our team is dedicated to supporting those needs,” said Dr. James F. Giglio, Chair of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We utilize best practices promoted by the American College of Emergency Physicians to optimize care within the Emergency Department throughout hospitalization and when transitioning care at the time of hospital discharge.”

Congratulations to everyone at the FHMC Emergency Department for this achievement!

3 Important Tips for Protecting Your Child from the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) is a very common medical problem among young children. It typically causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea; in some cases, a fever may also develop.

The stomach flu is usually not a serious illness and may resolve within a few days with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if your child becomes severely dehydrated due to this illness, they may require a visit to the emergency room.

Your child is most likely to come into contract with gastroenteritis at daycare or in school due to consistent exposure to a large number of other children who they may share snacks and other items with. To give them the best chance of avoiding this illness, you should teach them to:

Consistently wash their hands thoroughly: Your child should wash their hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating any food or touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure they also have hand sanitizer available for when hand washing isn’t possible.

Avoid sharing snacks with other children: It may be difficult for your child to determine whether any other children around them are sick. Teach them to avoid taking snacks or utensils from other children as much as possible and give your child plenty of their own food to enjoy throughout the day.

Speak up if they feel sick: If your child is suffering from symptoms of the stomach flu, they should feel comfortable telling an adult and visiting an on-site medical professional (such as a school nurse) immediately. It is essential for them to rest and get the fluids they need to avoid severe symptoms and recover as quickly as possible.

If your child experiences serious stomach flu symptoms such as a fever, pain, or dehydration, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that often begins during the fall, continuing through the winter before subsiding during the spring and summer seasons. Some cases of SAD, however, can follow an opposite schedule, occurring during the spring and summer and ending during the fall and winter.

Millions of people may potentially experience SAD without realizing they have this condition. People who experience SAD can present many symptoms typically associated with other forms of depression such as moodiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. SAD that occurs during the spring and summer is particularly associated with irritability and anxiety. Symptoms of both forms usually begin during young adulthood.

Several factors may contribute to your risk of developing SAD, including low serotonin levels, disrupted melatonin levels, changes in sunlight exposure, and family history. Additionally, people who experience bipolar disorder or major depression are at an increased risk of developing this disorder. SAD is also much more common in women than men, and is more frequently experienced by people living in northern regions that receive less sunlight during the winter.

SAD is often treated through a variety of approaches. Many people may experience improvement in symptoms from regular exercise and adjusted sleeping schedules that ensure adequate sleep and increased exposure to sunlight. Light boxes also often improve symptoms within days or week with few side effects.

People who experience severe symptoms associated with SAD or who also have a condition such as bipolar or major depressive disorder may require treatment through psychotherapy and medication. These can help you develop strong coping mechanisms, build healthy habits, and manage physiological factors that may contribute to your symptoms.

You can receive mental health care for SAD at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562. If you begin to contemplate suicide or self-harm, please dial 988 immediately to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Weight Loss Solutions for the New Year

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

One of the most common resolutions people make at the beginning of each year is to lose weight. However, many people may have a hard time sticking to this goal if they cannot find a weight loss method that offers long-term results and maintains a balanced, healthy quality of life.

The right approach to weight loss may be different for everyone, but a natural approach that emphasizes consistency and moderation when it comes to your diet and exercise may offer the results you’re looking for. When you attempt to lose weight through this method, you should:

Incorporate single-ingredient and high-protein foods into your diet
Cut back on fried food, fast food, and other processed foods
Drink more water (about 15.5 cups per day for men and 11.5 cups per day for women)
Reduce your intake of liquid calories through soda, sugary drinks, alcohol, and other beverages
Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (about 22 minutes each day if you exercise throughout the entire week) and at least one set of resistance exercises that target all major muscle groups

While most people may achieve their weight loss goals by following these guidelines throughout the year, they may not be sufficient for people with extreme obesity or those who suffer from chronic conditions related to obesity. Certain prescription medications recommended by a doctor can often help, but for some people, bariatric surgery may be the right path forward.

Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach and intestines to reduce food absorption. It includes several different types of procedures, such as:

Sleeve gastrectomy
Gastric bypass
Gastric revision
Lap band
Duodenal switch
Obalon balloon

Bariatric surgery is best suited for people who are:

Over a body mass index (BMI) of 40
Over 100 lbs. above their ideal weight
Experiencing severe pain in weight-bearing joints
Suffer from obesity-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or degenerative joint disease

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center, procedures are performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. This technology allows for a minimally invasive approach and reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time. To schedule an appointment and learn more about our approach to bariatric surgery, please call us at 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Your thyroid plays an important role in regulating your bodily functions, including those of the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems through the release of hormones into the bloodstream. When the thyroid experiences problems, it can disrupt these functions and negatively affect your entire body.

Thyroid disease in general is fairly common, with approximately 20 million people throughout the United States experiencing it in some form. It is more common in women than men across the board, but regardless of your gender, you may be more likely to develop thyroid disease if you already suffer from a chronic condition, take medication that is high in iodine, have previously been treated for a thyroid condition, are over the age of 60, or if it runs in your family.

Thyroid disease comes in a variety of forms; some of the most common types include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism: This condition, also known as overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland produces an excessive supply of hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood swings, weight loss, and goiter, which causes your thyroid gland to become swollen.

Hypothyroidism: This form of thyroid disease occurs when your thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones to meet the demands of your bodily functions. It can cause fatigue, depression, dry skin and hair, a slowed heart rate, and fertility problems in women. Like hyperthyroidism, this condition can also cause goiter.

Thyroid cancer: This form of cancer typically occurs in people between the ages of 25 and 65 and is most common in people of Asian descent. Symptoms include a lump and swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and a constant cough. While lumps in the thyroid are usually benign, you should see a doctor immediately if you notice one.

If you’re suffering from symptoms of a thyroid problem, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.