August is National Immunization Month

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Joann Ariola

As the end of summer approaches, parents are preparing to send their children back to school during unprecedented times. With so much attention being paid to controlling the spread of COVID-19, it is important to remember that there are other viruses and diseases that can potentially spread from child to child. Thankfully, many of them can be controlled through vaccines.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and today’s vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death.

This annual observance is a reminder to all parents to keep a record of what vaccines your child has received and when. Check with your physician to make sure your child’s immunization schedule is current.

By vaccinating your child today, you are not only ensuring their protection against a wide variety of illness, but you are also helping to eradicate these diseases for future generations.

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.

Department Spotlight – Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Anne Marie Dinicola, Manager, Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

When you enter the at you will be met by the ever smiling, ever accomodating Anne Marie Denicola, Manager. The plays an important function by providing a variety of gifts, greeting cards, floral arrangements and toiletries. They also provide carry gift bags, balloons, candy, newspapers, magazines, books, seasonal items, toys and much more.

We thank Anne Marie Denicola for being such a wonderful “Ambassador of Cheer” to our patients, visitors and employees.

Social Anixety and Alcohol Abuse

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, about 20 percent of people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) also suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence.

Social anxiety is defined as a disorder that is triggered by social situations where your emotions may arise causing you to have difficulty talking to others, fear being unjustly judged by others, become self-conscious while in the company of others or get physically ill at the thought of attending a social event.

By consuming alcohol, you could possibly experience the illusion of reducing the symptoms of SAD, but it can also lead to an additional issue with alcohol dependence and abuse.

For some, alcohol and SAD are a dangerous combination; since alcohol may give you a false sense of calm when in social situations. Additionally, it can also you to delay your decision to seek treatment. It may also interfere with an existing treatment. While seeming to help quell the anxiety, alcohol can actually worsen the symptoms of SAD.

If you have been diagnosed with SAD and consume alcohol to ease the symptoms, you may experience the following:

Drinking more or longer than you intended
Have difficulty limiting your consumption of alcohol
Experience strong urges to drink
Continuing to drink even though your anxiety is increasing

When alcohol is over consumed, it can lead to worsening the symptoms of social anxiety as well as causing:

Morning hangovers
Dizziness
Nausea
Dehydration
Low blood sugar

Most anxiety disorders can be treated in similar ways. Some effective ways to calm your social anxiety are to sleep regularly, limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed, eat a healthy diet, and implement relaxation methods such as taking deep breaths, keeping a journal, thinking positive thoughts, yoga, painting or listening to soothing music until the anxiety begins to dissipate.

If these methods are not effective, you may want to seek professional help. If you have uncontrolled social anxiety disorder and are compensating with alcohol, you may want to speak with a mental health and addiction specialist at . Call to schedule an appointment.

Magnet Therapy

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice that places magnets on specific areas of the body to help alleviate pain. Many of the magnets are incorporated into rings, bracelets, shoes, clothing and therapeutic magnetic mattresses.

The theory behind magnet therapy is that magnets accelerate the metabolism. This acceleration helps oxygen and nutrients reach a specific location where there is an injury in an attempt to repair the damage.

There are various types of magnet therapy. Some of the more commonly used are:

Static magnetic field therapy: With this method, you touch a magnet to your skin by wearing a magnetized bracelet, bandage, shoe insole or mattress pad.

Electronically charged magnetic therapy: With this method, the magnets used are electrically charged with an electric pulse.

Magnetic therapy with acupuncture: With this method, a magnet is placed in the same section of your body that an acupuncturist would focus on during an acupuncture session in an attempt to clear your energy pathways or channels.

Magnet therapy has been utilized in treating pain associated with arthritis, wound healing, insomnia, headaches and fibromyalgia. While usually safe, there are some side effects to magnet therapy which may include nausea and dizziness.

If you have a pacemaker, an insulin pump or are pregnant it is not recommended that you seek magnet therapy. Additionally, if you are scheduled for an x-ray or MRI, it is recommended that you remove all magnets prior to testing.

Since there haven’t been many studies on magnetic field therapy, so there is no substantiated proof that it is effective in the treatment of pain.

As with any treatment, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin. If you are interested in pain management and would like to speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Employee Spotlight – Delmi Arias

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Joann Ariola

July’s Employee Spotlight shines on Delmi Arias, RN, and Clinical Analysis for the Performance Improvement Department at (FHMC).

Delmi Arias is a valued employee who works collaboratively with the MediSys Sepsis and Stroke Coordinators as well as conducting chart audits for regulatory compliance and reports findings to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH).

In addition to her degree as a Registered Nurse, Delmi is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She is slated to graduate by the end of 2019.

Delmi credits much of her drive and success to her loving family. “I like to lead by example and I am blessed with doing what I love and having the support of my ‘Better Half’ Junior and children, Daniel, Anisa and Rosie.”

When not at work, Delmi loves binge watching countless episodes of her favorite show, “The Office,” being adventurous by exploring the city with her children and listening to Pastor T.D. Jakes sermons for inspiration.

“Serving this community and enhancing our patient’s stay and quality of life is a couple of the things I love best about my work. But, there are challenges too. I am tasked with learning all the latest guidelines from the NYS DOH for management of the Stroke and Sepsis programs. The guidelines are always changing. As soon as I think ‘I GOT IT!’ the guidelines change. It keeps me at the top of my game. “

congratulates Delmi Arias for receiving July’s Employee Spotlight!

Department Spotlight – Department of Volunteer Services

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Joann Ariola

are at the heart of the hospital, ensuring that patients are treated in an atmosphere of care. Flushing Hospital volunteers range in age from 16 to retired seniors. Junior volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 125 hours, while adults are required to commit a minimum of 200 hours. Many volunteers have been with the hospital for over 20 years and are considered as valued members of our staff.

Flushing Hospital volunteers are assigned to various roles throughout the hospital. Some of their responsibilities include comforting patients, assisting medical and administrative staff with various tasks, helping with gift shop sales, and attending to the pastoral needs of our multicultural community. Individuals become volunteers for a wide range of reasons, specifically school requirements, educational advancement, spiritual or community mindedness, career change or social networking. The hospital provides everyone with an opportunity to fulfill these needs and in return, reaps the rewards of their dedicated service.

To become a volunteer, please call .

#WellnessWednesday

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Leonardo da Vinci, although best known as a painter, happend to be fascinated by science. Like any modern day scientist, he used observations, common-sense reasoning and research to find answers to satisfy the many questions he had regarding the health of the human body, mind and soul.

He cataloged his findings in his “Notebooks.” We are sharing one of his thoughts here and wish you a great #wellnesswednesday

“Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

The One Where you Reconnect With Your Family

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Summer is here and the kids are out of school. It is the perfect time to spend quality family time together.

Studies have shown that a family vacation is one of the most beneficial ways you can spend time with your children. A family vacation creates moments that children value and will long remember. For the most part, it can be used as time spent away from electronic distractions and helps both parents and children relax and recharge without daily stressors.

When you travel with your children, you are offering them new experiences that will cause heightened social, physical, cognitive and sensory interaction. Visiting museums, national parks, swimming together in an ocean or pool, hiking through the forest, campfire chats or long rides in the car can be effective when seeking to strengthen the family bond.

A family vacation is also a good way to get your child to open up. It is a time when chores don’t exist and rules are relaxed causing them to feel more open to discussing what’s going on in their lives.

Children, who travel with their family, learn how to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Experiencing new places, foods, traditions and meeting new people increases a child’s confidence and builds interpersonal skills.

Whether it’s a short overnighter or a long adventure, a family vacation is something to be shared and has been proven to enrich the overall development of your child. They return from the holiday happier and with knowledge of a world and cultures outside of their own way of living.

Employee Spotlight – William “Jasper” Jackson

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on William “Jasper” Jackson. Jasper is the Program Administrator in the

As Program Administrator, for the past five and a half years, Jasper has the responsibility of assisting in the day-to-day workings of the department. He assists with the planning, implementation and monitoring of various processes and systems, as well as providing general office support for the faculty, residents and staff.

When not at work, Jasper enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. Additionally, he is involved in his community. He is currently a board member at his Co-op as well as the Shirley Chisholm Day Care Centers, Inc.

Jasper loves the work he does even though there can be challenges with ensuring compliance with departmental and institutional requirements. “The most rewarding part of my job is the sense of accomplishment as projects and tasks are completed. I also love my interactions with colleagues throughout our network.”

Congratulations William “Jasper” Jackson for being chosen as June’s Employee Spotlight!

Caring For A Loved One With Mental Illness

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Joann Ariola

mental illness, caregiver, depression, bi-polar, panic disorder, anxiety, obessive compulsive disorder, depression

Clinical diagnosis for mental illness such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression can be difficult. It is especially difficult when it is a loved one that is experiencing these conditions.

When a loved one has mental illness, family members can often feel emotions of embarrassment, anger, worry, self-blame or grief. Parents, specifically, can feel powerless over the disease and at a loss for what the best course of treatment for their child.

The focus becomes the person with mental illness, but studies have shown that it is just as important to maintain your own health while caring for a person with mental illness.

Some ways to maintain your health while being a caretaker are:

Maintain relationships with other family members
Seek professional support for yourself and your family
Participate in groups and family sessions with your loved one
Make time for yourself
Ask for help to lighten your responsibilities
Address one issue as a time to avoid burnout

As the caregiver, you are the tie that keeps everything together. The more educated you are about the disease your loved one is facing and the time you set aside for yourself will be what helps you navigate the obstacles.

If your loved one has mental illness and you are seeking professional help as a caregiver, call the Mental Health Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5562 to schedule an appointment.

For more information for caring for a loved one with mental illness, visit American Phychological Association .