Health Beat

Robot-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs slip down into the vagina after the muscles and tissues that support them become weak or damaged.

There are many types of prolapse depending on what organs are involved. They include:

Uterine prolapse
Vaginal prolapse
Cystocele
Rectocele
Enterocele

There are many causes of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common causes include:

Vaginal childbirth.
Surgery on your pelvic organs.
Getting older.
Extreme physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
Increased abdominal pressure from straining during bowel movements or a chronic cough.
Genetics, like being born with weaker pelvic muscles.

There can be many symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common symptoms include:

Seeing a bulge or lump coming from the vagina.
Feeling like there is a ball stuck inside of the vagina.
A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis or lower back.
Leaking urine or problems with bowel movements.
Issues inserting tampons or pain during intercourse.

Surgeons can perform a sacrocolpopexy to help relieve these symptoms. A sacrocolpopexy can be done in two ways.

One way is with a thin telescope-like tube with a camera called a laparoscope put through incisions as the surgeon performs the surgery.

The other way, a robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy, uses special tools like a surgical robot. This procedure uses similar steps but passes robotic controllers through small incisions as the surgeon guides them.

Robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy has some benefits over other methods as it may lower the risk of complications for some people. Other benefits include:

A shorter hospital stay.
A faster recovery time.

Speak to your healthcare provider to learn which robotic surgery is best for you.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please get in touch with Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

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.

COVID-19 FLiRT Variants

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

There has been a recent surge in COVID-19 infections, and data shows that FLiRT variants have been linked to a significant number of cases.

FLiRT is a term used to describe a family of mutated COVID-19 variants, which include KP.1.1, KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, and other variants starting with KP or JN. The name is based on the technical names for locations of the virus’ mutations.

There is still much to learn about FLiRT variants, but here are some important facts we can share:

It is the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States at this time
Symptoms are consistent with those of other variants and include body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills and shortness of breath
People can protect themselves by wearing a mask, testing for COVID-19 if they have been exposed, and getting the latest vaccines (It is important to note that while vaccines may not prevent infections, they can lessen the severity of illness.)
Antivirals such as Paxlovid work effectively against FLiRT variants

Additionally, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home or away from others when we are sick.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are at risk of developing serious illnesses due to an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Estela Divino, LCSW-R

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are very proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Estela Divino, LCSW-R in the Palliative Care Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Estela began her career at Flushing Hospital three years ago. She was born in the Philippines and moved with her family to New York at the age of six. She saw all that her parents went through as immigrants and how hard they worked to give her family opportunities in the United States. Because of this, she has a deep appreciation for the immigrant experience and all that it takes to build a life here.

Estela grew up in Queens where she attended elementary school at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, and high school at Saint Francis Prep. Estela received her BS degree from Albany State University and her MSW from Adelphi University School of Social Work.

Estela currently lives with her family on Long Island. She is very proud of her two daughters. One daughter will be graduating from college in 2025 and the other daughter will be graduating from medical school the same year. The family also has a Havanese dog that lives in their home. Estela enjoys spending her free time with her family and her friends. She likes to travel. Most recently she went to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a family reunion. Her favorite places to vacation are places that have warm weather and beautiful beaches. She also likes to go to concerts, go thrifting, work on crossword puzzles, go to Broadway musicals and practice yoga.

She enjoys many different types of food, especially Filipino, Korean, Italian, Chinese and Greek. Estela listens to all types of music but R&B, classical, jazz and pop are her favorite genres. One of the most fulfilling experiences in Estela’s life was being a Peace Corps volunteer in the area of community health and served from 1988-1990 in Guinea Bissau, West Africa. During her time there she learned Portuguese and Portuguese Creole.

The most important things in Estela’s life besides her relationship with her family and loved ones, are keeping a work/life balance, and finding meaning and purpose in both. She appreciates the sense of community among the different disciplines at the hospital and how everyone works well together to care for the patients and their families during difficult times in their lives. We are very fortunate to have Estela as part of our team at Flushing Hospital and we look forward to her continuing work with us for many more years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) During Summer

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the changes of the seasons. SAD is commonly referred to as winter depression because symptoms typically occur during the late fall and early winter months.

Although most people living with SAD experience symptoms during the onset of winter, 10% of individuals with the disorder experience the reverse where symptoms present during late spring into early summer. This is known as summer depression.

The symptoms of summer depression can include:

Poor appetite
Weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Mood swings
Lethargy
Feeling agitated
Feeling anxious
Increased irritability
Violent or aggressive behavior

The cause of SAD in summer is not yet known; however, it is believed that the following are contributing factors:

Disruptions in routine schedules due to summer vacations or children being out of school
Changes in sleep routine
Body image issues
Excessive heat and humidity
Allergies
Longer days (which can interfere with melatonin production)

There are a few ways one can manage summer depression. Managing symptoms may involve:

Medications
Psychotherapy
Stress management
Getting adequate sleep
Staying cool by avoiding the heat as much as possible
Establishing and keeping a routine
Practicing self-care
Practicing mind-body techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with summer seasonal affective disorder, seek assistance by connecting with loved ones and talking to a mental health provider who can offer a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment.

Senior Summer Health Tips

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Rising summer temperatures can be unbearable for everyone. They can be even worse for senior citizens because they can be severely affected by heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses include:

Heat exhaustion
Heatstroke
Heat syncope
Dehydration
Heat cramps
Heat edema
Heat rash
Sunburn

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk include:

Health problems such as heart, lung, or kidney disease.
Skin changes that are caused by normal aging.
Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever.
Drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications can make it harder for the body to cool itself off.
Being on several prescription drugs at the same time.
Being obese, overweight, or underweight.
Drinking alcoholic beverages.
Living in places without air conditioning or fans.
Dehydration.

Hot summer days can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. Especially for older adults. Here are some tips to keep them safe and prevent heat-related illnesses:

Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible.
Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible.
Stay hydrated.
Wear loose and light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Take cool showers and baths.
Avoid exercising outdoors and other physical activity when it’s hot.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day.
Find out if certain medications can contribute to heat-related illnesses.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Anaerobic Exercise

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Anaerobic exercise is any short, fast high-intensity exercise that uses stored energy to supply working muscles instead of oxygen.

Some types of anaerobic exercises include:

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Heavy weightlifting
Sprinting
Plyometrics: jumping, hopping, skipping, jumping squats, and jumping lunges
Calisthenics: bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and dips

Anaerobic exercise benefits the cardiovascular system, muscles, and joints. These benefits include:

An increase in muscle strength and power.
An increase in fat loss and muscle mass.
An improvement in bone mineral density.
A decrease in joint stiffness.
Corrected muscle imbalances and improved posture.
An improvement in circulation and heart and lung function.
A decrease in high blood pressure.
A decrease in inflammation throughout the body.
An improvement in mood and energy.
A decreased risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Lowered blood sugar, high cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Anaerobic exercise isn’t easy, it may be helpful to find a certified fitness trainer to help you create a program based on your medical history.

If you want to create a program on your own, here are some basic weightlifting tips to consider:

Warm up for at least five minutes.
Start with large muscle groups first.
Do one to three sets of eight to 15 reps.
Complete eight to 10 exercises following the proper technique.

Please note that when beginning or increasing the amount of anaerobic exercise, get cleared to do so by your healthcare provider. Start slowly and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease. Children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes the inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis- is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus- is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Juvenile scleroderma- describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden.
Vasculitis- is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to heart complications. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HCP) are the most common vasculitis in kids and teens.
Fibromyalgia- is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Here are some ways it is diagnosed:

Physical exams
Blood tests
Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments include:

Medications
Physical or occupational therapies
Surgery
Self-care

If you believe your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, visiting a pediatrician as soon as possible is important. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020

Grilling Safety Tips

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Let the summer cookouts begin!

We all enjoy delicious food fresh off the grill. Whether you’re using a charcoal or a gas grill, here are some tips to help you grill safely:

Grill in well-ventilated areas. Never use an outdoor grill indoors.
Open your gas grill before lighting to make sure gas doesn’t build up under the top.
Wear proper clothing.
- Don’t wear any loose clothing.
- Roll up your sleeves.
- Pull your hair back.
- Tie and secure apron strings.
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
Keep combustibles like lighter fluid and cooking sprays at a safe distance away from the grill.
- Never add lighter fluid to hot coals.
- Never use gasoline or kerosene as a starter fluid.
Create a safe zone around the grill.
- Keep children, pets, and play areas away from the grill.
- Mark a three-foot “No Kids Zone” around your grill.
Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from buildings.
Check the grill for leaks if you are using a gas grill.
Make sure the grill is on a flat and level surface.
Always clean the grill after use to remove grease that can start a fire.
Keep a spray bottle full of water next to the grill to extinguish any small flames before they spread.
Never leave the grill unattended.
Never use the grill while intoxicated.
Place used coals from the grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled off.

If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Signs Of A Broken Bone

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A broken bone is one of the most common injuries to happen In children and adults. A bone breaks when more pressure is applied to it than it can stand.

Broken bones or bone fractures are often caused by traumatic events such as a fall or a direct blow to the area. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or certain cancers can also lead to fractures. These are known as pathologic fractures.

How can you tell if a bone is broken? Here are a few telltale signs and symptoms:

Intense pain
Tenderness
Bleeding
Swelling
Bruising or discoloration
Numbness or tingling
Bone protruding from the skin or a bump at the site
Deformity ( where the injured body part looks crooked or different than it did before)
Limited mobility or inability to move a limb
Inability to bear weight on the affected limb

If you suspect someone has broken a bone, you should examine the site and other parts of the body for injuries. The person must receive medical attention right away. Call 911 immediately if you think someone has broken bones in their spine.

Broken bones can be diagnosed by performing a physical examination, and using imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Treatment for bone fractures can involve medications, a splint, a brace or cast, or surgery.

The Flushing Hospital Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging services. Our medical team consists of highly qualified Board Certified and fellowship-trained professionals. The department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which signifies a higher quality examination and care. To schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital’s radiology department, call 718- 670-5458.

The MediSys Health Network Launches New Healthcare App

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

The MediSys Health Network (Comprised of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center) is pleased to announce the launch of its new application and comprehensive patient platform, MediSys Connect.

The MediSys Connect app is an ideal companion for patient health. The app is integrated with an intuitive platform that gives patients a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing them to manage their healthcare conveniently from their mobile devices.

With MediSys Connect, patients can seamlessly search for healthcare providers and schedule their appointments in just a few clicks. The platform’s Find-A-Doctor feature offers a wide selection of providers, with over 100 specialties to choose from. Patients can also utilize a messaging tool within the app to securely and directly communicate with their physicians.

Other key tools allow patients to:

View test results
View medication lists
Request medication refills
Stay informed about past and upcoming appointments
eCheck-in for upcoming appointments
Enroll for paperless statements
View billing account summaries and statements
View signed and scanned documents
Manage payments
Effortlessly retrieve medical records.

In addition to these user-friendly tools, MediSys Connect provides access to newsletters and podcasts. Here, patients can stay informed by reading articles or listening to trusted healthcare experts discuss various medical and lifestyle topics.

The MediSys Health Network encourages patients to download the MediSys Connect app and explore the state-of-the-art features.

Whether you’re a guest user, a Medisys Connect member, or have a MyChart account, the platform is easy to navigate. It is designed to provide a positive and personalized healthcare experience. Information provided on the platform is available in multiple languages to help members of the network’s culturally diverse patient population manage their health.

New users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. They can sign up by providing their name, birth date, and address. MyChart users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and log in with their existing credentials from MyChart.