Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, is a surgical treatment for severe obesity that involves making changes to the digestive system. It is performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when a person is at risk for serious health problems due to their weight.

There are several myths and misconceptions about bariatric surgery and its outcomes, including:

Bariatric surgery is unnecessary, and people just need to eat less and exercise more
Bariatric surgery is dangerous
Bariatric surgery will make a person thin
Bariatric surgery and weight loss will make a person happy and improve their relationships
Bariatric surgery will prevent a person from overeating
Bariatric surgery is an easy way out
Most people will gain the weight back after surgery

Bariatric surgery can be a lifesaving solution for many people who are overweight. Bariatric surgery, along with a commitment to lifestyle changes, not only provides long-term weight loss but it significantly improves the health and quality of life for many.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 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.

Should You Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Brushing and flossing are the most important measures for supporting your oral health. However, rinsing with mouthwash as an addition to these oral health care practices is a simple way to get more out of your dental hygiene routine.

There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic.

Therapeutic mouthwash usually contains active ingredients that fight off harmful bacteria, help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. If they have fluoride, they can also help prevent tooth decay.

Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in your mouth, but they do not help prevent cavities or gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush can’t, which can help reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, the American Academy of Periodontology notes that untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss, but using mouthwash can help boost your prevention efforts.

Using mouthwash has many benefits, including:

It freshens your breath
It reduces plaque
It prevents gingivitis
It prevents cavities
It promotes overall dental health

Mouthwash can enhance your oral care routine. However, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference. However, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product’s ingredients, so it is important to check the label on your product to ensure that you maximize its effects.

It is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. If you would like to receive a checkup, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine by calling (718) 670-5521.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a patient requires a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider and surgical team determine the most appropriate surgical method based on the patient’s condition. Two types of surgical methods that can be used are laparoscopic and robotic.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed by hand and involves the use of a thin rod with a two-dimensional camera attached, called a laparoscope, which helps the surgeon visualize the abdominal and pelvic cavities through tiny keyhole incisions.

Robotic surgery is also a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, a surgeon performs surgical procedures using a robotic device. The device features a three-dimensional camera and a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human hand.

There are several advantages of laparoscopic surgery, including:

· It causes less trauma to the abdominal wall and inside of the stomach

· It causes less blood loss and a lower risk of hemorrhage

· It leaves smaller scars

· It causes less risk of infection

· It allows for a shorter hospital stay

· It has a faster recovery time

· It causes less pain during healing

Laparoscopic surgery can also have its disadvantages, including:

· It can only be performed by a surgeon with laparoscopic surgical training

· It can cause bleeding from the incision

· It can cause injury to nearby organs and blood vessels

· It can be expensive, especially if multiple procedures are needed

Robotic surgery can have several advantages, including:

· It is more precise and accurate than laparoscopic surgery

· It is less invasive

· It reduces blood loss

· It has a faster recovery time

· It creates fewer scars

· It gives the surgeon a better range of motion

· It gives the surgeon a better view of the surgical site, leading to more accurate and effective surgeries

The disadvantages of robotic surgery include:

· It gives the surgeon limited tactile feedback- It may not provide the same feedback as a surgeon’s hands.

· There can be technical difficulties, which are extremely rare.

Both laparoscopic and robotic surgery have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the patient’s needs and what the healthcare provider and surgical team deem as the best course of action for that patient. For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Chair Exercises for Older Adults

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity can reduce not only the risk of heart disease but also cognitive decline. It can also help you to sustain your ability to perform everyday activities. Maintaining physical fitness as we age becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. However, for many older adults, high-impact workouts may not be suitable or comfortable, especially if they have challenges with balance or mobility.

Fortunately, engaging in seated or standing chair-based exercises has many health benefits that can help older adults stay active safely.

Doing chair-based exercises offers many health benefits to older adults, including:

Improved flexibility
Improved balance
Improved stamina and endurance
Helps build strength
Helps burn calories
Helps maintain muscle mass
Contributes to weight management

Some seated chair-based exercises include:

Seated leg extensions
Pelvic tilts
Seated calf raises
Toe raises
Shoulder blade squeezes
Thigh squeezes
Arm raises
Bicep curls
Seated marches
Side bend stretches
Seated shoulder stretches
Seated hamstring stretches
Seated neck rotations
Sit-to-stands
Knee extensions
Seated torso twists

Some standing chair-based exercises include:

Standing leg curls
Chair planks
Standing side leg raises
Calf raises
Standing marches
Standing torso twists

Older adults should aim to do chair-based exercises regularly. It is recommended to engage in these exercises at least two to three times a week to maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits.

Whether you are looking to maintain your current level of fitness or start a new journey towards better health, these chair-based exercises offer a safe and effective way to achieve your goals.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

National Primary Care Week

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

National Primary Care Week is celebrated from October 6^th through October 11^th. It is a time to raise awareness about family medicine and to thank the doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and healthcare teams who help keep us healthy every day.

Primary care is the first stop you make when you’re sick, require a checkup, or have any questions about your health. These are the family doctors, pediatricians, or nurse practitioners who know you best and help you to stay healthy, catch problems early, and guide you when you need more care. They don’t just treat you when you are ill; they help keep you well.

Primary care providers do more than administer shots or check blood pressure. They listen to a patient’s concerns, help manage long-term conditions such as diabetes or asthma, and refer you to specialists when needed. They also help with mental health, food and housing needs, and other factors that may affect your well-being.

Here are some ways you can participate in National Primary Care Week:

Schedule a checkup if you haven’t had one in a while
Update your health records to make sure your healthcare provider has your latest information
Thank your doctor or nurse for the care they give
Learn more about what your primary care provider can do for you
Talk to family and friends about the importance of having a primary care provider

If you would like to receive a checkup, you can receive treatment from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How Having a Sedentary Job Contributes to a Higher Risk of Insomnia

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to a study published on January 7^th, 2025, by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, people with sedentary jobs, an estimated 80% of the workforce, have a much higher risk of experiencing insomnia compared with people who are active at work. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A sedentary job is any job that requires an employee to sit for about six hours of an eight-hour workday.

Researchers surveyed nearly 1,300 people twice over a span of ten years, inquiring about their job schedules and physical activity levels while at work. They also asked about the participants’ sleep habits, identifying three sleep health categories: good sleepers, insomnia-like sleepers, and catch-up sleepers.

Good sleepers are people who exhibit optimal sleep patterns, such as regular sleep cycles with low levels of daytime tiredness.

Insomnia-like sleepers are people who experience short sleep cycles and higher levels of daytime fatigue.

Catch-up sleepers fall between both groups and often rely on naps or extra weekend sleep to compensate for irregular sleeping patterns.

Compared to active work, sedentary work was 37% likely to lead to a variety of insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and frequent daytime tiredness. The findings of the study also indicated that workers who fall into a pattern of poor sleep due to their job design (defined as elements such as the amount of technology used at work, levels of physical activity, and work schedules, and specifically the time of day when the employee works) can end up stuck in such unhealthy patterns for many years. Insomnia-like sleepers, for example, reported their symptoms persisted ten years later, at the end of the study.

Those experiencing insomnia may have the following symptoms:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
Feeling cranky, depressed, or anxious
Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering
Making more errors or having more accidents
Having ongoing worries about sleep

If you are experiencing insomnia, there are several ways you can improve your sleep, including:

Taking short breaks throughout the day to move
Unplugging smartphones and computers two hours before bedtime
Using light exposure to readjust your circadian rhythms if you work a night shift

If you are experiencing symptoms of insomnia, you can learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October 5th-11th is observed as Mental Illness Awareness Week, with World Mental Health Day being celebrated on October 10th.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is at the forefront of advocating for those who are struggling with their mental health. NAMI’s goals are to raise awareness of mental illnesses, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Through NAMI’s advocacy, Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week, as the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges was recognized.

Mental Illness Awareness Week has become a time when mental health advocates across the country come together as one unified voice to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health.

Millions of people live with a mental illness. One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition annually. Mental illness not only affects the person who has the illness, but it also affects everyone around them, such as their friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them.

No one should face their mental health challenges alone. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein sometimes found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.

When a person has celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in the small intestines. The immune system sends inflammatory cells and antibodies to destroy the gluten molecules. Over time, this reaction can damage the lining of the small intestine, which prevents it from absorbing nutrients. This condition is called malabsorption. It can also lead to malnutrition and many other conditions that follow from the lack of different nutrients.

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. They can also be different in children and adults. Digestive symptoms for adults include:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Belly pain
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation

However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, including:

Anemia
Osteoporosis
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Mouth ulcers
Headaches and fatigue
Nervous system injury, including numbness, tingling in the feet and hands, as well as possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment
Joint pain
Hyposplenism
Elevated liver enzymes

Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including

Nausea and vomiting
Chronic diarrhea
Swollen belly
Constipation
Gas
Pale, foul-smelling stools

For children who aren’t able to absorb nutrients, it may cause:

Failure to thrive in infants
Damage to tooth enamel
Weight loss
Anemia
Irritability
Short stature
Delayed puberty
Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures

Celiac disease is most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. It is estimated to affect 1% of the populations of Europe and North America. A person has a 10% chance of developing the disease if they have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or child, who has it. About 97% of people diagnosed with celiac disease have a recognizable gene variant associated it with it.

A person’s genes, combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors, can contribute to celiac disease. However, the precise cause isn’t known. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional distress.

Several risk factors cause celiac disease to be more common in people who have:

A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
Type 1 diabetes
Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Turner syndrome
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Microscopic colitis
Addison’s disease

Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. However, two blood tests can help diagnose it:

Serology testing
Genetic testing

It is important to be tested for celiac disease before trying a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from your diet might make the results of the blood tests appear in the standard range.

The first and most important step in treating and the only way to manage celiac disease, is to stop eating gluten and adopt a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. You can’t change the way your body reacts to gluten, but you can prevent gluten from triggering a reaction. Additional treatments may include:

Nutritional supplements
Specific medications
Corticosteroids
Continuous follow-up care

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or dietitian at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What Are the Healthiest Oils to Cook With?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When you are cooking with oil, it is important to choose the right cooking oils, as it is essential for both flavor and health.

An easy way to do this is to choose non-tropical vegetable oils to cook and prepare food. Nontropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in temperate climates and are healthier alternatives to tropical oils, and are rich in unsaturated fats. Tropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in warm tropical climates, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil.

When you are shopping for healthy oils, choose oils with less than four grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and no partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some common cooking oils that contain more of the “better for you” fats and less saturated fat include:

Canola oil
Corn oil
Olive oil
Peanut oil
Safflower oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Vegetable oil

Blends or combinations of these oils, which are often labeled “vegetable oil”, and cooking sprays made from these oils are also good choices.

Some oils have distinctive flavors, so it is important to try different types to determine which oils you prefer. Additionally, some oils are better for certain types of cooking than others, so you may want to have more than one type of oil in your pantry.

Some ways you can use healthy oils include:

Making your own salad dressings, marinades, dips, and sauces
Grilling, sautéing, baking, or roasting foods
Coating pans to keep food from sticking
Lightly drizzling them on foods for flavor
“Seasoning” cast-iron cookware
Substituting oil for butter, stick margarine, or solid fats

Here are some tips for cooking with healthy oils:

If your oil starts to smoke or catch fire, don’t use it. Oil starts to degrade once it reaches its smoking point
If the oil smells bad, don’t use it and throw it away. When oil is stored for too long, it can become oxidized or rancid, and it has a distinct smell
Do not reuse or reheat any cooking oil
Buy oil in smaller containers if you don’t use it frequently. This will allow you to use it before it expires
Store your healthy oils in a dark, cool place

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s nutritional services, you can visit the Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Stomatitis

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stomatitis, or oral mucositis, is inflammation in the mucous membranes, or mucosa, that line the mouth or lips. The most common types are cold sores and canker sores.

Other less common types of stomatitis include:

Angular cheilitis
Thrush
Contact stomatitis
Denture stomatitis
Gingivostomatitis
Nicotine stomatitis

Stomatitis can have many causes, including:

Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth injuries
Allergic reactions or mouth irritation
Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Certain medications
Systemic conditions such as Bechet’s disease and celiac disease
Skin conditions such as Bullous pemphigoid and lichen planus
Nutritional deficiencies

Signs and symptoms of stomatitis include:

Redness and swelling inside the mouth
A tiny blister, or cluster of blisters, that appears on or around the lips
One or more sores inside the mouth that are usually white, gray, or yellow, with a red border
White or gray patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or inside the cheeks
The sensation that the tongue and the roof of the mouth are burning
Mild to severe pain or discomfort that may make it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk

Many factors put you more at risk of developing stomatitis, such as:

Not regularly cleaning your teeth
Having dry mouth

Stomatitis can cause various complications. The pain and swelling that stomatitis causes can be so severe that it hurts to eat or drink. This can cause someone to skip meals. However, not getting the nutrients or fluids you need can pose serious health risks such as malnutrition and dehydration.

Although infections can cause stomatitis, they can also cause another complication that can make you more vulnerable to germs, which can trigger more inflammation and tissue damage when you have an injured mucosa.

To diagnose stomatitis, a healthcare provider may look for visible signs of more recognizable types of stomatitis, such as canker sores and cold sores, just by looking at them. Reviewing your symptoms and medical history can help as well. For instance, if you are receiving cancer treatment, your doctor may conclude that your oral stomatitis is a side effect of treatment.

You may also need tests to diagnose stomatitis, such as:

Tests to check for viruses, bacteria, and fungi
Blood tests to check your overall health or for signs of systemic diseases
Allergy tests to check for allergens causing stomatitis
A biopsy to check for unusual cells that may be signs of a more serious condition

The treatment for stomatitis depends on what is causing it. The only way to cure stomatitis is to treat or manage the issue that is creating the problems. Treatments can include:

Over-the-counter medications for canker sores and cold sores
Prescription medications for infections such as antivirals, antibiotics, and antifungals.
Vitamins or supplements that give you the nutrients you need
Staying away from foods or products that trigger inflammation
Practicing good oral hygiene to keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria while your mouth heals

All causes of stomatitis can’t be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of developing it by doing the following:

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental cleanings
Eating balanced meals and drinking enough water daily
Choosing not to smoke or use tobacco, or quitting if you do
Avoiding sharing foods, drinks, or lip balm, and intimate contact with someone with a cold sore

If you’re experiencing symptoms of stomatitis, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.