Men’s Health Month- Depression in Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This time is used to raise awareness of health problems affecting men and boys.

One health problem affecting men and boys is depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.

Depression symptoms can differ in men and women. Men tend to use different, healthy, and unhealthy coping skills than women. It isn’t clear why depression affects men differently from women, but these differences could be due to factors such as brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences.

These differences may also result from the traditional male role, which discourages men from expressing their emotions and instead encourages the pursuit of power, success, and competition.

Men with depression may exhibit similar signs and symptoms of depression that women do, such as:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness

Feeling very tired

Having a hard time sleeping or sleeping too much

Not getting the same enjoyment or pleasure from their favorite hobbies and activities

Other behaviors in men that could be symptoms of depression include:

Irritability or anger that can get out of control

Problems getting along with their spouse, partner, family members, friends, and others

Controlling, violent, or abusive behavior

Problems with alcohol or drugs

Engaging in escapist behavior, such as spending excessive time at work or on sports

Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, and pain

Reckless behaviors, such as reckless driving

In addition to depression affecting the mind, it can also affect the body. Typical physical symptoms are changes in appetite and sleep habits. Depression in men can also cause:

Low sex drive

Erectile dysfunction

Trouble having an orgasm

Not getting help for depression will only make it worse. It can cause damage to relationships, careers, and health.

Depression in men can have severe consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the U.S. are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and 75 to 80 percent of all people who kill themselves in the U.S. are men. This may be due to men tending to use more harmful and violent ways to do so, such as using a gun instead of overdosing on pills.

Experiencing depression is not usually a normal part of aging, but it is common for older men. Several things can lead to depression in older men, including:

Health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain

Stressful life events, such as the death of friends and loved ones, being diagnosed with an illness, or taking care of a partner who is sick or disabled

Social isolation, such as not spending time with work friends or neighbors moving away, can cause the loss of social connections. Feeling lonely and isolated is a top risk factor for depression

Sleep issues, such as falling asleep during the day, waking up at night, and getting less overall sleep, are more likely to result in experiencing depression

More than 80 percent of the people who suffer from depression, men and women, can successfully be treated with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Other treatment options include brain stimulation techniques, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

It might be difficult to ask for help. However, if you have been struggling with drastic changes in your emotions or behavior for more than a few weeks, it is time to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment with a mental health professional can help you to:

Learn ways to manage stress

Think about your emotions and coping strategies

Seek out emotional support

Try to stay on a regular schedule and make healthy life choices

Learn to adjust your way of thinking

Set realistic goals

Decide what is important in your life

Wait until you get better before making any important decisions

Participate in activities you previously enjoyed

If you are having thoughts of suicide, but aren’t thinking about immediately harming yourself, seek help by:

Calling a suicide crisis center hotline

Making an appointment with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional

Reaching out to a loved one or close friend, even though it may be difficult to talk about your feelings

Talking to a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your faith community

Joining a men’s health group that deals with depression

If you think you may harm yourself or have thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

Asking for help can be difficult for men. However, without treatment, depression won’t go away, and it may get worse. You don’t have to deal with male depression on your own.

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

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.

Ebola Disease

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Ebola disease is a rare and severe illness that can be fatal if it isn’t immediately treated. Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. They include:

Ebola virus (EBOV), which causes Ebola virus disease

Sudan virus (SUDV), which causes Sudan virus disease

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which causes Bundibugyo virus disease

Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly diseases, with a mortality rate as high as 80-90 percent.

Ebola doesn’t spread the same way as other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID. You cannot get it from being near someone.

People can get infected with Ebola disease in two ways:

Through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has been infected or has died from the disease

Through direct contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with bodily fluids from a person sick with the disease

People can’t transmit the disease before they have symptoms. However, they will remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies from two to 21 days. However, symptoms begin eight to ten days after exposure to the virus.

The symptoms of Ebola disease can be “dry” in the early stages of the illness and become “wet” as the illness progresses. Dry Ebola disease symptoms include:

Fever

Aches

Pains

Fatigue

Sore throat

Wet Ebola disease symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Unexplained bleeding

Loss of appetite

If you live in or are traveling to regions where Ebola disease has been diagnosed, or is suspected, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of people who are sick, which include their blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid

Avoiding direct contact with items that have touched an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, such as their clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or any other items that may be contaminated

Avoiding direct contact with the body of someone who was suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease, such as part of any funeral or burial practices

Avoiding the blood, fluids, or raw meat from bats, forest antelopes, primates, or unknown animals

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you encounter people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and bodily fluids, or objects contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids

Monitoring your health for 21 days after returning from an area with an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. It is important to get medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease

Healthcare providers can diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive by ordering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. They can also perform blood tests for orthoebulavirus antibodies to determine whether a patient recently had Ebola.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ervebo, a vaccine that prevents Ebola disease in 2019, and two treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, to treat an Ebola disease infection in adults and children in 2020.

Additionally, other treatments such as fluids and electrolytes administered by mouth or intravenously, medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, to manage fever and pain, and treatment for other infections give patients a better chance of surviving an Ebola disease infection.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Ebola disease, immediately call your local health department or the nearest hospital emergency room, before visiting in person.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of understanding what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care of your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

Different types of dementia include:

Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease

Frontotemporal Dementia

Huntington’s Disease

Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time and place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Fueling upright: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help reduce the risk.

Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building a piece of furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short—and long-term benefits for your brain.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Summer Recipe: Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is approaching, and many fruits and vegetables are coming into season. Here is a recipe for rigatoni with summer bolognese made with seasonal vegetables, a flavorful way to enjoy a relaxing summer evening.

Labile Hypertension

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Labile hypertension means your blood pressure goes up and down in a way that can be difficult to predict and manage with medications. This is not an official diagnosis. Instead, it is more of an informal, descriptive term.

Blood pressure normally fluctuates throughout the day, even within minutes, based on what you are doing. However, sudden emotional distress, such as feeling very stressed or anxious, causes your sympathetic nervous system to react.

The exact triggers for labile hypertension vary from person to person. Some people have emotional triggers. Other people can have triggers, such as:

Physical activity

Salty foods

Alcohol

Lack of sleep

Your body position

To support normal blood flow, your body must adapt to these changes. However, with labile hypertension, your blood pressure spikes to levels that would not be healthy if you had them all the time.

There is no reason to worry if your blood pressure is in the normal range. Labile hypertension usually isn’t dangerous and doesn’t require treatment. However, it is a good idea to tell your healthcare provider about any high blood pressure readings, so they are aware of them. Your healthcare provider may want to keep a closer eye on your blood pressure in case you need treatment at some point.

You can have labile hypertension without noticing. However, it is common to experience symptoms that come on rapidly, in response to stress, and dissipate once you feel better emotionally. You may feel symptoms such as:

A headache

Heart palpitations

Heavy sweating

Flushing or a warm sensation in the upper body

A healthcare provider may determine that you have labile hypertension if they observe a pattern of blood pressures that fluctuate unpredictably, which can make it difficult to manage.

A healthcare provider may perform tests such as “orthostatic” vital signs, which means checking your blood pressure while you’re in different positions.

A healthcare provider may also consider looking for neurological causes of labile blood pressure or evidence of stiffening in your aorta and blood vessels, as both can lead to sudden changes in blood pressure.

If your blood pressure spikes while at home, you can use a home blood pressure monitor that saves a history of your readings to share with your healthcare provider. They may ask you to do ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, which measures your blood pressure many times over 24 hours. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors show your average readings during the day and night, which can show if you have high blood pressure all the time or only at certain times.

There isn’t a threshold for what is considered to be labile hypertension. However, research shows that it is common to have a systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg or higher.

A healthcare provider will prescribe medicine to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. It may take several tries to prescribe medications to level your blood pressure throughout the day. Prescription medications may include taking certain, longer-acting blood pressure medications. A healthcare provider may also suggest taking medications at certain times of the day, such as at specific times in the morning, at night, or with certain triggers.

It is difficult to treat labile hypertension. However, documenting your blood pressure readings accurately and working with your healthcare provider can help make a difference.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of labile hypertension, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

GLP-1 Microdosing

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 antagonists are, however, a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become popular over the past few years to help people lose weight.

Recently, however, some people have been microdosing GLP-1 medications as their preferred way to take these medications. Microdosing means taking much smaller doses than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

People may microdose GLP-1 medications for many reasons, including:

They have hit their target weight goal

They have concerns about the cost of the medications

They are sensitive to the side effects of the medications

They want to just suppress their appetite

They are worried about the supply of the medications

Microdosing GLP-1 medications can come with real risks, including:

Inaccurate doses

Reduced effectiveness

Unpredictable outcomes

Possibility of regaining weight

No data on the long-term effects of microdosing

Minimal oversight

Large clinical trials have confirmed that the standard GLP-1 doses work well when helping people lose weight and manage Type 2 diabetes. What’s more, precise doses have proven benefits for heart, liver, and kidney health. Taking very low doses may not provide the same results.

Additionally, smaller GLP-1 doses may help reduce symptoms such as nausea or an upset stomach. However, microdosing may prevent you from reaching the effective dose needed to make significant changes in your body weight or blood sugar levels. In many cases, the side effects of GLP-1 treatment are temporary. GLP-1 dosage schedules are intended to increase doses gradually to help balance their benefits and potential side effects.

GLP-1 medications affect people differently. Some people may see substantial benefits even at lower doses. However, other people may not see their benefits at full doses.

Before you consider microdosing GLP-1 medications, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about these treatments. Here are some things to consider:

If the GLP-1 medication is off-label, it is an unproven treatment

The health benefits for those who don’t have Type 2 diabetes or a high body mass index (BMI) are unproven

Taking smaller doses doesn’t make them risk-free

As an alternative to taking GLP-1 medications, here are some proven ways to support metabolic and overall health naturally:

Exercising regularly

Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Managing stress

Getting enough restful sleep

Eating certain foods and taking supplements

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.

Shigella Virus

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Shigella virus or infection is an illness that affects the intestine and is caused by a group of germs called Shigella bacteria.

A Shigella infection mostly affects children under the age of five, but it can happen at any age. The germs that cause a shigella infection are easily spread through an infected person’s stool. An infection occurs after the germs are swallowed after either touching your mouth, drinking tainted water, or eating tainted food, or due to them being present on fingers, surfaces, or in food or water.

The main symptom of a Shigella infection is diarrhea, which can be bloody or long-lasting. Other Shigella infection symptoms can include:

Fever

Stomach pain or cramps

An upset stomach or vomiting

A feeling of needing to pass stool even when the bowel is empty

The symptoms of a Shigella infection tend to last for up to seven days and sometimes longer. Some people can have no symptoms after they have been infected with Shigella; however, the germs may be able to spread through stool for up to a few weeks.

It may take weeks or months before you return to your usual bowel habits, and most Shigella infections clear up without leading to other complications, such as dehydration, seizures, rectal prolapse, hemolytic uremic syndrome, toxic megacolon, reactive arthritis, and bloodstream infections.

It is important to call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care if you or your child has the following:

Bloody diarrhea

Diarrhea along with a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Diarrhea that causes weight loss and dehydration

Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down

Terrible cramps or tenderness

Dehydration symptoms, such as little or no urination, very dry mouth or throat, or a feeling of dizziness while standing

If you have a weakened immune system with any symptoms of a Shigella infection, call your healthcare provider, as the illness will make you sicker for a longer period.

Diagnosing a Shigella infection involves a physical exam and tests to determine if you have the illness, as many other health conditions can cause diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. A stool sample can be collected by you or your healthcare provider; it will be sent to a lab to check for Shigella germs or toxins, which are harmful substances the germs make.

Treatment for a Shigella infection depends on the severity of the illness. An illness caused by a Shigella infection is usually mild and gets better within seven days. If the illness is mild, you may only need to replace lost fluids from diarrhea, especially if you are in overall good health.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any non-prescription diarrhea medicine, as these medicines could make some conditions worse.

If a lab test is positive for the Shigella virus, non-prescription medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate can help pass stool less often and shorten the length of the illness. However, it is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or people who are allergic to aspirin.

Additionally, do not take diarrhea medicines such as loperamide or medicines containing the combination of diphenoxylate and atropine, as they are not recommended for a Shigella infection. This combination of medicines can lower the body’s ability to clear Shigella germs and make your condition worse.

Antibiotics are prescribed by a healthcare provider if there is a serious Shigella infection. However, some Shigella bacteria can resist the effects of these medicines, so your healthcare provider may not recommend them unless your infection is very bad.

To help prevent a Shigella infection, follow these steps:

Wash your hands often

Try not to swallow water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools

Throw away soiled diapers in a covered, lined garbage can

Disinfect all diaper-changing areas right after use, especially if the diaper spills or leaks

Do not have sexual contact with anyone who has diarrhea or who has recently recovered from diarrhea. Wait at least two weeks

If you or your child has diarrhea or a known Shigella infection, take these steps to prevent the spread of germs:

Keep washing your hands often

Do not prepare food for others

Keep children with diarrhea home from school, childcare, or play groups

Stay home from healthcare, food service, or childcare jobs while sick

Do not go swimming until you have fully recovered

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a Shigella infection, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Centering Pregnancy at Flushing Hospital

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is committed to providing the best possible prenatal care to our patients. That is why we are offering Centering Pregnancy to our expectant parents.

Centering Pregnancy is an innovative prenatal model designed to promote the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby. Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small-group sessions for medical care, education, and emotional support, fostering meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments. Here, participants share with and learn from each other during the course of their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

Some of the topics covered in these sessions, designed to promote health and well-being during the pregnancy and postpartum period, include:

The progression of their pregnancy

Relaxation techniques

Common discomforts and how to resolve them

Nutrition during pregnancy

What to expect during labor and delivery

Newborn feeding, including breastfeeding

Newborn care

Games are played to help the learning process and to assist in building friendships between the participants. After the educational session, there is a question-and-answer period.

Expectant mothers are actively involved in their care as they share similar experiences with women during the same stage of pregnancy. Moms and providers can relax and get to know each other. Many long-lasting friendships are formed from being involved in Centering Pregnancy.

Studies show that women who participate in Centering Pregnancy programs tend to experience:

Fewer preterm births (33 percent fewer, according to some research)

Lower rates of emergency C-sections

Higher rates of breastfeeding

Better engagement in their own health

Improved spacing between pregnancies

Better well-child visit attendance and immunization rates

Lower rates of postpartum depression

Dramatically reduced racial disparities in preterm birth, especially among African American women

“The Centering Pregnancy has proven to be overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing satisfaction with the group setting and the support they receive. Expectant women learn together, feel less isolated, and share their questions and experiences. Empowering women and allaying fears throughout pregnancy and after birth has been a benefit of Centering Pregnancy,” said Maria DeMarinis Smilios, MSN, CNS, RNC, IBCLC, Director of Nursing-Maternal & Child Services and Ambulatory Care

These are the many benefits of Centering Pregnancy compared to traditional care. There is no extra charge for this type of prenatal care when compared to traditional prenatal care.

For more information and to schedule for Centering Pregnancy, call 718 670-8992.

Preeclampsia Awareness Week

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this potentially fatal pregnancy condition.

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that occurs around the 20th week during pregnancy and lasts about six weeks after birth. It is characterized by symptoms, such as high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and can cause major difficulties for the mother and baby if the condition isn’t monitored and managed.

Other symptoms of preeclampsia include:

Severe headache

Swelling in the hands and face

Vision problems

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the stomach or abdomen

Sudden weight gain

Shortness of breath

Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia include:

Severe headache

Vision changes

Swelling of the hands and face

Difficulty breathing

It is important to note that the shorter the time between diagnosis and treatment, the better the outcomes for the mother and baby.

Preeclampsia and related hypertension diseases of pregnancy (HDPs) affect approximately 76,000 mothers and 500,000 newborns every year and are the leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death in the U.S. and worldwide.

According to a report done by the Preeclampsia Foundation based on survey data, which analyzed knowledge from almost 3,000 new and expectant mothers that closely represent the demographics of the U.S. population, found that 80% of new and expectant mothers are aware of preeclampsia as a dangerous high blood pressure condition related to pregnancy. However, only 8% of them can correctly name all its major symptoms, and only 29% expressed fear that it may impact their own pregnancy.

Here are some additional statistics about preeclampsia:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 5%-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. They include:

Preeclampsia, with or without features

Eclampsia

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome

Gestational hypertension

Black women experience severe maternal morbidity events at 2.1 times the rate of white women

Most maternal and infant deaths caused by HDPs occur in low- and middle-income countries

The U.S. ranks 47th worldwide for maternal mortality, and is the only industrialized nation with a rising maternal mortality rate

Sixty percent of hypertension-related maternal deaths are potentially preventable, which highlights missed opportunities for appropriate, recommended care of maternal hypertension

There are several ways to improve outcomes for women affected by preeclampsia, including:

Screening for risk factors and early hypertension control, nutrition, and exercise, which may help decrease rates of preeclampsia

Providing easy-to-understand preeclampsia signs and symptoms education tools to improve patient understanding of these, and to discuss with their healthcare providers

Supporting prenatal quality collaboratives that help hospitals to implement care practices that reduce early delivery and reduce severe pregnancy complications

Providing access to midwives, doulas, and other trained childbirth attendants throughout the prenatal, labor, and delivery, and postpartum periods. This can improve pregnancy outcomes for all moms, especially those in the BIPOC community

Encouraging and instructing prenatal and postpartum patients on self-measured blood pressure protocols. Pregnancy is the perfect time for women to check, know, and share their blood pressure readings

Standardizing and providing care guidelines on the leading causes of maternal mortality, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This has been shown to decrease maternal illness and death

Preeclampsia rates in the U.S. are on the rise. It is important that all women know the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for developing high blood pressure during pregnancy, but also know they don’t need to have risk factors to develop it.

Flushing Hospital’s Women’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive care. Our services are provided by a highly skilled team of OBGYNs. For more information about gynecological services at FHMC’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, call us at (718) 670 8994.

Older Americans Month- Mobility Exercises as You Age

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Older Americans Month. It is a time when the contributions of older adults are recognized across the country.

As we get older, our joints may feel stiffer, and our balance and reactions might be slower. According to recent studies, over 30% of adults 65 years of age and older experience some form of mobility limitation.

Mobility for older adults usually means the ability to move freely and independently. It’s all about different aspects of activities and movement like walking, bending, reaching, and balancing.

For older adults, balance is extremely important, and those with limited mobility are at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year.

One way to reduce the risk of falling is by doing mobility exercises. Mobility exercises are low-impact movements that are designed to improve how joints move through their natural range of motion, while maintaining control and balance.

Mobility exercises promote active movement and coordination, and usually focus on:

Balance and coordination to prevent falls

The ankles and feet for walking stability

The hips and knees for standing, stepping, and going up and down stairs

The spine for posture and reaching

The shoulders for overhead and daily arm use

Doing mobility exercises regularly may help support:

Better balance and control of posture

Reduced stiffness from long periods of sitting

Easier walking and smoother transitions, such as going from sitting to standing and turning

Improved confidence when engaging in daily tasks

Long-term joint comfort and movement quality

Here are some mobility exercises to help improve joint movement, balance, and coordination:

Head rolls

Shoulder rolls

Arm circles

Ankle circles

Standing or seated hip circles

Standing or seated marches

Wrist flexibility exercises

Standing side leg swings

Heel-to-toe rocking

Sit-to-stands

Chair or floor cat-cows

Seated leg raises

Seated torse twists

Supported single-leg stands

Wall shoulder slides

It is important to note that you should stretch before engaging in any physical activity, so you don’t injure yourself. It is also important that you keep mobility training safe and effective by:

Moving slowly and with control

Using a chair, wall, or rail for support

Staying within a comfortable, pain-free range

Wearing supportive footwear

Stopping if dizziness, sharp pain, or discomfort occurs

Mobility exercises don’t just help maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls. They also help improve your mental well-being, heart health, and overall quality of life.

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.