Health Beat

When Should You Take Antibiotics?

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Antibiotics are medicines that are used to fight bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from growing and multiplying.

There are several classes or groups of antibiotics, they include:

Tetracyclines- used to treat rosacea and acne
Penicillins- can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including throat and ear infections
Cephalosporins- May be used to treat illnesses such as meningitis and pneumonia, and can be used to treat people who are allergic to penicillin
Aminoglycosides- which are often used in hospitals to treat serious infections

Healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat various medical problems and conditions such as strep throat, pink eye, E. coli, bacterial pneumonia or urinary tract infections. They can be taken orally, topically, or intravenously through injection.

Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections; therefore, they should not be used to treat viral infections or illnesses that are caused by viruses such as:

Most coughs
Influenza (the flu)
Stomach flu
Sinus infections caused by a virus

Antibiotics should only be taken when needed because overusing them to treat mild infections or illnesses that can go away on their own can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics. You can become susceptible to serious infections if resistance develops and antibiotics are ineffective.

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.

Who Should Get A Bone Density Test?

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Bone density is a measurement of the amount of mineral content (primarily consisting of calcium and phosphorus) in your bones.

Bones containing more minerals are considered dense. They are stronger and are less likely to fracture. Bones that have less minerals, and are more porous, are classified as bones with low density and are prone to develop conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Both conditions cause bones to become weak and susceptible to fractures.

Our bone density usually increases until we reach our peak bone mass, which occurs around the ages of 25 to 30, and remains stable until we reach the age of 50. After the age of 50, adults typically experience a decline in their bone mineral density. People who are also more likely to experience bone loss include those who:

Have certain health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes
Are taking certain medications such as prednisone
Have a decrease in estrogen due to menopause
Have low testosterone levels
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Smoke
Consume alcohol excessively
Have poor nutrition: especially a diet lacking calcium and vitamin D

A bone density test can help doctors determine how much mineral you have in your bones, and if you are at risk for complications. The most common test is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Test results will be reported as two scores: T-score and Z-score. A T-score shows how dense your bones are in comparison to those of a healthy young adult of the same sex, and a Z-score compares your bone density to those of someone your age, weight, sex, and ethnicity.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation strongly recommends bone density testing for:

Women aged 65 years and older
Men aged 70 years and older
Anyone who has broken a bone after the age of 50 years
Women aged 50-64 years with risk factors
Men aged 50-69 years with risk factors

If you are at risk for osteoporosis or health conditions that may develop due to bone loss, you must make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can order the appropriate tests and recommend lifestyle changes that can help protect the bone density you have left.

To schedule an appointment with an orthopedist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

West Nile Virus

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

West Nile Virus is a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Named after the West Nile district of Uganda where it was first identified, the virus can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-transmitted virus in the U.S., with cases reported in 49 states. There have been over 51,000 symptomatic cases in the U.S. since the first cases in the country were discovered by the late Dr. Deborah Asnis here at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 1999.

The symptoms of West Nile virus include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
A rash that is concentrated around the chest and back
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throat
Pain behind the eyes

West Nile virus can cause serious infections like encephalitis and meningitis. Their symptoms include:

An intense, painful headache
A high fever above 103 degrees
A stiff neck
Confusion
Muscle weakness
Uncontrollable muscle movements such as tremors and convulsions
Seizures
Paralysis
Coma

West Nile virus can be diagnosed by testing your blood or cerebrospinal fluid to look for antibodies or other signs of infection. These tests are only performed if you’re seriously ill.

If you have signs of brain inflammation, you will need your brain scanned using a CT scan or MRI.

There are no specific medicines available to treat West Nile virus. Please note that antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications may relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to West Nile virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. With children going back to school, it is important to get their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are critical in identifying problems early which ensures your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and their overall well-being.

Children are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries
Infections
Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes. They include:

Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed
Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
Their eyes are watery or inflamed
They rub their eyes a lot
They close or cover one eye
They tilt their head forward
They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
They hold objects close to their eyes to see
They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams
Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
Limiting screen time
Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Immunization Awareness Month or NIAM. It is an annual observance highlighting the importance of getting routine vaccinations for people of all ages.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect our bodies against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters disease-causing organisms.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, influenza (flu), and both HPV and hepatitis B which are leading causes of cancer.

Getting vaccinated also helps keep your family and community healthy, as vaccinations can help lessen the severity of illness and keep diseases from spreading. Additionally, vaccinations help protect those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you or a loved one would like to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment for you or a loved one to get up to date on vaccinations, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

Diverticulitis

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Diverticulitis is caused when the diverticula- irregular bulging pouches in the colon wall develop over time and become inflamed, tear, swell, and become infected. Diverticula can form due to spasms or straining.

Pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom of diverticulitis. Other symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
Changes in stool which include constipation or diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
A distended abdomen

Diverticulitis is more common in people over 50. Other factors that put you at risk of diverticulitis include:

Obesity
Smoking
A low-fiber diet
A high-red meat diet
Heavy alcohol use
Lack of exercise.
Low vitamin D levels
Certain medicines such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Many conditions can cause pain and other symptoms related to diverticulitis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam where they gently touch different parts of the abdomen to learn where the pain and tenderness are.

They may also order laboratory tests to determine what is causing your symptoms and use them to rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis. These tests include:

Blood tests for signs of infection and immune system activity.
Urine test
Stool test
Pregnancy test
Liver enzyme test to rule out liver disease.

A CT scan can show inflamed diverticula, abscesses, fistulas, or other complications.

There are many ways to help prevent diverticulitis including:

Exercising regularly.
Eating a high-fiber diet.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Limiting alcohol use and quitting smoking.

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is when there are mild symptoms and no complications, and you can be treated at home. A healthcare provider will recommend a liquid diet and then a gradual increase to low-fiber solid foods. You may also be prescribed antibiotics.

Complicated diverticulitis is when the symptoms are serious and there are signs of complications. You will need to be in the hospital for treatment.

Surgery on the colon may be performed if complicated diverticulitis is diagnosed. Other reasons surgery may be needed include:

Complications include ruptures in the colon wall, fistulas, or other serious tissue damage.
There were multiple episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis.
You have a weakened immune system.

Surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. Two procedures used for treating diverticulitis include:

The diseased section of the colon is removed. The remaining healthy tissues are connected to recreate a complete colon.
The healthy section and the diseased section are separated. The healthy section is directed to an opening in the abdomen wall. Waste is collected using a colostomy bag giving the diseased section time to heal. When it is healed, the two sections are reconnected, and the opening in the abdomen wall is closed.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of diverticulitis and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Isabel Ortiz, RNC

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in the NICU, Isabel Ortiz, RNC. Isabel began her career in the Flushing Hospital Medical Center NICU 36 years ago.

Isabel’s nursing career began in Puerto Rico where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked there for the first three years of her nursing career. Her entire career at Flushing Hospital has been spent working in the NICU which she finds to be very fulfilling on many levels. Taking care of NICU patients can have many challenges but is very rewarding when she sees her patients thrive and go on to live happy lives.

In addition to caring for her patients, she also spends a lot of time with assisting their parents. Isabel feels a strong connection to the community. Being bilingual (English and Spanish) helps her to communicate well with many patients and families.

Isabel enjoys working with the NICU team. They have become like family to her. They teach one another and are always learning new techniques that benefit patients. Isabel’s passion for taking care of the NICU patients and their families is well known and we are very happy to have her as a member of the New Beginnings Team.

The Blue Zone Diet

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Blue zones are identified as regions of the world in which people tend to live longer and healthier lives than average. Many live to be over 100 years old.

Parts of the United States, Japan, Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica have been found to have blue zones. One of the things people living in these areas share in common is the types of food they eat; their food choices have inspired the Blue Zone diet.

The Blue Zone diet is mainly plant-based, consisting of fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes. Meats, dairy, processed, and sugary foods are avoided or eaten occasionally.

In addition to eating healthy whole foods, people living in blue zones also practice a lifestyle that focuses on:

Family
Being sociable
Stress reduction
Staying active
Finding purpose

Following the Blue Zone diet and principles is simple and has proven beneficial for most. However, it is advised that you speak with your doctor or dietitian to learn if this diet or making any lifestyle changes is best for your health.

Five Things To Know About Whole-Body Deodorants

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

You may see advertisements for whole-body deodorants everywhere. These products claim to stop odors from forming on various parts of the body beyond our armpits including the feet, skin creases, breasts, thighs, groins, and more.

Whole-body deodorants are available in different forms including creams, sticks, and sprays. So, there are several options to choose from. But, before you purchase one of these products, here are five things you should know:

Deodorants and antiperspirants are not the same. Therefore, these products are not made to prevent sweat, they can however change the smell of sweat.
Most whole-body deodorants are not designed to target underarm sweat.
These products may include ingredients such as essential oils, zinc compounds, starch to absorb wetness, or cyclodextrins to absorb odor.
Some ingredients can cause allergic skin reactions or irritation.
Avoid applying these products in areas with mucus membranes such as the anus or vagina.

Whole-body deodorants are generally considered safe. However, it is important to remember that they cannot be applied everywhere on our bodies. If you are experiencing skin irritation or an allergic reaction stop using the product immediately. If symptoms persist, make an appointment with your doctor. To make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5486.

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.