March is National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

March has been designated as National Nutrition Month – an annual nutrition, education, and information campaign that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In honor of this special observance, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to share with our community the important role our Registered Dietitians (RDs) play in helping our patients meet their nutritional goals.

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian is a trained nutrition professional who has met the strict educational and experiential standards set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

They can be employed in a variety of areas, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, corporate wellness programs, food service operations, universities, research, or private practice, just to name a few.

RDs advise and counsel others on food and nutrition. They explain nutrition issues to their patients, develop meal plans for them, and measure the effects of those plans.

To become an RD, you must:

Complete a Bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Complete a 1200-hour dietetic internship, which is an accredited, supervised practice program at a health care facility, community program, or a food service corporation
Pass a national registration exam
Complete continuing professional education credits.

At Flushing Hospital, dietitians provide the following services: nutrition assessment, diet instruction, recommendations for enteral and parenteral support, staff in-service, food and drug interactions, and nutrition counseling in the outpatient setting.

Flushing Hospital would like to thank our Registered Dietitians for the very important job they do every day. Their hard work helps our patients and community lead much healthier lifestyles.

To schedule an appointment with a dietitian, please call 718-670-5486

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.

Understanding Epilepsy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

Today is International Epilepsy Day, a global observance that aims to raise awareness about epilepsy.

Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a chronic condition that affects the brain and nervous system. People with epilepsy experience abnormal bursts of brain activity, which can lead to seizures. These seizures are often unpredictable and may cause unusual movements, sensations, or changes in awareness.

Seizures can vary from person to person, but many include symptoms such as:

Temporary confusion
Staring spells
Uncontrollable jerking of the arms or legs
Loss of awareness or consciousness
Feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu

Most people with epilepsy tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so their symptoms are usually consistent from one episode to the next.

In many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. However, about half of all cases can be linked to factors such as:

Family history
Head injuries
Stroke
Infections affecting the brain, like meningitis or encephalitis
Developmental conditions, including autism

The good news is that most people with epilepsy can manage their seizures with medication or, in some cases, surgery. While some individuals need lifelong treatment, others may see their seizures lessen or even disappear over time. Many children can outgrow epilepsy as they get older.

Getting Adequate Vitamin D In The Winter Months

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

It is crucial for our bodies to maintain an adequate level of vitamin D year-round, especially during the winter months.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the foods we eat. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength, supporting our immune system, promoting heart health, preventing strokes, reducing the risk of depression, and may even aid in the aging process.

A great source of natural vitamin D comes from ultraviolet B rays found in sunlight. The more daylight we are exposed to, the more vitamin D our skin can produce. However, during winter, it becomes challenging to get enough vitamin D. We tend to spend more time indoors, and even when we are outside, we often wear heavier clothing that blocks the sun from reaching our skin.

The best time to be outdoors for vitamin D exposure is around midday when the sun is at its strongest. In the summer months, 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight per day is usually sufficient.

However, during winter, you may need to spend 30 minutes or more outside to get an adequate amount of sunlight and your daily dose of vitamin D.

Here are additional sources of vitamin D that can be beneficial throughout the year, especially in winter:

– Eating beef liver, pork, egg yolks, and cheese

– Eating mushrooms

– Consuming the skin of fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon

– Drinking milk that is fortified with vitamin D

– Taking a vitamin D3 supplement

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your health this winter, please call 718-670-5486.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer’s causes and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with some form of gynecological cancer this year alone.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that is spread through sexual contact. The body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm. However, for a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years. This delay can cause cervical cells to become cancer cells.

Gynecological cancer symptoms can vary, making them difficult to recognize and distinguish. Some general gynecological cancer symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Abnormal bleeding
Abdominal bloating
Changes in your menstrual cycle
Pain during intercourse
Changes in vaginal appearance

Even if you don’t have symptoms, it is important to continue to have regular wellness exams and screenings to maintain good gynecological health.

Attending regular screenings with your primary care provider or gynecologist and receiving an HPV vaccination are two of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells, which allows for intervention before cancer develops. It is recommended that women aged 21-29 have a Pap test every 3 years. Women 30 years old and up are advised to have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. If you are 65 or older, the screenings will likely stop if you are considered low-risk.

The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active because once a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.

All women face some risk of developing gynecologic cancer; however, certain factors can exacerbate the likelihood, including:

Age
Family history
Obesity
Smoking

Understanding individual risk factors is essential in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer, but recognizing early warning signs is just as important.

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly serve women from all walks of life and provide a warm, welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at (718) 670-5562.

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

For many people, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Whether you’re experiencing financial difficulties, relationship issues with loved ones, or health problems that interfere with your ability to enjoy the holidays, it’s important to have effective ways to manage these causes of stress to prevent them from disrupting your holiday season. Some steps you may consider taking include:

Setting reasonable expectations for yourself: Circumstances such as cost or availability may sometimes make it difficult to accomplish certain things during the holiday season, such as getting an expensive gift for someone or hosting a big family dinner. To avoid stress, don’t over-extend yourself; instead, recognize what you can reasonably accomplish with the time and resources you have. Set realistic expectations for any gift-giving, hosting, or other holiday responsibilities you have.

Learning to de-escalate (or avoid) conflicts: Some holiday gatherings may bring family members together who don’t get along well. Conflict at these gatherings can create negative experiences for everyone involved, so it’s helpful to consider ways to de-escalate them. If you’re hosting, try to steer the conversation into a more friendly direction; if the conflict escalates, remove the involved members from the gathering. Alternatively, it can help to remove yourself from the situation, particularly if you’re directly involved in the conflict.

Keeping up with therapy: If you regularly attend therapy sessions for your mental health, try to maintain this schedule during the holiday season. While this part of the year can become extremely busy for many people, therapy can be an outlet for stress, as well as a tool to help you learn coping mechanisms throughout the holidays.

If you need a psychiatrist to help you manage mental health problems, such as severe stress, that worsen during the holiday season, you can schedule a therapy appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry by calling (718) 670-5562.

COPD Myths

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of health conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that limit airflow in the lungs.

Many myths and misconceptions exist about COPD. Here are some misconceptions surrounding COPD:

Myth #1: Only people who smoke get COPD

COPD is often associated with smoking, as smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is the most common cause of the damage done to the lungs and airways. However, nearly 30% of people with COPD have never smoked a cigarette. Nonsmoking causes of COPD include:

Long-term exposure to polluted air, such as smog in an urban area or dust and fumes at a workplace
Genetics plays a role, specifically a condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)
Asthma that’s active or even inactive. Researchers have found that 29% of people with asthma eventually receive a COPD diagnosis
Childhood respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia

Myth #2: COPD is rare

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over six in 100 adults in the U.S. had a COPD diagnosis in 2022.

That means millions of adults across the country have received a diagnosis of COPD. The actual proportion of adults with COPD may be higher due to delays in obtaining a diagnosis.

Myth #3: Exercise is too hard if you have COPD

Shortness of breath, wheezing, a chronic cough, and fatigue can all be a part of COPD. Any one of these symptoms can make exercising challenging.

Moderate exercise may not affect your lungs. In some cases, exercise can minimize the symptoms of COPD while strengthening the heart and helping reduce stress.

Try to build up to 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week. Combine safe cardiovascular activities such as walking or biking with stretching and strength-building. It won’t be easy to start exercising. Speak with your healthcare provider about building an exercise plan that works for you. They may be able to connect you with a respiratory therapist for breathing techniques and exercises you can do. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor about your health before starting a new exercise regimen.

Myth #4: Only older people develop COPD

COPD is more common in people 65 or older. However, younger people can also develop this condition.

A 2023 study found that COPD affected more than 1.6% of adults ages 20 to 50 in the U.S. Adults aged 35 to 50 had a higher risk of COPD than those under the age of 35.

A history of smoking or secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of COPD in young adults.

Myth #5: COPD is a man’s disease

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that women are more likely to develop COPD than men in the U.S.

More women than men have also died from COPD since 2000 in the U.S.

Exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants raises the risk of COPD for anyone; however, women can experience more harmful effects than men from these pollutants.

Women with COPD also tend to get a diagnosis later than men, after the disease has progressed and treatment is less effective. This may contribute to reduced survival in women with COPD.

Myth #6: Nothing can be done to treat COPD

COPD treatments are available to help limit symptoms and potentially slow the progression of COPD.

Your treatment plan can include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking (if you smoke), as well as one or more of the following:

Vaccinations
Medications
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Supplemental oxygen
Lung transplant
Surgery

Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about your treatment options.

Myth #7: There’s no point in quitting smoking after you develop COPD

Avoiding tobacco smoke is one of the most important things you can do to manage COPD.

If you smoke, cutting back and quitting can help limit symptoms and slow the progression of COPD.

Although more research is necessary, it may also be helpful to avoid e-cigarettes and other vaping products.

Avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is likely your healthiest option. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn about smoking cessation counseling, medication, or other resources that can help you cut back and quit smoking or vaping.

Flushing Hospital Achieves Surgical Review Corporation’s Center of Excellence Accreditation

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center recently earned accreditation from SRC (Surgical Review Corporation) as a Center of Excellence in four areas of specialization: minimally invasive surgery, hernia surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, and robotic surgery. This accreditation recognizes Flushing Hospital’s commitment to and high standard of delivering quality patient care and safety.

SRC is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet its proven standards. Receiving status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that Flushing Hospital has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all organizations or healthcare providers pursue accreditation, and among those who do, not all meet the standards to earn it.

Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

Earning the distinction as an SRC Center of Excellence is a testament to Flushing Hospital’s utilization of advanced surgical technologies, application of proven methodologies, and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

“We’re proud to recognize Flushing Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

“Flushing Hospital has been designated a center of excellence in robotic, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, minimally invasive general surgery, bariatric, and hernia surgery. We recently underwent the rigorous Center of Excellence review and certification, providing our data and outcomes, and have demonstrated that we are among the best in the world. We are proud of our surgical team and look forward to continuing to provide the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Noman Khan, Chairman of Robotic Surgery.

Flushing Hospital, a trusted healthcare institution in Queens, New York, excels in providing high-quality surgical care. In addition to receiving accreditation as an SRC Center of Excellence, Flushing Hospital has received a Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence award from Healthgrades. The hospital is also accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), which recognizes that Flushing Hospital meets the highest quality standards for patient safety and quality of care. The hospital also boasts a high-performing robotic surgery division. Robotic surgeons at Flushing Hospital are board-certified or board-approved and have performed countless procedures with outstanding success rates.

Check Your Meds Day

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Pills Spilling From Bottle National Check Your Meds Day is a day dedicated to reviewing your medications for safety and accuracy.

If you peek inside your medicine cabinet, there is a good chance it contains a few expired or unnecessary prescription medications. It is probably a good idea to discard them, but what is the right way to do so?

Disposing of these medications, whether they are expired antibiotics or pain meds that are no longer needed, is very important because they can be harmful if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for.

While most medicines can be thrown in the household trash, many others have specific disposal instructions, such as immediately flushing them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Only flush prescription drugs that specifically note to do so, as there is evidence that certain medications can be harmful to the water supply.

If you are uncomfortable flushing or disposing of your meds, another option is participating in local drug “take-back” programs, where they can be turned in and properly disposed of.

If no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash using these tips:

• Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to protect your identity and privacy.

• Do not give your medicine to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on your specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist. You can also check with your local government officials about drug take-back events in your community.

Osteoporosis

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking.

Several factors can increase the likelihood that you’ll develop osteoporosis – some are controllable, but others are not. Some of the factors are:

• Gender – Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age – The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race – You’re at the most significant risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Asian descent.
• Family history – Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk.
• Body frame size – Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Hormone levels – Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies.
• Dietary factors – Those with a lower calcium intake or who have a history of eating disorders are at an increased risk
• Medications – Long-term use of oral or injectable steroids can interfere with the bone rebuilding process
• Lifestyle – Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can contribute to the weakening of bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the keys to combating osteoporosis are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Recommendations include:

Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Participate in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises regularly

A bone density test can be performed to measure the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip, wrist, and spine.

Liver Cirrhosis: Symptoms and Treatment

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Cirrhosis is a slowly progressing disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, eventually preventing the liver from functioning properly. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and naturally produced toxins. It also slows the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. According to the National Institutes of Health, cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by disease.

The symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver vary with the stage of the illness. In the beginning stages, there may not be any symptoms. As the disease worsens, symptoms may include:

Loss of appetite
Lack of energy (fatigue), which may be debilitating
Weight loss or sudden weight gain
Bruises
Yellowing of skin or the whites of eyes (jaundice)
Itchy skin
Fluid retention (edema) and swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen (often an early sign)
A brownish or orange tint to the urine
Light colored stools
Confusion, disorientation, personality changes
Blood in the stool
Fever

Cirrhosis of the liver can be diagnosed through a physical exam, blood tests, biopsy and surgery. During a physical exam, your doctor can observe changes in how your liver feels or how large it is (a cirrhotic liver is bumpy and irregular instead of smooth). If your doctor suspects cirrhosis, you will be given blood tests to find out if liver disease is present. In some cases, cirrhosis is diagnosed during surgery when the doctor can see the entire liver. The liver can also be inspected through a laparoscope, a viewing device inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen.

Although there is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver, there are treatments available that can stop or delay its progress, minimize the damage to liver cells, and reduce complications. For cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse, the person must stop drinking alcohol to halt the progression of cirrhosis. Medications may be given to control the symptoms of cirrhosis. Liver transplantation may be needed for some people with severe cirrhosis.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of liver cirrhosis, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.