Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lung Disease

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that primarily attacks joints.

Although RA mostly causes damage to joints, it can also affect other parts of the body such as the lungs.

Lung problems that can occur as a result of RA include:

Bronchiectasis (Damage to the airways)
Interstitial lung disease (Inflammation and scarring of lung tissue)
Pleural disease (Buildup of fluid in the chest cavity)
Lung nodules (Small growths or lumps in the lungs)
Pulmonary hypertension (High blood pressure in the lungs)

The symptoms of rheumatoid lung disease vary but may include:

Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Fatigue
Weakness
Fever

According to the Arthritis Foundation, “The risk of developing lung disease is eight times higher in people with RA than in the general population.” Other risk factors for rheumatoid lung disease are:

Smoking
Age (People diagnosed with RA after the age of 60 are at greater risk)
Sex (Men are more likely to develop rheumatoid lung disease than women)
High RA disease activity
Undertreated RA

The cause of lung disease associated with RA is unknown; however, there are several things you can do to protect lung health. Here are a few:

Receive early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke
Exercise regularly
Avoid toxic fumes
Get the flu and pneumonia vaccine

If you are experiencing breathing problems or symptoms associated with rheumatoid lung disease, contact your doctor.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium)

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Our bodies need an adequate amount of sodium to help control how much water is in and around our cells. Therefore, extremely high or low levels of sodium in our blood can be harmful to our health.

Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in our blood is abnormally low or when there is too much water in our blood.

Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) can cause water levels in the body to rise and cells to swell, potentially leading to serious health problems.

Hyponatremia can be caused by several factors including:

Taking certain medications
Drinking too much water
Heart failure
Kidney or liver disease
Hormonal changes
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone
Chronic or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Taking the illicit drug Ecstasy

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia may include:

Muscle cramps or weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Irritability and restlessness
Headache
Fatigue
Seizures
Coma

Some individuals are more at risk than others for developing hyponatremia. Individuals at higher risk are:

Those who drink too much water while participating in intensive physical activities such as marathons
Older adults
Those who are taking certain diuretics, pain medications or anti-depressants
Those who have medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure or other conditions that can contribute to hyponatremia

Hyponatremia may be prevented by:

Drinking water in moderation
Paying attention to the signs and symptoms of low sodium in the body
Receiving timely treatment for medical conditions that may contribute to low sodium levels
Avoiding the consumption of the illicit drug Ecstasy

Anyone who develops symptoms of hyponatremia should seek medical attention right away. Treatment for mild cases may include your doctor recommending a change in medication or reducing water intake. In moderate to severe cases, medications may be used to correct blood sodium levels or sodium may be replaced intravenously.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Facts

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.”

It is for this reason that the CDC recommends a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID or developing complications from severe disease.

Receiving the booster shot can provide additional protection from the virus by helping people maintain their level of immunity longer.

At this time, the CDC is recommending that the following individuals receive a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

If you have questions about your eligibility for a booster vaccine please contact your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov.

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

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Excessive drinking of alcohol is classified as more than eight alcoholic drinks per day in women and more than 15 in men. Consuming alcohol heavily over an extended period can result in the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

ARLD causes damage and inflammation of the liver and can potentially lead to liver failure.

There are three types of alcohol-related liver disease, each categorized by stages. They include:

Alcoholic fatty liver disease– This is the earliest stage that occurs when there is a build-up of fat in the liver. There are rarely any symptoms. However, developing fatty liver disease is a clear indication that the body is taking in more alcohol than the liver can process. Fatty liver disease is sometimes reversible when an individual removes alcohol from their diet.
Acute alcoholic hepatitis– In this stage, the excessive consumption of alcohol causes inflammation and swelling of the liver, as well as the destruction of liver cells. This condition can be mild or severe, and symptoms may include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain. In some cases, treatment may reverse liver damage. In other cases, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver failure.
Alcoholic cirrhosis– According to the American Liver Foundation, “Between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, usually after 10 or more years of drinking.” This is the most severe stage that causes the liver to become scarred, stiff and swollen. At this point, damage that is done to the liver generally cannot be undone. Cirrhosis often presents no symptoms until there is extensive damage done to the liver. Symptoms may include red or blotchy palms, jaundice, weight loss, nausea, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, breast enlargement in men or the loss of periods in women. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek treatment because advanced cirrhosis can be life-threatening.

If you are believed to have alcoholic-related liver disease, your doctor may assess your history of alcohol consumption, order blood and imaging tests to rule out other liver diseases or request a liver biopsy to determine a diagnosis.

Treatment for alcoholic-related liver disease is based on severity. The first thing your doctor will aim to do is help you to stop drinking. Abstinence will help to prevent further liver damage and promote healing. It is common for patients with ARLD to have some degree of malnutrition, as a result, your doctor may recommend that you see a nutritionist. Medications may also be added to your care plan to reduce liver inflammation. In severe cases of ARLD, where there is advanced cirrhosis, treatment can include liver transplantation.

To schedule an appointment with an alcohol addiction specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5078.

Adult ADHD

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.

Most people associate ADHD with children who have trouble focusing, are overly active or have difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors. While ADHD does commonly affect children, it can also occur in adults. In fact, it is estimated that 4% to 5% of adults living in the United States have the disorder.

ADHD begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. However, many adults are unaware that they have ADHD. This is because the disorder was never recognized or diagnosed during childhood.

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD may present differently than they do in children and are unique to each person. They can include:

Anxiety
Trouble coping with stress
Poor listening skills
Getting easily distracted
Difficulty paying close attention to details
Struggling to complete tasks or multitask
Poor organizational skills
An inability to control impulses i.e., Interrupting others during conversations
Acting without consideration for others
Frequent mood swings
Forgetfulness
Often losing things i.e., keys, phones, wallets

These symptoms can interfere significantly with an individual’s relationships, career, finances and other aspects of daily life.

With an accurate diagnosis, symptoms of adult ADHD can be treated or managed appropriately to reduce the risk of developing social, emotional, or occupational problems.

To accurately diagnose ADHD in adults, the American Psychiatric Association recommends a comprehensive evaluation which typically includes a review of past and current symptoms, a medical exam and history, and use of adult rating scales or checklists.

Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves education ( learning more about ADHD), medication, therapy and other behavioral treatments, or a combination of methods.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with adult ADHD, you should speak with a doctor. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Baby Poop: What’s Normal Or Not

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

There are many shades and textures of normal when it comes to the color and consistency of baby poop. Color and texture can result from several factors including the age of the baby as well as the type of milk or food that is being consumed.

After newborn babies are born, their poop is likely to be greenish-black or black and have a sticky consistency. This is called meconium which consists of amniotic fluid, skin cells, mucus, and other particles the baby may have ingested in utero.

Once an infant begins to exclusively breastfeed, the color of the poop may be yellow or slightly green. The texture is often described as being seedy. What resembles little seeds are undigested milk fat. This is normal.

Formula-fed babies’ poop can be tan, brown, yellowish-brown, or greenish-brown in color. The consistency is a little firmer than that of a breastfed infant and is likened to pasty peanut butter.

The poop of babies who are eating solid foods such as pureed fruits or infant cereal may contain a wide variety of colors. The poop is firmer and may contain bits of undigested food.

Keeping an eye on your baby’s poop is important as it can be indicative of changes in their health. If your little one’s poop remains black several days after birth or is red, gray or white in color, notify your doctor immediately. Also, contact a pediatrician if your baby’s bowel movements occur more or less frequently than usual or are unusually watery or dry.

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

Exercising In Hot Weather

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Exercising in extremely hot and humid weather can increase our body’s core temperature, and lead to overheating.

When our body is overheated and unable to cool itself or retain adequate amounts of water, this may cause heat-related medical conditions such as dehydration or heat stroke to develop. Therefore, it is important that we protect our health and follow safety precautions while exercising in hot weather.

Here are a few tips for exercising safely in scorching temperatures:

Stay hydrated- Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to keep our bodies cool on a hot day. Although drinking water is highly benefical, be careful not to drink too much as this can lead to overhydration or a health condition known as hyponatremia (low blood sodium).
Wear light and loose-fitting clothing– Lighter-colored clothing can help to reflect the sun’s rays. Loose-fitting garments allow air to circulate and cool your skin.
Wear clothing made with moisture-wicking fabric- These types of clothing aid with the evaporation of sweat.
Exercise during cooler times of the day– The coolest times of the day are typically around sunrise. If you are not an early riser, pay attention to the weather forecast for heat alerts throughout the day or wait to exercise in the late evening. You can also avoid the heat by exercising in shaded areas or indoors.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses- Ignoring the warning signs of heat-related illnesses can lead to medical complications or emergencies. It is important that you pay attention to signs and symptoms such as nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a heat-related illness, stop exercising right away and get out of the heat. Try to lower your body temperature by removing excess clothing and getting hydrated. You can also place ice packs or cool towels on your forehead, neck, or underarms.

If symptoms persist for more than 20 minutes, seek medical attention immediately. You should also seek emergency care if you are experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, this includes a body temperature of 103˚F or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; dizziness; nausea or losing consciousness.

The 3 Different Types of Stress and How Each Can Affect Our Health

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It is our body’s normal response to pressure, change or other stressors.

While it is normal for us to experience stress, there are times when it occurs too frequently and poses a threat to our health.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are three different types of stress, and each can take a toll on our bodies. They include:

Acute stress – We experience acute stress multiple times each day. It can occur when there is a challenge, a perceived threat or when something unexpected happens- examples include: giving a speech, arguing with a spouse, getting stuck in traffic or getting a speeding ticket. The symptoms of acute stress develop quickly and do not last long. Some people may experience irritability, anxiety, sweating, headaches, stomach pains or a rapid heartbeat.
Episodic acute stress – This occurs when we frequently experience acute stress and can develop as a result of taking on too much responsibility or being overburdened. Type “A” personalities or people who worry constantly are more prone to experience this type of stress. The symptoms of episodic acute stress are similar to those of acute stress; however, they occur more often and accumulate. If not managed properly, symptoms can lead to serious health problems such as clinical depression or heart disease.
Chronic stress- The APA defines chronic stress as stress that is constant and persists over an extended period of time. It is the most harmful type of stress to our overall health. Chronic stress can be caused by poverty, abuse of any kind, a poor work environment, having a dysfunctional marriage or family, or substance abuse. Symptoms of chronic stress can become overwhelming or debilitating. Some people may experience fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, headaches or difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress left untreated for a long period of time can have serious consequences and lead to health problems such as insomnia, obesity, heart disease, hypertension or diabetes.

Our bodies can handle stress for a short period of time. It is not equipped to cope with long-term or chronic stress. Seeking healthy ways to manage stress can help us to avoid the risk of developing health complications. If you are experiencing long-term symptoms of stress, you should speak with a doctor or mental health provider immediately.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Foods To Avoid

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

An estimated 1.3 million people living in the United States have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disease that attacks the tissues around the joints.

There are many treatments available to help those diagnosed lead a healthy life. Additionally, eating a balanced diet void of certain inflammatory foods prove beneficial in helping to control RA.

Here is a list of foods that individuals living with RA are advised to avoid or limit:

Grilled, broiled, or fried meats
Organ meat, such as liver
Fried food
Foods that include preservatives or flavor enhancers
Sugars and refined carbohydrates
Fatty foods that are full of omega-6 fatty acids
Alcohol
Dairy

If you or a loved one either has or is at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, please speak to your doctor immediately about treatment options. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Zoom Fatigue

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Statistics show that hundreds of millions of people are utilizing video conferencing applications such as Zoom to interact each day.

While this has become a new normal, it is important to note that spending a significant amount of time on these platforms can potentially lead to “Zoom Fatigue.”

The term Zoom fatigue is used to describe tiredness or burnout resulting from the excessive use of any video-conferencing application. According to experts, people are likely to feel exhausted or tense after prolonged use of these platforms, and here are the reasons why:

Video chats greatly reduce mobility (Being confined in the same space for an extended amount of time can be tiring).
Our brains need to work harder to process social cues which otherwise would be easier to interpret in person.
We are unable to break eye contact. There is an excessive amount of direct eye gaze as we focus more intently to absorb information.
Constantly seeing our own faces in real-time can be stressful-this is likened to always having a mirror in front of us. Some individuals may become increasingly aware of the way they look and worry more about presenting themselves well.

There are a few ways to alleviate Zoom fatigue, experts recommend:

Limiting video calls to those that are necessary
Turning your video off if it is not mandatory
Minimizing or having your screen off to the side instead of straight ahead
Hiding self-view
Taking breaks when you can
Building in breaks or transition periods in meetings so that participants can take a moment to refresh
Taking a digital detox from your computer, cellphones and other devices

Lastly, it is important to establish a daily routine that helps you to find a healthy balance in life. Too much stress or fatigue can prove disadvantageous to our physical, mental and social health.