Diastasis Recti

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Diastasis recti is the separation of the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, also known as the “six-pack muscle.”

Diastasis recti occurs in approximately 60% of pregnant women. The condition develops as a result of the uterus expanding during pregnancy and stretching the muscles of the abdomen. Pushing during delivery can also cause the abdominal muscles to separate.

The separation of the rectus abdominis muscles causes the stomach to form a bulge or ridge in the abdomen during pregnancy. Additional symptoms include:

Lower back pain
Poor posture
Bloating
Constipation
Urine leaking

Diastasis recti often resolves on its own a few months after giving birth. However, in some instances, the gap between the muscles can remain the same and leave some women looking pregnant months or years after having their baby.

Some women are more at risk than others for developing diastasis recti: They include:

Those who are pregnant with multiples
Those who are over 35 years old
Those who are carrying large babies to term
Those who are small in stature
Those with underlying abdominal muscle problems such as weak core muscles

Prevention of diastasis recti includes strengthening your core before and during pregnancy. It is important to practice safe and modified exercises while pregnant. Treatment after delivery may include physical therapy or surgery.

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.

Acute Stress Disorder

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a trauma and stress-related disorder that typically develops within three days to one month after a traumatic event. Examples of such events are physical or sexual assault, the sudden death of a loved one, a car accident, a natural disaster or receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “An estimated 13 to 21 percent of survivors of car accidents develop acute stress disorder and between 20 and 50 percent of survivors of assault, rape or mass shootings develop it.”

Symptoms of ASD generally last up to one month after the traumatic event, and may include:

Anxiety
Intrusive thoughts and memories
Nightmares
Avoidance of people, places or things that trigger memories
Dissociation
Changes in mood
Reckless or destructive behavior
Heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, abdominal pains or any other physical symptoms that can be caused by elevated stress

If symptoms persist beyond one month, they are often indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anyone can develop ASD after experiencing a traumatic event. People with ASD are at an increased risk for developing PTSD, this is why it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible to prevent this progression.

ASD can be diagnosed after a person has experienced symptoms for at least three days. A mental health provider will perform a series of examinations or evaluations to rule out causes such as health problems, substance abuse, medication side effects or other psychiatric disorders.

Treatment for ASD can involve cognitive behavioral therapy, medication or exposure-based therapies.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5562.

What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of irresponsible, impulsive or often criminal behaviors.

A person with ASPD is typically deceitful, manipulative or reckless. They consistently show no regard for the law, what is right or wrong, or the rights or feelings of others. Someone with ASPD generally has no guilt or remorse for the harm they have caused others.

Individuals with this disorder can also be very charming or charismatic, traits they often use to manipulate people.

Additional signs and symptoms of ASPD can include having a history of:

Lying persistently
Having poor or abusive relationships
Having difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
Not caring for the safety of others or oneself
Never accepting responsibility and blaming others for one’s problems
Failing to fulfill money, work or social duties
Repeatedly breaking the law
Abusing drugs or alcohol
Being irritable or aggressive

It is not known why some people develop antisocial personality disorder and others do not. Genetic factors and traumatic childhood experiences such as child abuse are believed to play a role. Men are more likely to develop the disorder than women.

Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed by a mental health provider who conducts a psychological evaluation that explores behavior patterns, family history, relationship patterns, medical history as well as symptoms listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of ASPD, do not hesitate to get help. You can schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, by calling (718) 670-5562.

How To Handle A Relapse

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Overcoming addiction can be a difficult journey, as one may be faced with several challenges. One of those challenges is figuring out what to do after a relapse.

It is not uncommon for a person to relapse after getting clean. In fact, relapsing is often considered by many experts to be a part of lifelong recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40 to 60 percent of people who participate in addiction treatment programs relapse at least once. And approximately 90% of alcoholics will relapse within four years.

A person’s addiction can be triggered by various emotional, social or environmental factors, all of which can lead to feeling the need to begin using drugs or drinking alcohol again.

There are often signs that point to a potential relapse. Recognizing the following signs can help someone avoid making the wrong decision, and jeopardizing their sobriety:

Feeling emotions that led to an addiction such as sadness, anger or even extreme happiness
Showing symptoms of depression or anxiety
Exhibiting changes in behavior
No longer attending or losing interest in therapy sessions or addiction recovery meetings
Reconnecting with people who encouraged substance abuse
Romanticizing past substance abuse
Believing that it is possible to abuse substances again without becoming addicted

In the event a person has relapsed there are several things they can do to get back on the road to recovery. They are:

Acknowledging relapse and learning from their mistakes
Avoiding triggers and setting healthy boundaries
Seeking support from those who can help them cope with their relapse
Going back to treatment
Attending self-help groups
Practicing self-care
Creating a relapse prevention plan

If you have a loved one who is battling substance abuse, you may understandably feel confused and helpless. Fortunately, you don’t have to walk the path to recovery and healing alone.

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where those battling addiction can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency.

To schedule an appointment or speak with a mental health professional, please call 718- 670-5078.

COVID-19 and GI Symptoms

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

People are more likely to develop viral gastroenteritis or the stomach flu during this time of year. Symptoms that can result from this illness include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Although symptoms of the stomach flu are common and often mild, it is important that they are not ignored because they may be indicative of a COVID-19 infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people with COVID-19, experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, sometimes prior to having a fever and lower respiratory tract signs. Therefore, if you are experiencing GI issues, you should watch for other COVID-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing as a precaution.

COVID-19 and viral gastroenteritis are both highly contagious. If you are concerned about a possible infection or experiencing symptoms of either illness, you should speak with a physician. Your doctor can assess your condition and order tests to determine if you have COVID-19 or a gastrointestinal illness.

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

GERD

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux is a digestive disorder that occurs when the sphincter, a valve at the end of the esophagus does not close properly. This allows contents from the stomach to reflux or flow up into the esophagus causing tissue damage or symptoms such as:

Heartburn
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Chest pain
Regurgitation of food or sour liquids
Bad breath
The feeling of a lump in the throat

Certain lifestyle choices can aggravate symptoms, these include:

Eating large meals
Eating too soon before bed
Consuming certain foods and drinks such as chocolate, fatty or fried dishes, coffee or alcohol
Taking certain medications including some antihistamines or calcium channel blockers
Smoking

Some people are more likely to develop GERD than others. It occurs more commonly in those who are:

Overweight or obese
Pregnant
Smokers

It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing persisting symptoms of GERD. If left untreated, GERD may lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or esophageal ulcers, interfering with your ability to swallow. Your doctor may be able to diagnose GERD by conducting a physical examination and assessing symptoms. He or she might also recommend getting a series of tests.

A treatment plan for GERD may involve a change in diet and lifestyle, medication or surgery.

COPD

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is caused by damage to the lungs over a prolonged period of time and is usually attributed to smoking.

COPD can result in serious, long-term disability and is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

The symptoms of COPD typically present when there is significant damage to the lung. They may include:

Shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Frequent respiratory infections
Wheezing
Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs

Those most at risk of developing COPD are individuals who:

• Are over age 40 and currently smoke or smoked at some point

• Worked or lived around chemicals or fumes

• Have certain genetic conditions

• Have asthma

If you think you have COPD, you should:

• Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms

• Request a breathing test, known as a spirometry

• Quit smoking! If you need help, ask your doctor

• Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs

COPD can lead to other health complications such as heart problems, lung cancer, or high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to your lungs.

While you can’t undo the damage COPD has caused to your lungs, there are steps you can take to prevent the condition from getting worse, this includes avoiding factors that can irritate lungs, taking medications as directed, enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, and receiving annual flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Anorexia

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Anorexia nervosa-often used interchangeably with anorexia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition characterized by having a distorted body image (believing one is much heavier than they are), and the intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese.

The exact cause for anorexia nervosa is unknown; however, there are several environmental, biological and psychological factors believed to contribute to its development.

Individuals with anorexia nervosa aim to maintain a low body weight that is abnormal for their height and age. This is typically achieved by practicing unhealthy weight loss habits such as:

Exercising excessively
Severely restricting the amount of food consumed
Vomiting after eating
Misusing, diuretics, laxatives or diet aides

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can be physical, emotional or behavioral, and may vary from person to person.

Physical symptoms can include:

Extreme weight loss
Severe loss of muscle mass
Fatigue
Thinning hair or hair that breaks easily
Fainting or dizziness
Infertility
Lanugo- soft, downy hair that covers the body

Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include:

An unhealthy preoccupation with food
Excessive concern about being overweight
Adopting eating rituals such as chewing food and spitting it out
Lying about food intake
Avoiding eating in public
Repeated weighing or measuring of the body
Social withdrawal

Most individuals with anorexia nervosa hesitate to seek help because their desire to stay thin often outweighs their concerns for being healthy. However, anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening, so it is important that they receive the immediate care of physicians and mental health experts to help with overcoming this condition.

The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa generally includes physical exams, lab tests and psychological evaluations. Treatment is often administered by a team of healthcare professionals who are experienced in dealing with eating disorders such as a primary care doctor, dietitian and psychologist. A care plan may include medication, psychotherapy and nutrition education.

OCD and COVID-19

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by unreasonable thoughts or obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors(compulsions) such as excessive handwashing.

For many living with OCD, the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted their mental health.

The threat of being infected with the virus and potentially becoming ill have presented certain challenges and in some cases exacerbated symptoms.

Stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic may result in the worsening of the following OCD symptoms:

Fear of contamination (Being afraid to touch objects other people have touched, or being afraid to touch others)
Excessive hand washing or showering
Excessively cleaning household items or other objects
Compulsive hoarding
Persistent unwanted or intrusive thoughts
Constantly checking that nothing terrible has happened
Difficulty dealing with uncertainty

According to the International OCD Foundation, there are measures that those living with OCD can apply to help them navigate this challenging time; these include:

Give yourself permission to set a basic safety plan based on the recommendations of trusted health organizations, and do not add to it.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after being outside or in public, before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after you’ve coughed/sneezed/blown your nose. If soap and water are not available to you, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If you want to do more than this, pick a person to help you figure out what might be a reasonable and rational safety measure to take.
Remind yourself that no one can protect themselves “perfectly” from COVID-19, and no one expects you to. Times like these call for using your common sense instead of going to perfectionistic extremes.
Be mindful that your OCD may take advantage of COVID-19 fears by telling you that you might have infected someone or that you are going to infect someone in the future, whether accidentally or on purpose.
If you’re noticing these intrusive thoughts, or that you’re doing compulsions related to these thoughts, check in with your therapist and let them know how your symptoms might have changed. They can work with you to come up with new exposures and/or homework activities to help contain them.

If you are struggling with the symptoms of OCD or other mental health conditions please reach out to a mental health professional for assistance.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5316.

Nasal Polyps

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps are soft, teardrop-shaped and can be pink or yellowish-brown in color. They often form as a result of prolonged inflammation and can cause infections or breathing problems.

Polyps commonly occur in people in their 30s or 40s but can arise at any age. Those who have asthma, certain disorders such as cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis or allergies are more likely to develop nasal polyps.

In some cases, nasal polyps do not present any symptoms; however, if they do, one may experience:

Runny nose
Postnasal drip
Persistent stuffiness
No sense of smell or a poor sense of smell
Frequent nose bleeds
Snoring
Sleep apnea
A feeling of pressure over the face or forehead
Headaches
Loss of sense of taste

The risk for nasal polyps can be reduced by practicing hand hygiene to protect against infections that affect the nasal passage, using a nasal rinse to remove irritants or properly managing your asthma or allergies.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with nasal polyps for more than 10 days, please see a doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor may order tests that include imaging, a nasal endoscopy, and blood or allergy tests. Treatment may involve medications or surgery.

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