Mistakes That Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Measuring your blood pressure at home is a very important part of properly managing hypertension. Therefore taking accurate measurements is crucial.

To ensure accuracy, there are several things you should and should not do while measuring, as they can affect your reading. Here are a few:

Always use the bathroom before measuring- Having a full bladder can add points to your reading.
Remain quiet- Talking while checking your blood pressure can cause deviations in measurements.
While seated make sure your back is supported and both your feet are placed flat on the ground-Measuring blood pressure in a posture where your back or feet are not supported can affect readings.
Keep your arm leveled with your heart- If your arm is not on the same level as your heart while getting a reading, you run the risk of getting measurements that are higher than your actual blood pressure level. Always make certain your arm is supported, you can rest it on a chair arm, table or desk to receive the best positioning.
Do not place the blood pressure cuff over clothing – Studies show that doing so can have an impact on systolic blood pressure. Your cuff should be placed on your bare arm during measurements.
Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure- Consuming food or drinking beverages within that time can result in a reading that may be inaccurate and high.

Improperly measuring your blood pressure can have serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A reading that underestimates your blood pressure might give you a false sense of security about your health. But a reading that overestimates your blood pressure might lead to treatment you don’t really need.”

In addition to following best practices for an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important that you keep track of your numbers. You can use a notebook, app or chart to do so. If you are concerned about changes in your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor right away.

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.

The Difference Between Being Overweight and Obese

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 20 years and older with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0- 29.9 are considered to be overweight, those with a BMI of 30.0 and above are categorized as obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is indicative of being morbidly or severely obese.

If a person is obese, they are at risk of developing health problems such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. The risk for these complications can be decreased by losing weight.

While applying lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising can help in achieving weight loss, they may not be enough to yield significant results for individuals struggling with obesity-related diseases.

Weight loss (bariatric surgery) has been proven to be a safe and effective way to overcome this challenge. This type of surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines to reduce food intake or absorption, and induce weight loss.

Candidates for weight loss surgery include those who:

Have a body mass index (BMI) over 40
Are more than 100 lbs. over their ideal body weight
Are experiencing disabling pain in weight-bearing joints
Have a BMI of 35 along with obesity-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease
Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful

Choosing a weight loss surgery provider that is accredited by programs such as the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) is highly recommended. This accreditation ensures that your provider follows a high standard of care.

Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center is the first Bariatric Center of Excellence accredited by the MBSAQIP. The center provides care from a multi-disciplinary group of health care practitioners who are compassionate and fully invested in helping you in every step of your weight loss journey.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center, please call 718-408-6977or 718-670-8908.

How To Help Kids Wear Face Masks

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults and children over the age of two years old wear a face mask when going outside- especially to places where it may be difficult to practice social distancing.

While most adults can easily adhere to these recommendations, it may be harder to introduce the habit of wearing a mask to young children. Parents may encounter the following challenges:

Some kids may not like how masks look
Masks may feel uncomfortable to children
Some children may feel panicked when a mask is placed on their faces

Here are a few steps adults can take to help children feel more comfortable and adjust:

Be a role model by wearing a mask when appropriate.
Explain why it is important to wear a mask in simple words that kids can understand.
Make masks appear less scary by placing them on a child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll, or by showing pictures of other children in masks.
Make masks feel special or personalized by allowing children to decorate or pick them out.
To avoid discomfort, ensure that masks fit correctly and children can breathe easily.
Allow kids to practice wearing a mask for a few minutes each day. This will help with their comfortability when wearing a mask outside for longer periods of time.
If masks feel uncomfortable, parents can purchase additions such as face mask extenders or ear savers.
Empower children by using positive reinforcements such as praises when they are wearing their masks.

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease, by wearing a face mask in public settings you are creating a barrier that can help protect you and your child. Please keep in mind, the CDC does not recommend that children under the age of two wear masks; additionally, any child who is unable to remove their mask without assistance should not wear one.

What To Expect and How To Prepare for Your Mammogram

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Your doctor may have recommended scheduling a mammogram as part of your annual exam or to further examine symptoms you may be experiencing that are relative to cancer. Whatever the reason may be for testing, mammograms can be stressful for some women.

Although the anxiety leading up to the day of your mammogram may be overwhelming, it is important not to put off testing. A mammogram is very effective in the early detection of breast cancer.

Knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the anxiety and stress that may occur before and during the process. Here are a few tips to help guide you through the process and make your experience more comfortable:

Preparing for your mammogram. Scheduling your mammogram a week after menstruation is often recommended by physicians because your breasts will be less tender and swollen. It is also recommended that you do not wear deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, powders or ointments on your chest area because they may show up as abnormalities in your X-rays. Come prepared to remove all garments and jewelry on your upper body. If you have any concerns or symptoms you would like to discuss do not hesitate to do so before the examination. Most importantly, make certain that the facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology and specializes in breast imaging.
The duration of your mammogram. A mammogram typically takes 20 -30 minutes to complete. Times may vary if you have larger breasts, denser breasts or implants. During this time a mammogram technologist will position your breasts on the X-ray machine and compress them each for a few seconds. You may experience some discomfort or pain. Technologists are trained to ensure your privacy and to do their best to make you as comfortable as possible. If the degree of pain is too much, please inform the technologist.
After the test. After images are taken of your breast, their quality will be checked by a technician. If they are not up to standard the technologist will have to re-issue the mammogram. Otherwise, your radiologist will review and interpret the images. The radiologist will look for evidence of cancerous or benign tissues and send a report to your doctor.

If suspicious findings or abnormalities are found in your mammogram, the radiologist or your doctor may recommend another mammogram or breast ultrasound to further investigate their findings.

Flushing Hospital’s Radiology Department offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art diagnostic and specialty services performed by over 16 board-certified and subspecialty trained radiologists, along with several highly trained and experienced technologists

For more information about the radiology services offered by the hospital or to schedule an appointment, please call the Department of Radiology at 718- 670-5458.

Tips On How To Prepare for a Telemedicine Appointment

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we conduct our day-to-day routines. To prevent the spread of the disease, most of our activities are now done from home. In some instances, this includes seeing our doctors for medical appointments.

Telehealth or telemedicine appointments have become the norm for many who require consultations from their physicians during the pandemic. These appointments connect patients and doctors by utilizing video conferencing technology. Although these virtual visits may not take place physically in a doctor’s office, they are private. Information and conversations shared between participants remain confidential.

To help you prepare for your telemedicine appointment, please follow these tips:

Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera enabled with visual and audio.
Download the required video communications application.
Test your equipment before your scheduled virtual visit.
Close other running programs or unnecessary tabs to avoid delays or pauses in your connection.
Find a quiet space.
Adjust the lighting in your space. Utilize overhead lights if they are available and block sunlight from windows. ( This will prevent you from having too much background light)
Prepare to answer questions pertaining to your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle changes, or any aspect of your health.
Have a pen and paper ready to write down your doctor’s recommendations or information about your treatment plan.

It is important to note that while most virtual visits are like normal appointments, there may be limitations based on your condition. Please contact your doctor’s office if you have questions about scheduling a virtual visit.

How Harmful is Occasional or Social Smoking?

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

“I am not really a smoker because I only smoke on occasion or socially.” These words are frequently spoken by those who consider themselves light or social smokers. It is quite common to find that people within this group are usually in denial of the frequency of their use of cigarettes and believe that they are not at risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses.

The truth is contrary as research has found that one-third of people who classify themselves as social smokers actually smoke more than six times per day. Additionally, whether someone smokes a lot or a little, they are at risk for developing diseases caused by tobacco. The damage that one puff of nicotine causes is instant. It takes 10 seconds for nicotine to be transported throughout the body and to the brain. Nicotine also slows down circulation and increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Furthermore, in a study conducted by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, it was found that light smoking may result in several health complications such as:

Stroke
COPD
Peripheral artery disease
Lower respiratory tract infections
Weakened immune systems

Smoking occasionally or socially does not exclude you from developing the health complications associated with tobacco use. Over time smoking will take its toll on your body. The best thing you can do for your health is to quit smoking.

If you or someone you know needs help in quitting smoking please contact Flushing Hospital’s Freedom From Smoking program at 718 206 8494 for more information.

Tips For Managing Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses to occur in children. Having a child that has been diagnosed with this disease can present several challenges. Younger children may not fully understand how diabetes affects their health; they may become frustrated with dietary restrictions or have anxieties about receiving treatment. Older children can often feel different or isolated from their peers and may neglect their self-care routines in order to fit in.

Creating a management plan can help families cope with some of these challenges. Here are some of the components that should be included in a plan:

Education- Education is one of the most important components of a diabetes management plan. Teaching children about the disease should start as early as possible and continue into their teenage years. Encourage them to ask questions and provide an environment in which they can speak openly. It is important to remember to provide answers that are appropriate and understandable for their age.
Meal plans- Meals should be planned based on a child’s age and level of physical activity. Diets should be well-balanced and exclude foods that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Teens are more independent in choosing the foods they eat each day. Therefore, they should be reminded to stick to a schedule (To avoid missing meals) and be mindful of the foods they consume.
Medication adherence tools or approaches- Glucose testing and insulin injections can be scary for smaller children. However, parents can make receiving treatments easier by allowing children to choose the location for injections or their preferred finger for blood checks. These options provide children with a sense of control and can help to reduce their anxieties. Parents are also encouraged to perform diabetes care gently and quickly to ease discomfort. Medication adherence in older children can be achieved through the use of technology. Parents and children can utilize tools that help them to track diabetes care such as shareable digital calendars, reminder apps or auto-subscribing delivery services. As older children take on more responsibility for managing their medications, they should be reminded of the consequences of not sticking to their routine.
Support- It is important for parents to establish a network of support because having diabetes can take a toll on children’s emotional health. Children need to feel safe in sharing their challenges in managing the disease. This network can include parents, family, friends or a mental health counselor.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers numerous services that can help you to manage your child’s diabetes. Our physicians are highly trained in all aspects of pediatric health. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) is a general term used to describe a set of disorders that are categorized by chronic self-grooming behaviors that result in damage to the body. The most common BFRBs include continuous nail-biting, compulsive hair pulling and skin picking. Other body-focused repetitive behaviors are compulsive nose-picking, teeth grinding, lip biting, knuckle cracking and scab picking.

The exact cause of BFRBs is unknown; however, it is believed that these behaviors are related to impulse control disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Unlike individuals with self- injury disorders, those with BFRBs typically do not intend to harm themselves and often make repeated attempts to reduce or stop the behaviors.

Body-focused repetitive behaviors are very difficult to control and in addition to causing physical harm to the body, can lead to severe emotional distress and the functional impairment of one’s life. Therefore, it is very important to manage BFRBs.

Management for BFRBs can include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication or doctor-recommended supplements such as N-acetylcysteine.

If you’re struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors Flushing Hospital Medical Center can provide you with high-quality mental health services and support. To schedule an appointment at our outpatient psychiatry clinic, please call (718) 670-5562.

What is Person-Centered Care?

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Person-centered care is an approach to medical care that focuses on the individual patient, rather than just the medical condition. The healthcare providers work as partners with the patient and their relatives to determine the best courses of action. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, the staff caters to the individual’s unique needs.

So, what is person-centered care? In short, it simply means recognizing that each and every patient is different. It means that staff members readjust their methods as needed to provide optimal care to each individual. Just because two patients have the same health condition doesn’t mean they should receive the exact same treatments.

Common Signs of Person-Centered Care

These are some of the most common elements of this approach:

Decisions are influenced and made by the patients and their family members
The patient’s unique preferences and values are considered when making decisions
The patient’s care plan is regularly evaluated and readjusted as needed
In some cases, one nurse is responsible for the majority of care, giving the patient and family members a central point of contact
The central contact manages scheduling and appointments
Family members are kept apprised of any changes
The patient feels comfortable and confident discussing aspects of the care that need to be changed

Benefits Associated with Person-Centered Care

It’s abundantly clear that personalized care yields better results, including lower readmission rates, shorter lengths of stay, and higher patient experience scores. Patients flourish when their program of care is customized to their individual needs and when they are given greater agency in their own treatment. At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we firmly believe that each patient deserves a personalized treatment plan that keeps their preferences and dignity fully intact.

Our Partnership with Planetree

In order to provide the best possible care for our patients, in 2019, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center became 2 out of 12 hospitals selected to participate in a 24-month program to continue improving our person-centered care approach. The program gives us the opportunity to work with Planetree, an international non-profit that’s known as experts in personalized care.

Contact Us to Learn More

What is person-centered care? We believe it’s the best way to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care, specific to their unique needs. If you have any questions, please call 718-670-5000. See the difference with our personalized approach to medical care.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, a sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.