Viral Hepatitis “The Silent Epidemic”- How Dangerous is This Disease?

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The medical community has labeled viral hepatitis, “The Silent Epidemic,” because there are millions of people living in the United States with some form of the disease. What is most alarming is 65% of these people are unaware that they are infected and are unknowingly contributing to the rapid spread of the virus.

Viral hepatitis is characterized by the inflammation of the liver and is most commonly caused by the hepatitis A, B or C virus. Each type of hepatitis has its severities and can develop into chronic or life-threatening conditions, such as liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis (scarring and dysfunction of the liver). While the degree of severity may differ with each strain, the advanced symptoms that present themselves are similar.

Symptoms may include:

Dark urine
Diarrhea
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes and tongue)
Weight loss
Itchy skin
Light colored feces
Muscle or joint pain

Transmission of viral hepatitis differs with each form of the virus.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) – Is caused by consuming infected food and water or anal to oral contact during sex. Prevention includes washing your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, drinking bottled or treated water and eating food that has been thoroughly cleaned.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) – Is a sexually transmitted disease. HBV is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. It is spread by contact with bodily fluids such as blood or semen. Prevention includes practicing safe sex, using clean syringes, tattoo or acupuncture needles and not sharing personal items such as razor or toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) – Is transmitted by direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease. Prevention includes covering wounds, not sharing personal effects such as razors, manicure equipment or toothbrushes and using sterilized needles.

It is important for people to know their status and help combat the rapid acceleration of viral hepatitis. Public health organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) encourage people to get screened for the disease whether or not they are displaying symptoms. Individuals who are infected should seek treatment and exercise methods to prevent transmission.Health organizations are also increasing their efforts in educating the public about Hepatitis by promoting campaigns during Hepatitis Awareness Month, which is designated as May in the United States.

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.

Health Effects Caused By Worrying

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Worrying yourself sick is not just a saying; studies prove that being in a constant state of worry can have a harmful effect on your physical health. Excessive worrying can lead to anxiety and an increase in your levels of stress. This can trigger a number of problems that can make you ill.

High levels of stress produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, both can negatively impact the nervous system, digestive system, the heart and glands; leading to health conditions such as:

Stomach ulcers
Heart disease
Diarrhea
Sleep disorders
Frequent headaches
Fatigue
Short term memory loss

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help decrease how frequently you worry and potentially reduce the risk of developing serious health problems- they include:

Exercising
Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi
Drinking caffeine in moderation
Maintaining a healthy diet
Socializing with people who are supportive

If these tips do not help and you continue to experience stress-related symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

Signs of a Stroke

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The easiest way to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is to think F.A.S.T. If someone you know is suddenly exhibiting the following signs, call 9-1-1 for help immediately:

F- Face Drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile. You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A- Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S- Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence, such as “my name is Jane,” repeatedly.

T- Time to call 9-1-1: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

Additional symptoms of a stroke are:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable and by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically. during the month of May we are showing our support for stroke awareness and American Stroke Month through education. To speak with a medical professional about stroke prevention and care please call our ambulatory care unit at

During the month of May, Flushing Hospital is showing its support for stroke awareness and American Stroke Month by providing education to the communities it serves. To speak with a medical professional about stroke prevention and care please call our ambulatory care unit at 718-670-5486 or visit the National Stroke Association’s website at www.stroke.org.

Infertility – Causes and Treatments

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Infertility is more common than many realize. It is estimated that 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Infertility affects both men and women equally.

There are several factors that can contribute to infertility. In men some of these are:

Problems with the delivery of sperm
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Damage resulting from chemotherapy or radiation
Abnormalities in the production of sperm
Use of tobacco or alcohol

Some causes of infertility in women may be the result of:

Hormonal abnormalities
Ovulation disorders
Damage to reproductive organs
Uterine or cervical abnormalities
Use of tobacco or alcohol

Although these conditions can impair a person’s ability to conceive, seeking medical assistance as soon as possible can greatly increase their chances of conception. A physician who specializes in infertility will conduct several tests to determine probable causes and explore several treatment options. Treatment can be surgical or medicinal and may include:

Intrauterine insemination
In vitro fertilization
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH)
Human menopausal gonadotropin or hMG
Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH
Metformin
Bromocriptine
Sperm extraction

While coping with infertility can be challenging, it is important for individuals to remember not to blame themselves, lean on their partner or loved ones for support, acknowledge stress and practice stress-reducing techniques, gain knowledge by utilizing resources such as the National Infertility Association’s website-www.resolve.org.

The National Infertility Association also founded National Infertility Week, which is observed each year to increase public understanding and awareness of the reproductive disease. People who are trying to conceive are encouraged to learn the guidelines for seeing an infertility specialist. For more information about this observance, please visit http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html

Pressure Ulcers

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Pressure ulcers or bed sores are damaged areas of skin that result from staying in one position for too long or prolonged pressure on the skin. They tend to develop in areas where the skin is closest to the bones such as the heels, back, elbows and tailbone.

People who are limited in movement due to an illness or disability and are confined to a bed or wheelchair for an extended period of time are more at risk of developing pressure ulcers than others. Others who are also at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Those who wear prosthesis, diabetics, smokers and sufferers of peripheral arterial disease are also at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers develop quickly; here are the warning signs and symptoms to look out for:

Tenderness, pain, softness or firmness, warmness or coldness of an area of skin.
The skin is not broken but red.
Redness or discoloration- If pressure is removed from an area that is discolored for more than 30 minutes and the skin has not returned to its natural hue, it is likely that an ulcer is developing.
The outer layer of the skin is damaged. The area may blister or appear as an open wound.
Loss of skin.

The following symptoms are likely to occur in the advanced stages of a pressure ulcer:

The ulcer appears as a deep wound or crater-like.
Loss of skin exposes a layer of fat, muscle, tendons or bones.
There is tissue at the bottom of the wound that is dead, brown, black or yellow in color.

Pressure ulcers can be easier to prevent than treat. They can be prevented by:

Changing positions
Frequently shifting weight
Using a specialty wheelchair
Using a specialized mattress
Using cushions to relieve pressure
Monitoring skin
Protecting skin

If you are at risk for developing pressure ulcers it is recommended that you and your healthcare team develop a strategy to help in prevention or treatment.

The Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art unit that provides specialized, interdisciplinary wound care to patients who suffer from non-healing or chronic wounds.
For more information on the Wound Care Center or to schedule an appointment, call 718-670-4542.

Can Practicing Yoga Help with High Blood Pressure?

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Practicing yoga can give your overall health an added boost. Studies have found that it is also helpful in fighting hypertension when combined with other methods of management such as a healthy diet, medication and aerobic exercise. Research indicates that on average patients who incorporated yoga into their care management routine saw a notable reduction in their systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number).

It is believed that yoga is an effective complementary treatment for hypertension because it increases and strengthens the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Additionally it can help improve resiliency to stress; a trigger in elevating blood pressure levels.

If you decide to include yoga as a part of your care, it is important to know that not all yoga poses are created equal in high blood pressure management. There are some poses that are helpful and there are others that can be harmful.

Yoga poses that can be beneficial are:

Bridge pose
Posterior stretch pose
Savasana pose
Child pose

Yoga poses that should be avoided or modified include:

Bow pose
Camel pose
Feathered peacock pose
Balasana pose

It is important that you speak with your physician before trying yoga. Your physician will assess your health and advise if you are physically capable. If your doctor has given you the green light, inform your yoga instructor about your hypertension. This information will help in the prevention of injuries or the exacerbation of your medical condition.

Rare but True: Sleeping Beauty or Kleine Levin Syndrome

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

sleeping -493503106 Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS) or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by recurring periods of excess sleep. It is estimated that 1000 people worldwide are diagnosed with the disorder. Adolescent boys are primarily affected but a small percentage of adults and small children (male and female) are also known to suffer from this condition.

KLS symptoms occur in episodes that can last for days, weeks or months. During each episode, an individual can sleep from 12 to 20 hours a day- only waking to eat and use the bathroom. A person can experience anywhere from two to 12 episodes per year. Symptoms that occur during wakefulness include:

Mood changes
Hyper sexuality
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Child-like behavior
Flu-like symptoms
Excessive eating
Hypersensitivity to noise and light

These symptoms prevent individuals from leading a normal life. Most are bed ridden and unable to attend work or school. The frequency of KLS episodes tend to decrease with age, there is a possibility that they can recur later in life.

The cause of KLS is unknown but it is believed that it may be the result of a malfunction of the hypothalamus and thalamus (the parts of the brain that regulates sleep, body temperature, sex drive and appetite).

There is no cure for KLS but treatment is available to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants to reduce excessive sleepiness.

Donate Life Month

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

April is National Donate Life Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lives of people saved by organ donation and the donors who made a difference. In 2015, over 30,000 lives in the United States were saved thanks to the men and women who decided to give the gift of life.

During National Donate Life Month, organizations such as LiveOnNY carry out missions or campaigns to educate communities about the importance of organ donation. These initiatives are very important because they address many concerns people may have about becoming a donor, such as:

Religion- Most major religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others are in support of organ donation.
Age – If you have been given approval by your doctor to be a donor, you are never too old. The oldest person in the U.S. on record to be a donor was 93 years old.
Health conditions- It is important that you do not rule yourself out as donor due to medical conditions. Each case is different.
Premature death- The primary goal of doctors is to save your life. Donation is only considered when all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

Flushing Hospital is encouraging people to help play a role in saving or improving lives by registering as organ donors. Research shows that 90 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation but only 25 percent are registered. By registering, you can make a difference and help save up to eight lives.

For more information please visit www.LiveOnNy.org

Poison Prevention Week Tips

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

poison prevention-154210048 This week, March 20-26 is Poison Prevention Week. Did you know that every year more than 2 million poison-related injuries and deaths are reported in the United States and more than 90 percent of these cases occur in the home?

The majority of poison-related accidents occurs among children but can be prevented by taking the proper precautions to store, dispose or conceal items that contribute to these incidents.

The following safety tips are recommended by The American Association of Poison Control Centers and can help you reduce the risk of an accident your home:

Place the Poison Help number in a place that is easily accessible or viewable. That number is 1 (800) 222-1222. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by experts at all times.
Safely store these substances in cabinets with childproof locks or in child- resistant containers:

Medications
Vitamins
Tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine
Laundry and cleaning supplies
Alcohol
Pesticides or insect repellants
Hand sanitizers
Small batteries

Read medication labels properly before administering.
Never call medication “candy” to encourage children to take it.
Avoid taking medications in front of young children.
Do not use food storage containers to store harmful products such as detergents or pesticides.

While practicing these guidelines should be routine, we invite you to use Poison Prevention Awareness Week as a reminder to ensure that your home is poison safe.

What You Should Know About Your Premature Baby

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

rbma_0019 Learning that your baby will be arriving early can be overwhelming. You may grow anxious as you wonder; what happens next? Having a premature baby does have its challenges; however you can better prepare yourself for what to expect through education.

A baby’s birth is considered premature when they are born before the 37^th week of pregnancy. There are different levels of prematurity, each of which is influenced by how early your baby was born. The levels of prematurity are:

Late preterm– Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
Moderately preterm– Babies born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy
Very preterm- Babies born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy
Extremely preterm– Babies born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy

The earlier the birth is the higher the risk of health complications that may affect your baby: Some of the health complications you could encounter are:

Heart problems
Respiratory problems
Eye disease
Intestinal problems

To ensure that your baby receives optimal medical attention after delivery, your team of doctors and nurses will take measures needed to stabilize him or her, which means they may need to:

Clear the airways and assist the baby in breathing
Regulate and monitor the heart rate. If the baby’s heart rate is exceedingly low, CPR may be performed
Transfer the baby to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) if he or she is critically ill

If transferred to the NICU, your baby will receive round-the-clock care. NICU’s are well equipped with the technologies needed to monitor and regulate babies’ health. While in the NICU, be sure to:

Form a relationship with caregivers
Consult with a lactation consultant to ensure your baby is receiving a fresh supply of milk. Breast milk is best. If you are unable to produce milk, speak with your consultant about receiving donor milk.
Become your baby’s health advocate. If you have a concern or have noticed something unusual do not be afraid to speak up
Touch your baby as much as allowed
Talk to your baby as much as possible; your voice will become familiar and offer comfort

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology to care for infants born prematurely or with complications. Even the tiniest babies can be cared for in this unit, which provides specialized testing and the use of modern equipment to manage medical and surgical illnesses. The unit is staffed by highly specialized, Board Certified physicians, certified neonatal nurses, nurse practitioners and social workers. NICU babies continue to receive specialized care after discharge. To learn more about the NICU or Obstetrical Unit at Flushing Hospital, please call the Department of Pediatrics at 718-670-5486.