When Should You Take Antibiotics?

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Antibiotics are medicines that are used to fight bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from growing and multiplying.

There are several classes or groups of antibiotics, they include:

Tetracyclines- used to treat rosacea and acne
Penicillins- can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including throat and ear infections
Cephalosporins- May be used to treat illnesses such as meningitis and pneumonia, and can be used to treat people who are allergic to penicillin
Aminoglycosides- which are often used in hospitals to treat serious infections

Healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat various medical problems and conditions such as strep throat, pink eye, E. coli, bacterial pneumonia or urinary tract infections. They can be taken orally, topically, or intravenously through injection.

Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections; therefore, they should not be used to treat viral infections or illnesses that are caused by viruses such as:

Most coughs
Influenza (the flu)
Stomach flu
Sinus infections caused by a virus

Antibiotics should only be taken when needed because overusing them to treat mild infections or illnesses that can go away on their own can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics. You can become susceptible to serious infections if resistance develops and antibiotics are ineffective.

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.

Who Should Get A Bone Density Test?

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Bone density is a measurement of the amount of mineral content (primarily consisting of calcium and phosphorus) in your bones.

Bones containing more minerals are considered dense. They are stronger and are less likely to fracture. Bones that have less minerals, and are more porous, are classified as bones with low density and are prone to develop conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Both conditions cause bones to become weak and susceptible to fractures.

Our bone density usually increases until we reach our peak bone mass, which occurs around the ages of 25 to 30, and remains stable until we reach the age of 50. After the age of 50, adults typically experience a decline in their bone mineral density. People who are also more likely to experience bone loss include those who:

Have certain health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes
Are taking certain medications such as prednisone
Have a decrease in estrogen due to menopause
Have low testosterone levels
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Smoke
Consume alcohol excessively
Have poor nutrition: especially a diet lacking calcium and vitamin D

A bone density test can help doctors determine how much mineral you have in your bones, and if you are at risk for complications. The most common test is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Test results will be reported as two scores: T-score and Z-score. A T-score shows how dense your bones are in comparison to those of a healthy young adult of the same sex, and a Z-score compares your bone density to those of someone your age, weight, sex, and ethnicity.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation strongly recommends bone density testing for:

Women aged 65 years and older
Men aged 70 years and older
Anyone who has broken a bone after the age of 50 years
Women aged 50-64 years with risk factors
Men aged 50-69 years with risk factors

If you are at risk for osteoporosis or health conditions that may develop due to bone loss, you must make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can order the appropriate tests and recommend lifestyle changes that can help protect the bone density you have left.

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

The Blue Zone Diet

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Blue zones are identified as regions of the world in which people tend to live longer and healthier lives than average. Many live to be over 100 years old.

Parts of the United States, Japan, Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica have been found to have blue zones. One of the things people living in these areas share in common is the types of food they eat; their food choices have inspired the Blue Zone diet.

The Blue Zone diet is mainly plant-based, consisting of fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes. Meats, dairy, processed, and sugary foods are avoided or eaten occasionally.

In addition to eating healthy whole foods, people living in blue zones also practice a lifestyle that focuses on:

Family
Being sociable
Stress reduction
Staying active
Finding purpose

Following the Blue Zone diet and principles is simple and has proven beneficial for most. However, it is advised that you speak with your doctor or dietitian to learn if this diet or making any lifestyle changes is best for your health.

COVID-19 FLiRT Variants

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

There has been a recent surge in COVID-19 infections, and data shows that FLiRT variants have been linked to a significant number of cases.

FLiRT is a term used to describe a family of mutated COVID-19 variants, which include KP.1.1, KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, and other variants starting with KP or JN. The name is based on the technical names for locations of the virus’ mutations.

There is still much to learn about FLiRT variants, but here are some important facts we can share:

It is the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States at this time
Symptoms are consistent with those of other variants and include body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills and shortness of breath
People can protect themselves by wearing a mask, testing for COVID-19 if they have been exposed, and getting the latest vaccines (It is important to note that while vaccines may not prevent infections, they can lessen the severity of illness.)
Antivirals such as Paxlovid work effectively against FLiRT variants

Additionally, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home or away from others when we are sick.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are at risk of developing serious illnesses due to an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) During Summer

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the changes of the seasons. SAD is commonly referred to as winter depression because symptoms typically occur during the late fall and early winter months.

Although most people living with SAD experience symptoms during the onset of winter, 10% of individuals with the disorder experience the reverse where symptoms present during late spring into early summer. This is known as summer depression.

The symptoms of summer depression can include:

Poor appetite
Weight loss
Trouble sleeping
Mood swings
Lethargy
Feeling agitated
Feeling anxious
Increased irritability
Violent or aggressive behavior

The cause of SAD in summer is not yet known; however, it is believed that the following are contributing factors:

Disruptions in routine schedules due to summer vacations or children being out of school
Changes in sleep routine
Body image issues
Excessive heat and humidity
Allergies
Longer days (which can interfere with melatonin production)

There are a few ways one can manage summer depression. Managing symptoms may involve:

Medications
Psychotherapy
Stress management
Getting adequate sleep
Staying cool by avoiding the heat as much as possible
Establishing and keeping a routine
Practicing self-care
Practicing mind-body techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with summer seasonal affective disorder, seek assistance by connecting with loved ones and talking to a mental health provider who can offer a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment.

Signs Of A Broken Bone

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A broken bone is one of the most common injuries to happen In children and adults. A bone breaks when more pressure is applied to it than it can stand.

Broken bones or bone fractures are often caused by traumatic events such as a fall or a direct blow to the area. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or certain cancers can also lead to fractures. These are known as pathologic fractures.

How can you tell if a bone is broken? Here are a few telltale signs and symptoms:

Intense pain
Tenderness
Bleeding
Swelling
Bruising or discoloration
Numbness or tingling
Bone protruding from the skin or a bump at the site
Deformity ( where the injured body part looks crooked or different than it did before)
Limited mobility or inability to move a limb
Inability to bear weight on the affected limb

If you suspect someone has broken a bone, you should examine the site and other parts of the body for injuries. The person must receive medical attention right away. Call 911 immediately if you think someone has broken bones in their spine.

Broken bones can be diagnosed by performing a physical examination, and using imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Treatment for bone fractures can involve medications, a splint, a brace or cast, or surgery.

The Flushing Hospital Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging services. Our medical team consists of highly qualified Board Certified and fellowship-trained professionals. The department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which signifies a higher quality examination and care. To schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital’s radiology department, call 718- 670-5458.

Tips To Prevent Summer Injuries and Illnesses In Children

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

During the summer, children spend more time outside participating in physical activities which can increase their risk of injury and developing certain illnesses.

Here are a few of the most common summer illnesses and injuries, and ways to prevent them:

Water-related injuries and drownings are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. Serious injuries resulting from falls often occur around swimming pools or diving areas, and children can drown quickly in any body of water. Accidents can be prevented by:

Teaching children to ask permission before going into the water
Teaching children how to swim
Paying attention to children when they are in or around water
Wearing life jackets
Fencing off pools with fences made with self-latching devices
Installing pool covers
Adding a pool alarm
Learning how to perform CPR and knowing first-aid

Fall-related injuries are among the most common in children and tend to happen more during the warmer months. However, the risk of falls, and sustaining injuries from these accidents can be reduced by:

Removing fall hazards or supervising children near fall hazards
Installing safety gates near staircases and keeping stairs clutter-free
Wearing appropriate footwear that is slip-resistant and fits properly
Using playgrounds that have soft surfaces under equipment
Wearing helmets when using scooters, tricycles, or bicycles

Heat-related injuries can include several health complications such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. These illnesses can be life-threatening, but thankfully can be avoided by:

Drinking plenty of fluids
Wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
Spending as much time possible indoors during very hot and humid days
Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and responding appropriately

Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease or babesiosis peak during the warmer months when we are more likely to participate in activities in wooded or grassy areas. To prevent tick-borne illnesses, we can:

Use repellants that contain 20 to 30% DEET
Wear protective clothing, and tuck our pants into our socks
Check the body for ticks and remove them as soon as they are discovered
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors

Enteroviruses can cause illnesses such as the summer flu, pink eye, and coxsackie. These illnesses are highly transmissible, and outbreaks peak in the summer. However, you can control the spread of enteroviruses by practicing hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces that children touch most often.

If your child is experiencing symptoms associated with these summer illnesses or has sustained injuries from an accident, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

Debunking 5 Common Health Myths

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Many common health myths and misconceptions exist and have been widely accepted as facts. You may have heard of some of these: cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis, cold weather makes you sick, or eating certain foods such as cayenne pepper can burn fat.

Thanks to scientific research, we have explored many of these old wives’ tales to determine if they are indeed myths or facts. Here is the truth provided behind five common health myths:
1. Myth: Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis.
Truth: Several studies have shown that frequently cracking your knuckles does not increase the risk of arthritis; however, it may lead to reduced grip strength.

2. Myth: Cold weather makes you sick.
Truth: Cold weather in itself does not make you sick. However, research shows that certain germs and viruses may spread more easily because frigid temperatures can make our immune cells less effective.

3. Myth: Eating certain foods such as grapefruit and cayenne pepper can burn fat.
Truth: While some foods can help increase your metabolism or make you feel fuller, which can contribute to weight loss; there aren’t any that can burn excess fat.

4. Myth: You need eight glasses of water per day.
Truth: There is no set number for how much water you should drink daily. Determining how much water you should drink each day depends on several factors including weather or the climate you live in, age, or how much sweat you are producing. The National Council on Aging shares, “You should take one-third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids daily. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 50 oz., or a little over 6 cups, of water each day.”

5. Myth: If you pull out a single gray hair from your scalp, more will grow back in its place.
Truth: There is only one hair that grows from each follicle; therefore, plucking a single gray hair will not result in the growth of multiple hairs.

It is important to learn the facts about our health from trusted and reliable medical resources. Receiving accurate information can help us make educated decisions and avoid complications.

New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently shared new guidelines for breast cancer screening. The organization advises women to begin receiving mammograms at the age of 40, instead of the previously recommended starting age of 50.

Additionally, the USPSTF recommends getting mammograms every other year until the age of 74.

According to the organization, changes were made to screening guidelines based on “new and more inclusive science.” Scientific research has found that more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their forties, and with more aggressive cases.

Routine screenings and the early detection of breast cancer can save lives. The USPSTF estimates that screening women at the age of 40 can save close to 20% more lives from the disease.

The newly updated USPSTF breast screening guidelines were created for people assigned female at birth, with an average risk of developing breast cancer. Those who have a history of cancer or are at a higher risk of developing the disease should speak with their doctor for individualized recommendations.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about breast cancer screenings or assessing your risk, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time and/ or at high doses. Both may lead to the breakdown of the lining that protects the stomach and small intestine from strong acids. Without this protection, the acids will eat their way through and create sores.

Most people living with peptic ulcers do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms present, they can include:

Stomach pain
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bloating
Belching
Feeling of fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Dark, bloody, or tarry stools

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see a doctor. Because, if left untreated peptic ulcers can result in complications such as internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach), or gastric cancer.

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease may include a physical examination, lab tests, GI series x-ray examinations, or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve antibiotics to kill H. pylori, medications to block or reduce acid production, medication to coat and protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine, or medications to neutralize stomach acids.

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