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.

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.

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.

Medication Adherence

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The definition of medication adherence is taking medications as prescribed by a physician. This involves taking the correct dosage for the duration directed by your healthcare provider.

Failure to adhere to your prescription can result in health complications and potentially death. Each year, nonadherence results in numerous emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and approximately 125,000 preventable deaths. There are a few common reasons for non-adherence, they include:

Forgetting to take medications
Misunderstanding the instructions
Difficulty taking medications. (Medications delivered by injections or inhalers may present challenges for some people)
Medication costs
Fear of side effects
Concerns about dependency
Doubt or mistrust of the medication benefits
Failure to complete the entire course of treatment due to feeling better or not feeling better

Staying on track with your medications is important to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high adherence is associated with improved clinical outcomes for chronic disease management. Additionally, adherence can enhance a patient’s quality of life. Medication adherence can be improved by following these tips:

Communicating challenges, questions, or concerns with your healthcare provider or pharmacist
Ensuring that the instructions are understood
Creating a routine
Utilizing tools such as reminders or pill organizers
Communicating changes in your health to your healthcare provider

Medication adherence can be challenging but is crucial for preventing disease progression and maintaining good health.

Gluten Intolerance

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a disorder characterized by the body reacting negatively to gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.

The symptoms of gluten intolerance are often similar to those of celiac disease; however, unlike celiac disease, the body’s response to gluten does not result in permanent damage to the small intestine. Here are some of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating or gas
Fatigue
Brain fog
Depression and anxiety
Stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Itchy skin
Joint pain
Anemia

The causes of gluten intolerance are unknown and there is no known cure. However, some people may find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet.

Your healthcare provider can diagnose non-celiac gluten sensitivity by conducting tests to rule out celiac disease or wheat allergy, evaluating your medical history, or guiding you through an elimination diet. Treatment for gluten intolerance typically consists of following a gluten-free diet.

Going gluten-free can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean cutting out some of your favorite foods; many gluten-free alternatives are available. A registered dietitian can help you choose the right foods for your new lifestyle.

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

Smoking And Cardiovascular Disease

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Smoking tobacco products can lead to adverse effects on our cardiovascular health; it is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

The chemicals inhaled when smoking cigarettes can affect the way our cardiovascular systems function in several ways. This includes:

Damaging blood vessels
Causing the thickening and narrowing of blood vessels
Causing a rise in blood pressure
Causing an increase in heart rate
Increasing the risk of blood clots
Creating a buildup of plaque in the arteries
Reducing the supply of oxygen used by the body
Reducing the HDL or good cholesterol in the body

Furthermore, smoking tobacco can lead to the development of life-threatening cardiovascular complications such as:

Stroke
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Atherosclerosis
Heart Attack

Smoking is the most preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and complications caused by CVD. You can protect and improve your heart health by quitting smoking. Studies show that smokers can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease immediately after quitting. Additionally, the risk for heart attack greatly decreases one year after quitting smoking, and within five years of quitting, a smoker can reduce the risk for stroke.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s smoking cessation team wants to help you develop a plan leading to your “quit day”. Flushing Hospital has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring you Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program.

For more information about smoking cessation programs or to register for our program, call: 718 206 8494

Stress Eating

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Experiencing chronic or long-term stress causes our bodies to release the hormone cortisol, which can stimulate our appetites. Additionally, chronic stress appears to have an effect on the types of foods we choose to eat, as studies show we are more likely to consume meals that are high in sugar or fat when we are stressed.

Overeating due to stress and making poor food choices can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Therefore, it is important to learn how to cope with stress in a healthy way and avoid emotional eating. Here are a few ways to achieve these goals:

Identify triggers or events that lead to stress eating
Manage your stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation
Pause before giving in to cravings (Experts recommend putting off eating for one to five minutes)
Find healthier food options
Practice mindful eating
Practice portion control
Exercise
Connect with others who can support you during a difficult time

If you are experiencing stress for an extended period, you should seek the assistance of a licensed mental health professional to help you practice effective stress reduction techniques. Additionally, if you are facing challenges with adhering to a healthy diet, a registered dietitian can help you to get on track with making better food choices.

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

Cushing Syndrome

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol (the stress hormone) over an extended period. The disorder may also develop as a result of taking medications such as glucocorticoids.

Cortisol, when produced within normal levels helps the body to suppress inflammation, metabolize food into energy, regulate the stress response, control the sleep/wake cycle, and regulate blood pressure and blood glucose. However, too much cortisol can cause the following symptoms to develop:

The formation of a fatty lump between the shoulders
Weight gain in the face
Weight gain in the trunk
Thin arms and legs
Pink or purple stretch marks mostly on the abdomen, hips, underarms, and breasts
Acne
Skin that bruises easily
Hirsutism
Irregular periods
Infections
Muscle weakness
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced fertility in men
Slowed or delayed growth in children

Some people are more likely to develop Cushing syndrome than others. A person may have a higher risk if they are taking high-dose corticosteroids over some time, living with adrenal or pituitary tumors, assigned female at birth, or have a family history of certain genetic disorders.

Cushing syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often have other causes. However, a physician such as an endocrinologist can perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order a series of tests to measure cortisol levels or look for tumors to determine a diagnosis.

It is crucial to receive timely treatment for Cushing syndrome, delayed treatment can lead to the following complications:

Diabetes
Depression
Heart disease
Stroke
Heart attack
Osteoporosis
Hypertension

Treatment focuses on lowering cortisol levels in the body. This may be achieved through medications, surgery, radiation therapy, or lowering the dose of glucocorticoids.

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

Traveling With IBD

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Chron’s disease is characterized by prolonged inflammation that occurs in any part of the gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to the anus). Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation and sores to develop in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Both conditions share similar symptoms which may include:

Diarrhea
Urgency to have a bowel movement
Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Upset stomach
Reduced appetite
Gas
Bloating
Fatigue

Traveling for long distances can sometimes present challenges for those diagnosed with IBD. There may be concerns about the proximity and quality of restroom facilities, flare-ups, types of food available, medications, and access to quality healthcare. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip and alleviate some of those worries:

Check each country’s requirements for traveling with medications
Bring enough medications
Pack extra clothing and supplies of toilet paper, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, ostomy bags, ointments, and other necessities in your carry-on luggage
Wear comfortable clothing
Learn about the types of food available on your flight and at your destination
Bring your own food if possible
Locate bathrooms before you need to go
Research healthcare providers and facilities at your destination
Get required travel vaccinations
Purchase travel insurance that covers your health condition
Practice food safety measures such as washing your hands, washing your fruits and vegetables, and ensuring that meats are cooked properly

Lastly, always consult with your doctor about ways you can manage IBD while you are away. Your doctor can provide recommendations to help you stay well on your trip. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.