What To Expect: Colonoscopy

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A colonoscopy is a procedure that physicians use to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon). During an examination, doctors can investigate changes in the large intestine and possible causes for a variety of symptoms. Most importantly, physicians can use this procedure to look for precancerous or cancerous polyps on the inside of the colon’s lining.

Before the procedure, your doctor will require that you consume a clear liquid diet for at least 24 hours ahead of the time for your exam. You will also have to take a laxative to help clear the intestines. In some instances, your provider may perform an enema before the test. Please be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking so that adjustments can be made if needed before your procedure.

When you arrive for your colonoscopy, you may be given medications to sedate you or make you feel sleepy. It is highly recommended that you have someone available to drive you home for this reason.

Your physician will begin the procedure once you are sedated. A colonoscope is the tool your healthcare provider utilizes to conduct the examination. The device is a long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. During the procedure, your physician will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and move it into your colon to look for polyps or other signs of a potential health problem.

Once the examination is completed, your healthcare team will transport you to a recovery room for a few hours. It is common for patients to experience mild cramps or bleeding in the first stool after the procedure. Please contact your doctor if bleeding and cramping persist.

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.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a type of pelvic floor disorder. It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support a woman’s pelvic organs become weak and no longer capable of holding those organs in place.

A woman’s pelvic organs include the rectum, uterus, bladder, cervix, and urethra, all of which are held in place by pelvic floor muscles. However, these muscles can become stretched or torn as a result of childbirth or other factors including:

Pelvic floor injuries
Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
Aging
Obesity
Hormonal changes
Hysterectomy
Genetic disorders that weaken connective tissues
Having a condition that causes frequent coughing

When pelvic floor muscles are no longer able to hold pelvic organs in position, they drop lower in the pelvis. This creates a bulge or prolapse into the vagina, and in severe cases may cause pelvic organs to bulge onto other organs or outside the body.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “POP affects 1 in 4 women in their 40s and 1 in 3 in their 60s. By the time women reach their 80s, POP affects half of all women.” Some may experience symptoms that include:

Lower back pain
Pressure of pain during sexual intercourse
Problems inserting tampons
A feeling of pressure, fullness or aching in the pelvis
Incontinence
Spotting or bleeding of the vagina
Feeling or seeing a bulge coming out of the vagina

POP is diagnosed by conducting a series of tests that include a pelvic examination. There are various treatments available such as inserting devices called pessaries to support the pelvic organs, pelvic floor therapy, or surgery to support or close the vagina.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a wide variety of treatments for POP, this includes sacrocolpopexy, a surgical procedure that can be performed with the assistance of a surgical robot by our highly trained surgeons.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

Dementia Home Safety Tips

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Dementia is a general term used to describe the loss of cognitive functioning, this includes memory, language, reasoning, and other mental abilities. It is also common to experience changes in vision, depth perception, hearing, and sensitivity to temperatures. Although dementia occurs more commonly in the elderly, it is not a normal part of aging.

Symptoms of dementia can affect a person’s ability to conduct normal activities. They can also pose a threat to personal safety.

Individuals with dementia may get lost in a familiar neighborhood, become confused, forget the name of objects around the house, have trouble with balance, or may not be able to complete tasks independently. Following these tips can reduce the risk of potential hazards and help keep someone living with dementia safe at home:

Display emergency numbers and your loved one’s home address near all telephones.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, and make sure they are in working order.
Avoid clutter.
Keep plastic bags out of reach.
Remove or lock up all guns or weapons.
Install safety locks on guns or remove ammunition.
Keep all medications in a locked cabinet or drawer.
Install grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and on toilets.
Secure large furniture to prevent tipping.
Mark the edges of stairs with neon-colored, glow-in-the-dark tape.
Place stickers or decals on glass doors.
Place “STOP” signs on all doors leading outside.
Install alarms on doors and windows.
Place deadbolts or latches on doors above eye level.
Keep car keys hidden.
Keep potentially dangerous kitchen tools such as knives locked up.
Remove the knobs from stoves.
Install appliances with an automatic shut-off feature.
Throw away decorative food or toxic plants that may be mistaken for real food.
Lower the temperature setting on water heaters.
Cover heating pipes and radiators.

These tips will help loved ones remain safe in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. As the disease progresses, safety precautions will have to be adjusted to adapt to a person’s abilities.

Supplements That May Raise Blood Pressure

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Supplements are often taken in an effort to increase the intake of nutrients and improve overall health. Although supplements can provide some health benefits, they can also be harmful, especially for those diagnosed with medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Several supplements are known to increase blood pressure or interfere with drugs intended to lower blood pressure. Here are a few:

Licorice
Caffeine pills
Ginseng
Guarana
Arnica
Ephedra
John’s wort
Bitter orange
Evening primrose
Saw palmetto
Hawthorn

It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before adding supplements to your health routine. Your physician can explore potential risks to your health and contraindications with the medications you are taking.

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

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The National Library of Medicine defines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as, “a combination of two therapeutic approaches, known as cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.” The principle of this approach to therapy is, “What we think, how we feel and how we behave are all closely connected – and all of these factors have a decisive influence on our well-being.”

The goal of CBT is to work with a licensed mental health provider to change behavioral and thinking patterns over time by applying strategies that may include:

Identifying and coping with challenges
Learning about your mental health condition
Learning how to practically address rational concerns
Learning ways to identify and manage emotions
Identifying and reshaping negative or inaccurate thinking
Facing fears instead of avoiding them
Practicing new coping skills that can be used in real-life situations
Setting goals
Using problem-solving skills
Learning relaxation or stress-reducing techniques

Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven beneficial in helping to improve a variety of mental health conditions and disorders such as:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Eating disorders
Phobias

CBT is appropriate for adults and children. It can be conducted in one-on-one or group settings and delivered in person or online. According to Psychology Today, it may take 5 to 20 weekly sessions of about 45 minutes each for cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective. However, treatment may continue for additional sessions if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be used alone or combined with medication therapy to address a person’s needs.

To learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy or to schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) defines tardive dyskinesia (TD) as, “a movement disorder that causes a range of repetitive muscle movements in the face, neck, arms and legs.”

TD often develops as a side effect of long-term use of certain medications (most commonly antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders). Tardive dyskinesia may also develop as a result of prolonged use of medications used to treat nausea and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms of TD are beyond a person’s control and can affect their quality of life. Symptoms may include uncontrolled:

Jerky movements of the face
Neck twisting
Smacking or puckering the lips
Tongue movements
Chewing
Frowning
Eye blinking
Hand and leg movements

Some people are more likely to develop TD than others. You may have a higher risk if you:

Are born female at birth
Misuse drugs or alcohol
Are Asian American or African American
Are of the age of 55
Have gone through menopause
Have a family history of TD

If you are experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, your healthcare provider may run a series of tests to rule out other movement disorders.

Treatment for TD involves monitoring medications and making adjustments when needed. In some cases, your physician may recommend that you stop taking certain medications. If symptoms persist, other treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, deep brain stimulation, or medications used to treat movement disorders may help.

10 Foods That Can Help Lower High Blood Pressure

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypertension (high blood pressure) develops when the force of the blood pushing against the arteries or flowing through the blood vessels is consistently too high. This can lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, kidney disease or heart attack.

Hypertension is treatable and manageable through medication and making certain lifestyle changes. One of the most effective lifestyle changes a person living with hypertension can apply is following a healthy diet rich in the following foods:

Salmon and other types of fatty fish
Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli
Citrus fruits
Oatmeal
Beets
Berries
Low-fat yogurt
Seeds such as pumpkin, flax, and sunflower seeds
Garlic
Legumes and beans

Adding these foods to a diet can help with managing high blood pressure when combined with exercise and a treatment plan recommended by a doctor.

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

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is raising awareness of pancreatic cancer by sharing important facts about the disease.

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in digestion by producing enzymes that break down food. The pancreas also produces hormones such as insulin that help the body regulate blood sugar.

Several types of cancerous growths can occur in the pancreas, this includes pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas, adenosquamous carcinomas, and signet ring cell carcinomas are some of the less common types of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma develops when the exocrine cells in the pancreas begin to grow out of control and form a tumor. There is no clear answer as to what causes adenocarcinoma; however, some people have a greater risk than others of developing the disease. This includes those who:

Smoke or use tobacco products
Are exposed to chemicals used in metal working or dry-cleaning industries
Are obese
Are born male
Are over the age of 60
Are of African American descent
Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
Have inherited certain gene mutations
Have diabetes
Have chronic pancreatitis

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is hard to find early. This is because symptoms typically do not present until after cancer has progressed (spreading outside the pancreas to other organs). Symptoms can include:

Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Stomach bloating
Burning sensation in the stomach
Nausea and vomiting
Floating stools
Dark urine
Fever
Chills and sweats

A person with signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer should consult their physician. A series of tests can be ordered to diagnose the disease. If cancer is detected, a doctor will try to determine the stage based on the size of the tumor, the spread to nearby lymph nodes, or the spread to distant lymph nodes and organs. Pancreatic cancer stages range from zero to four.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on various factors such as the location and stage of cancer as well as the status of your overall health. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, or surgery, or a combination of both.

Protecting Our Skin’s Barrier

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Our skin is the largest and one of our most important organs. It helps to prevent several external threats such as bacteria from entering the body and excessive amounts of water from leaving the body.

There are three layers of protection that make up our skin. The first or outermost layer is called the epidermis, the second layer is called the dermis, and the third is the hypodermis.

The epidermis acts as our protective barrier —our first line of defense. Without its protection, harmful toxins, irritants, and other substances could penetrate our skin. This layer of skin also helps to retain moisture and keep us hydrated.

Damage to the skin’s barrier could lead to several health problems including infections, inflammation, dryness, sensitivity, redness, acne, or premature aging.

Given the importance of the skin’s barrier to our health, it is important that we take good care of it. Here are 10 ways we can achieve this:

Apply sunscreen daily
Remove impurities by gently cleansing the skin (avoid using cleansers that contain sulfates)
Avoid using harsh chemicals on the skin such as retinoids for extended periods
Use plant oils such as coconut oil or almond oil to replenish the skin barrier
Use products that include ceramides and humectants
Use moisturizers that include hyaluronic acid
Avoid long hot baths or showers
Avoid over-washing and over-scrubbing skin
Drink daily recommended amounts of water
Eat healthy foods

To maintain the health of our skin’s barrier, most dermatologists recommend a simple care routine that involves gently cleansing the skin morning and night and using moisturizers that are rich in active ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.

If you are experiencing skin damage for a prolonged time, it is best to see a dermatologist to assess the root of the problem and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Your doctor may recommend removing certain products from your skin routine, using simple but effective products, or making lifestyle changes.

Hyperglycemia

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Diabetes Association defines hyperglycemia as the technical term for having high blood glucose or high blood sugar.

High blood sugar can occur in people with diabetes as a result of eating certain foods, skipping, or not taking the correct dosage of insulin. Other causes are taking certain medications, infections, or severe illnesses.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia do not present immediately in most cases. They typically develop slowly, over several days or weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, hyperglycemia usually doesn’t cause symptoms until blood sugar (glucose) levels are high — above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 10 to 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:

Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Fruity-smelling breath
Frequent urination
Blurred vision

It is important to pay attention to symptoms because hyperglycemia can become a serious health problem if left untreated. Ongoing high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage as well as damage to blood vessels and organs. Potentially life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) could also occur.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia, consult your physician right away. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.