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.

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.

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.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Hearing loss affects millions of people living in the U.S. It is a common health problem that occurs in older adults. In fact, almost half of adults ages 65 and older suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Unfortunately for some individuals, there are barriers to obtaining affordable and effective hearing aids.

In an effort to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable hearing aids, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a ruling to allow over-the-counter (OTC) purchases of the devices. According to the FDA, “This action enables consumers 18 years of age and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist.”

The FDA also stated that consumers may be able to purchase hearing aids at traditional drugstores and pharmacies as well as online retail stores as soon as mid-October. Consumers are being encouraged to learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids before making a purchase. Here are some important facts potential buyers should know:

OTC hearing aids are only intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids may not help you if you have trouble hearing loud sounds such as power tools or have trouble hearing conversations in quiet places.
OTC hearing aids are not intended for use by children with hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids should not be confused with personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Hearing aids are medical devices designed to help a person with or compensate for impaired hearing, while PSAPs are electronics that are used by non-hearing impaired persons to amplify sounds in certain environments.
Although most OTC hearing aids will be designed to fit most, choosing the best device for you may take some trial and error.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Your physician can rule out any serious causes including earwax buildup or certain medical conditions. A doctor can also help you to determine if you are a good candidate for OTC hearing aids.

You should also see a doctor if you are experiencing the following symptoms: dizziness, ringing, roaring or beeping in the ear, the drainage of fluid or pus from the ear, or persistent pain or discomfort in the ear.

Parechovirus

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a health advisory alerting public health officials of a growing number of parechovirus (PeV) cases. According to the organization, “Since May 2022, CDC has received reports from healthcare providers in multiple states of PeV infections in neonates and young infants.”

Parechovirus is a common viral infection that can affect adults and children. For adults and older children, the symptoms of the virus are typically mild and may include vomiting, fever, gastrointestinal problems, or a rash. Symptoms may not be visible in some individuals.

In newborns and babies under the age of 3 months old, symptoms caused by PeV can be severe and include high fever, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure. PeV infections can also lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as:

Seizures
Encephalitis
Sepsis-like illness
Meningitis

Parechovirus is highly contagious, spreading from person to person by way of contact with respiratory droplets (sneezing or coughing) or by fecal-oral route, meaning fecal material of an infected person is ingested by another person. You can also catch the virus by touching objects that are contaminated and then later touching your nose or mouth.

PeV infections are more common in the spring, summer, and fall months. However, transmission can be prevented by practicing proper hand hygiene; especially after diaper changes, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and staying away from those who are sick.

If your child is displaying signs of a parechovirus infection, consult your pediatrician immediately or seek emergency medical care. An early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Treatment for mild symptoms may include getting plenty of rest and fluids and taking over-the-counter medications. Hospitalization may be required for younger babies and children with more severe symptoms.

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

Best And Worst Foods For High Cholesterol

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and used by the body to help make cells, hormones, and vitamin D.

High cholesterol occurs when there is too much of this fatty substance in the blood. Although high cholesterol can be inherited, it is often caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.

A buildup of fatty deposits in our blood vessels can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke. Therefore, it is important to make changes to our lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications.

Improving our diets is a good place to start, and that involves avoiding or limiting the following foods:

Fried foods
Processed meats
Baked goods made with butter or shortening
Dairy products made from whole milk
Red meat
Organ meat
Saturated vegetable oils such as coconut oil or palm oil
Food made with hydrogenated oil

Adding these foods to your diet can help reduce high cholesterol levels:

Fruits that are rich in pectin such as apples, grapes, and strawberries
Oats
Whole grains
Nuts
Legumes
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon

Other lifestyle changes you can make to improve cholesterol levels are exercising at least 2 ½ hours each week and reducing stress.

If you are at risk of developing high cholesterol, speak with your physician about taking steps to reduce your levels. Your doctor’s treatment plan may include adhering to a healthy diet, working out regularly, or taking medications.

Supplements And Drug Interactions

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

It is common for people to take dietary supplements while using prescribed medications. However, many do not disclose this information to their doctors.

Informing your doctor of prescription and supplement usage is important because some supplements when combined with certain medications can cause interactions that endanger your health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warns against combining the following medications and supplements as doing so can result in adverse reactions:

Drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, depression, treatments for organ transplants, and birth control pills are less effective when taken with St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement.
Warfarin (a prescription blood thinner), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin, and vitamin E (a supplement) can each thin the blood. Taking any of these products together may increase the potential for internal bleeding or stroke.

Other examples of dietary supplement and prescription medication interactions are:

Goldenseal – it is highly advised that goldenseal not be combined with most over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It may interact with blood thinners, chemotherapy and HIV drugs.
Calcium- may interact with certain antibiotics, thyroid or osteoporosis drugs.
Co-Q10- may interact with blood thinners and cancer drugs.
Valerian- may interact with anti-anxiety drugs.

It is important to keep in mind that while many supplements are labeled as natural, they may not always be safe, especially when taken with certain medicines. The FDA advises patients to always consult with their physicians before taking any dietary supplement and medication combinations.

Tips To Cope With Loneliness

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines loneliness as, “an emotion that comes from a lack of social connection.”

Almost everyone will experience feeling lonely at some point in their lives. In fact, data from a 2020 survey concluded that approximately 60% of adults living in the United States experienced loneliness that year.

Loneliness can affect our health in different ways:

It can lead to mental health issues such as depression
It can affect concentration
It can affect sleep health

What can you do to combat loneliness? The CDC has the following suggestions to help you cope:

Start a conversation.

Call, video chat, or text message friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Write a letter or postcard.

Use social media and virtual technology.

Use your time online to connect and interact with others instead of scrolling through posts. Set limited timeframes for reading the news.

Try virtual volunteering to provide support in your community.

Many organizations, including faith-based organizations, offer online/virtual volunteer opportunities which can give you the chance to contribute to something that you find important.

Practice self-compassion and self-care.

Be gentle with yourself. Take time for yourself. Read, listen to music, exercise, or learn a new skill. Acknowledge your successes and give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can.

Seek help from a professional if your loneliness becomes overwhelming or feels unmanageable.

Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.

To speak with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Exercise and Aging

Posted on May 14, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

It is never too late to begin a regular fitness routine. In fact; the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute on Aging promotes exercise and physical activity as an important factor in healthy aging.

Older adults are encouraged to incorporate the following four main types of exercise into their routine:

Strength Exercise
Endurance Exercise
Balance Exercise
Flexibility Exercise

Each type of exercise offers several benefits when performed on an ongoing basis. These benefits can be achieved by doing a variety of physical activities.

Strength Exercise- Helps to build muscle and makes them stronger. Building stronger muscles can be achieved by participating in activities such as lifting weights or resistance training.
Endurance Exercise-Helps to promote a healthy heart rate and improve breathing. This type of exercise focuses on overall fitness as well as keeping the cardiovascular and respiratory systems healthy. Activities such as aerobics, swimming, walking, dancing, or jogging are considered endurance exercises.
Balance Exercise-Helps to reduce falls, a problem that is common in older adults. This type of exercise focuses on building lower body strength. Activities such as Tai Chi, walking heel to toe, and standing on one foot are considered balance exercises.
Flexibility Exercise- Helps to stretch muscles, promotes freedom of movement, and in some instances improves balance. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, bending to touch your toes, or stretching your arms across your chest.

Before beginning a fitness routine, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first. You can work with your physician to create a routine that is compatible with your lifestyle and health. To receive more information about exercise and aging, please visit the National Institute on Aging website https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Signs of Liver Disease

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The liver plays an essential role in helping our bodies to digest food, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, manage the clotting of blood, and remove harmful chemicals from the blood.

When our liver is damaged or not functioning properly it can lead to complications such as liver disease, which can potentially become life-threatening.

People with early-stage liver damage or disease may not experience symptoms. However, as time progresses, the body may send warning signs to let us know that the liver is not working the way it should.

Paying attention to these signs and receiving timely treatment can reduce the risk of serious illnesses. Here are five signs you should not ignore:

Itchy skin
Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Edema (Swelling in the arms and legs)
Bruising easily
Nausea and vomiting

Treatment for liver disease may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, liver transplantation.

There are steps you can take to prevent certain types of liver disease. This includes eating less red meat, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting or avoiding the consumption of alcohol, exercising, and getting the hepatitis A and B vaccine if you are at risk.