Syphilis Cases Are Rising – Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Syphilis cases throughout the United States have surged dramatically over the past five years, increasing by nearly 79% according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The uptick in cases of congenital syphilis is even more staggering, with an increase of 183.4% from 2018 to 2022. As this epidemic worsens, it’s important to have the facts about syphilis and learn more about what you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

Syphilis is a type of sexually-transmitted infection (STI), meaning that it is spread through sexual contact with other people. It is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore on another person’s body, but can also spread through casual contact with objects that a person with syphilis may have used, such as toilet seats, door knobs, clothing, or eating utensils. You can also become infected through using shared spaces such as bathtubs or swimming pools.

In its primary stage, syphilis causes firm, round, and painless sores around the site where the infection entered your body. Even if these sores go away without treatment, the disease may enter its secondary stage, which can cause rashes and other symptoms, such as:

Fever
Swollen lymph glands
Sore throat
Patchy hair loss
Headaches
Unintended weight loss
Muscle aches
Fatigue

The latent stage of syphilis, which follows the secondary phase, does not present new symptoms. However, it can progress into the tertiary stage, during which the disease can cause damage to organs such as the heart, brain, blood vessels, and eyes. Without treatment, syphilis that enters the tertiary stage can result in death.

Congenital syphilis can occur when a mother with syphilis transmits the infection to her baby. This type of syphilis can cause severe health complications for an affected baby, including:

Bone deformities
Severe anemia
Enlarged liver and spleen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Nervous system problems, such as blindness or deafness
Meningitis
Skin rashes
Death

You should get tested for syphilis if you are:

Sexually active, especially if you do not use condoms
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
Have HIV
Are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Have previously had (or currently have) sexual contact with partners who have tested positive for syphilis

You can receive diagnostic testing and treatment for syphilis at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

3 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Boxes of chocolates are a popular choice for a Valentine’s Day gift, but consider opting for dark chocolate. As an increasing amount of research has shown, there are quite a few health benefits associated with dark chocolate. Some of these benefits include:

Antioxidant properties: Dark chocolate includes high amounts of flavonoids, polyphenols, catechins, and other organic compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants offer protection against free radicals, which cause damage to your cells and contribute to a wide range of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Improved cardiovascular health: The flavonoids contained in dark chocolate stimulate the lining of your arteries to produce nitric oxide, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. However, this effect is mild, and may not necessarily help people with conditions such as chronically-high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Protection against high cholesterol: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) are a major risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, certain kinds of LDL cholesterol can oxidize when they interact with free radicals; this can cause inflammation and buildups of plaque to form inside your arteries. Dark chocolate reduces levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, including the types most likely to oxidize.

In addition to these benefits, dark chocolate also contains significant amounts of needed nutrients, such as:

Fiber
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Copper
Potassium
Phosphorous
Zinc
Selenium

It’s important to keep in mind that dark chocolate is most beneficial when consumed in moderation. The recommended serving size of dark chocolate is up to two ounces, which is equivalent to about six thin squares broken off of a bigger bar.

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.

Should You Give Your Child Probiotics?

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Digestive problems such as the stomach flu, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation are very common among children and are often causes for trips to a doctor’s office. In an effort to prevent these types of problems, many parents incorporate probiotics into their child’s diet. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics are the third most common natural product used by children.

Probiotics are strains of bacteria that support digestive processes. While many people associate bacteria with illnesses, certain types are necessary to help your digestive system function. In addition to processes such as nutrient absorption, these “good” bacteria also support a wide variety of functions associated with your heart, brain, and immune system.

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may be helpful for preventing and treating common digestive issues in children, such as IBS, the stomach flu, constipation, and acid reflux, as well as some other medical problems, such as upper respiratory tract infections and eczema. However, there is currently not enough research to determine what the long-term benefits and risks of giving your child probiotics may be.

There are many different sources of probiotics. While supplement products (such as gummies or pills) are available, these types of products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold, making it difficult to verify claims they make regarding health benefits. However, another popular source of probiotics among people of all ages is yogurt, particularly products that contain “live cultures,” as stated on their labels.

Not all probiotics contain the same types of bacteria; for this reason, certain products may be more helpful against specific digestive problems than others. Additionally, there are known risks associated with giving probiotics to certain groups of children; for example, children with compromised immune systems could develop an infection, and other, more serious side effects could occur in sick infants. Make sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician before giving them probiotics.

If your child is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, you can take them to visit a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

Signs of Poor Sleep Quality

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

The National Sleep Foundation describes sleep quality as the measurement of how well you’re sleeping.

Getting adequate amounts of quality sleep is essential for our health. It allows our bodies to recharge and provides additional benefits including:

Improving memory and concentration
Strengthening the immune system
Reducing stress
Lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes

Consequently, not getting enough quality sleep can harm our health. A lack of quality sleep can result in:

Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia and other sleep disorders
Increased stress
An increased risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes
An increased risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

Thankfully, our body tells us when we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep so that we can make improvements. Signs of poor-quality sleep include:

Taking 30 minutes or more to fall asleep
Feeling sleepy or tired, even after getting enough sleep
Waking up often throughout the night and lying awake for several minutes
Having trouble concentrating during the day
Experiencing hunger more often
Experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or gasping for air
Having dark circles or bags under the eyes

Improving sleep quality can be achieved by making simple changes to our lifestyles. Here are a few recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
Remove electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and phones from the bedroom.
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Don’t use tobacco.
Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

If you are having difficulty falling and staying asleep for an extended period, speak with your doctor to explore possible causes. Your physician may recommend that you see a sleep specialist who can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders.

How Should You Prepare for an X-Ray?

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

X-rays are typically used to created detailed images of your bones and soft tissues. These images help to diagnose medical problems such as bone fractures, structural issues, or foreign objects in your body, all of which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or impaired physical functionality. An x-ray creates these images using a small amount of ionizing radiation.

The minimal amount of radiation exposure that occurs during an x-ray poses few health risks for people of any age. However, depending on your medical circumstances or the type of x-ray you’re receiving, there may be certain steps you should take to further minimize any potential risks from this test. Before getting an x-ray, you should:

Ask your doctor about specific steps to prepare for your x-ray: Certain types of x-rays may require you to take specific steps before your procedure. If you’re receiving an x-ray for your upper gastrointestinal tract, for example, you should typically avoid eating or drinking for several hours ahead of time. For other types of x-rays, you may need to remove metal objects (such as jewelry) or avoid applying topical substances (such as lotions or creams.)

Wear comfortable clothing: When you receive an x-ray, you’ll usually need to change out of your clothes and into a medical gown, so it may be best to wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on once the procedure is completed.

You can receive an x-ray at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Radiology. To get more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5458.

“Ministroke” or Transient Ischemic Attack

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often incorrectly called a ministroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood supply to the brain. Unlike a full-blown stroke, a TIA resolves within a few minutes or 24 hours and does not cause permanent damage to the brain.

A transient ischemic attack may only last temporarily; however, it should be treated as an emergency, and medical attention should be sought immediately if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

Slurred speech
Blurred or double vision
Dizziness or vertigo
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body
Severe headache
Confusion
Loss of balance or coordination

The effects of a TIA, though temporary, are serious and often increase the risk of having a true stroke in the future. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people who experienced a TIA will eventually have a stroke.

Some people are more at risk than others for having a transient ischemic attack and potential stroke. Risk factors include:

Having high blood pressure
Having diabetes
Having high cholesterol
Having a family history of TIA or stroke
Having atrial fibrillation
Smoking
Obesity
Age (The risk increases with age for those 55 and older)

The risk of a TIA may be reduced by properly managing conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure through eating a healthy diet, adhering to medications, and routine doctor visits. Other lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and exercising.

A transient ischemic attack is diagnosed after an evaluation of your symptoms. Your healthcare team may perform a series of physical examinations and imaging tests to determine the cause of the TIA. Treatment may consist of medications, angioplasty, or surgery, and is more effective the sooner you receive medical attention.

Flushing Hospital has been awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing stroke patients with the highest quality of care. To schedule an appointment at our hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Halloween 2023 Safety Tips

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Halloween is a family-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury as kids take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children between the ages of five and 14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year. Injuries due to falls and other accidents are also common among children on Halloween.

Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured on this holiday by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.

On Halloween, children should:

Go only to well-lit houses.
Remain on porches without actually entering a house.
Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
Use flexible, non-sharp plastic props for costume pieces such as knives and swords.
When walking through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross at appropriately-designated crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame-retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes that may cause kids to trip.
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.

On Halloween, parents and adults should:

Supervise trick-or-treating for children under the age of 12.
Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
Make sure children under the age of 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
Have children get out of cars on the side of the sidewalk, not the street.

Follow these tips to keep both your children and yourself safe this year. Have a happy and fun Halloween!

Health Benefits of Napping

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Napping can provide more than a moment of rest; for many adults, it may also offer various benefits for their health. Studies show that taking short naps can improve memory, ease stress, improve mood, and enhance alertness.

While taking a nap can be advantageous, sleep experts discourage taking long naps which have been found to contribute to insomnia and sleep inertia. Shorter naps, for about 10 to 20 minutes, are recommended instead because they allow the body to rest without going into the deeper stages of sleep, which can be problematic.

Napping for longer periods may result in adverse effects such as lost sleep at night. This habit is also linked to the development of several health conditions. According to Harvard Health, “studies have found that adults who take long naps during the day may be more likely to have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.”

Napping at the wrong time of day is also disadvantageous. The best time to take a nap for most is typically in the early afternoon, ideally before 3 p.m. Napping later in the day or closer to bedtime may interfere with nighttime sleep.

In addition to napping at the right time of day and for the right length of time, creating a comfortable sleep environment can help greatly with getting a good nap. For high-quality rest, find a cool and quiet place with few distractions to sleep.

Back-To-School Health Tips

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Both the new school year and flu season are approaching, and with other viral illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 continuing to spread, it’s important to prepare your child with effective habits and strategies for staying healthy. Follow these tips to keep them (and the rest of your family) disease-free this fall:

Get your child vaccinated: Many schools require students to receive the immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their age group. This is a simple, effective method for boosting your child’s natural protection against some of the most common diseases they are likely to be exposed to at school.

Emphasize good hand-washing habits: Your child can come into contact with many different types of germs, bacteria, and viruses while they’re at school or traveling to or from home. Some of these substances, such as cold germs, can live for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and up to an hour on hands; others, such as the flu, can last much longer, living on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular, thorough hand-washing is essential for minimizing your child’s contact with these germs and reducing their likelihood of becoming infected.

Take your child to a doctor if they feel sick: If your child starts to feel ill, you can reduce the amount of time they spend feeling sick (and, potentially, the amount of school days they may have to miss) by taking them to a doctor right away. A doctor can prescribe certain medications, such as antivirals or antibiotics (depending on whether your child has a virus or bacterial infection), and recommend other medications and treatments for relieving their symptoms effectively.

If your child has an infection, you can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment or for more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.