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.

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.

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.

5 Tips for Preventing Older Adult Falls

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Falls can prove both costly and dangerous as you get older. Millions of older Americans fall each year, with many sustaining serious injuries such as broken bones or concussions. However, there are steps you can take to prevent falls and avoid serious complications when they do occur. You should:

Stay in shape: Regular exercise provides a vast number of benefits to your health and can help you remain strong and mobile as you get older. In particular, exercises that help you improve your balance (such as Tai Chi) can significantly reduce your likelihood of falling or getting seriously injured from a fall.

Remove home hazards: A variety of hazards may make a fall more likely at home, such as clutter in your walking paths, lights that are not properly functioning, or a lack of handrails or bars in places such as your bathroom or stairs. Make sure to keep clutter out of your way, that all lights remain functioning normally in and around your home, and that you have bars and railings available where needed to help keep your balance.

Get your eyes and feet checked: Poor eyesight or conditions that affect your feet can impact your ability to move normally and remain upright. Make sure to get both of these parts of your body checked by a specialist; prescription glasses and recommended footwear can help you safely stay mobile and functional.

Review medication side-effects: Certain medications may have side-effects that cause dizziness, fatigue, or other symptoms that may affect your balance. Discuss these potential side-effects and how to manage them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Talk to a doctor immediately if you fall: If you fall but don’t sustain any serious injuries, you should consult your doctor immediately to determine the cause and the best ways to prevent future incidents. If you do experience a serious injury (such as head trauma), call 911.

If you’ve been injured from a fall or are at risk of falling, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by calling (718) 670-5515.

Q&A: What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is Recalled?

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A drug recall is one of the most effective ways to protect the public from potentially harmful drugs.

Drug recalls are mostly voluntary and occur when a manufacturer decides to remove a drug from the market when there is reason to believe the product is mislabeled, contaminated, defective, or hazardous to a person’s health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also request a recall if multiple reports of adverse effects or problems have been received.

If your medicine has been recalled, the FDA recommends that you speak with your doctor right away to determine the best course of action for your health. If your doctor advises that you stop taking the medication, you may be able to take it back to the store of purchase and request a refund. Manufacturers may also provide contact information for product returns.

To keep up-to-date or find out more about drug recalls, you can visit the FDA’s website https://www.fda.gov/ and sign up for alerts.

Collagen Supplements

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The use of collagen supplements has grown significantly in recent years due to the promotion of their purported benefits. Packaging for these supplements, which is commonly purchased in pill or powder form, often boasts astounding benefits for hair, skin, nails, and joints.

If you are considering taking collagen supplements it is important to learn the facts before making a purchase.

Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body. It can be found in the blood, joints, connective tissues, and muscles and plays the following roles in helping the body to function well:

Helps blood to clot
Provides protective lining for organs
Gives structure and support to skin, and tissue
Aids in cellular responses such as cellular renewal
Help keep bones strong
Provides elasticity to the skin

There are five main types of collagen found in the body, they include:

Type l: Makes up 90% of the collagen in the body, and is used to build bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments
Type ll: Helps to make cartilage and provides joint support
Type lll: Is found in muscles, organs, and arteries
Type lV: Is found in the skin
Type V: Is found in skin, hair, placenta tissue, and the cornea of the eyes

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and over time, the collagen we already have begins to break down. We may experience the following changes as this occurs:

Loss of skin elasticity, resulting in wrinkled or crepey skin
Weaker muscles
Gastrointestinal problems
Loss of flexibility or stiffness of the joints
Joint pain
Osteoarthritis
Hallowing around the eyes

There are a few lifestyle changes we can implement that may boost collagen production. This includes eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, eating protein-rich foods, and bone broths.

Taking supplements is another option that some people may consider. Taking collagen peptides by mouth is possibly safe. However, it is important to keep in mind that these supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; therefore, quality and safety are not guaranteed. Additionally, evidence or studies that support the use of collagen supplements have been small. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that you speak with a physician before taking collagen supplements.

Babesiosis

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

As temperatures warm up, more time will be spent doing outdoor activities in areas with grass or shrubs, where ticks are commonly found. Increased exposure to these environments heightens our risk of contracting illnesses that are transmitted by ticks such as babesiosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babesiosis is an emerging tickborne parasitic disease that has become significantly more prevalent in the Northeast regions of the United States such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The CDC classified the disease as endemic in these and other states where cases have grown the fastest.

Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells and is carried by blacklegged or deer ticks. The disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of these ticks. Cases of infection peak during the warmer months of spring and summer.

In addition to being transmissible by the bite of a blacklegged or deer tick, babesiosis can also be spread by the transfusion of contaminated blood.

Many people who are infected with babesiosis do not experience symptoms; however, some may present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or chills. Symptoms may take one to nine weeks to appear. Complications can include blood clots, severe hemolytic anemia (hemolysis) low or unstable blood pressure, organ failure, and in rare cases death.

The disease can be severe or life-threatening to:

Individuals living without a spleen
Those with weakened immune systems
The elderly
Those who have serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease

Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to ticks and prevent the transmission of babesiosis. The CDC recommends doing the following while you are outdoors:

Walking on cleared trails and staying in the center of the trail, to minimize contact with bushes or other places where ticks typically live
Minimizing the amount of exposed skin, by wearing socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt
Applying repellents to skin and clothing

It is also recommended that you conduct tick checks before going indoors and promptly remove any ticks that are found.

If you are experiencing symptoms of babesiosis and believe you were exposed to ticks, make an appointment to see your doctor right away, Your physician can order blood tests to diagnose the disease and provide effective treatment.

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

Surprising Causes of A UTI

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria from outside the body (most commonly from the rectum or skin) enter the urethra and infect the urinary system.

Although anyone can get a UTI, women are more at risk than men. It is estimated that around 50% to 60% of women will experience an infection in their lifetime.

The risk of developing a UTI can be minimized if you know the risk factors and take measures to prevent an infection. These factors include:

Eating excessive amounts of sugar
Having diabetes
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Holding in your urine for too long or not emptying your bladder completely
Wiping the wrong way (It is recommended that you wipe from front to back. Going the opposite way can track bacteria from your anus to the urethra)
Frequently wearing thong or string-bikini underwear
Frequently wearing tight pants
Frequent sexual intercourse
Not urinating after having sexual intercourse
Not drinking enough water
Using certain forms of birth control such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms
Catheter use
Taking certain medications such as some antihistamines or antipsychotic drugs
Frequently riding a bicycle

Some risk factors are easier to address than others and some are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of a UTI. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and makes you urinate more often, which flushes bacteria out of the urinary system. Wiping front to back after using the bathroom is also helpful. Other measures include reducing your sugar intake, changing your method of birth control, managing your diabetes, avoiding holding in your urine and urinating after intercourse.

If you are frequently experiencing urinary tract infections, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

How Can Stress Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Stress is a common trigger for rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, during which symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness worsen for a temporary period of time. The factor most closely linked to the onset of flare-ups is the inflammatory response of your immune system to stress. Inflammation is the primary means by which rheumatoid arthritis damages your joints over time.

Once a flare-up has been triggered, your arthritis symptoms may contribute to the amount of stress you experience, creating a cycle that causes both issues to worsen over time and disrupts daily activities and movement.

There are certain steps you can take to manage your stress levels and reduce the frequency of your rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. These include:

Following a regular exercise routine: Regular physical exercise can be significantly helpful for both stress reduction and increased joint mobility. Your routine should include strength exercises, cardio, and stretching to improve flexibility and reduce your chances of injury.

Targeting work-related stress: Twenty-five percent of Americans report that their workplace is the number one cause of stress in their lives. Make sure to pace yourself with periodic breaks throughout your work day, take time to move around and stretch, and make a point of tackling any specific problems that are stressing you out (such as a delayed project or a dispute with a coworker) directly in a calm, reasoned way.

Talking to a doctor: If you experience symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should work with a rheumatologist to manage your physical symptoms and find the most effective treatment approach for you. Additionally, if you experience chronic stress, you should work with a psychiatrist to determine the root causes and the best way to approach them.

You can schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. You can also find a psychiatrist at our Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.

Jet Lag and Sleep

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Jet lag can profoundly affect sleep and alertness. This sleep disorder occurs when your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms), which tells you when to sleep, becomes imbalanced after traveling to different time zones.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, when a person travels to a new time zone their “circadian rhythms are slow to adjust and remain on their original biological schedule for several days. This results in our bodies telling us it is time to sleep, when it’s actually the middle of the afternoon, or it makes us want to stay awake when it is late at night.”

Jet lag can lead to daytime fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, mood changes, a general unwell feeling, headaches, mild depression, insomnia, and difficulty staying alert and concentrating. These symptoms generally appear within a day or two of travel and can worsen the longer you travel and the more time zones you cross.

There are several ways to combat or minimize the effects of jet lag. Here are a few you can try:

Avoid alcohol the day before your flight and during your flight.
Get plenty of rest before you fly.
Avoid caffeine or other caffeinated beverages before or while traveling.
Drink lots of water.
Wear sunglasses during your flight.
Move around the plane on long flights.
Adapt immediately to the schedule of your destination. While it may be tempting to sleep during the day after your arrival, it is advised that you stay up and active and expose your body to sunlight.
Avoid heavy meals upon arrival at your destination.

Symptoms of jet lag are mostly temporary and typically last a few days; however, if you are a frequent flyer they may become more severe. You can speak with your doctor or a sleep specialist who may recommend treatments such as light therapy, melatonin supplements, or prescription medication.

March is National Kidney Month

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a well-deserved checkup.

The kidneys are two fist-sized organs, located just below the rib cage, in your lower back. The left kidney is on the left side of the spine and the right kidney is on the right side of the spine. Blood flows through the kidneys many times a day. They maintain overall health by serving the following functions:

Filtering waste out of 200 liters of blood each day
Regulating the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content
Removing toxins from the body.
Balancing the body’s fluids
Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
Producing an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
Controlling the production of red blood cells

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control, some quick facts on Kidney Disease are:

Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the country.
More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and most don’t know it.
There are over 95,000 people waiting for kidney transplants.
Currently, more than 590,000 people have kidney failure in the U.S. today.
Risk factors for kidney disease are hypertension, diabetes, family history, and age over 60.

Symptoms of kidney disease include:

Swelling of the face, hands, abdomen, ankles, and feet
Blood in the urine
Puffy eyes
Painful urination
Increased thirst
Fatigue

Oftentimes, kidney failure can be prevented or delayed through early detection and proper treatment of underlying diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure which can slow additional damage to the kidneys.

If you are 18 years or older with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask that you be screened for kidney disease.

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