Tips To Guard Against the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Michael Hinck

The flu isn’t the only virus that we need to protect ourselves against this time of year. Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu is a very contagious bug that is common in our region beginning in the fall and winter months.Unlike influenza, which affects your respiratory system, the stomach flu attacks your intestines causing the following symptoms:

• Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Occasional muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever

Gastroenteritis is typically spread through the sharing of food or drink with someone who is infected or sharing other items with them such as utensils or towels. Children can also spread the illness by placing their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated items or surfaces.

Symptoms usually appear within one to three days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Typically symptoms last only a day or two, but in some cases, they may persist for up to ten days.

The main complication from viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem. However, infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously. Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely.

To avoid catching the stomach flu, it is recommended that individuals wash their hands thoroughly, use separate items around the home, disinfect all potentially infected items and surfaces, and keep your distance from those who are infected.

If you do contract gastroenteritis, follow these tips:

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. You might also try drinking clear liquids or broths or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as ginger ale crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.

See a doctor if you become dehydrated (characterized by excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow or no urine, severe weakness or dizziness), if symptoms persist for over 24 hours, if you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool, or if you have a temperature of 104 degrees or above.

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.

Plantar Fasciitis

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Have you ever experienced heel pain when you take those first few steps in the morning? The cause of this discomfort may be due to a tightening of the band of tissue known as the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes.

When this ligament becomes strained, irritated, inflamed or swollen and causes pain when walking, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis.

Risk factors and causes of plantar fasciitis:

•High foot arches
•Flat feet
•Standing or walking on a hard surface for long periods of time
•Being overweight or obese
•Poor fitting shoes
•Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
•Tiny tears in the plantar fascia caused by repetitive straining
A proper diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is made by a physical examination of the foot and obtaining a comprehensive medical history of the patient. An x-ray or an MRI may be needed to see if there is a bone fracture that is causing the problem, also to determine if there is a bone spur present on the bottom of the heel.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis can involve taking an anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, stretching exercises, shoe inserts known as orthotics, steroid injections, and ultrasound. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to provide relief.

Learn The Facts About Epilepsy

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Epilepsy, also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. Those with this neurological disorder experience abnormal brain activity, which results in unpredictable and unprovoked seizures as well as other unusual behaviors, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process the brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

Temporary confusion
A staring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or déjà vu

A person with epilepsy may experience different symptoms than others with the same disorder. In most cases however, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.

While epilepsy has no identifiable cause, about half the cases can be traced to a variety of different factors, including:

Family history
Head trauma
Stroke
Infectious disease, such as meningitis encephalitis, or AIDS
Developmental disorders, including autism

Medications or surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

To schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Learn The Facts About Psoriatic Arthritis

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a red, scaly rash topped with silvery scales, most often located on the elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and hands. It affects millions of Americans and nearly one third of all people with this condition develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis, (or PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints as well as overproduction of skin cells. In addition to the psoriatic rash, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are not unlike those of other types of inflammatory arthritis, which include painful and swollen joints that are warm to the touch. Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

Swollen knees, ankles, feet and hands

Stiff Joints, which are typically worse in the morning

Back, neck, and shoulder pain

Inflammation where a muscle connects to a bone, such as the Achilles tendon

Tiny ridges or dents called “pitting” in the nails.

Physical and mental exhaustion

PsA symptoms can range from mild to severe, with symptoms usually progressively worsening over time. Those with psoriasis as well as psoriatic arthritis may experience alternating periods of “flare-ups” followed by periods of remission.

If left untreated, inflammation associated with PsA can result in serious damage to joints and tissues. Those with PsA are also at a higher risk of developing other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes, gout, and certain eye conditions.

Those most at risk of developing PsA are those who have psoriasis or have a family member living with the condition. It can develop at any age, but is most often occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but with treatment, the symptoms can be controlled. Medications can often help manage psoriatic arthritis, but when they don’t, surgery might be an option.

Inform your doctor if you have psoriasis and begin to develop joint pain. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call. 718-670-5486.

What Type Of Flu Vaccine Is Best For Seniors

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Michael Hinck

With flu season upon us, it is recommended that everyone six months and older receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This is especially true for senior citizens as they are at a greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. While there is no debate over whether or not seniors should get their flu shot, there is one about what type of vaccine they should receive.

Many providers are now recommending that patients over the age of 65 receive the vaccine Fluzone, a higher dose injectable vaccine formulated specially for seniors. Like other flu vaccines, Fluzone is comprised of three different strains of the influenza virus that are most likely to cause the flu during the upcoming season. However, Fluzone contains four times the amount of antigen (the inactivated virus that promotes a protective immune response) as a regular flu vaccine and produces a stronger immune response.

This high-dose vaccine was created specifically for seniors because their immune defenses are weakened due to their age. It is estimated that approximately 75% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older and between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.

The results of seniors who have taken high-dose vaccines are promising. Initial studies have indicated that 25% fewer cases of influenza occurred in adults 65 years or older who took the high-dose vaccine compared with those who took the standard-dose vaccine, but other studies also revealed that seniors who received the high-dose vaccine were more likely to develop side effects, such as a fever and soreness at the injection site, during the week after vaccination.

If you are over 65 years old and still haven’t received your flu vaccine this year, speak to your doctor about whether or not a high-dose vaccine is right for you.

If you would like to make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Understanding The Symptoms Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder that develops when the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves.

The initial symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome are weakness that usually begins in the lower extremities and spreads to the upper body and arms. This is accompanied by a tingling or prickling sensation in the extremities. These symptoms can rapidly intensify, eventually paralyzing the entire body.

Other signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may include:

Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs
Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing
Severe pain that may feel achy or cramp-like and may be worse at night
Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function
Rapid heart rate
Low or high blood pressure
Difficulty breathing

The cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown, but it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. It can also be triggered by certain viruses, such as influenza, Epstein-Barr, or Zika. Anyone can get Guillain-Barre syndrome, but it is slightly more common in men and typically affects younger adults.

There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. Most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, though some may experience lingering effects from it, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue.

Call your doctor if you have mild tingling in your toes or fingers that doesn’t seem to be spreading or getting worse. If you do not have a doctor and would like to make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-

wn nerves.

Other signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may include:

Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs
Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing
Severe pain that may feel achy or cramp-like and may be worse at night
Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function
Rapid heart rate
Low or high blood pressure
Difficulty breathing

Do You Have A cough That You Just Can’t Shake? You Might Have A Chronic Cough

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Having a cough is not only annoying, but it can also affect your daily routine, disrupt your sleep and even contribute to other issues, such as vomiting and lightheadedness. For most, coughing will only last a few days to a week, but if you have a cough that just won’t go away, you may have what is considered a chronic cough.

A chronic cough is a medical problem where a person will have a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer (four weeks or longer in children). While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that’s triggering a chronic cough, it is most commonly due to one or a combination of the following:

Postnasal drip
Tobacco use
Asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
Infections such as whopping cough or TB
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Taking blood pressure medications

Fortunately, a chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.

See your doctor if you have a cough that lingers for weeks, especially one that brings up sputum or blood, disturbs your sleep, or affects school or work.

To make an appointment to see a doctor about your chronic cough, please call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Learn More About Scarlet Fever And How To Protect Your Children

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. As the name implies, the condition is signified by a bright red rash that covers most of the body.

Scarlet fever is most common in children five to 15 years of age. Although it was once considered a serious childhood illness, antibiotic treatments have made scarlet fever much more treatable. Still, if left untreated, scarlet fever can result in serious conditions that can affect the heart, kidneys, lungs and other parts of the body.

Common symptoms of scarlet fever include:

Red rash.The rash looks like a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. It typically begins on the face or neck and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. If pressure is applied to the reddened skin, it will turn pale.
Red lines.The folds of skin around the groin, armpits, elbows, knees and neck usually become a deeper red than the surrounding rash.
Flushed face.The face may appear flushed with a pale ring around the mouth.
Strawberry tongue.The tongue generally looks red and bumpy, and it’s often covered with a white coating early in the disease.

The rash and the redness in the face and tongue usually last about a week. After these signs and symptoms have subsided, the skin affected by the rash often peels. Other signs and symptoms associated with scarlet fever include fever, sore throat, enlarged glands, nausea, vomiting and headache.

Scarlet fever typically spreads from person to person via droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person will usually develop symptoms between two and four days after being exposed.

There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. The best prevention strategies for scarlet fever is to practice proper hand washing hygiene, avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses, wipe down all contaminated objects and surfaces and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze.

Call your doctor immediately if your child develops any symptoms associated with scarlet fever.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s pediatric clinic, please call 718-670-5486.

What is Causing the Ringing in Your Ears?

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Many of us will hear it from time to time. Only you can hear it- a ringing in your ear that may come and go. The medical term for it: tinnitus. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 10% of adults in America have experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.

Some of the causes you may experience ringing in your ears can be:

Trauma to the ear. This can include listening to your music loudly. The recommended listening should be at less than 90 decibels according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.
Wax Build- up. Some people produce more ear wax than others. Instead of using Q-Tips, try softening the ear wax with peroxide or mineral oil and allow the wax to dissolve and drain.
Excessive use of certain medicines such as aspiring or antibiotics.
Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, have also been known to cause ringing in the ears as well.

Is the ringing persistent? Contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center and schedule an appointment to see a physician at 718-670-5486..

How Much Water Should You Drink During Exercise

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Staying hydrated while exercising is very important, especially during the hotter months when we tend to lose more water by sweating. The best way to hydrate our bodies is to drink water, as it helps to prevent dehydration.

While drinking water greatly benefits our bodies, consuming too much can have adverse effects, one of which is hyponatremia. This condition occurs when the blood becomes excessively diluted from drinking too much water, dangerously reducing sodium levels in our bodies. Hyponatremia can result in symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, and in severe but rare cases, death. It is important to follow proper hydration guidelines to avoid these symptoms.

According to Harvard Health, four to six cups of fluid daily is generally recommended for most people to consume. While exercising, The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking:

Seventeen to 20 ounces of fluid, 2 to 3 hours before working out
Another 8 ounces, 20 to 30 minutes before starting your workout
Seven to 10 ounces, every 10 to 20 minutes while exercising
Eight ounces post workout

General recommendations are based on weight and gender. They may vary with each individual. It is also important to keep in mind, that individuals with certain health conditions such as kidney or liver disease may retain too much fluid and should consult their physician

If you are uncertain about how much water you should drink per day or while exercising, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to provide more specific guidelines.

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