When is The Best Time to Drink Coffee? And How Late is Too Late?

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Many people wake up and have a cup of coffee to start their day. And some people drink several cups of coffee throughout the day.

Depending on the type of coffee grounds and how they are brewed, an 8-ounce cup of coffee can contain close to 100 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it helps wake you up by increasing the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body.

Cortisol levels usually peak between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and gradually drop throughout the day, reaching their lowest point in the middle of the night while you’re sleeping. Cortisol helps the body maintain its sleep-wake cycle.

However, drinking caffeinated coffee first thing in the morning can increase cortisol production.

If you drink coffee later in the day or at night, it could affect your sleep. Depending on your metabolism, it may take two to ten hours to get rid of half the caffeine from one cup of coffee.

Certain people have a “coffee gene”, CYP1A2, that helps the body break down and get rid of caffeine, and some people have two copies of this gene, which helps them break down caffeine faster than those with one copy of the gene. If a person has two copies of the gene, they may not be affected after drinking a late-night cup of coffee.

There is no scientific evidence that supports a “best time” to drink coffee. However, drinking a mid- to late-morning cup of coffee between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. may help you receive the most benefits from coffee. This is the range of time when cortisol levels begin to drop, and the caffeine in a cup of coffee may be most effective.

The best time to drink coffee is ultimately determined by your metabolism and how the caffeine in coffee affects your body.

If you would like to learn more about how caffeine may affect your body, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. 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.

Common Myths About Robotic Surgery De-Bunked

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The way surgical procedures are performed has evolved. Today, surgeons use advanced technology such as robotic surgery to perform delicate operations and improve patient outcomes.

During robotic surgery, a surgeon performs surgical procedures using a robotic device, which features a three-dimensional camera and a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human’s hand.

There are several myths about this surgical technique:

Myth #1: The surgical robot performs surgery on its own

Some people believe that robots perform surgery on their own. The truth is that robot surgery is robot-assisted. A surgeon is specially trained to control the robotic system and always controls it

Myth #2: Robotic surgery has more risks than traditional surgery

Robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and are safer and more effective than traditional open surgeries. Robot-assisted surgical technology is designed to reduce the physical impact of surgery on the body, as patients will experience:

Smaller incisions

Reduced pain and fewer complications

Faster recovery

Myth #3: Robotic surgery is only for complex or high-tech surgical procedures

Robotic surgery is often used for complex procedures; however, robotic-assisted techniques can also be used for routine procedures, such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.

Myth #4: Robotic surgery is always more expensive than traditional surgery

People commonly believe that robotic surgery is too expensive or that it isn’t covered by insurance. Like traditional surgery, robotic-assisted surgical procedures are typically covered by insurance providers when they are considered medically necessary. Robotic surgery may reduce overall healthcare costs because it is minimally invasive.

Robotic surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. The use of this surgical technique depends on the patient’s needs. This is why it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and surgical team, as they will deem what the best course of action for that patient.

For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Understanding Epilepsy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

Today is International Epilepsy Day, a global observance that aims to raise awareness about epilepsy.

Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a chronic condition that affects the brain and nervous system. People with epilepsy experience abnormal bursts of brain activity, which can lead to seizures. These seizures are often unpredictable and may cause unusual movements, sensations, or changes in awareness.

Seizures can vary from person to person, but many include symptoms such as:

Temporary confusion
Staring spells
Uncontrollable jerking of the arms or legs
Loss of awareness or consciousness
Feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu

Most people with epilepsy tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so their symptoms are usually consistent from one episode to the next.

In many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. However, about half of all cases can be linked to factors such as:

Family history
Head injuries
Stroke
Infections affecting the brain, like meningitis or encephalitis
Developmental conditions, including autism

The good news is that most people with epilepsy can manage their seizures with medication or, in some cases, surgery. While some individuals need lifelong treatment, others may see their seizures lessen or even disappear over time. Many children can outgrow epilepsy as they get older.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

February is observed as National Children’s Dental Health Month, a month focusing on the importance of promoting good oral health habits among children and raising awareness about the significance of dental care.

Good oral hygiene is an essential habit for a child to learn at a young age. Teaching children good oral health habits such as regularly brushing their teeth, flossing, rinsing, and attending dentist appointments can help them grow up with healthy mouths.

These habits can help prevent them from developing cavities. Cavities are the most common chronic disease of children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children six to eight years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. Additionally, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

If cavities go untreated, they can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Fortunately, cavities are preventable. According to the CDC, fluoride varnish can prevent 33% of cavities in baby teeth. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated. Additionally, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.

The CDC also notes that dental sealants can prevent cavities for many years as well. Applying dental sealants to the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.

There are several ways that parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of or prevent babies and children from developing cavities, including:

Babies

Wipe their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after their first feeding and right before they go to bed. This wipes away any bacteria or sugars that can cause cavities

When teeth come in, start brushing them twice a day with a soft, small-bristle toothbrush and plain water

Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot any signs of problems early

Talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears

For children two years or younger, consult with your healthcare provider or dentist about the use of fluoride toothpaste.

Children

Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Help your child brush their teeth until they develop good brushing skills. If your child is younger than six years old, watch them while they brush, and make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out instead of swallowing it

Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate

Drink tap water that contains fluoride

It is important that your child regularly visits a dentist to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

If you would like to learn more about cavity prevention for your child, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University.

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him a sports medicine subspecialization expertise, as well as his Chinese heritage, to take care of the diverse population surrounding the hospital.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486.

Winter Skin Care

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Winter can be difficult to deal with when temperatures drop to bone-chilling levels and are accompanied by frigid winds. The temperatures and wind can also be difficult on our skin due to low humidity, causing it to become cracked and dry. Even the heat in our homes and cars makes skin dryness worse because it removes moisture from the air.

According to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier that helps retain water. As the stratum corneum loses moisture, the skin can become red, irritated, and cracked. This especially affects older adults as their aging skin is thinner and produces fewer natural oils, which makes it more prone to losing moisture.

Here are some dermatologist-recommended tips to help prevent any further loss of water and restore moisture to your skin barrier:

Using a humidifier at night to help prevent your skin from drying out

Wearing gloves while cleaning or washing dishes to prevent hot water and detergents from stripping away the skin’s natural oils

Using a cream instead of a lotion to moisturize your skin

Using moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and cholesterol

Applying moisturizer after showering to help lock in moisture while your skin is still damp

Using a petroleum- or lanolin-based ointment and apply at night to the hands and feet, and covering them with cotton gloves or socks

Drinking water helps you stay hydrated from the inside out

Here are some tips on what to avoid as you try to care for your skin this winter:

Scented products and some anti-aging ingredients, as fragrances, can draw moisture from the skin and cause irritation

Long showers using hot water can worsen dryness. Dermatologists recommend using lukewarm water and avoiding prolonged baths or showers

Wool fabrics can cause itching and irritation when it rubs against the skin. The National Eczema Association recommends wearing layers that are cotton-based in the winter and removing any damp clothing immediately

If you are having issues with your skin, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Fasting

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Fasting is intentionally abstaining from eating food or drinking for a period of time. People fast for various reasons, including religious, medical, or ethical reasons.

There are several types of fasting, including medical, intermittent, prolonged, detox, juice, and water fasting.

Fasting for health reasons is believed to have several benefits. When done safely, potential health benefits are:

Weight loss
Reduced inflammation
Lower blood pressure
Enhanced brain function
Improved sleep
Improved insulin sensitivity
Improved cholesterol levels
Improved digestion

While there are health benefits you may gain from fasting, you should also consider the following risks and side effects:

Malnutrition
Dizziness
Gallstones
Headaches
Constipation
Nausea
Fatigue
Dehydration
Low sodium and chloride levels
Low or high blood glucose
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Low blood pressure

Fasting may not be suitable for everyone. Certain people should avoid fasting or they should speak with their doctor first. Fasting can worsen symptoms or increase the risk of complications in those who:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have diabetes
Have chronic kidney disease
Are under the age of 18
Are over the age of 65
Are taking certain medications that should be taken with food
Are struggling with an eating disorder
Are underweight
Are trying to conceive

Fasting safely is key to reaping the health benefits and reducing the risk of complications. This can be achieved by speaking to your doctor first, slowly easing into and out of fasting, trying shorter periods of fasting first, staying hydrated, doing light workouts, getting adequate sleep, listening to your body, and stopping fasting if you do not feel well.

Foods You Should Not Eat with Gallbladder Problems

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The gallbladder is an organ that plays an essential role in digesting the foods we eat. Some foods we eat can be good for our gallbladder, while others can harm it. If you have gallstones or if your gallbladder is inflamed or infected due to gallbladder disease, you may need to follow a specific diet to protect your gallbladder.

If you are experiencing problems with your gallbladder, various foods can increase your risk of developing diseases, including:

Saturated and trans fats increase the risk of gallstones

Refined carbohydrates increase the likelihood of developing gallstones

Ultra-processed foods increase the risk of gallbladder disease

Sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of gallbladder cancer

If your diet consists of these foods, a healthcare provider may recommend following a diet to help improve the health of your gallbladder. A healthcare provider may suggest a diet that consists of:

Fruits and vegetables that contain essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may reduce the risk of gallstones

Whole grains are a great source of dietary fiber that can help your digestive health and gallbladder, which may reduce the risk of gallstone disease

Healthy fats may increase bile secretion and prevent gallbladder disease, benefiting gallbladder health

Lean protein that is low in fat, such as poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, and especially plant-based protein, may lower the risk of gallbladder disease

Two types of gallbladder diets may help lower your risk of gallstone issues: the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Mediterranean diet- focuses on eating whole foods and healthy fats

DASH diet- focuses on high-fiber, heart-healthy foods that are low in sodium, which lowers your risk of hypertension

A gallbladder diet may be difficult to adhere to at first. However, here are some meal-planning tips to follow to help:

Controlling your portion sizes and the frequency of meals may protect against gallstones by helping empty the gallbladder and preventing bile build-up

Adding specific foods to your diet can reduce your risk of and protect against gallbladder disease

Maintaining a food diary to keep track of any symptoms you have and what you ate before the symptoms started, as it is important to know what foods may trigger symptoms.

Planning meals and snacks can ensure you have the proper foods available when it is time to eat, instead of going too long between meals, which may increase the risk of gallstones

Staying hydrated can help bile flow from your gallbladder to your small intestine, aiding in digestion

If you have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease and are considering surgery, robotic surgery could be an option. Robotic gallbladder surgery has many benefits, including:

It is the best way to relieve gallbladder-related symptoms, such as belly pain, nausea, and vomiting.

It lowers the risk of developing complications, such as infection or inflammation of nearby bile ducts or organs

It prevents gallstones from returning, as well as any future gallstone attacks

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides surgeons with 3D images of the abdomen and pelvis, creating a clearer picture to reference during the operation

Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand

You’ll have a few tiny scars

You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery

A shorter hospital stay

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000.

Hepatitis B

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hepatitis B is a serious viral liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The hepatitis B virus can be passed from person to person through various ways, including:

Sexual contact

Sharing of needles

Accidental needlesticks

Pregnant person to newborn

There are two types of hepatitis B: acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B.

Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six months after being exposed to the hepatitis B virus.

Chronic hepatitis B is a longer-term illness that lasts more than six months after exposure.

Most adults who develop hepatitis B will make a full recovery even if they have severe symptoms. However, infants and children are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B symptoms can range from mild to serious and usually start about one to four months after being infected with the hepatitis B virus, but can be noticeable as early as two weeks after the initial infection. Symptoms of hepatitis B include:

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Fever

Joint pain

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue and weakness

Loss of appetite

Jaundice

Although anyone can get hepatitis B, certain people have an increased risk of infection if they:

Have sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV

Take immunosuppressants that keep the immune system from mistakenly attacking healthy tissue

Are currently receiving dialysis treatment

Have another type of liver disease

An acute and chronic hepatitis B infection can cause several complications, including:

Acute liver failure

Chronic liver failure

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver cancer

Reactivated hepatitis B

Hepatitis D

A healthcare provider can diagnose hepatitis B by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. They will also ask if there is any family history of liver disease. They may ask:

If your work exposes you to the virus

If you use any intravenous (IV) drugs

If you have unprotected sex with anyone who may have hepatitis B

A healthcare provider may also perform tests to help diagnose hepatitis B, including:

Blood tests

Imaging tests such as an elastography

Liver biopsy

Treatment for hepatitis B is dependent on your situation. A healthcare provider may prescribe prophylactic treatment, which is medication to prevent a disease, if you were exposed to the virus within the past 24 hours. Medications for prophylactic treatment include:

Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)

Acute hepatitis does not have a specific treatment. A healthcare provider may prescribe IV fluids to prevent dehydration if you have been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B varies, as it depends on your symptoms and overall health. Treatment options can include:

Monitoring your overall health

Medications such as antiviral drugs or immunomodulators

Surgery to remove part of your liver if hepatitis B causes cancer, or a liver transplant if your whole liver must be removed

The best way to reduce the risk of or prevent a hepatitis B infection is to get vaccinated. It takes three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, administered over six months, to achieve complete protection from infection. You can also reduce your risk by practicing safe sex and needle use and not sharing personal items.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with hepatitis B, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Getting Adequate Vitamin D In The Winter Months

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

It is crucial for our bodies to maintain an adequate level of vitamin D year-round, especially during the winter months.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the foods we eat. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength, supporting our immune system, promoting heart health, preventing strokes, reducing the risk of depression, and may even aid in the aging process.

A great source of natural vitamin D comes from ultraviolet B rays found in sunlight. The more daylight we are exposed to, the more vitamin D our skin can produce. However, during winter, it becomes challenging to get enough vitamin D. We tend to spend more time indoors, and even when we are outside, we often wear heavier clothing that blocks the sun from reaching our skin.

The best time to be outdoors for vitamin D exposure is around midday when the sun is at its strongest. In the summer months, 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight per day is usually sufficient.

However, during winter, you may need to spend 30 minutes or more outside to get an adequate amount of sunlight and your daily dose of vitamin D.

Here are additional sources of vitamin D that can be beneficial throughout the year, especially in winter:

– Eating beef liver, pork, egg yolks, and cheese

– Eating mushrooms

– Consuming the skin of fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon

– Drinking milk that is fortified with vitamin D

– Taking a vitamin D3 supplement

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your health this winter, please call 718-670-5486.