Health Archives - Page 14 of 92

Employee Spotlight Shines on Hilly Lokenauth, RN

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Hilly Lokenauth, RN, Assistant Head Nurse in the Emergency Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Hilly grew up in a town called Eccles, Guyana where her father owned a large store. She attended St. Anglican Elementary School and then on to the Indian Education Trust College. After high school, Hilly went on to study Nursing at the Mercy School of Nursing in Guyana. She moved to New York forty years ago, settling in Jackson Heights, Queens where she still resides. Upon coming to the United States Hilly attended St. Joseph College in Brooklyn, where she obtained her BS in Health Administration.

Hilly has two grown children, a daughter who is also a nurse in the NICU at Flushing Hospital and a son who works in finance at Tampa General Hospital in Florida. Hilly has four grandchildren ages two to six. She doesn’t have any pets but one day would really like to have a parrot. She is one of ten children. There were five girls and five boys in her family growing up, (five siblings who have since passed away unfortunately) who at one time lived in many different parts of the world.

Religion is a very important part of Hilly’s life. She is a member of the Cavalry Assembly of God Church in Richmond Hill, Queens, where she attends services on the weekends. In her free time she enjoys listening to Christian music and reading Christian novels. She isn’t a big sports fan, but enjoys watching the enthusiasm of the people who are watching sporting events. She also enjoys watching reality shows on TV. Hilly enjoys taking short trips, either upstate New York or to visit people she knows in Westchester.

What matters most to Hilly are her family and friends. She enjoys taking care of people and likes to quote a proverb saying that “whoever refreshes others, will be refreshed”. She gets great satisfaction caring for her patients. Hilly enjoys the diversity of people she has had the opportunity to treat in the Emergency Department. She comes in contact with people from all over the world and has learned so much about different cultures. Hilly feels fortunate to be working with such a team in the Emergency Department. Working through the Covid-19 pandemic really had an impact on her, and the people she worked with. The experience made her appreciate the importance of her health and for the people in her life.

We are so fortunate to have Hilly as a member of the Flushing Hospital team and we look forward to her continuing with us for many more years in the future.

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.

What Does It Mean to “Die of Natural Causes?”

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

In the United States, the majority of deaths each year are recorded as having occurred due to “natural causes.” However, it may not always be clear what exactly this term means, particularly due to the fact that it does not point to a specific factor that led to a person’s death.

A death by natural causes is one that occurs solely due to internal factors (such as a disease) rather than external factors (such as a traumatic physical injury). Three of the most common ways it can occur include:

Heart disease: Although factors affected by lifestyle choices (such as a person’s weight, diet, and physical activity level) can contribute to the risk of developing heart disease, anyone can experience it at any age. This is because your risk is also tied to your genetics and family history of heart disease.

Cancer: While multiple people within the same family may experience cancer without it being the result of genetics, it can occur as a result of what is referred to as a “family cancer syndrome” (also known as “inherited cancer syndrome” or “genetic cancer syndrome”). This refers to an abnormal gene that can greatly increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. Family cancer syndrome accounts for approximately five to 10% of all types of cancer.

Stroke: You may experience a stroke due to various natural factors. Every 10 years after the age of 55, your risk of experiencing a stroke doubles. Additionally, death due to a stroke is more common among women of all ages than men. Strokes are also more common among people who are Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Native Alaskan, as well as people with certain genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease.

If you experience or have a family history of a chronic medical condition, get the treatment you need to prevent your symptoms from worsening. You can schedule an appointment with a medical specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.

How Many Calories Should You Eat Each Day?

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Whether you’re trying to lose, gain, or maintain your weight, it can be helpful to know the ideal amount of calories you should be eating each day. However, this amount varies from person to person based on a variety of different factors.

Your current weight and height are primary factors in determining the number of calories you should eat each day. Generally, people who are taller and heavier require a greater number of calories to maintain their physique than lighter, shorter people.

Age also plays a role in determining your calorie requirements. As your age increases, you’ll need less calories to maintain your weight than a younger person, though you may need the same or an increased amount of nutrients to stay in good physical condition. This is due to factors such as changes in your metabolism, decreasing activity, and a loss of muscle mass and bone density over time.

People who engage in regular physical activity have higher daily calorie requirements than people who are typically inactive. Your calorie needs are also affected by the type of activity you’re engaged in; aerobic exercise, for example, burns more calories than anaerobic activity, resulting in a higher number of calories needed to maintain your weight.

Calorie needs vary between genders, as well. People assigned female at birth generally have lower calorie requirements than people assigned male at birth.

Hormones such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin, cortisol, and estrogen may also all directly impact your body’s calorie-burning efficiency, as well as where fat accumulates in your body. These hormones, and by extension your body’s calorie-burning functions, may also be affected by certain medications.

Taking these factors into account to determine your daily calorie needs can be particularly instrumental in finding the right diet and exercise routine to achieve your weight loss goals. However, due to certain conditions, not everyone can lose weight effectively through these methods alone, with some people requiring medical intervention to get the head start they need.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center can provide potentially life-saving weight loss procedures for eligible candidates with a body mass index greater than 40 who are 100 or more pounds above their ideal weight. To learn more about our procedures or to schedule an appointment, please call at (718) 408-6977 or (718) 670-8908.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week – Know The Facts About CHD

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Every year, February 7th to the 14th is designated as Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness week. This annual week of recognition was created to raise awareness about CHD and to empower all patients and families affected by this condition.

Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. These defects can involve:

The interior walls of the heart
The valves inside the heart
The arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or the body

Congenital heart defects are the most common form of birth defect. They affect eight out of every 1,000 newborns. Each year, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with this condition.

There are many different forms of defects that can range from minor with no symptoms to complex with life-threatening symptoms. Minor defects often do not require any treatment or are easily fixed. However, those babies born with complex congenital heart defects require special medical care soon after birth.

Unfortunately, doctors often do not know why congenital heart defects occur. Heredity may play a role in cases. Children who have genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are often more likely to have congenital heart defects. In fact, half of all babies who have Down syndrome have congenital heart defects. Smoking during pregnancy also has been linked to several congenital heart defects.

Even though many children born with congenital heart defects do not require treatment, some do. Doctors can treat children with CHD with either catheter procedures or surgery. Thankfully, through advances in medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of complex heart defects have greatly improved over the past few decades. As a result, almost all children who have complex heart defects survive to adulthood and can live active, productive lives.

Through continued education and support, we hope to conquer CHD.

A Winter Recipe For Minestrone

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

A chilly winter night calls for a nice bowl of minestrone to warm you up. Here is a recipe from the Food Network for a delightfully delicious., easy to prepare, winter minestrone. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/winter-minestrone-recipe2-1922445

Thyroid Eye Disease

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Thyroid eye disease (or TED) is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the muscles and other tissues around the eyes. The condition is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

In most cases people who develop TED are already diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but for some, it is the first indicator of thyroid problem. Approximately one half of all people diagnosed with Graves disease develop eye symptoms. In most cases the symptoms are mild, but for some, it can have more serious consequences.

The most common symptoms of TED include:

Pain and pressure
Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Inflammation and swelling of the eye and its surrounding tissues
Bulging or wide-eyed stare caused by swelling in the orbital tissues
Red or bloodshot eyes
Double vision
Light sensitivity
Impaired vision
Difficulty moving the eyes

Thyroid eye disease can affect people differently. Symptoms can last from 6 months to 2 years. For some, symptoms may go away on their own, but others may experience lasting effects. To best treat the condition, it is best to work with a team of doctors, including a primary care physician, an ophthalmologist, and an endocrinologist.

For milder cases, applying lubricating eye drops and artificial tears a few times during the day can help be helpful. It is also recommended to avoid conditions that can worsen the condition, such as wind and bright light (or try to wear sunglasses in these elements to protect your eyes). Other tips include applying cool compresses to provide relief and elevating your head while you sleep to relieve pressure on the eyes.

If you have severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone to reduce the swelling in and around your eyes. In a very small percentage of patients, orbital decompression surgery may be recommended if your vision becomes impaired.

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

What is Myocarditis?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10 to 20 out of every 100,000 people around the world are affected by myocarditis each year. Myocarditis is a condition that causes inflammation in the heart muscle, enlarging it and weakening its ability to pump blood. It is most often caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as some medical treatments and inflammatory conditions.

Myocarditis can cause a range of different symptoms, and not everyone may experience the same ones. They may include:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Abdominal pain
Leg or foot swelling
Fainting

Certain serious complications are associated with myocarditis, including arrhythmia, heart failure, lung problems, and even death. However, in most cases, this condition is mild and will go away on its own.

Some people are at greater risk of developing myocarditis than others. People of all ages and any gender can get it, but it is most common in young adults assigned male at birth. A genetic tendency to react poorly to inflammation can also increase your risk, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain medical conditions may also make you more vulnerable to myocarditis, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, chest injuries, skin injuries or infections, and eating disorders. Additionally, medical treatments such as dialysis, radiation, a central venous line, and certain heart condition or cancer treatments may also increase your risk.

If you experience severe myocarditis, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Corticosteroids, heart medications, or treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your myocarditis could help. If these do not provide adequate relief, you may require procedures such as:

IV medications
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Heart transplant

If you experience chronic or severe myocarditis, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If cardiac arrest or acute heart failure occurs, dial 911 immediately.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Antoinette Ormaza, RN

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Antoinette Ormaza, RN in our Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. Antoinette began her career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in September of 2001. She spent her first five years working in the Labor and Delivery Department and later transferred over to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.

Antoinette is a native of Queens, having grown up in Astoria and still residing in the borough. She attended elementary school at Immaculate Conception in Astoria, high school at St. John’s Prep and then the College of Mount St. Vincent where she graduated with a BSN degree in nursing.

Antoinette has one daughter, Valentina who she enjoys spending her free time with. Antoinette also enjoys playing softball and shopping whenever she has an opportunity. Her favorite types of food to eat when she dines out are Italian and Greek. She likes going to the movies, especially to see comedies and dramas.

When Antoinette goes on vacation, she likes to visit places that have warm climates and nice beaches. She has vacationed in Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Aruba.

Antoinette feels that Flushing Hospital is a very special place to work. As a nurse in the Maternal Fetal Department, she gets a lot of satisfaction seeing a new life come into the world and sharing that experience with her patients. She also finds working with a great team of people in a pleasant environment to be enjoyable.

We are very fortunate to have Antoinette as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to working with us for many years.

How Cold Weather Affects People With Asthma

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs, it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should always carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time.

Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes, the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma and would like to seek the advice of a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

3 Important Tips for Protecting Your Child from the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) is a very common medical problem among young children. It typically causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea; in some cases, a fever may also develop.

The stomach flu is usually not a serious illness and may resolve within a few days with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if your child becomes severely dehydrated due to this illness, they may require a visit to the emergency room.

Your child is most likely to come into contract with gastroenteritis at daycare or in school due to consistent exposure to a large number of other children who they may share snacks and other items with. To give them the best chance of avoiding this illness, you should teach them to:

Consistently wash their hands thoroughly: Your child should wash their hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating any food or touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure they also have hand sanitizer available for when hand washing isn’t possible.

Avoid sharing snacks with other children: It may be difficult for your child to determine whether any other children around them are sick. Teach them to avoid taking snacks or utensils from other children as much as possible and give your child plenty of their own food to enjoy throughout the day.

Speak up if they feel sick: If your child is suffering from symptoms of the stomach flu, they should feel comfortable telling an adult and visiting an on-site medical professional (such as a school nurse) immediately. It is essential for them to rest and get the fluids they need to avoid severe symptoms and recover as quickly as possible.

If your child experiences serious stomach flu symptoms such as a fever, pain, or dehydration, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.