Men’s Health Month: Low Testosterone

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone.

Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production. Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than in women. In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop:

Sex organs and genitalia

Muscle mass

Adequate levels of red blood cells

Bone density

Sense of well-being

Sexual and reproductive function

Low testosterone can begin during fetal development, puberty, or adulthood. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone depend on when the condition develops.

If the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when it develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:

Female genitals

Genitals that are neither male nor female (ambiguous genitals)

Underdeveloped male genitals

Male hypogonadism can delay puberty or cause incomplete or abnormal development. It can impede:

Development of muscle mass

Voice deepening

Growth of body hair and facial hair

Growth of the penis and testicles

It can also cause:

Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body

Development of breast tissue

Hypogonadism can alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function in adult males. Early signs and symptoms might include:

Decreased sex drive

Decreased energy

Depression

Over time, men with hypogonadism can develop:

Erectile dysfunction

Infertility

A decrease in hair growth on the face and body

A decrease in muscle mass

The development of breast tissue

Loss of bone mass

There are two possible causes of low testosterone levels:

Primary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism

The causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood).

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with the testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.

Secondary hypogonadism is caused by conditions that affect how the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland function.

If you have any signs or symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history, and any symptoms you currently have. They may also order blood tests. To make a diagnosis, they will consider your specific signs, symptoms, and any blood test results.

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy, including:

Testosterone skin gels

Intramuscular testosterone injections

Testosterone patches

Testosterone pellets

Buccal testosterone tablets

Testosterone nasal gel

Oral testosterone

Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone resulting from genetic conditions or damage to the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. However, lifestyle habits may help keep testosterone levels normal. They include:

Eating a healthy diet

Exercising

Managing your weight

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol and drugs

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist 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.

What are Forever Chemicals?

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or forever chemicals are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals used worldwide in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are used to make grease-proof, waterproof, stick-proof, and stain-resistant materials. They are added to products such as:

Food packaging such as: pizza boxes, food wrappers, take-out containers, microwave popcorn bags, disposable trays, and bakery bags
Non-stick (Teflon) pans
Firefighting foam
Firefighters’ protective equipment
Carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, and car seats
Stain-proof and waterproof clothing
Outdoor gear
Umbrellas
Personal care products, such as dental floss, mascara, foundation, and menstrual underwear
Artificial turf
Medical equipment and masks
Building materials

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years. Every American tested has PFAS in their blood. PFAS can get into our bodies when we:

Drink contaminated water
Eat foods from areas with contaminated soil or water
Accidentally swallow contaminated soil or dust
Eat food wrapped in materials containing PFAS
Accidentally swallow residue or dust from PFAS-containing consumer products, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water repellent clothing

This is a problem because even small doses of PFAS can increase the risk of a wide variety of health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver problems, high cholesterol, and immunosuppression.

In 2005, two of the most harmful PFAS chemicals, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), were stopped from being manufactured after a class action lawsuit. Unfortunately, these two chemicals have contaminated water systems across the country and the world.

Since then, PFOA and PFOS have been replaced with similar but slightly modified chemicals. While scientists have not studied every PFAS chemical, there are 9,000 variants, and those chemicals have been studied, showing similar properties to PFOA and PFOS. They are persistent, mobile, and toxic even at very low doses, and often act in similar ways on similar organs as the chemicals they were developed to replace.

If you are concerned about PFAS exposures, talk with your healthcare provider about your risks, whether an additional health screening is appropriate, and the risks and benefits of testing.

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care for your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ten early signs and symptoms include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time and place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive decline is limited, certain diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help reduce the risk.
It is Important to get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
It is important to take care of your mental health. Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
It is important to challenge and activate your mind. Try building furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

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

How to Clean Excess Earwax from Your Ears

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent your body produces. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. It usually works out of the ears naturally through chewing and other jaw motions and movement of the cells in the ear canal.

Sometimes, wax can build up in the ear canal, affecting a person’s hearing. When it reaches this level, it is called impaction.

If you have impaction, you may experience symptoms such as:

Aching in the affected ear
A feeling of fullness or ringing in the ear
Impaired hearing in the affected ear
An odor coming from the affected ear
Dizziness
A cough

You may be more likely to develop excess wax in the ears if you use hearing aids or earplugs. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are also at higher risk. Your ear canal’s shape may make the natural removal of wax difficult.

The safest way to remove earwax buildup is to visit a healthcare provider. During the appointment, they may use special instruments, like a cerumen spoon, forceps, or a suction device, to clear the blockage. Some healthcare providers may use professional irrigation.

If you choose to try to remove the earwax yourself at home, the safest methods to do so include:

Using a warm, damp cloth instead of cotton swabs, as they may push wax deeper into the ear canal. Use cotton swabs only on the outside of the ear.
Using over-the-counter ear drops that soften the earwax. Place the specified number of drops in your ears, wait a certain period, and drain or rinse out your ears. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Using a bulb syringe to irrigate your ears, gently rinse the ear canal using water or saline solution. This method is more effective if you use earwax softener 15 to 30 minutes before irrigating your ear(s). It is best to warm the solution to your body temperature to avoid dizziness. You shouldn’t attempt to irrigate your ears if:
- You have diabetes
- You have a compromised immune system
- You may have a hole in your eardrum
- You have tubes in the affected ear

Cleaning your ears too often may irritate the ear canal or lead to more impaction if done incorrectly.

The symptoms of an earwax blockage may also signal another medical problem. Ear infection symptoms can typically develop rapidly. You should contact a healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms:

Pain in the middle ear
Fluid drainage
Impaired hearing

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience earwax impaction more than once a year or have certain risk factors. You may want to schedule routine professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ear impaction, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Signs of a Fungal Infection

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Fungal infections, or mycoses, are any disease or condition caused by a fungus. Fungal infections usually affect the skin, hair, nails, or mucous membranes. However, they can also infect your lungs or other body parts.

Fungi are living things. They move around by spreading out or sending spores into the air or the environment. Many fungi live naturally in our mouth, GI tract, and skin, but can overgrow under certain circumstances.

Scientists estimate that there are millions of fungi in the world, but only a small number of them are known to cause disease in people. This includes certain types of yeasts and molds. Some infections can be opportunistic, meaning they don’t usually cause infections, however, they can take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Anyone is susceptible to a fungal infection, especially those that affect the skin or nails. Fungal infections are more common in places on the body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. A person is at higher risk of fungal infections if they have poor circulation, diabetes, or a weakened immune system from:

HIV/AIDS
Cancer or cancer treatments
Immunosuppressant medications

There are three types of fungal infections: superficial or mucocutaneous, subcutaneous (underneath the skin), or deep infections (inside other organs).

Symptoms of fungal infections depend on the kind and where it is on the body. Symptoms are most common on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. Sometimes, symptoms of an infection can be present in the lungs, brain, eyes, intestinal tract, or sinuses.

Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections include:

Itching, soreness, redness, or a rash in the affected area
Discolored, thick, or cracked nails
Pain while eating, loss of taste, or white patches in the mouth or throat
A painless lump under the skin

Symptoms of fungal infections in the lungs include:

Cough, sometimes producing blood
Fatigue
Fever
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Headache
Night sweats

Symptoms of fungal infections in other body parts can include:

A fungal infection in or around the brain: headache, fever, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion
A fungal infection of the eyes: pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light
A fungal infection of the intestinal tract: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
A fungal infection in the sinuses: fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, facial pain

A healthcare provider diagnoses a fungal infection depending on where it is on the body. They may look for signs of fungus in, or try to grow fungus from samples of:

Skin or other affected tissue
Nail clippings
Blood
Phlegm
Fluid around the brain and spinal cord
Pee
Fluid from the eye
Vaginal discharge

If a healthcare provider thinks there is a fungal infection in the lungs, brain, or other internal organs, they might perform X-rays, an MRI, or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.

To treat a fungal infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal treatment in the form of:

Oral medications
IV medication
Lotion, cream, or powder
Mouthwash or lozenges
Eye drops
Shampoo

There are many ways to reduce the risk of various fungal infections, including practicing good personal hygiene and protecting yourself from fungi in the environment.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Sarah Kan

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Sarah Kan, Executive Receptionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Sarah has been working at the hospital for 14 years.

Sarah grew up in Queens where she attended the High School for Health Professionals and Human Services and is a graduate of Baruch College. She has two children, a girl who is 20 years old and a boy who is 16. Sarah has one cat named Miso that she adopted from a shelter and one fish named Eden. Eden is an Oscar cichlid native to the Amazon Basin. Both of her pets are two years old. In her free time, Sarah enjoys taking care of her plants, baking, playing with her cat, and keeping up on current events in the world. Sarah has also taken up painting. She enjoys traveling, especially with her family, at least once a year. A few of the places she has visited are Switzerland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Japan. She would like to visit Germany, Italy, Norway, the French Polynesia, and revisit Japan.

Sarah enjoys different types of cuisine. Her favorites are Japanese, Italian, steak and all types of desserts. She plays the piano, and her favorite type of music is classical. Romantic comedies are her favorite type of movies. She also enjoys stand-up comedians. Sarah likes to watch tennis.

Sarah enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because the employees are so pleasant and they work together well as a team. She receives great satisfaction from assisting patients and visitors, many of whom show their appreciation as they leave the hospital. We look forward to Sarah continuing to work with us for many more years.

Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Several types of exercise, such as swimming, weightlifting, and running, offer many health benefits. Walking also provides numerous benefits to our health, including:

Helps you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
Helps prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Helps improve cardiovascular fitness
Helps strengthen bones and muscles
Helps improve muscle endurance
Helps increase energy levels
Helps improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Helps improve balance and coordination
Helps strengthen the immune system
Helps reduce stress and tension
Helps extend a person’s lifespan
Helps inspire creative thinking

Walking is a versatile exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is advised that you gradually work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time. It can improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning more calories.

Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Gout

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gout is a common, painful form of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused when the body’s natural production of uric acid breaks down chemicals called purines found in certain foods and drinks. This causes sharp crystals to form in your joints, usually the big toe. Gout can also affect other joints, including the knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Gout symptoms can come and go in episodes called flare-ups or gout attacks. They can be very painful and can happen suddenly. During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joints may include:

Intense joint pain
Inflammation and redness
Stiffness
Swelling
Tenderness

Healthcare providers usually diagnose gout based on the results of a physical exam, your symptoms, and the appearance of the affected joint. Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

A joint fluid test
Blood tests
X-ray imaging
An ultrasound
An MRI
Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT)

Gout medications are available in two types and focus on two different problems. The first type helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks. The second type works to prevent gout complications by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Which medication is right for you depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and any other health problems you may have.

Medications used to treat gout flare-ups and prevent future attacks include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Colchicine
Corticosteroids

If you experience several gout attacks each year, or if your gout attacks are less frequent but particularly painful, a healthcare provider may recommend medication to reduce your risk of gout-related complications. If you already have evidence of damage from gout on joint X-rays, or you have tophi, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones, medications to lower the body’s level of uric acid may be recommended.

Medications are often the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevent recurrent symptom flare-ups. However, lifestyle changes are also important. Lifestyle changes to help prevent gout include:

Choosing healthier beverages
Avoiding food high in purines
Exercising regularly and losing weight

If you are experiencing gout-related symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Ma Christina Lopez

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to highlight our New Beginnings team member, Ma Christina Lopez, a Labor and Delivery Unit Clerk. She has been working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 15 years. She was initially hired as a postpartum evening clerk who cross trained in labor and delivery. After two years she was transferred to the inpatient pediatric unit where she stayed for 12.5 years. While in pediatrics, she was given the opportunity to learn and work in different units in the hospital. In July of 2024 she decided to move back to the labor and delivery unit.

Ma Christina enjoys being a part of a life-affirming process. It gives her great pleasure being a part of the patient’s incredible journey of childbirth, witnessing the miracle of life and supporting families during a significant and often emotional time. Ma Christina likes the constant activity and ever-changing situations that keep things interesting and challenging, ensuring no two days are ever the same. The labor and delivery unit is a high-stakes environment where she has the chance to learn quickly and expand her knowledge of medical procedures, terminology, and patient care.

Ma Christina appreciates the collaborative nature of the unit, working closely with nurses, doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure the best possible care for patients. She
feels a real sense of purpose in knowing that her administrative and organizational skills are contributing to the smooth and efficient operation of the unit, allowing the medical staff to focus on patient care.

She enjoys interacting with patients and their families, providing support and information when needed and helping to make their experience as comfortable as possible. Ma Christina understands that as a unit clerk, she is the invisible hands behind the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and physician assistants, and takes pride in that.

Sinus Infections

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is the inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses.

A sinus infection can make breathing through the nose difficult and swell the area around the eyes and face. It may also cause a headache or a throbbing pain in the face.

The common cold is the usual cause of a sinus infection. However, other viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies can cause it.

The symptoms of a sinus infection include:

A runny nose with thick yellow or greenish mucus
Post-nasal drip
A stuffy nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over
Ear pressure or pain
Pain or pressure in your teeth
Fever
Cough
Bad breath
Headache
Tiredness
A changed sense of smell

Some people are more likely to get a sinus infection than others. Risk factors include:

Nasal allergies
Asthma
Nasal polyps
A deviated septum
A weakened immune system
Smoking

When diagnosing a sinus infection, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and do an exam. The exam might include feeling for tenderness in the nose and face, and looking inside the nose.

Other ways to diagnose a sinus infection and rule out other conditions include:

A nasal endoscopy
Imaging studies
Nasal and sinus swab samples
Allergy testing

Most sinus infection cases get better on their own. Self-care is usually all that is needed to ease its symptoms.

Treatments to ease sinus infection symptoms can include:

Saline nasal spray
Nasal corticosteroids
Decongestants
Allergy medicines
Over-the-counter pain relievers

Several home remedies can help relieve symptoms of a sinus infection, including:

Resting
Drinking plenty of fluids
Using a warm compress
Keeping the sinuses moist
Rinsing the inside of the nose

If you are experiencing any problems due to a sinus infection, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.