Addison’s Disease

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Addison’s disease is a rare chronic condition that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Another name for Addison’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency.

With Addison’s disease, the damage to your adrenal glands happens slowly over time, so symptoms occur gradually and vary from person to person. Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

Steadily worsening fatigue
Patches of dark skin, especially around scars and skin creases and on your gums
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
Muscle pain, muscle spasms, and/or joint pain
Dehydration
Low blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing
Changes in mood and behavior, such as irritability, depression, and poor concentration
A craving for salty food
Low blood sugar

People assigned female at birth with Addison’s disease may also have abnormal periods, lose body hair, and have a decreased sex drive. In some cases, such as after an injury, severe illness, or time of intense stress, symptoms can come on quickly and cause a life-threatening event called an addisonian crisis or acute adrenal failure.

An addisonian crisis is a medical emergency. If it is not treated, it can lead to shock and death. Symptoms of an addisonian crisis include:

Extreme weakness
Sudden, severe pain in your lower back, belly, or legs
Feeling restless, confused, afraid, or other mental changes
Severe vomiting and diarrhea, possibly leading to dehydration
Low blood pressure
Loss of consciousness

The most common cause of Addison’s disease is an autoimmune response, which occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues for an unknown reason. With Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex, where cortisol and aldosterone are made. Symptoms don’t usually develop until 90% of the adrenal cortex has been damaged which can take several months to years.

Other causes of Addison’s disease can include:

Tuberculosis
Other infections of the adrenal glands
The spread of cancer to the adrenal glands
Bleeding into the adrenal glands
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Medicines that block the body’s ability to make glucocorticoid or medicines that block the action of glucocorticoid in the body
Treatment for cancer with medicines called checkpoint inhibitors
The surgical removal of the adrenal glands

Since symptoms of Addison’s disease usually develop slowly over time and can be vague and common to many different conditions, it often leads to a delay in the proper diagnosis. Healthcare providers often “accidentally” discover Addison’s disease when a routine blood test, such as a basic metabolic panel shows low levels of sodium or high levels of potassium. Another common symptom that signals healthcare providers to test for Addison’s disease is dark patches on the skin.

Other tests a healthcare provider may use to diagnose Addison’s disease include:

Blood tests
ACTH stimulation test
Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test
Imaging tests

Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking medicines that correct the levels of steroid hormones that the body isn’t making enough of. Some treatments include corticosteroid medicines taken by mouth.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Addison’s disease, 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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Sandra Rodriguez, LMSW

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Sandra Rodrigues, LMSW, a social worker at Flushing Hospital Medical Center where she has been employed for the past 11 years.

Sandra grew up in Corona and currently lives in College Point. She attended elementary school at Our Lady of Sorrows then went on to John Bowne High School. Sandra obtained her Master’s degree from Hunter College.

Sandra has three children, a son who is 26 years old, one daughter who is 33 and another daughter who is 18. She also has two dogs whose names are Boe and Bailey.

In her free time, Sandra enjoys reading all types of books. Going to Broadway shows and to the movies are also her favorite things to do. She enjoys traveling and has been to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. She hopes to travel soon to Israel and Greece. Her favorite types of food to eat are Italian and Spanish. Sandra’s faith is very important to her, it inspires her to do volunteer work and do community outreach. She also likes to listen to Christian music. She is a huge basketball fan, the team she follows closely are the Golden State Warriors.

Sandra likes working at Flushing Hospital because it affords her the opportunity to give back to the people in the neighborhood where she spent her early years. She feels fortunate to work with wonderful people on a daily basis who do their best to give our patients a pleasant experience. We look forward to having Sandra work with us for many more years.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Ingrid DeFreitas, RPA-C

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to recognize our New Beginnings Team member, Ingrid DeFreitas RPA-C, Director of OB/GYN Physician Assistant Education at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Ingrid joined the staff at the hospital in February 2024. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. John’s University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science and Certificate for Physicians Assistant Studies.

Ingrid feels that working at Flushing Hospital has been an ultimate rewarding experience. She has never felt so engaged with the community as she does now. The energy in Flushing Hospital is palpable with the nurses, attendings, and all staff are always ready. The staff is exemplary. Flushing Hospital allows Ingrid autonomy in providing efficient quality care to her own panel of OB/GYN patients. As a native speaker of Spanish, she has been able to establish a closer connection to our patients. Screening the community for housing, utility difficulties, food insecurities, transportation needs, and financial strains definitely allows her to provide a collaborated approach to overall improve the quality of life for our patients. She is grateful to work for a hospital that embraces her culture and background.

Ingrid was initially afraid to start in a new facility, but she was fortunate to be given an opportunity to build something better. She is able to mentor incoming new OB/GYN PAs and teach them safe effective ways in handling a strenuous labor and delivery. Throughout her life she was always told to remember be humble, respectful and compassionate, it goes a long way. Ingrid truly feels with commitment, hard work and dedication, success is obtainable. She disciplined herself through education to become a master of her craft and will continue her best to lead by example and uphold all values she learned throughout her career to strengthen others.

Why Are More Kids Getting Kidney Stones?

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They typically occur in adults but can affect children and babies as well.

There are many types of kidney stones, including:

Calcium stones are the most common type usually caused by a high intake of certain substances such as salt
Cysteine stones can form in people who have cystinuria, an inherited disorder, marked by increased formation of stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureter
Struvite stones, most often occur in women who have urinary tract infections
Uric acid stones can occur with gout or after chemotherapy

Kidney stones don’t cause symptoms until they move around in the kidney or pass into the ureter. Small stones can pass out of the body with little or no pain. However, larger stones in the urinary system can get stuck and cause many symptoms, including:

Intense pain in the lower back and/or in the sides
Frequent, urgent, and painful urination
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in the urine and/or cloudy urine
Urinary tract infections secondary to kidney stones accompanied by a fever

Kidney stones have several causes, but two of the most common causes in children are not drinking enough water and having a diet containing too much salt and ultra-processed foods. Most children with underlying conditions are more at risk for kidney stones. These conditions include:

Diabetes
Obesity
Problems with how the urinary tract is formed
Metabolic disorders
Gout
Other kidney conditions
Conditions that affect the thyroid or parathyroid gland
Some urinary tract infections

Other reasons that make a kidney stone more likely are:

Not having enough citric acid in the urine
Having too much calcium in the urine
Some medicines
Special diets, such as a ketogenic diet that is sometimes used to prevent seizures

Kidney stones are diagnosed when a healthcare provider asks about the symptoms and how long they have been going on, about the child’s diet, whether the child is dehydrated, and if there is a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems.

The healthcare provider will also perform exams to diagnose kidney stones, including:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Kidney function tests
Imaging tests, which can show the exact size and location of the kidney stones, helping the doctor decide on the best treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of kidney stone and its size. Some children will only need to drink a lot of water and take pain medications to pass the stone. Those with larger stones may need surgery or other treatments to help remove the stones.

It is not always possible to prevent some types of kidney stones. However, all children who have had kidney stones should drink a lot of liquids, water being the best, throughout the day while avoiding dark sodas, soft drinks, and sports drinks. They should also limit the amount of salt and protein in their diet.

If your child is experiencing kidney stone symptoms, you can talk with a doctor at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-3007.

Staying Safe from the Quad-emic of the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Norovirus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Winter is usually a prime season for flu and RSV cases to rise. However, in recent years, COVID-19 and norovirus infections have been added to the list of winter illnesses creating a “quad-emic”. A quad-emic means these four viral illnesses are spreading simultaneously.

It is important to know when you, a loved one, or a child are showing signs and symptoms of any of the four illnesses to seek immediate care. These contagious viruses can cause health complications and hospitalization, especially for those in high-risk populations if they are left untreated. High-risk people include:

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). Flu cases typically rise in the winter. A flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, but it is still possible to get the flu if stronger strains form or if you are considered high-risk.

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly contagious and symptoms vary from person to person. Even if you are vaccinated or have immunity from a past infection, you may still be at risk as new variants form.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and the flu and are very dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea and is extremely contagious.

Symptoms of the quad-emic illnesses include:

Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue

Treatment will vary by severity of the symptoms and by diagnosis. Some cases can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but others may need prescription medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best treatment plan. If you are considered high-risk, they will monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse.

Ways to help to reduce the risk of infection include:

Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying isolated if you are feeling sick to avoid spreading it to others
Getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19

If you are experiencing any of these quad-emic illness 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.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the U.S., as it affects more than 3 million people in the country. The National Eye Institute projects that this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58% increase.

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at a higher risk than others, including:

People who are over 60 years of age
People who are Black/African American and over 40 years of age
People who are Asian American
People who are Hispanic/Latino
People who have a family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma has no early symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to prevent vision loss is with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There is no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help prevent vision loss.

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

Norovirus

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious. About 685 million cases are reported globally each year. Of those cases, over 200 million affect children.

Norovirus outbreaks occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

There are several symptoms of norovirus, including:

Nausea
Stomach pain
Headache
Fever
Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days. Norovirus symptoms are generally the same in adults and children, but adults may experience more diarrhea than children and children may vomit more than adults.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called gastroenteritis, which leads to norovirus symptoms.

There are many ways to contract norovirus, including:

Through close contact with someone who has the virus
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose
Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages

Norovirus is the biggest cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S. The virus typically spreads when someone who has the virus touches food before serving it to someone else. Sometimes, certain foods such as oysters and other seafood are naturally contaminated with norovirus.

Anyone can get infected by norovirus. Factors that put you at risk for norovirus include:

Coming in contact with someone who has the virus
Having genes that make you more likely to develop symptoms

A healthcare provider will diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing isn’t usually necessary, but a healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample to confirm your diagnosis. Testing will be done if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

There isn’t a cure for norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage the symptoms of norovirus by:

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes
Getting a lot of rest
Eating soft, bland foods

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

Washing your hands often with soap and water
Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them
Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature
Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus
Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched objects and surfaces
Washing your clothes thoroughly, especially if they are soiled

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with help from the outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator, or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Making Your Oral Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As the New Year approaches, it is the time of year when resolutions to improve ourselves are made. Resolutions such as joining a gym to get into better shape, changing a diet, and quitting smoking are typical goals we hope to achieve. Another important resolution for the New Year is to focus on our oral health.

Some ways to help achieve this goal include:

Practice good oral hygiene – brushing and flossing daily is an easy way to improve oral health. To successfully remove plaque and the bacteria that cause plaque, it is important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove bacterial plaque and food that accumulated throughout the day. This can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Watch what you eat and drink. Making healthier food and beverage choices, especially when it comes to snacks, is an important component in achieving your oral health goals. Frequently consuming foods and beverages containing acids and carbohydrates contributes to tooth decay.
Quit smoking – smoking greatly affects your oral health as it can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and in more severe cases oral cancer. The New Year is a great time to give up smoking. Consider free online tools, smoking cessation groups, progress-tracking apps, and support from friends and family to assist you with tobacco cessation.
Receive regular check-ups – making routine visits to the dentist can prevent oral diseases or reveal existing oral diseases in their early stages. Visits to the dentist should take place every six months to allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your oral health and develop a treatment plan that is appropriate.

If you’re experiencing dental health problems, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

Scooter Safety

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

E-scooters can be a fun and efficient way to travel, but they can also be dangerous. Unsafe riding and collisions can cause serious injury or death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips when riding an e-scooter:

Wear a helmet
Check your scooter for damage before riding
Test the brakes
Alert others and be seen
Watch out for obstacles
Keep your hands on the handlebars
Slow down and lean back when riding over bumps
Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Ride your scooter alone
Avoid distractions while riding your scooter
Don’t perform stunts on your scooter
Follow all of the manufacturer’s directions
Park your scooter correctly
Ride responsibly

Take the proper precautions to keep you and others safe when riding your scooter.

If you experience any accidents while on your scooter, 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.