Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Christine Parasram, RN

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in our NICU, Christine Parasram, RN. Christine began her nursing career in the NICU in August of 2018, and became an Assistant Head Nurse in July of 2023.

Although Christine’s career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center began six years ago, her history with our hospital began much earlier. She started the first few weeks of her life as a preemie in Flushing Hospital’s NICU.

In addition to being a NICU graduate, what further inspired Christine to become a NICU nurse was experiencing the early arrival of her daughter who spent the first few months of her life in the NICU. Christine still remembers how intimidating the NICU was as a parent. She deeply admired the nurses who cared for her fragile newborn daughter. Christine’s firsthand experience gave her the passion for taking care of her patients and the empathy for caring for the patients’ families.

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.

Everything You Should Know About the Bird Flu Virus

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

You may have recently heard about the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among poultry and dairy cows in the United States. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk to public health posed by this virus is low; however, the situation is being monitored closely, and it’s important for you to know the potential risks posed to humans by H5N1.

So far, the H5N1 strain of the bird flu has infected wild birds in all 50 states and poultry in 48 states. More recently, it has also been discovered in herds of dairy cows in nine states; this is concerning to health experts because it may indicate that the virus could mutate in a way that makes it easier to spread among humans. In fact, a dairy worker had reportedly become infected in April after exposure to infected cows.

The CDC recommends taking certain actions to protect yourself against this virus and prevent it from spreading among human populations. These actions include:

Avoiding direct contact with wild birds as much as possible, particularly if they seem ill or are dead
Avoiding unprotected exposure to live or dead infected animals (particularly dairy cattle) as much as possible
Monitoring and reporting any new symptoms you experience within 10 days of exposure to the virus, particularly respiratory symptoms or eye redness
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine; while this does not reduce your risk of bird flu infection, it is recommended for reducing your risk of co-infection with human influenza viruses

If you have become sick within 10 days of exposure to the bird flu virus, you should isolate yourself at home away from other members of your household and avoid your workplace or school until you are confirmed to no longer have the H5N1 virus.

Poultry products such as chicken and eggs, as well as beef products, can still be consumed safely as long as they’re cooked to an appropriate internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. You should avoid consuming raw milk or any products that contain raw milk.

If you become sick with flu symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to H5N1, it’s important that you receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

. Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time and/ or at high doses. Both may lead to the breakdown of the lining that protects the stomach and small intestine from strong acids. Without this protection, the acids will eat their way through and create sores.

Most people living with peptic ulcers do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms present, they can include:

Stomach pain
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bloating
Belching
Feeling of fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Dark, bloody, or tarry stools

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see a doctor. Because, if left untreated peptic ulcers can result in complications such as internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach), or gastric cancer.

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease may include a physical examination, lab tests, GI series x-ray examinations, or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve antibiotics to kill H. pylori, medications to block or reduce acid production, medication to coat and protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine, or medications to neutralize stomach acids.

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

Employee Spotlight Shines on Samantha Gibson

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Samantha Gibson, Office Manager for the Case Management & Social Work (CM / SW) Department.

In an era where dedication and commitment are often undervalued, Samantha began her career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 17 years ago this month. Celebrating 17 years of service at a hospital is a testament to unwavering dedication and passion. Samantha, a valued member of our hospital family, has reached this incredible milestone, marking a journey filled with compassion, and excellence. Starting out as an administrative assistant, she has since grown into the role of office manager – part of the CM/SW leadership team at Flushing Hospital.

Outside of work, Samantha is a native of Brooklyn, New York and attended Fort Hamilton High School as well as Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. She enjoys all genres of music, especially R&B and Reggae. Samantha is a proud mom of one son – Seth, and enjoys spending quality time with family, watching movies and sports as well as cooking and going out to eat; her favorite foods are Caribbean and Italian dishes. Traveling is also one of her favorite pastimes, she enjoys going on cruises, traveling often to California and abroad to different countries – especially Barbados. She finds joy in the arts, with a passion for writing and photography; her creative spirit shines through her poster designs that you may have seen hanging in the main lobby celebrating her department during National Case Management and Social Work months.

As she celebrates 17 years of service, she reflects on the impact she has made and the lives she has touched. One of the main reasons she enjoys working at Flushing Hospital is being able to interact with people from all walks of life – this has proven to be very rewarding and enriching to her. The things that are most important to her are family and good health. She strives for personal growth, peace of mind and well-being. Looking ahead, as Samantha continues her journey with us, we look forward to many more years of collaboration, growth and success. Her unwavering dedication and passion for excellence continue to inspire us all, shaping the future of healthcare and our hospital community. We are proud to have her on our team.

Enjoy A Healthy Springtime Recipe

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Spring has arrived and what better way to celebrate than with a tasty, easy to prepare meal made with creamy mushrooms, peas and chicken. Here is a delicious recipe from the Food Network for chicken, mushrooms and peas. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-with-creamy-mushrooms-and-snap-peas-recipe-1972982.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, healthcare organizations work to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, including symptoms, warning signs, and all current resources available to improve the quality of life experienced by people living with this condition.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system that causes tremors and muscular rigidity; this, in turn, leads to slow and imprecise body movements. The disease is caused by the degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which controls many of the body’s movements. Parkinson’s mostly affects people who are middle-aged or elderly.

Not all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear immediately; some people can live with the disease for years or decades before non-motor symptoms begin to appear. Some specific signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers.
Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause pain.
Impaired posture and balance: Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems.
Loss of automatic movements: Parkinson’s disease can lead to a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes: You may speak softly or quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more monotone, rather than having normal inflections.
Writing changes: It may become hard to write and/or your writing may appear small.

Some symptoms, such as tremors, can be managed through certain medications. These medications can act as a substitute for dopamine, sending signals to your brain that function similarly to this neurotransmitter. Although these medications can become less effective over time, some patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms as a result of treatment.

Parkinson’s disease can be frightening and challenging to live with, but there are treatment options available to help you engage in your normal daily activities more easily. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a neurologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

Tips to Prevent Exercise Injuries

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Exercise is generally good for your health; in fact, adults are recommended to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it’s also important to keep in mind that there is always a risk of physical injury while exercising. Some of the most common exercise-related injuries include:

Injuries to your shoulders, knees, elbows, legs, or ankles
Bone fractures
Dislocation
Sprains
Strains
Tendinitis
Bursitis

Several factors affect your risk of experiencing an injury while exercising. One of these is the exercise itself; certain exercises are more challenging than others and, as a result, may be more likely to cause an injury if you are not able to perform them properly. Another factor is frequency; a moderate amount of exercise is healthy, but working out excessively can put too much stress on your body. You may also be more likely to experience an injury if you have a medical condition or disability that makes an exercise more difficult to perform.

You can off-set these risk factors by taking certain steps to keep yourself safe. When you exercise, you should:

Learning the correct form for each exercise you plan to do
Warm up before performing an exercise (for example, by performing the exercise at a very light weight)
Cool down after performing an exercise (you can repeat your warm-up exercise or do a different, slow-paced activity for this)
Using safety equipment (talk to your doctor about what would be most appropriate for the exercises you plan to do)
Talking to your doctor about the types of exercises you plan to perform to make sure that they are safe for you
Varying your exercises throughout the week, focusing on different muscles each day you work out

It’s also important to recognize when you’re experiencing pain (as opposed to soreness) while working out. Sore muscles are normal, both during and after exercise, and you will need to push yourself to a reasonable extent. However, if you feel pain, stop exercising right away. Additionally, if you feel that you physically cannot finish an exercise, don’t try to force yourself to do so; this can lead to overuse injuries.

If you’ve injured yourself while exercising, you can receive a diagnosis and treatment from a physiatrist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Rehabilitation. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5515.

Natural Ways to do Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Springtime means spring cleaning. If you’re looking for an alternative to store bought cleaners, check out these low-cost, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions for a fresh smelling home:

Baking Soda – cleans, softens water, and scours. You can also use baking soda to deodorize food storage containers and sprinkle on your carpet to absorb smells before vacuuming.
White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up. Use equal parts white vinegar and water to wash both the interior and exterior of your fridge.
Lemons – effective against most household bacteria. Use lemon peels in your garbage disposal to help deodorize it.

You can also try these combinations:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, and bathroom mirrors.
Mold and Mildew cleaner: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.
Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying.
Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft, slightly damp, cotton cloth. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

One more tip: Whenever you clean your home, save the floor or carpet for last. Clean window blinds and shelves first and then work downwards. This allows time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Yuna Lee, RN

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to highlight Yuna Lee, RN, a nurse in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Yuna began her nursing career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 2014 and in our NICU in 2015. Her passion for working with babies, especially pre-term babies, began when she was doing her clinical rotations in nursing school. One of the babies she worked with was born at 23 weeks, was on a ventilator and weighed only 600 grams. It was at that point that her passion for taking care of fragile babies really blossomed.

The babies in the NICU are very delicate and fragile. It really takes a special type of person to care for them properly. Yuna’s main role is of course to take care of the babies, but she also has to comfort the parents of these babies because they very often need support.

Yuna feels very fortunate to be working with such a wonderful team in her unit. They have all become like a family to her. She also enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because it is her community and she is helping to make people’s lives better.