Health

Fall Activities

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With temperatures dropping and crisp air abounding; the fall season is a great time to begin a fitness regime.

Some tips for how to start you fall fitness routine are:

Change it up – The fall season is a great season to spend time with family and friends while taking part in physical activities such as walking through apple and pumpkin patches, corn mazes or trails.

Participate in fun runs – The fall season is when organizations plan their fun runs.  You can participate in a 5K, or a turkey trot.  If you get a group together, it can further motivate you.

Appreciate fall foliage – The fall season brings with it lots of colored leaves.  Local parks usually have trails to walk, run or ride a bike on.

Go to a farmer’s market – Fall brings lots of root vegetables into season.  Take a bike ride and stop at local farmer’s markets to pick up some healthy, tasty fruits and veggies.

Rake the lawn – In the fall season, even chores can be a really good workout. Activities such as raking the leaves can provide great cardio exercise.

As you can see, fall offers several opportunities to stay active and create good habits that will last with you throughout the upcoming holiday season and winter months.

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.

Backpack Awareness Dayy

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Backpacks are essential back-to- school items for kids.  They come in different colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly they help children to carry their belongings.  Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body.  However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that has the following features:

  • Lightweight
  • Wide and padded straps
  • Multiple compartments
  • Padded back
  • Waist belt
  • Correct size (A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso).

Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

  • When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back.  Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
  • Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
  • Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
  • Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
  • Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.

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.

Coping With Substance Abuse and a Crisis

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The worldwide crisis of the coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone. The way we work, socialize, and care for our health have all been impacted. For many these factors are cause for tremendous amounts of stress; for others, they are triggers for alcohol and substance abuse.

The stress of living with the pandemic has led to more people leaning on drugs and alcohol abuse to cope with uncertainty and adversity. This is reflected in an increase in sales of alcoholic beverages over the last few months, as well as an increase in the number of patients treated in ERs for drug overdoses.

The rise in alcohol and substance abuse can be partly attributed to an increase in people who were once occasional users of alcohol or illicit drugs, now making it a daily habit, and addicts who relapsed due to challenges they faced during the pandemic.

Challenges encountered by those needing help for addiction include fear of seeking health in treatment centers due to fear of exposure of the coronavirus, limitations affecting in-person support groups or the decline of treatment centers due to a lack of funding.

Although the coronavirus pandemic may pose a few challenges for those seeking help with addiction, there are still many resources available to provide assistance with recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) www.samhsa.gov offer helpful information to individuals and families facing mental health and substance abuse disorders on their websites (include links)

Those who are suffering from addiction are also encouraged to seek help from their doctor or any trained alcohol and substance abuse professional.

If you are having substance abuse issues and would like to speak to a trained professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, You can schedule an appointment by calling 718-670-4416.

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.

Flushing Hospital Offers Tips on Successful Aging

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In many cases, how we age has as much to do with our mental attitude as it does our physical well-being. September has been designated Healthy Aging Month, an observance designed to focus our attention on the positive aspects of growing older.

Flushing Hospital understands the importance of successful aging and wants to provide you with the following practical tips to help you improve your physical, mental, and social well-being.

  • Try to remain positive in your daily interactions and distance yourself from the negative influences in your life. When you catch yourself complaining, look to change the conversation to something more positive.
  • If you find yourself bored or lonely, do something about it! Pick up the telephone and make plans to meet someone for lunch. You can also try a new hobby, volunteer your time with a local organization or take a class and learn something new.
  • Don’t comply with social norms and act how society expects you to act. Instead, think back to the age when you were at your happiest and be it.  This is not denial; it’s a way of staying positive, which can help you feel better about yourself.
  • A simple act like standing up straight can make you look and feel younger. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better.
  • Make an appointment to schedule your annual physical or other health screenings. By doing so, you can address any potential health concerns and end unnecessary worrying about some of your nagging ailments.

Flushing Hospital encourages the older members of our community to use September as the motivation to use these tools and others in their quest for successful aging.

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.

Remote Learning Tips

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With the lazy days of summer coming to an end, it’s time to start the frenzy called “Back to School!”

Each year parents, guardians and students visit their local stores frantically purchasing supplies, clothing and all things school related.  However, the 2020-2021 school terms will be like no other.

For this school year, different models for learning are being offered. One of the models offered is Full Remote Learning.

If you have chosen this model for your student, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to share some helpful tips on how to help your student succeed:

  1. Utilize the internet for live video lessons and record lessons. It will be helpful for your student to be able to review the video to reinforce the lesson.
  2. Be sure your student has the tools they need to succeed. Both electronically and physically (such as, computer, scientific calculator, folders, paper, pads, pens, pencils, etc.)
  3. Provide a supportive, quiet and private space for learning where there are little to know distractions.
  4. Remain consistent in your methods and keep to a schedule, otherwise things could become disorganized.
  5. Be supportive of your student. Let them know you are there to help them navigate the unknown.
  6. Stay in touch with your students educators. Keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the educators so that you can be made aware of any assignments that may or may not have been submitted.
  7. Be supportive of your student. Remember, this is new territory for your student.  Try to remain understanding, patient and offer to help as much as you are able to.
  8. Create a cohort of support. Encourage your student to speak regularly with other students from their class, virtually or on the phone, to discuss, collaborate and communicate in real time. They will need to know that their problems are shared and can help each other by exchanging ideas.

Keep in mind that no matter what method or tip you follow, adapting to remote learning is going to be challenging.  We hope these tips will help reduce some of the stress and confusion

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.

Bee Stings

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It is summertime and we all spend more time outdoors. Whether it be in our gardens, the park, or at the beach, the potential to get bitten by a bee is always there.

Bees are typically attracted to flowers because of their scent and bright colors. They can be attracted to a human if they are wearing brightly colored clothing or have a particular scent.

Getting stung by a bee is not the most pleasant experience to say the least. In the event that you are stung by a bee here are a few helpful steps to follow:

  1. Remove the stinger as soon as you can, as it only takes seconds for the venom to enter your body. You can remove the stinger by scraping it off the best way you can. (example: fingernail, tweezer, credit card ).
  2. Wash the sting area with soap and water.
  3. Apply cold compresses or ice to relieve pain and ease swelling.

The treatment steps for minor reactions to bee stings are not as effective for those who have severe allergic reactions. If you are allergic to bee stings, contact your primary care provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe reactions may need epinephrine, by way of an Epi-Pen.

If you are stung by a bee, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you are having any sort of reaction.

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.

Mistakes That Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading

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Measuring your blood pressure at home is a very important part of properly managing hypertension.  Therefore taking accurate measurements is crucial.

To ensure accuracy, there are several things you should and should not do while measuring, as they can affect your reading.  Here are a few:

  • Always use the bathroom before measuring- Having a full bladder can add points to your reading.
  • Remain quiet- Talking while checking your blood pressure can cause deviations in measurements.
  • While seated make sure your back is supported and both your feet are placed flat on the ground-Measuring blood pressure in a posture where your back or feet are not supported can affect readings.
  • Keep your arm leveled with your heart- If your arm is not on the same level as your heart while getting a reading, you run the risk of getting measurements that are higher than your actual blood pressure level. Always make certain your arm is supported, you can rest it on a chair arm, table or desk to receive the best positioning.
  • Do not place the blood pressure cuff over clothing – Studies show that doing so can have an impact on systolic blood pressure. Your cuff should be placed on your bare arm during measurements.
  • Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure- Consuming food or drinking beverages within that time can result in a reading that may be inaccurate and high.

Improperly measuring your blood pressure can have serious consequences.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A reading that underestimates your blood pressure might give you a false sense of security about your health. But a reading that overestimates your blood pressure might lead to treatment you don’t really need.”

In addition to following best practices for an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important that you keep track of your numbers. You can use a notebook, app or chart to do so.  If you are concerned about changes in your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor right away.

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.

Factors That Make A Pregnancy High Risk

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More and more women are waiting to have families well into their late 30’s and beyond. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five women now wait until they’re 35 or older to have their first child. There may be some risks involved with a pregnancy conceived later in life, but a healthy lifestyle, along with regular visits to your Ob-Gyn can create a healthy pregnancy.

Oftentimes, women worry more about the risks of pregnancy at a later age than conception itself. While a woman’s fertility does decrease after the age of 30, certain  factors associated with pregnancy can cause it to be “high risk,” even in younger moms, who have existing health conditions, the mother’s age, lifestyle, and health issues that happen before or during pregnancy.

Some of those conditions could include:

• Higher risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
• Greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome
• Miscarriages and still birth
• Low birth weight

A pregnancy should be happy and welcomed news and planning should be no different. Increased risk factors and statistics should not be discouraging news. Often, statistics do not account for life style choices or pre-existing conditions. Here are a few tips to help you take the necessary steps toward a healthy pregnancy later in life:

• Schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn for a visit. Be very honest with your practitioner about any existing health conditions.
• Your Doctor may recommend additional testing such as genetic testing and counseling or sonograms.
• Begin taking pre-natal vitamin. Since folic-acid is important for prevention of birth defects, taking folic acid can add an important level of protection for older women.
• Exercise regularly; eat a well-balanced diet to maintain your weight. Gaining the appropriate amount of weight lessens the chance of your baby growing slowly and reduces the risk of preterm birth.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.

If you are interested in pre-pregnancy and fertility counseling, contact Flushing Hospital Women’s Health Center at 718-670-8994 to make an appointment.

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.

The Difference Between Being Overweight and Obese

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 20 years and older with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0- 29.9 are considered to be overweight, those with a BMI of 30.0 and above are categorized as obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is indicative of being morbidly or severely obese.

If a person is obese, they are at risk of developing health problems such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. The risk for these complications can be decreased by losing weight.

While applying lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising can help in achieving weight loss, they may not be enough to yield significant results for individuals struggling with obesity-related diseases.

Weight loss (bariatric surgery) has been proven to be a safe and effective way to overcome this challenge.  This type of surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines to reduce food intake or absorption, and induce weight loss.

Candidates for weight loss surgery include those who:

  • Have a body mass index  (BMI) over 40
  • Are more than 100 lbs. over their ideal body weight
  • Are experiencing disabling pain in weight-bearing joints
  • Have a BMI of 35 along with obesity-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease
  • Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but  have been unsuccessful

Choosing a weight loss surgery provider that is accredited by programs such as the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) is highly recommended. This accreditation ensures that your provider follows a high standard of care.

Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center is the first Bariatric Center of Excellence accredited by the MBSAQIP. The center provides care from a multi-disciplinary group of health care practitioners who are compassionate and fully invested in helping you in every step of your weight loss journey.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center, please call 718-408-6977or 718-670-8908.

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.

The West Nile Virus Crisis of 1999

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Just before Labor Day in 1999, Northern Queens became the epicenter of a very serious, and in rare cases, deadly disease – the West Nile Virus.

The West Niles Virus is primarily spread through the bite of a mosquito. While the overwhelming majority of those infected with the virus suffer either no or very minor symptoms, people over age 60, or those with a comprised immune system may be at risk of developing serious symptoms. In rare cases (less than 1%), individuals may develop headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, or swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or paralysis.  West Nile can even cause permanent neurological damage and death.

The disease was found only in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.  It had never seen in the United States, however, in the summer of 1999, Flushing Hospital doctors noticed a cluster of patients experiencing very mysterious symptoms that could not be explained. The medical staff immediately reached out to their partners at the local health authorities to report their findings. Together, the team identified the virus and alerted the public. The City’s response was immediate as they instituted an aerial assault days before the Labor Day weekend to eradicate the source…the mosquitoes. Thanks to the efforts of Flushing Hospital, many New Yorkers who might have otherwise been exposed while enjoying time outdoors were spared from becoming infected.

As we near the anniversary of this event, Flushing Hospital wants to continue to educate the public on how to stay safe and avoid becoming infected by West Nile or any other mosquito-borne diseases by following these tips to reduce your chances of exposure:

  • Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeved shirts, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
  • Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest
  • Remove any places where standing water can collect on your property, such as tires, cans, plastic containers or pots,
  • Make sure your roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and the fall.
  • Clean and chlorinate your swimming pools, outdoor saunas or hot tubs and drain water from pool covers
  • Change the water in your bird baths at least every three to four days.

Flushing Hospital urges everyone to take proper precautions and enjoy the remainder of your summer.

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.