Control Your Blood Pressure in the New Year

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

It is the beginning of the New Year and many of us will make resolutions to do things better than the previous year. For many people this means living healthy, losing weight, and keeping our blood pressure under control.

High blood pressure affects one in three Americans. If not controlled well it can lead to kidney problems, damaged blood vessels, stroke, and heart attacks. There are many factors that can cause blood pressure to be elevated including obesity, stress, smoking, high sodium diets and elevated cholesterol. Ideally, managing some of these factors can help to maintain a blood pressure that is as close to normal range (120/80mmHg) as possible.

There are many ways that doctors can help us to control our blood pressure, Your doctor can prescribe medication that will help. Additionally other methods include:

Quitting smoking
Lose weight
Stress reduction
Exercise regularly
Eat less salty food
Eliminate beverages that contain caffeine
Eat dark chocolate
Cut back on sugar
Drink less alcohol

Keeping your blood pressure under control is probably one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Speak to your doctor about methods that would work best for you.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss how you can lower your blood pressure in 2024, 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.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. There are more than three million people in the United States and 60 million people worldwide who suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Typically the disease starts to develop suddenly, often without symptoms, and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost before some people even notice a problem. It usually starts with loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve so that the brain isn’t able to receive images from the eyes. There are two types of Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma where pressure inside the eye increases on its own and damages the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma where another disease causes the pressure in the eye to increase and that results in optic nerve damage. Both types will eventually lead to blindness. Early detection of Glaucoma can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are very important. To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 670-5486.

Outdoor Exercises For Winter Weather

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

It can be easy to use the cold winter weather as an excuse to stay inside and avoid outdoor physical activities. However, many forms of outdoor exercise are actually well-suited to lower temperatures and can even offer some added benefits, assuming that you take the appropriate precautions to protect your health. A few of these recommended outdoor exercises include:

Running: Winter is a great time to go out for a run. Running is a simple way to incorporate moderately intense aerobic exercise into each week; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an average of 150 minutes of this type of exercise each week. Running in cold temperatures may also increase your metabolism, making it easier to burn excess calories. Make sure to wear two layers (including a jacket) and appropriately-fitting running shoes.

Ice Skating: Another popular outdoor winter activity that can double as a great form of exercise is ice skating. It’s a low-impact type of aerobic exercise, meaning that it puts minimal stress on your joints. It can also be helpful for improving your balance and strengthening your leg muscles. In order to avoid injury or medical problems due to the cold weather, make sure to wear appropriately-fitting skates and additional layers of clothing.

Snow Shoveling: While shoveling snow is typically more of a chore than a popular exercise choice, it does offer a few benefits for your physical health. Snow shoveling requires effort from your legs and arms to lift and move snow, strengthening muscles in these parts of your body. As with other outdoor exercises, make sure to wear an appropriate number of layers of clothing. Additionally, make sure to lift from your legs to avoid injuries to your back, and take frequent rests as needed to avoid over-stressing your heart.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Holiday Safe Decorating Tips

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Decorating your home for the holidays is always so much fun, but did you know that each year an estimated 250 house fires nationwide are caused by faulty holiday lights? Here are some tips for keeping your home safe this year:

Before stringing holiday lights always check the sockets to ensure they are not broken or cracked.
Never use indoor lights for outdoors use.
Turn off the indoor tree lights before going to bed or whenever you leave the house.
Do not connect more than three sets of lights to each extension cord.
Make sure that your lights have safety labels and are made by reputable companies.
Do not use candles on or near a tree.
Place your tree and gift-wrapped presents away from sources of heat such as fireplaces.
Make sure that your tree is secured firmly to its base so that it can’t tip over.
Artificial trees should be fire resistant.
Always keep a fire extinguisher handy and accessible in case of emergency.

Don’t ruin your holiday by being careless. A little common sense and taking some precautions will ensure a joyous holiday for you and your family.

Testing for Memory Loss

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

As people age, they may experience memory loss. This may be due to several factors which include medication side effects, circulation issues, and simply because the brain doesn’t function as it once did. It is estimated that 10 percent of people over the age of 65 have some memory loss.

They may experience the following symptoms:

Asking the same question over and over
Mixing up words
Changing mood for no reason
Delaying the completion of tasks
Misplacing possessions
Confusing words

How is memory loss detected?

If memory loss is suspected, a physician will start by evaluating a person’s ability to recall names of objects, speak in coherent sentences, see clearly, have proper reflex responses, and follow commands. In addition to these basic exams, a physician will evaluate a patient’s ability to focus on a task, check for the ability to recall the time and place of events.

Other methods for evaluating a person for memory loss include psychometric testing which tests for decision making capability, problem solving, mental accuracy, and remembering details. Sometimes an MRI or a PET scan may be used to determine if there are any biological or anatomical causes, such as a tumor, that may be affecting memory.

If you feel as though you may be experiencing memory loss, it is advisable to speak with your physician. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Our Employee Spotlight Shines on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM on 2 North. Dave began working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center nine years ago. He started as a unit clerk and after passing his NCLEX exam, became a night shift nurse on 2 North where he held the position for six years and was later promoted to Assistant Head Nurse then Nurse Manager.

Dave grew up in the Philippines. He attended Isabela West Elementary school. Dave continued his education at Isabela National High School. He graduated from the University of St. LaSalle where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Nursing degree.

Dave moved to the United States in 2014, initially residing in Woodside, Queens and currently lives in the Flushing area. He has no pets of his own, but his friend has two dogs, Mochi and Boba, that he considers to be like his own and with whom he enjoys spending time. In his free time, he likes going to his Jiu Jitsu class two or three times a week. His goal is to obtain his black belt one day soon. Dave also likes to paint and play chess. He also enjoys listening to music while he paints. Dave’s favorite food is Korean barbecue, especially oxtail if it is made by one of the members of the nursing staff in the ICU.

There are a few places Dave would like to visit, both for their culture and their art. He hopes to go to Japan, Paris, the Vatican, and Israel.

A few of the things that are important in Dave’s life are his religion, his health, his family, and loved ones. Having cherished memories of his experiences are also very important to him.

There are many reasons why Dave likes working at Flushing Hospital. He enjoys the interactions with his colleagues from whom he has learned so much. The nursing department administration has always encouraged him to move up in his career. He has learned so much about the profession from them and feels fortunate to be a part of the team. We look forward to having Dave work with us for many more years in the future.

A Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe – Glazed Green Beans

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Thanksgiving dinner is typically a large meal that consists of turkey and many side dishes. Here is a recipe from Good Housekeeping for glazed green beans that is healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a34349776/glazed-green-beans-recipe/

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Vivian Chen, RN

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to highlight Vivian Chen, RN. Vivian has been a member of our Flushing Hospital Medical Center team for five years, the last four in our Labor and Delivery suite.

There are many reasons why Vivian enjoys working on our New Beginnings Mother – Baby unit. She has a great deal of joy and pride in taking part in the birth of a child. She finds it very exciting and is so happy to share that moment with the moms she takes care for. Vivian also enjoys caring for the new moms and helping them with any challenges they may face.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a wonderful place to give birth because of people like Vivian who strive to make sure that the moms and their babies have the very best experience.

Pilates

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Pilates is a form of strength training exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago. Initially, it was practiced by dancers who were using it to recover from injuries that they had sustained. It has become very popular among the general population within the past quarter century.

Improper alignment of the body is the primary condition many people have that can be helped with Pilates. The concept behind Pilates is to build body core strength by focusing on improving muscle tone and improving muscle balance. This is achieved through low impact exercises that concentrate on lower back and abdominal muscles, precision patterns of movement and controlled breathing. Pilates can be performed on a mat or a device called a “reformer.” It may look easy to do but it requires a lot of precision and coordination.

The benefits of Pilates include:

Building core strength
Improving posture
Increasing flexibility
Improving balance
Increasing body awareness
Helping to control breathing
Improving mental health

Before beginning any new exercise routine, it is a good idea to speak with your physician to see if that type of exercise is appropriate for you. Find a Pilates class that is taught by someone who has expertise in the field. Pilates classes usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Make sure that you start slowly and don’t be in a hurry to learn the proper techniques.

Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of your urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys, and urethra.

UTIs are very common, affecting up to about 10 million people each year. Infections occur most often in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), although they also occur in a smaller percentage of men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

UTIs generally develop due to the presence of bacteria, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli), in parts of your urinary system. Bacteria can enter these parts of your body through the urethra to infect the bladder, but can also travel up from the bladder to infect the ureters and kidneys. Some common ways for a UTI to begin include:

Sexual intercourse: Sexual activity is one of the most common ways for people to develop a UTI. Bacteria can enter your urethra from your partner’s genitals or anus, allowing it to infect your urinary system. This exposure can also occur due to the usage of sex toys, particularly if they have not been adequately cleaned. Sexual UTIs may be prevented by washing your genital area daily and using contraceptives such as condoms during sex.

Bacteria from hands: Bacteria that are present on your hands or someone else’s can also enter your urethra by touching your genital area during sexual activity or while using the bathroom. This is most easily prevented by regularly washing your hands multiple times per day with soap and water.

Holding in urine: While holding in your urine does not cause a UTI on its own, it does increase your risk of developing one. Any bacteria present in your urine is forced to sit in your bladder system for a longer period of time, allowing it more time to multiply and potentially develop into an infection.

If you experience any typical symptoms of a UTI, such as a persistent urge to urinate, burning sensations while urinating, blood in your urine, or pelvic pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.