Health Archives - Page 35 of 92

Do You Suffer From Summer Migraines ?

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

For many people who are prone to migraine headaches, summer can be the season when they are most affected. This doesn’t mean having to stay indoors to avoid symptoms, but instead learning the causes of migraines and taking precautions they should be taking to prevent them.

Migraine headaches are caused by changes in the brain that are brought on by several factors which include stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep and food allergies. Factors that occur most commonly in summer include:

Changes in the weather
Sensitivity to bright light
Excessive heat and humidity
Changes in barometric pressure
Dehydration

In order to help prevent some of the causes of summer migraines, one can follow these helpful tips:

Make sure that you are drinking water adequately and frequently
Avoid beverages containing caffeine and alcohol
Wear a hat to keep the sun’s strong rays from your head and eyes
Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses
Minimize the amount of time spent outdoors during the hottest part of the day
Do your errands during the cooler times of the day, if this is not possible, try to take breaks when you can and move into a cooler place.

People who experience frequent summer migraines don’t have to spend the summer indoors. If they take adequate precautions, they too can enjoy their time outdoors.

Speak to your physician if you experience frequent migraines at any time of the year and would like recommendations on how to manage them. To make an appointment to see a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Is It Stomach Flu Season Already?

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu is a very contagious bug that is common in our region beginning in the fall and winter months.

Unlike influenza, which affects your respiratory system, the stomach flu attacks your intestines causing the following symptoms:

• Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Occasional muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever

Gastroenteritis is typically spread through the sharing of food or drink with someone who is infected or sharing other items with them such as utensils or towels. Children can also spread the illness by placing their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated items or surfaces.

Symptoms usually appear within one to three days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Typically symptoms last only a day or two, but in some cases, they may persist for up to ten days.

The main complication from viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem. However, infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously. Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely.

To avoid catching the stomach flu, it is recommended that individuals wash their hands thoroughly, use separate items around the home, disinfect all potentially infected items and surfaces, and keep your distance from those who are infected.

If you do contract gastroenteritis, follow these tips:

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. You might also try drinking clear liquids or broths or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as ginger ale crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.

See a doctor if you become dehydrated (characterized by excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow or no urine, severe weakness or dizziness), if symptoms persist for over 24 hours, if you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool, or if you have a temperature of 104 degrees or above.

How To Help Kids Wear Face Masks

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults and children over the age of two years old wear a face mask when going outside- especially to places where it may be difficult to practice social distancing.

While most adults can easily adhere to these recommendations, it may be harder to introduce the habit of wearing a mask to young children. Parents may encounter the following challenges:

Some kids may not like how masks look
Masks may feel uncomfortable to children
Some children may feel panicked when a mask is placed on their faces

Here are a few steps adults can take to help children feel more comfortable and adjust:

Be a role model by wearing a mask when appropriate.
Explain why it is important to wear a mask in simple words that kids can understand.
Make masks appear less scary by placing them on a child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll, or by showing pictures of other children in masks.
Make masks feel special or personalized by allowing children to decorate or pick them out.
To avoid discomfort, ensure that masks fit correctly and children can breathe easily.
Allow kids to practice wearing a mask for a few minutes each day. This will help with their comfortability when wearing a mask outside for longer periods of time.
If masks feel uncomfortable, parents can purchase additions such as face mask extenders or ear savers.
Empower children by using positive reinforcements such as praises when they are wearing their masks.

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease, by wearing a face mask in public settings you are creating a barrier that can help protect you and your child. Please keep in mind, the CDC does not recommend that children under the age of two wear masks; additionally, any child who is unable to remove their mask without assistance should not wear one.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Traditionally, the month of August is when children around the United States starting getting prepared to return to school. Often this will require them to visit their pediatricians for physical exams and vaccinations. One of the most important exams is an eye exam.

The American Optometric Association recommends that children get their first eye check-ups when they are six months old. They should receive another check-up at the age of three, and again when they are either five or six. After the age of six, children should have their eyes examined every two years unless they wear contact lenses or glasses which require annual visits to an eye doctor. It is also recommended that your child visit an eye doctor if they exhibit signs and symptoms of a vision disorder. These include:

• Lack of interest in reading
• Not able to see things far away
• Constant tilting of the head
• Squinting when watching TV
• Frequent blinking and rubbing of the eyes
• Seeing double
• Holding a book close to the face
• An eye that wanders
• Covering one eye
• Inability to stay focused on an object

Eye health and eye health are very important. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Safety Tips For Hurricane Season

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

While we typically associate the summer with delightful temperatures, this time of year can also bring dangerous weather conditions, namely hurricanes.

With a long history of providing relief to places previously devastated by hurricanes, including sending personnel to assist the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Maria, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is experienced and knowledgeable about how to properly prepare for such an event. Our hospital would like to share the following safety tips with our community:

In case of a need to evacuate, know where the nearest evacuation route is located
Keep a supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking
In an easy to locate area of your home keep flashlights, extra batteries, extra cash, a first aid kit, basic tools, charged cell phones and chargers, and a battery operated radio
Make sure you have a seven day supply of prescription medications
Have a three day supply of drinking water, one gallon per day per person.
Fill a bathtub with water to use to flush toilets
Make sure that all of your important documents are kept in a place that is high above ground level. Always keep a copy of these documents with you if there is a need to evacuate
Give everyone in your household a list of people they should contact in case of an emergency
Have a plan to protect your pets and have extra food for them
Prepare to put outdoor furniture away or at least firmly secured

By being prepared and following these tips, you can help keep your home and your loved ones safe from disaster.

For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The weather is warming up and people will be looking for ways to keep cool. One way that has always been popular during the warm summer months is by swimming in a pool, whether it be at someone’s home, or a community pool in the neighborhood.

Every year there are countless accidents and also fatalities at or near swimming pools. Many could have been avoided had precautions been taken.

Safety Tips to follow:

Never leave children unattended near a pool
Only swim when there is a lifeguard present
Every pool should have proper drain covers
Pools should have alarms and proper fencing
Keep the pool clean
There should be no diving allowed in pools that are shallow
Never swim alone
There should be no horseplay in or near a pool
Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Do not swim in a thunderstorm
It is a good idea to give children swimming lessons before the start of the summer
Children who don’t know how to swim should be given flotation devices to wear

There are many organizations around the country that offer swimming lessons for children and adults of all ages. If you don’t know how to swim, look into getting some lessons before heading out to the pool. You will have a good time and you will also be a lot safer this summer.

Flushing Hospital’s Chemical Dependency Unit

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Chemical dependency is a term used to describe a disease characterized by the addiction to mood- altering chemicals found in legal or illegal drugs or alcohol. Some of the causes of chemical abuse and dependence are environmental stressors, social pressures, psychiatric problems or possible genetic traits.

People who have a chemical dependence most often abuse one or more of these agents:

Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Inhalants
Hallucinogens
Methamphetamine
Pain medications

Warning signs that indicate a growing chemical dependence on these substances include:

Developing a tolerance to use more alcohol or drugs to get a desired effect
Interference with work, school, and relationships
Spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering from the use of substances
Craving drugs or alcohol on a continuing basis
Having withdrawal symptoms if drugs or alcohol are not available

The Chemical Dependency Unit at Flushing Hospital is a medically managed detoxification unit that offers safe withdrawal from alcohol and drugs. Culturally-sensitive treatment is provided by a dedicated and caring staff that consists of physicians, physicians’ assistants, specially trained nurses, credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, creative arts therapists, social workers, and psychiatric consultants. Their focus is stabilizing the individual physically and emotionally so they can start the recovery process.

In addition to providing treatment, educational groups are facilitated to help patients learn about addiction as well as creative arts groups to help patients understand and express their emotions. Also self-help groups, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), conduct meetings on the unit to familiarize patients with the support services they provide.

Patients are admitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The length of stay is usually between three and seven days. Discharge plans are based on the individual needs of the patient.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Chemical Dependency Unit at Flushing Hospital, call 718-670-5540 or 718-670-5693.

Tips Helping Kids Enjoy The Summer and Stay Safe During The Pandemic

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

During these last few months, with schools closed and social distancing rules in place, it has proven to be very challenging to keep children occupied.

Here are some suggestions that you may find helpful for keeping children occupied based on their age.

Younger children:

Go on scavenger hunts around your neighborhood
Put painters tape on the floor and make a maze for toy trucks to follow
Take a whiteboard or pieces of paper and let your child write a story
Make hand puppets with socks and tell stories
Plant seeds in paper cups and watch them grow
Build a fort with a sheet

Older children :

Go on virtual tours of interesting places around the world.
Bake cookies
Use the internet to learn new skills or to learn how to play an instrument
Write letters to people in nursing homes
Play board games

While trying new and innovative ways to occupy their time can be difficult at times, there are many benefits. These activities can stimulate them mentally and physically and help them to avoid boredom and depression. There are also many resources on the internet that will help you to find activities that suit everyone’s interests.

July is UV Safety Month

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Summertime is here and many of us will be spending much of our free time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. July was designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as UV Safety Awareness Month to bring attention to the harmful effects the sun can have on our bodies when it’s not properly protected.

The sun gives off two types of radiation:

UV-A which has a longer wavelength and can damage the outer and middle layer of skin
UV-B which has a shorter wavelength and primarily damages the outer layer of skin.

Too much exposure to the sun’s radiation can lead to serious health complications, such as:

Vision problems
Immune system suppression
Premature aging of the skin
Skin cancer

If you are spending time in the sun, following these guidelines can help to prevent any unwanted complications:

Always cover up your body as best as possible when prolonged exposure to the sun is anticipated. Loose and cool clothing is recommended.
Apply sunscreen with SPF if you are going to be outdoors. Wearing sunscreen is vital when exposed to the sun, as this helps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) and re-apply throughout the day.
When possible, try to avoid being out in direct sunlight, especially when the sun is at its most intense which is usually between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Wear sunglasses to help protect the eyes from the sun’s rays.

Practicing these safety precautions will allow you to enjoy the beautiful summer weather while protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

July is UV Safety Month

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The sun gives off two types of radiation:

UV-A which has a longer wavelength and can damage the outer and middle layer of skin
UV-B which has a shorter wavelength and primarily damages the outer layer of skin.

Too much exposure to the sun’s radiation can lead to serious health complications, such as:

Vision problems
Immune system suppression
Premature aging of the skin
Skin cancer

If you are spending time in the sun, following these guidelines can help to prevent any unwanted complications:

Always cover up your body as best as possible when prolonged exposure to the sun is anticipated. Loose and cool clothing is recommended.
Apply sunscreen with SPF if you are going to be outdoors. Wearing sunscreen is vital when exposed to the sun, as this helps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) and re-apply throughout the day.
When possible, try to avoid being out in direct sunlight, especially when the sun is at its most intense which is usually between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Wear sunglasses to help protect the eyes from the sun’s rays.

Practicing these safety precautions will allow you to enjoy the beautiful summer weather while protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.