Health

A bone density test is a type of x-ray that measures the concentration of calcium and other minerals in the bones. This test is most commonly performed to evaluate a patient for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose density and become easy to break or fracture.

Some people are more at risk for developing osteoporosis than others. Risk factors include:

• Age – Older people tend to have a greater incidence of osteoporosis
• Race – Caucasians and Asians are typically more prone to bone density issues
• Gender – Women experience bone loss more frequently than men
• Dietary factors – People who have a low intake of calcium are at greater risk
• Medications – People with a long term use of injectable steroids have bone loss issues
• Smoking – People who smoke tend to lose bone mass at a faster rate than non-smokers
• Family history – There is a correlation of osteoporosis and hereditary factors

Symptoms of the disease are:

• Loss of height over a period of time
• Back pain
• Bones that break more easily than expected
• A stooped posture

For those who are presenting symptoms or have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis, a doctor may recommend testing to assess the density of their bones.

Bone density screenings are non-invasive, painless, and use low amounts of x-rays. The results of the test will indicate whether or not you need to take medication that will help to maintain your bone density or make changes in your lifestyle and diet to prevent bone loss.

If you would like to schedule a bone density screening at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, ask your physician for a referral to have it performed. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital by calling 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.

They are less than a centimeter in size, yet they can cause intense discomfort. Kidney stones are one of the most painful urologic disorders, and they occur more frequently during the summer because our bodies loose more water due to sweating, which can result in dehydration.

Kidney stones are small, hard masses made of mineral and acid salts that develop in the urine. No single factor causes kidney stones, and not everyone is susceptible to them. Several factors often work together to create an environment in which at-risk people develop kidney stones. People most at risk for kidney stones include:

• Adults
• Males
• Those with family or personal history of kidney stones
• Those with personal history of digestive diseases and/or surgery

In general, kidney stones form when the fluid and various mineral and acids that make up urine are out of balance. “With adequate hydration, calcium and other crystal-forming substances properly dissolve in the urine,” says Ricardo Ricciardi, MD, Director of Urology at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Although genetics, family history, and some medical conditions can increase your odds of developing kidney stones, you can still play a role in preventing them through the following steps:

• Drink enough water. “If you’re prone to kidney stones, your best defense is to stay hydrated during hot summer months,” says Dr. Ricciardi. “Hot temperatures make your body lose more water than usual, so it is important to replenish it throughout the day, depending on your weight and activity level.”

• Eat less meat. Diets rich in animal protein increase your risk for kidney stones; so try to incorporate other protein sources, such as beans, nuts and seeds, instead.

• Limit your salt intake. Excess salt absorbs water in your system, which can also dehydrate you. Limit your daily sodium intake to 1,500 mg or less by avoiding fast food, reading nutrition labels when you buy groceries, and cooking with less salt and more herbs and spices.

• Drink less caffeine. Even though you may think you are getting enough liquid by consuming caffeinated sodas, coffee, or tea, caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can dehydrate you.

Sneaking Symptoms

Kidney stones often do not cause symptoms. If the crystals are small enough, they may pass through the urinary tract and out of the body without being felt. If a stone is large enough to attract attention, however, the first symptom is usually severe pain in the backside that begins when the stone moves into the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine. The pain may later spread to the groin and lower abdomen. Other symptoms include a persistent urge to urinate, painful urination, and pink, red, or brown urine.

Seek medical attention if you have pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting or fever and chills, or if pain is so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, or suspect you have Kidney Stones and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Ricciardi at 718-670-5699.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has reopened many of its healthcare services. To learn about the safety measures the hospital has taken to protect your health, please visit https://flushinghospital.org/our-patients/

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.

To Our Patients,

We hope that you and your family are in good health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all.  Many aspects of our lives have drastically changed,
and perhaps nothing has been altered more than the way we manage our health and the health of our family.

During the outbreak, many of our primary care and specialty providers have remained in communication with and treated our patients via “video visits”. Flushing Hospital will continue to make this service available and encourage you to use it whenever possible, but we also understand that not all healthcare can be provided in this manner.

As we start to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, Flushing Hospital is beginning to reopen some services for our patients and community.  We understand that many of these services are vital to your health and are pleased to once again offer them to you.  As we reopen, we want you to know that your safety is our priority and our hospital is taking every precaution to ensure it during this time.

Some of our measures made to protect you include:

Modified Appointment Schedule – To eliminate overcrowding in our patient care areas, we are limiting appointments. This will reduce waiting times and help us manage proper social distancing policies.

Pre-Registration – To avoid spending unnecessary time in waiting areas, patients will have the opportunity to complete all paperwork remotely before they arrive.

Screenings – Designated hospital employees will greet all patients and screen them for COVID-like symptoms upon arrival. 

Disinfection and Cleaning – Our team remains dedicated to thoroughly and repeatedly disinfecting and cleaning all patient care areas in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Limited Companions – For everyone’s safety and to avoid overcrowding, only parents or other required companions are permitted to accompany patients during their appointments.

Protective Equipment – All employees will be wearing the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.  All patients will be required to wear a face mask as well.

Working Together – All patients should monitor their health and report if they have tested positive for COVID-19, come in contact with someone who tested positive or experienced any related symptoms in the last 14 days.

Following these safety measures will allow us to deliver the highest-quality, person-centered care to our patients and community.

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 COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we conduct our day-to-day routines.  To prevent the spread of the disease, most of our activities are now done from home. In some instances, this includes seeing our doctors for medical appointments.

Telehealth or telemedicine appointments have become the norm for many who require consultations from their physicians during the pandemic.  These appointments connect patients and doctors by utilizing video conferencing technology.  Although these virtual visits may not take place physically in a doctor’s office, they are private.  Information and conversations shared between participants remain confidential.

To  help you prepare for your telemedicine appointment, please follow these tips:

• Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera enabled with visual and audio.
• Download the required video communications application.
• Test your equipment before your scheduled virtual visit.
• Close other running programs or unnecessary tabs to avoid delays or pauses in your connection.
• Find a quiet space.
• Adjust the lighting in your space. Utilize overhead lights if they are available and block sunlight from windows. ( This will prevent you from having too much background light)
• Prepare to answer questions pertaining to your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle changes, or any aspect of your health.
• Have a pen and paper ready to write down your doctor’s recommendations or information about your treatment plan.

It is important to note that while most virtual visits are like normal appointments, there may be limitations based on your condition.  Please contact your doctor’s office if you have questions about scheduling a virtual visit.

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.

Many health care facilities have seen a decrease in people seeking care for chronic conditions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This can be attributed to fears of being exposed to the virus in public places or the temporary suspension of certain services offered by healthcare providers.

Although the outbreak has caused alterations in the way we live, one thing that should remain unchanged for those living with chronic illnesses is monitoring their health. It is important that they pay attention to symptoms that warn of serious health problems, because ignoring them may put their lives at risk.

Symptoms of chronic illnesses that should not be ignored include:

• Chest pain, pressure in your chest, shortness of breath or other heart attack symptoms
• Sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, loss of vision or other stroke symptoms
• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy bleeding
• High fever
• Spikes in blood sugar (Diabetes)
• Nausea

If these symptoms are persistent, please contact a physician for a medical consultation or seek emergency treatment. Medical facilities are well equipped to safely treat non-COVID-19 patients and many doctors are offering telehealth appointments. Some hospitals are also reopening their outpatient locations.

In addition to monitoring symptoms, it is important to maintain healthy habits. This can be achieved by keeping routine appointments (virtually or in person), taking prescribed medications, exercising, and eating a well-balanced diet.

If you have a non-COVID-19 related chronic medical condition or symptoms and would like to see a doctor, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486, to schedule 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.

A:   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “We do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result.”

COVID-19 is a new disease. Therefore, we are learning more about how it spreads and the effects it can have on our health every day.  While we continue to learn more about COVID-19, we encourage women who are pregnant to exercise all recommended precautions to protect their health.  These measures include:

• Frequently washing and sanitizing your hands
• Frequently cleaning surfaces of your home
• Avoiding people who are sick
• Practicing social distancing

If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms that include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, headache, a new loss of smell, or taste please inform your doctor. Testing may be required to see if these symptoms are the result of COVID-19. If you have tested positive, you may require specialized care during pregnancy and delivery. After giving birth, there is the possibility that your baby may need to be separated from you. This separation helps to prevent you from infecting your baby.

It is important to remember that prenatal care is unique to each individual. Speak with your OB/GYN about their plans to monitor your pregnancy and protect your health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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.