Health Archives - Page 37 of 92

Stay At Home Tips

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Practicing social distancing and staying at home is crucial in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, but isolating ourselves from others and disrupting our daily routines can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you during this difficult time:

Structure your day – Try creating a daily schedule. Make your own routines and break up the day in order to stave off monotony and keep everyone as busy as possible.
Stay active – Try an at-home workout that can help keep you moving and combat the sense of malaise and boredom that can come from being stuck inside day after day.
Identify new activities – Whether it is tackling a project at home that you have been putting off or discovering a new hobby, new activities can provide a sense of purpose or achievement.
Communicate – Staying in contact with others via telephone, text or social media not only staves off boredom, but it is also critical for minimizing the sense of isolation.

We hope these tips will help you get through this challenging time.

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.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Morning sickness is a common occurrence in pregnant women. It can cause mild nausea, a hyper sensitivity to smells, as well as weight loss during the first trimester.

While these are common symptoms of morning sickness, they should not be ignored especially, if they are persistent. Intense and consistent vomiting, weight loss and dehydration often present as symptoms of a more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Symptoms typically develop around the 4^th week of pregnancy and can last until the 20^th week; in some cases longer.

It is very important for expecting mothers to pay attention to the symptoms associated with hyperemesis gravidarum as delayed or a lack of treatment can lead to complications for women and their unborn children.

Some complications are:

Kidney failure
Electrolyte imbalance
Malnutrition
Muscle weakness
Low birth weight
Premature birth

The treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum varies. At first, your doctor may suggest managing the symptoms with home remedies such as eating smaller and more frequent meals, drinking nutritional supplements to manage your electrolyte levels, vitamin replacement therapy or taking an antacid.

If these methods do not provide relief, your doctor may suggest a more aggressive treatment in a hospital setting.

If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, you should seek the advice of a doctor. For more information or to make an appointment with an obstetrician or gynecologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5239.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Endometriosis Awareness takes the spotlight during the month of March with a mission to raise awareness about the disease which currently affects an estimated 176 million women around the globe.

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus- grows outside the uterus. This abnormal growth of tissue can commonly be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, as well as areas between the rectum and vagina. Areas where endometriosis is less commonly found are the lungs, thighs, arms and other areas beyond the reproductive organs or lower abdomen.

Endometrial tissue develops into growths or clumps called implants. These clusters of tissue respond to the menstrual cycle the same as they would inside the uterus. Meaning, each month the tissue builds up, breaks down then sheds. Unlike the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus; endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body through vaginal bleeding. This results in inflammation, swelling, the formation of scar tissue or internal bleeding.

The symptoms of endometriosis typically present themselves during reproductive years- on average between the ages of 12 to 60 years old. Symptoms include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

The cause of endometriosis is unknown but several factors such as genetics, retrograde period flow, immune system disorders and hormones are being researched.

Most cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35 years of age; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms and the disorder is sometimes mistaken for other conditions.

Women who do experience symptoms should speak with their doctor about receiving tests such as pelvic examinations, laparoscopy and imaging tests, to find out if they have endometriosis.

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments including medication, surgery and alternative therapies are available.

If you are experiencing the symptoms it is recommended that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you would like to make an appointment with a gynecologist, please call 718-670-8994.

Tips For Managing Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses to occur in children. Having a child that has been diagnosed with this disease can present several challenges. Younger children may not fully understand how diabetes affects their health; they may become frustrated with dietary restrictions or have anxieties about receiving treatment. Older children can often feel different or isolated from their peers and may neglect their self-care routines in order to fit in.

Creating a management plan can help families cope with some of these challenges. Here are some of the components that should be included in a plan:

Education- Education is one of the most important components of a diabetes management plan. Teaching children about the disease should start as early as possible and continue into their teenage years. Encourage them to ask questions and provide an environment in which they can speak openly. It is important to remember to provide answers that are appropriate and understandable for their age.
Meal plans- Meals should be planned based on a child’s age and level of physical activity. Diets should be well-balanced and exclude foods that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Teens are more independent in choosing the foods they eat each day. Therefore, they should be reminded to stick to a schedule (To avoid missing meals) and be mindful of the foods they consume.
Medication adherence tools or approaches- Glucose testing and insulin injections can be scary for smaller children. However, parents can make receiving treatments easier by allowing children to choose the location for injections or their preferred finger for blood checks. These options provide children with a sense of control and can help to reduce their anxieties. Parents are also encouraged to perform diabetes care gently and quickly to ease discomfort. Medication adherence in older children can be achieved through the use of technology. Parents and children can utilize tools that help them to track diabetes care such as shareable digital calendars, reminder apps or auto-subscribing delivery services. As older children take on more responsibility for managing their medications, they should be reminded of the consequences of not sticking to their routine.
Support- It is important for parents to establish a network of support because having diabetes can take a toll on children’s emotional health. Children need to feel safe in sharing their challenges in managing the disease. This network can include parents, family, friends or a mental health counselor.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers numerous services that can help you to manage your child’s diabetes. Our physicians are highly trained in all aspects of pediatric health. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

ThinkstockPhotos-499259104 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic illness that is of unknown origin. It typically leaves the patient feeling extremely tired, it may get worse with mental or physical activity, and usually does not improve with rest.

There are a few theories as to what causes the condition but none have been proven. Some physicians believe it may be caused by a viral infection or possibly caused by stress.

There are eight signs and symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain that is unexplained
• Enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits
• Joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches
• Sleep that does not refresh the body
• Extreme exhaustion that lasts more than 24 hours

Some factors that may contribute to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are:
• Age – Usually affects people in their 40’s and 50’s
• Gender – Affects women more often than men
• Stress – People under a lot of stress may develop the condition more frequently
• Depression
• Lifestyle restrictions – owing to physical disability or being homebound.

It is important to have a thorough check-up to make certain that there are no other chronic health issues that may be causing symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no cure for the condition and treatment options are geared towards the improvement of the symptoms. In some cases, antidepressants may be used and sleeping pills which may aid in getting some rest.

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Our nurses are the pillars of our community. In addition to meeting the demands of being a caregiver, they wear several hats including that of an educator, nurturer, and comforter.

Not only do nurses care for patients; they provide support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Our nurses pour their hearts into all aspects of their job, and this is one of the many reasons we celebrate their accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Kelly Wong, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Kelly:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC? A: I have been working at Flushing Hospital for almost four years.

Q: On which unit do you currently work? A: The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse? A: Nursing is a profession that is filled with passion, kindness and respect. My father always taught me, life is not only about money and possessions, but to have a kind heart and be a positive influence in society. I dedicate this to him because he is the reason I became a nurse. He taught me that it’s never wrong to help someone in need, there is no such thing as doing too many good deeds. When a patient and their family are going through their toughest times and obstacles in life, nurses are at the front line. To me, this is not only a job but a way to make a difference in people’s lives.

Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Knowing that I can make a difference and be there for patients when they need it the most. Being able to bring a sense of peace and comfort during difficult times. I love to hear stories from my patients and families. I can’t imagine doing anything else. When I go home each day, I feel accomplished knowing I did as much as I could for my patients and their families. It is truly an amazing profession.

February’s Flushing Hospital Employee Spotlight – Eligio Infante

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Joann Ariola

February’s Employee Spotlight shines on Eligio Infante, Patient Navigator Supervisor and Interpreter at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Eligio is a graduate of the University of Vermont, where he received a B.A. in Psychology. As a Supervisor, he leads a group of dedicated Navigators who assist patients in overcoming barriers that may prevent them from receiving healthcare.

As part of his work day, Eligio and his team may be scheduling appointments and reminders for patients, providing medical interpretations, Diabetes prevention classes for those at risk, diet and nutrition workshops, community outreach at health fairs, smoking cessation workshops to help smokers quit and stay smoke free and make healthier lifestyle choices.

When asked about his hobbies, Eligio responded, “I enjoy reading, travel, visiting new places and cultures as well as focusing on health and wellness. I like to go to the gym and going for a run.”

Being a Patient Navigator Supervisor and Interpreter is both rewarding and challenging. “It’s challenging to see a patient looking stressed or confused. However, I feel especially pleased when a patient is not fluent or has a very limited understanding of the English language and I can be there for them at their doctor’s visit. When you see the look fear turn to relief and gratitude on the patients face knowing it was me that helped them understand their diagnosis treatment through interpretation or knowing that their diabetes is under control or I having assisted them by providing the tools to quit smoking is very rewarding.”

For these and so many other reasons we congratulate Eligion Infante for being Flushing Hospital’s February Employee Spotlight!

Medical Reasons We May Be Gaining Weight

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

We know that there are certain things that we do to cause us to gain weight. Habits such as overeating, late night snacking, and lack of exercise can all contribute to gaining weight. For some however, weight gain might be caused by any number of medical conditions including:

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Mood disorders (depression, stress and anxiety)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Menopause
Cushing’s disease
Ovarian tumor
Insomnia
Kidney disease
Liver cirrhosis
Pregnancy

Taking certain medications to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and psychiatric conditions can also lead to weight gain. In addition, when people stop smoking, this may lead to weight gain because the metabolism slows down. People who experience heart failure will retain greater than normal amounts of fluid in their lower extremities and abdomen which can also lead to weight gain.

Some of the side effects of weight gain are noticeable and can include changes in vision, sweating, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

Treatment for sudden weight gain has to include finding out what the cause is.

If a person is experiencing rapid weight gain and they can’t determine the reason why, it is important to see a physician who will recommend tests to determine the cause.

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

Smoking and the Effects on the Skin

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. The skin is one area that smoking has a very noticeable effect and can be seen very easily.

There are thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke. Some of these can affect the skin’s elasticity which will lead to wrinkles and skin that looks baggy. Smoke also affects oxygenation of the blood which can lead to a change in skin tone and pallor.

Some other effects smoking can have on skin include:

Psoriasis
Hair thinning
Yellow fingers
Slower wound healing
Cancerous skin lesions

Quitting smoking can reverse some of the negative effects. This is due to better oxygenation of the blood and also removal of the toxic chemicals from the body.

If you smoke and would like to quit, you can speak to your doctor and see what method would be best for you. Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. More information is available at 718-206-8494.

Signs of a Heart Attack You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Heart attack is the number one cause of death in women and men in the United States. It is estimated that one in every four deaths are caused by a heart attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, that only 27% of people know the warning signs of a heart attack and when to call 9-1-1. Knowing the signs of a heart attack and following the suggested guidelines can reduce the probability of death.

Warning signs differ with each individual; they may be mild or severe. For some the attack can be immediate while for others symptoms can begin days or weeks in advance. Heart attacks have several key symptoms and warning signs to be aware of, some of which include:

Chest pains or discomfort (This is the most common symptom)
A squeezing, aching or pressure sensation in the chest or arms, this may spread to the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath
Breaking out into a cold sweat
Nausea and (or) vomiting
Dizziness

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, act immediately and call 9-1-1. While waiting for emergency response, if nitroglycerin is prescribed by a doctor it should be given as instructed. Aspirin can also help during a heart attack by reducing damage to the heart and preventing the blood from clotting. However aspirin should be administered only if recommended by a physician, as aspirin can have adverse effects if taken with certain medications.

Complications due to heart disease can be prevented by exercising, quitting smoking, eating heart- healthy foods such as salmon, getting regular health screenings, taking medication, reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.

To make an appointment to discuss, improve or maintain your heart health call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718- 670-5486.