Health Archives - Page 38 of 92

Fibromyalgia

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Fibromyalgia is a condition thought to be caused by an increase in the way the brain processes pain sensation throughout the body’s musculoskeletal system. The result is a chronic sensation of pain that is often debilitating and life-changing. Women tend to be affected by fibromyalgia more than men but the reason for that is unclear. In some people, fibromyalgia appears after a trauma, a surgical procedure, an infection, or a stressful event. There also may be some correlation to it running in families.

Scientists believe that there may be an overstimulation of the pain receptors that causes the symptoms. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
• Pain all over the body
• Fatigue
• Difficulty focusing
• Migraine headaches
• Anxiety
• Depression

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed through a physical exam and blood tests that examine thyroid function, red and white blood cell count, rheumatoid arthritis factor, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. If a person has pain for three months and no obvious medical reason for it, it might be reason to rule out fibromyalgia.

There is no one method of treating fibromyalgia that is completely effective.
• Treatment options include:
• Physical therapy
• Pain relievers
• Anti-depressants
• Getting adequate rest
• Acupuncture
• Regular exercise

If you have symptoms of fibromyalgia and would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, 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.

What is Person-Centered Care?

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Person-centered care is an approach to medical care that focuses on the individual patient, rather than just the medical condition. The healthcare providers work as partners with the patient and their relatives to determine the best courses of action. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, the staff caters to the individual’s unique needs.

So, what is person-centered care? In short, it simply means recognizing that each and every patient is different. It means that staff members readjust their methods as needed to provide optimal care to each individual. Just because two patients have the same health condition doesn’t mean they should receive the exact same treatments.

Common Signs of Person-Centered Care

These are some of the most common elements of this approach:

Decisions are influenced and made by the patients and their family members
The patient’s unique preferences and values are considered when making decisions
The patient’s care plan is regularly evaluated and readjusted as needed
In some cases, one nurse is responsible for the majority of care, giving the patient and family members a central point of contact
The central contact manages scheduling and appointments
Family members are kept apprised of any changes
The patient feels comfortable and confident discussing aspects of the care that need to be changed

Benefits Associated with Person-Centered Care

It’s abundantly clear that personalized care yields better results, including lower readmission rates, shorter lengths of stay, and higher patient experience scores. Patients flourish when their program of care is customized to their individual needs and when they are given greater agency in their own treatment. At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we firmly believe that each patient deserves a personalized treatment plan that keeps their preferences and dignity fully intact.

Our Partnership with Planetree

In order to provide the best possible care for our patients, in 2019, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center became 2 out of 12 hospitals selected to participate in a 24-month program to continue improving our person-centered care approach. The program gives us the opportunity to work with Planetree, an international non-profit that’s known as experts in personalized care.

Contact Us to Learn More

What is person-centered care? We believe it’s the best way to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care, specific to their unique needs. If you have any questions, please call 718-670-5000. See the difference with our personalized approach to medical care.

Dangers of OTC Medication

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Over the counter (OTC) remedies often seem like the way to alleviate allergy symptoms, headaches or common cold symptoms or pain. However, it is always important to read the labels of any OTC medicines, especially if you are taking medications to treat high blood pressure.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), are often used to relieve pain or reduce inflammation. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are OTC medicines, which are considered NSAIDs, and cause you to retain fluid and decrease kidney function, placing a greater stress on your heart or kidneys.

Believe it or not, many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve decongestion and pain. Decongestants can make your blood pressure and heart rate rise and may prevent high blood pressure medications from working properly. Avoid using them and seek alternative ways to ease the symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.

Do you suffer from migraines? Some migraine headache medications work by constricting blood vessels in your head, but the medication also constricts blood vessels throughout your body. This can raise blood pressure, perhaps to dangerous levels. If you have high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease, speak with your doctor before taking medication for migraines or severe headaches.

Trying to lose weight? Appetite suppressants tend to speed-up the body and can make your blood pressure rise, placing more stress on your heart. Before using any weight loss drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to check with your doctor. These medications may do you more harm than good.

Read medication labels before buying over-the-counter preparations. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements. Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines. Give a list of all the medications you use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to every doctor you visit, including dosages. If you do not have a physician and would like set up an appointment to meet with one, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Center at 718-670-5486.

Use Caution When Using a Space Heater This Winter

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

During the cold, winter months, when your home isn’t always as warm as you would like it to be, electric space heaters might seem like a convenient way of raising the temperature inside for you and your family.

When used appropriately, space heaters can be a reliable source of supplemental heat for your home or workplace. Unfortunately for many, space heaters are used improperly or as a primary source of heat. When used under these conditions, space heaters can become dangerous. In fact, they are responsible for approximately one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths.

To ensure you are using a space heater the right way, follow these simple safety tips:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before operating your space heater.
• Make sure your space heater is assembled correctly. Look for cracks in the unit or loose or frayed wire or plugs.
• Only use your space heater as a heating device. Do not attempt to use it to warm bedding, cook food or dry clothing.
• Space heaters must be kept a safe distance away from anything that can burn, including newspapers, magazines, clothing, curtains or rugs.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Be sure to install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Space heaters should always be positioned on a level surface. Never place heaters on furniture or uneven flooring.

Failure to comply with these recommendations can result in serious injury or even death.

Winter Cold or Allergy?

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

The winter months can be challenging to your health. The drop in temperatures often results in symptoms that could be either a winter cold or allergies.

While many of the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, the causes of each are very different.

Colds are contagious and they are contracted when a person is exposed to an individual infected with a cold virus. Our body’s immune system will launch a counter attack against the virus. This response usually brings on the classic symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough.

An allergic reaction is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakes harmless things, such as mold or dust mites and attacks them. To combat what it thinks are germs, your body releases chemicals called histamines as a defense. The release of these histamines can cause a swelling of the nasal passages and result in coughing and sneezing. While many of the symptoms are similar, the easiest way to determine if you have a cold or are suffering from allergies is the duration of your condition. While most colds last from three to 14 days, allergies can last for months as long as the person is in contact with the allergen. Other differences are:

An allergic reaction will begin immediately after exposure to an allergen while cold symptoms usually take approximately three days to appear after exposure
A cold virus can sometimes cause fever and body aches while allergies never do
An allergic reaction can often result in itchy, watery eyes, which a cold rarely produces this type of reaction
Allergies are not contagious.

Once a determination between cold or allergy is made, the appropriate treatment can be applied.

There is no cure for a cold, but there are medications that can help alleviate the symptoms. Cough syrups, pain relievers, decongestant sprays, or multi-symptom cold relief medicines can all be used to help, but should only be taken after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have other underlying health conditions. Drinking plenty of liquids also speeds up the recovery process.

To treat allergies, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine to block the reaction to the allergens. There are many forms of antihistamines and some may cause drowsiness so be sure to look for the non-drowsy formula or only take them at night. Decongestants may also be suggested to relieve nasal congestion and avoid an infection.

Employee Spotlight – Esmeralda Wills, RN

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Joann Ariola

January’s Flushing Hospital Employee spotlight shines on Esmeralda Wills, RN. Ms. Wills is a nurse on the hospitals 4 North 1 unit. She is known for always smiling, being a team player, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and her co-workers.

Claude Thomas, Clinical Nurse Manager of 4 North 1 and 2 stated, “Ms. Wills is a person who is always willing to learn new things and take on new challenges. She is highly regarded by her peers and her patients.”

For these and so many other reasons, Esmeralda Wills, RN is our January Employee Spotlight. Congratulations!

Flushing Hospital Wants You To Know About Cold Sores

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Cold sores are small fluid filled blisters, also known as fever blisters, that are develop on or near the mouth and the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Cold sores are highly contagious and are spread by coming in close contact with secretions from the blisters or sharing utensils or other personal hygiene items with an infected person. It is important to keep in mind that the virus can spread even when an infected person does not have a cold sore.

A cold sore usually develops in several stages during an outbreak. The stages of a cold sore are:

1 Tingling and itching near the mouth
2 Formation of a fluid filled blister
3 The blister breaks
4 Scab forms
5 Scab falls off and sore heals

Additional symptoms a person may experience during an outbreak include:

Headache
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes

There are several factors that can cause a cold sore to develop or reoccur if a person has already had an outbreak in the past: These include:

Stress
Fatigue
Eating certain foods
Having a cold
Allergic reaction

The diagnosis of a cold sore can usually be made by visual inspection. It is also possible to do a blood test to see if the virus is present.

There are no cures for a cold sore but there are ways to treat the symptoms. Antiviral medications are often prescribed and there re over the counter medications treatment available to purchase.

Speak to your physician if you think you have a cold sore and it doesn’t start to heal in two weeks. You can also schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What is Aortic Valve Disease

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

One of the most important organs of the body is the heart. It’s main function is to pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body which is what keeps us alive.

The heart has four chambers, two on the right and two on the left. Blood enters the heart through the right atrium, it then passes to the right ventricle. From the right ventricle the heart pumps blood to the lungs where it receives oxygen and then returns blood into the left atrium. From the left atrium blood then passes to the left ventricle. The heart then pumps blood to the rest of the body from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and into the aorta. When this valve doesn’t function properly, it causes a condition called aortic valve disease.

Aortic valve disease can be due to a birth defect, an infection, the aging process, or an injury to the heart.

There are two main types of aortic valve disease:

Aortic valve stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve opening is narrowed due the valve flaps being either thickened, fused or too stiff. This leads to reduced blood flow from the heart to the aorta. This can be caused by a calcium buildup on the valve leaflets. A history of rheumatic fever can also lead to aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition where blood flows back into the heart from the aorta due to the valve flaps being weakened and unable to keep the blood flowing in only one direction. This may be due to a birth defect that worsens over time.

Aortic valve disease can cause the following symptoms:

Heart murmur
Shortness of breath
Swollen ankles
Fatigue
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness

Aortic valve disease can lead to heart related complications such as stroke, blood clots, heart failure, and death.

Diagnosing aortic valve disease is done by a physician who will take a full medical history and listen to the heart with a stethoscope to determine if there are signs of a murmur. Diagnostic tests will foloow and these include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a chest x-ray to determine if the heart appears enlarged. Other tests that may be performed are a CT scan, a MRI, and a stress test.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease. They can range from lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, smoking cessation, and diet modification, and possibly prescribing medications to control heart function. In more severe cases surgery to repair or replace the valve may be necessary.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center please call 718-670-5486.

Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Dietitian Laura Wang is sharing one of her favorite stew recipes.

Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde!

This delicious hearty meal is only 322 calories per serving.

Here is the step-by-step recipe that can be found by clicking the link below –

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/274835/chilean-lentil-stew-with-salsa-verde/

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Earns Age-Friendly Health System Status

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that we have earned an “Age-Friendly Health System” status; a designation that less than 20 percent of the health care facilities across the country have yet to receive.

Receiving an Age-Friendly status demonstrates that Flushing Hospital is committed to this rapidly growing movement to improve the health care for older adults.

This initiative was a collaborative effort founded in 2017 by the John A. Hartford Foundation, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) with the intention of helping hospitals and other care settings implement a set of evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve care for older adults.

The initiative is guided by a framework of essential elements known as the “4Ms”, which include:

What Matters – Communicating with our patients to better understand their personal and healthcare goals. This is achieved by asking a series of questions to the patient as well as family members or caregivers. Factors in what matters most to our patients could include end-of-life care, placement issues, or financial concerns.
Medication – Prescribing age-friendly medications that do not interfere with the goals of our older patients. This includes not prescribing certain medications that can affect a patient’s mobility and using our electronic medical record system to identify potentially inappropriate medications.
Mentation – Preventing, identifying, treating and managing mental health issues such as depression and dementia in our older patients. This involves conducting a mental health status examination.
Mobility – Ensuring that our older adult patients move safely and maintain function. This is done by getting our patients to ambulate more while in our care and by conducting a Fall Risk Assessment and providing mobility devices if necessary.

Receiving this designation was a collaborative effort led by Dr. Angelo Canedo and Dr. Alan Roth and included a leadership committee comprised of physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators. After a rigorous nine-month process that included educating all of our providers and submitting data that demonstrated the 4Ms have been incorporated into our practices.

The 4M initiative for treating older adults is currently being practiced throughout our network, by providers in our Emergency Departments, Ambulatory Care Centers, Inpatient Units, and in our long-term care facility

“Older adults deserve safe, high-quality healthcare. The Age-Friendly Health System initiative is an important part of our vision to provide it to them,” stated Dr. Alan Roth. “We worked very hard to achieve this goal and are extremely appreciative of those who contributed to helping us attain it.”