Control Your Blood Pressure in the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

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 the 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 2023, 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’s the Difference Between Sanitizers and Disinfectants?

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Sanitizers and disinfectants are two types of products available for removing bacteria from surfaces, but it isn’t always clear which type of product is acceptable for certain situations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the main difference between sanitizers and disinfectants is that sanitizers kill bacteria on surfaces, but are not intended to kill viruses. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are capable of killing viruses and, due to their greater expected effectiveness in this regard, are held to a higher standard of testing by the EPA than sanitizers.

Disinfectants often come in the form of wipes that are used to wipe down surfaces or items that are frequently touched. It is best to use disinfectants on doorknobs, handles, phones, keyboards, and other items and surfaces you may often touch throughout each day. The main exception to this recommendation is kitchen countertops and other surfaces where food is prepared or placed, since accidentally ingesting the chemical residue from disinfectants could harm you.

While the increased strength of disinfectants compared to sanitizers may make them seem like a better option for cleaning your hands, their stronger chemical content could lead to an adverse skin reaction if used on your hands or other parts of your body.

Generally, if you need to remove germs from your hands, your best option is to wash them with soap and water, as sanitizers are less effective and may not be able to remove certain harmful chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals; however, hand sanitizer can offer an acceptable alternative when hand washing is not possible. Sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are most effective.

When using hand sanitizer, make sure to apply it correctly by rubbing it all over your hands until your skin dries. This allows you to kill as many germs as possible on the surfaces of your hands rather than just those that are on your palms, reducing your risk of infection.

Tips for Choosing a Doctor

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

It’s important to have a trusted primary care physician that you can visit when you experience medical problems. This type of doctor is a generalist that can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and refer you to a relevant specialist, if necessary.

However, not every primary care physician may be the right fit for you; there are certain factors to keep in mind that may help you to choose your doctor. When choosing your primary care provider, you should:

Determine whether the doctor is “in-network:” Any kind of medical care that is not covered by your insurance plan could be costly. If you’re considering visiting a specific doctor, make sure they are “in-network,” meaning that they are part of your insurance company’s network of medical care providers. If the doctor is “out-of-network,” you will most likely pay a higher out-of-pocket cost for visiting them.

Keep convenience in mind: You may visit your primary care physician regularly for a wide range of medical problems, which means that it is best to choose one that is located a convenient distance from your home.

Consider the doctor’s communication skills: Even if a doctor is covered under your insurance plan and is not located too far from your home, your ability to communicate clearly and interact positively with the doctor is important for making sure that your treatment outcomes will remain positive.

If you need to visit a doctor for any type of non-emergency medical problem you may be experiencing, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.

Enjoy A Healthy Holiday Winter Fruit Salad

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Holiday treats are always in order whether you will be having guests at your home or will be visiting others at this time of year. Here is a delightfully delicious recipe for a Winter Fruit Salad from the Food Network https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/winter-fruit-salad-recipe-1973035

3 Diet Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re pursing a weight loss goal or must abide by specific dietary restrictions due to a medical problem, you may be concerned about how your gatherings with friends and family for the holidays may affect your health.

Many celebrations with family and friends include plenty of indulgent meals and treats that can potentially set your weight loss goals back or otherwise negatively impact your health.

Although holiday gatherings may present certain challenges, there is no need to stress yourself out about sticking to your diet. A few key guidelines that emphasize moderation and patience can help you navigate your way through this part of the year in a way that preserves your health and allows you to focus on enjoying your time with your loved ones. These include:

Arriving with (and sticking to) a plan: Before your holiday gathering begins, determine ahead of time how much food you intend to eat. This may vary depending on your individual dietary restrictions and weight goals; if possible, find out what kind of food is being prepared ahead of time. If a particular option would be ideal for you, make it known to the hosts of the gathering ahead of time or prepare it yourself. Once you’ve determined the types and amounts of food you plan to eat, stick to that plan throughout the day.

Drink plenty of water: You will find your food to be much more filling when you drink lots of water. Try to drink roughly one glass of water each hour; you may find this easier by drinking one cup of water before your meal, one cup during the meal, and one cup afterward.

Talk to your loved ones: Remember that the main point of your holiday gathering is to spend time with the people you love and enjoy their company. Instead of absent-mindedly picking at hors d’oeuvres, focus on having conversations with the people around you and participating in the moment.

If you struggle to manage your diet during the holidays or any other part of the year, a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center may be able to help. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Hair Loss

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

The loss of hair (known scientifically as alopecia) can occur on any part of the body. It can be permanent or temporary. It may be a normal part of the aging process or due to a medical condition.

A person typically loses 50 – 100 hairs a day. Under normal circumstances this isn’t noticeable because these hairs are replaced at the same rate as they are lost.

The most common form of hair loss involves thinning of hair on the scalp. This is due to heredity. Men experience male-pattern baldness which is characterized by a receding hairline. While women who experience female-pattern baldness notice the loss of hair on top of the head.

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, ringworm, immune system disorders (lupus), significant weight loss, pregnancy, menopause, trauma, stress and poor nutrition. Some medications that treat cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, and high blood pressure can also cause hair loss.

Hair loss duration depends on what is causing it. Other than hair loss due to heredity, hair loss usually resolves once the medical condition is resolved or chemical factor is removed. Hair loss due to excessive brushing, pulling hair tightly as in certain hairstyles, and using some hair dressing chemicals should resolve once those factors are reduced or eliminated as well.

Speak to your physician if you are experiencing any unexpected hair loss. If you would like to speak to a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your hair loss call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Holiday Exercise Tips

Posted on December 8, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

During the holiday season, many people fail to keep up with their exercise routines. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to get some exercise in during this busy time of year:

Set goals of what exercises you can realistically do during the day
Plan your workout time in advance so as to not interfere with your other activities
Condense your workout into a time frame that you will be able to maintain
March in place for five to 10 minutes
Do 10 to 20 repetitions of upper and then lower body exercises
Jump rope, which gives you a good cardio workout
Use resistance bands and tubes for strength exercises
Take the stairs instead of an elevator when you are out shopping
Exercise with a friend or family member
Walk as much as you can
Wear a fitness tracker

Keep in mind that even a little exercise is better than none. Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise routine to make sure that it is safe for you.

Tips for Maintaining Your Liver Health

Posted on December 7, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

There is a wide variety of potential causes of liver damage, including genetics and diseases such as diabetes to lifestyle choices such as heavy drinking, unprotected sex, usage of shared needles for injectable drugs, and even getting tattoos and piercings.

Unlike most organs, the liver is able to repair damage and regenerate over time. However, permanent liver damage is still able to occur if the regeneration process is interrupted or prevented from completing through repeated, consistent damage, which can occur under circumstances such as regular binge drinking.

The most effective way to protect your liver is to prevent damage through lifestyle changes and to work with a doctor to monitor your health. Some of the steps you can take to keep your liver healthy include:

Avoid hepatitis risk factors: You can talk to your doctor about receiving vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and about the treatments available for hepatitis C, all of which can cause severe liver damage. Additionally, avoid shared, un-sanitized needles for injectable drugs or medications, as these can transmit all forms of hepatitis.

Maintain a balanced, healthy diet: Both obesity and high alcohol intake are risk factors for permanent liver damage. Maintain a healthy weight by making nutritious dietary choices and limiting your intake of alcohol.

Use condoms during sex: Bodily fluids can carry viruses that cause lasting damage to your liver. Use condoms to limit risk to both yourself and your partner.

Avoid contact with dangerous chemicals: Certain chemicals in paint, insecticides, or other substances can enter your bloodstream through contact with your skin and cause serious damage to the liver. Wear protective clothing to limit skin contact with these chemicals as much as possible.

While many supplements such as “liver cleanse” products are available that purport to detox the liver or repair damage, these products are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration and there is no evidence that they genuinely benefit your health in any way.

Working with a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center can help you determine your biggest risk factors for liver damage, identify medications that may lead to further damage, and find the right treatment for treating any scarring or disease you are experiencing. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The National Library of Medicine defines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as, “a combination of two therapeutic approaches, known as cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.” The principle of this approach to therapy is, “What we think, how we feel and how we behave are all closely connected – and all of these factors have a decisive influence on our well-being.”

The goal of CBT is to work with a licensed mental health provider to change behavioral and thinking patterns over time by applying strategies that may include:

Identifying and coping with challenges
Learning about your mental health condition
Learning how to practically address rational concerns
Learning ways to identify and manage emotions
Identifying and reshaping negative or inaccurate thinking
Facing fears instead of avoiding them
Practicing new coping skills that can be used in real-life situations
Setting goals
Using problem-solving skills
Learning relaxation or stress-reducing techniques

Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven beneficial in helping to improve a variety of mental health conditions and disorders such as:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Eating disorders
Phobias

CBT is appropriate for adults and children. It can be conducted in one-on-one or group settings and delivered in person or online. According to Psychology Today, it may take 5 to 20 weekly sessions of about 45 minutes each for cognitive behavioral therapy to be effective. However, treatment may continue for additional sessions if needed. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be used alone or combined with medication therapy to address a person’s needs.

To learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy or to schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

National Handwashing Awareness Week

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

The first week in December is marked as National Handwashing Awareness Week. Flushing Hospital Medical Center believes that Infection prevention is important to all of us and each of us has a valuable role to play in keeping patients safe from infection.

According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best “do-it-yourself” precaution —it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.