What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and approximately one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Rates of skin cancers have also risen sharply over the past several decades. However, you can give yourself the best chance of an early diagnosis and successful treatment through a skin cancer screening.

Over 9,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every day through physical screenings. If a form of skin cancer such as melanoma is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 99%, making successful treatment extremely likely. This rate may fall dramatically as the disease progresses, however, reaching 68% when it reaches the lymph nodes and 30% once it metastasizes to other organs.

In many cases, symptoms of skin cancer may occur in seemingly normal skin, with only a low percentage developing from existing moles. In other cases, symptoms may not present at all. This can make it difficult for you to spot signs of skin cancer on your own, and even more important to get screened by a dermatologist on a regular basis.

During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist fully examines your skin from head to toe, checking for lesions or areas that appear abnormal. Irregular borders, multiple colors, and a size greater than six millimeters in diameter are a few of the indicators your doctor may look for, though these factors alone may not provide a sufficient basis for a diagnosis.

Your doctor may request a skin sample for a biopsy during your screening to examine certain skin cells more closely. Once your test results arrive, your doctor can provide a more definitive diagnosis.

It’s recommended that you get screened for skin cancer annually, or potentially more often if you’re at a high risk of developing it. You should also regularly check your own skin and take note of any marks or spots that appear different from their surrounding areas or cause sensations such as itching or pain. These spots should be pointed out to your doctor during a screening.

You can get a skin cancer screening at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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 Chronic Inflammation ?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Inflammation is one of the body’s way of healing itself. It is the immune system’s response to an internal or external irritant.

Inflammation can be acute, meaning short-lived or it can be chronic (long lasting).

Chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months or even years, leading to damage of healthy cells, tissues and organs. Eventually in some cases this can result in internal connective tissue scarring, DNA damage and even tissue death. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of asthma, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation include: body pain, anxiety, weight loss or gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation) and general fatigue.

Factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation include:

Long-term stress
Alcohol abuse
Obesity
Smoking
Lack of sleep
Exposure to chemical irritants
Autoinflammatory disease
Acute inflammation that worsens

One way to diagnose chronic inflammation is through a blood test for C-reactive protein (CRP) which shows up when there is inflammation in the body or high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which shows inflammation of the heart.

Treatment of chronic Inflammation can be achieved with:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Steroids
Dietary supplements (fish oil and lipoic acid)
Weight loss
Exercise
Stress reduction

Some foods can have an affect on chronic inflammation. Tomatoes, salmon, sardines, olive oil and nuts can help reduce chronic inflammation while fried foods, hot dogs, sausages, highly processed foods like white bread and pastries can make it worse.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic inflammation, consult with your physician to see what treatment options may be helpful to you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

A Fall Recipe for Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Today is the first day of Fall and a perfect time to prepare a delicious creamy French onion and mushroom soup to welcome in the season. Here is a recipe from halfbakedharvest.com to enjoy. https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/creamy-french-onion-and-mushroom-soup/

What Are Bone Spurs?

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small growths that often develop along the edges of bones in the joints or spine. They commonly occur in conjunction with certain arthritic conditions.

Bone spurs sometimes protrude from their position, causing you to feel bumps or knobs in the spots where they’re present and interfering with your range of motion in the affected area. In most cases, you may not experience any symptoms. However, if they do occur, they may include pain, numbness, weakness, or tears in tendons that rub against or come into contact with bone spurs.

The most common cause of bone spurs, osteoarthritis, is also the most common form of arthritis. It often affects adults aged 50 or older, though people of any age can suffer from osteoarthritis and, by extension, develop bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis isn’t the only form of arthritis that can cause bone spurs. Ankylosing spondylitis causes spinal inflammation and the fusion of your vertebrae, causing spinal bone spurs to form.

Bone spurs that aren’t causing painful symptoms likely won’t require treatment, but if they’re significantly interfering with your daily life, a doctor can prescribe medication and physical therapy or recommend surgery to remove them. Additionally, applying ice to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, losing weight to reduce pressure on your bones and joints, and using equipment such as supportive shoes or inserts can all help you manage your symptoms.

The best way to prevent bone spurs is to prevent the conditions that cause them. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising to maintain your range of motion, controlling your blood sugar, and making an effort to preserve your joints through stretching and the use of protective equipment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to receive a diagnosis or explore your treatment options by calling (718) 670-5486.

Healthy Aging Month

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

For this year’s Healthy Aging Month, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is taking the opportunity to provide our community with information that can help you maximize your potential health benefits as you age.

Some of the best ways to stay healthy as an older person include staying physically active, maintaining a nutritious diet, consistently socializing with supportive friends and family, and routinely visiting your doctor to prevent potential health risks.

Many people gradually engage in less physical activity as they get older, with half of all women and one third of all men aged 75 and older becoming completely inactive. Keeping up with light or moderate physical activity such as walking or weight-lifting is associated with significant health benefits, including better-maintained muscles, bones, and joints, a reduced risk of physical injury, improved blood pressure, and a more positive mood.

Nutrition also factors into your physical and mental health way as you age. A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and water can be helpful for staying active and reducing your risk of developing chronic medical conditions.

Socialization is also important when it comes to your health. Friends and family can act as a safety net in times of need, support the activities that keep you healthy and provide companionship that can help you maintain a positive state of mind.

Finally, routine check-ins with your doctor can help identify and promptly treat any medical issues that may arise as you age. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Who is Eligible for the Second Covid-19 Booster ?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Covid-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalizations. However, it is believed that the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccine tends to decrease over time. A booster is recommended to help maintain a strong level of protection against the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a person’s age and medical history are used to determine how many vaccines and boosters are appropriate.

For the most up-to-date CDC recommendations on Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, follow this link to the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#recommendations

The CDC recommends all who are eligible to get the booster. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Sexual Health Awareness Month

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month. During this time, we will explore sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every five people has a sexually transmitted infection. They are more likely to occur in young adults. The most common STI is human papillomavirus (HPV), but other common diseases include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

STIs primarily spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex; however, diseases such as herpes and HPV can also spread through skin-to-skin contact. STIs are best prevented by avoiding sexual contact with infected people, getting vaccinated, and using condoms during any form of sexual contact.

Keeping sexual contact safe can be achieved when clear boundaries are set and agreed upon by all involved, and when there is access to medical care and contraceptive services.

Part of staying sexually healthy is recognizing your right to protect your sexual health and making sure you have the resources available to do so safely. For confidential sexual health treatment, you can visit or schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486 or our Women’s Health Department at (718) 670-5702.

What Are Comorbidities?

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

As part of Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to increase the healthcare literacy of our patients, we will discuss the term “comorbidity,” which may be used by the healthcare team when treating patients with chronic conditions.

Comorbidity is the existence of two or more medical conditions in the same person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four out of ten people in the United States suffer from chronic comorbidities.

Comorbid conditions are often serious chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, Alzheimer’s, chronic kidney disease, and stroke, which account for a substantial number of deaths and disabilities each year.

Certain conditions may be more likely to develop among people with other chronic illnesses. Arthritis, for example, affects nearly half of all people diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, as well as over a quarter of all obese people.

The term “comorbidity” doesn’t just apply to chronic physical disease. Psychiatric comorbidities are also common, with depression often occurring in conjunction with substance abuse and anxiety disorders, though it can also occur alongside serious or chronic physical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke.

Comorbidities may not necessarily be life-threatening in all cases, but they can often be debilitating. Comorbid conditions may make the symptoms of a primary condition more difficult to manage and substantially increase medical care costs.

The best way to prevent comorbidities is to take steps to prevent primary chronic conditions or manage any risk factors of one you already have that may overlap with other conditions. Lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol and tobacco intake, improving your nutrition, and incorporating regular physical exercise into your schedule may help. If you already suffer from one or more medical conditions, you’ll also need to work with your doctor to determine how treatment for one condition may affect another.

Flushing Hospital offers advanced care for a wide range of physical and psychiatric conditions. To schedule an appointment with a doctor, please call our Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

The annual International Overdose Awareness Day campaign began in 2001. In the years since then, government and non-governmental agencies worldwide have worked to raise awareness about drug overdoses and the issues surrounding them.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, over half a million people died from drug overdoses internationally in 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics also reported that over 100,000 people in the United States alone died due to drug overdoses in 2021. This is an increase of more than 8,000 deaths since 2020.

Many of these deaths may be fueled by factors such as economic uncertainty, increased rates of anxiety and depression, and insufficient mental health resources. Additionally, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become more available since the COVID-19 pandemic as access to other drugs such as heroin has decreased.

People who regularly use drugs have also become more likely to do so alone since the beginning of the pandemic. This greatly increases the risk of overdose, as there’s no one present to call 911 or administer life-saving treatments such as naloxone in the event of an emergency.

You don’t have to face addiction or mental health issues alone. If you’ve developed a substance abuse problem, Flushing Hospital’s Division of Addiction Services provides a safe space for drug withdrawal and offers access to psychiatric assistance, substance abuse counseling, and care from our medical team. Our Reflections treatment program also offers helpful holistic techniques for curbing addictive behaviors.

To learn more about our addiction services, call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. For more information about the Reflections program, call (718) 670-5078.

The Monkeypox Vaccine

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Monkeypox cases have emerged across most of the United States. Symptoms of the virus include:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms

Most people with monkeypox also experience a rash that’s typically located near the genitals or anus. It may also be present on other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and chest.

Two vaccines are now available that may effectively offer protection against monkeypox. JYNNEOS is the only vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone at risk of contracting the virus. Another vaccine, ACAM2000, may also be used to prevent monkeypox under the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug system, but is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, an exfoliative skin condition like eczema, or people who are pregnant.

Studies have shown side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, brain or spinal cord swelling, and infection in patients who received ACAM2000. These reactions have not been observed in patients who received JYNNEOS.

Your doctor can help you determine which vaccine is right for you, but vaccination in general, combined with practices like safe sex, maintaining distance from infected people and animals, and disinfecting your home when an infected person has been there, can help protect most people against the virus. Children in particular may benefit from vaccination, as their symptoms are likely to be worse than those of infected teens and adults.

You can make an appointment for monkeypox treatment and prevention at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s on-site ambulatory care center by calling (718) 670-5486.