National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January is recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The observance was created to help raise awareness while working towards better care and highlight the efforts that help with prevention.

Hundreds of thousands of babies are born around the world each day. Some are born healthy. However, some are born with birth defects. Birth defects are structural changes that affect one or more parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, feet, and hands. Some of the common birth defects include congenital heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, anotia, and microtia. These defects are formed during the first three months of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are developing.

An estimated 8 million newborn babies are born with some kind of birth defect. These birth defects can range from minor to life-threatening.

Although birth defects can’t always be prevented, many of them are reliant on the lifestyle of the parents, as exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can cause issues in the development of the baby.

There are many ways to observe National Birth Defects Prevention Month, including:

Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements such as folic acid (400mcg) every day

Avoiding substances such as alcohol, drugs, both cigarette and secondhand smoke, marijuana, certain prescription medications, and any other substances that may be harmful to an unborn baby

Seeing a healthcare provider regularly during every stage of your pregnancy

Flushing Hospital Medical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive care. Our services are provided by a highly skilled team of the best OBGYNs in Queens. For more information, please call (718) 670-5562.

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.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer’s causes and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with some form of gynecological cancer this year alone.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that is spread through sexual contact. The body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm. However, for a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years. This delay can cause cervical cells to become cancer cells.

Gynecological cancer symptoms can vary, making them difficult to recognize and distinguish. Some general gynecological cancer symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Abnormal bleeding
Abdominal bloating
Changes in your menstrual cycle
Pain during intercourse
Changes in vaginal appearance

Even if you don’t have symptoms, it is important to continue to have regular wellness exams and screenings to maintain good gynecological health.

Attending regular screenings with your primary care provider or gynecologist and receiving an HPV vaccination are two of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells, which allows for intervention before cancer develops. It is recommended that women aged 21-29 have a Pap test every 3 years. Women 30 years old and up are advised to have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. If you are 65 or older, the screenings will likely stop if you are considered low-risk.

The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active because once a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.

All women face some risk of developing gynecologic cancer; however, certain factors can exacerbate the likelihood, including:

Age
Family history
Obesity
Smoking

Understanding individual risk factors is essential in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer, but recognizing early warning signs is just as important.

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly serve women from all walks of life and provide a warm, welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at (718) 670-5562.

What is Dry January?

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s has come and gone, and we are all trying to stick to the resolutions we made. For some, a common resolution is giving up alcohol.

Heavy social drinking can often be considered binge drinking. Binge drinking is when a man drinks five or more drinks and a woman drinks four or more drinks in one sitting.

This is why many people commit to Dry January, which is when a person gives up drinking alcohol for the entire month.

Dry January has become a very popular New Year’s resolution over the past few years. Recent research indicates that younger Americans are generally drinking less than previous generations. According to a poll released last summer, conducted by the analytics company Gallup, the percentage of Americans who said they drink fell to a record low of 54%. This is one percentage point lower than the previous record low in 1958.

There are several health benefits to participating in Dry January, including:

Increased energy levels

Lower blood pressure and heart rate

A decrease in liver inflammation

Clearer skin and decreased facial puffiness and bloating

A decrease in calorie consumption

It helps shift your perspective and understanding of your relationship with alcohol

There are many tips to help you succeed during Dry January, including:

Reduce your alcohol consumption by half before you start

Write down the goals you want to achieve and document your progress

Abstain from drinking alcohol longer if you can

Ease back into drinking alcohol if you choose to go back to drinking, and drink in moderation

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family

Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

- Abdominal cramping

- Anxiety

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Shaking

- Sweating

- Vomiting

Avoid any situations that may tempt you to drink

Participate in hobbies and other interests that don’t involve drinking alcohol

Seek out extra help and resources if you need them

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where you or your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. For more details about our unit, contact us at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540, or for additional information about our Reflections treatment program, please get in touch with us at (718) 670-5078.

How to Set Healthy Weight Loss Goals

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a difficult and sometimes daunting experience. There are many factors that can affect a person’s weight management, such as medical conditions, certain medicines, stress, age, genes, hormones, and environment.

However, maintaining a lifestyle that consists of a good nutritional diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep can support a healthy weight. Additionally, people who lose weight gradually, which is about one to two pounds a week, are more likely to keep the weight off than those who lose weight more quickly.

If a person is not at a healthy weight, moderate weight loss can help improve their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Just a 5% to 10% reduction of their current weight may lower their risk for some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits of moderate weight loss include:

More energy

Better mobility

A boost in self-confidence

Improved fitness

Starting a weight loss journey can be challenging. However, having and following a plan can help make the journey easier. Here are five steps that can help guide you to a healthier weight:

Consider the reasons why you want to lose weight. Writing down your reasons and posting them where you can see them can help remind you why you are making this change and keep you focused on your weight loss goals

Keep track of where you are as you begin your weight loss journey. You can keep a journal of your nutrition to help you keep track of what you eat and drink in a day. Make note of your physical activity by including the time of day you exercised, what activities you did, and for how long. Maintain a chart of your sleep schedule, including what time you went to sleep and woke up, and the number of hours you slept. Monitor your stress levels and the healthy ways you are reducing your stress. You can also track how you felt during your meals, when you exercise, and any lifestyle challenges that have affected your progress

Set specific and realistic goals. Creating short-term goals with rewards can help prevent you from feeling frustrated when there is a setback. When setting short-term goals, focus on two or three goals at a time

Find a good support system. Surround yourself with family or friends who are supportive of your weight loss goals. If they have similar goals, they may share resources that have helped them on their weight loss journey

Stay up to date with your progress throughout your weight loss journey. Regularly evaluate your progress by revisiting the goals you set. Determine what has been working well and what hasn’t been, and use this information to make any changes to your goals and weight loss plan. If you are consistently meeting a particular goal, you can reward yourself for achieving your goals. It is important to recognize and be proud of your progress as you meet your goals. Rewarding yourself helps to keep you motivated and on the right path

Please note that before you start your weight loss journey, speak with your healthcare provider so you can decide whether or not it’s a good time to set a weight loss goal.

And if you do go on a weight loss journey, don’t get discouraged if you aren’t losing weight as quickly as you had hoped. Remember that sustainable weight loss takes time.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

The Importance of an Annual Dental Exam

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

It is a new year, and with it comes resolutions that we make to help improve our health and well-being. A great and important way to improve our health and well-being is to get a dental exam.

Dental exams are important because they help us maintain our oral health. Regular dental exams help detect problems early and prevent serious complications. However, not getting a dental exam can lead to serious oral health problems such as tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Additionally, our oral health is connected to our overall health, as dental exams can detect signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Getting regular dental exams has many benefits, including:

· Detecting cavities early, as they are one of the most common dental issues. Cavities often develop without any noticeable symptoms in their early stages. If left untreated, cavities can grow, which may lead to pain, infection, or the need for extensive treatments such as root canals or crowns. Early treatment is less invasive, less expensive, and helps preserve the tooth’s natural structure. During a dental exam, a dentist can detect and treat any cavities by filling them

· Dental exams can identify early signs of gum disease, which include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a severe condition that affects the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Early intervention can reverse gingivitis and prevent it from leading to periodontitis

· Routine dental exams can help detect oral cancer, which can develop in the mouth, tongue, or throat. Symptoms of oral cancer can include red or white patches, sores that do not heal, or unusual lumps in the mouth. Early detection is important, as regular screenings during dental exams can catch oral cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective

· Getting routine dental exams can help dentists detect signs of teeth grinding, which include worn enamel or flattened teeth. Teeth grinding can cause significant wear and tear on the teeth, which can lead to fractures, sensitivity, and jaw pain. Early detection allows interventions such as custom night guards that can help prevent further damage to the teeth

· Routine dental exams can help dentists assess alignment and bite issues such as crooked teeth or an improper bite, which can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, and difficulty cleaning between teeth. After an exam, a dentist may recommend treatments such as Invisalign or braces to correct these dental issues

· Routine dental exams can help dentists detect dental issues that aren’t visible when they use an X-ray. X-rays can help dentists see what is happening beneath the surface, such as

hidden cavities between the teeth, impacted teeth that may need removal, or bone loss that is caused by gum disease

Getting regular and routine dental exams is preventive care that helps us maintain our oral health and avoid dental issues. It is important to remember that detecting dental health issues early is not only good for our oral health but also contributes to helping us maintain our overall health.

If you’re experiencing dental health problems, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s Eve is a time when we come together to reflect on the previous year, as we prepare to celebrate the start of a new one. However, these celebrations can come with dangers and responsibilities.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this New Year’s Eve:

Plan your rides in advance. On average, driving accidents rise during the holidays, so it is extremely important to have a safe ride when so many people will be out that night celebrating. Do not assume that you will be able to get a cab. Knowing your options in advance can help you decide whether you will be taking public transportation, using a rideshare app, or carpooling with friends.

Plan for the safety of your guests. If you are going to host a party, be sure your guests get home safely. Hire a driver for the evening who can provide people with a way to get home. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the party, provide additional food or snacks, and ensure that your guests don’t drive after drinking.

Make a plan with your kids. Set a reasonable curfew for your kids for their New Year’s Eve activities. If they are old enough to drive, be sure they understand the dangers of driving on that holiday. Encourage them to stay in one location instead of going from party to party. Discuss the dangers of driving distractions and how to avoid them. A teen passenger and teens driving with friends face a higher risk than teens who are driving alone.

Take care of your pets. New Year’s Eve can cause high anxiety in pets. You can keep them safe in the house and comfortable by drowning out any sounds outside that are loud. If your pet has a history of high anxiety, consider consulting your vet for anxiety medication.

Avoid leaving your car somewhere overnight, as New Year’s Day is the most active holiday for cars to get stolen. If you do have to leave your car overnight, make sure it is locked and try to pick it up as early as possible the next day. If you do decide to drive home, be sure to let someone know when you leave and when you get home safely.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any medical problems, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Can You Breastfeed If You Have the Flu?

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

New moms often wonder whether they can continue breastfeeding their babies if they have the flu. The answer is yes, you can continue breastfeeding your baby if you have the flu.

The flu virus is not transmitted through breast milk. However, it is important to take the steps needed to protect your baby from germs. You can do this by:

Wearing a mask while breastfeeding
Limiting face-to- face contact with your baby
Frequently washing your hands before touching the baby, or items the baby might touch during breastfeeding
Frequently disinfecting surfaces
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue and throwing the tissue away immediately after use

If you are uncomfortable breastfeeding when you are sick or worried about the risk of spreading germs to your baby, you can also pump your breast milk and follow the recommendations for cleaning the pump.

In addition to following precautions to limit the spread of germs, flu vaccination is strongly recommended for moms, as it provides added protection from the virus and for their babies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older. Women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies that are shared with infants through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding provides some flu protection for infants, including children younger than 6 months who cannot receive the flu vaccine.”

Winter Dehydration

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Dehydration in the winter may seem less likely than in the summertime, but it is still a risk. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 for women. For many of us, it might be harder to reach these quantities during the winter months.

Some causes of winter dehydration include:

Indoor heat
Bundling up in too many layers
Lack of thirst
Fluid loss from respiration
More frequent urination

There are many signs of dehydration, including:

The color of your urine
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry mouth and chapped lips
Dry skin
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Feeling faint or dizzy
A rapid heart rate

Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter:

Drink warm fluids if it is too difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside.
Infuse plain water by adding flavorings such as a wedge of lemon or lime, other pieces of fruit, or unsweetened water enhancers.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to encourage daily hydration.
Eat homemade soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help increase fluid intake.
Avoid drinking caffeine as it can contribute to dehydration.
Swap drinking an alcoholic beverage for a mocktail.
Make hydration a routine by drinking a certain amount of water daily.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications and potentially death. For less severe cases, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Holiday Eating Tips After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It’s the holiday season, and as we spend time with our family and friends, we enjoy each other’s company over delicious meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when we run into problems with weight gain. It can be especially challenging after bariatric surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage our weight during the holiday season. Here are 10:

Don’t save your calories. It may be tempting to skip meals to save calories for holiday treats, but it is better to stick to your regular eating patterns. You are more likely to overeat if you arrive at a holiday function hungry

Remember the basics. Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t maintain the same healthy eating habits you had during the rest of the year. Pay attention to your portion sizes, start with protein, eat slowly, and track what you eat. Keeping these basic rules in mind can help you avoid overeating

Be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating while socializing can easily lead to eating too much. Enjoy the company and conversation and save eating for a time when you can focus on your meal

Avoid the buffet table and the kitchen. Standing close to where the food is being served may result in mindless noshing. Carefully select the food you truly want to try, and then walk away

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinks containing alcohol are full of empty calories. It is better to eat your calories than to drink them. Additionally, alcohol doesn’t just add calories; it can also dehydrate you. Be aware that alcohol can affect you differently after bariatric surgery. You may feel the effects much sooner, even after consuming less alcohol. You are also more likely to overeat at the buffet table after a couple of drinks

Stay hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water and plan ahead. This ensures that you can avoid drinking within 30 minutes of eating and still get in the recommended 64 ounces a day

Exercise. The holiday season can be a busy time, and our exercise routines may suffer because of it. It is easier to get out of the habit of exercising than it is to get back into it after the holidays. Consider creating a workout schedule or organizing activities for the family that get everyone moving

Bring a healthy dish to share. This will ensure that there is a healthy food option at the gathering

Find healthy alternatives for your favorite recipes. Look for healthier substitutions that cut the fat and calories of recipes. Some examples include:

Using skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes

Using fat-free creamed soups in recipes rather than full-fat versions

Replacing sugar with unsweetened apple sauce or noncaloric sweeteners in desserts

Adding flavor with garlic, spices, and herbs rather than fats such as butter and gravy

Combining ¼ cup of Greek yogurt with ½ cup of butter to replace 1 cup of butter in a recipe

Replacing each egg with two egg whites and substitute evaporated skim milk in place of heavy cream when baking your favorite holiday treats

Be kind to yourself. You may overeat a bit or sample more treats than you should. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost. It is important to forgive yourself and recommit to healthy patterns and move forward. It is okay to have a treat once in a while.

Undergoing bariatric surgery requires preparation, dedication, and several lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a whole different way of eating can be challenging, and it will take some time to get used to it. Following these tips can help you plan and enjoy your food in moderation.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization, Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.

Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.

Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.

Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.

Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.

Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital’s Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.