Health Archives - Page 6 of 92

What is Chronic Inflammation ?

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Inflammation is one of the body’s ways 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 to 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 affect chronic inflammation. Tomatoes, salmon, sardines, olive oil, and nuts can help reduce chronic inflammation while fried foods, hot dogs, sausages, and 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.

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.

A Tasty Spring Evening Recipe for Linguini and Shrimp Scampi

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Warm springtime evenings call for an easy to prepare, delicious linguini and shrimp scampi recipe. This is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/shrimp-scampi-with-linguini-recipe-1942429

New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently shared new guidelines for breast cancer screening. The organization advises women to begin receiving mammograms at the age of 40, instead of the previously recommended starting age of 50.

Additionally, the USPSTF recommends getting mammograms every other year until the age of 74.

According to the organization, changes were made to screening guidelines based on “new and more inclusive science.” Scientific research has found that more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their forties, and with more aggressive cases.

Routine screenings and the early detection of breast cancer can save lives. The USPSTF estimates that screening women at the age of 40 can save close to 20% more lives from the disease.

The newly updated USPSTF breast screening guidelines were created for people assigned female at birth, with an average risk of developing breast cancer. Those who have a history of cancer or are at a higher risk of developing the disease should speak with their doctor for individualized recommendations.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about breast cancer screenings or assessing your risk, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

7 High-Fiber Foods for Better Gut Health

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Your digestive system plays an important role in the overall wellbeing of your body. A healthy gut helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients; this affects nearly every function your body performs by providing the energy needed for those functions. Your digestive system is also the home of your gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria that assist in digestive processes. A key part of supporting this microbiome is to consume a sufficient amount of fiber each day. Unlike other cells, your gut bacteria have the enzymes needed to break down fiber.

Getting the recommended amount of fiber each day (38 grams for men and 25 grams for women) can produce a variety of beneficial effects, including:

Healthier stools
Decreased constipation
Decreased blood sugar spikes after high-carb meals
Reduced appetite

There are many different foods you can incorporate into your diet to increase your intake of fiber. A few of these include:

Raspberries: A one-cup serving of raspberries contains about eight grams of total fiber. Raspberries make for a simple snack on their own, but you can also mix them in with yogurt or oatmeal.

Bananas: A medium-sized banana contains approximately three grams of fiber. Bananas make for an easy on-the-go snack, but they can also be included in sandwiches, smoothies, and other recipes.

Broccoli: This popular vegetable contains five grams of fiber for each one-cup serving. Broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be served as a side dish or mixed in with other foods, such as pasta.

Potatoes: One medium potato with skin contains about four grams of fiber. Like broccoli and other vegetables, potatoes can be cooked and served in many different ways, either on their own or as part of a more complex meal.

Brown rice: One cooked cup of brown rice contains three and a half grams of fiber.

Whole-wheat foods: Whole-wheat foods are great for boosting your fiber intake. Whole-wheat spaghetti, for example, often contains about six grams of fiber in a one-cup serving.

Almonds: Almonds, as well as other nuts such as pistachios, are snacks that serve as excellent sources of fiber, containing about three and a half grams per one-ounce serving.

If you experience symptoms of a digestive problem, you can receive treatment from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Christine Parasram, RN

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in our NICU, Christine Parasram, RN. Christine began her nursing career in the NICU in August of 2018, and became an Assistant Head Nurse in July of 2023.

Although Christine’s career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center began six years ago, her history with our hospital began much earlier. She started the first few weeks of her life as a preemie in Flushing Hospital’s NICU.

In addition to being a NICU graduate, what further inspired Christine to become a NICU nurse was experiencing the early arrival of her daughter who spent the first few months of her life in the NICU. Christine still remembers how intimidating the NICU was as a parent. She deeply admired the nurses who cared for her fragile newborn daughter. Christine’s firsthand experience gave her the passion for taking care of her patients and the empathy for caring for the patients’ families.

Everything You Should Know About the Bird Flu Virus

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

You may have recently heard about the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among poultry and dairy cows in the United States. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk to public health posed by this virus is low; however, the situation is being monitored closely, and it’s important for you to know the potential risks posed to humans by H5N1.

So far, the H5N1 strain of the bird flu has infected wild birds in all 50 states and poultry in 48 states. More recently, it has also been discovered in herds of dairy cows in nine states; this is concerning to health experts because it may indicate that the virus could mutate in a way that makes it easier to spread among humans. In fact, a dairy worker had reportedly become infected in April after exposure to infected cows.

The CDC recommends taking certain actions to protect yourself against this virus and prevent it from spreading among human populations. These actions include:

Avoiding direct contact with wild birds as much as possible, particularly if they seem ill or are dead
Avoiding unprotected exposure to live or dead infected animals (particularly dairy cattle) as much as possible
Monitoring and reporting any new symptoms you experience within 10 days of exposure to the virus, particularly respiratory symptoms or eye redness
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine; while this does not reduce your risk of bird flu infection, it is recommended for reducing your risk of co-infection with human influenza viruses

If you have become sick within 10 days of exposure to the bird flu virus, you should isolate yourself at home away from other members of your household and avoid your workplace or school until you are confirmed to no longer have the H5N1 virus.

Poultry products such as chicken and eggs, as well as beef products, can still be consumed safely as long as they’re cooked to an appropriate internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. You should avoid consuming raw milk or any products that contain raw milk.

If you become sick with flu symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to H5N1, it’s important that you receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

. Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time and/ or at high doses. Both may lead to the breakdown of the lining that protects the stomach and small intestine from strong acids. Without this protection, the acids will eat their way through and create sores.

Most people living with peptic ulcers do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms present, they can include:

Stomach pain
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bloating
Belching
Feeling of fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Dark, bloody, or tarry stools

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see a doctor. Because, if left untreated peptic ulcers can result in complications such as internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach), or gastric cancer.

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease may include a physical examination, lab tests, GI series x-ray examinations, or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve antibiotics to kill H. pylori, medications to block or reduce acid production, medication to coat and protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine, or medications to neutralize stomach acids.

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

Employee Spotlight Shines on Samantha Gibson

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Samantha Gibson, Office Manager for the Case Management & Social Work (CM / SW) Department.

In an era where dedication and commitment are often undervalued, Samantha began her career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 17 years ago this month. Celebrating 17 years of service at a hospital is a testament to unwavering dedication and passion. Samantha, a valued member of our hospital family, has reached this incredible milestone, marking a journey filled with compassion, and excellence. Starting out as an administrative assistant, she has since grown into the role of office manager – part of the CM/SW leadership team at Flushing Hospital.

Outside of work, Samantha is a native of Brooklyn, New York and attended Fort Hamilton High School as well as Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. She enjoys all genres of music, especially R&B and Reggae. Samantha is a proud mom of one son – Seth, and enjoys spending quality time with family, watching movies and sports as well as cooking and going out to eat; her favorite foods are Caribbean and Italian dishes. Traveling is also one of her favorite pastimes, she enjoys going on cruises, traveling often to California and abroad to different countries – especially Barbados. She finds joy in the arts, with a passion for writing and photography; her creative spirit shines through her poster designs that you may have seen hanging in the main lobby celebrating her department during National Case Management and Social Work months.

As she celebrates 17 years of service, she reflects on the impact she has made and the lives she has touched. One of the main reasons she enjoys working at Flushing Hospital is being able to interact with people from all walks of life – this has proven to be very rewarding and enriching to her. The things that are most important to her are family and good health. She strives for personal growth, peace of mind and well-being. Looking ahead, as Samantha continues her journey with us, we look forward to many more years of collaboration, growth and success. Her unwavering dedication and passion for excellence continue to inspire us all, shaping the future of healthcare and our hospital community. We are proud to have her on our team.

Enjoy A Healthy Springtime Recipe

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Spring has arrived and what better way to celebrate than with a tasty, easy to prepare meal made with creamy mushrooms, peas and chicken. Here is a delicious recipe from the Food Network for chicken, mushrooms and peas. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-with-creamy-mushrooms-and-snap-peas-recipe-1972982.