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/

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.

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.”

The Importance of Keeping Hydrated in Cold Weather

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The level of humidity in the air during the winter months tends to be much lower, resulting in much drier air as compared to other times of the year. In addition, the air in our homes is also drier due to home heating. These differences in air quality both inside and outside can increase our chances of becoming dehydrated.

Other factors that can lead to dehydration in the winter include:

Cold-induced diuresis (frequent urination)
Drinking less water because we tend to feel less thirsty
Wearing heavier clothing which can cause us to perspire more
Increased respiratory rates which leads to greater water loss

It is important that we stay hydrated in winter because doing so helps keep our body temperature at a constant and normal level. When there isn’t enough fluid in the body, this can cause the core temperature to drop to dangerous levels. Hypothermia can set in quicker if the body is dehydrated. Staying hydrated is also helps our immune system fight off colds and the flu, which are more common in the winter.

Things to avoid in cold weather to prevent dehydration include caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages. It is also recommended that you don’t drink cold beverages, but rather warm or room temperature beverages because this will lead to more frequent urination.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration to look out for include:

Severe thirst
Reduced urine output
Dark urine for long periods of time
Dizziness
A rapid heart rate
Muscle cramps

If you have any signs of dehydration during the winter months, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

What is Pinkeye ?

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and highly treatable eye conditions. More than three million adults and children in the U.S. contract pinkeye every year.

Pinkeye occurs when the thin, clear tissue under the eyelid, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes the blood vessels in the eye more visible, giving them a pink appearance. People who develop pinkeye typically experience pain, or feel a burning or itchy sensation. Their eyes may also tear and form a discharge that crusts while sleeping. Other symptoms may include swelling, tenderness or sensitivity to light.

There are several causes for pinkeye, but it is most commonly either viral, which is the most contagious form, or due to a bacterial infection. Other factors that can lead to pinkeye include exposure to irritants such as shampoo, cosmetics, dirt, or pool chlorine, an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, or smoke, or a reaction to eye drops or contact lenses. Usually a doctor can diagnose pinkeye through a routine examination.

Treating pinkeye depends on the cause of the condition. In most cases it is treated by administering artificial tears, which can be purchased over-the-counter, to treat the dryness and cold compresses to treat inflammation. If pinkeye has developed due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Symptoms of pinkeye typically last anywhere from one to two weeks.

To avoid contracting pinkeye, take the following precautions:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Avoid sharing towels, blankets, and pillowcases.
Do not share eye makeup, face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses or containers, or eyeglasses.

In rare cases pinkeye can lead to complications. Please see a doctor if you experience moderate to severe pain your eyes, if you have problems with your vision, or if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and highly treatable eye conditions. More than three million adults and children in the U.S. contract pinkeye every year.

To avoid contracting pinkeye, take the following precautions:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Avoid sharing towels, blankets, and pillowcases.
Do not share eye makeup, face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses or containers, or eyeglasses.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Our nurses are the pillars of our community. In addition to meeting the demands of being a caregiver, they wear several hats including that of an educator, nurturer, and comforter.

Not only do nurses care for patients; they provide support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Our nurses pour their hearts into all aspects of their job, and this is one of the many reasons why we celebrate their accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Daniel Park, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Daniel:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I have been working at Flushing Hospital for 2 years and 6 months.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: 4 North 2

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: My father had stomach cancer so, I wanted to have more knowledge about health care and to work in the health care field.

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is seeing how happy our patients and their families are when the patients get better and get to go home.

Mourning The Loss Of A Loved One During The Holiday Season

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

The holiday season is a time for making new and happy memories with the ones we love. It can also be a time when we remember and mourn those we lost. The sentiment of the season can magnify your sense of loss and make coping with the death of a loved one even more difficult.

While there is no remedy for heartache we can offer a few tips to help you cope with grief during the holidays:

Allow others to help – The love and support from others around you can be instrumental in helping you during a time of grief. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Consider joining a support or bereavement group. 

Accept your feelings – If you are feeling sad do not feel guilty if others are unsuccessful in trying to cheer you up. Allow yourself time to work through this emotion and set realistic expectations for yourself. On the contrary, do not feel guilty for enjoying the holidays. Experiencing joy does not mean you are grieving your loved one any less.

Cut back – If the activities of the holidays are too much to bear, it is okay to scale back. An example of cutting back is limiting the number of holiday parties you host or attend.

Memorializing those who have passed- Memorializing the loss of a loved one can be therapeutic. Participating in ceremonies in their honor, making a new tradition or donating to a charity on their behalf are some of the ways you can memorialize the person you lost.

Take care of yourself-This is the time to be most in touch with your emotional and physical health. If you realize that your sadness begins to develop into feelings of hopelessness, or you are displaying other signs of depression, seek the help of a mental health professional as soon as possible. Be mindful of your physical health by ensuring that you are eating properly, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

The process of grief varies from person to person. Using some of these tips may not make your emotions go away but they can help you cope. Learn what works best for you and remember to pay attention to negative changes in your physical and mental health. If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed by these changes, do not hesitate to seek the help of your doctor or mental health professional.

Employee Spotlight – Ruth Tapias

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Joann Ariola

December Employee Spotlight shines on Ruth Tapias, Secretary for the and Administrative Office. Ruth began her journey at Flushing Hospital 15 years ago as a Registrar. In her capacity as Secretary, Ruth provides data entry and billing support for the Chemical Dependence Unit, Psychiatry Inpatient Unit as well as assisting the Office Manager in maintaining an efficient administrative office. When not at work, Ruth enjoys activities such as, cooking, dining, traveling, reading, Bible study, playing the guitar, karaoke, shopping and visiting her family in Ecuador. Although Ruth loves her job, she admits that dealing with different personality traits can sometimes be challenging. When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is, Ruth stated, “The most rewarding and satisfying part of my job is the people that I work with. I work in an environment that encourages personal growth and provides the opportunity to continuously learn and flourish. Flushing Hospital would like to congratulate Ruth Tapias for being selected as December’s Employee Spotlight!

Cranberry Apple Hazelnut Crumble

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Registered Dietitian Jessica Hyman is sharing one of her favorite holiday recipes.

Serves 8

Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
3 apples, peeled, sliced
1 orange, zest and juice
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar), divided
1 cup old-fashioned oats, gluten-free
1/4 cup whole grain, gluten-free flour (eg, quinoa, sorghum, or millet flour)
1/3 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp ginger, ground
Pinch salt (optional)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted, cooled

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Mix cranberries and apples together in a medium bowl. Add the zest and juice of one orange and the sugar and toss well.

3. Pour filling into a 9-inch pie dish.

4. In a small bowl, mix together oats, flour, hazelnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and salt (optional). Stir in coconut oil with a fork to make a crumbly mixture.

5. Sprinkle crumb topping over cranberry apple filling and bake uncovered for 1 hour.

Nutrient Analysis per serving
Calories: 251; Total fat: 12 g; Sat fat: 6 g; Sodium: 6 mg; Total carbohydrate: 35 g; Dietary fiber: 5 g; Sugars: 21 g; Protein: 3 g

— Recipe and photograph courtesy of Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

Dealing With Holiday Depression

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Joann Ariola

The holiday season may be a time of happiness for many but for others it can also be the time of year that they are likely to feel depressed.

Financial stress, increased alcohol or food consumption, Seasonal Affective Disorder and loneliness are common contributors to depression during the holidays.

While the source of depression may vary from person to person, there are chronic behaviors and health problems that are widely recognized as symptoms of the disorder. Some of these include:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Sleeping excessively
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

People who experience bouts of depression during the holidays can reduce these symptoms by:

Asking for help when holiday stressors become overwhelming
Moderating alcohol consumption
Spending time with loved ones
Exercising
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Getting enough sleep
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation

If symptoms of depression persist or progress into self-harming thoughts, please seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. It is important to remember there is no shame in receiving assistance from mental health professionals; they will help you to identify the source of your depression and offer several options for treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a at , call

Could your child have croup ?

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Croup is an irritation of a baby’s upper airways that causes them to swell. It affects the area below the vocal chords resulting in noisy breathing accompanied by a cough that sounds like a dog’s bark bark. Croup is more commonly seen in boys than in girls and in children between three months to five years of age.

It is important to note that it can be contagious. There are two types of croup, one is viral and is usually caused by any virus that affects the larynx and the trachea. The most common virus to cause this illness is the parainfluenza virus. Viral croup is characterized by a high pitched wheezing noise with a barking cough in the lower airway or a harsh sound, called stridor, when it is located in the upper airway.

Spasmodic croup can start suddenly, usually at night, and the baby may sound like they are gasping for air. It may be due to an allergic reaction or from stomach reflux. Immediate medical attention is necessary for either type of croup especially if the child is showing signs of difficulty breathing, is anxious, breathing very quickly or is making sounds that are unusual when breathing. Additional symptoms of croup include: • Raspy voice • Fever in some cases but not all • Rash • Swollen lymph nodes • Fatigue Prevention of croup is best done by having your child stay away from anyone who is sick. Also frequent hand washing is recommended. Treatment for mild croup include: Keeping the child hydrated Keeping the head elevated Keeping the air moist Keeping the child calm Doctors may prescribe a steroid medication to reduce inflammation or epinephrine to reduce airway swelling.

The diagnosis of croup is made by observing a child breath and listening to their chest. An x-ray may be necessary in helping to see if it this illness or something else. If the symptoms last more than two or three days it is advised to seek medical attention. You can schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486 or going to an emergency room.