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.

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.

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.

How to Manage Your Child’s Holiday Expectations

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Now that Thanksgiving has past, we have shifted our focus to the holiday gift-giving season.

Odds are, you are being bombarded with marketing materials focused on “the perfect gifts” for your children. With so many products to choose from, children are likely to create “I Need That” lists that are always growing and may exceed your budget.

As a parent, you may want to fulfill all your children’s wants’ however; doing so may greatly affect your finances. The last thing you want to do is put yourself in debt as a result of buying above your holiday means. It can be challenging to maintain your financial health while filling your children’s stocking with the gifts they’ve longed for.

According to marriagekidsandmoney.com , the first step to managing your children’s gift expectations is to set a realistic budget. Let children know the precise dollar amount there is to spend; even if Santa is part of your holiday celebration, you can have the same conversation, by telling your child that Santa also has a budget. This can provide structure and guidelines for making their lists.

Setting a budget can be beneficial, as children can:

Learning to prioritize
Have a sense of control over purchases
Learn to make responsible decisions when striving to stay within the budget
Learn the difference between what is needed and what is wanted.

After establishing the budget, you can work with your children to show them financially responsible ways of obtaining items on their lists by using coupon codes or waiting for sale days. All of this can help your child to be a more responsible gift getter.

Financial lessons are important for children to learn, but it is equally as important that they are taught the most important lesson of the season – the value of gathering together with the ones you love to make priceless memories.

Early Signs of The Flu

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Flu season peaks between December and February. As flu activity increases, so will your chances of getting sick.

If you do get the flu, knowing the early signs and symptoms can help you to treat the illness before it becomes severe. This can also help you to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Here are a few early signs and symptoms of the flu you should pay attention to:

Body aches and chills
Sudden fever
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Sore, scratchy throat
Excessive fatigue
Dry cough

Symptoms of the flu will get worse over time if treatment is not received in a timely manner. Therefore, it is recommended that you see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend that you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Antiviral medications may also be prescribed in severe cases to fight the virus.

It is important to keep in mind that the best defense against the flu is vaccination. The flu vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated.

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

World AIDS Day

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

World AIDS Day has been recognized on December 1^st every year since 1998. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as one of the eight official global public health campaigns.

The focus of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection.

Although the campaign extends throughout the year, World AIDS Day is the day when many events take place throughout the world to bring attention to this serious disease. The observance is recognized with educational programs on AIDS prevention and control.

In recognition of World AIDS Day Flushing Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following facts:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system. If not treated properly, HIV can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It has been estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States and 36.7 million people worldwide are presently living with HIV. In the United States, one out of eight does not know that they are infected.
The virus is either transmitted when certain bodily fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane within the body or a cut in the skin or through the sharing of needles and syringes of people who are infected.
HIV can only be transmitted by way of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids or breast milk.
HIV virus is not spread by water or air, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, saliva, tears, sweat, sharing a toilet seat or by simple person -to- person touching.
There is no cure for HIV but there are ways to slow down its progression.

If you would like to speak to a physician about HIV and AIDS, or if you would like to be tested, you may schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital at 718-670-5486.

Employee Spotlight – Leona DesMoulin

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Novembers Employee Spotlight shines on Leona DesMoulin, MHC, CASAC-T, Office Manager for the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services in the Administrative office.

During her 13 year tenure at Flushing Hospital, Leona has had the title of Office Manager in the hospital’s administrative office, the Reflections Chemical Dependence Clinic, and currently the Psychiatry Administrative office.

On any given day, Leona’s job description includes working with the Administrator, Chairman and Associate Chairman as well as other members of the department on multiple projects. Her responsibilities include: keeping the administrative, clinical, regulatory, performance improvement, incident and risk management functions and processes up to date.

Leona is dedicated to her field and has received a Master’s in Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor trainee. She anticipates becoming more and more involved in the department’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Project.

Of all her titles, accomplishments, certifications and degrees, Leona DesMoulin’s favorite title is Mom. “I have one daughter who is currently a Registered Nurse in Orthopedics at the Hospital for Special Surgery. My daughter is my pride and joy.”

When not at work Leona loves interior decorating, fashion designing, traveling, entertaining and church activities.

According to Leona, the most rewarding part of her job is, “Motivating others to flourish” and the most challenging part of her job is “bringing people at all levels of the organization together to form an effective and mutually reinforcing group for the benefit of each other and our patients.” Overall, she says her experience working at Flushing Hospital is invaluable because she loves her job.