What Does it Mean to Have an Enlarged Heart ?

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

An enlarged heart, also known by its medical terminology as cardiomegaly, enlarges because of damage to the heart muscle. The main cause of an enlarged heart is when the walls of the ventricles become thin and stretched beyond their normal size. This is known as dilated cardiomyopathy. It can also be due to a thickening of the ventricles. This is known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

There are several factors that can lead to an enlarged heart. These include:

Pregnancy
High Blood Pressure
Fluid around the heart
Excessive iron in the body
Thyroid disorders
Kidney disease
HIV
Alcohol or cocaine use
Abnormal heart valve
Viral infection of the heart
Genetics
Coronary artery disease
Abnormal heart rhythm

If a person experiences shortness of breath, an abnormal heart rhythm or edema these could be signs of an enlarged heart and be a reason for your doctor to conduct further tests. The diagnosis of an enlarged heart can be made by x-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress test, CT scan or an MRI.

Treatment for an enlarged heart may include taking medications that are prescribed once the cause of the condition has been determined. It is also possible that treatment may require heart valve surgery, coronary bypass surgery, and a heart transplant.

Lifestyle changes can also help people who have enlarged hearts. It is important to quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, limit salt intake, control diabetes, and get a moderate amount of exercise.

Having an enlarged heart isn’t something that a person would be able to diagnose on their own. Speak to your physician if you have reason to be concerned. 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.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital Medical Center is spreading awareness by sharing important facts about the disorder with our community.

Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 700 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome.

Typically, at the time of conception, a fetus receives genetic information from both parents in the form of 46 chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs when the fetus receives an extra copy of a chromosome; resulting in 47 chromosomes. This extra chromosome affects the way a baby develops physically and mentally. Some of the physical features and developmental problems associated with Down syndrome include:

Flattened face
Small head
Upward slanting eyelids
Unusually shaped or small ears
Protruding tongue
Short height
Language delay
Mild to moderate cognitive impairment

Every baby born with Down syndrome is different. Each child will have physical or intellectual disabilities that are unique to their condition. Parents of babies born with Down syndrome are advised to enroll their children into early- intervention services such as speech therapy or occupational therapy as soon as possible. These services can help to encourage or accelerate the child’s development.

The most commonly known risk factor linked to Down syndrome is a mother’s age. Women over the age of 35 have a significantly higher risk of having a child with this condition. Those with an increased risk are encouraged to consult a genetic counselor to discuss screening options.

To speak with a doctor a Flushing Hospital about your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, please call 718-670-5486

Healthy Fall Activities

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Joann Ariola

With temperatures dropping and crisp air abounding; the fall season is a great time to begin a fitness regime.

Some tips for how to start your fall fitness routine are:

Change it up – The fall season is a great season to spend time with family and friends while taking part in physical activities such as walking through apple and pumpkin patches, corn mazes or trails.

Appreciate fall foliage – The fall season brings with it lots of colored leaves. Local parks usually have trails to walk, run or ride a bike on.

Go to a farmer’s market – Fall brings lots of root vegetables into season. Take a bike ride and stop at local farmer’s markets to pick up some healthy, tasty fruits and veggies.

Rake the lawn – In the fall season, even chores can be a really good workout. Activities such as raking the leaves can provide great cardio exercise.

As you can see, fall offers several opportunities to stay active and create good habits that will last with you throughout the upcoming holiday season and winter months.

Folliculitis

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when our hair follicles become inflamed. This inflammation is often caused by:

Bacteria
A fungus
Blockages from skin products
Hair removal (shaving, waxing, plucking)
Ingrown hairs
Friction ( tight clothing rubbing against areas of the skin where hair is present)

The most common symptom of folliculitis is an outbreak of tiny, white-headed or red bumps on the skin. Other symptoms may include:

Tender, painful skin
Itchy skin
A large, swollen mass
Pus-filled blisters

Folliculitis can affect anyone; however, the risk increases if you have acne or dermatitis, regularly wear tight clothing, are taking certain medications, are a person who shaves often or soaks in hot tubs that are poorly maintained.

Treatment of folliculitis may vary based on severity. If symptoms are mild, it is recommended that you keep the area clean and apply a warm compress. If you are itchy, topical solutions such as oatmeal lotion or hydrocortisone cream might help. In severe cases or instances where symptoms last more than a few days, it is strongly advised that you see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal shampoos, antibiotics or antifungal creams or pills to help control symptoms. In the event that a large, pus-filled boil has formed your doctor may perform minor surgery to drain the pus and relieve the pain.

Flushing Hospital’s Dr. Chad P. Gehani Elected President of The American Dental Association

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Chad Gehani

Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association (ADA) is our nation’s oldest and largest dental association. For more than 150 years the organization has been known nationally and internationally as the leading resource on all things related to oral health. Many of the oral care guidelines we are familiar with today were established by the American Dental Association and hundreds of dental care products that we use boast the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance as a symbol of quality assurance.

Recently chosen to lead this globally recognized and influential American institution is Queen’s own Dr. Chad P. Gehani, Chair of Endodontics at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Gehani was elected as the 156^th President of the American Dental Association in September.

Becoming President of the ADA once seemed like a dream that Dr. Gehani was uncertain would come true. In an interview in ADA News, he recalled a conversation he had with his father many years ago, “I called my father and said, ‘I’m now an American citizen and now a member of the ADA.’ He was very proud and actually said to me, ‘I want to see you as president of that association.’ And of course, in my mind, that was not doable for me so I just laughed at him. That was not in my cards.” His father’s unwavering faith in his son’s abilities provided the motivation needed to help Dr. Gehani realize this dream could become a reality.

As President, Dr. Gehani often describes his role as a servant-leader. He will lead the close to 200,000 members of the ADA while advocating for patients’ rights to access quality oral healthcare- especially those living in communities that are underserved. Dr. Gehani aims to improve patient outcomes and provide the guidance needed to help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.

In addition to his role as President of the ADA, Dr. Gehani continues to serve as a mentor to dental residents at Flushing Hospital where he has worked for over two decades. As Chair of Endodontics, he focuses on offering high-quality dental services to patients and providing resources to benefit the community. His devotion to bettering the communities he serves has earned him the Ellis Island Medal of Honor- presented to individuals who exemplify a life dedicated to community service.

“We are proud to have Dr. Gehani as Chair of Endodontics at Flushing Hospital and just as proud that he has been elected President of the American Dental Association. Dr. Gehani abides by a strict code of ethics which is reflected in the work that he does. He is very community-oriented which is the culture promoted here at our hospital,” said Mr. Robert Levine, Executive Vice President and COO of Flushing Hospital.

Each year, Flushing Hospital collaborates with the American Dental Association to promote the Give Kids a Smile Program, providing a day of free preventative dental care to children in the community. The hospital’s dental department also offers free dental screenings, oral cancer screenings, and oral health education in schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and several local organizations.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The month of October is designated as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. The purpose of this observation is to bring attention to this leading cause of death in children under the age of one.

SIDS is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby that occurs during sleep. The cause is not completely known, however, it is thought to be related to a defect in the part of the brain that controls breathing.

Some of the risk factors for SIDS include:

A low birth weight
Having a recent respiratory infection
Having a brain defect that controls breathing
Gender ( boys are at higher risk than girls)
Living in an environment with second hand smoke
Having a family history of SIDS
Having a mother who smokes or drinks alcohol during pregnancy

How a baby sleeps can also be a factor. The risk of SIDS may increase if a baby sleeps in a bed with another person, if a baby sleeps on their stomach, or if a baby sleeps on a mattress that is too soft.

There are a few ways to prevent SIDS from occurring. These include having the baby sleep on its back, keeping the room where a baby sleeps from getting too hot, keeping the crib as empty as possible, and having the baby sleep in the same room as an adult if possible. It is also thought that breast feeding for the first six months may help to prevent SIDS.

If you are pregnant, it is important to receive good prenatal care. Speak to your doctor about classes that you can take to learn how to properly care for your infant. You can also call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5000 and ask to speak to a maternity specialist.

Foods That Are Good For Your Kidneys

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The kidneys are two bean shaped organs in the body that help to filter waste products from the blood. They also help to regulate blood pressure.

People who have kidney disease should follow a diet that prevents the kidneys from losing their ability to function properly. It is important to maintain a diet low in sodium. This usually means less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Eating fresh foods is usually a healthier option due to a lower sodium content. Eat small portions of protein, 2 to 3 ounces, is a good amount.

Protein can come from fish, skinless chicken, lean meat, eggs, or dairy. Avoiding alcohol is also important. Heart healthy meals are a good choice. Avoid deep fried foods. Broiled or baked is a better option. Eat foods lower in phosphorous include vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, corn, and foods low in potassium apples, carrots, green beans, white bread, apple, grape, cranberries. It is also important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

Things to avoid when you have kidney disease are:

Sodium
Potassium
Excess Protein
Fast food

There a certain foods that help to keep the kidneys functioning well. These include:

Cauliflower
Blueberries
Sea Bass
Red Grapes
Garlic
Buckwheat
Olive Oil
Cabbage
Bell peppers
Arugula
Macademia nuts
Radish
Turnips
Pineapple
Shiitake mushrooms

Speak to your physician if you are having kidney problems about the best choice of foods for you. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Employee Spotlight – Diana Garcia

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Joann Ariola

September’s Employee Spotlight shines on Diana Garcia, Newborn Nursery RN, AHN, CLC at (FHMC).

Diana is tasked with overseeing the Newborn Nursery Unit, performing newborn assessments and educating mothers and families on how to care for their newborns.

Diana joined the FHMC team in November of 2010. She is a graduate of Long Island University Brooklyn and proud alum of St. Agnes Academic H.S.

When asked why she is so passionate about her work, Diana responded, “I was looking forward to breastfeeding my first child. No one taught me how to breastfeed. I thought I was breastfeeding properly, but I wasn’t.” It was that lack of information which caused her son to become jaundiced and placed under phototherapy. This incident caused Diana to be discharged from the hospital before her infant.

That unsettling experience gave birth to why Diana Garcia is so committed to teaching mothers about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Throughout Diana’s day, she encounters a few challenges. One of her “personal” challenges is getting mothers who relied on formula to try to breastfeed. “So many mothers do not have the knowledge on how to breastfeed or the benefits that breastfeeding brings.” This was something Diana wanted to change and has dedicated her professional career to education and encouragement.

Although the breastfeeding journey begins in the hospital, Diana realizes that it is a challenge to maintain exclusivity in breastfeeding, especially when the mother is physically exhausted. That is why she spends time reinforcing education and reminding the mothers of the benefits

In closing, Diana stated that she is “Honored to work at Flushing Hospital Medical Center because it is a Baby Friendly Hospital.”

For these and so many other reasons, we congratulate Diana Garcia for being September’s Employee Spotlight!

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on September 23, 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 Patricia Czyzak, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Patricia:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I’ve worked at Flushing Hospital for the past 42 years after graduating from the Flushing Hospital School of Nursing

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: I’ve worked in the Operating Room for my entire career here.

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: My decision to become a nurse was due to my sister Mary Ellin, who is also a Flushing Hospital OR nurse for the past 49 years ( She’s still here).

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is the people that I work with and the satisfaction at the end of the day that the patients are happy with the care we provide.

Fatty Liver Disease

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Liver conditions are usually attributed to the excessive consumption of alcohol, viruses or morbid obesity. However, there is a condition that affects the liver that is caused by none of the aforementioned risk factors. It is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD is diagnosed when the patient has too much fat stored in their liver cells. Typically, NAFLD causes no noticeable signs or symptoms other than, in some cases, fatigue, pain or tenderness in the upper right portion of the abdomen.

People at risk for NAFLD include those with:

High cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Metabolic syndrome
Obesity when it is concentrated in the abdomen
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland)

If you have NAFLD, you are at greater risk of developing a more serious condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

NASH is a more aggressive form of fatty liver disease that may progress into cirrhosis (scaring of the liver) and ultimately liver failure.

The signs and symptoms of NASH are:

Abdominal swelling
Enlarged blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface
Enlarged spleen
Red palms
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Although experts do not know exactly what causes NFLD and NASH, for some it is believed the combination of the health issues listed above may cause excess fat to become toxic to the cells in the liver. The risk factors cause the liver to inflame and develop scar tissue or cirrhosis. The treatment for this condition varies.

The best way to reduce your risk of NAFLD is to implement a healthy plant based diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, maintain a healthy weight and, after conferring with your physician, choose an exercise plan that is right for you.

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of NAFLD or NASH and the symptoms persist, it is important you seek the advice of a doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the , call CTA