Do You Ever Have Sweaty Palms ?

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Having your palms sweat as a nervous response to a stressful situation is something that most people have experienced at some point in their lives, but for some, sweaty palms (or palmar hyperhidrosis), is a chronic condition that can cause great embarrassment and interfere with their day to day existence.

Palmer hyperhidrosis affects approximately 1 and 3 percent of Americans, but researchers believe that this number is low because many are unaware that it is a medical condition and never report it to their doctor.

This condition is part of a family of disorders called primary focal hyperhidrosis, which can affect other parts of the body including the armpits, scalp and feet. These conditions are usually not caused by an underlying medical issue and are unlike secondary hyperhidrosis, which is characterized by excessive sweating that isn’t isolated to one area of the body and is usually the result of another medical problem.

While the exact cause of palmer hyperhidrosis is still unknown, many believe there is a genetic predisposition as many who have it also report a family history of the condition.

There are many treatment options for palmer hyperhidrosis, including:

Topical aluminum chloride – One of the most common treatments for palmer hyperhidrosis. This solution is applied to the palms nightly until the condition improves and then used as needed.
Botox injections – This has proven to be an effective treatment for many forms of localized sweating, including the palms. The treatment is FDA approved, but it can result in temporary weakness in the hands.
Iontophoresis – A treatment that involves placing your hands in a shallow bath of water that contains a mild electrical current. This medical device can cost over $500 and may not be covered by all insurers.
Medications – Oral prescriptions called anticholinergics are sometimes prescribed if other treatment options aren’t successful, but these medications sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects.
Surgery – If all other measures fail, there are procedures where a surgeon can go into the chest and clip the nerves that are responsible for producing sweat. This can be a permanent solution, but only used in extreme cases.

Speak to your doctor about what type of treatment option is best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call .

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.

Department Spotlight – Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Anne Marie Dinicola, Manager, Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

When you enter the at you will be met by the ever smiling, ever accomodating Anne Marie Denicola, Manager. The plays an important function by providing a variety of gifts, greeting cards, floral arrangements and toiletries. They also provide carry gift bags, balloons, candy, newspapers, magazines, books, seasonal items, toys and much more.

We thank Anne Marie Denicola for being such a wonderful “Ambassador of Cheer” to our patients, visitors and employees.

Is it Possible to Get the Flu in the Summer ?

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Most people associate flu season with the late fall and winter months but it is also possible to get the flu during the summer. While the colder weather can help the flu virus to flourish, it is important to remember that it is not the temperature that causes the flu. The virus is spread by coming in to contact with someone who already has it.

Summer flu symptoms are the same as they would be during any other time of the year and can include:

High fever
Chills
Body aches and pains
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness

People who are at high risk for developing complications from the flu include:

Women who are pregnant
People over the age of 65
People who have a weakened immune system
Children under the age of two
People who have diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

Ways to avoid the flu include practicing good hand-washing hygiene, eating healthy, getting enough rest, and avoiding people who are ill.

If you think that you are experiencing flu-like symptoms you should see your medical provider to get diagnosed and start treatment. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center please call .

Lung Cancer and Treatment Options

Posted on August 10, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. In the early stages, there may not be any signs or symptoms. A history of smoking definitely contributes to a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, though non-smokers also can develop lung cancer. Smoking causes cancer by irritating the lining of the lungs. This causes changes in the lung tissue. It is believed that the effects of smoking may be reversible in the very early phases but repeated exposure to the chemicals found in smoke will eventually be irreversible.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer include:

A cough that doesn’t get better
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Headache
Weight loss that isn’t intentional

There are two types of lung cancer based on their appearance under the microscope:

Small cell is the most common type of lung cancer and is found in heavy smokers.
Non-small cell is a group of other types of lung cancers that act similarly. This group includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Lung cancer staging

Stage 1

The cancer is limited to the lung.
Tumor is smaller than 2 inches
has not spread to lymph nodes

Stage 2

Usually larger than 2 inches
Spread to lymph nodes
Possible spread to pleura, chest wall and diaphragm

Stage 3

Involves spread to other organs
Found in distant lymph nodes

Stage 4

Spread from one lung to another
Spread to distant parts of the body

If lung cancer is suspected, a few tests to make the diagnosis definitive will be ordered. A chest x-ray will be performed and if there are any lesions found on the lung a CT scan will be performed to get a better view of the lungs. An exam of the sputum can sometimes reveal lung cancer cells and to complete the diagnosis a lung biopsy will be done to examine the cells to see if they are cancerous.

Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment options vary and can include chemotherapy, radiation and / or surgery. A common surgical option is called a lobectomy, removing one of the lobes of the lung.

If you would like to discuss lung cancer and treatment options with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Social Anixety and Alcohol Abuse

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, about 20 percent of people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) also suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence.

Social anxiety is defined as a disorder that is triggered by social situations where your emotions may arise causing you to have difficulty talking to others, fear being unjustly judged by others, become self-conscious while in the company of others or get physically ill at the thought of attending a social event.

By consuming alcohol, you could possibly experience the illusion of reducing the symptoms of SAD, but it can also lead to an additional issue with alcohol dependence and abuse.

For some, alcohol and SAD are a dangerous combination; since alcohol may give you a false sense of calm when in social situations. Additionally, it can also you to delay your decision to seek treatment. It may also interfere with an existing treatment. While seeming to help quell the anxiety, alcohol can actually worsen the symptoms of SAD.

If you have been diagnosed with SAD and consume alcohol to ease the symptoms, you may experience the following:

Drinking more or longer than you intended
Have difficulty limiting your consumption of alcohol
Experience strong urges to drink
Continuing to drink even though your anxiety is increasing

When alcohol is over consumed, it can lead to worsening the symptoms of social anxiety as well as causing:

Morning hangovers
Dizziness
Nausea
Dehydration
Low blood sugar

Most anxiety disorders can be treated in similar ways. Some effective ways to calm your social anxiety are to sleep regularly, limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed, eat a healthy diet, and implement relaxation methods such as taking deep breaths, keeping a journal, thinking positive thoughts, yoga, painting or listening to soothing music until the anxiety begins to dissipate.

If these methods are not effective, you may want to seek professional help. If you have uncontrolled social anxiety disorder and are compensating with alcohol, you may want to speak with a mental health and addiction specialist at . Call to schedule an appointment.

Have You Ever Experienced Heart Palpitations?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Experiencing heart palpitations can be a very frightening experience. Palpitations have been described as feeling like the heart is fluttering, beating too fast, too hard, or like you are skipping a beat.

Palpitations are often benign. In most instances they may be caused by::

Too much stress
Too much anxiety
Too much vigorous activity
Too much caffeine
Too much alcohol
Too much nicotine
Thyroid disease
Anemia
Pregnancy
Depression
High fever
Taking too much of certain types of medications such as stimulants found in cold and cough medications , asthma inhalers, and some herbal supplements.

However, there are other situations in which they can indicate the presence of a very serious problem, like a heart attack or a stroke.

Sometimes heart palpitations can be due to heart disease, especially in people who have had prior heart attacks, have heart valve problems, heart muscle problems, and coronary artery disease. When palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it is important to seek emergency care right away.

There are a few tests that your doctor may order to find the cause of the palpitations. These include blood tests, EKG, Holter Monitoring, chest x-ray, and an echocardiogram.

Depending on the cause, you may be able to reduce the risk of palpitations by limiting stress, the consumption of nicotine, alcohol or caffeine. Medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can also be helpful.

Speak to your physician if you are experiencing palpitations to see if they can understand why this is occurring. You may also schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling

Magnet Therapy

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice that places magnets on specific areas of the body to help alleviate pain. Many of the magnets are incorporated into rings, bracelets, shoes, clothing and therapeutic magnetic mattresses.

The theory behind magnet therapy is that magnets accelerate the metabolism. This acceleration helps oxygen and nutrients reach a specific location where there is an injury in an attempt to repair the damage.

There are various types of magnet therapy. Some of the more commonly used are:

Static magnetic field therapy: With this method, you touch a magnet to your skin by wearing a magnetized bracelet, bandage, shoe insole or mattress pad.

Electronically charged magnetic therapy: With this method, the magnets used are electrically charged with an electric pulse.

Magnetic therapy with acupuncture: With this method, a magnet is placed in the same section of your body that an acupuncturist would focus on during an acupuncture session in an attempt to clear your energy pathways or channels.

Magnet therapy has been utilized in treating pain associated with arthritis, wound healing, insomnia, headaches and fibromyalgia. While usually safe, there are some side effects to magnet therapy which may include nausea and dizziness.

If you have a pacemaker, an insulin pump or are pregnant it is not recommended that you seek magnet therapy. Additionally, if you are scheduled for an x-ray or MRI, it is recommended that you remove all magnets prior to testing.

Since there haven’t been many studies on magnetic field therapy, so there is no substantiated proof that it is effective in the treatment of pain.

As with any treatment, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin. If you are interested in pain management and would like to speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Today is World Hepatitis Day

Posted on July 28, 2019 by Michael Hinck

In 2010 the World Health Organization ( W.H.O. ) designated July 28th as World Hepatitis Day. This serves to increase awareness about viral hepatitis and to influence change in disease prevention, testing and treatment.

Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The liver is an organ in the body that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. The most common forms of hepatitis are A, B, and C. Hepatitis B and C kill close to 1.4 million people each year and cause almost 80 percent of all liver cancer cases. Many people have the hepatitis virus and are unaware of it.

Symptoms of acute hepatitis B include:
• Fever
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Hepatitis is spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids. It is possible that people remain without symptoms for many years but during this time the disease is slowly destroying the liver. It can take many years for the symptoms to appear. Blood tests are available that can detect the virus at an early stage.

Ways to reduce infection:
• Use only sterile equipment for injections
• Test all donated blood for hepatitis
• Practice safe sex
• Encourage people to get hepatitis B vaccine

Medication exists that can cure hepatitis C and can control hepatitis B infection. When given properly, people are less likely to die from liver cancer and cirrhosis and also are less likely to transmit the disease to others. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses over a 6 month period and it is recommended that it be initiated right after birth if possible.

To make an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss the vaccine, please call 718-670-5795.

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on July 24, 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 to 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 Winsome “Winnie” Kpana, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Winnie:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I have been working in Flushing Hospital for 38 and a half years

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: I work in The Women’s Health Center.

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: In looking back, I’ve come to realize that my passion to become a nurse started in my early childhood. I grew up in a small rural community where there were only one doctor and one nurse. I was always fascinated by the nurse as she visited my school or as I visited the health clinic. She was always smiling, caring and patient as she cared for my bruises and cuts or as she administered a vaccine. I knew then, that one day, I too would become a nurse because I wanted to be ” Just Like Her”. I chose a career that is challenging, exciting and interesting. Being a nurse has allowed me to fulfill my life’s desires and I strive to make a difference in the lives of my patients.

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job starts with caring for and helping others. I worked as a pediatric nurse for over 33 years. I saw children at their best and at the worst. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiling face of a child who has recovered from a serious illness or a traumatic experience. It is also very humbling to know that my nursing care contributed to that child’s recovery. Over the past six years, I have switched course and I am working in an ambulatory setting, The Women’s Health Center, where I offer service to the OB/GYN patients. Education is the key to success and as an ambulatory nurse, I am always teaching women how to care for themselves and their unborn child. There are times when I feel not only as a nurse but as an extension of a patient’s family. We share in the joy of welcoming a newborn baby. For me, This is nursing at its best.