Is Tongue Scraping Good For Your Oral Health?

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Joann Ariola

tongue scraper, oral health, dental, oral care, bad breath, cavities, gum disease

In addition to brushing, many people are adding tongue scraping as a way to remove extra particles from the surface of the tongue. This technique is safely done with a small round tool usually made from plastic or metal that gently glides across the surface of the tongue removing any buildup of bacteria, dead cells and debris.

This buildup can cause:

Your sense of taste to lessen
A white coat to appear on top of your tongue
An increase in the likelihood of a stale odor (bad breath) to emanate from your mouth
An increased in the likelihood of cavities and gum disease.

By using a tongue scraper as part of your daily oral hygiene, many of these conditions can be eradicated.

Consistency in oral hygiene is the key to success. If you institute a regimen of brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as scraping your tongue regularly, you may find that your overall oral health will improve.

If you would like to schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center please call 718-670-5521 to schedule an appointment.

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.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month which gives us the chance to make the public aware of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease being very important health issues.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s have profound effects on many people. There are an estimated 5 million people with the disease and 15 million people who are caring for them. It is said to be the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

It has been said that Alzheimer’s is the only disease that can lead to death that cannot be slowed down, cured, or prevented. It acts by slowly killing brain cells which affects all of our ability to function normally.

Brain exercises may help mental functionality in areas of memory, focus, concentration and understanding.

Some suggested ways to keep our brains healthy are:

Getting enough sleep
Staying physically active
Eating properly
Not smoking
Challenging your mind with social interaction
Taking classes
Being aware of challenges that could lead to depression

If you would like to schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives New 3T MRI Scanner

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

The Radiology Department at Flushing Hospital offers a wide variety of advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging services to its patients. One of the ways they are able to do this is by offering the latest and most advanced imaging technology.

Through the acquisition of the Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra 3T MRI scanner, Flushing Hospital now provides one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced machines in healthcare.

Like Flushing’s previous MRI machine, the new model features an open-bore design, with an extra wide patient tube to accommodate larger patients. The larger size also increases comfort levels and decrease feelings of claustrophobia for all patients. The open-bore feature results in fewer patients requiring sedation and provides overall higher patient satisfaction.

Another benefit of the new MAGNETOM Skyra is its advanced imaging capabilities. Equipped with a 3T magnet, it provides the most accurate, high-resolution images and delivers them in less time. The Zero Helium boil-off feature and the Green Cooling package also make the new MRI machine more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

This new technology compliments Flushing Hospital’s team of Board Certified and fellowship-trained radiologists and highly-trained, experienced technologists. The department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which signifies a higher quality examination and care.

Is the keto diet right for you ?

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A ketogenic diet, also called keto diet is based on the concept that foods that contain fat are responsible for 90% of our daily calories. This type of diet tries to change the source of our body’s fuel from carbohydrates to ketone bodies that the liver produces from stored fat.

In order for the body to do this, it has to reduce the use of carbohydrates as fuel. That means lowering our intake of carbohydrates to between 25 to 50 grams of carbohydrates a day. It can take a few days for the body to adapt to this kind of change.

The keto diet requires a person to eat fat at every meal. Food that contains saturated fat like palm and coconut oil, butter, beef, pork and bacon are recommended. Unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, avocados and olives are also allowed.

Fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates, have some, they are recommended only in small amounts daily.

The risks of a keto diet include:

Kidney problems
Constipation
Mood swings
Liver problems
Nutrient deficiency
Resuming a normal diet will cause weight gain

Before beginning any diet, it is recommended that you speak with your physician first. If you would like to speak to a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Sunglasses – Strength and Protection

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

At this time of year we spend more time outdoors and for that reason it is important to protect our eyes from the potentially harmful rays of the sun. One of the ways we can do this is by wearing the right sunglasses.

Don’t be fooled by the price tag when purchasing sunglasses. Just because sunglasses are expensive doesn’t always mean that they are the best at blocking the UV rays. Always check the label first.

For sunglasses to be completely effective they should:

Block out as close to 100% of the UVA and UVB rays as possible
Block out 75 to 90 percent of the visible light
Have gray lenses for proper color recognition

If we are exposed to too much UV rays, over time, it can cause cataracts and can also harm the cornea and the retina. Short term exposure to UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. It is temporary in the short term but can have serious consequences long term.

It is also important that sunglasses fit properly. They shouldn’t be worn so close that they touch the eyelids yet not too far off that they let sun get in around them.

A good rule to follow is if you are wearing sunscreen you should also be wearing sunglasses.

Employee Spotlight Shines On Cyril Reid

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Joann Ariola

May’s Employee Spotlight shines on Cyril Reid, better known to all as “CJ,” a Third Cook at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) cafeteria.

Each morning, CJ is at the server grilling delicious breakfast fare for visitors and employees. He is well known for his vegetable omelets. He takes great pride and care in the preparation and presentation of each dish prepared.

Although CJ is a fairly new employee at FHMC, he has quickly developed a positive reputation and following.

When CJ is not at FHMC, he enjoys spending time with his lovely girlfriend, mother, grandmother and siblings. When they are together CJ shares with them his love for family, basketball and, of course, food.

CJ stated that the most rewarding part of his job is, “Getting compliments from customers telling me that what I served them was delicious.” He tries his very best to make sure that any and all unforeseen obstacles within his control are addressed before he takes his place at the grill station.

For serving it up just right, we shine the Employee Spotlight on Cyril Reid.

Rosacea

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by reddening and the appearance of blood vessels on the face. Rosacea can also cause red bumps containing pus to develop as well as redness of the eyes and thickening of the skin on the nose- causing it to appear bigger than it really is.

Currently, there are approximately 14 million people living with rosacea in the United States. While the condition can affect anyone, it is most likely to occur in:

Women more than men
People between the ages of 30 and 50
Those with a family history of rosacea
Those who had acne when they were younger
Those with fair skin, blue eyes and blond hair
Smokers

The causes of rosacea are unknown; however, there are indications that suggest symptoms may present as the result of an immune response, intestinal bacteria (H. pylori), a mite found in nature or a protein in the skin that is not functioning properly.

There are triggers that can cause a flare-up of rosacea, they include: being overheated, eating spicy foods, drinking hot liquids or alcoholic beverages, strong or sudden emotions, cosmetics, medications for blood pressure, sunlight, or having cold wind blowing on the face.

There aren’t any specific tests for rosacea, but doctors will want to rule out lupus and an allergic reaction. Depending on the severity, there are a few ways to alleviate symptoms of rosacea. These include:

Avoiding triggers
Protecting the skin from strong sunlight by applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing
Using mild soap and skin cream
Taking medications that help tighten the blood vessels
Undergoing laser treatments
Getting dermabrasion

If you are experiencing symptoms of rosacea, it is important that you see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis and start a treatment plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486,

Do Detox Teas Do More Harm Than Good?

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Dieting is never easy, nor is there a “quick fix” for weight loss on the market that comes without some risk.

The latest trend seems to be detox teas. The active ingredient in most of the teas is caffeine. Caffeine can produce side effects such as nervousness, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and agitation, headache, ringing in the ears as well as increased heart and breathing rates.

As an appetite suppressant, products containing caffeine may work for the short term. Often times detox teas that combine caffeine with a diuretic that may trigger a false sense of weight loss since diuretics cause a loss of water weight, not actual body fat.

Additionally, the caffeine in the teas may cause you to have insomnia. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can trigger excessive eating and even slow your metabolism causing you to gain weight.

Nutritionists and healthcare professionals agree that there is no magic formula to weight loss. The best way to plan for weight loss is to start with a visit to your doctor, make healthy food choices, implement portion control when eating and start a light exercise regimen slowly building as your endurance increases. The formula for keeping the weight off is to retrain your brain so that you can maintain your new healthier lifestyle.

If you are thinking about taking off a few pounds and would like to speak with a health care professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on May 22, 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 Eileen Flores RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Eileen:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I started as a student at Flushing’s nursing school in 1976. I graduated as an RN in 1979 and have worked here since.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: The name of the department I work in is PACU. I worked in PACU since 1988. My present position is Assistant Head Nurse.

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: I decided to become a nurse when my youngest brother was admitted to the hospital. I saw the care he was given and how it made a difference. I wanted to be able to do the same.

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: Working in a place that treats everyone like family. I have taken care of so many people during my time at Flushing Hospital. We have seen many children grow up and have families of their own, which we also take care of. I take pride in our sense of community.

Esophageal Cancer

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Esophageal cancer is a disease that develops when cancer forms in the esophagus- the long, hollow, muscular tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. The esophagus helps to move food and liquids to your stomach after you swallow.

Cancer of the esophagus is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It occurs more often in men than in women.

Although the cause for esophageal cancer is unclear, research indicates that the disease may develop as a result of damaged DNA in the cells that line the esophagus. It is also believed that chronic irritation to the esophagus is a contributing factor. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease include:

Being obese
Having GERD
Having Barrett’s esophagus( A serious complication of GERD)
Having bile reflux
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Smoking
Undergoing radiation treatments to the chest or upper abdomen

Esophageal cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses the following symptoms may occur:

Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Chronic cough
Chest pain or discomfort
Indigestion and heartburn

Cancer of the esophagus can be diagnosed by performing a series of tests and procedures that include genomic testing, imaging scans, endoscopy or biopsy. If it is found that you have developed esophageal cancer, your doctor may request further testing to determine the stage of cancer.

Treatment for esophageal cancer is based on stage, overall health and your preferences for care. Immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or interventional radiology are some of the approaches that your doctor may discuss with you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of esophageal cancer, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment.