Sudden Hair Loss Can Happen To Anyone

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Alopecia areata is a condition that affects over 6.8 million people in the United States. It is a common autoimmune disorder that is characterized by the unpredictable loss of hair. Usually, the hair loss is localized to small patches that are about the size of a quarter but in more severe situations a larger amount of hair may fall out. Hair loss is typically from the scalp but it can also be from the beard, eye lashes or the entire body. It can affect both men and women at any age but most commonly is seen before the age of 30. Approximately 20 percent of the people who experience alopecia have a family member who has had it.

Alopecia occurs when the white blood cells in the body attack the hair follicles, which in turn causes them to slow down hair production and ultimately lead to hair loss. The hair follicles aren’t usually destroyed so once the autoimmune response is controlled either spontaneously or with the help of medication, hair can start to regrow. For many, hair regrowth can be achieved without the use of medication.

The diagnosis of alopecia is usually made by simple observation of the area where the hair loss occurs. In some cases a dermatologist may want to perform a biopsy or a blood test to test for the autoimmune response.

While there is no cure for alopecia there are ways to treat it. The medications that are used to treat it typically are very powerful anti-inflammatories, administered either orally which can have serious side effects, through localized injections or as a topical cream. They act by suppressing the immune response that causes alopecia. The sudden loss of hair may cause people emotional distress and therefore they may need emotional support or professional help.

If you have noticed a sudden loss of hair, you should speak with your physician about the possible causes. You can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 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.

Flushing Hospital’s Employee Spotlight Shines on our New Qualified Medical Interpreters

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Joann Ariola

March’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on a group of employees who recently completed the Qualified Medical Interpreter Training program (QMI).

Many of the patients who are treated at FHMC are fluent in a language other than English. If their care and diagnosis instructions are not given to them in their natural language, they may not completely understand their health issues and what assistance they will need after discharge.

The employees who were certified work in various departments throughout FHMC and will now be able to provide face-to-face language assistance for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients.

The 14 amazing employees who are now Qualified Medical Interpreter’s are:

Spanish –

Elba Cabrera
Cinthia Fajardo
Tatiano Giraldo
Anthony OlivioJack
Davila

Mandarin –

Shumin Lin
Amy Xueyun Zou
Yawen Yen
Linda Fu
Amy Lam
Fiona Chen
Chai Jiang
Xiao Ping You
Qin Cang

Flushing Hospital will continue its commitment to grow in cultural sensitivity and train as many QMI’s as possible over the next few months to reach a goal of 100 QMI’s or more.

Congratulations go out to all the new QMI’s !

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on March 25, 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 Adrienne Diaz, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month,

Meet Adrienne:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?

A: I have been working at Flushing for 4 years since 2014.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?

A: I work in the Med-Surg unit 4N1.

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?

A: Growing up in a community that lacked healthcare resources and had a language barrier I always knew I wanted to contribute and give back to my community. As a nurse at Flushing Hospital, which is so diverse and part of the community I grew up in, I am able to fulfill that goal of giving back.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: The best part of my job is being able to impact someone’s life in a positive way even by a small gesture such as, when a patient tells me how happy they are that I am their nurse for the day or a simple thank you from a patient when I’m having a stressful day.

What you should know about Type 1 (T1D) Diabetes

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Diabetes is on the rise and what has significantly increased is the rate of type 1 diabetes (T1D), formerly known as “juvenile” or “juvenile onset” diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that more than 13,000 children and young people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year.

T1D is often first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. However, people may develop T1D at any age. The exact cause of T1D is unknown, there is no cure and it cannot be outgrown. In most cases of T1D, the body’s own immune system, which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses, mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Doctors believe genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain environmental factors, such as viruses, may trigger the disease.

Symptoms for T1D include:
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Bedwetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed during the night
• Extreme hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• In females, frequent vaginal yeast infections

The good news is that it can be controlled with insulin therapy, exercise and diet. A simple blood test can identify type 1 diabetes. Be sure to consult with a physician if you or a family member is experiencing any of the above symptoms by contacting Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Celebrates Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) joins the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in celebrating National Dietitian Nutritionist Day, today, Wednesday, March 13th. As the nation’s food and nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists are committed to improving the health of their patients, clients and communities. We applaud their great work!

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Problem gambling is a serious issue that affects millions of people in the United States. An estimated two million people can be classified as having a gambling addiction and an additional four to six million people can be said to have a problem with gambling. Uncontrolled gambling can ruin families, finances, and careers.

The National Council on Problem Gambling began a campaign 16 years ago in order to raise awareness and to suggest ways that these people can be helped. There are three main goals of this campaign:

Increase public awareness of problem gambling
Increase awareness of the resources to aid with problem gambling
Encourage medical providers to screen for gambling problems

Some of the criteria for defining problem gambling include:

Patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage family or work
Preoccupation with gambling and the need to bet money
Restlessness or becoming irritable when attempting to quit
Continuing to chase the big payoff

Compulsive gambling can be described as having the same effect on certain people as using drugs or alcohol. They build up a tolerance to it and are always in need of more in order to satisfy their urges.

A person who feels that they have a gambling issue should contact their physician to see about getting help. You can also go to the website of Gamblers Anonymous for referrals in your community.

The Medicinal Benefits of Cinnamon

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Most people think of cinnamon as a spice that adds flavor to food and beverages. What many people don’t know however is that for thousands of years people have been using cinnamon for medicinal purposes.

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. The bark is then crushed into a powder which we can use as a flavoring or for medicinal purposes.

Some of the known medicinal benefits of cinnamon are:
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory
• Lowers blood sugar
• Acts as an anti-oxidant
• Acts as an anti-microbial
• Helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s
• Helps manage symptoms of Parkinson’s
• Thought to have anti-carcinogenic properties
• Helps manage polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Help manage dry eye and conjunctivitis
• Can be used as an insect repellant

Though cinnamon usually has no side effects, too much can irritate the mouth and the lips. Some people may also be allergic to it. As with anything, speak to you your physician before using cinnamon to treat any medical condition.

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

Wound Care and Nutrition

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The nutritional status of a patient plays a large role in their body’s ability undergo wound healing. It requires a higher than normal level of energy and nutrients if it is going to be successful. The body requires an additional 35 calories per kilogram of body weight to help a chronic wound to heal. This will include eating a well-balanced diet that includes protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

For proper wound healing, a well-balanced diet should include 1.5 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds. Keeping hydrated is also very important, eight glasses of water per day should be the minimum and more if the person sweats profusely, has a wound that is draining, or if vomiting and or diarrhea are present. Meals should include meats, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts, seeds, yogurt and dried beans. In some people who have difficulty obtaining proper caloric intake from their daily meals, high protein and high calorie shakes can be used as supplements. Two amino acids, found in foods having protein and that have been identified as having potential to help wound healing are arginine and glutamine.

People with diabetes often have difficulty with wound healing, and this is due to poor circulation, nerve damage which leads to the constant breakdown of healthy tissue components needed to heal, and a higher than normal level of sugar in the blood which can lead to higher rates of infection and causes fluids to be drained from the body. It is therefore very important for a person with diabetes to keep tight control of their disease.
Wound healing also requires additional levels of vitamins and minerals, however care must be taken too not take in more that the daily recommended amounts because this can have a negative effect on the body.

It is important to consult with a physician about how to eat successfully when trying to heal a wound and also a nutritionist who specializes in wound care.

If you have a chronic or non-healing wound, you may be a candidate for Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient Wound Care Center. To schedule an appointment or speak with a clinician, please call 718-670-4542

Employee Spotlight – Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) February Employee Spotlight shines on Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt, ER, RN, Case Manager. Carmen has been an employee at FHMC for 30 years serving as a Case Manager, Registered Nurse and Pediatrics ICU Nurse.

Denise James, Director of the Case Management and Social Work Department, describes Carmen as a “Dedicated, hardworking individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is trustworthy, knowledgeable and shares her knowledge with her fellow case managers. To say that Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt exceeds the expectations of employees at FHMC’s Case Management and Social Work Department would be an understatement.”

Since Carmen is assigned to the Emergency Room, as part of her duties, she provides guidance to the healthcare team on meeting criteria for inpatient hospital stays and coordinating safe discharge plans. She also assists with post hospital-care in addition to providing social support to the patients and families.

As a Case Manager, it is difficult for Carmen to see patients that require further aftercare and cannot afford it or are uninsured. It is during those times that Carmen rises to the occasion and addresses any challenge she is dealing with. Her main concern is making the appropriate decision for anyone entrusted in her care. She is committed to making the best out of any situation.

When not at work Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband of 32 years and her 2 children. She is very active in her church, loves meeting and talking with people and watching TV, especially romantic movies.

“I don’t believe in complaining as my dad always taught and reminded me how blessed I am.” These are words that Carmen lives by.

Congratulations Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt on being February’s Employee Spotlight!

Valentine’s Day at Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Joann Ariola

For Valentine’s Day this year the Food and Nutrition Department handed out Valentine’s Day Teddy Bears to patients throughout the hospital. The patient’s were delighted by their Valentine’s Day surprise. The Food and Nutrition Department set out to prove that you can share some Valentines’ Day sweetness without the chocolate! We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday!