Today is National HIV Testing Day

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Joann Ariola

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. There are 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States, and one in seven are unaware they have the virus.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center, along with other health organizations is working together to raise awareness about the importance of getting tested and early HIV diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends “that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.”

We are encouraging people to know their status. There are now more ways than ever to get tested.

Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center’s offer HIV testing to the community. For a list of our center’s and contact information, please visit

If a patient tests positive we also provide HIV counseling and treatment. We offer integrated clinical care, social and educational services in a comfortable and caring environment.

To receive more information about National HIV Testing Day and to learn more about the virus, please visit,

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.

Are You Living Your Best Life?

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Joann Ariola

We are all in search of finding ways to live our best life. Often times we base our happiness on when we will have enough money or when a great job comes along or when we find our perfect love match.

That statement begs the question, “Why wait?” Sometimes happiness arrives without any fanfare and we just begin to feel better. That single emotional change can, often times, bring change in the other areas of your life.

Here are a few tips to get you moving toward your goal:

Live a clutter free life at home and in the office.
Learn how to say “no” so that we have more time to say “yes.”
Create a realistic budget you can live within.
Realize the benefits of exercise.
Eat healthy.
Walk more.
Choose friends with a positive outlook.
Don’t take life too seriously.

Recognizing when it is your time to “make it happen” is the key to success. It may be a bit bumpy in the beginning, but everything that is worthwhile is worth working towards. Good Luck!

The History of Hearing Aids

Posted on June 14, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

For hundreds of years devices have been used to help the hearing impaired. As early as the 1600s devices were made from sea shells, animal horns and then, in later years, from brass and copper. These early hearing instruments that were wide at one end to gather the sound and narrow at the other end to direct sound into the ear canal. They were described as ear trumpets because of the way they looked.
In the 1700s it was discovered that sound could be sensed as vibrations on bony surfaces of the skull so devices were placed behind the ear to help transmit these sounds.
In the 1800s devices were created that resembled tubes into which a person spoke at one end and the other end was placed in the ear of the person who was listening.
In the early part of the 20th century devices were developed that began to use electricity. This helped tremendously with the development of hearing devices that could amplify sounds and direct them into people’s ears. Some of the technology used by Alexander Graham Bell for the telephone was also used for these hearing aids. Sounds were amplified by using a carbon microphone and powered by batteries.
Over the years, batteries became smaller and transistors were developed that helped to miniaturize the devices, which improved helped sound quality.
The digital era has improved hearing aids even further both in quality of the sound and the size of the device. Hearing aids are now being used that fit in the ear canal and aren’t easily visible, making people less hesitant to wear them. While years ago hearing aids were used mainly by people who were hard of hearing, now they can be used for people who just need a little help to hear more clearly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty hearing, it is recommended that you speak with a physician who will make a referral to our audiology evaluation department. Please call 718-670-5486

for an appointment.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Joann Ariola

According to the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP), June is recognized by the federal government as National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

More than 38 million people in the United States experience migraines or some type of tension headache with 2 -3 million of them experiencing chronic migraines.

The exact causes of migraines are unknown. People with migraine or tension headaches may have a tendency to be affected by certain triggers such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes and hypertension.

Some symptoms of migraine or tension headaches are:

Throbbing pain, numbness, weakness
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vertigo
Mood changes
Neck pain
Vision changes

Treatment for migraine or tension headaches depends on the how often or how severe the headache is, the level of disability your headache may cause and contributing medical conditions you may have.

Over the counter medications such as anti-nausea or Ibuprofen may help with more minor episodes, but if you are experiencing multiple headaches per month lasting more than 12 hours, over the counter medications aren’t helping and your migraine symptoms include numbness or weakness, it is best to consult your physician.

If you are experiencing painful migraine or tension headaches, the Ambulatory Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center has convenient hours and days of operation. To schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5486.

Meet Sarah Kan

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Joann Ariola

June’s Employee Spotlight shines on Sarah Kan, Executive Receptionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

When you enter the hospital’s lobby, Sarah Kan is the first friendly person you will meet. She is knowledgeable, multi-lingual and always ready to help our patients and visitors.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when the people I have helped come back through the lobby to say ‘thank you’ as they are leaving.” stated Sarah.

Sarah has been a valued employee of the hospital for 7 years and is highly regarded by her co-workers.

Congratulations Sarah!

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type of vinegar in the natural health community today. It is claimed to provide several benefits, many of which are supported by science.

Some benefits include, but not limited to:

Weight loss
Reduced cholesterol
Lower blood sugar
Cooking

For these and other tips about the benefits of apple cider vinegar, visit healthline.com

Memorial Day, the Unofficial Start of Summer

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for many, and while summer brings with it a greater opportunity to spend more time outdoors, it also provides an increased risk for many health-related conditions.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center wants to provide the community with the facts about some health concerns commonly associated with the warm weather months and offer tips on how to avoid them.

Athlete’s Foot – This fungus results in an itchy, burning rash on the feet. Athlete’s foot is more prevalent during the summer months because it loves to spread in warm, wet surfaces, such as on poolside pavement and public showers. Doctors suggest wearing flip flops when in these environments to avoid becoming infected.

Heat Exhaustion – Temperatures during the summer months are higher than any other time of year. When our bodies are exposed to these hot conditions, we need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. When we don’t drink enough, we experience heat exhaustion, which is marked by weakness, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.

Food Poisoning – The increased heat and humidity in the summer are ideal breeding grounds for the growth of bacteria in our food. The next time, you are enjoying food at a picnic or outdoor barbeque, make sure that food is not left out in the heat too long. Also follow food temperature guidelines when grilling meat and poultry.

Skin Infections – Our skin is exposed more during the summer. This increases the risk of sustaining a cut that can develop into an infection. The most common place for this to occur is at the beach, when bacteria in the sand or water can enter a cut and lead to a potentially serious infection. If you get cut, be sure to wash it immediately with soap and water and monitor it for early signs of infection.

Ear Infection / Swimmer’s Ear – Naturally, we spend more time swimming in pools or in the ocean during the summer than any other time of year. The additional moisture in the ear from spending time in the water can help facilitate the growth of bacteria, which can lead to an infection. To prevent excess moisture build-up, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming.

Flushing Hospital wants those in our community to enjoy everything that the next few months has to offer. By taking these extra precautions, you can only increase your chances of having a healthy, fun-filled summer.

The Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusers

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Joann Ariola

It’s no secret that natural living can be beneficial to your health. If you are already living more naturally, you probably know the advantages of using an essential oil diffuser, but if you are just beginning to use essential oils, here are some of their many benefits.

An essential oil diffuser is also known as an aromatherapy diffuser. It disperses essential oils into the air and fills the area with a natural fragrance.

One of the best known uses for essential oils is their ability to assist you in unwinding after a tough day. Oils such as chamomile, lavender and clary sage in a diffuser can give you a much needed break from the stress of the day and help you sleep.

Many other essential oils, such as peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, sage, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon and thyme are anti-microbial and when introduced into the air in vapor form, can be a great way to keep a cold or flu away.

These essential oils can also be used to boost your immune system and diffusers double as humidifiers to help keep your airways moist causing you to breathe easier and be less susceptible to germs.

There are even claims that diffused oils such as ginger, chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, clary sage, rosemary, pine and bergamot can be helpful in soothing headaches, sore joints and overworked muscles, as well as being a way to super-charge your brain cells.

These are only some of the many benefits of using an essential oil diffuser. To any one of you individually, the benefits may vary, but since we always put safety first, using essential oil diffusers is a safer option than lit candles or burning incense.

How Can I Prepare For My OB/GYN Appointment?

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Joann Ariola

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in a woman’s reproductive health. An obstetrician is a doctor who cares for a woman during her pregnancy and immediately after the baby is born. The majority of doctors that specialize in women’s health care specialize in both disciplines.

Since your ob/gyn will handle some of the most important health related issues in your life, it is important that you have a trusting rapport with them. There may be issues that you find embarrassing or sensitive to discuss and you want to know that you can trust the doctor that is treating you.

Most of the anxiety can be averted if you find a doctor you like, coordinate your appointment with friends and make it an annual event, research the examination method used by ob/gyn’s and prepare to be straight forward with tough issues you may be experiencing as well as being open about your bedroom behavior.

Some of the health issues your ob/gyn may address are:

Pregnancy
Reproductive health
Childbirth
Birth control
Menopause
Cancer screening
Infection treatment
Surgery for the pelvic organ
Treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI)

Since we’ve already established that preparing what you want to discuss ahead of time will relieve some of the pressure of the impending appointment; there may be some questions you may want to ask as well, such as:

Do you accept my health insurance?
At what hospital do you have privileges?
Do you have convenient office hours?
If you are not available, what is your covering physician plan?

If you are thinking of making an appointment with an ob/gyn and would like to speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718-670-8989 for an appointment.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Joann Ariola

May has been designated National Arthritis Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital, along with the Arthritis Foundation want to raise awareness about conquering this disease.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. It is not a single disease, but a grouping of conditions that affect joint pain. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. While arthritis can affect both men and women, it is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go and can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years but may progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain and inability to do daily activities. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-rays. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.

To learn more about arthritis, visit

If you think you have arthritis and would like to schedule an appointment, please call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718- 670-5486.