The Importance of Pre-Natal Vitamins

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is so important to both mom and her developing baby.

Eating well-balanced meals should be every expectant mother’s goal, unfortunately, it isn’t always possible. In order to make sure that mother and child are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary, doctors will often prescribe a prenatal vitamin.

One of the key ingredients in a prenatal vitamin is folic acid. This is important because it will help to prevent neural tube defects which lead to abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. It is also important to have the proper amount of vitamin D and calcium as they are important for bone development and growth. If an expectant mom doesn’t have a diet with sufficient quantities of dairy products fortified with vitamin D or other calcium-rich food, then she could consider a supplement containing them.

Prenatal vitamins should contain iron (30 mg), vitamin C (50 mg), zinc (15 mg), copper (2mg), and vitamin B-6 (2mg)

The best way to take prenatal vitamins is starting them before you conceive so there is a proper level of these vitamins and minerals in the body from the very beginning of pregnancy. Continue to take them during the full term of the pregnancy and continue them if you are going to breastfeed.

Prenatal vitamins are not meant to substitute for well-balanced meals but they certainly serve a very important role in keeping mom and her baby healthy. Before you start taking prenatal vitamins you should consult with your physician.

If you would like to make an appointment to see at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Obstetric’s and Gynecology call 718-670-8992 for 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 Fireworks Safety Month. Flushing Hospital Wants You To Be Safe This July 4th.

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Michael Hinck

June is Fireworks Safety Month and with July 4^th holiday approaching, Flushing Hospital Medical Center wants everyone to know the potential dangers associated with these explosives that we so closely associate with Independence Day.

Fireworks are ILLEGAL in New York State, and are extremely dangerous when they are not being used by a professional. They burn at extremely high temperatures and can rapidly burn through clothing and skin. Items such as sparklers are mistakenly thought to be safe, but they are actually quite dangerous.

In states where it is legal to purchase and operate fireworks, please be sure to follow the following safety tips:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under the close supervision of an adult
Never light fireworks indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks in case of fire

This year, have a safe Fourth of July and leave the firework displays to the trained professionals. If you have questions about fireworks displays and safety, you can visit The National Council on Firework Safety webpage at http://www.fireworksafety.org. Take the test and learn just how much you know about fireworks safety.

Employee Spotlight – Lois Pettis, LPN, Office Manager Wound Care Center

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Joann Ariola

This month’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on Lois Pettis, LPN and Office Manager of the Wound Care Program.

Lois has one daughter, Maya Pettis . Being widowed at a young age and having to raise Maya on her own, Lois had to really focus on becoming the sole provider, caretaker and role model for her daughter. She achieved those goals through her deep faith, positive attitude and strong work ethic. Lois believes in leading by example and lead she does! That is why she is quick to beam with pride about the fact that Maya will soon be a graduate of Fordham University.

Originally from North Carolina, Lois and Maya have made their home in Rosedale, Queens where they are deeply involved with their church. In fact, Lois is part of the Nurses Board at the church.

Lois Pettis feels that when you are in the medical profession, your calling is not only to be used when you are at your workplace. “I try to make everyone feel important. That is very important to me- everyone deserves to be made to feel special,” stated Lois. The “personal touch” is what she strives for her patients to feel, in addition to getting excellent health care.

Lois Pettis is a beloved member of the Wound Care Team. A “normal” day for Lois Pettis is never completely normal. Most of her day is spent scheduling patients, meeting with patients, speaking with insurance providers, family members and working on staffing issues.

“Lois is best known for her welcoming smile and gentle nature with our staff and patients. She is an asset to our department and a large part of why our wound care center is so successful” said Fran Pugliese, Director of the Wound Care Center.

When asked what motivates her to do her job so well, Lois answers with a wide smile, “The patients! You have to understand that our patients sometimes come in for treatment multiple times a week. You get to know them, their story and their family members. They become family to us.”

Lois Pettis is a success in both her personal and professional life. She is registered LPN, registrar, billing and coding expert, and will soon start a Master’s program in Hospital Administration.

June is Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally? Cataracts are very common in older adults- in fact; it is estimated that more than 75% of people over the age of 65 will develop cataracts. Although less common, people can develop this medical condition in their forties and fifties as well.

As you age, proteins in the eye begin to break down, causing clouding in the lens and the formation of cataracts. Many who are affected are unaware that this process is occurring because cataracts grow very slowly and does not impede vision during its early stages. There are symptoms that can indicate the development of cataracts. Here are some that you can look out for:

Colors appear faded
Clarity in vision decreases and cannot be corrected with eyeglasses
An increase in sensitivity to light and glare
Halos appearing around lights
Poor night vision
Frequent changes in prescription eyewear
Double vision

Some people are more at risk of developing cataracts than others. These factors increase your risks:

Diabetes
Exposure to prolonged durations of sunlight
Heavy drinking
Smoking
Obesity
Family history
Advanced age
High blood pressure
Previous eye injury or surgery

June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center wants you to know, there are several things you can do to be proactive and slow the progression of cataracts. Eating healthy is a good start. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C has shown to be effective. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the Sun’s UV rays. If you are a smoker- stop smoking and drink in moderation. Early detection can save your eyesight therefore, scheduling routine eye exams is very important.

June is Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The month of June has been recognized as Men’s Health Month. The reason for this designation is to bring awareness of preventable health issues and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases prevalent in men.
The leading causes of death among men are:
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Lung Disease
• Injuries
• Stroke
• HIV/AIDS
Some of the reasons that men tend to have more serious chronic illnesses is because more men than women don’t have health insurance, men tend to have more physically demanding jobs with greater safety risks. Additionally more men smoke than women and they also tend to take greater risks with unsafe behavior.
Women tend to live five years longer than men and one of the reasons for this is that women usually take better care of their health. Men are often guilty of waiting until a disease has progressed to a more serious level before they seek help. There is an old adage that if a man is in a doctor’s waiting room, most likely a woman brought him there for an exam.
During the month of June, organizations across the country hold health awareness campaigns to educate men about various health issues that they may be at risk for and to encourage them to see a doctor regularly. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital is Honored for Services Offered to the Asian Community

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Flushing Hospital

The Chinese American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA) held their annual Asian Heritage Night awards ceremony this year at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event was held to acknowledge and thank the efforts of health care organizations that are committed to improving health in the Asian American community, including Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

This year, Flushing Hospital was recognized for their dedication and commitment to creating a culturally sensitive environment where members of the Asian community can receive the highest quality care. During the ceremony, CAIPA officials presented Flushing Hospital Medical Center with a plaque that stated “In appreciation for your outstanding and culturally sensitive services to the Asian American community.”

Flushing Hospital Medical Center understands the importance of providing quality care for our Asian community, which comprises roughly 35 percent of our patient population. As a result, the hospital has taken many steps to meet the population’s needs, including hiring an ethnically diverse staff to help understand and meet the specific needs of those we serve, (over 200 members of Flushing’s staff are bi-lingual in either Chinese or Korean).

While Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides many services, two specific programs were highlighted

Flushing Hospital’s dedicated Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program for Asian patients allows an otherwise private and cautious portion of our population an opportunity to share their feelings and experiences with Asian mental health professionals who can better understand the issues facing those in the Asian communities. This service designed specifically for the Asian community provides a forum to break down cultural barriers and address subjects that might not be addressed.
Flushing Hospital’s Asian Hospitalists Program provides our Chinese and Korean speaking patients the opportunity to have dedicated Asian hospital-based physicians to oversee their care and address all of their needs in the language they are most comfortable communicating. This program allows for better outcomes as our Asian patients can more effectively share their medical issues directly with a physician who speaks their language, allowing our staff to provide the most appropriate care.

During the event, Flushing Hospital’s efforts were highlighted as part of a ten minute video that featured members of the hospital team including Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO, Dr. Daniel Chen, Assistant Chairman of Mental Health and Dr. Yueting Shang, Coordinator of the Hospitalist Program, who all shared the hospital’s commitment to patient care.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud of their relationship with the Asian American community and will continue to work to meet their healthcare needs and improve the overall wellness of those who depend on us.

Dr. Tips from Yan-Qun Sun, MD

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Yan-Qun Sun, MD is an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Sun specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of injuries and disorders involving the musculoskeletal system, such as hip replacements, arthroscopic surgery, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, ankle and knee and congenital disorders.

With the summer at hand, it is more likely that you will participate in activities enjoyed in the great outdoors such as running, power walking and hiking. There is a risk of obtaining injuries while being physically active. One of the most common injuries that people achieve are ankle sprains. Dr. Sun would like to give you a few tips on how to identify and treat a mildly sprained ankle.

As Dr. Sun described, “An ankle sprain occurs when you have stretched or torn the ligaments in your ankle. This is often caused by making too quick of a movement, which forces the joint out of its normal position.”

Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on how much damage has been done to the ligaments. Typically symptoms include:

Swelling
Bruising
Pain
Stiffness or restricted range of motion
Redness or warmth in the area

If your symptoms are mild you can treat your injury by:

Applying ice- This will help in reducing swelling and pain.
Resting the ankle- This can be done by using crutches and keeping the affected leg elevated.
Taking over the counter (OTC) painkillers- OTC painkillers such as ibuprofen are effective in managing pain and swelling.
Applying compressions- Wrapping your ankle with adhesive bandages or wearing a brace will help reduce swelling and provide protection.

Typically mild sprains tend to last seven to ten days; however, if you are experiencing intense pain, abnormal swelling and are unable to place weight on your ankle, it is likely that your case is severe and needs immediate medical attention.

If left untreated severe ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, chronic pain and early onset arthritis. To reduce the risk of furthering your injury, schedule an appointment with your doctor if symptoms continue past 10 days.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sun at Flushing Hospital Medical Center call 718-521-4206.

Can Practicing Yoga Help Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Practicing yoga can give your overall health an added boost. Studies have found that it is also helpful in fighting hypertension when combined with other methods of management such as a healthy diet, medication and aerobic exercise. Research indicates that on average patients who incorporated yoga into their care management routine saw a notable reduction in their systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number).

It is believed that yoga is an effective complementary treatment for hypertension because it increases and strengthens the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Additionally it can help improve resiliency to stress; a trigger in elevating blood pressure levels.

If you decide to include yoga as a part of your care, it is important to know that not all yoga poses are created equal in high blood pressure management. There are some poses that are helpful and there are others that can be harmful.

Yoga poses that can be beneficial are:

Bridge pose
Posterior stretch pose
Savasana pose
Child pose

Yoga poses that should be avoided or modified include:

Bow pose
Camel pose
Feathered peacock pose
Balasana pose

It is important that you speak with your physician before trying yoga. Your physician will assess your health and advise if you are physically capable. If your doctor has given you the green light, inform your yoga instructor about your hypertension. This information will help in the prevention of injuries or the exacerbation of your medical condition.

World No Tobacco Day at FHMC

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Joann Ariola

May 31, 2017, is World No Tobacco Day. On this day, the World Health Organization (WHO) asks that healthcare providers highlight the negative effects that smoking can have on a person’s health. This year’s theme is “Tobacco – a threat to development.”

Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is participating in World No Tobacco Day by hosting an educational forum on how to quit smoking and the negative effects smoking has on your health. The informational forum was provided for employees, hospital visitors and community members.

To further help those who want to quit, the FHMC Smoking Cessation Team can host classes in both English and Spanish and work out an individualized quit plan the Asian Community to help make the transition from smoker to non-smoker easier.

If you are interested in quitting, you can contact the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Smoking Cessation Navigators. Call 718-670-3146 for more information.

Wound healing Through the Ages

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The earliest records of wound healing techniques date back to 2500 BC from ancient Egypt. Wounds were believed to have a spiritual component back then and so part of the healing process involved using donkey feces to ward off evil spirits. This actually seemed to work owing to an antibacterial effect of the material used. As time passed, wound healing was aided by techniques that provided an antibiotic effect and included the washing of wounds with herbs, minerals, milk, and water. Hippocrates in Greece, around 400 BC described using wine or vinegar as materials needed to cleanse the wound of impurities.
As wound healing progressed it became apparent that a covering might help to protect it from further harm. After the wounds were thoroughly washed, they were dressed in wool that had been boiled in water. Cotton gauze became more widely used around the fifth century BC and was used for centuries until synthetic materials like rayon were developed in the 20th century that were more effective. Also, during the 20th century different materials were developed that were better suited to covering a wound without sticking, allowed for air to penetrate and that also contained substances that promoted quicker healing.
During the 20th century antibacterial dressings were more commonly used to keep the wounds free of bacteria. Interestingly, honey which had been employed for thousands of years was found to still be very effective as a wound healing agent because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Throughout history, many of the wound healing materials were developed on the battlefield. Iodine which was used as an antiseptic was used during WW I to treat gangrenous battlefield wounds and later found its way to the general public.
As advanced as the field of wound healing is today, many of the techniques developed in ancient times are still incorporated in the treatment of wounds today. It is a constantly evolving field of medicine and as wounds become more complex, so do the treatment options.
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.