Flushing Hospital Achieves Surgical Review Corporation’s Center of Excellence Accreditation

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center recently earned accreditation from SRC (Surgical Review Corporation) as a Center of Excellence in four areas of specialization: minimally invasive surgery, hernia surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, and robotic surgery. This accreditation recognizes Flushing Hospital’s commitment to and high standard of delivering quality patient care and safety.

SRC is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet its proven standards. Receiving status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that Flushing Hospital has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all organizations or healthcare providers pursue accreditation, and among those who do, not all meet the standards to earn it.

Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

Earning the distinction as an SRC Center of Excellence is a testament to Flushing Hospital’s utilization of advanced surgical technologies, application of proven methodologies, and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

“We’re proud to recognize Flushing Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

“Flushing Hospital has been designated a center of excellence in robotic, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, minimally invasive general surgery, bariatric, and hernia surgery. We recently underwent the rigorous Center of Excellence review and certification, providing our data and outcomes, and have demonstrated that we are among the best in the world. We are proud of our surgical team and look forward to continuing to provide the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Noman Khan, Chairman of Robotic Surgery.

Flushing Hospital, a trusted healthcare institution in Queens, New York, excels in providing high-quality surgical care. In addition to receiving accreditation as an SRC Center of Excellence, Flushing Hospital has received a Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence award from Healthgrades. The hospital is also accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), which recognizes that Flushing Hospital meets the highest quality standards for patient safety and quality of care. The hospital also boasts a high-performing robotic surgery division. Robotic surgeons at Flushing Hospital are board-certified or board-approved and have performed countless procedures with outstanding success rates.

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.

Should You Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Brushing and flossing are the most important measures for supporting your oral health. However, rinsing with mouthwash as an addition to these oral health care practices is a simple way to get more out of your dental hygiene routine.

There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic.

Therapeutic mouthwash usually contains active ingredients that fight off harmful bacteria, help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. If they have fluoride, they can also help prevent tooth decay.

Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in your mouth, but they do not help prevent cavities or gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush can’t, which can help reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, the American Academy of Periodontology notes that untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss, but using mouthwash can help boost your prevention efforts.

Using mouthwash has many benefits, including:

It freshens your breath
It reduces plaque
It prevents gingivitis
It prevents cavities
It promotes overall dental health

Mouthwash can enhance your oral care routine. However, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference. However, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product’s ingredients, so it is important to check the label on your product to ensure that you maximize its effects.

It is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. If you would like to receive a checkup, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine by calling (718) 670-5521.

Check Your Meds Day

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Pills Spilling From Bottle National Check Your Meds Day is a day dedicated to reviewing your medications for safety and accuracy.

If you peek inside your medicine cabinet, there is a good chance it contains a few expired or unnecessary prescription medications. It is probably a good idea to discard them, but what is the right way to do so?

Disposing of these medications, whether they are expired antibiotics or pain meds that are no longer needed, is very important because they can be harmful if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for.

While most medicines can be thrown in the household trash, many others have specific disposal instructions, such as immediately flushing them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Only flush prescription drugs that specifically note to do so, as there is evidence that certain medications can be harmful to the water supply.

If you are uncomfortable flushing or disposing of your meds, another option is participating in local drug “take-back” programs, where they can be turned in and properly disposed of.

If no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash using these tips:

• Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to protect your identity and privacy.

• Do not give your medicine to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on your specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist. You can also check with your local government officials about drug take-back events in your community.

Chair Exercises for Older Adults

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity can reduce not only the risk of heart disease but also cognitive decline. It can also help you to sustain your ability to perform everyday activities. Maintaining physical fitness as we age becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. However, for many older adults, high-impact workouts may not be suitable or comfortable, especially if they have challenges with balance or mobility.

Fortunately, engaging in seated or standing chair-based exercises has many health benefits that can help older adults stay active safely.

Doing chair-based exercises offers many health benefits to older adults, including:

Improved flexibility
Improved balance
Improved stamina and endurance
Helps build strength
Helps burn calories
Helps maintain muscle mass
Contributes to weight management

Some seated chair-based exercises include:

Seated leg extensions
Pelvic tilts
Seated calf raises
Toe raises
Shoulder blade squeezes
Thigh squeezes
Arm raises
Bicep curls
Seated marches
Side bend stretches
Seated shoulder stretches
Seated hamstring stretches
Seated neck rotations
Sit-to-stands
Knee extensions
Seated torso twists

Some standing chair-based exercises include:

Standing leg curls
Chair planks
Standing side leg raises
Calf raises
Standing marches
Standing torso twists

Older adults should aim to do chair-based exercises regularly. It is recommended to engage in these exercises at least two to three times a week to maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits.

Whether you are looking to maintain your current level of fitness or start a new journey towards better health, these chair-based exercises offer a safe and effective way to achieve your goals.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Harnessing AI in Stroke Care

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Abigail Hasan

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we are committed to bringing the latest innovations in stroke care to our patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing an important role, helping us improve both the speed of treatment and the quality of recovery.

One of the technologies we use to speed up stroke diagnosis is Aidoc, an advanced AI system that reviews CT scans in real time to detect strokes caused by clots or bleeding in the brain.

By alerting our stroke team immediately, Aidoc reduces delays and supports rapid decisions for clot-busting medication or thrombectomy. This ensures that more patients can receive life-saving treatment within the critical “golden hour.” The “golden hour” in stroke refers to the first 60 minutes after symptoms arise. This is a critical time because prompt medical intervention can greatly minimize brain damage and enhance recovery outcomes.

Flushing Hospital is a certified Primary Stroke Center, a recognition that highlights our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care for stroke patients. By integrating advanced AI technology with compassionate care, our hospital continues to excel in enhancing outcomes for stroke patients in our community.

National Primary Care Week

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

National Primary Care Week is celebrated from October 6^th through October 11^th. It is a time to raise awareness about family medicine and to thank the doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and healthcare teams who help keep us healthy every day.

Primary care is the first stop you make when you’re sick, require a checkup, or have any questions about your health. These are the family doctors, pediatricians, or nurse practitioners who know you best and help you to stay healthy, catch problems early, and guide you when you need more care. They don’t just treat you when you are ill; they help keep you well.

Primary care providers do more than administer shots or check blood pressure. They listen to a patient’s concerns, help manage long-term conditions such as diabetes or asthma, and refer you to specialists when needed. They also help with mental health, food and housing needs, and other factors that may affect your well-being.

Here are some ways you can participate in National Primary Care Week:

Schedule a checkup if you haven’t had one in a while
Update your health records to make sure your healthcare provider has your latest information
Thank your doctor or nurse for the care they give
Learn more about what your primary care provider can do for you
Talk to family and friends about the importance of having a primary care provider

If you would like to receive a checkup, you can receive treatment from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How Having a Sedentary Job Contributes to a Higher Risk of Insomnia

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to a study published on January 7^th, 2025, by the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, people with sedentary jobs, an estimated 80% of the workforce, have a much higher risk of experiencing insomnia compared with people who are active at work. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A sedentary job is any job that requires an employee to sit for about six hours of an eight-hour workday.

Researchers surveyed nearly 1,300 people twice over a span of ten years, inquiring about their job schedules and physical activity levels while at work. They also asked about the participants’ sleep habits, identifying three sleep health categories: good sleepers, insomnia-like sleepers, and catch-up sleepers.

Good sleepers are people who exhibit optimal sleep patterns, such as regular sleep cycles with low levels of daytime tiredness.

Insomnia-like sleepers are people who experience short sleep cycles and higher levels of daytime fatigue.

Catch-up sleepers fall between both groups and often rely on naps or extra weekend sleep to compensate for irregular sleeping patterns.

Compared to active work, sedentary work was 37% likely to lead to a variety of insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and frequent daytime tiredness. The findings of the study also indicated that workers who fall into a pattern of poor sleep due to their job design (defined as elements such as the amount of technology used at work, levels of physical activity, and work schedules, and specifically the time of day when the employee works) can end up stuck in such unhealthy patterns for many years. Insomnia-like sleepers, for example, reported their symptoms persisted ten years later, at the end of the study.

Those experiencing insomnia may have the following symptoms:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
Feeling cranky, depressed, or anxious
Having a hard time paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering
Making more errors or having more accidents
Having ongoing worries about sleep

If you are experiencing insomnia, there are several ways you can improve your sleep, including:

Taking short breaks throughout the day to move
Unplugging smartphones and computers two hours before bedtime
Using light exposure to readjust your circadian rhythms if you work a night shift

If you are experiencing symptoms of insomnia, you can learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October 5th-11th is observed as Mental Illness Awareness Week, with World Mental Health Day being celebrated on October 10th.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is at the forefront of advocating for those who are struggling with their mental health. NAMI’s goals are to raise awareness of mental illnesses, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Through NAMI’s advocacy, Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week, as the need to raise awareness and address mental health challenges was recognized.

Mental Illness Awareness Week has become a time when mental health advocates across the country come together as one unified voice to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health.

Millions of people live with a mental illness. One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition annually. Mental illness not only affects the person who has the illness, but it also affects everyone around them, such as their friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them.

No one should face their mental health challenges alone. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

One-sided Headaches

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

A headache is a feeling of pain that can occur in the head, face, or neck.

Headaches can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary headaches occur independently and are not caused by any underlying medical conditions. In contrast, secondary headaches are triggered by other health issues.

Headaches can be further classified based on their location, intensity, duration, and frequency.

It is common for people to experience headaches on just one side of the head. Types of headaches that are more likely to occur on one side of the head (left or right) include cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches, SUNCT headache, or Hemicrania continua.

Throbbing and persistent pain on one side of the head, particularly in the temples, can also be a sign of temporal arteritis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the neck and head.

Other potential causes of left or right-sided headaches are:

Neurological conditions
Stroke
Environmental triggers such as bright light or changes in temperature
Allergies
Sinusitis
Stress
Hormonal changes
Medication side effects
Teeth grinding
Anxiety disorders
Trauma (Head Injury)
Aneurysm
Genetics

Most headaches will resolve on their own. However, if you have a headache that persists or occurs frequently, it is important to see a doctor. If the pain is sudden and severe, or accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, or fainting, this may indicate a serious condition, and you should go to your nearest emergency room.

If you need help managing your headaches, please schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein sometimes found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.

When a person has celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in the small intestines. The immune system sends inflammatory cells and antibodies to destroy the gluten molecules. Over time, this reaction can damage the lining of the small intestine, which prevents it from absorbing nutrients. This condition is called malabsorption. It can also lead to malnutrition and many other conditions that follow from the lack of different nutrients.

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. They can also be different in children and adults. Digestive symptoms for adults include:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Belly pain
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation

However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, including:

Anemia
Osteoporosis
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Mouth ulcers
Headaches and fatigue
Nervous system injury, including numbness, tingling in the feet and hands, as well as possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment
Joint pain
Hyposplenism
Elevated liver enzymes

Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including

Nausea and vomiting
Chronic diarrhea
Swollen belly
Constipation
Gas
Pale, foul-smelling stools

For children who aren’t able to absorb nutrients, it may cause:

Failure to thrive in infants
Damage to tooth enamel
Weight loss
Anemia
Irritability
Short stature
Delayed puberty
Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures

Celiac disease is most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. It is estimated to affect 1% of the populations of Europe and North America. A person has a 10% chance of developing the disease if they have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or child, who has it. About 97% of people diagnosed with celiac disease have a recognizable gene variant associated it with it.

A person’s genes, combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors, can contribute to celiac disease. However, the precise cause isn’t known. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional distress.

Several risk factors cause celiac disease to be more common in people who have:

A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
Type 1 diabetes
Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Turner syndrome
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Microscopic colitis
Addison’s disease

Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. However, two blood tests can help diagnose it:

Serology testing
Genetic testing

It is important to be tested for celiac disease before trying a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from your diet might make the results of the blood tests appear in the standard range.

The first and most important step in treating and the only way to manage celiac disease, is to stop eating gluten and adopt a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. You can’t change the way your body reacts to gluten, but you can prevent gluten from triggering a reaction. Additional treatments may include:

Nutritional supplements
Specific medications
Corticosteroids
Continuous follow-up care

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or dietitian at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.