Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means there is increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer, which can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

- Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

- Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet

- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

- Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

- Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wearing a hat and sunglasses

- Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside out

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are experiencing symptoms of a summer skin condition, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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.

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is in full swing, so most of our time will be spent outside doing various activities. However, there are many health concerns to consider.

Here are some summer health concerns and how to prevent them:

The human body is made of up to 78% of water, and when it doesn’t get enough, it can’t function properly. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and fatal. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated. You can do this by drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Staying properly hydrated can also prevent kidney stones.

Sunburns occur when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a radiation burn on the skin. Sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and can also lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection from severe burns. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide every day, even on overcast days. Make sure to cover your entire body, including your ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, and, if exposed, the top of your feet.

Spending time in the sun doesn’t only bring the risks of sunburn and dehydration. It also brings the risk of heat illnesses, including:

Heat rash- a red stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur when you sweat so much that your body loses salts and fluids.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

To prevent heat illnesses, limit the time you spend outdoors. Also, take any symptoms you observe in yourself and others seriously.

Insects are more active during the summer, which means there’s a higher risk of encountering them. Especially for:

Bee stings
Mosquito bites
Tick bites
Ant bites

To prevent bugs from stinging or biting you, wear an insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Other ways to prevent stings and bites include:

Avoid using scented products.
Drain any standing water.
Put on protective clothing.
Don’t leave any food uncovered outside.

We want to spend more time near water to cool off as temperatures rise. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid drowning risks. Here are some ways to prevent drowning risks:

Learn CPR
Use drain covers on pool drains.
Wear life jackets
Sign up for swimming lessons.

Everybody loves a good summer barbecue or cookout, but sometimes the food we eat doesn’t always love us back. The smoking process that gives smoked meats their flavor also creates harmful substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs and heterocyclic amines or HCAs. The National Cancer Institute warns that PAHs and HCAs are mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes to your DNA that put you at risk for certain types of cancer. You can prevent ingesting these harmful substances by using liquid smoke as an alternative marinade for your meats. Foodborne illness can be a concern for cookout food as well. This is the case for food left out or leftover sitting in the “temperature danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures allow bacteria to grow that can make you sick. You can prevent foodborne illness by cooking meats to a safe temperature and throwing any food that has sat out too long in the trash.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen is a huge problem in the summer as the weather gets warmer and trees, grass, and flowers pollinate. To prevent seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medications before the season starts so your body can build its defense.

These preventative measures can help you enjoy your summer and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Skin Products that Increase Sensitivity to UV Rays

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is upon us, and with it comes days with increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can put you at risk of skin damage and skin cancer, even with limited exposure.

Using certain skin products can increase our skin’s exposure and sensitivity to harmful UV rays. When a person has heightened skin sensitivity or an unusual reaction to UV radiation from sunlight, it is called photosensitivity.

There are two types of photosensitivity reactions: phototoxic and photoallergic.

A phototoxic photosensitivity reaction is the most common reaction, usually occurring when a medication taken orally or topically is activated by UV light, causing skin damage that can look and feel like a sunburn or rash. It can also be triggered by certain ingredients in skin care products. The reaction can happen within minutes or after hours of exposure and is usually limited to the skin that has been exposed.

Photoallergic photosensitivity is much less common and occurs when UV rays interact with ingredients in medicines or other products that are applied directly to the skin. The body’s immune system recognizes changes caused by sun exposure as an external threat, triggering a reaction, causing the body to generate antibodies and attacks. This reaction can leave a rash, blisters, red bumps, or even oozing lesions one to three days after application and sun exposure.

A person can develop photosensitivity as a result of prescription or over-the-counter medications or when using certain types of skin care products.

Certain ingredients in skin care products we use to take care of our skin, such as retinols, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, remove the outermost layer of skin to fight lines or acne. Skin brighteners like vitamin C may decrease the melanin, the substance in the skin that serves as a natural defense against the sun’s rays, causing photosensitivity and increasing the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure.

You can avoid the risk of photosensitivity when using retinol by:

Only using retinol at night

Avoid daily use, unless your skin has built up a tolerance to it

Condition your skin to retinol by gradually increasing the strength and frequency at which you are using it

Stop using it during the hot summer months when spending time outside, and seven or more days before and after a vacation at the beach

Not using retinol at all if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

As an alternative, use bio-retinol, which contains botanical ingredients and has the same benefits as retinol.

Instead of using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, use products containing beta hydroxy acids as they are sun-friendly alternatives.

There are several ways to protect your skin from photosensitive sun damage due to UV radiation exposure, including:

Taking care of your skin by shielding it from the sun on sunny days
Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin, and not forgetting the back of the hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours
Minimizing your exposure to UV radiation, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm
Checking your skin monthly and visiting a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam

Understanding what photosensitivity is and what causes it can help you protect your skin and limit exposure to UV radiation.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of skin damage from photosensitivity, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Older Americans Month- Mobility Exercises as You Age

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Older Americans Month. It is a time when the contributions of older adults are recognized across the country.

As we get older, our joints may feel stiffer, and our balance and reactions might be slower. According to recent studies, over 30% of adults 65 years of age and older experience some form of mobility limitation.

Mobility for older adults usually means the ability to move freely and independently. It’s all about different aspects of activities and movement like walking, bending, reaching, and balancing.

For older adults, balance is extremely important, and those with limited mobility are at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year.

One way to reduce the risk of falling is by doing mobility exercises. Mobility exercises are low-impact movements that are designed to improve how joints move through their natural range of motion, while maintaining control and balance.

Mobility exercises promote active movement and coordination, and usually focus on:

Balance and coordination to prevent falls

The ankles and feet for walking stability

The hips and knees for standing, stepping, and going up and down stairs

The spine for posture and reaching

The shoulders for overhead and daily arm use

Doing mobility exercises regularly may help support:

Better balance and control of posture

Reduced stiffness from long periods of sitting

Easier walking and smoother transitions, such as going from sitting to standing and turning

Improved confidence when engaging in daily tasks

Long-term joint comfort and movement quality

Here are some mobility exercises to help improve joint movement, balance, and coordination:

Head rolls

Shoulder rolls

Arm circles

Ankle circles

Standing or seated hip circles

Standing or seated marches

Wrist flexibility exercises

Standing side leg swings

Heel-to-toe rocking

Sit-to-stands

Chair or floor cat-cows

Seated leg raises

Seated torse twists

Supported single-leg stands

Wall shoulder slides

It is important to note that you should stretch before engaging in any physical activity, so you don’t injure yourself. It is also important that you keep mobility training safe and effective by:

Moving slowly and with control

Using a chair, wall, or rail for support

Staying within a comfortable, pain-free range

Wearing supportive footwear

Stopping if dizziness, sharp pain, or discomfort occurs

Mobility exercises don’t just help maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls. They also help improve your mental well-being, heart health, and overall quality of life.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure. Following your doctor’s post-operation instructions and making healthy lifestyle changes are essential to avoiding complications and achieving long-term weight loss success.

Patients should expect to have a new lifestyle that combines healthy eating, exercise, and attending regular visits with their healthcare providers. They should also consider these dos and don’ts after bariatric surgery:

What you should do after bariatric surgery:

- Eat slowly and chew food well

- Aim to drink 64oz of fluids daily, taking small sips

- Eat 60g or more of protein daily, starting every meal with it

- Make fruits and vegetables the priority of your diet

- Start walking for five minutes every hour after surgery

- Aim for a goal of 30 minutes of exercise daily after it is allowed to do so

- Take all medications and supplements as prescribed, they will need to be taken for the rest of your lifetime

What you shouldn’t do after bariatric surgery:

- Skip any meals

- Eat red meat early in recovery

- Engage in any strenuous activities

- Lift any objects over 10 lbs. for the first four to six weeks after surgery

- Eat fast food

- Eat or drink anything with natural sugar

- Drink liquids within 30 minutes after eating

- Eat bread, rice, pasta, bagels, or dumplings

- Allow yourself to get too hungry

- Take a bath or go swimming for two weeks after surgery

- Smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol

- Eat snacks loaded with empty calories

- Get pregnant for 12 to 18 months after surgery

- Stop taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing and life-altering event for those who are trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Making diet changes, modifying exercise routine, and following the guidelines set by your healthcare provider and surgical team can lead you to long-term success.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Home Devices to Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than just the joints. This condition can damage several of the body’s systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels, causing symptoms, including:

Pain

Swelling

Tenderness in more than one joint

Joint stiffness

Fatigue

Weakness

Fever

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis helps maintain or improve joint function, as its most important goal is to reduce joint pain and swelling. Treatment options include:

Medications, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids

Physical or occupational therapy

In cases of severely damaged joints, surgery, such as knee replacement, hip replacement, and other surgeries that correct a deformed joint.

A healthcare provider may also suggest rheumatoid arthritis-friendly gadgets or assistive devices, which can be found at a pharmacy or medical supply store, online, or at home, which can help ease the strain on your joints, help make daily tasks easier, and help you regain your independence, such as:

Assistive devices that help you when getting dressed:

- Long-handled shoehorns

- Slide-in shoes

- Sock aids, which help you put on and remove your socks

- Clothes fasteners

- Long-handled combs with a coated grip

- Pull-on or front-closure bras

- Bracelet buddies

- Elastic-waisted pants

- Elastic shoelaces

Assistive devices for personal care:

- Electric toothbrushes and flossers

- Easy-open medication bottles

- Soap and shampoo pump bottles

- Wash mitts

- Shower safety aids, such as a handlebar or a stool

- Blow dryer holder

- Cosmetic tools with longer, fatter handles and silicone or foam grips

Assistive devices to help you in the kitchen:

- Lightweight two-handled pots and pans

- Adaptive utensils

- Wash mitts

- Jar and bottle openers

- Rocking T knives

- Milk carton holders

- Automatic vegetable peelers

- Grabbers

Assistive devices for shopping:

- Motorized shopping carts

- Grabbers

- Reusable shopping bags

Assistive devices for driving:

- Steering wheel grips

- Key holders

- Beaded seat covers

- Panoramic or wide-angle rear and side-view mirrors

- Seatbelt extenders

- Handybars

Assistive devices for hobbies and leisure activities:

- Padded fingerless gloves

- Easy action scissors

- Playing card holders

- Bookrest pillows

- A grippy cellphone case and PopSockets

Assistive devices for walking:

- Wheelchairs and electric scooters

- Canes and walkers

- Knee braces and splints

Assistive devices for work:

- Ergonomic desk and chair

- Adaptive computer equipment

- Pens and pencils with a wider grip

- Headset or earbuds

- Speech-to-text

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can affect even the simplest daily tasks. Utilizing assistive devices can help improve the quality of life for those suffering from this disorder.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Sore Throat Vs. Strep Throat

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A sore throat and strep throat may feel similar. However, they are not the same thing.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, and will go away in about a week or so. A sore throat can also stem from a bacterial infection. When this occurs, it is known as strep throat, which is caused by an infection from the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Symptoms of strep throat will last much longer than those caused by viral infections

Allergies, a dry environment, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can also cause sore throats.

When you have a sore throat, the inside of your mouth, throat, and lymph nodes around the neck and head become inflamed and swollen. You may also notice that the inside of your mouth appears to be red from the inflammation. Other symptoms of a sore throat include:

Dryness
Hoarseness
Painful swallowing
Scratchy feeling in the throat

Symptoms of strep throat, on the other hand, can seem similar; however, the difference is that there are tiny red spots called petechiae on the roof of your mouth or white patches on your tonsils, which are the usual signs of a strep throat infection. Other symptoms of strep throat include:

Painful swallowing
Swollen lymph nodes and/or tonsils
Fever
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Rash
Stomach pain

There are many ways to relieve the pain caused by a sore throat, including:

Gargling with salt water
Hot tea
Honey
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen
Ice chips or popsicles
Using a humidifier to add cool mist to the air
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking plenty of water
Lozenges

It is important to note that you should never give honey to children under one year old or lozenges to children under the age of four.

The same treatments used for a normal sore throat can be used to soothe a sore throat caused by a strep throat infection. However, the best treatment for strep throat is prescribed antibiotics as they are necessary to effectively treat a strep throat infection and prevent complications.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Can Noroviruses Lead to Digestive Disorders?

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus is the leading cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S., and approximately 685 million cases are reported globally each year. Of that estimate, over 200 million cases affect children.

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious.

Most norovirus outbreaks occur between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called acute gastroenteritis, which typically presents with norovirus-like symptoms. Symptoms of norovirus include:

Nausea

Watery or loose diarrhea

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Headache

Fever

Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days. However, symptoms of the infection may last longer in the elderly, young children, and those who are immunocompromised.

These groups are especially at risk of longer norovirus infections, as the virus can still be present in their stool, which causes chronic norovirus diarrhea and other severe complications.

Norovirus infection, like other gastrointestinal pathogens, can cause a range of sequelae, a condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury, and complications. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, there has been some evidence linking norovirus infections to sequelae, including post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study analyzed an outbreak of severe gastroenteritis attributed to foodborne human norovirus (HNoV), which showed that the prevalence of IBS was significantly higher in subjects who had experienced acute gastroenteritis than in control subjects.

Another study that followed individuals from a massive outbreak of viral gastroenteritis also suggests that HNoV gastroenteritis can lead to the development of post-infectious IBS in a substantial proportion of patients.

In addition to the two previous studies, another study presented that the risk of dyspepsia, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was higher among those who had acute gastroenteritis during a confirmed norovirus outbreak. This study suggests that dysmotility, a condition in which the muscles and/or nerves of the digestive system do not work as they should, may result in subsequent infections. It is important to note that these findings have not been confirmed.

The norovirus is extremely difficult to kill as it can’t easily be washed away and can survive temperatures up to 145°F. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands vigorously with soap, cleaning any infected areas with diluted bleach, and washing infected clothes with hot water and detergent. The CDC also recommends wearing gloves and throwing them out after cleaning, which adds to your protection.

There are also many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them

Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature

Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

Mouth Tape

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Snoring is a condition that many people suffer from. They try different methods to try to prevent themselves or their loved ones from snoring.

One method that has become a popular trend on TikTok, which is used as a quick fix to stop snoring, is mouth taping. Mouth taping is the act of taping the mouth shut with medical-grade, skin-safe adhesive tape, so the wearer is forced to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth.

The theory behind mouth taping is that it helps you breathe better through your nose, which is considered healthier than mouth breathing. Breathing through your nose while you sleep has several benefits, as it may help:

Lower your blood pressure

Improve oxygen levels

Trap and filter out allergens found in the air

Humidify and warm the air you breathe

Moisturize and soothe sore throats

Improve bad breath and oral health

Improve snoring

Improve dry mouth

Develop structural improvements to your jawline

However, taping your mouth shut can be more harmful than good, as there are many potential risks and complications, such as:

Difficulty breathing

Redness, irritation, or allergic reactions on your lips and skin

Difficulty falling and staying asleep

Increased anxiety if you don’t like the feeling of having your mouth taped shut or have trouble breathing through your nose

If you have always been a mouth breather, these complications may become increasingly difficult, and you can have a hard time adjusting to mouth tape.

It is recommended never to use mouth tape if you have:

Heart issues

Nasal obstruction

Nasal congestion

Sinus infections

Chronic allergies

Deviated septum

Enlarged tonsils

For individuals who are already struggling with conditions such as nasal obstruction or chronic allergies, having their mouth taped closed forces them to rely on only their nose for air, which can potentially lead to severe respiratory distress, significant drops in oxygen levels, and exacerbation of underlying health issues during sleep.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough scientific evidence that shows that mouth tape works to stop snoring. The problem is that there are so few studies on mouth tape, and those that exist are focused on very small populations.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a small study showed that 30 people snored less after mouth taping. However, another study of 36 people with asthma showed no signs of change in their condition after mouth taping. What’s more, a study in 2022 revealed that 10 participants struggled with a phenomenon called mouth puffing, where they continued to try mouth breathing even after their mouths had been taped shut.

Despite some people using mouth tape for snoring and sleep apnea, it is ill-advised to do so. Instead, there are many safer methods to use to stop snoring, such as:

Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), an Inspire device, or an oral appliance if you have sleep apnea

Sleeping on your side instead of your back

Taking decongestants to help relieve congestion

Using nasal strips to improve airflow

If you are having trouble sleeping, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

A.I. Therapy

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare services through telehealth and telemedicine was implemented to help limit the spread of the virus. It was also used for those who were using mental health services, as that time was very lonely and isolated for many people.

A 2020 review published in BMC Public Health concluded that telehealth improved the delivery of healthcare during the pandemic, minimizing COVID-19 transmission and potentially reducing morbidity and deaths.

Telehealth is a way to receive healthcare services remotely through electronic devices such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. These telehealth services can come in various forms, including:

Live video or audio appointments

Secured text messaging with a healthcare provider

Remote devices that allow a healthcare provider to track blood sugar

Today, many people use telehealth to get support for any mental health challenges they may be experiencing. Unfortunately, obtaining professional mental health support can be challenging as there is a shortage of mental healthcare providers. There is also the daunting task of searching for and finding the right one. This has caused many people to turn to A.I. therapy.

A.I. therapy uses artificial intelligence to support mental health through chatbots, digital therapy apps, and A.I.-driven counseling tools.

Many American adults, 22% in fact, have found some relief by using mental health chatbots as a therapeutic tool.

There are many possible reasons why people are turning to A.I. therapy as a viable option to address their mental health, including:

Accessibility

Affordability

Anonymity

There are many A.I. therapy platforms. They include:

CBT-focused chatbots that use meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that offer personalized recommendations and crisis support

Skill-building apps that teach CBT skills, provide personalized recommendations, and collect user data to improve the experience

Self-guided wellness platforms that combine A.I. chatbots with emotion tracking, journaling, and self-directed therapeutic exercises

Mood tracking apps that allow users to track their moods and symptoms, while sometimes receiving self-care recommendations

Conversational A.I. companions that provide daily support through advanced A.I. and adapt to the user’s needs. It is typically aimed at mild anxiety or overthinking, with CBT-focused conversations

A.I. can be a promising tool for enhancing mental healthcare, but it can’t replace personalized mental healthcare.

Although A.I. therapy can’t replace human therapists, it could be a helpful supplement for those who may need additional support, along with therapy.

There are several reasons why A.I. therapy might be helpful, including:

24/7 availability due to A.I. chatbots being able to provide additional support outside of therapy sessions and holidays

Affordability of A.I. therapy provides a low-cost way to get support outside of sessions

Discretion of A.I. therapy helping people explore mental health support in a low- pressure, judgment-free way

While A.I. therapy may have some benefits for those seeking support with their mental health, it also poses several potential risks, including:

It can cause A.I.-induced psychosis

It can give unsafe advice and misinformation

It engages in sycophantic behavior by validating a user’s emotions, which can be dangerous if they have suicidal ideation, delusions, mania, or hallucinations

There is a lack of human connection and empathy: A user might take a self-assessment without human input that can lead to false reassurance or dangerous delays in getting help. A.I. can miss nonverbal cues, and a user may take its output as definitive

A.I. therapy can offer those who are seeking support with their mental health a convenient way to do so. However, effective mental healthcare should be safe and provided by trained, human mental health professionals.

If you or a loved one needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.