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.

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.

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.

“Razor Blade Throat” Covid Variant

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The latest COVID-19 variant, NB. 1.8.1 or “Nimbus”, has been rapidly spreading in the U.S. and is associated with a severe symptom, a sore throat described as “razor blade throat”.

Since it was first discovered in the U.S. in March, NB.1.8.1 has become the nation’s dominant strain of COVID-19. It accounted for an estimated 43% of cases in June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID-19 viruses bind to ACE2 receptors that are found on the surface of cells. Cells in the upper airway (nose and throat) have more ACE2 receptors than those in the lower airway and lungs do, making them prime targets for Omicron variants, which bind to these receptors more strongly. Research suggests that of all the variants circulating now, Nimbus binds to ACE2 receptors the most.

Once the virus reaches those cell receptors in and around your throat, the immune system kicks into overdrive to keep the virus at bay, causing inflammation, fluid buildup, redness, and swelling.

If you do experience an intense sore throat, experts recommend several remedies, including:

Honey
Cough drops
Throat spray
Gargling with salt water
Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you do catch COVID, you may experience other common symptoms besides a sore throat, such as:

Fever or chills
Cough
Congestion or a runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Most healthy people will recover from COVID without treatment. However, experts still recommend talking to a healthcare provider if you test positive. Even if you are not at risk of severe illness, treatment from a healthcare provider may be able to lower your risk of long COVID.

If you are experiencing symptoms of N.B.1.8.1, such as a “razor blade throat”, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

How to Clean Excess Earwax from Your Ears

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent your body produces. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. It usually works out of the ears naturally through chewing and other jaw motions and movement of the cells in the ear canal.

Sometimes, wax can build up in the ear canal, affecting a person’s hearing. When it reaches this level, it is called impaction.

If you have impaction, you may experience symptoms such as:

Aching in the affected ear
A feeling of fullness or ringing in the ear
Impaired hearing in the affected ear
An odor coming from the affected ear
Dizziness
A cough

You may be more likely to develop excess wax in the ears if you use hearing aids or earplugs. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are also at higher risk. Your ear canal’s shape may make the natural removal of wax difficult.

The safest way to remove earwax buildup is to visit a healthcare provider. During the appointment, they may use special instruments, like a cerumen spoon, forceps, or a suction device, to clear the blockage. Some healthcare providers may use professional irrigation.

If you choose to try to remove the earwax yourself at home, the safest methods to do so include:

Using a warm, damp cloth instead of cotton swabs, as they may push wax deeper into the ear canal. Use cotton swabs only on the outside of the ear.
Using over-the-counter ear drops that soften the earwax. Place the specified number of drops in your ears, wait a certain period, and drain or rinse out your ears. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Using a bulb syringe to irrigate your ears, gently rinse the ear canal using water or saline solution. This method is more effective if you use earwax softener 15 to 30 minutes before irrigating your ear(s). It is best to warm the solution to your body temperature to avoid dizziness. You shouldn’t attempt to irrigate your ears if:
- You have diabetes
- You have a compromised immune system
- You may have a hole in your eardrum
- You have tubes in the affected ear

Cleaning your ears too often may irritate the ear canal or lead to more impaction if done incorrectly.

The symptoms of an earwax blockage may also signal another medical problem. Ear infection symptoms can typically develop rapidly. You should contact a healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms:

Pain in the middle ear
Fluid drainage
Impaired hearing

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience earwax impaction more than once a year or have certain risk factors. You may want to schedule routine professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ear impaction, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Sinus Infections

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is the inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses.

A sinus infection can make breathing through the nose difficult and swell the area around the eyes and face. It may also cause a headache or a throbbing pain in the face.

The common cold is the usual cause of a sinus infection. However, other viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies can cause it.

The symptoms of a sinus infection include:

A runny nose with thick yellow or greenish mucus
Post-nasal drip
A stuffy nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over
Ear pressure or pain
Pain or pressure in your teeth
Fever
Cough
Bad breath
Headache
Tiredness
A changed sense of smell

Some people are more likely to get a sinus infection than others. Risk factors include:

Nasal allergies
Asthma
Nasal polyps
A deviated septum
A weakened immune system
Smoking

When diagnosing a sinus infection, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and do an exam. The exam might include feeling for tenderness in the nose and face, and looking inside the nose.

Other ways to diagnose a sinus infection and rule out other conditions include:

A nasal endoscopy
Imaging studies
Nasal and sinus swab samples
Allergy testing

Most sinus infection cases get better on their own. Self-care is usually all that is needed to ease its symptoms.

Treatments to ease sinus infection symptoms can include:

Saline nasal spray
Nasal corticosteroids
Decongestants
Allergy medicines
Over-the-counter pain relievers

Several home remedies can help relieve symptoms of a sinus infection, including:

Resting
Drinking plenty of fluids
Using a warm compress
Keeping the sinuses moist
Rinsing the inside of the nose

If you are experiencing any problems due to a sinus infection, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.