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.

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.

Why Are Autoimmune Diseases More Common in Women?

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The immune system helps defend our body against illnesses and infections. However, when a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, destroying healthy cells and tissues.

There are several autoimmune disorders and diseases. Here are a few of the main areas of the body that they affect:

Type 1 diabetes affects the pancreas, which leads to reduced insulin production

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the nervous system

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects the joints

Lupus affects many organs and systems

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects the thyroid

Autoimmune hepatitis affects the liver

Celiac disease affects the small intestine as a reaction to eating gluten

Myositis affects the muscles

Sjogren’s syndrome affects the glands that produce tears and saliva

Vasculitis affects the blood vessels

Myasthenia gravis affects the nerves and muscles

An autoimmune disease can target any part of the body, and if a vital organ is attacked, the disease can be life-threatening.

Autoimmune disorders are significantly more common in women than in men. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 67 percent of autoimmune diagnoses are in women, and 18 out of the 20 most common autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, are more prevalent in women than men. What’s more, as many as 70 to 80 percent of people with autoimmune diseases are female, with the percentages for some specific conditions being higher, for example, 95 percent of those with Sjogren’s syndrome are women.

Genetics plays a large role in the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in both men and women. Environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet rays, pesticides, and organic mercury, can also contribute to men and women developing an autoimmune disease. However, other major factors increase women’s proneness for these diseases, including:

High Estrogen Levels- Estrogen boosts the function of T and B immune system cells, which can be an advantage in fighting infections. However, it can be problematic for people with other factors that make them more likely to have autoimmune diseases. Estrogen levels are highest during pregnancy, and some autoimmune diseases are more common in women during their childbearing years in general, particularly during pregnancy

DNA- Chromosomes contain our DNA and genetic information. Males have one X chromosome and a much smaller Y chromosome, while females have two copies of the X chromosome. One of the two X chromosomes in females is usually dormant, which leads to males and females expressing one X chromosome gene. However, the intricate system that causes this to occur has many protein components that tend to become targets of the immune system, which can lead to autoimmune disease. In some rare instances, some males and females can have more copies of the X chromosome than normal, which makes them more likely to have certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and/or Sjogren’s syndrome

Immune Response- Women can generate a stronger immune response to infection than men. This gives them a better chance to fight infection, but produces an autoimmune disease in a person who is genetically predisposed to developing one

Hormones- When females are going through puberty or are pregnant, they experience hormone surges, which may cause the immune system to overreact and increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Their risk of developing an autoimmune disease or experiencing a worsening of symptoms decreases after menopause

Birth Control- Some women with severe autoimmune disease, such as lupus, may need to avoid hormonal birth control that contains estrogen due to the increased risk of estrogen exposure. However, most women can use some form of birth control safely if they consult with their rheumatologist and Ob/Gyn

It is important to see your healthcare provider if you have any lasting symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, joint pain, weight loss, or rashes that could be related to morning stiffness, as these symptoms should be taken seriously.

Treatment for autoimmune diseases is specialized for the individual and the amount of organ involvement. If a person has mild symptoms without major organ participation, the use of medications that regulate immune response without immunosuppression, along with treating symptoms, may be adequate. However, if major organs are affected, immunosuppressive and biologic medications that target certain parts of the immune system are used.

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

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter pain relievers in our medicine cabinets. We use both medications for many things, such as getting rid of headaches or reducing a fever. However, acetaminophen and ibuprofen work differently, and it is important to know which medication to use when you need to alleviate pain, as they are not interchangeable.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which means it reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site of the pain itself. It can reduce pain for conditions such as:

Headaches

Sore throat

Osteoarthritis

Acetaminophen can have many side effects, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and isn’t a great pain relief option for people who have issues with their liver.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause inflammation. It reduces inflammation symptoms such as swelling, redness, heat, pain, and/or loss of function at the site or source. Ibuprofen can relieve pain for conditions such as:

Muscle sprains and strains

Menstrual cramps

Sinus infections

Back and neck pain

Earaches

Toothaches

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

Heartburn

Constipation

Nausea

Stomach pain

Taking ibuprofen at high doses or for a long time can increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:

Blood clots

Kidney damage

Heart attack and/or stroke

Ulcers

Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and isn’t a great pain relief option for people with kidney issues.

Most research suggests that acetaminophen and ibuprofen bear similar results when used to control fevers in adults. However, ibuprofen works better as a fever reducer for children. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your child’s age and weight before giving them ibuprofen.

The recommended max dosage for adults taking acetaminophen is 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day, and 2,400 milligrams of ibuprofen per day.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be hidden in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications, if you are taking more than one medication. Read the drug labels carefully for active ingredients and use the medications that fit your symptoms and type of pain you have, so you don’t go over the recommended dosage.

If you are experiencing pain and would like help determining which medication is best for relieving your pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How as Few as Two Cigarettes Per Day Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 480,000 people die from cigarette smoking in the U.S. each year, with many of them dying from cancer. What’s more, people who smoke die about ten years earlier than those who have never smoked.

Smoking doesn’t just cause cancer. It can also cause several other diseases and can damage nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, blood vessels, reproductive organs, bones, mouth, eyes, and skin.

Smoking tobacco can also damage the heart, as it can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, who looked at the smoking habits of more than 300,000 adults for almost twenty years, it was discovered that men and women who smoked as few as two cigarettes daily had a 60 percent increased risk of death from any cause compared to those who never smoked.

Additionally, the study also found that the group of smokers participating in the study had a 50 percent risk of heart disease.

According to Dr. Jennifer Miao, a cardiologist at Yale University, “tobacco use is a very well-established risk factor for heart disease. It really damages the blood vessel lining and accelerates the development of plaques and coronary disease.”

Smoking can also cause heart rhythm issues, such as atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Unfortunately, the study found that cutting back on cigarette smoking may not be enough to undo the harm it causes. Despite current smokers having a higher risk of death than former smokers, former smokers still had an increased risk of heart disease more than twenty years after they had stopped smoking, according to the study.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quitting smoking is the most important action a person could take to improve their health, as it reduces the risk of premature death and smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatments such as smoking cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy medications, including over-the-counter patches, gum, lozenges, and prescribed inhalers and nasal sprays, can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and help you quit smoking.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:

Marfan’s syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Neurofibromatosis

Prader-Willi syndrome

Arthrogryposis

Riley-Day syndrome

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life.

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.

The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body.

Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other.

Pushed-out ribs

Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.

Back pain and discomfort

When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation

Bracing

The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery

The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007.

How to Reset and Regulate Your Nervous System

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our nervous system is our biological survival system, our first line of defense that is designed to respond to any stimuli, such as an environmental or psychological threat that we may encounter. It works to protect and keep us safe, as it continually processes information and responds to both internal and external stimuli.

The autonomic nervous system controls all automatic or involuntary functions of the body. It is made up of two main parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system, or “fight-or-flight” system, is responsible for preparing the body to respond to anything that may be seen as a threat, triggering the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones activate our automatic survival responses, which include fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, causing us to experience symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and upset stomach, among others.

The parasympathetic nervous system, or “rest and digest” system, plays an essential part in counteracting the fight-or-flight response and regulating the body’s stress response. It promotes relaxation and recovery, which helps the body calm down.

It is important to note that our nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a real threat and a non-life-threatening stressor.

Stress can be healthy, as it can motivate us into action and help us rise to any challenges. However, many people are being pushed beyond the desirable levels of stress and into a state of distress. Our sympathetic nervous system gets sent into high gear because we continue to be on high alert, constantly reacting to stressors after stressors, and not giving our parasympathetic nervous system time to do its job to calm the body. Due to this, many people are not recovering as they may need to.

Without sufficient ways to reset and recover, we go from manageable stress to unmanageable distress. This persistent trigger can gradually lead to anxiety, irritability, fatigue, exhaustion, and eventually burnout.

There will always be times when our fight-or-flight response gets triggered. That’s why it is important to have ways to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and regulate the body back into a state of calm and balance so that we can function properly.

Here are a few ways to reset and regulate our nervous systems:

Breathwork is a deep breathing practice that signals safety to the brain, helping to calm the body and mind. Examples of breathwork include:

Long exhale breathing

Physiological sighing

Birthday cake breathing

Physical movements, such as walking, gentle stretching, or yoga, can reduce cortisol levels and promote the release of endorphins, and get rid of the stress and tension that has accumulated in the body

Spending time in nature can start to re-regulate your nervous system, as it helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and improve mood

Crying is a self-soothing behavior that helps to expel stress hormones from the body, providing relief.

Prioritizing sleep is an important way to give the brain and body time to repair and restore themselves

Social connections with people who make you feel safe, calm, and supported can help regulate the nervous system

Intentionally slowing down your pace to signal to the brain that there isn’t any immediate danger

Many of us may spend a lot of our days in an increased state of activation, as we continually react to the stressors around us, instead of responding to them. Stress is inevitable. However, having ways to reset and regulate our nervous system can help us better cope with our stress.

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Men’s Health Month- Depression in Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This time is used to raise awareness of health problems affecting men and boys.

One health problem affecting men and boys is depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.

Depression symptoms can differ in men and women. Men tend to use different, healthy, and unhealthy coping skills than women. It isn’t clear why depression affects men differently from women, but these differences could be due to factors such as brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences.

These differences may also result from the traditional male role, which discourages men from expressing their emotions and instead encourages the pursuit of power, success, and competition.

Men with depression may exhibit similar signs and symptoms of depression that women do, such as:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness

Feeling very tired

Having a hard time sleeping or sleeping too much

Not getting the same enjoyment or pleasure from their favorite hobbies and activities

Other behaviors in men that could be symptoms of depression include:

Irritability or anger that can get out of control

Problems getting along with their spouse, partner, family members, friends, and others

Controlling, violent, or abusive behavior

Problems with alcohol or drugs

Engaging in escapist behavior, such as spending excessive time at work or on sports

Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, and pain

Reckless behaviors, such as reckless driving

In addition to depression affecting the mind, it can also affect the body. Typical physical symptoms are changes in appetite and sleep habits. Depression in men can also cause:

Low sex drive

Erectile dysfunction

Trouble having an orgasm

Not getting help for depression will only make it worse. It can cause damage to relationships, careers, and health.

Depression in men can have severe consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the U.S. are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and 75 to 80 percent of all people who kill themselves in the U.S. are men. This may be due to men tending to use more harmful and violent ways to do so, such as using a gun instead of overdosing on pills.

Experiencing depression is not usually a normal part of aging, but it is common for older men. Several things can lead to depression in older men, including:

Health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain

Stressful life events, such as the death of friends and loved ones, being diagnosed with an illness, or taking care of a partner who is sick or disabled

Social isolation, such as not spending time with work friends or neighbors moving away, can cause the loss of social connections. Feeling lonely and isolated is a top risk factor for depression

Sleep issues, such as falling asleep during the day, waking up at night, and getting less overall sleep, are more likely to result in experiencing depression

More than 80 percent of the people who suffer from depression, men and women, can successfully be treated with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Other treatment options include brain stimulation techniques, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

It might be difficult to ask for help. However, if you have been struggling with drastic changes in your emotions or behavior for more than a few weeks, it is time to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment with a mental health professional can help you to:

Learn ways to manage stress

Think about your emotions and coping strategies

Seek out emotional support

Try to stay on a regular schedule and make healthy life choices

Learn to adjust your way of thinking

Set realistic goals

Decide what is important in your life

Wait until you get better before making any important decisions

Participate in activities you previously enjoyed

If you are having thoughts of suicide, but aren’t thinking about immediately harming yourself, seek help by:

Calling a suicide crisis center hotline

Making an appointment with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional

Reaching out to a loved one or close friend, even though it may be difficult to talk about your feelings

Talking to a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your faith community

Joining a men’s health group that deals with depression

If you think you may harm yourself or have thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

Asking for help can be difficult for men. However, without treatment, depression won’t go away, and it may get worse. You don’t have to deal with male depression on your own.

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Ebola Disease

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Ebola disease is a rare and severe illness that can be fatal if it isn’t immediately treated. Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. They include:

Ebola virus (EBOV), which causes Ebola virus disease

Sudan virus (SUDV), which causes Sudan virus disease

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which causes Bundibugyo virus disease

Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly diseases, with a mortality rate as high as 80-90 percent.

Ebola doesn’t spread the same way as other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID. You cannot get it from being near someone.

People can get infected with Ebola disease in two ways:

Through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has been infected or has died from the disease

Through direct contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with bodily fluids from a person sick with the disease

People can’t transmit the disease before they have symptoms. However, they will remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies from two to 21 days. However, symptoms begin eight to ten days after exposure to the virus.

The symptoms of Ebola disease can be “dry” in the early stages of the illness and become “wet” as the illness progresses. Dry Ebola disease symptoms include:

Fever

Aches

Pains

Fatigue

Sore throat

Wet Ebola disease symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Unexplained bleeding

Loss of appetite

If you live in or are traveling to regions where Ebola disease has been diagnosed, or is suspected, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of people who are sick, which include their blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid

Avoiding direct contact with items that have touched an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, such as their clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or any other items that may be contaminated

Avoiding direct contact with the body of someone who was suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease, such as part of any funeral or burial practices

Avoiding the blood, fluids, or raw meat from bats, forest antelopes, primates, or unknown animals

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you encounter people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and bodily fluids, or objects contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids

Monitoring your health for 21 days after returning from an area with an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. It is important to get medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease

Healthcare providers can diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive by ordering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. They can also perform blood tests for orthoebulavirus antibodies to determine whether a patient recently had Ebola.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ervebo, a vaccine that prevents Ebola disease in 2019, and two treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, to treat an Ebola disease infection in adults and children in 2020.

Additionally, other treatments such as fluids and electrolytes administered by mouth or intravenously, medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, to manage fever and pain, and treatment for other infections give patients a better chance of surviving an Ebola disease infection.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Ebola disease, immediately call your local health department or the nearest hospital emergency room, before visiting in person.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of understanding what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care of your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

Different types of dementia include:

Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease

Frontotemporal Dementia

Huntington’s Disease

Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time and place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Fueling upright: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help reduce the risk.

Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building a piece of furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short—and long-term benefits for your brain.

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

Summer Recipe: Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is approaching, and many fruits and vegetables are coming into season. Here is a recipe for rigatoni with summer bolognese made with seasonal vegetables, a flavorful way to enjoy a relaxing summer evening.