Robotic Surgery: Hernia Repair

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area on the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially during a cough or strain

A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge

Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting

A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin

Weakness or pressure in the groin

Occasional pain and swelling around the testicles occur when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen

A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall

Straining during bowel movements or urination

Strenuous activity

Pregnancy

Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that can contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male

Being older

Family history

Premature birth or low birth weight

Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

Typically, a physical examination is sufficient to diagnose an inguinal hernia. A healthcare provider will check for a bulge in the groin area. They can also ask you to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery

Laparoscopic surgery

Robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery can repair smaller hernias or rebuild the entire abdominal wall. There are many potential advantages of robot-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of the inside of the abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate, compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery

Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand

You will have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision (as with open surgery)

You are more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery, compared to open surgery

You are more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tips for Exercising During Warmer Months

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Most of our time during the summer is spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air and participating in warm-weather activities such as exercise. Exercising outdoors offers many benefits. However, when temperatures increase, it can become challenging or potentially dangerous to our health.

Heat illnesses or emergencies can occur with exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Dehydration can occur when the body’s fluids are lost by sweating and aren’t replaced. Even being slightly dehydrated can make you feel sick and put you at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Therefore, it is important to know how to protect yourself while exercising in the summer heat. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it’s warm outside:

Try to avoid exercising outside in the early afternoon as it is usually hottest between noon and 3 p.m.

Drink water before, during, and after physical activity, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you, or plan water stops along your route.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Moisture-wicking fabric can also help keep you cool during a workout. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or visor, and plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water before you get thirsty. Allow yourself time to adapt to the heat. Keep in mind that you may not be able to work out as long or as hard as usual when it’s very hot.

Work out with a partner if you can. Not only for safety purposes, but also because it is socially interactive and fun.

Try a variety of light, healthy pre- and post-workout snacks that can help you stay cool, such as:

- Chilled or frozen fruit

- Homemade ice pops made from 100% fruit juice or fat-free/low-fat milk

- Fruit smoothies

- Cold salads loaded with vegetables, beans, legumes, and heart-healthy fish such as albacore tuna or salmon

- Crisp, chilled raw veggies, including cucumbers, carrots, or celery, with a light, cool dip

- Cold sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or slices of citrus or cucumber

If you are having difficulty tolerating the heat, don’t skip your workout or physical activity. You can find indoor locations where you can be active, discover activities you can do at home or work, or adjust your workout schedule to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside instead.

It is important to check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine or working out outdoors if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other chronic diseases, or any medical concerns. Certain medications, including beta blockers, ACE receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.

If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Senior Summer Health Tips

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Extreme heat can be unbearable for everyone. It can be even worse for senior citizens, as they are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses include:

Heat exhaustion

Dehydration

Heatstroke

Heat syncope

Heat cramps

Heat edema

Heat rash

Sunburn

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk include:

Health problems, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease

Skin changes that are caused by normal aging

Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever

Drugs, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications, can make it harder for the body to cool itself off

Being on several prescription drugs at the same time

Being obese, overweight, or underweight

Drinking alcoholic beverages

Living in places without air conditioning or fans

Dehydration

Hot summer days can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. Especially for older adults. Here are some tips to keep older adults safe and prevent them from heat-related illnesses:

Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible

Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible

Stay hydrated

Wear loose and light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat

Take cool showers and baths

Avoid exercising outdoors and other physical activity when it is hot

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher, and reapply throughout the day

Find out if certain medications can contribute to heat-related illnesses

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of a heat-related illness, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away.

UV Safety Month

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is UV Safety Month. It is observed to highlight the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation is released by the sun and provides vitamin D to the body to help it survive. However, too much sun exposure can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the size of the wavelength. They include:

UVA causes the skin to wrinkle, tan, and/or burn. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer

UVB can damage the outermost layers of the skin. It can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn, and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer

UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere

Anyone can get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. People who are the greatest risk of skin cancer are people who have:

Fair skin

Freckled skin

Skin that burns easily, light eyes

Blonde or red hair

People who have a darker skin tone can get skin cancer, but their risk is lower than people who have a lighter skin tone.

There are other risk factors other than a person’s complexion that can cause skin cancer, including:

Having a biological family history or personal history of skin cancer

Having an outdoor job or spending a lot of time in the sun

Living in a sunny climate

Having a history of severe sunburns

Having large and irregularly shaped moles

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Changes are typically a new mole, a new skin lesion or sore, or a change to an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly, or waxy bump on your face or neck, or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole but usually has a more irregular appearance

While it isn’t possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of ultraviolet radiation and sun damage, there are steps to take to reduce risk:

Applying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater thirty minutes before sun exposure and then every two to three hours after. Reapply sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly

Wearing sunglasses with total UV protection

Using cosmetic products that offer UV protection

Avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Performing skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes or new growths

When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreen, or organic or physical sunscreen, is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreen. It has active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays because the sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface reflecting the UV rays away from it.

There are benefits to using mineral sunscreen, such as it being good for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it offers immediate protection. There are also some drawbacks to using mineral sunscreen, such as it takes longer to apply and leaves a white cast on the skin.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Using chemical sunscreen has many advantages as it is easy to apply, transparent on the skin, and it comes with water-resistant formulations. Some disadvantages are that it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, it isn’t immediately effective, and it has to be absorbed into the skin.

Whichever type of sunscreen you use depends on your personal preference. Using either mineral or chemical sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.

If you want to know which ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine which sunscreen is best.

If you or a loved one has warning signs of skin cancer, you can speak to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Fourth of July Recipe: A Tasty Shrimp, Spicy Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Here is a recipe for a tasty shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing that will be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration.

Shrimp, Spiced Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe | Food Network

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease, children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile Arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.

National HIV Testing Day

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and receive the care and treatment they may need.

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, damages the immune system so that the body is less able to fight infection or disease. If HIV isn’t treated, it can take years before it weakens the immune system enough to become AIDS.

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be spread through unprotected sex. It can also be spread through contact with HIV-infected blood, and spread to a child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS can vary depending on the person and the phase of infection. There are three types of HIV infection. They include:

Primary infection or acute HIV: Some people infected with HIV get a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after the virus enters the body. This stage can last a few days to several weeks. Some people have no symptoms during this stage. Others may experience:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches and joint pain

Rash

Sore throat and painful mouth sores

Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Cough

Night sweats

These symptoms can be so mild that you may not notice them. However, the amount of the virus in your bloodstream, or viral load, is high at this time. As a result, the infection can spread to others more easily during the primary infection stage than during the next stage.

Clinical latent infection or chronic HIV: In this stage, HIV is still in the body and cells of the immune system. However, during this time, many people don’t have symptoms or the infections that HIV can cause. This stage can last for many years. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may get mild infections with long-term symptoms, such as:

Fever

Fatigue

Swollen lymph glands, which are often one of the first symptoms of HIV infection

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Oral yeast infection

Shingles

Pneumonia

Better antiviral treatments have greatly decreased deaths from AIDS worldwide. Thanks to these lifesaving treatments, most people with HIV in the U.S. today don’t get AIDS. If untreated, HIV most often turns into AIDS in about eight to ten years.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, medicines can control the infection and keep the disease from getting worse. Antiviral treatments for HIV have reduced AIDS deaths around the world, and there is an ongoing effort to make ways to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS more available in resource-poor countries.

National HIV Testing Day was created by the National Association of People with AIDS to increase the number of people being tested for HIV and was first observed on June 27th, 1995. This year’s theme is “Level up your self-love: check your status”. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy.

HIV testing, including self-testing, is the pathway to engaging people in care to keep them healthy, regardless of their test results. Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Initiative continues to guide efforts to help us reach all people who can benefit from HIV prevention and care.

To participate in National HIV Testing Day, you can use the hashtag #HIVTestingDay on your social media channels and communicate to your friends and family that there are many options for getting tested for HIV. HIV testing is a critical tool to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraine and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

A headache is a general term that describes scalp, head, and neck pain. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions, such as tension headaches, migraine, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Alcohol

Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal

Dental problems, such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

Eyestrain

Keeping your head in one position for a long time.

Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically include dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly

Getting enough sleep

Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.

Managing daily stress

People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical attention. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Migraine is a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. There are four phases of a migraine attack: prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and post-drome.

Although the exact cause of migraine attacks is unknown, researchers believe genetics is a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine attack:

Anxiety

Bipolar disorder

Depression

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine

Certain medications or taking medications too often

Migraine attacks are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with symptoms. Some people have a predictable pattern of symptoms, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraine, but it can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelids, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol

Being exposed to heat

Bright lights

Overexertion

Processed foods

Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones, are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Spinal Meningitis

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Spinal meningitis, or meningitis, is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord from injury and provide support and structure. They contain nerves, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Bacteria, parasites, fungi, and non-infectious conditions, such as cancer or head injuries, can also cause meningitis.

The types of meningitis are typically named for the cause of inflammation or how long you’ve had symptoms. They include:

Bacterial meningitis
Viral meningitis
Fungal meningitis
Parasitic meningitis
Primary amebic meningitis (PAM)
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM)
Chronic meningitis
Acute meningitis

Certain health conditions can increase your risk of meningitis, including:

Age- Viral meningitis most often happens in children younger than five years old
Not getting vaccinations
Living in a group setting, such as a college dorm
Pregnancy
A weakened immune system
Not having a spleen

The symptoms of meningitis can be different in babies than in children and adults.

Symptoms of meningitis in children and adults include:

Neck stiffness
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or an altered mental state
Lack of energy, extreme sleepiness, or trouble waking up
Lack of appetite
Small round spots that look like a rash

You might experience additional symptoms of amebic meningitis a few days after your initial symptoms, including:

Hallucinations
Loss of balance
Lack of attention or focus

A baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults, such as headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include:

Bulging “soft spot” on the baby’s head
Poor eating
Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
Low energy or slower responses

A healthcare provider will diagnose meningitis by performing a physical exam, asking about your symptoms, and testing your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They may also ask if you’ve been around anyone with certain illnesses or traveled recently, get a blood or poop sample, swab your nose or throat, or order brain imaging.

The treatment for meningitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, and antifungals are used to treat fungal meningitis. Antivirals can be used to treat some viral causes of meningitis. Non-infectious causes of meningitis are treated by addressing the underlying illness or injury.

There are no specific treatments for other infectious causes of meningitis. Medications might be used to reduce inflammation or relieve symptoms.

Meningitis is highly contagious. If you think you have meningitis, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment to see if you have meningitis, please call (718) 670-5486.

Men’s Health Month: Low Testosterone

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone.

Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production. Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than in women. In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop:

Sex organs and genitalia

Muscle mass

Adequate levels of red blood cells

Bone density

Sense of well-being

Sexual and reproductive function

Low testosterone can begin during fetal development, puberty, or adulthood. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone depend on when the condition develops.

If the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when it develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:

Female genitals

Genitals that are neither male nor female (ambiguous genitals)

Underdeveloped male genitals

Male hypogonadism can delay puberty or cause incomplete or abnormal development. It can impede:

Development of muscle mass

Voice deepening

Growth of body hair and facial hair

Growth of the penis and testicles

It can also cause:

Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body

Development of breast tissue

Hypogonadism can alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function in adult males. Early signs and symptoms might include:

Decreased sex drive

Decreased energy

Depression

Over time, men with hypogonadism can develop:

Erectile dysfunction

Infertility

A decrease in hair growth on the face and body

A decrease in muscle mass

The development of breast tissue

Loss of bone mass

There are two possible causes of low testosterone levels:

Primary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism

The causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood).

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with the testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.

Secondary hypogonadism is caused by conditions that affect how the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland function.

If you have any signs or symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history, and any symptoms you currently have. They may also order blood tests. To make a diagnosis, they will consider your specific signs, symptoms, and any blood test results.

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy, including:

Testosterone skin gels

Intramuscular testosterone injections

Testosterone patches

Testosterone pellets

Buccal testosterone tablets

Testosterone nasal gel

Oral testosterone

Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone resulting from genetic conditions or damage to the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. However, lifestyle habits may help keep testosterone levels normal. They include:

Eating a healthy diet

Exercising

Managing your weight

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol and drugs

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.