Category Archives: lifestyle

What are Forever Chemicals?

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PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or forever chemicals are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals used worldwide in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are used to make grease-proof, waterproof, stick-proof, and stain-resistant materials. They are added to products such as:

  • Food packaging such as: pizza boxes, food wrappers, take-out containers, microwave popcorn bags, disposable trays, and bakery bags
  • Non-stick (Teflon) pans
  • Firefighting foam
  • Firefighters’ protective equipment
  • Carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, and car seats
  • Stain-proof and waterproof clothing
  • Outdoor gear
  • Umbrellas
  • Personal care products, such as dental floss, mascara, foundation, and menstrual underwear
  • Artificial turf
  • Medical equipment and masks
  • Building materials

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years. Every American tested has PFAS in their blood. PFAS can get into our bodies when we:

  • Drink contaminated water
  • Eat foods from areas with contaminated soil or water
  • Accidentally swallow contaminated soil or dust
  • Eat food wrapped in materials containing PFAS
  • Accidentally swallow residue or dust from PFAS-containing consumer products, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water repellent clothing

This is a problem because even small doses of PFAS can increase the risk of a wide variety of health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver problems, high cholesterol, and immunosuppression.

In 2005, two of the most harmful PFAS chemicals, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), were stopped from being manufactured after a class action lawsuit. Unfortunately, these two chemicals have contaminated water systems across the country and the world.

Since then, PFOA and PFOS have been replaced with similar but slightly modified chemicals. While scientists have not studied every PFAS chemical, there are 9,000 variants, and those chemicals have been studied, showing similar properties to PFOA and PFOS. They are persistent, mobile, and toxic even at very low doses, and often act in similar ways on similar organs as the chemicals they were developed to replace.

If you are concerned about PFAS exposures, talk with your healthcare provider about your risks, whether an additional health screening is appropriate, and the risks and benefits of testing.

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.

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care for your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative 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.

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ten early signs and symptoms include:

  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Eating a healthy and balanced diet lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive decline is limited, certain diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help reduce the risk.
  3. It is Important to get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
  4. It is important to take 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.
  5. It is important to challenge and activate your mind. Try building 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.

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.

How to Clean Excess Earwax from Your Ears

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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.

 

 

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.

Signs of a Fungal Infection

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Fungal infections, or mycoses, are any disease or condition caused by a fungus. Fungal infections usually affect the skin, hair, nails, or mucous membranes. However, they can also infect your lungs or other body parts.

Fungi are living things. They move around by spreading out or sending spores into the air or the environment. Many fungi live naturally in our mouth, GI tract, and skin, but can overgrow under certain circumstances.

Scientists estimate that there are millions of fungi in the world, but only a small number of them are known to cause disease in people. This includes certain types of yeasts and molds. Some infections can be opportunistic, meaning they don’t usually cause infections, however, they can take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Anyone is susceptible to a fungal infection, especially those that affect the skin or nails. Fungal infections are more common in places on the body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. A person is at higher risk of fungal infections if they have poor circulation, diabetes, or a weakened immune system from:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer or cancer treatments
  • Immunosuppressant medications

There are three types of fungal infections: superficial or mucocutaneous, subcutaneous (underneath the skin), or deep infections (inside other organs).

Symptoms of fungal infections depend on the kind and where it is on the body. Symptoms are most common on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. Sometimes, symptoms of an infection can be present in the lungs, brain, eyes, intestinal tract, or sinuses.

Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections include:

  • Itching, soreness, redness, or a rash in the affected area
  • Discolored, thick, or cracked nails
  • Pain while eating, loss of taste, or white patches in the mouth or throat
  • A painless lump under the skin

Symptoms of fungal infections in the lungs include:

  • Cough, sometimes producing blood
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Headache
  • Night sweats

Symptoms of fungal infections in other body parts can include:

  • A fungal infection in or around the brain: headache, fever, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion
  • A fungal infection of the eyes: pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light
  • A fungal infection of the intestinal tract: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  • A fungal infection in the sinuses: fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, facial pain

A healthcare provider diagnoses a fungal infection depending on where it is on the body. They may look for signs of fungus in, or try to grow fungus from samples of:

  • Skin or other affected tissue
  • Nail clippings
  • Blood
  • Phlegm
  • Fluid around the brain and spinal cord
  • Pee
  • Fluid from the eye
  • Vaginal discharge

If a healthcare provider thinks there is a fungal infection in the lungs, brain, or other internal organs, they might perform X-rays, an MRI, or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.

To treat a fungal infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal treatment in the form of:

  • Oral medications
  • IV medication
  • Lotion, cream, or powder
  • Mouthwash or lozenges
  • Eye drops
  • Shampoo

There are many ways to reduce the risk of various fungal infections, including practicing good personal hygiene and protecting yourself from fungi in the environment.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, visit 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.

Health Benefits of Walking

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Several types of exercise, such as swimming, weightlifting, and running, offer many health benefits. Walking also provides numerous benefits to our health, including:

  • Helps you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
  • Helps prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
  • Helps improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Helps strengthen bones and muscles
  • Helps improve muscle endurance
  • Helps increase energy levels
  • Helps improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
  • Helps improve balance and coordination
  • Helps strengthen the immune system
  • Helps reduce stress and tension
  • Helps extend a person’s lifespan
  • Helps inspire creative thinking

Walking is a versatile exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is advised that you gradually work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time. It can improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning more calories.

Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Gout

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Gout is a common, painful form of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused when the body’s natural production of uric acid breaks down chemicals called purines found in certain foods and drinks. This causes sharp crystals to form in your joints, usually the big toe. Gout can also affect other joints, including the knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Gout symptoms can come and go in episodes called flare-ups or gout attacks. They can be very painful and can happen suddenly. During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joints may include:

  • Intense joint pain
  • Inflammation and redness
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

Healthcare providers usually diagnose gout based on the results of a physical exam, your symptoms, and the appearance of the affected joint. Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

  • A joint fluid test
  • Blood tests
  • X-ray imaging
  • An ultrasound
  • An MRI
  • Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT)

Gout medications are available in two types and focus on two different problems. The first type helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks. The second type works to prevent gout complications by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Which medication is right for you depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and any other health problems you may have.

Medications used to treat gout flare-ups and prevent future attacks include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Colchicine
  • Corticosteroids

If you experience several gout attacks each year, or if your gout attacks are less frequent but particularly painful, a healthcare provider may recommend medication to reduce your risk of gout-related complications. If you already have evidence of damage from gout on joint X-rays, or you have tophi, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones, medications to lower the body’s level of uric acid may be recommended.

Medications are often the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevent recurrent symptom flare-ups. However, lifestyle changes are also important. Lifestyle changes to help prevent gout include:

  • Choosing healthier beverages
  • Avoiding food high in purines
  • Exercising regularly and losing weight

If you are experiencing gout-related symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

 

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.

Sinus Infections

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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.

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.

National Stroke Awareness Month

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May is National Stroke Awareness Month. It is observed to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of strokes, supporting stroke survivors, and educating the public on the impact of this serious medical condition.

Strokes happen when a blood clot or broken blood vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. The lack of blood flow deprives brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive, causing them to die in minutes.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time, so it is important to know the warning signs. The warning signs of a stroke can be found using the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym, which emphasizes the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention:

  • B- Balance- is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance or coordination, or dizziness
  • E- Eyes- is the person experiencing sudden vision problems, like blurred or double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes.
  • F- Face drooping- by asking the person to smile, you can tell immediately if one side of the face droops
  • A- Arm weakness- ask the person to raise both arms. Observe to see if one arm drifts lower than the other
  • S- Speech difficulty- slurred speech is a symptom of stroke. Ask the person to repeat a single sentence
  • T- Time to call 911- time may be the difference between life and death, or even partial and full recovery

There are several ways to get involved with National Stroke Awareness Month, including:

  • Educating yourself about the signs of stroke and sharing it with others
  • Participating in stroke awareness events
  • Advocating for legislation that improves stroke care, funds research, or enhances patient care recovery from strokes
  • Supporting survivors
  • Wearing purple

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately. If you need assistance managing your health to prevent a stroke or maintaining your overall wellness, visit 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.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services Chemical Dependence Unit Offers Treatment for Opioid Addiction

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Opioid overdose deaths are a major public health problem in America. More than 107,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2023, with 70% of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more deadly than heroin. One gram of fentanyl, which is equivalent to the size of a sugar packet, has the potential to kill up to five hundred people.

There was a 14.5% decrease in opioid overdose deaths in 2024 due to public health measures.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services provides care and support to help people recover from opioid addiction. The department has the only medically managed detoxification unit in Queens County.

The unit, called the Chemical Dependence Unit, is a 30-bed medically managed detoxification unit that helps people safely withdraw from opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Under the direction of the Medical Director for Addiction Services and Unit Chief, staff includes physicians board-certified in addiction medicine, physician assistants, nurses, addiction counselors, psychotherapists, and creative arts therapists.

In addition to medical treatment such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, the unit provides nursing care, individual and group counseling, creative arts therapy, self-help groups, and, very importantly, discharge and aftercare planning to help people continue their Recovery Journey, with follow-up calls after discharge.

For additional admission information, please call the Addiction Treatment Unit at 718-670-4524.

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.

Mental Health Awareness Month-10 Common Signs of Mental Health Issues

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a month observed to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

10 common signs of mental health issues include:

  1. Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for more than two weeks
  2. Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
  3. Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain
  4. Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself
  5. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
  6. Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  7. Excess use of drugs or alcohol
  8. Drastic changes in behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
  9. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
  10. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still

Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, educating the public, reducing the stigma, and promoting support for those affected by mental health conditions.

You can help do your part by helping raise awareness and advocating for better mental health care and resources.

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.