Back to School Sleep Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As summer winds down, parents are preparing their children to go back to school. One important thing to achieve is to start getting them back to a sleep routine before the new school year starts.

Getting children back into a healthy sleep pattern is necessary for them to have the right amount of energy and focus while in the classroom.

Children need more sleep than adults do. The National Sleep Foundation and American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggest the following:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep
School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep
Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study found that most American children and teenagers don’t get enough sleep. Nearly six in 10 middle schoolers and at least seven in 10 high schoolers don’t get enough sleep on school nights. Of the high school students that were surveyed, almost two-thirds of them sleep less than eight hours a night.

The best way for parents to get their children back on a sleep schedule is to do it one day at a time. The process of adjusting a sleep schedule should be incremental. In the weeks leading up to going back to school, have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier than they did during summer break. Continue to adjust their bed and wake times in 15-minute increments every few days until your child is sleeping and waking up at the desired times for school. By the first day back to school, they should be adjusted to the new sleep schedule.

Winding down at the end of the day can help children sleep well and prepare them for the next school day. A good bedtime routine includes relaxing activities, such as:

Taking a warm bath or shower
Brushing teeth and washing up
Cuddling with a parent
Singing lullabies
Reading with a parent or individually
Journaling
Meditating

Children look to their parents for guidance on healthy habits. Getting adequate sleep is an important healthy habit, as it helps prevent fatigue, exhaustion, and daytime drowsiness.

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.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is coming to an end, and a new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

There could be many reasons why a child may have anxiety about going back to school. Some reasons can include:

A child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may avoid going to school because it is hard for them to manage their anxiety there
A child who has been bullied may be afraid to go to school because their bully or bullies are there
A child with separation anxiety may be fearful that something terrible will happen to their parents if they are apart
A child with an undiagnosed learning disorder may be avoiding shame and embarrassment

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities, so the transition is less sudden
Arrange for a hand-off with someone the child knows and trusts
Listen to their worries

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

What to Know About Protein Intake While on Weight Loss Medication

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

GLP-1 antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 antagonists can also help treat obesity.

When a person starts to lose weight on a GLP-1 weight loss medication, it can happen very fast. However, as they lose fat, they could also be losing essential lean muscle mass, which can harm their metabolism and blood sugar levels. This will ultimately work against weight loss efforts and can even negatively affect bone health.

Protein is the building block of muscle. Getting enough is crucial for preventing muscle loss, especially when consuming fewer calories. When you consume enough protein, you are more likely to retain and even build muscle. However, when you don’t have enough protein, your body will cannibalize some of your muscle mass for energy.

A 2024 review study that made diet recommendations for GLP-1 patients based on the latest research recommends at least 60 grams of protein a day. It is suggested to aim for 20 to 40 grams of protein at every meal.

Most people who are on GLP-1 medications experience at least one side effect. The side effects are worse just after starting and in the days after increasing the dose. Fortunately, there are ways to combat those side effects, including:

Make every meal count
Schedule your meals
Make protein a priority
Aim for 64 ounces of fluid a day, plus electrolytes
Avoid fatty and greasy foods
Steer clear of sugary foods, alcohol, and refined carbs
Maintain muscle with resistance training
Eat smaller portions more frequently
Add fiber to your diet
Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects

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.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It is a day observed to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect the body against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

From infants to older adults, immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, flu, shingles, and HPV-related cancers. Skipping vaccines can leave you and your family vulnerable to these illnesses.

Getting vaccinated plays an important role in keeping your family and community healthy, as vaccinations help protect you from infectious diseases and can lessen the severity of illness. They don’t just help protect you; they also help keep diseases from spreading to others, such as your family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and others in the community. Especially those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month offers a timely reminder as families prepare for back-to-school and flu season approaches. If you would like to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, encourage friends and family to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

Shingles

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes painful rashes and nerve damage.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have previously had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate in your nerves later in life in the form of shingles.

The most common symptom of shingles is a painful, raised, or blistered rash. It may appear near the waist or on one side of the face, neck, chest, belly, or back. It can also sometimes show up on other parts of the body. Other symptoms that can appear before or along with the rash include:

Deep, burning, or shooting nerve pain

Itching or tingling

Areas of reddish or discolored skin

Fever

Chills

Headache

A general feeling of being unwell

An upset stomach

Some of the early symptoms of shingles, such as nerve pain and discoloration, can appear weeks before the rash. Other symptoms may show up in the days leading up to it. The rash turns into blisters about three to four days after it appears. Within about 10 days, the blisters dry out and turn into scabs. The scabs may take a few weeks to completely go away.

The most common complication of shingles is nerve pain that doesn’t go away when the rash does. This can last for months or years and can be extremely painful. Other complications of shingles include:

Bacterial infection

Vision loss from an eye infection

Facial paralysis or Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing issues

Brain inflammation

Vertigo

Pneumonia

A healthcare provider will diagnose shingles by learning about your symptoms and examining the rash. If the rash follows the areas of skin along a nerve and doesn’t cross the midline of your body, that is a clue that you have shingles. A healthcare provider may also send scrapings or a swab of fluid from the blisters to a lab for diagnosis.

There is no cure for shingles. However, a healthcare provider may recommend managing symptoms with:

Antivirals

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Corticosteroids

If you have previously had chickenpox, you can reduce the risk of getting shingles by getting a shingles vaccine.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. The observance was founded by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders in 2016, with a goal to educate people about gastroparesis symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles or motility in your stomach.

There are many signs and symptoms of gastroparesis, which include:

Vomiting

Nausea

Abdominal bloating

A feeling of fullness after eating a few bites

Vomiting undigested food that was eaten a few hours earlier

Acid reflux

Changes in blood sugar levels

Lack of appetite

Weight loss and malnutrition

Many people with gastroparesis don’t have any noticeable signs or symptoms of the condition.

The cause of gastroparesis is unclear; however, some cases have been caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the stomach muscles. The vagus nerve helps manage the complex processes in the digestive tract, like signaling the muscles in your stomach to contract and push food into the small intestine.

The vagus nerve can also be damaged by diseases such as diabetes, stomach, or small intestine surgeries.

Some risk factors that can increase your risk of gastroparesis include:

Diabetes

Abdominal or esophageal surgery

Infection, usually from a virus

Certain medications that slow the rate of stomach emptying, such as narcotic pain medications

Scleroderma- a connective tissue disease

Nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or MS

An underactive thyroid

Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men.

Gastroparesis can cause several complications, including:

Severe dehydration

Malnutrition

Undigested food that hardens and remains in your stomach

Unpredictable blood sugar changes

Decreased quality of life

Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis so they can rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms. These tests include:

Gastric emptying tests

Scintigraphy

Breath tests

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Ultrasound

The treatment for gastroparesis begins with identifying and treating the underlying condition. For example, if diabetes is the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor can work with you to help control it.

Other treatments may include:

Changes to your diet

Eat smaller meals more frequently

Chew food thoroughly

Eat well-cooked fruits and vegetables instead of raw

Avoid fibrous fruits and vegetables

Choose mostly low-fat foods

Try soups and pureed foods if liquids are easier to swallow

Drink about 34-51 ounces of water a day

Exercise gently after eating

Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking

Avoid lying down for two hours after a meal

Take a daily multivitamin

Medications

To stimulate the stomach muscles

To control nausea and vomiting

Surgical treatment

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

West Nile Virus

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Lately, there have been mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus in many U.S. states, including here in New York. West Nile virus is one of the leading mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S., with 98 cases reported so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since the first cases in the country were discovered by the late Dr. Deborah Asnis here at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 1999, there have been over 51,000 symptomatic cases in the U.S.

The symptoms of West Nile virus include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

A rash that is concentrated around the chest and back

Swollen lymph nodes

Sore throat

Pain behind the eyes

West Nile virus can cause serious infections such as encephalitis and meningitis. Their symptoms include:

An intense, painful headache

A high fever above 103 degrees

A stiff neck

Confusion

Muscle weakness

Uncontrollable muscle movements such as tremors and convulsions

Seizures

Paralysis

Coma

West Nile virus can be diagnosed by testing your blood or cerebrospinal fluid to look for antibodies or other signs of infection. These tests are only performed if you’re seriously ill.

If you have signs of brain inflammation, you will need your brain scanned using a CT scan or MRI.

There are no specific medicines available to treat West Nile virus. Please note that antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications may relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the West Nile virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Plaque Psoriasis

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick patches, or plaques, on the skin, including the elbows, back, knees, and scalp. In severe cases, plaque psoriasis can affect the entire body, including:

The face

The feet

The genitals

The hands

The legs

Plaque psoriasis can affect anyone. However, a person may be more likely to have it if they:

Are white

Drink alcohol

Experience stress or depression

Have a relative with psoriasis

Have obesity

Smoke or use tobacco products

Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:

Raised, discolored (red, brown, gray, or purple) plaques with a white or silvery surface

Cracks (fissures)

Bleeding

Itchiness

Irritation or pain

Plaque psoriasis is a problem with the immune system. The immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, which leads to new skin cells growing too fast.

New skin cells typically grow every 28 to 30 days. However, if a person has plaque psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the skin’s surface every three to four days.

Plaque psoriasis flare-ups can differ from person to person. No one knows what exactly causes them, but common plaque psoriasis triggers can include:

Certain foods or drinks

Certain prescription medications

Dry skin

Emotional stress

Skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or surgery

Sun damage

A healthcare provider will diagnose plaque psoriasis by examining the affected areas and looking for common signs. They will also ask about symptoms, family history, and if you have recently started or stopped using a product or medication just before a flare-up.

They may also perform several tests to rule out other conditions that could cause your plaques, such as eczema or dermatitis. This series of tests is a differential diagnosis. Tests may include:

Allergy test

Biopsy

Blood tests to check for causes of a rash unrelated to plaque psoriasis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for plaque psoriasis. Treatment is used to provide relief for symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet may help to limit plaque psoriasis flare-ups. Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties include:

Oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, or sardines

Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale

Olive oil

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

World Lung Cancer Day

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day. It is a day dedicated to the global initiative of raising awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, and it is so prevalent that more people die from it than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined every year.

World Lung Cancer Day was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with other health organizations. The day focuses on educating the public about risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures, while advocating for research and improved access to care.

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to support those affected by the disease and to emphasize the critical need for collective action in the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening helps to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective. Early detection through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can improve survival rates in individuals with the disease.

The MediSys Health Network is committed to improving the morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. For more information about our program, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 718-206-LUNG (5864).

How to Avoid Common Kid Injuries in the Summer

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The summer is a fun time for kids as they have more free time and can enjoy outdoor activities. However, more time for outdoor activities can create more opportunities for injuries at a higher rate.

Here are some common summer kid injuries and how to avoid them:

When kids are at the beach or pool, it is important to watch them when they are in and around the water. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure more experienced swimmers are with a partner every time. Designate a Water Watcher by choosing an adult to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be a Water Watcher.

It is also important to teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll them in swimming lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they will be around water. Learn CPR and be ready in case of an emergency.

Sun exposure during daily activities and play can cause the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before the age of 18 is most damaging to the skin. UV rays are strongest during summer months when the sun is directly overhead; this normally occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Use an SPF of 15-30 or higher sunscreen to block the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often during the day. Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that block the greatest amount of UVA and UVB rays.

The risk of a head injury is higher in the spring and summer months, with popular activities such as bike riding, skating, and skateboarding. Parents should seek medical attention for their child should any of the following occur after a head injury:

Vomiting

Alteration in mental state

Increased irritability, fussiness

A seizure

Weakness in parts of the body

A bad headache

Wearing a helmet can prevent brain injuries and should become a habit. Helmets that fit properly can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%.

Summer is a rare time when children can enjoy trampolines. However, trampoline jumping can pose a high risk of injury for children. The activity can result in sprains and fractures in the arms or legs, as well as head and neck injuries. If you allow your child to use a trampoline, follow these important safety rules:

- Always have adult supervision when children use the trampoline

- Use safety nets and pads. Cover the trampoline’s frame, springs, and surrounding landing surfaces

- Place home trampolines at ground level, as a fall from a higher surface can increase the risk of injury

- Make sure the trampoline is set at a safe distance from trees and other hazards

- Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time

- Don’t allow flying somersaults or other potentially risky moves on the trampoline without proper supervision, instruction, and proper use of protective equipment such as a harness

- Don’t allow unsupervised jumping. If you use a trampoline ladder, always remove it after use to prevent unsupervised access by children

Summertime fireworks can be fun on holidays like the Fourth of July. However, it is important to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave lighting fireworks to the professionals

When barbecuing or grilling, it is important to make sure children stay a safe distance from the grill. Make it a point to:

- Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill

- Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately

- Be aware of charcoal that may still be hot in grills and fire pits. They can burn children even when there isn’t a fire

- Always supervise children around outdoor grills

If your child has suffered an injury, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007. If they are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.