Scleroderma

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Scleroderma is a rare chronic condition that causes the body to produce tissue that is thicker than it should be. It usually affects the skin, but it can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body.

If a person has scleroderma, their immune system triggers the body’s cells to produce too much collagen. Collagen helps the body have strong, healthy connective tissue to support the organs and hold parts of the body in place. However, when the body produces too much collagen, the skin and other tissue can become thicker and more fibrous than they should be.

Some people who have early scleroderma don’t have any symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
Fatigue
Patches or streaks of thickened, waxy skin
Raynaud’s syndrome
Unexplained weight loss
Heartburn or acid reflux

There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic sclerosis.

Localized scleroderma only affects one part of the body, usually the skin, and causes thick patches or streaks on the skin that feel waxy. This type of scleroderma is most common on the chest, arms, legs, stomach, hands, and feet. Localized scleroderma may get better on its own, and it doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body.

Systemic sclerosis can affect other organs as well as the skin, including the lungs, heart, stomach, and small bowels. It can affect a person’s ability to breathe or process nutrition. Systemic sclerosis has three subtypes:

Diffuse sclerosis
Limited sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome
Sine sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis can cause symptoms that may seem unrelated to each other, such as:

Coughing or shortness of breath
Trouble swallowing
Muscle numbness or tingling
Heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or trouble controlling your bowels
Abnormal heartbeats, including heart blocks
Dry eyes and mouth
Itching
Erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness

Experts aren’t sure of what causes scleroderma, but they know it is an autoimmune disease. Scleroderma can be hereditary, as biological parents can pass it on to their children. However, it is rare enough that there isn’t any definitive proof that it is a genetic disorder.

Anyone can develop scleroderma, but you may be at a higher risk if you are:

Female
Black
Between the ages of 30 and 50 years old

Black people are more likely to have scleroderma, and it is more common to develop it earlier in life and experience more severe skin and lung symptoms.

A person with scleroderma is more likely to have Raynaud’s syndrome and Sjögren’s syndrome. Some types of scleroderma can cause severe complications, including:

A weakened immune system
Cardiovascular disease
Congestive heart failure
Kidney failure
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Needing a finger or toe amputated
Cancer
Gastrointestinal diseases

Diagnosing scleroderma is usually part of a differential diagnosis, which means a healthcare provider will have to use a few tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms before giving you a scleroderma diagnosis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and tests, including:

Blood tests to see how well your immune system is functioning
A biopsy to remove a sample of your affected skin or other tissue for lab testing
Pulmonary function tests to show if your lungs or respiratory system are affected
Endoscopy if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms

A healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests, such as:

CT scan
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for scleroderma. A healthcare provider will help you find treatments that manage the symptoms and lessen how much they impact your daily life. The treatments you receive depend on where you’re experiencing symptoms and their severity. Some treatment options include:

Immunosuppressants
Medicines to manage specific symptoms
Skin treatments
Physical therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy
Stem cell transplants

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of scleroderma, 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.

BBQ Food Safety Tips

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is a time when we have and/or attend several barbecues or cookouts. However, whether you are hosting or attending, eating outdoors in warm weather can present food safety challenges.

Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so the summer heat can create problems. Here are some tips to follow to help keep you and others safe from foodborne illnesses:

Washing your hands is very important. Wash your hands if you are preparing food, serving food, or after using the bathroom. Wash your hands and forearms with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you are in an outdoor setting without access to a bathroom, use a bottle of water, some soap, and paper towels, or use hand sanitizer.

Keep raw food separate from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

Don’t use any plates or utensils that have potentially touched or have been contaminated by raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It is recommended to wash utensils that have touched raw meats if they must also be used to handle cooked meats

Marinate food in the refrigerator, instead of out on the counter. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your food after it is cooked, keep a separate portion of it to use later. Do not reuse the marinade that contained raw meat

Cook food thoroughly to kill any harmful germs and bacteria that may be present. E. coli and Salmonella can still be present in undercooked meats such as hamburger and chicken, and can cause severe illness, even death. Each food should be at a certain temperature for it to be fully cooked:

- Chicken 165o F

- Hamburgers 160o F

- Pork 150o F

- Hot dogs 140o F

- Leftovers 165o F

- Eggs 145o F

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, which is the least cooked part. To check the temperature of hot dogs, go from the end of the hot dog to the center. Be careful not to pass through the meat and touch the cooking surface because you will get a false high temperature reading.

Refrigerate or freeze food immediately, as you shouldn’t leave food out of the refrigerator, cooler, or off the grill for more than two hours. Never leave food out for more than one hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Hot food should be kept at or above 140°F, wrapped well, and placed in an insulated container. Cold food should be held at or below 40°F. Foods such as chicken salads and desserts that are in individual serving dishes should be placed directly on ice or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off any water that pools as the ice melts, and replace the ice frequently

Wipe surfaces often, especially after using them for food preparation, as germs from undercooked meat can grow on vegetables cut or washed on the same surface as meat. Mix and use a sanitizing solution of one capful of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for cleaning work area surfaces. If possible, use separate cutting boards or surfaces for foods that will not be cooked, such as salad

Keep flies away by covering trash containers, and not storing meat wrappers and other trash in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers, even for a short period of time

Don’t use fly spray or “No-Pest” chemical strips, as they can contaminate your food

Don’t keep food containers out in the open. Instead, place them in a shaded area

Keep plates, cups, utensils, and food covered until they are ready to be used

Handle plates, cups, and utensils where they won’t come in contact with any food

Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

Don’t wear loose finger or wrist jewelry or fake nails while working with food

Keep plenty of paper towels handy for cleaning your hands and surfaces

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

Tonsil Stones

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Tonsil stones are small, pebble-like lumps of calcified minerals, food debris, and germs, such as bacteria and fungi, that form in the tonsils.

The most common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Other symptoms can include:

Sore throat

Cough

Difficulty swallowing

Earache

Bad taste in your mouth

The feeling of something stuck in your throat

Tonsil stones form when debris gets trapped in the tonsillar crypts, or the folds in the tonsils, and calcifies. You are more likely to develop enlarged tonsillar crypts if you have chronic tonsillitis.

Anyone can get tonsil stones, but a person is more likely to develop them if they have dehydration or are a teenager.

Tonsil stones are generally harmless. However, large or chronic tonsil stones can cause swelling and make it difficult to swallow, as well as trigger other types of infections.

A healthcare provider can diagnose tonsil stones by:

Performing a physical exam and looking inside your mouth and throat

Taking an imaging scan if they can’t see the tonsil stones easily

Dislodging them with a dental pick

In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed at home by:

Gargling with warm saltwater

Using a water flosser to flush them out

Using a cotton swab to push them out gently

Coughing vigorously to dislodge them

If they can’t be removed at home, a healthcare provider can remove them during a visit to their office. If you get tonsil stones frequently or if they cause uncomfortable symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as:

Medications, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or antibiotics

A tonsillectomy to remove your tonsils

Tonsil stones can’t always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, such as:

Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as brushing your tongue

Staying hydrated

Gargling with warm salt water after eating

Quitting smoking

If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsil stones, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove all or part of the prostate gland. It is used to treat prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.

A robotic prostatectomy is a type of prostatectomy performed by a surgeon using surgical tools attached to robotic arms that assist in removing the prostate gland during the procedure.

A robotic prostatectomy differs from a traditional open prostatectomy, which requires a large eight-to-ten-inch incision. Instead, a minimally invasive approach called laparoscopy allows the surgeon to operate with precise movements and allows the surgeon to operate by way of a one-to-two-inch incision and five much smaller incisions in the lower stomach.

Although it is less invasive than open surgery, robotic prostatectomy is considered a major surgery.

A robotic prostatectomy can be performed by using different approaches, depending on the condition that needs treatment, including:

Robot-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is used to treat prostate cancer by removing the entire prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes

Nerve-sparing prostatectomy is a surgical approach that takes the prostate gland while not trying to injure the nerves that play a role in erections. However, this may not be possible if there is cancer very close to the nerves. A non-nerve-sparing prostatectomy may be needed

Simple robotic prostatectomy or partial prostatectomy only removes the inner part of the prostate, leaving the outer part intact. This procedure is performed to ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate

A partial prostatectomy eases urinary symptoms and complications resulting from blocked urine flow, such as:

Urinary tract infections

Trouble starting urination

Stopping and starting while urinating

An urgent need to urinate often

Prolonged urination

Urinating more than usual at night

The feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder

Not being able to urinate

It is possible to survive or live without a prostate. And like any surgery, robotic prostatectomy comes with some risks and side effects, and your healthcare team will work to lower these risks.

A robotic prostatectomy has several benefits, as it can cause less pain and bleeding than traditional open surgery and allow for a shorter recovery time.

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000.

Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means there is increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer, which can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

- Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

- Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet

- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

- Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

- Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wearing a hat and sunglasses

- Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside out

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are experiencing symptoms of a summer skin condition, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Fourth of July Recipe

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The Fourth of July is this weekend, and many of us expect to spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones, while eating some delicious food, and watching the fireworks. If you are bringing food to your get-together and need some ideas, here is a recipe for tasty, mouthwatering teriyaki wings to enjoy while celebrating Independence Day.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings Recipe | Tyler Florence | Food Network

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is in full swing, so most of our time will be spent outside doing various activities. However, there are many health concerns to consider.

Here are some summer health concerns and how to prevent them:

The human body is made of up to 78% of water, and when it doesn’t get enough, it can’t function properly. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and fatal. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated. You can do this by drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Staying properly hydrated can also prevent kidney stones.

Sunburns occur when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a radiation burn on the skin. Sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and can also lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection from severe burns. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide every day, even on overcast days. Make sure to cover your entire body, including your ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, and, if exposed, the top of your feet.

Spending time in the sun doesn’t only bring the risks of sunburn and dehydration. It also brings the risk of heat illnesses, including:

Heat rash- a red stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur when you sweat so much that your body loses salts and fluids.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

To prevent heat illnesses, limit the time you spend outdoors. Also, take any symptoms you observe in yourself and others seriously.

Insects are more active during the summer, which means there’s a higher risk of encountering them. Especially for:

Bee stings
Mosquito bites
Tick bites
Ant bites

To prevent bugs from stinging or biting you, wear an insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Other ways to prevent stings and bites include:

Avoid using scented products.
Drain any standing water.
Put on protective clothing.
Don’t leave any food uncovered outside.

We want to spend more time near water to cool off as temperatures rise. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid drowning risks. Here are some ways to prevent drowning risks:

Learn CPR
Use drain covers on pool drains.
Wear life jackets
Sign up for swimming lessons.

Everybody loves a good summer barbecue or cookout, but sometimes the food we eat doesn’t always love us back. The smoking process that gives smoked meats their flavor also creates harmful substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs and heterocyclic amines or HCAs. The National Cancer Institute warns that PAHs and HCAs are mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes to your DNA that put you at risk for certain types of cancer. You can prevent ingesting these harmful substances by using liquid smoke as an alternative marinade for your meats. Foodborne illness can be a concern for cookout food as well. This is the case for food left out or leftover sitting in the “temperature danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures allow bacteria to grow that can make you sick. You can prevent foodborne illness by cooking meats to a safe temperature and throwing any food that has sat out too long in the trash.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen is a huge problem in the summer as the weather gets warmer and trees, grass, and flowers pollinate. To prevent seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medications before the season starts so your body can build its defense.

These preventative measures can help you enjoy your summer and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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.

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.