Teen Vaping

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by the heated nicotine liquid in an electronic cigarette, vape pen, or personal vaporizer.

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in recent years. It has even been marketed as a safer option for smoking cigarettes.

Although some of the health risks associated with vaping appear to be less severe than traditional smoking, there are still risks. They include:

Nicotine is highly addictive, and exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain

E-cigarettes contain chemicals that can cause irreversible lung damage and alter teen brains

E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer, and acrolein, which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage

Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to use traditional cigarettes

In the short term, e-cigarette aerosol can irritate your lungs, throat, and eyes. It can also make it more likely that you’ll catch colds or get the flu

In addition to these health risks, vaping can cause other harmful effects, including:

Altered oral microbiome leading to gum disease, tooth decay, oral mucosal lesions, impaired wound healing, dry mouth, and bad breath

Cavities and gum disease

Short- and long-term effects on attention, learning, and memory

Irritability and mood swings

Insomnia, restlessness, and sleeplessness

Coughing and wheezing

Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness

Increased risk of seizures, especially in youth

New onset of seizures

Severe burns or other injuries due to vape explosions

Vaping among teens has become popular due to several factors, including:

Some vapes can cost less than regular cigarettes, as well as price incentives or free samples

Gamification through engaging features, competition, reward systems, and flavors attractive to youth

Sleek and modern design of devices that feature bright colors to give them a less harmful appearance

Social influences, such as the use of online or social media strategies

Positioning products at festivals and within digital games

Predatory marketing tactics like those used by tobacco companies

Here are some facts to know about vaping:

In 2024, more than 1.6 million U.S. youth vaped

Vapes have been the most used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S. for a decade

Disposable e-cigarettes were the most common type of vape used in 2024, at 55.6%. What’s more, 87.6% of those e-cigarette users vaped flavored e-cigarettes

When vaping, nicotine absorbs rapidly and reaches the brain quickly, delivering a dopamine surge resulting in feelings of pleasure and reward

Use of multiple tobacco products is also a concern among middle and high school students, with 38.9% and 36.6% of users, respectively, using more than one type of tobacco product in 2024

Youth who vape are 3 to 4 times more likely to go on to smoke tobacco compared to teens who do not vape

More than half of middle and high school students who currently use e-cigarettes want to quit and have tried to quit; in 2020, 63.9% of current e-cigarette users reported wanting to quit, and 67.4% reported trying to quit in the last year

As of September 2025, there were only 39 FDA-authorized e-cigarette products for sale to persons over the age of 21. The sale of e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 21 is prohibited

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.

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.

RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a seasonal virus that spreads in fall and winter alongside other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

RSV symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19. RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms that most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious and can easily spread while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can infect anyone and can cause many complications, such as hospitalization, middle ear infection, asthma, and repeated infections. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed, but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus

Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

Hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur and may include treatments, such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine.

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

Emotional Eating

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Emotional eating is using food to escape, numb, change, or amplify our feelings. It is a very common and normal coping mechanism in response to strong feelings.

When a person is an emotional eater, they have difficulty telling the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Physical hunger is when your body sends you signs to let you know it is time for nourishment.

Emotional hunger is when we don’t eat because we are hungry, but because we are bored, stressed, sad, lonely, or anxious.

Research shows that about 75% of all our eating is emotionally driven.

Other causes of emotional eating include:

Dieting

Situational stressors

Seasonal stressors

Several signs indicate a person might be prone to emotional eating, including:

Sudden, urgent cravings

Only craving certain foods, such as sweets or junk food

Overeating

Shame or guilt

Having unhealthy food on occasion isn’t harmful. Sometimes we need a piece of chocolate, candy, or a few potato chips to feel better. However, it can become a problem when it happens frequently, or it becomes your main coping mechanism.

There are many steps you can take to reduce or stop emotional eating, including:

Changing your diet to be healthier

Being mindful of what you’re eating

Avoiding letting yourself get too hungry

If you are dealing with emotional eating, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional, for an assessment to help determine if you have an underlying medical issue or something else.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services, schedule a virtual appointment, or speak with our intake coordinator, call (718) 670-5316 or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

October is observed as National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources, such as email, text messages, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school: educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.

Talking about bullying at home: parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the various roles children can play in bullying.

Supporting your community: mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.

Raising awareness: share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.

Supporting anti-bullying organizations: contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.

Organizing anti-bullying events: plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.

Engaging in school programs: encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.

Being an upstander: teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others. It typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Dating, attending parties, or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations or making eye contact
Eating or performing in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers

If you or a loved one has social anxiety disorder, you can find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or schedule a virtual appointment by calling (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

ALS

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes ataxia, a loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. It also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow down the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for treating ALS.

In addition to medication, there are many forms of therapy and forms of support available, including:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ALS, 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

Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

Postpartum refers to the time after childbirth. Postpartum mothers may experience mental health changes or challenges after giving birth, including mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of women, causing experiences of emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety. A postpartum mother may have trouble caring for their baby or themselves.

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency that affects a postpartum mother’s sense of reality, causing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or other behavior changes. In severe cases, postpartum mothers with PPP may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn.

Postpartum depression is common. A mother who has just given birth may experience baby blues, which affects between 50% and 75% of women after delivery. Postpartum psychosis is rare, as experts estimate that it affects between 0.089 and 2.6 out of every 1,000 births. In the United States, that means it happens in 320 to 9,400 births each year.

A mother can experience postpartum depression for up to one year after their baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that they will feel cured in one year.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, or guilty

Worrying excessively or feeling on edge

Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed

Changes in appetite or not eating

Loss of energy and motivation

Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time

Crying for no reason or excessively

Difficulty thinking or focusing

Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead

Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby

Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby

It is believed that hormonal changes are linked to postpartum depression; however, more research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression. The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop sharply after delivery. When a mother is three days postpartum, levels of these hormones drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase the risk of postpartum depression.

Experts don’t know why postpartum psychosis happens, but suspect it involves a combination of factors, including:

History of mental health conditions

Number of pregnancies

Family history of mental health conditions, especially PPP

Sleep deprivation

Hormone changes

Other medical conditions

Hallucinations and delusions are the two main symptoms of postpartum psychosis. However, there are several other common symptoms, including:

Mood changes, such as mania and hypomania or depression

Depersonalization

Disorganized thinking or behavior

Insomnia

Irritability of agitation

Thoughts of self-harm or harming others, especially their newborn

Researchers have organized the symptoms of PPP into three types: depressive, manic, and atypical/mixed.

The depressive subtype of PPP is the most common, making up about 41% of cases. It is also the most dangerous. Research shows that depressive symptoms and psychosis are almost always a factor in cases that involve self-harm or harm to a child, especially hallucinations or delusions that command a person to harm their child or themselves. The rate of harm to a child is about 4.5% with this subtype, about four or five times greater than with the other subtypes. The rate of dying by suicide is about 5%. Symptoms that are most likely experienced with this type include:

Anxiety or panic

Delusions and hallucinations

Depression

Feelings of guilt

Loss of appetite

Loss of enjoyment related to things they usually enjoy

Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming their child

The manic subtype is the next most common, affecting about 34% of cases. The risk of self-harm or harm to children is lower but still possible, happening in about 1% of cases. Symptoms can include:

Agitation or irritability

Disruptive or aggressive behavior

Talking more or faster than usual, or both

Needing less sleep

Delusions of greatness or importance, such as believing your child to be a holy or religious figure

The atypical/mixed subtype makes up to 25% of cases. This can mix the symptoms of manic and depressive subtypes. It can also involve symptoms in which a person seems much less aware, or completely unaware, of the world around them. Symptoms can include:

Disorganized speaking or behavior

Disorientation or confusion

Disturbance of consciousness

Hallucinations or delusions

Inappropriate comments, behaviors, or emotional displays

Catatonia or mutism

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses postpartum depression. A healthcare provider will evaluate you at your postpartum visit, which may include discussing your health history, how you have felt since delivery, a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and lab tests. They may also perform a postpartum depression screening or ask a series of questions to assess if you have postpartum depression.

Postpartum psychosis can be diagnosed by a mental health provider, who can determine, either by observation or by what you describe, whether you have the condition or not. They may also perform physical and neurological exams and order blood, urine, or imaging tests.

Treatment for postpartum depression depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, and support group participation.

Treatment for postpartum psychosis may include medications to treat depression, anxiety, and psychosis. You may also be admitted to a treatment center for several days until you’re stable.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Foods That Can Support Brain Health

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The brain is the body’s command center. It processes information and sends messages that control everything your body does, from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

Omega-3 fatty acids

B vitamins

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Selenium

Iron

Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

Brain development

Proper signaling of neurotransmitters

Processing and understanding new information

Memory

Protein balance

Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

There are several nutrient-rich foods to add to your diet, including:

Eggs

Fatty fish

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Broccoli

Mushrooms

Walnuts

Turmeric

Coffee

Leafy greens

Green tea

Dark chocolate

Fermented dairy

Avocados

Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice

Whole grains

It is important to remember that no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating these brain foods regularly can keep it sharp and help maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to receive the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Physical health and wellness are key to our overall well-being. Physical health is the condition of your body and how well it functions, from the strength of your heart and lungs to your ability to fight infection and move without pain.

Physical wellness is a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle choices that sustain energy, resilience, and functional capacity over a lifetime.

The tenets of physical health and wellness are important for keeping your body functioning properly. They include:

Watching what you put into your body
How much physical activity you get
Maintaining a healthy weight

These tenets are positive health habits that can help you decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy.

Here are some strategies to help you improve your physical health:

Increase your physical activity
- Set specific goals for your physical activity
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Take a walk on your lunch break
- Set an alarm to go off every hour as a reminder to move around for a minute or two
- Keep moving while watching TV
- Take an online exercise class
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
- Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Limit foods that are low in vitamins and minerals
- Cut down on sugar by choosing foods with little or no added sugar
- Get more fiber
- Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats, such as olive, canola, or other vegetable oils instead of butter, meat fats, or shortening
- Avoid foods high in salt, such as canned, smoked, or processed foods. Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat instead
- Choose more complex carbs such as starches and fiber, which can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes
Reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight
- Weigh yourself
- Calculate how many calories you need for your healthy goals
- Record your daily food intake and physical activity
- Set specific goals
- Choose healthy meals and physical activities you enjoy
- Plan activities with friends or family
- Be patient
Build healthy habits
- Plan and identify unhealthy patterns, and set realistic goals
- Change your surroundings and find ways to make healthier choices by removing temptations
- Ask for support by finding family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or support groups
- Speak with a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or burnout
Build muscle safely
- Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a while
- Pay attention to your body when you experience exhaustion, sore joints, or muscle pains, which is a sign you are overdoing it
- Use small amounts of weight to start and add more weight slowly over time, while focusing on your form
- Use smooth, steady movements to lift weights into position, and don’t jerk or thrust weights
- Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a straight position
- Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises
- Ask for help by looking for a group class at a local gym, recreation center, or find a trainer
Combat age-related changes
- Commit to a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Move more
- Get plenty of sleep
- Limit alcohol use
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit the doctor regularly

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

World Alzheimer’s Month

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a month that raises global awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and encourages education, advocacy, and support for those affected.

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.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can present many signs and symptoms, including:

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 disease and many other types of dementia, there are preventative measures you can take to take care of your brain, including:

Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body

Eating a healthy, balanced diet lower in fat and higher in fruit and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH diets

Getting quality sleep

Taking care of your mental health and managing stress

Stimulating your brain by engaging in challenging activities, such as playing a strategy game, learning a new language or how to play an instrument, or completing a jigsaw puzzle

Staying connected socially with family and friends

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.