Shin Splints

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that occurs when the muscles and bones in your lower leg become strained and irritated. Athletes (especially runners), dancers, members of the military, and individuals with osteoporosis, flat feet, and high or very rigid arches are at a higher risk of developing shin splints.

If you have shin splints, you may notice tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. Initially, the pain may subside when you stop exercising. However, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture, so it is best to take it easy while they heal.

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the bone.

Healthcare providers diagnose shin splints based on your medical history and by performing a physical exam. They will observe how you walk and examine your lower leg, ankle, and foot.

In some cases, they may also perform an X-ray or other imaging tests that can help identify other possible causes for your pain, such as a stress fracture.

Shin splints can be treated with simple self-care steps that include:

Rest
Ice
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
Supplements
Shin splint stretches
Slow increases in activity levels
Wearing supportive shoes and shoe inserts
Resting in between activities to allow your bones and muscles time to heal
Physical therapy

There are several ways to help avoid shin splints, including:

Analyzing your movement
Avoiding overdoing high-impact activities
Choosing the right shoes
Considering arch support
Considering shock-absorbing insoles
Lessening the impact on your shins
Adding strength training to your workout

If you experience shin splints often, 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.

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.

Is Narcissism a Sign of a Mental Health Disorder?

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive admiration, fascination, or interest in oneself.

A person often described as a narcissist or having narcissistic tendencies may display the following personality traits:

Arrogance
A strong desire to be the center of attention
Selfishness
Being self-absorbed
Being vain
Being insensitive

Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, where they can be mild and situational or pathological and severe, interfering with daily life.

Pathological or problematic narcissism can indicate a mental health disorder called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is estimated that 1% to 2% of the U.S. population has NPD. Individuals with this disorder often display a consistent pattern of certain behaviors, including:

A pervasive sense of superiority
A sense of entitlement
A grandiose sense of self-importance
A lack of empathy
Manipulating or exploiting others
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
Fantasizing about power and unrealistic success
A constant need for praise or admiration
Difficulty accepting criticism

Unlike individuals with narcissistic tendencies, those with NPD often lack accountability and may avoid taking responsibility for their behaviors.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s life. It can lead to difficulties in their relationships, careers, and education. NPD may result in complications such as:

Depression and anxiety
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Drug or alcohol misuse
Other personality disorders

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown; however, it is believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. An NPD diagnosis is based on:

Guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
A Psychological Examination
A physical examination

Treatment for NPD typically involves talk therapy; medications may also be prescribed if needed.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional. To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse, and its impact on health.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) started the Alcohol Awareness Month program in 1987. The program targets teenagers and college-aged youth, aiming to educate them on the dangers of heavy drinking and other harmful behaviors that can be common during these years.

Binge drinking and heavy drinking are two patterns of excessive alcohol use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more for men on a single occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

There are several ways to support Alcohol Awareness Month, including:

Wear a red ribbon
Participate in an alcohol-free 72 hours
Host dry parties
Talk with kids and teens about alcohol
Talk with friends and family about alcohol
Reflect on your relationship with alcohol

Alcohol Awareness Month’s primary goal is to increase public awareness and education about alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD), formerly known as “alcoholism”.

The Loneliness Epidemic

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

In May 2023, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a report that drew attention to an epidemic that affects half of American adults: loneliness and social isolation.

Dr. Murthy said that loneliness and social isolation are “urgent public health concerns, more widespread than smoking, diabetes, or anxiety”.

Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and not having meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.

Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:

Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
- Chronic disease or condition
- Psychiatric or depressive condition
- Long-term disability
Being marginalized or discriminated against
Having limited or no access to resources, which may result in:
- Living in rural areas
- Limited transportation
- Language barriers
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:

Low-income adults
Young adults
Older adults
Adults living alone
Immigrants
People who identify as LGBTQ+

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

Heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
Dementia
Earlier death

It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:

Less stress
Better sleep
A longer, healthier life

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. However, a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including the following:

Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
Connecting with others on social media
Volunteering in your community
Being kind to yourself
Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
Getting help from a professional

To find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s 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.

Anorexia #NationalEatingDisorderAwarenessMonth

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that involves severe calorie restriction and often a low body weight based on personal weight history. It is a complex condition that has mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they’re overweight, even if they are not. To prevent gaining weight or to continue to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They do this by restricting the number of calories they consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and usually, but not always, a very low body weight.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to malnutrition. If left untreated, weight loss can get to a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious physical harm or death. Anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdoses. Most anorexia-related deaths stem from heart conditions and suicide.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa based on eating behaviors:

Restrictive anorexia– the person severely limits the amount and type of food they eat

Binge-purge anorexia– the person greatly restricts the amount and type of food they eat. However, they also have binge-eating and purging episodes where they eat large amounts of food in a short time and then intentionally vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of what they consumed.

Anorexia involves physical, behavioral, and emotional and mental signs and symptoms.

Emotional and mental signs of anorexia include:

Intense fear of gaining weight
Body dysmorphia
Obsessive interest in food, calories, and dieting
Fear of certain foods or food groups
Being very self-critical
Denying the seriousness of your low body weight and/or food restriction
Feeling a strong need to be in control
Insomnia

It is common to have other mental health conditions alongside anorexia, you may have additional mental and emotional symptoms.

Behavioral signs of anorexia include:

Changes in eating habits or routines, such as eating foods in a certain order or rearranging foods on a plate
A sudden change in food preferences, such as eliminating certain food types or food groups
Making frequent comments about feeling “fat” or being overweight despite weight loss
Purging through intentional vomiting and/or misusing laxatives or diuretics
Going to the bathroom right after eating
Misusing diet pills or appetite suppressants
Compulsive and/or excessive exercising
Continuing to limit calories even when your weight is love for your sex, height, and age
Wearing loose clothing and/or wearing layers to hide weight loss and stay warm
Withdrawing from loved ones and social events

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia can include:

Significant weight loss over several weeks or months
Not maintaining an appropriate body weight based on your height, age, sex, stature, and physical health
Unexplained change in growth curve or body mass index (BMI) in children and still-growing adolescents

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia that are side effects of starvation and malnutrition include:

Dizziness and/or fainting
Fatigue
Abnormal heart rhythm
Low blood pressure
Feeling cold all the time
Absent periods or irregular menstrual periods
Bloating and/or abdominal pain
Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
Dry skin, brittle nails, and/or thinning hair
Poor wound healing and frequent illness

Anorexia is a complex condition with no singular cause. Research suggests that a combination of certain factors may be responsible, such as:

Genetics
Brain changes
Trauma
Environment and culture
Peer pressure
Emotional health

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, incomes, and body types. It is also more common among teenagers, although people of any age can develop anorexia. Teens can be more at risk due to all of the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also face peer pressure and can be more sensitive to criticism or casual comments about weight or body shape. Certain factors can raise the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

Family history
A history of weight bullying
A history of dieting
Transitions

A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three criteria include:

Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your age, sex, height, and stage of growth.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of your health

If you have signs and symptoms of anorexia, a healthcare provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. They will ask questions about your:

Dietary history
Exercise history
Psychological history
Body image
Purging frequency and elimination habits (use of pills, laxatives, and diuretics)
Family history of eating disorders

Treatment for anorexia varies depending on the person’s needs. They may receive treatment through inpatient or outpatient care based on their current medical and mental state. Treatment for anorexia most often involves a combination of:

Individual and group psychotherapy
Medication
Hospitalization

A person with anorexia or any eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of anorexia, be sure to talk to a provider as soon as possible.

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

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term or chronic pattern of irresponsible, impulsive, or criminal behaviors.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is estimated to affect 1 to 4% of adults in the United States, and it is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. The exact cause of ASPD is not fully understood; however, it is believed that factors such as traumatic experiences, genetics, and childhood abuse or neglect may contribute to its development.

People with ASPD often display the following behaviors or signs:

A lack of guilt or remorse
Inability to control anger
Repeatedly breaking the law
Manipulative behavior
Aggressive behavior
Reckless behavior
Feeling superior to others or more powerful than others
Not taking responsibility for harmful actions
Lying
Stealing
Fighting or assaulting people
Difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
Having problems with substance misuse
Blaming others for the problems in their lives

ASPD may look different for each person and is on a spectrum, meaning that these behaviors range in severity.

The consequences or complications associated with ASPD can include financial problems, imprisonment, domestic violence, attempting to kill others or suicide, and alcohol and drug misuse.

Diagnosing ASPD is based on medical history, symptoms, and a mental health evaluation. A diagnosis is usually made after the age of 18 by a mental health provider. Treatment may involve medications or cognitive behavioral therapy.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with help from the outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator, or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Alcohol Addiction during the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

There are plenty of occasions during the holidays to celebrate with an alcoholic beverage. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there is a noticeable increase in alcohol consumption during the holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s.

Studies suggest that there is a significant gender disparity when it comes to holiday drinking as men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and consume larger quantities of alcohol during the holidays. On the other hand, women may be at a greater risk of adverse health effects due to their typically lower tolerance for alcohol.

Binge drinking is also a significant concern during the holidays as individuals may consume excessive amounts of alcohol in a short time. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, accidents, and impaired decision-making.

Maintaining sobriety during the holidays can be challenging. Some helpful tips to help you abstain from drinking alcohol include:

Plan ahead
Seek support
Avoid Triggers
Focus on non-alcoholic options
Practice self-care
Develop coping strategies
Communicate with loved ones
Lend a helping hand

If you are experiencing an alcohol use disorder, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can help. To learn more about our Chemical Dependence Unit, a safe place to experience alcohol withdrawal, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. To learn more about our Reflections addiction treatment program, please call (718) 670-5078.

Coping with Depression during the Holiday Season

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is filled with bright lights and festive cheer. However, this time of year can, unfortunately, bring feelings of loneliness, isolation, grief, and sadness for both those with clinical depression as well as those who aren’t depressed.

Holiday depression feels a lot like regular depression, but it is triggered by the onset of the holidays, holiday get-togethers, large family gatherings, and attending or hosting social events. Holiday depression is similar to the “winter blues”, but it may come and go in quick bursts as one event ends and another begins, or it can linger for the days or weeks leading up to and beyond the holiday season.

There are several causes of holiday depression including:

Stressful schedules
Putting pressure on yourself
Separation from loved ones
Loneliness
Family dynamics
Social anxiety
Holiday trauma

Signs of holiday depression may include:

Feeling depressed and hopeless for more days than not
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Constantly feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge more often
Trouble sleeping over an extended period
Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

No matter the cause of your low mood or negative feelings, several healthy coping strategies can help you prepare for and get through the festive months when you’re managing depression. Here are some coping strategies to consider this holiday season:

Seek support and help from a mental health professional
Stay active and get outdoors
Share how you’re feeling with trusted loved ones
Assess your relationships and set boundaries
Limit social media use
Set aside time for yourself and prioritize self-care
Practice relaxation
Consider volunteering throughout the holiday season
Remember a cherished loved one who passed on
Create a coping sheet or depression toolkit

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 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.

Loneliness

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and feeling like you don’t have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.

Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:

Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
- Chronic disease or condition
- Psychiatric or depressive condition
- Long-term disability
Being marginalized or discriminated against
Having limited or no access to resources may result in:
- Living in rural areas
- Limited transportation
- Language barriers
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:

Low-income adults
Young adults
Older adults
Adults living alone
Immigrants
People who identify as LGBTQ+

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

Heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
Dementia
Earlier death

It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:

Less stress
Better sleep
A longer, healthier life

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including:

Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
Connecting with others on social media
Volunteering in your community
Being kind to yourself
Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
Getting help from a professional