observation Archives - Health Beat

Older Americans Month 2024

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Older Americans Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to spotlight the importance of meaningful social connections for the health and well-being of aging members of our community.

Socialization is beneficial for people of any age when it comes to mental and physical health. However, it becomes even more important as we age as a way of managing a wide range of increasing health risks.

According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), approximately one third of adults aged 45 or older feel socially isolated. Several factors, such as the loss of loved ones or other significant life events, can contribute to this feeling. It is important that we pay attention to the effects of social isolation as they have been linked to a significantly increased risk of experiencing a variety of medical problems, including mental health conditions, such as depression, as well as chronic physical problems, such as heart disease.

The negative mental and physical impacts of social isolation on older adults are intertwined. Social isolation has specifically been linked to a 50% increase in the risk of developing dementia, as well as a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke. These medical problems, in turn, increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, which is more likely to occur in people with a chronic or disabling medical problem.

Older adults who feel socially isolated have a variety of options for seeking out opportunities for social interaction. A few of these include:

Calling or visiting family members or friends regularly
Joining a local community group or attending local events
Joining a gym or exercise class
Going out for a walk each day and visiting a specific location, such as a cafe or shop

Taking these steps may not immediately make you feel better or lead you to instantly develop close, high-quality relationships. However, making a point to interact with people regularly allows you to cultivate these relationships gradually over time and develop a healthier, more active social life.

If you feel socially isolated and start to experience symptoms of a medical problem, such as depression, dementia, or heart disease, it is important that you see 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.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension is a main contributing factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have hypertension, but only about a quarter of these adults have their blood pressure under control.

As your blood flows throughout your body, it pushes against the walls of your arteries; this is what is known as blood pressure. It’s normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, and certain factors, such as anxiety, might cause it to become elevated in specific situations. However, if your blood pressure is chronically high, it can cause damage to your heart.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing chronic high blood pressure. These include:

Diabetes
Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, an unhealthy diet, or a lack of physical activity
Excessive consumption of alcohol or usage of tobacco
A family history of high blood pressure
Older age
Race (over half of Black adults in the United States have hypertension)

There are steps you can take to manage your blood pressure and decrease your risk of medical complications. To prevent high blood pressure, it is most helpful to:

Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women)
Get a sufficient amount of sleep each night

To control high blood pressure, you should:

Regularly measure your blood pressure
Make lifestyle changes to prevent your condition from worsening
Get medical care for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your high blood pressure

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s expert cardiology specialists can high-quality care for chronic hypertension and any condition that may be causing it to occur. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call (718) 670-5486.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver. Many cases of hepatitis are caused by viral or bacterial infections, but it can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to certain toxins, and drug use. Many people may not be aware that they have hepatitis, as symptoms may not appear for weeks or months after developing this disease. Each year, approximately 15,000 people in the United States die from either liver cancer or chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis.

There are five types of hepatitis; each of them may occur in different ways and present a variety of symptoms. These types include:

Hepatitis A, which is typically transmitted through exposure to food, water, or other substances that have been contaminated by the feces of a person who carries the disease. It does not cause chronic liver disease, but does cause acute, debilitating symptoms that, in rare cases, can be fatal.

Hepatitis B, which is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person; it is also often transmitted from mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B puts infected people at a high risk of death from liver cirrhosis or cancer.

Hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause both acute and long-term liver problems, such as those that occur in people with hepatitis A and B. It is mainly transmitted through contact with an infected person’s blood. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but it can be treated through antiviral medication.

Hepatitis D, which only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B. It is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis, putting infected people at the highest risk of experiencing fatal complications, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis E, which causes similar symptoms to those of hepatitis A and is transmitted in similar ways, but is caused by a different virus.

The best way to prevent hepatitis is to get vaccinated. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5486.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, healthcare organizations work to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, including symptoms, warning signs, and all current resources available to improve the quality of life experienced by people living with this condition.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system that causes tremors and muscular rigidity; this, in turn, leads to slow and imprecise body movements. The disease is caused by the degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which controls many of the body’s movements. Parkinson’s mostly affects people who are middle-aged or elderly.

Not all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear immediately; some people can live with the disease for years or decades before non-motor symptoms begin to appear. Some specific signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers.
Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause pain.
Impaired posture and balance: Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems.
Loss of automatic movements: Parkinson’s disease can lead to a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes: You may speak softly or quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more monotone, rather than having normal inflections.
Writing changes: It may become hard to write and/or your writing may appear small.

Some symptoms, such as tremors, can be managed through certain medications. These medications can act as a substitute for dopamine, sending signals to your brain that function similarly to this neurotransmitter. Although these medications can become less effective over time, some patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms as a result of treatment.

Parkinson’s disease can be frightening and challenging to live with, but there are treatment options available to help you engage in your normal daily activities more easily. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a neurologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

National Poison Prevention Week

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Each year, more than 2 million poison-related injuries and deaths occur in the United States. In the majority of these cases, the victims are children, and more than 90 percent of these cases occur at home due to exposure to (or ingestion of) common household items that can be toxic. This often occurs due to a lack of proper storage, disposal, or concealment of these items, making it easy for children or other vulnerable members of the household to access them.

To keep your family safe from poisoning, the American Association of Poison Control Centers recommends that you follow these best practices:

Display the Poison Help phone number (1-800-222-1222) in a location that is readily accessible or easily noticeable. Remember: this phone line is meant to help in the event of an accidental exposure, but if you or someone else experiences a medical emergency, such as loss of consciousness, severe illness, seizures, or other symptoms, dial 911 right away.
Safely store the following substances in cabinets with child-proof locks or in child-resistant containers:
- Medications
- Vitamins
- Tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine
- Laundry and cleaning supplies
- Alcohol
- Pesticides or insect repellants
- Hand sanitizers
- Small batteries
Read medication labels thoroughly before taking or administering them; if you don’t understand something, call your doctor.
Avoid calling medication “candy” to get children to take it.
Avoid taking medications in front of young children.
Do not use food storage containers to store harmful products such as detergents or pesticides; make sure these products remain in the containers they came in and store them out of the reach of your children.

Make sure to implement a regular routine that reinforces these practices. If you, your child, or someone else in your household experiences a poison-related medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. A bleeding disorder is a condition in which blood cannot clot properly. This can lead to either too much clotting, significantly increasing your risk of experiencing conditions such as heart attack or stroke, or too little clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

The two most common bleeding disorders are hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Hemophilia slows the blood clotting process. It is inherited genetically and more commonly affects people assigned male at birth than people assigned female at birth, occurring in one in every 5,000 male births in the United States. The disorder very rarely develops in women.

Von Willebrand disease is a much more common bleeding disorder than hemophilia. Similarly, it is an inherited condition, but generally causes milder symptoms. It can also affect both men and women. People with this disease lack a functioning von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood form clots; as a result, they are unable to form blood clots as easily as other people.

In the case of both hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, early diagnosis is best for effective treatment outcomes. For people with hemophilia, a common treatment is to replace the missing blood clotting factor. People with von Willebrand disease may not require treatment at all if their symptoms are mild; however, if treatment is needed, common options include medications that increase the amount of von Willebrand factor in the blood or infusions of blood factor concentrates.

If you experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible; even if your symptoms are mild, talking to a doctor can help you avoid potential risk factors that may worsen them. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

World Mental Health Day

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10^th. The observation was founded by The World Federation for Mental Health to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize resources for individuals who need support.

Each year, The World Federation for Mental Health creates a campaign to advocate for better mental health care and make it readily accessible for people worldwide. This year’s campaign theme is ‘Mental Health Is A Universal Right.’ It aims to promote and protect universal mental health as a basic human right for everyone. The World Federation for Mental Health also hopes to engage and unify communities and organizations in driving actions that support inclusion for those affected by mental health conditions.

According to the World Health Organization, “People with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights”

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has implemented several initiatives to address these problems through raising awareness and providing quality mental health care and support to our community. This includes projects aimed at destigmatizing mental health services among underserved and older populations.

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

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. It is most likely to occur in children whose mothers became pregnant with them at 35 years of age or older.

Typically, at the time of conception, a fetus receives genetic information from both parents in the form of 46 chromosomes. Down syndrome develops as a result of the fetus receiving an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome affects the baby’s physical and mental development. Some of the physical features and developmental problems associated with Down syndrome include:

Flattened face, particularly in the bridge of the nose
Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
A short neck
Small ears
A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye
Small hands and feet
A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb
Poor muscle tone or loose joints
Shorter in height as children and adults

There are three main types of Down syndrome. Approximately 95% of people with this condition have Trisomy 21, in which each cell of their body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two. About 3% of people with Down syndrome have translocation Down syndrome, in which an extra part or whole chromosome 21 is present, but attached to a different chromosome. The rarest form of Down syndrome is mosaic Down syndrome, in which only some cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21.

People with Down syndrome are at greater risk for certain medical problems. Some of these include hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections, eye diseases, and heart defects. Many people who live with Down syndrome are regularly monitored by a doctor to identify these conditions.

While Down syndrome is a lifelong condition, treatments such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, when initiated at an early stage in life, can help individuals living with it develop to their full physical and intellectual potential. It is essential to work with your doctor during pregnancy to identify whether your child may have Down syndrome, as this will help with getting them the care they need as early as possible.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about screening or diagnostic testing for Down syndrome during pregnancy, please call (718) 670-5486.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Suicide is currently the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but some of the most common risk factors include:

Personal or family history of suicide attempts
Personal or family history of mental disorders or substance use disorders
Chronic pain
Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
The presence of firearms in the home
Recent release from prison or jail
Exposure to suicidal behavior from other people

While suicide is most common among middle-aged people, particularly men, it can happen among people of all ages. Many of the same warning signs apply to both adults and young people, but some may be different. Additionally, not all of these signs necessarily indicate that a person actually intends to commit suicide; however, they can indicate that the person is at risk and may benefit from preventative treatment.

For adults, suicide warning signs to watch out for include:

Talking about or planning suicide
Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
Talking about being a burden to others
Talking about feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain
Increased or frequent usage of alcohol and/or drugs
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Insufficient or excessive sleep
Social isolation
Extreme moods or mood swings

In addition to the above indicators, warning signs for young people include:

Expressing hopelessness about the future
Severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
Anger or hostility that seems increased and/or out of character

Whether or not you believe a person may genuinely commit suicide, do not dismiss these warning signs; they are indicators of serious underlying mental health problems. Let them know that you have recognized changes in their behavior, that they are not alone, and that you are there to support them. You should also do what you can to make sure that they feel comfortable speaking openly with you about what’s troubling them.

Aside from providing support, the most helpful step you can take for someone who may be at risk of committing suicide is to encourage them to get professional help. You can reach Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic to schedule an appointment or get more information by calling (718) 670-5562.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK right away.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

September is designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. The importance of this designation is to bring awareness of the health risks associated with high cholesterol.

One of the major conditions associated with high cholesterol is heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. People who have high levels of cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than those who have levels in the normal range.

The liver produces two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). When the level of LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, is too high, we can develop health problems such as peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. We can reduce our risk of complications by making lifestyle changes.

Ways to reduce “bad” cholesterol LDL and raise HDL “good” cholesterol include:

Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats such as fried food, pizza, margarine and pastries
Eat foods with unsaturated fats including olive oil, olives, and nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, and canola oil
Eat foods with polyunsaturated fat containing Omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna
Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, beans, oat cereal
Limit alcohol consumption
Use Psyllium as a dietary supplement

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, so the only way to assess it is through a blood test. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have cholesterol levels checked every five years after the age of 20. It should also be a part of your annual physical as you get older. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.