National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, a sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.

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.

World AIDS Day

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

World AIDS Day has been recognized on December 1^st every year since 1998. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as one of the eight official global public health campaigns.

The focus of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection.

Although the campaign extends throughout the year, World AIDS Day is the day when many events take place throughout the world to bring attention to this serious disease. The observance is recognized with educational programs on AIDS prevention and control.

In recognition of World AIDS Day Flushing Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following facts:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system. If not treated properly, HIV can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It has been estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States and 36.7 million people worldwide are presently living with HIV. In the United States, one out of eight does not know that they are infected.
The virus is either transmitted when certain bodily fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane within the body or a cut in the skin or through the sharing of needles and syringes of people who are infected.
HIV can only be transmitted by way of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids or breast milk.
HIV virus is not spread by water or air, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, saliva, tears, sweat, sharing a toilet seat or by simple person -to- person touching.
There is no cure for HIV but there are ways to slow down its progression.

If you would like to speak to a physician about HIV and AIDS, or if you would like to be tested, you may schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital at 718-670-5486.

November is Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Michael Hinck

The American Urological Association (AUA) has designated November as Bladder Health Month.

So often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop, therefore the AUA is committed to increasing the public’s awareness about bladder health conditions.

Some symptoms of an infected bladder are:

Pelvic pain
Increased urge to urinate
Pain with urination
Blood in the urine

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are some ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection and have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital Medical Center is spreading awareness by sharing important facts about the disorder with our community.

Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, 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 U.S. is born with Down syndrome.

Typically, at the time of conception, a fetus receives genetic information from both parents in the form of 46 chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs when the fetus receives an extra copy of a chromosome; resulting in 47 chromosomes. This extra chromosome affects the way a baby develops physically and mentally. Some of the physical features and developmental problems associated with Down syndrome include:

Flattened face
Small head
Upward slanting eyelids
Unusually shaped or small ears
Protruding tongue
Short height
Language delay
Mild to moderate cognitive impairment

Every baby born with Down syndrome is different. Each child will have physical or intellectual disabilities that are unique to their condition. Parents of babies born with Down syndrome are advised to enroll their children into early- intervention services such as speech therapy or occupational therapy as soon as possible. These services can help to encourage or accelerate the child’s development.

The most commonly known risk factor linked to Down syndrome is a mother’s age. Women over the age of 35 have a significantly higher risk of having a child with this condition. Those with an increased risk are encouraged to consult a genetic counselor to discuss screening options.

To speak with a doctor a Flushing Hospital about your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, please call 718-670-5486

August is National Immunization Month

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Joann Ariola

As the end of summer approaches, parents are preparing to send their children back to school during unprecedented times. With so much attention being paid to controlling the spread of COVID-19, it is important to remember that there are other viruses and diseases that can potentially spread from child to child. Thankfully, many of them can be controlled through vaccines.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and today’s vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death.

This annual observance is a reminder to all parents to keep a record of what vaccines your child has received and when. Check with your physician to make sure your child’s immunization schedule is current.

By vaccinating your child today, you are not only ensuring their protection against a wide variety of illness, but you are also helping to eradicate these diseases for future generations.

Flushing Hospital Recognizes National Don’t Fry Fry Day

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Michael Hinck

The Friday before Memorial Day is designated National Don’t Fry Day – a day to raise awareness about sun safety and encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to protect their skin from cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year – more than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined. In fact, one out of every five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some time in their lives.

Flushing Hospital and the American Cancer Society would like to share the following tips to avoid frying in the sun this summer:

Seek shade during the peak time of day – the sun is at its strongest between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dress properly – Wear sun-protective clothing as well as UV blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats
Use sunscreen – It is recommended that you apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 every 2 hours
Avoid tanning devices – These give off UVA rays just like the sun.

By following these tips, you and your family can enjoy the sun, while protecting yourself from the harm that it can cause

Flushing Hospital Offers Tips To Manage Your Children’s Vaccinations During World Immunization Week

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Michael Hinck

It is World Immunization Week; an observance led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise public awareness about how immunizations can save lives. During this week-long event, efforts are made to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against a variety of preventable diseases.

Immunizations prevent illness, disability and death from many diseases, including:

Cervical cancer
Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Measles, mumps and rubella
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Pneumonia
Polio
Rotavirus diarrhea
Tetanus

Despite all their benefits, there is still an estimated 18.7 million infants worldwide still missing out on basic vaccines.

One of the best ways for parents to keep track of their children’s immunization history and make sure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations is by setting up an electronic medical record (EMR), like MyChart, which is available for free to all Flushing Hospital patients.

In addition to allowing parents to access to their children’s records, including their immunization history, MyChart also gives patients the ability to:

Review test results online
Review health education topics
Access discharge instructions
Request prescription refills online
Interact with your provider via email
Request an appointment

To create an account is easy. All a patient needs to do is go to the Flushing Hospital’s website and click the link to MediSys MyChart: https://mychart.medisys.org and click on the “sign up now” tab.

World Immunization Week is an opportunity for Flushing Hospital to remind parents of the importance of maintaining their children’s vaccinations and how MyChart can help them do that. My making it easy to access their immunization history, parents can make sure their children are properly protected.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), “Oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) collectively kill nearly one person every hour of every day of the year.” However, mortality rates can be reduced through early detection.

One of the best ways to detect oral cancer at an early stage is by getting regular screenings. Dental associations such as the Academy of General Dentistry, recommend seeing your dentist at least once a year for a thorough examination-especially if you are at risk for developing the disease. You may be at risk if you:

Drink excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis
Contracted the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Use tobacco products
Chew betel quid
Previously had oral cancer
Have a weakened immune system
Have poor oral health
Have a family history of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- the most common type of oral cancer

Those at risk should be mindful of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer which include:

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
A white, red or black discoloration of the tissues inside the mouth
A growth or lump inside the mouth
Lip sores that do not heal
Hoarseness or soreness of the throat that do not resolve
Difficulty swallowing
Loose teeth
Mouth pain
Earaches

It is strongly recommended that you see a dentist if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month; during this time the AAOM and other dental health associations across the United States are urging the public to schedule an oral cancer examination. If you are at risk for developing the disease please remember to check for signs and symptoms in between dental visits.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5521.

Men’s Health – Learn About Testicular Cancer

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Michael Hinck

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This month-long observance spotlights the disease and emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and warning signs of it.

Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-34, with an estimated 10,000 cases diagnosed in the United States every year. Testicular cancer, which can develop in one or both testicles, occurs when sexual reproductive cells called germ cells experience abnormal growth. If germ cells become cancerous, they multiply, forming a mass of cells called tumors that begin to invade normal tissue. If not treated, they can spread rapidly to other parts of the body including to the abdomen, liver, lungs, bones and brain.

Regular testing by your physician and conducting monthly self-examinations of the testes is important for early detection. Since testicular cancer is usually isolated to a single testicle, comparing your testicles with one another for abnormalities can be helpful. It is important to know that it is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other so your focus during a self-exam should be on other differences between the testes as well as changes from the previous month. In addition to self-exams, all men should have their primary care physician check their testicles as part of their annual physical.

The warning signs of testicular cancer include:

A lump of any size on the testicle
Enlargement of the testicle, change in shape, size or any irregularities
Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle
A dull ache or sense of pressure in the lower abdomen or back
A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts due to elevated hormone levels

In most cases early stages of testicular cancer present themselves in a completely painless manner. If any of these symptoms are present, you need to see your doctor for further testing immediately.

By raising awareness during the month of April, we can empower individuals to learn more about testicular cancer and educate men about the importance of early detection.

To make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.