Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter pain relievers in our medicine cabinets. We use both medications for many things, such as getting rid of headaches or reducing a fever. However, acetaminophen and ibuprofen work differently, and it is important to know which medication to use when you need to alleviate pain, as they are not interchangeable.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which means it reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site of the pain itself. It can reduce pain for conditions such as:

Headaches

Sore throat

Osteoarthritis

Acetaminophen can have many side effects, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and isn’t a great pain relief option for people who have issues with their liver.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause inflammation. It reduces inflammation symptoms such as swelling, redness, heat, pain, and/or loss of function at the site or source. Ibuprofen can relieve pain for conditions such as:

Muscle sprains and strains

Menstrual cramps

Sinus infections

Back and neck pain

Earaches

Toothaches

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

Heartburn

Constipation

Nausea

Stomach pain

Taking ibuprofen at high doses or for a long time can increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:

Blood clots

Kidney damage

Heart attack and/or stroke

Ulcers

Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and isn’t a great pain relief option for people with kidney issues.

Most research suggests that acetaminophen and ibuprofen bear similar results when used to control fevers in adults. However, ibuprofen works better as a fever reducer for children. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your child’s age and weight before giving them ibuprofen.

The recommended max dosage for adults taking acetaminophen is 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day, and 2,400 milligrams of ibuprofen per day.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be hidden in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications, if you are taking more than one medication. Read the drug labels carefully for active ingredients and use the medications that fit your symptoms and type of pain you have, so you don’t go over the recommended dosage.

If you are experiencing pain and would like help determining which medication is best for relieving your pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:

Marfan’s syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Neurofibromatosis

Prader-Willi syndrome

Arthrogryposis

Riley-Day syndrome

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life.

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.

The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body.

Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other.

Pushed-out ribs

Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.

Back pain and discomfort

When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation

Bracing

The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery

The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007.

Ebola Disease

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Ebola disease is a rare and severe illness that can be fatal if it isn’t immediately treated. Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. They include:

Ebola virus (EBOV), which causes Ebola virus disease

Sudan virus (SUDV), which causes Sudan virus disease

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which causes Bundibugyo virus disease

Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly diseases, with a mortality rate as high as 80-90 percent.

Ebola doesn’t spread the same way as other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID. You cannot get it from being near someone.

People can get infected with Ebola disease in two ways:

Through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has been infected or has died from the disease

Through direct contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with bodily fluids from a person sick with the disease

People can’t transmit the disease before they have symptoms. However, they will remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies from two to 21 days. However, symptoms begin eight to ten days after exposure to the virus.

The symptoms of Ebola disease can be “dry” in the early stages of the illness and become “wet” as the illness progresses. Dry Ebola disease symptoms include:

Fever

Aches

Pains

Fatigue

Sore throat

Wet Ebola disease symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Unexplained bleeding

Loss of appetite

If you live in or are traveling to regions where Ebola disease has been diagnosed, or is suspected, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of people who are sick, which include their blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid

Avoiding direct contact with items that have touched an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, such as their clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or any other items that may be contaminated

Avoiding direct contact with the body of someone who was suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease, such as part of any funeral or burial practices

Avoiding the blood, fluids, or raw meat from bats, forest antelopes, primates, or unknown animals

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you encounter people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and bodily fluids, or objects contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids

Monitoring your health for 21 days after returning from an area with an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. It is important to get medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease

Healthcare providers can diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive by ordering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. They can also perform blood tests for orthoebulavirus antibodies to determine whether a patient recently had Ebola.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ervebo, a vaccine that prevents Ebola disease in 2019, and two treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, to treat an Ebola disease infection in adults and children in 2020.

Additionally, other treatments such as fluids and electrolytes administered by mouth or intravenously, medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, to manage fever and pain, and treatment for other infections give patients a better chance of surviving an Ebola disease infection.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Ebola disease, immediately call your local health department or the nearest hospital emergency room, before visiting in person.

Shigella Virus

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Shigella virus or infection is an illness that affects the intestine and is caused by a group of germs called Shigella bacteria.

A Shigella infection mostly affects children under the age of five, but it can happen at any age. The germs that cause a shigella infection are easily spread through an infected person’s stool. An infection occurs after the germs are swallowed after either touching your mouth, drinking tainted water, or eating tainted food, or due to them being present on fingers, surfaces, or in food or water.

The main symptom of a Shigella infection is diarrhea, which can be bloody or long-lasting. Other Shigella infection symptoms can include:

Fever

Stomach pain or cramps

An upset stomach or vomiting

A feeling of needing to pass stool even when the bowel is empty

The symptoms of a Shigella infection tend to last for up to seven days and sometimes longer. Some people can have no symptoms after they have been infected with Shigella; however, the germs may be able to spread through stool for up to a few weeks.

It may take weeks or months before you return to your usual bowel habits, and most Shigella infections clear up without leading to other complications, such as dehydration, seizures, rectal prolapse, hemolytic uremic syndrome, toxic megacolon, reactive arthritis, and bloodstream infections.

It is important to call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care if you or your child has the following:

Bloody diarrhea

Diarrhea along with a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Diarrhea that causes weight loss and dehydration

Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down

Terrible cramps or tenderness

Dehydration symptoms, such as little or no urination, very dry mouth or throat, or a feeling of dizziness while standing

If you have a weakened immune system with any symptoms of a Shigella infection, call your healthcare provider, as the illness will make you sicker for a longer period.

Diagnosing a Shigella infection involves a physical exam and tests to determine if you have the illness, as many other health conditions can cause diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. A stool sample can be collected by you or your healthcare provider; it will be sent to a lab to check for Shigella germs or toxins, which are harmful substances the germs make.

Treatment for a Shigella infection depends on the severity of the illness. An illness caused by a Shigella infection is usually mild and gets better within seven days. If the illness is mild, you may only need to replace lost fluids from diarrhea, especially if you are in overall good health.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any non-prescription diarrhea medicine, as these medicines could make some conditions worse.

If a lab test is positive for the Shigella virus, non-prescription medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate can help pass stool less often and shorten the length of the illness. However, it is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or people who are allergic to aspirin.

Additionally, do not take diarrhea medicines such as loperamide or medicines containing the combination of diphenoxylate and atropine, as they are not recommended for a Shigella infection. This combination of medicines can lower the body’s ability to clear Shigella germs and make your condition worse.

Antibiotics are prescribed by a healthcare provider if there is a serious Shigella infection. However, some Shigella bacteria can resist the effects of these medicines, so your healthcare provider may not recommend them unless your infection is very bad.

To help prevent a Shigella infection, follow these steps:

Wash your hands often

Try not to swallow water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools

Throw away soiled diapers in a covered, lined garbage can

Disinfect all diaper-changing areas right after use, especially if the diaper spills or leaks

Do not have sexual contact with anyone who has diarrhea or who has recently recovered from diarrhea. Wait at least two weeks

If you or your child has diarrhea or a known Shigella infection, take these steps to prevent the spread of germs:

Keep washing your hands often

Do not prepare food for others

Keep children with diarrhea home from school, childcare, or play groups

Stay home from healthcare, food service, or childcare jobs while sick

Do not go swimming until you have fully recovered

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

Centering Pregnancy at Flushing Hospital

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is committed to providing the best possible prenatal care to our patients. That is why we are offering Centering Pregnancy to our expectant parents.

Centering Pregnancy is an innovative prenatal model designed to promote the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby. Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small-group sessions for medical care, education, and emotional support, fostering meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments. Here, participants share with and learn from each other during the course of their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

Some of the topics covered in these sessions, designed to promote health and well-being during the pregnancy and postpartum period, include:

The progression of their pregnancy

Relaxation techniques

Common discomforts and how to resolve them

Nutrition during pregnancy

What to expect during labor and delivery

Newborn feeding, including breastfeeding

Newborn care

Games are played to help the learning process and to assist in building friendships between the participants. After the educational session, there is a question-and-answer period.

Expectant mothers are actively involved in their care as they share similar experiences with women during the same stage of pregnancy. Moms and providers can relax and get to know each other. Many long-lasting friendships are formed from being involved in Centering Pregnancy.

Studies show that women who participate in Centering Pregnancy programs tend to experience:

Fewer preterm births (33 percent fewer, according to some research)

Lower rates of emergency C-sections

Higher rates of breastfeeding

Better engagement in their own health

Improved spacing between pregnancies

Better well-child visit attendance and immunization rates

Lower rates of postpartum depression

Dramatically reduced racial disparities in preterm birth, especially among African American women

“The Centering Pregnancy has proven to be overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing satisfaction with the group setting and the support they receive. Expectant women learn together, feel less isolated, and share their questions and experiences. Empowering women and allaying fears throughout pregnancy and after birth has been a benefit of Centering Pregnancy,” said Maria DeMarinis Smilios, MSN, CNS, RNC, IBCLC, Director of Nursing-Maternal & Child Services and Ambulatory Care

These are the many benefits of Centering Pregnancy compared to traditional care. There is no extra charge for this type of prenatal care when compared to traditional prenatal care.

For more information and to schedule for Centering Pregnancy, call 718 670-8992.

Preeclampsia Awareness Week

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this potentially fatal pregnancy condition.

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that occurs around the 20th week during pregnancy and lasts about six weeks after birth. It is characterized by symptoms, such as high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and can cause major difficulties for the mother and baby if the condition isn’t monitored and managed.

Other symptoms of preeclampsia include:

Severe headache

Swelling in the hands and face

Vision problems

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the stomach or abdomen

Sudden weight gain

Shortness of breath

Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia include:

Severe headache

Vision changes

Swelling of the hands and face

Difficulty breathing

It is important to note that the shorter the time between diagnosis and treatment, the better the outcomes for the mother and baby.

Preeclampsia and related hypertension diseases of pregnancy (HDPs) affect approximately 76,000 mothers and 500,000 newborns every year and are the leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death in the U.S. and worldwide.

According to a report done by the Preeclampsia Foundation based on survey data, which analyzed knowledge from almost 3,000 new and expectant mothers that closely represent the demographics of the U.S. population, found that 80% of new and expectant mothers are aware of preeclampsia as a dangerous high blood pressure condition related to pregnancy. However, only 8% of them can correctly name all its major symptoms, and only 29% expressed fear that it may impact their own pregnancy.

Here are some additional statistics about preeclampsia:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate 5%-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. They include:

Preeclampsia, with or without features

Eclampsia

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome

Gestational hypertension

Black women experience severe maternal morbidity events at 2.1 times the rate of white women

Most maternal and infant deaths caused by HDPs occur in low- and middle-income countries

The U.S. ranks 47th worldwide for maternal mortality, and is the only industrialized nation with a rising maternal mortality rate

Sixty percent of hypertension-related maternal deaths are potentially preventable, which highlights missed opportunities for appropriate, recommended care of maternal hypertension

There are several ways to improve outcomes for women affected by preeclampsia, including:

Screening for risk factors and early hypertension control, nutrition, and exercise, which may help decrease rates of preeclampsia

Providing easy-to-understand preeclampsia signs and symptoms education tools to improve patient understanding of these, and to discuss with their healthcare providers

Supporting prenatal quality collaboratives that help hospitals to implement care practices that reduce early delivery and reduce severe pregnancy complications

Providing access to midwives, doulas, and other trained childbirth attendants throughout the prenatal, labor, and delivery, and postpartum periods. This can improve pregnancy outcomes for all moms, especially those in the BIPOC community

Encouraging and instructing prenatal and postpartum patients on self-measured blood pressure protocols. Pregnancy is the perfect time for women to check, know, and share their blood pressure readings

Standardizing and providing care guidelines on the leading causes of maternal mortality, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This has been shown to decrease maternal illness and death

Preeclampsia rates in the U.S. are on the rise. It is important that all women know the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for developing high blood pressure during pregnancy, but also know they don’t need to have risk factors to develop it.

Flushing Hospital’s Women’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive care. Our services are provided by a highly skilled team of OBGYNs. For more information about gynecological services at FHMC’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, call us at (718) 670 8994.

Why Aren’t Children Getting Enough Sleep?

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep plays a crucial role in a child’s development as it is an important building block for their mental and physical health. It has a direct effect on a child’s overall wellness, as research shows that sleep can impact their alertness and attention, cognitive performance, mood, resiliency, vocabulary acquisition, and learning and memory. In toddlers, napping is necessary for memory consolidation, executive attention, and the development of motor skills. What’s more, sleep crucially affects their growth, especially in early infancy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that 25% to 50% of children and 40% of adolescents are affected by sleep problems, such as:

A new sibling

Teething

An illness, such as the cold or an ear infection

Sleeping in a different place

A new caregiver

A change in schedule

Allergies

In addition to these sleep problems, a significant number of children also suffer from sleep disorders at some point. Sleep disorders are connected to mental and physical issues, with one amplifying the other in a pattern that can be difficult to stop. The most common sleep disorders in children include:

Sleep apnea

Snoring

Nightmares and night terrors

Sleepwalking and sleep talking

Restless leg syndrome

Another reason why children aren’t getting enough sleep is that they aren’t sleeping for the number of hours recommended. According to research data released by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) from their 2026 Sleep in America poll in March of this year, 44% of children in the U.S. do not consistently get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. Younger children especially fall short.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at the sleep behavior in middle and high school students and found that around 60% of middle school and 73% of high school students were getting less than the recommended 9-12 hours a night for children 6 to 12 years old and 8-10 hours a night for children 13 to 18 years old.

Several issues have been discovered as the contributing factors of why children within this age group aren’t getting the recommended amount of sleep, including:

The use of electronic devices

Changes in their internal clocks

Early school start times

Caffeine consumption

A child’s daytime habits also affect sleep. To promote restful sleep for a child, you can follow these sleep hygiene rules:

Keeping a regular bedtime

Arranging a balanced schedule with alternating moments of rest and play

Creating a no-screen zone in the child’s bedroom, even during the day

Providing them with a healthy diet

Setting the thermostat at a slightly cooler temperature

Using dark curtains to block out light, or a nightlight if they’re afraid of the dark

Keeping the bedroom quiet, or using a white noise machine to block out outside sounds

Avoiding caffeine, large meals, and sugary snacks before bedtime, choose a healthy bedtime snack instead

Practicing good sleep hygiene can help your child get into a consistent bedtime routine and help them sleep better.

If your child is having trouble sleeping, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April is observed as Autism Acceptance Month. It encourages communities worldwide to move beyond simple awareness of autism and toward genuine acceptance, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals and their families.

Beginning in the 1970s, Autism Acceptance Month made a national effort to increase public understanding of autism. Over time, the conversation has expanded from simple awareness to genuine acceptance, emphasizing that autistic individuals deserve not just recognition but inclusion, respect, and equitable access to support. In 2026, that shift is more visible than ever, with advocacy organizations and clinical communities adopting acceptance-first language.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that autism now affects about 1 in 31 or 3.2% of children eight years old in the U.S. These numbers emphasize the importance of early screening, accessible diagnostic services, and community-wide understanding.

An annual report from Autism Speaks revealed that roughly 11% of children with autism are not receiving the healthcare they need. This month acts as a crucial reminder that gaps in service access still exist, and that informed, empowered parents play a vital role in closing them.

One of the most impactful things a parent can do is learn to recognize the early signs of autism. Early identification allows for timely interventions, which research consistently links to stronger developmental outcomes.

The signs of autism vary by age, but the general red flags in the first two years include:

Limited eye contact
Delayed babbling or speech
Repetitive movements
Minimal response to their name

Children between the ages of two and four may present difficulties with pretend play, strong insistence on routines, or challenges interacting with peers. Because autism presents differently across children, including girls and non-binary children whose traits may be subtler, staying informed about the full spectrum of presentations is vital.

There are several steps you can take if you have any concerns:

If you believe something is abnormal when monitoring your child, document any specific behaviors you observe, noting frequency and context. Discuss the notes from your observations with your pediatrician and ask them direct questions about developmental screening.
Understanding the levels of autism can also help you articulate what you’re seeing and have productive conversations with healthcare providers.

A formal autism diagnostic evaluation usually involves assessments by a licensed psychologist using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). A clear diagnosis gives families a roadmap for services, school accommodations, and long-term planning.

Participating in Autism Acceptance Month doesn’t need grand gestures. Some meaningful ways to engage in everyday moments with your child and family include:

Evaluating your home for sensory triggers and creating predictable daily schedules with sensory-friendly routines
Using resources to learn about behavior strategies, sleep support, and transition planning
Approaching every interaction with the belief that your child understands more than they may be able to express
Having age-appropriate conversations about neurodiversity with siblings and extended family.
Joining parent support groups

Autism Acceptance Month brings families, educators, and communities together around the shared goal of better understanding autism spectrum disorder and the people it affects.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on April 2, 2026 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.

Alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. Researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, more than 200 diseases and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol misuse.

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”.

If you or a loved one needs expert detox services, you can take the first step toward recovery by calling Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Addiction Services at 718-670-5693.

National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week takes place March 16th- 22nd.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week’s goal is to dispel myths about drug and alcohol use and to inform teens about the impact and risk of substance abuse as well as addiction.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds of U.S. students have tried alcohol by the 12th grade.

The average age at which children typically experiment with alcohol and drugs is 13 years old.

There are five signs of drug abuse among teens. They include:

Psychological changes such as trouble concentrating, memory issues, and random laughter

Changes in behavior, including bad grades, lack of respect for others, and poor eye contact

Suspicious behavior such as hiding drug paraphernalia, missing cash, or valuables

Health issues, including appetite changes, shakiness, excessive headaches, or frequent illness

Poor personal appearance, such as bad hygiene or bloodshot eyes

There is a lot of misinformation around drugs and alcohol. Many myths have been created and spread through our culture, especially among young people. Here are some myths about drugs and alcohol that have been debunked:

Myth #1- Marijuana addiction isn’t real

Although it is impossible to overdose on marijuana, habitual cannabis use can change the way the body works, create a tolerance, and cause withdrawal symptoms after stopping

Myth #2- It is okay to quit drinking alcohol and start smoking marijuana instead

Switching from one addictive behavior to another is common; however, it creates other addictive cycles

Myth #3- Prescription drugs can’t be addictive if prescribed by my doctor

Even doctor-prescribed drugs can have a tolerance built against them, which eventually causes an addiction. Especially painkillers such as opiates or benzodiazepines

Here are more facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction:

Alcohol is the most abused substance in the U.S., and the third most common cause of death
Alcohol and drugs are involved in approximately 50% of deaths by suicide and are the cause of death of more than 50% of all violent crimes
80% of all domestic violence abuse reports show a relationship to alcohol or drugs

Although National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is geared toward young people, people of any age are encouraged to participate and educate themselves so that they can make educated choices related to drugs and alcohol.

To learn more about our 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.