Foods That Can Support Brain Health

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

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

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

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

Omega-3 fatty acids

B vitamins

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Selenium

Iron

Choline

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

Brain development

Proper signaling of neurotransmitters

Processing and understanding new information

Memory

Protein balance

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

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

Eggs

Fatty fish

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Broccoli

Mushrooms

Walnuts

Turmeric

Coffee

Leafy greens

Green tea

Dark chocolate

Fermented dairy

Avocados

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

Whole grains

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

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 Childhood Obesity Month

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a month dedicated to raising awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

Too much time spent being inactive

Lack of sleep

Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active

Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages

Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

Monitor growth

Provide nutritious foods

Promote drinking water

Encourage physical activity

Model healthy behaviors

Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician and learn more about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.

Back to School Health and Wellness Tips

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is around the corner, and parents and guardians are getting their children ready to go back to school. As they prepare for a new school year, it is essential to make sure they return to school healthy.

Here are some health and wellness tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to protect children and others from various diseases.

Make sure your child gets their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.

Make sure your child receives vision and hearing tests. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.

Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.

Make sure to take care of your child’s mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.

Make sure to limit your child’s screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until they are at least 14 years old.

Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health and wellness tips will help ensure your child returns to the classroom safely and healthy.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

Flu – needed every year
COVID-19
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
Chickenpox
Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

Flu
COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

Flu
COVID-19
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the required vaccines at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s  Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 670-5486.

Autoinflammatory Awareness Month

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is Autoinflammatory Awareness Month, a month that recognizes the importance of raising awareness and promoting improved care, research, and treatments for autoinflammatory diseases.

Autoinflammatory diseases are rare diseases that stem from the dysregulation of the innate immune system, which is the first responder that reacts quickly to any perceived threats using inflammation as a symptom. These diseases are typically caused by single-gene mutations that affect the inflammatory signaling pathways. These can include:

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)

TNF Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS)

Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS)

These genetic changes cause inflammatory molecules to be released inappropriately, creating the characteristic pattern of episodic attacks or periods of intense inflammation followed by symptom-free intervals.

Additionally, those who have autoinflammatory diseases suffer from systemic inflammation, which includes:

Fevers

Rashes

Abdominal pain

Joint pain

Vomiting and diarrhea

Red eyes

Severe organ inflammation

Most autoinflammatory diseases affect people throughout their entire life. However, a few may develop in adulthood. Many people can have improved quality of life and fewer complications or damage from these complex diseases if they are diagnosed earlier and controlled properly with targeted treatments.

Autoinflammatory diseases can affect anyone. However, certain risk factors cause some people to be affected by autoinflammatory diseases more than others, including:

Familial Mediterranean Fever, which is more common in people of Mediterranean, North African, Middle Eastern, and Sephardic Jewish ancestry

TRAPS and CAPS can occur across ethnic groups, but remain quite rare overall

Family history can play a role as these conditions follow inheritance patterns, although some cases result from new mutations

Autoinflammatory diseases often run in families. When one family member has been diagnosed with FMF, TRAPS, or another autoinflammatory condition, relatives may benefit from getting a genetic screening, especially if they are experiencing any suggestive symptoms.

For families who are planning to have children, understanding carrier status can inform reproductive decisions and help pediatricians watch for early symptoms of infants and young children who may be at risk.

Research into autoinflammatory conditions also contributes to understanding immune dysregulation and cytokine-related disorders, benefiting broader medical knowledge. Raising awareness helps improve diagnosis, treatment, and care for patients with these rare diseases

The goal of Autoinflammatory Awareness Month is to emphasize patient advocacy, education, and global collaboration to enhance the lives of those affected. Autoinflammatory Awareness Month also offers an opportunity to shine light on these often-misunderstood conditions and the biomarkers that can help families and healthcare providers track inflammatory activity over time.

If you or your child experiences recurrent unexplained fevers, particularly with a pattern of accompanying symptoms, consider seeking an evaluation at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Bedwetting

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bed-wetting, also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis, means passing urine without intending to while asleep. This occurs after the age at which staying dry at night can reasonably be expected.

Children usually learn to control their bladders between the ages of two and four. Most children are generally fully toilet-trained by five years old. However, there isn’t really a target date for having complete bladder control. It is common for children to wet the bed between the ages of four and six as they grow and adjust to their bodies at their own pace. Most children gain control of their bladders by the age of seven, but accidents can still happen after and through their teenage years.

Bed-wetting isn’t a sign of problems with toilet training. It’s often just a typical part of a child’s development. However, there are some signs that there may be an underlying medical issue causing bedwetting. They include:

Pain while peeing
Changes to the frequency of when and how much peeing occurs during the day
Having a small stream of pee
Lack of bowel movements during the day
Changes to the color of urine
Mood changes

The most common cause of childhood bed-wetting is a lack of bladder control. However, bedwetting can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:

A urinary tract infection
No awareness of having a full bladder
A small bladder
A hormone imbalance
A problem in the urinary tract or nervous system
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
Ongoing constipation
Obstructive sleep apnea
ADHD

A healthcare provider can diagnose bedwetting after a physical exam and taking a complete medical history. They may offer to conduct tests, such as a urine test, a blood test, or an imaging test, to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your child to wet the bed. If your healthcare provider suspects that emotional or psychological factors have been causing bedwetting, they may recommend consulting with a mental health professional.

The treatment for bedwetting varies based on the cause. Treatment options could include:

Behavioral changes before or during bedtime, such as:
- Limiting fluids before bedtime
- Going to the bathroom before bedtime
- Setting an alarm
- Bladder therapy
Taking medications that can reduce nighttime urine production
Managing or treating any underlying medical conditions
Talking with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist, to manage your child’s stress, trauma, or emotional challenges

A child can be embarrassed by soggy sheets and pajamas. It is important not to get upset if your child wets the bed. If your child does continue to wet the bed, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Although bedwetting can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your child’s risk of bedwetting by:

Avoiding drinking a lot of fluids two hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeinated beverages
Going to the bathroom before bed
Making sure the bathroom or toilet is easily accessible
Wearing absorbent pants at night
Using positive reinforcement or affirmations to acknowledge when your child wakes up dry
Avoiding any shaming or making fun of someone in your family or friend group who has wet the bed

If your child is experiencing symptoms of bedwetting, you can visit the pediatrics unit at Flushing Hospital or call (718) 670-5000 to schedule an appointment.

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is in full swing, so most of our time will be spent outside doing various activities. However, there are many health concerns to consider.

Here are some summer health concerns and how to prevent them:

The human body is made of up to 78% of water, and when it doesn’t get enough, it can’t function properly. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and fatal. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated. You can do this by drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Staying properly hydrated can also prevent kidney stones.

Sunburns occur when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a radiation burn on the skin. Sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and can also lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection from severe burns. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide every day, even on overcast days. Make sure to cover your entire body, including your ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, and, if exposed, the top of your feet.

Spending time in the sun doesn’t only bring the risks of sunburn and dehydration. It also brings the risk of heat illnesses, including:

Heat rash- a red stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur when you sweat so much that your body loses salts and fluids.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

To prevent heat illnesses, limit the time you spend outdoors. Also, take any symptoms you observe in yourself and others seriously.

Insects are more active during the summer, which means there’s a higher risk of encountering them. Especially for:

Bee stings
Mosquito bites
Tick bites
Ant bites

To prevent bugs from stinging or biting you, wear an insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Other ways to prevent stings and bites include:

Avoid using scented products.
Drain any standing water.
Put on protective clothing.
Don’t leave any food uncovered outside.

We want to spend more time near water to cool off as temperatures rise. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid drowning risks. Here are some ways to prevent drowning risks:

Learn CPR
Use drain covers on pool drains.
Wear life jackets
Sign up for swimming lessons.

Everybody loves a good summer barbecue or cookout, but sometimes the food we eat doesn’t always love us back. The smoking process that gives smoked meats their flavor also creates harmful substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs and heterocyclic amines or HCAs. The National Cancer Institute warns that PAHs and HCAs are mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes to your DNA that put you at risk for certain types of cancer. You can prevent ingesting these harmful substances by using liquid smoke as an alternative marinade for your meats. Foodborne illness can be a concern for cookout food as well. This is the case for food left out or leftover sitting in the “temperature danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures allow bacteria to grow that can make you sick. You can prevent foodborne illness by cooking meats to a safe temperature and throwing any food that has sat out too long in the trash.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen is a huge problem in the summer as the weather gets warmer and trees, grass, and flowers pollinate. To prevent seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medications before the season starts so your body can build its defense.

These preventative measures can help you enjoy your summer and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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.

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.