BBQ Food Safety Tips

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is a time when we have and/or attend several barbecues or cookouts. However, whether you are hosting or attending, eating outdoors in warm weather can present food safety challenges.

Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so the summer heat can create problems. Here are some tips to follow to help keep you and others safe from foodborne illnesses:

Washing your hands is very important. Wash your hands if you are preparing food, serving food, or after using the bathroom. Wash your hands and forearms with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you are in an outdoor setting without access to a bathroom, use a bottle of water, some soap, and paper towels, or use hand sanitizer.

Keep raw food separate from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

Don’t use any plates or utensils that have potentially touched or have been contaminated by raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It is recommended to wash utensils that have touched raw meats if they must also be used to handle cooked meats

Marinate food in the refrigerator, instead of out on the counter. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your food after it is cooked, keep a separate portion of it to use later. Do not reuse the marinade that contained raw meat

Cook food thoroughly to kill any harmful germs and bacteria that may be present. E. coli and Salmonella can still be present in undercooked meats such as hamburger and chicken, and can cause severe illness, even death. Each food should be at a certain temperature for it to be fully cooked:

- Chicken 165o F

- Hamburgers 160o F

- Pork 150o F

- Hot dogs 140o F

- Leftovers 165o F

- Eggs 145o F

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, which is the least cooked part. To check the temperature of hot dogs, go from the end of the hot dog to the center. Be careful not to pass through the meat and touch the cooking surface because you will get a false high temperature reading.

Refrigerate or freeze food immediately, as you shouldn’t leave food out of the refrigerator, cooler, or off the grill for more than two hours. Never leave food out for more than one hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Hot food should be kept at or above 140°F, wrapped well, and placed in an insulated container. Cold food should be held at or below 40°F. Foods such as chicken salads and desserts that are in individual serving dishes should be placed directly on ice or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off any water that pools as the ice melts, and replace the ice frequently

Wipe surfaces often, especially after using them for food preparation, as germs from undercooked meat can grow on vegetables cut or washed on the same surface as meat. Mix and use a sanitizing solution of one capful of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for cleaning work area surfaces. If possible, use separate cutting boards or surfaces for foods that will not be cooked, such as salad

Keep flies away by covering trash containers, and not storing meat wrappers and other trash in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers, even for a short period of time

Don’t use fly spray or “No-Pest” chemical strips, as they can contaminate your food

Don’t keep food containers out in the open. Instead, place them in a shaded area

Keep plates, cups, utensils, and food covered until they are ready to be used

Handle plates, cups, and utensils where they won’t come in contact with any food

Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

Don’t wear loose finger or wrist jewelry or fake nails while working with food

Keep plenty of paper towels handy for cleaning your hands and surfaces

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a foodborne illness, 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.

Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means there is increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer, which can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

- Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

- Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet

- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

- Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

- Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wearing a hat and sunglasses

- Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside out

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are experiencing symptoms of a summer skin condition, 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.

Fourth of July Recipe

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The Fourth of July is this weekend, and many of us expect to spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones, while eating some delicious food, and watching the fireworks. If you are bringing food to your get-together and need some ideas, here is a recipe for tasty, mouthwatering teriyaki wings to enjoy while celebrating Independence Day.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings Recipe | Tyler Florence | Food Network

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.

Exercising Outdoors

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has arrived, and the weather is starting to warm up. This means we can spend more time exercising outdoors rather than at the gym or at home.

Outdoor exercise is a great way to work out. It offers many benefits to our physical and mental health, such as:

Reducing stress and anxiety

Improving sleep

Boosting vitamin D levels

Boosting self-esteem

Improving memory

Lowering chronic disease risk

Here are tips that can keep you safe while exercising outdoors:

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol

Wear clothes that let the air circulate and moisture evaporate

Stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses

Wear proper footwear for the activity you are engaging in

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Spring Superfoods: What’s In Season?

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation. So why not rejuvenate your diet by adding spring superfoods to receive their benefits?

Seasonal superfoods are the key to maximizing nutrients, improving digestion, and staying connected to nature. The reason to eat superfoods during the season they are most prominent is that they are at the peak of their nutritional value. Foods grown and eaten in season are fresher, more flavorful, and full of vitamins. Eating greens that are abundant in the spring can detoxify and cleanse your body. Here are some spring superfoods to add to your diet:

Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is a good source of folate and fiber, which benefit the digestive system by flushing out toxins and help to promote healthy skin

Spinach is high in fiber and iron and contains vitamins A, C, and K, which combine to support eye, blood, immune, metabolic, and gut health

Radishes contain vitamins C and K, as well as calcium and potassium, which help support liver health and digestion

Artichokes contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which help support liver function and gut health, as well as support energy production, metabolism, and maintain healthy nerve and heart function

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate, which help reduce free radicals linked to cancer and diabetes, and other conditions

Spring onions are a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease and cancer, and reduce the risk of developing chronic disease

Sweet peas are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins C and A, which are good for eye health

Rhubarb is full of vitamins A and K, and B vitamins, which are good for immune, skin, eye, and bone health, and support a healthy metabolism

Fennel contains fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins C and A, which help with digestive problems, such as cramping, bloating, and gas, support eye, muscle, and bone health, boost brain health, control blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system

Fava beans are a great source of magnesium, protein, and fiber, which are good for heart, bone, immune, and blood health, as well as support digestive and weight management functions, and provide neurological and brain support

Garlic scapes contain glutathione, sulfur compounds, and other flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress which is linked to cancer, liver and kidney disease and other illnesses

Fiddleheads contain the B vitamin niacin, which is essential for a healthy metabolism, nervous system, hair, skin, and eyes

Mint contains vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from oxidative stress and may support overall immune function, as well as being high in menthol, which helps soothe inflammation and ease gastrointestinal symptoms

Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which can help protect the heart, brain, and more due to its anti-inflammatory benefits

Blackberries are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, as well as anthocyanins, and support gut, heart, and immune health

Carrots contain beta and alpha carotenes, which may help reduce cancer risk, and are full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C for an extra boost in gut, heart, and immune health

Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function

Arugula contains vitamins A and K, beta-carotene, and calcium, which help with digestion, eyesight, and bone health

If you would like to learn more about superfoods and their health benefits, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486.

Sore Throat Vs. Strep Throat

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A sore throat and strep throat may feel similar. However, they are not the same thing.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, and will go away in about a week or so. A sore throat can also stem from a bacterial infection. When this occurs, it is known as strep throat, which is caused by an infection from the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Symptoms of strep throat will last much longer than those caused by viral infections

Allergies, a dry environment, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can also cause sore throats.

When you have a sore throat, the inside of your mouth, throat, and lymph nodes around the neck and head become inflamed and swollen. You may also notice that the inside of your mouth appears to be red from the inflammation. Other symptoms of a sore throat include:

Dryness
Hoarseness
Painful swallowing
Scratchy feeling in the throat

Symptoms of strep throat, on the other hand, can seem similar; however, the difference is that there are tiny red spots called petechiae on the roof of your mouth or white patches on your tonsils, which are the usual signs of a strep throat infection. Other symptoms of strep throat include:

Painful swallowing
Swollen lymph nodes and/or tonsils
Fever
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Rash
Stomach pain

There are many ways to relieve the pain caused by a sore throat, including:

Gargling with salt water
Hot tea
Honey
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen
Ice chips or popsicles
Using a humidifier to add cool mist to the air
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking plenty of water
Lozenges

It is important to note that you should never give honey to children under one year old or lozenges to children under the age of four.

The same treatments used for a normal sore throat can be used to soothe a sore throat caused by a strep throat infection. However, the best treatment for strep throat is prescribed antibiotics as they are necessary to effectively treat a strep throat infection and prevent complications.

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

Winter Skin Care

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Winter can be difficult to deal with when temperatures drop to bone-chilling levels and are accompanied by frigid winds. The temperatures and wind can also be difficult on our skin due to low humidity, causing it to become cracked and dry. Even the heat in our homes and cars makes skin dryness worse because it removes moisture from the air.

According to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier that helps retain water. As the stratum corneum loses moisture, the skin can become red, irritated, and cracked. This especially affects older adults as their aging skin is thinner and produces fewer natural oils, which makes it more prone to losing moisture.

Here are some dermatologist-recommended tips to help prevent any further loss of water and restore moisture to your skin barrier:

Using a humidifier at night to help prevent your skin from drying out

Wearing gloves while cleaning or washing dishes to prevent hot water and detergents from stripping away the skin’s natural oils

Using a cream instead of a lotion to moisturize your skin

Using moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and cholesterol

Applying moisturizer after showering to help lock in moisture while your skin is still damp

Using a petroleum- or lanolin-based ointment and apply at night to the hands and feet, and covering them with cotton gloves or socks

Drinking water helps you stay hydrated from the inside out

Here are some tips on what to avoid as you try to care for your skin this winter:

Scented products and some anti-aging ingredients, as fragrances, can draw moisture from the skin and cause irritation

Long showers using hot water can worsen dryness. Dermatologists recommend using lukewarm water and avoiding prolonged baths or showers

Wool fabrics can cause itching and irritation when it rubs against the skin. The National Eczema Association recommends wearing layers that are cotton-based in the winter and removing any damp clothing immediately

If you are having issues with your skin, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What is the New Flu Virus Variant?

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

There is a new variant of the flu virus called H3N2 subclade K that is affecting the U.S. this flu season, after circulating in other countries last summer.

This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2, which is a subtype of influenza A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 is the main type of flu spreading in the U.S. as of mid-November.

Additionally, scientists from around the world have reported that H3N2 subclade K, a mutation of H3N2, has undergone several mutations, which haven’t been seen before in flu viruses. These mutations may make this new strain more severe than usual, with some experts believing that these changes could reduce how well the current flu vaccine prevents infection.

However, it is important to note that it is still recommended to receive the flu vaccine, as the CDC notes that the H3N2 subclade K strain can cause severe symptoms in older adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of five. Other people who are vulnerable to severe symptoms of the subclade K strain include:

Anyone who is immunocompromised

Pregnant people

People with underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

Doctors warn that flu infections, if left untreated or not treated early enough, can increase the risk of complications such as ear infections and sinus infections, as well as more severe complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.

In 2024, data from the CDC showed that the U.S. had the most total flu-related hospitalizations in about 15 years, and close to 280 pediatric deaths from the flu.

During this current flu season, the CDC has reported an estimate of 18 million cases, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths nationwide, with 32 of those deaths being pediatric. What’s more, the CDC says that among the children eligible for the flu vaccine and with known vaccination status, 90% of pediatric deaths this season were among children not fully vaccinated against influenza.

People who are infected with the flu typically develop symptoms within one to four days after exposure. Flu symptoms include:

Fever and chills

Muscle and body aches

Headaches

Sore throat

Cough

Deep fatigue or tiredness

Runny nose or stuffy nose

Vomiting and diarrhea (in some cases, especially in children)

For most healthy people, the flu resolves within a week or two with rest and fluids. However, certain symptoms are red flags that indicate you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to wake up

Seizures

Not urinating, which is a sign of severe dehydration

Severe muscle pain

A high fever that does not respond to fever-reducing medication

Symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious symptoms of the flu virus. There are also several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu. They include:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you are around high-risk individuals.

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

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated During Cold and Flu Season

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Flu season can be unpredictable, as it can begin as early as fall and can last until spring. Flu activity is usually at its peak during winter, and public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together to promote flu vaccination as the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including pregnant women and young children. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Women are also at higher risk of developing serious flu complications during pregnancy.

Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of the flu. A flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against the flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of illness from the flu, hospitalization, and death.

During flu season, we encourage everyone six months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, especially pregnant women, young children, and other people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The more people who get vaccinated against the flu, the more people who will be protected from it.

If you or a loved one would like to get the flu vaccine, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.