Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others. It typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Dating, attending parties, or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations or making eye contact
Eating or performing in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers

If you or a loved one has social anxiety disorder, you can find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or schedule a virtual appointment by calling (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

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.

ALS

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes ataxia, a loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. It also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow down the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for treating ALS.

In addition to medication, there are many forms of therapy and forms of support available, including:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ALS, 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

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the fall season and approach winter, it is important to be proactive and take the proper steps to protect yourself and loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce symptom severity if you do fall ill.
Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity.

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

National AFib Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib
Persistent AFib
Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. AFib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

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.

Signs Your Stomach Pain Could Be Serious

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Stomachaches are a common, uncomfortable part of our lives. Usually, they go away on their own with a little rest or a home remedy. However, severe stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, especially if it is followed by symptoms such as:

Coughing up or vomiting blood

Bloody stool

Fever

Difficulty breathing

A very hard abdomen, which may indicate severe constipation or other digestive issues

Tenderness in the abdomen when touched

Neck, shoulder, or chest pain

Pain moving from the belly button to the right side

Inability to have a bowel movement along with vomiting

When a person experiences serious symptoms with stomach pain, it could be a sign of life-threatening conditions that include:

Appendicitis

Bowel obstruction

Bowel perforation

Frequent stomach pain or stomach pain that is uncomfortable but not severe can also indicate an underlying health issue, such as:

Colitis

Cystitis

Kidney stones

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Additionally, stomach pain can be caused by common temporary conditions that affect the lower belly, including:

Menstrual cramps

Trapped gas

Food poisoning

Stomach flu

Constipation

Food allergies

If your stomach pain isn’t severe or doesn’t last long, and if you aren’t having emergency symptoms, the pain may go away on its own. You can also try these steps to help relieve stomach pain:

Drinking water

Exercising

Taking gas-relieving medication, such as an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid

Following the banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT) diet

Using a hot water bottle or heating pad

If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center today for comprehensive care. For more information, call us at 718-670-5486.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Physical health and wellness are key to our overall well-being. Physical health is the condition of your body and how well it functions, from the strength of your heart and lungs to your ability to fight infection and move without pain.

Physical wellness is a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle choices that sustain energy, resilience, and functional capacity over a lifetime.

The tenets of physical health and wellness are important for keeping your body functioning properly. They include:

Watching what you put into your body
How much physical activity you get
Maintaining a healthy weight

These tenets are positive health habits that can help you decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy.

Here are some strategies to help you improve your physical health:

Increase your physical activity
- Set specific goals for your physical activity
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Take a walk on your lunch break
- Set an alarm to go off every hour as a reminder to move around for a minute or two
- Keep moving while watching TV
- Take an online exercise class
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
- Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Limit foods that are low in vitamins and minerals
- Cut down on sugar by choosing foods with little or no added sugar
- Get more fiber
- Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats, such as olive, canola, or other vegetable oils instead of butter, meat fats, or shortening
- Avoid foods high in salt, such as canned, smoked, or processed foods. Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat instead
- Choose more complex carbs such as starches and fiber, which can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes
Reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight
- Weigh yourself
- Calculate how many calories you need for your healthy goals
- Record your daily food intake and physical activity
- Set specific goals
- Choose healthy meals and physical activities you enjoy
- Plan activities with friends or family
- Be patient
Build healthy habits
- Plan and identify unhealthy patterns, and set realistic goals
- Change your surroundings and find ways to make healthier choices by removing temptations
- Ask for support by finding family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or support groups
- Speak with a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or burnout
Build muscle safely
- Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a while
- Pay attention to your body when you experience exhaustion, sore joints, or muscle pains, which is a sign you are overdoing it
- Use small amounts of weight to start and add more weight slowly over time, while focusing on your form
- Use smooth, steady movements to lift weights into position, and don’t jerk or thrust weights
- Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a straight position
- Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises
- Ask for help by looking for a group class at a local gym, recreation center, or find a trainer
Combat age-related changes
- Commit to a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Move more
- Get plenty of sleep
- Limit alcohol use
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit the doctor regularly

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, 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.

The Importance of Stretching

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Stretching is an essential part of exercise or any physical activity you are engaging in. It has several benefits, as it helps prevent falls and injuries by warming up muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

Stretching before and after exercising can help you improve:

· Flexibility

· Balance

· Speed

· Jump height

· Strength

· Endurance

· Range of motion

There are two types of stretching: static and dynamic stretching. Static stretching is when you hold a pose, like touching your toes in a hamstring stretch without moving. This helps your muscles relax and slowly get longer. It is recommended to use static stretching as a part of your cool-down after exercise.

Dynamic stretching is when you move a body part slowly and control it through its full range of motion, like doing arm circles or high knees. These stretches are best done before a workout or between sets of exercises.

Static and dynamic stretches can be:

Active: When you use your muscles to move or hold the stretch, such as when you lift your toes in the air because it stretches your calf muscles

Passive: When you rely on assisted stretching from another person, your hand, or a prop, such as using a doorframe to stretch your chest and shoulders

Stretching works best when you have the time and availability to not rush through it. If you are creating a stretching routine, it is recommended to start with a few different stretches for a total of 10 to 15 minutes. Furthermore, it is most important to focus on body areas critical for mobility, such as your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors in the pelvis, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. It is also beneficial to stretch your shoulders, neck, and lower back.

For a 10-minute stretching routine, you can start with some basic upper- and lower- body stretching exercises, such as:

· Dynamic shoulder rolls

· Active neck stretch

· Static shoulder stretch

· Static triceps stretch

· Dynamic hip circles

· Static quadriceps stretch, standing up

· Static hamstring stretch, lying down

· Dynamic ankle circles

· Static calf stretch

Daily stretching may seem overwhelming. However, when you begin to stretch daily, it is important to take your time and not rush through it to avoid injury. Stretching is a simple way to prepare your muscles and joints for any workout and is an effective way to maximize active recovery days.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

World Alzheimer’s Month

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a month that raises global awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and encourages education, advocacy, and support for those affected.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can present many signs and symptoms, including:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Confusion with time and place

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

New problems with words in speaking or writing

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

Decreased or poor judgment

Withdrawal from work or social activities

Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and many other types of dementia, there are preventative measures you can take to take care of your brain, including:

Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body

Eating a healthy, balanced diet lower in fat and higher in fruit and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH diets

Getting quality sleep

Taking care of your mental health and managing stress

Stimulating your brain by engaging in challenging activities, such as playing a strategy game, learning a new language or how to play an instrument, or completing a jigsaw puzzle

Staying connected socially with family and friends

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, 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.

How Heart Disease is Different in Women Than it is in Men

Posted on September 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Heart disease can be deadly for anyone, as it is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the U.S.

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. There are three types of heart disease:

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.

Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.

While heart disease can occur in everyone, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones, such as estrogen. Estrogen protects the heart in the premenopausal years as it relaxes the arteries and promotes good cholesterol. This changes when a woman begins menopause and estrogen levels decline, increasing the chance of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hypertension.

Other heart disease risk factors include:

Obesity

Smoking

Emotional stress and depression

Diabetes

Lack of physical activity

Pregnancy complications

Family history of early heart disease

Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, and it can affect them at any age. However, the prevalence of heart disease in women starts going up around the age of 65, which is about ten years later than men, presumably due to the lasting positive effects of estrogen.

Women are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure. Although some women may not show any symptoms, others may experience:

Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache

Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat

Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive

In some women, the first signs and symptoms of heart disease can be:

A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked

Palpitations

Treatment for heart disease is similar for women and men, and can include medicines, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

However, there are differences in heart disease treatment for women and men, including:

Women are less likely to be treated with aspirin and statins to prevent future heart attacks than men are

Women are less likely to have coronary artery bypass surgery than men. This may be because women have less obstructive disease or smaller arteries with more small vessel disease

Cardiac rehabilitation can improve health and aid recovery from heart disease. However, women are less likely to be sent to cardiac rehabilitation than men are.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle:

Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol

Eating a healthy diet

Exercising and keeping a healthy weight

Managing stress

Getting quality sleep

Quitting smoking or stopping the use of tobacco products

Limiting alcohol consumption

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.