Coping with Depression during the Holiday Season

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is filled with bright lights and festive cheer. However, this time of year can, unfortunately, bring feelings of loneliness, isolation, grief, and sadness for both those with clinical depression as well as those who aren’t depressed.

Holiday depression feels a lot like regular depression, but it is triggered by the onset of the holidays, holiday get-togethers, large family gatherings, and attending or hosting social events. Holiday depression is similar to the “winter blues”, but it may come and go in quick bursts as one event ends and another begins, or it can linger for the days or weeks leading up to and beyond the holiday season.

There are several causes of holiday depression including:

Stressful schedules
Putting pressure on yourself
Separation from loved ones
Loneliness
Family dynamics
Social anxiety
Holiday trauma

Signs of holiday depression may include:

Feeling depressed and hopeless for more days than not
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Constantly feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge more often
Trouble sleeping over an extended period
Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

No matter the cause of your low mood or negative feelings, several healthy coping strategies can help you prepare for and get through the festive months when you’re managing depression. Here are some coping strategies to consider this holiday season:

Seek support and help from a mental health professional
Stay active and get outdoors
Share how you’re feeling with trusted loved ones
Assess your relationships and set boundaries
Limit social media use
Set aside time for yourself and prioritize self-care
Practice relaxation
Consider volunteering throughout the holiday season
Remember a cherished loved one who passed on
Create a coping sheet or depression toolkit

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (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.

Loneliness

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Loneliness is feeling lonely or disconnected from others and feeling like you don’t have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It also describes the negative feelings that can occur when your needs for social connection aren’t met.

Social isolation is when a person doesn’t have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support. It can pose a health risk to people, even if they don’t feel lonely.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness, including:

Having a mental or physical challenge, such as:
- Chronic disease or condition
- Psychiatric or depressive condition
- Long-term disability
Being marginalized or discriminated against
Having limited or no access to resources may result in:
- Living in rural areas
- Limited transportation
- Language barriers
- Being a victim of violence or abuse
Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, including:

Low-income adults
Young adults
Older adults
Adults living alone
Immigrants
People who identify as LGBTQ+

Social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk for:

Heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm
Dementia
Earlier death

It is important to make meaningful social connections, as those who do experience benefits, including:

Less stress
Better sleep
A longer, healthier life

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, have money problems, or live alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive and meaningful relationships.

You can take various steps to fight against loneliness, including:

Talking to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers
Connecting with others on social media
Volunteering in your community
Being kind to yourself
Learning more about ways to improve social connectedness
Getting help from a professional

To find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Robotic Gynecological Surgery

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endometriosis is an often painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.

Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn’t belong, and it doesn’t leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can be intense or mild. Symptoms often feel worse just before and during your period due to inflammation brought on by the hormonal changes that occur at the time. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

Excruciating menstrual cramps
Abdominal pain or back pain during your period or in between periods
Heavy bleeding during periods, or spotting between periods
Pain during sex
Infertility
Pain when pooping or peeing
Stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating

You can have no symptoms of endometriosis. The seriousness of your pain may not be a sign of the number or extent of endometriosis growth in your body. You could have a small amount of tissue with bad pain. Or you could have little to no pain and have lots of endometriosis tissue. Women often find out they have the condition when they can’t get pregnant or after they have an unrelated surgery.

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear. But some possible causes include:

Retrograde menstruation
Transformed peritoneal cells
Embryonic cell changes
Surgical scar complication
Endometrial cell transport
Immune system condition

Factors that raise the risk of endometriosis include:

Never giving birth
Starting your period at an early age
Going through menopause at an older age
Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
Low body mass index
One or more relatives with endometriosis, such as a mother, aunt, or sister

Any health condition that prevents blood from flowing out of the body during menstrual periods also can be a risk factor for endometriosis. So can conditions of the reproductive tract.

To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor will likely start by giving you a physical exam. You’ll be asked to describe your symptoms, including where and when you feel pain. Tests to check for clues of endometriosis include:

A pelvic exam
Ultrasound
MRI
Laparoscopy

Treatment for endometriosis often involves medicine or surgery. The approach you and your healthcare team choose will depend on how serious your symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant. Medicine is typically recommended first. If it doesn’t help enough, surgery becomes an option. Treatments for endometriosis include:

Pain medicines
Hormone therapy
Fertility treatment
Conservative therapy
Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries

Surgery options may include robotic surgery. Long recovery times of up to six weeks and large incisions made recovery very difficult, but with advances in gynecologic surgery, especially robotic-assisted surgery, women can expect a much shorter recovery from pelvic surgery.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
You’ll have a few tiny scars.
You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
A shorter hospital stay.

Experienced surgeons use the da Vinci robot to treat women who suffer from troubling gynecologic conditions like endometriosis.

To learn more about the robotic surgical procedures at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-5000.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can use to take care of your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain 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.

Different types of dementia include:

Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
Frontotempotal Dementia
Huntington’s Disease
Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

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 and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Fueling up right: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help.
Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short—and long-term benefits for your brain.

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.

E. coli

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your stomach, urinary tract, and other body parts. E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals without hurting them. But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is most likely to cause severe illness.

Common types of E. coli infection include gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Other types of E. coli infections include:

Bloodstream infections
Prostatitis (prostate infection)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Gallbladder infection
Wound infections

Pneumonia and meningitis are rare cases of E. coli infections.

Some symptoms of E. coli gastroenteritis include:

Diarrhea
Stomach pains and cramps
Loss of appetite
Low fever
Nausea and vomiting

Some symptoms of E. coli in your urinary tract include:

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Pain or burning sensation when you pee
An urgent need to pee frequently
Cloudy foul-smelling pee

Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. Some causes of E. coli infections include:

Eating contaminated food
Drinking contaminated water
Contact with someone infected by E. coli
Touching poop or contaminated surfaces
Not wiping properly after going to the bathroom

E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. Some people are more likely to develop problems than others including:

Newborns and young children
People over the age of 65
People with weakened immune systems
People with diabetes
People with ulcerative colitis

E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including:

Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Sepsis
Malnutrition

E. coli is diagnosed based on the symptoms. Your healthcare provider will perform specific tests for E. coli, including:

Stool test
Urinalysis or urine culture
Blood culture
Spinal tap or lumbar puncture

You often don’t need to treat E. coli infections that cause digestive symptoms. But if you have another type of E. coli infection like a UTI, meningitis, sepsis, or severe symptoms, you will be treated with antibiotics.

The most important thing you can do to protect against E. coli infections is to wash your hands with warm water and soap:

Before and after handling raw meat and poultry
Before and after cooking raw meat and poultry
After using the restroom, changing diapers, or contact with animals

You can also reduce your risk of an E. coli infection by following these safe food preparation procedures:

Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or ciders
Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them
Don’t defrost frozen meat unwrapped on the counter
Don’t rinse meat before cooking
Use a plastic, silicone, or ceramic cutting board to cut raw meat
Use different surfaces for prepping different types of food
Cook all meat to a safe temperature before eating
Refrigerate leftovers right away

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of E. coli and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

National Diabetes Month

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is National Diabetes Month. This month focuses on increasing awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. It aims to educate the public about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection and management.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans or one in every 10 people, including children and adults. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancers.

Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on quickly and more severe. Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating often
Losing weight without trying
Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there isn’t enough available insulin
Feeling tired and weak
Feeling irritable or having other mood changes
Having blurry vision
Having slow-healing sores
Getting many infections such as gum, skin, and vaginal infections

Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Here are some tips to help you avoid developing diabetes:

Know your risk of developing diabetes- You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese; have a family history of diabetes; are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander; are not physically active; or have prediabetes.
Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels- Preventing or managing diabetes as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent diabetes complications. You can start by managing your diabetes ABCs:
- A is for the A1C test that healthcare providers use to measure your average glucose levels.
- B is for blood pressure
- C is for cholesterol
Take small steps towards healthy habits- Lifestyle habits like planning healthy meals, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs.
Take your medicines on time- Remember to take your medicines even if you feel healthy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medicine on time or the correct dosage.
Reach or maintain a healthy weight- If you are overweight or obese, ask your primary care provider if eating healthy, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help manage your weight.
Take care of your mental health- Managing diabetes can be hard. If you feel sad, down, or overwhelmed, find healthy ways to cope with stress. Consider talking to a mental health counselor or joining a support group.
Work with your healthcare team- Managing diabetes takes a team. Your healthcare team can include a primary care provider, diabetes specialist, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you have any diabetic symptoms and would like to prevent developing diabetes, or if you would like help managing your diabetes, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Effective Post Workout Stretches

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The benefits of stretching have been well established. When you stretch after a workout, you help give your body a jump start on recovery, while releasing stress and tension, and boosting the flexibility of your joints. Here are some post-workout stretches you can try:

Lunging hip flexor stretch
Piriformis stretch
Cat-cow stretch
Standing calf stretch
Overhead triceps stretch
Standing bicep stretch
Quadriceps stretch
Hamstring stretch
Shoulder stretch
Butterfly stretch
Lower back stretch
Downward-facing dog
Seated forward fold
Figure four stretch
Supine spinal twist
Wide leg forward fold
Floor scorpion
90/90 with a forward fold

Here are some safety tips to consider when stretching:

Don’t stretch to the point of pain
Watch your posture
Breathe through your stretches
Start slowly

Consider cooldown stretching if you are looking for a simple quick, and almost effortless workout routine that could help you reduce the risk of injury, increase blood flow for better recovery, and return your body to balance.

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.

Halloween Safety Tips

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Halloween is a time for dressing up, eating candy, and having fun. Unfortunately, there can be several risks when trick or treating. Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe this Halloween:

Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon.
Wear bright, reflective costumes, or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible.
Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.
Always accompany young children when trick or treating.
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again when crossing.
Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left.
Put electronic devices down, and keep your head up while you walk.
Caution kids never enter a home or a car for a treat.
Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them.
Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
If a child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t wrapped correctly.
Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from their Halloween bags.

Follow these important tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe this Halloween. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Effective Exercises You Can Do At Work

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Fitting a long workout into your already packed work schedule can be difficult. If you’re struggling to find time to stay active, you may want to try doing short workouts throughout the day instead. Even spending five to 10 minutes exercising at your desk can stimulate midday blood flow and help push through your mid-afternoon slump. Here are some effective exercises you can do at work:

Desk pushups
Chair dips
Oblique twists
Calf raises
Seated back extensions
Triceps stretches
Overhead reaches
Shoulder shrugs
Neck stretches
Squats
Desk planks
Static lunges
Side lunges
Wall sits
Jumping jacks
Marching
Seated bicycles
Leg lifts
Seated leg extensions
Seated knee-to-chest
Seated flutter kicks

All of these exercises are productive. The goal is to move to a new position throughout the day to avoid repetitive stretch injuries. According to The Harvard School of Public Health, even short periods of physical activity can improve your mood. You may experience other benefits including:

Relief of body discomfort
Increased attention and productivity

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

Hashimoto’s Disease

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The immune system attacks the thyroid resulting in hypothyroidism.

Anyone can develop Hashimoto’s disease, but it is most common in middle-aged women.

Hashimoto’s disease progresses slowly over the years and you may not notice any signs or symptoms. The decline in thyroid hormone production can result in the following symptoms:

Fatigue and sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Increased sleepiness
Dry skin
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness
Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding
Depression
Problems with memory or concentration
Swelling of the thyroid
Puffy eyes and face
Brittle nails
Hair loss, dry, brittle hair, and slow hair growth
Enlargement of the tongue

The causes of Hashimoto’s disease are unclear, but the onset of the disease may be related to:

Genetic factors
Environmental triggers, such as infection, stress, or radiation exposure
Interactions between environmental and genetic factors

Many factors are associated with an increased risk of Hashimoto’s disease, including:

Sex
Age
Other autoimmune diseases
Genetics and family history
Pregnancy
Excessive iodine intake

Several conditions may lead to the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and ask questions about your symptoms. After this assessment, they will order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

Thyroid-stimulating hormone test
Free T4 test
Anti-thyroid antibody test

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a thyroid ultrasound to check the size of your thyroid and ensure no nodules are present.

Most people with Hashimoto’s disease take medication to treat hypothyroidism. If you have mild hypothyroidism, you may not receive treatment but will get regular TSH tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any thyroid disease, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.