MPox

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Mpox previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus usually affects rats, mice, or monkeys. But it can occur in people as well.

Mpox usually occurs in Central and West Africa. Cases outside of Africa are due to international travel, imported animals, and close contact with an animal or person infected with mpox.

Mpox symptoms may start three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms last two to four weeks and may include:

Fever
Skin rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache
Muscle aches and backaches
Chills
Fatigue

A skin rash starts about one to four days after a fever. It first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other body parts. You can spread mpox while you have symptoms.

There are many ways that mpox can spread, including:

Person to person
- Direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids of a person with mpox
- Extended close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, including sexual contact
- Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or bodily fluids of an infected person
- An infected pregnant person can spread the mpox virus to a fetus
Animal to person
- Animal bites or scratches
- Wild game that is cooked for food
- Products, such as skins or furs made from infected animals
- Direct contact with bodily fluids or rashes of animals with mpox

There are many steps you can take to prevent infection or the spread of the mpox virus, including:

Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
Avoiding the handling of clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in close contact with an infected animal or person
Quarantining people who have mpox from healthy people
Washing your hands well with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoiding animals that may carry the virus

The treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough fluids to help keep stool soft, and pain management. There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox. If you have mpox, quarantine at home in a room separate from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

You can make an appointment for mpox treatment and prevention at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s on-site ambulatory care center by calling (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.

Healthy Aging Month

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

September is recognized as healthy aging month. The observation was created to encourage people to focus on their health and take steps to help them face the challenges that come with aging.

As we age, we become aware of changes in our mental and physical health, and changes in our social needs. You can take charge of your well-being by taking steps to age with a healthy mind and body. Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to offer these tips to help boost your health as you age:

Get moving
- It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations, and modify activities if needed
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities each week
Maintain a healthy diet
Eat proper portion sizes
Avoid excess processed foods
Stay hydrated
Stay socially active
- Stay in touch with friends and family
- Try doing something new that interests you
Balance your body and mind
- Keep a positive attitude
- Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles
- Keep your body active with yoga and stretches
Be proactive
- Receive regular checkups, physicals, and medical tests when needed
- Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed or needed

Healthy aging month is a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout your life contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. Making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

If you have questions about any medical issues that may arise as you age, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

National Senior Citizens Day

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

August 21^st, 2024 is National Senior Citizens Day. It’s a day that recognizes seniors who have contributed to society and impacted everyone’s lives for the better.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan honored senior citizens by signing Proclamation 5847, establishing August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day.

A senior citizen is anyone 60 years of age and older. They are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights, and more. Their valuable contributions to our communities have made them better places to live. The day honors their achievements and encourages us to support them in living their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible.

In honor of National Senior Citizens Day, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is offering these health tips for older adults:

Stay physically active for a healthy body and mind
Stay socially active with friends and family
Follow a healthy, well-balanced diet
Don’t neglect yourself, schedule checkups and stick to them
Take all medications as directed by your doctor

There are many ways that you and your loved ones can observe National Senior Citizens Day, including:

Donate to a nursing/retirement home- one of the kindest and most rewarding things you can do is to donate essential goods or gifts to a nursing/retirement home.
Reach out to a senior family member- visit and spend time with a family member who is a senior citizen. If you can’t see them, call them.
Have fun- if you are a senior citizen, the day is about you. Spend time with your favorite people, and do something fun and exciting. Live it up and treat yourself.
Take the time to recreate your family’s traditions. Be sure to include your grandparents and other elderly people in your family.

National Senior Citizen Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the seniors in our lives. Let’s make them know how much we care about and appreciate them.

Dementia

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause the loss of cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.

Cognitive changes they may experience include:

Memory loss, usually noticed by someone else
Problems communicating or finding words
Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
Problems with reasoning or problem-solving
Trouble performing complex tasks
Trouble with planning and organizing
Poor coordination and control of movements
Confusion and disorientation

Some people with dementia can’t control their emotions, and they may also have psychological changes, such as:

Personality changes
Depression
Anxiety
Agitation
Inappropriate behavior
Hallucinations

Dementia is caused by damage to your brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas. Dementia can also result from blocked blood flow to your brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain tissue dies.

Progressive dementias get worse over time. Types of dementias that worsen and aren’t reversible include:

Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause of dementia)
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia

Other disorders linked to dementia include:

Huntington’s disease
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Parkinson’s disease

Some causes of dementia-like symptoms can be reversed with treatment including:

Infections and immune disorders
Metabolic or endocrine problems
Low levels of certain nutrients
Medicine side effects
Subdural bleeding
Brain tumors
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Many risk factors can contribute to dementia, including:

Age
Family history

A healthcare provider must recognize the pattern of loss of skills and function to be able to diagnose the cause of dementia. No single test can diagnose dementia, therefore, a series of tests may be conducted to determine a diagnosis. These tests include:

Cognitive and neuropsychological tests
Neurological evaluation
Brain scans
- CT or MRI
- PET scans
Laboratory tests
Psychiatric evaluation

Most types of dementia can’t be cured, but there are ways to manage your symptoms including:

Medications
Therapies

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

Cellulitis

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin and tissue beneath the skin. The affected area is typically swollen, inflamed, painful, and warm to the touch.

Cellulitis commonly affects the lower part of your body, including your legs, feet, and toes. However, it can occur in any part of your body like your face, arms, hands, and fingers.

Some symptoms of cellulitis include:

An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
Swelling
Tenderness
Pain
Warmth
Fever
Chills
Spots
Blisters
Skin dimpling
Headache
Weakness
Red streaks from the original site of the cellulitis

When you first get cellulitis, your skin looks slightly discolored. It may feel slightly warm to the touch. As the infection spreads, the discoloration gets darker and your skin swells and becomes tender.

Some severe symptoms that will need immediate emergency care include:

If you have a large area of red inflamed skin
Fever
If the affected area is causing numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or foot
If the skin appears black
If the area that is red and swollen is around your eyes or behind the ears
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system

Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus enter through a crack or break in the skin. Bacteria are more likely to enter broken, dry, flaky, or swollen skin such as a recent surgical site, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. If the wound isn’t treated properly, there is potential to encounter a more severe staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Another cause of cellulitis occurs due to poor hygiene. Ways to maintain good hygiene include:

Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water
Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails
Regularly showering and thoroughly drying your skin afterward
Wearing clean clothes
Keeping small wounds clean

To diagnose cellulitis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area. If you have a severe case of cellulitis, your physician may recommend tests to ensure the infection hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. These tests include:

Blood test
Skin test
Bacterial culture

Cellulitis is usually treated with oral antibiotics. However, severe cases of cellulitis may not respond to oral antibiotics. You may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

The fastest way to get rid of cellulitis is to take the full course of antibiotics. Some home treatments that can help the healing process include:

A warm compress
Elevation
Compression wraps or stockings

Some ways you can reduce your risk of cellulitis include:

Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water
Applying an antibiotic ointment on your wounds or sores
Covering your wounds or sores with bandages to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering the area
Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas
Getting medical attention right away for any deep cuts or puncture wounds

If you are experiencing symptoms of cellulitis, you can make an appointment with a qualified physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Immunization Awareness Month or NIAM. It is an annual observance highlighting the importance of getting routine vaccinations for people of all ages.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect our bodies against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters disease-causing organisms.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, influenza (flu), and both HPV and hepatitis B which are leading causes of cancer.

Getting vaccinated also helps keep your family and community healthy, as vaccinations can help lessen the severity of illness and keep diseases from spreading. Additionally, vaccinations help protect those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you or a loved one would like to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment for you or a loved one to get up to date on vaccinations, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

Will You Need a C-Section to Deliver Your Baby?

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss some of what you need to know about cesarean birth (also known as a C-section).

During a C-section, your baby is delivered through incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when the health risks of vaginal delivery are too significant for either yourself or your baby. It can be planned ahead of time if:

You experience serious medical conditions that could worsen with a vaginal birth
You’ve had a previous C-section
You’re expecting multiple babies
Your baby’s exit from the cervix is obstructed
Your baby is in an abnormal position in your uterus

Even if these factors do not apply to you, unforeseen circumstances can occur that make a C-section necessary for safely delivering your baby, such as when:

You experience prolonged labor
Your baby develops an irregular heart rate
The umbilical cord compresses your baby’s head, neck, or body, or comes out of the cervix before the baby
The placenta separates from the wall of your uterus, preventing your baby from receiving oxygen and nutrients

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects occur in approximately one out of every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Birth defects generally appear during fetal development and can cause a wide range of medical problems in children, such as physical deformities, physical or mental developmental impairments, and potentially fatal diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

While some birth defects happen due to avoidable factors during pregnancy, not all causes are preventable. However, it’s still important to know the most common ways birth defects occur so that you can prevent these causes (when possible) or manage symptoms effectively as your child ages. Typical causes of birth defects include:

Genetic factors: Conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as inherited medical conditions, occur due to abnormalities in the child’s chromosomes, which contain genes and control physical development. While these defects are not necessarily preventable in your child, it can help for you to get genetic testing done before pregnancy to screen for potential medical problems that your child could inherit.

Exposure to substances: Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, prescription medications, and non-prescription drugs can all contribute to your child’s likelihood of developing a birth defect. Make sure to discuss any medications you take with your doctor before getting pregnant and to avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible while pregnant.

Complications during pregnancy: Birth defects can occur due to complications that occur during pregnancy, such as infections, amniotic band syndrome, or a lack of amniotic fluid around the fetus in your uterus. Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and prevent these complications from occurring.

Other risk factors, including age and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase your baby’s likelihood of developing birth defects.

You can get help from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department to manage risks during pregnancy and keep yourself and your baby healthy. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5702.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed on October 13^th each year to spread awareness about metastatic breast cancer and the need to develop new, targeted treatments that will improve survival rates among patients.

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced or stage four breast cancer, spreads beyond breast tissue to other organs in the body; typically, these include the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. The process through which cancer cells spread to these other organs is called metastasis.

Approximately 6% of all people assigned female at birth who receive a breast cancer diagnosis have metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, most cases of this advanced form of cancer are also cases of recurrent cancer, meaning that it is cancer that returned after previous treatment. This generally occurs when prior treatments did not destroy all cancer cells present at the original affected area.

Despite the fact that metastatic breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is considered and treated as breast cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer) and is treated with breast cancer drugs, rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer focuses on improving the length and quality of your life. It involves working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that takes many different factors into account, including:

Characteristics of the cancer cells
Where the cancer has spread
Your current symptoms
Age and health
Past cancer treatments

The types of treatments available for metastatic breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and drugs that target genes spreading cancerous cells. Clinical trials also offer opportunities for new, experimental treatment options that may be beneficial to you. Talk to your doctor about recommended treatment options that are appropriate for your specific circumstances.

If you need diagnostic testing or treatment for breast cancer, you can work with a cancer care specialist through the MediSys Health Network’s collaborative oncology program with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

What is Preeclampsia?

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy and can complicate the delivery of a baby. Up to 15% of premature births in the United States occur because of this condition.

Preeclampsia often occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can develop sooner. It can also occur after pregnancy, typically following the first few days or week after delivery; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Not everyone with preeclampsia may experience noticeable symptoms; in fact, most expecting mothers are unaware they have this condition until receiving a prenatal checkup. If symptoms do occur, some of the first signs typically include high blood pressure, retention of water weight, and protein in urine (detectable through diagnostic tests). Other symptoms may include:

Headaches
Visual disturbances, blurring, dark spots, or light sensitivity
Right side abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Edema (swelling of the hands and face)

Certain severe symptoms of preeclampsia may indicate a medical emergency, requiring a hospital visit and, potentially, early delivery of the baby. These include blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg or higher, fluid in the lungs, decreased urine production, low blood platelet levels, and decreased liver or kidney function.

While medical experts are uncertain what specifically causes preeclampsia, certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this condition. These include:

A family history of preeclampsia
A personal medical history involving high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or an autoimmune disease such as lupus
Multiple expected babies

You should consult your doctor about the most effective approach to treatment for preeclampsia. In most cases, this condition can only be resolved once the baby has been delivered; however, your doctor may provide medication to assist with managing your blood pressure and the development of the fetus’ lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia and require specialized medical care to protect the health of yourself and your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at (718) 670-5702 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our New Beginnings labor and delivery unit.