March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Did you know that colon cancer is one of the most preventable, and if detected early, most treatable forms of cancer? March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and screening is the number one way you can increase your chances of survival. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. In 2015, the American Cancer Society estimates 93,090 new cases of colon cancer and 39,610 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed.

On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 (5%), but this can vary according to individual risk factors. All men and women should be screened every five years beginning at age 50, or earlier if you have a personal or family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or are experiencing symptoms. African Americans should begin screening at the age of 45.

Some tests that detect cancer and polyps, growths that occur on the inner lining of the large intestine and protrude into the colon, include:

.Colonoscopy — The inside of the rectum and entire colon are examined using a long, lighted tube called a colonoscope.

.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy — Examines your rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope.

.Virtual Colonoscopy — Uses x-rays and computers to take 2- or 3-dimensional images of your colon and rectum.

.Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) — Air and barium are pumped into your rectum. The solution will show polyps or tumors on x-rays.

Screenings for fecal occult blood tests or FOBT, may also be used to test the stool for signs that cancer may be present. They are less invasive and easier to have done but are less likely to detect polyps.

Please discuss all screening options, as well as when to be screened, with your healthcare professional.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides a modern, fully equipped endoscopy unit for patients with abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or any other gastrointestinal concerns. Using the newest high-technology video equipment, an expert team provides comprehensive patient care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Ambulatory Care at 718-670-5486.

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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.

March is National Women’s History Month

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Did you know that Flushing Hospital Medical Center was founded in 1884 by a group of community women who set up a room with one bed in a rented house? Today the hospital is a 293-bed voluntary, not-for-profit teaching hospital. The medical center, located in the city’s most culturally diverse borough, has served the health care needs of the community for more than a century, and has, over the years, become a solid and vital part of the infrastructure of the city itself.

For more health and fitness information, join us on Facebook.com/FlushingHospital or follow us on Twitter @FHMC_NYC

Early photo of Flushing Hospital

A Healthy Pregnancy over 35

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

More and more women are waiting to have families well into their late 30’s and beyond. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five women now wait until they’re 35 or older to have their first child. There may be some risks involved with a pregnancy conceived later in life, but a healthy lifestyle, along with regular visits to your Ob-Gyn can create a healthy pregnancy.

Oftentimes, women worry more about the risks of pregnancy at a later age than conception itself. While a woman’s fertility does decrease after the age of 30, certain risk factors associated with pregnancy do increase including:
• Higher risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
• Greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome
• Miscarriages and still birth
• Low birth weight

A pregnancy should be happy and welcomed news and planning should be no different. Increased risk factors and statistics should not be discouraging news. Often, statistics do not account for life style choices or pre-existing conditions. Here are a few tips to help you take the necessary steps toward a healthy pregnancy later in life:
• Schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn for a visit. Be very honest with your practitioner about any existing health conditions.
• Your Doctor may recommend additional testing such as genetic testing and counseling or sonograms.
• Begin taking pre-natal vitamin. Since folic-acid is important for prevention of birth defects, taking folic acid can add an important level of protection for older women.
• Exercise regularly; eat a well-balanced diet to maintain your weight. Gaining the appropriate amount of weight lessens the chance of your baby growing slowly and reduces the risk of preterm birth.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.

If you are interested in pre-pregnancy and fertility counseling, contact Flushing Hospital Women’s Health Center at 718-670-8994 to make an appointment.

Can Your Diet Affect Your Sleep?

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Do you suffer from a sleep disorder? Your diet may be the key to giving you a better night’s sleep. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 to 70 million people in the United States suffer from a wide variety of sleep disorders.

Studies show that certain foods tend to produce a more restful night’s sleep. Foods that you can pick up at any local grocery store that are likely to give you a deeper sleep are:
• Milk
• Turkey
• Honey
• Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, etc.)
• Kale
• Rice (or other forms of carbohydrates)

The secret to these foods are the vitamins they contain, as well as the hormones they help the brain produce. The old wives’ tale of drinking a warm glass of milk before bedtime is not all that inaccurate. Calcium is a natural sleep inducer, especially when consumed with magnesium, which can be found in bananas. Melatonin is a hormone the brain produces naturally that also greatly contributes to a good night’s sleep. Calcium and magnesium both naturally produce melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain that promotes sleepiness, so eating dairy products, wheat, and beans can all lead to a more restful sleep. Additionally, some proteins, such as lean meats, produce tryptophan, an amino acid that causes sleepiness. Carbohydrates, such as starches and fibers, can also cause fatigue because the body breaks them down into sugars that become glucose, which ultimately becomes blood sugar. Some healthy carbohydrates can be found in whole grain, cereal, and vegetables.

While some foods can help you get a better night’s sleep, other foods and eating habits can reduce your amount of sleep. Some of these include:
• Eating too much or too little
• Caffeine (after lunchtime)
• Fatty foods (fast food, junk food, etc.)
• Eating late at night
• Alcohol (in large doses)

Try to avoid these bad eating habits and replace them with healthy foods that are high in calcium, magnesium, healthy carbohydrates, and protein. If you think you are suffering from a sleep disorder that cannot be helped by your diet, consult a physician for an assessment or to discuss treatments for possible sleep disorders. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.