Women's Health Archives - Page 9 of 13

Ahhhhhchew! Cold, Flu or Seasonal Allergies?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

We have sprung into spring! Flowers and trees are beginning to bud and we should be feeling great, but some of us aren’t. If you are one of these folks, you may be experiencing seasonal allergies, or are you?

Allergies, colds and the flu are often hard to tell apart because they share many similar symptoms. It is knowing the differences in the symptoms that will help you when seeking treatment.

Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses and the symptoms associated with the flu are often more severe. Allergies are different because they are not caused by a virus. It is your body’s immune system reacting to an allergen that you are allergic to such as pollen or pet dander.

This chart can help you determine whether you have seasonal allergies, a cold or the flu:

	Common Cold	Influenza	Seasonal Allergies
Stuffy or runny nose	Yes	Sometimes	Runny, itchy nose
Fever	Sometimes; mild if present	Usually, often 100 degrees F (38.8 degrees C) or higher.	No
Body Aches	Mild	Mild to severe	No
Chills	Sometimes	Yes, sometimes intense	No
Sore Throat	Often	Sometimes	Itchy or tickling throat
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Usually, can last a couple of weeks after recovery	Rarely
Feeling extremely exhausted	No	Yes	No
Headache	Sometimes	Usually, sometimes severe	Sinus pressure or stuffiness
Sinus drainage	Usually	Rarely	Often
Diarrhea, Vomiting	No	Sometimes	No
Cough	Mild to moderate	Usually, can become severe	Dry or with minimal mucus
Watering eyes	Sometimes	Sometimes, with fever	Itchy swollen, burning, and/or watery eyes
Ears	Ear congestion	No	Ear congestion or popping
Sneezing	Usually	Sometimes	Yes
Timing	Anytime throughout the year	Most cases occur between October and May.	Anytime, but symptoms are often more intense in the fall and spring seasons.

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above and would like to make an appointment to see a physician, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 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.

What You Should Know About Endometriosis

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

endometriosis-488786798 Endometriosis affects approximately every one in ten girls and women in the United States. This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus- grows outside the uterus. This abnormal growth of tissue can commonly be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, as well as areas between the rectum and vagina. Areas where endometriosis is less commonly found are the lungs, thighs, arms and other areas beyond the reproductive organs or lower abdomen.

Endometrial tissue develops into growths or clumps called implants. These clusters of tissue respond to the menstrual cycle the same as they would inside the uterus. Meaning, each month the tissue builds up, breaks down then sheds. Unlike the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus; endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body through vaginal bleeding. This results in inflammation, swelling, the formation of scar tissue or internal bleeding.

The symptoms of endometriosis typically present themselves during reproductive years- on average between the ages of 12 to 60 years old. Symptoms include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

The cause of endometriosis is unknown but several factors such as genetics, retrograde period flow, immune system disorders and hormones are being researched.

Most cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35 years of age; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms and the disorder is sometimes mistaken for other conditions.

Women who do experience symptoms should speak with their doctor about receiving tests such as pelvic examinations, laparascopy and imaging tests, to find out if they have endometriosis.

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments including medication, surgery and alternative therapies are available.

If you are experiencing the symptoms it is recommended that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. To make an appointment with a gynecologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-8994.

How Important is Eating Breakfast?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

How important is eating a healthy breakfast to you? Please share your daily morning routine with us. Do you make the time for a healthy breakfast every morning?

Here’s what we know, breakfast is STILL the most important meal of the day. It provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration whether in the classroom or at work.

Some benefits of eating a healthy breakfast are:

Reduces the chance of developing diabetes
Reduces the incidence of heart disease
Improves cognitive functions related to memory

Additionally, studies have shown that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Translation – Eating breakfast is a smart move!

Is High Blood Pressure Affecting your Kidneys?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5795.

Natural Ways To Defy Aging

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

As far back as 1513, when Ponce de Leon traveled to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth, people have been obsessed with retaining their youthful appearance. In modern times, whether young, middle-aged or older, individuals are still in search of ways to look younger.

Could the “fountain of youth” and the ability to maintain a youthful appearance have been within our grasp all along?

It is proven that people who have maintained a fit, healthy weight throughout their life will often have a younger looking physique, as well as less sagging in their skin.

Additional ways to maintain a younger appearance are:

Taking care of your teeth – A full set of teeth avoids the bone loss in the mouth and jaw structures, which can give the face a sunken appearance.
Color your greys away – Vibrant hair color, with a glossy texture and lots of volume can also make someone look younger.
Dump the frumpy frocks – Modern, stylish clothing, eyeglasses, jewelry and accessories can go a long way toward appearing younger.
Posture – How you stand, sit and carry yourself will not only affect how other people see you, but it also has an impact on how you look and feel as you get older.
Adjust your mindset – Research has found that our lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and sleep will enhance the body’s ability to repair cellular damage that is inevitable as we get older.
Get your beauty sleep – Bags under the eyes and pallor to your skin can definitely make you look old and tired. A solid seven to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended.

If maintaining healthy skin is your concern, foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenols (antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties that protect and benefit the skin should be part of your daily diet)

Here are some examples of foods that provide these key nutrients:

Vitamin A – Sweet potatoes, broccoli, leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), red, yellow and orange produce (such as cantaloupe, carrots, bell peppers), and asparagus
Vitamin C – Red bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, pineapple, kiwifruit, oranges and cantaloupe
Vitamin E – Nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, tomato products, and spinach
Polyphenols – Green tea, cocoa and dark chocolate

By maximizing your intake of the items listed above, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and drinking plenty of purified water while minimizing your intake of sugars and highly processed foods, you will be doing your best to keep your body functioning well as you age.

Department Spotlight – Urology

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

The Department of Urology at Flushing Hospital is staffed by fully trained, board certified urologists, specially trained physician assistants, registered nurses and medical assistants. The department utilizes state-of-the art diagnostic equipment and minimally invasive techniques to provide comprehensive care to our patients. The department treats both men and women with an understanding of the sensitive nature of urologic illnesses, and with special emphasis for women on bladder control and urinary tract infections, and for men enlarged prostate, urinary vasectomies, male sexual health and prostate cancer.
One of the commonly treated urologic conditions in both women and men is kidney stones. The department of urology has a kidney stone treatment center that can diagnose and treat this condition quickly. A Spiral CT scanner is used to locate the stone(s )which eliminates the need to use contrast dyes. Non-surgical modalities in the form of shock wave lithotripsy break up smaller stones into fine particles. For larger stones, a Holium laser and miniscope are used.
For patients with prostate cancer radioactive seed implantation can be performed by ultrasound guidance with pinpoint accuracy.
The Department of Urology also offers the da Vinci Robotic Surgical platform for prostate surgery. This new technology allows our surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures that benefit our patients through faster recovery time, less blood loss, less pain, and shorter hospitalizations.
To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Urology suite, please call 718-670-5699.

Is There a Link Between Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease?

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Joann Ariola

It is not unusual for people with Type 1 diabetes to also have celiac disease. Type 1diabetes and celiac disease share several common traits. Both diseases are triggered by genetic and environmental factors and they increase the risk of developing associated autoimmune diseases.

Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes causes the body to produce insufficient amounts of insulin needed to break down glucose

Celiac disease, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a disease in which the body launches an immune reaction when a person consumes gluten, a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

Most patients with both diseases tend to develop asymptomatic celiac disease, but are unaware they are experiencing its symptoms. This is because they are confusing symptoms with diabetes with those of asymptomatic celiac disease.

Symptoms may include, but are not limited to: Bloating

Bloating
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Fatigue
Anemia
Irritability
Depression

As a diabetic with celiac disease, you may think that your world has come to an end and you will not be able to eat anything since both diseases require adherence to a strict diet, but that’s not the case. There are tips you can follow that will help you self-manage both diseases and maintain overall health:

Gluten-free foods – Health food stores and most main stream grocery stores now carry gluten-free products. Rice pasta can be used as a substitute for pasta.
Follow a whole-food meal plan – A gluten free dinner consisting of a serving of protein (broiled or baked), steamed vegetables, a small serving of brown rice, and a small piece of fruit for dessert can small piece of fruit for dessert.
Watch your blood sugar levels – A diagnosis of celiac disease necessitates what may be a dramatic change in your daily sources of carbohydrates. You may experience variations in your usual blood-sugar patterns, so you will want to be vigilant in testing.
Track your calories and carbs – Some gluten-free foods may be calorie and carbohydrate dense. You cannot assume that a sandwich made with gluten-free bread has the same amount of carbohydrates as one made with regular bread.
Check nutrition labels of processed foods – All food labels are required to state if the food contains wheat, but keep in mind that wheat-free doesn’t mean gluten-free.
Meet with a registered dietician – It can be complicated having two serious diseases that come with different dietary restrictions.

If you or someone you know has celiac disease and type 1 diabetes and would like to speak with a registered dietitian to help self-manage your disease, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Take a Break

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Studies have shown that taking regular breaks during the work day can improve productivity and mental acuity, reduce fatigue, relieve joint or muscle pain, and increase overall alertness.

Chronic stress from over working can put a strain on your body and put you at risk for poor health. Taking a break can give your body the chance to turn off the stress so that you can recuperate and repair.

Research has shown that people on a break feel healthier, have less physical complaints and could have a reduction in cholesterol levels on their return.

Some other benefits of taking a break or vacation are:

Vitamin D – The Sun is rich in Vitamin D which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and keeping the immune systems and nervous system functioning normally.

Relaxing – Taking time to relax on a break from working has powerful benefits for adults. It can be as important as sleep.

Break time shrinks stress – Time away from work helps shrink stress and anxiety while boosting mental and physical health.

Keep in mind that regularly scheduled breaks should be approved by your supervisor.

Benefit of the Annual Physical

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The greatest benefit of an annual physical is knowledge for both you and your physician. An annual visit establishes a baseline for your personal health. Armed with this information, your doctor can detect unhealthy trends before they become risk factors.

Nearly one third of the population with a chronic disease is unaware that they have the disease. According to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, as many as 100,000 lives could be saved each year by increasing preventive care services.

Health screenings, such as blood glucose and blood pressure tests can easily detect the two most chronic conditions, diabetes and hypertension before they cause serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control cites that seven out of every 10 deaths are caused by chronic disease. Proper management of these conditions can prevent unnecessary hospitalization.

In order to get the most out of your annual physical, take a moment to prepare:

Make a list of your health concerns
Make a list of all the medications you are taking
Get a copy of your medical records and your family medical history

Dozens of Patient Care Specialists, on staff at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, are ready to provide you with your annual check-up.

Flushing Hospital is a certified Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) in its Ambulatory Care Center. The Center offers more than 50 outpatient general and specialty services for children adolescents and adults.

Flushing Hospital’s ambulatory care services accepts most major insurances, is centrally located and has convenient patient hours. Call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Cervical Health Awareness Month- The Importance of Regular Cervical Screenings

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

MD001276 January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the American Social Health Association. This initiative helps raise awareness and encourages women to receive regular screenings for cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer which is one of the most common cancers found in women. However early detection can lessen the severity of both diseases and prevent the development of abnormal or cancerous cells.

It is recommended that women receive regular screenings to check the health of their cervixes. The frequency of screenings varies by age and the following time period is as recommended by The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org):

All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21.
Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. They should not be tested for HPV unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test result.
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer should continue to be screened.
Women who have had their uterus and cervix removed in a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer should not be screened.

In addition to receiving screenings it is strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that women and men receive HPV vaccinations to stop the spread of the virus.

Please speak with your doctor as soon as possible about steps you can take to maintain your cervical health and remember, prevention is better than cure.