What is Lymphatic Circulation?

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The lymphatic system is a group of organs, vessels, and tissues that protect the body from infection and help it keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout the body. Lymphatic system organs include bone marrow, the thymus gland, and lymph nodes.

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system because it protects the body from infection and destroys old or abnormal cells that the body doesn’t need.

Lymphatic circulation is the drainage system for your body, which functions by taking fluid that has seeped into your body’s tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. During this process, the lymphatic circulation system filters the fluid and works to remove toxins and potentially harmful waste. Other key functions include:

Helping the body absorb fats

Protecting the body against bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections

Many conditions can affect various parts of the lymphatic system. Some happen during development before birth or during childhood. Others develop because of disease or injury. Some common diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system include:

Swollen lymph nodes

Swelling or accumulation of fluid

Cancers of the lymphatic system

Lymphangitis

Lymphangioma

Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Lymphocytosis

Lymphatic filariasis

Castleman disease

Lymphangioleimyomatosis

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Mesenteric lymphadenitis

To check if a person’s lymphatic system is working properly, a healthcare provider may use imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI.

There are many ways to keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, including:

Avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals, such as those in pesticides or cleaning products. These chemicals can build up in the lymphatic system, making it harder for the body to filter waste

Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated so lymph fluids can easily move throughout the body

Keeping a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. A healthcare provider can offer specific advice that is tailored to your medical history and needs

If you would like help with lymphatic circulation, you can receive treatment from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (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.

COPD Myths

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of health conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that limit airflow in the lungs.

Many myths and misconceptions exist about COPD. Here are some misconceptions surrounding COPD:

Myth #1: Only people who smoke get COPD

COPD is often associated with smoking, as smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is the most common cause of the damage done to the lungs and airways. However, nearly 30% of people with COPD have never smoked a cigarette. Nonsmoking causes of COPD include:

Long-term exposure to polluted air, such as smog in an urban area or dust and fumes at a workplace
Genetics plays a role, specifically a condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)
Asthma that’s active or even inactive. Researchers have found that 29% of people with asthma eventually receive a COPD diagnosis
Childhood respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia

Myth #2: COPD is rare

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over six in 100 adults in the U.S. had a COPD diagnosis in 2022.

That means millions of adults across the country have received a diagnosis of COPD. The actual proportion of adults with COPD may be higher due to delays in obtaining a diagnosis.

Myth #3: Exercise is too hard if you have COPD

Shortness of breath, wheezing, a chronic cough, and fatigue can all be a part of COPD. Any one of these symptoms can make exercising challenging.

Moderate exercise may not affect your lungs. In some cases, exercise can minimize the symptoms of COPD while strengthening the heart and helping reduce stress.

Try to build up to 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week. Combine safe cardiovascular activities such as walking or biking with stretching and strength-building. It won’t be easy to start exercising. Speak with your healthcare provider about building an exercise plan that works for you. They may be able to connect you with a respiratory therapist for breathing techniques and exercises you can do. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor about your health before starting a new exercise regimen.

Myth #4: Only older people develop COPD

COPD is more common in people 65 or older. However, younger people can also develop this condition.

A 2023 study found that COPD affected more than 1.6% of adults ages 20 to 50 in the U.S. Adults aged 35 to 50 had a higher risk of COPD than those under the age of 35.

A history of smoking or secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of COPD in young adults.

Myth #5: COPD is a man’s disease

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that women are more likely to develop COPD than men in the U.S.

More women than men have also died from COPD since 2000 in the U.S.

Exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants raises the risk of COPD for anyone; however, women can experience more harmful effects than men from these pollutants.

Women with COPD also tend to get a diagnosis later than men, after the disease has progressed and treatment is less effective. This may contribute to reduced survival in women with COPD.

Myth #6: Nothing can be done to treat COPD

COPD treatments are available to help limit symptoms and potentially slow the progression of COPD.

Your treatment plan can include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking (if you smoke), as well as one or more of the following:

Vaccinations
Medications
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Supplemental oxygen
Lung transplant
Surgery

Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about your treatment options.

Myth #7: There’s no point in quitting smoking after you develop COPD

Avoiding tobacco smoke is one of the most important things you can do to manage COPD.

If you smoke, cutting back and quitting can help limit symptoms and slow the progression of COPD.

Although more research is necessary, it may also be helpful to avoid e-cigarettes and other vaping products.

Avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is likely your healthiest option. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn about smoking cessation counseling, medication, or other resources that can help you cut back and quit smoking or vaping.

Insulin Pumps

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Insulin pumps can help people with diabetes conveniently manage their blood sugar. These small, wearable devices supply a continuous flow of rapid-acting insulin underneath the skin, delivering doses at specific times, and are an alternative to multiple daily injections.

An insulin pump mimics how the pancreas would naturally release insulin. It delivers insulin in one of two ways:

Small and continuous doses are called basal insulin. A person with diabetes will likely have multiple basal rates in increments throughout the day due to the body requiring different amounts of small “background” doses throughout a 24-hour period

Manual surges of insulin when eating and correcting high blood sugar are called bolus insulin. The pump uses the information the user enters about their carbohydrate intake and blood sugar level to calculate how much bolus insulin they need. Most pumps will recommend a dose to the user, which they can then confirm or adjust before the insulin is delivered

There are several types of insulin pumps on the market with unique features. Each type and brand of pump has various settings, including:

Integration with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) technology to automatically increase, decrease, or stop insulin release based on a person’s glucose level

Options to manually increase or decrease the basal rate for a certain amount of time

Alarms to alert the user of a low battery or a low reservoir

Alarms to alert the user if their glucose level is out of range, the CGM communicates with their pump

Connectivity to phone apps and other smart devices

There are two main types of insulin pumps: those with tubing and those without tubing.

Tubed insulin pumps have a long, thin tube that connects the pump to a cannula, a thin, flexible tube, inserted under the skin to deliver insulin. Parts of a tubed insulin pump include:

The pump machine and technology

The tubing and infusion set

Most reservoirs and infusion sets should be changed every two to three days. And the reservoir must be changed if it runs out of insulin. New infusion sets, reservoirs, and tubing should be used every time; however, the pump itself can typically last for many years.

Tubeless insulin pumps, or patch pumps, also use a cannula under the skin. However, the insulin reservoir and the cannula are part of one pod that sits on the skin with an adhesive patch. There is no external tubing, and it can be operated wirelessly with a handheld controller.

Each pump or pod can be used at a time. Like a tubed pump, it needs to be changed every two to three days and must be changed if the reservoir runs out of insulin.

Before attaching the pod, the reservoir is filled with insulin and attached with adhesive to the skin. A button is then pressed that releases a needle that is threaded through the cannula in the pod. The needle retracts back into the pod, and the cannula remains under the skin. The pump can be worn on the upper arm, stomach, hip, buttock, or thigh.

Tubeless insulin pumps are waterproof, so they can be worn when bathing or swimming.

Anyone with diabetes who requires synthetic insulin can use an insulin pump. This includes children and adults with Type 1 diabetes, some people with Type 2 diabetes, and people with Type 3c or monogenic diabetes.

Each insulin pump has different Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals regarding how old a person can be to use it. Some insulin pumps have approval for children as young as two years old. Most other pumps have approval for those seven years and older.

Using an insulin pump has several advantages, including:

Not having to inject insulin

It is more discreet than injecting insulin with a syringe

It is more accurate at delivering insulin

It may help with tighter blood glucose control

There are fewer fluctuations in blood glucose levels

It may result in improved A1C

There are fewer episodes of low blood sugar

There is more flexibility with diet and exercise

It helps manage the early morning rise in blood glucose levels called the dawn phenomenon

Using an insulin pump can also have its disadvantages, including:

Increased weight gain

Increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis if the pump doesn’t work correctly

Risk of skin infection or irritation at the application site

Needing to be attached to the pump most of the time

Having to operate the pump, replace its batteries, set doses, etc.

Having to wear the pump makes it obvious you have diabetes

Learning how to use the pump and keeping it working properly

Having to check blood sugar levels several times a day and count carbohydrates

It can be more expensive than taking traditional insulin injections

There are many factors to consider when choosing an insulin pump. Fortunately, pump manufacturers have a lot of information on their products, and trainers who can answer questions.

It is very important to discuss your options with a diabetes healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about which insulin pumps are best for you, or if you would like help to manage your diabetes, you can speak with an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, is a surgical treatment for severe obesity that involves making changes to the digestive system. It is performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when a person is at risk for serious health problems due to their weight.

There are several myths and misconceptions about bariatric surgery and its outcomes, including:

Bariatric surgery is unnecessary, and people just need to eat less and exercise more
Bariatric surgery is dangerous
Bariatric surgery will make a person thin
Bariatric surgery and weight loss will make a person happy and improve their relationships
Bariatric surgery will prevent a person from overeating
Bariatric surgery is an easy way out
Most people will gain the weight back after surgery

Bariatric surgery can be a lifesaving solution for many people who are overweight. Bariatric surgery, along with a commitment to lifestyle changes, not only provides long-term weight loss but it significantly improves the health and quality of life for many.

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Sadia Tahir Khan

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Sadia Tahir Khan, a Dietary Assistant in the Food and Nutrition Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for the past 20 years.

Sadia was born in Pakistan and moved with her parents to the Flushing area of New York City in 1986. She attended PS 193, IS 237, and John Bowne High School. In 2002, she received her B.A in biology from Queens College and in 2004, she obtained her second B.A. from Queens College in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Dietetics Concentration. In 2009, Sadia received her M.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences with a specialization in nutrition.

Sadia lives with her husband Muzzamil, who is also employed at Flushing Hospital and their two sons, one is 14 years old and the other is 18 years old. In her free time she enjoys cooking food from all over the world, but predominately Indian, Pakistani and American dishes. She likes to read books and articles on nutrition, food safety and food allergens. Sadia also enjoys listening to music and watching movies. She hasn’t had the opportunity to travel extensively but one day she hopes to visit many areas within the United States.

She very much enjoys working in the Dietary Department at Flushing Hospital because of the wonderful people she works with. Her colleagues are hard working, dedicated, and very committed to their profession. They all work in unison to provide patients with extraordinary dietary services each and every day. We are very fortunate to have Sadia as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years.

Flushing Hospital Achieves Surgical Review Corporation’s Center of Excellence Accreditation

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center recently earned accreditation from SRC (Surgical Review Corporation) as a Center of Excellence in four areas of specialization: minimally invasive surgery, hernia surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, and robotic surgery. This accreditation recognizes Flushing Hospital’s commitment to and high standard of delivering quality patient care and safety.

SRC is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons and health professionals worldwide that meet its proven standards. Receiving status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that Flushing Hospital has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all organizations or healthcare providers pursue accreditation, and among those who do, not all meet the standards to earn it.

Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

Earning the distinction as an SRC Center of Excellence is a testament to Flushing Hospital’s utilization of advanced surgical technologies, application of proven methodologies, and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

“We’re proud to recognize Flushing Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

“Flushing Hospital has been designated a center of excellence in robotic, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, minimally invasive general surgery, bariatric, and hernia surgery. We recently underwent the rigorous Center of Excellence review and certification, providing our data and outcomes, and have demonstrated that we are among the best in the world. We are proud of our surgical team and look forward to continuing to provide the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Noman Khan, Chairman of Robotic Surgery.

Flushing Hospital, a trusted healthcare institution in Queens, New York, excels in providing high-quality surgical care. In addition to receiving accreditation as an SRC Center of Excellence, Flushing Hospital has received a Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence award from Healthgrades. The hospital is also accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), which recognizes that Flushing Hospital meets the highest quality standards for patient safety and quality of care. The hospital also boasts a high-performing robotic surgery division. Robotic surgeons at Flushing Hospital are board-certified or board-approved and have performed countless procedures with outstanding success rates.

Should You Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Brushing and flossing are the most important measures for supporting your oral health. However, rinsing with mouthwash as an addition to these oral health care practices is a simple way to get more out of your dental hygiene routine.

There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic.

Therapeutic mouthwash usually contains active ingredients that fight off harmful bacteria, help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. If they have fluoride, they can also help prevent tooth decay.

Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in your mouth, but they do not help prevent cavities or gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush can’t, which can help reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, the American Academy of Periodontology notes that untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss, but using mouthwash can help boost your prevention efforts.

Using mouthwash has many benefits, including:

It freshens your breath
It reduces plaque
It prevents gingivitis
It prevents cavities
It promotes overall dental health

Mouthwash can enhance your oral care routine. However, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference. However, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product’s ingredients, so it is important to check the label on your product to ensure that you maximize its effects.

It is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. If you would like to receive a checkup, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine by calling (718) 670-5521.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery vs Laparoscopic Surgery

Posted on October 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a patient requires a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider and surgical team determine the most appropriate surgical method based on the patient’s condition. Two types of surgical methods that can be used are laparoscopic and robotic.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed by hand and involves the use of a thin rod with a two-dimensional camera attached, called a laparoscope, which helps the surgeon visualize the abdominal and pelvic cavities through tiny keyhole incisions.

Robotic surgery is also a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, a surgeon performs surgical procedures using a robotic device. The device features a three-dimensional camera and a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human hand.

There are several advantages of laparoscopic surgery, including:

· It causes less trauma to the abdominal wall and inside of the stomach

· It causes less blood loss and a lower risk of hemorrhage

· It leaves smaller scars

· It causes less risk of infection

· It allows for a shorter hospital stay

· It has a faster recovery time

· It causes less pain during healing

Laparoscopic surgery can also have its disadvantages, including:

· It can only be performed by a surgeon with laparoscopic surgical training

· It can cause bleeding from the incision

· It can cause injury to nearby organs and blood vessels

· It can be expensive, especially if multiple procedures are needed

Robotic surgery can have several advantages, including:

· It is more precise and accurate than laparoscopic surgery

· It is less invasive

· It reduces blood loss

· It has a faster recovery time

· It creates fewer scars

· It gives the surgeon a better range of motion

· It gives the surgeon a better view of the surgical site, leading to more accurate and effective surgeries

The disadvantages of robotic surgery include:

· It gives the surgeon limited tactile feedback- It may not provide the same feedback as a surgeon’s hands.

· There can be technical difficulties, which are extremely rare.

Both laparoscopic and robotic surgery have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the patient’s needs and what the healthcare provider and surgical team deem as the best course of action for that patient. For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Check Your Meds Day

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Pills Spilling From Bottle National Check Your Meds Day is a day dedicated to reviewing your medications for safety and accuracy.

If you peek inside your medicine cabinet, there is a good chance it contains a few expired or unnecessary prescription medications. It is probably a good idea to discard them, but what is the right way to do so?

Disposing of these medications, whether they are expired antibiotics or pain meds that are no longer needed, is very important because they can be harmful if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for.

While most medicines can be thrown in the household trash, many others have specific disposal instructions, such as immediately flushing them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Only flush prescription drugs that specifically note to do so, as there is evidence that certain medications can be harmful to the water supply.

If you are uncomfortable flushing or disposing of your meds, another option is participating in local drug “take-back” programs, where they can be turned in and properly disposed of.

If no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash using these tips:

• Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to protect your identity and privacy.

• Do not give your medicine to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on your specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist. You can also check with your local government officials about drug take-back events in your community.

Osteoporosis

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking.

Several factors can increase the likelihood that you’ll develop osteoporosis – some are controllable, but others are not. Some of the factors are:

• Gender – Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age – The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race – You’re at the most significant risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Asian descent.
• Family history – Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk.
• Body frame size – Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Hormone levels – Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies.
• Dietary factors – Those with a lower calcium intake or who have a history of eating disorders are at an increased risk
• Medications – Long-term use of oral or injectable steroids can interfere with the bone rebuilding process
• Lifestyle – Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can contribute to the weakening of bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the keys to combating osteoporosis are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Recommendations include:

Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Participate in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises regularly

A bone density test can be performed to measure the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip, wrist, and spine.