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Why Am I So Tired?

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Daylight Saving Time began at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 11^th. Lots of notifications were disseminated to remind you to set your clocks forward and try to get to bed a little earlier to compensate for that lost hour.

What they didn’t tell you is that your circadian rhythm or internal clock may have been interrupted by this change in time. In order to reset your internal clock, the food you eat might be the key to providing you a smoother transition.

Studies show that certain foods tend to produce a more restful night’s sleep. Foods 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 to produce. Calcium is a natural sleep inducer, especially when consumed with magnesium. Calcium and magnesium both naturally produce melatonin, so consuming dairy products, wheat, and beans can all lead to a more restful sleep.

Melatonin is a hormone the brain produces naturally that also greatly contributes to a good night’s 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, this occurs when the body breaks them down and they become 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.

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.

Know the Facts About an Anxiety Attack

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Michael Hinck

We all feel anxious from time to time. It is a natural reaction where we feel apprehension, uncertainty, or fear in anticipation of an event, situation or circumstance that we consider to be threatening. However, some people can develop feelings of anxiety that are so intense and overwhelming that they result in a feeling of “losing control.” These episodes are commonly referred to as an anxiety (or panic) attack.

An anxiety attack usually occurs without warning and has no obvious cause. It may even wake a person from their sleep. In addition to an incredible feeling of fear, anxiety attacks are potentially accompanied by many other symptoms such as:

Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath
Feelings of choking
Chest Pain
Nausea
Dizziness, light-headed, or feeling aint
Feeling detached from reality

Since each person is different and chemically unique, an anxiety attack can affect each person differently. One person may experience only a few minor symptoms while another may have many symptoms with much greater severity.

An attack can last anywhere from a few moments to over an hour. The length of the attack is usually determined by how frightened the individual is. While the symptoms of an anxiety attack can seem very powerful, they are typically not harmful.

Although the exact causes of these attacks are unclear, the tendency to have them runs in families. There also appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college, getting married, or having a baby. Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack. In some cases, panic attacks can be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. If you’re suffering from symptoms of panic, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out an underlying medical issue.

The good news is that these attacks are treatable. They can usually be managed successfully with self-help strategies or a series of therapy sessions. To make an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital’s Mental Health Clinic, please call 718-670-5562.

Endometriosis Awareness Month

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Endometriosis Awareness takes the spotlight during the month of March with a mission to raise awareness about the disease which currently affects an estimated 176 million women around the globe.

Endometriosis 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, laparoscopy 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. If you would like to make an appointment with a gynecologist, please call 718-670-8994.

How Does Robotic Prostate Surgery Work?

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Robotic prostatectomy, also known as Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer.

Before surgeons were able to utilize robotic surgical platforms such as the da Vinci robot, one of few options available for treatment was open prostate surgery. This involved the removal of the prostate by way of a large, six to eight-inch incision in the lower abdomen.

However, with the introduction of surgical robots, surgeons can now perform prostatectomies laparoscopically with greater efficiency through small incisions made in the abdomen; each measuring less than two inches.

Because the da Vinci surgical robot enables surgeons to operate with more precision through smaller incisions, it offers patients several potential benefits that include:

Less bleeding
A lower risk of infection or complications
Shorter hospital stays
Shorter recovery periods
Less pain

Doctors at Flushing Hospital Medical Center are highly trained in performing several procedures including prostatectomies, hysterectomies and bariatric surgery, utilizing the da Vinci surgical robot.

To learn more about robotic surgery at Flushing Hospital, visit www.flushinghospital.org. To schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call 718-670-3135.

Flushing Hospital Offers Virtual Experience for Pediatric Patients

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Being admitted to a hospital or having to undergo a procedure can be a very stressful and even scary experience for many patients and their families, and that is especially true when that patient is a child.

In an effort to reduce the stress of our pediatric patients and offer a calming distraction for them, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is now offering children an escape from the hospital environment with the help of the Samsung Applied Virtual Reality headset. This state-of-the-art, interactive tool was purchased by Flushing Hospital thanks to a grant from the Child’s Play Foundation.

This fully mobile, virtual reality technology allows Flushing Hospital’s smallest patients to leave the confinement of their treatment area by taking them on a variety of exciting journeys. Pediatric patients can now relax on a sandy beach or tranquil ocean or they can visit any number of scenic destinations across the country and around the globe, including Los Angeles, Yellowstone National Park, London, Tibet, Iceland or Machu Picchu. The VR software is constantly being updated, offering patients an ever-expanding assortment of places to go to.

The headset is easy to operate and is being used to further assist Flushing Hospital’s Child Life Specialist while they care for patients. This technology offers an entertaining distraction to children when they are receiving important, yet typically anxiety-inducing treatments, such as blood draws, IV insertions, spinal taps, dressing changes and blood transfusions.

The virtual reality headset is utilized by most patients as it requires very little movement by the patient and it has proven to be very effective in helping children cope with stress associated with a clinical environment.

Patients as young as three years old have used the Samsung headsets and thus far, it has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both our patients and their parents. Both providers and family members have expressed that this technology has resulted in increased cooperation and enhanced comfort for our pediatric patients.

Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Department is very grateful for this generous gift made possible by the Child’s Play Foundation and the staff is equally thrilled to have another tool to help them provide a positive atmosphere for our pediatric patients.

Mood Music

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Music has been known to make us smile, excite us, make us dance or bring us to tears. It can bring back a memory so vividly that we actually feel we are there.

Music can stabilize or have an enhancing effect on our mood, but how does it have this profound power over a person’s emotions?

Maybe because it is a common phenomenon that crosses all boarders of nationality, race and culture. Music is often used as a tool for arousing feelings and can be far more impactful than language.

Did you know that when we listen to a musical rhythm, our heart can actually begin to synch with it? Studies have shown that a “major key” will signify cheerful communication to our brain, while a “minor key” can bring on sighs and lamentations. All of this has an effect on the brain, which directs our psyche to feel what’s being communicated to us.

In many instances, music is utilized for treating depressed or anxious patients since the meter, timber, rhythm and pitch of musical arrangements are managed in areas of the brain that deal with emotions and mood.

Although the overall phenomenon still has its certain level of mystery, many people turn to music for a general sense of well-being.

Graves’ Disease

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The thyroid gland is found in the neck and produces hormones that control many of the body’s functions including heart rate and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is the condition where the thyroid gland over produces these hormones causing the body to function improperly. Grave’s Disease is one of the conditions that is characterized by an excess production of thyroid hormones. It is caused by an autoimmune disease, which means that the body is producing antibodies that attack the cells in the thyroid gland and cause it to malfunction. It more commonly affects women, and usually starts before the age of 40. Some of the factors that can cause Graves’ disease are genetics, a family history of the disease, having other autoimmune diseases, stress, and smoking.
The diagnosis of Graves’s disease is made by physical examination and also lab tests that measure the production of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Symptoms of Graves’ disease include:
• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Increased perspiration
• Slight tremor
• Difficulty sleeping
• Bulging eyes
• Frequent bowel movements
• Rapid or irregular heart beat
Treatment for Graves’ disease is very important. Depending on the severity, it may be necessary to destroy the thyroid gland using radioactive iodine or completely removing it by surgery. If the thyroid gland is no longer functional or present, supplemental hormones will have to be taken daily that mimic its function in order to keep the body regulated properly. If treated properly, the disease can be managed successfully.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital and NYSS Offer Patients a New, Groundbreaking Weight Loss Treatment

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Flushing Hospital Medical Center and the New York Surgical Specialists (NYSS) physician group is proud to announce that we offer a safe and effective, non-surgical alternative for individuals who struggle with obesity and have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through conventional diet and exercise.

Weight loss specialists, Sanjeev Rajpal MD, Darshak Shah MD and Noman Khan MD are all excited that Flushing is one of the only hospitals in the area to offer our patients the revolutionary, Obalon weight loss system. Obalon is the first and only non-surgical, and completely non-invasive weight loss treatment option approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Patients who participate in the Obalon treatment swallow a small, coated capsule connected to a thin tube. Once the capsule is digested, it naturally dissolves and a small, lightweight gastric balloon unfolds. This balloon is then filled with medical gases via the tube before it is removed. This process is repeated two more times over a six month period. Each procedure only takes 10 minutes, requires no sedation and can be performed in our New York Surgical Specialists office.

Once expanded, each to the size of a small orange, the three balloons work to facilitate weight loss by taking up space within the stomach, enabling patients to become fuller while eating less.

After six months the balloons are removed endoscopically while the patient is under light, conscious sedation.

Throughout the entire three-stage, six month process, patients will receive nutritional and exercise support from our weight loss team.

The Obalon Weight Loss System offers many benefits to those patients, who do not qualify for, or are seeking an alternative to bariatric surgery, including:

Obalon is clinically proven to be twice as effective as diet and exercise alone
There are minimal risks or side effects
No sedation is required and the entire procedure only takes 10 minutes
Obalon is affordable as compared to other surgical weight loss options, but it is not currently covered by most insurance providers
Patients can resume their normal daily lifestyle immediately
The procedure is completely reversible

Not everyone is a candidate for the Obalon weight loss system. To qualify, patients must be:

At least 22 years old
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-40
Have not had any form of weight loss surgery
Are actively attempting to lose weight through diet and exercise
Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment

To learn more information about the Obalon weight loss system, or to make an appointment with one of our highly qualified physicians, please call Flushing Hospital at 718-670-8908 or our New York Surgical Specialists offices at 718-408-6977.

The Acai Berry

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The acai berry is a grapelike fruit that comes from the rainforests of South America. It contains fiber, antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, and is known as a superfood because of all the health benefits it possesses.

Some of the health benefits that are thought to be attributed to the acai berry are that it:

Promotes healthy skin
Lowers cholesterol
Helps digestion
Is good for weight loss
Increases energy level
Increases immune system response to infection

The acai berry can usually be found in several health food stores or gourmet food shops. It can be eaten raw, but it also comes in tablet form, and as an additive in some juices, energy drinks, ice cream and jelly. It is usually safe to consume but as with all foods, should be eaten in moderation.

If you are concerned about the effects the acai berry may have on medications that you might be taking, consult with your physician first.

Can Hand Sanitizer Prevent the Flu?

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Joann Ariola

During the flu season and throughout the year, protecting against bacteria is a battle fought nationally. There may be varying medical opinions, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is clear on their opinion

According to the CDC, if soap and water is not available, it is recommended that you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC cautions that when using a hand sanitizer, you should make sure that all organics (i.e. dirt, food) should be removed from hands prior to applying the hand sanitizer.

After removing the surface substance, it is recommended that you apply a dime sized amount of waterless hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together making sure to cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers and rub until the hand sanitizer is absorbed.

Some benefits of using a waterless hand sanitizer are:

Requires less time than hand washing with soap and water
Dries quickly on hands
Is more accessible than sinks
Reduces the bacterial count on hands
Can be less irritating to skin than soap and water

Although medical professionals may have different opinions on how to most effectively protect against bacteria, they all agree that hand washing with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs in most instances.