Wound Care and Nutrition

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The nutritional status of a patient plays a large role in their body’s ability undergo wound healing. It requires a higher than normal level of energy and nutrients if it is going to be successful. The body requires an additional 35 calories per kilogram of body weight to help a chronic wound to heal. This will include eating a well-balanced diet that includes protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

For proper wound healing, a well-balanced diet should include 1.5 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. A kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds. Keeping hydrated is also very important, eight glasses of water per day should be the minimum and more if the person sweats profusely, has a wound that is draining, or if vomiting and or diarrhea are present. Meals should include meats, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts, seeds, yogurt and dried beans. In some people who have difficulty obtaining proper caloric intake from their daily meals, high protein and high calorie shakes can be used as supplements. Two amino acids, found in foods having protein and that have been identified as having potential to help wound healing are arginine and glutamine.

People with diabetes often have difficulty with wound healing, and this is due to poor circulation, nerve damage which leads to the constant breakdown of healthy tissue components needed to heal, and a higher than normal level of sugar in the blood which can lead to higher rates of infection and causes fluids to be drained from the body. It is therefore very important for a person with diabetes to keep tight control of their disease.
Wound healing also requires additional levels of vitamins and minerals, however care must be taken too not take in more that the daily recommended amounts because this can have a negative effect on the body.

It is important to consult with a physician about how to eat successfully when trying to heal a wound and also a nutritionist who specializes in wound care.

If you have a chronic or non-healing wound, you may be a candidate for Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient Wound Care Center. To schedule an appointment or speak with a clinician, please call 718-670-4542

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.

Employee Spotlight – Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) February Employee Spotlight shines on Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt, ER, RN, Case Manager. Carmen has been an employee at FHMC for 30 years serving as a Case Manager, Registered Nurse and Pediatrics ICU Nurse.

Denise James, Director of the Case Management and Social Work Department, describes Carmen as a “Dedicated, hardworking individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is trustworthy, knowledgeable and shares her knowledge with her fellow case managers. To say that Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt exceeds the expectations of employees at FHMC’s Case Management and Social Work Department would be an understatement.”

Since Carmen is assigned to the Emergency Room, as part of her duties, she provides guidance to the healthcare team on meeting criteria for inpatient hospital stays and coordinating safe discharge plans. She also assists with post hospital-care in addition to providing social support to the patients and families.

As a Case Manager, it is difficult for Carmen to see patients that require further aftercare and cannot afford it or are uninsured. It is during those times that Carmen rises to the occasion and addresses any challenge she is dealing with. Her main concern is making the appropriate decision for anyone entrusted in her care. She is committed to making the best out of any situation.

When not at work Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband of 32 years and her 2 children. She is very active in her church, loves meeting and talking with people and watching TV, especially romantic movies.

“I don’t believe in complaining as my dad always taught and reminded me how blessed I am.” These are words that Carmen lives by.

Congratulations Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt on being February’s Employee Spotlight!

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Alcoholism is a disease that affects a person’s ability to manage their drinking habits (consumption of alcoholic beverages). It is estimated that over 15 million people living in the United States have an alcohol use disorder- which means their drinking causes distress or harm.

Alcohol abuse can lead to several medical complications including an increased risk of certain cancers, liver disease, digestive problems, diabetes, bone damage, heart disease and neurological disorders. It can also lead to dangerous and destructive behaviors which can negatively impact relationships, one’s personal safety as well as the safety of others.

There are warning signs and symptoms that are indicative of alcohol abuse; they include:

Drinking more or longer than intended
Having a high tolerance for alcohol
Drinking that leads to memory loss
Drinking daily
Consuming alcohol in places where drinking is inappropriate
Losing interest in appearance
Engaging in risky or unsafe behaviors
Losing interest in activities that were once of importance
Becoming defensive about drinking habits
Feeling depressed when not drinking
Experiencing mood swings
Denying alcohol abuse

Paying attention to these signs is important, as some are subtle and may go unnoticed. The sooner professional help is received, the better the chance of recovery. A trained addiction specialist or mental health professional can provide the support or assistance needed to treat alcohol dependence. Treatment may include a combination of medication and counseling.

To schedule an appointment with a professional that is highly trained in the treatment of addiction, please call 718-670-5078.

Valentine’s Day at Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Joann Ariola

For Valentine’s Day this year the Food and Nutrition Department handed out Valentine’s Day Teddy Bears to patients throughout the hospital. The patient’s were delighted by their Valentine’s Day surprise. The Food and Nutrition Department set out to prove that you can share some Valentines’ Day sweetness without the chocolate! We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday!

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Our nurses are the pillars of our community. In addition to meeting the demands of being a caregiver, they wear several hats including that of an educator, nurturer, and comforter.

Not only to do nurses care for patients; they provide support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Our nurses pour their hearts into all aspects of their job, and this is one of the many reasons why we celebrate their accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Elizabeth Sun, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month,

Meet Elizabeth:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?

A: I have been working at Flushing Hospital for seven years since 2011.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?

A: Perinatal

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?

A: After working in the family business for a while, I wanted a career for myself. I enjoy working with people and helping them so the obvious choice was to become a nurse. Nursing also appealed to me due to the diverse fields it encompassed.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: Caring for my patients, and I really enjoy meeting and conversing with different people. Every day I encounter different folks with different backgrounds and opinions. I have learned a lot at FHMC, not only about nursing but also about people.

Can Someone Become Addicted to Food?

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Michael Hinck

An addict is someone who repeatedly uses a substance or partakes in an activity despite the potential harm that can come from it because they derive so much pleasure from it. The substances or activities that are most commonly associated with addiction include drugs, alcohol, tobacco or even gambling, but there is growing awareness that a person can have a food addiction.

Recent studies of the brain have concluded that compulsive overeating has the same effect on the pleasure centers of the brain as addictive drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. This is especially true of foods that are rich in sugar, fat, or salt.

These highly palatable foods trigger chemicals in the brain such as dopamine. Once a person experiences the pleasure associated with an increase in these chemicals in the brain, it will spark a reward signal to eat again. In some, these signals can override the feelings of fullness or satisfaction. As a result, a person with a food addiction will compulsively eat even when they are not hungry because of the intense pleasure they get from it.

People who show signs of a food addiction may develop a kind of tolerance to food. They will eat more and more, only to find that food satisfies them less and less. They will also continue to eat despite the negative consequences, and, similar to those who are addicted to drugs or gambling, people who are addicted to food will have trouble stopping their behavior.

Experts have created a survey tool to help professionals identify people who may have an addiction to food. This questionnaire includes questions, that ask the person if they:

End up eating more than planned when eating certain foods.
Keep eating certain foods even if no longer hungry.
Eat to the point of feeling ill.
Go out of the way to obtain certain foods when they are not available.
Avoid professional or social situations where certain foods are available because of fear of overeating.
Have problems functioning effectively at their job or school because of food and eating.
Feel emotions such as guilt, anxiety, self-loathing or depression after eating.

Many believe that compulsive overeating and food addiction is more difficult to treat than other forms of addiction due to the fact that food is all around us. Alcoholics, for example, can remove themselves from situations where alcohol is present to help them abstain, but we all need to eat to survive and therefore we will always be exposed to situations where food is around.

There are a growing number of programs that can help people who are addicted to food. Many programs use a similar 12 step program that other addiction programs follow. Some food addiction programs also adopt a strict diet regimen that includes abstaining from problem ingredients, like sugar, refined flour, and wheat.

How Much You Can Save by Quitting Smoking

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Quitting smoking enriches your life in several ways. One of the major benefits of quitting is improving your health; another great benefit is saving money.

On average, a pack of cigarettes in New York costs $13. While this may not seem like a lot, it does add up and can become expensive. Quitting can help you to save and apply your money towards other items or goals. Here is an example of how much you can potentially save over time and a few ideas of how you could spend the extra money.

The journey to quit smoking can be difficult but you do not have to do it alone. Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s smoking cessation team wants to help you to develop a plan leading to your “quit day”. The hospital has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring you Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program. Learn how to overcome your addiction to tobacco and enjoy the benefits of better health in a fun and interactive environment. Receive personalized attention as well as the support from group members who are experiencing this journey with you. For more information, please call 718 206 8494.

February is American Heart Health Month

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Over 50 years ago President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the month of February to be American Heart Month in order to bring attention to one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This tradition has been carried on by every President since.

Each year over 800,000 lives are taken as a result of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Every 84 seconds someone in the United States dies from the disease and each year approximately 750,000 people experience a heart attack and of those, about 115,000 will not survive.
The American Heart Association recommends the following behavioral modifications to prevent heart disease:
• Avoid smoking
• Engage in some form of daily physical activity
• Follow a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Control cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels
The death rate from heart disease has been improving slowly over the last decade due to advances in medications, better diagnostic capabilities, and better access to health care, but the statistics are still pretty alarming. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital, call 718-670-5486.

National Organ Donor Day

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

There are currently over 120,000 people in the United States who are awaiting an organ donation that could potentially save their lives.

It all started in 1998 when the Saturn company joined together with the United Auto Workers and supported by the U.S. Department of Health to recognize the need. Every year February 14th is a day designated as National Organ Donor Day that serves to make the public aware of the importance of how an organ donation can save a life for someone else.

There are different types of donations:
• Organs
• Tissue
• Marrow
• Platelets
• Blood

Flushing Hospital Medical Center supports organ donation. To find out how you can register to become an organ donor, go to www.liveonny.org for more information.

Can How You Heat Your Home This Winter Affect Your Asthma?

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Michael Hinck

New York winters are typically associated with very cold temperatures. When the thermometer dips during this time of year we are forced to heat our homes. For those with asthma, choosing how to heat their homes can have a serious impact on their condition.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of Americans. It narrows the airways that deliver oxygen to the lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms are triggered by exposure to environmental contaminants and airborne particles. If not cleaned properly, home heating systems can blow dust and other particles that trigger asthma symptoms.

Every year, asthma symptoms prompt more than 15 million physician and hospital outpatient visits and two million emergency department visits. In addition, a recent study by the American Thoracic Society noted an increase in asthma-related emergency room visits, coinciding with the first seasonal uses of indoor heating in New York City and other urban areas. The reason for this is the contaminants found inside heating ductwork typically include dust and pollution particles along with mold, bacteria, pollen, dust mites and pet dander. All of these can easily become airborne when the heating system is fired up, and all of them are asthma triggers.

To avoid your home heating system from contributing to your asthma, it is recommended that you clean or replace all air filters in your heating system and clean the air ducts prior to being turned on for the season to help reduce triggering asthma symptoms.

Home heating systems are not the only method of heating your home that can negatively impact your asthma. Smoke and fumes can also trigger an asthma attack. These include fumes from gas, wood, or kerosene stoves as well as fireplaces and space heaters. All fuel-burning appliances such as these can produce nitrogen dioxide. While you can’t smell or see this gas, it can irritate your nose and throat, and trigger an asthma attack.

To keep your household air free of fumes:

Make sure that all stoves are properly vented to the outside. For gas stoves, be sure to use an exhaust fan that vents outside while cooking.
If you use a wood stove, use it according to the manufacturer’s directions and be sure that the doors fit tightly.
When using an unvented kerosene or gas space heater, crack open a window or use an exhaust fan.
Before using your fireplace, be sure that the flue is open so that smoke can escape out the chimney.

Another common practice during the winter months is burning scented candles. While burning candles can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, they can also trigger an asthma attack because they can release certain chemicals into the air that are harmful to asthmatics.

By following certain cleaning and safety practices and avoid other triggers, those with asthma can avoid flare-ups in their homes this winter season.

If you have asthma, be sure to manage your condition by seeing your doctor regularly. If you do not have a doctor, you can make an appointment at Flushing Hospital by calling 718-670-5486.