Health Beat

How to Prevent the Flu

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

It is nearing the middle of October and it is also the beginning of flu season. None of us want to catch the flu so it is a good idea to take some preventative measures that can help us to stay healthy.
Here are a few of the ways we can prevent getting the flu:
• Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the vaccine every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep a hand sanitizer handy for the times soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Whenever possible, disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others such as tables and chairs.
• Clean your drinking glasses and dishes in hot water and with soap
• Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night
• Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is highly recommended to quit smoking.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss the flu vaccine and other ways to stay healthy, 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.

Does My Breath Stink?

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis can be caused by a number of factors including health problems, smoking, certain foods and poor dental health habits. If the cause of bad breath is not the result of chronic conditions such as diabetes, sinus infections or kidney disease, then chances are there is a build-up of bacteria in the mouth that gives off gases or odors.

The best recommendation is to practice good oral hygiene. There are also a few natural remedies that can help combat bad breath, such as:

Drinking plenty of water.
Chewing a piece of lemon or orange rind.
Taking probiotics or eating foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt.
Eating raw fruits and vegetables such as apples or celery.
Gargling with salt water.
Consulting a physician about colon cleansing.
Chewing a tablespoon of fennel seeds or making fennel tea.
Drinking cinnamon tea.
Chewing on fresh parsley.
Mixing apple cider vinegar with water and gargling.

Trying these natural remedies can help in keeping breath fresh; however, the best remedy is to practice good oral health by brushing and flossing teeth daily.

Organ Donor Registry Day

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Joann Ariola

New York State currently holds the second lowest number of organ donors with 26% registered compared to 50% nationwide. That’s why the state has adopted October 4, as its additional Organ Donor Registry Day.

In an effort to bolster the number of organ donors in NYS, Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s hosted a registration in their main lobby.

On hand to give their personal account of the importance of organ donation was Mary Fischer, CNA at FHMC and her daughter, Lauren Fischer, a double lung transplant recipient.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the US. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, however 21 people still die each day waiting for an organ.

Here are a few popular myths and facts about organ donation:

Myth: Age, illness or physical defects can prevent me from becoming a donor.

Fact: A person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.

Myth: If doctors know that I am registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.

Fact: The first priority of a medical professional is to save lives. Organ and tissue donation isn’t even considered or discussed until after death is declared.

Myth: My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.

Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation. Discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.

Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.

Fact: Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.

To find out how you can register as organ, eye and/or tissue donor please visit

Ovarian Cysts

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Many women have ovarian cysts at some point in their lifetime. In most cases, these cysts which are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries, are painless and have no symptoms. Typically, they disappear within a few months without treatment.

However, there are instances when cysts can become enlarged and result in symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, painful intercourse and pain in the lower back or thighs. In some cases, cysts can affect fertility.

Ovarian cysts can be detected by a gynecologist during a pelvic examination. To get specific information such as size or possible causes, the doctor may order an ultrasound or blood tests. If it is determined that surgery is needed to remove cysts; surgery can be performed laparoscopically by way of tiny incisions by the belly button.

The most common surgical treatment is an ovarian cystectomy. An ovarian cystectomy can be performed utilizing robotic technology. The da Vinci Robot Surgical System is the tool most popularly used by surgeons. Doctors at Flushing Hospital Medical Center operate using this state-of-the-art equipment because of the many benefits it can offer.

The advantages of operating with the robot include a reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and minimal pain. The dexterity of the machine also allows far greater control and precision than the human wrist.

To learn more about the da Vinci robotic ovarian cystectomy or to schedule a consultation with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-8994.

How Smoking Can Affect Digestion

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Smoking can affect the body’s ability to operate properly. One of the body’s functions that smoking greatly affects is digestion.

Many organs are associated with the digestive system and they produce chemicals that aid in the breakdown of the food into nutrients and other substances that the body needs to survive. All of these organs are susceptible to changes due to the effects of smoking.

Not only can smoking elevate the risk for cancer in any of these organs but because of the body’s response to the irritants it contains, smoking can also lead to:

Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Liver disease
Peptic ulcers
Polyps
Gallstones
Pancreatitis

Smoking can increase the production of pepsin which can harm the lining of the stomach, and it can have an effect on blood flow to the lining of the digestive tract which will inhibit healing. There is also a decrease in the amount of mucous that is produced and this will cause irritation of the lining of these organs because the protective layer is diminished.

One of the ways to prevent the effects of smoking on the digestive system is to stop smoking. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to find out which way may be best for you, please call .

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Joann Ariola

October is National Bullying Prevention Month is a nationwide campaign founded in 2006 and its mission is to reach out to communities in an effort to educate and raise awareness of bullying and the tools for prevention.

Bullying occurs when an individual or group possesses an imbalance of power, either from a physical or social status perspective, over another person or group. While bullying is prevalent among all age groups, it has become a serious cause for concern among children.

The National Bullying Prevention Center defines bullying as behavior that hurts or harms another person physically or emotionally. Those being bullied often have difficulty stopping the behavior directed at them and struggle to defend themselves.

Statistics have shown that at least 28 percent of students, ages 12-18, reported being bullied at school during the year. Additionally, 7.2 % of students admit to not going to school due to personal safety concerns. Many fear the physical and verbal aggression of their peers, and many more attend school in a state of anxiety and depression.

Many children will not tell parents they are being bullied until the situation escalates, but there a few changes in their behavior that can alert you. Signs that your child may be a victim of bullying include refusing to speak about their day at school,not wanting to go to school, unexplained marks and bruises, asking for more lunch money, complaining of frequent headaches and stomach aches,sudden loss of friends and frequent nightmares.

If you find that your child is being bullied, you will need to document the dates, times and places of the action. If the bullying is taking place on school grounds, call the school and schedule a face to face meeting with a teacher or principal. If not on school grounds, notify the police.

Most schools have adopted an anti-bullying policy. Obtain a copy to determine if the bully violated school law. Bullying is best handled when you work together, with the proper authorities.

After notification, be sure to follow up with your child, and the school, to make sure that the bullying has stopped.

The Importance Of Early Detection

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women in the United States? It estimated that each year, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Over 40,000 women are expected to lose their fight to disease. However, more women are surviving breast cancer due to improvements in treatment and early detection.

Cancer deaths can be decreased by as much as one-third with early detection and treatment.

Early detection can start from home. Doctors suggest that women perform monthly breast self-exams. In addition to yearly screenings and mammograms, self-exams can help women to monitor changes or abnormalities that may occur in her breasts. It is important to remember that breast self-exams are never a substitute for clinical breast exams or mammograms.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women should begin receiving clinical breast exams in their twenties. Women below the age of forty are advised to receive them every three years. Those over 40 should schedule yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Mammograms are one of the most effective breast screening and diagnostic tools; however, other tools such as MRI’s or ultrasounds may also be used to further evaluate abnormalities or help diagnose breast cancer.

Early and immediate treatment is one of the benefits women will gain from early detection of cancer. If you are age forty and older schedule an appointment for a mammogram as soon as possible. The American College of Radiology is a great resource to find accredited facilities and breast imaging centers.

WHAT IS TMJ SYNDROME?

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Michael Hinck

The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can lead to a localized pain disorder called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

The main symptom of TMJ syndrome is pain or stiffness in the jaw joint and in the surrounding areas. Other symptoms can include:

Difficulty chewing
Ear pain or ringing of the ears (tinnitus)
Shoulder or neck pain
Popping or clicking sound coming from the jaw
Headaches or migraines
Blurred vision, dizziness or vertigo

The exact cause for developing TMJ syndrome is difficult to determine. There are many factors that can contribute to this condition. In some cases, pain may be the result of a jaw injury or another medical condition such as arthritis. In other cases, it can be caused by correctable action such as poor posture or excessive gum chewing. In many cases, TMJ syndrome is the result of habitually clenching or grinding of the teeth. Stress and anxiety can also play a role in the onset of the condition.

TMJ syndrome can occur on one side of the jaw or both. It is usually a temporary condition and in most cases symptoms can be relieved with self–care and home remedies. Taking anti-inflammatory medications and applying ice or cold compresses to the jaw are suggested ways to relieve pain. Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum while pain is present is also recommended. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques and self-massage or stretching techniques have proven effective to reduce pain associated with TMJ syndrome. If these practices are not effective, your dentist can have you fitted for a dental splint or mouth guard to maintain proper alignment of the teeth and prevent grinding. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated, you can speak to your doctor or dentist about treating the condition.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department, please call 718-670-5521.

Can Anxiety Cause Hypertension ?

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

While we all experience anxious feelings from time to time, there are some people who are clinically diagnosed with anxiety disease. One would think that prolonged anxiety could lead to an elevated blood pressure, but is there a link between the two? Anxiety causes the body to release stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol and these hormones cause the heart to beat faster and also constrict the blood vessels. This will lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. When blood pressure is elevated on a regular basis, and for prolonged periods of time, it can lead to damage of the blood vessels, kidneys and heart.
Anxiety can also lead a person to have unhealthy habits as a way of coping. Smoking, drinking alcohol and a poor diet are examples of some of these bad habits and these can all contribute to elevated blood pressure. Certain medications that are used to control anxiety, such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, can also cause the elevation of pressure levels.

A few of the ways to treat anxiety is by learning what causes a person to be anxious and avoid those situations. This may require a change in lifestyle, eating habits, and learning how to relax.

If you find that you feel anxious frequently and would like to speak to a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486

Meet Dr. Hita Sharma, Director of Palliative Care

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Meet Hita Sharma, MD, ABPHM, and Director of Palliative Care at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) as well as faculty supervisor and Director of the Internal Medicine Program.

Dr. Sharma joined the FHMC team in 2000 and became the Director of the Palliative Care Program in 2003. Palliative care is a specialized type of medical care that can be provided in conjunction medicinal treatment for people with terminal illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress to the patient and family members caused by a terminal illness.

When asked what the best part of her job is Dr. Sharma replies with a look of satisfaction, “It is a wonderful feeling to help a person who is nearing the end of their life. When you are a part of making that person and their family feel comfortable it gives you a personal sense of gratification. In palliative care, you are treating more than their disease or sense of loss with medication; you are treating their emotional strength during the hardest time in their lives.”

A typical day for Dr. Sharma begins with making rounds in the Emergency Department and then on the floors with residents. She refers to her students as her “children.” “I teach them as I taught my own children to treat people with compassion.” Dr. Sharma has two sons, one is a Resident in Urology and the other is an Economic Honors student at Northwestern University.

Some end of life (EOL) illnesses that may cause you to seek palliative care are:

Metastatic Cancer
(EOL) Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
(EOL) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Renal Disease
Advanced Alzheimer’s
Debilitating Parkinson’s
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

People who are receiving this type of care are treated for:

Depression
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Constipation
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety

All of which may cause distress to the patient.

“Being able to be there to empathize with my patients and help them come to terms with some of the difficult decisions they have to make is really why I chose this specialty. I get the chance to Enright their lives and they certainly enrich mine.”