Health Beat

National Handwashing Awareness Week 2016

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center believes that Infection prevention is important to all of us and each of us has a valuable role to play in keeping patients safe from infection.

According to the CDC, handwashing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

Dr. Javeria Shakil, Director of Infection Prevention at FHMC and Maria Savarese, RN, Clinical Coordinator and Hand Hygiene Champion (pictured above) know that proper hand hygiene is important in the prevention of spreading germs.

FHMC will be hosting an educational table in the lobby of the hospital, as well as continuing our hand hygiene initiatives throughout the hospital to continue our commitment to keeping our patients safe from infection.

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.

Diabetes and Depression

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Diabetes does not directly cause depression but can contribute to it for a variety of reasons. Managing diabetes can be stressful because of the dietary and lifestyle changes required to stay healthy. Some diabetics may have a difficult time adapting to these changes and become frustrated which can eventually lead to depression.

Conversely, depression can lead to diabetes. When people are depressed their eating habits tend to be affected and some may overeat to the point of becoming obese. They may also have no desire in being physically active. These factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

There are ways to manage diabetes and depression simultaneously. The most important factor is to speak with a physician who has experience and can help you to gain control of these illnesses. A patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes might benefit from a program that focuses on behavior modifications promoting a healthier lifestyle. There are also medications which can be prescribed that are helpful in managing both illnesses.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center understands the relationship between mental and physical health and has many programs in place to ensure our medical and mental health professionals work together to treat both mind and body.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss diabetes management please call 718-670 5486.

The Influenza Vaccine

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Influenza – the unwelcome guest that comes calling on us every year – often with many very unpleasant consequences. Historically, widespread flu epidemics have had devastating effects on large portions of the earth’s population. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that two scientists, Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Thomas Francis developed the first vaccine to prevent the flu virus. The vaccine was given to American soldiers during World War II and was found to be useful in preventing the widespread outbreaks that had been common before the vaccines were used. In the years after the war, the vaccine was made available to the general public and has greatly reduced the widespread epidemics that were so common before.

Research has helped to develop better vaccines with fewer side effects and also better suited to combat strains of the influenza virus that keep changing every year. Over the past 60 years millions of people have been given the flu vaccine each year. Many people are hesitant about getting the vaccine at all however, there are much fewer catastrophic epidemics throughout the world, thanks in large part to the work done by Dr Salk and Dr. Francis in the early part of the last century.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. It is important that you consult with your doctor before getting the flu vaccine.

Healthy Heart = A Health You

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Every year, more than 1.2 million Americans die from heart attacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50 percent of those deaths occur outside the hospital—a figure suggesting many people with heart disease don’t act on early warning signs.

Some signs to watch for are chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and upper body discomfort are red flags and an indication to immediately call 911. Just a few wasted minutes can stand between life or death.”

There are several factors that can put you at risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure, being overweight, having diabetes, and being over 55 years old for men and 65 years old for women.

Individuals who maintain a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and quit smoking, in addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, or are taking your heart medication regularly are great ways to protect yourself against heart health conditions.

Flushing Hospital offers a non-invasive Cardiology Lab, as well as other services for heart diseases, such as arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.
Our non-invasive Cardiology Laboratory performs the following tests:

• Electrocardiograms, which allow the electrical activity of the heart to be examined
• Echocardiograms, which use sound waves to take pictures of the heart to assess how it is working
• Stress tests, both chemical and exercise, with and without imaging modalities to assess the blood flow to the heart and the function of the heart with exercise
• Holter monitors
• Event recorders
• Tilt table testing
• Nuclear wall motion studies
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Non-invasive treatment of coronary artery disease is available for patients who are not candidates for angioplasty, stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery, but who have continued chest pain or angina.

To speak with a cardiologist about your heart health or to obtain more information about the cardiology services offered at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5489.

Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

When we receive significant physical injury or have medical conditions that cause pain, physical therapy is often recommended to help with recovery. A very soothing and relaxing form of treatment is water or hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy has been used for hundreds of years. It utilizes the healing properties of water and the body’s reaction to it at different temperatures. For instance, cold water may be used to reduce inflammation while warm water may be used to increase circulation.

Water therapy has proven effective in treating certain conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle strains or tears, back pain or head injuries

There are many benefits a patient can achieve from hydrotherapy, they include:

Pain relief
Increased circulation
Re-education of paralyzed muscles
Increased range of motion in joints
Strengthening weak muscles
Rehabilitating injured limbs

Hydrotherapy may not be recommended for patients with heart disease, hypertension or vascular conditions. Each case is unique to the individual and speaking with a doctor is highly recommended.

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to the treatment of conditions and injuries. Following an assessment by a physician and therapist, a program is developed to achieve maximum results. A patient’s program may involve the use of therapeutic exercise, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, and patient education. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5515.

Protect Yourself From Getting Sick While Flying This Holiday Season

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Flushing Hospital

Air travelers are up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold or the flu while flying than during normal day-to-day activities.

The primary cause for an increased rate of infection is low cabin humidity on planes. Most airplanes fly in an elevation range of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, where humidity is much lower. At very low levels of humidity, our natural defense system of mucus in our noses and throats dries up, creating an ideal environment for germs to infect us.

The best way to maintain these natural defenses is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will not only counter the overall dehydrating effects of air travel, but it can actually strengthen the body’s natural immune system.

It is recommended to sip water regularly throughout the flight rather than drink a large amount at once to protect against long dry spells in your defense system. Hot beverages are a good way to keep your protective mucous membranes working because they assist in keeping you generally hydrated and also provide moisture in the form of steam. Conversely, it is recommended that you avoid caffeine or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you.

Using nasal sprays or saline mists have also been proven to be an effective means of keeping mucous membranes in your nose and throat moist. They can increase your resistance to infection while on a dry aircraft. Yet another way to defend against viruses while flying is to use a germ-killing mouthwash, which adds another layer of protection while simultaneously helping to keep your throat moist. Other experts recommend taking vitamins before flights to help boost immunity levels.

By following these tips and practicing proper hand washing behavior, you will greatly increase your chances of arriving at your destination healthy.

Food Preparation Safety Tips

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. More than 200 diseases, like salmonella, listeria and e. coli, are spread through improper food handling, causing symptoms such as stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea.

With holiday season and lots of gatherings where eating is a must, on the way, here are five food handling tips that will help make your meals safer:

Keep clean – Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Keep food preparation surfaces and equipment clean.
Keep raw and cooked food separate – Store food in containers to prevent cross contamination.
Cook thoroughly – Be sure to cook and reheat food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood. Use a meat thermometer to check cooking temperatures.
Store food at safe temperatures – Don’t leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate all cooked and perishable foods below 5 degrees Celsius. Don’t keep leftovers too long and always defrost food in the fridge, not on the counter.
Choose foods wisely – Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating and don’t use food beyond its expiration date.

These few simple guidelines will help keep your food and kitchen cleaner, and your family healthier.

November is COPD Awareness Month

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November is recognized as COPD Awareness Month. The purpose of this designation is to bring awareness to the severity of this disease and show how many people are affected by it.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe different diseases that are related and that affect a person’s ability to breath. There are an estimated 15 million adults that have been diagnosed with the disease and approximately the same number who have the disease but who haven’t been formally diagnosed. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Some factors that contribute to developing COPD are smoking, inhaling second hand smoke, genetic factors, breathing in occupational dust and chemicals and spending long periods of time in areas with high amounts of air pollution.

Symptoms of COPD include:
Breathlessness
Chronic coughing
Wheezing

There is no cure for the disease. Presently treatment consists of alleviating some of the symptoms. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Breastfeeding and the Working Mom

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Joann Ariola

If you’re breastfeeding your newborn and returning to work, you may be wondering how you are going to do both. With a little discipline and some planning, breastfeeding and working is a challenge you can overcome.

Here are some suggestions designed to make nursing your child and transitioning back to work easier:

1. Before going back to work, speak with your supervisor about your plans to breastfeed. Discuss different types of schedules, such as starting back part-time at first or taking split shifts.

2. Many Lactation Consultants recommend that breastfeeding moms join a breastfeeding support group to talk with other mothers about breastfeeding after your baby is born and how they transitioned back into the workplace.

3. Ask if your company provides a lactation support program for employees. If your company does not, ask about private areas where you can comfortably and safely express milk. The Affordable Care Act supports work-based efforts to assist nursing mothers.

4. Ask the lactation program director, your supervisor, wellness program director, employee human resources office, or other co-workers if they know of other women at your company who have breastfed after returning to work.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care department at 718-670-5486.

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

At any time our bodies can throw us for a loop with unexpected symptoms to sometimes throw us off our game. Ideally it would be great to have a live-in doctor for a quick fix but home remedies are the next best thing.

Toothaches are an annoyance that isn’t always the most affordable fix. If you aren’t able to get to the dentist immediately and the pain is too much to handle, this home remedy fix might offer you some relief until your appointment.

There are essential oils that help ease toothache pain include chamomile, myrrh, peppermint, and tea tree. Apply one drop of any of these or a drop of “Toothache Oil” to the tooth and the surrounding area to ease the pain.

Toothache Oil

1/8 ounce carrier oil

6 drops tea tree oil

4 drops chamomile oil

2 drops myrrh oil

2 drops peppermint oil

Place the carrier oil in a clean container and add the essential oils. Gently turn the container upside down several times or roll it between your hands for a few minutes to blend. Apply one drop on the aching tooth and the surrounding gum, as needed.

These remedies are only suggestions for temporary pain relief. If you develop a toothache, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. The dental department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is available to treat your dental pains. To schedule an appointment please call, 718-670-5521.