Healthy Aging Month

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is Healthy Aging Month, a month observed to encourage people to focus on their health and take steps to help them face the challenges that come with aging.

As we age, we become aware of changes in our mental and physical health, as well as shifts in our social needs. You can take charge of your well-being by taking steps to age with a healthy mind and body. Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to offer these tips to help boost your health as you age:

Get moving
- It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations, and modify activities if needed
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week
Maintain a healthy diet
Eat proper portion sizes
Avoid excess processed foods
Stay hydrated
Stay socially active
- Stay in touch with friends and family
- Try doing something new that interests you
Balance your body and mind
- Keep a positive attitude
- Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles
- Keep your body active with yoga and stretches
Be proactive
- Receive regular checkups, physicals, and medical tests when needed
- Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed or needed

Healthy Aging Month is a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout your life contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. Making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

If you have questions about any medical issues that may arise as you age, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Donald Doukas

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Donald Doukas, the new Associate Medical Director for the Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness.

Dr. Doukas was born and raised in the town of Babylon on Long Island, and it is where he “got the bug” to pursue medicine after volunteering as an EMT for the Town of Babylon Fire Department while attending Adelphi University. He later attended SUNY Downstate for medical school and is board-certified after completing a combined Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine residency at Kings County in Brooklyn, where he served as Chief in his fifth year. He then completed a Disaster Medicine and Emergency Preparedness fellowship at SUNY Downstate. After training, he served as the Associate Medical Director for the Emergency Department and Director of Observation Medicine for Kings County.

Dr. Doukas treats a wide range of medical conditions and has an interest in highly infectious special pathogens. He is excited to “bring his previous experience to help our community grow and thrive”. Dr. Doukas always strives to be a doctor that people can trust and be comforted by, and he “takes pride in the rapport he builds with patients and their family members”.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Doukas to our team and look forward to the work he and the rest of the Emergency Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Itching and Kidney Disease

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Extremely itchy skin, or uremic pruritus, is a common symptom experienced by people living with chronic or advanced kidney disease. Patients undergoing dialysis are more likely to experience uremic pruritus than those who are not on dialysis.

The exact cause of uremic pruritus associated with kidney disease is not fully known. However, according to the National Kidney Foundation, there are several reasons why those with kidney disease may experience chronic itching, including:

The body attacks itself, leading to inflammation and itching.
Nerve issues may cause the skin to receive incorrect signals.
When the kidneys are damaged, toxins and waste products can accumulate in the body.
Shrinking sweat glands can result in very dry skin.
The body may produce chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms, including itching.
Hemodialysis treatments may not be long enough or may not completely clean the blood.

Uremic pruritus can be unbearable, and many patients scratch their skin to stop the constant itch. Scratching can lead to skin damage and infection. Persistent itching, without relief, can also impact quality of life, sleep, and mental health.

If you are living with advanced or chronic kidney disease and experiencing persistent itching, please inform your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms by prescribing medications, making adjustments in your dialysis treatments, or recommending ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. It serves as an important time to focus on heart health, getting your blood cholesterol checked, and taking proactive steps to manage cholesterol levels.

National Cholesterol Education Month seeks to inform the public about the dangers of high cholesterol and its connection with the leading cause of death around the globe, heart disease.

High cholesterol is one of the most common and commonly misunderstood health risks in America. It can be caused by an unhealthy diet and exacerbated by smoking and a lack of exercise. Since it is symptomless, it can be hard to diagnose. It is a serious condition that affects nearly 102 million Americans over the age of 20 years old.

Fortunately, managing cholesterol levels can be achieved through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Here are some effective strategies to help lower cholesterol:

Adopting a heart-healthy diet that focuses on eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, while reducing intake of saturated and trans fats found in processed and fried foods.
Increasing physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.
Maintaining a healthy weight by losing excess weight through a combination of healthy eating and exercising regularly can improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use through smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption can improve HDL cholesterol levels and reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring your cholesterol levels by getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track cholesterol levels and assess risk factors. This is particularly important for younger adults who may not exhibit symptoms, but could still be at risk.

National Cholesterol Education Month is an important time to reflect on the state of our heart health and take proactive steps to manage our cholesterol levels.

If you are concerned about your heart health and would like to get your blood cholesterol checked, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

“Razor Blade Throat” Covid Variant

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The latest COVID-19 variant, NB. 1.8.1 or “Nimbus”, has been rapidly spreading in the U.S. and is associated with a severe symptom, a sore throat described as “razor blade throat”.

Since it was first discovered in the U.S. in March, NB.1.8.1 has become the nation’s dominant strain of COVID-19. It accounted for an estimated 43% of cases in June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID-19 viruses bind to ACE2 receptors that are found on the surface of cells. Cells in the upper airway (nose and throat) have more ACE2 receptors than those in the lower airway and lungs do, making them prime targets for Omicron variants, which bind to these receptors more strongly. Research suggests that of all the variants circulating now, Nimbus binds to ACE2 receptors the most.

Once the virus reaches those cell receptors in and around your throat, the immune system kicks into overdrive to keep the virus at bay, causing inflammation, fluid buildup, redness, and swelling.

If you do experience an intense sore throat, experts recommend several remedies, including:

Honey
Cough drops
Throat spray
Gargling with salt water
Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you do catch COVID, you may experience other common symptoms besides a sore throat, such as:

Fever or chills
Cough
Congestion or a runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Most healthy people will recover from COVID without treatment. However, experts still recommend talking to a healthcare provider if you test positive. Even if you are not at risk of severe illness, treatment from a healthcare provider may be able to lower your risk of long COVID.

If you are experiencing symptoms of N.B.1.8.1, such as a “razor blade throat”, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Justin Singh

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Justin Singh, IT Desktop Supervisor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Justin has been employed at Flushing Hospital for three years, and before that he was employed for three years at Jamaica Hospital where he began his career as part of the Desktop Support team.

Justin grew up in Brooklyn where he attended elementary school at PS 108, the Murray Bergtraum High School for Business Careers and DeVry University where he received a Bachelors Degree in Computer Systems specializing in Networking and Telecommunications. His family is originally from Guyana and he is the first person in in his immediate family to graduate from college. He currently resides in Queens.

Justin enjoys a variety of types of tv shows and movies. He likes comedies, mysteries, and sci-fi. He is particularly fond of action movies such as Die Hard, Cranked, Speed, and the Matrix. Justin currently has three cars from the 1990’s that he is working on. In many ways these cars are similar to working with computers because it involves problem solving. He also enjoys gaming.

Justin has traveled to Thailand and Ecuador and there are many other places he hopes to visit. His favorite types of food are Italian and Mediterranean. He likes a variety of music types, especially Soca, House, Techno and music from the 1980’s.

Family is very important to Justin as is mental health awareness. He enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because even though he doesn’t have direct contact with patients, he likes that fact that what he does helps impact patient’s care for the greatest benefit. We are proud to have Justin as part of our team and we look forward to him working with us for many years more.

Back to School Sleep Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As summer winds down, parents are preparing their children to go back to school. One important thing to achieve is to start getting them back to a sleep routine before the new school year starts.

Getting children back into a healthy sleep pattern is necessary for them to have the right amount of energy and focus while in the classroom.

Children need more sleep than adults do. The National Sleep Foundation and American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggest the following:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep
School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep
Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study found that most American children and teenagers don’t get enough sleep. Nearly six in 10 middle schoolers and at least seven in 10 high schoolers don’t get enough sleep on school nights. Of the high school students that were surveyed, almost two-thirds of them sleep less than eight hours a night.

The best way for parents to get their children back on a sleep schedule is to do it one day at a time. The process of adjusting a sleep schedule should be incremental. In the weeks leading up to going back to school, have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier than they did during summer break. Continue to adjust their bed and wake times in 15-minute increments every few days until your child is sleeping and waking up at the desired times for school. By the first day back to school, they should be adjusted to the new sleep schedule.

Winding down at the end of the day can help children sleep well and prepare them for the next school day. A good bedtime routine includes relaxing activities, such as:

Taking a warm bath or shower
Brushing teeth and washing up
Cuddling with a parent
Singing lullabies
Reading with a parent or individually
Journaling
Meditating

Children look to their parents for guidance on healthy habits. Getting adequate sleep is an important healthy habit, as it helps prevent fatigue, exhaustion, and daytime drowsiness.

Department Spotlight: Infection Prevention and Control

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center plays an essential role in advancing patient safety and clinical quality through a multifaceted approach to infection risk reduction.

The department’s work encompasses target surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, in-depth review of microbiological data, and direct observation of clinical practices related to central line and urinary catheter care, hand hygiene, and transmission-based precautions.

In addition, IPC manages regulatory reporting to city, state, and federal health authorities and actively participates in infection risk assessments tied to construction, renovation, and emergency preparedness initiatives. Through continuous data monitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Infection Prevention and Control Department remains a driving force behind a safer, more resilient healthcare environment.

IPC also supports frontline staff with real-time education, collaborating on outbreak response, and contributing to policy development and process improvement.

Recently, the Infection Prevention and Control Department proudly announced a major patient safety milestone: One full year without a Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) at Flushing Hospital.

This is not just a number—it is the result of relentless vigilance, real-time intervention, and clinical teamwork. CLABSIs are serious, often life-threatening infections that increase patient risk and prolong hospital stays.

Flushing Hospital and the IPC team are proud of this achievement, and even more proud of the culture of safety it reflects. Infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility—and this milestone proves what we can accomplish together.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is coming to an end, and a new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

There could be many reasons why a child may have anxiety about going back to school. Some reasons can include:

A child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may avoid going to school because it is hard for them to manage their anxiety there
A child who has been bullied may be afraid to go to school because their bully or bullies are there
A child with separation anxiety may be fearful that something terrible will happen to their parents if they are apart
A child with an undiagnosed learning disorder may be avoiding shame and embarrassment

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities, so the transition is less sudden
Arrange for a hand-off with someone the child knows and trusts
Listen to their worries

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

What to Know About Protein Intake While on Weight Loss Medication

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

GLP-1 antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 antagonists can also help treat obesity.

When a person starts to lose weight on a GLP-1 weight loss medication, it can happen very fast. However, as they lose fat, they could also be losing essential lean muscle mass, which can harm their metabolism and blood sugar levels. This will ultimately work against weight loss efforts and can even negatively affect bone health.

Protein is the building block of muscle. Getting enough is crucial for preventing muscle loss, especially when consuming fewer calories. When you consume enough protein, you are more likely to retain and even build muscle. However, when you don’t have enough protein, your body will cannibalize some of your muscle mass for energy.

A 2024 review study that made diet recommendations for GLP-1 patients based on the latest research recommends at least 60 grams of protein a day. It is suggested to aim for 20 to 40 grams of protein at every meal.

Most people who are on GLP-1 medications experience at least one side effect. The side effects are worse just after starting and in the days after increasing the dose. Fortunately, there are ways to combat those side effects, including:

Make every meal count
Schedule your meals
Make protein a priority
Aim for 64 ounces of fluid a day, plus electrolytes
Avoid fatty and greasy foods
Steer clear of sugary foods, alcohol, and refined carbs
Maintain muscle with resistance training
Eat smaller portions more frequently
Add fiber to your diet
Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects

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.