Health Beat

3 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Boxes of chocolates are a popular choice for a Valentine’s Day gift, but consider opting for dark chocolate. As an increasing amount of research has shown, there are quite a few health benefits associated with dark chocolate. Some of these benefits include:

Antioxidant properties: Dark chocolate includes high amounts of flavonoids, polyphenols, catechins, and other organic compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants offer protection against free radicals, which cause damage to your cells and contribute to a wide range of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Improved cardiovascular health: The flavonoids contained in dark chocolate stimulate the lining of your arteries to produce nitric oxide, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. However, this effect is mild, and may not necessarily help people with conditions such as chronically-high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Protection against high cholesterol: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) are a major risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, certain kinds of LDL cholesterol can oxidize when they interact with free radicals; this can cause inflammation and buildups of plaque to form inside your arteries. Dark chocolate reduces levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, including the types most likely to oxidize.

In addition to these benefits, dark chocolate also contains significant amounts of needed nutrients, such as:

Fiber
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Copper
Potassium
Phosphorous
Zinc
Selenium

It’s important to keep in mind that dark chocolate is most beneficial when consumed in moderation. The recommended serving size of dark chocolate is up to two ounces, which is equivalent to about six thin squares broken off of a bigger bar.

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.

Traveling With IBD

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Chron’s disease is characterized by prolonged inflammation that occurs in any part of the gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to the anus). Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation and sores to develop in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Both conditions share similar symptoms which may include:

Diarrhea
Urgency to have a bowel movement
Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Upset stomach
Reduced appetite
Gas
Bloating
Fatigue

Traveling for long distances can sometimes present challenges for those diagnosed with IBD. There may be concerns about the proximity and quality of restroom facilities, flare-ups, types of food available, medications, and access to quality healthcare. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip and alleviate some of those worries:

Check each country’s requirements for traveling with medications
Bring enough medications
Pack extra clothing and supplies of toilet paper, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, ostomy bags, ointments, and other necessities in your carry-on luggage
Wear comfortable clothing
Learn about the types of food available on your flight and at your destination
Bring your own food if possible
Locate bathrooms before you need to go
Research healthcare providers and facilities at your destination
Get required travel vaccinations
Purchase travel insurance that covers your health condition
Practice food safety measures such as washing your hands, washing your fruits and vegetables, and ensuring that meats are cooked properly

Lastly, always consult with your doctor about ways you can manage IBD while you are away. Your doctor can provide recommendations to help you stay well on your trip. To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Should You Give Your Child Probiotics?

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Digestive problems such as the stomach flu, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation are very common among children and are often causes for trips to a doctor’s office. In an effort to prevent these types of problems, many parents incorporate probiotics into their child’s diet. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics are the third most common natural product used by children.

Probiotics are strains of bacteria that support digestive processes. While many people associate bacteria with illnesses, certain types are necessary to help your digestive system function. In addition to processes such as nutrient absorption, these “good” bacteria also support a wide variety of functions associated with your heart, brain, and immune system.

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may be helpful for preventing and treating common digestive issues in children, such as IBS, the stomach flu, constipation, and acid reflux, as well as some other medical problems, such as upper respiratory tract infections and eczema. However, there is currently not enough research to determine what the long-term benefits and risks of giving your child probiotics may be.

There are many different sources of probiotics. While supplement products (such as gummies or pills) are available, these types of products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold, making it difficult to verify claims they make regarding health benefits. However, another popular source of probiotics among people of all ages is yogurt, particularly products that contain “live cultures,” as stated on their labels.

Not all probiotics contain the same types of bacteria; for this reason, certain products may be more helpful against specific digestive problems than others. Additionally, there are known risks associated with giving probiotics to certain groups of children; for example, children with compromised immune systems could develop an infection, and other, more serious side effects could occur in sick infants. Make sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician before giving them probiotics.

If your child is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, you can take them to visit a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Thyroid eye disease (or TED) is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the muscles and other tissues around the eyes. The condition is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

In most cases people who develop TED are already diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but for some, it is the first indicator of thyroid problem. Approximately one half of all people diagnosed with Graves disease develop eye symptoms. In most cases the symptoms are mild, but for some, it can have more serious consequences.

The most common symptoms of TED include:

Pain and pressure
Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Inflammation and swelling of the eye and its surrounding tissues
Bulging or wide-eyed stare caused by swelling in the orbital tissues
Red or bloodshot eyes
Double vision
Light sensitivity
Impaired vision
Difficulty moving the eyes

Thyroid eye disease can affect people differently. Symptoms can last from 6 months to 2 years. For some, symptoms may go away on their own, but others may experience lasting effects. To best treat the condition, it is best to work with a team of doctors, including a primary care physician, an ophthalmologist, and an endocrinologist.

For milder cases, applying lubricating eye drops and artificial tears a few times during the day can help be helpful. It is also recommended to avoid conditions that can worsen the condition, such as wind and bright light (or try to wear sunglasses in these elements to protect your eyes). Other tips include applying cool compresses to provide relief and elevating your head while you sleep to relieve pressure on the eyes.

If you have severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone to reduce the swelling in and around your eyes. In a very small percentage of patients, orbital decompression surgery may be recommended if your vision becomes impaired.

To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Morteza Modaber

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

We are is pleased to introduce Dr. Morteza Modaber, the new Director of Neurology for both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Modaber obtained his medical degree at Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, before coming to practice medicine in the United States. After four years of neuromodulation research at the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed an internship program in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University from 2016 to 2017. He then completed a residency program in neurology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell from 2017 to 2020, where he also completed a fellowship program in vascular neurology.

Part of what Dr. Modaber finds so engaging about his new role is the opportunity it offers to serve unmet needs for patients living in Queens. “There’s a massive need in the Queens community for neurological care,” said Dr. Modaber. “There isn’t enough access to medical professionals with a neurological background. I’m very excited to be able to help provide that care.”

Both the community he serves and the people that he works with bring joy and purpose to Dr. Modaber’s career. “Our hospitals and the communities they serve are melting pots of different cultures and different groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. I’m very happy to be working in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Dr. Modaber.

As Director of Neurology, Dr. Modaber plans to expand the Neurology Department in ways that will allow it to provide comprehensive neurological care to the Queens community. “I want to be able to offer people in Queens the best neurological care they can get in New York without having to take a long trip to Manhattan, Long Island, or somewhere else to get it,” said Dr. Modaber. “We’ve been recruiting a lot of highly-skilled people and are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Modaber to our team and looks forward to the work that he and the rest of the Neurology Department will do to provide high-quality neurological care to our community.

Will You Need a C-Section to Deliver Your Baby?

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss some of what you need to know about cesarean birth (also known as a C-section).

During a C-section, your baby is delivered through incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when the health risks of vaginal delivery are too significant for either yourself or your baby. It can be planned ahead of time if:

You experience serious medical conditions that could worsen with a vaginal birth
You’ve had a previous C-section
You’re expecting multiple babies
Your baby’s exit from the cervix is obstructed
Your baby is in an abnormal position in your uterus

Even if these factors do not apply to you, unforeseen circumstances can occur that make a C-section necessary for safely delivering your baby, such as when:

You experience prolonged labor
Your baby develops an irregular heart rate
The umbilical cord compresses your baby’s head, neck, or body, or comes out of the cervix before the baby
The placenta separates from the wall of your uterus, preventing your baby from receiving oxygen and nutrients

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Michael Bailey

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Michael Bailey, first cook in our Dietary department.

Michael has been working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 23 years. He is a native of Queens, was born at Flushing Hospital and grew up in the Flushing and Laurelton areas of the borough. Michael attended elementary school at P.S. 24, Junior High School 237 and 231, Thomas Edison High School and the New York Restaurant School. He currently lives in Springfield Gardens.

Michael has two children. In his free time, he really enjoys cooking and eating. He likes soul food, Italian food, BBQ and junk food. Michael’s favorite sports are football, baseball, basketball and air hockey. The city he likes to go to on vacation is Las Vegas.

The things that are important to him are his family and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because of the wonderful people that he works with, and the environment that they work in. He believes together they make a valuable contribution to people’s health and wellness. We look forward to Michael working with us for many more years.

Depression in Older Adults

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Older adults face a higher risk of experiencing depression than younger people. However, this does not mean that depression is a normal part of aging. Like many other health problems that can develop as we get older, depression is a medical condition that needs to be managed and treated under the direction of a doctor.

It may not always be clear whether what you’re experiencing is depression. It’s normal to feel sadness over things such as major life changes, difficulty coping with long-term medical conditions, or the loss of loved ones as we get older, even if that sadness lasts for a long period of time. However, this feeling of sadness is not necessarily the same thing as depression. Some signs that you may be depressed include:

Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
Frequent negative feelings, such as hopelessness, guilt, or low self-esteem
Fatigue and difficulty with thinking and concentrating
Overeating or loss of appetite
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Frequent aches and pains that do not improve with treatment
Thoughts of suicide

While most older adults do not experience depression, those who experience chronic health conditions are significantly more likely to develop it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5% of older adults in general are depressed, but this number rises to 13.5% in people who require home health care and 11.5% in those who are hospitalized.

Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and frequent socialization are all helpful for preventing depression or coping with its symptoms as we age. Additionally, most older adults who experience depression respond positively to treatment that includes psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both.

You can receive treatment for depression from a psychiatrist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Flushing Hospital

Thyroid disease is common among Americans, with over 12% of the population experiencing some form of it during their lifetime. Some of the most common thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer.

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can occur due to a wide variety of causes, including other medical conditions that directly affect the thyroid (such as thyroiditis).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones help to regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and protein production. When too many of them are produced, it can lead to symptoms such as:

Enlargement of the thyroid gland (also known as goiter)
Unexplained weight loss
Faster, irregular, and/or pounding heartbeat
Increased hunger
Anxiety
Fatigue
Disrupted sleep
Hair and skin problems
Menstrual cycle changes

Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when too few T-3 or T-4 hormones are produced. This can cause a few symptoms that are similar to those of hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and, for women and people assigned female at birth, changes in menstrual cycles. Other symptoms include:

Weight gain
Slowed heart rate
Depression

Thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland, can initially cause hyperthyroidism to occur during thyrotoxicosis. During this phase of the condition, damage to thyroid cells causes a leakage of hormones, causing them to build up in the body. Thyrotoxicosis can last up to three months, after which thyroiditis can enter a hypothyroid phase. This phase may be long-term or permanent.

Thyroid cancer occurs when an abnormal growth of cells develops on the thyroid gland. Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroiditis, symptoms of thyroid cancer do not necessarily affect the production of thyroid hormones. In fact, this disease may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Once it has progressed, however, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain in the neck and throat, and swollen lymph nodes on the sides of your neck may appear.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any thyroid disease, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Supplements to Support the Immune System

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

The body’s immune system is an important defense mechanism that helps to protect us from infections caused by bacteria, viruses and other germs. A well-balanced diet that contains vitamins and minerals can help strengthen our immune systems. Some of these substances can be found in the foods we eat. However, for some of us, it may be necessary to add supplements to make sure we are doing all we can to support our immune systems.

Here are some important foods and supplements the body requires to maintain a healthy immune system:

Vitamin A – Found in some dairy products, liver, eggs, fatty fish, fruits, yogurt, and vegetables
Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits , oranges, kiwi, plums, broccoli, tomatoes and kale
Vitamin B – Found in poultry, tuna, salmon, peanuts, soy, leafy greens and bananas
Vitamin D – Found in cheese, egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified milk, and liver
Vitamin E – Found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, spinach and vegetable oils
Zinc – Found in meat, nuts, beans, whole grains, seafood (crab, lobster oysters) and dairy products
Selenium – Found in Brazil nuts, seafood, poultry, dairy products, cereals, bread, meat and grains
Glutamine – an amino acid found in rice, beef, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and dried beans
Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in fatty fish, fish oils, soybeans, flaxseed, canola oils
Probiotics – Found in yogurt and some fermented foods
Andrographis
Echinacea
Elderberry
Garlic
Ginseng

Supplements can come from their natural food sources and can also be obtained in pill or liquid form. Follow the directions on the labels to make sure that you are taking the correct dosage. It is also important to consult a physician, pharmacist or registered dietician prior to taking any supplement to ensure that they don’t interact with any medications or medical conditions one might have.

You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.