Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Dr. Ipsita Chauhan

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to highlight Dr. Ipsita Chauhan, an attending OB/GYN physician in the New Beginnings Unit at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Chauhan has been a valued member of our staff since 2016. Her journey began here as a resident, and the strong sense of community and commitment to patient care inspired her to stay on as an attending physician.

Over the years, she has seen the Labor and Delivery unit transform into a modern facility that remains welcoming and supportive, with a home-like culture that makes it truly special. Patient safety and comfort are always her top priorities. Dr. Chauhan also takes pride in fostering a strong learning environment for our OB/GYN residents.

Beyond deliveries, she is passionate about helping women achieve long-term health and well-being. She focuses on managing PCOS, supporting sustainable weight management, and recently became certified in menopause care. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is guiding patients as they transition from pregnancy to lifelong care—helping them feel empowered, supported, and heard at every stage of life.

We are honored to have Dr. Chauhan as a member of our New Beginnings team and look forward to her continued dedication for many years to come.

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.

Suicide Prevention- Pay Attention to The Signs

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Many individuals who died by suicide had mental health disorders that were treatable but went unnoticed..

Suicide may be prevented if the signs of mental health disorders are recognized and addressed immediately.

Here are a few warning signs of suicide we should not ignore:

Feelings of hopelessness
Self-loathing
Changes in sleep patterns, which can either be excessive sleep or a deprivation of sleep
Irritability or anger
Talking about harming themselves
Loss of interest in daily activities or things they were once passionate about
Reckless behavior
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
A preoccupation with death
Getting their affairs in order in preparation for death
Verbalizing thoughts such as “ Everyone will be better without me” or “I have nothing to live for.”
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

If someone you know exhibits the following behaviors, do not dismiss them as a passing phase. These actions are a cry for help.

It is essential to let your loved one know that you have noticed changes in their behavior, they are not alone, and you are there to support them through this challenging time. Speak openly about what they are feeling and reassure them that they will not be judged because they feel suicidal. Seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. Insist on accompanying this person to their consultation or treatment. Continue to demonstrate your support during treatment by reminding them to take their prescribed medications, attending physician appointments, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, or 988.

Robotic Surgery: Hernia Repair

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area on the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially during a cough or strain

A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge

Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting

A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin

Weakness or pressure in the groin

Occasional pain and swelling around the testicles occur when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen

A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall

Straining during bowel movements or urination

Strenuous activity

Pregnancy

Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that can contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male

Being older

Family history

Premature birth or low birth weight

Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

Typically, a physical examination is sufficient to diagnose an inguinal hernia. A healthcare provider will check for a bulge in the groin area. They can also ask you to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery

Laparoscopic surgery

Robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery can repair smaller hernias or rebuild the entire abdominal wall. There are many potential advantages of robot-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of the inside of the abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate, compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery

Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand

You will have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision (as with open surgery)

You are more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery, compared to open surgery

You are more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135 to schedule an appointment.

Tips for Exercising During Warmer Months

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Most of our time during the summer is spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air and participating in warm-weather activities such as exercise. Exercising outdoors offers many benefits. However, when temperatures increase, it can become challenging or potentially dangerous to our health.

Heat illnesses or emergencies can occur with exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Dehydration can occur when the body’s fluids are lost by sweating and aren’t replaced. Even being slightly dehydrated can make you feel sick and put you at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Therefore, it is important to know how to protect yourself while exercising in the summer heat. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it’s warm outside:

Try to avoid exercising outside in the early afternoon as it is usually hottest between noon and 3 p.m.

Drink water before, during, and after physical activity, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you, or plan water stops along your route.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Moisture-wicking fabric can also help keep you cool during a workout. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or visor, and plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water before you get thirsty. Allow yourself time to adapt to the heat. Keep in mind that you may not be able to work out as long or as hard as usual when it’s very hot.

Work out with a partner if you can. Not only for safety purposes, but also because it is socially interactive and fun.

Try a variety of light, healthy pre- and post-workout snacks that can help you stay cool, such as:

- Chilled or frozen fruit

- Homemade ice pops made from 100% fruit juice or fat-free/low-fat milk

- Fruit smoothies

- Cold salads loaded with vegetables, beans, legumes, and heart-healthy fish such as albacore tuna or salmon

- Crisp, chilled raw veggies, including cucumbers, carrots, or celery, with a light, cool dip

- Cold sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or slices of citrus or cucumber

If you are having difficulty tolerating the heat, don’t skip your workout or physical activity. You can find indoor locations where you can be active, discover activities you can do at home or work, or adjust your workout schedule to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside instead.

It is important to check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine or working out outdoors if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other chronic diseases, or any medical concerns. Certain medications, including beta blockers, ACE receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.

If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Crisis Fatigue

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Crisis fatigue is not a formal diagnosis; it is a term used to describe your body’s emotional and physical response to stress caused by prolonged exposure to traumatic events or crises. These events can include natural disasters, wars, pandemics, political instability, economic depressions, or other challenging circumstances.

Chronic stress triggered in response to crisis events can have a significant impact on the body. The body’s response to stressful circumstances is to produce the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. When stressful circumstances persist for long periods, higher levels of these hormones can lead to depression, anxiety, weight gain, bone loss, or high blood pressure. In some cases, crisis fatigue can lead to substance abuse, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts.

Other signs and symptoms of crisis fatigue include:

Increased irritability
Excessive emotional responses
Lack of sleep
Changes in normal routines
Changes in appetite
Mental detachment
Lack of motivation

Some of the ways a person can cope during uncertain times are to learn how to reduce the level of stress in their life by:

Reducing the amount of time spent on social media
Limiting exposure to news reports
Spending more time with family and friends
Practicing meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness practices
Finding activities that are calming, like reading, listening to music, and doing crafts

It isn’t always easy to cope with stressful situations without professional help. If you are experiencing any long-term effects, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial.

You can schedule an appointment with a trained professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 670-5562.

Senior Summer Health Tips

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Extreme heat can be unbearable for everyone. It can be even worse for senior citizens, as they are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses include:

Heat exhaustion

Dehydration

Heatstroke

Heat syncope

Heat cramps

Heat edema

Heat rash

Sunburn

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk include:

Health problems, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease

Skin changes that are caused by normal aging

Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever

Drugs, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications, can make it harder for the body to cool itself off

Being on several prescription drugs at the same time

Being obese, overweight, or underweight

Drinking alcoholic beverages

Living in places without air conditioning or fans

Dehydration

Hot summer days can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. Especially for older adults. Here are some tips to keep older adults safe and prevent them from heat-related illnesses:

Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible

Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible

Stay hydrated

Wear loose and light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat

Take cool showers and baths

Avoid exercising outdoors and other physical activity when it is hot

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher, and reapply throughout the day

Find out if certain medications can contribute to heat-related illnesses

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of a heat-related illness, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away.

UV Safety Month

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is UV Safety Month. It is observed to highlight the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation is released by the sun and provides vitamin D to the body to help it survive. However, too much sun exposure can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the size of the wavelength. They include:

UVA causes the skin to wrinkle, tan, and/or burn. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer

UVB can damage the outermost layers of the skin. It can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn, and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer

UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere

Anyone can get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. People who are the greatest risk of skin cancer are people who have:

Fair skin

Freckled skin

Skin that burns easily, light eyes

Blonde or red hair

People who have a darker skin tone can get skin cancer, but their risk is lower than people who have a lighter skin tone.

There are other risk factors other than a person’s complexion that can cause skin cancer, including:

Having a biological family history or personal history of skin cancer

Having an outdoor job or spending a lot of time in the sun

Living in a sunny climate

Having a history of severe sunburns

Having large and irregularly shaped moles

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Changes are typically a new mole, a new skin lesion or sore, or a change to an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly, or waxy bump on your face or neck, or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole but usually has a more irregular appearance

While it isn’t possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of ultraviolet radiation and sun damage, there are steps to take to reduce risk:

Applying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater thirty minutes before sun exposure and then every two to three hours after. Reapply sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly

Wearing sunglasses with total UV protection

Using cosmetic products that offer UV protection

Avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Performing skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes or new growths

When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreen, or organic or physical sunscreen, is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreen. It has active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays because the sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface reflecting the UV rays away from it.

There are benefits to using mineral sunscreen, such as it being good for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it offers immediate protection. There are also some drawbacks to using mineral sunscreen, such as it takes longer to apply and leaves a white cast on the skin.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Using chemical sunscreen has many advantages as it is easy to apply, transparent on the skin, and it comes with water-resistant formulations. Some disadvantages are that it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, it isn’t immediately effective, and it has to be absorbed into the skin.

Whichever type of sunscreen you use depends on your personal preference. Using either mineral or chemical sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.

If you want to know which ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine which sunscreen is best.

If you or a loved one has warning signs of skin cancer, you can speak to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Fourth of July Recipe: A Tasty Shrimp, Spicy Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Here is a recipe for a tasty shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing that will be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration.

Shrimp, Spiced Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe | Food Network

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease, children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile Arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.

National HIV Testing Day

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and receive the care and treatment they may need.

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, damages the immune system so that the body is less able to fight infection or disease. If HIV isn’t treated, it can take years before it weakens the immune system enough to become AIDS.

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can be spread through unprotected sex. It can also be spread through contact with HIV-infected blood, and spread to a child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS can vary depending on the person and the phase of infection. There are three types of HIV infection. They include:

Primary infection or acute HIV: Some people infected with HIV get a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after the virus enters the body. This stage can last a few days to several weeks. Some people have no symptoms during this stage. Others may experience:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches and joint pain

Rash

Sore throat and painful mouth sores

Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Cough

Night sweats

These symptoms can be so mild that you may not notice them. However, the amount of the virus in your bloodstream, or viral load, is high at this time. As a result, the infection can spread to others more easily during the primary infection stage than during the next stage.

Clinical latent infection or chronic HIV: In this stage, HIV is still in the body and cells of the immune system. However, during this time, many people don’t have symptoms or the infections that HIV can cause. This stage can last for many years. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may get mild infections with long-term symptoms, such as:

Fever

Fatigue

Swollen lymph glands, which are often one of the first symptoms of HIV infection

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Oral yeast infection

Shingles

Pneumonia

Better antiviral treatments have greatly decreased deaths from AIDS worldwide. Thanks to these lifesaving treatments, most people with HIV in the U.S. today don’t get AIDS. If untreated, HIV most often turns into AIDS in about eight to ten years.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, medicines can control the infection and keep the disease from getting worse. Antiviral treatments for HIV have reduced AIDS deaths around the world, and there is an ongoing effort to make ways to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS more available in resource-poor countries.

National HIV Testing Day was created by the National Association of People with AIDS to increase the number of people being tested for HIV and was first observed on June 27th, 1995. This year’s theme is “Level up your self-love: check your status”. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy.

HIV testing, including self-testing, is the pathway to engaging people in care to keep them healthy, regardless of their test results. Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Initiative continues to guide efforts to help us reach all people who can benefit from HIV prevention and care.

To participate in National HIV Testing Day, you can use the hashtag #HIVTestingDay on your social media channels and communicate to your friends and family that there are many options for getting tested for HIV. HIV testing is a critical tool to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States.