Health Beat

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Suicide is currently the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but some of the most common risk factors include:

Personal or family history of suicide attempts
Personal or family history of mental disorders or substance use disorders
Chronic pain
Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
The presence of firearms in the home
Recent release from prison or jail
Exposure to suicidal behavior from other people

While suicide is most common among middle-aged people, particularly men, it can happen among people of all ages. Many of the same warning signs apply to both adults and young people, but some may be different. Additionally, not all of these signs necessarily indicate that a person actually intends to commit suicide; however, they can indicate that the person is at risk and may benefit from preventative treatment.

For adults, suicide warning signs to watch out for include:

Talking about or planning suicide
Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
Talking about being a burden to others
Talking about feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain
Increased or frequent usage of alcohol and/or drugs
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Insufficient or excessive sleep
Social isolation
Extreme moods or mood swings

In addition to the above indicators, warning signs for young people include:

Expressing hopelessness about the future
Severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
Anger or hostility that seems increased and/or out of character

Whether or not you believe a person may genuinely commit suicide, do not dismiss these warning signs; they are indicators of serious underlying mental health problems. Let them know that you have recognized changes in their behavior, that they are not alone, and that you are there to support them. You should also do what you can to make sure that they feel comfortable speaking openly with you about what’s troubling them.

Aside from providing support, the most helpful step you can take for someone who may be at risk of committing suicide is to encourage them to get professional help. You can reach Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic to schedule an appointment or get more information by calling (718) 670-5562.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK right away.

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.

What is the Difference Between Diabetes and Insulin Resistance?

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Diabetes and insulin resistance both involve some of the same elements. Specifically, a key factor in both conditions is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels in your body. Insulin allows your cells to absorb sugar from the blood, providing these cells with the energy they need to function and keep blood sugar levels normal.

Despite the similarities in terms of how insulin resistance and diabetes work, not everyone with one has the other. In a person with insulin resistance, cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond as well as they should to insulin; the pancreas may be producing a normal amount of insulin, but because cells are not processing it effectively, this normal amount is not enough to support these cells’ ability to function.

A person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can experience insulin resistance, but not everyone with diabetes is necessarily insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes can occur as a result of the pancreas not making as much insulin as it’s normally supposed to; while the body’s cells may still be able to process insulin normally, not enough of it is being produced to support cell functions. This also occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes due to their immune system targeting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Insulin resistance also doesn’t necessarily lead to diabetes in everyone who experiences it. While it can progress into prediabetes and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes if left untreated, it’s also associated with other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance also isn’t necessarily a chronic condition; it can occur temporarily in some people.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of either insulin resistance or diabetes, 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.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

September is designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. The importance of this designation is to bring awareness of the health risks associated with high cholesterol.

One of the major conditions associated with high cholesterol is heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. People who have high levels of cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than those who have levels in the normal range.

The liver produces two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). When the level of LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, is too high, we can develop health problems such as peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. We can reduce our risk of complications by making lifestyle changes.

Ways to reduce “bad” cholesterol LDL and raise HDL “good” cholesterol include:

Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats such as fried food, pizza, margarine and pastries
Eat foods with unsaturated fats including olive oil, olives, and nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, and canola oil
Eat foods with polyunsaturated fat containing Omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna
Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, beans, oat cereal
Limit alcohol consumption
Use Psyllium as a dietary supplement

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, so the only way to assess it is through a blood test. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have cholesterol levels checked every five years after the age of 20. It should also be a part of your annual physical as you get older. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Late Summer Recipe – Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

End of summer, weeknight meals call for recipes that are easy to prepare and that don’t require much cooking time. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend for penne with sun dried tomato pesto.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe-1942250

National Head Lice Prevention Month

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest people’s hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, feeding on human blood several times per day. They are not known to spread disease, but they are contagious and can spread through contact with the hair of a person who has them. Aside from direct personal contact, this can also occur through indirect means, such as sharing clothes with a person with head lice or laying on furniture after they’ve used it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head lice infestations (also known as pediculosis) occur most commonly in the United States among pre-school and elementary school children, as well as among people living in the same household as children within these age groups.

Signs of pediculosis include the feeling of something moving through the hair, itching, the development of sores on the scalp, and difficulty sleeping due to the increased activity of head lice in the dark. A diagnosis is generally made when head lice are found on the scalp.

Preventing the spread of head lice can be challenging, as children are often in close contact with one another throughout each school day. Some steps you can take to protect them (and yourself) from an infestation include:

Discouraging your child from sharing clothes or close personal space with someone who may have head lice
Regularly combing your child’s hair and encouraging them to practice this habit on their own
Stocking up on lice removal kits, shampoos, creams, lotions, and medications

If you notice signs of a head lice infestation in your child, yourself, or another person in your household (and if non-prescription products aren’t helping enough), you can also visit a doctor for treatment. A doctor can prescribe specialized shampoos, lotions, and other products that aren’t available over-the-counter, as well as oral and topical medications.

You can receive treatment for head lice from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Exercise and Aging

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

It is never too late to begin a regular fitness routine. In fact; the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute on Aging promotes exercise and physical activity as an important factor in healthy aging.

Older adults are encouraged to incorporate the following four main types of exercise into their routine:

Strength Exercise
Endurance Exercise
Balance Exercise
Flexibility Exercise

Each type of exercise offers several benefits when performed on an ongoing basis. These benefits can be achieved by doing a variety of physical activities.

Strength Exercise- Helps to build muscle and makes them stronger. Building stronger muscles can be achieved by participating in activities such as lifting weights or resistance training.
Endurance Exercise-Helps to promote a healthy heart rate and improve breathing. This type of exercise focuses on overall fitness as well as keeping the cardiovascular and respiratory systems healthy. Activities such as aerobics, swimming, walking, dancing, or jogging are considered endurance exercises.
Balance Exercise-Helps to reduce falls, a problem that is common in older adults. This type of exercise focuses on building lower body strength. Activities such as Tai Chi, walking heel to toe, and standing on one foot are considered balance exercises.
Flexibility Exercise- Helps to stretch muscles, promotes freedom of movement, and in some instances improves balance. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, bending to touch your toes, or stretching your arms across your chest.

Before beginning a fitness routine, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first. You can work with your physician to create a routine that is compatible with your lifestyle and health. To receive more information about exercise and aging, please visit the National Institute on Aging website https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Back-To-School Health Tips

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Both the new school year and flu season are approaching, and with other viral illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 continuing to spread, it’s important to prepare your child with effective habits and strategies for staying healthy. Follow these tips to keep them (and the rest of your family) disease-free this fall:

Get your child vaccinated: Many schools require students to receive the immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their age group. This is a simple, effective method for boosting your child’s natural protection against some of the most common diseases they are likely to be exposed to at school.

Emphasize good hand-washing habits: Your child can come into contact with many different types of germs, bacteria, and viruses while they’re at school or traveling to or from home. Some of these substances, such as cold germs, can live for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and up to an hour on hands; others, such as the flu, can last much longer, living on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular, thorough hand-washing is essential for minimizing your child’s contact with these germs and reducing their likelihood of becoming infected.

Take your child to a doctor if they feel sick: If your child starts to feel ill, you can reduce the amount of time they spend feeling sick (and, potentially, the amount of school days they may have to miss) by taking them to a doctor right away. A doctor can prescribe certain medications, such as antivirals or antibiotics (depending on whether your child has a virus or bacterial infection), and recommend other medications and treatments for relieving their symptoms effectively.

If your child has an infection, you can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment or for more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Eftihia Thomopoulos

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce you to Dr. Eftihia Thomopoulos, Clinical Director of the Dental Department.

Dr. Thomopoulos has been practicing general dentistry in Queens for over 30 years and has been part of the Flushing Hospital team for over seven years.

Dr. Thomopoulos’ interest in dentistry began early in her childhood, “My older brother was studying to become a dental technician and dating someone in dental school, and they would leave training teeth everywhere. I became intrigued by them, and that sparked my curiosity about medicine and teeth,” she shared. “I later went on to study dentistry at NYU, the program allowed me to be hands-on in creating a healthy smile.”

Dr. Thomopoulos is a graduate of the prestigious NYU College of Dentistry; one of the most competitive dental programs in the United States. After earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, she furthered her education and training by completing her residency at Flushing Hospital. Years of specialized training and clinical experience have made Dr. Thomopoulos a renowned expert in her field. Her pursuit of excellence motivates her to continuously expand her knowledge and stay abreast of all the latest advancements in dentistry.

Caring for a diverse population is one of the highlights of Dr. Thomopoulos’ career. She enjoys meeting patients from different countries. “It is important to me that I provide the highest quality care to all patients. I want to make sure that people like me are treated well and receive the healthcare they deserve,” she said. “Dr. Thomopoulos emigrated from Greece and moved to the United States when she was five years old. Her family planted roots in a Queens community where cultural differences were embraced and celebrated. “Moving to a new country can be difficult, but when you are treated well and shown respect it makes things a little easier,” she explained.

Dr. Thomopoulos also enjoys mentoring residents at Flushing Hospital and working with her colleagues to operate a stellar dental program. “We aim to provide our patients with world-class dental care. We are achieving this by offering comprehensive services and carefully selecting the best practitioners and clinical support staff to serve on our team. We also furnished our newly renovated dental center with the latest, top-of-the-line equipment,” she said.

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department provides a wide array of dental services, provided by highly trained specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5521.

COVID-19 Boosters: Everything You Should Know to Stay Up-To-Date

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the virus have emerged, causing surges in infections and hospitalizations over time. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is essential for protecting yourself against this evolving health threat. However, recommendations may be different for some people based on factors such as age or other health concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine regardless of whether you received the original doses; the newest version of the vaccine is expected to be available during fall 2023. Additional recommendations include:

Children between six months and four years old who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get three doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
Children aged five years or older who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get at least one dose of the updated vaccine
Children between six months and five years old receiving the Moderna vaccine should get two doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
People who are unable or choose not to get a recommended mRNA vaccine should get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine doses approved for their age group
People who got the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should get one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine

If you are aged 65 or older, you are also eligible to receive an additional dose of the updated vaccine at least four months after your first dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may receive an additional dose of the vaccine at least two months after their first dose.

You can receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Do Teenagers Spend Too Much Time on Social Media ?

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Social media often plays a large role in the lives of many teens. It has replaced television, radio, magazines, and newspapers as the number one way that most young adults get their news, socialize, and form their opinions.

Studies show that teens spend as much as nine hours a day on social media. Research also indicate that the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to be exposed to harmful content which can affect their mental health.

Over exposure to content that promotes or encourages cyber bullying, rumor spreading, or negative self-image can lead to:

Anxiety
Depression
Negative effects on body image
Increased loneliness
Low self esteem
Feeling ignored

Protecting teenagers from some of the negative aspects of social media would require parents to monitor their child’s usage. This would include setting limits on the amount of time spent on social media platforms, and knowing the people they are communicating with. It is also important to have your teenager’s passwords to monitor their activities.

If you would like to speak to a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s mental well-being, please call 718-670-5486