It is estimated that as many as half a million people in the United States experience winter-onset depression, a type of depression associated with cold-weather months. With a physician’s help, however, winter-onset depression is a treatable condition.

Winter-onset depression is the most common form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with changing seasons. The cause of the condition is unclear but it may be related to changes in an individual’s circadian rhythm that result from reduced exposure to sunlight in winter.

Winter-related SAD typically lasts from late fall or early winter to the beginning of summer. SAD usually appears in people ages 20 or older and is more common in women. SAD is more likely to occur as a person ages, and individuals living in northern regions are more vulnerable to winter-onset SAD.

Every person’s experience with inter-onset SAD is different, but common symptoms include:

• Change in appetite
• Weight gain
• Low energy level and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Avoidance of social situations
• Lack of interest in favorite activities

Winter-onset SAD is fairly predictable, as symptoms tend to occur at the same time each year.

“Many people with winter-onset SAD may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, who can assess their symptoms and formulate a treatment plan,” says Dr. Seeth Vivek, Chairman of Psychiatry at Flushing Hospital. “Possible treatments include medication, behavior therapy, and light therapy.”

Light therapy acts a substitute for the limited sunlight during the winter months. Patients receiving this treatment sit in front of a light box or wear a light visor for 30 minutes per day, and if the therapy proves effective, they continue until spring.

When it comes to preventing winter-onset SAD, it is important to stay active. Search for activities to do around the house and guard against isolation by scheduling get-togethers with friends.

For more information about winter depression or to make an appointment to speak with a member of Flushing Hospital’s Psychiatry Department, please call 718-670-5316.

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.

Though the thought of developing breast cancer can be frightening for women, research has shown that early detection saves thousands of lives each year. Understanding the importance of diagnosing breast cancer early, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is committed to providing comprehensive breast health services to women, including early detection tests.

Through a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Flushing Hospital has developed a program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings, as well as mammography services, to uninsured and underinsured women. To meet the medical and cultural needs of the community, the highly-trained and skilled staff speaks several languages, including Chinese and Spanish.

“The medical community strongly believes in early detection as a deterrent to undiagnosed breast cancer in women 40 years old and above,” said Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chairperson, Flushing Hospital’s Department of Radiology. “Through the Komen grant, many of the women we screen would not have received a screening of this type and because of this program, lives have been saved.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a great time to educate women about early detection, as well as overall breast health. Good breast health starts with good routine care. Dr. Raoof believes that all women should familiarize themselves with normal breast anatomy and proper self-exam techniques. “In addition to monthly breast self-exams, imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI are helpful in detecting abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the breast.”

If you or someone you know, are 40 years or older, uninsured, and would like to schedule an appointment with one of Flushing Hospital’s Breast Care Coordinators, please call Maria Park at 718-670-5754 or Tracy Shih at 718-670-4418. Screenings are performed by appointment only.

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.