The newest member of Flushing Hospital’s surgical team has been described as world renowned and a revolutionary in the field of minimally invasive surgery. This prestigious new member of the team also needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

The da Vinci Robotic Surgical platform is now at Flushing Hospital, offering our patients the most technologically advanced surgical system in the entire region.

Robotic surgery has been available for a number of years and offers patients many benefits, including minimal pain, faster recovery time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. What makes Flushing Hospital’s robotic platform so exciting, however, is the new single-site robotic capabilities it offers.

The single-site robotic platform provides Flushing Hospital’s surgeons the same increased dexterity, control and high definition 3-D vision found in traditional robotic surgery, as well as the added benefit of performing  the operation through a single, nearly invisible scar hidden in the patient’s navel. Previous surgeries might require multiple incisions or one larger incision. “This technology offers a tremendous cosmetic benefit to our patients and underscores Flushing Hospital’s commitment to providing the highest level of surgical care, using the most advanced minimally invasive surgical options,” stated Dr . Neil Mandava, Chairman of  Surgery at Flushing Hospital.

During a robotic procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3-D, high definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instruments arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hands, wrist, and finger movements into more precise of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient.

The da Vinci system offers a wide variety of surgical options available to the community, including procedures in urology, gynecology, bariatric surgery, as well as general surgery. Flushing Hospital surgeons have already performed multiple robotic procedures with outstanding results.

For more information about the da Vinci robotic surgical system, please call 718-670-3135.

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.

Have you ever experienced dizziness or a spinning sensation when in fact everything is standing still? You may have experienced vertigo.

Vertigo can cause a person to feel light headed, off balance, spinning, seeing double, or as though they are falling. In severe cases it can be accompanied by nausea, difficulty walking, or loss of balance.

Vertigo is often related to a problem within the inner ear. It may be due to a buildup of fluid and changing pressure (Meniere’s disease), or due to an accumulation of tiny calcium particles called canaliths in the canals of the inner ear ( BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). It may also be caused by an infection, usually viral, in the inner ear. All of these conditions can lead to loss of balance.

Symptoms of vertigo:

 A sensation of movement accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sweating..

 Head positioning leading to dizziness

 Ringing in the ears and changes in hearing

 Abnormal eye movement

 Symptoms that are fairly constant in regularity

A [physician can diagnose vertigo through physical examination that may include a CT scan of the head to see if there are any brain injuries blood tests to see if the blood glucose is normal and an EKG to see if the heart rhythm is normal.

Frequently the symptoms of vertigo will resolve by themselves. Depending on the cause, some form of medical treatment may be necessary. When the cause is due to an infection, medications may be prescribed to cure it, and sometimes steroids will be given to reduce the inflammation. If the problem is being caused by a buildup of fluid in the ear, medication may be prescribed to help reduce it. If vertigo is being caused by an accumulation of tiny calcium crystals, a series of head and neck positioning exercises may be given to help move them out of the inner ear into a location where they can be more easily absorbed by the body. In extreme cases of vertigo, surgery may be needed to resolve the problem.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo and would like to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist, please call 718-670-8939.

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.

Summer gives us a break from the flu and many other viruses prevalent during the winter months, but there is one contagious virus that your child is at risk of contracting during the summer.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in the summer months, predominantly found in infants and children under the age of 10, but one that can also affect teens and adults. It is caused by a family of viruses known as the Coxsackie virus. There are multiple types of Coxsackie virus, but the A16 strain causes HFMD.

HFMD can produce a wide variety of symptoms, including mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, head and muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and poor appetite. The fever usually lasts anywhere from 24 hours to 2-3 days. One or two days after the fever begins, small red spots begin to appear in the mouth, throat, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. These spots develop into blisters and eventually into painful ulcers, which resolve within a few days without any scarring.

These blisters give the illness its name, but it should not be confused with the similarly named foot (or hoof) and mouth disease, which is found in cattle.

HFMD is spread between children either hand to hand or through tiny air droplets that are released when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose.  The illness can also be spread when a person is exposed to an infected child’s stool or the fluid from their blisters.

HFMD is contagious and tends to spread most easily in settings where many young children are together, such as day care centers.  In tropical parts of the world, HFMD is present throughout the year, but in cooler climates, such as New York, outbreaks take place only in the summer or fall. Some people incorrectly believe that the illness is spread in swimming pools, but a properly chlorinated pool should kill the virus.

Proper hand washing is considered the best protection against the virus, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. The virus can live on contaminated surfaces for several days. Therefore, parents should clean shared toys and all surfaces potentially contaminated with disinfectant cleaners to protect against the spread of HFMD.

There are lab tests to confirm HFMD, but doctors usually can diagnose the virus based on a physical examination. There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Doctors often recommend over-the-counter pain and fever reducing medications to make your child feel more comfortable. Salt water rinses might also provide relief.

If you think your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, you should see a pediatrician or call Flushing Hospital’s  Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment.

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.

Is your child at risk for gaining weight this summer? 

We consider summer to be a time when kids run around, go swimming and generally remain active. With all this physical activity, it is a common belief that children keep weight off or maybe even lose a few pounds in the summer, but that is not the case. There are many reasons why parents are now noticing that their children are actually gaining weight during the summer.

The rate of childhood obesity has tripled in America in recent decades. Now, one out of three children in this country is considered overweight or obese. When are children gaining the most weight?  Recent studies have revealed that during the summer, the rate of weight gain in children is double that of the rest of the year. Why?

One of the biggest contributing factors is that children today live a more sedentary lifestyle. During the school year, children participate in fitness programs, both during recess and in physical education classes. Without a regimented exercise program, children opt to spend their free time playing video games or watching television.

Another factor in summer weight gain is the foods children have access to in their home. In an effort to fight obesity and promote healthy eating habits, many schools provide healthy alternatives for lunches and snacks during the year. During the summer, however, kids have access to whatever snacks are in the home. Kids will often choose unhealthy snacks, such as cookies, chips, and soda, if they are available to them.

In an effort to reverse this trend, Jamaica Hospital offers the following summer healthy living tips for your kids:

• Stock your home with healthy food options like yogurt, carrots, or summer fruits like peaches, berries, or melons.

• Make water the beverage of choice. Juices and sodas are high in calories and low in nutrients. To make water more flavorful, consider adding fruit slices or berries.

• Limit TV and video game usage. It will force kids to become more physically active and prevent them from enticing junk food commercials..

• Walk more. Everyone can do it. Incorporate regular family walks to the park or around the neighborhood.

• Be inventive. Not every child is interested in formal team sports, but every kid loves to run around. Encourage activities like hopscotch, jump rope or a simple game of “tag.”

• Be a role mode. Children often take cues from their parent’s eating habits so if you want your kids to eat healthier, you should eat healthier

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.

Small Steps, Big Changes
Many people feel they do not have the time or energy to live a healthy lifestyle, however, establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine can make a huge difference to your overall health.

What are you eating?
With larger portions being served, it’s no wonder America is experiencing an obesity epidemic.  Many restaurants have implemented the ‘bigger is better’ idea, but portion control is a factor in maintaining your weight and creating a healthier lifestyle.  When dining out, try choosing appetizers instead of a full meal. Instead of choosing a meal upgrade option, stick to a kids meal which can be more moderate in calories and fat content.

Another factor is the type of foods served in your meals. A good starting point toward healthy eating is to make sure your diet is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and various lean proteins and to eliminate processed sugars.  Your body breaks down food and produces the energy it needs. Having too much sugar in your diet doesn’t always provide you with more energy  but can cause a list of several health issues including dental cavities, diabetes, energy slumps, hyperactive behavior in some, and weight gain.

Kelly McGuire, Registered Dietician of Flushing Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department states, “The occasional slice of cake offered at a party is okay but sweets should be consumed in moderation.”

She adds: “Eating healthy foods doesn’t have to be boring. Find the foods you enjoy and create recipes in advance to help with your goal of healthy living.”

Become Active, Stay Active
Even minor changes in your activity can help. Many people believe they need to have a gym membership and get at least an hour of intense exercise to be healthy, but if your body isn’t used to, an extensive workout can do more harm than good. Begin by adding a simple walk, or extend your current walking routine. A good way to do this is by parking your car a bit further away than usual from your intended destination to get an extra 10-20 minutes of exercise per day. Another way of increasing you exercise routine is to choose the stairs over an elevator. Exercising every day is not necessary. Initially aim for three times a week for at least 20-30 minutes a day and notice your stamina increasing as weeks go by.

Invest in You
Small changes make the biggest impact. Begin your healthy diet exercise routine today and begin to feel the difference in your energy, appearance and overall health with time. Your annual health check-up can be the jumpstart to a new you.  Invest in you and meet with your primary care physician prior to beginning any changes in diet and exercise.

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.

Many people gain a few pounds when they quit smoking, some more than others.  Research has shown that, on average, individuals can gain between two to 10 pounds once they stop smoking. This, however, shouldn’t affect your decision or effort to quit smoking, since weight gain is dependent upon your eating habits and your level of physical activity.

Smoking and Weight Gain
There are a several  reasons why people gain a few pounds after they stop smoking. Smoking is known to increase the body’s rate of metabolism, which helps burn calories. Once someone stops smoking, their rate of metabolism may slow down, lessening the amount of calories they burn throughout the day. Over time this could lead to a weight gain.

Also, people who smoke tend to have an oral fixation. When they stop smoking, the act of chewing usually replaces the oral fixation for smoking and most people find themselves eating more. In addition, smoking also acts as an appetite suppressant, which also causes a person to eat more frequently once they stop the habit.

How to Avoid Weight Gain
Learning to eat healthy snacks and exercising will help keep weight under control. More specifically:

• Eat foods that are low in calories but filling, such as carrots, apples, air popped popcorn or low fat yogurt
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Exercise on a regular basis; join a gym, take the stairs, or walk whenever possible

Weight gain is a real concern for people desiring to kick the habit but fortunately, it can be minimized or completely avoided. The damage smoking causes the body is far greater than adding a few extra pounds. The decision to stop smoking can be the first step to leading a healthier life.

Please call 718-670-5486 if you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician who can help with smoking cessation.

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.

Tummy time is an important and highly encouraged activity for infants. It strengthens the neck, upper back, and shoulder muscles and allows babies to enjoy their surroundings in a new way.  According to physical therapists at Flushing Hospital, tummy time is also very crucial in the development of newborns and infants with torticollis.

Torticollis, also known as “twisted neck”, is a condition in which the head is tilted toward one side and the chin is elevated and turned toward the opposite side. It is commonly present at birth or can take up to three months to develop. Torticollis is believed to be a result of cramping in the uterus or abnormal positioning of the fetus.

“We don’t know exactly why some infants develop torticollis and others don’t,” explained Flushing Hospital Physical Therapist Dakshesh Sanghavi. “However, we do know that tightness of the neck muscle due to stiffness makes it difficult for a baby to turn their neck.”

Though infants with torticollis can reach their developmental milestones like most babies, when participating in activities that involve turning their neck, babies with torticollis might:

• tilt their head in one direction more than the other side.
• prefer looking at you over one shoulder instead of turning to follow you with his or her eyes.
• have difficulty breastfeeding on one side or prefers one breast only.
• work hard to turn toward you and becomes frustrated when unable to turn his or her head.
• develop a flat head or a small neck lump (similar to a knot in a tense muscle).

“Torticollis appears to be a very painful condition, but it usually is not,” said Mr. Sanghavi. “Although babies may have some pain when being stretched, the consequences of not treating the condition are much more serious.”

If torticollis is left untreated, babies and infants can develop scoliosis and/or impaired visual tracking. These problems can lead to developmental delays.

How to Treat Torticollis

The most effective treatment for babies diagnosed with torticollis is physical therapy. Physical therapy is aimed at helping babies and infants develop a full range of motion in their neck, arms, and shoulders, and increasing the strength of muscles surrounding their head and neck so that they can reach developmental milestones, such as rolling and crawling.

Physical therapy can range from simple neck stretching exercises to more intensive treatment. Mr. Sanghavi recommends that parents continually encourage their baby to turn their head in both directions. He recommends the following exercises:

• Encourage tummy time several times throughout the day for 10 to 15 minutes per session. When doing so, position the baby’s head away from you so that they have to turn to face you.
• Offer the bottle or breast in a way that encourages your baby to turn away from their favored side.
• Put your baby to sleep on his/her back and position him/her in a way that he/she will actively turn toward the opposite side. This will enable the tightened muscles to be stretched toward the opposite side.
• Draw your baby’s attention with toys and sounds to make him or her turn in both directions.

If you suspect your infant may have torticollis and you would like to schedule an appointment with a Flushing Hospital pediatrician, please call 718-670-5515.

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.

Whether used for a midday boost, an all-night study aid, enhance athletic performance, or recreational consumption with alcohol, “energy drinks” or “energy shots” pose serious risks to its many users and is increasingly a source of concern being raised in the public arena.

Hospitals across the United States are reporting increased numbers of emergency room visits linked to the consumption of energy drinks. In 2009, over 113,000 people were taken to hospitals due to complications from energy drinks, ten times the number reported in 2005, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

According to Dr. Robert Crupi, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Flushing Hospital, “one of the biggest risks associated with these products is their potential effect on the heart. With products containing 35 mg of caffeine per ounce, energy drinks can possess nearly three times the caffeine content found in a cup of coffee. The consequences of ingesting such large amounts of caffeine include elevated blood pressure, accelerated heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).” In addition, energy drinks are loaded with sugar and taurine, an amino acid, also know to boost heart rate.

Even though most agree that consuming energy drinks in moderation is unlikely to pose a medical risk in healthy individuals, medical professionals do urge individuals with existing heart disease to avoid energy drinks. Persons with a history of hypertension or heart arrhythmia are also warned to stay away from these beverages.

It is also recommended that individuals not combine energy drinks with alcohol.  Mixing caffeine (a stimulant) with alcohol (a depressant) can make it more difficult for individuals to gauge their level of impairment. Believing the caffeine has sobered them up, those who mix alcohol and energy drinks may experience “wide awake impairment,” a feeling of increased alertness associated with both impaired judgment and reflexes.

The marketing of energy drinks has sparked some controversy. They have been promoted to provide a quick boost of energy to athletes looking to increase their performance. Dr. Crupi adds “The problem with this idea is, exercise already increases heart rate and blood pressure. Adding a boost of caffeine only puts unnecessary strain on the heart.  In addition, caffeine is a known diuretic, causing athletes to lose water when they should be trying to stay hydrated”.

What many do not realize is that energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, and therefore, are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as soda or other drinks that contain caffeine. In fact, the manufacturers of these products often do not disclose the amount of caffeine they contain. Many lawmakers are now calling for increased regulations for the energy drink industry, including improved labeling disclosures.

Dr. Crupi provides this tip to individuals looking for an alternative to energy drinks, “If you eat healthy, exercise daily and sleep between seven and eight hours every night, you will naturally have more energy.”

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.

Every year the month of November is recognized nationally as Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million people have this disease, however only 18.8 million have been diagnosed. An additional 79 million people in the United States are believed to have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes affects different race and ethnic groups more frequently than others. The prevalence of diabetes has been calculated to affect 7.1 % of Caucasians, 8.4% of Asian Americans, 12.6% of African Americans and 11.8 % of Hispanics. Diabetes is considered a chronic illness that leads to it being a cause of death, either directly or through a complication due to the disease. Some of the complications associated with diabetes are hypertension, blindness, heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, and amputations.

Diabetes is a chronic illness for which there is no known cure. It can however be treated successfully in many people, and very often these people lead long and healthy lives. Having a family history of diabetes can be a risk factor for developing the disease but not a guarantee that a person will definitely develop it. Other risk factors include obesity, poor diet, having diabetes during pregnancy, race and ethnicity, being over the age of 45, lack of exercise, and having high blood pressure.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes are: frequent urination, frequently feeling thirsty, blurry vision, fatigue, feeling hungry even after having just eaten a meal or a snack, wounds that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and in some cases, weight loss.

The three most common forms of diabetes are Type 1 which indicates a lack of insulin production by the pancreas, Type 1 is most commonly associated with children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but it is not utilized adequately by the body, also known as adult-onset diabetes and the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. Gestational Diabetes occurs occasionally during pregnancy and then frequently resolves itself once the pregnancy is completed.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a physician will discuss treatment options that will work for that individual. Often this will include either an oral medication in cases that are less severe, or insulin injections for more serious cases, combined with diet modification and possibly an exercise regime. It is extremely important to keep diabetes well controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications that may be irreversible and can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke and premature death.

If you suspect that you may have diabetes, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians who specialize in treating this disease.

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.