How to Clean Excess Earwax from Your Ears

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent your body produces. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. It usually works out of the ears naturally through chewing and other jaw motions and movement of the cells in the ear canal.

Sometimes, wax can build up in the ear canal, affecting a person’s hearing. When it reaches this level, it is called impaction.

If you have impaction, you may experience symptoms such as:

Aching in the affected ear
A feeling of fullness or ringing in the ear
Impaired hearing in the affected ear
An odor coming from the affected ear
Dizziness
A cough

You may be more likely to develop excess wax in the ears if you use hearing aids or earplugs. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are also at higher risk. Your ear canal’s shape may make the natural removal of wax difficult.

The safest way to remove earwax buildup is to visit a healthcare provider. During the appointment, they may use special instruments, like a cerumen spoon, forceps, or a suction device, to clear the blockage. Some healthcare providers may use professional irrigation.

If you choose to try to remove the earwax yourself at home, the safest methods to do so include:

Using a warm, damp cloth instead of cotton swabs, as they may push wax deeper into the ear canal. Use cotton swabs only on the outside of the ear.
Using over-the-counter ear drops that soften the earwax. Place the specified number of drops in your ears, wait a certain period, and drain or rinse out your ears. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Using a bulb syringe to irrigate your ears, gently rinse the ear canal using water or saline solution. This method is more effective if you use earwax softener 15 to 30 minutes before irrigating your ear(s). It is best to warm the solution to your body temperature to avoid dizziness. You shouldn’t attempt to irrigate your ears if:
- You have diabetes
- You have a compromised immune system
- You may have a hole in your eardrum
- You have tubes in the affected ear

Cleaning your ears too often may irritate the ear canal or lead to more impaction if done incorrectly.

The symptoms of an earwax blockage may also signal another medical problem. Ear infection symptoms can typically develop rapidly. You should contact a healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms:

Pain in the middle ear
Fluid drainage
Impaired hearing

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience earwax impaction more than once a year or have certain risk factors. You may want to schedule routine professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ear impaction, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Kidney Health

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, negatively impacts our health, including kidney health.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure, and impaired kidney function can also lead to higher blood pressure levels.

High blood pressure, if left untreated or uncontrolled over time, can damage the blood vessels in our kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients needed for proper functioning.

Additionally, high blood pressure can cause scarring of kidney tissue, a condition known as hypertensive arteriolar nephrosclerosis. This scarring impairs our kidneys’ ability to filter blood and regulate fluids.

When kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter blood effectively and struggle to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. This retention of fluids, salt, and toxins can further elevate blood pressure.

To significantly reduce the risk of these complications and others associated with high blood pressure, it is important to manage our health effectively. This can be achieved by:

Taking medications as prescribed
Limiting our sodium intake
Eating a healthy diet
Having regular blood pressure screenings
Drinking less alcohol
Exercising
Quitting smoking or using tobacco
Controlling cholesterol

Working with your doctor to control your blood pressure can help you minimize your risk of kidney damage and other health problems. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Signs of a Fungal Infection

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Fungal infections, or mycoses, are any disease or condition caused by a fungus. Fungal infections usually affect the skin, hair, nails, or mucous membranes. However, they can also infect your lungs or other body parts.

Fungi are living things. They move around by spreading out or sending spores into the air or the environment. Many fungi live naturally in our mouth, GI tract, and skin, but can overgrow under certain circumstances.

Scientists estimate that there are millions of fungi in the world, but only a small number of them are known to cause disease in people. This includes certain types of yeasts and molds. Some infections can be opportunistic, meaning they don’t usually cause infections, however, they can take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Anyone is susceptible to a fungal infection, especially those that affect the skin or nails. Fungal infections are more common in places on the body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. A person is at higher risk of fungal infections if they have poor circulation, diabetes, or a weakened immune system from:

HIV/AIDS
Cancer or cancer treatments
Immunosuppressant medications

There are three types of fungal infections: superficial or mucocutaneous, subcutaneous (underneath the skin), or deep infections (inside other organs).

Symptoms of fungal infections depend on the kind and where it is on the body. Symptoms are most common on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. Sometimes, symptoms of an infection can be present in the lungs, brain, eyes, intestinal tract, or sinuses.

Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections include:

Itching, soreness, redness, or a rash in the affected area
Discolored, thick, or cracked nails
Pain while eating, loss of taste, or white patches in the mouth or throat
A painless lump under the skin

Symptoms of fungal infections in the lungs include:

Cough, sometimes producing blood
Fatigue
Fever
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Headache
Night sweats

Symptoms of fungal infections in other body parts can include:

A fungal infection in or around the brain: headache, fever, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion
A fungal infection of the eyes: pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light
A fungal infection of the intestinal tract: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
A fungal infection in the sinuses: fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, facial pain

A healthcare provider diagnoses a fungal infection depending on where it is on the body. They may look for signs of fungus in, or try to grow fungus from samples of:

Skin or other affected tissue
Nail clippings
Blood
Phlegm
Fluid around the brain and spinal cord
Pee
Fluid from the eye
Vaginal discharge

If a healthcare provider thinks there is a fungal infection in the lungs, brain, or other internal organs, they might perform X-rays, an MRI, or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.

To treat a fungal infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal treatment in the form of:

Oral medications
IV medication
Lotion, cream, or powder
Mouthwash or lozenges
Eye drops
Shampoo

There are many ways to reduce the risk of various fungal infections, including practicing good personal hygiene and protecting yourself from fungi in the environment.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Traditional vs Robotic Surgery

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a patient requires a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider and surgical team determine the most appropriate surgical method based on the patient’s condition. Two types of surgical methods that can be used are traditional and robotic.

Traditional, or open surgery, is a surgical technique that involves cutting the skin and tissues to provide the surgeon with a complete view of the structures or organs involved, such as the removal of the gallbladder or kidneys.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a surgeon performs a surgical procedure using a robotic device. The device features a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments and is more dexterous than a human hand.

There are several advantages of traditional surgery, including:

The effectiveness in treating a wide range of medical conditions
It allows for direct visualization and manipulation of organs and tissues
It can be performed quickly in emergencies
Many surgeons are highly trained and experienced in traditional surgical techniques

Traditional surgery can also have its disadvantages, including:

It can be invasive and cause pain, scarring, and longer recovery times
It can have a higher risk of infection and other complications
It can be expensive, especially if multiple procedures are needed

Robotic surgery can have several advantages, including:

It is more precise and accurate than traditional surgery
It is less invasive
It reduces blood loss
It has a faster recovery time
It creates fewer scars
It gives the surgeon a better range of motion
It gives the surgeon a better view of the surgical site, leading to more accurate and effective surgeries

The disadvantages of robotic surgery include:

It can cost more than traditional surgery
It gives the surgeon limited tactile feedback
There can be technical difficulties

Both traditional and robotic surgery have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the patient’s needs and what the healthcare provider and surgical team deem as the best course of action for that patient.

For more information about robotic surgery or to learn more about other surgical options at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call (718) 670-5000 to make an appointment.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Sarah Kan

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Sarah Kan, Executive Receptionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Sarah has been working at the hospital for 14 years.

Sarah grew up in Queens where she attended the High School for Health Professionals and Human Services and is a graduate of Baruch College. She has two children, a girl who is 20 years old and a boy who is 16. Sarah has one cat named Miso that she adopted from a shelter and one fish named Eden. Eden is an Oscar cichlid native to the Amazon Basin. Both of her pets are two years old. In her free time, Sarah enjoys taking care of her plants, baking, playing with her cat, and keeping up on current events in the world. Sarah has also taken up painting. She enjoys traveling, especially with her family, at least once a year. A few of the places she has visited are Switzerland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Japan. She would like to visit Germany, Italy, Norway, the French Polynesia, and revisit Japan.

Sarah enjoys different types of cuisine. Her favorites are Japanese, Italian, steak and all types of desserts. She plays the piano, and her favorite type of music is classical. Romantic comedies are her favorite type of movies. She also enjoys stand-up comedians. Sarah likes to watch tennis.

Sarah enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because the employees are so pleasant and they work together well as a team. She receives great satisfaction from assisting patients and visitors, many of whom show their appreciation as they leave the hospital. We look forward to Sarah continuing to work with us for many more years.

Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Several types of exercise, such as swimming, weightlifting, and running, offer many health benefits. Walking also provides numerous benefits to our health, including:

Helps you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
Helps prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Helps improve cardiovascular fitness
Helps strengthen bones and muscles
Helps improve muscle endurance
Helps increase energy levels
Helps improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Helps improve balance and coordination
Helps strengthen the immune system
Helps reduce stress and tension
Helps extend a person’s lifespan
Helps inspire creative thinking

Walking is a versatile exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is advised that you gradually work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time. It can improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning more calories.

Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Gout

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gout is a common, painful form of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused when the body’s natural production of uric acid breaks down chemicals called purines found in certain foods and drinks. This causes sharp crystals to form in your joints, usually the big toe. Gout can also affect other joints, including the knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, and elbows.

Gout symptoms can come and go in episodes called flare-ups or gout attacks. They can be very painful and can happen suddenly. During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joints may include:

Intense joint pain
Inflammation and redness
Stiffness
Swelling
Tenderness

Healthcare providers usually diagnose gout based on the results of a physical exam, your symptoms, and the appearance of the affected joint. Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

A joint fluid test
Blood tests
X-ray imaging
An ultrasound
An MRI
Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT)

Gout medications are available in two types and focus on two different problems. The first type helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks. The second type works to prevent gout complications by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Which medication is right for you depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and any other health problems you may have.

Medications used to treat gout flare-ups and prevent future attacks include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Colchicine
Corticosteroids

If you experience several gout attacks each year, or if your gout attacks are less frequent but particularly painful, a healthcare provider may recommend medication to reduce your risk of gout-related complications. If you already have evidence of damage from gout on joint X-rays, or you have tophi, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones, medications to lower the body’s level of uric acid may be recommended.

Medications are often the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevent recurrent symptom flare-ups. However, lifestyle changes are also important. Lifestyle changes to help prevent gout include:

Choosing healthier beverages
Avoiding food high in purines
Exercising regularly and losing weight

If you are experiencing gout-related symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Ma Christina Lopez

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to highlight our New Beginnings team member, Ma Christina Lopez, a Labor and Delivery Unit Clerk. She has been working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 15 years. She was initially hired as a postpartum evening clerk who cross trained in labor and delivery. After two years she was transferred to the inpatient pediatric unit where she stayed for 12.5 years. While in pediatrics, she was given the opportunity to learn and work in different units in the hospital. In July of 2024 she decided to move back to the labor and delivery unit.

Ma Christina enjoys being a part of a life-affirming process. It gives her great pleasure being a part of the patient’s incredible journey of childbirth, witnessing the miracle of life and supporting families during a significant and often emotional time. Ma Christina likes the constant activity and ever-changing situations that keep things interesting and challenging, ensuring no two days are ever the same. The labor and delivery unit is a high-stakes environment where she has the chance to learn quickly and expand her knowledge of medical procedures, terminology, and patient care.

Ma Christina appreciates the collaborative nature of the unit, working closely with nurses, doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure the best possible care for patients. She
feels a real sense of purpose in knowing that her administrative and organizational skills are contributing to the smooth and efficient operation of the unit, allowing the medical staff to focus on patient care.

She enjoys interacting with patients and their families, providing support and information when needed and helping to make their experience as comfortable as possible. Ma Christina understands that as a unit clerk, she is the invisible hands behind the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and physician assistants, and takes pride in that.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina.

In some people, diabetic retinopathy may cause blood vessels to swell and leak fluid; in others, abnormal blood vessels may grow on the retina’s surface. These changes over time can lead to vision loss or permanent blindness.

The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy. They may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as it progresses, they might experience:

Trouble seeing far-away objects
Seeing dark, floating spots
Difficulty reading
Blurry vision
Poor night vision
Color blindness or color vision changes
Blind spots

In addition to having diabetes, other factors can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. They include:

High blood pressure
Pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
High cholesterol
Poor control of high blood sugar levels
Smoking

You can reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy by:

Controlling blood sugar levels by taking medications as prescribed and following your healthcare provider’s care plan
Quitting smoking
Managing cholesterol
Managing high blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy diet
Getting regular eye exams

Regular eye exams can help your doctor detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy early. Timely treatments can reduce the risk of complications or other serious eye conditions.

There are several treatment options available if you develop diabetic retinopathy. They can include injecting medications into the eye, focal laser treatments, scatter laser treatments, or eye surgery.

If you are looking for an eye doctor in Flushing, NY, our ophthalmology clinic provides a range of treatment options for both adults and children. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

Older Americans Month

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Older Americans Month, a month that recognizes older Americans’ contributions, highlights aging trends, and reaffirms the commitment to serving older adults in the community.

At the time Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65^th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and there were few programs that met their needs. Because of this, interest in older Americans and their concerns grew.

After an April meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens, May was designated as “Senior Citizens Month”, the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”

Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, especially those who have served our country.

Here are some ways you can participate in Older Americans Month:

Share facts about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection and how it contributes to overall well-being
Promote resources that help older adults engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities
Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation, that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships
Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts
Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits
Inspire older adults to “flip the script on aging” and focus on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. Encourage individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.

During this Older Americans Month, join in by honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.