Health Beat

Why Should You Breastfeed Your Baby?

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides women and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll cover the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding involves only feeding breast milk to your baby and no other foods or liquids. It is the best source of nutrition for your infant’s first six months of life. Some of the benefits to babies and mothers include:

• Providing all necessary nutrients for the baby’s healthy physical development, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc
• Preventing infections and serious health conditions, both during infancy and later in life
• Reducing a mother’s risk of conditions such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure

Breastfeeding may become less frequent as your baby starts eating solid foods around six to 12 months of age. For guidance on how you should breastfeed your baby, talk to a lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor or nurse.

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

People can live for weeks, months, or potentially years without realizing that medical problems they’re experiencing are symptoms of untreated Lyme disease. This condition can produce a wide range of symptoms that are often associated with other diseases; as a result, it may not always be easy to identify their most likely cause.

Lyme disease is most often transmitted through tick bites. Early signs and symptoms can begin up to a month after being bitten, but can also start to occur in as little as three days. These may include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Chills
Fatigue
Rash or swollen lymph nodes at the site of the tick bite

More serious symptoms of Lyme disease may begin to occur days or months after the first signs appear. Some of these more advanced signs include:

Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Rashes that have spread to other parts of the body
Drooping in the face
Arthritis and pain in the muscles, bones, joints, and tendons
Heart arrhythmia
Episodes of dizziness and shortness of breath
Nerve pain or shooting pains/numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
Brain or spinal cord inflammation

The erythema migrans (EM) rash that occurs in the early stage of Lyme disease can appear in a few ways for different people. The “classic” Lyme disease rash looks similar to a target, with a red ring that surrounds a central red spot. It can also appear as:

An expanding rash that may have a central spot of crusted skin
Multiple rashes in the same area with dark or discolored centers
A red, oval-shaped plaque
A ring-like rash
A blue-hued rash
An expanding red-blue rash with a clear spot of skin in the center

If you are experiencing potential symptoms of Lyme disease, please schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

What Is Anemia?

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the United States and affects over two billion people globally. More women suffer from iron deficiency anemia than men. Anemia reduces the number of healthy red blood cells available to carry oxygen throughout your body, leaving you feeling tired and weak.

The symptoms of anemia can range from mild and temporary to chronic and severe, potentially causing life-threatening complications such as heart failure. Severe symptoms may be more likely for people over the age of 65.

The severity of anemia mainly depends on its cause, which can include factors such as:

Deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B-12
Acute or chronic inflammatory diseases
Radiation and chemotherapy
Infections and autoimmune diseases
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Bone marrow disease
Blood disease
Genetics

Not all forms of anemia are preventable, particularly if it’s inherited genetically or the result of a condition with unclear causes. Increasing your intake of foods rich in iron, folate, and vitamins B-12 and C can help prevent certain forms of anemia or manage anemic symptoms.

Additionally, you may be able to prevent anemia associated with other conditions by managing the risk factors of those conditions. This may include reducing your intake of alcohol or avoiding exposure to toxic substances as much as possible.

A hematologist can provide treatment to help relieve anemia symptoms through intravenous infusions, red blood cell transfusions, bone marrow transplants, erythropoietin injections, or surgery to stop internal bleeding that may cause the condition.

Anxiety Triggers

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Anxiety is defined by the National Library of Medicine as, “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.” Having these feelings occasionally is normal; however, they become a health concern when they are excessive and interfere with the ability to live a normal life.

The exact cause of anxiety is still not fully understood, but it is believed that the following factors play a role:

Genetics
Environmental stress
Brain chemistry
Certain medical conditions

Although the exact cause of anxiety is unknown, certain triggers such as life events, lifestyle changes, or daily habits can lead to or worsen this response. These include:

Financial insecurity
Traumatic experiences
Caffeine consumption
Alcohol consumption
Meeting new people
Stress
Relationship problems
Exposure to violence
Taking certain medications
Substance misuse
Loneliness or isolation

Anxiety triggers are unique to each individual. However, the most important steps anyone affected by anxiety can take is identifying what their triggers are and learning how to cope with them. Here are a few tips for coping with anxiety:

Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
Exercise
Use stress management or relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
Maintain good sleep health
Try to minimize negative thoughts and think positively
Journal or write down your thoughts
Speak to someone about how your feeling
Adhere to your treatment plan

Anxiety affects many people, and no one should feel ashamed if they struggle with the disorder or other mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is affected by anxiety, consult a mental health professional to explore possible causes and treatments. Your mental health provider may recommend lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, or medication.

To find out more about our outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Can Your Medication Make Your Skin Sensitive to the Sun?

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Certain medications may increase your risk of sunburns due to photosensitivity, a chemically-induced change in the skin that can cause sunburns. Photosensitivity can occur as an allergic reaction in the skin after several days (known as photoallergy) and as skin irritation that occurs within a few hours of sun exposure. Medications that can cause these reactions include:

Antibiotics
Antifungals
Antihistamines
Statins
Diuretics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Oral contraceptives and estrogens
Phenothiazines
Psoralens
Retinoids
Sulfonamides
Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes
Alpha-hydroxy acids (found in acne medication and cosmetics)

Although these medications can increase photosensitivity, they may not lead to a reaction in everyone who takes them. While there are no specific identifiable risk factors to indicate who may be more likely to experience a reaction, people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyes are more sensitive to sun exposure in general and may face a heightened risk.

The best way to reduce your risk of a heightened reaction to sunlight due to any medication is to limit sun exposure and follow recommended practices for protecting your skin. Some ways you can do this include:

Staying in the shade as much as possible while outdoors
Using 30+ sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light
Applying at least one ounce of sunscreen across your body at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapplying it every two hours
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, sunglasses, hats, and other protective clothing that limits how much of your skin is exposed to the sun

If you experience a severe sunburn, or one that is accompanied by a fever, headache, nausea, chills, confusion, or dehydration, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If your symptoms become severe and lead to a medical emergency, please dial 911 right away.

What are Statins?

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Cholesterol is an important part of many of your body’s functions. However, too much of it can cause your arteries to become narrowed or blocked, increasing your risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks or strokes. This problem is particularly linked to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. For adults, an optimal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL; a near-optimal level is 100 to 129 mg/dL.

Statins are prescription medications that disrupt cholesterol production in your liver, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and increase the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your blood; HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol from your blood and transports it back to your liver. Statins are available in brand-name or generic versions and are typically taken as tablets or capsules once per day.

Statins are typically prescribed to people who cannot reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco products, as well as:

People who have experienced serious cardiovascular problems such as a stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease
People over the age of 40 with an LDL above 70 mg/dL who have diabetes or are at high risk of heart disease

Statins are also often taken for the rest of a patient’s life to keep their cholesterol levels low, as these levels tend to increase with age before gradually decreasing later in life.

While most patients should not have much trouble tolerating statins, they may cause some side effects. These commonly include headaches, nausea, and aching in the muscles and joints. Rarely, however, statins may lead to more serious side effects, such as increased blood sugar, muscle cell damage, liver damage, or memory problems.

A cardiologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of statins to determine whether they’re the right treatment approach for you.

What are the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness?

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Thousands of people visit the emergency room due to heat-related health problems each year. As the summer begins, it’s important to stay aware of the signs and risk factors of heat-related illnesses.

There are five main categories of heat-related illness. These illnesses and their warning signs include:

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can lead to permanent disability or death without emergency treatment. It occurs when the body’s heat rises uncontrollably and stops sweating. Warning signs of this condition include:

Body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Red, hot, and dry skin that does not sweat
Nausea, dizziness, confusion, or vomiting
Rapid and strong pulse
Unconsciousness

Heat exhaustion: This type of illness can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 65 and people with high blood pressure. Without prompt treatment, this illness can develop into heat stroke. Some of the indicators of heat exhaustion include:

Pale, moist, cool skin
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Headache
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting

Heat cramps: Heat cramps typically occur as muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs, often in association with physical activity. Excessive sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture, leading to cramps. People with heart problems or who follow a low-sodium diet are most prone to this illness and should seek medical attention if it occurs. Warning signs include:

Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Thirst
Muscle pain or spasms

Heat rash: This illness occurs due to excessive sweating that causes skin irritation. It occurs most commonly in young children and generally appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters on the neck and upper chest. It can also occur in the groin, under breasts, and in elbow creases.

Sunburn: Sunburn is one of the most common forms of heat-related illness. It can affect anyone, but is more likely to occur in people with lighter skin tones. Skin affected by sunburn will often first appear red and feel warm and tender; this skin may later develop blisters.

If you are experiencing heat-related medical problems, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

What is Periodontitis?

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures around the teeth. It affects nearly half of all American adults over the age of 30 and is the leading cause of tooth loss.

There are a few telltale signs of gum disease. Some of the most common ones include:

Swelling and discoloration in the gums
Gums that are tender and bleed easily
Bad breath that will not go away
Loose teeth
Black, triangle-like spaces that form between the teeth
Receding gums
Pus between the teeth and gums

If it is left untreated for too long, gum disease damages the supporting bones of the teeth, resulting in eventual tooth loss.

Gum disease typically develops because of a buildup of plaque (a sticky film made up of bacteria). Plaque accumulates on the teeth and gums over time, eventually hardening into tartar and causing gum irritation. This irritation then leads to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and eventually evolves into periodontitis.

A few different risk factors may also contribute to your likelihood of developing periodontitis. Some of the most common factors include poor oral hygiene, tobacco usage, a weakened immune system, and diabetes. Others include:

Genetics
Obesity
Certain chronic conditions, such as leukemia and HIV/AIDS
Medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice a regular routine of good oral hygiene (particularly brushing your teeth and flossing twice per day), as well as avoiding habits that may increase your risk. You should consult your doctor and dentist to determine which medications may affect your risk of gum disease and how best to manage this risk.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, you can receive expert periodontal treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5521.

When Should You Worry About Your Infant Vomiting?

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

It’s common for infants to struggle with keeping food and liquids down as they eat, particularly during their first month of life. However, certain symptoms accompanying this vomiting may indicate a more serious underlying medical problem with your child, potentially requiring a visit to a pediatric specialist. Some of these conditions include:

Gastroenteritis: Symptoms that may indicate gastroenteritis include mild diarrhea, irritability, stomach pain, and a poor appetite. This condition typically goes away on its own within a week, but if your baby starts to display symptoms such as dry skin, mouth, or eyes, a lack of tears, no wet diapers for up to 12 hours, or an unusual level of sleepiness or fatigue, they may be dehydrated and require an immediate visit to a pediatrician.

Ear infection: If your baby has an ear infection, it could cause nausea and vomiting without a fever. Some other symptoms they may experience include pain or discomfort in one or both ears, muffled hearing, and diarrhea. While an ear infection will usually resolve on its own without treatment, you should still take them to a pediatrician in case antibiotics are needed; severe infections could potentially damage a baby’s hearing.

Overheating: Hot weather and warm environments could overheat your baby, causing them to vomit and become dehydrated. In more serious cases, this can even lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Make sure to get your baby into a cooler environment and hydrate them as soon as possible; if they continue to display symptoms such as pale skin, abnormal irritability, and fatigue, get them medical attention immediately.

Pyloric stenosis: This rare condition occurs when the pathway between the stomach and the intestines is too narrow, leading to excessive vomiting as well as dehydration, weight loss, constipation, and abnormally few wet diapers and bowel movements. Surgery is required to correct this condition; tell your pediatrician right away if you notice these symptoms.

Intussusception: This rare intestinal condition occurs when a baby’s intestine is damaged and slips into another part of the intestine. Aside from vomiting without a fever, a baby with intussusception may experience severe stomach cramps that cause them to curl their knees up to their chest, as well as fatigue, nausea, and blood or mucus in their bowel movements. Treatment for this condition involves pushing the intestine back into place.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, they can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatrics Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

What is Preeclampsia?

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy and can complicate the delivery of a baby. Up to 15% of premature births in the United States occur because of this condition.

Preeclampsia often occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can develop sooner. It can also occur after pregnancy, typically following the first few days or week after delivery; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Not everyone with preeclampsia may experience noticeable symptoms; in fact, most expecting mothers are unaware they have this condition until receiving a prenatal checkup. If symptoms do occur, some of the first signs typically include high blood pressure, retention of water weight, and protein in urine (detectable through diagnostic tests). Other symptoms may include:

Headaches
Visual disturbances, blurring, dark spots, or light sensitivity
Right side abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Edema (swelling of the hands and face)

Certain severe symptoms of preeclampsia may indicate a medical emergency, requiring a hospital visit and, potentially, early delivery of the baby. These include blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg or higher, fluid in the lungs, decreased urine production, low blood platelet levels, and decreased liver or kidney function.

While medical experts are uncertain what specifically causes preeclampsia, certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this condition. These include:

A family history of preeclampsia
A personal medical history involving high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or an autoimmune disease such as lupus
Multiple expected babies

You should consult your doctor about the most effective approach to treatment for preeclampsia. In most cases, this condition can only be resolved once the baby has been delivered; however, your doctor may provide medication to assist with managing your blood pressure and the development of the fetus’ lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia and require specialized medical care to protect the health of yourself and your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at (718) 670-5702 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our New Beginnings labor and delivery unit.