Health Beat

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term or chronic pattern of irresponsible, impulsive, or criminal behaviors.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is estimated to affect 1 to 4% of adults in the United States, and it is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. The exact cause of ASPD is not fully understood; however, it is believed that factors such as traumatic experiences, genetics, and childhood abuse or neglect may contribute to its development.

People with ASPD often display the following behaviors or signs:

A lack of guilt or remorse
Inability to control anger
Repeatedly breaking the law
Manipulative behavior
Aggressive behavior
Reckless behavior
Feeling superior to others or more powerful than others
Not taking responsibility for harmful actions
Lying
Stealing
Fighting or assaulting people
Difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
Having problems with substance misuse
Blaming others for the problems in their lives

ASPD may look different for each person and is on a spectrum, meaning that these behaviors range in severity.

The consequences or complications associated with ASPD can include financial problems, imprisonment, domestic violence, attempting to kill others or suicide, and alcohol and drug misuse.

Diagnosing ASPD is based on medical history, symptoms, and a mental health evaluation. A diagnosis is usually made after the age of 18 by a mental health provider. Treatment may involve medications or cognitive behavioral therapy.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Staying Safe from the Quad-emic of the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Norovirus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Winter is usually a prime season for flu and RSV cases to rise. However, in recent years, COVID-19 and norovirus infections have been added to the list of winter illnesses creating a “quad-emic”. A quad-emic means these four viral illnesses are spreading simultaneously.

It is important to know when you, a loved one, or a child are showing signs and symptoms of any of the four illnesses to seek immediate care. These contagious viruses can cause health complications and hospitalization, especially for those in high-risk populations if they are left untreated. High-risk people include:

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). Flu cases typically rise in the winter. A flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, but it is still possible to get the flu if stronger strains form or if you are considered high-risk.

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly contagious and symptoms vary from person to person. Even if you are vaccinated or have immunity from a past infection, you may still be at risk as new variants form.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and the flu and are very dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea and is extremely contagious.

Symptoms of the quad-emic illnesses include:

Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue

Treatment will vary by severity of the symptoms and by diagnosis. Some cases can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but others may need prescription medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best treatment plan. If you are considered high-risk, they will monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse.

Ways to help to reduce the risk of infection include:

Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying isolated if you are feeling sick to avoid spreading it to others
Getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19

If you are experiencing any of these quad-emic illness 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.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the U.S., as it affects more than 3 million people in the country. The National Eye Institute projects that this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58% increase.

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at a higher risk than others, including:

People who are over 60 years of age
People who are Black/African American and over 40 years of age
People who are Asian American
People who are Hispanic/Latino
People who have a family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma has no early symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to prevent vision loss is with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There is no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help prevent vision loss.

To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 670-5486.

Norovirus

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious. About 685 million cases are reported globally each year. Of those cases, over 200 million affect children.

Norovirus outbreaks occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

There are several symptoms of norovirus, including:

Nausea
Stomach pain
Headache
Fever
Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days. Norovirus symptoms are generally the same in adults and children, but adults may experience more diarrhea than children and children may vomit more than adults.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called gastroenteritis, which leads to norovirus symptoms.

There are many ways to contract norovirus, including:

Through close contact with someone who has the virus
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose
Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages

Norovirus is the biggest cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S. The virus typically spreads when someone who has the virus touches food before serving it to someone else. Sometimes, certain foods such as oysters and other seafood are naturally contaminated with norovirus.

Anyone can get infected by norovirus. Factors that put you at risk for norovirus include:

Coming in contact with someone who has the virus
Having genes that make you more likely to develop symptoms

A healthcare provider will diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing isn’t usually necessary, but a healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample to confirm your diagnosis. Testing will be done if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

There isn’t a cure for norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage the symptoms of norovirus by:

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes
Getting a lot of rest
Eating soft, bland foods

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

Washing your hands often with soap and water
Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them
Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature
Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus
Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched objects and surfaces
Washing your clothes thoroughly, especially if they are soiled

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with help from the outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. 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.

Making Your Oral Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As the New Year approaches, it is the time of year when resolutions to improve ourselves are made. Resolutions such as joining a gym to get into better shape, changing a diet, and quitting smoking are typical goals we hope to achieve. Another important resolution for the New Year is to focus on our oral health.

Some ways to help achieve this goal include:

Practice good oral hygiene – brushing and flossing daily is an easy way to improve oral health. To successfully remove plaque and the bacteria that cause plaque, it is important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove bacterial plaque and food that accumulated throughout the day. This can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Watch what you eat and drink. Making healthier food and beverage choices, especially when it comes to snacks, is an important component in achieving your oral health goals. Frequently consuming foods and beverages containing acids and carbohydrates contributes to tooth decay.
Quit smoking – smoking greatly affects your oral health as it can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and in more severe cases oral cancer. The New Year is a great time to give up smoking. Consider free online tools, smoking cessation groups, progress-tracking apps, and support from friends and family to assist you with tobacco cessation.
Receive regular check-ups – making routine visits to the dentist can prevent oral diseases or reveal existing oral diseases in their early stages. Visits to the dentist should take place every six months to allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your oral health and develop a treatment plan that is appropriate.

If you’re experiencing dental health problems, it is important to visit a dentist to ensure you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

Scooter Safety

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

E-scooters can be a fun and efficient way to travel, but they can also be dangerous. Unsafe riding and collisions can cause serious injury or death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips when riding an e-scooter:

Wear a helmet
Check your scooter for damage before riding
Test the brakes
Alert others and be seen
Watch out for obstacles
Keep your hands on the handlebars
Slow down and lean back when riding over bumps
Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Ride your scooter alone
Avoid distractions while riding your scooter
Don’t perform stunts on your scooter
Follow all of the manufacturer’s directions
Park your scooter correctly
Ride responsibly

Take the proper precautions to keep you and others safe when riding your scooter.

If you experience any accidents while on your scooter, 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.

Remedies for Sinus Congestion- Nasal Irrigation

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Sinus congestion happens when an irritant irritates the tissues lining the inside of your nose. The irritation sets off a chain reaction of inflammation, swelling, and mucus production, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. When left untreated, nasal congestion can cause sinusitis, nasal polyps, or middle ear infections.

Sinus congestion symptoms can include:

Sneezing
Coughing
Headaches

There are many causes of sinus congestion, with the most common causes being viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Other causes of sinus congestion include:

Smoking
Frequent travel

You may deal with sinus pressure, pain, and more when you suffer from sinus congestion. A good remedy for sinus congestion is nasal irrigation.

Nasal irrigation is an at-home treatment used to rinse your sinuses when they are clogged. With nasal irrigation, you flush away the clog using a saline solution with a Neti pot or a rinse bottle. Irrigation thins the mucus causing the clog and rinses away any substances that cause swelling.

Using water that doesn’t contain substances that could irritate your sinuses or make you sick is essential. Most water contains trace amounts of minerals, germs, pesticides, and other substances. You don’t want to introduce these substances to your sinuses during nasal irrigation. The water that should be used for nasal irrigation includes:

Distilled or sterile water- distilled water is purified. It has gone through a process to remove materials that could irritate your nasal passageways and germs that may make you sick.
Boiled water- boiling water kills harmful organisms like bacteria. Boil water for five minutes to ensure you have killed all the germs. If you can’t use it immediately, place a lid on the container and use it within 24 hours.
Filtered water- certain water filters remove harmful organisms making the water safe to use. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers detailed guidance about which filters are safe for nasal irrigation.

Unfortunately, not everyone can use nasal irrigation. You shouldn’t use nasal irrigation if you:

Have an ear infection
Have pressure in one or both ears
Have a nostril that is completely blocked
Had recent surgery on your ears or sinuses

If you cannot use nasal irrigation, some alternative remedies for sinus congestion include:

Drinking fluids
Moisturizing your sinuses
Applying warm compresses to your face
Sleeping with your head elevated
Eating spicy foods
Taking a decongestant
Trying a nasal spray

If you are experiencing any problems from sinus congestion, 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.

Gallstones

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that form in the gallbladder. They are very common, affecting 10 to 15% of people living in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The exact cause of gallstones is unknown; however, it is believed that they develop in the gallbladder when:

The gallbladder is not emptying correctly
There is an excess of bilirubin
There is too much cholesterol
There aren’t enough bile acids or salts

Gallstones range in size, ranging from the size of a grain of sand to that of a golf ball. Smaller gallstones typically pass through the bile duct, without causing symptoms. Larger stones, however, may cause blockages, inflammation, or infections. They can become dangerous if they travel through the bile ducts to other parts of the body.

It is not uncommon for people with gallstones to not experience any symptoms. If they do, symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain or tenderness
Abdominal swelling
Nausea
Vomiting
Back pain, between the shoulder blades
Fever
Indigestion
Gas
Pain in the right shoulder

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing gallstones, particularly those with the following risk factors.

Obesity
Being born female
Pregnant people
Using birth control or hormone replacement medications
Adults aged 60 and older
Living with diabetes
Having a family history of gallstones
Rapid weight loss

Diagnosing gallstones involves completing a medical examination and taking your medical history. Further diagnostic testing may include blood tests, or requesting imaging tests such as an X-ray, endoscopic ultrasound, or CT scan.

Treatment for gallstones depends on the severity of the condition and medical history. Options may include medications to dissolve the stones or gallbladder removal surgery.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers multiple options for gallbladder removal surgery, this includes robotic surgery. To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call (718) 670-5000.

Flu Season Precautions

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are in December and physician’s offices and hospital emergency rooms are reporting flu cases. No one wants to catch the flu, so it is important to take proper precautions to help keep you and others healthy.

Here are a few ways we can prevent getting the flu:

Everyone who is six months and older should get vaccinated every year
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Keep hand sanitizer handy for the times when soap and water aren’t available
Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose, and mouth
Disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others often
Clean your drinking glasses and dishes with hot soapy water
Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep
Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is recommended to quit smoking

If you are experiencing flu 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.