Health Beat

Cancers Linked to HPV

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 types of viruses, some of which are sexually transmitted. It can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation. In the United States, it is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

HPV can be categorized as non-cancer causing and cancer causing. Two variants of human papillomavirus, HPV16, and HPV18 are the ones most commonly associated with cancer. HPV is responsible for 3% of all cancers in women and 2% of all cancers in men according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can take many years after becoming infected with cancer causing HPV, for cancer to potentially develop. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, the cancers that are most commonly associated with HPV and their incidence, include:

Cervical cancer – almost all are caused by HPV
Oropharyngeal cancer – approximately 70 % caused by HPV
Anal cancer – approximately 90 % are caused by HPV
Penile cancer – approximately 60% are caused by HPV
Vaginal cancer – approximately 75% are caused by HPV
Vulvar cancer – approximately 70% are caused by HPV

The HPV vaccine offers protection from most cancers related to HPV. It is recommended for children of both genders between the ages of 11 and 12. Speak to your physician if you would like to get tested for HPV, or to discuss getting the HPV vaccine. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

What Are the Signs of Pediatric Thyroid Disease?

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

For most people, thyroid disease is a problem that only begins during adulthood. However, it can affect children and young adults as well, leading to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and constipation. While these symptoms can indicate many potential conditions, a pediatrician will typically perform diagnostic testing to check whether thyroid disease may be the cause.

“Any time a child experiences these symptoms, they are screened for thyroid problems,” said Dr. Hariram Ganesh, a pediatric endocrinologist at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. “That screening is performed through the same type of blood testing that’s usually involved in a patient’s routine checkups.”

A family history of auto-immune disorders, as well as conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease, increase a child’s risk of experiencing thyroid problems. According to Dr. Ganesh, certain signs may also point to thyroid disease as the potential cause of your child’s symptoms, such as:

Hair loss: Thyroid problems may cause a higher volume of hair to fall out than normal in affected children.

Difficulty paying attention at school: “A lot of children who experience thyroid problems may have trouble paying attention or staying awake during class,” said Dr. Ganesh.

Irregular periods: “Irregular periods are a particular indicator of thyroid problems in children, as girls experience them more often than boys,” said Dr. Ganesh. “A mother with thyroid disease can pass it down to her daughter.”

Delayed development and speech problems: While not as common as in older children, thyroid problems can affect newborn babies, leading to delayed physical development and speech impairments if they are left untreated or not caught early. “A baby as young as two or three years old may have to be given thyroid medicine if problems are detected during newborn screening tests,” said Dr. Ganesh.

If you notice these potential signs of thyroid disease in your child, you can schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

Springtime Recipe of Spaghetti with Shrimp and Lemon

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

A beautiful, spring evening calls for a light, easy to prepare, lemon spaghetti and shrimp dish to enjoy. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/lemon-spaghetti-with-shrimp-3612569

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling in one or more of your joints. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 100 arthritic conditions. Some of these include:

Fibromyalgia
Gout
Childhood arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Septic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis

However, two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage to break down, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints.

Certain genetic factors make some people more likely to develop arthritis. Women, for example, are at a higher risk of arthritis than men. Additionally, arthritis can run in families, making you more likely to develop it if your parents or siblings experience it. Other risk factors include obesity, which can put excess stress on your joints and lead to inflammation, as well as previous joint injuries.

If you have arthritis, there are certain steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce the impact of this condition on your daily life. These include:

Staying active with low-impact exercise: Regular low-impact physical activity, such as walking, bicycling, or swimming, place little stress on your joints and are helpful for controlling your weight, improving your mood, and relieving arthritis pain. Additionally, gradual progressive strength training and stretches can help to maintain your flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your joints.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet: Your diet, combined with regular exercise, can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight that reduces stress on your joints. This can be helpful for reducing the severity of your symptoms.

Working with a doctor: A rheumatologist can help you determine the right course of treatment for your symptoms. This treatment can include physical therapy, medication to relieve pain or slow the progression of the disease, or surgery in cases where other approaches are not providing adequate results.

You can find a rheumatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get started on your arthritis treatment. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Hair Loss

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The loss of hair (known scientifically as alopecia) can occur on any part of the body. It can be permanent or temporary. It may be a normal part of the aging process or due to a medical condition.

A person typically loses 50 – 100 hairs a day. Under normal circumstances this isn’t noticeable because these hairs are replaced at the same rate as they are lost.

The most common form of hair loss involves thinning of hair on the scalp. This is due to heredity. Men experience male-pattern baldness which is characterized by a receding hairline. While women who experience female-pattern baldness notice the loss of hair on top of the head.

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, ringworm, immune system disorders (lupus), significant weight loss, pregnancy, menopause, trauma, stress and poor nutrition. Some medications that treat cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, and high blood pressure can also cause hair loss.

Hair loss duration depends on what is causing it. Other than hair loss due to heredity, hair loss usually resolves once the medical condition is resolved or chemical factor is removed. Hair loss due to excessive brushing, pulling hair tightly as in certain hairstyles, and using some hair dressing chemicals should resolve once those factors are reduced or eliminated as well.

Speak to your physician if you are experiencing any unexpected hair loss. If you would like to speak to a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss your hair loss call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

National Infant Immunization Week

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Infants under the age of two are susceptible to a variety of serious illnesses that can significantly harm or even kill them, as their immune system is still in an early stage of development. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of immunizations that can protect infants against some of the most dangerous diseases to their health.

Many parents may have concerns about vaccinating their children due to potential side effects. While mild adverse reactions are possible with many vaccines, they typically disappear on their own within a few days. Generally, the side effects most children may expect include reactions such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling or tenderness around the site of the injection. More serious, long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccines such as those given to infants only use the ingredients necessary to be safe and effective. These ingredients may often include adjuvants (commonly found in antacids and antiperspirants), stabilizers (such as sugar or gelatin), and formaldehyde (which is already present in the body). Additionally, all vaccines go through extensive lab testing, often for years, before they are available to the general public.

The CDC recommends vaccinating children under the age of two against:

Hepatitis B
Rotavirus
Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Pneumococcal conjugate
Inactivated poliovirus
COVID-19
Influenza
Measles, mumps, rubella
Varicella
Hepatitis A

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the CDC’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines they need, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

When Does Depression Become An Emergency?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

People often associate going to the emergency room (ER) with treating physical emergencies; however, it is important to know that the ER is also equipped to treat mental health emergencies.

One of the most common mental health conditions treated in the ER is severe depression which requires immediate care.

Severe cases of depression should be taken as seriously as any other physical, life-threatening health condition, especially when an individual is expressing the desire to harm themself or others, or is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Depression should also be treated as an emergency when:

A person who has been diagnosed with clinical depression has an acute change in their mood that persists for weeks
A person is unable to care or has stopped caring for themself
There are new symptoms presenting such as psychosis, hallucinations, mania, or delusions

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 right away. If there are concerns about suicide, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call, text, or chat 988.

Flushing Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Dental Center

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new, state-of-the-art dental center.

In addition to various members of the hospital’s faculty, administration, and staff, Congresswoman Grace Meng, a long-time supporter of Flushing Hospital and advocate for improved health care resources in the community, attended the ceremony.

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department currently treats an average of 11,000 patients each year. With the improved capabilities of the new dental center, this number is expected to increase to over 14,000 patients, an increase of more than 20%.

The 3,550-square-foot facility features eight examination rooms, one imaging room, one laboratory, and one sterilization room. The center is expected to significantly improve dental patient capacity and treatment efficiency at the hospital and expand community access to a variety of specialized dental treatments.

The dental center also features a wide range of new equipment, including a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine with 3D imaging, fiber-optic handpieces in all operatories, and all-new dental delivery units with monitors for patients to see their radiographs and better understand their treatment plan. Other amenities include curing lights, specialized sterilization cassettes, a larger registration area, and a larger, more convenient waiting area.

“Our new facility allows us to provide our full range of dental treatment options to a higher volume of patients,” said Dr. Bijan Anvar, Chairman of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Dental Medicine. “With this expanded capacity, we can make a greater impact on dental health in our community, particularly for patients experiencing common conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease.”

Across the United States, approximately 90% of all adults have had at least one cavity and nearly half of all adults show signs of gum disease. Over half of all children have also had cavities in their baby or adult teeth. These problems are more common among underserved communities. With the expanded care resources offered by Flushing Hospital’s new dental center, patients have closer local access to specialized treatment for these conditions and others.

“We’re excited to provide the Flushing community with a new, state-of-the-art destination for accessible, high-quality dental care,” said Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Flushing Hospital. “The facility and the cutting-edge equipment it features provide our dental team with the tools they need to offer an even higher level of dental care to our patients.”

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department provides treatments in several specialty areas, including pedodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. These treatments are provided by a team of 41 attending physicians, eight residents, and 10 support staff members.

Appointments at Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department are available from 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 9 AM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Jessica Macean, RN

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Jessica Macean, RN has been a Labor & Delivery Nurse at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for six years. She is known on the New Beginnings Unit for her big smile and ability to make people laugh.

Her coworkers on the unit are like family to her. They work well together and according to her they are the true definition of teamwork, making sure that every day their patients are well taken care of. One of Jessica’s true joys is to make the birthing experience memorable for soon to be parents. It is her favorite part of bedside nursing.

Jessica feels that working at Flushing Hospital is a real pleasure. She has learned so much through the years and enjoys teaching new nurses lessons she has attained through experience.

Do Genetics Affect Obesity?

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Most people become obese when they habitually consume more calories than the amount needed to maintain their regular bodily functions. However, obesity may occur in some people more easily than in others, partially as a result of their genes.

More than 50 genes are associated with obesity. These genes typically affect the brain signals and subsequent hormonal responses associated with food intake; for example, the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO) gene promotes food intake.

Most people do not have a single identifiable genetic cause for their obesity, but rarely, monogenic (single-gene) obesity may occur due to inherited changes in specific genes. This most commonly occurs due to the changes in the gene MC4R, which stimulates appetite. These changes may lead to extreme hunger and increase the risk of developing conditions such as hyperphagia (excessive eating).

Generally, individual genes only lead to small effects on a person’s likelihood of becoming obese. In most cases, obesity is actually the result of many genes and environmental factors interacting with one another.

For many people with an increased genetic likelihood of becoming obese, standard methods of managing weight, such as regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, can be effective. However, other people with these genes may only see minimal results from these methods. In these cases, a medical intervention such as bariatric surgery may be the best path forward.

Bariatric surgery is typically reserved for:

People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
People with a BMI of 35 or higher who have a serious weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure

You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center to determine whether this type of procedure is right for you by calling (718) 670-8908 or (718) 408-6977.