Health Beat

Everything You Need To Know About Fentanyl

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Fentanyl is a type of synthetic opioid used in pharmaceutical products to manage pain. It is also one of the main contributors to the ongoing epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, which have accounted for nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths in recent years.

Drug dealers often sell fentanyl mixed with other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, as it is a cheaper ingredient for producing a stronger high compared to other substances. This can make an overdose more likely, as many buyers may not be aware that fentanyl is present as an additive in their drugs and may not be able to physically handle its strong effects.

Fentanyl is also approved as a legitimate prescription treatment for severe pain, particularly due to late-stage cancer. Its effects can be as much as 100 times stronger than morphine, another drug frequently used for pain management, and may include extreme happiness, sedation, breathing problems, and unconsciousness.

As a result of its potency, fentanyl can be very addictive, potentially resulting in dependency even for people who have been prescribed this drug. If a person becomes dependent on fentanyl and stops taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, severe cravings, diarrhea and vomiting, muscle and bone pain, and cold flashes.

If addiction occurs, it can be treated through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Some of the most frequently-used medications for treating fentanyl addiction include methadone (which eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings), buprenorphine (a partial agonist which creates similar effects as methadone), and naltrexone (which blocks the effects of fentanyl by preventing it from attaching to opioid receptors).

In the event of a fentanyl overdose, naloxone can block the drug’s effects when administered rapidly, but may require multiple doses. It is typically available as an injectable solution or nasal spray. In New York City, you do not require a prescription to get naloxone. If you have any naloxone, administer it, then immediately dial 911 for emergency medical services.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with fentanyl-related substance abuse problems, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can offer a safe place to experience drug withdrawal in our Chemical Dependence Unit and take the first steps toward recovery from addiction in our Reflections treatment program.

To learn more about our Chemical Dependence Unit, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. For more information about our Reflections program, please call (718) 670-5078.

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 is Winter Itch?

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

During the winter, cold temperatures, low humidity, and high winds wear away at the natural oils and dead skin cells in the outer layer of your skin that preserves moisture content. This, combined with other potential factors such as a sensitivity to soaps and detergents, pre-existing skin conditions, infections, allergies to materials such as latex, sunburns, and stress or fatigue, may cause you to develop a rash sometimes referred to as “winter itch.”

Winter itch may cause similar symptoms to other types of rashes, such as redness, swelling, flaking, blisters, and itchiness. It most often occurs on the arms, legs, or hands, as these are most often exposed to cold air, but it can also develop anywhere on your body.

Certain soaps and moisturizing products may be helpful for treating winter itch. These include:

Skin cream or lotion
Petroleum jelly
Natural oils
Oatmeal soap or baths
Topical cortisone cream

Developing winter itch may indicate the need to make certain lifestyle changes during periods of cold weather to protect your skin. A few steps you can take to prevent the occurrence of a rash during the winter include:

Choosing clothes with less irritating materials: Clothes made from natural breathable fibers such as cotton and hemp may reduce skin irritation and overheating, both of which may contribute to an increased risk of developing a rash.

Wear appropriate protective clothing: Gloves, scarves, hats, and long socks can all go a long way to protecting skin that may be vulnerable to cold air and preventing rashes from developing in these areas.

Bathing less often: During the winter, overly frequent bathing can wear away at your skin’s natural outer layer of oils and dead skin cells, which build up more slowly during the winter due to decreased sweating. You may find it helpful to shower or bathe every other day, lathering up as little as possible and reducing the amount of hot water you use.

If you’re looking for the right treatment for a rash, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Thyroid eye disease (or TED) is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the muscles and other tissues around the eyes. The condition is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

In most cases people who develop TED are already diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but for some, it is the first indicator of thyroid problem. Approximately one half of all people diagnosed with Graves disease develop eye symptoms. In most cases the symptoms are mild, but for some, it can have more serious consequences.

The most common symptoms of TED include:

Pain and pressure
Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Inflammation and swelling of the eye and its surrounding tissues
Bulging or wide-eyed stare caused by swelling in the orbital tissues
Red or bloodshot eyes
Double vision
Light sensitivity
Impaired vision
Difficulty moving the eyes

Thyroid eye disease can affect people differently. Symptoms can last from 6 months to 2 years. For some, symptoms may go away on their own, but others may experience lasting effects. To best treat the condition, it is best to work with a team of doctors, including a primary care physician, an ophthalmologist, and an endocrinologist.

For milder cases, applying lubricating eye drops and artificial tears a few times during the day can help be helpful. It is also recommended to avoid conditions that can worsen the condition, such as wind and bright light (or try to wear sunglasses in these elements to protect your eyes). Other tips include applying cool compresses to provide relief and elevating your head while you sleep to relieve pressure on the eyes.

If you have severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone to reduce the swelling in and around your eyes. In a very small percentage of patients, orbital decompression surgery may be recommended if your vision becomes impaired.

To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What is Myocarditis?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10 to 20 out of every 100,000 people around the world are affected by myocarditis each year. Myocarditis is a condition that causes inflammation in the heart muscle, enlarging it and weakening its ability to pump blood. It is most often caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as some medical treatments and inflammatory conditions.

Myocarditis can cause a range of different symptoms, and not everyone may experience the same ones. They may include:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Abdominal pain
Leg or foot swelling
Fainting

Certain serious complications are associated with myocarditis, including arrhythmia, heart failure, lung problems, and even death. However, in most cases, this condition is mild and will go away on its own.

Some people are at greater risk of developing myocarditis than others. People of all ages and any gender can get it, but it is most common in young adults assigned male at birth. A genetic tendency to react poorly to inflammation can also increase your risk, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain medical conditions may also make you more vulnerable to myocarditis, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, chest injuries, skin injuries or infections, and eating disorders. Additionally, medical treatments such as dialysis, radiation, a central venous line, and certain heart condition or cancer treatments may also increase your risk.

If you experience severe myocarditis, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Corticosteroids, heart medications, or treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your myocarditis could help. If these do not provide adequate relief, you may require procedures such as:

IV medications
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Heart transplant

If you experience chronic or severe myocarditis, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If cardiac arrest or acute heart failure occurs, dial 911 immediately.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Antoinette Ormaza, RN

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Antoinette Ormaza, RN in our Maternal Fetal Medicine Department. Antoinette began her career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in September of 2001. She spent her first five years working in the Labor and Delivery Department and later transferred over to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department.

Antoinette is a native of Queens, having grown up in Astoria and still residing in the borough. She attended elementary school at Immaculate Conception in Astoria, high school at St. John’s Prep and then the College of Mount St. Vincent where she graduated with a BSN degree in nursing.

Antoinette has one daughter, Valentina who she enjoys spending her free time with. Antoinette also enjoys playing softball and shopping whenever she has an opportunity. Her favorite types of food to eat when she dines out are Italian and Greek. She likes going to the movies, especially to see comedies and dramas.

When Antoinette goes on vacation, she likes to visit places that have warm climates and nice beaches. She has vacationed in Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Aruba.

Antoinette feels that Flushing Hospital is a very special place to work. As a nurse in the Maternal Fetal Department, she gets a lot of satisfaction seeing a new life come into the world and sharing that experience with her patients. She also finds working with a great team of people in a pleasant environment to be enjoyable.

We are very fortunate to have Antoinette as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to working with us for many years.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department with Bronze-level accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department. This achievement recognizes the Emergency Department’s commitment and ability to provide the highest quality care to geriatric patients.

An emergency department with Bronze ACEP accreditation features a geriatric emergency care policy initiative, at least one physician with four or more hours of geriatric emergency medicine education, and at least one registered nurse with geriatric emergency medicine education, as well as access patient access to mobility aids, food, and beverages 24/7.

Flushing Hospital’s Emergency Department cares for the needs of older patients in a variety of ways, including:

Early recognition and care for patients with confusion from causes such as infections, medication reactions, or dementia
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Social work and case management support across the spectrum of care from home care to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility placement
Palliative care services to assist patients and families with decisions about end-of-life care that align with their own values and priorities

“We recognize that our older patients often have special needs, and our team is dedicated to supporting those needs,” said Dr. James F. Giglio, Chair of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We utilize best practices promoted by the American College of Emergency Physicians to optimize care within the Emergency Department throughout hospitalization and when transitioning care at the time of hospital discharge.”

Congratulations to everyone at the FHMC Emergency Department for this achievement!

How Cold Weather Affects People With Asthma

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs, it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should always carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time.

Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes, the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma and would like to seek the advice of a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

3 Important Tips for Protecting Your Child from the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Gastroenteritis (also known as the stomach flu) is a very common medical problem among young children. It typically causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea; in some cases, a fever may also develop.

The stomach flu is usually not a serious illness and may resolve within a few days with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if your child becomes severely dehydrated due to this illness, they may require a visit to the emergency room.

Your child is most likely to come into contract with gastroenteritis at daycare or in school due to consistent exposure to a large number of other children who they may share snacks and other items with. To give them the best chance of avoiding this illness, you should teach them to:

Consistently wash their hands thoroughly: Your child should wash their hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating any food or touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Make sure they also have hand sanitizer available for when hand washing isn’t possible.

Avoid sharing snacks with other children: It may be difficult for your child to determine whether any other children around them are sick. Teach them to avoid taking snacks or utensils from other children as much as possible and give your child plenty of their own food to enjoy throughout the day.

Speak up if they feel sick: If your child is suffering from symptoms of the stomach flu, they should feel comfortable telling an adult and visiting an on-site medical professional (such as a school nurse) immediately. It is essential for them to rest and get the fluids they need to avoid severe symptoms and recover as quickly as possible.

If your child experiences serious stomach flu symptoms such as a fever, pain, or dehydration, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

Dementia Home Safety Tips

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Dementia is a general term used to describe the loss of cognitive functioning, this includes memory, language, reasoning, and other mental abilities. It is also common to experience changes in vision, depth perception, hearing, and sensitivity to temperatures. Although dementia occurs more commonly in the elderly, it is not a normal part of aging.

Symptoms of dementia can affect a person’s ability to conduct normal activities. They can also pose a threat to personal safety.

Individuals with dementia may get lost in a familiar neighborhood, become confused, forget the name of objects around the house, have trouble with balance, or may not be able to complete tasks independently. Following these tips can reduce the risk of potential hazards and help keep someone living with dementia safe at home:

Display emergency numbers and your loved one’s home address near all telephones.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, and make sure they are in working order.
Avoid clutter.
Keep plastic bags out of reach.
Remove or lock up all guns or weapons.
Install safety locks on guns or remove ammunition.
Keep all medications in a locked cabinet or drawer.
Install grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and on toilets.
Secure large furniture to prevent tipping.
Mark the edges of stairs with neon-colored, glow-in-the-dark tape.
Place stickers or decals on glass doors.
Place “STOP” signs on all doors leading outside.
Install alarms on doors and windows.
Place deadbolts or latches on doors above eye level.
Keep car keys hidden.
Keep potentially dangerous kitchen tools such as knives locked up.
Remove the knobs from stoves.
Install appliances with an automatic shut-off feature.
Throw away decorative food or toxic plants that may be mistaken for real food.
Lower the temperature setting on water heaters.
Cover heating pipes and radiators.

These tips will help loved ones remain safe in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. As the disease progresses, safety precautions will have to be adjusted to adapt to a person’s abilities.

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The month of January has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as National Birth Defects Month. The reason for this designation is to raise awareness about birth defects as it is estimated to affect 1 in every 33 births every year in the United States.

A birth defect is defined as a structural change that can affect almost any part of the body. The defect can be structural or functional or both in nature and can vary in severity from mild to severe. Some birth defects can be detected before birth while some may not be seen until the baby is born.

Some of the known causes of birth defects include:

Smoking during pregnancy
Being an older mother
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy
Taking certain medications during pregnancy
Having certain infections during pregnancy
Having uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy

There are no guarantees that birth defects can be prevented, however it is recommended to have regular prenatal medical check-ups, always consult with a physician before taking any medications during pregnancy, avoid situations that can cause the body to overheat such as hot tubs, saunas, or other environments where the temperature can be excessively hot, and avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks.

It is important to speak with a physician if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already know that you are pregnant to make sure that you are receiving the proper prenatal care. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.