Health Beat

10 Foods That Can Help Lower High Blood Pressure

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypertension (high blood pressure) develops when the force of the blood pushing against the arteries or flowing through the blood vessels is consistently too high. This can lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, kidney disease or heart attack.

Hypertension is treatable and manageable through medication and making certain lifestyle changes. One of the most effective lifestyle changes a person living with hypertension can apply is following a healthy diet rich in the following foods:

Salmon and other types of fatty fish
Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli
Citrus fruits
Oatmeal
Beets
Berries
Low-fat yogurt
Seeds such as pumpkin, flax, and sunflower seeds
Garlic
Legumes and beans

Adding these foods to a diet can help with managing high blood pressure when combined with exercise and a treatment plan recommended by a doctor.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor 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.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is raising awareness of pancreatic cancer by sharing important facts about the disease.

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in digestion by producing enzymes that break down food. The pancreas also produces hormones such as insulin that help the body regulate blood sugar.

Several types of cancerous growths can occur in the pancreas, this includes pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas, adenosquamous carcinomas, and signet ring cell carcinomas are some of the less common types of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma develops when the exocrine cells in the pancreas begin to grow out of control and form a tumor. There is no clear answer as to what causes adenocarcinoma; however, some people have a greater risk than others of developing the disease. This includes those who:

Smoke or use tobacco products
Are exposed to chemicals used in metal working or dry-cleaning industries
Are obese
Are born male
Are over the age of 60
Are of African American descent
Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
Have inherited certain gene mutations
Have diabetes
Have chronic pancreatitis

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is hard to find early. This is because symptoms typically do not present until after cancer has progressed (spreading outside the pancreas to other organs). Symptoms can include:

Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Stomach bloating
Burning sensation in the stomach
Nausea and vomiting
Floating stools
Dark urine
Fever
Chills and sweats

A person with signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer should consult their physician. A series of tests can be ordered to diagnose the disease. If cancer is detected, a doctor will try to determine the stage based on the size of the tumor, the spread to nearby lymph nodes, or the spread to distant lymph nodes and organs. Pancreatic cancer stages range from zero to four.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on various factors such as the location and stage of cancer as well as the status of your overall health. Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, or surgery, or a combination of both.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

November is National Family Caregivers Month. The observance was created by the Caregiver Action Network as an initiative to honor family caregivers across the United States.

Taking care of a loved one with a serious illness can be physically and mentally challenging. Many family caregivers often experience sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, stress, anxiety or depression; all of which can take a toll on their health.

As a family caregiver, it is important to keep in mind that taking care of your own health is equally as important as caring for the health of loved ones. You need to be at your best in order to take good care of others.

Here are a few tips to help you take care of yourself while caring for loved ones:

Recognize when you are stressed-Paying attention to early signs of stress can you help to identify stressors and put a plan into action to diminish or reduce their effects.
Make time for yourself- It is important to take breaks to avoid burnout and help you re-energize.
Take care of your health-Neglecting your health can lead to medical complications. It is important that you eat healthy, exercise and keep up with routine doctor visits.
Ask for help- Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming; feeling alone and overwhelmed can lead to depression or anxiety. It is important that you do not isolate yourself and seek the support of a group or individual that can help you navigate challenges.

Being a caregiver often requires a 24/7 commitment. While this level of dedication can be difficult, there are many resources available to alleviate some of the challenges. The Caregiver Action Network provides helpful tools to help you overcome obstacles you may encounter. Please visit caregiveraction.org for more information.

A Delicious Recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Big orange pumpkins are most frequently associated with the Fall season. They can be decorated for display purposes and they can also be used in many recipes. Here is a recipe from The Pioneer Woman magazine for pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls that you will definitely enjoy. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11247/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/

Introducing Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

The MediSys Health Network, parent organization of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center, is proud to announce the opening of our brand new TJH office: Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists, a fully renovated, state-of-the-art office that provides accessible, advanced pediatric care to local patients.

The office and is operated by a team of expert pediatric doctors, including:

Edmund Kessler, a pediatric surgeon with over 35 years of clinical experience. He performs over 500 abdominal wall hernia surgeries each year as well as appendicitis surgeries, general surgeries, and other procedures.

Hariram Ganesh, a pediatric endocrinologist with over 14 years of experience treating a variety of medical issues, including conditions related to puberty and the thyroid.

Esra Fakioglu, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with experience treating a wide range of illnesses affecting children ranging in age from infancy to young adulthood.

The doctors at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists are affiliated with several New York City healthcare organizations, including the MediSys Health Network, providing patients with fast, easy access to world-class pediatric expertise and treatment both locally and at multiple major medical centers as needed for advanced procedures.

“We understand the importance of building and maintaining close relationships with all of our pediatric patients and their parents,” said Dr. Kessler. “Our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff aim not only to provide them with the highest quality of care, but also to ensure that it is delivered in a caring and compassionate manner.”

The Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists office is located at 107-21 Queens Boulevard, Suite 7, and is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.

Anti-Itch Ingredients to Look for (and Avoid) for Eczema

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by patches of itchy, dry, blistering skin. It affects approximately 31 million Americans and up to 20% of all infants. The symptoms of eczema can range from mild to severe, often occurring in periodic “flare-ups” that cause them to temporarily worsen before subsiding.

While effective treatments for eczema such as steroid injections, oral medications, and even light therapy are available, many cases are treated through over-the-counter topical skin care products such as lotions, moisturizers, antihistamines, pain relievers, topical hydrocortisone, and shampoo.

These types of products can help prevent flare-ups of eczema by hydrating the affected areas of your skin and reducing inflammation. They often include ingredients such as:

Aloe
Glycerin
Hyaluronic acid
Vitamin E
Petrolatum
Humectants
Niacinamide

However, not all lotions, moisturizers, fragrances, or other skin care products may be beneficial for eczema-affected skin, as certain common ingredients can cause or worsen flare-ups, even if they’re beneficial for other types of skin conditions. These include:

Ethanol and alcohol
Lanolin
Propylene glycol
Retinoids
Essential oils
Urea

If you’re suffering from eczema, it’s best to work with a dermatologist that can help you find the most effective treatment options for your condition. You can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.

What is Sundowning?

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

If a friend or loved one is displaying symptoms of confusion that occur or worsen in the late afternoon and evening, they may be experiencing sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome.

Sundowning is typically characterized by problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, and mood regulation which present themselves through behaviors such as pacing, wandering, or closely following someone, in addition to more dramatic outbursts of yelling, crying, or violence. A person experiencing sundowning may suffer from paranoia, delusions, or insomnia, as well. Although these symptoms usually occur in the latter half of the day, they can also appear during the morning.

Over 20% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia suffer from sundown syndrome. The exact causes of sundowning are unknown, but physical discomfort, infections, sleep cycle disruptions, overstimulation, and low lighting can all worsen its symptoms.

Managing triggers is the best way to prevent or decrease the severity of sundowning episodes. Light therapy, music therapy, and familiar environments can also help. Additionally, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medications may provide relief in some cases. For people whose sundowning symptoms are linked to sleep-related triggers, melatonin can be used to help restore a normal sleep cycle.

It’s important to get a loved one suffering from sundown syndrome to a doctor as soon as possible and to advocate for them throughout the treatment process to ensure that any issues they can’t communicate on their own are identified promptly. Schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.

What is RSV?

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a respiratory illness that is typically most prevalent during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Most children born in the United States will have experienced it at some point before their second birthday.

The virus often presents symptoms similar to those of a cold, including a runny nose, coughing or wheezing, fever, and decreased appetite. These symptoms usually appear approximately four to six days after infection, but may not appear all at once.

While it usually does not lead to hospitalization, RSV can be particularly dangerous to children if it causes bronchiolitis or pneumonia to develop; it’s the most common cause of both of these illnesses in children under the age of one. If an infant develops either of these conditions, becomes dehydrated, or experiences significant difficulty breathing, the situation could become more serious and require hospital care.

RSV can also be especially dangerous for older adults, accounting for approximately 177,000 hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65.

The virus is usually spread through:

Bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or droplets
Surfaces that have the virus on them
Direct contact such as kissing an infected person

The best way to decrease the risk of an older adult or infant developing RSV is to prevent as many means of transmission as possible and promptly get them medical care if their symptoms seem to be worsening.

People and children who are at risk of developing severe cases of RSV should:

Avoid close contact with infected people and, if possible, close-contact settings such as daycare centers where RSV can more easily spread
Frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and refrain from touching their face until after they’ve done so

If you are sick with RSV, you should:

Avoid close contact with non-infected people
Frequently clean surfaces you’ve touched with disinfectant
Wear a mask and/or cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This designation serves to bring awareness of the disease to the general public.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that is not a normal part of aging. At the current time, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and it is estimated that by the year 2060 this number is estimated to exceed 14 million people. There is no cure for the disease but there are treatments being studied.

If you think that you or a person you know may be experiencing memory loss that could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, speak to your physician about a screening exam. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) oil, one of over a hundred chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, is often touted for its various potential health benefits. While current research suggests that this may be the case with regard to certain conditions, there are several factors you should consider before using it.

Although CBD can be found in marijuana, it does not get you high on its own. The compound responsible for this sensation is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC is similarly extracted from cannabis and sold in a variety of products.

The only CBD product currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Epidiolex, is primarily used as an anti-seizure medication for people that are one year of age or older who have Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.

CBD may also help relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety. Although evidence of its benefits when it comes to depression is limited, current research suggests that it can reduce symptoms in people suffering from cannabis use disorders. In addition to these effects, CBD oil has been linked to benefits for alleviating certain cancer-related symptoms, neurological disorders, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.

Some studies suggest that CBD could also help reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis and rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia, although research into these benefits is ongoing.

CBD oil can cause certain harmful side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, research has linked CBD oil with liver damage, drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems, and negative shifts in mood.

Additionally, there is a long list of unanswered questions about other ways in which CBD oil may affect your health, such as the effects of continuous daily use and different methods of consumption, as well as how a young person’s developing brain may be affected by it.

It’s best to discuss how CBD oil may affect your health with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks with your medical history in mind, particularly if you’re investigating it as a way of managing symptoms you’re suffering from. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.