Health Beat

What is Lipedema?

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Nearly 11% of adult women worldwide suffer from lipedema, a chronic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat in the lower body.

Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in people assigned female at birth and typically begins or worsens during periods of significant hormonal change in the body such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. No specific cause other than genetics has been identified for lipedema.

Although more than half of all patients with this condition are obese, the fat buildup that occurs in patients with lipedema is not necessarily linked directly with the same factors that cause obesity, since calorie restrictions in these patients can cause them to lose weight in their upper body without losing fat in the lower body.

The link between lipedema and obesity also extends to comorbidities that commonly occur alongside this condition. Many people who suffer from this disease may also experience hypothyroidism, venous insufficiency, arthritis, and other chronic conditions for which obesity is a known risk factor.

Aside from fat accumulation, lipedema also causes tenderness and swelling in the affected areas. People with this condition may bruise more easily in these areas and feel a consistent level of pain. Additionally, the accumulated fat can block the body’s lymphatic pathway, causing another condition called lymphedema that involves a buildup of lymph fluid.

Several treatments are available for people with lipedema. Manual lymphatic drainage therapy, which is performed through gentle stretching and massaging of the skin, can help remove waste and break up fibrosis in limbs affected by this condition. Complex decongestive therapy, another noninvasive treatment that prevents lymph fluid buildup, also reduces inflammation and swelling in affected areas.

In severe cases, invasive surgery may be required to effectively treat lipedema. Wet-jet assisted liposuction can remove fat while minimizing the risk of damage to lymph vessels, while bariatric surgery may be helpful for patients with both lipedema and obesity.

You can find a physician to help you create a lipedema treatment plan at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

3 Dangerous Social Media Health Trends to Avoid

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Popular social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok often give rise to a variety of health and wellness trends. However, many of these trends offer questionable medical benefits and, in some cases, can lead to harmful consequences. Three recent examples of these trends include dry scooping, sunscreen contouring, and cooking chicken in NyQuil.

Dry scooping involves eating pre-workout powders with high volumes of ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine without mixing them into a liquid. This practice has gained traction over the past year among online fitness communities and influencers, as it’s believed to increase the body’s absorption of the compounds in a powder and allow a person to exercise at increased intensity.

You may, however, find yourself unable to swallow the powder due to its texture and accidentally inhale it, causing inflammation in your throat and nasal passages as well as potentially infecting your lungs. Additionally, this method of ingesting the powder introduces a large amount of caffeine into your body more quickly than drinking it in liquid form, increasing your risk of heart problems. Dry scooping also increases your risk of suffering from digestive issues.

Sunscreen contouring is another dangerous trend that’s emerged through social media this year. It involves applying sunscreen to the high points of your face and staying in the sun to allow tan lines to form and produce a contoured effect.

The primary danger of this trend is that it significantly increases your risk of receiving sunburrns and developing skin cancer. Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun over time can cause basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers to form. Sunburns, particularly severe ones that cause blistering, can also become melanoma later in life.

NyQuil chicken recently re-emerged as a TikTok trend after first appearing several years ago on the popular website Reddit. It involves cooking chicken in the cold medicine NyQuil.

As the chicken is cooked and the NyQuil boils in the pan, certain compounds evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated amount of other ingredients that may cause toxic side-effects such as seizures, liver disease, and even death.

Avoid these trends and do what you can to prevent family members and friends, particularly young people who may be more vulnerable to them, from attempting them.

If you experience immediate adverse effects from these practices, dial 9-1-1 and get help immediately. If you’re concerned about cumulative effects from these trends, please schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and approximately one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Rates of skin cancers have also risen sharply over the past several decades. However, you can give yourself the best chance of an early diagnosis and successful treatment through a skin cancer screening.

Over 9,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every day through physical screenings. If a form of skin cancer such as melanoma is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 99%, making successful treatment extremely likely. This rate may fall dramatically as the disease progresses, however, reaching 68% when it reaches the lymph nodes and 30% once it metastasizes to other organs.

In many cases, symptoms of skin cancer may occur in seemingly normal skin, with only a low percentage developing from existing moles. In other cases, symptoms may not present at all. This can make it difficult for you to spot signs of skin cancer on your own, and even more important to get screened by a dermatologist on a regular basis.

During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist fully examines your skin from head to toe, checking for lesions or areas that appear abnormal. Irregular borders, multiple colors, and a size greater than six millimeters in diameter are a few of the indicators your doctor may look for, though these factors alone may not provide a sufficient basis for a diagnosis.

Your doctor may request a skin sample for a biopsy during your screening to examine certain skin cells more closely. Once your test results arrive, your doctor can provide a more definitive diagnosis.

It’s recommended that you get screened for skin cancer annually, or potentially more often if you’re at a high risk of developing it. You should also regularly check your own skin and take note of any marks or spots that appear different from their surrounding areas or cause sensations such as itching or pain. These spots should be pointed out to your doctor during a screening.

You can get a skin cancer screening at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

What is Chronic Inflammation ?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Inflammation is one of the body’s way of healing itself. It is the immune system’s response to an internal or external irritant.

Inflammation can be acute, meaning short-lived or it can be chronic (long lasting).

Chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months or even years, leading to damage of healthy cells, tissues and organs. Eventually in some cases this can result in internal connective tissue scarring, DNA damage and even tissue death. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of asthma, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation include: body pain, anxiety, weight loss or gain, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation) and general fatigue.

Factors that can contribute to chronic inflammation include:

Long-term stress
Alcohol abuse
Obesity
Smoking
Lack of sleep
Exposure to chemical irritants
Autoinflammatory disease
Acute inflammation that worsens

One way to diagnose chronic inflammation is through a blood test for C-reactive protein (CRP) which shows up when there is inflammation in the body or high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which shows inflammation of the heart.

Treatment of chronic Inflammation can be achieved with:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Steroids
Dietary supplements (fish oil and lipoic acid)
Weight loss
Exercise
Stress reduction

Some foods can have an affect on chronic inflammation. Tomatoes, salmon, sardines, olive oil and nuts can help reduce chronic inflammation while fried foods, hot dogs, sausages, highly processed foods like white bread and pastries can make it worse.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic inflammation, consult with your physician to see what treatment options may be helpful to you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

One in five New Yorkers suffers from symptoms of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression each year. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be short-term or long-lasting. Although these symptoms can manifest in many different ways, one of the most effective approaches to reduce them is to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Coping mechanisms are strategies people use to manage their thoughts and emotions during moments of stress, anxiety, anger, trauma, or sadness. Over time, you may develop your own ways of coping with the symptoms you’re experiencing. However, these automatic coping mechanisms may not always have a positive impact on your health.

Negative coping mechanisms are common and easy to fall into. Avoidant behaviors, substance abuse, eating disorders, impulsive spending, and excessive sleeping may all offer immediate satisfaction and help to push away traumatic thoughts or feelings. However, all of these habits pose a high risk of mental or physical health complications that may only worsen your condition long-term.

If you know what your triggers are and when they’re most likely to appear, many unhealthy coping behaviors may be prevented, but the best way to stop these habits from forming is to intentionally build healthier ones.

Healthy coping mechanisms involve accepting your situation and adopting a positive, productive outlook. A few examples of these behaviors include:

Treating yourself with kindness: Acknowledge your progress, strength, and value as a person and allow yourself time for activities that you find enjoyable, relaxing, or rewarding.

Adjusting your perspective: Consider your circumstances and symptoms as obstacles that can be overcome and think about the positive changes you’d like to see in yourself at a defined point in the future.

Setting and pursuing goals: Set beneficial goals for yourself, consider the steps necessary to achieve them, and take decisive action to move closer to them.

Maintaining positive connections: Make an effort to spend time with supportive people in your life by communicating with them regularly, even if only briefly, and including them in activities you mutually enjoy.

Accepting change as it happens: Both positive and negative changes are natural, unavoidable parts of life. Accepting them, and the fact that you have the power to decide how to respond to them, can help you make the most of your circumstances in the wake of these changes.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, schedule a consultation with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Department by calling (718) 670-5316 now.

A Fall Recipe for Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Today is the first day of Fall and a perfect time to prepare a delicious creamy French onion and mushroom soup to welcome in the season. Here is a recipe from halfbakedharvest.com to enjoy. https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/creamy-french-onion-and-mushroom-soup/

World Alzheimer’s Month

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This September, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is raising awareness about the signs, symptoms, and causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as part of the World Alzheimer’s Month campaign. Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

A person with Alzheimer’s gradually loses their cognitive abilities, including memory recollection and behavioral regulation. In the later stages of the disease, a person can even lose their motor functions, leaving them unable to perform basic daily tasks such as bathing independently.

People can also suffer from multiple forms of dementia at once. This is referred to as “mixed” dementia and often occurs as a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Memory problems are one of the main early signs of Alzheimer’s, though they may be difficult to distinguish from similar symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may also have problems with word-finding, vision, reasoning, and finding their way around familiar places. These problems may appear or worsen as the disease progresses.

A mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are believed to influence the development of Alzheimer’s; however, specific causes of the disease are unknown. As Alzheimer’s progresses, abnormal amyloid and tau proteins spread throughout the brain as changes in its structure and functions occur. There’s no clear way to prevent this spread, though early research indicates that regular activity and good heart health may help.

If you or a loved one are displaying potential signs of Alzheimer’s disease, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to receive a diagnosis or treatment by calling (718) 670-5486.

Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Hearing loss affects millions of people living in the U.S. It is a common health problem that occurs in older adults. In fact, almost half of adults ages 65 and older suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Unfortunately for some individuals, there are barriers to obtaining affordable and effective hearing aids.

In an effort to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable hearing aids, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a ruling to allow over-the-counter (OTC) purchases of the devices. According to the FDA, “This action enables consumers 18 years of age and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist.”

The FDA also stated that consumers may be able to purchase hearing aids at traditional drugstores and pharmacies as well as online retail stores as soon as mid-October. Consumers are being encouraged to learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids before making a purchase. Here are some important facts potential buyers should know:

OTC hearing aids are only intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids may not help you if you have trouble hearing loud sounds such as power tools or have trouble hearing conversations in quiet places.
OTC hearing aids are not intended for use by children with hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids should not be confused with personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Hearing aids are medical devices designed to help a person with or compensate for impaired hearing, while PSAPs are electronics that are used by non-hearing impaired persons to amplify sounds in certain environments.
Although most OTC hearing aids will be designed to fit most, choosing the best device for you may take some trial and error.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Your physician can rule out any serious causes including earwax buildup or certain medical conditions. A doctor can also help you to determine if you are a good candidate for OTC hearing aids.

You should also see a doctor if you are experiencing the following symptoms: dizziness, ringing, roaring or beeping in the ear, the drainage of fluid or pus from the ear, or persistent pain or discomfort in the ear.

What Are Bone Spurs?

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small growths that often develop along the edges of bones in the joints or spine. They commonly occur in conjunction with certain arthritic conditions.

Bone spurs sometimes protrude from their position, causing you to feel bumps or knobs in the spots where they’re present and interfering with your range of motion in the affected area. In most cases, you may not experience any symptoms. However, if they do occur, they may include pain, numbness, weakness, or tears in tendons that rub against or come into contact with bone spurs.

The most common cause of bone spurs, osteoarthritis, is also the most common form of arthritis. It often affects adults aged 50 or older, though people of any age can suffer from osteoarthritis and, by extension, develop bone spurs.

Osteoarthritis isn’t the only form of arthritis that can cause bone spurs. Ankylosing spondylitis causes spinal inflammation and the fusion of your vertebrae, causing spinal bone spurs to form.

Bone spurs that aren’t causing painful symptoms likely won’t require treatment, but if they’re significantly interfering with your daily life, a doctor can prescribe medication and physical therapy or recommend surgery to remove them. Additionally, applying ice to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, losing weight to reduce pressure on your bones and joints, and using equipment such as supportive shoes or inserts can all help you manage your symptoms.

The best way to prevent bone spurs is to prevent the conditions that cause them. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising to maintain your range of motion, controlling your blood sugar, and making an effort to preserve your joints through stretching and the use of protective equipment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to receive a diagnosis or explore your treatment options by calling (718) 670-5486.