Pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis is the inflammation or swelling of the pancreas. This may happen when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland on the left side of your belly that lies behind your stomach. The pancreas’ two main functions are:

  • To make enzymes to send to your small intestines. These enzymes help break down food.
  • To make hormones insulin and glucagon, sending them into your bloodstream. These hormones control your body’s blood sugar level.

Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. Signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

  • Pain in the upper belly
  • Pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back
  • Tenderness when touching the belly
  • Fever
  • Rapid pulse
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting

Signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:

  • Pain in the upper belly
  • Belly pain that feels worse after eating
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Oily, smelly stools

Several conditions can lead to acute pancreatitis, including:

  • Blockage in the bile duct caused by gallstones
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Certain medicines
  • High triglyceride levels in the blood
  • High calcium levels in the blood
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Injuries from trauma or surgery

Conditions that can lead to chronic pancreatitis include:

  • Damage from repeated acute pancreatitis
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Inherited genes linked to pancreatitis
  • High triglyceride levels in the blood
  • High calcium levels in the blood

Sometimes a cause for pancreatitis is never found. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.

Many factors can increase your risk of pancreatitis, including:

  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can cause several serious complications that include:

  • Kidney failure
  • Breathing problems
  • Infection
  • Pseudocyst
  • Malnutrition
  • Diabetes
  • Pancreatic cancer

When diagnosing pancreatitis, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your health history and symptoms, give you a general physical, and check for pain or tenderness in your belly. They may also administer tests and procedures including:

  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasounds
  • CT scans
  • MRIs
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Stool tests

There is no specific medicine to treat pancreatitis. Treatment will begin with a hospital stay to manage any symptoms and complications. Treatment can include:

  • Pain medicines
  • Intravenous fluids
  • Nutrition plans

When the symptoms and complications are under control, other treatments are used to treat any underlying causes, including:

  • Procedures to open bile ducts
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Pancreas procedures
  • Treatment for alcohol dependence
  • Changes in medicine

If you or anyone you know is experiencing signs or symptoms of pancreatitis, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling 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.

13 Essential Foods That Benefit Kidney Health

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The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage, on each side of your spine. Kidneys play an important role in the body as they filter the blood and remove waste from the body through urine. As they filter the blood, they remove acid creating a healthy pH and balancing the amount of water and minerals (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium) in it.

Because our kidneys are essential in keeping our bodies healthy, we must ensure they work correctly. One of the ways to do this is by eating foods that support the health of our kidneys. Eating certain kidney-friendly foods can be beneficial to helping the kidneys to function properly. Here is a list of foods that benefit kidney health:

  1. Bell peppers
  2. Red grapes
  3. Cauliflower
  4. Garlic
  5. Onions
  6. Apples
  7. Berries
  8. Egg whites
  9. Omega 3 oil-rich, fatty fish
  10. Whole grains
  11. Leafy greens
  12. Olive oil
  13. Pineapples

A balanced diet can support kidney health. This means drinking sufficient amounts of water and eating whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and fish.

If you or someone you know are experiencing kidney problems, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 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.

Patient Testimonial: Michael Gringas Tells the Flushing Hospital Medical Center Staff, “Of All the Experiences, It Was the Best Experience.”

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“Of all the experiences, it was the best experience”, is what Michael Gringas said after having a rare surgery performed on him at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in July. Mr. Gringas was exiting the shower in his home when he passed out, hitting his face on the bathroom wall. “I knew I was going to pass out”, he said. This was due to a combination of dehydration, not eating, and Crohn’s disease which he suffers from. Unfortunately for Mr. Gringas, he was home alone at the time. When he eventually came to, he immediately called his sister’s house. Thankfully, his nephew answered and rushed to take him to the emergency room, where he received amazing and attentive care from the staff at the hospital. “I was impressed by the ER response time from start to finish. Very happy. I was treated very well by everyone in the ER”, he said.

This isn’t the first time Mr. Gringas had to be admitted to Flushing Hospital Medical Center due to his Crohn’s disease. He’s previously had surgeries performed to treat complications associated with the illness. This time, the surgery was an open surgery which hasn’t been done in 15-20 years at the hospital because it has since been performed endoscopically. The operation although rare and complex, was successful. “The whole process was beyond great”, said Mr. Gringas.

Additionally, Mr. Gringas has been a patient of Flushing Hospital for 33 years, since he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1991. He is known as a “celebrity patient” at the hospital. Mr. Gringas, a native of Bayside, Queens, says he is a “very fortunate Crohn’s patient”. So he uses his experiences during his 33-year battle with the illness to counsel patients diagnosed with it. He wants to help others navigate their experience with Crohn’s. Reflecting on the last 33 years he says, “It’s been quite a ride over the years.” “There are a lot of great people at Flushing Hospital”, Mr. Gringas said and he would like to thank each doctor, nurse, and hospital staff member whom he has met over the past 33 years.

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.

Wellness Wednesday: The Health Benefits of Napping

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There are days when you suddenly get tired in the middle of the day and want to nap. But napping at the wrong time of day or for too long can backfire causing sleep inertia and insomnia.

If you are considering taking a nap, make sure that it is at a time when you:

Are experiencing new fatigue or unexpected sleepiness; are about to experience sleep loss like during a long work shift; are eight hours or more before bedtime.

Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your naptime:

  • Keep naps short- aim to nap for 10 to 20 minutes. The longer you nap the more likely you will feel groggy afterward.
  • Take naps in the early afternoon- napping after 3 pm can interfere with nighttime sleep. Individual factors such as your need for sleep, your sleeping schedule, your age, and your medication use can play a role in determining the best time of day to nap.
  • Create a restful environment- nap in a quiet, dark place with a comfortable room temperature and few distractions.

There are many benefits of napping, including:

  • Relaxation
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Increased alertness
  • Improved mood
  • Improved performance
  • Quicker reaction time
  • Better memory
  • An improved creative mindset

After napping, give yourself time to wake up before you resume activities, especially those requiring a quick or sharp response.

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.

Measles

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Measles is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It can affect anyone but is most common in children.

Some risk factors for measles include:

  • Being unvaccinated
  • Traveling internationally
  • Having a vitamin A deficiency

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, they include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Inflamed eyes
  • Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background, which form on the inner lining of the cheek)
  • A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in stages that span over two to three weeks. These stages include:

  • Infection and incubation- the measles virus spreads in the body for 10 to 14 days after infection. During that time, there are no signs or symptoms.
  • Nonspecific signs and symptoms- measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a sore throat. This mild illness can last two to three days.
  • Acute illness and rash- a rash consisting of small red spots, some may be slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face is usually the first place it appears. The rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet over the next few days. At the same time, the fever rises to temperatures as high as 104 to 105.8.
  • Recovery- the measles rash can last for about seven days. The rash fades gradually from the face and lastly the thighs and feet. As other symptoms go away, coughing and the darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was, lasts about 10 days.

A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days. Starting four days before the rash appears and ends when the rash has been present for four days.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, infectious droplets spray into the air where others can breathe them in. Infectious droplets can stay in the air for about an hour and on a surface for several hours.

Many complications can arise from measles, including:

  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Ear infection
  • Bronchitis, laryngitis, or croup
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis
  • Pregnancy problems

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adults receive the measles vaccine to prevent infection.

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose measles based on the disease’s characteristic rash and the Koplik’s spot on the inner lining of the cheek. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you or your child received measles vaccines, whether you traveled outside of the U.S. recently, and if you had contact with anyone who has a rash or fever.

The rash can be confused with many other illnesses, however, a blood test can be done to confirm whether the rash is measles. A test using a throat swab or urine sample can also be used.

There is no specific treatment for a measles infection once it occurs. Treatment can include providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms such as rest and treating or preventing complications.

Some measures can be taken to protect individuals who don’t have immunity to measles after they have been exposed to the virus, they include:

  • Post-exposure vaccination
  • Immune serum globulin
  • Medications
    • Fever reducers
    • Antibiotics
    • Vitamin A

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the measles virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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 Is An Endoscopy?

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Your doctor may recommend getting an endoscopy to help investigate a potential health problem or treat certain medical conditions.

An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope – a tube with a light and camera attached to the end – to examine or view internal parts of the body.  Some endoscopes have spaces where doctors can insert surgical instruments that can remove tissue samples (biopsies) for lab testing or help them perform surgery during endoscopy.

There are different types of endoscopy, each used for specific parts of the body, including:

  • Colonoscopy -the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the colon
  • Anoscopy – the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the anus and the rectum
  • Upper endoscopy-the scope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, allowing your healthcare provider to examine your upper digestive system, including the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine
  • Bronchoscopy- the scope is put through the nose or mouth and into the airways to look inside the lungs
  • Laparoscopy- the scope is inserted through small incisions of the abdominal wall to look inside the abdomen and pelvis
  • Laryngoscopy- the scope is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the larynx, or structures such as the back of the throat.

Doctors may perform an endoscopy to screen for and diagnose the following health conditions:

  • Colon cancer
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Endometriosis
  • Lung disease
  • Ulcers
  • Laryngitis
  • Kidney stones
  • GERD

An endoscopy is generally safe, but depending on the procedure, you may experience side effects.  These side effects typically go away after two days and may include:

  • Hoarseness if a scope was inserted down the throat
  • Bloating, cramping, or nausea if the intestines were examined
  • Minor bleeding after a colonoscopy

You are advised to seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, black, bloody, or tarry stools, throat or chest pain after an endoscopy.

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.

High-Functioning Anxiety Disorder

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High-functioning anxiety is a subset of generalized anxiety disorder that often goes unnoticed or undiagnosed. It occurs when a person has anxiety symptoms, but rather than retreating from situations or interactions, they work hard to face their fears and are skilled at covering up symptoms.

There are many emotional and physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional symptoms
    • Fear of criticism or significant self-criticism
    • Fear of looking inadequate or foolish to others
    • Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control
    • Feeling a sense of impending doom
    • Experiencing significant stress
  • Physical symptoms
    • Excessive sweating
    • Feeling off-balance or lightheaded
    • Headaches or migraines
    • Intestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea or ulcers
    • Muscle tension
    • Racing heart rate
    • Tired, jelly-like legs
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers

The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on a person’s level of functioning. People with high-functioning anxiety can appear to be:

  • Perfectionists
  • Punctual, or always early
  • Highly organized
  • Overachievers
  • Detail-oriented
  • Proactive

However, they often internally struggle with:

  • Overthinking/overanalyzing
  • The fear of disappointing or angering others
  • Self-doubt
  • Obsessively double-checking details
  • Racing thoughts
  • The inability to relax

There are many treatments available for high-functioning anxiety, including:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
  • Deep-breathing exercises
  • Medication

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

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.

How to Cool Hot Flashes

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A hot flash is a sudden warm feeling in the upper body, usually the most intense over the face, neck, and chest. Hot flashes are most commonly caused by menopause. Menopause is when the menstrual period stops for good. It is diagnosed after 12 months without having a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting.

Here are some strategies and tips that can help you manage your hot flashes:

  • Keep your core body temperature as cool as possible
  • Keep cool at night
  • Watch what you eat and drink
  • Refrain from smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce your stress
  • Exercise regularly
  • When you feel a hot flash coming on, take several slow, deep breaths and try to relax
  • Drink a glass of cold water and sit calmly until it passes
  • Wear layers you can easily take off when you feel yourself getting hot

Once a hot flash is starting, there is no instant cure. Talk with your healthcare professional about medications and complementary therapies that make the most sense for you and your symptoms.

If you are experiencing hot flashes due to menopause, the most effective way to relieve the discomfort from them is to take estrogen, but taking it carries risks.

Other treatments for hot flashes can include:

  • Medications
    • Antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and other medications
  • Hormone therapy
  • Mind and body approaches
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Hypnosis
    • Mindful meditation
    • Acupuncture
  • Dietary supplements

If you are experiencing hot flash symptoms, you can visit 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.

Night Sweats

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Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep. Sweating is common during sleep, especially if you’re sleeping in a hot bedroom. However, unlike regular sweating, night sweats can be identified by the symptom of excessive sweating that soaks through your clothes and bedsheets.

Even though excessive sweating is a symptom of night sweats, night sweats can be a symptom of an underlying illness or medical condition. These illnesses and conditions can include:

  • Menopause
  • Infections
  • Cancer
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Medications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

Some other causes of night sweats can include:

  • Low blood sugar
  • Obesity
  • Sleep disorders
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Panic disorder
  • Pregnancy
  • Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol

Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, you should speak with a healthcare professional if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms like a high fever, a cough, or unexplained weight loss.

Regardless of what is causing your night sweats, you can take preventative steps to help improve the quality of your sleep, including:

  • Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoiding the use of tobacco and illegal drugs
  • Sleeping in a cooler environment
  • Considering the use of cooling products, such as a cooling mattress, pillow, or duvet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding spicy foods, especially if you have menopause

If you are experiencing night sweats, visit 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.

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

  • 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

  • Those who never received the COVID vaccine
  • Those at risk for severe COVID-19
  • Those 65 years and older
  • Those living in long-term care facilities
  • Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.  To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 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.