Health Beat

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have an increased risk due to poor bone density. In fact, one in two women over 50 years of age will develop osteoporosis and one in four men will too.

To raise awareness about this disease, May has been designated as National Osteoporosis Month by the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF).

According to the BHOF, one of the ways to combat osteoporosis is through bone-strengthening exercise. Additional diet and lifestyle recommendations for maintaining bone strength are:

Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss osteoporosis, 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.

Signs of Liver Disease

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The liver plays an essential role in helping our bodies to digest food, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, manage the clotting of blood, and remove harmful chemicals from the blood.

When our liver is damaged or not functioning properly it can lead to complications such as liver disease, which can potentially become life-threatening.

People with early-stage liver damage or disease may not experience symptoms. However, as time progresses, the body may send warning signs to let us know that the liver is not working the way it should.

Paying attention to these signs and receiving timely treatment can reduce the risk of serious illnesses. Here are five signs you should not ignore:

Itchy skin
Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Edema (Swelling in the arms and legs)
Bruising easily
Nausea and vomiting

Treatment for liver disease may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, liver transplantation.

There are steps you can take to prevent certain types of liver disease. This includes eating less red meat, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting or avoiding the consumption of alcohol, exercising, and getting the hepatitis A and B vaccine if you are at risk.

Learn The Facts About Cystic Fibrosis

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that affects the cells in your body that make mucus. CF occurs when there is a mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The mutation disables cells from moving chloride (a component of salt) to their surfaces. Without the movement of chloride, cells cannot hydrate properly. This leads to the production of mucus that is thicker and stickier than normal.

CF can result in damage to the digestive system, lungs, and other organs that utilize mucus to function. The buildup of mucus can obstruct the ducts, tubes or passageways of these organs.

Those living with cystic fibrosis often have abnormally high levels of salt in their sweat. Other complications or symptoms that may develop as a result of the disease include:

Frequent lung infections, including recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
Persistent cough with thick mucus
Frequent sinus infections
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Nasal polyps
Fatigue
Delayed growth or puberty
Poor weight gain
Bowel movements of greasy bulky stools
Severe constipation
Male infertility

All babies born in the United States are screened for cystic fibrosis by testing small blood samples. In other cases, if someone is suspected to have CF, their doctor can order a sweat test to determine if chloride levels are normal.

Currently, there is no cure for CF. However; treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms and reducing complications. Treatment may include medications, physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or surgery.

World Hand Hygiene Day 2022

Posted on May 5, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

May 5^th has been designated as World Hand Hygiene Day by the World Health Organization (WHO). The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Unite for safety: clean your hands.” This year’s theme focuses on recognizing that we can all contribute to healthcare facility’s culture of safety and quality by cleaning our hands.

Practicing good hand hygiene helps with infection prevention and control. This is why the WHO is encouraging people to clean their hands at the right time and with the right products. Furthermore, healthcare workers at all levels and all others who visit healthcare facilities must unite by cleaning their hands, not just on World Hand Hygiene Day, but every day.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Joy Batoon

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Joy Batoon, a medical technologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Joy has been employed at Flushing Hospital for 13 years and prior to that worked at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center from 1992 until 2008.

She was born in Cebu, Philippines where she attended elementary through high school at Saint Catherine’s. Joy then attended Southwestern University where she obtained a bachelors of science degree in medical technology. Prior to moving to New York in 1992, Joy lived for a few years beginning in 1977 in Honolulu. She has a daughter Jowin and a 16-year-old cat named JoJo that she has had since it was a kitten.

Joy has a third degree blackbelt in Taekwondo and in her free time volunteers as a teacher of Taekwondo. She also enjoys horseback riding, rock climbing, indoor skydiving and attending rock concerts. Her favorite place to travel to is Hawaii, and she has also enjoyed vacations to Aruba, Austin Texas, and Los Angeles. Joy enjoys many different types of food, especially Filipino. She also enjoys Indian, Jamaican, Italian and Ukrainian food.

Joy states her colleagues have become like family to her. They are all very supportive of one another. We look forward to her continuing to work at Flushing Hospital for many more years.

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

Posted on April 21, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

One or both people involved in an intimate relationship may feel as though communication is lacking, their emotional or physical needs are not being met or may feel that there is no longer a real connection with their partner.

Typically, one of the people in a couple will feel the need to get help for their relationship and will act on it first. However, bringing up this topic with the other person is often very difficult, it can provoke feelings of anxiety, and be met with hesitation or even resistance at first. Here are a few tips to help with having that conversation:

Gently approach the topic of going to therapy
Speak with love, understanding, and compassion
Inform them that therapy is not to place blame or pick sides
Focus on the benefits of therapy
Give your partner time to consider all options

What should you expect to happen in couples counseling? The purpose of couples counseling is to help partners communicate issues, express their emotions, resolve conflicts, or improve intimacy with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Couples therapy typically includes individual sessions to learn about each person, and meetings together as a couple.

The focus of couples counseling includes improving:

Communication skills
Stress management
Selflessness
Honesty and Trust
Forgiveness and Patience

Couples therapy often involves giving homework to partners to work on between sessions. This may involve keeping a log of what they are feeling.

To make couples therapy successful both partners should go in with an open mind, agree to disagree about certain issues, and both should be active participants in the therapy process.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers outpatient counseling. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5316.

Exercises To Improve Balance in Seniors

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in three people, aged 65 and older fall each year.

Serious falls can lead to hip fractures, broken bones, and life-threatening injuries. Therefore, it is important to identify risk factors and take the right steps to prevent an accident.

As we age, our risk of falling increases. This is due to several reasons; one of which is that our sense of balance deteriorates with time. While this may be concerning, we can lower the risk of falling and improve balance by engaging in certain exercises. Here are a few recommended by the National Institute on Aging:

Tai Chi
Standing on one foot.
The heel-to-toe walk.
The balance walk

Balance exercises can help improve stability, coordination, and posture. They are also helpful for building strength.

Be sure to modify these exercises to match your level of comfort. You can also use the aid of a chair or wall for support. Most importantly, always consult your doctor before adding any exercises to your routine.

To learn more about balance exercise recommendations from the National Insititute on Aging, please visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical-ability. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, contact 718-670-5486.

What Happens to Men When Testosterone Levels are Low ?

Posted on April 14, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles. It stimulates sperm production, has an effect on sex drive, and helps to build bone and muscle mass. Testosterone levels typically decrease with age. A low testosterone level in the blood is classified as having less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl).

What are some of the reasons for low testosterone levels ? Other than aging, the level of testosterone in the body may be reduced due to chemotherapy, congenital diseases that cause the testicles to not develop properly, use of narcotics, high blood pressure, diabetes, injury or removal of the testicles, radiation, or infection.

The symptoms of low testosterone include:

Reduced sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of body hair
Irritability
Depression
Reduced muscle mass
Reduced bone mass
Obesity
Reduced physical strength

Treating low testosterone levels should begin with tests to determine the cause of it. This will include a physical examination and blood tests. It is possible to take testosterone supplements which can be given as an injection, gels, patches and tablets. None of these supplements should be taken without consulting with a physician first as they may have side effects that outweigh the benefits. Some of these supplements are also not advised for men who have certain conditions such as heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, prostate or breast cancer and clotting disorders.

Speak with your physician if you have reason to believe that you have low testosterone levels. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

STI (STD) Awareness Month

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. April marks National STI Awareness Month, a campaign sparked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an effort to counter the nation’s high rates of sexually transmitted infections. The United States currently has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases among all countries in the developed world.

The best way to prevent STIs is to not have sexual intercourse but that isn’t realistic for most. However, knowledge of prevention is the second-best option. To prevent the transmission of STIs, people need to be taught how to effectively use condoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outlines the steps on their website https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/male-condom-use.html

Ectopic Pregnancy

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

There are a few steps that normally occur for a woman to become pregnant. The first is a single sperm fertilizing an egg. The next steps involve the fertilized egg traveling down the fallopian tube and descending to the uterus where it attaches itself to the lining and begins to grow.

The uterus is the only place in the body where the egg can survive and successfully develop into an embryo. Unfortunately, there are instances where the egg does not make it to the uterine lining but instead attaches to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix. This is called an ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), ectopic pregnancies occur in an estimated 1 out of every 50 pregnancies. Any woman can be at risk for this problem; however, the risks are higher if you:

Are older than 35 years of age
Had a previous ectopic pregnancy
Have a history of endometriosis
Have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea (STIs can also lead to PID)
Are a smoker
Conceived with the aid of fertility drugs
Have scarring as a result of pelvic, abdominal, or fallopian surgeries
Have had tubal ligation or tubal ligation reversal surgeries
Birth defects that change the shape of the fallopian tubes

An ectopic pregnancy typically occurs within the first weeks of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms may include:

Vaginal bleeding
Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Pain in the neck or shoulder
Pain on one side of the body
Pain or pressure in the rectum
The urge to have a bowel movement
Dizziness or weakness

Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding are among the first warning signs of ectopic pregnancy; therefore, if you are experiencing this along with lightheadedness, shoulder pain or any other symptoms seek immediate medical care. An ectopic pregnancy can potentially lead to the rupturing of the fallopian tube and heavy bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

Early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications. Treatment includes medication to stop the embryo from growing or surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy.

If you believe you are at risk for ectopic pregnancy and would like to schedule an appointment with an OB/Gyn at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-8992.