Health Beat

Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium)

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Our bodies need an adequate amount of sodium to help control how much water is in and around our cells. Therefore, extremely high or low levels of sodium in our blood can be harmful to our health.

Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in our blood is abnormally low or when there is too much water in our blood.

Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) can cause water levels in the body to rise and cells to swell, potentially leading to serious health problems.

Hyponatremia can be caused by several factors including:

Taking certain medications
Drinking too much water
Heart failure
Kidney or liver disease
Hormonal changes
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone
Chronic or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Taking the illicit drug Ecstasy

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia may include:

Muscle cramps or weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Irritability and restlessness
Headache
Fatigue
Seizures
Coma

Some individuals are more at risk than others for developing hyponatremia. Individuals at higher risk are:

Those who drink too much water while participating in intensive physical activities such as marathons
Older adults
Those who are taking certain diuretics, pain medications or anti-depressants
Those who have medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure or other conditions that can contribute to hyponatremia

Hyponatremia may be prevented by:

Drinking water in moderation
Paying attention to the signs and symptoms of low sodium in the body
Receiving timely treatment for medical conditions that may contribute to low sodium levels
Avoiding the consumption of the illicit drug Ecstasy

Anyone who develops symptoms of hyponatremia should seek medical attention right away. Treatment for mild cases may include your doctor recommending a change in medication or reducing water intake. In moderate to severe cases, medications may be used to correct blood sodium levels or sodium may be replaced intravenously.

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.

Mental Health Effects of Social Media on Teenagers

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Social media often plays a large role in the lives of many teens. It has replaced television, radio, magazines, and newspapers as the number one way that most young adults get their news, socialize, and form their opinions.

Studies show that teens spend as much as nine hours a day on social media. Research also indicate that the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to be exposed to harmful content which can affect their mental health.

Over exposure to content that promotes or encourages cyber bullying, rumor spreading, or negative self-image can lead to:

Anxiety
Depression
Negative effects on body image
Increased loneliness
Low self esteem
Feeling ignored

Protecting teenagers from some of the negative aspects of social media would require parents to monitor their child’s usage. This would include setting limits on the amount of time spent on social media platforms, and knowing the people they are communicating with. It is also important to have your teenager’s passwords to monitor their activities.

If you would like to speak to a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s mental well-being, please call 718-670-5486

September’s Employee Spotlight – William Ward

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Joann Ariola

The September Employee Spotlight shines on William Ward the Executive Chef at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

For almost 2 years, William has overseen all the nutritional purchasing, production, staff scheduling and patient services for the Department of Food and Nutrition.

When not at work, William enjoys spending time with his wife and five children. He is the Assistant Coach for boys’ baseball, loves catering food and playing poker.

William Ward is dedicated to his job. He notes that “It is my priority to make our customers happy and always put my best foot forward.”

He is adept at getting the staff to work as a team so that it makes the job easier and more gratifying.

For these, and so many other reasons, William Ward is FHMC’s September Employee Spotlight.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Facts

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.”

It is for this reason that the CDC recommends a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID or developing complications from severe disease.

Receiving the booster shot can provide additional protection from the virus by helping people maintain their level of immunity longer.

At this time, the CDC is recommending that the following individuals receive a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

If you have questions about your eligibility for a booster vaccine please contact your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Fall Allergies

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Ever ask yourself, “Why are my allergies kicking up, it’s not spring or summer?” The answer may be that if you are a warmer weather allergy sufferer, you will most likely be sensitive to allergens in the fall too.

While the fall season signals the beginning of cooler temperatures, it can be especially difficult for those who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen. If you are one of these people, symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and headaches can reoccur leaving you feeling miserable.

There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever ragweed counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

If your symptoms are continuous and affect your ability to carry out routine activities, you should speak with an allergist. Your allergist will be able to help you identify what triggers your seasonal allergies and provide the best course of treatment to offer relief or stop symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with an allergist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Fall Allergies

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever ragweed counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

Healthy Comfort Food Swaps

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Joann Ariola

As a result of the stress that comes along with juggling home and work, it is easy to reach for the most comforting food choice to make us feel better. Let’s talk about some ways to choose comforting foods without forsaking and maintaining healthy eating habits.

Since less healthy choices are so available while we are on-the-go. This can add to the level of difficulty when attempting to make healthy food choices. Here are some tips that may make your hectic lifestyle somewhat simpler by planning meals:

Plan your menu for both home and when eating out – Planning meals well in advance will help make sure your meals are healthier and well-balanced. Such as choosing, chicken, fish, salad, fruits and veggies over foods with higher fat and calories. You can substitute potatoes and pizza crust with cauliflower, flour oil and eggs with pumpkin and cook spaghetti squash instead of grain pasta.

Avoid fast food baked goods for breakfast – Don’t be fooled by the healthy “looking” muffin, reach for a yogurt smoothie instead. It will provide you with vitamin C and potassium, high fiber and keep you full from breakfast to lunch.

Prepare Coffee or Tea at home – Often times, barista coffee can be flavored with syrups that are high in fructose. Additionally, while waiting in line at your local coffee shop, you may be more apt to choose an unhealthy breakfast choice. Skip the impulse purchase and brew your coffee or tea at home.

Passing on the less healthy comfort food choices can be more challenging when you’re busy. Often times, it’s easy to lose track of time and skip lunch. No matter how heavy your workload, make time to leave the office and eat your lunch. Starving through lunch will only lead to making unhealthy food choices later.

In order to maintain a healthy diet, you should prioritize time to purchase and prepare healthy eating choices. Although a home cooked substitution isn’t always possible, these tips can help you choose food that will give you all the comfort you need with none of the guilt.

How to Recognize Back-to-School Anxiety ?

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Summer vacation is over and it is time for millions of children to head back to school. For many the transition is easy, but for some, starting school after a long break can be filled with anxiety.

Usually, children who have school anxiety show a range of stress-related symptoms such as complaints of aches and pains, no appetite, or lack of sleep. In these instances, children are not being oppositional; they are simply displaying their anxieties through these physical symptoms.

Parents can also experience back-to-school anxiety when their children go back to school. The important thing to remember is that children often sense when a parent is nervous. Try to remain calm, and do not pass along your anxiety to your child. When your child expresses to you that they are feeling nervous, listen to them and offer suggestions that will keep both of you calm.

Here are some additional tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

A week or two before school starts, children should get back into the habit of eating meals and going to sleep at an appropriate time.
Try to take a tour of the school if it will be the first time the child will be attending.
If the child is very young, it might be a good idea to introduce them to the teacher and their new classroom ahead of the first day.
Start shopping for back to school clothes and supplies early to avoid the rush when school starts.
Prepare for the first day of school by selecting clothes the day before.
Leave home a little earlier for the first few days to avoid rushing.

Of course, it is always important to maintain open communication with your children. Always check with your pediatrician to rule out any physical issues If you would like to speak to a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to help your child with their anxiety, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Excessive drinking of alcohol is classified as more than eight alcoholic drinks per day in women and more than 15 in men. Consuming alcohol heavily over an extended period can result in the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

ARLD causes damage and inflammation of the liver and can potentially lead to liver failure.

There are three types of alcohol-related liver disease, each categorized by stages. They include:

Alcoholic fatty liver disease– This is the earliest stage that occurs when there is a build-up of fat in the liver. There are rarely any symptoms. However, developing fatty liver disease is a clear indication that the body is taking in more alcohol than the liver can process. Fatty liver disease is sometimes reversible when an individual removes alcohol from their diet.
Acute alcoholic hepatitis– In this stage, the excessive consumption of alcohol causes inflammation and swelling of the liver, as well as the destruction of liver cells. This condition can be mild or severe, and symptoms may include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain. In some cases, treatment may reverse liver damage. In other cases, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver failure.
Alcoholic cirrhosis– According to the American Liver Foundation, “Between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, usually after 10 or more years of drinking.” This is the most severe stage that causes the liver to become scarred, stiff and swollen. At this point, damage that is done to the liver generally cannot be undone. Cirrhosis often presents no symptoms until there is extensive damage done to the liver. Symptoms may include red or blotchy palms, jaundice, weight loss, nausea, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, breast enlargement in men or the loss of periods in women. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek treatment because advanced cirrhosis can be life-threatening.

If you are believed to have alcoholic-related liver disease, your doctor may assess your history of alcohol consumption, order blood and imaging tests to rule out other liver diseases or request a liver biopsy to determine a diagnosis.

Treatment for alcoholic-related liver disease is based on severity. The first thing your doctor will aim to do is help you to stop drinking. Abstinence will help to prevent further liver damage and promote healing. It is common for patients with ARLD to have some degree of malnutrition, as a result, your doctor may recommend that you see a nutritionist. Medications may also be added to your care plan to reduce liver inflammation. In severe cases of ARLD, where there is advanced cirrhosis, treatment can include liver transplantation.

To schedule an appointment with an alcohol addiction specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5078.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month was started in 2012 in order to raise awareness about the disease and to link families affected by it with resources to help. There is great emphasis placed on early detection and early intervention when dementia is detected.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It mainly affects the part of the brain that is responsible for memory, and is responsible for almost 75 percent of the cases diagnosed of dementia. While most commonly seen in people who are over 65, it can be found in people who are younger.
Commonly seen symptoms include:
• Forgetting of names, places, and recent events
• Confusion
• Personality changes
• Mood swings
• Loss of inhibition
• Wandering from home
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s at the present time though some medications are available that may slow down its progression. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital who may be able to assist you or someone you know, please call 718-670-5486.