Health Beat

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Michael Hinck

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and all of the available resources we have developed to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system that causes tremors, and muscular rigidity combined with slow and imprecise movement of the body. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The disease mostly affects people who are middle-aged and elderly people.

Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include:

Tremor – A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers.
Slowed movement –Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move and slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
Rigid muscles – Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause you pain.
Impaired posture and balance –Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems.
Loss of automatic movements – Decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes – You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more monotone rather than with the usual inflections.
Writing changes – It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.

Managing some of the symptoms, such as tremors can be helped with medications. The medications prescribed can act as a substitute for dopamine and send a similar signal to the neurotransmitter in your brain.

Although these medications can become less effective over time, some patients realize significant improvement in their symptoms after starting treatment and continue to do.

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 a Vitamin A Deficiency

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is present in foods containing fats and is stored in the body’s fat tissue and liver.

Vitamin A is essential in helping the body fight infection and maintaining healthy eyes and skin. Vitamin A also helps organs such as the lung, kidney, and heart to work properly.

A lack or deficiency of vitamin A in the body can lead to several health problems including decreased immunity, dry eyes, night blindness, dry skin, infertility, and growth problems in children. Some people are more at risk than others for vitamin A deficiency; this includes pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, and those who are living with celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.

The human body doesn’t produce vitamin A on its own; therefore, it must be acquired by eating certain foods or taking supplements.

Here is a list of foods that are rich in vitamin A:

Dairy products such as milk and cheese
Organ meats such as beef liver
Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli
Oily fish such as salmon
Fruits such as mango, cantaloupe melon, apricots, and papaya

If you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin A deficiency or are concerned about your intake of nutrients, please contact your doctor for an evaluation.

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

Tips To Survive Spring Allergy Season

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

In some parts of the country, spring allergy season starts as early as February and can last through the summer months. Tree pollen is the first sign of allergy season’s arrival and continues to cause allergy symptoms throughout March and April. Tree pollen and grass pollen are one and the same, beginning in late spring and continuing into early summer.

Allergies are the result of an over-reactive immune system. When allergies occur, the immune system mistakenly identifies an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites as an “invader.” As a reaction, the body mounts an inappropriate immune response. To get rid of the “invader,” the immune response triggers a response that results in you experiencing typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

People are affected by all kinds of allergens. Some people need to avoid pollen and dust; others can’t be around dogs or cats. Regardless of what sets your allergies off, symptoms can interfere with daily activities and reduce your quality of life. Here are a few suggestions to lessen the severity of your allergies:

Leave your shoes at the door- When you come home from the outside, taking your shoes off at the door lessens the amount of pollen you track into the house. Wipe down your dog’s coat before he comes into the house, too, because pollen clings to fur.

Change your clothes when you get home- You can bring pollen into your home on your clothes and shoes even if you can’t see it. Toss soiled clothes in the hamper immediately; even better, take a shower.

Clean or change the filters in your air conditioner- Change them at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, or more frequently if it seems to help.

Keep open windows closed- Open windows can be refreshing, but they let in pollen. Close windows and outside doors, especially on high-pollen days, and turn on the heat or the air-conditioning.

Take allergy medicine at night.- If your doctor suggests or prescribes allergy medicine try taking them at night. Typically, allergy symptoms tend to be at their worst in the morning.

The Benefits (And Some Warnings) About Using The Internet To Manage Your Health

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

The internet is a wonderful tool for us to gather information. One of the subjects that many use the internet for is to learn more about their health. Using online searches to increase your understanding of a potential or existing medical condition can be beneficial, but doctors do have warnings about how and when to utilize this technology.

There is no doubt that the internet has changed the physician-patient dynamic. It is estimated that over 90 percent of adults in the United States have access to the internet and approximately 75 percent of them have used it to conduct a search about a health condition within the last year.

For the most part, online searches are being done by patients before they see their doctor to determine if a visit is even necessary. Some patients are armed with a plethora of knowledge when they arrive for their appointment, and they are asking their physician to confirm rather than diagnose a condition. In other instances, many patients are using the internet to discuss medication and treatment options with their doctors as well as referrals for specialists.

But how are these internet searches affecting the doctor-patient relationship? If used correctly, doctors usually welcome and embrace their patient’s increased knowledge about their condition. They believe that an educated and engaged patient is better equipped to better manage their condition and make the correct lifestyle choices to improve their health. Most physicians also believe that if their patients come to them having already picked up some information online, they will get more out of the visit based on their increased knowledge of their condition. Lastly, many doctors use the internet as a valuable tool to reinforce what they are advising to those patients who may be otherwise skeptical of a diagnosis or treatment option.

Even with all of its advantages, doctors do warn that using the internet as a medical resource does have its pitfalls. Physicians want patients to understand that health information on the internet is endless and not all of it is accurate. Relying on incorrect information can cause patients to either worry needlessly over a false self-diagnosis or worse, fail to seek treatment after incorrectly believing that they do not need medical attention.

The information found on the internet is intended to be supplemental, and not replace seeing your physician. The best recommendation to incorporate information obtained online is to bring it with you to your appointment and review it with your doctor. By collaborating with your provider you can build a better relationship that can ultimately lead to better health outcomes.

Islam Family Praises Flushing Hospital For Exceptional Care

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Michael Hinck

The decision of where to have your baby delivered is an especially important one. Flushing Hospital Medical Center considers it an honor when we are entrusted with this responsibility, and our team does everything in its power to ensure that our patients have a positive and memorable experience. That is why we are so appreciative when one of our families feels compelled to share their story with us.

Nazrul Islam brought his wife Anika to Flushing Hospital to deliver their child earlier this year. Nazrul was initially skeptical of choosing Flushing Hospital based on what some of his neighbors told him, but everything changed when they entered the lobby for her scheduled pre-admission testing. “I was immediately impressed with how beautiful the hospital looked. It felt like a hotel. Everyone was so nice. They treated my wife and I so well,” said Nazrul.

With their fears allayed, Mr. and Mrs. Islam returned two days later for a scheduled cesarean section delivery. According to Nazrul, “We were scheduled for delivery at 8:00 a.m. and by 9:41 my son Saheim was born. Everything was extremely well-managed, and it could not have gone any better.” In addition to how smooth everything went Mr. and Mrs. Islam were also extremely impressed with the accommodations and how well the entire Flushing Hospital team treated them. “We found the Labor, Delivery and Recovery suite to be very spacious and comfortable and everyone from the doctors and nurses to the environmental services and dietary care employees to be so helpful. They made us feel at ease.” Nazrul added “I didn’t hesitate one second when I had to leave my wife and son because I knew they were in great hands. They treated us like a member of the family.”

Mr. and Mrs. Islam are so thankful to Flushing Hospital they have been sharing their positive experience with everyone who will listen. Nazrul stated “I have written multiple positive reviews on-line and I tell all my friends who are thinking about having a baby to choose Flushing Hospital. It is the top hospital in my experience.”

What is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency??

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Michael Hinck

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition affecting the pancreas, an organ located in the abdomen that plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells. The pancreas has two main functions: it helps with digestion, and it regulates blood sugar.

The pancreas produces enzymes that break down food and keep digestion moving properly. For those with EPI, the pancreas does not make enough of these enzymes, which prevents the absorption of nutrients and disrupts digestion.

There are numerous gastro-intestinal symptoms of EPI, ranging from mild to extreme including:

Gas
Bloating
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Greasy, oily stools
Foul-smelling stools
Unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, depression, irritability, and problems with memory and concentration. These can occur when the body does not absorb the necessary fats and nutrients from food.

EPI is often the result of a variety of conditions, such as

Pancreatitis
Cystic fibrosis
Pancreatic cancer
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Diabetes

There are diagnostic tests your doctor can perform if he or she suspects you have EPI. Once EPI is confirmed, the most common form of treatment is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). PERT supplements are capsules that contain a mixture of digestive enzymes that those with EPI cannot produce to help them break down fat and assist with digestion.

It is also recommended that people with EPI eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. It is also important not to avoid foods with fats, as these are essential to maintaining a healthy weight. However, it is best to stick with healthy fats, like salmon, avocado, and nuts rather than unhealthy trans or saturated fats found in red meats, dairy products, and fried foods.

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Shining Our Employee Spotlight on Juanita Barrera

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Juanita Barrera, Administrative Assistant to the Directors of Dietary and Building Services.

Juanita has been working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 31 years. Her first seven years were in the Health Information Department as a data entry clerk and for the past 24 years she has been in the Food and Nutrition Department.

She grew up in Flushing, Queens where she attended PS 214, Junior High School 185, Flushing High School and she recently went back to school at Queensborough Community College where she obtained her AS in Health Science.

Juanita has two children, Jasmine and Deval and one grandson Jayden. Her family is very important to her and she enjoys spending time with them. She also has a French bulldog.

Juanita likes to travel both locally and abroad. The best vacations are to places where she can relax in the sun and take in the local culture. She enjoys different types of music, her favorites being the ones she can dance to. She also enjoys keeping in shape and participates in many forms of activities which include kickboxing, running, Zumba and has even jumped off cliffs.

Juanita takes great pride in working at Flushing Hospital because of the people she works with and also because it’s located in the neighborhood where she grew up.

We are very proud to have Juanita as part of our team at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and look forward to having her continue for many more years.

Menstrual Cramp Remedies

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) occurs when elevated levels of the hormone prostaglandin cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. This results in the mild or severe pain experienced by many women before and during their periods.

Relief from pain may be achieved by trying the following remedies:

Applying heating pads to the lower abdomen ( Be sure to follow the instructions on the heating pad to avoid injuries)
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
Exercising ( Studies show that low to medium intensity exercises may help in reducing pain)
Taking magnesium supplements (This mineral is believed to be effective in relieving cramps)
Drinking water ( Dehydration can worsen to muscle cramps)
Trying acupressure
Trying acupuncture
Massaging the lower abdomen

If menstrual cramps and pain persist, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your healthcare provider may order or conduct tests to see if these symptoms are caused by an underlying health problem. Treatments will be recommended based on your diagnosis and may include medications or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-8992.

Flushing Hospital Adds Bi-Directional Communication Boards To Improve The Patient Experience

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Michael Hinck

The Patient Centered Services Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce the installation of bi-directional communication boards in all in-patient rooms.

The boards, which are 3’ x 2’ have been placed at the foot of each bed and are intended to convey information between the patient and the care team, enhance patient and family engagement, and improve the patient experience.

“What Matters to You, Matters to Us” is boldly written across the top of each board to emphasize the importance of effective communication and understanding. The board is split into two halves underneath this title. Each half contains blank fields that are to be filled in daily by the care team and patient together.

The left side of the board is designated as the patient side. On this side of the board the patient can express how they prefer to be addressed, their goals for the day, their language of choice, and any questions or concerns they want to share with their healthcare team.

The right side of the board is to be completed by the care team and includes important information such as the names of everyone on the healthcare team. It can also identify any special needs the patients might have as well as address the care plan for the day.

The response to the bi-directional boards has been overwhelmingly positive with employees stating that the boards are “helpful,” “engaging,” and “good for the patients. The patients are appreciative as well, sharing that they “really like them” and that the boards make them “feel cared about.”

The implementation of the bi-directional boards is one of many initiatives the hospital has taken to demonstrate our commitment to patient-centered care.

When To See A Doctor If You Have A Sinus Infection ?

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is a very common type of infection that occurs when the sinuses or cavities in the front of the face, around the eyes, and behind the nose become filled with mucous.

The majority of sinus infections are caused by viruses. Sinus infections can also be caused to a much lesser extent by bacteria or fungus however, and are less likely to be transmitted from one person to another. They can also be caused by allergies, blocked nasal passages, asthma, and nasal blockages due to polyps.

Acute viral sinusitis typically lasts between seven to ten days and may follow a cold. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Facial pain or pressure on the forehead or between the eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Thick yellow, green, or cloudy nasal discharge
Inability to smell
Cough
Sore throat
Fever

Sinus infections typically begin to improve by themselves in about 10 days. You should contact your physician if the infection is not improving or if it is getting worse. Anyone who experiences any of the following should see a physician as soon as possible:

Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
Confusion
Stiff neck
Vision changes
Swelling and redness around the eyes
Intense headache

A sinus infection can spread to the brain or the eye if it is left untreated. People who have frequent or chronic sinus infections should see an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to see if there is an underlying reason these are occurring.

If you think you may have a sinus infection, you can try several remedies at home such as a warm compress on the face, over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These shouldn’t be used for more than three days. Speak to your physician if the symptoms of a sinus infection don’t improve or worsen after ten days. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.