Understanding Developmental Disabilities

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. During this month-long observance, we look to raise awareness and educate the community on developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during a child’s developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities, such as:

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Hearing Loss
  • Vision impairment

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most developmental disabilities are believed to be caused by a complex mix of factors including genetics; parental health and behaviors (such as smoking and drinking) during pregnancy; complications during birth; infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby might have very early in life; and exposure of the mother or child to high levels of environmental toxins, such as lead. Some developmental disabilities, such as fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Diagnosing a developmental disability involves monitoring when children reach developmental milestones, such as when they first speak, crawl and walk and how they behave and learn. As a parent, you know your child best. If you feel your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, speak with your pediatrician and share your concerns because early intervention is vital in helping your child overcome barriers and lead a full life.

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.

Tips For A Successful Telemedicine Mental Health Appointment

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The COVID pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we approach several aspects of our lives. Many of the things we were accustomed to doing in-person are now being performed virtually, including how we receive mental health care. Even now, as we emerge from the pandemic, many mental healthcare providers and patients still prefer to use telemedicine technology for its convenience.

While the advent of telehealth technology has greatly benefitted many patients, some might still find the concept awkward or uncomfortable. If you fall into this category, Flushing Hospital has provided the following tips to help you navigate your next telehealth experience and get the most out of your visit.

Some of the things you can do to enhance your telehealth visit beforehand include:

  • Troubleshoot early- Find out what technology will be used and make sure you know how to use it prior to your appointment. If you are unfamiliar with an app, test it before your appointment to troubleshoot any potential issues.
  • Set an alert – Setting your calendar to send you an alert 5-10 minutes prior to your virtual session can give you the time needed to gather questions and to prepare yourself mentally.
  • Choose a quiet setting – Select a private location, preferably behind closed doors (such as a bedroom) to eliminate distractions. Try to minimize any background noises, such as the TV or a barking dog. Also consider using headphones to improve sound quality and maximize privacy.
  • Be prepared – Make a list of the symptoms you want to address and write down any questions you want to ask beforehand. Make sure to have your complete medical and psychiatric history available, including a list of any medications you are taking.

 Once the appointment begins, there are a few keys to making sure that you get the most out of it, including:

  • Take notes – Sometimes your provider will record the session, but if he or she does not, it is always a good idea to take notes to help you remember important insights and recommendations.
  • Speak clearly – Make sure your provider can understand what you are saying. Check in periodically to make sure that what you are communicating is being understood and that you clearly understand what is being communicated to you.
  • Pretend your visit isn’t virtual – Treat your telehealth therapy session as if you are meeting with your doctor in person. Avoid engaging in any tasks you wouldn’t do if you were at his or her office, such as folding laundry, smoking, or cooking.

By following these helpful tips, you can maximize your next mental health visit.

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.

Things to Consider Before Doing a Colon Cleanse

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A colon cleanse is the process of flushing out the large intestine. This can be done in one of two ways, one involves introducing large volumes of fluid into the colon, and the other involves taking powdered or liquid supplements such as laxatives, magnesium, or herbal tea by mouth. Both methods will stimulate emptying the colon of its contents.

History shows that colon cleanses date back thousands of years to ancient Greece. The theory of performing colon cleansing is to help remove toxins from the body which may be accumulating in the colon and can’t be expelled on their own.

Some of the conditions people believe are helped by doing a colon cleanse are fatigue, weight gain, low energy, and headaches.

Some of the potential risks of doing a colon cleanse include:

  • Dehydration
  • Mineral imbalance
  • Bowel perforation
  • Infection
  • Kidney failure
  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Bacterial imbalance

Some people should be extra cautious about having a colon cleanses, or might want to avoid them completely. These include people with the following conditions:

  • Diverticulitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Rectal tumors
  • Heart disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Tumors in the colon

Colon cleanses should only be done by a professional and only after consulting with a physician first. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 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.

Repairing A Chipped Or Broken Tooth

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A chipped or broken tooth can occur for several reasons including a blow to the face, falling, or biting down on something hard.

The damage to your tooth can be slight or severe, and you should see a dentist for an examination and treatment.  You should never attempt to fix a chipped or broken tooth on your own, doing so may cause further damage or infection.

Before heading to your dental appointment there are a few things you can do to care for your tooth and alleviate symptoms. This includes:

  • Not chewing with the affected tooth
  • Flossing or rinsing to get rid of particles that may aggravate the injury
  • Temporarily covering the tooth with sugarless chewing gum or dental wax. Temporary broken tooth repair kits are also available in most drug stores
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Only eating soft foods

There are a variety of ways to treat broken or chipped teeth.  They include:

  • Bonding
  • Tooth reattachment
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Dental onlays
  • Dental crowns and caps
  • Root canal

Keep in mind, the sooner you receive treatment the better. Early treatment can reduce the risk of several dental problems.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at  Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call  (718) 670-5521. 

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.

MediSys Health Network CEO Named to the Mayor’s Health Equity Task Force

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On February 17, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of his administration’s COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force. This task force was created to advise the administration on long-term, comprehensive policies around health equity and health access.

This roughly 40-person commission, unprecedented for its diversity, is comprised of a group of leaders from 11 different industries from across the city. One of those chosen to join this esteemed panel of leaders is MediSys (Jamaica and Flushing Hospital) President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz.

Mr. Flanz, along with the other members of the COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force will meet monthly and focus their attention on continuing the city’s path to a speedy, effective, and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as building a healthier and stronger city for all New Yorkers.

According to Mayor Adams, “We cannot build a just and prosperous recovery for all New Yorkers without bringing together and listening to experts and community leaders from across the city. The COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force brings not only the best minds together to build a speedy recovery, but a lasting one. I’m grateful to the members for bringing their time and ideas to the city as we work towards this shared goal.”

First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo added, “I’m thrilled to have leaders from every corner of New York City as part of our COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Taskforce. Thank you to everyone who has joined this effort, I’m looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work developing long term policies to guide our city through a just and equitable recovery.”

Mr. Flanz stated, “I am extremely proud to serve on this task force and I commend Mayor Adams for addressing these important issues. Representing two Queens-based hospitals located at the epicenter of the COVID pandemic, I witnessed first-hand the devastating effects the pandemic had on our communities that already face many socio-economic challenges. I look forward to working with this diverse group of talented individuals to address these disparities and create a more equitable health system for all.”

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.

Tips on How to Avoid Purchasing a Fake At-Home COVID Test Kit

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There was a time when many of us would stand in line for hours to get a COVID test, but due to the increased availability of at-home kits, more and more are opting to perform the test themselves. While home tests are very convenient, consumers must be careful that the tests they are purchasing are real.

Experts warn that inadvertently buying fake tests are not only are a waste of money, but they can also increase the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus and not receiving appropriate treatment.

Flushing Hospital offers the following information on how to avoid buying a fake test.

When purchasing a COVID-19 home test on-line, it is best to check the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website: https://www.fda.gov/  The FDA maintains a running list of every SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic test approved under its emergency use authorization (EUA) process. The list includes several types of test kits and features product brand names for easy reference. Websites selling false tests may falsely claim that that their tests are FDA approved so it’s important to check for authenticity.

When buying an over-the counter COVID test kit in person, it’s important that you purchase it from a reliable source, such as your local pharmacy or supermarket. It is strongly advised that you do not buy a test kit from a street vendor as they may be selling kits from oversees that are not FDA-approved or they may be selling old or fake kits in boxes that appear to be legitimate. Experts warn if the seller cannot produce a business license, then you should not buy a kit from them. Additional tips include avoid packaging in foreign languages and kits not sold in boxes.

Flushing Hospital warns when purchasing a test kit, avoid being tempted by lower prices and don’t rush to buy a suspect kit out of fear of limited availability.  You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get a test kit that will offer you accurate results.

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.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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In February 2000, President Clinton dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today. It is estimated that 140,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year and about 50,000 die from the disease.

The good news is that the disease is highly preventable by getting a regular screening. The reason that the screenings are so important is because if precancerous polyps are found early, they can be removed and treatment can be started early.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
• Family history
• Precancerous polyps
• Smoking
• People over the age of 50
• People who have diets high in red meat and processed meat.

It is important to be checked regularly as people get older. For many people who don’t have a family history of colorectal cancer or experience symptoms of the disease, screenings can be started at age 50. If however there is a family history or symptoms exist, screenings should start by age 40 without symptoms or earlier if there are.
Screening for colorectal cancer can be done in several ways.  Some of the more common methods include:
• Checking the stool for occult blood by either a high sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test
• CT colonoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

If there is blood present in the stool, or you are experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss you should consult with your physician immediately. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Eating Disorders Myths Debunked

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“You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them,” “eating disorders are caused by a diet gone too far,” and “only young women are affected”   are some of the popular misconceptions associated with eating disorders.

Studies show that despite growing awareness and education about eating disorders, many people still continue to view myths such as these as factual.  This is dangerous as misinformation can result in the denial of symptoms and the validation of harmful behaviors.

In an effort to stop the spread of harmful information, we are providing the following myths and facts about eating disorders:

Myth –You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

Fact- Many individuals with eating disorders seem healthy in appearance. In several circumstances, weight loss or weight gain may not be obvious during the onset of eating disorders.  It is also common for sufferers to learn how to hide symptoms of their illness by doing things such as wearing baggy clothing.

Myth- Eating disorders are lifestyle choices or result from diets taken too far.

Fact – Going on a diet is a choice and having an eating disorder is not.  Eating disorders are life-threatening illnesses that are associated with psychological, social, or emotional distress.

Myth- Only adolescent women are affected by eating disorders.

Fact- Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender or age.  In fact, it is estimated that 10 million men living in the United States have an eating disorder.  More and more people are seeking treatment for these disorders in their twenties and up.  There are three main groups of people that fit into this category:

  • Those who secretly struggle with eating disorders for years without seeking treatment.
  • Those who received treatment earlier in life and are experiencing recurring symptoms
  • Those who have developed eating disorders as adults

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Melida Nieves

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This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Melida Nieves, Lead Registrar in the Ambulatory Care Center – OB/GYN Department.

Melida has been with Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 14 years. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, and still resides there. Family is the most important aspect of her life. To her it is important that both her family and friends are feeling well, are comfortable, and that their needs are met. She is very proud of her two beautiful daughters who she enjoys spending as much time as possible with. She also has a poodle named Lola that she adores. In her free time, Melida enjoys going shopping and going out to eat with her daughters and often with her two sisters. She is very active with the Real Life Church in Brooklyn where she is involved in many activities that benefit the people in the community including the food bank, clothing and toy drives. Melida enjoys many types of cuisine, especially, Spanish, Italian, and Caribbean. Her favorite type of music is gospel.

Melida likes working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center because she enjoys interacting with the patients, as well as her colleagues, many of whom have become like family.

We are very pleased to have Melida working with us and we look forward to her continuing to be a part of the Flushing Hospital team for many more 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.

National Condom Week

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The United States currently has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among all countries in the developed world.

This is why it is important to recognize National Condom Week which is observed from  February 14th to the 21st.

The best way to prevent STIs is to not have sexual intercourse but that isn’t realistic for most. Therefore, knowledge of prevention is the second-best option. To prevent the transmission of STIs, people should know 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

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.