Health Beat

Understanding the Facts and the Myths About Cholesterol

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Understanding how cholesterol helps or harms our health can be confusing due to several myths that exist. It is important that we debunk misinformation so that we can learn how to properly take care of our bodies.

One of the most common myths about cholesterol is that it is all bad. This is not true.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), “good cholesterol,” transports cholesterol to the liver where it is flushed from the body. Cholesterol is also important for the production of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol poses a problem for our health when high quantities of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), “bad cholesterol,” are found in our blood. This can lead to cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Here are a few other myths to explore:

People who have a healthy weight can’t have a high level of cholesterol – not true
- Cholesterol levels have nothing to do with bodyweight. People of any weight can have high cholesterol levels
Eating food that has a lot of cholesterol in it will not raise my cholesterol levels – not true
- Foods that are high in cholesterol tend to have a lot of saturated fat, which can cause cholesterol numbers to increase.
Only men have to worry about high cholesterol levels – not true
- Both sexes are vulnerable to have high cholesterol levels. Women as they age lose estrogen and this can raise their risk level.
Taking cholesterol medications makes it okay to eat anything I want – not true
- Medications used to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body can only do so much. Diet and exercise are also very important to control cholesterol levels.
Only people over 40 years of age are affected by high cholesterol – not true.
- High cholesterol can affect people of any age. The American Heart Association recommends having cholesterol levels checked once between the ages of 9 – 11 and again between 17 – 21. After that, young adults should be checked every four to six years.
Having high cholesterol is based only on your diet – not true
- Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels. These include family history, level of physical activity, and also age are factors to consider.

Speak with your physician about your risk factors for developing high cholesterol and ask about having a blood test performed. 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.

Winter Skin

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Winter can be a particularly harsh season for our skin. Not only is the cold temperature to blame but also the dry air. A major reason skin becomes dry is because of the low humidity in the environment. Another reason is because we spend more time indoors where heating systems tend to warm the air and deplete the water content in the environment.

The outer layer of the skin is called the stratum corneum. It is composed of dead skin cells and natural oils that act as a protective layer, preventing water from evaporating from the surface. When the outer layer becomes compromised, water begins to evaporate, outer skin cells become flaky and will cause cracks and fissures.

Dry skin most commonly appears as rough and flaky patches on the arms and legs which are typically the areas exposed to the air. In more severe cases, the skin will develop creases and cracks..

Steps we can take to prevent dry skin:

Bathe in warm water, never hot
Use mild soaps that contain moisturizing creams
Pat the skin dry with soft towels
Use a moisturizer several times a day on exposed areas of the body
Drink a lot of water
Apply sunscreen to prevent drying out from the sun’s rays
Wear gloves
Avoid wearing wet articles of clothes outdoors
Use a humidifier in the home

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss dry skin and how best to treat it, please call 718-670-5486.

#WELLNESSWEDNESDAY

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Joann Ariola

With all the running around we do and the stress we deal with each and every day, try to take a moment to center your mind and bring wellness to your entire being. Try reciting these and other positive affirmations to help start your day in a positive way.

Holidays Should Bring Lots of Presents Not Pounds

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Joann Ariola

The holidays are full of cheer, family gatherings and lots of calories!

Here are some tips on how to maintain your weight during the holiday food fest:

Stay Active – Although the weather may not be conducive to outdoor physical activity, you can try some simple indoor activities such as workout videos, stationary bikes and treadmill.
Healthy Snacking – Treats are easily accessible during the holiday season. Be mindful to stay away from snacks that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Stick to the veggie and fruit platters.
Portion Control – The best way to overcome obesity and maintain a healthy weight is through portion control. Check the serving sizes for the foods you are choosing to eat and try to remain within the guidelines of the recommended portion.
Don’t Stress Eat – Try to remain mindful of your stress level during the holiday season. Use exercise, meditation, yoga or deep breathing to reduce stress.
Bring a Healthy Dish – By bringing your own healthy meal to share, you are guaranteed to be in control of your choices.
Limit Alcohol Consumption– Everyone loves a libation during the holiday season, but keep in mind that alcohol contains lots of calories and can cause you to gain weight.

Addition tips include cooking and baking holiday favorites with less calorie rich ingredients, such as substituting sugar and butter with more healthy options like Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, olive oil, mashed bananas or avocado.

Hopefully, these tips will give you all the holiday cheer with none of the holiday guilt!

Happy Holidays!

Immunity-Boosting Tips To Help You Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Michael Hinck

The holiday season is here and to increase your chances of staying healthy and enjoying all the festivities that are associated with this time of year, Flushing Hospital is sharing the following tips to help you boost your immune system and avoid illness during this time of year.

Protect yourself against illness– taking certain preventive measures like washing your hands, wearing a mask whenever possible and taking Vitamin D can decrease your chances of getting sick. Also. getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu can provide protection against serious complications from those viruses.
Get the appropriate amount of sleep – With all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking, the holiday season can be very busy time of year. Even though you might find yourself overwhelmed around the holidays, it’s important to get the recommended amount of sleep each night (seven to nine hours for adults) to help keep your immunity levels high.
Eat healthy – Making healthy and nutritious food choices can give your immune system a big boost. Conversely, making unhealthy food choices can negatively affect your immunity to illness. Some foods that can potentially boost your immune system include garlic, whole grains, such as oats or quinoa, and yogurt.
Make time for exercise – Regular exercise can not only help keep your immune system running by supporting overall health and wellness, but recent research has suggested that it can also boost it by improving circulation, relieving stress, promoting “good” bacteria in your gut.
Enjoy time with family and friends – If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is the importance that social interactions have on our mental well-being. Spending time with loved ones not only can reduce stress and make us happy, but studies have found that, if done responsibly and when following the appropriate safety precautions, it can also positively impact our immune system.

We hope these wellness tips will help you stay healthy and safe this holiday season.

Osteoarthritis

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, currently affecting over 32 million Americans. This form of arthritis is known as the “wear and tear” disease because while it can affect almost any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, hands, and spine that are subject to the most amount of movement. Women tend to be affected by osteoarthritis more often than men.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which is the slippery tissue which cushions your bones when they rub against one another deteriorates over time due to weight, stress, injuries or genetic factors. When this happens, people with osteoarthritis will experience a variety of issues including::

Joint pain
Joint Deformity
Decrease in joint mobility
Swelling of a joint
Joint crackling

Diagnosing osteoarthritis can be performed by taking an x-ray, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), and physical manipulation of the joint. Examining the joint fluid can help differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis may not be able to be completely avoided but there are ways to slow down its progress and to treat it. Measures to minimize osteoarthritis include:

Keeping active
Maintaining a proper weight
Participating in physical therapy
Taking medications to reduce symptoms such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Receiving cortisone injections into the joint
Receiving injections of hyaluronic acid
Having Joint replacement procedures

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, speak with your physician to discuss what treatment option is best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Psoriasis or Dandruff?

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Psoriasis and dandruff are both skin conditions that can affect the scalp and result in similar symptoms such as itchiness, redness, or flakes.

While there are similarities in dandruff and psoriasis, there are also significant differences between the two.

Dandruff (a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis) is only restricted to the scalp. It can be caused by dry, irritated, or oily skin, sensitivity to hair products, skin conditions such as eczema, or Malassezia which is a type of yeast.

Dandruff is not long-lasting, and symptoms tend to go away with treatment. This condition is often treated by using over-the-counter medicated shampoos, antifungal solutions, or a topical corticosteroid.

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting), auto-immune disease. It can affect multiple parts of our bodies including the scalp. Unlike dandruff, scalp psoriasis can spread from the scalp to the face, neck, inside, and behind the ears.

Psoriasis develops when the immune system instructs skin cells to regenerate much quicker than normal. This results in the formation of scales and red patches. In addition to redness, itchiness, or flakes, symptoms of scalp psoriasis can include silvery-white scales, burning sensation, or soreness, all of which can lead to temporary hair loss. These symptoms come and go.

Mild cases of scalp psoriasis can be treated with over-the-counter ointments, medicated shampoos, gels, or oils that contain salicylic acid or coal tar. However, more severe cases often require prescription treatments such as topical steroids, antimicrobials, or biologics. There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be managed with the help of a dermatologist.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dandruff or psoriasis and over-the-counter treatments are not working, it is recommended that you see a doctor. You should also see a physician if you have noticed any changes in your skin.

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

GERD Awareness Week

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

Perhaps there is no other day of the year associated with eating more than Thanksgiving. With so much attention being paid to food consumption, it is fitting that this week we also raise awareness about a health condition that affects the digestive system.

GERD is a very common disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining.

After it is swallowed, food travels down the esophagus, stimulating cells in the stomach to produce acid and pepsin (an enzyme), which aid digestion. A band of muscle at the lower part of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts as a barrier to prevent backflow. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach’s contents to flow up into the esophagus.

Chronic heartburn is the most frequently reported symptom of GERD. Acid regurgitation (refluxed acid into the mouth) is another common symptom. Other symptoms can include belching, difficulty or pain when swallowing, or waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva). GERD may also lead to chronic sore throat, laryngitis, throat clearing, chronic cough, and other oral complaints such as inflammation of the gums and erosion of the enamel of the teeth.

Dietary and lifestyle choices can contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, or alcohol may trigger reflux. Studies show that smoking can relax the LES and contribute to this condition. People who are obese are more prone to developing GERD symptoms.

Doctors recommend lifestyle and dietary changes for most people needing treatment for GERD. Along with lifestyle and diet changes, your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter remedies, or, in serious cases, prescribe medications designed to reduce acid in the stomach.

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

Should You Still Work Out When Your Muscles Are Sore?

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Muscle soreness after working out or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) often occurs as a result of doing new, repetitive, or intense exercises our bodies may not be accustomed to.

During strenuous or new exercises, our muscles are often forced to work harder, this may cause tiny tears in muscle fibers and inflammation. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, delayed onset muscle soreness appears to be a side effect of the repair process that develops in response to this muscle damage. In other words, normal muscle soreness is a part of muscle growth.

Delayed onset muscle soreness typically begins within 12-24 hours after exercise, and everyone is susceptible to developing it, even those who exercise routinely. While DOMS is normal, it is important to pay attention to the severity and duration of symptoms following your workout and respond accordingly.

In moderate to mild cases of DOMS, in which soreness usually lasts three to five days, it is recommended that you participate in light exercises such as walking or stretching. This will help to keep blood flowing and loosen muscles. It is also advised that you exercise other parts of the body to give sore muscles a chance to recover.

In severe cases where pain lasts longer than a few days, is unbearable, or prevents you from moving the affected part of the body, it is recommended that you see a doctor right away. These symptoms can be indicative of serious muscle injury that can potentially lead to kidney damage. Additional warning signs you should look out for include bruising and swelling of the affected limbs or dark-colored urine.

Delayed onset muscle soreness can be prevented by progressing slowly into a new exercise routine, not repeating the same exercise every day, warming up before exercising, and stretching after.

Exercise and strength training can improve your overall health and wellness. By working out safely and paying attention to the signs of your body you can avoid muscle injury and reap the benefits.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) is joining with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), to promote raising awareness about hospice and Palliative Care.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month bring focus on how hospice and palliative care can offer a person-centered approach to treatment that includes expert medical care, comprehensive pain management, and emotional and spiritual support.

When you are faced with the decision of choosing whether palliative care or hospice care better suits the needs of you, or your loved ones; it is best to know the definition and relationship between the two before deciding.

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms that are related to a chronic illness, such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, AIDS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other neurological diseases. Palliative care can be used at any stage of illness –not just in advanced stages.

Hospice care is palliative by nature but is only offered when the patient has progressed to a point where curative treatment is no longer desired. Hospice care supports the patient, and their families, on the journey to the end of life focusing on relieving symptoms and offering comfort from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.

Although there are differences between palliative care and hospice care, there is a relationship between the two. Knowing the treatment differences and similarities may be helpful when making your decision, including:

Treatments are not limited to palliative care and can range from conservative to aggressive or curative.
Hospice care treatments are limited and focus on the palliation of symptoms. The goal is no longer to cure but to promote comfort.
Palliative care can be considered at any time during the course of a chronic illness.
With hospice care, Medicare requires that a physician certify that a patient’s condition is terminal. The physician must certify that a patient’s life expectancy is six months or less.
Both palliative and hospice care can be delivered at any location.
Palliative care services are typically provided through regular physician and nursing visits.
Hospice care services are more inclusive than palliative care services. Hospice care includes physician services, nursing services, social workers, spiritual care, bereavement care and volunteers. In some cases, physical, occupational, speech and dietary therapy services, as well as other counseling services are deemed necessary as part of the hospice holistic care plan to manage terminal symptoms and provide support for the individual and their family.

It is important to know that choosing palliative care or hospice care is about comfort, control, dignity, and quality of life and not about giving up. If you or a loved one should need information on palliative or hospice care, the Maureen Russo Hospice Unit at Flushing Hospital Medical Center can help. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or to just talk, call 718-670-8900.