Health Beat

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

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

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

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Michael Hinck

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.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

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.

Eating Disorders Myths Debunked

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

“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

Employee Spotlight Shines on Melida Nieves

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

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.

National Condom Week

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

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

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center encourages everyone to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer:

Don’t use tobacco – Toxins found in tobacco products have been known to cause lung, colorectal, breast, throat cervical, bladder, mouth, and esophageal cancer. If you are a smoker or use tobacco products the best thing to do for your health is to quit.
Eat a healthy diet – Preparing meals focused based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans will help fortify your body against cancer. Limiting red meat and avoiding processed food are also great defenses.
Protect your skin from the sun – Skin cancer is very common and one of the most preventable types of cancer. Wear adequate sun protection when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Obesity is linked to breast and colorectal cancer. You can avoid excessive weight gain by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Thirty minutes a day of regular exercise have been shown to help your general health. There is a link to obesity and breast and colorectal cancer.
Know your family history – Many cancers are known to run in families. Let your physician know if anyone in your family has or had cancer.
Get regular cancer screenings – Early detection can be helpful in some cases because it can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Discuss with your physician your medical history and your risk for cancer. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Flushing Hospital

February is recognized as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The purpose of this recognition is to promote proper dental education to children and their caregivers.

It is important to develop healthy dental habits early in a child’s life as this can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Caring for children’s dental health should begin when they are infants. A baby’s teeth and gums can be cleaned by using a clean, soft cloth. For children aged two to six, it is recommended that an adult puts the toothpaste on the brush. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Try brushing your child’s teeth first, then let him/her finish. Until they are seven or eight years old, you will need to help your child brush. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes each time.

It is recommended that children see their dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cavity prevention. To make an appointment at the dental department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5521.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Michael Hinck

Thyroid eye disease (or TED) is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the muscles and other tissues around the eyes. The condition is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormone than the body needs.

In most cases people who develop TED are already diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but for some, it is the first indicator of thyroid problem. Approximately one half of all people diagnosed with Graves disease develop eye symptoms. In most cases the symptoms are mild, but for some, it can have more serious consequences.

The most common symptoms of TED include:

Pain and pressure
Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Inflammation and swelling of the eye and its surrounding tissues
Bulging or wide-eyed stare caused by swelling in the orbital tissues
Red or bloodshot eyes
Double vision
Light sensitivity
Impaired vision
Difficulty moving the eyes

Thyroid eye disease can affect people differently. Symptoms can last from 6 months to 2 years. For some, symptoms may go away on their own, but others may experience lasting effects. To best treat the condition, it is best to work with a team of doctors, including a primary care physician, an ophthalmologist, and an endocrinologist.

For milder cases, applying lubricating eye drops and artificial tears a few times during the day can help be helpful. It is also recommended to avoid conditions that can worsen the condition, such as wind and bright light (or try to wear sunglasses in these elements to protect your eyes). Other tips include applying cool compresses to provide relief and elevating your head while you sleep to relieve pressure on the eyes.

If you have severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone to reduce the swelling in and around your eyes. In a very small percentage of patients, orbital decompression surgery may be recommended if your vision becomes impaired.

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

How Long Does It Take For Symptoms Of Covid To Appear ?

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

How long does it take for symptoms of COVID to appear ?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the amount of time that passes between exposure to the virus and when the symptoms appear can range from two to fourteen days.

One of the important facts to remember is that a person can spread the virus before they develop symptoms, very commonly, two days prior to showing any signs of being infected.

Symptoms of COVID include:

Sore throat
Cough
Body aches
Shortness of breath
Chills
Fever
Headache
Runny nose
Vomiting
Nausea
Loss of smell or taste

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your physician. The only way to confirm having Covid is by testing for it. If your symptoms worsen, you should go to the closest Emergency Room.