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The Health Benefits of Peaches

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Peaches are a fruit that are believed to have originated in China over 8000 years ago. They are in the same family as almonds, cherries, apricots and plums. Peaches are known for having flesh that surrounds a shell containing an edible seed. White peaches tend to be sweeter and yellow peaches are tart. One of the nice things about peaches is that they can be eaten raw, baked, broiled or grilled.

Here are some of the health benefits of peaches:

Excellent source of vitamins and minerals which helps to improve immunity
High levels of antioxidants can help in protecting skin
They are high in fiber which helps digestion
They contain very few calories, approximately 60 in a medium sized peach.
They are low in fats, cholesterol and sodium
They contain beta carotene which is beneficial to eye health
May help to reduce histamine levels which can lessen allergy symptoms

Peaches can be found year round in the fruit section of most supermarkets but summertime is when they are most commonly seen. If you are looking for a fruit that is both refreshing and nutritious, peaches are definitely a good choice.

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.

Eric Fernandez – FHMC’s July Employee Spotlight

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Joann Ariola

July’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Employee Spotlight shines on Eric Fernandez, Assistant Head Nurse, in our 2 West/Addiction Services Unit.

Eric has been at FHMC for the past 14 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from NYU, as well as being a graduate of LaGuardia Community College of Nursing.

As a valued member of the FHMC Department of Nursing, Eric is known for always pitching in whenever and wherever he is needed. He was an integral part of the COVID-19 vaccination team, spending countless hours making sure all who wanted to be vaccinated were given the chance.

Eric stated, “It was gratifying to be part of the COVID vaccine team because I was witnessing people have tears of joy in their eyes because they would finally be able to visit family and friends that they hadn’t seen in over a year.

When he is not working, Eric loves to go to the movies, travel, exercise and spend time with his wife, Starr watching his son, Sawyer, play sports.

He has a love for history, especially U.S. and NYC History. He is an avid reader and a regular at the New York Blood Center donating much needed blood and platelets.

When asked what the best part and most challenging part of his job was, Eric stated, “The best part of working in the CDU is when former patients visit or call us to say they turned their life around. They thank our staff and attribute our care for being a big part of their recovery. That type of affirmation makes me work even much harder for the patient who is struggling with breaking the chain of relapse that can often happen with Addiction”

For these, and so many other reasons, Eric Fernandez is Flushing Hospital’s July Employee Spotlight. Congratulations!

What You Need To Know About The Delta Variant

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Michael Hinck

It is common for viruses to change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur. These variants can affect the strength, symptoms, or transmission rate of the virus. There have been multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United States and globally throughout this pandemic. One variant that you may be hearing more and more about is the delta variant.

The highly transmissible delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was first identified in India and has now been reported in at least 104 countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the delta variant is now the dominant strain of the virus, representing 51.7% of new COVID cases in the United States as of the week of July 3.

The delta variant is a cause of concern to health authorities because it is thought to be the most transmissible variant yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the delta variant is estimated to be approximately 55% more transmissible than the alpha variant, which was first identified in Britain last year. Officials believe delta is more contagious because of its ability to partially evade the antibodies made by the immune system after a coronavirus infection or vaccination.

Many health experts fear the variant will cause a surge in new cases this fall, hitting the unvaccinated the hardest. Currently, only 48% of adult Americans are fully-vaccinated, well below the 70% most believe is needed to achieve herd immunity. In fact, areas in the U.S. with low vaccination rates are already beginning to see delta-driven outbreaks, and the number of COVID-19 cases has begun to climb again nationally.

The good news is that data suggests that several widely used shots, including those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, appear to retain most of their effectiveness against the delta variant.

Flushing Hospital urges everyone eligible to get vaccinated if you have not already done so and encourage your family and friends to get vaccinated as well. Vaccination is the best way to stop the spread of all the variants and reduce the odds that new, even more dangerous variants emerge.

Summer Asthma

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Many people with asthma find that their symptoms worsen during the hot humid days of summer. This is fairly common and there are several reasons why this may occur:

The poor air quality during the warm and hot weather is due to a rise in air pollutants which can make breathing more difficult.
The high humidity which is often found during the warmer months can make it difficult to inhale air.
Warm weather typically leads to an increase in allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites.
These can cause a release of histamines in the body which constrict the air passages.
Heat puts stress on the lungs’ ability to inhale and exhale because the breathing passages narrow.

Here are some tips to keep asthma under control during the summer months:

Try not to go outside during the hottest times of the day
Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible
Keep allergies well controlled
Avoid heavily chlorinated swimming pools
Keep asthma medication handy

There are a few treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with asthma. These include inhaler corticosteroids which reduce the inflammation in the airways. Some inhalers also contain corticosteroids and beta blockers which help to keep the airways open. Always discuss with your physician which option is going to be best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486

Baby Poop: What’s Normal Or Not

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

There are many shades and textures of normal when it comes to the color and consistency of baby poop. Color and texture can result from several factors including the age of the baby as well as the type of milk or food that is being consumed.

After newborn babies are born, their poop is likely to be greenish-black or black and have a sticky consistency. This is called meconium which consists of amniotic fluid, skin cells, mucus, and other particles the baby may have ingested in utero.

Once an infant begins to exclusively breastfeed, the color of the poop may be yellow or slightly green. The texture is often described as being seedy. What resembles little seeds are undigested milk fat. This is normal.

Formula-fed babies’ poop can be tan, brown, yellowish-brown, or greenish-brown in color. The consistency is a little firmer than that of a breastfed infant and is likened to pasty peanut butter.

The poop of babies who are eating solid foods such as pureed fruits or infant cereal may contain a wide variety of colors. The poop is firmer and may contain bits of undigested food.

Keeping an eye on your baby’s poop is important as it can be indicative of changes in their health. If your little one’s poop remains black several days after birth or is red, gray or white in color, notify your doctor immediately. Also, contact a pediatrician if your baby’s bowel movements occur more or less frequently than usual or are unusually watery or dry.

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

Lyme Disease

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Joann Ariola

With summer in full swing, we will be spending more time doing activities outdoors in areas such as parks, forests and hiking trails. While getting out and keeping physically fit is strongly encouraged it is important to keep in mind that being in these areas can put you at risk for Lyme disease.

Dr. Sherman Klein, MD, specializing in Internal Medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center offers the following information on Lyme disease, how it is spread, its symptoms, and treatment.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-born infection in New York City and in the United States. On the east coast, Lyme disease is spread by the bite of a black-legged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Not all black-legged ticks carry this bacterium and, even if they are infected, they must be attached for at least 36 – 48 hours after a person is bitten to transmit the disease.

Blacklegged ticks are rarely found in NYC, but if you have been traveling in more rural areas of New York such as Westchester and Long Island you are at greater risk of coming into contact with an infected tick.

The annual number of cases of Lyme disease reported continues to rise each year in non-rural communities.

Some of the early warning signs of Lyme disease are:

Muscle aches
Headache
Fatigue
Fever
Rash

These signs and symptoms may occur anywhere from three to 30 days after being bitten. After an infected tick bite, a widening red area may appear at the infected site that is clear in the center, forming a bull’s eye appearance.

Dr. Klein suggests that the best way to avoid contracting Lyme disease is to avoid direct contact with ticks. You can do this by avoiding wooded and brushy areas, and high grass. If you are hiking, try to walk in the center of the trails and wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. If in a wooded area you should use a strong repellent. Dr. Klein cautions that when using any repellent, you should avoid applying the solution to your hands, eyes and mouth.

Some of the tips to find and remove ticks from your body and clothing are:

Do a check of your entire body viewing under your arms, behind and in your ears, inside your navel, behind your knees, along your legs, waist and hair. Also, check your pet.
Take a shower soon after returning indoors. If you wash within two hours of returning indoors, the ticks are more easily found and washed off your body.
Once you are indoors, take your clothing and place them in the wash using hot water and then put them in the dryer on “high” for at least 10 minutes; if the clothes were washed in cold water, place them in the dryer on “high” for at least 90 minutes

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body causing arthritis cardiac and nervous system problems. Dr. Sherman Klein is one of the many qualified doctors specializing in Internal Medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with him, or any of our other doctors, please call 718-670-5486

Covid-19 Vaccine Myth or Fact

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

There is a myth that COVID-19 vaccines contain metallic ingredients that cause a person to become “magnetic”. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website it clearly states that “ All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth alloys, as well as manufactured products such as microelectronics, electrodes, carbon, carbon nanotubes, and nanowire semiconductors.” The main ingredient in two of the most commonly administered vaccines ( Pfizer and Moderna ) in the United States is messenger RNA ( mRNA ). This is a genetic molecule and non magnetic. The third most commonly administered vaccine ( Johnson and Johnson) also does not contain any ingredient that is metallic.

Pinkeye

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and highly treatable eye conditions. More than three million adults and children in the U.S. contract pinkeye every year.

Pinkeye occurs when the thin, clear tissue under the eyelid, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes the blood vessels in the eye more visible, giving them a pink appearance. People who develop pinkeye typically experience pain, or feel a burning or itchy sensation. Their eyes may also tear and form a discharge that crusts while sleeping. Other symptoms may include swelling, tenderness or sensitivity to light.

There are several causes for pinkeye, but it is most commonly either viral, which is the most contagious form, or due to a bacterial infection. Other factors that can lead to pinkeye include exposure to irritants such as shampoo, cosmetics, dirt, or pool chlorine, an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, or smoke, or a reaction to eye drops or contact lenses. Usually a doctor can diagnose pinkeye through a routine examination.

Treating pinkeye depends on the cause of the condition. In most cases it is treated by administering artificial tears, which can be purchased over-the-counter, to treat the dryness and cold compresses to treat inflammation. If pinkeye has developed due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Symptoms of pinkeye typically last anywhere from one to two weeks.

To avoid contracting pinkeye, take the following precautions:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Avoid sharing towels, blankets, and pillowcases.
Do not share eye makeup, face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses or containers, or eyeglasses.

In rare cases pinkeye can lead to complications. Please see a doctor if you experience moderate to severe pain your eyes, if you have problems with your vision, or if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

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

Exercising In Hot Weather

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Exercising in extremely hot and humid weather can increase our body’s core temperature, and lead to overheating.

When our body is overheated and unable to cool itself or retain adequate amounts of water, this may cause heat-related medical conditions such as dehydration or heat stroke to develop. Therefore, it is important that we protect our health and follow safety precautions while exercising in hot weather.

Here are a few tips for exercising safely in scorching temperatures:

Stay hydrated- Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to keep our bodies cool on a hot day. Although drinking water is highly benefical, be careful not to drink too much as this can lead to overhydration or a health condition known as hyponatremia (low blood sodium).
Wear light and loose-fitting clothing– Lighter-colored clothing can help to reflect the sun’s rays. Loose-fitting garments allow air to circulate and cool your skin.
Wear clothing made with moisture-wicking fabric- These types of clothing aid with the evaporation of sweat.
Exercise during cooler times of the day– The coolest times of the day are typically around sunrise. If you are not an early riser, pay attention to the weather forecast for heat alerts throughout the day or wait to exercise in the late evening. You can also avoid the heat by exercising in shaded areas or indoors.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses- Ignoring the warning signs of heat-related illnesses can lead to medical complications or emergencies. It is important that you pay attention to signs and symptoms such as nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a heat-related illness, stop exercising right away and get out of the heat. Try to lower your body temperature by removing excess clothing and getting hydrated. You can also place ice packs or cool towels on your forehead, neck, or underarms.

If symptoms persist for more than 20 minutes, seek medical attention immediately. You should also seek emergency care if you are experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, this includes a body temperature of 103˚F or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; dizziness; nausea or losing consciousness.

The Importance of Safely Using Home Massage Devices

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

As technology has become more innovative, we have learned more about the best ways to recover after exercise. This includes the use of products such as handheld massage guns and electric back massagers that aid in the recovery process from the comfort of our homes. While these products have grown in popularity and can offer several benefits, some negative consequences can occur if not used properly.

Home massage devices work by stimulating the skin’s sensory cells, which stops muscles from contracting; therefore, relaxing them. They can also prevent soreness by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which helps the muscle’s healing process. “Think of it as a mini hammer, repeatedly impacting the soft tissue, causing blood flow to increase in that area,” said the Cleveland Clinic. Massaging muscles as a warmup or cooldown can also prepare them for physical activity and relieve lactic acid buildup that causes soreness.

While using hand-held massagers can be advantageous, it is important to remember that they can have an adverse effect on your health if used improperly. For instance, using a massage device after an injury involving a sprain or a strain can only worsen the amount of pain or swelling you may experience.

You can prevent injuries or accidents by paying attention to warning signs that signal when you should stop using the device, such as skin irritation and redness or increased pain. It is also crucial to understand that these devices are not meant to be used on bones, nerves, or joints – only muscles.

Lastly, one of the most important things to know about using these products properly is to avoid self-diagnosis and treatment. Instead, consult a doctor before usage to ensure that you are using massage devices safely and effectively.