Night Sweats

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Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep. Sweating is common during sleep, especially if you’re sleeping in a hot bedroom. However, unlike regular sweating, night sweats can be identified by the symptom of excessive sweating that soaks through your clothes and bedsheets.

Even though excessive sweating is a symptom of night sweats, night sweats can be a symptom of an underlying illness or medical condition. These illnesses and conditions can include:

  • Menopause
  • Infections
  • Cancer
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Medications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

Some other causes of night sweats can include:

  • Low blood sugar
  • Obesity
  • Sleep disorders
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Panic disorder
  • Pregnancy
  • Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol

Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, you should speak with a healthcare professional if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms like a high fever, a cough, or unexplained weight loss.

Regardless of what is causing your night sweats, you can take preventative steps to help improve the quality of your sleep, including:

  • Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoiding the use of tobacco and illegal drugs
  • Sleeping in a cooler environment
  • Considering the use of cooling products, such as a cooling mattress, pillow, or duvet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding spicy foods, especially if you have menopause

If you are experiencing night sweats, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

  • 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

  • Those who never received the COVID vaccine
  • Those at risk for severe COVID-19
  • Those 65 years and older
  • Those living in long-term care facilities
  • Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.  To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 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.

Healthy Aging Month

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September is recognized as healthy aging month. The observation was created to encourage people to focus on their health and take steps to help them face the challenges that come with aging.

As we age, we become aware of changes in our mental and physical health, and changes in our social needs. You can take charge of your well-being by taking steps to age with a healthy mind and body. Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to offer these tips to help boost your health as you age:

  • Get moving
    • It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations, and modify activities if needed
    • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities each week
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Eat proper portion sizes
  • Avoid excess processed foods
  • Stay hydrated
  • Stay socially active
    • Stay in touch with friends and family
    • Try doing something new that interests you
  • Balance your body and mind
    • Keep a positive attitude
    • Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles
    • Keep your body active with yoga and stretches
  • Be proactive
    • Receive regular checkups, physicals, and medical tests when needed
    • Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed or needed

Healthy aging month is a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout your life contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. Making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

If you have questions about any medical issues that may arise as you age, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

  • Too much time spent being inactive
  • Lack of sleep
  • Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active
  • Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages
  • Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

  • Monitor growth
  • Provide nutritious foods
  • Promote drinking water
  • Encourage physical activity
  • Model healthy behaviors
  • Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.

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.

MPox

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Mpox previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus usually affects rats, mice, or monkeys. But it can occur in people as well.

Mpox usually occurs in Central and West Africa. Cases outside of Africa are due to international travel, imported animals, and close contact with an animal or person infected with mpox.

Mpox symptoms may start three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms last two to four weeks and may include:

  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backaches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

A skin rash starts about one to four days after a fever. It first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other body parts. You can spread mpox while you have symptoms.

There are many ways that mpox can spread, including:

  • Person to person
    • Direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids of a person with mpox
    • Extended close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, including sexual contact
    • Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or bodily fluids of an infected person
    • An infected pregnant person can spread the mpox virus to a fetus
  • Animal to person
    • Animal bites or scratches
    • Wild game that is cooked for food
    • Products, such as skins or furs made from infected animals
    • Direct contact with bodily fluids or rashes of animals with mpox

There are many steps you can take to prevent infection or the spread of the mpox virus, including:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
  • Avoiding the handling of clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in close contact with an infected animal or person
  • Quarantining people who have mpox from healthy people
  • Washing your hands well with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoiding animals that may carry the virus

The treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough fluids to help keep stool soft, and pain management. There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox. If you have mpox, quarantine at home in a room separate from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

You can make an appointment for mpox treatment and prevention at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s on-site ambulatory care center by calling (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.

Healthy Aging Month

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September is recognized as healthy aging month. The observation was created to encourage people to focus on their health and take steps to help them face the challenges that come with aging.

As we age, we become aware of changes in our mental and physical health, and changes in our social needs. You can take charge of your well-being by taking steps to age with a healthy mind and body. Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to offer these tips to help boost your health as you age:

  • Get moving
    • It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations, and modify activities if needed
    • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities each week
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Eat proper portion sizes
  • Avoid excess processed foods
  • Stay hydrated
  • Stay socially active
    • Stay in touch with friends and family
    • Try doing something new that interests you
  • Balance your body and mind
    • Keep a positive attitude
    • Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles
    • Keep your body active with yoga and stretches
  • Be proactive
    • Receive regular checkups, physicals, and medical tests when needed
    • Take vitamins, supplements, and medications as prescribed or needed

Healthy aging month is a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout your life contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age. Making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

If you have questions about any medical issues that may arise as you age, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on David Gordon, RT, RRT-ACCS

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This month, we’re excited to feature David Gordon, RT, RRT-ACCS, Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, in our Employee Spotlight.

David has been a valued member of the Flushing Hospital team for six years. Originally from Miami, Florida, he moved to Brooklyn at the age of nine. He pursued his education at New York City College of Technology, earning an Associate’s degree in Art and Advertising, before obtaining a second Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. David then completed his Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration at California Coast University.

Now residing on Long Island, David is a dedicated father to four daughters and two stepdaughters, whose ages range from two to twenty-two. He cherishes the time spent with his family and friends. Although he loves animals, he currently doesn’t have any pets, though he does keep six egg-laying hens. In his spare time, David is passionate about volunteering. He devoted a decade as an EMT in Brooklyn and now serves as an inflight respiratory therapist with an Air Emergency Response team on medical transport flights.

David is an avid traveler who enjoys visiting places with beautiful beaches and warm weather, with Aruba being one of his favorite destinations. He appreciates a variety of foods, especially a well-cooked steak or a great slice of pizza. Music is another passion, and he enjoys a broad range of genres. When it comes to movies, David gravitates towards comedies, dramas, and action films, and he’s a big fan of football.

David’s experience at Flushing Hospital has been exceptionally positive. He values the family-like atmosphere and the strong sense of teamwork fostered by the friendly interactions among different departments. We are thrilled to have David as a key member of our team and look forward to his continued contributions in the years ahead.

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.

Back to School Anxiety

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A new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer

  • Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
  • Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
  • A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking you up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
  • Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
  • Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

  • Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
  • Practice school routines
  • Model behavior you’d like to see
  • Ensure they are getting enough sleep
  • Check-in with stress levels
  • Talk to school mental health professionals
  • Blend back to school with fun activities so the transition is less sudden

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

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.

Flushing Hospital Completes Final Phase of Renovation Project

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Flushing Hospital Medical Center recently completed the final phase of its project to modernize the entire fifth floor of the hospital which includes the Labor, Delivery and Recovery (LDR) suites, Mother/Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Newborn Nursery.

The renovation project, named New Beginnings, provides a complete expansion and renovation with the latest amenities to provide the ultimate mother/baby birthing experience and accommodations for families in our community.

The Labor, Delivery, and Recovery unit at Flushing Hospital now offers 11 brand-new, spacious suites to deliver your baby. These specially designed units provide our patients and their families with the ultimate birthing experience, including sleeper beds to accommodate a support person or doula’s overnight stay. In addition, the LDR unit boasts a 4-bed labor evaluation center, 3 state-of-the-art operating rooms for those patients who require a cesarean section delivery, as well as a 4-bed post-anesthesia care unit.

The Mother/Baby Unit now offers 28 private rooms to patients. Each room is designed to provide a relaxing environment for mothers and babies to bond while receiving advanced postpartum care. New design enhancements and amenities include private ADA-compliant bathrooms with showers, an electronic information board, and a bedside tablet for mothers. The unit also emphasizes patient safety by including installing an enhanced air circulation system capable of providing negative pressure.

Lastly, Flushing Hospital also modernized its Level 3 Neonatal Care Unit (NICU) with new monitors and equipment to provide optimal care for low-birth-weight babies or those born with complications.

We invite you to take a virtual tour to witness all of the enhancements to our New Beginnings Unit by clicking on the following link: https://virte.ch/tours/1056flu/draft2/

 

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 Senior Citizens Day

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August 21st, 2024 is National Senior Citizens Day. It’s a day that recognizes seniors who have contributed to society and impacted everyone’s lives for the better.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan honored senior citizens by signing Proclamation 5847, establishing August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day.

A senior citizen is anyone 60 years of age and older. They are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights, and more. Their valuable contributions to our communities have made them better places to live. The day honors their achievements and encourages us to support them in living their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible.

In honor of National Senior Citizens Day, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is offering these health tips for older adults:

  • Stay physically active for a healthy body and mind
  • Stay socially active with friends and family
  • Follow a healthy, well-balanced diet
  • Don’t neglect yourself, schedule checkups and stick to them
  • Take all medications as directed by your doctor

There are many ways that you and your loved ones can observe National Senior Citizens Day, including:

  1. Donate to a nursing/retirement home- one of the kindest and most rewarding things you can do is to donate essential goods or gifts to a nursing/retirement home.
  2. Reach out to a senior family member- visit and spend time with a family member who is a senior citizen. If you can’t see them, call them.
  3. Have fun- if you are a senior citizen, the day is about you. Spend time with your favorite people, and do something fun and exciting. Live it up and treat yourself.
  4. Take the time to recreate your family’s traditions. Be sure to include your grandparents and other elderly people in your family.

National Senior Citizen Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the seniors in our lives. Let’s make them know how much we care about and appreciate them.

 

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.