The Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to take part in the Great American Smokeout. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.

The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.

Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:

Smoking Cessation Groups
Nicotine substitute products
Support from family and friends
Telephone quit lines
Counseling
Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke

If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.

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.

Thanksgiving COVID-19 Tips

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Thanksgiving is typically a holiday where we gather with our family and friends but this year is unlike any other. In an effort to keep you safe, Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers the following tips to modify your holiday celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year many health experts are recommending that we spend the holiday with only the people we live with year round and who are consistently taking precautions and are at the lowest risk. Once we open our home to people who don’t live with us, such as people traveling from other cities or states such as college students, we are increase the risk of spreading the virus. In addition, it is strongly recommended that gatherings be limited to ten people or less.

The Centers for Disease Control issued the following criteria for people who should not attend holiday gatherings. They include:

Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 recently
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19
Anyone waiting for test results
Anyone who was exposed to someone else with COVID-19
Anyone who is immunocompromised

All guests should be asked to wear a mask and to maintain social distancing and avoid loud talking and singing. The number of people preparing and serving the meal should be limited to just a few. They should all be wearing masks and they should be washing their hands frequently. Other guests should also be encouraged to wash their hands as soon as they enter the home and limit contact with surfaces of furniture. It is also recommended that there be only one source of food preparation. This means food from other households should be avoided as best as possible.

This year the holiday will definitely have a different vibe than what we have been accustomed to in the past but if we all practice safety precautions, we can still enjoy festivities.

COPD

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is caused by damage to the lungs over a prolonged period of time and is usually attributed to smoking.

COPD can result in serious, long-term disability and is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

The symptoms of COPD typically present when there is significant damage to the lung. They may include:

Shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Frequent respiratory infections
Wheezing
Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs

Those most at risk of developing COPD are individuals who:

• Are over age 40 and currently smoke or smoked at some point

• Worked or lived around chemicals or fumes

• Have certain genetic conditions

• Have asthma

If you think you have COPD, you should:

• Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms

• Request a breathing test, known as a spirometry

• Quit smoking! If you need help, ask your doctor

• Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs

COPD can lead to other health complications such as heart problems, lung cancer, or high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to your lungs.

While you can’t undo the damage COPD has caused to your lungs, there are steps you can take to prevent the condition from getting worse, this includes avoiding factors that can irritate lungs, taking medications as directed, enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, and receiving annual flu and pneumonia vaccines.

GERD AWARENESS WEEK

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Joann Ariola

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.

November 18-24, 2019 has been designated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) Awareness Week. 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 where it stimulates cells in the stomach to produce acid and pepsin (an enzyme), which aid the digestion process. A band of muscle at the lower part of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts as a barrier to prevent the back-flow. 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 water-brash (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.

What Is Herd Immunity?

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Michael Hinck

The existence of COVID-19 has introduced us to many new terms that we may not completely understand. One of those terms is “herd immunity.”

Herd immunity describes how the spread of a contagious disease can be controlled after a large enough portion of the population, (referred to as “the herd”) becomes immune.

A disease is most contagious when everyone in the community is at risk of contracting it. If a sizable percentage becomes immune however, it makes it harder for the disease to reach those susceptible because the herd blocks its ability to reach them. As a result, the entire community becomes better protected.

There are two ways to achieve herd immunity: vaccination or infection and recovery.

Vaccination – Vaccines create immunity without causing illness or resulting complications. Vaccines have successfully controlled deadly contagious diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, rubella and many others. Herd immunity by vaccination protects people who are unable to be vaccinated due to age or other conditions.
Natural infection – Herd immunity can also be reached when a sufficient number of people in the population have recovered from a disease and have developed antibodies against future infection. For example, those who survived the 1918 flu (influenza) pandemic were later immune to infection to the H1N1 flu, a subtype of influenza A.

The percentage of a community that needs to be immune in order to achieve herd immunity varies from disease to disease. The more contagious a disease is, there will need to be a greater proportion of the population that is immune to the disease to stop its spread. For example, the measles is a highly contagious illness, therefore it’s estimated that 94% of the population must be immune to interrupt the chain of transmission.

It is important to note that while herd immunity can reduce the risk of getting a disease, it does not prevent it. Until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is developed, it is important to follow all safety guidelines to protect against the transmission of the virus, including:

Avoiding large events and mass gatherings.
Avoiding close contact with others, (within 6 feet).
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wearing a face mask or covering in public spaces.
Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoiding sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
Cleaning and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.
Staying home from work, school and public areas if you’re sick, unless you’re going to get medical care.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and other mental functions over time, eventually leading to the inability to carry out daily activities.

Progression of the disease can vary by the individual. The average life expectancy of a person diagnosed is eight to 10 years. However, depending on several factors, a person could live as long as twenty years or more after diagnosis.

As the disease gradually worsens, symptoms that are associated with the three main stages of Alzheimer’s will appear. It is important to note that these stages serve as a general guideline as symptoms may vary. The three stages are:

Stage 1: Mild, Early Stage – During this stage a person may function independently but may experience memory lapses and other difficulties in concentration such as problems coming up with correct names or words and staying organized.

Stage 2: Moderate, Middle Stage – Typically, this is the longest stage and can last many years. At this point symptoms become more noticeable, and the individual will require more care as they may not be able to successfully complete some routine activities on their own. Symptoms may include moodiness or withdrawal, confusion about what day it is or location, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements and increased risk of wandering.

Stage 3: Severe, Late Stage –This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s and individuals will need an extensive amount of help and care. At this stage, a person loses many physical abilities such as eating, sitting or walking. Other symptoms that can occur include having difficulty communicating, significant personality changes, lack of awareness of surroundings and becoming more susceptible to life- threatening infections such as pneumonia.

Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is important; as early detection of the disease can help individuals to receive the maximum benefits from available treatments, maintain their independence longer and better prepare for their care in the future.

During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are raising awareness about the disease as it affects an estimated 5.7 million people living in the United Sates. Through education we hope to increase public knowledge of the disease, and its effects on individuals as well their caregivers. To learn more about Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at www.alz.org

Glaucoma

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve (The nerve at the back of the eye that connects to the brain and sends visual information to help us see).

There are several different types of glaucoma; however, the most common is open-angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma develops as a result of ocular hypertension- abnormally high levels of pressure in the eye. Over time, the build-up of pressure causes damage to the optic nerve tissue which leads to vision loss and blindness.

There are typically no warning signs or symptoms in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma. But as the disease progresses and becomes more advanced, people can experience:

Tunnel vision
Patchy blind spots in their peripheral (side) vision.

Individuals at a higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma include those who:

Are over the age of 60 (Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people within this age group)
Are African American
Have a family history of the disease
Have a medical history of diabetes or hypertension

Glaucoma is diagnosed by performing a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment is focused on preventing any additional vision loss, and may include medications or surgery. Vision loss or blindness can be slowed or prevented with early treatment. This is why it is important to get regular eye exams which can help detect glaucoma at its early stages.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

November is Prematurity Awareness Month which is defined as a baby born before the mother reaches 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is estimated that approximately 15 million babies around the world are born prematurely and approximately one million of them do not survive. The earlier a baby is born the more problems they are likely to have.

There are several factors that can lead to mothers having premature babies. Some of the risk factors are smoking, alcohol or substance abuse, poor nutrition, being under the age of 19 or over the age of 35, poor quality of prenatal care, previous premature babies, and abnormally shaped reproductive organs.

Some of the health issues that premature babies can experience are:

Breathing problems
Heart problems
Anemia
Gastrointestinal problems
Brain problems
Metabolism problems
Low blood pressure
Infections

Premature babies often require specialized care before they are able to leave the hospital. Flushing Hospital Medical Center has a specialized unit called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that has a highly trained staff and the equipment needed to care for these babies. The team is comprised of neonatologists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, as well as several other support staff and consultants.

The criteria for allowing a premature baby to be discharged from the hospital is dependent on each baby’s progress. Typically a baby has to be able to breath on their own, should weigh about 4 pounds, can be breastfed or bottle fed successfully, and can maintain a stable body temperature.

A premature baby may require special care once they are allowed to go home from the hospital. You can speak to your pediatrician about what that may include. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Understanding Depression

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Depression is a mood disorder that makes you feel constant sadness or lack of interest in life. It can affect how a person feels, thinks and behaves. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Those living with depression have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

While everyone experiences feelings of sadness at some point in their life, those with clinical depression have prolonged periods of feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless. These feelings are not always tied to a specific incident and can last for many days to weeks. Depression can occur in children, adolescents and adults. Although someone can experience depression only once in their life, most who suffer with depression experience recurring episodes.

Some of the symptoms of depression include:

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

There is no known singular cause for depression. Instead, health professionals point to a combination of contributing factors including a person’s brain structure and chemistry. Hormone and genetics are also believed to play a role.

Help is available for those with depression. A mental health professional can conduct an evaluation and outline a course of treatment based on the patient’s individual needs. Treatment may include:

Medications – These can include a combination of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic, anti-anxiety or stimulant medications
Psychotherapy – Talking to a mental health professional on a regular basis about your depression and other issues can help treat the symptoms.
Electroconvulsive therapy – This brain stimulation therapy passes electric currents through your brain to help your neurotransmitters work better.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation – This treatment uses a coil to send magnetic pulses through your brain to help stimulate nerve cells that regulate mood.

Some with depression may experience thoughts of hurting themselves or others. If someone you know is depressed and you think they may hurt themselves or attempt suicide, call 911immediately.

Anorexia

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Anorexia nervosa-often used interchangeably with anorexia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition characterized by having a distorted body image (believing one is much heavier than they are), and the intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese.

The exact cause for anorexia nervosa is unknown; however, there are several environmental, biological and psychological factors believed to contribute to its development.

Individuals with anorexia nervosa aim to maintain a low body weight that is abnormal for their height and age. This is typically achieved by practicing unhealthy weight loss habits such as:

Exercising excessively
Severely restricting the amount of food consumed
Vomiting after eating
Misusing, diuretics, laxatives or diet aides

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can be physical, emotional or behavioral, and may vary from person to person.

Physical symptoms can include:

Extreme weight loss
Severe loss of muscle mass
Fatigue
Thinning hair or hair that breaks easily
Fainting or dizziness
Infertility
Lanugo- soft, downy hair that covers the body

Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include:

An unhealthy preoccupation with food
Excessive concern about being overweight
Adopting eating rituals such as chewing food and spitting it out
Lying about food intake
Avoiding eating in public
Repeated weighing or measuring of the body
Social withdrawal

Most individuals with anorexia nervosa hesitate to seek help because their desire to stay thin often outweighs their concerns for being healthy. However, anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening, so it is important that they receive the immediate care of physicians and mental health experts to help with overcoming this condition.

The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa generally includes physical exams, lab tests and psychological evaluations. Treatment is often administered by a team of healthcare professionals who are experienced in dealing with eating disorders such as a primary care doctor, dietitian and psychologist. A care plan may include medication, psychotherapy and nutrition education.