National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

October 8^th has been designated as National Depression Screening day, an annual event held during Mental Illness Awareness Week. This event was started 27 years ago as an effort to provide people with mental health education materials and give them resources for support services. National Depression Screening Day was also created with the hope of removing the stigma from mental illness.

The World Health Organization estimates that 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The organization states that early recognition and treatment of the disease offer the best opportunity for successful outcomes. If depression is left untreated it can lead to destructive behaviors and possibly suicide.

Depression screenings help to distinguish between short term feelings of sadness and stress due to transient life episodes, and more severe cases that can go on for months and years. The tests usually last between two to five minutes and the scores will indicate whether a further evaluation by a mental health professional is needed. It is important for people to know that help is available.

To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department of Flushing Hospital
Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

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.

Getting Help for Mental Health Issues is Nothing to be Ashamed Of

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Mental illness affects millions of Americans, yet not surprisingly, many of those who need help do not receive it. There are many reasons why – it could be due to limited availability of services, or a strong distrust of others, or those who are mentally ill might have such a sense of hopelessness that they do not seek care.

While all of these are factors as to why someone doesn’t seek support, perhaps the biggest single reason is a sense of fear and shame associated with admitting help is needed. This sense of shame is very common and it is only reinforced by society, which has attached stigmas to mental illness. The beliefs the public has about mental illness leads those who need help to avoid it so they are not labeled as “crazy” and have their condition negatively affect their personal relationships and career goals.

Getting society to overcome the stigmas associated with mental illness is the key to having more individuals come forward, but unfortunately negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. These stigmas can lead to obvious and direct discrimination, such as someone making a negative remark about mental illness or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding an individual because they assume they could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to mental illness.

Those with mental illness should never be ashamed of their condition and here are some reasons why:

According to the World Health Organization, one out of four people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.
Shame is pretty much guaranteed to make things worse. Feelings of shame are proven to have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health
Mental illness is no one’s fault. No one asks to have a mental illness and it is definitely not a choice we make.
We’re not ashamed when our bodies get sick, so why should we be ashamed when our minds aren’t in top form.
There is no normal – our minds are complex things and no single brain is the same
Our mental health doesn’t define us. Don’t let your mental illness become who you are, it is just one aspect of you.

It’s time to speak out against the stigmas associated with mental illness and reframe the way we see it. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.

Flushing Hospital advises anyone who feels they need help to get it. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief and help you in life.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Outpatient Mental Health Center, please call 718-670-5522.

Hypertension and Headaches

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. If left uncontrolled for a long period of time, it can cause strokes, heart disease and heart attacks.

In addition to these conditions, there is some correlation to very high blood pressure and severe migraine headaches. According to the American Heart Association, these headaches are known as malignant hypertension headaches. They typically occur when blood pressure is above 180/120, and there is an increase in pressure within the skull.

Malignant hypertension headaches usually affect both sides of the head at the same time, and we often accompanied by nausea, chest pain or blurry vision.

Ways to treat headaches that may be due to hypertension include:

Improving circulation through exercise
Reducing stress
Eating leafy vegetables
Taking minerals such as potassium and magnesium

Medications may also have to be administered intravenously to control high blood pressure. These medications include nitroglycerin, nicardipine. labetalol, and sodium nitroprusside.

If someone is experiencing headaches due to high blood pressure they should seek immediate medical care by calling 9-1-1. If left untreated they can have very serious consequences, including death.

Our Post-COVID Care Center Is Now Open

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, most health authorities were operating under the belief that the virus, while extremely dangerous for some, was a short-term illness. Most young, healthy individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus were told to expect to sustain a variety of symptoms that could last anywhere from two to six weeks.

Now, however, doctors are seeing a growing number of patients who are enduring lingering symptoms for an extended period of time. These patients are now being referred to as “Long Haulers.”

For long haulers, symptoms of the virus can drag on for multiple months. Some of the most common lingering symptoms include fatigue, muscle and body pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. In addition to these physical symptoms, many long haulers are also reporting a variety of cognitive deficits, such as difficulty concentrating or focusing (commonly referred to as mental fog). Other patients may also experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

With nearly a quarter of a million reported cases of COVID-19 in New York City over the past six months, many of the City’s residents are still experiencing the long-term effects of the virus. To help these patients, the MediSys Health Network (comprised of Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center, the Trump Pavilion for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and a network of community-based MediSys ambulatory care centers) has opened a Post-COVID Care Center in Hollis Tudors, Queens.

At this center, long haulers, as well as others experiencing post-COVID symptoms can receive specialized care from a multi-disciplinary group of qualified physicians. “We were compelled to help those in our community who are still dealing with the effects of the virus” stated Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Ambulatory Care and Family Medicine, who added “Queens was considered the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in March and April. During that time we treated thousands of patients. While the situation in our community has greatly improved recently, we know that there is still work to be done, including continuing to treat patients living with long-term symptoms.”

The MediSys Health Network’s Post-COVID Care Center provides patients with personalized, comprehensive care, coordinated by a primary care physician, who will work with other on-site specialists, including pulmonologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists, all dedicated to helping our patients better manage their condition.

For more information about our services, or to make an appointment at our Post-COVID Care center, please call 718-736-8204.

World Heart Day

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

September 29th has been designated as “World Heart Day”. This observance serves to bring international attention to the dangers of cardiovascular disease. According to the World Heart Federation, over 17.3 million deaths occur each year due to cardiovascular disease. By the year 2030, it is expected that this number will rise to 23 million. This makes it the leading cause of death in the world.

The most common cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke).
Ways to control heart disease and protect the heart:
• Keep active – a minimum of 30 minutes a day of physical activity or exercise
• Do not smoke – if you do smoke, quit and if you don’t smoke, don’t start
• Healthy eating – A healthy diet includes fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish
• Maintain a healthy weight – keep away from food that is high in sodium and sugar or contains unsaturated fat
• Keep blood pressure under control
• Take medication as prescribed to control cholesterol, pressure, and diabetes if present

It is very important to know the warning signs of heart disease. For instance, a person who is experiencing a heart attack will often experience chest pain (fullness, squeezing, pressure), discomfort in areas of the upper body ( neck, jaw, arms, back), shortness of breath, and may also experience nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. A person who is experiencing a stroke may have sudden trouble seeing, sudden confusion, a severe headache, loss of balance, trouble speaking, and sudden numbness and weakness of the face, arms and legs that is often just one-sided.

It is very important to receive a medical check-up at least once a year to ensure that your heart is healthy. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital please call 718-670-5486

Kawasaki Disease

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Kawasaki disease is found most often in children under the age of five. Children of Asian descent are affected more often than other ethnicities and it occurs more frequently in boys than girls. The cause of the disease has not been established.

Kawasaki disease was first described in Japan in 1967 and the first case diagnosed in the United States was in Hawaii in 1976. It is a disease that causes inflammation of the medium sized arterial blood vessels, primarily those that supply the heart with blood.

There are three phases of the disease.

Phase 1

Fever of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts more than three days
Very red eyes
Rash on the body, and around the genitals
Swollen tongue that is very red in color
Irritation of the mouth and nose
Swollen hands and feet that become very red
Swollen lymph nodes

Phase 2

Skin peels on the hands and feet
Body rash
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Irritability
Joint pain

Phase 3

After a few weeks the symptoms usually start to go away

To diagnose the disease a doctor will do a complete physical exam and look for four out of five of the following symptoms: red eyes, red lips and mouth, rash, enlarged lymph nodes and red swollen limbs. Other tests that may be necessary are an EKG, blood test and possibly an angiogram of the heart.

Treatment of Kawasaki usually will include medication such as aspirin to relieve discomfort and to help prevent blood clots. It also may be necessary to administer intravenous immune globulin to help fight the infection. If the disease is left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart. It is also possible for blood clots to form due to weakening of the walls of the blood vessels. Follow up visits with a doctor are recommended to make sure that there is no long lasting heart problems.

If your child has a fever of 101 degrees F to 103 degrees F for more than three days and any of the signs of this disease are noticed, it is important to see a doctor right away. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486 or go to your closest Emergency Room.

Employee Spotlight – Nicole Torres

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Joann Ariola

September’s Employee Spotlight shines on Nicole Torres. Nicole is a Care Coordinator at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC). As a Care Coordinator, Nicole provides appointments for high-risk patients, that are currently admitted, to ensure they receive the care they need in a timely manner.

Nicole joined the FHMC team 3 ½ years ago as an Emergency Department Navigator. Although her time at FHMC has been short, Nicole earned the respect of her colleagues especially when she was called upon to be part of the hospitals team during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.

When working with patients and family members, Nicole utilizes her degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she earned a BA in Forensic Psychology.

At home, Nicole enjoys baking, yoga and reading. She loves to travel, attend breast cancer and Alzheimer’s walks and volunteering at after-school programs.

Nicole feels the most rewarding part of her job is when a patient attends their post-discharge follow up care and the most challenging part is when patients refuse the recommended aftercare, thereby, putting their health at risk possibly causing them to be readmitted to the hospital.

Congratulations! For these and so many other reasons, Nicole Torres is September’s Employee Spotlight!

Facts About Hand Sanitizer

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

People have been using hand sanitizers for many years. However, their use has increased tremendously during the past few months due to the current pandemic.

There are a few different accounts on how hand sanitizers were developed and entered into general use. One of these accounts traces the origins to a married couple, the Lippmans, in Akron, Ohio back in the 1940’s. They created a waterless hand cleaner used by workers in rubber plant factories. In 1988 the Lippmans invented Purell, which is made of 70% ethyl alcohol as the main ingredient and also contains propylene glycol. It wasn’t widely used by consumers until 1997 and the results became the world’s leading hand sanitizer.

In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidelines to allow alcohol based hand sanitizers as a way to clean hands and eliminate germs in the absence of soap and water, In 2009 the World Health Organization also recommended them as an alternative to soap and water.

Hand sanitizers typically contain anywhere from 60 – 95 percent isopropyl or ethyl alcohol mixed with water and gels such as glycerin.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows a product to be called a hand sanitizer if it contains ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or bensalkonium as the active ingredient. Alcohol breaks down disease causing bacteria and viruses. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the more effective the hand sanitizer will be.

Hand sanitizers are effective against many bacteria and viruses, but not all of them. They generally don’t work well against norovirus, Clostridium difficile or Cryptosporium.

Hand sanitizers don’t typically expire but the alcohol can evaporate. They are considered generally safe for use on the skin, however using too much can cause skin irritation. Susan Weiser, the Director of Infection Control at Flushing Hospital Medical Center tells us that hand washing with soap and water is recommended after every four or five uses of the hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of irritating your skin.

Nasal Polyps

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps are soft, teardrop-shaped and can be pink or yellowish-brown in color. They often form as a result of prolonged inflammation and can cause infections or breathing problems.

Polyps commonly occur in people in their 30s or 40s but can arise at any age. Those who have asthma, certain disorders such as cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis or allergies are more likely to develop nasal polyps.

In some cases, nasal polyps do not present any symptoms; however, if they do, one may experience:

Runny nose
Postnasal drip
Persistent stuffiness
No sense of smell or a poor sense of smell
Frequent nose bleeds
Snoring
Sleep apnea
A feeling of pressure over the face or forehead
Headaches
Loss of sense of taste

The risk for nasal polyps can be reduced by practicing hand hygiene to protect against infections that affect the nasal passage, using a nasal rinse to remove irritants or properly managing your asthma or allergies.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with nasal polyps for more than 10 days, please see a doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor may order tests that include imaging, a nasal endoscopy, and blood or allergy tests. Treatment may involve medications or surgery.

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

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women. In the United States, an estimated 21,000 women will be diagnosed every year with this disease and approximately 14,000 will die because of it. This type of cancer usually affects women who are in their fifties and sixties, and who typically have a family history of the disease. When the disease is detected early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 92%.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, and constipation
• Abdominal and pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Backaches
• Frequent Urination with urgency

When a physician suspects ovarian cancer, they will perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. The exam will include a blood test for the CA-125 genetic marker, an examination of the abdomen to see if there is tenderness, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and a biopsy.

There are four main stages of ovarian cancer:

. Stage I – completely confined to one or both ovaries.
. Stage II – Found in one or both ovaries with spread to other pelvic organs (bladder, colon, rectum, uterus).
. Stage III – Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen and/or the lymph nodes.
. Stage IV – Most advanced stage of the disease with spread to additional organs such as liver and lung.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the affected organ(s), hormone therapy, and radiation. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of ovarian cancer, the age of the patient, and the stage of the disease.

Remember that early detection is important and just may save your life. All women should see their OB/Gyn once a year for a pelvic exam. If you would like to make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.