National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month – Hemophilia

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

March is recognized as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This observance raises awareness for bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that slows the blood clotting process. It is estimated that hemophilia occurs in 1 in every 5,000 male births in the United States. The disorder very rarely develops in girls.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot. This change or mutation can prevent the clotting protein from working properly or to be missing altogether.”

Because people with hemophilia lack sufficient blood clotting proteins, this causes them to bleed longer than they normally should. Bleeding can occur spontaneously or following an injury. Other common signs and symptoms that they may experience include:

Bleeding into the joints can lead to swelling, tightness or pain (This most commonly affects the ankles, knees and elbows)
Bleeding from the mouth and gums
Bleeding after receiving vaccinations or injections
Blood in the urine or stool
Frequent and hard-to-stop nosebleeds
Bleeding into the skin (bruises)
Bleeding into soft tissue and muscle (hematomas)

A diagnosis of hemophilia is determined after blood has been tested to reveal a clotting-factor deficiency. If it is found that the blood is not clotting as it should, tests known as factor assays are required to explore the cause. In severe cases, the disorder can be diagnosed within the first year of a child’s life. People with a family history of hemophilia are encouraged to have their baby boys tested soon after birth.

One of the most common approaches for treating hemophilia is to replace the missing blood clotting factor. This treatment is administered through a tube placed in the vein. Other forms of treatment can include taking clot-preserving medications, injecting the hormone Desmopressin (DDAVP), applying fibrin sealants, and participating in physical therapy.

There are several measures that a person living with hemophilia can take to reduce the chances of injury or excessive bleeding. The following are recommended: avoid taking blood-thinning medications, exercise regularly (contact sports should be avoided), practice good dental hygiene and avoid certain pain medications that can aggravate bleeding such as aspirin.

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.

Should I Let My Child Play Sports During the COVID Pandemic?

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

As we slowly attempt to return to some degree of normalcy during the COVID pandemic, many activities are beginning to resume, this includes youth sports to be played. Depending on the state or region you live in, your children may now be able to participate in many of the activities that were placed on hold nearly a year ago.

As a parent, it is important to understand the potential risks before deciding to allow your children to play sports. To help you make an informed decision, Flushing Hospital is providing the following tips for your consideration:

Understand the current COVID-19 positivity rates in your community. Families who live in areas where there is a high or growing number of COVID cases will have an increased risk of contracting the virus. Parents can track positivity rates on their local department of health website.
Consider the sport that your child wants to play. Certain sports, such as wrestling or basketball require players to be in closer proximity to one another. These sports pose an increased risk of exposure as do other sports where there is a high level of physical exertion and those that are played indoors.
Assess how much equipment or gear is shared among players. Even though we know the primary way the virus is spread is from person to person, through droplets in the air, it is still possible to contract COVID by touching a contaminated surface. For this reason, it is important to limit the use of shared equipment and make sure all gear is sanitized between uses. Never share water bottles.
Determine if your child’s team has the ability to socially distance while the players are not actively engaged. Can the players be placed at the minimum required distance from one another while on the sideline or bench? Are there efforts to have them wear masks when not competing?

Other determining factors that can increase or reduce the risk of spreading the virus include the age of the athlete (older children tend to understand and comply better), the size of the team, the amount of travel required to play the sport and the number of spectators in attendance. By being knowledgeable of the situation you can reduce your child’s exposure and allow them to once again enjoy the sports they love to play.

If your child has any underlying health issues, it is important to speak to your doctor before allowing your child to play.

March is National Kidney Month

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a well-deserved checkup.

The kidneys are two, fist-sized organs in your lower back. They maintain overall health by serving following functions:

Filtering waste out of 200 liters of blood each day
Regulating of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content
Removing toxins from the body.
Balancing the body’s fluids
Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
Producing an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
Controlling the production of red blood cells

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control, some quick facts on Kidney Disease are:

Kidney disease is the 9^thleading cause of death in the country.
More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and most don’t know it.
There are over 95,000 people waiting for kidney transplants.
Currently, more than 590,000 people have kidney failure in the U.S. today.

Often times, kidney failure can be prevented or delayed through early detection and proper treatment of underlying disease such as diabetes and high blood pressure which can slow additional damage to the kidneys.

If you are 18 years or older with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask that you be screened for kidney disease.

If you would like to make an appointment to have your Kidney’s checked, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that has been used for centuries in Asia, and today is promoted around the world as a dietary supplement. It is believed to have medicinal capabilities due to a powerful ingredient -curcumin- that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Turmeric is also believed to have other properties which include:

Anti-proliferative
Anti-microbial
Neuroprotective
Cardioprotective
Wound healing

However, they have not been studied, and much research is needed to confirm their effects.

Turmeric is taken orally, usually mixed in with cooking oils or ingested as a spice. It is considered to be generally very safe; however, some people have experienced nausea and occasionally diarrhea from taking it. It is also important to note that turmeric can be harmful to pregnant women, and can interact with certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, affecting how they work. Before adding turmeric to your diet, it is highly advised that you speak with a physician.

At the MediSys Health Post-COVID Care Center, health practitioners may incorporate a diet that focuses on reducing inflammation as part of a patient’s integrative health treatment plan. The anti-inflammatory diet involves the elimination of foods and beverages high in fat and increasing the consumption of vegetables and lean proteins, such as fish. Another aspect of this diet is adding turmeric (as recommended by an integrative health physician) which can help address joint stiffness and muscle pain, both common symptoms reported by patients experiencing the long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

The MediSys Health Network has opened up a Post COVID-19 Care Center focusing on treating people who have been experiencing long-term side effects of the virus. These people are known as “Long Haulers” and may experience depression, lethargy, anxiety, inflammation, loss of hair, loss of taste, shortness of breath, muscle and body pain. The staff at the center takes a holistic, whole approach to treating these patients. This includes not only treating with medications when deemed necessary but also with exercise, yoga, mind-body exercises, and nutritional support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19 and would like to schedule an appointment at the Post COVID Center, please call 718-736-8204.

National Chili Day

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Today is National Chili Day and we would like to share with you a vegetarian version of this classic meal.

The ingredients that you will need:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
½ teaspoon salt, divided
4 cloves garlic, pressed
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large can ( 28 ounces ) diced tomatoes with their juices
2 cans ( 15 ounces ) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can ( 15 ounces ) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice
Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese

In a large heavy-bottomed pot over a medium heat warm the olive oil until it simmers

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon of salt

Stir to combine to combine and then stir occasionally for about 7 – 10 minutes

Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano

Cook for about a minute

Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the rained black beans and pinto beans, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let mixture simmer for about 30 minutes.

Remove chili from the heat and take out the bay leaf. For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 ½ cups of the chili to a blender. Blend until smooth watch out for hot steam. Pour the blended mixture back the pot.

Add the chopped cilantro, stir to combine and them mix in the vinegar. Add salt to taste.

Serve by placing the mixture into individual bowls and server with garnishes of your choice.

Total time to prepare 1 hour.

Serves 4 – 6 people.

Enjoy !

Employee Spotlight – Gabrielle Medina

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s February Employee Spotlight shines on Patient Navigator, Gabrielle Medina. Ms. Medina is being recognized for her tireless efforts to register fellow employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Gabrielle Medina registered more than 1000 hospital employees and their eligible family members. Her efforts did not go unnoticed by our hospital administrators and her colleagues. Throughout the entire time, she remained calm, courteous and professional. For these and so many other reasons, Gabrielle Medina is our February Employee Spotlight.

Understanding Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition that affects digestion due to an inability to break down food properly. This occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough of the enzymes needed to break down and absorb nutrients.

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in your body. The enzymes made by your pancreas move into your small intestine, where they help break down the food you eat. When you have EPI, you don’t get the nutrition you need because your body can’t absorb fats and and minerals from foods.

Some of the causes of EPI can include:

Chronic pancreatitis – A condition marked by frequent inflammation of the pancreas
Previous surgery of your pancreas, stomach, or intestines.
Existence of other conditions such as Crohn’s Disease, celiac disease, Cystic fibrosis or Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

Symptoms of EPI can include:

Pain or tenderness in the belly
Bad-smelling bowel movements
Diarrhea
Gas
Feeling full
Weight loss
Pain in your bones

Several tests can help diagnose EPI, including: blood tests to determine if you are getting enough vitamins in your diet, fecal tests to check for the amount of fat in your bowel movements and imaging tests to see if your pancreas is inflamed.

The right diet is very important for managing EPI. A dietitian can help you choose the foods that keep your energy level up and give you the nutrition you need. Some other tips include eating up to six small meals per day, avoiding alcohol, and taking vitamin supplements.

Apart from a healthy diet, the main treatment for EPI is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). You take prescription pills that replace the enzymes your pancreas isn’t making. These enzymes break down your food so you can more easily digest and absorb it. You may also need to take an antacid to keep your stomach from breaking down pancreatic enzymes before they can start to work.

If you are experiencing symptms of EPI and would like to speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call our Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486

The Health Benefits of Red Wine

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that drinking red wine in moderation may be good for your health? The alcohol and antioxidants in red wine are believed to help prevent heart disease.

The difference between red wine and white wine is that red wine retains the skin of the grapes during the fermentation process and this is where the beneficial chemicals are found.

Red wine contains alcohol and a chemical called polyphenol that helps to protect the lining of the blood vessels in the heart. Reseveratol is the active ingredient in the polyphenol that acts as an antioxidant. The low content of alcohol in red wine may also protect the lining of the blood vessels by preventing blood clots, lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising the good cholesterol (HDL).

Other potential benefits of red wine include:

Improving the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract
Lowering blood pressure
Helping the body digest glucose which is important in diabetes control
Protecting vision
Preventing stroke patients from having recurrences.

Although red wine can provide benefits for heart health, it is important to drink it in moderation. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol is not good for the body. For those who decide to add red wine to their diet, a moderate amount is considered to be:

For women of any age, one 5 ounce glass of wine per day
For men 65 years old or older, one 5 ounce glass of wine per day
For men up to the age of 65, two 5-ounce glasses of wine per day

One 5 ounce serving of red wine contains 125 calories, 1 gram of sugar, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and a small amount of iron, calcium, some vitamins and minerals.

Please keep in mind that there are risks in consuming alcoholic beverages. Never consume any beverage with alcohol if you have underlying health issues or take certain medications. Never drink and drive or operate any type of equipment while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

Consult with your physician if you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular or semi-regular basis to make sure that your body can tolerate it. You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Home Safety Tips for Do It Yourself Projects

Posted on February 16, 2021 by Flushing Hospital

Many people are spending more time at home these days which provides the perfect opportunity to get household projects done. The most important thing to know before undertaking do-it-yourself, home improvement projects is how to protect yourself from danger. You can do so by following these safety tips:

Keep a working fire extinguisher near to you.
Do not overload extension cords
Keep a first-aid kit near to where you are working
It is best to work in a well-lit environment
Avoid having debris on the floor
If you are painting, keep the area well ventilated
Keep power tools away from children
Never leave power tools unattended
Wear protective clothing when working with hazardous materials
Proper placement of a ladder is very important. For every four feet of ladder height, keep one foot away from wall
Do not stand on top of a ladder
Wear protective eye gear
Always follow instructions included with any materials that you will be working with

By following the above recommendations you are helping to avoid any injuries. It is important to keep emergency numbers and your phone on you in case something unexpected occurs.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a subs

Flushing Hospital Dispels Myths About The COVID Vaccine

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Michael Hinck

There are many myths being circulated about the COVID-19 vaccine due to a spread of misinformation. It is important to know what is true and what is not to help you make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.

Myth: I don’t need to get the vaccine if I already had COVID Is it true that the vaccine was produced too quickly and is unsafe because it wasn’t tested sufficiently?

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone receive the vaccine when it’s their turn, including those who have already had covid-19.

While it is true that those who had covid-19 may have developed some natural immunity, we don’t yet fully understand how long that immunity will last. The vaccine can boost any existing immunity without causing any harm.