Health Beat

Older Americans Month 2024

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Older Americans Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center would like to spotlight the importance of meaningful social connections for the health and well-being of aging members of our community.

Socialization is beneficial for people of any age when it comes to mental and physical health. However, it becomes even more important as we age as a way of managing a wide range of increasing health risks.

According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), approximately one third of adults aged 45 or older feel socially isolated. Several factors, such as the loss of loved ones or other significant life events, can contribute to this feeling. It is important that we pay attention to the effects of social isolation as they have been linked to a significantly increased risk of experiencing a variety of medical problems, including mental health conditions, such as depression, as well as chronic physical problems, such as heart disease.

The negative mental and physical impacts of social isolation on older adults are intertwined. Social isolation has specifically been linked to a 50% increase in the risk of developing dementia, as well as a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke. These medical problems, in turn, increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, which is more likely to occur in people with a chronic or disabling medical problem.

Older adults who feel socially isolated have a variety of options for seeking out opportunities for social interaction. A few of these include:

Calling or visiting family members or friends regularly
Joining a local community group or attending local events
Joining a gym or exercise class
Going out for a walk each day and visiting a specific location, such as a cafe or shop

Taking these steps may not immediately make you feel better or lead you to instantly develop close, high-quality relationships. However, making a point to interact with people regularly allows you to cultivate these relationships gradually over time and develop a healthier, more active social life.

If you feel socially isolated and start to experience symptoms of a medical problem, such as depression, dementia, or heart disease, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’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.

7 High-Fiber Foods for Better Gut Health

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Your digestive system plays an important role in the overall wellbeing of your body. A healthy gut helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients; this affects nearly every function your body performs by providing the energy needed for those functions. Your digestive system is also the home of your gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria that assist in digestive processes. A key part of supporting this microbiome is to consume a sufficient amount of fiber each day. Unlike other cells, your gut bacteria have the enzymes needed to break down fiber.

Getting the recommended amount of fiber each day (38 grams for men and 25 grams for women) can produce a variety of beneficial effects, including:

Healthier stools
Decreased constipation
Decreased blood sugar spikes after high-carb meals
Reduced appetite

There are many different foods you can incorporate into your diet to increase your intake of fiber. A few of these include:

Raspberries: A one-cup serving of raspberries contains about eight grams of total fiber. Raspberries make for a simple snack on their own, but you can also mix them in with yogurt or oatmeal.

Bananas: A medium-sized banana contains approximately three grams of fiber. Bananas make for an easy on-the-go snack, but they can also be included in sandwiches, smoothies, and other recipes.

Broccoli: This popular vegetable contains five grams of fiber for each one-cup serving. Broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways and can be served as a side dish or mixed in with other foods, such as pasta.

Potatoes: One medium potato with skin contains about four grams of fiber. Like broccoli and other vegetables, potatoes can be cooked and served in many different ways, either on their own or as part of a more complex meal.

Brown rice: One cooked cup of brown rice contains three and a half grams of fiber.

Whole-wheat foods: Whole-wheat foods are great for boosting your fiber intake. Whole-wheat spaghetti, for example, often contains about six grams of fiber in a one-cup serving.

Almonds: Almonds, as well as other nuts such as pistachios, are snacks that serve as excellent sources of fiber, containing about three and a half grams per one-ounce serving.

If you experience symptoms of a digestive problem, you can receive treatment from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Christine Parasram, RN

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Assistant Head Nurse in our NICU, Christine Parasram, RN. Christine began her nursing career in the NICU in August of 2018, and became an Assistant Head Nurse in July of 2023.

Although Christine’s career at Flushing Hospital Medical Center began six years ago, her history with our hospital began much earlier. She started the first few weeks of her life as a preemie in Flushing Hospital’s NICU.

In addition to being a NICU graduate, what further inspired Christine to become a NICU nurse was experiencing the early arrival of her daughter who spent the first few months of her life in the NICU. Christine still remembers how intimidating the NICU was as a parent. She deeply admired the nurses who cared for her fragile newborn daughter. Christine’s firsthand experience gave her the passion for taking care of her patients and the empathy for caring for the patients’ families.

Everything You Should Know About the Bird Flu Virus

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

You may have recently heard about the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among poultry and dairy cows in the United States. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk to public health posed by this virus is low; however, the situation is being monitored closely, and it’s important for you to know the potential risks posed to humans by H5N1.

So far, the H5N1 strain of the bird flu has infected wild birds in all 50 states and poultry in 48 states. More recently, it has also been discovered in herds of dairy cows in nine states; this is concerning to health experts because it may indicate that the virus could mutate in a way that makes it easier to spread among humans. In fact, a dairy worker had reportedly become infected in April after exposure to infected cows.

The CDC recommends taking certain actions to protect yourself against this virus and prevent it from spreading among human populations. These actions include:

Avoiding direct contact with wild birds as much as possible, particularly if they seem ill or are dead
Avoiding unprotected exposure to live or dead infected animals (particularly dairy cattle) as much as possible
Monitoring and reporting any new symptoms you experience within 10 days of exposure to the virus, particularly respiratory symptoms or eye redness
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine; while this does not reduce your risk of bird flu infection, it is recommended for reducing your risk of co-infection with human influenza viruses

If you have become sick within 10 days of exposure to the bird flu virus, you should isolate yourself at home away from other members of your household and avoid your workplace or school until you are confirmed to no longer have the H5N1 virus.

Poultry products such as chicken and eggs, as well as beef products, can still be consumed safely as long as they’re cooked to an appropriate internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. You should avoid consuming raw milk or any products that contain raw milk.

If you become sick with flu symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to H5N1, it’s important that you receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Stroke Awareness Month

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Stroke Awareness Month. During this time, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is working to educate our community about important stroke facts that can help prevent stroke deaths and increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes for our patients.

When looking for warning signs of a stroke, it’s important to B.E.F.A.S.T. If someone you know is suddenly exhibiting the following signs, call 911 for help immediately:

B – Balance loss: A person experiencing a stroke might suddenly lose their balance.

E – Eye problems: When someone experiences a stroke, they may experience temporary vision loss.

F – Face drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile. You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A – Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S – Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence repeatedly.

T – Time to call 911: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 911 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

A person experiencing a stroke may not experience all of these symptoms, or they may not all occur at the same time. Additionally, while these are some of the major warning signs to watch for, there are others that are important to recognize as they appear. Additional symptoms of a stroke can include:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable; by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically. Remember, don’t wait; if you believe someone you know is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

. Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Pediatric Liver Disease

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Liver problems can lead to very serious medical complications. Whether these problems are urgent potential emergencies, such as acute liver failure, or long-term health issues, such as fatty liver disease, they can become life-threatening if they are not treated promptly and effectively. Liver problems are not rare in adults; according to the American Liver Foundation, they affect over 100 million people throughout the United States. However, in rare cases, they can also occur in children.

The most common type of liver condition in children is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which occurs when too much fat forms in the liver cells. NAFLD can occur due to:

Obesity
Insulin resistance
Type 2 diabetes
Abnormally high amounts of cholesterol or fat in the bloodstream
Sleep apnea

In its early stages, NAFLD doesn’t usually cause symptoms. As damage to the liver accumulates, the following symptoms may occur:

Abdominal discomfort or pain
Fatigue
Irritability, depression, and/or anxiety
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in skin color around the joints, upper back, and/or the back of the neck

Continued damage to the liver over an extended period of time leads to cirrhosis, which refers to the formation of nodules on the liver. Cirrhosis also causes the liver to harden. As cirrhosis occurs, other symptoms may begin to appear, including:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Itching skin
Stomach swelling
Dark-colored urine
Bruising easily

A variety of other conditions can also cause liver disease to occur in children. Many of these can occur as a result of a variety of factors, such as inherited genes or viral infections. They include:

Alagille syndrome
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Glycogen storage disease type 1
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
Gilbert syndrome
Autoimmune liver disease
Biliary atresia
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Galactosemia
Hepatitis B and C
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Reye’s syndrome
Wilson disease

If your child is experiencing symptoms of liver disease, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time and/ or at high doses. Both may lead to the breakdown of the lining that protects the stomach and small intestine from strong acids. Without this protection, the acids will eat their way through and create sores.

Most people living with peptic ulcers do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms present, they can include:

Stomach pain
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bloating
Belching
Feeling of fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Dark, bloody, or tarry stools

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see a doctor. Because, if left untreated peptic ulcers can result in complications such as internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach), or gastric cancer.

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease may include a physical examination, lab tests, GI series x-ray examinations, or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve antibiotics to kill H. pylori, medications to block or reduce acid production, medication to coat and protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine, or medications to neutralize stomach acids.

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

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension is a main contributing factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have hypertension, but only about a quarter of these adults have their blood pressure under control.

As your blood flows throughout your body, it pushes against the walls of your arteries; this is what is known as blood pressure. It’s normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, and certain factors, such as anxiety, might cause it to become elevated in specific situations. However, if your blood pressure is chronically high, it can cause damage to your heart.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing chronic high blood pressure. These include:

Diabetes
Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, an unhealthy diet, or a lack of physical activity
Excessive consumption of alcohol or usage of tobacco
A family history of high blood pressure
Older age
Race (over half of Black adults in the United States have hypertension)

There are steps you can take to manage your blood pressure and decrease your risk of medical complications. To prevent high blood pressure, it is most helpful to:

Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women)
Get a sufficient amount of sleep each night

To control high blood pressure, you should:

Regularly measure your blood pressure
Make lifestyle changes to prevent your condition from worsening
Get medical care for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your high blood pressure

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s expert cardiology specialists can high-quality care for chronic hypertension and any condition that may be causing it to occur. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call (718) 670-5486.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver. Many cases of hepatitis are caused by viral or bacterial infections, but it can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to certain toxins, and drug use. Many people may not be aware that they have hepatitis, as symptoms may not appear for weeks or months after developing this disease. Each year, approximately 15,000 people in the United States die from either liver cancer or chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis.

There are five types of hepatitis; each of them may occur in different ways and present a variety of symptoms. These types include:

Hepatitis A, which is typically transmitted through exposure to food, water, or other substances that have been contaminated by the feces of a person who carries the disease. It does not cause chronic liver disease, but does cause acute, debilitating symptoms that, in rare cases, can be fatal.

Hepatitis B, which is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person; it is also often transmitted from mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B puts infected people at a high risk of death from liver cirrhosis or cancer.

Hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause both acute and long-term liver problems, such as those that occur in people with hepatitis A and B. It is mainly transmitted through contact with an infected person’s blood. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but it can be treated through antiviral medication.

Hepatitis D, which only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B. It is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis, putting infected people at the highest risk of experiencing fatal complications, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis E, which causes similar symptoms to those of hepatitis A and is transmitted in similar ways, but is caused by a different virus.

The best way to prevent hepatitis is to get vaccinated. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5486.