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September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – Know the Warning Signs

Posted on September 14, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Suicide affects millions; over 800,000 people take their lives each year, and the number of people who attempt suicide is twenty five times that amount. In addition to the lives lost, suicide also affects the many friends and family members devastated by the loss of their loved one.

Suicide is largely preventable though. Through education and awareness, we can get those people who are contemplating suicide the help they need.

One of the best tools in preventing suicide is to know the risk factors. Over 90% of people who attempt suicide live with depression or another mental disorder. Alcohol or substance abuse is often a contributing factor. Adverse factions to traumatic events or stress can also lead to someone wanting to take their own life.Other risk factors for suicide include:

Feelings of hopelessness
Self-loathing
Changes in sleep patterns; which can either be excessive sleep or a deprivation of sleep
Irritability or anger
Talking about harming themselves
Loss of interest in daily activities or things they were once passionate about
Reckless behavior
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
A preoccupation with death
Getting their affairs in order in preparation for death
Verbalizing thoughts such as “ Everyone will be better without me” or “I have nothing to live for”
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

These actions are a cry for help. It is important to let your loved one know that you have recognized changes in their behavior, they are not alone and you are there to support them through this difficult time. Speak openly about what they are feeling and ensure them they will not be judged because they feel suicidal. Seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. Insist on accompanying this person to their consultation or treatment. Continue to demonstrate your support during treatment by reminding them to take prescribed medications, keeping up with physician appointments and encouraging a positive lifestyle.

Many organizations from around the world have joined together during the month of September, which has been designated Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Flushing Hospital’s supports their efforts and the hospital’s Department of Psychiatry offers many inpatient and outpatient services to help those in need.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK

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.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

World Alzheimer’s Month began in 2012 to recognize worldwide efforts to bring attention to this disease. As more and more people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease it is increasingly important for the signs and symptoms of the disease to be recognized. Some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are:

Forgetting familiar locations
Not recognizing family members and friends
Mood swings
Difficulty with routine tasks
Forgetting where things were placed
Exhibiting poor judgment
Changes in personality
Asking to have things repeated several times

As the population ages, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will increase as well. There is no known definitive cause of Alzheimer’s , but some risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, ethnicity and genetics. While it is associated with people mainly over the age of 65, it can affect people at an earlier age.

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital for yourself or a person you know of who has signs of being forgetful, please call 718-670-5486.

National Food Safety Education Month

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Joann Ariola

September is National Food Safety Education Month. Designating this observance provides an opportunity to raise awareness about steps you can take to prevent food poisoning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food. Some people are more likely to get a foodborne illness (also called food poisoning) or to get seriously ill.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) would like to share information regarding food poisoning and prevention.

Some foods to avoid in an effort to prevent food poisoning are:

raw or undercooked meat and poultry
raw or undercooked fish and shellfish
canned fish and seafood
refrigerated smoked seafood in a cooked dish
unpasteurized dairy (milk and eggs)
raw or undercooked sprouts (alfalfa, bean, etc.)
unwashed fresh vegetables
soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk
processed cheeses

To learn more about ways to prevent food poisoning visit:

Healthy School Lunch Tips

Posted on September 7, 2018 by Michael Hinck

As parents, we do our best to make sure that our children eat healthy when they are with us. This includes preparing well-balanced meals for them and saying “no” when they want to overindulge on junk food.

Keeping an eye on what our kids eat can be a difficult enough task when they are in our presence, but the task is even harder when they aren’t – like when they are in school.

Most children spend an average of six hours a day in school. It is estimated that they consume half of their daily caloric intake while at school, therefore it is important to make that they receive proper nutrition during this time.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. The number of children and teens classified as obese has tripled since the 1970s and it is now estimated that one out of every five school-age children in the U.S. fits this criteria.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and Jamaica Hospital wants to raise awareness about this growing problem and the serious consequences associated with it. Obesity puts children at greater risk of developing many other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. They also have more risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Children with obesity can be bullied and teased more than their normal-weight peers and they are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.

The good news is the childhood obesity is preventable. One way to reduce your child’s chances of becoming obese is to make sure they eat healthy at school. So, whether your child packs lunch or their school provides lunch for them, there are a few things you can do to make sure they are eating healthy during the school day.

SCHOOL LUNCH TIPS
If your child opts to receive the school provided lunch, do your homework and make sure their school is offering a healthy menu. Many school districts across the country have changed their lunch menu to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) standards. This includes providing children with the appropriate food portions with a concentration on more fruits and vegetables, increased whole grains and fat-free or low-fat options.

Also, check your school’s website as it often lists the menu for the month. If your child is a picky eater or has food allergies, knowing in advance what days he or she may not eat school lunch will help you prepare an alternate plan. If getting out the door in the morning is a problem, consider signing your child up for school breakfast too as starting the day off with a good breakfast has many benefits.

PACKING LUNCH TIPS
If your child prefers to bring lunch from home make sure to have a variety of healthy options at home for them to bring to school. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and snacks with reduced saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. Sometimes coming up with healthy options can be a challenge; if so, there are many websites that offer a variety of ideas for parents of even the most finicky eaters.

To help ensure that you plan wisely, avoid packing lunches in the morning when you might be in a rush. Instead, try preparing them the night before when you have more time to select the healthiest options. It is also important to make sure to have foods packed at appropriate temperatures. This may include inserting ice packs for yogurt or other dairy items or a thermos for chicken soup or other hot lunch options.

It is important to remember that whether parents choose to have their children buy school lunch or pack a lunch for them, they need to set a good example in the home by eating healthy themselves. Parents should also take the time to teach their children about what foods are healthy and why it is important to maintain a well-balanced diet.

Working together with your school system, you can ensure that your child will receive the proper nutrition this school year, which will benefit both their body and their mind.

Are Air Fryers a Healthier Way to Prepare Your Food?

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Joann Ariola

In a world focused on calorie consumption and step counting, there has been a lot of hullabaloo about Air fryers and the benefit they may have when preparing food.

Air fryers claim to help lower the fat content in foods we would normally steer clear because of their high fat content such as french fries, chicken fingers and egg rolls.

So, how does an air fryer work?

According to Healthline.com, an air fryer is a kitchen appliance used to prepare food. It works by circulating hot air that contains fine oil droplets around the food to produce a crunchy, crispy exterior.

Air fryers are publicized as a healthy alternative to deep fried foods because it does not completely submerging the food in oil, it only utilizes one tablespoon of oil.

Some pros to air fryers are:

They significantly reduce overall calorie intake
They are time efficient in that they cook the item quicker
There is an easy clean up

The cons of air frying:

Consumers can be misled into thinking they can healthy and eat fried food everyday
Air frying produces high temperatures at a very fast rate making it more likely to burn your food
Air fryers are small and not conducive to feeding a large family

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is committed to bringing you healthy alternatives to your lifestyle. Although we are not endorsing air fryers, anything that lowers the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are worth having a healthy discussion about.

For more information on air fryers and their benefits, you can visit Healthline.com.

Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Your Prescription

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Patients are encouraged to ask their physicians about their medications. It is important to be fully informed, as learning about your prescription can reduce the chances of an accident.

You can get learn about your medications by asking your health care provider the following questions:

Why is this medication being prescribed?
What is the name of the medication?
Is there a generic version?
How will this prescription treat my condition?
How long will I have to take this prescription?
How and when should I take this medication?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
Is it safe to take this medication along with other drugs or supplements?
Are there any side effects?
How do the benefits outweigh the risks?

In addition to asking your doctor questions about your medications, you can ask a pharmacist. They are an excellent source of information and can help you to understand your prescription.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s retail pharmacy provides prescription services to patients and those who live in its community. If you have a medication question to ask after you have left your doctor’s appointment, please call 718-353-3160 or visit 146-01 45th Avenue, Flushing NY 11355.

How Important is “Gut Health” to Your Overall Well Being?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Once thought to be a relatively simple bodily system, we are now learning more and more about our digestive system and the major impact it has on our overall health.

Links are now being made between our digestive health and our immune system, mental health, endocrine system, skin diseases and even certain cancers. As a result, doctors are now stressing their patients to practice good “gut health,” which involves taking certain measures to protect and maintain proper functioning of our digestive system.

There are many ways an unhealthy gut can reveal itself. Obvious symptoms such as an upset stomach, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut.

Poor gut health can affect the functioning of the autoimmune system, leading to the body attacking itself. It can also be the reason for the development of certain food intolerances due to poor quality of bacteria in the stomach. Unintentional weight changes, skin conditions such as eczema, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia and fatigue can all also be linked to poor gut health.

There are several things that a person can do to improve their overall gut health, including:

Lower Stress Levels – Some ways to do this involve practicing meditation or yoga, taking a relaxing walk, or receiving a massage.
Get Enough Sleep – Try to prioritize getting at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
Eat Slowly – Chewing your food thoroughly and eating more slowly can help promote full digestion and absorption of nutrients
Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in the gut
Take a prebiotic or probiotic – Prebiotics provide “food” meant to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live, good bacteria
Check for Food Intolerances – . By eliminating certain common food triggers you may be able to identify a food or foods that are contributing to your symptoms.

By concentrating on your gut health, you will not only improve the functioning of your digestive system, but you can also experience many other benefits to your overall health.

If you are experiencing problems that might be due to poor gut health, please speak to your physician. To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital, please call 718- 670-5486.

The History of Contact Lenses

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Contact lenses are so commonly worn today that people don’t give them a second thought. Did you know that the concept for contact lenses goes all the way back to Leonardo DaVinci who described them back in 1508. Many scientists experimented with different materials over the next few centuries with only a little success. It was in the late 1800’s that German scientists devised a prototype of a contact lens made from a thin piece of glass that covered the entire eye.

In the early 1900’s it became possible to make a mold of the entire eye and this helped to make lenses that fit better. By the 1950’s plastics were being developed that could be made thinner and with a better fit for the eye and they were replacing glass as the material of choice for contact lenses. In 1960 the company Bausch and Lomb developed a technique to cast hydrogel, a plastic material that could be molded and shaped when wet, which allowed for the production of lenses that were able to be mass produced and of extremely high quality.

Today lenses are much more comfortable than the lenses made 20 years ago. They can be worn for long periods of time and they allow the eye to breathe which earlier versions couldn’t do.

If you would like to make an appointment with our ophthalmology department at Flushing Hospital please call 718-670-5486.

Employee Spotlight – Melissa Melgar

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Employee Spotlight shines on Melissa Melgar.

Melissa is a Flushing Hospital Medical Center employee for the past 12 years. She currently holds the title of Office Manager, Psychiatry Administration.

On any given day, Melissa assists with organizing on-call coverage for the Department of Psychiatry, credentialing newly assigned medical professionals and arranging Continuing Medical Education credits (CME).

Additionally, Melissa works with and prepares for the Joint Commission on HealthCare Organizations (JCAHO), Office of Mental Health (OMH), Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASAS) and Department of Health (DOH) prior to and during surveys.

Melissa’s greatest loves are her two children, Matthew age 4 and Maya, age 3. She spends her free time site seeing, biking, dancing, taking road trips and adventures with her family and friends.

She is also a champion of charities such as Breast Cancer Walk, raising funds for Breast Cancer Research, advocating for heightened awareness for Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome and Ronald McDonald House.

Although her job can, at times, be challenging; Melissa feels that helping others, making a difference in another person’s life and seeing the gratitude in patient’s faces is what makes it all worthwhile.

Melissa Melgar strongly believes that everyone should be made to feel important.

Back To School – Time To Reestablish Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Summer vacation is an opportunity for children to extend their bedtimes at night and sleep a little later in the morning. While most parents tend to be a bit more flexible with their kid’s sleeping habits during this time of the year, it’s important to remember that back to school is just around the corner and now is the time to reestablish a proper sleeping routine for your children.

After a relaxing summer, children might need some time to adjust to a regular schedule. Here are some tips to help your child ease into his or her school-time sleep pattern and to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout the year:

Every night, beginning 1-2 weeks before school begins, set an incrementally earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
Once your child’s sleep schedule is established, stick with it! Don’t use the weekend to “catch up on sleep.”
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to allow your child to unwind including a bath and a bed-time story (for young children) or a reading time (for older children).
Limit television, video games, and other electronic distractions before and during bedtime.
Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages close to bedtime as they may prevent your child from falling asleep.
Maintain a peaceful bedroom environment which includes a comfy bed, appropriate room temperature and lights turned off, or with a night light if your child needs one.
Be a role model by setting a good example for your child. Establish your own regular sleep schedulec and maintain a home that promotes healthy sleep.

Getting your child back on track at bedtime will allow for a smooth transition for the first day of school and will help your children reach their full learning potential.