What Type Of Flu Vaccine Is Best For Seniors

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Michael Hinck

With flu season upon us, it is recommended that everyone six months and older receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This is especially true for senior citizens as they are at a greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. While there is no debate over whether or not seniors should get their flu shot, there is one about what type of vaccine they should receive.

Many providers are now recommending that patients over the age of 65 receive the vaccine Fluzone, a higher dose injectable vaccine formulated specially for seniors. Like other flu vaccines, Fluzone is comprised of three different strains of the influenza virus that are most likely to cause the flu during the upcoming season. However, Fluzone contains four times the amount of antigen (the inactivated virus that promotes a protective immune response) as a regular flu vaccine and produces a stronger immune response.

This high-dose vaccine was created specifically for seniors because their immune defenses are weakened due to their age. It is estimated that approximately 75% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older and between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.

The results of seniors who have taken high-dose vaccines are promising. Initial studies have indicated that 25% fewer cases of influenza occurred in adults 65 years or older who took the high-dose vaccine compared with those who took the standard-dose vaccine, but other studies also revealed that seniors who received the high-dose vaccine were more likely to develop side effects, such as a fever and soreness at the injection site, during the week after vaccination.

If you are over 65 years old and still haven’t received your flu vaccine this year, speak to your doctor about whether or not a high-dose vaccine is right for you.

If you would like to make an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 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.

Lazy Eye

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Amblyopia or Lazy Eye as it’s commonly called is an eye condition that usually develops in children.

Lazy eye is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the muscles that position the eyes. The imbalance can cause the eyes to turn into the or away from the nose. This action prevents the eyes from working together and may be the reason for a difference in vision.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs and symptoms of lazy eye are:

An eye that wanders inward or outward
Eyes that appear to not work together
Poor depth perception
Squinting or shutting an eye
Head tilting
Abnormal results of vision screening tests

The Mayo Clinic also states that, “It’s important to start treatment for lazy eye as soon as possible in childhood, when the complicated connections between the eye and the brain are forming. The best results occur when treatment starts before age 7, although half of children between the ages of 7 and 17 respond to treatment”

To diagnose lazy eye, a standard eye exam such as a 20/20 eye chart screening is not a satisfactory. Diagnosis often times is made in younger children by using eye drops to dilate their eyes, using a lighted magnifying device to detect cataracts and assess their ability to stare at a moving object and follow it. In older children, tests using symbols or letters can access their vision.

Treatment options depend on the cause of lazy eye and on how much the condition is affecting your child’s vision. Your doctor might recommend:

Corrective eyewear – Glasses or contact lenses can correct problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism that result in lazy eye.
Eye patches -To stimulate and strengthen the weaker eye.
Bangerter filter -This special filter that is placed on the eyeglass lens of the stronger eye. Similar to the eye patch, the filter works to stimulate and strengthen the weaker eye.
Eye drops – A prescription eye drop the temporarily blurs vision in the stronger eye. This encourages the use of the weaker eye and offers an alternative to the patch.
Surgery – If the lazy eyes continue to cross or wander apart with the appropriate glasses, your doctor might recommend surgical repair to straighten the eyes, in addition to other lazy eye treatments.

Activities such as drawing, doing puzzles or computer games can also show positive results, however the effectiveness has not been proven.

The proper treatments for lazy eye, usually improves vision within weeks to months. Treatment can last from six months to two years.

It is recommended that the condition be monitored for recurrence of lazy eye. If lazy eye recurs, treatment will need to start again.

If you would like to have your eyes, or the eyes of a loved one, examined, please call theat at to schedule an appointment.

It’s GERD Awareness Week – Learn How to Avoid This Digestive Disorder

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

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 waterbrash (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.

How Your Pet Can Be A Distraction To You While You Drive

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Michael Hinck

There are many known driving distractions that we are warned to avoid while on the road. These include: talking or texting on your mobile device, eating or drinking, attending to personal grooming, or adjusting our vehicle’s radio or navigation system. While it is important to be mindful of each of these potential distractions, there is another type of distraction that doesn’t get as much attention – driving with our pets.

Many people take their dogs or cats in the car with them when they run local errands; others bring them along for long road trips. During these excursions, our pets often have free reign of the vehicle, will place their head out the car window, and in some cases, even sit in the driver’s lap. These activities, while adorable, can pose great danger to not only the operator of the vehicle, but also the other passengers, fellow motorists, and even the pets themselves.

A recent study of individuals who frequently travel with their pets in the car revealed some very startling facts about their behaviors. The survey concluded that 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets. Some of the activities noted in the study included petting or playing with their pets, allowing them to stay in their lap, feeding them treats, and taking photos of them. The same study determined 84 percent allowed their pets to ride in their vehicle while unrestrained.

To avoid these types of distractions while driving, motorists should consider purchasing a safety device for their dog or cat. There are two types of devices to choose from:

Pet seat belts – They are easy to use and work in tandem with your normal seat belt. Check to make sure the pet belt is the right size for your animal. One that’s too big or too small is counterproductive and can cause unnecessary injuries.

Pet carriers- Look for a sturdy carrier with ample ventilation and plenty of room for your pet to turn around and stretch out. Also, make sure you secure the carrier so that it stays safely in place if you suddenly brake or get into an accident.

Driving with your beloved pet in the car doesn’t need to be dangerous. Take some time to make sure you can safely restrain your pet to maximize safety for you and your lovable friend.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Every year the month of November is recognized nationally as Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million people have this disease, however, only 18.8 million have been diagnosed. An additional 79 million people in the United States are believed to have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes affects different race and ethnic groups more frequently than others. The prevalence of diabetes has been calculated to affect 7.1 % of Caucasians, 8.4% of Asian Americans, 12.6% of African Americans and 11.8 % of Hispanics. Diabetes is considered a chronic illness that leads to it being a cause of death, either directly or through a complication due to the disease. Some of the complications associated with diabetes are hypertension, blindness, heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, and amputations.

Diabetes is a chronic illness for which there is no known cure. It can, however, be treated successfully in many people, and very often these people lead long and healthy lives. Having a family history of diabetes can be a risk factor for developing the disease but not a guarantee that a person will definitely develop it. Other risk factors include obesity, poor diet, having diabetes during pregnancy, race and ethnicity, being over the age of 45, lack of exercise, and having high blood pressure.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, frequently feeling thirsty, blurry vision, fatigue, feeling hungry even after having just eaten a meal or a snack, wounds that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and in some cases, weight loss.

The three most common forms of diabetes are Type 1 which indicates a lack of insulin production by the pancreas, Type 1 is most commonly associated with children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but it is not utilized adequately by the body, also known as adult-onset diabetes and the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. Gestational Diabetes occurs occasionally during pregnancy and then frequently resolves itself once the pregnancy is completed.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a physician will discuss treatment options that will work for that individual. Often this will include either an oral medication in cases that are less severe or insulin injections for more serious cases, combined with diet modification and possibly an exercise regime. It is extremely important to keep diabetes well controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications that may be irreversible and can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke and premature death.

Foods You Should Not Eat With Braces

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Braces are effective in correcting orthodontic problems such as under bites or wide gaps. However, to receive these benefits you have to make certain sacrifices to protect your braces.

It is important that you avoid several foods that can damage components such as wires or get stuck in braces and increase your risk of tooth decay.
Some foods you should avoid while wearing braces are:

Some foods you may want to avoid while wearing braces are:

Popcorn
Nuts
Hard taco shells
Sticky and hard candy
Gum
Ice
Corn chips
Pretzels
Hard cookies or crackers
Sticky or hard chocolate
Raw vegetables
Croutons
French/Italian bread
Hard fruit
Hard rolls
Thin crust pizza
Meat
Burgers
Corn on the cob

When in a situation where one or more of these foods may be your only food choice, it is suggested that you cut the item into small pieces that will fit directly into your mouth so that you won’t have to use your front teeth for tearing.

Some “braces friendly” food options are:

Hull-less popcorn
Yogurt
Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
Light crackers or cookies
Cheese
Mashed potatoes, pasta, noodles
Peanut butter and jelly

Good nutrition while wearing braces is extremely important to having a healthy smile. Eating right will help your teeth remain strong enough to support your braces and avoid any impediments that could cause your braces to be removed before the designated time.

If you would like to have your teeth evaluated for braces or would like a dental check up, please contact the at at to schedule and appointment.

What Does Having Low Pressure Mean ?

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Blood pressure is considered low when the top blood pressure reading is lower than 90 mm Hg (systolic) and the bottom number is lower than 60 mm Hg (diastolic). Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80. The systolic pressure is the amount of pressure the heart is exerting when it is pumping blood and the diastolic pressure is the amount of pressure on the arteries when the heart is between beats.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is often classified into categories based on causes and factors. These include:

Postural hypotension- a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person moves rapidly from a sitting or lying down position to a standing position. It is often seen in people who are dehydrated, pregnant or on prolonged bed rest or who have large varicose veins, heart problems or certain neurologic disorders. Certain medications can lead to postural hypotension as well. These include diuretics (water pills), alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, medications for Parkinson’s disease, antidepressants and erectile dysfunction.

Postprandial hypotension -occurs after a person eats a large meal and affects mainly older people. Normally after a meal a person’s heart rate will increase and the blood vessels will constrict. In postprandial hypotension this doesn’t occur and a person may feel dizzy or feel faint.

Low blood pressure may also be due to faulty brain signals to the heart. Other causes of low blood pressure can occur when there is sepsis, during a heart attack, being anemic, having a slow heart rate, when there is heart failure, and in conditions such as parathyroid disease, hypoglycemia, and adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms of low pressure can be indicative of underlying medical conditions and can include:

Fatigue
Nausea
Blurred vision
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Dizziness

Diagnosing low blood pressure can be accomplished by taking a blood test to determine if there are metabolic causes, an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, a stress test, or a tilt table test.

Treatment of low pressure is determined when the cause has been identified. It may include a change in diet, consuming more water, wearing compression stockings, or taking medication.

If you are experiencing symptoms of low pressure you should consult with your physician to make a diagnosis and find the cause. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

November is Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Michael Hinck

The American Urological Association (AUA) has designated November as Bladder Health Month.

So often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop, therefore the AUA is committed to increasing the public’s awareness about bladder health conditions.

Some symptoms of an infected bladder are:

Pelvic pain
Increased urge to urinate
Pain with urination
Blood in the urine

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are some ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection and have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Hoarding Disorder

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health condition characterized by the inability to part with or throw away items due to a perceived need to save them.

People diagnosed with HD accumulate an excessive amount of possessions regardless of value. Unlike collectors who collect specific types of items such as model cars, those who hoard acquire random items that are often useless or of little value to most people such as paper bags. This acquisition often results in disorganized piles of objects overcrowding living spaces. Some people who hoard may also begin to acquire living things such as animals, resulting in unsanitary living conditions.

Common reasons why people who hoard accumulate these possessions include:

Not wanting to be wasteful and believing items will be needed in the future
Feeling safe when surrounded by items
Holding on to items perceived to have emotional significance
Believing their items are unique

Symptoms of hoarding typically begin to present during an individual’s early teenage years, the average onset is 13 years old. As a person ages, symptoms often become more severe. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, symptoms can include:

Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items
Great difficulty categorizing or organizing possessions
Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions
Suspicion of other people touching items
Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects
Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards

Although the cause of hoarding disorder is unknown, there are several factors that put some at risk of developing this condition more than others. The risk factors include having a family history of HD, encountering stressful or traumatic life events, having an indecisive personality, receiving brain injuries or experiencing material deprivation such as childhood poverty.

Those living with hoarding disorder are often likely to have other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or alcohol use disorder.

People with hoarding disorder typically do not recognize hoarding as a problem; therefore, many do not seek the help they need. Hoarding disorder is often identified when individuals seek treatment for other mental health conditions or when loved ones or local health departments intervene.

Hoarding disorder is diagnosed by performing a psychological examination. The most common form of therapy used to treat hoarding disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy helps individuals to become aware of harmful thought and behavioral patterns, and develop new strategies to engage in healthier ways of thinking and behaving. Treatment of HD may also involve learning organizational and decision making skills, as well as medication therapy.

If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of hoarding disorder and would like to receive assistance from a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

Employee Spotlight – Krizia Bodden

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Joann Ariola

October’s Employee Spotlight shines on Krizia Bodden, Coordinator for the daily operations of the mother/baby units which include Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) as well as the OB/GYN Clinic at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

Krizia has been an employee at FHMC for the past 12 years. Before becoming a Coordinator, she worked as a Billing Clerk and a Registrar.

Together with her husband and three sons, Krizia loves shopping , going to movies and enjoying the great outdoors. She is dedicated to her religious community and travels often.

As with anyone who works caring for patients, there are challenges. “Since I am a mom, it is extremely hard when a patient’s baby does not make it. That will never get easier.”

The most rewarding part of her job is, “Patient satisfaction. When I see the patients happy with the care given to them and their newborn child, the reward is great.” Krizia credits her departments positive outcome to the staff she if proud to work with.

For these and so many other reasons, Krizia is our October Employee Spotlight. Congratulations Krizia Bodden!