Halloween Safety Tips

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Tomorrow is Halloween, and it is a day for dressing up, eating candy, and having fun with friends and family. Unfortunately, there can be several risks when going trick-or-treating. Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe this Halloween:

Wear costumes that say “flame-resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon.

Wear bright, reflective costumes, or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible.

Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.

Always accompany young children when trick-or-treating.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again when crossing.

Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left.

Put electronic devices down and keep your head up while you walk.

Caution kids to never enter a home or a car for a treat.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them.

Don’t eat candy until it is inspected at home.

If a child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen is not present. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t wrapped correctly.

Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from their Halloween bags.

Follow these important tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe this Halloween. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

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.

RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a seasonal virus that spreads in fall and winter alongside other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

RSV symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19. RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms that most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious and can easily spread while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can infect anyone and can cause many complications, such as hospitalization, middle ear infection, asthma, and repeated infections. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed, but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus

Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

Hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur and may include treatments, such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of RSV, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

October is observed as National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources, such as email, text messages, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school: educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.

Talking about bullying at home: parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the various roles children can play in bullying.

Supporting your community: mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.

Raising awareness: share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.

Supporting anti-bullying organizations: contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.

Organizing anti-bullying events: plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.

Engaging in school programs: encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.

Being an upstander: teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the fall season and approach winter, it is important to be proactive and take the proper steps to protect yourself and loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce symptom severity if you do fall ill.
Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity.

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

National Childhood Obesity Month

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a month dedicated to raising awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

Too much time spent being inactive

Lack of sleep

Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active

Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages

Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

Monitor growth

Provide nutritious foods

Promote drinking water

Encourage physical activity

Model healthy behaviors

Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician and learn more about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.

Back to School Health and Wellness Tips

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is around the corner, and parents and guardians are getting their children ready to go back to school. As they prepare for a new school year, it is essential to make sure they return to school healthy.

Here are some health and wellness tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to protect children and others from various diseases.

Make sure your child gets their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.

Make sure your child receives vision and hearing tests. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.

Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.

Make sure to take care of your child’s mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.

Make sure to limit your child’s screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until they are at least 14 years old.

Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health and wellness tips will help ensure your child returns to the classroom safely and healthy.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

Flu – needed every year
COVID-19
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
Chickenpox
Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

Flu
COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

Flu
COVID-19
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the required vaccines at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s  Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 670-5486.

Bedwetting

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bed-wetting, also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis, means passing urine without intending to while asleep. This occurs after the age at which staying dry at night can reasonably be expected.

Children usually learn to control their bladders between the ages of two and four. Most children are generally fully toilet-trained by five years old. However, there isn’t really a target date for having complete bladder control. It is common for children to wet the bed between the ages of four and six as they grow and adjust to their bodies at their own pace. Most children gain control of their bladders by the age of seven, but accidents can still happen after and through their teenage years.

Bed-wetting isn’t a sign of problems with toilet training. It’s often just a typical part of a child’s development. However, there are some signs that there may be an underlying medical issue causing bedwetting. They include:

Pain while peeing
Changes to the frequency of when and how much peeing occurs during the day
Having a small stream of pee
Lack of bowel movements during the day
Changes to the color of urine
Mood changes

The most common cause of childhood bed-wetting is a lack of bladder control. However, bedwetting can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:

A urinary tract infection
No awareness of having a full bladder
A small bladder
A hormone imbalance
A problem in the urinary tract or nervous system
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
Ongoing constipation
Obstructive sleep apnea
ADHD

A healthcare provider can diagnose bedwetting after a physical exam and taking a complete medical history. They may offer to conduct tests, such as a urine test, a blood test, or an imaging test, to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your child to wet the bed. If your healthcare provider suspects that emotional or psychological factors have been causing bedwetting, they may recommend consulting with a mental health professional.

The treatment for bedwetting varies based on the cause. Treatment options could include:

Behavioral changes before or during bedtime, such as:
- Limiting fluids before bedtime
- Going to the bathroom before bedtime
- Setting an alarm
- Bladder therapy
Taking medications that can reduce nighttime urine production
Managing or treating any underlying medical conditions
Talking with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist, to manage your child’s stress, trauma, or emotional challenges

A child can be embarrassed by soggy sheets and pajamas. It is important not to get upset if your child wets the bed. If your child does continue to wet the bed, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Although bedwetting can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your child’s risk of bedwetting by:

Avoiding drinking a lot of fluids two hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeinated beverages
Going to the bathroom before bed
Making sure the bathroom or toilet is easily accessible
Wearing absorbent pants at night
Using positive reinforcement or affirmations to acknowledge when your child wakes up dry
Avoiding any shaming or making fun of someone in your family or friend group who has wet the bed

If your child is experiencing symptoms of bedwetting, you can visit the pediatrics unit at Flushing Hospital or call (718) 670-5000 to schedule an appointment.

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is in full swing, so most of our time will be spent outside doing various activities. However, there are many health concerns to consider.

Here are some summer health concerns and how to prevent them:

The human body is made of up to 78% of water, and when it doesn’t get enough, it can’t function properly. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and fatal. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated. You can do this by drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Staying properly hydrated can also prevent kidney stones.

Sunburns occur when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a radiation burn on the skin. Sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and can also lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection from severe burns. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide every day, even on overcast days. Make sure to cover your entire body, including your ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, and, if exposed, the top of your feet.

Spending time in the sun doesn’t only bring the risks of sunburn and dehydration. It also brings the risk of heat illnesses, including:

Heat rash- a red stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur when you sweat so much that your body loses salts and fluids.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

To prevent heat illnesses, limit the time you spend outdoors. Also, take any symptoms you observe in yourself and others seriously.

Insects are more active during the summer, which means there’s a higher risk of encountering them. Especially for:

Bee stings
Mosquito bites
Tick bites
Ant bites

To prevent bugs from stinging or biting you, wear an insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Other ways to prevent stings and bites include:

Avoid using scented products.
Drain any standing water.
Put on protective clothing.
Don’t leave any food uncovered outside.

We want to spend more time near water to cool off as temperatures rise. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid drowning risks. Here are some ways to prevent drowning risks:

Learn CPR
Use drain covers on pool drains.
Wear life jackets
Sign up for swimming lessons.

Everybody loves a good summer barbecue or cookout, but sometimes the food we eat doesn’t always love us back. The smoking process that gives smoked meats their flavor also creates harmful substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs and heterocyclic amines or HCAs. The National Cancer Institute warns that PAHs and HCAs are mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes to your DNA that put you at risk for certain types of cancer. You can prevent ingesting these harmful substances by using liquid smoke as an alternative marinade for your meats. Foodborne illness can be a concern for cookout food as well. This is the case for food left out or leftover sitting in the “temperature danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures allow bacteria to grow that can make you sick. You can prevent foodborne illness by cooking meats to a safe temperature and throwing any food that has sat out too long in the trash.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen is a huge problem in the summer as the weather gets warmer and trees, grass, and flowers pollinate. To prevent seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medications before the season starts so your body can build its defense.

These preventative measures can help you enjoy your summer and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:

Marfan’s syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Neurofibromatosis

Prader-Willi syndrome

Arthrogryposis

Riley-Day syndrome

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life.

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.

The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body.

Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other.

Pushed-out ribs

Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.

Back pain and discomfort

When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation

Bracing

The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery

The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007.