flushing hospital Archives - Page 4 of 15

Learn The Facts About Essential Oils

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Michael Hinck

The use of essential oils has been gaining popularity among many for their healing properties, but what are they?

Basically, essential oils are plant extracts. They are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant, such as the flowers, bark, leaves or fruit, to capture the compounds that produce fragrance.

The use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is known as aromatherapy. Some of the many conditions essential oils are used to treat include:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Nausea
Headaches
Osteoarthritis

Essential oils can be inhaled using a diffuser or spray or they can be topically applied. Some of the most popular essential oil scents are lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, peppermint, tee tree and lemon grass. When used safely and in combination with conventional medicine, essential oils can have a positive impact on your overall health, but there can be dangers if not used responsibly.

Here are some tips on the proper use of essential oil:

Make sure they are diluted, usually with vegetable oils, creams or bath gels. Your solution should only 1% to 5% of the essential oil.
Only use them on certain parts of your body. The best places to rub essential oils are your arms and legs. Avoid placing inside your mouth, nose or eyes.
Don’t keep essential oils more than three years. Older oils are more likely to be spoiled and may not work as well. They could also irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.
Stop using them if you develop a rash, little bumps, boils, or just itchy skin and don’t use essential oils on damaged skin as it could cause unwanted skin reactions.
Consider age when using essential oils. Young children and the elderly may be more sensitive to them. Don’t use essential oils on a baby unless your pediatrician says it’s okay.
Avoid using if you are pregnant. Some essential oils may make their way into the placenta. It’s not clear if this causes any problems, unless taken in toxic amounts, but to be safe, it’s best to avoid if you’re pregnant.
Don’t overdo It. More of a good thing is not always good. Even when diluted, an essential oil can cause a bad reaction if you use too much or use it too often.

Speak with your doctor before using essential oils. Together you can determine if they are right for you.

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 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 6, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The month of September has been designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to bring attention to this very common form of cancer that affects so many men. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men and is the second leading cancer-related cause of death in men. Although it is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer some risk factors for developing it are:

• Older age (more than 65% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65)
• Race (African-American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men)
• Family history (having a father or brother with prostate cancer)
• Obesity

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. It sits just below the bladder and is normally about the size of a walnut.

Prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present they may include difficulty starting urination, less force to the stream of urine, dribbling at the end of urination, needing to urinate frequently, urinating frequently at night, pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty starting or maintaining an erection, pain with ejaculation, pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis and upper thighs, or unintended weight loss.

When screening is done there are two tests that are available. The available tests are a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. To perform a digital rectal exam your doctor uses a gloved finger, inserted a few inches into your rectum, to check your prostate gland. A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. Many men who have prostate cancer have elevated levels of PSA, however PSA can also be elevated for less serious causes such as prostate enlargement or infection. Further testing is needed to diagnose cancer. Additional tests that your doctor may recommend to diagnose cancer include an ultrasound of the prostate and a biopsy of the prostate. A biopsy is when a small piece of the prostate is removed to look for abnormal cells.

Treatment of prostate cancer depends on many factors including your age, your overall health and the growth and spread of cancer when it is diagnosed. Some men who have slow-growing tumors may not need treatment right away and some may never need treatment. Other types of prostate cancer are aggressive and can quickly spread to other parts of the body making treatment difficult. Common treatment options include watchful waiting or expectant management (regular testing and checkups to assess for new signs or symptoms), radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays used to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy, surgery (having the prostate gland removed), and hormone therapy.
To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital to discuss a prostate cancer screening, please call 718-670-5486.

Flushing Hospital Offers Tips on Successful Aging

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Michael Hinck

In many cases, how we age has as much to do with our mental attitude as it does our physical well-being. September has been designated Healthy Aging Month, an observance designed to focus our attention on the positive aspects of growing older.

Flushing Hospital understands the importance of successful aging and wants to provide you with the following practical tips to help you improve your physical, mental, and social well-being.

Try to remain positive in your daily interactions and distance yourself from the negative influences in your life. When you catch yourself complaining, look to change the conversation to something more positive.
If you find yourself bored or lonely, do something about it! Pick up the telephone and make plans to meet someone for lunch. You can also try a new hobby, volunteer your time with a local organization or take a class and learn something new.
Don’t comply with social norms and act how society expects you to act. Instead, think back to the age when you were at your happiest and be it. This is not denial; it’s a way of staying positive, which can help you feel better about yourself.
A simple act like standing up straight can make you look and feel younger. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better.
Make an appointment to schedule your annual physical or other health screenings. By doing so, you can address any potential health concerns and end unnecessary worrying about some of your nagging ailments.

Flushing Hospital encourages the older members of our community to use September as the motivation to use these tools and others in their quest for successful aging.

The Importance of Not Skipping Taking Your Medications

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Anyone who has ever taken a prescription medication has probably missed taking a dose. On some occasions the reason is as simple as forgetting, on other instances it may be intentional. Whether accidental or on purpose, it’s important to know the implications of failing to take your medications and what you should do if you miss a dose.

Depending on the medication, skipping a dose or multiple doses can have a major impact on your health as many medications won’t be effective if you don’t take them when and the way they are supposed to, especially if you miss multiple doses.

Some of the consequences can include:

Missing Your Window – Some pain medications work best if you treat the symptoms before they begin. Failing to address the symptoms early on may result in difficulty suppressing potential flare-ups. This is especially true for medications intended to treat arthritis and other auto-immune disorders.
Treatment Might Not Be Effective – In instances where antibiotics are necessary to treat an infection, failing to take a full dose of your prescribed medications can cause an infection to linger or even come back stronger. Incomplete treatments may also make you resistant to antibiotics in the future.
You May Experience Withdrawal – If you miss a dose of your medication or stop taking it altogether, it can trigger chemical changes in your brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and flu-like symptoms.
Lead To Complications – If you don’t take your medications to treat hypertension, it could increase your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. If you fail to take your diabetes medications, it can increase your chances for kidney disease or blindness.

You should speak with your physician or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose or multiple doses of your medication. The answer could depend on the type of medication you are taking, the dosage, and how frequently you take it.

The retail pharmacy at Flushing Hospital is staffed with experienced pharmacists to help you with any questions about your medication adherence plan. To talk to a pharmacist, please call 718-353-3160.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Whether you sustained a physical injury playing a sport or you are suffering from a degenerative condition, physical therapy, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist can prove to have many benefits. Many doctors consider it a safer and less intrusive approach to treat a chronic problem as opposed to medication therapy or surgery.

Some of the many benefits of physical rehabilitation include:

Manage pain – Physical therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises can help mobilize your joints and soft tissue and restore muscle function, reducing aches or eliminating pain entirely.
Maximize movement – Physical therapists are able to identify, diagnose and treat movement-related issues. Each treatment plan is custom designed for each person’s individual challenges and outcome goals.
Address other health issues – Customizing a physical therapy plan can help individuals with a wide variety of underlying health issues such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or vascular conditions.
Injury prevention – Creating an exercise regimen that targets and strengthens weak muscle groups and joints can help prevent future injuries from occurring.
Avoid surgery – While surgery is unavoidable in some cases, in many instances physical therapy assists healing and improves physical health to the point that surgery may no longer be necessary.
Avoid medication dependence – Medications can be prescribed to help individuals deal with pain, but many of them (opioids) can result in dependency issues. Physical therapy can help the need to take these medications.

A physical therapist has experience diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity and proper function.

To make an appointment with a physical therapist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5515.

Learn the Symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome

Posted on June 7, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure and pain, with occasional pain extending into the pelvis. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.

Interstitial cystitis occurs when your bladder, which is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine, sends premature signals to your brain that you need to urinate. Normally these signals are sent once the bladder is full, but those with interstitial cystitis feel the sensation to urinate more often and produce smaller amounts of urine when they go.

Interstitial cystitis most often affects women and can have a long-lasting impact on quality of life. The symptoms may vary from person to person and they may change over time, periodically flaring in response to common triggers, such as menstruation, sitting for a long time, stress, exercise and sexual activity. In many cases symptoms of interstitial cystitis resemble those of a urinary tract infection.

Interstitial cystitis signs and symptoms include:

Pain in your pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women, the scrotum and anus in men
Chronic pelvic pain
A persistent, urgent need to urinate
Frequent urination, often of small amounts, throughout the day and night (up to 60 times a day)
Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating
Pain during sexual intercourse

The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known, but it’s likely that many factors contribute. One possible factor is a defect in the protective lining of the bladder which could result in toxic substances in urine to irritate the bladder wall. Other possible but unproven contributing factors include an autoimmune reaction, genetics, infection or allergy.

Interstitial cystitis can result in a number of complications, including reduced bladder capacity, lower quality of life, sexual intimacy problems, and emotional troubles.

There is no current cure for interstitial cystitis, but there are medications and other therapies available that may offer relief. If you’re experiencing chronic bladder pain or urinary urgency and frequency, contact your doctor.

If you are experiencing symptoms of interstitial cystitis and would like to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-.5486.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has reopened many of its healthcare services. To learn about the safety measures the hospital has taken to protect your health, please visit https://flushinghospital.org/our-patients/

What Is Raynaud’s Disease?

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Michael Hinck

You are probably aware of the many different ways the cold weather can affect your health. Conditions such as heart attack, asthma, and arthritis can all worsen when we are exposed to the cold, but did you know that the cold can also affect blood supply to your skin, resulting in a condition known as Raynaud’s disease.

In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas, most commonly the fingers and toes.

Signs and symptoms of Raynaud’s disease include:

Cold fingers or toes
Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress
Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief

During an attack of Raynaud’s, affected areas of your skin typically first turn white. Then, they often turn blue and feel cold and numb. As you warm-up and circulation improves, the affected areas may turn red, throb, tingle or swell. After warming, it can take approximately 15 minutes for normal blood flow to return to the area.

Although Raynaud’s most commonly affects your fingers and toes, it can also affect other areas of your body, such as your nose, lips, ears and even nipples.

Cold temperatures are most likely to trigger an attack. However, exposure to cold, such as putting your hands in cold water, taking something from a freezer or being in cold air are also common triggers. For some people, emotional stress can also trigger an episode.

There are two main types of the condition.

Primary Raynaud’s -Also called Raynaud’s disease, this most common form isn’t the result of an associated medical condition. It can be so mild that many people with primary Raynaud’s don’t seek treatment.
Secondary Raynaud’s -Also called Raynaud’s phenomenon, this form is caused by an underlying problem. Although secondary Raynaud’s is less common than the primary form, it tends to be more serious. In rare cases, diminished blood circulation to your fingers or toes could cause tissue damage.

Treatment of Raynaud’s disease depends on its severity and whether you have other health conditions. For most people, Raynaud’s disease isn’t disabling, but it can affect their quality of life.

To help prevent a Raynaud’s attack, bundle up when heading outdoors. Wear a hat, scarf, face mask, and a snug fitting coat to prevent the cold air from circulating onto your skin. You should also wear heavy boots and two layers of socks and gloves if necessary. Also take precautions indoors. Air conditioners can trigger a reaction so be sure to set yours to a comfortable temperature. Use insulated drinking glasses when consuming a cold beverage as well.

See your doctor right away if you have a history of severe Raynaud’s and develop a sore or infection in one of your affected fingers or toes.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

How To Stay Heart Healthy in the Winter

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Michael Hinck

When asked which season has the highest incidence of cardiovascular problems, most wouldn’t guess the winter, but it is true, especially in cities like New York City, which are known for harsh weather conditions.

One of the main reasons for this is our blood vessels constrict in the cold weather. This happens because our bodies work hard to protect vital organs such as our brain and lungs from extreme conditions by preserving blood flow. As a result, our heart has to beat harder and faster to supply the rest of the body with the oxygen it needs. As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, you raise your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

Another factor for increasing our risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the winter is our diet. Both the quality and quantity of food we consume can have a significant role in our heart health during any time of the year, but it is especially important during cold weather months because to digest a heavy meal requires increased blood flow to the stomach, which, for previously stated reasons, can be difficult due to blood vessel constriction.

In addition to cold weather, the winter also brings with it an increased risk of contracting the influenza (flu) virus. Flu season typically is most prevalent during the winter months and fighting it (as well as other viruses) can place an increased amount of stress on the heart and can drain the body of its energy. For those with an already weakened heart, such as the elderly or those with a weakened immune system, this can be very dangerous.

Loneliness and depression have also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack by as much as 30%. The development and maintaining of social relationships is never more difficult than during the winter months due to a variety of factors. One major factor is the weather. The frigid conditions limit the ability to attend social events. In addition, the days are shorter and darker in the winter, which can also increase the likelihood of depression.

Lastly, the winter weather can also limit an individual’s ability to properly maintain their health. This can include interfering with a person’s ability to exercise regularly as well as allowing them access to critical healthcare resources, such as seeing their provider when they aren’t feeling well or refilling their medications. Failure to do so can have harmful effects on someone’s heart health.

Recognizing the increased heart health risk factors in the winter and taking steps to address them are vital to staying healthy in the winter. This includes making sure to avoid very cold temperatures and dressing warm, eating a heart healthy diet, getting your flu shot, maintaining social relationships, and closely monitoring your health, including seeing your doctor regularly and adhering to your medications.

To make an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call our Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Understanding How Diabetes Can Affect Your Digestion

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Nausea and vomiting are two unpleasant feelings that most everyone has encountered at some point in their life, but for many diabetics, these are symptoms that they live with every day as a result of a condition known as diabetic gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a known complication of both the type 1 and type 2 forms of diabetes. It occurs because high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes often leads to nerve damage throughout the body. One such nerve is the vagus nerve. It controls the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. When it is damaged, food cannot move as quickly through the digestive system because the stomach muscles aren’t working well or stop working completely. When undigested food remains in the stomach for too long it can lead to a variety of problems such as bacterial overgrowth and the build-up of hardened, solid masses.

It is estimated at as many as 50% of all people living with diabetes develop some level of gastroparesis during their lifetime, but symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

The most common symptoms associated with diabetic gastroparesis include:

Nausea after eating
Vomiting after eating
Fullness after eating small amount of food
Bloating
Pain in the upper section of your stomach
Lack of appetite
Heartburn
Unexplained weight loss

Diabetic gastroparesis can affect lead to many complications including dehydration and malnutrition. It can also make it hard for someone with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels as well as maintain a healthy weight.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for gastroparesis, but there are some medications that have shown temporary relief. There are also some alternative food delivery methods available, such as feeding tubes and IV nutritional therapy for those with severe symptoms.

The best way to reduce the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis involves adjusting your lifestyle through:

Maintaining a low fat / low fiber diet
Drinking plenty of water
Reducing stress levels
Quitting smoking
Avoiding alcohol and carbonated beverages
Eating small meals and chewing your food slowly
Taking walks after meals

It is also recommended that you talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking as they can also worsen gastroparesis symptoms.

If you would like to make an appointment with a diabetes specialist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

What To Do When Your Baby Suddenly Stops Breastfeeding

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Michael Hinck

When most people hear the words “nursing strike” the most common assumption is that it has something to do with a work stoppage by hospital caregivers, but the term can also refer to when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. This response can sometimes be mistaken for weaning, but unlike a nursing strike, weaning normally takes places gradually over a period of weeks or months.

Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes end with your baby back to breastfeeding, within a few days. In some cases the cause is a mystery, but most of the time it is due to some external factor. Some of the most common triggers for a nursing strike include:

An illness affecting your baby such as an ear infection or stuffy nose
A change in deodorant, soap, lotion or anything that would result in you smelling different to your baby
Your baby is teething or experiencing sore gums
A temporary reduction in milk supply
A change in nursing patterns
Your baby was frightened during a previous nursing experience

Whatever the cause, getting the baby back to the breast can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips that can help get your baby back to breastfeeding:

Be patient. Don’t try to force your baby to breastfeed as it can make the situation worse.
Rule out any physical problems such as an ear infection, stuffy nose, teething issues or a bladder infection.
Spend more skin-to-skin time together.
Avoid giving your baby a pacifier.
Attempt to nurse when your baby is either falling asleep, sound asleep, or just waking up.
Movement helps so try putting your baby in a sling while you walk around or try relaxing in a rocking chair.
Take a bath together or cuddle in a quiet, dark room.

You should continue to pump or hand express milk while your baby is refusing to nurse to prevent plugged ducts and infections. It is also important to remain calm and understand that your baby isn’t rejecting you and while the situation can be upsetting that it is only temporary and everything will go back to normal.

If your baby is experiencing a nursing strike and you have additional questions, you should speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

If you would like to speak to a lactation consultant at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5201.