Tag Archives: #healthyeating

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

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Physical health and wellness are key to our overall well-being. Physical health is the condition of your body and how well it functions, from the strength of your heart and lungs to your ability to fight infection and move without pain.

Physical wellness is a proactive approach that emphasizes lifestyle choices that sustain energy, resilience, and functional capacity over a lifetime.

The tenets of physical health and wellness are important for keeping your body functioning properly. They include:

  • Watching what you put into your body
  • How much physical activity you get
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

These tenets are positive health habits that can help you decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease, and increase your energy.

Here are some strategies to help you improve your physical health:

  • Increase your physical activity
    • Set specific goals for your physical activity
    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
    • Take a walk on your lunch break
    • Set an alarm to go off every hour as a reminder to move around for a minute or two
    • Keep moving while watching TV
    • Take an online exercise class
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
    • Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese
    • Limit foods that are low in vitamins and minerals
    • Cut down on sugar by choosing foods with little or no added sugar
    • Get more fiber
    • Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats, such as olive, canola, or other vegetable oils instead of butter, meat fats, or shortening
    • Avoid foods high in salt, such as canned, smoked, or processed foods. Choose fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat instead
    • Choose more complex carbs such as starches and fiber, which can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes
  • Reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight
    • Weigh yourself
    • Calculate how many calories you need for your healthy goals
    • Record your daily food intake and physical activity
    • Set specific goals
    • Choose healthy meals and physical activities you enjoy
    • Plan activities with friends or family
    • Be patient
  • Build healthy habits
    • Plan and identify unhealthy patterns, and set realistic goals
    • Change your surroundings and find ways to make healthier choices by removing temptations
    • Ask for support by finding family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or support groups
    • Speak with a mental health professional if you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or burnout
  • Build muscle safely
    • Start slowly, especially if you haven’t been active for a while
    • Pay attention to your body when you experience exhaustion, sore joints, or muscle pains, which is a sign you are overdoing it
    • Use small amounts of weight to start and add more weight slowly over time, while focusing on your form
    • Use smooth, steady movements to lift weights into position, and don’t jerk or thrust weights
    • Avoid locking your arm and leg joints in a straight position
    • Don’t hold your breath during strength exercises
    • Ask for help by looking for a group class at a local gym, recreation center, or find a trainer
  • Combat age-related changes
    • Commit to a healthy diet
    • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Move more
    • Get plenty of sleep
    • Limit alcohol use
    • Avoid tobacco products
    • Visit the doctor regularly

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

World Alzheimer’s Month

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September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a month that raises global awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and encourages education, advocacy, and support for those affected.  

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history. 

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain. 

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can present many signs and symptoms, including: 

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life 
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems 
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks 
  • Confusion with time and place 
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing 
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 
  • Decreased or poor judgment 
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities 
  • Changes in mood and personality 

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and many other types of dementia, there are preventative measures you can take to take care of your brain, including: 

  • Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body 
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet lower in fat and higher in fruit and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH diets 
  • Getting quality sleep 
  • Taking care of your mental health and managing stress 
  • Stimulating your brain by engaging in challenging activities, such as playing a strategy game, learning a new language or how to play an instrument, or completing a jigsaw puzzle 
  • Staying connected socially with family and friends 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

How Heart Disease is Different in Women Than it is in Men

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Heart disease can be deadly for anyone, as it is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the U.S.  

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. There are three types of heart disease:  

  • Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.   
  • Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.   
  • Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating. 

While heart disease can occur in everyone, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones, such as estrogen. Estrogen protects the heart in the premenopausal years as it relaxes the arteries and promotes good cholesterol. This changes when a woman begins menopause and estrogen levels decline, increasing the chance of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hypertension.  

Other heart disease risk factors include: 

  • Obesity 
  • Smoking 
  • Emotional stress and depression  
  • Diabetes 
  • Lack of physical activity 
  • Pregnancy complications 
  • Family history of early heart disease 
  • Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions 

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, and it can affect them at any age. However, the prevalence of heart disease in women starts going up around the age of 65, which is about ten years later than men, presumably due to the lasting positive effects of estrogen. 

Women are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure. Although some women may not show any symptoms, others may experience:  

  • Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache  
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat  
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back  

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:  

  • Nausea  
  • Vomiting  
  • Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive  

In some women, the first signs and symptoms of heart disease can be:  

  • A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked 
  • Palpitations  

Treatment for heart disease is similar for women and men, and can include medicines, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery.  

However, there are differences in heart disease treatment for women and men, including: 

  • Women are less likely to be treated with aspirin and statins to prevent future heart attacks than men are 
  • Women are less likely to have coronary artery bypass surgery than men. This may be because women have less obstructive disease or smaller arteries with more small vessel disease 
  • Cardiac rehabilitation can improve health and aid recovery from heart disease. However, women are less likely to be sent to cardiac rehabilitation than men are. 

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle: 

  • Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol  
  • Eating a healthy diet 
  • Exercising and keeping a healthy weight 
  • Managing stress 
  • Getting quality sleep 
  • Quitting smoking or stopping the use of tobacco products 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption 

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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.

Back to School Health and Wellness Tips

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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. 

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.

The Risk of Taking Compound GLP-1s

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Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become a popular way to help people lose weight.

However, some patients and healthcare providers have turned to compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide called compounded GLP-1 antagonists.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. In 2024, nearly one in three Americans taking a GLP-1 drug said they were getting it from a compounding pharmacy.

Compounded GLP-1 antagonists are custom-mixed weight loss medications made by certain pharmacies, not drug companies, and use the same active ingredients as the brand names, but they don’t have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness, and some compounded GLP-1 drugs have additional ingredients or alternate chemical forms of the active drugs.

This is why the FDA has warned against taking compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, as they don’t undergo regulatory testing for safety, quality, or effectiveness. They also issued a warning about a spike in overdoses and adverse side effects largely attributed to dosing errors with these drugs, due to them coming with syringes for people to draw the medications themselves, unlike brand-name GLP-1 injections that come in prefilled pens.

In 2024, the FDA raised concerns about the increased risk of dosing errors, improper storage, and fraudulently labeled GLP-1s from compounding pharmacies. Consequently, hundreds of people reported serious problems, including dangerous dosing mistakes, where patients got five to twenty times more than the proper dose.

By April of 2025, the FDA had logged over 520 reports linked to compounded semaglutide and 480 for compounded tirzepatide.

Additionally, U.S. poison centers have seen a nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to overdose or side effects of injectable weight-loss drugs since 2019. What’s more, as of April 30th, 2025, poison centers have managed 3,633 GLP-1 agonist-related exposure cases and 22,966 cases from 2019-2025.

The common side effects of GLP-1 antagonist poisoning include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  •  Constipation and diarrhea
  •  Abdominal pain

Other symptoms and side effects to watch out for include:

  • Signs of severe dehydration such as fainting and confusion or not urinating for eight hours.
  • Pancreatitis, which usually feels like sharp pain in your upper abdomen and back.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that don’t improve when you eat smaller meals or take anti-nausea medications.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms that grow worse rather than easing the longer you’re on the drug.

However, there are instances when it might be appropriate for a person to take a compounded drug, such as when a patient’s medical need can’t be met by an FDA-approved drug, or the FDA-approved drug is not commercially available.

If taking a compounded GLP-1 is your only option, it is important to confirm if it is coming from a 503B-registered outsourcing facility, rather than an unregistered seller, and that you remain under close medical supervision while using it.

Other clues that your compounded prescription may not be legitimate:

  • It does not require a prescription.
  • The pharmacy is not located within the U.S.
  • The medication arrives in packaging that is damaged, open, labeled in a foreign language, or has no expiration date.
  • Unusual delivery methods. Delivery methods other than injections and oral pills, such as sublingual drops and dissolving tablets, have not been tested in clinical trials.
  • Vague or proprietary ingredient lists. Products marketed as “personalized” blends with added vitamins or other ingredients, without a clear clinical rationale, are often designed to promote those additions to sidestep regulations rather than to benefit the patient.

If you need help locating a licensed online pharmacy, you can use the FDA’s BeSafeRx program. For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.

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.

Emotional Fatigue

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When stress from negative or challenging life events occurs repeatedly without adequate recovery, you may find yourself feeling emotionally worn out and drained. This is known as emotional fatigue or exhaustion. Although emotional fatigue is most associated with workplace burnout, it can happen outside occupational contexts in: 

  • Anyone whose emotional labor consistently exceeds their capacity to restore 
  • Caregivers supporting ill or dependent family members 
  • Individuals processing prolonged grief, trauma, or stress 
  • People in chronic, conflict-heavy relationships 
  • Parents of young children or children with complex needs 

Emotional fatigue falls between ordinary stress, which most people can bounce back from quickly, and clinical disorders such as major depression or anxiety disorders. If it is left unaddressed, it frequently progresses toward both.   

Emotional fatigue can present itself as emotional, physical, and performance signs and symptoms. 

Emotional symptoms include: 

  • Depression  
  • Anxiety 
  • Apathy 
  • Irritability 
  • Difficulty making decisions 
  • Feeling hopeless 
  • Feeling powerless or trapped 
  • Lack of focus or forgetfulness 
  • Lack of motivation 
  • Negative thinking 
  • Tearfulness 
  • Nervousness  

Physical symptoms include: 

  • Persistent headaches or migraines  
  • Heart palpitations or chest tightness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Poor sleep 
  • An elevated susceptibility to illness 
  • Nausea or upset stomach 
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Sore muscles or muscle tension 

Performance symptoms include: 

  • Performing work duties more slowly 
  • Difficulty completing daily tasks for responsibilities 
  • Failing to meet deadlines 
  • Isolation or avoidance 
  • Increased absences 
  • Lower workplace commitment 

You can address emotional fatigue by identifying the stressors you can reduce or prevent. When you are unable to change a stressor because it is out of your control, it is important to focus on the here and now. Try to focus on the various neutral and positive events that are happening. Focusing on these types of events can give you a better perspective about what is happening around you, allowing you to shift your focus away from the stressors. 

Your body can often interpret stress as a threat to your survival. When this occurs, your brain releases stress hormones throughout your body, which can contribute to your emotional fatigue. As you focus on neutral or positive events in your life, your brain learns that the threat is not as bleak as it may seem. The amount of stress hormones released decreases, causing you to feel more emotionally balanced.  

Some other strategies that can help reduce emotional fatigue include: 

  • Practicing mindfulness to engage in the present moment 
  • Eliminating or minimizing the stressor when possible 
  • Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with balanced thoughts 
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet 
  • Exercising 
  • Getting adequate sleep 

When emotional fatigue is addressed early, it often clears considerably with the proper rest and load reduction.  

If you are experiencing emotional fatigue, you can discuss your signs and symptoms with a mental health professional. They can help you sort through the causes and symptoms you’re experiencing to determine a plan that will help you regain a sense of well-being. 

To learn more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

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.

BBQ Food Safety Tips

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Summer is a time when we have and/or attend several barbecues or cookouts. However, whether you are hosting or attending, eating outdoors in warm weather can present food safety challenges. 

Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so the summer heat can create problems. Here are some tips to follow to help keep you and others safe from foodborne illnesses: 

  • Washing your hands is very important. Wash your hands if you are preparing food, serving food, or after using the bathroom. Wash your hands and forearms with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you are in an outdoor setting without access to a bathroom, use a bottle of water, some soap, and paper towels, or use hand sanitizer.  
  • Keep raw food separate from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.  
  • Don’t use any plates or utensils that have potentially touched or have been contaminated by raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It is recommended to wash utensils that have touched raw meats if they must also be used to handle cooked meats 
  • Marinate food in the refrigerator, instead of out on the counter. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your food after it is cooked, keep a separate portion of it to use later. Do not reuse the marinade that contained raw meat 
  • Cook food thoroughly to kill any harmful germs and bacteria that may be present. E. coli and Salmonella can still be present in undercooked meats such as hamburger and chicken, and can cause severe illness, even death. Each food should be at a certain temperature for it to be fully cooked: 
    • Chicken 165o F 
    • Hamburgers 160o F 
    • Pork 150o F 
    • Hot dogs 140o F 
    • Leftovers 165o F 
    • Eggs 145o F 

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, which is the least cooked part. To check the temperature of hot dogs, go from the end of the hot dog to the center. Be careful not to pass through the meat and touch the cooking surface because you will get a false high temperature reading. 

  • Refrigerate or freeze food immediately, as you shouldn’t leave food out of the refrigerator, cooler, or off the grill for more than two hours. Never leave food out for more than one hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F 
  • Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Hot food should be kept at or above 140°F, wrapped well, and placed in an insulated container. Cold food should be held at or below 40°F. Foods such as chicken salads and desserts that are in individual serving dishes should be placed directly on ice or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off any water that pools as the ice melts, and replace the ice frequently 
  • Wipe surfaces often, especially after using them for food preparation, as germs from undercooked meat can grow on vegetables cut or washed on the same surface as meat. Mix and use a sanitizing solution of one capful of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for cleaning work area surfaces. If possible, use separate cutting boards or surfaces for foods that will not be cooked, such as salad 
  • Keep flies away by covering trash containers, and not storing meat wrappers and other trash in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers, even for a short period of time 
  • Don’t use fly spray or “No-Pest” chemical strips, as they can contaminate your food 
  • Don’t keep food containers out in the open. Instead, place them in a shaded area 
  • Keep plates, cups, utensils, and food covered until they are ready to be used 
  • Handle plates, cups, and utensils where they won’t come in contact with any food 
  • Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours 
  • Don’t wear loose finger or wrist jewelry or fake nails while working with food 
  • Keep plenty of paper towels handy for cleaning your hands and surfaces 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a foodborne illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

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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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

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.

GLP-1 Microdosing

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Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 antagonists are, however, a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have become popular over the past few years to help people lose weight. 

Recently, however, some people have been microdosing GLP-1 medications as their preferred way to take these medications. Microdosing means taking much smaller doses than those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

People may microdose GLP-1 medications for many reasons, including: 

  • They have hit their target weight goal 
  • They have concerns about the cost of the medications 
  • They are sensitive to the side effects of the medications 
  • They want to just suppress their appetite 
  • They are worried about the supply of the medications 

Microdosing GLP-1 medications can come with real risks, including: 

  • Inaccurate doses 
  • Reduced effectiveness 
  • Unpredictable outcomes 
  • Possibility of regaining weight 
  • No data on the long-term effects of microdosing 
  • Minimal oversight  

Large clinical trials have confirmed that the standard GLP-1 doses work well when helping people lose weight and manage Type 2 diabetes. What’s more, precise doses have proven benefits for heart, liver, and kidney health. Taking very low doses may not provide the same results.  

Additionally, smaller GLP-1 doses may help reduce symptoms such as nausea or an upset stomach. However, microdosing may prevent you from reaching the effective dose needed to make significant changes in your body weight or blood sugar levels. In many cases, the side effects of GLP-1 treatment are temporary. GLP-1 dosage schedules are intended to increase doses gradually to help balance their benefits and potential side effects. 

GLP-1 medications affect people differently. Some people may see substantial benefits even at lower doses. However, other people may not see their benefits at full doses. 

Before you consider microdosing GLP-1 medications, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about these treatments. Here are some things to consider: 

  • If the GLP-1 medication is off-label, it is an unproven treatment 
  • The health benefits for those who don’t have Type 2 diabetes or a high body mass index (BMI) are unproven 
  • Taking smaller doses doesn’t make them risk-free 

As an alternative to taking GLP-1 medications, here are some proven ways to support metabolic and overall health naturally: 

  • Exercising regularly 
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet 
  • Managing stress 
  • Getting enough restful sleep 
  • Eating certain foods and taking supplements 

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908. 

 

 

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.

Celiac Disease Awareness Month

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May is Celiac Awareness Month. It is observed as a time to raise awareness for the more than three million Americans living with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to react to gluten, a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. 

 It is estimated that up to 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. 

When a person has celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in the small intestines. The immune system sends inflammatory cells and antibodies to destroy the gluten molecules. Over time, this reaction can damage the lining of the small intestine, which prevents it from absorbing nutrients. This condition is called malabsorption. It can also lead to malnutrition and several other conditions resulting from a lack of nutrients. 

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. They can also be different in children and adults. Digestive symptoms for adults include: 

  • Diarrhea 
  • Fatigue 
  • Weight loss 
  • Bloating and gas 
  • Belly pain 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Constipation 

However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, including: 

  • Anemia 
  • Osteoporosis 
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis 
  • Mouth ulcers 
  • Headaches and fatigue 
  • Nervous system injury, including numbness, tingling in the feet and hands, as well as possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment 
  • Joint pain 
  • Hyposplenism 
  • Elevated liver enzymes 

Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including: 

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Chronic diarrhea 
  • Swollen belly 
  • Constipation 
  • Gas 
  • Pale, foul-smelling stools 

For children who aren’t able to absorb nutrients, it may cause: 

  • Failure to thrive in infants 
  • Damage to tooth enamel 
  • Weight loss 
  • Anemia 
  • Irritability 
  • Short stature 
  • Delayed puberty 
  • Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures 

Celiac disease is most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. It is estimated to affect 1% of the populations of Europe and North America. A person has a 10% chance of developing the disease if they have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or child, who has it. About 97% of people diagnosed with celiac disease have a recognizable gene variant associated with it. 

A person’s genes, combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors, can contribute to celiac disease. However, the precise cause isn’t known. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional distress. 

Several risk factors cause celiac disease to be more common in people who have: 

  • A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis 
  • Type 1 diabetes 
  • Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Turner syndrome 
  • Autoimmune thyroid disease 
  • Microscopic colitis 
  • Addison’s disease 

Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. However, two blood tests can help diagnose it: 

  • Serology testing 
  • Genetic testing 

It is important to be tested for celiac disease before trying a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from your diet might make the results of the blood tests appear in the standard range. 

The first and most important step in treating and the only way to manage celiac disease is to stop eating gluten and adopt a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. You can’t change the way your body reacts to gluten, but you can prevent gluten from triggering a reaction. Additional treatments may include: 

  • Nutritional supplements 
  • Specific medications 
  • Corticosteroids 
  • Continuous follow-up care 

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist or dietitian at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.