Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

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

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.

Metabolic Syndrome and How it Can Lead to Heart Disease

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

The number of people with metabolic syndrome is increasing, as up to one-third of adults in the U.S. have it.

When a person is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, they have three or more risk factors, such as:

High blood pressure

High blood sugar

Low levels of HDL, or good cholesterol

High triglyceride levels in the blood

A large waist circumference or an apple-shaped body

Although each of these conditions is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, when a person has three or more of them and is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, the chances of them developing a serious cardiovascular condition increase.

There are several underlying causes of metabolic syndrome, such as:

Being overweight and being obese

Having an insulin resistance

Being physically inactive

Genetic factors

Increasing age

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition; however, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it, such as:

Being more physically active

Losing weight

Eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in:

Whole grains

Fruits and vegetables

Fish

Another way to reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome is working with your healthcare team to monitor and manage your blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure.

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

Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure. Following your doctor’s post-operation instructions and making healthy lifestyle changes are essential to avoiding complications and achieving long-term weight loss success.

Patients should expect to have a new lifestyle that combines healthy eating, exercise, and attending regular visits with their healthcare providers. They should also consider these dos and don’ts after bariatric surgery:

What you should do after bariatric surgery:

- Eat slowly and chew food well

- Aim to drink 64oz of fluids daily, taking small sips

- Eat 60g or more of protein daily, starting every meal with it

- Make fruits and vegetables the priority of your diet

- Start walking for five minutes every hour after surgery

- Aim for a goal of 30 minutes of exercise daily after it is allowed to do so

- Take all medications and supplements as prescribed, they will need to be taken for the rest of your lifetime

What you shouldn’t do after bariatric surgery:

- Skip any meals

- Eat red meat early in recovery

- Engage in any strenuous activities

- Lift any objects over 10 lbs. for the first four to six weeks after surgery

- Eat fast food

- Eat or drink anything with natural sugar

- Drink liquids within 30 minutes after eating

- Eat bread, rice, pasta, bagels, or dumplings

- Allow yourself to get too hungry

- Take a bath or go swimming for two weeks after surgery

- Smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol

- Eat snacks loaded with empty calories

- Get pregnant for 12 to 18 months after surgery

- Stop taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing and life-altering event for those who are trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Making diet changes, modifying exercise routine, and following the guidelines set by your healthcare provider and surgical team can lead you to long-term success.

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.

How Microplastics and Nanoplastics Affect Our Long-Term Health

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are plastic particles that fail to break down and have become a major concern for environmental and human health.

These plastic particles are extremely small, as microplastics range from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters. Nanoplastics are even smaller, as they are less than one micrometer.

There are two types of microplastics, primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. These microplastics typically come from two main sources. Primary microplastics are manufactured at a small size intentionally. Secondary microplastics are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

There are public concerns about the health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics, as they have been found in our bodies because of what we eat, drink, or breathe.

Nanoplastics can behave differently from microplastics or materials that are larger. Their small size means that they may move more easily through biological membranes or interact differently with cells in the body.

Larger microplastics are filtered by the body’s natural defenses, such as the mucus and cilia in the airways, but can still get inhaled into the lungs and even infiltrate the bloodstream or the barriers to the digestive system.

Scientific research has pointed to the likelihood of nanoplastics being far more toxicologically active than microplastics, due to their being small enough to pass through some biological barriers and easily absorbed into the body, which can potentially disrupt and damage internal organs and processes.

Evidence suggests that microplastics may be correlated with health conditions, including:

Chronic degenerative diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

Additionally, existing research has found that microplastics can accumulate in the human brain. They can also be found in plaque formed in our arteries.

Currently, the U.S. doesn’t have regulations around microplastics. However, there are ways to reduce your exposure to microplastics, including:

Cutting back on bottled water
Getting an NSF-certified water filter
Avoiding storing food in plastic containers
Avoiding the reuse of single-use plastics for food and drinks
Avoiding heating plastic
Washing plastic by hand
Keeping your air clean

According to health experts, there are ways you can lower your risk of the health effects linked to microplastics, including:

Eating a balanced diet
Getting enough sleep and exercise
Lowering stress
Seeing preventative care

Unfortunately, plastic is everywhere, and it is hard to avoid. However, it is important to remember that all the plastic we use will end up in a landfill and eventually in our environment and in our bodies. Limiting plastic usage and production will hopefully have a positive impact on future generations.

Losing Muscle As We Age

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we age, we start to lose muscle mass gradually. This is called sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, a type of atrophy, is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, function, and strength.

Everyone loses muscle mass over time; however, people who have sarcopenia lose it more quickly. Sarcopenia usually begins around the age of 35 and accelerates between the ages of 65 and 80. Rates of this acceleration vary; however, as much as 8% of muscle mass is lost each decade.

The natural aging process is usually the main cause of sarcopenia as the body doesn’t produce the same number of proteins the muscles need to grow, which causes them to get smaller. However, researchers have discovered other possible risk factors of the condition, including:

· Physical inactivity

· Obesity

· Chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Insulin resistance

· Malnutrition or inadequate protein intake

· Reduction in hormone levels

· Decrease in the ability to convert protein to energy

· Decline in the number of nerve cells that send messages from the brain to the muscles telling them to move

Sarcopenia affects the musculoskeletal system and is a major factor in increased frailty, falls, and fractures. These conditions can lead to hospitalizations and surgeries, which increase the risk of complications, including death.

This condition can also affect people with a high body mass index (BMI), which is called sarcopenic obesity. People suffering from obesity and sarcopenia have a greater risk of complications than those with obesity or sarcopenia alone.

The most common symptom of sarcopenia is muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include:

· Decrease in muscle size

· Difficulty performing daily activities

· Poor balance and falls

· Loss of stamina

· Trouble climbing stairs

· Walking slowly

A healthcare provider may diagnose sarcopenia after they perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also ask you to complete a questionnaire based on your self-reported symptoms called the SARC-F, which stands for:

· Strength

· Assistance with walking

· Rising from a chair

· Climbing stairs

· Falls

You score each factor with a number between 0 and 2, with the highest maximum and total SARC-F being 10. A SARC-F score of 4 or more warrants more testing.

There is no single test that can diagnose sarcopenia. A healthcare provider may recommend several tests to help diagnose and then determine the severity of sarcopenia. These tests include:

· Muscle tests:

Handgrip test
Chair stand test
Walking speed test
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Timed-up and go test (TUG)

· Imaging tests for measurement of muscle mass

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

The treatment for sarcopenia usually includes lifestyle changes, as they can treat and help reverse the condition. These lifestyle changes include:

· Physical activity, which includes resistance-based strength training

· A healthy diet

Sarcopenia is not fully preventable. However, there are steps you can take to slow the progression of the disease, including:

· Making healthy food choices

· Exercising regularly

· Attending routine physicals

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

Dumping Syndrome

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Dumping syndrome or rapid gastric emptying is a condition that occurs when food and gastric juices move abnormally quickly from the stomach to the small intestine after eating.

Dumping syndrome most commonly occurs after stomach surgery due to it altering the stomach, which can increase the risk of developing the condition. These surgeries are performed mostly to treat obesity, but they can also treat stomach cancer. Dumping syndrome can also happen after esophageal surgery, such as surgery to treat esophageal cancer. Surgeries for other conditions can cause dumping syndrome, including:

Bariatric surgery

Esophagectomy

Gastrectomy

Vagotomy

Fundoplication

Pyloroplasty

Symptoms of dumping syndrome generally start within minutes after eating, especially meals containing high levels of table sugar and fruit sugar. Symptoms include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Feeling bloated or too full after eating

Stomach cramps

Diarrhea

Rapid heart rate

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Flushing

Late dumping syndrome starts one to three hours after eating a meal that is high in sugar. It takes time for symptoms to develop because the body releases large amounts of insulin to absorb the sugars entering the small intestine after eating. This process results in low blood sugar levels. Symptoms of late dumping syndrome can include:

Rapid heart rate

Sweating

Weakness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Flushing

Some people can have both early and late symptoms.

A healthcare provider can diagnose dumping syndrome by using the following methods:

Discussing medical history and performing a medical evaluation

Testing blood sugar

Performing a gastric emptying test

If a person has early dumping syndrome, the condition is likely to resolve itself on its own within three months. In the interim, dietary changes may help ease symptoms. If dietary changes don’t help, an antidiarrheal medicine will be prescribed and injected under the skin to slow food from emptying into the intestine.

If medication doesn’t work, surgical procedures such as reconstructing the pylorus of a reverse gastric bypass may be recommended.

There are dietary strategies that can help maintain good nutrition and minimize symptoms, including:

Eating smaller meals

Drinking 6-8 cups of fluids per day

Drinking most of your fluids between meals

Lying down for 30 minutes after meals

Changing your diet

Increasing fiber intake

If you are going to drink alcohol, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before doing so. Drinking alcohol beverages can worsen dumping syndrome symptoms because they can be absorbed quickly and can have high sugar content, which can lead to blood sugar levels rising rapidly and cause a significant insulin spike and then eventually low blood sugar.

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

Foods You Should Not Eat with Gallbladder Problems

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The gallbladder is an organ that plays an essential role in digesting the foods we eat. Some foods we eat can be good for our gallbladder, while others can harm it. If you have gallstones or if your gallbladder is inflamed or infected due to gallbladder disease, you may need to follow a specific diet to protect your gallbladder.

If you are experiencing problems with your gallbladder, various foods can increase your risk of developing diseases, including:

Saturated and trans fats increase the risk of gallstones

Refined carbohydrates increase the likelihood of developing gallstones

Ultra-processed foods increase the risk of gallbladder disease

Sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of gallbladder cancer

If your diet consists of these foods, a healthcare provider may recommend following a diet to help improve the health of your gallbladder. A healthcare provider may suggest a diet that consists of:

Fruits and vegetables that contain essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may reduce the risk of gallstones

Whole grains are a great source of dietary fiber that can help your digestive health and gallbladder, which may reduce the risk of gallstone disease

Healthy fats may increase bile secretion and prevent gallbladder disease, benefiting gallbladder health

Lean protein that is low in fat, such as poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, and especially plant-based protein, may lower the risk of gallbladder disease

Two types of gallbladder diets may help lower your risk of gallstone issues: the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Mediterranean diet- focuses on eating whole foods and healthy fats

DASH diet- focuses on high-fiber, heart-healthy foods that are low in sodium, which lowers your risk of hypertension

A gallbladder diet may be difficult to adhere to at first. However, here are some meal-planning tips to follow to help:

Controlling your portion sizes and the frequency of meals may protect against gallstones by helping empty the gallbladder and preventing bile build-up

Adding specific foods to your diet can reduce your risk of and protect against gallbladder disease

Maintaining a food diary to keep track of any symptoms you have and what you ate before the symptoms started, as it is important to know what foods may trigger symptoms.

Planning meals and snacks can ensure you have the proper foods available when it is time to eat, instead of going too long between meals, which may increase the risk of gallstones

Staying hydrated can help bile flow from your gallbladder to your small intestine, aiding in digestion

If you have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease and are considering surgery, robotic surgery could be an option. Robotic gallbladder surgery has many benefits, including:

It is the best way to relieve gallbladder-related symptoms, such as belly pain, nausea, and vomiting.

It lowers the risk of developing complications, such as infection or inflammation of nearby bile ducts or organs

It prevents gallstones from returning, as well as any future gallstone attacks

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides surgeons with 3D images of the abdomen and pelvis, creating a clearer picture to reference during the operation

Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand

You’ll have a few tiny scars

You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery

A shorter hospital stay

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000.

Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Cholesterol is a type of waxy, fat-like substance, or lipid, that the body needs to function. It forms part of the cell membranes, helps the liver make bile, and serves as a building block for hormones.

There are several types of cholesterol. They include:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a good cholesterol that helps protect the arteries

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad cholesterol that causes plaque buildup in the arteries

Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is another type of bad cholesterol that can also cause plaque buildup in the arteries

Non-HDL cholesterol- refers to all the cholesterol in the blood, except for HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol is vital for us to live, as it does many essential jobs in the body. However, too much cholesterol in the blood is harmful as it can enter the artery wall, weakening it, leading to hardened deposits of atherosclerotic plaque to form. This is called atherosclerosis, and it can lead to problems such as:

Coronary artery disease

Peripheral artery disease

Carotid artery disease

A person can live for many years with high cholesterol and not know it. High levels of cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, can be a risk of a heart attack or stroke. That is why it is important to get your cholesterol numbers checked on a regular basis.

When getting your cholesterol numbers checked, a healthcare provider will use a blood test called a lipid panel. A healthcare provider will check the numbers of the main levels of cholesterol. They include:

Total cholesterol: Below 200

LDL cholesterol: Below 100

VLDL cholesterol: Below 30

HDL cholesterol: 40-80 for males. 50-80 for females

The lipid panel also measures another type of fat in the blood called triglycerides.

Normal cholesterol levels can vary based on age, ethnicity, and sex.

If a person has heart disease or several risk factors, the LDL target number may be different, and a healthcare provider will want the number to be below 70.

HDL numbers are typically better when higher rather than lower. An ideal number for HDL cholesterol should be between 60 and 80 to protect against heart disease. An HDL number over 80 is too high and can be unhealthy. HDL is the only number that has sex-based differences, as females need a higher HDL level than males.

High cholesterol means that total cholesterol is 200/mg/dl or higher, or higher than normal. “Borderline high” is a phrase that healthcare providers may use to break down the results of a lipid panel. If a person’s cholesterol numbers are close to normal, they may be easier to manage. High cholesterol numbers include:

Total cholesterol: Borderline high: 200-239

High: 240 or higher

LDL cholesterol: Elevated:100-129

Borderline high: 130-159

High: 160-189

VLDL cholesterol: 30 or higher

LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol numbers should be lower rather than higher.

How often a person gets their cholesterol checked depends on their age, family history, risk factors for heart disease, and their sex, as males need more frequent tests starting at a younger age.

Males ages 20 to 44 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Males ages 45 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And males 65 years and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.

Females ages 20-54 should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Females ages 55 to 65 should get their cholesterol checked every one to two years. And females 65 and older should get their cholesterol checked every year.

It is important to know what your cholesterol numbers are, as they can help you learn about your potential risks for heart disease. A healthcare provider will look at your cholesterol numbers, as well as the other aspects of your health, to learn more about your risks of heart disease.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about understanding cholesterol numbers, you can speak with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What Are the Healthiest Oils to Cook With?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When you are cooking with oil, it is important to choose the right cooking oils, as it is essential for both flavor and health.

An easy way to do this is to choose non-tropical vegetable oils to cook and prepare food. Nontropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in temperate climates and are healthier alternatives to tropical oils, and are rich in unsaturated fats. Tropical oils are oils that come from plants that grow in warm tropical climates, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil.

When you are shopping for healthy oils, choose oils with less than four grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and no partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some common cooking oils that contain more of the “better for you” fats and less saturated fat include:

Canola oil
Corn oil
Olive oil
Peanut oil
Safflower oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Vegetable oil

Blends or combinations of these oils, which are often labeled “vegetable oil”, and cooking sprays made from these oils are also good choices.

Some oils have distinctive flavors, so it is important to try different types to determine which oils you prefer. Additionally, some oils are better for certain types of cooking than others, so you may want to have more than one type of oil in your pantry.

Some ways you can use healthy oils include:

Making your own salad dressings, marinades, dips, and sauces
Grilling, sautéing, baking, or roasting foods
Coating pans to keep food from sticking
Lightly drizzling them on foods for flavor
“Seasoning” cast-iron cookware
Substituting oil for butter, stick margarine, or solid fats

Here are some tips for cooking with healthy oils:

If your oil starts to smoke or catch fire, don’t use it. Oil starts to degrade once it reaches its smoking point
If the oil smells bad, don’t use it and throw it away. When oil is stored for too long, it can become oxidized or rancid, and it has a distinct smell
Do not reuse or reheat any cooking oil
Buy oil in smaller containers if you don’t use it frequently. This will allow you to use it before it expires
Store your healthy oils in a dark, cool place

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s nutritional services, you can visit the Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How Making Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are conditions that tend to have a long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. These diseases include:

Cancers
Cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes
Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
Diabetes

A person’s lifestyle and daily habits can increase their risk of developing a chronic disease. About 80% of chronic diseases are driven by a person’s daily habits. These include:

Tobacco use, including the effects of exposure to second-hand smoke
Unhealthy diets, including excess salt, sugar, and fats
Excessive alcohol use
Insufficient physical activity

These habits can contribute to metabolic changes that can increase a person’s risk of chronic disease, including:

Hypertension
Obesity
Diabetes
High cholesterol

Making the following lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to address harmful habits and help prevent chronic diseases.

Dietary changes include eating whole, unrefined, and minimally processed plants. Eating plant-based foods can help reduce diabetes, heart disease, and the risk of cancer
Increasing physical activity by engaging in a recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week
Getting a good, restful night’s sleep of about seven to nine hours. This can be achieved by:
- Having a consistent bedtime and waking up on time, even on weekends
- Being physically active
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Putting digital devices away 90 minutes before bedtime
- Keeping your sleeping area cool, dark, and comfortable
Reducing stress by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude can help relieve stress and improve your physical and mental health.
Staying socially connected with friends and family can help keep you emotionally and physically healthy.
Quitting smoking, or never starting, lowers the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and lung disease, as well as premature death
Limiting alcohol use can reduce health risks that excessive drinking can lead to, such as high blood pressure, various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease

By avoiding these risks and getting good preventive care, you can improve your chance of staying well, feeling good, and living longer.

For more information on how you can make lifestyle changes, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.