Tag Archives: Men’s Health

Signs Your Stomach Pain Could Be Serious

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Stomachaches are a common, uncomfortable part of our lives. Usually, they go away on their own with a little rest or a home remedy. However, severe stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, especially if it is followed by symptoms such as: 

  • Coughing up or vomiting blood 
  • Bloody stool 
  • Fever 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • A very hard abdomen, which may indicate severe constipation or other digestive issues 
  • Tenderness in the abdomen when touched 
  • Neck, shoulder, or chest pain 
  • Pain moving from the belly button to the right side 
  • Inability to have a bowel movement along with vomiting 

When a person experiences serious symptoms with stomach pain, it could be a sign of life-threatening conditions that include: 

  • Appendicitis 
  • Bowel obstruction 
  • Bowel perforation 

Frequent stomach pain or stomach pain that is uncomfortable but not severe can also indicate an underlying health issue, such as: 

  • Colitis  
  • Cystitis 
  • Kidney stones 
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

Additionally, stomach pain can be caused by common temporary conditions that affect the lower belly, including: 

  • Menstrual cramps 
  • Trapped gas 
  • Food poisoning 
  • Stomach flu 
  • Constipation 
  • Food allergies 

If your stomach pain isn’t severe or doesn’t last long, and if you aren’t having emergency symptoms, the pain may go away on its own. You can also try these steps to help relieve stomach pain: 

  • Drinking water 
  • Exercising 
  • Taking gas-relieving medication, such as an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid 
  • Following the banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT) diet 
  • Using a hot water bottle or heating pad 

If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center today for comprehensive care. For more information, call us at 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.

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.

The Importance of Stretching

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Stretching is an essential part of exercise or any physical activity you are engaging in. It has several benefits, as it helps prevent falls and injuries by warming up muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

Stretching before and after exercising can help you improve:

· Flexibility

· Balance

· Speed

· Jump height

· Strength

· Endurance

· Range of motion

There are two types of stretching: static and dynamic stretching. Static stretching is when you hold a pose, like touching your toes in a hamstring stretch without moving. This helps your muscles relax and slowly get longer. It is recommended to use static stretching as a part of your cool-down after exercise.

Dynamic stretching is when you move a body part slowly and control it through its full range of motion, like doing arm circles or high knees. These stretches are best done before a workout or between sets of exercises.

Static and dynamic stretches can be:

Active: When you use your muscles to move or hold the stretch, such as when you lift your toes in the air because it stretches your calf muscles

Passive: When you rely on assisted stretching from another person, your hand, or a prop, such as using a doorframe to stretch your chest and shoulders

Stretching works best when you have the time and availability to not rush through it. If you are creating a stretching routine, it is recommended to start with a few different stretches for a total of 10 to 15 minutes. Furthermore, it is most important to focus on body areas critical for mobility, such as your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors in the pelvis, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. It is also beneficial to stretch your shoulders, neck, and lower back.

For a 10-minute stretching routine, you can start with some basic upper- and lower- body stretching exercises, such as:

· Dynamic shoulder rolls

· Active neck stretch

· Static shoulder stretch

· Static triceps stretch

· Dynamic hip circles

· Static quadriceps stretch, standing up

· Static hamstring stretch, lying down

· Dynamic ankle circles

· Static calf stretch

Daily stretching may seem overwhelming. However, when you begin to stretch daily, it is important to take your time and not rush through it to avoid injury. Stretching is a simple way to prepare your muscles and joints for any workout and is an effective way to maximize active recovery days.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Transient Ischemic Attack

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A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a short period of symptoms like a stroke, caused by a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain. A transient ischemic attack usually only lasts a few minutes and doesn’t cause long-term damage.  

A transient ischemic attack may be a warning. About one in three people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are like the symptoms of an early stroke and happen suddenly. Symptoms may include: 

  • Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of the body 
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding others 
  • Dizziness or loss of balance or coordination 
  • Blindness in one or both eyes or double vision 

A person can have more than one transient ischemic attack. Their symptoms may be similar or different depending on which area of the brain is involved. 

Transient ischemic attacks occur when cholesterol-containing fatty deposits build up in an artery. These fatty deposits decrease the blood flow through an artery or lead to the development of a clot.  

Some of the risk factors of a transient ischemic attack can’t be changed, but others can be controlled. 

Risk factors that can’t be changed include: 

  • Prior transient ischemic attack 
  • Family history 
  • Age 
  • Sex 
  • Sickle cell disease 

Risk factors you can control include: 

  • Health conditions 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Cardiovascular disease 
  • Carotid artery disease 
  • High cholesterol 
  • Diabetes 
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD) 
  • Excess weight 
  • COVID-19 
  • High levels of homocysteine 

Lifestyle choices 

  • Physical inactivity 
  • Poor nutrition 
  • Cigarette smoking 
  • Heavy drinking 
  • Use of illicit drugs 

Knowing your risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle are the best things you can do to prevent a transient ischemic attack. Living a healthy lifestyle includes: 

  • Getting regular checkups 
  • Exercising regularly 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight 
  • Quitting smoking 
  • Controlling diabetes 
  • Lowering cholesterol 
  • Limiting alcohol intake 
  • Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables 
  • Avoiding illicit drug use 

Diagnosing a TIA includes an immediate evaluation, which is essential. An evaluation may include:  

  • Physical exams and tests 
  • Carotid ultrasonography 
  • CT or CTA scans 
  • MRI or MRA scans 
  • Echocardiography 
  • Arteriography 

A diagnosis helps your healthcare provider determine the best treatment for you. Treatment for a transient ischemic attack occurs once your healthcare provider determines its cause. The goal of treatment is to correct the issue and prevent a stroke. Treatments include: 

  • Medicines, such as antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants 
  • Surgical procedures, such as an angioplasty 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a transient ischemic attack, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department. 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.

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.

Ultrasound vs Sonogram: What Is the Difference?

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For many of us, medical terminology can be confusing. When you are scheduled for an exam, such as an ultrasound or a sonogram, they might sound like they are the same thing. However, ultrasounds and sonograms are two different parts of the same medical test.  

An ultrasound exam is a procedure that uses sound waves beyond the range humans can hear to create images of soft tissues inside the body, helping healthcare providers diagnose or rule out several conditions. It is noninvasive, painless, and doesn’t use radiation. 

An ultrasound can spot growths or abnormalities inside your body and can also clearly show and measure fluids.  

Healthcare providers will use ultrasound exams to view: 

  • Breast lumps and cysts 
  • Muscles and tendons 
  • Blood flow in your arms, neck, and legs 
  • Abdominal organs, including your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and spleen 
  • Your urinary system, including your bladder and kidneys 
  • Pelvic organs such as your ovaries, prostate, and uterus 
  • Fluids, such as amniotic fluid during a pregnancy or urine in your bladder 

An ultrasound can’t see everything, as it is usually not the best test for viewing bones, which block sound waves. Ultrasounds also can’t see structures inside your joints, such as cartilage. 

Healthcare providers don’t just use ultrasound as a standalone medical exam. They also use it to guide minimally invasive procedures, such as breast biopsy.  

A sonogram is a real-time, moving image created by an ultrasound machine. It can be printed, saved digitally, or used to show organs, soft tissues, blood flow, or a developing baby. Sonograms will be viewed and interpreted by a radiologist who will send a report to your referring healthcare provider with a diagnosis or other information based on your results. A healthcare provider will then study and review the sonogram images and video loops to detect abnormalities, monitor health conditions, and support treatment planning. These images help healthcare providers explain findings clearly and give patients a better understanding of their medical care.  

Understanding the difference between an ultrasound and a sonogram helps patients navigate medical imaging more confidently. Both are safe, noninvasive, and widely used in medical diagnostics. 

The Flushing Hospital Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services. To schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5458. To schedule an appointment for an MRI or learn more about the MRI, please call 718-670-8851.

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.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Staying Physicall Active

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Life can move fast, and we may not have enough time to exercise as much as we would like to. Most people spend half of their day sedentary. The more you sit, the more your large muscles aren’t using glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Sitting for long periods of time can cause blood sugar levels to rise, triggering the body to release insulin.  

Over time, sedentary habits cause the body to become less sensitive to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance. 

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. What’s more, any kind of exercise can reduce fatigue and improve sleep, decrease anxiety and depression, improve weight management, and promote brain health. It can also help prevent and reduce the risk of long-term health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.  

Additionally, regularly moving your body lowers your risk for some types of cancers, fatty liver disease, chronic pain, arthritis, and even dementia.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Moderate-intensity physical activity can be any activity that gets you to breathe harder and your heart beating faster, such as: 

  • Brisk walking  
  • Dancing  
  • Swimming 
  • Roller skating 
  • Jogging 
  • Riding a bike 
  • Playing a sport  

Moving your body doesn’t always have to involve working out in a gym. You can also climb the stairs, garden, or play with your children or pets.  

Whether you are just starting or haven’t been physically active for a while, there are ways to get started. Here are some tips to help you add more physical activity to your daily life: 

  • Look for ways to make physical activity a part of your daily routine, such as walking the dog or walking in place during commercial breaks while watching TV 
  • Start with activities, locations, and times you enjoy 
  • Find a place near your home or work to be physically active 
  • Try activities with friends or family that you enjoy together 

If you lack the time, space, energy, skill, or if something else is preventing you from being more physically active, such as a fear of injuring yourself, here are ways to overcome these obstacles: 

  • Add physical activity to your daily routine, such as parking farther away from your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator 
  • Schedule physical activity for times in the day or week when you will feel more energetic 
  • Invite a friend or family member to exercise with you regularly 
  • Choose activities you can do safely, and increase the amount you do gradually as your confidence and abilities grow 
  • Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury 

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity, as it gets your body moving and your heart beating faster.  

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

TMJ Disorders

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Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) affect the temporomandibular joints and muscles around them. The temporomandibular joints help you chew, talk, and move your jaw.

TMD is common in adults and affects up to 12 million people in the U.S., with females being twice as likely to have it. It often starts between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

Signs and symptoms of TMD can include:

  • Jaw or face pain
  • Jaw stiffness or locking
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Trouble opening or closing your mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
  • Earaches or ringing
  • Neck or shoulder pain
  • Eye pain
  • Tooth pain

TMD can happen for several reasons, including:

  • A jaw injury, such as a break or dislocation
  • Arthritis in the jaw
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Stress that causes jaw tension
  • A misaligned bite

Several habits can make TMD worse, such as:

  • Chewing on pens, ice, or nails
  • Taking large bites of food
  • Daytime clenching or sleeping on your stomach
  • Using teeth as tools
  • Poor posture

A healthcare provider can diagnose TMD after performing a physical exam and ordering imaging tests to check how your jaw moves and look for signs of pain or stiffness.

The physical exam may include:

  • Seeing how wide you can open your mouth
  • Feeling your joints as you open and close your mouth
  • Pressing around your jaw to check for tenderness

Imaging tests include:

  • Dental X-rays
  • MRIs
  • CT scans

Treatment for TMD depends on what’s causing your symptoms and their severity. Most people with TMD start treating it with noninvasive options such as medications and nonsurgical therapeutic options, which focus on relaxing your jaw and improving movement.

Medications to treat TMD can include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Muscle relaxers for clenching or grinding
  • Antidepressants to help with chronic pain

Nonsurgical therapeutic options to treat TMD can include:

  • Custom mouth guards or splints
  • Jaw exercises through physical therapy
  • Ultrasound therapy to relax muscles
  • Trigger point injections, such as dry needling or steroids
  • Changing habits, such as avoiding hard foods or improving posture
  • TENS (gentle electrical currents) to ease tension

If medications or nonsurgical therapeutic options don’t help manage TMD symptoms, a healthcare provider may suggest surgical options, such as:

  • TMJ arthroscopy
  • Arthrocentesis to flush the joint
  • Open-joint surgery for more serious problems

TMD is treatable and rarely causes lasting problems, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

 

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.