What Is a Canker Sore?

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Canker sores are small ulcers that form in the lining of the mouth. These sores look white or yellowish with a red border. They can appear at the base of the gums, on or under the tongue, or inside your lips or cheeks.

There are three types of canker sores:

Minor canker sores

Major canker sores

Herpetiform canker sores

These types of sores are common and usually go away within two weeks without treatment.

The common symptoms of canker sores include:

Burning or tingling in your mouth, which is a sign that a canker sore is forming

Small, round ulcers that are white, gray, or yellow with a red border

One or more painful sores on the tongue, the inside of the lips, inner cheeks, or the roof of the mouth

Experts aren’t really sure what causes canker sores. They do know, however, that they aren’t contagious.

There are several possible causes of a canker sore, including:

Conditions that involve a weak or dysregulated immune system, such as celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease

Your genes, which may predispose you to canker sores based on your DNA

Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamins B12 and D, folate, iron, or zinc

Medication side effects from taking beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, or NSAIDs

Experts have identified factors that can trigger the development of these ulcers, including:

Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as acidic foods, spicy foods, caffeine, eggs, cheese, peanuts, and almonds

Stress

Changing hormone levels during your period

Injury to the inside of your mouth

Toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate

Anyone can develop canker sores, but they are most common in teens and people in their 20s. Females are more likely than males to get them because of hormone differences.

There isn’t one reliable way to prevent canker sores. But if you have had them before and want to stop getting new ones, it is important to notice their triggers.

Here are some tips to help you prevent canker sores:

Practice good oral hygiene

Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, or other “trigger” foods

Try stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation

Try a canker sore toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate

Talk to your healthcare provider about any potential nutritional deficiencies

To diagnose canker sores, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and recommend a blood test to see if another condition is causing the ulcers.

Treatment for canker sores may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription products to ease your symptoms. Some of these treatments may help you get rid of the sore faster. A healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these remedies:

Prescription or OTC mouth rinses

Oral corticosteroids

Corticosteroid ointments

Topical anesthetics

Vitamins or supplements

A healthcare provider may recommend laser therapy or electrocauterization for severe canker sores. These treatments can get rid of germs in the area, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.

Other treatment options that may help reduce canker sore pain include rinsing your mouth out with saltwater or a mild mouthwash, or using a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, followed by a dab of a small amount of milk of magnesia. It is important to make sure you don’t swallow hydrogen peroxide.

If you are suffering from a canker sore and would like help treating it, 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.

National Diabetes Education Week

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The first week of November is observed as National Diabetes Education Week.

In the U.S., nearly 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, another 86 million have prediabetes, and 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It is also linked to some types of cancer.

The best way to prevent diabetes-related health problems is to take charge of your health. Here are some tips to help get you started:

Know your risk for developing diabetes: you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if:

- You are overweight or obese

- You have a family history of diabetes

- You are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander

- You are not physically active

- You have prediabetes

Manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels: preventing diabetes or managing it as soon as possible after diagnosis may help prevent health problems. You can start managing your diabetes by following the ABCs:

- A is for the A1C test that healthcare professionals use to measure your average blood glucose levels

- B is for blood pressure

- C is for cholesterol

Take small steps toward healthy lifestyle habits: Lifestyle habits, such as being physically active, planning healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and not smoking, may help prevent diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs

Take your medications on time: Remember to take your medications even if you feel healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have trouble taking your medications on time or at the correct dose

Reach or maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, ask your healthcare provider whether a healthy diet, physical activity, or other weight-loss treatments can help you manage your weight. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5%-7% of your starting weight

Take care of your mental health: It can be difficult to manage diabetes. If you are feeling down, sad, or overwhelmed, learn healthy ways to cope with stress. You can also consult with a mental health professional or join a support group

Work with your healthcare team: It takes a team to manage diabetes. Your healthcare team may include:

- A primary care provider

- Diabetes specialist

- Registered dietician

- Certified diabetes educator

Consult with your primary care provider if you should speak with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.

If you are experiencing diabetic symptoms, would like help managing your diabetes, or if you would like to prevent developing diabetes, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Wellness Wednesday: 5-Minute Stretch Breaks

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Most office jobs require lengthy periods of sitting, which can cause tight hip flexors, compress your spine, and cause your neck to lean forward towards the screen. Over time, this posture creates discomfort, muscular imbalance, and reduced blood flow. It can also cause office workers to experience ailments such as back pain, shoulder tightness, neck stiffness, eye strain, and low energy by the afternoon.

A simple solution that can be helpful is taking five-minute stretch breaks for your health. These short workplace micro-break exercises can improve mobility, reduce tension, and help you stay active even on days when you’re busiest. A quick stretch routine of five minutes is enough to reverse the tension in your body, keep your joints healthy, and recharge and refresh your mind and body without stepping away from your desk for a long time.

The key benefits of five-minute stretch routines include:

Improved posture

Better circulation

Less back and neck pain

Reduced muscle fatigue

Enhanced focus and productivity

Lower stress levels

Here are some desk stretches for back pain and neck stiffness you can include in your five-minute stretch routine:

Neck mobility stretch

Shoulder roll

Chest opener stretch

Seated spinal twist

Forward fold stretch

Wrist and finger stretch

Ankle rotation

Stretching can also act as a preventive habit that can help you avoid chronic conditions like repetitive strain injuries.

Neck stiffness is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints among office workers. It is often considered a type of work-related repetitive strain injury. Here are some movements you can do to help relieve the tightness in your neck:

Chin tuck stretch

Gentle neck rotation

Upper trapezius stretch

Screen height check as part of posture correction

Practicing these movements regularly prevents tension headaches and upper back discomfort.

If you have a busy schedule and are unable to find time to stretch while at work, here are some simple stretches you can add to your routine:

Shoulder roll

Seated twist

Wrist stretch

Neck tilt

Chest opener

This entire sequence takes a very little amount of time and can fit into any schedule.

Simple five-minute stretch routines can transform your office health. Taking regular workplace breaks to perform these exercises can reduce stiffness, improve posture, boost productivity, and protect your long-term wellbeing.

It is recommended that you consult a doctor about your ailments and 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.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Brash

Posted on November 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce Dr. Andrew Brash, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Brash moved to and was raised on Long Island, after initially living in Flushing. He knew he wanted to become a physician from a young age. He was fascinated by the complexity of the human body and inspired by the opportunity to help people during some of their most challenging moments. His path began with a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, followed by medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and subsequently a fellowship in sports medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he served as an assistant team physician for the New York Jets.

He gravitated toward sports medicine because of the remarkable diversity of conditions and patients it encompasses. Whether caring for a young athlete with a sprained ankle or an active adult managing knee arthritis, he finds great fulfillment in helping individuals regain function, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that are most meaningful to them.

He specializes in the operative and nonoperative treatment of athletes and active individuals of all ages. His clinical expertise includes injuries and conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. He has advanced training in arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, and articular cartilage restoration. This allows him to offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and activity levels.

Having trained alongside leading surgeons and pioneers in sports medicine, he is committed to bringing world-class, evidence-based care to patients throughout Long Island and Queens. He and his team believe in partnering closely with patients, taking the time to understand their needs, and developing individualized treatment strategies that help them achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 670-5486.

RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

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

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

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

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

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

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

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

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

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

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

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

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

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

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

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

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

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

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

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

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

Emotional Eating

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Emotional eating is using food to escape, numb, change, or amplify our feelings. It is a very common and normal coping mechanism in response to strong feelings.

When a person is an emotional eater, they have difficulty telling the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Physical hunger is when your body sends you signs to let you know it is time for nourishment.

Emotional hunger is when we don’t eat because we are hungry, but because we are bored, stressed, sad, lonely, or anxious.

Research shows that about 75% of all our eating is emotionally driven.

Other causes of emotional eating include:

Dieting

Situational stressors

Seasonal stressors

Several signs indicate a person might be prone to emotional eating, including:

Sudden, urgent cravings

Only craving certain foods, such as sweets or junk food

Overeating

Shame or guilt

Having unhealthy food on occasion isn’t harmful. Sometimes we need a piece of chocolate, candy, or a few potato chips to feel better. However, it can become a problem when it happens frequently, or it becomes your main coping mechanism.

There are many steps you can take to reduce or stop emotional eating, including:

Changing your diet to be healthier

Being mindful of what you’re eating

Avoiding letting yourself get too hungry

If you are dealing with emotional eating, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional, for an assessment to help determine if you have an underlying medical issue or something else.

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

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that causes the prostate to grow in size.

The prostate can become enlarged for several reasons, including:

The prostate increasing in size commonly occurs as men age

Prostatitis, resulting from an infection, an inflammatory process, irritation, or an injury

Prostate cancer

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as:

Blocking the flow of urine

Bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems

Other common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

Frequent or urgent need to pee

Peeing more often at night

Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts

Dribbling at the end of urination

Not being able to empty the bladder fully

Trouble starting to pee

There are several risk factors for an enlarged prostate, including:

Aging

Diabetes and heart disease

Family history

Lifestyle

To diagnose an enlarged prostate, a healthcare provider will start by asking questions about your symptoms, as well as performing a physical exam, which includes:

A digital rectal exam

Urine test

Blood test

After the physical exam, your healthcare provider may need other tests to help confirm an enlarged prostate diagnosis. These tests include:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

Urinary flow test

Postvoid residual volume test

24-hour voiding diary

If there is a more complex health problem, your healthcare provider may order more tests, such as:

A prostate biopsy

A transrectal ultrasound

Urodynamic and pressure flow studies

Cystoscopy

The best treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the size of your prostate, how serious your symptoms are, your age, and your overall health.

Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medicines, surgery, and procedures that involve smaller, fewer, or no cuts.

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

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others. It typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Dating, attending parties, or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations or making eye contact
Eating or performing in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers

If you or a loved one has social anxiety disorder, you can find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or schedule a virtual appointment by calling (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

ALS

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes ataxia, a loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. It also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow down the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for treating ALS.

In addition to medication, there are many forms of therapy and forms of support available, including:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ALS, 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

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

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

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

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

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