Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter pain relievers in our medicine cabinets. We use both medications for many things, such as getting rid of headaches or reducing a fever. However, acetaminophen and ibuprofen work differently, and it is important to know which medication to use when you need to alleviate pain, as they are not interchangeable.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which means it reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site of the pain itself. It can reduce pain for conditions such as:

Headaches

Sore throat

Osteoarthritis

Acetaminophen can have many side effects, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and isn’t a great pain relief option for people who have issues with their liver.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that cause inflammation. It reduces inflammation symptoms such as swelling, redness, heat, pain, and/or loss of function at the site or source. Ibuprofen can relieve pain for conditions such as:

Muscle sprains and strains

Menstrual cramps

Sinus infections

Back and neck pain

Earaches

Toothaches

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

Heartburn

Constipation

Nausea

Stomach pain

Taking ibuprofen at high doses or for a long time can increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:

Blood clots

Kidney damage

Heart attack and/or stroke

Ulcers

Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and isn’t a great pain relief option for people with kidney issues.

Most research suggests that acetaminophen and ibuprofen bear similar results when used to control fevers in adults. However, ibuprofen works better as a fever reducer for children. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your child’s age and weight before giving them ibuprofen.

The recommended max dosage for adults taking acetaminophen is 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day, and 2,400 milligrams of ibuprofen per day.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also be hidden in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications, if you are taking more than one medication. Read the drug labels carefully for active ingredients and use the medications that fit your symptoms and type of pain you have, so you don’t go over the recommended dosage.

If you are experiencing pain and would like help determining which medication is best for relieving your pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How as Few as Two Cigarettes Per Day Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 480,000 people die from cigarette smoking in the U.S. each year, with many of them dying from cancer. What’s more, people who smoke die about ten years earlier than those who have never smoked.

Smoking doesn’t just cause cancer. It can also cause several other diseases and can damage nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, blood vessels, reproductive organs, bones, mouth, eyes, and skin.

Smoking tobacco can also damage the heart, as it can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, who looked at the smoking habits of more than 300,000 adults for almost twenty years, it was discovered that men and women who smoked as few as two cigarettes daily had a 60 percent increased risk of death from any cause compared to those who never smoked.

Additionally, the study also found that the group of smokers participating in the study had a 50 percent risk of heart disease.

According to Dr. Jennifer Miao, a cardiologist at Yale University, “tobacco use is a very well-established risk factor for heart disease. It really damages the blood vessel lining and accelerates the development of plaques and coronary disease.”

Smoking can also cause heart rhythm issues, such as atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Unfortunately, the study found that cutting back on cigarette smoking may not be enough to undo the harm it causes. Despite current smokers having a higher risk of death than former smokers, former smokers still had an increased risk of heart disease more than twenty years after they had stopped smoking, according to the study.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, quitting smoking is the most important action a person could take to improve their health, as it reduces the risk of premature death and smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatments such as smoking cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy medications, including over-the-counter patches, gum, lozenges, and prescribed inhalers and nasal sprays, can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and help you quit smoking.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for early detection and treatment of scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine resembling the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.

Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.

Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:

Marfan’s syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Neurofibromatosis

Prader-Willi syndrome

Arthrogryposis

Riley-Day syndrome

Scoliosis affects one in 40 children and up to one in three adults. Many have gone undiagnosed for years. That is why earlier detection is important, as it can lead to improved treatment options and a better quality of life.

There is a wide range of causes and ages at which scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.

The appearance of the child’s head is not centered on the rest of the body.

Uneven hips or one hip may stick out more than the other.

Pushed-out ribs

Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.

Back pain and discomfort

When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are at different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation

Bracing

The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery

The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable, and the sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, you can visit Flushing Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 670-3007.

How to Reset and Regulate Your Nervous System

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our nervous system is our biological survival system, our first line of defense that is designed to respond to any stimuli, such as an environmental or psychological threat that we may encounter. It works to protect and keep us safe, as it continually processes information and responds to both internal and external stimuli.

The autonomic nervous system controls all automatic or involuntary functions of the body. It is made up of two main parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system, or “fight-or-flight” system, is responsible for preparing the body to respond to anything that may be seen as a threat, triggering the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones activate our automatic survival responses, which include fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, causing us to experience symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and upset stomach, among others.

The parasympathetic nervous system, or “rest and digest” system, plays an essential part in counteracting the fight-or-flight response and regulating the body’s stress response. It promotes relaxation and recovery, which helps the body calm down.

It is important to note that our nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a real threat and a non-life-threatening stressor.

Stress can be healthy, as it can motivate us into action and help us rise to any challenges. However, many people are being pushed beyond the desirable levels of stress and into a state of distress. Our sympathetic nervous system gets sent into high gear because we continue to be on high alert, constantly reacting to stressors after stressors, and not giving our parasympathetic nervous system time to do its job to calm the body. Due to this, many people are not recovering as they may need to.

Without sufficient ways to reset and recover, we go from manageable stress to unmanageable distress. This persistent trigger can gradually lead to anxiety, irritability, fatigue, exhaustion, and eventually burnout.

There will always be times when our fight-or-flight response gets triggered. That’s why it is important to have ways to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and regulate the body back into a state of calm and balance so that we can function properly.

Here are a few ways to reset and regulate our nervous systems:

Breathwork is a deep breathing practice that signals safety to the brain, helping to calm the body and mind. Examples of breathwork include:

Long exhale breathing

Physiological sighing

Birthday cake breathing

Physical movements, such as walking, gentle stretching, or yoga, can reduce cortisol levels and promote the release of endorphins, and get rid of the stress and tension that has accumulated in the body

Spending time in nature can start to re-regulate your nervous system, as it helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and improve mood

Crying is a self-soothing behavior that helps to expel stress hormones from the body, providing relief.

Prioritizing sleep is an important way to give the brain and body time to repair and restore themselves

Social connections with people who make you feel safe, calm, and supported can help regulate the nervous system

Intentionally slowing down your pace to signal to the brain that there isn’t any immediate danger

Many of us may spend a lot of our days in an increased state of activation, as we continually react to the stressors around us, instead of responding to them. Stress is inevitable. However, having ways to reset and regulate our nervous system can help us better cope with our stress.

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

Men’s Health Month- Depression in Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This time is used to raise awareness of health problems affecting men and boys.

One health problem affecting men and boys is depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.

Depression symptoms can differ in men and women. Men tend to use different, healthy, and unhealthy coping skills than women. It isn’t clear why depression affects men differently from women, but these differences could be due to factors such as brain chemistry, hormones, and life experiences.

These differences may also result from the traditional male role, which discourages men from expressing their emotions and instead encourages the pursuit of power, success, and competition.

Men with depression may exhibit similar signs and symptoms of depression that women do, such as:

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness

Feeling very tired

Having a hard time sleeping or sleeping too much

Not getting the same enjoyment or pleasure from their favorite hobbies and activities

Other behaviors in men that could be symptoms of depression include:

Irritability or anger that can get out of control

Problems getting along with their spouse, partner, family members, friends, and others

Controlling, violent, or abusive behavior

Problems with alcohol or drugs

Engaging in escapist behavior, such as spending excessive time at work or on sports

Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, and pain

Reckless behaviors, such as reckless driving

In addition to depression affecting the mind, it can also affect the body. Typical physical symptoms are changes in appetite and sleep habits. Depression in men can also cause:

Low sex drive

Erectile dysfunction

Trouble having an orgasm

Not getting help for depression will only make it worse. It can cause damage to relationships, careers, and health.

Depression in men can have severe consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the U.S. are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and 75 to 80 percent of all people who kill themselves in the U.S. are men. This may be due to men tending to use more harmful and violent ways to do so, such as using a gun instead of overdosing on pills.

Experiencing depression is not usually a normal part of aging, but it is common for older men. Several things can lead to depression in older men, including:

Health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain

Stressful life events, such as the death of friends and loved ones, being diagnosed with an illness, or taking care of a partner who is sick or disabled

Social isolation, such as not spending time with work friends or neighbors moving away, can cause the loss of social connections. Feeling lonely and isolated is a top risk factor for depression

Sleep issues, such as falling asleep during the day, waking up at night, and getting less overall sleep, are more likely to result in experiencing depression

More than 80 percent of the people who suffer from depression, men and women, can successfully be treated with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Other treatment options include brain stimulation techniques, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

It might be difficult to ask for help. However, if you have been struggling with drastic changes in your emotions or behavior for more than a few weeks, it is time to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment with a mental health professional can help you to:

Learn ways to manage stress

Think about your emotions and coping strategies

Seek out emotional support

Try to stay on a regular schedule and make healthy life choices

Learn to adjust your way of thinking

Set realistic goals

Decide what is important in your life

Wait until you get better before making any important decisions

Participate in activities you previously enjoyed

If you are having thoughts of suicide, but aren’t thinking about immediately harming yourself, seek help by:

Calling a suicide crisis center hotline

Making an appointment with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional

Reaching out to a loved one or close friend, even though it may be difficult to talk about your feelings

Talking to a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your faith community

Joining a men’s health group that deals with depression

If you think you may harm yourself or have thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

Asking for help can be difficult for men. However, without treatment, depression won’t go away, and it may get worse. You don’t have to deal with male depression on your own.

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

Ebola Disease

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Ebola disease is a rare and severe illness that can be fatal if it isn’t immediately treated. Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. They include:

Ebola virus (EBOV), which causes Ebola virus disease

Sudan virus (SUDV), which causes Sudan virus disease

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which causes Bundibugyo virus disease

Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly diseases, with a mortality rate as high as 80-90 percent.

Ebola doesn’t spread the same way as other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID. You cannot get it from being near someone.

People can get infected with Ebola disease in two ways:

Through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has been infected or has died from the disease

Through direct contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with bodily fluids from a person sick with the disease

People can’t transmit the disease before they have symptoms. However, they will remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies from two to 21 days. However, symptoms begin eight to ten days after exposure to the virus.

The symptoms of Ebola disease can be “dry” in the early stages of the illness and become “wet” as the illness progresses. Dry Ebola disease symptoms include:

Fever

Aches

Pains

Fatigue

Sore throat

Wet Ebola disease symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Unexplained bleeding

Loss of appetite

If you live in or are traveling to regions where Ebola disease has been diagnosed, or is suspected, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of people who are sick, which include their blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid

Avoiding direct contact with items that have touched an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, such as their clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or any other items that may be contaminated

Avoiding direct contact with the body of someone who was suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease, such as part of any funeral or burial practices

Avoiding the blood, fluids, or raw meat from bats, forest antelopes, primates, or unknown animals

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you encounter people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and bodily fluids, or objects contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids

Monitoring your health for 21 days after returning from an area with an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. It is important to get medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease

Healthcare providers can diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive by ordering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. They can also perform blood tests for orthoebulavirus antibodies to determine whether a patient recently had Ebola.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ervebo, a vaccine that prevents Ebola disease in 2019, and two treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, to treat an Ebola disease infection in adults and children in 2020.

Additionally, other treatments such as fluids and electrolytes administered by mouth or intravenously, medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, to manage fever and pain, and treatment for other infections give patients a better chance of surviving an Ebola disease infection.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Ebola disease, immediately call your local health department or the nearest hospital emergency room, before visiting in person.

What is Dry January?

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s has come and gone, and we are all trying to stick to the resolutions we made. For some, a common resolution is giving up alcohol.

Heavy social drinking can often be considered binge drinking. Binge drinking is when a man drinks five or more drinks and a woman drinks four or more drinks in one sitting.

This is why many people commit to Dry January, which is when a person gives up drinking alcohol for the entire month.

Dry January has become a very popular New Year’s resolution over the past few years. Recent research indicates that younger Americans are generally drinking less than previous generations. According to a poll released last summer, conducted by the analytics company Gallup, the percentage of Americans who said they drink fell to a record low of 54%. This is one percentage point lower than the previous record low in 1958.

There are several health benefits to participating in Dry January, including:

Increased energy levels

Lower blood pressure and heart rate

A decrease in liver inflammation

Clearer skin and decreased facial puffiness and bloating

A decrease in calorie consumption

It helps shift your perspective and understanding of your relationship with alcohol

There are many tips to help you succeed during Dry January, including:

Reduce your alcohol consumption by half before you start

Write down the goals you want to achieve and document your progress

Abstain from drinking alcohol longer if you can

Ease back into drinking alcohol if you choose to go back to drinking, and drink in moderation

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family

Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

- Abdominal cramping

- Anxiety

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Shaking

- Sweating

- Vomiting

Avoid any situations that may tempt you to drink

Participate in hobbies and other interests that don’t involve drinking alcohol

Seek out extra help and resources if you need them

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where you or your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. For more details about our unit, contact us at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540, or for additional information about our Reflections treatment program, please get in touch with us at (718) 670-5078.

Men’s Health Month: Low Testosterone

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone.

Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production. Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than in women. In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop:

Sex organs and genitalia

Muscle mass

Adequate levels of red blood cells

Bone density

Sense of well-being

Sexual and reproductive function

Low testosterone can begin during fetal development, puberty, or adulthood. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone depend on when the condition develops.

If the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when it develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:

Female genitals

Genitals that are neither male nor female (ambiguous genitals)

Underdeveloped male genitals

Male hypogonadism can delay puberty or cause incomplete or abnormal development. It can impede:

Development of muscle mass

Voice deepening

Growth of body hair and facial hair

Growth of the penis and testicles

It can also cause:

Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body

Development of breast tissue

Hypogonadism can alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function in adult males. Early signs and symptoms might include:

Decreased sex drive

Decreased energy

Depression

Over time, men with hypogonadism can develop:

Erectile dysfunction

Infertility

A decrease in hair growth on the face and body

A decrease in muscle mass

The development of breast tissue

Loss of bone mass

There are two possible causes of low testosterone levels:

Primary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism

The causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood).

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with the testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.

Secondary hypogonadism is caused by conditions that affect how the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland function.

If you have any signs or symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history, and any symptoms you currently have. They may also order blood tests. To make a diagnosis, they will consider your specific signs, symptoms, and any blood test results.

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy, including:

Testosterone skin gels

Intramuscular testosterone injections

Testosterone patches

Testosterone pellets

Buccal testosterone tablets

Testosterone nasal gel

Oral testosterone

Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone resulting from genetic conditions or damage to the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. However, lifestyle habits may help keep testosterone levels normal. They include:

Eating a healthy diet

Exercising

Managing your weight

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol and drugs

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Father’s Day isn’t the only celebration for men in the month of June. Men’s Health Month is also observed. Men’s Health Month is an observance to raise awareness of preventable health problems, encourage early detection and treatment of disease, and improve overall well-being among men.

As part of its celebration of Men’s Health Month, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is sharing a few men’s health statistics and facts to consider:

Men are more than likely to be uninsured and significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a healthcare provider.
Men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women as the overall mortality rate is 41% higher for men than women as men lead the death rate for cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Only 60% of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine check-up, and 40% won’t see a doctor until something is seriously wrong.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.
Men are more likely to put their health at risk by smoking, drinking alcohol, and making other unhealthy life choices.
One in two men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother, or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having your PSA and DRE levels checked.
Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million men of all ages across the United States. If you are having problems, see a urologist to make sure it’s not an early warning sign of something more serious, like heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar.

Men’s Health Month doesn’t just encourage men to take care of their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well. Men also lead the death rate for suicide.

Here are a few men’s mental health statistics and facts:

31% of men suffer from depression in their lifetime.
9% of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety.
Only 25% of men talk to a mental health professional.
Only 33% take medication for their mental health problems.

Here are some preventative measures that you can take:

Choose a primary care provider and go regularly.
Get screening tests based on your age and family history.
Eat healthy to prevent or manage chronic conditions.
Get and stay active.
Manage stress and seek a mental health professional if one is needed.

If you are experiencing any medical problems, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

June is Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The month of June has been recognized as Men’s Health Month. The reason for this designation is to bring awareness of preventable health issues and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases prevalent in men.

The leading causes of death among men are:
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Lung Disease
• Injuries
• Stroke
• HIV/AIDS

Some of the reasons that men tend to have more serious chronic illnesses are because more men than women don’t have health insurance, men tend to have more physically demanding jobs with greater safety risks. Additionally, more men smoke than women and they also tend to take greater risks with unsafe behavior.

Women tend to live five years longer than men and one of the reasons for this is that women usually take better care of their health. Men are often guilty of waiting until a disease has progressed to a more serious level before they seek help. There is an old adage that if a man is in a doctor’s waiting room, most likely a woman brought him there for an exam.

During the month of June, organizations across the country hold health awareness campaigns to educate men about various health issues that they may be at risk for and to encourage them to see a doctor regularly.

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

If you would like to schedule an appointment please call 718-670-5486.