Wellness Wednesday Tip: Improving Your Physical Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you would like to improve your physical health, or experience medical problems while doing so, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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

World Alzheimer’s Month

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

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

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

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

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

Other heart disease risk factors include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to School Health and Wellness Tips

The new school year is around the corner, and parents and guardians are getting their children ready to go back to school. As they prepare for a new school year, it is essential to make sure they return to school healthy. 

Here are some health and wellness tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school: 

  • Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to protect children and others from various diseases. 
  • Make sure your child gets their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February. 
  • Make sure your child receives vision and hearing tests. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes. 
  • Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda. 
  • Make sure to take care of your child’s mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health. 
  • Make sure to limit your child’s screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until they are at least 14 years old. 
  • Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them. 
  • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night. 

These back-to-school health and wellness tips will help ensure your child returns to the classroom safely and healthy. 

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

Emotional Fatigue

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

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

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

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

Emotional symptoms include: 

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

Physical symptoms include: 

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

Performance symptoms include: 

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

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

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

Some other strategies that can help reduce emotional fatigue include: 

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

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

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

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

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

Bedwetting

Bed-wetting, also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis, means passing urine without intending to while asleep. This occurs after the age at which staying dry at night can reasonably be expected.

Children usually learn to control their bladders between the ages of two and four. Most children are generally fully toilet-trained by five years old. However, there isn’t really a target date for having complete bladder control. It is common for children to wet the bed between the ages of four and six as they grow and adjust to their bodies at their own pace. Most children gain control of their bladders by the age of seven, but accidents can still happen after and through their teenage years.

Bed-wetting isn’t a sign of problems with toilet training. It’s often just a typical part of a child’s development. However, there are some signs that there may be an underlying medical issue causing bedwetting. They include:

  • Pain while peeing
  • Changes to the frequency of when and how much peeing occurs during the day
  • Having a small stream of pee
  • Lack of bowel movements during the day
  • Changes to the color of urine
  • Mood changes

The most common cause of childhood bed-wetting is a lack of bladder control. However, bedwetting can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:

  • A urinary tract infection
  • No awareness of having a full bladder
  • A small bladder
  • A hormone imbalance
  • A problem in the urinary tract or nervous system
  • Sleep apnea
  • Diabetes
  • Ongoing constipation
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • ADHD

A healthcare provider can diagnose bedwetting after a physical exam and taking a complete medical history. They may offer to conduct tests, such as a urine test, a blood test, or an imaging test, to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your child to wet the bed. If your healthcare provider suspects that emotional or psychological factors have been causing bedwetting, they may recommend consulting with a mental health professional.

The treatment for bedwetting varies based on the cause. Treatment options could include:

  • Behavioral changes before or during bedtime, such as:
    • Limiting fluids before bedtime
    • Going to the bathroom before bedtime
    • Setting an alarm
    • Bladder therapy
  • Taking medications that can reduce nighttime urine production
  • Managing or treating any underlying medical conditions
  • Talking with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist, to manage your child’s stress, trauma, or emotional challenges

A child can be embarrassed by soggy sheets and pajamas. It is important not to get upset if your child wets the bed. If your child does continue to wet the bed, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Although bedwetting can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your child’s risk of bedwetting by:

  • Avoiding drinking a lot of fluids two hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeinated beverages
  • Going to the bathroom before bed
  • Making sure the bathroom or toilet is easily accessible
  • Wearing absorbent pants at night
  • Using positive reinforcement or affirmations to acknowledge when your child wakes up dry
  • Avoiding any shaming or making fun of someone in your family or friend group who has wet the bed

If your child is experiencing symptoms of bedwetting, you can visit the pediatrics unit at Flushing Hospital or call (718) 670-5000 to schedule an appointment.

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.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During this time, a woman’s body is preparing to stop having periods.   

During this transition, the number of hormones a woman’s ovaries produce varies. Perimenopause can last two to eight years. The average is about four years. The hormone changes can cause symptoms that include: 

  • Irregular periods 
  • Vaginal dryness 
  • Hot flashes 
  • Night sweats 
  • Sleep problems 
  • Mood changes 
  • Trouble finding words and remembering, also known as brain fog 
  • Dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth 
  • Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 
  • Breast tenderness 
  • Decreasing fertility 
  • Changes in sexual function 
  • Loss of bone 
  • Changing cholesterol levels 

Perimenopause is caused by changes in two key female hormones: estrogen and progesterone. As a woman goes through perimenopause, these hormones fluctuate, and many of the changes they have during perimenopause are caused by lower estrogen. 

Menopause can happen earlier in some women than in others, like before the age of 40, or between the ages of 40 and 45. Certain factors may make it more likely for perimenopause to start at an earlier age, such as: 

  • Smoking 
  • Family history 
  • Cancer treatment 
  • Hysterectomy 

Some health conditions may make early menopause more likely, such as: 

  • Thyroid disease 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Other autoimmune diseases 

Perimenopause is a gradual change, and there is no single test or symptom that tells it has started. A healthcare provider looks at many things to diagnose perimenopause, including: 

  • Age 
  • Menstrual history 
  • Noticeable symptoms or body changes  

Some healthcare providers may order tests to check hormone levels. However, other than checking the thyroid, which affects hormone levels, hormone testing isn’t usually helpful to know if a woman is in perimenopause. That is because hormone levels in perimenopause change unpredictably.  

The treatment for perimenopause usually consists of medicines that treat perimenopausal symptoms, such as: 

  • Hormone therapy 
  • Vaginal estrogen 
  • Antidepressants 
  • Gabapentin 
  • Fezolinetant 
  • Oxybutynin 
  • Birth control pills 

If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, call  (718) 670 8994 for more information about gynecological services at FHMC’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

 

 

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.

High-Functioning Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, and changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.

There are several types of depression, including:

  • Clinical depression (major depressive disorder)
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:

  • Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression)
  • Prenatal depression and postpartum depression
  • Atypical depression

People with depression often can’t always keep up with the demands of day-to-day life, whether it is keeping a steady job, having significant relationships and friendships, or keeping the house tidy. Their depression can make every task feel daunting.

However, that isn’t always the case. Some people can experience depression in a way that doesn’t appear disruptive from the outside, but it still causes a major disruption inside. This is called high-functioning depression.

Although it isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression is a helpful way to describe how some people who are living with the symptoms of depression manage to keep up a moderately stable life.

A person with high-functioning depression may have the same symptoms as a person with clinical or major depressive disorder. These symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad, helpless, or hopeless
  • Becoming disinterested in things that used to bring them joy
  • Changes in eating habits, like eating too much or too little
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Negative thoughts about themselves and others

Unfortunately, some people may feel that they need to hide these depressive symptoms from others because:

  • They might have come from a family or culture that teaches people not to talk about mental illness
  • They think they will feel better by powering through on their own
  • They’re trying to avoid any impact on their job and relationships, hoping the depression lifts
  • They are someone who isn’t comfortable showing vulnerability or perceived weakness
  • They think having depression is something to be ashamed of
  • They feel that their life will fall apart and people will abandon them if they find out about their depression

More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be because women are more likely to seek treatment.

A healthcare provider may determine a diagnosis of depression based on:

  • A physical exam
  • Lab tests
  • A psychiatric evaluation
  • DSM-5

Unfortunately, high-functioning depression can be difficult to recognize. Even though a person may appear to be high functioning, they still should get treatment for their depression. Treatments for depression may include:

  • Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques
  • Medications
  • Support groups

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

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

Exercising Outdoors

Spring has arrived, and the weather is starting to warm up. This means we can spend more time exercising outdoors rather than at the gym or at home.  

Outdoor exercise is a great way to work out. It offers many benefits to our physical and mental health, such as: 

  • Reducing stress and anxiety 
  • Improving sleep 
  • Boosting vitamin D levels 
  • Boosting self-esteem 
  • Improving memory 
  • Lowering chronic disease risk 

Here are tips that can keep you safe while exercising outdoors: 

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol 
  • Wear clothes that let the air circulate and moisture evaporate 
  • Stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat 
  • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses 
  • Wear proper footwear for the activity you are engaging in 

If you experience medical problems while exercising, 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.

IBS vs Lactose Intolerance

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance can cause similar symptoms in the digestive system. They include: 

  • Diarrhea  
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Gas 
  • Bloating 

Although their symptoms overlap, they are separate conditions with differences in how they are diagnosed and treated. 

IBS is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It causes various symptoms, including: 

  • Cramping that is related to the urge to poop 
  • Excess gas 
  • Mucus in the poop 
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation 
  • The feeling of being unable to empty the bowels after pooping 

There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome, which are categorized based on how poops look on the days of having symptom flare-ups. They include: 

  • IBS with constipation (IBS-C) causes most poop to be hard and lumpy 
  • IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) causes most poop to be watery and loose 
  • IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) causes hard and lumpy, as well as watery and loose bowel movements 

Unfortunately, researchers don’t know what causes IBS. However, IBS is classified as a neurogastrointestinal disorder or a gut-brain interaction. A gut-brain interaction means there are problems with how the gut and brain coordinate to help the digestive system work. IBS can also be caused by: 

  • An imbalance in the microbes that normally live in the digestive system 
  • Emotional stress and adverse life events 
  • An infection of the digestive tract, which includes common stomach bugs 

Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when people lack the enzyme lactase. This makes it difficult to digest lactose, which is the sugar present in milk and milk products.  

Lactose malabsorption is the inability to break down and absorb lactose molecules in the digestive system. Lactose malabsorption is common, as about 65% of adults worldwide can’t break down and absorb lactose.  

Lactose intolerance symptoms can appear inside and outside of the digestive system. Symptoms include: 

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Headaches 
  • Fatigue 
  • Joint pain 
  • Problems concentrating 
  • Mouth ulcers 

Primary lactose intolerance is inherited and is more common in certain ethnicities and parts of the world. In the U.S., African Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, and Native Americans are more likely to suffer from lactose intolerance.  

Although it is uncommon, other forms of lactose intolerance are caused by disease or medications.  

IBS and lactose intolerance can be diagnosed without testing. A person’s health history is an important part of diagnosing these conditions.  

An IBS diagnosis is based on symptoms described in the Rome criteria, the guidelines used to diagnose gut-brain interaction, which includes stool changes, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination, and abdominal pain for at least one day each week during the previous three months. 

If these symptoms meet the Rome criteria, an IBS diagnosis can be made without the need for an invasive test such as a colonoscopy.  

However, further diagnostic testing would be needed if symptoms include blood in the stool, fever, and weight loss to determine if these are symptoms of another condition. 

The first steps in diagnosing lactose intolerance include a health history and physical exam. In some cases, a clear connection between a person consuming dairy products and symptoms can suggest a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.  

In certain cases, a breath test to diagnose lactose intolerance is available. During this test, a person drinks a solution that contains lactose and breathes to have their breath captured and measured for hydrogen. A higher level of hydrogen in the breath can indicate lactose intolerance. 

IBS treatment starts with diet and lifestyle changes, including: 

  • Adopting a low-FODMAP diet, which is a diet that is low in certain carbohydrates such as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols 
  • Eating more fiber 
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol 
  • Decreasing and managing stress 
  • Identifying and avoiding foods that cause symptoms 
  • Eating small meals on a regular schedule 
  • Treating mental health conditions 
  • Increasing physical activity 
  • Trying a peppermint oil supplement 

If lifestyle and diet changes don’t help, many drugs could help, including: 

  • Antidiarrheals 
  • Antispasmodics 
  • Laxatives 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) 
  • Other prescription drugs 

Treating lactose intolerance consists of avoiding foods that cause symptoms, dairy products that have less lactose or are lactose-free, or taking a supplement that breaks down lactose. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with IBS or lactose intolerance, 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.