December 2019 - Health Beat

Flushing Hospital’s Nurse of The Month

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Our nurses are the pillars of our community. In addition to meeting the demands of being a caregiver, they wear several hats including that of an educator, nurturer, and comforter.

Not only do nurses care for patients; they provide support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Our nurses pour their hearts into all aspects of their job, and this is one of the many reasons why we celebrate their accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Daniel Park, RN for receiving Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Nurse of the Month.

Meet Daniel:

Q&A:

Q: How long have you been working for FHMC?
A: I have been working at Flushing Hospital for 2 years and 6 months.

Q: On which unit do you currently work?
A: 4 North 2

Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: My father had stomach cancer so, I wanted to have more knowledge about health care and to work in the health care field.

Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is seeing how happy our patients and their families are when the patients get better and get to go home.

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.

Mourning The Loss Of A Loved One During The Holiday Season

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

The holiday season is a time for making new and happy memories with the ones we love. It can also be a time when we remember and mourn those we lost. The sentiment of the season can magnify your sense of loss and make coping with the death of a loved one even more difficult.

While there is no remedy for heartache we can offer a few tips to help you cope with grief during the holidays:

Allow others to help – The love and support from others around you can be instrumental in helping you during a time of grief. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Consider joining a support or bereavement group. 

Accept your feelings – If you are feeling sad do not feel guilty if others are unsuccessful in trying to cheer you up. Allow yourself time to work through this emotion and set realistic expectations for yourself. On the contrary, do not feel guilty for enjoying the holidays. Experiencing joy does not mean you are grieving your loved one any less.

Cut back – If the activities of the holidays are too much to bear, it is okay to scale back. An example of cutting back is limiting the number of holiday parties you host or attend.

Memorializing those who have passed- Memorializing the loss of a loved one can be therapeutic. Participating in ceremonies in their honor, making a new tradition or donating to a charity on their behalf are some of the ways you can memorialize the person you lost.

Take care of yourself-This is the time to be most in touch with your emotional and physical health. If you realize that your sadness begins to develop into feelings of hopelessness, or you are displaying other signs of depression, seek the help of a mental health professional as soon as possible. Be mindful of your physical health by ensuring that you are eating properly, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

The process of grief varies from person to person. Using some of these tips may not make your emotions go away but they can help you cope. Learn what works best for you and remember to pay attention to negative changes in your physical and mental health. If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed by these changes, do not hesitate to seek the help of your doctor or mental health professional.

Employee Spotlight – Ruth Tapias

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s December Employee Spotlight shines on Ruth Tapias, Secretary for the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services Administrative Office. Ruth began her journey at Flushing Hospital 15 years ago as a Registrar. In her capacity as Secretary, Ruth provides data entry and billing support for the Chemical Dependence Unit, Psychiatry Inpatient Unit as well as assisting the Office Manager in maintaining an efficient administrative office. When not at work, Ruth enjoys activities such as, cooking, dining, traveling, reading, Bible study, playing the guitar, karaoke, shopping and visiting her family in Ecuador. Although Ruth loves her job, she admits that dealing with different personality traits can sometimes be challenging. When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is, Ruth stated, “The most rewarding and satisfying part of my job is the people that I work with. I work in an environment that encourages personal growth and provides the opportunity to continuously learn and flourish. Flushing Hospital would like to congratulate Ruth Tapias for being selected as December’s Employee Spotlight!

Cranberry Apple Hazelnut Crumble

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Registered Dietitian Jessica Hyman is sharing one of her favorite holiday recipes.

Serves 8

Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
3 apples, peeled, sliced
1 orange, zest and juice
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar), divided
1 cup old-fashioned oats, gluten-free
1/4 cup whole grain, gluten-free flour (eg, quinoa, sorghum, or millet flour)
1/3 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp ginger, ground
Pinch salt (optional)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted, cooled

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Mix cranberries and apples together in a medium bowl. Add the zest and juice of one orange and the sugar and toss well.

3. Pour filling into a 9-inch pie dish.

4. In a small bowl, mix together oats, flour, hazelnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and salt (optional). Stir in coconut oil with a fork to make a crumbly mixture.

5. Sprinkle crumb topping over cranberry apple filling and bake uncovered for 1 hour.

Nutrient Analysis per serving
Calories: 251; Total fat: 12 g; Sat fat: 6 g; Sodium: 6 mg; Total carbohydrate: 35 g; Dietary fiber: 5 g; Sugars: 21 g; Protein: 3 g

— Recipe and photograph courtesy of Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

Dealing With Holiday Depression

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Joann Ariola

The holiday season may be a time of happiness for many but for others it can also be the time of year that they are likely to feel depressed.

Financial stress, increased alcohol or food consumption, Seasonal Affective Disorder and loneliness are common contributors to depression during the holidays.

While the source of depression may vary from person to person, there are chronic behaviors and health problems that are widely recognized as symptoms of the disorder. Some of these include:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Sleeping excessively
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

People who experience bouts of depression during the holidays can reduce these symptoms by:

Asking for help when holiday stressors become overwhelming
Moderating alcohol consumption
Spending time with loved ones
Exercising
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Getting enough sleep
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation

If symptoms of depression persist or progress into self-harming thoughts, please seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. It is important to remember there is no shame in receiving assistance from mental health professionals; they will help you to identify the source of your depression and offer several options for treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562

What to Expect After Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and in some instances the cervix.

Hysterectomies are performed by surgeons to treat several gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, uterine collapse or cervical cancer. The operation can be done vaginally or through the abdomen.

Depending on the reason for surgery, you may be a candidate for robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, surgeons operate by making small incisions into the abdomen; utilizing the aid and precision of a robot to control tiny surgical instruments. Surgery may last between three to four hours. Times can vary as each patient’s case is unique. After surgery, your doctor may recommend that you stay at least one night in the hospital for observation.

A complete recovery post-surgery can take anywhere between six to eight weeks. During this time you may experience:

Vaginal bleeding or a dark-brown discharge for a few days or weeks
Little or no pain
Tiredness
A poor appetite
A swollen or puffy belly
Discomfort at the incision site
Burning or itching around the incision
A sense of loss ( It is not unusual for some women to temporarily feel a sense of loss or depression)

It is highly recommended that you seek medical attention if you are experiencing a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, swelling or drainage of the incision, bright red vaginal bleeding, severe pain, vomiting or nausea, frequent urination, difficulty urinating or a burning sensation during urination.

As your body heals it is important to follow self-care guidelines your doctor provides. This may include refraining from lifting objects greater than 20lbs for up to six weeks after surgery, keeping the incision site clean and dry, waiting at least four weeks before submerging in the tub, refraining from vaginal intercourse or inserting objects into the vagina for eight weeks.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s expert team of surgeons is highly trained in performing hysterectomies with the assistance of the da Vinci robotic surgery system. This highly advanced, minimally invasive technology can offer patients several benefits including minimal bleeding, shorter hospital stays and recovery periods.

To schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Flushing Hospital who specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery, please call 718-670-3135.

Plantar Fasciitis

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Have you ever experienced heel pain when you take those first few steps in the morning? The cause of this discomfort may be due to a tightening of the band of tissue known as the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes.

When this ligament becomes strained, irritated, inflamed or swollen and causes pain when walking, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis.

Risk factors and causes of plantar fasciitis:

•High foot arches
•Flat feet
•Standing or walking on a hard surface for long periods of time
•Being overweight or obese
•Poor fitting shoes
•Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
•Tiny tears in the plantar fascia caused by repetitive straining
A proper diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is made by a physical examination of the foot and obtaining a comprehensive medical history of the patient. An x-ray or an MRI may be needed to see if there is a bone fracture that is causing the problem, also to determine if there is a bone spur present on the bottom of the heel.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis can involve taking an anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, stretching exercises, shoe inserts known as orthotics, steroid injections, and ultrasound. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to provide relief.

Could your child have croup ?

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Croup is an irritation of a baby’s upper airways that causes them to swell. It affects the area below the vocal chords resulting in noisy breathing accompanied by a cough that sounds like a dog’s bark bark. Croup is more commonly seen in boys than in girls and in children between three months to five years of age.

It is important to note that it can be contagious. There are two types of croup, one is viral and is usually caused by any virus that affects the larynx and the trachea. The most common virus to cause this illness is the parainfluenza virus. Viral croup is characterized by a high pitched wheezing noise with a barking cough in the lower airway or a harsh sound, called stridor, when it is located in the upper airway.

Spasmodic croup can start suddenly, usually at night, and the baby may sound like they are gasping for air. It may be due to an allergic reaction or from stomach reflux. Immediate medical attention is necessary for either type of croup especially if the child is showing signs of difficulty breathing, is anxious, breathing very quickly or is making sounds that are unusual when breathing. Additional symptoms of croup include: • Raspy voice • Fever in some cases but not all • Rash • Swollen lymph nodes • Fatigue Prevention of croup is best done by having your child stay away from anyone who is sick. Also frequent hand washing is recommended. Treatment for mild croup include: Keeping the child hydrated Keeping the head elevated Keeping the air moist Keeping the child calm Doctors may prescribe a steroid medication to reduce inflammation or epinephrine to reduce airway swelling.

The diagnosis of croup is made by observing a child breath and listening to their chest. An x-ray may be necessary in helping to see if it this illness or something else. If the symptoms last more than two or three days it is advised to seek medical attention. You can schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486 or going to an emergency room.

Learn The Facts About Epilepsy

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Epilepsy, also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. Those with this neurological disorder experience abnormal brain activity, which results in unpredictable and unprovoked seizures as well as other unusual behaviors, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process the brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

Temporary confusion
A staring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or déjà vu

A person with epilepsy may experience different symptoms than others with the same disorder. In most cases however, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.

While epilepsy has no identifiable cause, about half the cases can be traced to a variety of different factors, including:

Family history
Head trauma
Stroke
Infectious disease, such as meningitis encephalitis, or AIDS
Developmental disorders, including autism

Medications or surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

To schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

How to Manage Your Child’s Holiday Expectations

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Now that Thanksgiving has past, we have shifted our focus to the holiday gift-giving season.

Odds are, you are being bombarded with marketing materials focused on “the perfect gifts” for your children. With so many products to choose from, children are likely to create “I Need That” lists that are always growing and may exceed your budget.

As a parent, you may want to fulfill all your children’s wants’ however; doing so may greatly affect your finances. The last thing you want to do is put yourself in debt as a result of buying above your holiday means. It can be challenging to maintain your financial health while filling your children’s stocking with the gifts they’ve longed for.

According to marriagekidsandmoney.com , the first step to managing your children’s gift expectations is to set a realistic budget. Let children know the precise dollar amount there is to spend; even if Santa is part of your holiday celebration, you can have the same conversation, by telling your child that Santa also has a budget. This can provide structure and guidelines for making their lists.

Setting a budget can be beneficial, as children can:

Learning to prioritize
Have a sense of control over purchases
Learn to make responsible decisions when striving to stay within the budget
Learn the difference between what is needed and what is wanted.

After establishing the budget, you can work with your children to show them financially responsible ways of obtaining items on their lists by using coupon codes or waiting for sale days. All of this can help your child to be a more responsible gift getter.

Financial lessons are important for children to learn, but it is equally as important that they are taught the most important lesson of the season – the value of gathering together with the ones you love to make priceless memories.