March 2023 - Health Beat

Employee Spotlight Shines On Choi Au-Yeung, RRT

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are pleased to shine our Employee Spotlight on Choi Au-Yeung, Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Choi has been a respiratory therapist 24 years, 20 of those years at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. She grew up in Queens and attended Grover Cleveland High School, then went on to study at SUNY Stony Brook where she graduated with a BS degree in Respiratory Care.

Choi currently resides on Long Island with her husband and four children, ages 13, 14, 15, and 17. In her spare time, she volunteers at the concession stand at her children’s school during home sporting events to raise money for the athletic department. She also helps her husband coach the volleyball team and score games for their daughters’ Catholic Youth Organization team.

When she has time off, she enjoys vacationing with her family. Some of the places she frequents are Mexico, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Outer Banks North Carolina, Myrtle Beach South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. She loves to eat all different types of food, especially Italian and Indian. Choi’s favorite music is from the 80’s and 90’s. She considers herself fairly athletic and has completed three New York City Marathons. She is a firm believer in participating in all kinds of sports, in which she says helps to clear her head and make her feel good.

Family and a handful of close friends is what she considers the most important. She emphasizes to her children the value and importance of family.

Choi enjoys working at Flushing Hospital very much because of the great people she works with. She truly considers her colleagues as her work family. Most of them have met her family and vice versa. She feels very fortunate that her department is very supportive of one another and considerers the department leadership the best. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team and we look forward to her continuing with us for many more years.

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.

What Can You Eat After Bariatric Surgery?

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

After undergoing certain types of bariatric procedures, such as a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery, you won’t be able to go back to eating solid foods right away. Your stomach needs time to recover, and you will need to ease yourself into a new, healthy diet. For this reason, most patients spend the first several weeks after surgery gradually transitioning from a liquid diet to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually certain solid foods.

Generally, the transition back to solid foods can take approximately eight weeks. The timeline of this period generally occurs as follows:

Week One: During your first week after surgery, you’ll typically only be able to consume a clear liquid diet, which includes:

Water
Coffee or tea (without milk or creamer)
Non-fat broth
Fruit and vegetable juices without pulp
Soda
Sports drinks
Clear nutritional drinks
Jello

Week Two: If you’ve successfully tolerated liquids throughout your first week, you may begin to re-introduce foods that can be pureed, such as scrambled eggs, cream soups, or proteins such as lean ground beef, poultry, or fish. Each meal should only consist of up to six tablespoons of food and be eaten slowly.

After a few weeks, with your doctor’s approval, you may begin to re-introduce soft foods such as ground meat or poultry, rice, and cooked skinless vegetables. These meals should generally consist of no more than half a cup of food.

Week Eight: After about eight weeks of following this diet, you can start to re-introduce a limited number of solid foods into your diet. You should only try one of these foods at a time and anticipate potential issues such as pain, nausea, or vomiting. Limit your daily eating to three meals of approximately one and a half cups of food.

To receive more information about bariatric surgery and schedule a consultation, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center by calling (718) 670-8909.

How MS Can Affect Oral Health

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves).

The disease causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, disrupting signals to and from the brain.

MS affects each person differently; however, common symptoms of the disease include motor impairment and heightened levels of inflammation in the body; both of which can contribute to the deterioration of a person’s dental health.

Motor impairment caused by MS often involves decreased dexterity, muscle weakness, or loss of coordination. These deficits can affect a person’s ability to brush and floss their teeth properly. People living with MS that have lost control of their muscles may find it difficult to do either action well.

Gingivitis and other gum diseases are more prevalent in individuals with MS. This is due to the increased levels of inflammation in the body, resulting from a deteriorating immune system.

Medications used to treat MS can also contribute to poor dental health. Side effects of these prescriptions often include dry mouth which makes a person more susceptible to dental problems.

Living with MS and maintaining good oral health can be challenging. However, complications can be avoided by making adjustments to a dental regimen, such as sitting down while brushing and visiting a dentist routinely.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5521.

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member: Pamela Gomez, RN

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Meet Pamela Gomez a nurse who works on Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit. She has been a Labor and Delivery nurse at the hospital for almost two years.

Pamela feels that the miracle of a new life entering the world is a very special time not only for the parents and the baby but also for the staff who assist with the delivery and the postpartum care.

The doctors and nurses on the unit all work well together as a team to ensure that the patients receive the best care. Pamela is very proud to be a part of this department we are very pleased to have her as a member of our team. She looks forward to caring for you and the newest member of your family.

To speak with a member of our team about our New Beginnings Unit or to schedule a tour, please call 718 670-5702.

Lower Back Pain

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Lower back pain is recognized as one of the most common problems that people experience at some time in their lives. It is the most common reason people miss work and is its most frequent cause of disability. It may be described as a constant dull ache to a sudden sharp pain.

Common causes of lower back pain include:

Muscle sprains or strains
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Arthritis of the spine
Spondylitis
Sciatica
Kidney problems
Ovarian cysts
Spinal infections
Pregnancy
Uterine fibroids
Misalignment of the spinal cord

Diagnosing lower back pain typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam. This exam may include checking reflexes, evaluating lower extremity strength and ability to move. Further testing may require an x-ray, CT scan or an MRI to evaluate if there are bone problems,

Seek medical care for lower back pain when:

It lasts more than a few weeks
It doesn’t improve with rest
It is accompanied by weight loss
It travels down one or both legs
It shows symptoms of numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs

Treatment options depend on the cause of the lower back pain and where it is located. Treatment options include: home remedies such as heat, ice, rest, compression, stretching exercises, and taking over-the-counter pain medications. Physical therapy may be prescribed by a physician if they feel it will help. A physician may also prescribe some medications for pain relief, These would include muscle relaxers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, a physician may feel a surgical procedure may be necessary.

There are a few things a person can do to prevent lower back pain. This would include regular exercise and stretching, watching one’s weight, bending at the knees when lifting heavy objects, quit smoking, sleep on a firm surface, and keeping proper posture.

Speak to your physician if you are having lower back pain and it doesn’t seem to be improving, If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual observance that focuses on the discussion of drug and alcohol use and addiction among young people. The most common substances used by this group are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, but there is also significant use of substances such as club drugs, anabolic steroids, and opioids.

Alcohol: Approximately 29% of high school-aged young people consume alcoholic beverages, with about 14% binge-drinking and 17% driving with someone who had been drinking. Additionally, underage drinking is associated with several negative outcomes, including a higher chance of academic, social, legal, and physical problems, as well as an increased likelihood of experiencing sexual violence, suicide, homicide, or abuse of other substances.

Tobacco: Nearly 99% of people who use tobacco products daily began by the age of 26. Over 85% of high school students and 81.5% of middle school students reported using products such as e-cigarettes because of their flavors, indicating that this factor may make these products more appealing to young people.

Marijuana: The most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that approximately four out of 10 high school students have used marijuana at some point in their lives. Regular usage can potentially lead to long-term health effects such as mental health disorders or marijuana use disorder, a form of addiction that approximately 30% of people who use marijuana experience.

Club drugs: The term “club drugs” refers to substances such as cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, rohypnol, methamphetamine, and acid. They’re most often used by young adults at parties, concerts, bars, nightclubs, or other event spaces. They are generally psychoactive substances and cause changes in mood, behavior, and awareness. They are also often used as “date rape” drugs to make it easier for a person to sexually assault a victim.

Anabolic steroids: Recreational steroid usage generally begins in young adulthood, with approximately 22% of users beginning as teenagers. Steroids are most likely to be used by males who participate in sports focused on weight and shape, such as bodybuilding. They may increase the likelihood of cognitive problems, such as increased impulsivity and decreased attention, as well as heart problems.

Opioids: Approximately 14% of students report misusing prescription opioids, which are typically used as painkillers after a major injury or procedure or for the treatment of chronic pain. Opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence when misused, making an overdose more likely. An overdose can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, mental fog, nausea, constipation, slowed breathing, and even death.

If a young person you know is experiencing substance abuse or addiction, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can treat them through our Reflections program, which you can learn more about by calling (718) 670-5078. For more information about our 24/7 chemical dependence unit, where your loved one can experience withdrawal safely, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540.

How Can Stress Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Stress is a common trigger for rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, during which symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness worsen for a temporary period of time. The factor most closely linked to the onset of flare-ups is the inflammatory response of your immune system to stress. Inflammation is the primary means by which rheumatoid arthritis damages your joints over time.

Once a flare-up has been triggered, your arthritis symptoms may contribute to the amount of stress you experience, creating a cycle that causes both issues to worsen over time and disrupts daily activities and movement.

There are certain steps you can take to manage your stress levels and reduce the frequency of your rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. These include:

Following a regular exercise routine: Regular physical exercise can be significantly helpful for both stress reduction and increased joint mobility. Your routine should include strength exercises, cardio, and stretching to improve flexibility and reduce your chances of injury.

Targeting work-related stress: Twenty-five percent of Americans report that their workplace is the number one cause of stress in their lives. Make sure to pace yourself with periodic breaks throughout your work day, take time to move around and stretch, and make a point of tackling any specific problems that are stressing you out (such as a delayed project or a dispute with a coworker) directly in a calm, reasoned way.

Talking to a doctor: If you experience symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should work with a rheumatologist to manage your physical symptoms and find the most effective treatment approach for you. Additionally, if you experience chronic stress, you should work with a psychiatrist to determine the root causes and the best way to approach them.

You can schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. You can also find a psychiatrist at our Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.

Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Taking care of your mental health and well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing anxiety or other symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a licensed professional.

Mental health professionals can help you to assess challenging life events and explore how they may be affecting you. They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide the tools needed to manage emotions, phobias, compulsions, or addictions.

There are several types of mental health professionals available to help with your concerns. The most common are licensed mental health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Understanding the key differences in their training and the delivery of their services can help with deciding what is best for you.

Psychologists- have advanced, doctoral degrees in the study of the human mind and behaviors. They are qualified to provide counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and treat mental health disorders. Psychologists are not medical doctors; therefore, they generally (except for a few states) do not prescribe medications and cannot perform medical procedures.
Psychiatrists– are medical doctors who are trained in the field of psychiatry (the branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and emotional disorders). Psychiatrists typically treat more complex mental health disorders than psychologists and are trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical issues that present symptoms similar to psychiatric conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and other medical treatments as part of a patient’s treatment plan.
Licensed Mental health counselors- have master’s degrees in a field of study related to mental health such as counseling or psychology. They work with individuals, couples, or families to identify triggers, improve overall mental well-being or cope with mental health issues. They are not medical doctors; therefore, are unable to prescribe medications.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

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

What is Reverse Dieting ?

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Reverse dieting is an eating plan that helps the body adjust gradually to an increase in calorie intake after weight loss through restrictive or low calorie dieting. It has been referred to as the “diet after the diet”. Bodybuilders often use this technique after a competition to prevent rapid weight gain as it helps to prevent fat buildup after weight loss.

One of the key reasons people regain weight after ending a diet is that they feel they can eat all of the foods avoided while on their diet. They also may exercise less and fall back into bad habits once the diet is over.

When a person is on a calorie restricted diet, eventually metabolism will decrease as well. Once a diet ends, and more calories are added back into the daily diet, metabolism is still operating at a reduced level. This causes the body to transform the extra calories into weight gain.

Reverse dieting can take weeks or months to achieve optimal results. The mechanism behind reverse dieting involves the gradual increase in calorie intake with the gradual increase in metabolism.

Reverse dieting typically involves adding 50 -150 calories a week for four to ten weeks until reaching the pre-diet calorie intake. A reverse diet will look different for everyone because it is dependent on starting amount calories, goal amount calories, and how you chose to approach the reverse diet.

As with any diet, it is important to consult with your physician to make sure that your new way of eating will be compatible with your nutritional needs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5918.

What Are the Most Common Types of Pediatric Hernias?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Hernias, which are defects in your abdominal wall that allow tissue or fat to bulge through, typically occur in children as inguinal or umbilical hernias. They’re often present due to birth complications such as premature birth.

There are two types of inguinal hernias. The most common type in children, indirect inguinal hernias, generally occurs as a result of an opening in the abdominal wall being present at birth. Direct inguinal hernias develop more rarely, as they usually result from physical overexertion due to sports or lifting heavy objects.

The other most common form of childhood hernia, umbilical hernias, occur in the spot where the umbilical cord was previously attached to the belly button. They develop when the muscles fail to close around this spot after the umbilical cord falls off.

Both inguinal and umbilical hernias may cause a pain or tenderness in the belly button or groin, as well as a bulge in this area that grows in size as a result of laughing, crying, or physically straining. However, more severe symptoms such as bloating, fever, severe and sudden abdominal pain, and nausea may indicate that the hernia has become strangulated.

A hernia can become strangulated after an extended period of incarceration, a condition in which part of the intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal opening. This can lead to the loss of that part of the intestine, as well as any involved testicles or ovaries.

Hernias occur most commonly in children who are assigned male at birth, are born prematurely or underweight, are of African descent, and who experience conditions such as undescended testicles, cystic fibrosis, or a genetic syndrome that increases the risk of a hernia.

A pediatric hernia is typically treated through surgery, during which your child’s surgeon will push the bulging tissue back into its proper position and re-seal the opening with stitches. This can be performed as an open surgery (involving a small incision in the affected area) or as laparoscopic surgery (involving several tiny incisions in the abdomen and groin).

To schedule an appointment with a doctor and begin treatment for your child’s hernia, you can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020 or at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Surgery Division by calling (718) 670-3007.