August 2023 - Health Beat

Exercise and Aging

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

It is never too late to begin a regular fitness routine. In fact; the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute on Aging promotes exercise and physical activity as an important factor in healthy aging.

Older adults are encouraged to incorporate the following four main types of exercise into their routine:

Strength Exercise
Endurance Exercise
Balance Exercise
Flexibility Exercise

Each type of exercise offers several benefits when performed on an ongoing basis. These benefits can be achieved by doing a variety of physical activities.

Strength Exercise- Helps to build muscle and makes them stronger. Building stronger muscles can be achieved by participating in activities such as lifting weights or resistance training.
Endurance Exercise-Helps to promote a healthy heart rate and improve breathing. This type of exercise focuses on overall fitness as well as keeping the cardiovascular and respiratory systems healthy. Activities such as aerobics, swimming, walking, dancing, or jogging are considered endurance exercises.
Balance Exercise-Helps to reduce falls, a problem that is common in older adults. This type of exercise focuses on building lower body strength. Activities such as Tai Chi, walking heel to toe, and standing on one foot are considered balance exercises.
Flexibility Exercise- Helps to stretch muscles, promotes freedom of movement, and in some instances improves balance. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, bending to touch your toes, or stretching your arms across your chest.

Before beginning a fitness routine, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first. You can work with your physician to create a routine that is compatible with your lifestyle and health. To receive more information about exercise and aging, please visit the National Institute on Aging website https://www.nia.nih.gov/

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 Tips

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Both the new school year and flu season are approaching, and with other viral illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 continuing to spread, it’s important to prepare your child with effective habits and strategies for staying healthy. Follow these tips to keep them (and the rest of your family) disease-free this fall:

Get your child vaccinated: Many schools require students to receive the immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their age group. This is a simple, effective method for boosting your child’s natural protection against some of the most common diseases they are likely to be exposed to at school.

Emphasize good hand-washing habits: Your child can come into contact with many different types of germs, bacteria, and viruses while they’re at school or traveling to or from home. Some of these substances, such as cold germs, can live for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and up to an hour on hands; others, such as the flu, can last much longer, living on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular, thorough hand-washing is essential for minimizing your child’s contact with these germs and reducing their likelihood of becoming infected.

Take your child to a doctor if they feel sick: If your child starts to feel ill, you can reduce the amount of time they spend feeling sick (and, potentially, the amount of school days they may have to miss) by taking them to a doctor right away. A doctor can prescribe certain medications, such as antivirals or antibiotics (depending on whether your child has a virus or bacterial infection), and recommend other medications and treatments for relieving their symptoms effectively.

If your child has an infection, you can receive specialized treatment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment or for more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Eftihia Thomopoulos

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce you to Dr. Eftihia Thomopoulos, Clinical Director of the Dental Department.

Dr. Thomopoulos has been practicing general dentistry in Queens for over 30 years and has been part of the Flushing Hospital team for over seven years.

Dr. Thomopoulos’ interest in dentistry began early in her childhood, “My older brother was studying to become a dental technician and dating someone in dental school, and they would leave training teeth everywhere. I became intrigued by them, and that sparked my curiosity about medicine and teeth,” she shared. “I later went on to study dentistry at NYU, the program allowed me to be hands-on in creating a healthy smile.”

Dr. Thomopoulos is a graduate of the prestigious NYU College of Dentistry; one of the most competitive dental programs in the United States. After earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, she furthered her education and training by completing her residency at Flushing Hospital. Years of specialized training and clinical experience have made Dr. Thomopoulos a renowned expert in her field. Her pursuit of excellence motivates her to continuously expand her knowledge and stay abreast of all the latest advancements in dentistry.

Caring for a diverse population is one of the highlights of Dr. Thomopoulos’ career. She enjoys meeting patients from different countries. “It is important to me that I provide the highest quality care to all patients. I want to make sure that people like me are treated well and receive the healthcare they deserve,” she said. “Dr. Thomopoulos emigrated from Greece and moved to the United States when she was five years old. Her family planted roots in a Queens community where cultural differences were embraced and celebrated. “Moving to a new country can be difficult, but when you are treated well and shown respect it makes things a little easier,” she explained.

Dr. Thomopoulos also enjoys mentoring residents at Flushing Hospital and working with her colleagues to operate a stellar dental program. “We aim to provide our patients with world-class dental care. We are achieving this by offering comprehensive services and carefully selecting the best practitioners and clinical support staff to serve on our team. We also furnished our newly renovated dental center with the latest, top-of-the-line equipment,” she said.

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department provides a wide array of dental services, provided by highly trained specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5521.

COVID-19 Boosters: Everything You Should Know to Stay Up-To-Date

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the virus have emerged, causing surges in infections and hospitalizations over time. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is essential for protecting yourself against this evolving health threat. However, recommendations may be different for some people based on factors such as age or other health concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine regardless of whether you received the original doses; the newest version of the vaccine is expected to be available during fall 2023. Additional recommendations include:

Children between six months and four years old who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get three doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
Children aged five years or older who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get at least one dose of the updated vaccine
Children between six months and five years old receiving the Moderna vaccine should get two doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
People who are unable or choose not to get a recommended mRNA vaccine should get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine doses approved for their age group
People who got the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should get one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine

If you are aged 65 or older, you are also eligible to receive an additional dose of the updated vaccine at least four months after your first dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may receive an additional dose of the vaccine at least two months after their first dose.

You can receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Do Teenagers Spend Too Much Time on Social Media ?

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Social media often plays a large role in the lives of many teens. It has replaced television, radio, magazines, and newspapers as the number one way that most young adults get their news, socialize, and form their opinions.

Studies show that teens spend as much as nine hours a day on social media. Research also indicate that the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to be exposed to harmful content which can affect their mental health.

Over exposure to content that promotes or encourages cyber bullying, rumor spreading, or negative self-image can lead to:

Anxiety
Depression
Negative effects on body image
Increased loneliness
Low self esteem
Feeling ignored

Protecting teenagers from some of the negative aspects of social media would require parents to monitor their child’s usage. This would include setting limits on the amount of time spent on social media platforms, and knowing the people they are communicating with. It is also important to have your teenager’s passwords to monitor their activities.

If you would like to speak to a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s mental well-being, please call 718-670-5486

What are Cognitive Distortions?

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Our thought patterns play a large role in the way we view the world around us, including things like our relationships, jobs, and living circumstances. The more experiences we have, the more patterns of thought we develop. Unfortunately, these patterns can often lead you to draw conclusions or interpret events in a way that is not actually based on facts or reality, typically in a negative way. When these false interpretations become a habitual way of thinking, they become cognitive distortions.

People often develop cognitive distortions in response to negative life situations as a coping mechanism. While they are not considered a form of mental illness on their own, they may be more likely to occur because of one.

Several types of cognitive distortions are particularly common. Some of these include:

Polarized thinking (thinking in extremes without considering all relevant facts)
Overgeneralization (applying a conclusion about one event to too many other events)
Catastrophizing (assuming the worst conclusion despite a lack of evidence)
Personalization (taking things personally that are not necessarily connected to you)
Mind reading (assuming to know what other people are thinking)
Mental filtering (ignoring positive things and focusing exclusively on the negatives)
Emotional reasoning (believing that emotions indicate the reality of a situation)
Labeling (classifying things in a negative way based on one negative event)

If you’re experiencing cognitive distortions, there are steps you can take to break out of these habitual ways of thinking. Once you’ve identified the thought, it can help to consider alternative evidence or interpretations that challenge your initial conclusion. Additionally, you may want to think in terms of how your initial thought is benefitting you as opposed to other conclusions.

Cognitive distortions can contribute to or indicate mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Psychiatric Department offers a variety of approaches to therapy that can help you achieve an improved state of mind and quality of life. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562.

Mental Health For New Mothers

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss some important details concerning mental health.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, anxiety and mood disorders are some of the most common complications to occur during pregnancy or within the first year after delivery. Some of these conditions include:

Baby blues
Major depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders
Schizophrenia
Postpartum psychosis
Borderline personality disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder

While common, mental health disorders are frequently undiagnosed or inadequately treated. Therefore, if you begin to experience mental health problems as a new or expectant mother, make sure to discuss them with your obstetrician, who can offer recommendations for helpful activities and lifestyle adjustments, as well as prescribe medication when necessary. Your doctor can also provide a referral to a licensed mental health care provider who can offer specialized treatment for any psychiatric condition you experience.

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

How Summer Weather Affects Asthma

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Many people with asthma find that their symptoms worsen during the hot humid days of summer. This is fairly common and there are several reasons why this may occur:

The poor air quality during the warm and hot weather is due to a rise in air pollutants which can make breathing more difficult.
The high humidity which is often found during the warmer months can make it difficult to inhale air.
Warm weather typically leads to an increase in allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites.
These can cause a release of histamines in the body which constrict the air passages.
Heat puts stress on the lungs’ ability to inhale and exhale because the breathing passages narrow.

Here are some tips to keep asthma under control during the summer months:

Try not to go outside during the hottest times of the day
Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible
Keep allergies well controlled
Avoid heavily chlorinated swimming pools
Keep asthma medication handy

There are a few treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with asthma. These include inhaler corticosteroids which reduce the inflammation in the airways. Some inhalers also contain corticosteroids and beta blockers which help to keep the airways open. Always discuss with your physician which option is going to be best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486

What is Prediabetes?

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Prediabetes refers to a person’s blood sugar level being higher than normal. It can potentially cause skin to become darker in certain parts of the body, such as the neck, armpits, and groin; however, in most cases, it does not cause any identifiable signs or symptoms.

Prediabetes occurs when your body can no longer process glucose properly, causing it to accumulate in your bloodstream. This can happen as a result of the pancreas’ inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or because your cells have developed a resistance to insulin.

A variety of factors can increase your likelihood of developing prediabetes and, by extension, type 2 diabetes. They include:

Family history
Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian background
Being over 35 years of age
Lack of physical activity
Being overweight or obese
Consuming a diet high in red or processed meat and sugary drinks
Smoking

Additionally, several conditions can also increase your risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, such as:

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Sleep apnea
High blood pressure
High triglyceride levels
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (“good”) cholesterol
High blood sugar levels
Metabolic syndrome

You may still be able to avoid developing type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes. The most beneficial steps you can take to prevent this progression include:

Developing a regular exercise routine
Improving your diet by replacing unhealthy foods with more nutritious options
Quitting or avoiding smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Working with a doctor to monitor your health and control potential risk factors such as high blood pressure

If you are at risk for prediabetes, you can schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment from a board-certified doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

What is Bruxism?

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Bruxism is a condition associated with teeth grinding, causing pain in your teeth, jaw muscles, and the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. Over time, it can also cause teeth to become fractured, worn down, loosened, or lost. This condition is common, affecting approximately 10% of adults and 15% of children.

Aside from pain and damage to your teeth and jaw, other symptoms of bruxism include:

Sleep disruption
Headaches or facial pain
Ear aches
Pain while eating
Jaw locking

Bruxism can occur when you’re awake or asleep. Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw while awake is often tied to strong emotions, such as anxiety, anger, or stress. It can also occur if you’re concentrating on something. If you experience bruxism while sleeping, you may not be aware of it and may be grinding your teeth more strongly than if you were awake, making it a potentially more damaging and difficult to detect form of this condition.

In addition to your emotional state, bruxism is also linked to lifestyle habits such as the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, and excessive caffeine (equivalent to six or more cups of coffee per day). Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also increase your likelihood of experiencing bruxism.

Treatment for bruxism may include the usage of a night guard while sleeping. This orthotic device protects your teeth and the muscles and joints of your jaw from grinding. Your dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes and therapies that target potential root causes of bruxism, as well as a review of any medications you’re taking to determine if they are contributing to the problem.

If you are experiencing bruxism or symptoms that may indicate teeth grinding while sleeping, you can receive specialized dental care at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5521.