Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

A doctor examining vials of blood that are being used to test for bleeding disorders.March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. A bleeding disorder is a condition in which blood cannot clot properly. This can lead to either too much clotting, significantly increasing your risk of experiencing conditions such as heart attack or stroke, or too little clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

The two most common bleeding disorders are hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Hemophilia slows the blood clotting process. It is inherited genetically and more commonly affects people assigned male at birth than people assigned female at birth, occurring in one in every 5,000 male births in the United States.  The disorder very rarely develops in women.

Von Willebrand disease is a much more common bleeding disorder than hemophilia. Similarly, it is an inherited condition, but generally causes milder symptoms. It can also affect both men and women. People with this disease lack a functioning von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood form clots; as a result, they are unable to form blood clots as easily as other people.

In the case of both hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, early diagnosis is best for effective treatment outcomes. For people with hemophilia, a common treatment is to replace the missing blood clotting factor. People with von Willebrand disease may not require treatment at all if their symptoms are mild; however, if treatment is needed, common options include medications that increase the amount of von Willebrand factor in the blood or infusions of blood factor concentrates.

If you experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible; even if your symptoms are mild, talking to a doctor can help you avoid potential risk factors that may worsen them. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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 Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th.  The observation was founded by The World Federation for Mental Health to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize resources for individuals who need support.

Each year, The World Federation for Mental Health creates a campaign to advocate for better mental health care and make it readily accessible for people worldwide. This year’s campaign theme is ‘Mental Health Is A Universal Right.’  It aims to promote and protect universal mental health as a basic human right for everyone. The World Federation for Mental Health also hopes to engage and unify communities and organizations in driving actions that support inclusion for those affected by mental health conditions.

According to the World Health Organization, “People with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights”

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has implemented several initiatives to address these problems through raising awareness and providing quality mental health care and support to our community. This includes projects aimed at destigmatizing mental health services among underserved and older populations.

To learn more about the programs offered at Flushing Hospital, find out more about our outpatient mental health services, or schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach our 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.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.  It is most likely to occur in children whose mothers became pregnant with them at 35 years of age or older.

Typically, at the time of conception, a fetus receives genetic information from both parents in the form of 46 chromosomes.  Down syndrome develops as a result of the fetus receiving an extra copy of chromosome 21.  This extra chromosome affects the baby’s physical and mental development.   Some of the physical features and developmental problems associated with Down syndrome include:

  • Flattened face, particularly in the bridge of the nose
  • Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
  • A short neck
  • Small ears
  • A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
  • Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye
  • Small hands and feet
  • A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
  • Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb
  • Poor muscle tone or loose joints
  • Shorter in height as children and adults

There are three main types of Down syndrome. Approximately 95% of people with this condition have Trisomy 21, in which each cell of their body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two. About 3% of people with Down syndrome have translocation Down syndrome, in which an extra part or whole chromosome 21 is present, but attached to a different chromosome. The rarest form of Down syndrome is mosaic Down syndrome, in which only some cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21.

People with Down syndrome are at greater risk for certain medical problems. Some of these include hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections, eye diseases, and heart defects. Many people who live with Down syndrome are regularly monitored by a doctor to identify these conditions.

While Down syndrome is a lifelong condition, treatments such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, when initiated at an early stage in life, can help individuals living with it develop to their full physical and intellectual potential. It is essential to work with your doctor during pregnancy to identify whether your child may have Down syndrome, as this will help with getting them the care they need as early as possible.

To speak with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about screening or diagnostic testing for Down syndrome during pregnancy, 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.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but some of the most common risk factors include:

  • Personal or family history of suicide attempts
  • Personal or family history of mental disorders or substance use disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
  • The presence of firearms in the home
  • Recent release from prison or jail
  • Exposure to suicidal behavior from other people

While suicide is most common among middle-aged people, particularly men, it can happen among people of all ages. Many of the same warning signs apply to both adults and young people, but some may be different. Additionally, not all of these signs necessarily indicate that a person actually intends to commit suicide; however, they can indicate that the person is at risk and may benefit from preventative treatment.

For adults, suicide warning signs to watch out for include:

  • Talking about or planning suicide
  • Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Talking about feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain
  • Increased or frequent usage of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Insufficient or excessive sleep
  • Social isolation
  • Extreme moods or mood swings

In addition to the above indicators, warning signs for young people include:

  • Expressing hopelessness about the future
  • Severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress
  • Anger or hostility that seems increased and/or out of character

Whether or not you believe a person may genuinely commit suicide, do not dismiss these warning signs; they are indicators of serious underlying mental health problems. Let them know that you have recognized changes in their behavior, that they are not alone, and that you are there to support them.  You should also do what you can to make sure that they feel comfortable speaking openly with you about what’s troubling them.

Aside from providing support, the most helpful step you can take for someone who may be at risk of committing suicide is to encourage them to get professional help. You can reach Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic to schedule an appointment or get more information by calling (718) 670-5562.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK right away.

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.

National Cholesterol Education Month

September is designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. The importance of this designation is to bring awareness of the health risks associated with high cholesterol.

One of the major conditions associated with high cholesterol is heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. People who have high levels of cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than those who have levels in the normal range.

The liver produces two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). When the level of LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol, is too high, we can develop health problems such as peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. We can reduce our risk of complications by making lifestyle changes.

Ways to reduce “bad” cholesterol LDL and raise HDL “good”  cholesterol include:

  • Quit smoking
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid saturated fats and trans fats such as fried food, pizza, margarine and pastries
  • Eat foods with unsaturated fats including olive oil, olives, and nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, and canola oil
  • Eat foods with polyunsaturated fat containing Omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna
  • Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, beans, oat cereal
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Use Psyllium as a dietary supplement

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, so the only way to assess it is through a blood test. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have cholesterol levels checked every five years after the age of 20. It should also be a part of your annual physical as you get older. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

This month, we’re shedding light on a health condition you may be at risk of developing if you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gastroparesis (also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”) is a disorder that disrupts the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and 40 women may suffer from gastroparesis, adding up to about 5 million people throughout the United States. Although gastroparesis is rare, you may be more likely to develop it based on certain factors.

Diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and any surgery that may have injured your vagus nerve may contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. Out of these factors, diabetes is the most commonly-identified cause.

A few different symptoms may indicate signs of gastroparesis, including a feeling of fullness in your stomach before or after finishing a normal-sized meal, stomach pain or discomfort, or nausea.

The first doctor you may see when you start to present symptoms of gastroparesis is your primary care physician. This doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist if they believe those symptoms may indicate gastroparesis.

When diagnosing you with gastroparesis, a doctor conducts a physical exam, measures stomach emptying, and takes your medical history into consideration. These factors, in addition to your symptoms, complications, and most likely cause help determine the best course of treatment for you. If diabetes is determined to be the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will focus on helping you control your blood glucose levels.

You can also tackle your symptoms from a dietary angle by reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding tough-to-chew foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and increasing your intake of water and liquids containing glucose and electrolytes. Light physical activity after each meal can also be helpful for stimulating your digestive processes, relieving feelings of fullness and allowing you to process food more easily.

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.

Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes the formation of thick, scaly patches of discolored skin, also known as plaques. These rashes occur due to inflammation and can appear anywhere on the body, but typically develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, fingernails, toenails, palms, feet, lower back, genitals, face, and mouth. Over 3% of Americans have been diagnosed with psoriasis.

There are many types of psoriasis, including:

  • Plaque psoriasis (the most common form of psoriasis)
  • Inverse psoriasis (which causes plaques to form without a scaly texture)
  • Guttate psoriasis (which can appear after a case of strep throat)
  • Pustular psoriasis (characterized by pus-filled bumps that appear on plaques)
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis (covering over 90% of your skin)
  • Sebopsoriasis (appearing on your face and scalp with a yellow coloration and scaly texture)
  • Nail psoriasis (which causes discoloration and pitting in your fingernails and toenails)

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that it is caused by your immune system functioning abnormally and attacking healthy cells; this results in the inflammation that causes plaques on the skin. Psoriasis also significantly speeds up the production of new skin cells, causing scales and frequent shedding. Approximately one in three people diagnosed with this disorder may also be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune condition that causes swelling and pain in your joints.

Symptoms of psoriasis are not necessarily constant. They typically occur during periodic flare-ups, which may develop in response to certain factors or elements of the environment. Some common triggers for psoriasis include stress, infections such as strep throat, skin injuries, medications such as lithium and beta-blockers, and body temperature shifts in response to weather conditions.

Many cases of psoriasis may respond well to treatment options such as steroid creams, moisturizers, medical lotions or shampoos, vitamin D3 ointment, vitamin A or retinoid creams, and medications such as anthralin which slow down the production of new skin cells. If these options do not treat your symptoms effectively, your doctor may recommend light therapy, immunosuppressant drugs, and other, stronger medications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, you can receive specialized treatment from a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical 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.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Approximately 5.8 million Americans experience Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dementia is a general term that refers to memory loss; Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of cases.

The earliest signs of Alzheimer’s involve difficulty retaining new information, but can also involve vision or language-related problems. These symptoms gradually transition into more severe problems such as worsening confusion and memory loss, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. These problems are likely to be less obvious to the person experiencing them than to others who interact with them regularly.

Alzheimer’s is believed by medical experts to be caused by buildups of proteins such as amyloid, which forms plaque around brain cells, and tau, which forms tangles within brain cells.  These buildups lead to lower levels of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which send signals between brain cells. Other factors that increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing Alzheimer’s include:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Down’s syndrome
  • Head trauma
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Untreated depression

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s; symptoms can only be managed as they progress. Some ways that caregivers can help a person with Alzheimer’s cope with their symptoms include:

  • Helping them maintain a regular daily routine
  • Reassuring them and acknowledging their feelings
  • Avoiding showing frustration or anger with them
  • Avoiding arguments with them
  • Making sure they have a safe space to walk
  • Helping them stay hydrated and fed throughout the day

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.

National Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle, making it easier for them to fracture in response to trauma or pressure. This occurs as a result of the loss of bone density over time.

After the age of 30, bone mass continually decreases; as a result, your likelihood of developing osteoporosis depends in large part on how much bone mass you developed in your youth.

Aside from age, a variety of factors affect your risk of developing osteoporosis, some of which you may not have any control over. These include:

  • Assigned sex at birth (women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men)
  • Race (osteoporosis is most common in people of white and Asian descent)
  • A family history of osteoporosis and fractures
  • Body frame (a smaller frame tends to correlate with osteoporosis due to smaller amounts of bone mass)

Despite these unchangeable factors, there are steps you can take to decrease your risk of osteoporosis. These mainly include building healthy lifestyle habits and actively managing medical problems that can contribute to osteoporosis. Some examples include:

Staying physically active: A routine that includes a mixture of weight-bearing activities (exercises such as running, dancing, hiking, or aerobics) and resistance exercises (incorporating movements such as pushing or pulling against opposing forces such as weights or elastic bands) three to four days per week is ideal for stimulating bone health.

Following a diet that promotes bone health: A diet that protects and stimulates bone health should include the recommended daily amounts of calcium (approximately 1,000 mg for people aged 19-50), vitamin D (about 15 micrograms (mcg) for people younger than 71), and protein (approximately 0.36 grams of protein for each pound of bodyweight). You should also avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Working with a doctor to identify medical risk factors: A variety of conditions and medications, particularly any which contribute to hormonal imbalances, can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Specialists such as endocrinologists can help you identify medical risk factors early and develop an effective prevention strategy.

You can receive a diagnosis, treatment, or preventative care for osteoporosis at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.week is ideal for stimulating bone health.

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.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling in one or more of your joints. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 100 arthritic conditions. Some of these include:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gout
  • Childhood arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Septic arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

However, two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage to break down, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints.

Certain genetic factors make some people more likely to develop arthritis. Women, for example, are at a higher risk of arthritis than men. Additionally, arthritis can run in families, making you more likely to develop it if your parents or siblings experience it. Other risk factors include obesity, which can put excess stress on your joints and lead to inflammation, as well as previous joint injuries.

If you have arthritis, there are certain steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce the impact of this condition on your daily life. These include:

Staying active with low-impact exercise: Regular low-impact physical activity, such as walking, bicycling, or swimming, place little stress on your joints and are helpful for controlling your weight, improving your mood, and relieving arthritis pain. Additionally, gradual progressive strength training and stretches can help to maintain your flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your joints.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet: Your diet, combined with regular exercise, can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight that reduces stress on your joints. This can be helpful for reducing the severity of your symptoms.

Working with a doctor: A rheumatologist can help you determine the right course of treatment for your symptoms. This treatment can include physical therapy, medication to relieve pain or slow the progression of the disease, or surgery in cases where other approaches are not providing adequate results.

You can find a rheumatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get started on your arthritis treatment. 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.