How Should You Prepare for an X-Ray?

X-rays are typically used to created detailed images of your bones and soft tissues. These images help to diagnose medical problems such as bone fractures, structural issues, or foreign objects in your body, all of which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or impaired physical functionality. An x-ray creates these images using a small amount of ionizing radiation.

The minimal amount of radiation exposure that occurs during an x-ray poses few health risks for people of any age. However, depending on your medical circumstances or the type of x-ray you’re receiving, there may be certain steps you should take to further minimize any potential risks from this test. Before getting an x-ray, you should:

Ask your doctor about specific steps to prepare for your x-ray: Certain types of x-rays may require you to take specific steps before your procedure. If you’re receiving an x-ray for your upper gastrointestinal tract, for example, you should typically avoid eating or drinking for several hours ahead of time. For other types of x-rays, you may need to remove metal objects (such as jewelry) or avoid applying topical substances (such as lotions or creams.)

Wear comfortable clothing: When you receive an x-ray, you’ll usually need to change out of your clothes and into a medical gown, so it may be best to wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove and put back on once the procedure is completed.

You can receive an x-ray at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Radiology. To get more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5458.

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.

“Ministroke” or Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often incorrectly called a ministroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood supply to the brain. Unlike a full-blown stroke, a TIA resolves within a few minutes or 24 hours and does not cause permanent damage to the brain.

A transient ischemic attack may only last temporarily; however, it should be treated as an emergency, and medical attention should be sought immediately if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance or coordination

The effects of a TIA, though temporary, are serious and often increase the risk of having a true stroke in the future. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people who experienced a TIA will eventually have a stroke.

Some people are more at risk than others for having a transient ischemic attack and potential stroke.  Risk factors include:

  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having diabetes
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Having a family history of TIA or stroke
  • Having atrial fibrillation
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Age (The risk increases with age for those 55 and older)

The risk of a TIA may be reduced by properly managing conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure through eating a healthy diet, adhering to medications, and routine doctor visits. Other lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and exercising.

A transient ischemic attack is diagnosed after an evaluation of your symptoms. Your healthcare team may perform a series of physical examinations and imaging tests to determine the cause of the TIA. Treatment may consist of medications, angioplasty, or surgery, and is more effective the sooner you receive medical attention.

Flushing Hospital has been awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing stroke patients with the highest quality of care. To schedule an appointment at our hospital, 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.

Halloween 2023 Safety Tips

Halloween is a family-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy.  However, it can also present many opportunities for injury as kids take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children between the ages of five and 14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year. Injuries due to falls and other accidents are also common among children on Halloween.

Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured on this holiday by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.

On Halloween, children should:

  • Go only to well-lit houses.
  • Remain on porches without actually entering a house.
  • Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
  • Use flexible, non-sharp plastic props for costume pieces such as knives and swords.
  • When walking through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
  • Cross at appropriately-designated crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
  • Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
  • Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame-retardant.
  • Consider using face paint instead of masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
  • Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes that may cause kids to trip.
  • Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.

On Halloween, parents and adults should:

  • Supervise trick-or-treating for children under the age of 12.
  • Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
  • Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
  • Make sure children under the age of 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
  • Drive slowly.
  • Watch for children in the street and on medians.
  • Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
  • Have children get out of cars on the side of the sidewalk, not the street.

Follow these tips to keep both your children and yourself safe this year. Have a happy and fun Halloween!

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.

Health Benefits of Napping

Napping can provide more than a moment of rest; for many adults, it may also offer various benefits for their health. Studies show that taking short naps can improve memory, ease stress, improve mood, and enhance alertness.

While taking a nap can be advantageous, sleep experts discourage taking long naps which have been found to contribute to insomnia and sleep inertia. Shorter naps, for about 10 to 20 minutes, are recommended instead because they allow the body to rest without going into the deeper stages of sleep, which can be problematic.

Napping for longer periods may result in adverse effects such as lost sleep at night. This habit is also linked to the development of several health conditions. According to Harvard Health, “studies have found that adults who take long naps during the day may be more likely to have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.”

Napping at the wrong time of day is also disadvantageous. The best time to take a nap for most is typically in the early afternoon, ideally before 3 p.m. Napping later in the day or closer to bedtime may interfere with nighttime sleep.

In addition to napping at the right time of day and for the right length of time, creating a comfortable sleep environment can help greatly with getting a good nap. For high-quality rest, find a cool and quiet place with few distractions to sleep.

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

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.

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.

5 Tips for Preventing Older Adult Falls

Falls can prove both costly and dangerous as you get older. Millions of older Americans fall each year, with many sustaining serious injuries such as broken bones or concussions. However, there are steps you can take to prevent falls and avoid serious complications when they do occur. You should:

Stay in shape: Regular exercise provides a vast number of benefits to your health and can help you remain strong and mobile as you get older. In particular, exercises that help you improve your balance (such as Tai Chi) can significantly reduce your likelihood of falling or getting seriously injured from a fall.

Remove home hazards: A variety of hazards may make a fall more likely at home, such as clutter in your walking paths, lights that are not properly functioning, or a lack of handrails or bars in places such as your bathroom or stairs. Make sure to keep clutter out of your way, that all lights remain functioning normally in and around your home, and that you have bars and railings available where needed to help keep your balance.

Get your eyes and feet checked: Poor eyesight or conditions that affect your feet can impact your ability to move normally and remain upright. Make sure to get both of these parts of your body checked by a specialist; prescription glasses and recommended footwear can help you safely stay mobile and functional.

Review medication side-effects: Certain medications may have side-effects that cause dizziness, fatigue, or other symptoms that may affect your balance. Discuss these potential side-effects and how to manage them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Talk to a doctor immediately if you fall: If you fall but don’t sustain any serious injuries, you should consult your doctor immediately to determine the cause and the best ways to prevent future incidents. If you do experience a serious injury (such as head trauma), call 911.

If you’ve been injured from a fall or are at risk of falling, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by calling (718) 670-5515.

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.

Q&A: What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is Recalled?

A drug recall is one of the most effective ways to protect the public from potentially harmful drugs.

Drug recalls are mostly voluntary and occur when a manufacturer decides to remove a drug from the market when there is reason to believe the product is mislabeled, contaminated, defective, or hazardous to a person’s health.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also request a recall if multiple reports of adverse effects or problems have been received.

If your medicine has been recalled, the FDA recommends that you speak with your doctor right away to determine the best course of action for your health.  If your doctor advises that you stop taking the medication, you may be able to take it back to the store of purchase and request a refund.  Manufacturers may also provide contact information for product returns.

To keep up-to-date or find out more about drug recalls, you can visit the FDA’s website https://www.fda.gov/ and sign up for alerts.

 

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.

Collagen Supplements

The use of collagen supplements has grown significantly in recent years due to the promotion of their purported benefits. Packaging for these supplements, which is commonly purchased in pill or powder form, often boasts astounding benefits for hair, skin, nails, and joints.

If you are considering taking collagen supplements it is important to learn the facts before making a purchase.

Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body. It can be found in the blood, joints, connective tissues, and muscles and plays the following roles in helping the body to function well:

  • Helps blood to clot
  • Provides protective lining for organs
  • Gives structure and support to skin, and tissue
  • Aids in cellular responses such as cellular renewal
  • Help keep bones strong
  • Provides elasticity to the skin

There are five main types of collagen found in the body, they include:

  • Type l: Makes up 90% of the collagen in the body, and is used to build bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments
  • Type ll: Helps to make cartilage and provides joint support
  • Type lll: Is found in muscles, organs, and arteries
  • Type lV: Is found in the skin
  • Type V: Is found in skin, hair, placenta tissue, and the cornea of the eyes

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and over time, the collagen we already have begins to break down. We may experience the following changes as this occurs:

  • Loss of skin elasticity, resulting in wrinkled or crepey skin
  • Weaker muscles
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Loss of flexibility or stiffness of the joints
  • Joint pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Hallowing around the eyes

There are a few lifestyle changes we can implement that may boost collagen production. This includes eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, eating protein-rich foods, and bone broths.

Taking supplements is another option that some people may consider. Taking collagen peptides by mouth is possibly safe. However, it is important to keep in mind that these supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; therefore, quality and safety are not guaranteed.  Additionally, evidence or studies that support the use of collagen supplements have been small. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that you speak with a physician before taking collagen supplements.

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.

Babesiosis

As temperatures warm up, more time will be spent doing outdoor activities in areas with grass or shrubs, where ticks are commonly found.  Increased exposure to these environments heightens our risk of contracting illnesses that are transmitted by ticks such as babesiosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babesiosis is an emerging tickborne parasitic disease that has become significantly more prevalent in the Northeast regions of the United States such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  The CDC classified the disease as endemic in these and other states where cases have grown the fastest.

Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells and is carried by blacklegged or deer ticks. The disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of these ticks. Cases of infection peak during the warmer months of spring and summer.

In addition to being transmissible by the bite of a blacklegged or deer tick, babesiosis can also be spread by the transfusion of contaminated blood.

Many people who are infected with babesiosis do not experience symptoms; however, some may present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or chills.  Symptoms may take one to nine weeks to appear. Complications can include blood clots, severe hemolytic anemia (hemolysis) low or unstable blood pressure, organ failure, and in rare cases death.

The disease can be severe or life-threatening to:

  • Individuals living without a spleen
  • Those with weakened immune systems
  • The elderly
  • Those who have serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease

Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to ticks and prevent the transmission of babesiosis. The CDC recommends doing the following while you are outdoors:

  • Walking on cleared trails and staying in the center of the trail, to minimize contact with bushes or other places where ticks typically live
  • Minimizing the amount of exposed skin, by wearing socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt
  • Applying repellents to skin and clothing

It is also recommended that you conduct tick checks before going indoors and promptly remove any ticks that are found.

If you are experiencing symptoms of babesiosis and believe you were exposed to ticks, make an appointment to see your doctor right away,  Your physician can order blood tests to diagnose the disease and provide effective treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor 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.

Surprising Causes of A UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria from outside the body (most commonly from the rectum or skin) enter the urethra and infect the urinary system.

Although anyone can get a UTI, women are more at risk than men.  It is estimated that around 50% to 60% of women will experience an infection in their lifetime.

The risk of developing a UTI can be minimized if you know the risk factors and take measures to prevent an infection.  These factors include:

  • Eating excessive amounts of sugar
  • Having diabetes
  • Hormonal changes such as menopause
  • Holding in your urine for too long or not emptying your bladder completely
  • Wiping the wrong way (It is recommended that you wipe from front to back. Going the opposite way can track bacteria from your anus to the urethra)
  • Frequently wearing thong or string-bikini underwear
  • Frequently wearing tight pants
  • Frequent sexual intercourse
  • Not urinating after having sexual intercourse
  • Not drinking enough water
  • Using certain forms of birth control such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms
  • Catheter use
  • Taking certain medications such as some antihistamines or antipsychotic drugs
  • Frequently riding a bicycle

Some risk factors are easier to address than others and some are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of a UTI.  Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and makes you urinate more often, which flushes bacteria out of the urinary system.  Wiping front to back after using the bathroom is also helpful.  Other measures include reducing your sugar intake, changing your method of birth control, managing your diabetes, avoiding holding in your urine and urinating after intercourse.

If you are frequently experiencing urinary tract infections, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.  To schedule an appointment 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.