Will You Need a C-Section to Deliver Your Baby?

A woman laying in a hospital bed going into labor while connected to a monitor.Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the 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 of what you need to know about cesarean birth (also known as a C-section).

During a C-section, your baby is delivered through incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when the health risks of vaginal delivery are too significant for either yourself or your baby. It can be planned ahead of time if:

  • You experience serious medical conditions that could worsen with a vaginal birth
  • You’ve had a previous C-section
  • You’re expecting multiple babies
  • Your baby’s exit from the cervix is obstructed
  • Your baby is in an abnormal position in your uterus

Even if these factors do not apply to you, unforeseen circumstances can occur that make a C-section necessary for safely delivering your baby, such as when:

  • You experience prolonged labor
  • Your baby develops an irregular heart rate
  • The umbilical cord compresses your baby’s head, neck, or body, or comes out of the cervix before the baby
  • The placenta separates from the wall of your uterus, preventing your baby from receiving oxygen and nutrients

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.

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Michael Bailey

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Michael Bailey, first cook in our Dietary department.

Michael has been working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for 23 years. He is a native of Queens, was born at Flushing Hospital and grew up in the Flushing and Laurelton areas of the borough. Michael attended elementary school at P.S. 24, Junior High School 237 and  231, Thomas Edison High School and the New York Restaurant School. He currently lives in Springfield Gardens.

Michael has two children. In his free time, he really enjoys cooking and eating. He likes soul food, Italian food, BBQ and junk food. Michael’s favorite sports are football, baseball, basketball and air hockey. The city he likes to go to on vacation is Las Vegas.

The things that are important to him are his family and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. He enjoys working at Flushing Hospital because of the wonderful people that he works with, and the environment that they work in.  He believes together they make a valuable contribution to people’s health and wellness. We look forward to Michael working 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.

Depression in Older Adults

A man with a sad expression staring out a window.Older adults face a higher risk of experiencing depression than younger people. However, this does not mean that depression is a normal part of aging. Like many other health problems that can develop as we get older, depression is a medical condition that needs to be managed and treated under the direction of a doctor.

It may not always be clear whether what you’re experiencing is depression. It’s normal to feel sadness over things such as major life changes, difficulty coping with long-term medical conditions, or the loss of loved ones as we get older, even if that sadness lasts for a long period of time. However, this feeling of sadness is not necessarily the same thing as depression. Some signs that you may be depressed include:

  • Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
  • Frequent negative feelings, such as hopelessness, guilt, or low self-esteem
  • Fatigue and difficulty with thinking and concentrating
  • Overeating or loss of appetite
  • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
  • Frequent aches and pains that do not improve with treatment
  • Thoughts of suicide

While most older adults do not experience depression, those who experience chronic health conditions are significantly more likely to develop it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5% of older adults in general are depressed, but this number rises to 13.5% in people who require home health care and 11.5% in those who are hospitalized.

Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and frequent socialization are all helpful for preventing depression or coping with its symptoms as we age. Additionally, most older adults who experience depression respond positively to treatment that includes psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both.

You can receive treatment for depression from a psychiatrist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562.

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.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Woman touching glands on the side of the neck.Thyroid disease is common among Americans, with over 12% of the population experiencing some form of it during their lifetime. Some of the most common thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer.

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can occur due to a wide variety of causes, including other medical conditions that directly affect the thyroid (such as thyroiditis).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones help to regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and protein production. When too many of them are produced, it can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Enlargement of the thyroid gland (also known as goiter)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Faster, irregular, and/or pounding heartbeat
  • Increased hunger
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Hair and skin problems
  • Menstrual cycle changes

Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when too few T-3 or T-4 hormones are produced. This can cause a few symptoms that are similar to those of hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and, for women and people assigned female at birth, changes in menstrual cycles. Other symptoms include:

  • Weight gain
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Depression

Thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland, can initially cause hyperthyroidism to occur during thyrotoxicosis. During this phase of the condition, damage to thyroid cells causes a leakage of hormones, causing them to build up in the body. Thyrotoxicosis can last up to three months, after which thyroiditis can enter a hypothyroid phase. This phase may be long-term or permanent.

Thyroid cancer occurs when an abnormal growth of cells develops on the thyroid gland. Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroiditis, symptoms of thyroid cancer do not necessarily affect the production of thyroid hormones. In fact, this disease may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Once it has progressed, however, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain in the neck and throat, and swollen lymph nodes on the sides of your neck may appear.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any thyroid disease, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist 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.

Supplements to Support the Immune System

The body’s immune system is an important defense mechanism that helps to protect us from infections caused by bacteria, viruses and other germs.  A well-balanced diet that contains vitamins and minerals can help strengthen our immune systems. Some of these substances can be found in the foods we eat. However, for some of us, it may be necessary to add supplements to make sure we are doing all we can to support our immune systems.

Here are some important foods and supplements  the body requires to maintain a healthy immune system:

  • Vitamin A – Found in some dairy products, liver, eggs, fatty fish, fruits, yogurt, and vegetables
  • Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits , oranges, kiwi, plums, broccoli, tomatoes and kale
  • Vitamin B – Found in poultry, tuna, salmon, peanuts, soy, leafy greens and bananas
  • Vitamin D – Found in cheese, egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified milk, and liver
  • Vitamin E – Found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, spinach and vegetable oils
  • Zinc – Found in meat, nuts, beans, whole grains, seafood (crab, lobster oysters) and dairy products
  • Selenium – Found in Brazil nuts, seafood, poultry, dairy products, cereals, bread, meat and grains
  • Glutamine – an amino acid found in rice, beef, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and dried beans
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in fatty fish, fish oils, soybeans, flaxseed, canola oils
  • Probiotics – Found in yogurt and some fermented foods
  • Andrographis
  • Echinacea
  • Elderberry
  • Garlic
  • Ginseng

Supplements can come from their natural food sources and can also be obtained in pill or liquid form. Follow the directions on the labels to make sure that you are taking the correct dosage. It is also important to consult a physician, pharmacist or registered dietician prior to taking any supplement to ensure that they don’t interact with any medications or medical conditions one might have.

You may schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical 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.

Control Your Blood Pressure in the New Year

A doctor measuring a patient's blood pressure.It is the beginning of the New Year and many of us will make resolutions to do things better than the previous year. For many people this means living healthy, losing weight, and keeping our blood pressure under control.

High blood pressure affects one in three Americans. If not controlled well it can lead to kidney problems, damaged blood vessels, stroke, and heart attacks. There are many factors that can cause blood pressure to be elevated including obesity, stress, smoking, high sodium diets and elevated cholesterol. Ideally, managing some of these factors can help to maintain a blood pressure that is as close to normal range (120/80mmHg) as possible.

There are many ways that doctors can help us to control our blood pressure, Your doctor can prescribe medication that will help. Additionally other methods include:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Lose weight
  • Stress reduction
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat less salty food
  • Eliminate beverages that contain caffeine
  • Eat dark chocolate
  • Cut back on sugar
  • Drink less alcohol

Keeping your blood pressure under control is probably one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Speak to your doctor about methods that would work best for you.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss how you can lower your blood pressure in 2024, 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 Birth Defects Prevention Month

Doctor holding pregnant woman's hand with catheter.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects occur in approximately one out of every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Birth defects generally appear during fetal development and can cause a wide range of medical problems in children, such as physical deformities, physical or mental developmental impairments, and potentially fatal diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

While some birth defects happen due to avoidable factors during pregnancy, not all causes are preventable. However, it’s still important to know the most common ways birth defects occur so that you can prevent these causes (when possible) or manage symptoms effectively as your child ages. Typical causes of birth defects include:

Genetic factors: Conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as inherited medical conditions, occur due to abnormalities in the child’s chromosomes, which contain genes and control physical development. While these defects are not necessarily preventable in your child, it can help for you to get genetic testing done before pregnancy to screen for potential medical problems that your child could inherit.

Exposure to substances: Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, prescription medications, and non-prescription drugs can all contribute to your child’s likelihood of developing a birth defect. Make sure to discuss any medications you take with your doctor before getting pregnant and to avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible while pregnant.

Complications during pregnancy: Birth defects can occur due to complications that occur during pregnancy, such as infections, amniotic band syndrome, or a lack of amniotic fluid around the fetus in your uterus. Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and prevent these complications from occurring.

Other risk factors, including age and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase your baby’s likelihood of developing birth defects.

You can get help from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department to manage risks during pregnancy and keep yourself and your baby healthy. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5702.

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.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. There are more than three million people in the United States and 60 million people worldwide who suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Typically the disease starts to develop suddenly, often without symptoms,  and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost before some people even notice a problem. It usually starts with loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma  is caused by damage to the optic nerve so that the  brain isn’t able to receive images from the eyes. There are two types of Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma where pressure inside the eye increases on its own and damages the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma where another disease causes the pressure in the eye to increase and that results in optic nerve damage. Both types will eventually lead to blindness. Early detection of Glaucoma can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are very important. To schedule an appointment with an eye 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.

Outdoor Exercises For Winter Weather

Young male runner preparing his sneakers for running. Tying shoelaces on a snowy road.It can be easy to use the cold winter weather as an excuse to stay inside and avoid outdoor physical activities. However, many forms of outdoor exercise are actually well-suited to lower temperatures and can even offer some added benefits, assuming that you take the appropriate precautions to protect your health. A few of these recommended outdoor exercises include:

Running: Winter is a great time to go out for a run. Running is a simple way to incorporate moderately intense aerobic exercise into each week; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an average of 150 minutes of this type of exercise each week. Running in cold temperatures may also increase your metabolism, making it easier to burn excess calories. Make sure to wear two layers (including a jacket) and appropriately-fitting running shoes.

Ice Skating: Another popular outdoor winter activity that can double as a great form of exercise is ice skating. It’s a low-impact type of aerobic exercise, meaning that it puts minimal stress on your joints. It can also be helpful for improving your balance and strengthening your leg muscles. In order to avoid injury or medical problems due to the cold weather, make sure to wear appropriately-fitting skates and additional layers of clothing.

Snow Shoveling: While shoveling snow is typically more of a chore than a popular exercise choice, it does offer a few benefits for your physical health. Snow shoveling requires effort from your legs and arms to lift and move snow, strengthening muscles in these parts of your body. As with other outdoor exercises, make sure to wear an appropriate number of layers of clothing. Additionally, make sure to lift from your legs to avoid injuries to your back, and take frequent rests as needed to avoid over-stressing your heart. 

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor 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.

Holiday Loneliness

Lonely senior woman sitting at home in Christmas celebration. Close-up of an elderly woman's hand against background of decorated Christmas tree. For a variety of reasons, many people may feel particularly lonely during the holiday season. In some cases, it can be due to the loss of a loved one who they would normally spend the holidays with; for others, it may be due to illnesses or other circumstances that isolate them from friends and family members.

No matter your personal situation, there are steps you can take to help either yourself or someone else feel less lonely during the holidays. Some of these steps include:

Calling family members or friends you don’t talk to often: If you feel disconnected from family members or friends during the holiday season, this may be a great time to give them a call and check in on them.

Joining a community or volunteer group: If you don’t have any plans or expectations of seeing anyone during the holidays, you may be able to find opportunities to participate in local community events. You may also be able to volunteer your time either at these events or at other needed places during the holidays.

Finding activities to enjoy on your own: It’s perfectly okay to enjoy the holiday season on your own doing things that you enjoy, whether it involves activities at home, going out to enjoy activities.

Loneliness during the holidays may be harder for some people to cope with than others; don’t be afraid or ashamed of seeking help from a mental health professional. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.

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.