Flushing Hospital Medical Center Archives

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Morteza Modaber

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

We are is pleased to introduce Dr. Morteza Modaber, the new Director of Neurology for both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Modaber obtained his medical degree at Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, before coming to practice medicine in the United States. After four years of neuromodulation research at the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed an internship program in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University from 2016 to 2017. He then completed a residency program in neurology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell from 2017 to 2020, where he also completed a fellowship program in vascular neurology.

Part of what Dr. Modaber finds so engaging about his new role is the opportunity it offers to serve unmet needs for patients living in Queens. “There’s a massive need in the Queens community for neurological care,” said Dr. Modaber. “There isn’t enough access to medical professionals with a neurological background. I’m very excited to be able to help provide that care.”

Both the community he serves and the people that he works with bring joy and purpose to Dr. Modaber’s career. “Our hospitals and the communities they serve are melting pots of different cultures and different groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. I’m very happy to be working in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Dr. Modaber.

As Director of Neurology, Dr. Modaber plans to expand the Neurology Department in ways that will allow it to provide comprehensive neurological care to the Queens community. “I want to be able to offer people in Queens the best neurological care they can get in New York without having to take a long trip to Manhattan, Long Island, or somewhere else to get it,” said Dr. Modaber. “We’ve been recruiting a lot of highly-skilled people and are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Modaber to our team and looks forward to the work that he and the rest of the Neurology Department will do to provide high-quality neurological care to our community.

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.

Flushing Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Dental Center

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flushing Hospital Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new, state-of-the-art dental center.

In addition to various members of the hospital’s faculty, administration, and staff, Congresswoman Grace Meng, a long-time supporter of Flushing Hospital and advocate for improved health care resources in the community, attended the ceremony.

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department currently treats an average of 11,000 patients each year. With the improved capabilities of the new dental center, this number is expected to increase to over 14,000 patients, an increase of more than 20%.

The 3,550-square-foot facility features eight examination rooms, one imaging room, one laboratory, and one sterilization room. The center is expected to significantly improve dental patient capacity and treatment efficiency at the hospital and expand community access to a variety of specialized dental treatments.

The dental center also features a wide range of new equipment, including a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine with 3D imaging, fiber-optic handpieces in all operatories, and all-new dental delivery units with monitors for patients to see their radiographs and better understand their treatment plan. Other amenities include curing lights, specialized sterilization cassettes, a larger registration area, and a larger, more convenient waiting area.

“Our new facility allows us to provide our full range of dental treatment options to a higher volume of patients,” said Dr. Bijan Anvar, Chairman of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Dental Medicine. “With this expanded capacity, we can make a greater impact on dental health in our community, particularly for patients experiencing common conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease.”

Across the United States, approximately 90% of all adults have had at least one cavity and nearly half of all adults show signs of gum disease. Over half of all children have also had cavities in their baby or adult teeth. These problems are more common among underserved communities. With the expanded care resources offered by Flushing Hospital’s new dental center, patients have closer local access to specialized treatment for these conditions and others.

“We’re excited to provide the Flushing community with a new, state-of-the-art destination for accessible, high-quality dental care,” said Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Flushing Hospital. “The facility and the cutting-edge equipment it features provide our dental team with the tools they need to offer an even higher level of dental care to our patients.”

Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department provides treatments in several specialty areas, including pedodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. These treatments are provided by a team of 41 attending physicians, eight residents, and 10 support staff members.

Appointments at Flushing Hospital’s Dental Department are available from 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 9 AM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department with Bronze-level accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department. This achievement recognizes the Emergency Department’s commitment and ability to provide the highest quality care to geriatric patients.

An emergency department with Bronze ACEP accreditation features a geriatric emergency care policy initiative, at least one physician with four or more hours of geriatric emergency medicine education, and at least one registered nurse with geriatric emergency medicine education, as well as access patient access to mobility aids, food, and beverages 24/7.

Flushing Hospital’s Emergency Department cares for the needs of older patients in a variety of ways, including:

Early recognition and care for patients with confusion from causes such as infections, medication reactions, or dementia
Falls risk assessment and prevention
Social work and case management support across the spectrum of care from home care to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility placement
Palliative care services to assist patients and families with decisions about end-of-life care that align with their own values and priorities

“We recognize that our older patients often have special needs, and our team is dedicated to supporting those needs,” said Dr. James F. Giglio, Chair of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We utilize best practices promoted by the American College of Emergency Physicians to optimize care within the Emergency Department throughout hospitalization and when transitioning care at the time of hospital discharge.”

Congratulations to everyone at the FHMC Emergency Department for this achievement!

What Does a Low Level of Testosterone Signify ?

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles. It affects sexual development, appearance, muscle strength, and sperm production. As men age, the level of testosterone circulating in the blood tends to decrease. The decrease is usually gradual after the age of 30.

Besides age, there are also medical conditions that can lead to low testosterone levels. Examples of these conditions are Klinefelter syndrome, Noonan syndrome, damage to the testicles, Infection, or obesity. Cancer treatments including radiation or chemotherapy can also cause this effect. Some medications such as antidepressants and narcotics can also lower testosterone levels.

A low level of testosterone can cause:
• Diminished sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low semen count
• Hair loss • Fatigue
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Changes in memory
• Depression

A diagnosis for low testosterone can be made after evaluating the results of a blood test.

Treatment for low testosterone can be accomplished with Testosterone Therapy which can be administered in various ways:
• Transdermal
• Injection
• Oral
• Intranasal
• Pellets under the skin

There can be side effects of testosterone therapy such as redness at site of injection or where the patch is located, abnormal raising of blood hemoglobin levels, enlarged breasts, an enlarged prostate, or an altered sperm count.

Speak to your physician if you think you might be experiencing decreased testosterone levels. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What Does it Mean to Have an Enlarged Heart ?

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

An enlarged heart, also known by its medical terminology as cardiomegaly, enlarges because of damage to the heart muscle. The main cause of an enlarged heart is when the walls of the ventricles become thin and stretched beyond their normal size. This is known as dilated cardiomyopathy. It can also be due to a thickening of the ventricles. This is known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

There are several factors that can lead to an enlarged heart. These include:

Pregnancy
High Blood Pressure
Fluid around the heart
Excessive iron in the body
Thyroid disorders
Kidney disease
HIV
Alcohol or cocaine use
Abnormal heart valve
Viral infection of the heart
Genetics
Coronary artery disease
Abnormal heart rhythm

If a person experiences shortness of breath, an abnormal heart rhythm or edema these could be signs of an enlarged heart and be a reason for your doctor to conduct further tests. The diagnosis of an enlarged heart can be made by x-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress test, CT scan or an MRI.

Treatment for an enlarged heart may include taking medications that are prescribed once the cause of the condition has been determined. It is also possible that treatment may require heart valve surgery, coronary bypass surgery, and a heart transplant.

Lifestyle changes can also help people who have enlarged hearts. It is important to quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, limit salt intake, control diabetes, and get a moderate amount of exercise.

Having an enlarged heart isn’t something that a person would be able to diagnose on their own. Speak to your physician if you have reason to be concerned. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The month of October is designated as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. The purpose of this observation is to bring attention to this leading cause of death in children under the age of one.

SIDS is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby that occurs during sleep. The cause is not completely known, however, it is thought to be related to a defect in the part of the brain that controls breathing.

Some of the risk factors for SIDS include:

A low birth weight
Having a recent respiratory infection
Having a brain defect that controls breathing
Gender ( boys are at higher risk than girls)
Living in an environment with second hand smoke
Having a family history of SIDS
Having a mother who smokes or drinks alcohol during pregnancy

How a baby sleeps can also be a factor. The risk of SIDS may increase if a baby sleeps in a bed with another person, if a baby sleeps on their stomach, or if a baby sleeps on a mattress that is too soft.

There are a few ways to prevent SIDS from occurring. These include having the baby sleep on its back, keeping the room where a baby sleeps from getting too hot, keeping the crib as empty as possible, and having the baby sleep in the same room as an adult if possible. It is also thought that breast feeding for the first six months may help to prevent SIDS.

If you are pregnant, it is important to receive good prenatal care. Speak to your doctor about classes that you can take to learn how to properly care for your infant. You can also call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5000 and ask to speak to a maternity specialist.

Foods That Are Good For Your Kidneys

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The kidneys are two bean shaped organs in the body that help to filter waste products from the blood. They also help to regulate blood pressure.

People who have kidney disease should follow a diet that prevents the kidneys from losing their ability to function properly. It is important to maintain a diet low in sodium. This usually means less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Eating fresh foods is usually a healthier option due to a lower sodium content. Eat small portions of protein, 2 to 3 ounces, is a good amount.

Protein can come from fish, skinless chicken, lean meat, eggs, or dairy. Avoiding alcohol is also important. Heart healthy meals are a good choice. Avoid deep fried foods. Broiled or baked is a better option. Eat foods lower in phosphorous include vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, corn, and foods low in potassium apples, carrots, green beans, white bread, apple, grape, cranberries. It is also important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

Things to avoid when you have kidney disease are:

Sodium
Potassium
Excess Protein
Fast food

There a certain foods that help to keep the kidneys functioning well. These include:

Cauliflower
Blueberries
Sea Bass
Red Grapes
Garlic
Buckwheat
Olive Oil
Cabbage
Bell peppers
Arugula
Macademia nuts
Radish
Turnips
Pineapple
Shiitake mushrooms

Speak to your physician if you are having kidney problems about the best choice of foods for you. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

An Abdominal Burning Sensation Could be a Stomach Ulcer

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A stomach ulcer, sometimes referred to as a gastric ulcer, occurs when the acids in the stomach slowly eat away at the lining of the stomach resulting in sores. They can be very painful in some cases, and at other times some people will have no symptoms at all.

There are two main causes of stomach ulcers. One is taking too many pain relievers over a long period of time. This slowly destroys the mucosa lining found in the stomach. The other main cause of a stomach ulcer is caused by a bacteria called Heliobacter pylori ( H. pylori) . This bacteria increases the amount of acid in the stomach which eats away at the stomach lining. Other causes of stomach ulcers are smoking, alcoholic beverages, stress, and spicy food.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

Burping
Feeling bloated
Nausea
Blood in stool
Vomiting
Heartburn
Unexplained weight loss
Change in appetite

Having an empty stomach may increase the symptoms.

A stomach ulcer may be accompanied by complications. These can include internal bleeding and infection.

Diagnosing a stomach ulcer is done by taking a thorough medical history and then drawing blood, breathing into a special device, and stool samples.

Treating a stomach ulcer depends on what is causing it. If it is a pain medication issue, then you may have to cut back or reduce the dosage. If it is H. pylori related an antibiotic may be prescribed and then medication to reduce the production of excess stomach acids. Some people get relief by taking antacids or medications that protect the lining of the stomach. Reducing stress may help the symptoms as can eating a healthy diet full of fruits, nuts, and whole grains, eating aged cheese, yogurt, and taking probiotics.

If you are experiencing pain in your abdomen, speak to your physician about possible causes. You can also schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

Why is a Vitamin K Deficiency Dangerous ?

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is responsible for the production of the components needed for blood clotting. It also may play a role in bone production. Without sufficient vitamin K we would potentially bleed too much.

There are two types of vitamin K: K1 which comes from leafy greens, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, green beans and some other vegetables and K2 which comes from meats, cheeses, and eggs.

People who are at risk of vitamin K deficiency include those :

Taking certain antibiotics
Taking blood thinners including Coumadin
Having poor absorption by the intestines due to celiac disease
Having a diet poor in vitamin K
Drinking large amounts of alcohol frequently

Vitamin K does not transfer well with breast milk and for this reason many infants are given an injection of vitamin K at birth to help them get the necessary amount that the body requires.

To determine if a person has an adequate amount in the body, a prothrombin test is performed to check blood clotting time.

If you are experiencing blood clotting issues, you should speak to your physician about the possible causes. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

What is Athlete’s Foot ?

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Athlete’s Foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. This It is a type of fungus that thrives in an environment that is warm, dark, and moist, similar to the inside of a shoe. It is commonly seen in athletes who walk barefoot in locker rooms but it can affect anyone. Even though it isn’t a serious disease, it can be quite uncomfortable and can be difficult to cure.

Athlete’s foot is spread by coming into direct contact with someone who already has it (wearing shoes or socks of an infected person), or indirectly (by walking on surfaces in a locker room, around a pool, or in a shower where someone with the infection has been).

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

Blisters on the feet that itch
Burning, itching, and stinging in the areas between the toes or on the soles of the feet
Discolored toe nails
Raw skin on the bottom of the feet
Peeling skin on the bottom of the feet
Having bad foot odor

Prevention of athlete’s foot is very important, especially if using public locker rooms or showers. Some of the methods of prevention include:

Wearing water slippers in public showers and locker rooms
Never walking barefoot
Never wearing someone else’s shoes, socks, or towels
Changing socks frequently especially if you sweat a lot
Using antifungal powder every day
Washing your feet with soap and water every day and drying them well, especially between the toes
Disinfecting the inside of your shoes with disinfectant wipes
Never wearing shoes that are damp on the inside

Athlete’s foot is diagnosed by taking a skin scraping form the infected area and placing it in a solution of potassium hydroxide. It is then examined under a microscope. If the sample is positive the normal cells will have dissolved and the infected cells will remain.

Treatment of athlete’s foot requires medication which can either be a topical over the counter medication or a stronger topical agent that will be prescribed by a physician. Sometimes an oral medication may be necessary if the infection is very serious.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of athlete’s foot you should seek medical care right away. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a foot doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.