Health Archives - Health Beat

Employee Spotlight Shines on Donna Provenzano, RN, CEN, Assistant Head Nurse of the Emergency Department

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Donna Provenzano, RN, CEN, and Assistant Head Nurse of the Emergency Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Donna began her nursing career at Flushing Hospital in 1989 as a student nurse and was welcomed with open arms on 2 West, formerly the med/ surg floor, by amazing nurses.

After obtaining her RN degree, Donna remained on 2 West until 1995 when she began to work as a float in the Emergency Department. This is where she found her passion for providing emergency care and remained there for the past 27 years.

Donna was raised in the Borough of Queens. She attended Catholic schools through high school and obtained her nursing degree from Queensborough Community College. She continues to perfect her trauma nursing skills by participating in initiatives that promote critical thinking and solidify communication.

When she is not working, Donna enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music daily, especially while she exercises. This helps her to relax after a challenging shift. Donna also enjoys traveling with family and friends and going to new places every year. Her favorite destinations typically include warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Donna feels as though she grew up working at Flushing Hospital and credits her career growth to having wonderful mentors. They helped her to become the nurse that she is today. Donna now tries her best to be a supportive mentor to the young nurses she works with. She is always willing to teach, guide, and share her knowledge with them. Donna also encourages new nurses to continue their education and to keep updated on the changing trends in emergency medicine.

Flushing Hospital has been like a second home and family to Donna. She likes the fact that she gets to spend so much time with her colleagues and that they can share their happiness, sadness, stress, and sense of fulfillment for taking care of patients.

Donna has had a long and successful career at Flushing Hospital. We look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.

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.

What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer that only affects an estimated 3,000 Americans each year. It develops in Merkel cells, which are found deep in the outer layer of the skin, and causes them to grow uncontrollably. With this particular type of skin cancer, these cells tend to spread to other parts of the body quickly; additionally, the cancer often returns after treatment.

A person with Merkel cell carcinoma may notice one or more signs of the disease. Tumors typically appears on parts of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, or arms. These tumors can appear as shiny, pearly lumps that are:

Growing quickly
Firm, itchy, tender, and sore
Similar in appearance to a pimple or bug bite
Approximately the same size as a dime
Skin-colored, red, purple, or bluish-red

Merkel cell carcinoma usually develops in men who are fair-skinned and older than 50. This form of skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, as well as other risk factors such as Merkel cell polyomavirus, a common childhood virus that’s present in roughly 80% of people who develop Merkel cell carcinoma. However, despite this link, most people with the virus do not develop this cancer.

A person’s risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma may also increase if they have other types of skin cancer, a history of severe sunburns, a weakened immune system, or frequently use light therapy (such as for psoriasis or other skin diseases) or take organ transplant medications.

Dermatologists (specialists who treat skin conditions) are the doctors who primarily diagnose and treat Merkel cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer. You can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Suicide is currently the 11^th 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.

What is the Difference Between Diabetes and Insulin Resistance?

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Diabetes and insulin resistance both involve some of the same elements. Specifically, a key factor in both conditions is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels in your body. Insulin allows your cells to absorb sugar from the blood, providing these cells with the energy they need to function and keep blood sugar levels normal.

Despite the similarities in terms of how insulin resistance and diabetes work, not everyone with one has the other. In a person with insulin resistance, cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond as well as they should to insulin; the pancreas may be producing a normal amount of insulin, but because cells are not processing it effectively, this normal amount is not enough to support these cells’ ability to function.

A person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can experience insulin resistance, but not everyone with diabetes is necessarily insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes can occur as a result of the pancreas not making as much insulin as it’s normally supposed to; while the body’s cells may still be able to process insulin normally, not enough of it is being produced to support cell functions. This also occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes due to their immune system targeting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Insulin resistance also doesn’t necessarily lead to diabetes in everyone who experiences it. While it can progress into prediabetes and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes if left untreated, it’s also associated with other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance also isn’t necessarily a chronic condition; it can occur temporarily in some people.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of either insulin resistance or diabetes, 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.

Late Summer Recipe – Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

End of summer, weeknight meals call for recipes that are easy to prepare and that don’t require much cooking time. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend for penne with sun dried tomato pesto.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe-1942250

National Head Lice Prevention Month

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest people’s hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, feeding on human blood several times per day. They are not known to spread disease, but they are contagious and can spread through contact with the hair of a person who has them. Aside from direct personal contact, this can also occur through indirect means, such as sharing clothes with a person with head lice or laying on furniture after they’ve used it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head lice infestations (also known as pediculosis) occur most commonly in the United States among pre-school and elementary school children, as well as among people living in the same household as children within these age groups.

Signs of pediculosis include the feeling of something moving through the hair, itching, the development of sores on the scalp, and difficulty sleeping due to the increased activity of head lice in the dark. A diagnosis is generally made when head lice are found on the scalp.

Preventing the spread of head lice can be challenging, as children are often in close contact with one another throughout each school day. Some steps you can take to protect them (and yourself) from an infestation include:

Discouraging your child from sharing clothes or close personal space with someone who may have head lice
Regularly combing your child’s hair and encouraging them to practice this habit on their own
Stocking up on lice removal kits, shampoos, creams, lotions, and medications

If you notice signs of a head lice infestation in your child, yourself, or another person in your household (and if non-prescription products aren’t helping enough), you can also visit a doctor for treatment. A doctor can prescribe specialized shampoos, lotions, and other products that aren’t available over-the-counter, as well as oral and topical medications.

You can receive treatment for head lice from a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Exercise and Aging

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

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

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

Strength Exercise
Endurance Exercise
Balance Exercise
Flexibility Exercise

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

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

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

Do Teenagers Spend Too Much Time on Social Media ?

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Summer Weather Affects Asthma

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Our New Beginnings Team Member Regina Holmes, RN

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Regina Holmes, RN, has worked at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for the past 39 years. She became a nurse because she wanted a meaningful career that would have a positive impact on the lives of others.

As a member of the New Beginnings team, Regina takes great pride in providing a comfortable and safe environment for her patients. She achieves this by offering the care and support needed to ease the anxieties of expecting parents. “Having a baby can be challenging, but we do everything we can to make it a positive experience,” she explained.

According to Regina, the greatest reward of being a nurse on Flushing Hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit is getting to share in the joy of a new family. “I get so much happiness from being there for the delivery of a baby and helping parents step into their new role. It is very fulfilling,” she said.