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.

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.

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 Safe Decorating Tips

 

Decorating your home for the holidays is always so much fun, but did you know that each year an estimated 250 house fires nationwide are caused by faulty holiday lights? Here are some tips for keeping your home safe this year:

  • Before stringing holiday lights always check the sockets to ensure they are not broken or cracked.
  • Never use indoor lights for outdoors use.
  • Turn off the indoor tree lights before going to bed or whenever you leave the house.
  • Do not connect more than three sets of lights to each extension cord.
  • Make sure that your lights have safety labels and are made by reputable companies.
  • Do not use candles on or near a tree.
  • Place your tree and gift-wrapped presents away from sources of heat such as fireplaces.
  • Make sure that your tree is secured firmly to its base so that it can’t tip over.
  • Artificial trees should be fire resistant.
  • Always keep a fire extinguisher handy and accessible in case of emergency.

Don’t ruin your holiday by being careless. A little common sense and taking some precautions will ensure a joyous holiday for you and your family.

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.

Testing for Memory Loss

As people age, they may experience memory loss. This may be due to several factors which include medication side effects, circulation issues, and simply because the brain doesn’t function as it once did. It is estimated that 10 percent of people over the age of 65 have some memory loss.

They may experience the following symptoms:

  • Asking the same question over and over
  • Mixing up words
  • Changing mood for no reason
  • Delaying the completion of tasks
  • Misplacing possessions
  • Confusing words

How is memory loss detected?

If memory loss is suspected, a physician will start by evaluating a person’s ability to recall names of objects, speak in coherent sentences, see clearly, have proper reflex responses, and follow commands. In addition to these basic exams, a physician will evaluate a patient’s ability to focus on a task, check for the ability to recall the time and place of events.

Other methods for evaluating a person for memory loss include psychometric testing which tests for decision making capability, problem solving, mental accuracy, and remembering details. Sometimes an MRI or a PET scan may be used to determine if there are any biological or anatomical causes, such as a tumor, that may be affecting memory.

If you feel as though you may be experiencing memory loss, it is advisable to speak with your physician. 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.

Our Employee Spotlight Shines on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Dave Brian Mangao, RN, CNM on 2 North. Dave began working at Flushing Hospital Medical Center nine years ago. He started as a unit clerk and after passing his NCLEX exam, became a night shift nurse on 2 North where he held the position for six years and was later promoted to Assistant Head Nurse then Nurse Manager.

Dave grew up in the Philippines. He attended Isabela West Elementary school. Dave continued his education at Isabela National High School. He graduated from the University of St. LaSalle where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Nursing degree.

Dave moved to the United States in 2014, initially residing in Woodside, Queens and currently lives in the Flushing area. He has no pets of his own, but his friend has two dogs, Mochi and Boba, that he considers to be like his own and with whom he enjoys spending time. In his free time, he likes going to his Jiu Jitsu class two or three times a week. His goal is to obtain his black belt one day soon. Dave also likes to paint and play chess. He also enjoys listening to music while he paints. Dave’s favorite food is Korean barbecue, especially oxtail if it is made by one of the members of the nursing staff in the ICU.

There are a few places Dave would like to visit, both for their culture and their art. He hopes to go to Japan, Paris, the Vatican, and Israel.

A few of the things that are important in Dave’s life are his religion, his health, his family, and loved ones. Having cherished memories of his experiences are also very important to him.

There are many reasons why Dave likes working at Flushing Hospital. He enjoys the interactions with his colleagues from whom he has learned so much. The nursing department administration has always encouraged him to move up in his career. He has learned so much about the profession from them and feels fortunate to be a part of the team. We look forward to having Dave work with us for many more years in the future.

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.

A Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe – Glazed Green Beans

Thanksgiving dinner is typically a large meal that consists of turkey and many side dishes. Here is a recipe from Good Housekeeping  for glazed green beans that is healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a34349776/glazed-green-beans-recipe/

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.