seasonal Archives - Health Beat

What Are The Health Benefits of Pumpkins?

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Pumpkins are a favorite fall vegetable for many people and are used as an ingredient in many different foods, including everything from pastries to pancakes, soup, and even curry. While many of the foods and beverages people associate with pumpkins (such as pumpkin spice lattes, for example) don’t actually include pumpkin as an ingredient, the ones that do can offer several significant health benefits.

Eating pumpkin can be helpful when it comes to boosting your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off disease. This boost comes from the amount of beta carotene contained in pumpkins; beta carotene is partially converted into vitamin A, which is important for strengthening your immunity.

Beta carotene is also helpful when it comes to your eye health, as it improves your retina’s ability to absorb light. Pumpkins also contain several other vitamins and minerals that help protect you against age-related macular degeneration, which causes blurriness and loss in the center of your field of vision. In addition to beta carotene, these vitamins and minerals include vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

Beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E are also antioxidants, which are beneficial for your skin health, with beta carotene particularly providing a boost to your skin’s protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun; these rays are one of the primary causes of skin cancer in many people.

If you’re considering incorporating more pumpkin into your diet to enjoy these health benefits, one thing to keep in mind is the difference between carving pumpkins (typically used for decorating) and pie pumpkins (typically used for cooking). Carving pumpkins are the larger variety with stringier insides and more water weight. Pie pumpkins are smaller and contain sweeter, richer insides, making them more flavorful and appropriate for usage as an ingredient in your fall dishes.

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 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.

Back-To-School Health Tips

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

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.

Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

People can live for weeks, months, or potentially years without realizing that medical problems they’re experiencing are symptoms of untreated Lyme disease. This condition can produce a wide range of symptoms that are often associated with other diseases; as a result, it may not always be easy to identify their most likely cause.

Lyme disease is most often transmitted through tick bites. Early signs and symptoms can begin up to a month after being bitten, but can also start to occur in as little as three days. These may include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Chills
Fatigue
Rash or swollen lymph nodes at the site of the tick bite

More serious symptoms of Lyme disease may begin to occur days or months after the first signs appear. Some of these more advanced signs include:

Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Rashes that have spread to other parts of the body
Drooping in the face
Arthritis and pain in the muscles, bones, joints, and tendons
Heart arrhythmia
Episodes of dizziness and shortness of breath
Nerve pain or shooting pains/numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
Brain or spinal cord inflammation

The erythema migrans (EM) rash that occurs in the early stage of Lyme disease can appear in a few ways for different people. The “classic” Lyme disease rash looks similar to a target, with a red ring that surrounds a central red spot. It can also appear as:

An expanding rash that may have a central spot of crusted skin
Multiple rashes in the same area with dark or discolored centers
A red, oval-shaped plaque
A ring-like rash
A blue-hued rash
An expanding red-blue rash with a clear spot of skin in the center

If you are experiencing potential symptoms of Lyme disease, please schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

Can Your Medication Make Your Skin Sensitive to the Sun?

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Certain medications may increase your risk of sunburns due to photosensitivity, a chemically-induced change in the skin that can cause sunburns. Photosensitivity can occur as an allergic reaction in the skin after several days (known as photoallergy) and as skin irritation that occurs within a few hours of sun exposure. Medications that can cause these reactions include:

Antibiotics
Antifungals
Antihistamines
Statins
Diuretics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Oral contraceptives and estrogens
Phenothiazines
Psoralens
Retinoids
Sulfonamides
Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes
Alpha-hydroxy acids (found in acne medication and cosmetics)

Although these medications can increase photosensitivity, they may not lead to a reaction in everyone who takes them. While there are no specific identifiable risk factors to indicate who may be more likely to experience a reaction, people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue eyes are more sensitive to sun exposure in general and may face a heightened risk.

The best way to reduce your risk of a heightened reaction to sunlight due to any medication is to limit sun exposure and follow recommended practices for protecting your skin. Some ways you can do this include:

Staying in the shade as much as possible while outdoors
Using 30+ sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light
Applying at least one ounce of sunscreen across your body at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapplying it every two hours
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, sunglasses, hats, and other protective clothing that limits how much of your skin is exposed to the sun

If you experience a severe sunburn, or one that is accompanied by a fever, headache, nausea, chills, confusion, or dehydration, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If your symptoms become severe and lead to a medical emergency, please dial 911 right away.

What are the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness?

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Thousands of people visit the emergency room due to heat-related health problems each year. As the summer begins, it’s important to stay aware of the signs and risk factors of heat-related illnesses.

There are five main categories of heat-related illness. These illnesses and their warning signs include:

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can lead to permanent disability or death without emergency treatment. It occurs when the body’s heat rises uncontrollably and stops sweating. Warning signs of this condition include:

Body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Red, hot, and dry skin that does not sweat
Nausea, dizziness, confusion, or vomiting
Rapid and strong pulse
Unconsciousness

Heat exhaustion: This type of illness can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 65 and people with high blood pressure. Without prompt treatment, this illness can develop into heat stroke. Some of the indicators of heat exhaustion include:

Pale, moist, cool skin
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Headache
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting

Heat cramps: Heat cramps typically occur as muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs, often in association with physical activity. Excessive sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture, leading to cramps. People with heart problems or who follow a low-sodium diet are most prone to this illness and should seek medical attention if it occurs. Warning signs include:

Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Thirst
Muscle pain or spasms

Heat rash: This illness occurs due to excessive sweating that causes skin irritation. It occurs most commonly in young children and generally appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters on the neck and upper chest. It can also occur in the groin, under breasts, and in elbow creases.

Sunburn: Sunburn is one of the most common forms of heat-related illness. It can affect anyone, but is more likely to occur in people with lighter skin tones. Skin affected by sunburn will often first appear red and feel warm and tender; this skin may later develop blisters.

If you are experiencing heat-related medical problems, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Does Your Child Have a Viral or Bacterial Infection?

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Throughout the spring season, there are a number of different ways your child can become sick, leading to common symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or stomach problems. In some cases, these issues may only be a result of seasonal allergies to substances such as pollen. However, these symptoms could also occur due to an infectious disease, such as the common cold or flu.

Children develop infections due to either viruses or bacteria. A virus is a piece of genetic material surrounded by protein that requires a living host; when it infects something, it takes control of the host’s cells and uses them to create more of the virus. Some examples of common pediatric viral infections include:

Influenza
Colds
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
Chickenpox
Bronchitis

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that live in a variety of different environments; most cause no harm to humans, with some even aiding in bodily processes such as digestion, but others may cause illnesses to develop in certain parts of the body. Common bacterial infections in children include:

Strep throat
Ear infections
Impetigo

Some infections may also be caused by either a virus or bacteria. These include:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Diarrhea

Knowing the cause of your child’s infection is important, as this will determine the type of medicine they will need. Viruses are treated with antiviral medication, while bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Trying to treat your child’s infection with the wrong type of medication will not work, and in some cases could even lead to negative side effects.

Both antiviral medication and antibiotics can only be obtained with a prescription. A doctor can determine the most likely cause of your child’s infection and prescribe them with the appropriate medication for effective treatment results. You can schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

3 Mental Health Tips for Online Dating

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, you may be using online dating apps as part of your search. The odds of success may be in your favor, as most couples today first meet online, but if you aren’t careful, your approach to online dating could be harmful to your mental health.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may experience symptoms as a result of the way many major dating apps work. Most apps display photos of users along with information about their personalities. Users may develop negative thoughts about their body image or about themselves in general if they aren’t getting many responses to their profile.

On the other hand, while a high number of responses may provide an initial sense of validation, it can quickly turn negative if potential connections or conversations come to a quick or unexpected end. Negative feelings can also occur after first dates if the person you met decides to “ghost” you, never responding or asking to go out with you again.

To stay mentally healthy despite these potential bumps in the road of your online dating journey, you should:

Set limits on the time you spend on each app: The unhealthy effects of online dating apps can increase as you spend more time on them at the expense of other activities. Set a time limit of about 30 minutes each day or limit your number of swipes for each app. Take a break to do something else after finishing your time with one app if you plan to use another.

Make genuine connections your goal: It can be easy to swipe thoughtlessly on a high volume of profiles, resulting in either a low number of matches or conversations that lead nowhere. Don’t swipe just to see how many matches you can get; use online dating apps as a tool to meet people you can genuinely connect with based on your true personality.

Avoid online dating on bad days: If you are in a negative frame of mind due to the events of your day or are experiencing sudden symptoms of a mental health condition, avoid online dating apps for that day entirely, as they can do more harm than good to your self-esteem and self-image in these moments.

If you’re experiencing mental health problems that are interfering with your ability to make connections with other people, romantic or otherwise, you can find help from a therapist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5562.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that often begins during the fall, continuing through the winter before subsiding during the spring and summer seasons. Some cases of SAD, however, can follow an opposite schedule, occurring during the spring and summer and ending during the fall and winter.

Millions of people may potentially experience SAD without realizing they have this condition. People who experience SAD can present many symptoms typically associated with other forms of depression such as moodiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. SAD that occurs during the spring and summer is particularly associated with irritability and anxiety. Symptoms of both forms usually begin during young adulthood.

Several factors may contribute to your risk of developing SAD, including low serotonin levels, disrupted melatonin levels, changes in sunlight exposure, and family history. Additionally, people who experience bipolar disorder or major depression are at an increased risk of developing this disorder. SAD is also much more common in women than men, and is more frequently experienced by people living in northern regions that receive less sunlight during the winter.

SAD is often treated through a variety of approaches. Many people may experience improvement in symptoms from regular exercise and adjusted sleeping schedules that ensure adequate sleep and increased exposure to sunlight. Light boxes also often improve symptoms within days or week with few side effects.

People who experience severe symptoms associated with SAD or who also have a condition such as bipolar or major depressive disorder may require treatment through psychotherapy and medication. These can help you develop strong coping mechanisms, build healthy habits, and manage physiological factors that may contribute to your symptoms.

You can receive mental health care for SAD at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562. If you begin to contemplate suicide or self-harm, please dial 988 immediately to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

3 Diet Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re pursing a weight loss goal or must abide by specific dietary restrictions due to a medical problem, you may be concerned about how your gatherings with friends and family for the holidays may affect your health.

Many celebrations with family and friends include plenty of indulgent meals and treats that can potentially set your weight loss goals back or otherwise negatively impact your health.

Although holiday gatherings may present certain challenges, there is no need to stress yourself out about sticking to your diet. A few key guidelines that emphasize moderation and patience can help you navigate your way through this part of the year in a way that preserves your health and allows you to focus on enjoying your time with your loved ones. These include:

Arriving with (and sticking to) a plan: Before your holiday gathering begins, determine ahead of time how much food you intend to eat. This may vary depending on your individual dietary restrictions and weight goals; if possible, find out what kind of food is being prepared ahead of time. If a particular option would be ideal for you, make it known to the hosts of the gathering ahead of time or prepare it yourself. Once you’ve determined the types and amounts of food you plan to eat, stick to that plan throughout the day.

Drink plenty of water: You will find your food to be much more filling when you drink lots of water. Try to drink roughly one glass of water each hour; you may find this easier by drinking one cup of water before your meal, one cup during the meal, and one cup afterward.

Talk to your loved ones: Remember that the main point of your holiday gathering is to spend time with the people you love and enjoy their company. Instead of absent-mindedly picking at hors d’oeuvres, focus on having conversations with the people around you and participating in the moment.

If you struggle to manage your diet during the holidays or any other part of the year, a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center may be able to help. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.