#FHMC_NYC Archives - Health Beat

#TBT A look back at the early days of Flushing Hospital

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

With roots in the community since 1884, here’s a rare photo of the Flushing Hospital ambulance stables circa, 1910.

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.

Breastfeeding After Augmentation

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Joann Ariola

August is National Breastfeeding Month when we look to improve health by promoting and supporting breastfeeding. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade.Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

Although the prior condition of the breasts, position of the implant and incision could have a direct bearing on milk production, it is very likely that you will have a positive experience when nursing your child.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a lactation consultant.

Parents: How much bacteria is on your baby’s “binky”?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Zuleika Benitez

The pacifier is the saving grace for many new parents to soothe their crying baby. However, what parents may not know are the germs harbored on the pacifier could be causing more harm than good to their baby’s health. If you have noticed your child is more prone to being diagnosed with strep throat and ear infections, the pacifier maybe the culprit.

Germs are not just on the surface of the pacifier. The porous rubber top of the pacifier is likely to grow bacteria from the inside out. Research conducted at the Tulsa Wellness Care Center found standard lab cultures produced strep bacteria, various strains of staph and the bacteria that cause pneumonia. The pacifier samples also produced the yeast that causes thrush. Thinking you can clean or disinfect the pacifier for continual use? Not necessarily. Even after washing and boiling a pacifier, these bacterias build a resistance under a complex structure called ‘biofilm’ and continue to harbor and grow. Surprisingly, the life expectancy of a pacifier, even after continual cleaning and “disinfecting”, is only two weeks.

So after this information, what should a parent do? Quit cold turkey? Cry it out? Here are a few helpful tips to ease the distress for both parent and baby:

Take it away early- newborns have a sucking reflex due to hunger, but by three months of age, it’s non-nutritive. Instead, try soothing your baby rocking or holding them.
Make it taste bad- Once they are older, they have developed their taste buds and are biased to certain tastes. Parents have tried vinegar or lemon to make it taste bad, but once it becomes unappealing, your child may be pacifier-free.
Take it away gradually- using it only for naps can be helpful and then gradually letting go the need for it.
Cut the tops off of the pacifier- an unconventional method, but possibly helpful. Place them strategically where he or she may find them and they will realize they are no longer able to use.

A healthy, happy baby will appreciate your caution in the long run.

10 Tips for Dining Out With High Blood Pressure

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Xavia Malcolm

Dining out is a treat we look forward to because we get to try new foods or indulge in our favorite cuisines. However, it is recommended that if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure to be mindful of the foods you pick from the menu. It is suggested that you stick to a diet that is low in saturated fats, does not contain MSG and has very little sodium or no added salt.

Nutritionists also advise that practicing the following tips when dining out will help in controlling blood pressure levels.

Choose appetizers with fruits or vegetables, instead of salty treats.
Ask for your food to be prepared without added salt or MSG.
Stay away from the saltshaker.
Select foods that are prepared using healthy cooking techniques such as grilling or steaming.
Avoid foods that are pickled, smoked or cured.
Cut away excess and visible fat from meats.
Avoid using butter or foods prepared with butter.
Limit sodium intake from condiments by using them sparingly or by asking that they be served on the side.
Steer clear of items that include cheese.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If you have high blood pressure you can still enjoy restaurant meals and make healthy food choices by sticking to the preceding tips. In addition to eating healthy it is also important to remember to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and take medications as prescribed to help control your blood pressure.

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day: Get Hep on Hepatitis B

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Joann Ariola

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that has a distinct effect on the liver. Each has different symptoms and treatments. Some causes of Hepatitis B can be misuse of recreational drugs and prescription medications or by sexual transmission. The only way to determine if you have Hepatitis B is by submitting to a laboratory test.

Persons with Hepatitis B may not realize they have it at first. Often times, the disease does not present with any symptoms or you might not get the right diagnosis since the disease shares some of the same signs as the flu, such as:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Mild fever
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain

People with hepatitis may notice darkness to their urine, light-colored stools, a yellowing of their skin (jaundice) or an itchy feeling all over your body. In more advanced cases, there can be bleeding inside your body or the mental feeling of being in a daze or stupor.

It is always smart to check with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms, or are in an at risk atmosphere.

Not seeking treatment for Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, a serious scarring of your liver.

If you would like to make an appointment with the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Breastfeeding: What is a normal lactation flow?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Zuleika Benitez

As a first time mother, there are so many decisions to make upon receiving your little bundle of joy, the choice to breastfeed is one of them. Often, first time mothers are concerned if their infant is receiving enough milk. Here are a few breastfeeding facts that can help ease any concerns or anxieties you may have about your choice to breastfeed trust that you are providing the best for your infant.

You produce a small amount of milk in the first few days after birth. This milk is called ‘Colostrum’. It is only produced in small amounts because that is all your baby needs. Your infant has a very small stomach- about the size of your thumb- and the colostrum you produce will help your baby’s immune system.
You will produce more milk after the third or fourth day. If you are pumping, the amount you create could possibly be anywhere from a half ounce to one ounce per breast or per feeding. Do not become discouraged if this is all you are producing or if your baby seems to want more after an hour and half or two. Breast milk is digested quickly and breastfed babies tend to eat more often than formula fed babies.
Your breast size does not determine the amount of milk you can produce. You are able to breast feed or pump and you will produce what is necessary- it’s all about supply and demand. The more you pump or breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.
Find time to relax and ensure you are maintaining a healthy diet. This will go a long way to helping your lactation flow. A relaxed and well-fed body will make it easier to create a sense of ‘let down’, also known as milk ejection.

For more information about breastfeeding, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 718-670-8994 to speak to a lactation consultant or for information on breastfeeding classes and support groups.

Type 1 Diabetes – What you should know?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Posted by Zuleika Benitez

Diabetes is on the rise and what has significantly increased is the rate of type 1 diabetes (T1D), formerly known as “juvenile” or “juvenile onset” diabetes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has found that more than 13,000 children and young people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year.

T1D is often first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. However, people may develop T1D at any age. The exact cause of T1D is unknown, there is no cure and it cannot be outgrown. In most cases of T1D, the body’s own immune system, which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses, mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Doctors believe genetics may play a role in this process, and exposure to certain environmental factors, such as viruses, may trigger the disease.

The good news is that it can be controlled with insulin therapy, exercise and diet. Are you, or a family member, experiencing any of the following symptoms?
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Bedwetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed during the night
• Extreme hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• In females, frequent vaginal yeast infections

A simple blood test can identify type 1 diabetes. Be sure to consult with a physician if you or a family member is experiencing any of the above symptoms by contacting Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

How safe is the water in your public swimming pool?

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned the public about a parasite that can live up to ten days in chlorinated pool water and possibly cause severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. One of the main causes of outbreaks in treated water, including hot tubs and swimming pools, is a resistant parasite called Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is spread through contaminated food or feces. Experts suggest you try not to swallow water in recreational waters, including lakes and water parks, and refrain from swimming for at least a week if you have recently had any gastrointestinal problems to avoid passing an infection to others. There is no treatment for infection except to just stay hydrated and let it run its course.

The CDC recommends that swimmers shower before getting in the pool to prevent them from carrying infectious bacteria into the water. Young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to infection.

For more information, check out the CDC fact sheet about Cryptosporidium and swimming pools.

Hoop It Up!

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Looking for an inexpensive way to tone up your abs this summer? Try hula hooping! It’s not just for elementary school recess anymore with everyone from celebrities to First Lady Michelle Obama giving the hula hoop a spin.

A low impact and high energy workout, if you can hula hoop for at least 10 minutes you can increase your heart rate, burn calories and help tone your thighs, glutes and arms.

There’s no hard fast rule on what to do during a hula hoop work out, but experts suggest mixing a side to side hooping motion with a front to back hooping motion. Any combination of moves will burn 150 to 250 calories each half hour. If you hula hoop for 30 minutes, three times a week for four weeks you can lose three to six inches all over. If you are an expert hooper, try a weighted hoop for an additional challenge.

Check with your doctor before using any kind of hula hoop, especially if you have a history of back problems, or before starting any new exercise regiment.

For more health and lifestyle tips follow us on Twitter @FHMC_NYC, and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FlushingHospital

Are you at Risk for Stroke?

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Sage Robinson

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke or a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) is an attack on the brain that can occur very quickly and with little warning. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke and one death from stroke happens every four minutes, making it the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

The risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity. Though stroke risk increases with age, strokes can occur at any time. Prevent or reduce your risk of stroke by:

. Keeping your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels in normal range

. Quitting smoking

. Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet and weight

. Treating heart disease

You may be having a stroke if you experience:

. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

. Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

. Confusion or trouble speaking

. Dizziness or trouble walking

. Numbness or weakness in the arm, face or legs, especially on one side of the body

If you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T:

F Facial Weakness

A Arm Weakness

S Slurred speech

T Time to call 911

Remember, the quicker you get medical help, the less damage to your brain and body and the better your chances are of surviving or avoiding long-term disability.