Flushing Hospital Medical Center Archives - Page 3 of 5

Rosacea

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Flushing Hospital

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by reddening and the appearance of blood vessels on the face. Rosacea can also cause red bumps containing pus to develop as well as redness of the eyes and thickening of the skin on the nose- causing it to appear bigger than it really is.

Currently, there are approximately 14 million people living with rosacea in the United States. While the condition can affect anyone, it is most likely to occur in:

Women more than men
People between the ages of 30 and 50
Those with a family history of rosacea
Those who had acne when they were younger
Those with fair skin, blue eyes and blond hair
Smokers

The causes of rosacea are unknown; however, there are indications that suggest symptoms may present as the result of an immune response, intestinal bacteria (H. pylori), a mite found in nature or a protein in the skin that is not functioning properly.

There are triggers that can cause a flare-up of rosacea, they include: being overheated, eating spicy foods, drinking hot liquids or alcoholic beverages, strong or sudden emotions, cosmetics, medications for blood pressure, sunlight, or having cold wind blowing on the face.

There aren’t any specific tests for rosacea, but doctors will want to rule out lupus and an allergic reaction. Depending on the severity, there are a few ways to alleviate symptoms of rosacea. These include:

Avoiding triggers
Protecting the skin from strong sunlight by applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing
Using mild soap and skin cream
Taking medications that help tighten the blood vessels
Undergoing laser treatments
Getting dermabrasion

If you are experiencing symptoms of rosacea, it is important that you see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis and start a treatment plan. If you would like 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.

The Health Benefits of Parsley

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

If you are like most Americans, you probably think of parsley as just something decorative that gets put on a plate to make a meal look pretty. However, parsley is now known to have many health benefits that many of us don’t know about. Before it became popular as a food, parsley was originally used for medicinal purposes by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Parsley contains many nutrients. It has vitamins A, K and C, minerals that include magnesium, potassium, folate, iron and calcium. It is also relatively low in calories.

The health benefits of parsley include:

Helps treat fatigue, hormone imbalances, liver problems, and menstrual pain,
Possesses antioxidant power
Promotes kidney cleansing
Reduces edema
Helps weight loss
Helps metabolism
Acts as an anti-inflammatory
Helps heal scars
Reduces toxins in the body
Aids digestion
Slows tumor growth
Helps to prevent osteoporosis
Reduces acid formation
Has antibacterial and antifungal properties

Consult with a physician before adding parsley in large amounts to the diet. People who are pregnant, have a tendency to form kidney stones, or susceptible to a rash should be cautious when eating it. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486 to discuss if parsley is good for you.

Natural Ways To Lower Cholesterol

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

High cholesterol is one of the health issues that affects millions of Americans and is responsible for people experiencing a higher risk of heart attacks, heart disease and stroke. Poor diet, lack of exercise, heredity and lifestyle choices are some of the reasons people are affected. Physicians can prescribe medications that will help control cholesterol levels in the blood, but there are also some ways to bring cholesterol levels down without medication.

Diets that contain a lot of red meat, dairy products, eggs, chocolate, baked items, processed foods and sugar are not healthy. Eating foods that are healthier such lean cuts of meat, nuts, and oils such as olive oil, canola oil and safflower oil tend to be better choices when watching cholesterol levels.

Additionally, diets that are rich in the following will tend to help lower levels of bad cholesterol:

Whole grain cereals (oatmeal and bran)
Fruits (apples, prunes, pears, oranges)
Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids
High fiber foods (beans, legumes, apples )
Vegetables
Spices (oregano, mint, thyme, clove, cinnamon)
Soybeans
Green tea
Supplements that lower cholesterol (niacin, psyllium husk, L-carnitine)

Alcoholic beverages and smoking can raise bad cholesterol levels so these should be kept to a minimum if even at all. Obesity can also raise the cholesterol level.

It is recommended that you see your physician annually for a thorough examination and to have lab work performed to check your cholesterol level. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Why is it Important to Keep the Brain Active ?

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Why is it important to exercise your brain? Just like we exercise our bodies to keep it in good working order, research has shown that it is equally important to exercise our brain to keep it sharp and potentially to lower the risk of developing dementia.

A few of the activities that can help exercise the brain are:

Working on puzzles
Socializing with others
Reading books and newspapers
Playing board games or cards
Volunteering or joining a club
Learning how to play an instrument
Visiting a museum or going to the movies

It is normal for the brain to slow down with age. We tend to be less active physically and this can affect our brain activity. Therefore in addition to keeping our brains active we should exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Maintaining our physical health helps the process of neurogenesis which is the creation of new brain cells. Exercise also helps the flow of blood to the brain

If you would like to discuss with a physician any issues concerning the brain functioning, please call 718-670-5486.

Sudden Hair Loss Can Happen To Anyone

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Alopecia areata is a condition that affects over 6.8 million people in the United States. It is a common autoimmune disorder that is characterized by the unpredictable loss of hair. Usually, the hair loss is localized to small patches that are about the size of a quarter but in more severe situations a larger amount of hair may fall out. Hair loss is typically from the scalp but it can also be from the beard, eye lashes or the entire body. It can affect both men and women at any age but most commonly is seen before the age of 30. Approximately 20 percent of the people who experience alopecia have a family member who has had it.

Alopecia occurs when the white blood cells in the body attack the hair follicles, which in turn causes them to slow down hair production and ultimately lead to hair loss. The hair follicles aren’t usually destroyed so once the autoimmune response is controlled either spontaneously or with the help of medication, hair can start to regrow. For many, hair regrowth can be achieved without the use of medication.

The diagnosis of alopecia is usually made by simple observation of the area where the hair loss occurs. In some cases a dermatologist may want to perform a biopsy or a blood test to test for the autoimmune response.

While there is no cure for alopecia there are ways to treat it. The medications that are used to treat it typically are very powerful anti-inflammatories, administered either orally which can have serious side effects, through localized injections or as a topical cream. They act by suppressing the immune response that causes alopecia. The sudden loss of hair may cause people emotional distress and therefore they may need emotional support or professional help.

If you have noticed a sudden loss of hair, you should speak with your physician about the possible causes. You can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Problem gambling is a serious issue that affects millions of people in the United States. An estimated two million people can be classified as having a gambling addiction and an additional four to six million people can be said to have a problem with gambling. Uncontrolled gambling can ruin families, finances, and careers.

The National Council on Problem Gambling began a campaign 16 years ago in order to raise awareness and to suggest ways that these people can be helped. There are three main goals of this campaign:

Increase public awareness of problem gambling
Increase awareness of the resources to aid with problem gambling
Encourage medical providers to screen for gambling problems

Some of the criteria for defining problem gambling include:

Patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage family or work
Preoccupation with gambling and the need to bet money
Restlessness or becoming irritable when attempting to quit
Continuing to chase the big payoff

Compulsive gambling can be described as having the same effect on certain people as using drugs or alcohol. They build up a tolerance to it and are always in need of more in order to satisfy their urges.

A person who feels that they have a gambling issue should contact their physician to see about getting help. You can also go to the website of Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/ for referrals in your community.

Breast Feeding Benefits

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The benefits of breastfeeding are many. Breast milk contains the proper nutrients that include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins minerals and water to get your baby off to a good a start in life. It is a known fact that breast milk also helps to boost a baby’s immune system and it is easier to digest than formula.
A woman who is considering breastfeeding her baby has to take certain precautions to protect both her-self and the infant. This includes:
• Drinking plenty of fluids (juice, water, and milk)
• Not smoking
• Taking medications only if they are approved by your doctor
• Getting plenty of rest
• Eating a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Avoiding alcoholic drinks
Breastfeeding may or may not be easy at first but once you get comfortable, it is not difficult. With help from a lactation consultant, a new mom can start feeding a few minutes after birth. However, it may take a few tries which isn’t unusual. Breastfeeding is typically recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, but that is a personal preference.
If you would like to discuss breastfeeding with a lactation consultant at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5702.

The Medicinal Benefits of Cinnamon

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Most people think of cinnamon as a spice that adds flavor to food and beverages. What many people don’t know however is that for thousands of years people have been using cinnamon for medicinal purposes.

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. The bark is then crushed into a powder which we can use as a flavoring or for medicinal purposes.

Some of the known medicinal benefits of cinnamon are:
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory
• Lowers blood sugar
• Acts as an anti-oxidant
• Acts as an anti-microbial
• Helps manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s
• Helps manage symptoms of Parkinson’s
• Thought to have anti-carcinogenic properties
• Helps manage polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Help manage dry eye and conjunctivitis
• Can be used as an insect repellant

Though cinnamon usually has no side effects, too much can irritate the mouth and the lips. Some people may also be allergic to it. As with anything, speak to you your physician before using cinnamon to treat any medical condition.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

National Organ Donor Day

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

There are currently over 120,000 people in the United States who are awaiting an organ donation that could potentially save their lives.

It all started in 1998 when the Saturn company joined together with the United Auto Workers and supported by the U.S. Department of Health to recognize the need. Every year February 14th is a day designated as National Organ Donor Day that serves to make the public aware of the importance of how an organ donation can save a life for someone else.

There are different types of donations:
• Organs
• Tissue
• Marrow
• Platelets
• Blood

Flushing Hospital Medical Center supports organ donation. To find out how you can register to become an organ donor, go to www.liveonny.org for more information.

How can using a humidifier affect your health ?

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A humidifier works by adding moisture to the air, especially in cold weather when the air indoors tends to be dry. One of the benefits of having a humidifier is that when used properly they can lessen the risk of colds and flu germs. This is due to the fact that viruses tend to spread more easily in air that is dry, which is more common in cold weather.

Other benefits of having a humidifier include relieving:
• dry skin
• dry throat
• chapped lips
• irritation of the nasal passages
• nose bleeds
• headaches
• sinus problems

The proper room humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. This is important because too much humidity can cause respiratory problems, mold and mildew to grow, and allow the growth of dust mites.

There are risks of using a humidifier if not used properly. Burns can occur if a person comes in contact with the steam. If the water tank isn’t cleaned properly, bacteria can grow and spread throughout the home.

Speak to your doctor about using a humidifier in your home. You can also schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486 if you would like to discuss ways to keep healthy during the winter months.