How to Improve Your Gut Health and Balance Your Gut Microbiome

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

There are trillions of beneficial bacteria living in your gut, or gut microbiome, that are essential to your health and well-being. The gut microbiome plays an important role in strengthening your immune system and regulating daily bodily functions, including hunger signals and mood fluctuations.

The gut contains 95 percent of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, which means what you eat can impact your ability to respond to stress, reduce anxiety, and help the body fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria that could make you sick.

When you have an unhealthy gut, it can cause several diseases and conditions, including:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Obesity

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Insulin resistance and other endocrine disorders

Mental health conditions and neurological disorders

Asthma

Various cancers

There can be several signs of an unhealthy and imbalanced gut, including:

Intolerance to certain foods

A frequent upset stomach

Intense cravings

Skin irritations

Autoimmune disorders

Intense cravings

Migraines and frequent headaches

Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue

Irritability or other mood changes

Changes in bathroom habits

The most direct and effective way to improve your gut health is through your diet by getting enough dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is the key nutrient for maintaining the diversity of gut microbiota. Having low gut microbiota diversity is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as:

Obesity

Diabetes

Irritable bowel disease (IBD)

Several foods are high in fiber, including:

Fruits

Vegetables

Nuts

Whole grains, such as:

Barley

Bran

Quinoa

Oatmeal

Brown rice

Seeds

Legumes, including peas, beans, and lentils

Other recommendations for improved gut health include:

Increasing consumption of whole foods by adopting the Mediterranean diet

Limiting processed foods

Eating smaller meals

Eating more slowly and chewing food thoroughly

Managing stress

Exercising more

Setting a gut bedtime

Gut health can also be improved by taking probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the gut and are believed to support a healthy immune system and good digestion. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, including:

Yogurt

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Kombucha

Pickles that are salt-based

Tempeh

Kimchi

Miso

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that probiotics feed on. They can be found in several high-fiber foods, including:

Leeks

Asparagus

Garlic

Onions

Bananas

Chicory root

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams per day.

If you would like to improve your gut health and balance your gut microbiome, you can consult a physician by visiting 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.

Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems that affect men and boys.

Statistics show men are less likely than women to seek medical attention when something affects their health. Men are also less likely to have preventative screenings and checkups with their healthcare providers. This is a problem as early detection of a medical condition is the best way to effectively treat and manage it.

Additionally, avoiding or delaying checkups or screenings could result in a treatable condition becoming severe and/or fatal.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended, age-specific screening guidelines for men to help them manage their health:

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 18-39 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colon cancer screenings

Dental examinations

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screenings

Eye examinations

Immunizations

Skin examinations

Infectious disease screenings

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 40-64 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings

Prostate cancer screenings

Osteoporosis screening

Lung cancer screening

Infectious disease screening

Immunizations

Eye examinations

Dental examinations

Skin examinations

It is important to visit your healthcare providers regularly, even if you are feeling healthy. These visits can help:

Screen for any medical issues

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Assess your risk for any future medical problems

Update vaccinations and other preventative care services

Help you get to know your healthcare provider in case of an illness

If you are experiencing any medical problems or would like to receive health screenings, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling (718) 206-7001.

Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a month that recognizes the importance of educating the public on an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the world’s leading cause of blindness.

Most cataracts occur when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lens, and proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing it to become cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb eyesight early on, but with time, they will eventually affect a person’s vision.

There are several symptoms of cataracts, including:

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision

Trouble seeing at night

Sensitivity to bright light and glare

The need for brighter light for reading and other activities

Seeing “halos” or streaks that form around lights

Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Fading or yellowing of colors

Double vision in one eye

There are many types of cataracts, including:

Nuclear cataracts

Cortical cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Congenital cataracts

Several factors can increase the risk of cataracts, including:

Increasing age

Diabetes

Getting too much sunlight

Smoking

Obesity

Family history of cataracts

Previous eye injury or inflammation

Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye exam. A healthcare provider will closely examine your eyes for signs of cataracts and assess their severity. They will also ask about your vision, medical history, and if you’re having trouble with everyday tasks because you can’t see as well as before. Tests used to diagnose cataracts include:

Slit lamp exam

Visual acuity test

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision. During this surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently stays in the eye.

No studies have proven how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. However, healthcare professionals think several strategies may be helpful, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Quitting smoking

Managing other health problems

Choosing a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

Wearing sunglasses

Reducing alcohol use

If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center by calling (718) 206-5900.

Body Dysmorphia

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to unfairly and negatively think about how you see and feel about your body and appearance. A person who has body dysmorphia may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious. Other common symptoms of body dysmorphia include:

Constantly comparing yourself with others

Constantly asking others if you look okay

Not believing others when they say you look fine

Hiding parts of your body under a hat, scarf, or makeup

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding them entirely

Constantly grooming or exercising

Picking at your skin with your fingers or tweezers

Seeing several healthcare providers about your appearance

Having unnecessary plastic surgeries

Suicidal ideations

Avoiding social situations

Not leaving the house, especially during the day

These symptoms can cause severe disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their thoughts, which can undermine their mental and physical well-being.

Experts estimate that body dysmorphia affects about 2.4% of adults in the U.S. overall, and between 1.7% and 2.9% of people globally.

Body dysmorphia is most likely to begin in the teen or early adult years. Two-thirds of people with body dysmorphia develop the condition before the age of 18, usually around 12 or 13 years old. However, it can also start in early adulthood.

Experts don’t fully know how or why body dysmorphia occurs, but they believe multiple factors are involved, such as:

Genetics

Brain structure, chemistry, and activity differences

Cultural influences and popular media

A history of childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying

People who suffer from body dysmorphia are more likely to have other mental conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Substance use disorders

The symptoms of body dysmorphia can take many shapes as a person who suffers from this condition can excessively focus on one or more parts of the body, such as their:

Face, such as their nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes

Hair, such as its appearance or any thinning and/or baldness

Skin and appearance of their veins

Breast size

Muscle size and tone

Genitalia

There aren’t any medical tests that can diagnose dysmorphia. A healthcare provider will perform a medical evaluation to help rule out other medical conditions and may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The mental health professional will diagnose body dysmorphia based on:

A psychological evaluation, which assesses risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image

Your personal, social, family, and medical history

Signs and symptoms that you have experienced

The treatment for body dysmorphia often can include a combination of:

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy

Medications, such as antidepressants

You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control, and you may even spend hours each day worrying about the way you look. Your thinking can become so negative and persistent that you may think about suicide at times. If you are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an emergency, call 911.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) takes place February 23rd – March 1st. NEDAW raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges stigma, and provides hope and support to all who have been impacted by these conditions.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can cause unhealthy relationships with how a person thinks about food, eating, weight, and how they see themselves. If eating disorders aren’t treated effectively, they can become long-term problems and can be fatal in some cases.

Eating disorders are common. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), studies show that 28.8 million people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

There are several types of eating disorders. They include:

Anorexia nervosa restricts food and/or caloric intake, and creates a fear of gaining weight and a distorted self-image

Bulimia nervosa causes a person to binge or eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time, or believe that the food intake was large, which is followed by purging the food by vomiting or with the use of laxatives, or excessive exercise

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) limits the amount or type of food eaten for reasons unrelated to a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose weight

Binge eating disorder causes a person to eat or think there is a large amount of food in a short time, followed by feelings of shame, regret, guilt, or depression

Pica causes a person to compulsively swallow non-food items, such as chalk, dirt, or paint

Rumination disorder causes undigested food to return to a person’s mouth after swallowing it. Food is then rechewed, re-swallowed, or spit out

It may be difficult to spot an eating disorder in a loved one, as they can often mimic some dietary or lifestyle changes. What’s more, you may not be able to tell if someone is suffering from an eating disorder by looking at them. Eating disorders have several signs and symptoms, including:

Mood swings

Fatigue

Fainting or dizziness

Thinning hair or hair loss

Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight loss

Unusual sweating or hot flashes

Behavioral symptoms of eating disorders include:

Restrictive eating

Eating a lot of food in a short amount of time

Avoiding certain foods

Forced vomiting after meals or misuse of laxatives

Compulsive exercising after meals

Frequent bathroom breaks after eating

Withdrawing from friends or social activities

Hiding food or throwing it away

Food rituals, such as chewing food longer than necessary or eating in secret

These symptoms look and feel different for each person and vary depending on the type of eating disorder they have, and can affect their health, emotions, and ability to function in important areas of life.

If a person has an eating disorder, they may experience several feelings, including:

Food is their enemy, or it can harm them

They did something wrong or shameful after they ate food

They aren’t the correct weight or body size

They are perceived negatively by other people

They are “failing” if they don’t meet certain food or weight requirements

What and how they eat is the only thing they can control in their life

They don’t want to spend time with others due to the fear of being judged

There isn’t an exact known cause for eating disorders. However, research has suggested that several factors can lead to a person developing an eating disorder, including:

Genetics

Brain biology

Underlying mental health conditions

Cultural and social ideals

Eating disorders can be developed by anyone at any age but are most common among adolescents and teenagers. A person may be at increased risk of developing an eating disorder if they:

Have a history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions in their biological family

Have an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Experienced a physical, emotional, or sexual trauma

Participate in activities where their weight or body size is a factor, such as swimming, gymnastics, or wrestling

Have gone through a major change, such as starting a new school or job, a divorce, or a move

Have type 1 diabetes. Studies have found that up to 25% of women with type 1 diabetes develop an eating disorder

Has a driven personality and is a perfectionist

Untreated eating disorders can cause a person to have several serious health complications, as severely restricting calories, vomiting, or extreme exercise can take a toll on their physical health. Complications include:

Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart problems

Stroke

Gastrointestinal problems

Acid reflux

Low blood pressure

Osteoporosis

Organ failure and brain damage

Severe dehydration and constipation

Stopped menstrual cycles

Tooth damage

A healthcare provider may diagnose a person’s eating disorder by reviewing their symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging, blood, or urine tests.

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can also diagnose an eating disorder by conducting a psychological evaluation to learn more about a person’s eating behaviors and beliefs. They will use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) to make a diagnosis. The DSM-5-TR outlines symptoms for each type of eating disorder.

Treatments for eating disorders can vary by type, but they can include:

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other medications

Nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian

As a mental health condition, your feelings about food or your body image may put you at risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder and needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment. Call 911 if there is an emergency.

Why Do We Eat When We Are Stressed?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stress can impact our health in various ways, including our eating behaviors. It can influence our appetite, how much we eat, and the types of food we choose. Studies show that stressful events activate systems associated with metabolism, cognition, and reward.

When a person is stressed or overwhelmed, their body produces cortisol, the hormone that creates the body’s fight-or-flight response to help protect itself. When a person has elevated cortisol levels for a prolonged period of time, such as during repeated and constant stressors, this can lead to fat storage, weight gain, and increased consumption of foods that are energy-dense and high in sugar and fat. These types of foods are “comfort” foods that can seem like they are counteracting stress; however, they may contribute to a person’s stress-induced craving for those foods.

There are several ways to manage stress eating, including:

Practicing mindful eating
Finding healthier options for your sweet or savory cravings
Watching your portion sizes
Meditating
Exercising
Finding sources of social support

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

The Link Between Diabetes and Cancer

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Type 2 diabetes and cancer are two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Individually, these conditions can be devastating for your health, but certain factors for diabetes may also increase your risk for a few different types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, bladder, and uterine cancer.

Some risk factors for diabetes and cancer may be outside of your control and, as a result, difficult to manage. These include:

Age: Your risk of developing both diabetes and cancer increases with age.
Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk of both cancer and diabetes than women.

Most of the factors that affect your risk of diabetes and cancer relate to your diet and lifestyle. These can largely be managed by making healthy adjustments to your regular habits. Manageable risk factors include:

Weight: Excessive body weight is one of the leading risk factors for both diabetes and cancer. Your weight can mainly be managed through diet and regular exercise. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a limited amount of animal protein products such as meat, fish, and dairy.

Activity: Physical inactivity contributes to excessive weight and the development of various other health issues. Regular exercise is crucial for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and provides significant benefits for your overall physical well-being.

Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for several different forms of cancer. While it is most commonly associated with lung, oral, and esophageal cancer, it can also lead to pancreatic, liver, colon, and bladder cancer.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk of both diabetes and cancer. Stick to the recommended limits (two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women) to reduce your risk.

Regular screenings for both diabetes and cancer can help you receive the treatment you need as early as possible. To schedule an appointment for a diabetes screening with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001. To schedule a cancer screening, please contact our Oncology Department at (718) 206-6742.

Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Men face a heightened risk of certain medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, making certain medical screenings particularly important for identifying these conditions early and treating them effectively.

The types of screenings you require may change or become broader as you age and your health changes. Some of the most important screenings include:

Blood pressure screening: Even if you have no medical history of (or risk factors for) high or low blood pressure, you should receive a screening once every three to five years. However, if you do have a history of abnormal blood pressure, have an immediate family member with high blood pressure, or are Black, you should receive a screening once per year. Other risk factors that warrant an annual blood pressure screening include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Obesity

Cholesterol screening: If you have no known risk factors for coronary heart disease, men should receive a cholesterol screening every five years starting at the age of 45. Men who do have risk factors for coronary heart disease should receive them starting at the age of 20. If you have abnormally high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, you should be screened more frequently.

Diabetes screening: Men without any risk factors for diabetes should receive screenings every three years starting at the age of 35. However, these screenings should begin earlier or be conducted more frequently if you:

Have an immediate relative with diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a medical history of heart disease

Cancer screenings: According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers accounted for approximately 43% of cancer diagnoses in men; additionally, the mortality rate of cancer is higher among men than women. Some of the most important cancer screenings men should receive include:

Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Bladder cancer
Melanoma

Physical exam: Regular general check-ups with your doctor are important, even for men who seem to be in perfect health. These visits can help you identify signs of underlying medical problems or risk factors for future issues.

You can receive all of these medical screenings at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 1, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month – an observance that coincides with the return of children to the classroom. This convergence of events leads many parents to ask one question, “how can I ensure that my child receives a nutritious diet now that they are back in school?”

Obesity rates among children have tripled over the past three decades. It’s now estimated that approximately 18% of children living in the United States are classified as obese. It is also estimated that children who are obese are ten times more likely to become obese as adults than other children. Since most children consume half of their daily caloric intake while in school, concentrating on providing them with a healthy and balanced diet while they are there is essential in the battle against obesity.

For many parents, the decision of whether to pack lunch from home or buy lunch from school is a difficult one. Some parents question the nutritional value of school lunches. Parents who have this concern should know that in recent years, schools have implemented new standards for the nutritional value of meals to align with U.S. dietary guidelines. Processed lunches that used to be high in fat, sugar, and sodium have been replaced with meals that meet or exceed national standards. School meals now also feature a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low or fat-free milk.

For those who still opt to pack their child’s lunch, they can improve their child’s diet and reduce their chances of becoming obese by following some simple tips:

Choose whole wheat breads instead of white bread when making sandwiches
Use fresh fruits instead of canned or processed alternatives
Fill a sandwich bag with something other than a sandwich. There are many other food options for your kids to snack on, such as carrots, nuts, granola, or raisins.
Initiate a salad day. Prepare the basics the night before and have your child choose some toppings including sliced chicken or turkey or low-fat cheese.
Introduce wraps as an option to a boring old sandwich. Give it extra flavor by coating with a low-fat spread and fill it with lettuce and protein. You can cut the wrap into pinwheel slices for fun.
Invest in a thermos and fill it up with mac and cheese or your child’s favorite soup, stew or pasta.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water instead of sugary juice boxes or soda. Sugary drinks are considered one of the leading causes of childhood obesity.

Whether your child buys or packs lunch, it’s important to stay involved. Talk to them about what food choices they made and discuss the many benefits eating a healthy diet has on both their mind and body.

How Obesity Contributes to Lower Back Problems

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

There have been numerous reports about how people who are obese are at a higher risk of developing a variety of serious health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Obesity can also negatively impact a person’s life in many other, non-life-threatening ways, such as how it can contribute to lower back problems.

As the structure that helps support the body and influence movement, the back has a normal spine curve that is most effective when it is in a neutral position. When a person is obese any added weight in their midsection can shift the pelvis forward and cause the spine to curve excessively inward, placing abnormal pressure on back muscles that are now forced to bear that weight.

Based purely on statistics, there is a very strong association between excess weight and lower back pain. A recent article in the American Journal of Epidemiology assessed that lower back pain was directly related to an increased body mass index (BMI). According to the research, people within a normal weight range were at a low risk of lower back pain, overweight individuals were at a moderate risk, while those who were obese were at the highest risk. The study also concluded that obese people were more likely to have back pain issues more frequently and require medical care to treat their lower back pain.

Obesity is a growing problem in American, affecting nearly 40 %, or approximately 93 million adults in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To address this issue, experts recommend eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If however, you have tried all diet and exercise programs and are still obese, there are surgical options available to you.