Alicia Almendral, MD, PLLC

04/16/2024

Avoid the hassle of getting your driver’s license suspended for lack of vision test. We are an official provider of DMV VISION TEST. Results are reported online. Walk-ins are allowed.

Location:
57-18 Woodside Avenue
2nd floor, Suite 101
Woodside, NY 11377

Contact: 347-527-2257 & 917-633-7710

The state DMV says thousands of New Yorkers' driver's licenses are suspended because they haven't submitted a vision test.

03/22/2024

The core team of my primary care clinic in Woodside ☺️

03/12/2024

March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. Get tested. Early detection saves lives.

The ACS recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and re**um (a visual exam - colonoscopy, flex sigmoidoscopy).

People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.

For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

03/08/2024

It is an honor to receive this Proclamation from The Assembly State of New York from Steven Raga, who represents NY’s 30th district, encompassing Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Jackson Heights, Astoria, and Middle Village in the New York State Assembly.

I share this wholeheartedly with my clinical team, volunteers, organization leaders/members, church and other religious sector leaders, other political leaders, family and friends who participated actively in this life-saving endeavor.

02/29/2024

Novelty, utility, charity 🩺

02/08/2024

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country, as it is in New York City (NYC). 11,214
influenza positive laboratory test results were reported to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
(DOHMH) during the week ending January 27, 2024, which was an 8% increase from the previous week; 85% of
these specimens were positive for influenza A, and 14% were positive for influenza B. There were 9 influenza
outbreaks reported from long-term care facilities during that week; season to date, a total of 106 outbreaks have
occurred in long-term care facilities. Nationally, there have been 65 pediatric deaths due to influenza this season,
including three in NYC.

It is not too late to vaccinate. Flu vaccination should continue to be a high priority and should continue to be so well into the spring.

01/15/2024

Don’t miss it!

12/03/2023

My beautiful Woodside clinic medical elves 🤶🏻🤶🏻🤶🏻🤶🏻 who create magical services 😍😍😍

10/30/2023

FOOD FOR THE GOUT

Purines are substances that are found in some foods. Your body turns purines into uric acid. High levels of uric acid can cause gout, which is a form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in joints. You may be able to help control the amount of uric acid in your body by limiting high-purine foods in your diet.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Plan your meals and snacks around foods that are low in purines and are safe for you to eat. These foods include:
◦ Green vegetables and tomatoes.
◦ Fruits.
◦ Whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals.
◦ Eggs, peanut butter, and nuts.
◦ Low-fat milk, cheese, and other milk products.
◦ Popcorn.
◦ Gelatin desserts, chocolate, cocoa, and cakes and sweets, in small amounts.

• You can eat certain foods that are medium-high in purines, but eat them only once in a while. These foods include:
◦ Legumes, such as dried beans and dried peas. You can have 1 cup cooked legumes each
day.
◦ Asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, and green peas.
◦ Fish and seafood (other than very high-purine seafood).
◦ Oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ.

• Limit very high-purine foods, including:
◦ Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains.
◦ Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb.
◦ Game meats and any other meats in large amounts.
◦ Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops.
◦ Gravy.
◦ Beer.

10/21/2023

Flu vaccine is now available for children, adults and elderly.

Call 347-527-2257 or simply walk in ☺️

10/18/2023

WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES?

Kidney stones are small "pebbles" that form in your kidneys. They're made of salts and minerals in the urine.

Stones may not cause a problem as long as they stay in the kidneys. But they can cause sudden, severe pain. Pain is most likely when the stones travel through the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Kidney stones can cause bloody urine.

Kidney stones often run in families. You are more likely to get them if you don't drink enough fluids, mainly water. Certain foods and drinks and some dietary supplements may also increase your risk for kidney stones if you consume too much of them.

How can you prevent kidney stones with your diet?
The following tips may lower your chance of getting kidney stones or from getting them again.

Drink more fluids, especially water, if your doctor says it is okay.
This is the most important thing you can do.

Change your diet if you've had a calcium kidney stone.
- Eat less salt and salty foods. One way to do this is to avoid processed foods and limit how often you eat at restaurants.
- Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much calcium you need every day. Try to get your calcium from food, rather than from supplements. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium.

Limit certain foods if you've had an oxalate kidney stone.
- Your doctor may ask you to limit certain foods that have a lot of oxalate, such as dark green vegetables, nuts, and chocolate. You don't have to give up these foods, just eat or drink less of them.

Change your diet if you've had kidney stones in the past.
- Eat a balanced diet that is not too high in animal protein. This includes beef, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs. These foods contain a lot of protein, and too much protein may lead to kidney stones. You don't have to give up these foods. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much protein you need and the best way to get it.
Increase how much fiber you eat. Fiber includes oat bran, beans, whole wheat breads, wheat cereals, cabbage, and carrots.

Avoid grapefruit juice.

Drink lemonade made from real lemons (not lemon flavoring). It is high in citrate, which may help prevent kidney stones.

Talk to your doctor if you take vitamins or supplements. Your doctor may want you to limit how much fish liver oil or calcium supplements you take. Also, do not take more than the recommended daily dose of vitamins C and D.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

10/03/2023

1 IN 5 U.S. ADULTS EXPERIENCES MENTAL ILLNESS EACH YEAR. LET'S BREAK THE STIGMA, TOGETHER.
Mental Illness Awareness Week plays a vital role in advancing open conversations, education, and the creation of impactful strategies to tackle mental health issues. Through the promotion of dialogues and increased awareness, we can cultivate an environment of acceptance and encouragement, empowering individuals grappling with mental illnesses to seek assistance without any apprehension or shame.

As mental health professionals, we often forget that we too are human beings and need to take care of our own mental health. So, take a moment to pause and reflect on how you're really doing. It's crucial to prioritize your well-being and find activities that bring you joy to prevent burnout. Remember, before you can effectively help others, you must first help yourself.

10/02/2023

Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. This is the only treatment available that actually changes the immune system , making it possible to prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.

About 80 to 90 percent of people improve with allergy immunotherapy.

Maintenance phase: When you reach your “effective therapeutic dose” you will begin the maintenance phase. During this phase you receive your allergy shots less often, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. The maintenance phase typically lasts 3-5 years (or longer if advised by your doctor.)

Allergy shots are typically covered by most health insurance plans. Coverage varies based on your specific plan. If you have insurance, you may have to meet your deductible. You may also have a copay for each doctor visit.

www.AliciaSAlmendralMD.com

09/30/2023

My medical assistants are super! I’m grateful for their great attitude and dedication to provide the best care possible to our patients.

www.AliciaSAlmendralMD.com

09/19/2023

WE OFFER ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY

It is the repeated introduction of medical-grade allergens into the system, building the body’s tolerance and decreasing its reactivity to allergens.

The goal is to provide long-term relief & improve the quality of life by treating the source of allergies, not just the symptoms.

Allergies, if untreated, can lead to chronic respiratory health issues such as asthma, or skin disorders like eczema.

It’s also been shown that allergies are the #1 reason people miss work or school. Studies have also shown that students who suffer from allergies receive worse grades than their peers.

Treating the source of allergies can not only improve the quality of life, but help your professional and academic performance.

09/18/2023

TIME FOR COOL CHANGE

Our clinic hours are adjusted! We now open at 8am to accomodate fasting patients for bloodwork 😃

09/14/2023

Our Medical Team… ✨

08/31/2023

If you are a smoker, take this quiz 📋🖊️

Knowing why you smoke might be the answer to quitting for good.

08/18/2023

Dr. Alicia “Doc Alice” Almendral, your lovely family doctor, takes a break for a selfie pose to remind everyone to book for an annual wellness visit 👩🏻‍⚕️🩺

08/11/2023

If you are 50 & above, you are eligible to receive Shingrix against herpes zoster or shingles.

https://familydoctor.org/condition/shingles/

08/09/2023

Covid-19 rapid antigen and PCR testing are available. Walk ins are welcome.

06/25/2023

Thank you for this recognition. I dedicate this award to my family and loved ones 💕

06/22/2023

Treats from my sweet patient 👩🏻‍⚕️🩺❤️

06/11/2023

911 Call on a Busy Saturday

A 63-year old female who presented with cough for 5 days, especially when laying down. She was taking cough suppressants those days. She’s observed with shortness of breath while walking to the bathroom. Lo and behold, upon auscultation of her chest, her heart was beating so fast. This is the EKG finding.

06/07/2023

To all our existing primary care patients, please text ASTHMA to 917-633-7710 if you need telehealth consult for shortness of breath due to exacerbation of asthma until 12 midnight (June 7th). Include your full name and date of birth.

05/23/2023

It’s lifestyle change!

I saw this 39 year-old male patient today with current A1C of 5.7.

Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that checks your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The normal level is

05/22/2023

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT SCREENING

Is it Alzheimer’s dementia, depression or brain tumor?

Clock drawing is a simple, yet, powerful tool to determine a patient’s cause of memory impairment.

Tell me what you think about each drawing… 🤔

Need a primary care or a geriatrician? Switch to us ❤️

www.AliciaSAlmendralMD.com

05/17/2023

ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY

We are an official Allergy Testing & Treatment Center, located in Woodside, Queens. Don’t suffer from allergies anymore. Let us help your body fight against them!

www.AliciaSAlmendralMD.com