Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

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

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.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Reports of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in multiple states have been making headlines. Thousands of cases have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating the outbreak to determine the source of the illness.

What is cyclosporiasis?

According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis occurs more commonly in tropical or subtropical regions of the world, particularly in places where sanitation and water treatment may be limited. The parasite that causes the illness is endemic in parts of Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, and some areas of the Middle East and Africa.

Cyclosporiasis is typically uncommon in the United States when compared to other foodborne illnesses caused by germs such as Salmonella. Though uncommon, outbreaks can happen, especially during the spring and summer months.

Outbreaks in the past have been linked to domestic and imported fresh produce (especially those eaten raw), including raspberries, pre-washed bagged green salad mixes, snow peas, cilantro, and basil.

What are the signs and symptoms of cyclosporiasis?

The CDC shares that the main symptom of cyclosporiasis is loud, watery (explosive) diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

Severe stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Increased gas
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Low-grade fever
Prolonged fatigue
Body aches

These symptoms can appear after the incubation period, which, according to the CDC, can be 2 to 14 days. The incubation period is the time between ingesting the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and the onset of symptoms.

How does cyclosporiasis spread?

Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route. Individuals become infected by ingesting contaminated food or water. Contamination frequently occurs when water supplies are tainted by fecal matter or when unwashed hands spread the parasite during food preparation.

Cyclosporiasis Prevention

The CDC reports that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated with stool. You can reduce the risk of exposure by following food and vegetable handling recommendations, such as:

Washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
Washing all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing
Washing produce that has been labeled as prewashed
Thoroughly cleaning all food preparation surfaces and utensils with hot water and soap, or cleaning solutions
Scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons, with a clean produce brush
Cutting away bruised and damaged sections of fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating
Cooking produce to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C)
Refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
When eating out, drink only sealed or bottled water and avoid tap water, or ice made from tap water
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that you have not prepared

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor right away if you are experiencing symptoms, especially several bouts of watery diarrhea each day. Your doctor can diagnose cyclosporiasis by ordering a stool test. Treatment for the infection is antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will also encourage you to drink plenty of fluids and to stay home if you feel sick.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening type of pneumonia caused by breathing in mist or getting water that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria in the lungs.

You can also get Legionnaires’ disease from:

Hot tubs

Shower heads

Faucets

Humidifiers

Decorative water features

Heating and cooling systems, usually only in large buildings

Intubation during surgery

Dirt

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around Legionella bacteria. But some people are more likely to get sick with Legionella infection than others. You can have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you:

Are older than 50 years old

Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes

Have a weakened immune system caused by certain medical conditions, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease, and medications that can compromise your immune system

Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema

Live in a long-term care facility

Have stayed in a hospital recently

Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently

Have received an organ transplant recently

Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. It can also cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

Fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C)

A dry cough

Shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Muscle aches

Headache

Nausea

Confusion

Coughing up blood

Abdominal pain

The most common way to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease is with urine and sputum tests. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get pictures of the inside of your chest. They will also take a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history.

Other tests used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease can include:

Blood tests

Bronchoscopy

Thoracentesis

The treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics, either intravenously or in pill form. If you are having trouble breathing, a healthcare provider may give you treatments to help you get enough oxygen. You will probably have to stay in the hospital while you are being treated.

You can reduce your risk at home by making sure shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, and humidifiers are properly cleaned.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

ABC Method for Better Sleep and Better Brain Health

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all have nights when we can’t get a good night’s sleep. We toss and turn all night, waking up exhausted because of poor sleep quality.

If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, the ABC method or ABCs of respiratory therapy can help you sleep properly and efficiently. The ABC method stands for:

Airway

Breathing

Circulation

This method helps regulate a variety of things, primarily oxygenation, which helps your body recover and stay functioning. Finding the right sleep position is essential to the ABC method.

According to Dr. John Saito, a representative for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), everyone has their own idea of what a good sleep position is, whether it is on the left or right side, the back, or stomach, but it all depends on the context.

If a person is sleeping on their back and has a good support pillow that keeps their spine and neck in a neutral position, it allows their airway to remain open and unobstructed, and they can breathe easily. However, if a person has sleep apnea, sleeping on their back can be harmful to health, as their throat muscles become too relaxed and block the body’s upper airway.

The ABC method can also work with babies, as most doctors recommend putting them on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is an unexplained death that usually occurs during sleep.

Dr. Saito suggests that sleeping on your side can offer several benefits. Sleeping on your right side may be better for blood flow, as well as lower pressure on your heart, due to the flexible compartment located between your lungs called the mediastinum, which helps hold your heart in place.

Sleeping on your left side can also provide some benefits, as it may be better for clearing the waste product in the brain. This is known as the glymphatic system, which is the brain’s specialized waste clearance network that clears any harmful metabolic byproducts while we sleep, including proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lastly, Dr. Saito points out the difference between sleeping in a fetal or curled position and spreading out. Sleeping on either side of your body, with your spine straight, helps keep it aligned, while curling up on your side helps to ease lower back pain. However, being too curled up can compress your diaphragm and chest, which restricts breathing.

Having trouble sleeping because you can’t find a comfortable sleeping position can cause you to move a lot throughout the night as you try to reposition yourself. This can disrupt your sleep and affect the quality of your sleep. Here are ways to practice sleeping in better positions to help you get a restful night’s sleep:

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to help better align your head, neck, and hips. This neutral posture can make breathing easier and result in deeper and more restorative sleep

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees

If you sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow under your hips

Additionally, choosing a mattress that adheres to the natural curve of your spine is an essential part of getting a good night’s sleep.

There isn’t just one best position to sleep in. A lot of factors go into how your sleep position affects your quality of sleep. Whether you suffer from sleep apnea, back pain, are a chronic snorer, or are pregnant, the major goal is to find a comfortable and unobtrusive sleeping position that allows you to get a good night’s sleep. Choose whichever sleep position that makes you the most comfortable, as it will give you the best and most rest.

Our New York Sleep Clinic staff consists of board-certified sleep specialists and respiratory therapists who are highly skilled in evaluating and treating sleep disorders. Our compassionate staff will ensure your stay is pleasant and helpful to your health. For additional information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Common Vaccines That Can Prevent Chronic Diseases or Some Cancers

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaccines don’t just protect you from specific infectious diseases or help reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. They also play a significant role in preventing you from developing common chronic diseases, including certain cancers.

What’s more, there is an increasing amount of research that has shown that vaccines can reduce the risk of developing dementia and heart conditions.

Here are some common vaccines that can prevent chronic diseases and some cancers:

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through sex, and is responsible for most cervical cancers. It can also cause a large number of lower genital cancers and certain head and neck cancers.

Studies have shown that rates of HPV infection, early signs of precancer, and cervical cancer have fallen since the HPV vaccine was introduced. A 2024 study of an estimated 3.5 million participants found fewer cases of HPV-related cancers in people who were vaccinated. Another study found that cervical cancer deaths among women younger than 25 years old dropped more than 60 percent in recent years, with researchers suggesting that the significant decline was most likely the result of vaccinations.

The HPV vaccine should be administered to all young people between the ages of nine and 26. It can be given to people up to the age of 45; however, the vaccine is less effective the older you are. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for most people younger than 15 years old, and three shots for people between 15 and 26 years old and those who are immunocompromised.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave your body after you have recovered from chicken pox and stays dormant in your nervous system, and for some people, it can reactivate and cause a painful rash. In the U.S., an estimated one million people get shingles each year, and for certain people, it can sometimes also cause lifelong chronic pain conditions or other serious complications, such as vision loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults between 50 and 69 years old.

Additionally, many large-scale studies have reported a connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. There is also research that suggests the vaccine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The CDC recommends two doses of a shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, or people 19 years or older with weakened immune symptoms. The chicken pox vaccine for children can help prevent shingles when they’re older.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B virus is a leading risk factor for liver disease and cancer later in life. It can be contracted through sexual contact, needles, and childbirth, and can be passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

Acute hepatitis B can be a short-term illness that happens within the first six months of exposure to the virus. It can cause people to have no symptoms or only mild sickness. However, the illness, which is a liver infection that can become a lifelong chronic condition if left untreated, could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended that all infants receive the vaccine at birth, with the series of shots to be completed in the first 15 months of their life.

Flu, Coronavirus, and RSV Vaccine

Vaccines that help prevent infections from respiratory viruses are important because they protect us against serious disease, as well as flare-ups or worsening of existing chronic health conditions.

A study done in 2020 found higher rates of severe flu infections among adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Additionally, a study of 46 million adults observed that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes decreased after people received coronavirus vaccinations.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.

It is also important for those who have chronic conditions to get the coronavirus and RSV vaccines.

RSV can be devastating for children and elderly people. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended for babies, pregnant women to protect their babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with chronic health conditions, and all adults 75 and older.

Bacterial Vaccines

Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia can also lead to chronic disabilities or even death.

The longer a person has a meningitis infection, the greater the risk of the infection causing serious complications such as hearing loss, vision troubles, memory issues, learning disabilities, brain damage, seizures, and kidney failure.

Pneumonia can have long-term effects, such as depression, heart disease, and blood vessel diseases that worsen. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia could cause kidney, liver, and heart damage due to the organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly, or because of the immune system responding negatively to the infection.

Both bacterial meningitis and pneumonia can lead to sepsis. If treated early, a person suffering from sepsis can recover completely; however, others might experience long-term effects, including insomnia, nightmares or hallucinations, panic attacks, joint and muscle pain, decreased cognitive function, and organ failure.

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults who are at an increased risk, receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it protects against the disease that causes meningitis. Children five years and younger and adults 50 or older should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent pneumonia and other infections, including meningitis and sepsis.

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against worsening or serious symptoms of illness and developing chronic diseases and cancers.

To learn more about our infectious disease services or to make an appointment with our infectious disease physicians, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6000.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Urszula Pisany, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, CCRN

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Urszula Pisany, clinical nurse leader in the SICU. Urszula began her career at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center 13 years ago. She started as a staff nurse in 2013 on 3 south and then in 2016 became a staff nurse in the SICU. In 2022, she transitioned to her current position.

Urszula grew up in Greenpoint Brooklyn. She moved to Long Beach, Long Island when she was 18 years old and currently resides in Lynbrook. She attended Saint Stanislaus Kostka Elementary School, and Saint Vincent Ferrer High School. In 2009, she graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and in 2011, she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from NYU. In 2025, Urszula obtained her Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree from CUNY Hunter College.

Urszula loves dogs and had a Pomeranian mix dog named Emma that passed away in October of 2024 at the age of 15. She recently adopted a new puppy named Zara. In her free time she enjoys going for walks, exploring the city and visiting museums. She likes to read a good book, host dinner parties, spend time in nature, and go on bike rides. Urszula rode in the 5-Boro Bike tour in the past. Recently, she started learning French. Urszula enjoys traveling, especially to Poland where the majority of her extended family lives. She has very pleasant memories of visiting her family and hiking in the mountains there. She also has traveled to Japan which she really enjoyed.

Urszula likes to try food from different cultures. She is learning to cook Moroccan food at the present time. Her taste in music is primarily Rock from the 1990’s. She also likes the Beatles and ABBA. The things that are important to her are nurturing relationships with those people she is close to, health and well-being, and having a sense of purpose in life and personal growth.

Urszula became a nurse because she wants to have a role in making a direct impact on people’s lives. She enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because of the wonderful people she works with and for knowing that she is making a difference in the lives of the patients she cares for. We look forward to Urszula continuing to work with us for many more years into the future.

Swim Safety Tips

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and that means a lot of time is spent at beaches and pools where we can all cool off from the heat. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water this summer.

When around any body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and is often silent. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the amount of time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, or even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

It is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14 years old
More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters
About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages five to 14 occur in natural water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are several steps you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative. Here are three components of water competency:

Water Smarts

Put a fence around your home swimming pool. The fence should be at least four feet high and should fully enclose the pool, and also keep it separate from the house. The fence needs a self-closing and self-latching gate
All toys that might attract a child need to be removed from the pool when no one is using it
Know your limitations, such as physical fitness and medical conditions
Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where lifeguards or water watchers are present
Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. It is important to know that swim accessories, such as swim belts, floaties, armbands, or water wings, do not prevent you from drowning, and can easily slip off, especially when jumping in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for adults and children
Swim sober
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout
Know how to call for help
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment, such as:
- Ocean rip currents
- River currents
- Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
- Water temperature
- Shallow or unclear water

Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. However, over half of adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

Getting in and out of the water safely
Float or tread water for at least one minute
Turn over and around in the water
Swim at least 25 yards
Exit the water

Helping Others

These actions will help your family or loved ones avoid emergencies, and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

Paying close attention to children or weak swimmers you are supervising in or near water
Knowing the signs that someone is drowning
Knowing ways to safely assist a person who is drowning, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”
Knowing CPR and first aid

It is important to be well-prepared when in or around pools and bodies of water, and to follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of drowning. These swim safety tips can help you enjoy your summer and keep you and your loved ones safe. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Managing Diabetes In The Summer Heat

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

How Does Hot Weather Affect Diabetes?

Extreme summer weather can negatively affect our health. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous, especially for those living with diabetes.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses than others. They are more vulnerable because high temperatures can change how the body uses insulin. High temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate, accelerating insulin absorption and therefore leading to a drop in blood glucose.

Furthermore, high heat can lead to dehydration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly than those who do not have the condition. This risk is driven by the following factors:

Having high blood sugar levels leads to frequent urination, causing dehydration
Diabetes can affect the body’s cooling system (Diabetes may damage the nerves that control sweat glands and blood vessels, making it harder for the body to regulate temperature, increasing the likelihood of overheating and dehydration)
Many people with diabetes also take medications such as diuretics for high blood pressure; these medications increase fluid loss and the risk of dehydration.

Lastly, extreme heat can also damage diabetic medications, such as insulin, as well as medical devices, including insulin pumps and blood sugar monitors.

Safety tips for managing diabetes in the heat

Following these precautions can help protect your health this summer, so you can enjoy the weather:

Stay hydrated- drink plenty of water (even if you don’t feel thirsty) and avoid or limit sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages
Keep medications, supplies, and devices out of the heat and store them in a cool place
Check your blood glucose levels regularly
Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
Dress for the weather by wearing clothing that keeps you cool
Wear sunscreen

Most importantly, pay attention to the signs of heat-related illnesses and diabetic complications. Look for symptoms such as hot, dry skin with no sweating, rapid breathing, dizziness, nausea, extreme thirst, blurred vision, and headaches. If you notice any of these symptoms, take appropriate action, and when in doubt, seek immediate medical attention.

Summer Recipe: Crispy Grill Pan Chicken Thighs

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The summer heat can make it difficult to use an oven when cooking dinner. This recipe for delicious, mouth-watering, crispy grilled chicken thighs is cooked entirely on the stovetop, so you can avoid heating your kitchen.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/crispy-grill-pan-chicken-thighs-11585731

Juvenile Arthritis

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Juvenile Arthritis, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term describing inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under 16 years.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center provides a wide range of pediatric services. If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.