The Dangers of Misusing the Allergy Medication Diphenhydramine

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When people are experiencing allergy symptoms such as coughs, sneezes, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat, they turn to allergy medications like diphenhydramine to help quell them. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that, when used as directed, is usually safe for occasional allergy or sleep symptoms. However, when diphenhydramine is misused and more than the recommended dosage is taken, it can cause serious health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one million people are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year, and more than one-fourth are hospitalized.

Unfortunately, teenagers have been reportedly taking dangerously high doses of diphenhydramine intentionally to provoke hallucinations. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that taking higher doses of diphenhydramine could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or even death, after news reports of teenagers being admitted to emergency rooms or dying after a TikTok challenge encouraged them to misuse the allergy medication.

In addition to life-threatening complications, misusing diphenhydramine can lead to cognitive decline, psychiatric harm, and neurological injury.

The FDA recommends always reading the drug facts label on all over-the-counter medicines to find out if they contain diphenhydramine, how much and how often you should take them, and important safety information to avoid taking more than the dose listed and prevent serious health risks.

Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of the potentially harmful effects of misusing diphenhydramine:

Lock medicine away safely to prevent accidental poisoning

Choose medicines that only treat the symptoms you have

Be mindful that many medicines contain multiple ingredients that may interact with alcohol dangerously

Look out for the same active ingredients in medicines taken at the same time, as it may result in an overdose

Do not take medicines longer than needed or in higher doses

Do not take medicines with side effects that impact your ability to drive safely or use heavy machinery until you are in an appropriate and safe environment

Read the dosing directions carefully, especially when it comes to infants and children

Be cautious when taking more than one medicine at a time, as drug-to-drug interactions can cause serious health effects and can even be fatal

If you or a loved one is experiencing a bad reaction or serious side effects to an allergy medication, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

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.

Aphasia Awareness Month

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing understanding of aphasia. This acquired communication disorder impairs a person’s ability to process language but does not affect their intelligence.

Aphasia affects the ability to speak and understand others, causing most people with the disorder to have trouble reading and writing.

The most common cause of aphasia is stroke. About 25 to 40 percent of stroke survivors are afflicted with aphasia. It can also be a result of a head injury, a brain tumor, or other neurological causes.

There are six types of aphasia, including:

Global aphasia is the most severe form of aphasia and is applied to patients who can produce few recognizable words and understand little or no spoken language. People with global aphasia can’t read or write. It is often seen immediately after the patient has suffered a stroke and may rapidly improve if the damage to the brain has not been too extensive. However, with greater brain damage, there may be severe and lasting disability.

Broca’s aphasia, or non-fluent aphasia, is a form of aphasia in which the speech output is severely reduced and is limited mainly to short utterances of less than four words. A person’s vocabulary access is limited, and so is their ability to form sounds.

Mixed non-fluent aphasia is a form of aphasia that applies to people with sparse and effortful speech, which can resemble severe Broca’s aphasia. However, they remain limited in their speech comprehension and do not read or write beyond an elementary level.

Wernicke’s aphasia, or fluent aphasia, is a form of aphasia in which the ability to grasp the meaning of spoken words is impaired. However, the ease of producing connected speech is not much affected. Reading and writing are often severely impaired.

Anomic aphasia is a form of aphasia that is applied to people left with a persistent inability to supply the words for the things they want to say, particularly significant nouns and verbs.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become slowly and progressively impaired. Unlike the other forms of aphasia that result from stroke or brain injury, PPA is caused by Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

A healthcare provider can diagnose aphasia by performing physical and neurological exams. They can also use imaging tests, such as an MRI and a CT scan, to identify what is causing aphasia.

Aphasia can also be diagnosed with the help of a speech-language pathologist who can complete a comprehensive language assessment to confirm the presence of aphasia and determine the appropriate course of language treatment.

The assessment helps find out whether the person can:

Name common objects

Engage in a conversation

Understand and use words correctly

Answer questions about something read or heard

Repeat words and sentences

Follow instructions

Answer yes and no questions and respond to open-ended questions about common subjects

Read and write

There are several treatments for aphasia, including:

Speech and language rehabilitation therapy aims to improve the ability to communicate and help restore as much language as possible. This is done by teaching the person with aphasia how to make up for lost language skills and find other communication methods. This therapy:

Starts early

Often works in groups

May include the use of computers

Medications are being studied to treat aphasia that may improve blood flow to the brain and enhance its ability to recover or help replace the depleted chemicals in the brain.

Brain stimulations, such as transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation, are being studied to help improve the ability to name things.

Because aphasia is often a sign of a serious problem, such as a stroke, seek emergency medical care if you suddenly develop any symptoms.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of aphasia, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Jamaica Hospital Reverified By The ACS As a Level 1 Trauma Center

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that it has been reverified as a Level 1 Trauma Center with zero deficiencies by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement marks the second consecutive survey in which the hospital has earned this prestigious status. Dr. Kenneth Fretwell, the hospital’s Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Interim Trauma Medical Director, stated, “This milestone is not just a recognition; it reflects a culture built on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.”

The ACS sets the national gold standard for trauma quality. There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that reflect the center’s important role in serving its community. Level 1 verification is the highest achievable level. Hospitals that qualify have met rigorous standards for trauma care and performed well in on-site inspections, reviews of patient outcomes, research, and evaluations of staff and protocols.

Furthermore, institutions such as Jamaica Hospital that have achieved zero deficiencies have far exceeded the required standard (with no corrections needed) and are operating at an exemplary level as leaders in trauma care. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our entire team — from physicians and nurses to support staff and leadership, who work tirelessly to provide lifesaving care,” said Lourdes Goldenberg, Assistant Vice President of Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Surgery and Trauma. An ACS surveyor also commented on the trauma team’s performance, saying, “Your efforts did not go unnoticed by the survey team. I can go on and on for an entire day about the many strengths of your program.”

As an ACS-verified trauma center, Jamaica Hospital is also recognized as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to continuously improving procedures and standards while maintaining a critical eye on processes at every stage.

Jamaica Hospital has a longstanding history as a high-performing Level 1 Trauma Center in its community. “For a long time, Jamaica Hospital has had the distinction of being the busiest trauma center in New York City. As a result of our second consecutive deficiency-free survey, we are also recognized among the best,” explained Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital.

For decades, the hospital has served as one of the busiest trauma centers in the country, caring for numerous patients from the local community and travelers from across the globe, due to its proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport and major highways. Jamaica Hospital is also a preferred Level 1 Trauma Center in Southeast Queens for New York City’s uniformed services. The center also operates one of the largest voluntary ambulance services in New York City’s 911 system.

Jamaica Hospital’s reverification as an ACS Level 1 Trauma Center underscores its commitment to providing optimal care for severely injured patients in critical situations and highlights the hospital’s high-performance standards. Goldenberg concluded, “Reverification affirms our adherence to the most rigorous clinical standards and our focus on continuous quality improvement, reflecting our mission to serve our community with excellence, compassion, and readiness.”

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.

Ebola Disease

Posted on June 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Ebola disease is a rare and severe illness that can be fatal if it isn’t immediately treated. Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. They include:

Ebola virus (EBOV), which causes Ebola virus disease

Sudan virus (SUDV), which causes Sudan virus disease

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), which causes Bundibugyo virus disease

Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly diseases, with a mortality rate as high as 80-90 percent.

Ebola doesn’t spread the same way as other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID. You cannot get it from being near someone.

People can get infected with Ebola disease in two ways:

Through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who has been infected or has died from the disease

Through direct contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with bodily fluids from a person sick with the disease

People can’t transmit the disease before they have symptoms. However, they will remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies from two to 21 days. However, symptoms begin eight to ten days after exposure to the virus.

The symptoms of Ebola disease can be “dry” in the early stages of the illness and become “wet” as the illness progresses. Dry Ebola disease symptoms include:

Fever

Aches

Pains

Fatigue

Sore throat

Wet Ebola disease symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Unexplained bleeding

Loss of appetite

If you live in or are traveling to regions where Ebola disease has been diagnosed, or is suspected, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoiding direct contact with the bodily fluids of people who are sick, which include their blood, urine, feces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid

Avoiding direct contact with items that have touched an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, such as their clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment, or any other items that may be contaminated

Avoiding direct contact with the body of someone who was suspected or confirmed to have had Ebola disease, such as part of any funeral or burial practices

Avoiding the blood, fluids, or raw meat from bats, forest antelopes, primates, or unknown animals

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you encounter people who are sick or have died from Ebola disease, their blood and bodily fluids, or objects contaminated with their blood or bodily fluids

Monitoring your health for 21 days after returning from an area with an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. It is important to get medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola disease

Healthcare providers can diagnose Ebola disease in people who are alive by ordering a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. They can also perform blood tests for orthoebulavirus antibodies to determine whether a patient recently had Ebola.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ervebo, a vaccine that prevents Ebola disease in 2019, and two treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, to treat an Ebola disease infection in adults and children in 2020.

Additionally, other treatments such as fluids and electrolytes administered by mouth or intravenously, medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, to manage fever and pain, and treatment for other infections give patients a better chance of surviving an Ebola disease infection.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Ebola disease, immediately call your local health department or the nearest hospital emergency room, before visiting in person.

Summer Recipe: Fish Tacos

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer weather has arrived, and it means we will be looking for ways to cool off. Here is a delectable recipe for fish tacos that are light and refreshing and will make you feel like you’re eating at a beachside restaurant.

Fish Tacos Recipe | Aida Mollenkamp | Food Network

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.

Hyperpigmentation

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some of the areas of the skin darker than others.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin cells that create melanin in the skin get damaged or become unhealthy and produce too much melanin. The extra melanin can clump and cause the area to appear darker and create brown, black, gray, red, or pink patches or spots.

There are many things that can lead to hyperpigmentation, including:

Adrenal disorders, such as Addison’s disease

Hormone changes, such as those during pregnancy or puberty

Genetics, such as families who have freckles

An injury to the skin, such as acne, cuts, or burns

Melasma

Medications, such as birth control pills and drugs that cause sensitivity to light

Not getting the correct number of vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid

Thyroid disorders

Sun damage

Hyperpigmentation doesn’t cause any symptoms other than dark spots. If you have spots on your skin with any other symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist.

When diagnosing hyperpigmentation, a healthcare provider may:

Ask about your medical history, including when the darkened skin began and what medications you are taking

Perform a physical exam to look at your skin

Order blood tests to check vitamins, hormones, and iron, as well as your thyroid function

Examine your skin under a Wood lamp, which is a special ultraviolet light

Take a small sample of your skin for a biopsy

Depending on the causes for hyperpigmentation, your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes, such as:

Avoiding sun damage by staying out of the sun, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing

Taking vitamins

Stopping any medications that may be causing it

Your healthcare provider may also recommend prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) topical therapy, such as:

Azelaic acid

Corticosteroids

Glycolic acid

Hydroquinone

Kojic acid

Salicylic acid

Skin bleach

Tretinoin

Vitamin C or B3

Other hyperpigmentation treatments may include:

Chemical peels

Cryotherapy

Laser skin resurfacing

Pigment lesion laser

Hyperpigmentation can’t always be prevented. However, protecting your skin from the sun helps. Here are some tips to protect your skin from the sun, including:

Applying a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day

Using physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide

Avoiding too much sun exposure

Wearing protective clothing and hats

If you are experiencing any signs of hyperpigmentation, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001.

Food Allergy Awareness Week

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Food Allergy Awareness Week takes place between May 10th and May 18th. It is a week dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies, which is a serious public health issue.

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly treats proteins found in certain foods as harmful and reacts by causing allergic symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Anaphylaxis

Hives or a skin rash

An itchy sensation in the mouth, throat, or ears

Swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat

Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or wheezing

Severe symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body are called anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction is life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Swelling of the throat

Drop in blood pressure

It is imperative that anaphylaxis is recognized and treated right away with epinephrine to provide the best chance for improvement.

There are two types of food allergies, immunoglobulin E-mediated and cell-mediated.

Immunoglobulin-E-mediated food allergy is the most common type of food allergy and is triggered by the body’s immune system, which makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Symptoms occur within minutes of eating food. Examples of allergies that cause IgE antibodies include:

Peanut allergy

Milk allergy

Egg allergy

Shellfish allergy

Fish allergy

Tree nut allergy

Wheat allergy

Soy allergy

Sesame allergy

Cell-mediated food allergy isn’t caused by IgE antibodies but immune cells from other parts of the body. This allergic reaction is caused by delayed hypersensitivity symptoms.

Food allergies affect 20 million adults and children in the U.S. and millions more globally.

Children are commonly associated with food allergies. However, anyone can develop a food allergy at any age, as many adults can develop food allergies without ever having a prior history of having them.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food to which you are allergic.

Food allergies are diagnosed when your healthcare provider performs tests to determine if you have them. Tests may include:

Blood tests

A skin-prick test

A special diet that avoids eating the food you may be allergic to, to see if your symptoms get better

Treatments for food allergies include medicines to help manage your symptoms or to use in case there is an emergency. They include:

Antihistamines for mild allergic reactions

Emergency medicines for severe allergic reactions, called autoinjectors, such as an EpiPen

At Jamaica Hospital, a leading allergist can diagnose your allergy-related condition. We provide consultations to patients who experience allergic reactions to medications, foods, and other substances. If you would like to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742 or (718) 206-7001. Dial 911 if there is an emergency.

How to Choose a Blood Pressure Machine

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When a person gets their blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office, it only shows the numbers at that moment. A home blood pressure monitor lets you check your blood pressure regularly, which can give your doctor a better idea of your actual blood pressure. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to measure it multiple times a day for a few months.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), half of adults in the U.S. should measure their blood pressure at home to ensure their numbers aren’t rising and that their blood pressure medications are working effectively.

There are many home blood pressure monitors to choose from. Many of them can cost less than a hundred dollars and don’t require a prescription to purchase. They can be found at the pharmacy, a medical supply store, or online.

There are several features to consider when choosing a home blood pressure monitor, such as:

Multiple arm cuffs

A risk-category indicator, which shows whether your blood pressure is normal or high

An irregular heartbeat detector

Multi-user capabilities with downloadable memory

A data-averaging function

A display with large numbers

Blood pressure monitors can be worn on the arm or wrist. The two types of blood pressure monitors that use an arm cuff to check your blood pressure include:

An aneroid monitor- where you manually wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating it using a small hand pump and a stethoscope on your upper arm to listen to your pulse and blood flow

A digital monitor- that automatically fills the arm cuff with air and tightens around your arm

After the blood pressure cuff fills with air, you will let the air out slowly. The sound of your pulse is the systolic pressure, which is the top number in the blood pressure reading. As the sound of your pulse fades and is completely gone, that is the diastolic pressure, the bottom number of the blood pressure reading. A person’s normal blood pressure is 120 over 80 or less, and high blood pressure is 130 over 80 or higher.

A wrist blood pressure monitor is like an arm monitor because it measures the blood as it flows through the arteries. However, the difference is that a wrist monitor takes measurements at the radial artery, where the wrist connects with the hand. To measure your blood pressure, you will secure the cuff around your wrist and put your elbow on a table. Then, you will put your hand on your chest, making sure your wrist is at heart level, and stay still and relaxed as the monitor takes your blood pressure.

There are pros and cons to using arm and wrist blood pressure monitors, including:

Pros of using arm blood pressure monitors: They provide more accurate readings, and doctors suggest them more often

Cons of using arm blood pressure monitors: The arm cuff may not fit well on your upper arm, and certain medical conditions can make it unsafe or painful

Pros of using a wrist blood pressure monitor: They are small, lightweight, and can be more comfortable than arm monitors

Cons of using a wrist blood pressure monitor: Blood pressure readings are less accurate, and wrist measurements are sensitive to the positioning of your body

Another type of blood pressure monitor is an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, which measures your blood pressure around the clock, taking readings every 15 to 30 minutes when you’re awake, and every hour while you’re asleep. This monitor helps your doctor get accurate data about your blood pressure, which allows them to make treatment suggestions.

It is important to note that not all home blood pressure monitors are accurate. That is why it is very important to bring your home blood pressure monitor to your doctor before using it so they can test it against the monitors they use in their office.

If you would like to learn more about at-home blood pressure monitors, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.