Health Beat

Wellness Wednesday- The Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live healthier. Walking has many health benefits that can help you to:

Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat by burning calories
Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Lower blood sugar
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve muscle endurance
Ease joint pain
Boost immune function
Boost energy levels
Improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Improve balance and coordination
Lengthen life spans
Inspire creative thinking
Reduce stress and tension

Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while walking:

Walking in areas designated for pedestrians.
Walk in well-lit areas
Wear a reflective vest or light so people in cars can see you if you walk in the evening or early morning hours
Wear sturdy shoes with good heel and arch support
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Drink plenty of water before and after your walk to stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days

The faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Make sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

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.

Pinched Nerve

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A pinched nerve is a non-medical term used to describe a compressed nerve. A pinched nerve sensation occurs when surrounding tissues place too much pressure on a nerve. As a result, a person may experience short-term or long-term tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness in the affected area.

There are several types of pinched nerves characterized by the location of the compressed nerve and the part of the body it serves. This includes the pinching of a root nerve in the spine which causes tingling and pain in other parts of the body. This is known as radiculopathy.

A common type of radiculopathy is sciatica which causes pain along the sciatic nerve in the lower back and down the legs. Other conditions that can develop as a result of a pinched nerve are:
• Radial tunnel syndrome which occurs when the radial nerve in the elbow is affected
• Carpal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is affected
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the tibial nerve in the heel is affected

Some people are more at risk of experiencing a pinched nerve than others. They include those who:
• Were assigned female at birth
• Have rheumatoid arthritis
• Have diabetes
• Have thyroid disease
• Have bone spurs
• Are pregnant
• Are obese
• Are age 50 and older
• Perform activities that require repetitive movement of the wrist, shoulders, or hands

Most cases of a pinched nerve are mild and symptoms may go away in a few days or weeks. Your doctor may recommend treatment that involves over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, resting the affected area, pausing certain activities, or applying heat and ice.

Do not ignore the symptoms of a pinched nerve if they last longer than normal. Chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or other associated symptoms can indicate a serious problem.

Early detection can help you avoid complications. Your doctor can diagnose a pinched nerve by ordering imaging tests such as MRI, blood tests, spinal tap, or a nerve conduction study. Surgery is often used as a last resort to treat long-lasting symptoms.

An untreated neurological condition can significantly interfere with your ability to function daily, but with the help of our expert team of neurologists, you can get the treatment you need to prevent disability and maintain a high-quality, active life. To schedule an appointment, please email [email protected].

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Today October 10^th is recognized as National Depression Screening Day. The day is used as a way to bring awareness to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Several different factors can often come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, however, it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take the step to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. 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.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It helps maintain men’s:

Bone density
Fat distribution
Muscle strength and mass
Facial and body hair
Red blood cell production
Sex drive
Sperm production

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines—typically about 1% a year after turning 30 or 40 years old. For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease called hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

Men can have many signs and symptoms as they age. Some that might occur as a result of lower testosterone levels can include:

Changes in sexual function
Physical changes
Emotional changes

Other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes, and depression can cause some of these signs and symptoms.

Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, however, it is unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there is little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function in some men, however, there is little evidence that it improves other functions, such as energy and vitality.

Testosterone therapy has various risks, including:

Worsening sleep apnea
Causing acne or other skin reactions
Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of existing prostate cancer
Enlarging breasts
Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink
Stimulating too much red blood cell production contributes to an increased risk of forming a blood clot, which could cause a pulmonary embolism

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy is right for you, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. A blood test is used to diagnose a low testosterone. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy.

Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don’t have a medical condition that is contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone.

If you would like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, you can call and make an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, at 718-206-7001.

Sleepwalking

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a sleep disorder that causes you to walk around or perform other activities while asleep. Approximately 7% of people have sleepwalked once in their lifetime.

Sleepwalking tends to run in families, and it occurs more commonly in children than adults. Children usually outgrow the condition by the time they’ve reached their teenage years or by the time they become adults. Sleepwalking may however continue into adulthood for some individuals.

In addition to age and genetics other factors that may lead to sleepwalking include:

Taking certain medications
Stress
Lack of sleep
Fever
Obstructive sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome
Alcohol use

Sleepwalking typically happens 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep and may last for several minutes. SleepFoundation.org states that a sleepwalking episode may involve:

Walking or running
Urinating in inappropriate places
Open, glassy eyes with a blank look on the face
Routine actions, like getting dressed
Minimally responsive or incoherent speech

People who sleepwalk may also sleep eat or take part in sexual activity without being aware of it.

It is important to take steps to create a safe environment and prevent injuries in people who sleepwalk. This can be done by keeping doors and windows locked, securing dangerous items, removing breakable items, or using alarms or motion-sensing devices.

Sleepwalking occasionally is not a concern and does not require treatment. However, if episodes occur frequently, for example, one or two nights a week, or more you should see a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if sleepwalking leads to dangerous behaviors, disturbs or puts others at risk for injury, continues into a child’s teen years, or begins in adulthood.

Diagnosing sleepwalking may include a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, or participating in an overnight sleep study. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, applying relaxation and stress reduction techniques, scheduled waking, or medication.

To speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Eye Injury Prevention Month

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is eye injury prevention month. More than one million people per year are affected by an eye injury and 90% of these injuries could have been prevented if protective eyewear was worn. Here are some facts and tips that can help protect your eyes from injury:

The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals, battery acid, and workshop and yard debris.
Eyes can be damaged by the sun, not just dust, chemicals, and foreign bodies.
Wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jumpstarting your car, or working with cleaning or other chemicals.
Always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities.
Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns, or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

To ensure healthy vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends frequent, comprehensive eye exams every one or two years to prevent any serious problems.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for you or someone you know, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Whooping Cough

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Whooping cough or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that causes a distinct “whooping” cough.

Whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations, and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.

Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, but it could take longer. The symptoms are usually mild at first and resemble the symptoms of a common cold, which include:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery eyes
Fever
Cough

After a week or two, the signs and symptoms of whooping cough worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may also cause:

Vomiting
Extreme fatigue
A high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When the bacteria enter your respiratory system, they attach to the tiny, hair-like extensions that line your respiratory tract called cilia. The bacteria then release toxins damaging the cilia, causing the airways to swell, increasing mucus secretions, and creating severe coughing.

It is difficult to diagnose whooping cough early because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, like a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Doctors can sometimes diagnose whooping cough by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Tests can include:

A nose and throat culture and test
Blood tests
A chest X-ray

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases, diphtheria and tetanus.

Treatment for whooping cough is dependent on age and vaccination history. Infants are typically hospitalized for treatment because whooping cough is more dangerous for that age group.

Treatment for older children and adults can be managed at home. Antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing whooping cough.

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-7001 or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources like email, texts, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school- educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.
Talking about bullying at home- parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the many roles children can play in bullying.
Supporting your community- mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.
Raising awareness- share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.
Support anti-bullying organizations- contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.
Organize anti-bullying events- plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.
Engage in school programs- encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.
Be an upstander- teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Foods Asthma Sufferers May Want To Avoid

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Although food is not a common trigger for asthma, some people with the disease may develop symptoms or adverse reactions as a result of eating certain foods or additives.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma-triggering foods can include those that contain sulfites an additive found in:

• Pickled foods
• Packaged potatoes
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Wine and beer
• Shrimp
• Bottled lemon or lime juices
• Some condiments

Foods that contain salicylates, a naturally occurring chemical compound, have also been known to trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. Salicylates can be found in:

• Teas and coffees
• Certain herbs and spices

Additionally, foods that can cause gas or bloating such as beans, fried foods, carbonated drinks, onions, or garlic may make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.

Lastly, if you are allergic to certain foods, it is best to avoid them. An allergic reaction to these foods can also trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma sufferers should be careful about the foods they eat. Food allergies or reactions vary depending on the individual; therefore, speaking with a doctor about foods to eliminate or add to a diet is recommended.

RSV

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. A seasonal virus, RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

Signs and symptoms of RSV most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms, including:

Congested or runny nose
Dry cough
Low-grade fever
Sore throat
Sneezing
Headache
Lack of energy
Decreased appetite

It is difficult to distinguish RSV symptoms from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever
Severe cough
Wheezing
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
Struggling to breathe
Cough
Decreased appetite
Unusual tiredness
Irritability

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can cause many complications, including:

Hospitalization
Middle ear infection
Asthma
Repeated infections

RSV can infect anyone. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children
- Antibody product called nirsevimab
- Vaccines for pregnant people
Vaccine for older adults
Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection
- Washing your hands often
- Avoiding exposure
- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean
- Not sharing drinking glasses with others
- Not smoking
- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on the findings of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs
Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation
Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus
Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. However, hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication
Nasal saline drops
Using a humidifier
Drinking fluids
Staying away from cigarette smoke

Some hospital care treatments include:

Intravenous fluids
Humidified oxygen
A breathing machine

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.