Health Beat

National Afib Awareness Month

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Afib Awareness Month. Afib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. During Afib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, the ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

It usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of Afib, they can include:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of Afib, including:

Paroxysmal Afib
Persistent Afib
Long-standing persistent Afib

The most common cause of Afib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause Afib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of Afib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent Afib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

Afib is diagnosed when a healthcare provider examines you and asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of Afib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for Afib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, 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.

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.

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

Those who never received the COVID vaccine
Those at risk for severe COVID-19
Those 65 years and older
Those living in long-term care facilities
Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks underneath the clear surface of your eye called the conjunctiva.

The most common sign/symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bright red spot on the white of your eye.

The cause of a subconjunctival hemorrhage isn’t always known. However, some activities and health conditions can briefly raise the blood pressure in your veins causing the blood vessels in your eyes to break. These can include:

Straining (during coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or while using the toilet)
Injury to your head or eye, including an infection
Lifting, pushing, or bending forward
Rubbing your eye too hard
Wearing contact lenses
Taking medications, including blood thinners or certain cancer medications

Some less common subconjunctival hemorrhage causes include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Blood-clotting disorders

A healthcare provider or eye care specialist can diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage by looking at your eye. Other tests may be needed if you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages. Your healthcare provider may also:

Ask questions about your general health and symptoms
Conduct an eye examination
Take your blood pressure
Obtain a routine blood test to make sure you don’t have a potentially serious bleeding disorder

Treatment for a subconjunctival hemorrhage usually isn’t necessary even though it may look alarming. More often than not, it is a harmless condition that disappears within two weeks or less.

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

Oral Health

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:

Endocarditis
Cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy and birth complications
Pneumonia

Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.

Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:

Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease

You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
Flossing between your teeth daily.
Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980

MPox

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Mpox previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus usually affects rats, mice, or monkeys. But it can occur in people as well.

Mpox usually occurs in Central and West Africa. Cases outside of Africa are due to international travel, imported animals, and close contact with an animal or person infected with mpox.

Mpox symptoms may start three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms last two to four weeks and may include:

Fever
Skin rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache
Muscle aches and backaches
Chills
Fatigue

A skin rash starts about one to four days after a fever. It first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other body parts. You can spread mpox while you have symptoms.

There are many ways that mpox can spread, including:

Person to person
- Direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids of a person with mpox
- Extended close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, including sexual contact
- Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or bodily fluids of an infected person
- An infected pregnant person can spread the mpox virus to a fetus
Animal to person
- Animal bites or scratches
- Wild game that is cooked for food
- Products, such as skins or furs made from infected animals
- Direct contact with bodily fluids or rashes of animals with mpox

There are many steps you can take to prevent infection or the spread of the mpox virus, including:

Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
Avoiding the handling of clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in close contact with an infected animal or person
Quarantining people who have mpox from healthy people
Washing your hands well with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoiding animals that may carry the virus

The treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough fluids to help keep stool soft, and pain management. There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox. If you have mpox, quarantine at home in a room separate from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

You can make an appointment for mpox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

A Flavorsome and Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Dinners

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

As the summer fades into fall, here is a comforting and delicious recipe for chicken chili to add to your dinner rotation.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chicken-chili-3869708

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

September is sickle cell awareness month. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop, causing those red blood cells to block the blood flow through the body creating recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are many symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow
Extreme tiredness
Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

Episodes of severe pain
Anemia symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat
Fever
Acute chest syndrome
Stroke
Priapism
Avascular necrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Organ damage
Leg ulcers
Gallstones
Deep vein thrombosis
Pregnancy complications
Vision problems
Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease including:

Medicines
Blood transfusions
Blood and bone marrow transplant
Gene therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

Hand Hygiene for Children

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

Explain the benefits of handwashing
Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
- Step 1: Wet hands with running water
- Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
- Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
- Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
- Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Set the times when they should be washing their hands
- When they are visibly dirty
- Before and after eating
- After using the toilet
- After touching animals and pets
- After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
- Before and after visiting friends and relatives
Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infection that causes encephalitis or severe brain inflammation. It is spread through the bite of a mosquito infected with the EEE virus or EEEV. Eastern equine encephalitis cannot be transmitted from person to person.

The EEE virus can affect the way the brain and nerves function, and potentially lead to long-term or life-threatening complications.

Some people infected with EEEV may not present with any symptoms; however, if symptoms appear, they could range from mild to severe and include:

Fever
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
High fever
Vomiting
Drowsiness

The symptoms of an EEE infection typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

An EEE infection may progress into more serious complications such as:

Seizures
Coma
Behavioral changes
Paralysis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of the people who develop severe EEE die and those who survive may have some degree of brain damage; therefore, it is important that you see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Your doctor may diagnose EEE based on signs and symptoms, travel history (traveling to areas where the EEE virus is prevalent), mosquito exposure, and blood or spinal lab tests. Treatment typically involves getting enough fluids, rest, or taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Patients may require hospitalization in severe cases.

Eastern equine encephalitis can be prevented by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and taking steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Denise Roman, PT, DPT

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Denise Roman, PT, DPT, PPS coordinator and a PT supervisor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Denise has been at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 34 years. She was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. Denise attended Fountain A.M.E and St. Mary’s primary schools, and the Bishop’s High School. After graduating from high school, Denise traveled to Jamaica, West Indies where she studied and received her degree in Physical Therapy at the School of Physical Therapy on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. In 1989, Denise immigrated to the United States. She continued her studies at the Empire College, receiving a BS in Community and Human Services. Denise then went on to receive a post graduate certificate in Early Intervention from the Westchester Medical College and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College.

Denise currently resides in Springfield Gardens. She loves pets and while living in Guyana she had many, but currently doesn’t have any. In her free time she enjoys reading and volunteering with youth programs at her church. Denise has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She believes that volunteering and giving back to the community are very important qualities. Denise has never forgotten the people who have helped her along the way and she feels that that she always wants to do her best to be of service to others.

Denise has traveled extensively and some of the places she has visited are Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. Of course, Guyana is one of her favorite places to visit. Denise enjoys many different types of food, especially West Indian, Mexican and Asian. Her favorite types of music to listen to are gospel, reggae, soca, R&B, jazz and folk. Denise enjoys watching cricket, and track and field. She played netball in school and likes outdoor activities that include walking, parasailing, and white water rafting.

Denise loves working at Jamaica Hospital as it has allowed her to grow professionally and has given her the opportunity to watch the hospital expand . She is proud of the fact that her colleagues work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. This was very evident during the COVID pandemic as the staff continued to give their best despite the dangers of the disease and being mentally and physically challenged. Denise was very thankful for the care her mother received while being a patient at the hospital and credits the staff for saving her life. We are very proud to have Denise as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.