Cervical Health Awareness Month

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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of cervical cancer’s causes and how screening and vaccination can help prevent the disease.

The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with some form of gynecological cancer this year alone.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the low narrow end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that is spread through sexual contact. The body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm. However, for a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years. This delay can cause cervical cells to become cancer cells.

Gynecological cancer symptoms can vary, making them difficult to recognize and distinguish. Some general gynecological cancer symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Changes in your menstrual cycle
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Changes in vaginal appearance

Even if you don’t have symptoms, it is important to continue to have regular wellness exams and screenings to maintain good gynecological health.

Attending regular screenings with your primary care provider or gynecologist and receiving an HPV vaccination are two of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells, which allows for intervention before cancer develops. It is recommended that women 21-29 years old have a Pap test done every three years. Women 30 years old and up are advised to have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. If you are 65 or older, the screenings will likely stop if you are considered low-risk.

The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active because once a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.

All women face some risk of developing gynecologic cancer, however, certain factors can exacerbate the likelihood, including:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Understanding individual risk factors is essential in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer, but recognizing early warning signs is just as important.

At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.

 

 

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.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Now Offering InspireÂź Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Queens, NY— Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is the only hospital in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

OSA affects 22 million Americans and when left untreated, it can cause vehicle and workplace accidents, worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack, and even death. It occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks oxygen flow to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to breathe, then falls asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.

Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up.

Inspire’s safety and efficacy were evaluated during the STAR clinical trial. Five-year STAR trial outcomes show that patients using Inspire experience significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in quality-of-life measures. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications on Inspire show results consistent with those seen in the STAR trial.

“In our practice, we see many patients who have stopped using or are unable to tolerate CPAP,” said Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Inspire represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events and has a high level of patient satisfaction and high therapy adherence. We are excited to offer this promising therapy to sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP.”

Our team of otolaryngologists offers effective treatment for many common conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. These conditions cover various levels of severity; some, such as certain allergies and hearing problems, may pose a distracting annoyance that makes your day-to-day activities more challenging, while others, such as sinus infections, ear infections, and sleep apnea, may develop more serious complications without prompt diagnosis and treatment.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call 718-206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.

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.

Thyroid Awareness Month

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January is Thyroid Awareness Month.

Thyroid disease is a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck under your skin. As a part of the body’s endocrine system, it controls many of your body’s important functions by producing and releasing thyroid hormones and controlling the speed of your metabolism.

There are two main types of thyroid disease, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). They each have several conditions that can cause them.

Conditions that can cause hypothyroidism include:

  • Hashimoto’s disease – this is a lifelong autoimmune condition that can cause hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries with widely available iodized salt and other iodine-enriched foods.
  • Iodine deficiency – the thyroid needs iodine to make the thyroid hormone, so a lack of the mineral in your diet can lead to hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in countries that don’t have iodized salt widely available. It often causes goiters also known as an enlarged thyroid.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism – sometimes, babies are born with a missing or underactive thyroid. “Congenital” means present from birth. About one in every 2,000 to 4,000 babies have congenital hypothyroidism.

Conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism include:

  • Graves’ disease – this is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
  • Thyroid nodules – these are abnormal lumps on your thyroid gland. If the nodules are hyper-functioning, they can lead to hyperthyroidism.
  • Excessive iodine – when you have too much iodine in your body, your thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than you need. You may develop excessive iodine by taking certain medications.

Some conditions can cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at different times, including:

  • Thyroiditis – which is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. It typically causes temporary hyperthyroidism at first and then temporary or chronic hypothyroidism.
  • Postpartum thyroiditis – this is a relatively rare condition that affects some birthing parents after pregnancy. An estimated 5% of people may experience this after giving birth. It typically causes hyperthyroidism first, followed by hypothyroidism. It is usually temporary.

There are a variety of thyroid disease symptoms. Unfortunately, symptoms of a thyroid condition are often similar to the signs of other medical conditions and stages of life, making it difficult to know if the symptoms are related to a thyroid issue or something else.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Slower-than-usual heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Feeling sensitive to the cold
  • Dry skin and dry coarse hair
  • Depression
  • Heavy menstrual periods

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Faster-than-usual heart rate
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Feeling sensitive to the heat
  • Clammy or sweaty skin
  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or nervous
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of periods

Many factors can put you at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition, including:

  • Being assigned female at birth (AFAB). People AFAB are five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid condition than people assigned male at birth (AMAB)
  • Have a family history of thyroid disease
  • Have Turner syndrome
  • Take a medication that is high in iodine
  • Live in a country or area that doesn’t have iodized table salt, which can lead to iodine deficiency
  • Are older than 60 years of age, especially if you are AFAB
  • Have received radiation therapy to your head and/or neck

Having an autoimmune disease also increases your risk, especially if you have:

  • Pernicious anemia
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Celiac disease
  • Addison’s disease
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjögren’s syndrome

Thyroid disease can be diagnosed using blood and imaging tests after a healthcare provider performs a physical exam.

Treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of condition and the cause. The goal is to return your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range. Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid drugs, radioiodine therapy, beta-blockers, and surgery. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid replacement therapy.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any thyroid disease, you can call and make an appointment with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service, at 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.

The Importance of an Annual Exam

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Improving one’s physical health is often a go-to New Year’s resolution. The best way to do this is by scheduling a routine medical check-up appointment. Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider to ensure you don’t have any underlying health issues.

There are several reasons to get a physical exam, including:

  • It can prevent illnesses
  • It monitors the risk of chronic disease
  • It identifies illnesses that don’t have symptoms
  • It monitors your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry
  • It helps adjust your lifestyle that is suitable for your age
  • It helps keep an ongoing relationship with your healthcare provider

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, call (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.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

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Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

  • Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
  • Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
  • Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
    • Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
    • Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
    • Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with the help of a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5575.

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.

Tips to Help Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

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At the end of every year, we make lists of the goals we want to accomplish and/or the resolutions we want to make for the New Year. However, New Year’s resolutions are sometimes hard to keep. Here are some tips to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions:

  • Select one goal that you want to achieve instead of many
  • Plan how you intend to achieve that goal
  • Don’t be too ambitious with your goal, as it is best to keep it simple
  • Break your goal into smaller, more manageable parts
  • Pick a goal that involves a new activity
  • Try to learn from past difficulties in accomplishing your goal
  • Don’t get discouraged if you have setbacks
  • Keep a daily record of your progress
  • Pick a goal where you can measure the results

Achieving a goal you made as your New Year’s resolution is always easier when you have the support of friends and family. Let people know what you hope to achieve and enlist others who can be supportive. Additionally, give yourself some positive reinforcement as you work towards a goal.

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.

15 Foods to Add to Your Diet to Boost Your Brain Health

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The brain is the command center of the body. It processes information and sends messages controlling everything your body does from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • B vitamins
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Selenium
  • Iron
  • Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

  • Brain development
  • Proper signaling of neurotransmitters
  • Processing and understanding new information
  • Memory
  • Protein balance
  • Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

Here are 15 foods to add to your diet that are rich in essential nutrients:

  1. Eggs
  2. Fatty fish
  3. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
  4. Broccoli
  5. Mushrooms
  6. Walnuts
  7. Turmeric
  8. Coffee
  9. Leafy greens
  10. Green tea
  11. Dark chocolate
  12. Fermented dairy
  13. Avocados
  14. Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice
  15. Whole grains

Remember, no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating brain foods regularly can keep your brain sharp and maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to reap the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

 

 

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 Causes Lymph Nodes to Swell?

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Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and a vital part of the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are your body’s natural reaction to illness or infection. They act as filters that help rid the body of germs, cells, or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid.

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and lymph nodes throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are located in the head and neck region, the armpits, and the groin where they frequently swell.

When lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When they first swell, you might notice:

  • Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
  • Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph node

Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms might include:

  • Runny nose, sore throat, fever, and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
  • General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this happens, it can indicate an infection.
  • Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating possible cancer
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

  • Common infections
    • Strep throat
    • Measles
    • Ear infections
    • An infected (abscessed) tooth
    • Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
    • HIV
  • Uncommon infections
    • Tuberculosis
    • Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis
    • Toxoplasmosis- a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
    • Cat scratch fever- a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
  • Immune system disorders
    • Lupus
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Cancers
    • Lymphoma
    • Leukemia
    • Other cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes

To diagnose what is causing your swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may need:

  • Your medical history
  • A physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging studies
  • A lymph node biopsy

Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus usually return to normal after the viral infection ends. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:

  • Infection- antibiotics are the most common treatment for lymph nodes caused by bacterial infections. If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an HIV infection, you’ll receive specific treatment for that condition.
  • Immune disorder- if your swollen lymph nodes are caused by certain conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
  • Cancer- swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

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.

Gallbladder Robotic Surgery

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Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen and collects and stores bile made in the liver.

Gallbladder removal surgery is a common surgery that treats many types of gallbladder disease including:

  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation)
  • Biliary dyskinesia
  • Gangrene
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Cholangiopathy
  • Pancreatitis caused by gallstones

The most common and recognizable symptom of gallbladder disease is biliary colic. It is a pattern of pain in your biliary tract in your upper right abdomen that occurs in episodes, often with nausea. Biliary colic is usually an early sign of biliary disease that is likely to get worse. When your bile flow stalls completely, you’ll feel intense bladder pain that won’t go away until you get medical care. Other signs of possible gallbladder disease include:

  • Jaundice
  • A swollen abdomen that is tender to the touch
  • Large gallbladder polyps discovered on an ultrasound

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, your healthcare provider will examine you and conduct the necessary tests to diagnose the cause. They will let you know if gallbladder surgery is recommended.

There are three types of gallbladder removal surgery, they include:

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • Robotic cholecystectomy
  • Open cholecystectomy

Through the acquisition of the Da Vinci robot surgical platform, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center can now perform minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images inside the abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture to reference as they operate.
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars.
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
  • A shorter hospital stay.

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7001 to make 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.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

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The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends. Depending on where you are, or where you are going, many challenges such as weather conditions, limited daylight, and driving in unfamiliar areas can make driving difficult. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving this holiday season:

  • Prepare your vehicle for the winter and keep an emergency kit with you
  • Get a good night’s sleep before leaving to avoid drowsy driving
  • Leave early to avoid heavy traffic
  • Make sure that every person in the vehicle is buckled up properly
  • Practice defensive driving
  • Don’t drive impaired
  • Avoid distractions
  • Check the weather conditions before driving
  • Stick to the speed limit

Taking the proper precautions before and during your drive is for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 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.