Water Retention

Water retention or edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs, and ankles. It can also affect other body parts such as your face, hands, and abdomen. Edema can affect anyone, especially people who are pregnant and adults 65 and older.

Symptoms of edema include:

  • An area of your body is larger than it was the day before
  • The skin over the swollen area looks stretched and shiny
  • Difficulty walking if your legs, ankles, and feet swell
  • You have a cough or trouble breathing
  • You feel fullness or tightness in the swollen body part
  • You feel mild pain or a sore feeling in the affected area
  • Stiff joints
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Puffiness of the abdomen, face, and hips
  • Bloating

There are many causes associated with edema, including:

  • Standing or sitting for too long
  • Weakened valves
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Side effects from medication
  • Poor nutrition
  • Pregnancy
  • Compromised immune system

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to diagnose edema, followed by diagnostic tests to find the cause. They will look for swelling, especially on parts of your body where your skin has a shiny, stretched appearance.

Edema grading is a scale used to identify the severity of your edema diagnosis and estimate how much fluid built up in your tissues.

Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. Examples of this include:

  • If lung disease causes edema, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider will recommend you quit smoking.
  • If edema occurs with chronic heart failure, your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes to treat your diagnosis by monitoring your weight, fluid intake, and salt intake. They may also recommend cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink.
  • If edema is a side effect of a medication you are taking, your healthcare provider may stop or lower the dosage of your medication to resolve swelling. Do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

There are a few steps you can take to keep fluid from building up in your body, including:

  • Keeping your legs elevated above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving or going on short walks.
  • Wearing support socks, stockings, or sleeves, that put pressure on body parts to keep fluids from collecting there.
  • Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
  • Following your doctor’s directions for taking medications. Your doctor may want you to take a diuretic to help you get rid of excess fluid.

If you are experiencing swollen legs, ankles, or feet, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical 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.

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes down the back of your throat.

A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages. Many things can cause a temporary runny nose, including:

  • Viruses
  • Cold weather
  • Sinusitis
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Exercise
  • Medications

Some causes of long-lasting or recurring runny noses include:

  • Allergies
  • Hormones
  • Nasal polyps

If you don’t have any other symptoms, there are several ways to manage a runny nose at home with self-care options, including:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Drinking hot teas
  • Using a humidifier
  • Doing a facial steam
  • Taking a hot shower
  • Rinsing your nose with a neti pot
  • Applying a warm compress
  • Using a saline nasal spray
  • Taking over-the-counter medication
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Eating spicy food

Many things can cause a runny nose, and it often doesn’t require treatment. However, if you frequently get one, it may be good to seek a medical opinion since chronic rhinitis can make life uncomfortable and lead to infections. 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.

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is when a person actively seeks out saddening or negative material to read or scroll through on social media or news media outlets.

Gaining prevalence in 2020, the idea behind doomscrolling is attempting to get access to all the information you need to keep yourself protected from what is dangerous around you. Unfortunately, you can become unable to tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.

According to research, people with a high level of neuroticism (a general tendency toward negative emotions) may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling. Neuroticism is one of the big five personality traits, along with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

Dr. Richard Mollica, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School says that women and people with a history of trauma are the two most vulnerable groups when it comes to doomscrolling.

Doomscrolling can reinforce negative thoughts and a negative mindset, something that can greatly impact your mental health. Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety and can also cause them to experience feelings of:

  • Apprehension
  • Sadness and anger
  • Uncertainty about the future

Some potential effects of doomscrolling include:

  • May worsen mental health issues
  • May lead to insomnia
  • Can contribute to “crazymaking” or “gaslighting”, a form of abuse that makes you feel off-balance mentally or emotionally by making you believe you’re crazy.

Here are some tips to help you stop doomscrolling:

  • Avoid catastrophizing by not letting your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
  • Think about how you feel after doomscrolling
  • Keep your phone off your nightstand
  • Switch your phone to grayscale
  • Limit your screen time
  • Opt out of notifications
  • Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table
  • Focus on the now
  • Seek out positive news
  • Practice gratitude
  • Move your body
  • Disconnect
  • Ask for help

Embrace mindfulness and practice checking your phone consciously, not compulsively. 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.

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Radica Rampersuad

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Radica Rampersaud, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. She has been a member of our team  for 21 years.

Radica is a native of Guyana, South America where her  early education took place. She attended elementary school at Mibikuri South, Corentyne, Berbice, Manchester Secondary School, and graduated from Guyana School of Agriculture. In 1995, she moved to New York where she first lived in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn, and later on moved to Ozone Park, where she currently resides.  Attending college in New York was a challenge for her  because she was raising two small children and working 30 hours a week as a cashier in a supermarket, all while studying for her degree.  Radica accomplished her goal and received her Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy from the Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Radica is very family oriented. She has two daughters of whom she is very proud,  both of whom volunteered at Jamaica Hospital and now both  work in the healthcare field. One daughter is a clinical pharmacist and the other is a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery. She is grateful to her husband for all of his support through the years.  Her  dog Aurora and her cat named Grey are also part of her family.

In her free time, Radica enjoys online shopping, cooking and spending time with family. She also likes to go to movies and restaurants. Her favorite types of food are West Indian, Thai and Mexican. Her favorite types of music are Bollywood and Chutney. Radica enjoys traveling, especially to Europe and Asia. Dubai is one of the places that holds special interest for her and she plans on traveling to Japan soon with family.  The sports that she enjoys watching are cricket and soccer.

Radica takes pride in making a difference in the community. This is something that she accomplishes through providing exceptional healthcare to her patients along with other members of the hospital staff. Radica enjoys being able to teach respiratory therapy students, and working closely with doctors and nurses in a team approach to caring for patients. In 2022,  she received a proclamation from the New York State Senate for being an Outstanding Woman in Healthcare on the occasion of Women’s History Month.  We are very fortunate to have Radica as a member of our Jamaica Hospital team and we look forward to having her continue working with us for many more years into the future.

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.

This Recipe For Mom’s Lasagna Will Comfort You And Keep You Warm On A Cold Fall Night

As the fall temperatures get colder we’ll be spending more time indoors. Here is a comforting fall recipe for Mom’s lasagna to keep you warm during the cold, autumn months.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-symon/moms-lasagna-fall-version-11957227

 

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.

Bad Hygiene Habits That Can Make You Sick

We all have our bad habits. We also have bad hygienic habits. Here are some bad hygienic habits that can make you sick:

  • Washing your hands incorrectly- when you don’t wash your hands properly, germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them.
  • Irregular brushing or flossing of teeth- not brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
  • Rarely showering or bathing- not showering can cause acne, rashes, and life-threatening infections.
  • Infrequently washing bedding- bedsheets that haven’t been washed in months or longer become a petri dish of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, and can lead to a staph infection.
  • Leaving in contact lenses for days- wearing contact lenses for a week or longer can lead to severe eye infections, including corneal ulcers.
  • Not washing bras or underwear regularly- not washing your underwear properly leaves the risk of contracting yeast infections, thrush, and urinary tract infections. Wearing unwashed bras can cause acne, rashes, or worse.
  • Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or hairbrushes- using someone else’s toothbrush can lead to oral infections. Using someone’s razor can lead to skin infections like staph and also transmit viruses like hepatitis and HIV.
  • Reusing water bottles without washing them- refilling your reusable water bottle without washing it can cause large amounts of bacteria including E. coli to form.
  • Not washing produce before eating or cooking with them- ingesting the bacteria on unwashed fruits and veggies can give you food poisoning, and consuming the pesticides on some of these foods can raise your risk of serious conditions.
  • Not washing your hair regularly- bacteria will start to collect and clog your hair follicles, which could lead to infection.
  • Using your kitchen sponge for too long- using a dirty sponge can spread salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, among other nasty substances.

Good hygiene isn’t about eradicating yourself of germs. You can kick bad hygiene habits by not letting harmful bacteria fester or not taking shortcuts.

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.

Anemia

Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia can be short-term or long-term and can range from mild to severe. There are many forms of anemia and each has its cause. The forms of anemia are:

  • Aplastic anemia- is a rare, life-threatening condition where the body doesn’t make enough new blood cells
  • Iron deficiency anemia- is the most common type of anemia, where there isn’t enough iron in the body
  • Sickle cell anemia- is a serious inherited condition where the hemoglobin forces red blood cells into a crescent shape
  • Thalassemia- is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal
  • Vitamin deficiency anemia- there isn’t enough folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough red blood cells

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and severity. It can be mild enough that there are no symptoms at first. However, symptoms can get worse as the anemia gets worse. Possible symptoms of anemia can include:

  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches

Anemia can happen if:

  • The body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin or red blood cells
  • Bleeding causes loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin faster than they can be replaced
  • The body destroys red blood cells and the hemoglobin that is in them

Many factors can increase the risk of anemia, including:

  • A diet that doesn’t have enough of certain vitamins and minerals
  • Problems with the small intestines
  • Menstrual periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic conditions
  • Family history

Other factors like a history of certain infections, blood diseases, and autoimmune conditions, drinking too much alcohol, being around toxic chemicals, and taking some medicines can affect the making of red blood cells and also increase the risk of anemia.

If anemia is not treated, it can cause many health problems, including:

  • Severe tiredness
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Heart problems
  • Death

Many types of anemia can’t be prevented. However, eating a healthy diet might prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemias. A healthy diet includes:

  • Iron
  • Folate
  • Vitamin B-12
  • Vitamin C

To diagnose anemia, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. Tests might include:

  • Complete blood count
  • A test to show the size and shape of the red blood cells
  • A bone marrow biopsy

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. If you have anemia because of an underlying condition, your provider will treat that condition. But they may also do the following treatments that include:

  • Dietary supplements
  • Medications
  • Procedures

If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment for anemia, you can schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical 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.

Q and A: Medication Expiration Dates

Q: Do over-the-counter and prescription medications have expiration dates? Do they mean anything and is it safe to take them past the expiration date?

A: Over-the-counter and prescription medications are time-stamped with expiration dates. Time stamps can be found on the labels or the actual container. It is important that you pay attention to these dates. The expiration dates indicate a guarantee of full potency and safety within the recommended shelf life.

Person holding vial of pills, pointing at label, Close-up of hands

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – “Don’t be tempted to take expired medications.” The FDA states using expired medical products is “risky and possibly harmful to your health.” This is because the efficiency of a medication may lessen over time due to changes in its chemical composition or a decrease in its potency.

 

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.

Volvulus

Volvulus is a condition that occurs when the intestine twists on itself, obstructing the flow of material through the bowel. This can cut off the blood supply to the intestine. Volvulus is commonly due to a birth defect called malrotation. This complication can cause the intestinal tissue to die, and can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Yellow or green vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling or distention
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Bloody stools
  • Constipation
  • Shock

Volvulus of the small intestine usually occurs in infants and children. Children with volvulus may not have long-term problems if the condition is treated promptly. However, surgery is required within hours of the onset of symptoms for this to occur.

Volvulus in adults typically forms in the colon. This is known as sigmoid volvulus.

Some factors that may increase the risk of volvulus include:

  • Chronic constipation
  • A high-fiber diet
  • Past abdominal surgery

Volvulus is diagnosed based on its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distention, constipation, and inability to pass gas. A healthcare provider may suspect volvulus based on the symptoms and begin looking for a possible cause. This can be done by performing a physical exam and ordering:

  • Lab tests
  • CT scan
  • X-rays
  • Contrast enema

Volvulus treatment focuses on two goals, fixing the twisted intestine and preventing future episodes. The process of untwisting the intestines is called “reducing” the volvulus. This requires a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, which uses a flexible, tube-like instrument equipped with a light and camera. Inserting and advancing the instrument can help untwist a sigmoid volvulus and restore blood supply while allowing the gastroenterologist to see and assess any tissue damage. This may help determine if surgery is necessary.

If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of volvulus, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

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.

Wellness Wednesday- The Health Benefits of Walking

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.