Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is recognized as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. With children preparing for the new school year, it is important to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries
Infections
Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, such as:

Their eyes don’t line up or appear crossed
Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
Their eyes are watery or inflamed
They rub their eyes a lot
They close or cover one eye
They tilt their head forward
They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
They hold objects close to their eyes to see
They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams
Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
Limiting screen time
Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

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.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking you up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities so the transition is less sudden

If you or your child needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Dehydration Kidney Stones

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Drinking water is essential for our health and wellbeing. Not drinking enough water can lead to health complications such as dehydration, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are solid masses or clusters of crystals that form from substances such as minerals, acids, and salts in the kidneys. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand, or in rare cases, larger than a golf ball.

Stones occur when there is little liquid and too many of the minerals, acids, and other substances such as calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine, causing them to stick together and form crystals or stones. Kidney stones can form over months or years.

According to research done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dehydration is an important risk factor for kidney stones because the body doesn’t have enough water to dilute minerals and salts in the urine. The research further stated that a person should drink enough water to have about two liters of urine output daily to prevent kidney stones and pay attention to the color of their urine to know if the goal is achieved or not. Dark colored urine is a sign of dehydration.

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side, which might feel like it extends from the groin to the side. This pain can be dull, or it can be sharp and severe and comes in waves. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Bloody urine

Pain when urinating

The inability to urinate

Feeling the urge to urinate a lot

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

Fever or chills

Drinking water plays a very important role in preventing kidney stones because it helps dilute the urine and reduces the concentration of minerals and salts that can form stones. Drinking enough water throughout the day causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps flush out substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid before they can combine and form crystals.

A healthcare provider can diagnose kidney stones by performing urine, imaging, and blood tests.

To treat a small kidney stone, a healthcare provider will have the person monitor their symptoms until it passes in their urine. They may also prescribe medications to keep them comfortable and help the stone pass on its own. Larger kidney stones need treatment depending on their size, location, whether they are causing infections or symptoms, and other factors.

Medications to treat kidney stones help relax the ureter to help pass the stone more easily, help manage any nausea and vomiting, and help manage pain.

Procedures to remove large kidney stones include:

Shockwave lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Laparoscopic surgery

It is recommended to drink up to three liters of water daily and throughout the day to help prevent kidney stones from returning. Other ways to prevent kidney stones from returning include:

Drinking water, but drinks like tea and coffee also count

Adding fresh lemon juice to your water

Avoiding eating too much salt

Avoiding fizzy drinks

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones and would like more information about receiving treatment from a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the use of anesthetics, which are medications that prevent a person from feeling pain during operations or other medical procedures.

Anesthetics work by blocking pain or sensation in the body or putting the brain to sleep. These medications can be given intravenously through an IV, inhaled, injected, taken orally, or applied topically.

Types of anesthesia and how they work

There are four main types of anesthesia, and each works differently by temporarily blocking pain signals between your body and your brain. They include:

General anesthesia – makes you completely unconscious (you are put in a complete medically induced sleep). The anesthetics given affect the whole body and stop pain and awareness. They also prevent movement and memory formation during surgery. General anesthesia is typically administered by IV or inhaled as a gas and is used during major operations such as heart surgery or abdominal surgery. Breathing support and monitoring of vital functions are required during surgery.
Regional anesthesia – works by numbing a large area of the body, such as the arm, shoulder, or the lower half of the body. You may remain awake or receive mild sedation during a procedure in which regional anesthesia is given. Regional anesthesia is administered by injecting medication near a cluster of nerves. This temporarily prevents pain signals from that region of the body from reaching the brain. Regional anesthesia is used for childbirth (an epidural) or targeted orthopedic surgeries on the hand or feet.
Local anesthesia numbs a small, specific part of the body. These medications work by preventing local nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. You are awake and alert during procedures in which local anesthesia is given. Local anesthetics can be administered by injections or applied topically as sprays, gels, or ointments. They are commonly used during dental procedures, skin biopsies, minor plastic surgery, or stitching a wound on your skin.
Sedation – helps you to relax or makes you feel sleepy without necessarily causing complete unconsciousness. Sedatives are often given to reduce anxiety or decrease awareness. You can usually breathe on your own and may or may not remember the procedure. Sedatives can be administered by IV, injection, or pills or liquids taken by mouth, and are used during dental procedures, colonoscopies, or minor surgeries. A trained healthcare provider will monitor your vitals while you are sedated.

Types of anesthesiology professionals

Modern anesthesia is considered very safe when it is administered by trained professionals. Medical professionals involved in this process include anesthesiologists, who are medical doctors specializing in anesthesia, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are nurses with advanced training in anesthesia, and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs), who assist anesthesiologists. These skilled individuals work together to ensure your safety during the procedure.

Social Anxiety

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When a person has social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, everyday interactions can cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or negatively judged by others around them. Fear and anxiety may lead to avoidance that can disrupt their lives. Additionally, severe stress can affect daily routines and common everyday social experiences, including:

Attending parties or social gatherings

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers

Starting conversations

Making eye contact

Going to school or work

Dating

Eating in front of others

Using a public restroom

For those living with social anxiety disorder, comfort levels in social situations vary and depend on personality traits and life experiences. Some people are naturally reserved, and others are more outgoing.

Having feelings of shyness or discomfort in certain situations isn’t necessarily a sign of social anxiety disorder, particularly in children. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes begin in younger children or in adults.

The signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include constant:

Intense fear or anxiety during social situations

Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers

Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself

Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively

Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment

Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention

Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as:

Blushing

Sweating

Trembling

Having a shaky voice

Anxiety in anticipation of a feared activity or event

Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation

Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation

For children with social anxiety disorder, anxiety about interacting with adults or peers may present itself as crying, having temper tantrums, clinging to parents, or refusing to speak in social situations.

Several physical signs and symptoms can accompany social anxiety disorder, including:

A fast heartbeat

Trouble catching your breath

Sweating

Trembling

Blushing

An upset stomach or nausea

Dizziness or lightheadedness

A feeling that your mind has gone blank

Muscle tension

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time and may flare up if you’re facing a lot of changes, stress, or demands in your life. Although avoiding situations that cause anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if left untreated.

Like several other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely stems from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, including:

Brain structure

Inherited traits

Environment

Many factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history

Temperament

New social or work demands

Negative experiences

Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to you

If social anxiety is left untreated, it can control your life, as anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships, or enjoyment of life, and can cause:

Low self-esteem

Poor social skills

Isolation and difficult social relationships

Trouble being assertive

Negative self-talk

Hypersensitivity to criticism

Low academic and employment achievement

Substance abuse, such as drinking too much alcohol

Suicidal ideation, suicide, or suicide attempts

To diagnose you with social anxiety disorder, a healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have the disorder along with other physical or mental health disorders. They may determine a diagnosis based on:

A physical exam that helps assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety

A discussion of your symptoms, such as how often they occur, and in what situations

Reviewing a list of situations to see if they make you anxious

Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety

Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

The treatment for social anxiety disorder depends on how much it affects your ability to function in your daily life. The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

There isn’t a way to predict what will cause someone to develop anxiety disorders. However, you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you’re anxious, such as:

Getting help early

Setting priorities in your life

Keeping a journal

Avoiding unhealthy substance use

Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.

If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Ifeoma Kaliku

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Andrew Rubin

This month, our Employee Spotlight shines on Ifeoma Kaliku, Technician Coordinator in the Pharmacy Department. Ifeoma has been employed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 15 years.

Ifeoma grew up in Brooklyn, New York and still currently lives in that borough. She has two children, Alexis Carter and Winston Mickle III. She doesn’t have any pets of her own, but she likes cats. In her free time she enjoys reading fiction books and watching movies, especially drama, comedy and action genres. She likes to travel and particularly enjoys going to the islands in the Caribbean. Her favorite place is the island of Jamaica and also the Dominican Republic. One day she hopes to visit Hawaii.

Ifeoma enjoys many different types of food, especially seafood and African dishes. She likes R&B music Her favorite entertainers are Whitney Houston, Prince, Luther Vandross Soca musicians that she enjoys are Machel Montano, and Skinny Fabulous. On nice days she likes to take long walks in the park. Ifeoma finds great satisfaction spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite seafoods are lobster tail, shrimp, mussels and calamari. Ifeoma’s favorite African foods are egusi and pounded yams.

Ifeoma likes working at Jamaica Hospital because it is an institution committed to ensuring that everyone is treated equally. It has an environment where she can share her experience and professionalism with her colleagues without being judged. She feels passionate about patient care and continually strives to learn more about her work environment. Ifeoma feels that her responsibilities can be challenging every day and encounter a variety of scenarios that motivate her to do her best to have a positive impact in her work. We look forward to Ifeoma working with us for many years into the future.

What Persistent Heartburn Can Be a Sign Of

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone, that is sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth, due to stomach acid escaping into the esophagus and irritating its delicate lining. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, when lying down, or when bending over.

Heartburn has several symptoms, including:

A burning sensation in the chest or throat

A sore throat or hoarseness

Difficulty swallowing

A sour taste in the mouth

Feeling like food is stuck in the throat

Nausea or vomiting

Regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth

The most common cause of heartburn is acid reflux, which can be triggered by:

Overeating

Eating spicy or fatty foods

Smoking

Alcohol intake

Using certain medications

Occasional heartburn is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs more than twice a week or every day, can be a symptom of larger problems, such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter

Barrett’s esophagus: occurs when repeated exposure to stomach acid causes changes to esophageal cells, which can transform into a potentially fatal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastritis: is inflammation of the stomach lining that may be caused by bacteria, infection, chronic vomiting, excessive use of alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Hiatal hernia: is a condition that occurs when part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm

Esophagitis: is inflammation of esophageal tissue often caused by GERD

It is important to know that if you are experiencing severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with jaw, neck, or back pain, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology consists of board-certified gastroenterologists who provide high-quality, expert care to patients suffering from such conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Reports of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in multiple states have been making headlines. Thousands of cases have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating the outbreak to determine the source of the illness.

What is cyclosporiasis?

According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis occurs more commonly in tropical or subtropical regions of the world, particularly in places where sanitation and water treatment may be limited. The parasite that causes the illness is endemic in parts of Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, and some areas of the Middle East and Africa.

Cyclosporiasis is typically uncommon in the United States when compared to other foodborne illnesses caused by germs such as Salmonella. Though uncommon, outbreaks can happen, especially during the spring and summer months.

Outbreaks in the past have been linked to domestic and imported fresh produce (especially those eaten raw), including raspberries, pre-washed bagged green salad mixes, snow peas, cilantro, and basil.

What are the signs and symptoms of cyclosporiasis?

The CDC shares that the main symptom of cyclosporiasis is loud, watery (explosive) diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

Severe stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Increased gas
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Low-grade fever
Prolonged fatigue
Body aches

These symptoms can appear after the incubation period, which, according to the CDC, can be 2 to 14 days. The incubation period is the time between ingesting the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and the onset of symptoms.

How does cyclosporiasis spread?

Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route. Individuals become infected by ingesting contaminated food or water. Contamination frequently occurs when water supplies are tainted by fecal matter or when unwashed hands spread the parasite during food preparation.

Cyclosporiasis Prevention

The CDC reports that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated with stool. You can reduce the risk of exposure by following food and vegetable handling recommendations, such as:

Washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
Washing all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing
Washing produce that has been labeled as prewashed
Thoroughly cleaning all food preparation surfaces and utensils with hot water and soap, or cleaning solutions
Scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons, with a clean produce brush
Cutting away bruised and damaged sections of fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating
Cooking produce to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C)
Refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
When eating out, drink only sealed or bottled water and avoid tap water, or ice made from tap water
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that you have not prepared

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor right away if you are experiencing symptoms, especially several bouts of watery diarrhea each day. Your doctor can diagnose cyclosporiasis by ordering a stool test. Treatment for the infection is antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will also encourage you to drink plenty of fluids and to stay home if you feel sick.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening type of pneumonia caused by breathing in mist or getting water that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria in the lungs.

You can also get Legionnaires’ disease from:

Hot tubs

Shower heads

Faucets

Humidifiers

Decorative water features

Heating and cooling systems, usually only in large buildings

Intubation during surgery

Dirt

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around Legionella bacteria. But some people are more likely to get sick with Legionella infection than others. You can have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you:

Are older than 50 years old

Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes

Have a weakened immune system caused by certain medical conditions, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease, and medications that can compromise your immune system

Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema

Live in a long-term care facility

Have stayed in a hospital recently

Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently

Have received an organ transplant recently

Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. It can also cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

Fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C)

A dry cough

Shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Muscle aches

Headache

Nausea

Confusion

Coughing up blood

Abdominal pain

The most common way to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease is with urine and sputum tests. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get pictures of the inside of your chest. They will also take a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history.

Other tests used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease can include:

Blood tests

Bronchoscopy

Thoracentesis

The treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics, either intravenously or in pill form. If you are having trouble breathing, a healthcare provider may give you treatments to help you get enough oxygen. You will probably have to stay in the hospital while you are being treated.

You can reduce your risk at home by making sure shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, and humidifiers are properly cleaned.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.