Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast Cancer Stages

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells become abnormal, multiply, and form tumors. Most breast cancers are carcinomas that start in milk ducts or milk-producing glands. Most cases are invasive, which means a tumor can spread to other parts of your body without treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it is rare, male breast cancers also occur.

Most people who have breast cancer survive it. However, what a breast cancer diagnosis means is different for everyone. The cancer type, its stage, and your response to treatment are just a few factors that will shape your outlook.

Cancer staging systems help healthcare providers plan treatment and understand your prognosis, or what to expect after treatment. The most well-known one is called the TNM system, which considers (T) tumor size and location, and whether cancer has spread to the (N) lymph nodes or (M) metastasized to other sites. Healthcare providers will use this information to stage breast cancer from 0 to IV. The higher numbered stages mean the disease is more advanced. The TNM stages are:

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Stage 0 doesn’t show any evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started or getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells break through to or invade normal surrounding breast tissue. Stage I breast cancer is divided into subcategories IA and IB:

- Stage IA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor that measures up to 2 cm

- - The cancer has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved

- Stage IB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor in the breast, but small groups of cancer cells that are larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm, and are found in the lymph nodes

- - There is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm in the lymph nodes

Stage II is divided into subcategories IIA and IIB:

- Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor present in the breast, but is found in one to three lymph nodes under the arm or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone and is larger than 2 mm

- - A tumor that measures 2 cm or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and a small group of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in the lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III breast cancer is divided into subcategories IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

- Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - No tumor is found in the breast, or the tumor may be any size, or cancer is found in four to nine axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or small groups of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer

- - May have spread to up to nine axillary lymph nodes

- - May have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - There may be no sign of cancer in the breast, or if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast

- - The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes

- - The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone

Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain

Whether you need diagnostic testing or treatment, the MediSys Cancer Center located at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers unmatched Queens cancer care for any form of cancer. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our New York hospital’s oncology department, please call 718-206-8263.

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.

Mental Illness Awareness Week- National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Depression results from a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional, you can find out more about the mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Chronic Arthritis

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Arthritis is a general term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation, pain or tenderness, stiffness, or swelling in the joints.

Chronic arthritis is a form of arthritis that persists for an extended period, typically longer than three months, and causes ongoing symptoms. These symptoms can limit your range of motion and make daily activities more difficult.

Some common forms of chronic arthritis are:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis

Some people are at higher risk of developing arthritis than others. Risk factors for arthritis include:

Smoking /Tobacco use
Having previous joint injuries
Age (the risk increases as you get older)
Genetics
Excess weight
Occupations that require constant bending, squatting, or heavy lifting
Past joint infections
Chronic gum disease

A healthcare professional can diagnose arthritis after conducting a physical examination, assessing your medical history, or analyzing lab or imaging tests. A specialist such as a rheumatologist may confirm your diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Treatment for chronic arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. It may involve medications to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or prevent further joint damage. Your healthcare provider may also recommend physical therapy and making lifestyle changes to help maintain a good quality of life.

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

Fall Allergies

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Fall has arrived, and with it, the fall allergy season. Nearly 25% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, however, they can also be severe during September through December.

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to ragweed pollen being widely dispersed. Symptoms you may experience include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and post-nasal drainage.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001

Astigmatism

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Astigmatism is a common, generally treatable imperfection in the eye’s curvature that causes blurred distance and near vision. It occurs when the cornea (the surface of the eye) or the lens has mismatched curves, making the surface egg-shaped instead of round like a ball.

There are several signs and symptoms of astigmatism, including:

Seeing glare, halos, or star-like patterns around lights

Squinting

Blurred or distorted vision

Eye strain or discomfort

Headaches

Difficulty with night vision

Fatigue

Astigmatism is a refractive error that may be present at birth or develop after an eye injury, disease, or surgery.

Other refractive errors that may occur in combination with astigmatism include:

Myopia or nearsightedness– occurs when the cornea is curved too much, or the eye is longer than usual. Instead of being focused precisely on the retina, light is focused in front of the retina, which makes distant objects seem blurry

Hyperopia or farsightedness– occurs when the cornea is curved too little or the eye is shorter than usual. When the eye is in a relaxed state, light never comes to a focus at the back of the eye, which makes nearby objects seem blurry

There are several risk factors for astigmatism, including:

Genetics

Keratoconus

Eye injury

Eye surgery

An eye doctor will perform an eye exam to help them diagnose astigmatism. The eye exam allows the doctor to check the health of your eyes and refraction. They will then use the results to determine the prescription needed to provide clear vision.

The goal of treating astigmatism is to improve vision clarity and eye comfort. Treatments for astigmatism include:

Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses

Refractive surgery, which improves vision and reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. An eye surgeon uses a laser beam to reshape the curves of the cornea, correcting the refractive error. Types of refractive surgery include:

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

Epi-LASIK

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)

Other types of refractive surgeries include clear lens extraction and implantable contact lenses. There is no single best method for refractive surgery, and you should decide only after a complete evaluation and a thorough discussion with your surgeon about which refractive surgery is best for you.

The Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York provides a comprehensive range of medical, diagnostic, and surgical services for those with vision and eye conditions. Services are offered by some of the leading general, specialty, and pediatric ophthalmologists in Queens, NY. Please call 718-206-5900 to make an appointment.

How To Tell the Difference Between Everyday Fatigue and Anemia

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all experienced tiredness or normal exhaustion at several points in our lives. However, when these feelings persist, it often means we are fatigued.

Everyday fatigue is characterized by an ongoing lack of energy and other symptoms that may include:

Brain fog
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Emotional overwhelm
Anxiety

Fatigue can be caused by several factors such as:

Medications
Poor diet
Stress
Sedentary lifestyle
Sleep disorders
Influenza (the flu)
Pneumonia

Everyday fatigue is usually temporary and may go away with rest, sleep, or stress reduction. Fatigue that lasts for several weeks and interferes with daily life should not be ignored because it may signal an underlying medical condition.

Ongoing fatigue is often associated with anemia. Unlike everyday fatigue, anemia-related fatigue results from a lack of healthy red blood cells. Additionally, anemia-related fatigue does not improve with rest and affects multiple body systems because they lack adequate oxygen. Here are a few symptoms that may result from that:

Pale skin
Cold hands or feet
Shortness of breath
Low stamina
Frequent headaches
Restless leg syndrome
Persistent tiredness, even after getting sufficient sleep
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Heart palpitations
Brain fog
Unusual cravings
Brittle nails
Thinning hair

See a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Doctors diagnose anemia with a blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which measures hemoglobin and red blood cell levels. Your doctor may also order a ferritin blood test to check how much iron is stored in your body.

Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying issue. Treatment may include managing the underlying condition, medications that stimulate red blood cell production or suppress the immune system, intravenous (IV) iron therapy, bone marrow or cell transplants, iron or vitamin supplementation, or dietary changes that include key nutrients.

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

Can You Actually Catch Up on Lost Sleep?

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

For many of us, getting enough sleep during the week can be challenging. Common activities like work, commuting, social life, downtime, and watching TV can cause us to lose sleep. As a result, more than one-third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep per night, rather than the recommended seven to nine hours. The loss of those one to two hours is called sleep debt.

Sleep debt, or sleep deficit, is the difference between how much sleep you need and how much you get. Sleep debt is cumulative, so going to sleep a half hour or an hour later than normal over a few days can add up quickly. Two weeks of sleeping just six hours a night produces the same level of cognitive impairment as if you stayed awake for two full days straight. Other side effects caused by sleep debt can include:

Poor vision, hearing, coordination, and balance

Reduced energy and motivation

Slower reaction time

Drowsiness and irritability

Impaired memory, attention, judgment, and decision-making

Decreased performance in many areas, including athletics

Long-term sleep debt can lead to sleep deprivation, which occurs when you are frequently not getting as much sleep as you need. Not regularly getting an adequate amount of sleep increases the risk of developing health conditions, such as:

Cancer

Heart disease

Dementia

Mental health disorders, such as depression

Sleep deprivation can also impact your health in other ways, including:

Immune system dysfunction

Poor emotional regulation

Executive function issues

Metabolic dysregulation and weight gain

Inhibited sex drive

Higher risk of accidents, falls, and other injuries

Sleeping in on the weekends is the most common strategy to recover lost sleep. It can help with the occasional sleep deficit, but it isn’t good for the long term.

According to research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showed that after five nights of sleeping less than four hours, a single recovery night of about nine hours still left people with residual attention lapses and slower reaction times. A six-week study of high-performing adults found that two nights of eight-hour recovery sleep failed to restore accuracy on tests of spatial orientation and sustained attention. Furthermore, performance declined steadily during the restricted weeknights, and the sleep recovery during the weekend wasn’t enough to cause a reset.

Additionally, a study done at the University of Colorado brought 36 healthy adults into a sleep lab for two weeks and found that people who slept only five hours a night gained about three pounds and saw a 13% decrease in insulin sensitivity. The group that slept five hours during the week and was allowed to sleep in on weekends fared even worse, as they also gained three pounds and experienced a 27% decrease in insulin sensitivity. What’s more, their liver and muscle metabolism suffered more than the group that never got recovery sleep at all.

When you finally get the opportunity to sleep longer, your brain prioritizes deep sleep, the sleep stage that restores daytime alertness and cognitive function, first. This is called a rebound effect. Your brain categorizes the sleep stages and recovers the most critical stages before anything else, which is why the first long recovery sleep feels so restorative even if you are far from fully recharged.

Complete recovery from weeks of sleep debt and deprivation will require many nights of quality sleep, rather than making up the sleep during the weekend. The first step in getting sufficient sleep is to improve your sleep hygiene. There are several ways to improve your sleep hygiene and reduce your chances of accumulating sleep debt, including:

Keeping a set sleep schedule

Developing a nightly routine

Considering daytime habits

Improving the bedroom environment

When recovering lost sleep, the most effective strategy is to add sleep in small, consistent increments instead of overhauling your schedule. Some techniques that can be useful to help you properly catch up on sleep and eliminate sleep debt include:

Staying consistent

Keeping a sleep diary

Trying an afternoon nap

Giving time to the process

Talking to your healthcare provider

If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like help, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Herniated Discs

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or bulging disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes against and leaks out of its outer ring. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in your neck, back, or legs.

Every year, more than three million people in the U.S. get a herniated disc. They are a leading cause of neck, back, and leg pain and can happen anywhere along your spine, but most often in your lower back or neck.

Although pain is a common symptom throughout your back, symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on its location and may lead to other symptoms. A herniated disc in your lower back may cause sciatic nerve pain that usually shoots down one side of your buttocks into your leg and sometimes your foot. Other symptoms of a herniated disc in your lower back may include:

Lower back pain

Muscle weakness

Tingling or numbness in your legs and/or feet

Symptoms of a herniated disc in your neck may include:

Neck pain, especially in the back and on the sides of your neck

Pain near or between your shoulder blades

Pain that travels to your shoulder, arm, and sometimes your hand and fingers

Numbness or tingling in your arms

Pain that increases while bending or turning your neck

Several factors can contribute to a herniated disc, including:

Traumatic injuries, such as falls

Aging

Lifting heavy objects improperly

Performing repetitive bending or twisting motions

People between the ages of 30 and 50 years old are most likely to get a herniated disc, with men being twice as likely to be affected by them as women. Herniated discs tend to run in families. Other risk factors for herniated discs include:

Sitting in the same position for long periods of time

Being overweight or obese

Having diabetes

Smoking

Having a connective tissue disorder

A healthcare provider can diagnose a herniated disc by performing a thorough physical exam, which allows them to assess your pain, muscle reflexes, how well you respond to touch, pinpricks, or vibration, and muscle strength. Your healthcare provider may also perform other tests, such as:

A neurological exam

Imaging tests, such as:

MRI scan

X-rays

CT scan

A nerve conduction study

Myelogram

Electromyogram (EMG)

In most cases, pain from a herniated disc eventually goes away on its own within four to six weeks. However, if you need to relieve your pain while at home, you can:

Rest for one to three days if the pain is severe, but avoid long periods of bed rest to prevent stiffness

Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Apply heat or ice to the affected area

If your symptoms aren’t improving, your healthcare provider may recommend more advanced treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or spinal injections.

If nonsurgical treatments don’t ease or relieve your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend a minimally invasive spine surgery called a microdiscectomy.

Although it isn’t always possible to prevent a herniated disc, you can reduce your risk of developing one by:

Stretching

Using proper lifting techniques

Practicing good posture

Maintaining a healthy weight

Getting regular physical activity

Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes

Quitting smoking

The Orthopedic Surgery Department of Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY, consists of board-certified, expert surgeons who offer treatment for patients suffering from any orthopedic condition, ensuring speedy recovery and maximum comfort throughout the treatment process. For more information about how to make an appointment with our orthopedic surgeons, please contact us at 718-206-6923.

Dermatologic Treatments for Oily Skin

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Oily skin is a common skin type that occurs when the body’s sebaceous (oil) glands produce excess sebum, making skin look shiny.

Other characteristics of oily skin include pores that appear open or enlarged, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), greasy-feeling skin, a tendency toward breakouts, and a thicker dermis layer compared with other skin types.

Although oily skin can lead to breakouts and other cosmetic problems, having oily skin does have a few advantages:

Oil helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents excessive dryness
Oily skin tends to look more supple because it retains water better than dry skin
Fine lines and wrinkles may become noticeable later when compared to dry skin
The skin barrier can be more resilient against environmental stressors.

Oily skin can be caused by several factors, including:

Hormonal changes
Genetics
Using products that are not suitable for your skin
Overwashing skin
Environmental factors such as climate and weather (hot and humid environments may increase skin oiliness)
Age (teenagers and young adults tend to produce more oil than older adults)
Stress

The American Academy of Dermatology says the key to managing oily skin is balancing the skin’s natural moisture without stripping it. The goal is to keep your skin barrier healthy while reducing excess sebum. This balance can be achieved by following a daily routine that may include:

Gently washing your skin twice a day with a mild foaming face wash or cleanser. It is recommended that you avoid using oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers
Using a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer
Using products containing ingredients that help regulate oil such as niacinamide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or retinoids
Using oil-free, water-based makeup
Wearing sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend sticking to a consistent and simple routine. They may also emphasize good skin hygiene, such as not sleeping in your makeup, avoiding touching your face, and not picking pimples.

If oily skin persists, suddenly worsens, or is accompanied by significant acne, consult a dermatologist to identify underlying causes and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may involve topical prescriptions, hormonal medications, or in-office procedures such as chemical peels or laser and light-based treatments.

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