August 2014 - Page 2 of 2

Ever Experienced a Broken Heart? It’s a Real Condition- Read on.

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Zuleika Benitez

We’ve all heard the phrase “broken-hearted” in love songs, movies and stories, but is it real? Can someone be diagnosed with a “broken-heart”? The answer is yes. For some who have experienced the loss of a loved one, the feeling is real.

Broken heart syndrome is caused by the heart’s reaction to a surge of stress hormones, which causes an irregular heartbeat and can be accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. When someone experiences a broken heart, (not to be confused with a heart attack) the blood flow in the arteries is reduced. Also known as a takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, it can be brought on by various stressful situations.

Normally occurring suddenly after extreme of emotional stress, some triggers of broken heart syndrome include:
• A break-up, divorce or death of a loved one
• Experiencing or recovering from a natural disaster
• Job loss or a frightening medical diagnosis

Some medications can contribute to broken heart syndrome such as epinephrine- taken for allergic reactions, medications which treat anxiety or depression, or medications which treat thyroid issues. Your physician will rule out severe cardiac issues through recommended tests, blood work and EKG’s. The good news is a broken heart can be mended once your physician’s medically rules out any other possible cardiac issues. With a little rest and relaxation, one can recuperate within a matter of days to weeks.
Should you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. If you feel you may be experiencing broken heart syndrome, contact 718-206-6742 to arrange an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Cardiology department.

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.

Medical Marijuana

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

For centuries marijuana has been used to cure various ailments. Does it work ?

Throughout ancient history, marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes. The Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, known as the father of Chinese medicine, discussed the healing properties of marijuana in 2700 BC. The Egyptians used it for glaucoma and inflammation as early as 1200 BC. In 1000 BC, marijuana was used inIndiaas an anesthetic. It was also used in treating leprosy, reducing fevers, as a cure for dysentery and to help people sleep. As time progressed, more and more benefits of marijuana were described all over the world.

In the late 1700’s George Washington grew marijuana on his plantation for his troops. At about the same time, Napoleon brought it fromEgypttoFrancefor medicinal purposes. In 1840 QueenVictoriaofEnglandsaid that it was a good way to treat menstrual cramps and for inducing labor. In 1925 theLeague of Nationssaid that marijuana should only be used for medicinal purposes. In 1937, the government of theUnited Statesenacted the Marijuana Tax Act which by means of taxing producers, sellers and buyers was an attempt to control its use. By then, most states had already made laws criminalizing the possession and sale of marijuana.

In 1970, The United States adopted the Controlled Substance Act which classified marijuana as a drug and determined that it should not be allowed for medicinal purposes. Though people have been saying for centuries that marijuana has medicinal benefits, there now seems to be real scientific evidence that marijuana really does work. It is a slow process but some states have decided to allow marijuana use for medicinal purposes, and on July 5^th New York State became the 23^rd state to legalize medical marijuana.

A Yogurt a Day…

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Studies have proven the benefit of yogurt being added to your diet. By consuming as little as a cup of yogurt each day can make a big difference. Especially, if you are suffering from post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Yogurt is a healthy snack that is packed with calcium and several other nutrients that help post-menopausal women maintain strong and healthy bones.

If you are concerned about developing osteoporosis or looking for a way to manage the disease, you should incorporate yogurt into your diet.

Benefitting from yogurt depends on what kind you are eating. Below is a quick checklist of which types of yogurt are best for your post-menopausal diet:

Plain yogurt as opposed to the fruit-flavored varieties because it usually contains more calcium and less sugar
Low-fat yogurt will help you watch your cholesterol
Fresh yogurt is better than frozen yogurt, which does not have as many live cultures
Plain, nonfat Greek strained yogurt could be the best option because it is rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. It also has twice as much protein as other yogurts

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? You can boost the flavor, and sweetness, of plain yogurt by adding fresh strawberries, blueberries or raspberries.

If you are suffering from post-menopausal osteoporosis and would like to control it with diet, you can contact 718-206-6023 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for an appointment with a nutritionist.

Your Spinning World Could be Due to Vertigo.

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Have you ever experienced dizziness or a spinning sensation when in fact everything is standing still? You may have experienced vertigo.

Vertigo can cause a person to feel light headed, off balance, spinning, seeing double, or as though they are falling. In severe cases it can be accompanied by nausea, difficulty walking, or loss of balance.

Vertigo is often related to a problem within the inner ear. It may be due to a buildup of fluid and changing pressure (Meniere’s disease), or due to an accumulation of tiny calcium particles called canaliths in the canals of the inner ear ( BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). It may also be caused by an infection, usually viral, in the inner ear. All of these conditions can lead to loss of balance.

Symptoms of vertigo:

 A sensation of movement accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sweating..

 Head positioning leading to dizziness

 Ringing in the ears and changes in hearing

 Abnormal eye movement

 Symptoms that are fairly constant in regularity
A [physician can diagnose vertigo through physical examination that may include a CT scan of the head to see if there are any brain injuries blood tests to see if the blood glucose is normal and an EKG to see if the heart rhythm is normal.

Frequently the symptoms of vertigo will resolve by themselves. Depending on the cause, some form of medical treatment may be necessary. When the cause is due to an infection, medications may be prescribed to cure it, and sometimes steroids will be given to reduce the inflammation. If the problem is being caused by a buildup of fluid in the ear, medication may be prescribed to help reduce it. If vertigo is being caused by an accumulation of tiny calcium crystals, a series of head and neck positioning exercises may be given to help move them out of the inner ear into a location where they can be more easily absorbed by the body. In extreme cases of vertigo, surgery may be needed to resolve the problem.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo and would like to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist, please call 718-206-6742.

Vertigo

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Have you ever experienced dizziness or a spinning sensation when in fact everything is standing still? You may have experienced vertigo.

Symptoms of vertigo:

A sensation of movement accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sweating..
Head positioning leading to dizziness
Ringing in the ears and changes in hearing
Abnormal eye movement
Symptoms that are fairly constant in regularity

A physician can diagnose vertigo through physical examination that may include a CT scan of the head to see if there are any brain injuries blood tests to see if the blood glucose is normal and an EKG to see if the heart rhythm is normal.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo and would like to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist, please call 718-206-6742.

What is Herbal Medicine?

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Herbal medicine, also known as herbalism or botanical medicine is a method of treating health-related issues, based on the use of plants or plant extracts that may be eaten or applied to the skin.

Herbal remedies are well rooted in medical practice. Since ancient times, doctors have collected information about herbs to treat a variety of illnesses and to assist with bodily functions.

As a result, more than a quarter of all medicines used today contain active ingredients derived from those same ancient plants. While herbal medicine is not a licensed profession in theUnited States, herbal remedies, in the form of extracts, tinctures, capsules and tablets, as well as teas, may be recommended by healthcare professionals.

Herbal medicine blurs the line between foods and medicines. Using herbs and spices that have a disease-preventive affect in foods is one of the best ways to take advantage of their healing power.

Herbal medicine has been used to treat or alleviate virtually every possible medical condition. Some of the most popular herbal remedies and conditions for which they are used include:

Aloe – used topically for minor burns, sunburns, skin irritation or inflammation
Chamomile Tea – ingested for upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion and colic
Echinacea – ingested for colds, flu, and sore throat
Garlic – ingested to possibly reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, treat fungal infections and colds
Ginger – ingested for nausea and motion sickness and as an anti-inflammatory
Peppermint Tea – ingested for indigestion, nausea and other digestive problems
Tea Tree Oil – applied topically for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails
Tumeric – ingested to combat inflammation and protect against cancer and Alzheimers disease

This information is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to be medical advice. Before undertaking any course of treatment, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.

Are Headphones Bad for your Hearing?

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Katherine Mobila

Headphones are popular for a multitude of reasons, such as convenience and sound quality, but there is a downside to these devices. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of teens who have experienced hearing loss has increased by 33% since 1994. Do you catch yourself blasting music while listening to your headphones for long periods of time? If so, your hearing may be at risk.

Headphones come in a variety of styles, but the two most commonly used are earbuds and around-ear headphones. While around-ear headphones can have negative side effects, earbuds are the more dangerous because they are inserted directly into your ears, providing an uninterrupted route for the music to travel through your ear and straight to your eardrum. When sound enters the ear, the eardrum vibrates. These vibrations travel to the cochlea, where fluid carries them to fine hairs that trigger the auditory nerve fibers, which travel to the brain. When a sound is too loud, the hairs can become damaged, causing permanent hearing loss.

Noise is damaging at about 85 decibels, or the volume of a hair dryer. People who tend to play music up to 110-120 decibels over a long period of time while using earbuds, which increases the sound by 7-9 decibels, can experience a significant amount of hearing loss.

Want to avoid further hearing loss? Try some of these helpful tips:
• Listen to your music for no longer than an hour and no louder than 60% of volume.
• Purchase around-ear headphones with noise-cancelling technology so you can avoid blasting music and prevent music from having direct contact with your eardrum.
• Remove earwax. Earwax builds up every time you push earbuds into your ear canal, so make sure you gently clean it out to prevent hearing loss, discomfort and infection.

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Diabetic? Blurry Vision? Make Sure to Schedule an Exam

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Zuleika Benitez

Blurry vision may happen for a variety of reasons, but for some it can be a precursor to something more serious. According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 20 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional 41 million are considered pre-diabetic, a condition that significantly increases their risk for developing diabetes.

Eye issues are the first early warning signs of problems for people with diabetes. In pre-diabetics, blurred vision occurs because the blood sugar levels are elevated, causing the lens of the eye to swell. By maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, vision symptoms can resolve within a matter of months. It is important to make certain lifestyle changes in order to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Managing your diet, exercising daily and maintaining a normal weight can help prevent the development of diabetes and avoid problems associated with being pre-diabetics.

Everyone should have regular eye exams, but if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, it is important to have your eyes examined annually. To schedule an eye exam, contact the Eye Clinic at the MediSys Richmond Hill Family Practice Center at 718-206-7001.

What is a 3-D Ultrasound?

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Michael Hinck

One of the most exciting events during a couple’s pregnancy is receiving the ultrasound images of their baby, but many traditional ultrasound images leave a lot to the imagination.

Now, through the advent of 3-D ultrasounds, expectant parents can see much clearer, further defined images of their unborn children.

2-D, or traditional ultrasounds, are created by interpreting reflected sound waves to form a picture. These pictures are captured by listening to sound waves on a single plain. Three dimensional ultrasounds, however, work by a different process known as “surface rendering”. In this case, the same 2D images are taken, but this time at different angles. These reflections are interpreted through sophisticated software, and a 3D image of the baby is instantly created. The software that creates these images usually also has “coloring” capabilities that can add different flesh tones to enhance the realism of the image.

The benefits of 3D ultrasound extend beyond just an improved picture to share with family. Women who have had a 3D ultrasound believe it has had a positive impact on their pregnancy by enhancing the bond it created with their baby. Recent studies have also shown that women who received a 3D ultrasound have improved their maternal health habits as a result, including increased exercise, improved diet and the elimination of harmful habits. Another potential benefit is increased paternal involvement during pregnancy.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offers all of its prenatal patients a digital package, which includes a set of 3D images. “The response by the patients has been overwhelming” states Mitchell Cornett, Administrator of OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital. “To see their faces when they receive the CD with the high definition ultrasound is priceless.”

To make an appointment to receive your prenatal care at Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718-206-3276.