October 2014 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Fact or Myth? Reading in poor light or reading too much fine print will eventually harm your vision.

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Fact or Myth? Reading in poor light or reading too much fine print will eventually harm your vision.

Answer: Myth

As with sitting too close to the television, you may feel eyestrain or get a headache from reading in the dark, but it will not weaken your eyes.

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.

Breastfeeding after Augmentation

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade.Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

Although the prior condition of the breasts, position of the implant and incision could have a direct bearing on milk production, it is very likely that you will have a positive experience when nursing your child.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s Lactation Consultant at 718-670-4200 for answers to FAQ’s.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a complete transformation. Many of these changes are due to hormonal shifts and altered blood flow. Women may experience several changes in their skin.

Often, changes in pigmentation are among the most pronounced skin changes during pregnancy. Dark patches may begin to appear on a woman’s face, particularly along the cheekbone, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip. This is known a chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. This occurs because estrogen and other hormones stimulate glands that produce more pigment, but since the pigment is not produced evenly, it results in a blotchy look. While chloasma is not preventable, the effects can be minimized by avoiding exposure to the sun or using sunblock.

Many women also develop acne during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, but is usually not as severe as during adolescence. To combat pimples, simply wash your face with a mild, oil-free cleanser multiple times a day. Avoid abrasive scrubs and exfoliants because your skin during pregnancy is often more sensitive. Check with your physician before using ante-acne prescription medications.

Other skin conditions that women experience during pregnancy include stretch marks, heat rash, spider veins, and the development of a reddish hue to the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, known as palmer erythema.

Regardless of the issue, skin conditions during pregnancy will improve or resolve within weeks or months after your baby is born.

To minimize adverse skin conditions during pregnancy, try following the “pregnancy diet”, a diet that offers women just the right balance of nutrients during pregnancy. Other suggestions include drinking plenty of water and only using “noncomedogenic” and unscented makeup and skin care products. A supplement of B6 might also be helpful for someone with severe skin issues.

For more information about changes to your skin during pregnancy, speak to your obstetrician. If you do not have one, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center by calling 718-291-3276.

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Yeast Infections

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Though commonly considered to be a medical condition that affects only women, the organism that causes these infections can also be found in men and infants. These infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called candida albicans, Candida is a naturally occurring microorganism that is found in the human body. It is kept under control by a normally occurring bacteria called lactobacillus. When an imbalance of lactobacillus occurs, there can be an overgrowth of candida leading to symptoms. Some of the factors that can affect the growth of candida are antibiotic use, pregnancy, a compromised immune system, and poorly controlled diabetes.This organism likes to grow in areas of the body that are warm and moist.

When a candida infection develops on the genitals, it is called a yeast infection. This type of infection is much more common in women than in men. Symptoms of a yeast infection are genital redness, burning on urination, genital redness and in women a white clumpy discharge.

If candida affects the mouth or throat it is called oral thrush and characterized by white spots on the inside of the mouth and tongue and a sore throat. It is seen most often in patients receiving chemotherapy, the elderly, infants, and in people with AIDS.

There is a type of diaper rash that can be caused by candida. It will show up as dark red patches of skin on a bay’s bottom and sometimes there are spots that are filled with fluid.

It is important to seek medical treatment if you think you may have an infection so that a proper diagnosis can be made and the proper treatment can be started. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

The Surprising Health and Beauty Benefits of The Avocado

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The Avocado is a very healthy and unique fruit. It is abundant in healthy fats, nutrients and has numerous health and beauty benefits. Some of the nutrients found in this super fruit include, vitamins C, B6, K, Folate and Potassium.

Some of the benefits of the avocado include:

It is a great source of Oleic acid-this healthy fat reduces inflammation and lowers bad cholesterol
Monounsaturated fats in the avocado can improve your skin tone by maintaining good moisture levels, repairing damaged skin cells, reducing skin redness and irritation.
Avocados are good for weight loss. The body uses monounsaturated fats as slow burning energy than storing it as fat. This gives you a feeling of fullness and reduces your appetite
Vitamin B6 and folic acid controls homecysteine levels which are linked to an increased risk in heart disease.
It is high in fiber and antioxidants
Avocados are a great source of biotin which helps prevent dry and brittle nails and hair.

Not only are avocados delicious but they are good for you. Enjoy them in guacamole, salads, as a spread, on a sandwich or by itself.

Getting Fit and Bicycle Riding Safety Tips

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Riding a bicycle can be a fun and effective way to get fit. Cycling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it increases oxygen intake and stimulates the heart. Studies show that riding can increase energy levels by 20 percent and in one hour burn up to 488 calories when pedaling at 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Although a bicycle is an excellent fitness tool, it is also considered a vehicle. Therefore, the rules of the road must be obeyed and a bicycle should be operated safely to prevent injuries and accidents.

In a study conducted by Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division, over the past year from September 2013- September 2014 there has been over 500 cyclists and pedestrians struck in areas surrounding the hospital. Bicyclists face higher risks in crash-related injuries and deaths than drivers in a motor vehicle. Follow these basic riding tips to ensure your safety and reduce the risks:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and do not weave in between other vehicles.
Obey traffic laws and signals.
Do not listen to music or speak on cell phones while riding.
Wear a proper fitting helmet.
Never pass another vehicle on the right.
Always keep your hands on the brakes.
Stay aware of dangerous road hazards such as potholes and broken glass.
Use hand signals to show motorist where you are going.

Bicycling is a great way to get fit; however, cyclists should continue to keep in mind that they share the same rules and regulations as others. Follow the rules of the road to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all seen the news reports about the tiny, disgusting germs that are on the surfaces we all encounter every day in our homes and places of work. With cold and flu season upon us, preparations are now being made by many to prevent transmission of viruses, but before you go through drastic measures, there are some important facts about viruses that you should know, such as how long do viruses live on our phones, doorknobs, and keyboards?

There is not one answer to this question. The life of a virus (technically, viruses are not alive) depends on what type of virus it is, the conditions of the environment it is in, as well as the type of surface it is on.

Cold viruses have been shown to survive on indoor surfaces for approximately seven days. Flu viruses, however, are active for only 24 hours.

All viruses have the potential to live on hard surfaces, such as metal and plastic, longer than on fabrics and other soft surfaces. In fact, infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues for only 15 minutes. Viruses tend to also live longer in areas with lower temperatures, low humidity, and low sunlight.

How long these germs are actually capable of infecting you is a different story. In general, viruses are not likely to be a danger on surfaces very long. In fact, while cold viruses can live for several days, their ability to cause infection decreases after approximately 24 hours, and after only five minutes, the amount of flu virus on hands fall to low levels, making transmission much less likely.

The best defense against active viruses remains thorough hand washing. In addition, wiping down surfaces with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based cleaners will help kill viruses and decrease the chances of transmission.

History of MRI

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

History of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Physicians send patients for MRI’s to help them diagnose medical conditions. Do you know what an MRI is?
An MRI is a computerized map of harmless radio signals emitted by the human body. It is excellent for viewing soft tissue and seeing any defects that may be present.
In 1977 the first human scan was performed in a prototype MRI machine.
MRI works by creating a strong magnetic field, protons in the nucleus of the hydrogen atoms are magnetized.
• MRI creates a steady state of magnetism in the body
• Radio waves during the study change the steady state orientation of protons
• MRI stops the radio waves and measures the body’s electromagnetic transmission
• Signals that are transmitted are used to create images of the body by computerized axial tomography.
The rotating magnetic field was discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1882. This eventually led to the definition of the Tesla Unit which describes the strength of a magnetic field. MRI machines, which were developed almost a century later, are calibrated in Tesla Units. The stronger the magnetic field, the stronger the amount of radio signals that are given off by the body’s atoms. The stronger the radio signal will lead to a better quality of the MRI image.
Jamaica Hospital offers the most up-to-date MRI technology and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 718-206-6743.

Your Child and the Battle Against Junk Food

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Childhood obesity has become a common health concern for parents. It is estimated that one in every five children is overweight. A child is defined as obese when they are well above the normal weight for their age. One of the contributing factors in obesity is unhealthy eating habits. It is recommended that parents introduce healthy eating to children as early as possible. For some, this may be easier said than done, because children are so easily attracted to the appeal of junk food.

What makes junk food enticing to children is sugar, high sodium, the taste of fat; commonly hydrogenated oils, in addition to bright, colorful packaging, fun shapes and unnatural food coloring. Parents can win the fight against junk food by making healthy food more appealing to children’s senses.

Here are a few tips on converting kid favorites into healthier choices:

Hot dogs- Instead of regular beef and pork hot dogs, purchase turkey franks with low sodium and without added nitrates. Decorate the hot dog with colorful vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, red and yellow peppers.
Salty cheese snacks- Make plain cheese fun by cutting it into quirky shapes or adding bright and sweet fruit. You can make cheese and fruit shish kebabs.
French fries- Opt for baked sweet potato fries and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, and D. They are a source of Iron, magnesium and potassium.
Ice cream- Frozen yogurt is just as tasty and contains less sugar and fat. Adding toppings such as fruit and granola is a plus.
Popsicles- Freeze real fruit juices with bits of fruit into bars.
Potato chips- Kale chips are rich in vitamin A and easy to make at home. Make them delicious by adding herbs and spices.
Candy- Healthy alternatives to candy include raisins or strawberries and bananas lightly drizzled with chocolate.
Milkshakes- Smoothies made with fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt are a healthier option.
Meat lasagna- Load lasagna with vegetables instead of meat, choose low-fat cheese and whole-grain pasta.
Macaroni and cheese-Use low-fat cheese, add Greek yogurt to make it creamy and spinach to make it nutritious.

The battle against junk food is not lost. Keep food exciting and nutritious for your family by sourcing healthy recipe websites or visiting Jamaica Hospital’s Facebook and Twitter pages for suggestions. In addition to healthy eating, keep your family physically active and also make an appointment with your family doctor to ensure that everyone is at their recommended weight. Feel free to share these tips with friend and family.

A New Care Model For Patients With Hypertension at Jamaica Hospital

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

To help individuals manage their high blood pressure, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has recently implemented group visits for hypertension at our MediSys Family Care Center in Jamaica, Queens.

The group model has become increasingly popular and provides many benefits for both patients and providers. Group visits offer participants a unique and supportive setting. Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other and gain the necessary self-management skills to improve their health. Group visits have shown to improve adherence to care, increase trust in their providers, lower hospitalization rates, and improved quality of life.

The hospital’s hypertension group visits consist of approximately four to six patients. The groups meet regularly for an extended visit that is led by a physician. Patients have the opportunity to learn about disease management from their physician and from each other.

Patients discuss a range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and medications. Members are encouraged to engage in a free-flowing dialogue that is facilitated by the doctor. The doctor offers support, education, and counseling.

Although it is a group model, each patient receives individualized care. Each patient has their vital signs monitored, blood work reviewed and medications are altered as needed.

Group medical visits have been incorporated as one of our Patient Centered Medical Home PCMH initiatives. PCMH is a new model of care that focuses on delivering high-quality, well-coordinated primary care. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care in the management of chronic disease. Jamaica Hospital has achieved PCMH designation at several off-site care centers.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be a pioneer in the evolution of healthcare and invites members of the community to experience the many benefits of group care. For more information on Jamaica Hospital’s hypertension group model, please call 718-206-7088.