May 2015 - Page 2 of 2 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Q&A about Toenail Fungus with Podiatrist Dr. A. Rubin

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

We sat with Dr. Andrew Rubin one of the podiatrists at Jamaica Hospital, for a Q & A session about toenail fungus; one of the most common conditions treated by the department. Here is some of the information he shared with us during the interview.

Q: Dr. Rubin what is toenail fungus?

A: This is a common condition that is medically known as onychomycosis. It is usually caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte but can also be caused by yeasts or non-dermatophyte molds.

Q: What are some of the causes or risk factors?

A: Some risk factors and causes include: trauma to the nail bed, family history, diabetes, continuously wearing shoes that do not allow air to flow, walking barefoot around communal showers and pools or the use of unsterilized instruments in nail salons.

Q: What are some of the signs or symptoms to look for?

A: Nails may become thickened, brittle and have a cloudy appearance or discolorations.

Q: Can toenail fungus lead to other conditions or complications?

A: Toenail fungus can spread and infect surrounding areas. This can lead to pain while standing or walking as well as permanent damage to the nail. For those who are diagnosed with diabetes complications may include bacterial infections such as cellulitis.

Q: How is it treated?

A: Treatments vary from topical anti-fungal creams and nail polishes, oral medications, surgery or laser therapy.

The department of podiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides medical and surgical treatment for foot disorders in adults and children. The facility’s podiatrists are specially trained in treating a full range of conditions that include bunions, diabetic foot care, corns, callouses and toenail fungus. They are dedicated in providing patients with the best and appropriate foot care.

For more information on foot disorders treated at Jamaica Hospital or to schedule an appointment, please call the Department of Podiatry at 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.

Are We Taller in the Morning?

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Michael Hinck

It is said that we are just a little bit taller in the morning than we are later in the day – but why?

This phenomenon may be due to gravity compressing cartilage in our spine and in other parts of our bodies, such as our knees when we stand up or sit down throughout the day. While we are lying down in a resting position, the spine is said to “spread out” or decompress, so when we wake in the morning we are taller after lying in bed all night.

In fact, astronauts coming back from outer space are a few inches taller than their normal height on earth because of the lack of gravitational forces on their spines away from the earth’s atmosphere. When they are on earth again, gravity will gradually return them to their normal height.

The increase in our morning height is only about 1cm, but that maybe just enough for some to boast a different height to their family and friends.

Why Nurses Are Special

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Today is National Nurses Day. There are countless reasons why nurses are special. In celebration of this day, we are sharing the top 6 reasons:
1.Nurses are selfless-they take risks each and every day in taking care of us.
2.They are committed to making our lives healthier, even when we may not be.
3.They are compassionate.
4.They make us smile even if they are having a bad day.
5.They are nurturing.
6.They are masters in the art of patience.

We appreciate all your hard work and sacrifice and would like to say thank you.

10 Tips for Dining Out For Those With High Blood Pressure

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Dining out is a treat we look forward to because we get to try new foods or indulge in our favorite cuisines. However, it is recommended that if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure to be mindful of the foods you pick from the menu. It is suggested that you stick to a diet that is low in saturated fats, does not contain MSG and has very little sodium or no added salt.

Nutritionists also advise that practicing the following tips when dining out will help in controlling blood pressure levels.

Choose appetizers with fruits or vegetables, instead of salty treats.
Ask for your food to be prepared without added salt or MSG.
Stay away from the saltshaker.
Select foods that are prepared using healthy cooking techniques such as grilling or steaming.
Avoid foods that are pickled, smoked or cured.
Cut away excess and visible fat from meats.
Avoid using butter or foods prepared with butter.
Limit sodium intake from condiments by using them sparingly or by asking that they be served on the side.
Steer clear of items that include cheese.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If you have high blood pressure you can still enjoy restaurant meals and make healthy food choices by sticking to the preceding tips. In addition to eating healthy it is also important to remember to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and take medications as prescribed to help control your blood pressure.

The “Eyes” Have It

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the redness and swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the lid and surface of the eye causing a discharge. Pinkeye can be caused by many things including, but not limited to, an infection, dry eyes from lack of tears or over exposure to wind and sun, chemicals, allergies and smoke.

Pinkeye is very common, is usually not serious, can be viral or bacterial, is highly contagious and can spread very easily. Therefore, preventing its spread is important.

There are home remedies for Pinkeye that will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage prior to seeing your doctor.

Some home remedies that have proven effective are – removing your contacts from infected eyes, applying cold or warm compresses to your eye (whichever feels best) to soothe any discomfort and reduce redness.

When treating your Pinkeye at home, remember to wipe your eye from the inside toward the outside and do not rub drainage back and forth between eyes. After wiping your eye, be sure to wash your hands to prevent pinkeye from spreading.

Symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days, but some cases can last for up to 3 weeks.

If symptoms persist and you would like to make an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Hepatitis B

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that has a distinct effect on the liver. Each has different symptoms and treatments. Some causes of Hepatitis B can be misuse of recreational drugs and prescription medications or by sexual transmission. The only way to determine if you have Hepatitis B is by submitting to a laboratory test.

Persons with Hepatitis B may not realize they have it at first. Often times, the disease does not present with any symptoms or you might not get the right diagnosis since the disease shares some of the same signs as the flu, such as:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Mild fever
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain

People with hepatitis may notice darkness to their urine, light-colored stools, a yellowing of their skin (jaundice) or an itchy feeling all over your body. In more advanced cases, there can be bleeding inside your body or the mental feeling of being in a daze or stupor.

It is always smart to check with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms, or are in an at risk atmosphere.

Not seeking treatment for Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, a serious scarring of your liver.

If you would like to make an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital’s Green Initiative

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The ecoMediSys initiative was created by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with the goal of identifying and highlighting ecological initiatives that we have implemented. The program helps in reducing waste, increasing recycling and conserving energy.

Some of the changes we have applied include:

The conversion to a paperless, electronic medical records (EMR) system throughout the hospital and our ambulatory care centers. This drastically reduced the amount of paper previously used in patient charts.
The implementation of a digital radiology system that eliminated the use of chemicals associated with conventional x-rays.
The elimination of blood pressure machines and thermometers that contain mercury.
The installation of energy efficient boilers and chillers, as well as a conversion from oil to gas.
A transition to energy efficient LED lighting and the implementation of a fluorescent tube and bulb recycling program.
An increase in our paper as well as bottle and can recycling programs.
Shredding and recycling containers have been added throughout the campuses in both offices and patient care areas.
The motor transport department has replaced all of it’s vehicles with higher mpg cars and vans and initiated a no-idling program for all hospital vehicles.
The hospital also added auto-off light switches in many offices and replaced all old PCs with energy star-rated computers.

Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Smoking is a bad habit for anyone, but for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is a habit that is especially dangerous.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when your immune system, the system that protects your body from outside harm, mistakenly starts attacking healthy tissue. If not managed properly, over time, RA can cause joint damage—and can even result in permanent joint destruction.

Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA is not associated with factors such as aging, obesity, or injury, but lifestyle choices, such as smoking, not only increase your odds of developing the disease but also make the condition worse for those who already have it. In addition, smoking combined with RA can lead to even greater problems, such as heart disease.

Recent studies indicate that tobacco is highly associated with and the probable cause of RA in many instances and is a leading factor when the condition worsens. According to one study, Smokers with a specific gene makeup are 50% more likely to develop RA than those who do not smoke, and those who get it, usually develop a more serious form of the disease.

Smoking also affects how well those who develop RA respond to treatments. In general, smokers are less likely to achieve remission and have worse outcomes because tobacco reduces the effectiveness of medications used to treat swelling and reduce pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Having rheumatoid arthritis, in and of itself, it’s a risk factor for developing heart disease. In fact, over the last ten years, the leading cause of death for people with RA is cardiovascular disease. Smoking, combined with RA raises your risk of developing heart disease to a much higher level.

Quitting smoking can go a long way toward rheumatoid arthritis prevention. If you’re at risk for developing RA or if you already have it, you don’t want to light up, and if you’re already smoking, you want to quit.

May is arthritis awareness month. If you or a loved one either has or is at risk of developing arthritis, please speak to your doctor immediately about treatment options. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospitals’ Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.