September 2016 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Facts About Lung Cancer

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. More people die each year from lung cancer than from colon, prostate ovarian, and breast cancer combined.

In the early stages there may not be any signs or symptoms. A history of smoking definitely contributes to a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, though non-smokers also can develop lung cancer. Smoking causes cancer by irritating the lining of the lungs. This causes changes in the lung tissue. It is believed that the effects of smoking may be reversible in the very early phases but repeated exposure to the chemicals found in smoke will eventually be irreversible.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer include:
• A cough that doesn’t get better
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Weight loss that isn’t intentional

If lung cancer is suspected, a few tests to make the diagnosis definitive will be ordered. A chest x-ray will be performed and if there are any lesions found on the lung a CT scan will to get a better view of the lungs. An exam of the sputum can sometimes reveal lung cancer cells and to complete the diagnosis a lung biopsy will be done to examine the cells to see if they are cancerous.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options vary and can include chemotherapy, radiation and / or surgery. A common surgical option is called a lobectomy, removal one of the lobes of the lung.

There is no way to prevent lung cancer, but the best way to reduce your risk is to not smoke. If you do smoke, quit immediately. Also avoid second hand smoke, radon, and harmful carcinogens.

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.

World Heart Day

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

September 29th has been designated as “World Heart Day”. This observance serves to bring international attention to the dangers of cardiovascular disease. According to the World Heart Federation, over 17.3 million deaths occur each year due to cardiovascular disease. By the year 2030 it is expected that this number will rise to 23 million. This makes it the leading cause of death in the world. The most common cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke).
Ways to control heart disease and protect the heart:
• Keep active – a minimum of 30 minutes a day of physical activity or exercise
• Do not smoke – if you do smoke, quit and if you don’t smoke, don’t start
• Healthy eating – A healthy diet includes fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish
• Maintain a healthy weight – keep away from food that is high in sodium and sugar or contains unsaturated fat
• Keep blood pressure under control
• Take medication as prescribed to control cholesterol, pressure, and diabetes if present
It is very important to know the warning signs of heart disease. For instance, a person who is experiencing a heart attack will often experience chest pain (fullness, squeezing, pressure), discomfort in areas of the upper body ( neck, jaw, arms, back), shortness of breath, and may also experience nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. A person who is experiencing a stroke may have sudden trouble seeing, sudden confusion, a severe headache, loss of balance, trouble speaking, and sudden numbness and weakness of the face, arms and legs that is often just one sided.
It is very important to receive a medical check – up at least once a year to ensure that your heart is healthy. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

#Wellness Wednesday

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Leonardo da Vinci, although best known as a painter, happend to be fascinated by science. Like any modern day scientist, he used observations, common-sense reasoning and research to find answers to satisfy the many questions he had regarding the health of the human body, mind and soul.

He cataloged his findings in his “Notebooks.” We are sharing one of his thoughts here and wish you a great #wellnesswednesday

“Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Have you ever woken up and found that you were unable to move or speak? Believe it or not, over the centuries some have attributed this symptom to evil or supernatural presences especially when accompanied by hallucinations or a chest-crushing sensation. However, there is a medical explanation and name for this phenomenon. This frightening but perfectly natural occurrence is called sleep paralysis. It is estimated that up four out of every ten people have experienced symptoms associated with the disorder. Studies suggest that as many as fifty percent will experience sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime.

Sleep paralysis is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms which occur when your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. It has been found that sleep paralysis most often happens during the REM (rapid eye movement), the phase where your brain is active and vivid dreams occur but your muscles are relaxed or turned off. The state of paralysis happens when a person wakes up before REM is completed. The brain is still actively dreaming but as a response to keep the body from acting out dreams and harming ourselves or others; our voluntary muscles become paralyzed.

According to medicinenet.com, “Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it’s called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it’s called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.”

Symptoms of sleep paralysis may differ from person to person and may include:

The inability to move or speak immediately after waking up.
Hallucinations- which occur because the brain is still in a state of dreaming.
Chest pressure- which can occur as a result of panicking

Causes of sleep paralysis can be attributed to:

Lack of sleep
Sleep position- It is believed that people who sleep on their backs are more inclined to have symptoms
Extreme fatigue
Use of certain medication
Narcolepsy
Stress
Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder

Although sleep paralysis is a relatively harmless health condition it is recommended that you consult your physician or a sleep specialist if symptoms are prevalent and disrupting daily activities or the ability to function normally. To schedule an appointment with the Sleep Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

September 22nd is designated as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This observance serves to increase awareness and to educate the public about the risks of falls and how to prevent them from happening. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans.
A fall, with or without serious injury, can impact a person’s quality of life. Older people have a significant fear of falling and will often limit their activities because of it. This can lead to physical decline, depression, social isolation and feeling helpless. However, if they exercise caution and follow these steps, they can reduce the risk of an accident and continue on with routine activities:
• Speak to a doctor about performing a risk of falling assessment
• Build up balance, strength and flexibility
• Have vision and hearing checked
• Remove tripping hazards in the home and make sure that there is adequate lighting
• Install grab bars in the bathroom
• Make sure that there are secure rails on all stairs
• Review medications to make sure they don’t affect balance
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to discuss fall risk prevention, please call 718-206-7001.

BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Joann Ariola

With school in full swing, you may have noticed that your children are carrying, in some cases, more than their body weight in books and supplies affiliated with their school work. Below are some tips on how to save your childs back from their heavy backpack-

What is Sepsis? Jamaica Hospital Educates the Community During Sepsis Awareness Month

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Michael Hinck

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and Jamaica Hospital wants to educate the community about this very serious condition.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication that stems from an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream meant to fight an infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail. If not identified and treated early, sepsis can progress to a condition known as septic shock, characterized by a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which may lead to death.

Sepsis is viewed by most doctors to be a three-stage syndrome, starting with sepsis, progressing through severe sepsis, and eventually into septic shock. The goal for healthcare providers is to look for the early symptoms of sepsis and administer antibiotics and IV fluids immediately before the condition becomes more dangerous.

Early symptoms include having a suspected or confirmed infection, plus a:

• Body temperature above 101.4 F
• Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
• Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute

Sepsis can affect anyone, but it is most common in older adults or those with a weakened immune system. The number of cases of sepsis in the United States appears be increasing. Some of the factors attributed to this rise include:

• A growing population of people over 65 years old. This group tends to have a weaker immune system.
• An increase in the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When these drugs used to treat infections do not work, it can lead to sepsis.
• More Americans are living with weakened immune systems, caused by HIV, cancer treatments or transplant drugs.

Since hospitals and nursing homes typically treat people who are either older or who’s immunity levels are compromised, sepsis can often occur in these settings.

Understanding the need to address the situation, Jamaica Hospital has taken a very proactive approach to combating sepsis. The hospital has initiated comprehensive protocols to both identify and treat sepsis. These efforts have led to steadily improving outcomes for our patients.

What to Expect After Your Celiac Disease Diagnosis

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

If you have received a diagnosis from your doctor that confirms you have celiac disease; it is natural to wonder what comes next. Many doctors will offer guidelines which may include tips to live gluten-free. While these guidelines are essential, it is also very important that you truly understand your medical condition.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is defined as, “a genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.” It is estimated that the disease affects one in every one hundred people worldwide. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause long-term health conditions such as gall bladder malfunction, infertility or miscarriage, pancreatic insufficiency, early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

In addition to having a better understanding of celiac disease, educating yourself about the changes to expect in your lifestyle, will prove helpful. Some of the changes include:

Discarding of any food that contains gluten. This means sticking to a strict diet that excludes wheat, barley, farina, oats, rye and other items that are known to have gluten.
Excluding certain items from your diet may deprive you of some nutrients; it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about which vitamins and dietary supplements you should take.
Evaluating the ingredients in medications; some may have small amounts of gluten.
Taking care of your body by exercising and implementing more fruits and fresh vegetables into your diet.
Following up with your physician or dietitian as recommended. This is important as it will help them to monitor your nutritional intake and check for deficiencies.

Finding resources that can help you transition or stick to new your lifestyle, such as your doctor, support groups, organizations such as the Celiac Disease Foundation or a local hospital can help make life after your celiac diagnosis a little easier.

The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center supports National Celiac Awareness Day. This observance falls on September 13 of each year and was created to help people learn more about celiac disease and how it impacts lives. Jamaica Hospital’s registered dietitians assist many patients, including those with celiac disease to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. An appointment with a registered dietitian consists of a comprehensive nutrition assessment, nutrition education, behavior modification counseling and goal setting.

To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Are You Parenting an Anxious Child?

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Similar to adults, children can feel worried and anxious. In fact, feeling anxious about certain things at different stages of their growth is normal. However, if anxiety and worry are chronic, there is a chance that a serious problem is developing.

Early on, younger children may have separation anxiety from their parents. They may become clingy, have difficulty sleeping, wake during the night, start wetting the bed or have nightmares. These behaviors are typically temporary and should begin to subside around age two or three. If they persist as your child gets older, you may want to monitor their behavior for signs that are indicative of an anxiety disorder.

Some signs to look out for are:

lack the confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges

find it hard to concentrate
have problems with sleeping or eating
are prone to angry outbursts
have negative thoughts going round and round their head, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen
start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or attending school

There are many ways to help your child through these worrisome times. Work with your child to recognize what “triggers” their anxiety and urge them to ask for help when the feel unsure. Try sticking to a regular routine and suggest reading books on the topic with your children. Additionally, if you know a change is coming such as a new home, talk to your child and be clear on what they should expect.

Most importantly, don’t try to shield your child from situations, rather encourage your child to find ways to manage their anxiety. Using simple relaxation techniques such as taking slow breaths can really help them navigate an episode.

If you have tried these methods and your child is still anxious, you can make an appointment with a trained mental health professional at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center‘s Mental Health Center. Call 718-206-7071 for an appointment.

Sickle Cell Awareness for Expecting Mothers

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease (also called SCD) is a condition in which the red blood cells in your body are shaped like a sickle (like the letter C). This can result in interruption of blood flow, and prevent oxygen from reaching tissue and organs. When this occurs, painful events can occur with an associated risk of muscle, bone and organ damage.

A careful history should be taken from all pregnant women seeking to identify risk factors for genetic disorders. A simple blood test either before conception or during pregnancy can determine whether either parent carries a sickle cell trait. During pregnancy, SCD poses problems to both mother and fetus.

With regular prenatal care, most women with SCD can have a healthy pregnancy. However, if you have SCD, you’re more likely than other women to have health complications that can affect your pregnancy. These complications include pain episodes, infection and vision problems. During pregnancy, SCD may become more severe, and pain episodes may happen more often. Pain episodes usually happen in the organs and joints. They can last a few hours to a few days, but some last for weeks.

As a pregnant woman with sickle cell disease certain risk factors may increase:

Miscarriage
Premature birth
Having a baby with low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces)

If you have SCD and you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the medicines you are taking. Your provider may change your medicine to one that is safe for your baby during pregnancy.

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