March 2018 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Jamaica Hospital Introduces Robotic Pet Therapy to Provide Comfort to Patients

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Being hospitalized can be a difficult situation for many. In addition to dealing with being sick or injured, patients struggle with feelings of depression, stress and loneliness. To help them cope with these emotions, Jamaica Hospital has recently implemented an innovative pilot program that is receiving very encouraging feedback.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sharon Wexler, PhD, RN, nurse researcher at Jamaica Hospital, a study is being conducted at the hospital to determine the benefits of robotic pets on hospitalized older adults (65 and older). These patients were selected because they are among the group most likely to demonstrate feelings of depression or loneliness during hospitalization.

According to the robotic pet program, patients receive a free, lifelike, battery-powered cat or dog with an audible heart beat to care for and play with. These pets interact with the patients by purring or barking, snuggling, turning their heads, opening and closing their eyes, wagging their tails, moving their paws, and showing their bellies. The pets, which come with a collar, identification tag, and grooming brush, cost approximately $100 and are single patient use only, so patients get to take them home with them once they are discharged.

Some may ask why use robotic pet therapy when actual pet therapy is available? The answer is Jamaica Hospital, like many other hospitals across the country does recognize and utilize live pet therapy for our patients. While pet therapy has been widely proven to improve the spirits of patients and potentially improve clinical outcomes, there are some limitations to this service. Unfortunately, traditional pet therapy services are not available 24 hours a day. In addition, some patients may have a fear of animals or be allergic to them. By introducing robotic pet therapy in addition to traditional pet therapy as an intervention, Jamaica Hospital now offers our patients a technologically advanced and effective additional service to boost their outlook and recovery process.

Prior to using realistic looking robotic pets, the hospital had older patients care for an avatar virtual service animal by using a tablet computer. The results were extremely positive as these patients exhibited increased cognition levels and reported fewer feelings of loneliness and depression, making the decision to continue with the robotic pet service an easy one.

While robotic pet therapy has been utilized at many extended care facilities, Jamaica is the first hospital to explore the potential of this service in an acute care setting. The hospital has already enrolled dozens of patients into this program, which began only a couple of months ago, and early indications are very promising, with patients expressing very positive feedback about their experience. The hospital looks forward to the continuation and expansion of this program in the future.

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.

Parenting – Should Children be Paid to do Household Chores?

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Many parents wrestle with the question of whether or not their children should be required to do chores around the house, and if so, should they be paid for it? There’s really no simple answer.

There are pros and cons to every method of administering an allowance to children. Some think kids should earn money in exchange for doing chores, others believe kids should not be paid for regular contributions that are expected of every family member. No matter which side you agree with, the point of an allowance is to teach your kids money management skills.

Age appropriate, weekly chores, whether it’s taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher, folding clean laundry, cleaning the cat litter box, or light yard work like raking leaves, can help a child develop character. Paying them for their contributions also helps them to develop a respect for earning money.

You might decide on a definite set of weekly chores that your child must complete before being paid, or choose to make a list with a set price per chore and leave it up to them. Bigger tasks like shoveling snow, earn more money, and things like making their bed, earn less.

The method you end up using may not be what you started with, every child is different and the family dynamic and responsibility varies. However you structure it, be flexible. Even if you offer your child an allowance with no strings attached, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them to do something periodically.

Employee Spotlight – Katiria Martinez

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are pleased to shine our employee spotlight on Katiria Martinez, an Ambulatory Care Representative in the Emergency Department since 2014.
Katiria currently lives in Brooklyn but grew up in the Richmond Hill section of Queens and is very familiar with the area surrounding Jamaica Hospital. According to Katiria, working in the Emergency Department is dynamic and can be very rewarding. She is extremely happy when she can make someone’s day more pleasant , especially when they are facing very stressful moments in the hospital emergency room. She finds it very interesting meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Katiria states “I am very fortunate to be working with a great group of people. Everyone helps one another which makes it a very good work environment.” She feels very fortunate to have a supervisor who encourages her to be the best that she can be and who teaches her so many important skills. These are all reasons that she enjoys coming to work every day.
When Katiria isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her children, two sons and a daughter. She has a fondness for all kinds of outdoor activities such as going camping, hiking, spending time in the woods, and also spending time at the beach. Summer is her favorite time because she enjoys warm weather and it is the best time of year to be outdoors. One of the sports she enjoys is archery. She also enjoys traveling to new places and she is hoping to visit Panama on her next vacation.
Katiria believes in living life to the fullest. When she is at work she strives to make each day interesting and to make a positive difference in the lives of the people she interacts with. When she is home she feels the same way, her family is the most important part of her life and she enjoys the time she spends with them. Katiria is always trying to make each day a great day for everyone she meets.

Q&A: A lot of patients ask, do I need a PAP smear every year?

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Dr. Peter Wong OB/GYN Jamaica Hospital

A PAP smear is looking at the cells of the cervix for any abnormalities. This can help identify cervical cancer. A lot of patients ask, do I need a PAP smear every year?
For a majority of women, the short answer is no. The true answer is dependent on a number of factors: past PAP smear results, your age, and the type of testing that has been done.

In 2012, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women start getting PAP smears starts at age 21. For women age 21 to 65 years, the USPSTF recommends a PAP smear every 3 years. For women age 30 to 65 years who want to lengthen the screening interval, screening with a combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years.

If a woman has any abnormal findings in their PAP smear or HPV testing, then the screening interval changes.
You should continue to visit your gynecologist for yearly annual exams to ensure overall health. Your clinician will check for any signs of infection, prolapse, and abnormal growths (fibroids, cysts, polyps).

Each individual’s case is unique, speak to your doctor about your current health and their recommendations for a PAP smear.

For women experiencing gynecological issues, Jamaica Hospital provides many highly specialized services and treatments for a wide range of conditions that affect women’s health. Our specially trained staff offers expert diagnosis and treatment options for multiple forms of gynecological cancers as well as services to treat complications that may develop from fibroid tumors, bladder conditions, or menopause.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us at 718-206-6808.

What You Need to Know About Birth Control Pills

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Marina Bissada, DO

Birth control pills are a hormonal type of oral contraceptive that needs to be taken every day to prevent pregnancy. They work by stopping ovulation so that the fertilization of an egg by sperm cannot occur.

Most women are prescribed combination birth control pills which contain two types of hormones- estrogen and progestin. There are progestin-only pills available as well. These are often recommended for women who have medical reasons for avoiding estrogen. Most combination birth control packs contain pills for every day of the month (depending on the pack). The three first weeks of the pack are pills with hormones. The final week contains placebo pills or sugar pills (no hormone). This last week of having no hormones allows your menstrual period to occur.

The pill is generally safe when taken as prescribed; however, if you are considering this form of contraception, there are a few things you should know:

How effective are birth control pills?

When taken correctly, birth control pills are about 91% effective. It is important to take the pill at the same time every day to improve efficacy. If you are forgetful, there are some easy ways to remember to take your pill every day. You can set an alarm on your phone or put your pills next to your toothbrush or in other places you are likely to see them every day. If you decide that you want to become pregnant; birth control pills can be stopped at any time and periods typically return within three months.

What are some benefits of taking birth controls pills other than preventing pregnancy?

In addition to preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are great at helping women with irregular and/or painful periods regulate their cycles and minimize pain. OCPs can also help decrease the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which involve mood changes related to menstrual cycling. Another added benefit of taking OCPs is, they can also help improve cystic acne in many women. Lastly, studies have found that taking birth control pills may reduce the likelihood of endometrial and ovarian cancer.

What side effects are likely to occur?

Women may experience side effects with birth control pills but they usually go away after 2-3 months. Some common side effects are spotting between periods, changes in libido, or nausea. Doctors sometimes advise that you stick with the pill for this duration of time to see if the side effects will subside. If they don’t or you experience more serious effects such as increased blood pressure or blood clots, speak to your doctor. Serious side effects are generally rare and many people have to try different birth control pills until they find the right one for them.

What should I do if I forget to take my pill?

If you missed one pill, take your pill as soon as you remember. It’s okay to take two pills on the same day or within 24 hours. If two or more pills are missed in the 1st week, take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible (discard the missed pill). Continue taking your daily pills according to the pack. If you missed two or more pills, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant: resume taking your daily pills and avoid having sex without condoms, or use another backup birth control method for at least seven days of hormonal pills. Emergency contraception should be considered if you missed pills within the first week and had sex without a condom in the previous five days. If the forgotten pill is during days 15-21 of a 28-day pack, then skip the placebo pills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommended actions for late or missed OCPs. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/pdf/248124_fig_2_3_4_final_tag508.pdf

Who should not take birth control pills?

Talk to your doctor if any of the following pertain to you:

Are over 35 years old and smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day
Have hypertension
Have a history of Venous thromboembolism (blood clots)
Have a history of, or current, breast cancer
Have liver cirrhosis or failure
Suffer from migraines with aura at any age

It is important to remember, that while OCPs are very effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are having sex with a new partner, or you are concerned about infections, it is important to use condoms in addition to OCPs. It is recommended that you also get tested for STIs at your doctor’s office.

If you have questions about contraception or family planning and would like to schedule an appointment with a family medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call, 718-206-6942

Marina Bissada D.O. Family Medicine

History of Orthodontics

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

More and more people, both children and adults are seeking orthodontic treatment today. Having well aligned teeth is not only important for a nice smile but also for proper dental health.

The importance of having healthy and aligned teeth dates back as early as 1000 BC. The ancient Egyptians and the Etruscans were using material made from animal intestines to move teeth into better alignment. An ancient Roman scientist discovered that by applying finger pressure on teeth for an extended period of time over the course of months would help move teeth into a new position.

The first more modern practice of orthodontics was documented in the early 1770’s. A French surgeon dentist named Pierre Fauchard came up with the concept of the “Bandeau” which was a horseshoe shaped device that gave the mouth a natural arch. Later on in the early 1800’s Francois Delabarre invented the wire crib that was placed on the teeth and help move them into better alignment. In the mid 1800’s dentists began to realize that the jaw and the teeth would have to be aligned simultaneously and this was accomplished by using tiny rubber tubing and wire cribs together.

In the early 1900’s, we entered the era of orthodontics that we are more familiar with today. Back then, dentists would wrap different materials depending on their preference (ivory, wood, copper, or zinc and later on gold or silver) and connect them with bands that helped move the teeth into the desired position. In the 1970’s stainless steel was more widely used and this had the advantage of being less costly and also more flexible than the other materials used previously.

In the late 1990’s, orthodontics changed with the introduction of the invisible braces. In addition to brackets that were placed on the inside of people’s teeth to make it more aestically appealing, clear retainers were also being used which would help to align teeth.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980.

Alzheimer’s or Aging Naturally?

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Joann Ariola

As you age, you may experience what is jokingly referred to as a “senior moment” when trying to remember why you entered a room or where you left your keys. These moments are fairly common, but how do you know if your forgetfulness is the result of natural aging or Alzheimer’s?

Almost 40 percent of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss without having any medical condition associated with it. This process is known as Age-Associated Memory Impairment. This condition is considered to be part of the natural aging process.

According to Alz.org, (Alzheimer’s Association) many things change as we age. Our bodies and brain’s slow down and we are less physically and mentally flexible. We may take more time to process information and experience some memory loss causing us to be forgetful of people places and things as we age.

Some signs of a naturally aging mind are:

Experiencing some memory loss, but being able to provide considerable detail when explaining the episode
Maintaining memory for important events, appointments and conversations
Occasional difficulty in finding words
Normal performance on mental status exams

Independent living and being able to conduct day to day activities and maintain interpersonal skills is also a reminder that you are aging naturally. As you age, it is beneficial to keep your mind sharp by remaining active, exercising, playing games that challenge your mind to think such as crossword puzzles or chess.

Conversely, Alzheimer’s disease is also associated with memory loss. This disease can affect people who are advanced in age or who are younger than the age of 65. When early on-set occurs, the disease is referred to as either younger-onset or early onset Alzheimer’s. Forgetfulness due to Alzheimer’s is not a part of the natural aging process.

Some symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s are:

Personality or mood changes
Difficulty making decisions
Misplacing items on a regular basis
Withdrawing from social situations
Difficulty finding the right words for specific items
Difficulty finishing a sentence
Losing tract of locations, dates or times
Asking for the same information again and again
Difficulty learning new things

If you are experiencing symptoms or displaying signs of the disease on an ongoing basis, it is recommended that you consult a physician who specializes in treating Alzheimer’s. In order to diagnose the disease, the physician may complete a comprehensive medical evaluation which can include cognitive tests, brain imaging, neurological and medical exams.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can maximize the benefits received from treatment and may help you to maintain your independence longer. Therefore, it is highly advised that you seek the assistance of a specialist immediately.

What is a Peptic Ulcer and How do they Develop?

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in certain parts of your digestive tract. They occur when the protective layer of mucus that lines those areas erodes due to the buildup of acids. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to internal bleeding and other complications.

There are two types of peptic ulcer disease that are classified based on where they develop. When an ulcer forms on the stomach lining, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is the name for an ulcer that appears at the top end of the small intestine. You can have ulcers at any age, but your chances of having one increases with age.

Peptic ulcers generally develop for two reasons:

Bacteria – One common type of bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) is a main cause for peptic ulcers. While as many as 50% of us carry this type of bacteria, most people infected with H. pylori do not get ulcers. For some however, it can raise the amount of acid produced, break down the protective mucus layer, and irritate the digestive tract.
Pain Relievers – Another cause for ulcers is prolonged use of pain relievers, such aspirin or medications that contain ibuprofen or naproxen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications block your body from making a chemical that help protect the inner walls of your stomach and small intestine from stomach acid.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are also contributing factors in the development of ulcers. It is a common misnomer is that stress and spicy foods can a lead to this condition. The fact is that while they are not factors in the formation of ulcers, they can make an existing condition worse.

Some people can have a peptic ulcer and not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, the most common is a burning pain or discomfort between the naval and breastbone. The pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours, and may come and go for many days or weeks.

Other symptoms may include:

Bloated feeling
Burping
Difficulty breathing
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Feeling faint
Nausea
Bloody or dark stool
Vomiting

See a doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms or if your pain does not go away with over the counter antacids. Your physician can diagnose a peptic ulcer by conducting an endoscopy. During this test, a thin, flexible tube is inserted down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine. The tube has a camera at the end to check the lining for ulcers.

Once confirmed, your doctor can prescribe certain medications designed to help protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine so the ulcer can heal.

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

March is National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

National Nutrition Month, founded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, actually started in 1973 as just a week-long event but because of the public’s growing interest in the topic, it was expanded in 1980 to a month long event. The objective of this observance is to promote healthy eating habits, and encourage physical activity. The theme for 2018 is “Go Further With Food”. It’s message includes:
• Encouraging a healthy eating style with a variety of foods
• Home cooking with healthy ingredients
• Eating meals in healthy amounts
• Including physical activity into a daily routine
• Maintaining a health weight
If you feel that you need to acquire better eating habits and would like some professional assistance, please speak to your physician who will be able to refer you to a nutritionist. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Baby Boomers Encouraged To Get Hep C Testing

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Radeeb Akhtar, MD MPH

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. It can be a short-lived infection, however more often; it is a chronic silent disease that leads to liver failure and sometimes liver cancer after many years.

Your risk of being infected with hepatitis C is increased if you:

Were born from a mother with the virus
Received body piercings or tattoos from non-sterile instruments
Had unprotected sexual contact with multiple partners
Received blood transfusions, blood products or organ donations before 1992
Are on long-term hemodialysis treatment
Work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needle stick
Were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987
Shared needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs

Baby boomers or people born between the years 1945-1965 are recommended to get tested once, regardless of exposure history or risk. If you were born between these years, please ask your doctor to order this blood test for you.

If you have hepatitis C, a cure can be possible with the appropriate treatments. Recent research has produced new medications that can essentially cure hepatitis C from the blood and liver. These newer medications have few side effects and are usually taken once daily for 8 or 12 weeks for most uncomplicated hepatitis C infections.

Contact your primary care doctor about how to start the process. Once cured, you are likely to regain improved liver function and reduce the risk of liver failure and liver cancer in the future.

If you have concerns about your risk for hepatitis C or have questions about testing and treatment, please call 718-206-6942 to schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Radeeb Akhtar, MD MPH, Family Medicine