November 2018 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Break Free from Osteoporosis by Learning How to Prevent and Manage the Disease.

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have an increased risk, due to poor bone density. In fact, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood that you’ll develop osteoporosis – some are controllable, but others are not. Some of the factors are:

• Gender – Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age – The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race – You’re at the greatest risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Asian descent.
• Family history – Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk.
• Body frame size – Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Hormone levels – Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies.
• Dietary factors – Those with a lower calcium intake or have a history of eating disorders are at an increased risk
• Medications – Long-term use of oral or injectable steroids can interfere with the bone rebuilding process
• Lifestyle – Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can contribute to the weakening of bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the keys to combatting osteoporosis are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Recommendations include:

Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Participate in weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises on a regular basis

A bone density test can be performed to measure the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip, wrist and spine.

Hormone therapy or medications can be administered to treat osteoporosis, but there are side effects. Please consult your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, Jamaica Hospital has qualified physicians at our Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 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.

Anemia in Older Adults

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin). Hemoglobin is the part of the cell that that binds oxygen. If your hemoglobin is low, the cells in your body will not receive enough oxygen.

Although anemia can happen at any age, this condition is extremely common in adults 60 years and older. In fact, it is estimated that about 10% of older adults living independent lives over the age of 65 have anemia.

Since anemia is usually caused by poor nutrition or other medical issues, such as receiving chemotherapy, vitamin deficiency, or internal bleeding, older adults are at greater risk of developing the condition.

Common symptoms of anemia are:

Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
High heart rate
Headaches
Becoming paler (which is often first seen by checking inside the lower lids)
Lower blood pressure (especially if the anemia is caused by bleeding)

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms of anemia, your physician can perform a simple complete blood count (CBC) test to determine your overall health and detect a wide range of blood disorders including anemia.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center offers medical testing to diagnose testing. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

Pregnancy Myths

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Learning that you are pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. After receiving the great news, you are likely to go on a quest for information that will help you to have a healthy pregnancy.

During your search for information, you may encounter a lot of helpful facts and just as many myths. To help you to separate fact from fiction, here are a few common myths debunked:

You cannot dye your hair- There is no data that supports the harmful effects of dying your hair during pregnancy.
You are eating for two- Most women will only need to consume 200 extra calories each day during their pregnancy. There is no need to consume an excessive amount of calories.
You should not exercise- Exercise is encouraged throughout your pregnancy. However, as your pregnancy advances, some types of exercise can be harmful. Consult with your doctor to determine a workout routine that is safe for your health.
You can drink a little while pregnant – No amount of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy. It is best to completely avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
You should avoid vaccinations- It is highly recommended that you receive the vaccinations needed to keep you and your developing baby healthy. One vaccination that is highly recommended is the whooping cough vaccine; it protects your baby from developing pertussis.

If you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, your Ob/Gyn is a great source of information. Your doctor can advise you about exercise, diet, medications and other factors of your health. To schedule an appointment with an Ob/Gyn at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.

Employee Spotlight on Jason Jones

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are pleased to shine our employee spotlight on Jason Jones, Echotechnologist. Jason has been working at Jamaica Hospital for 11 years. He grew up in Brooklyn where he attended PS 321 in Park Slope and Bishop Ford Catholic High School. He went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology where he earned an Associate degree in photography. At the age of 27 Jason joined the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Technician and was stationed in Japan. He currently still lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters.

Upon his return to the United States, Jason worked as a personal trainer at the New York Sports Club before enrolling in the Sanford Brown Institute where he studied to become an Ultrasound Technician.

In his free time Jason enjoys spending time with his two daughters, ages 2 and 11. He and his wife enjoy taking them on trips and doing all kinds of fun things together as a family. Jason also enjoys exercising, all kinds of sports, and he likes many types of music. On the weekends he likes to cook, and his tastes are wide ranging including Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Indian cuisine.

Jason feels very fortunate to be working at Jamaica Hospital for all of these years. There is a real feeling of being part of a team in his department, and after all these years, it’s really like a family. The work is challenging but it is very rewarding. He feels that his interactions with the patients are going to help improve their quality of life. The technology and skills that he uses each day allows him to combine his love of medicine with his passion for photography. He equates his diagnostic exams to making a movie, where he is putting together a story board of their condition so that the physicians can have a better understanding of how to treat each patient’s condition.

Jason looks forward to having a long career at Jamaica Hospital. While he has no current plans on retiring at the present time, his long range plans include spending more time vacationing in Japan, with the thought of retiring there one day. Japan holds a special place in his heart and he would like to get to return for the Olympics in 2020. For the time being we are fortunate to have him as a valued member of our team.

The Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

If you were to look in a textbook for a description of a pediatric dentist, you would read a definition that states “the branch of the dental healing arts that focuses on the condition of children and associated structures of the oral cavity.” However, if you ask a pediatric dentist to define what they do, you will get a much different answer. The truth is a pediatric dentist is so much more and there are many benefits to having a pediatric dentist treat your child.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a pediatric dentist is their gentle nature. Going to see the dentist can be overwhelming for many adults, so imagine how a young child must feel. Pediatric dentists are aware of these common concerns and because they have the training and skills to manage them, they are best suited to make your child feel comfortable and at ease once they are in the dentist’s chair.

While having a dentist who makes your child feel comfortable is important, it is equally as important to make sure that the person taking care of them is well qualified; this happens to be another advantage of selecting a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of formal training to focus on the growth and development of a child’s oral cavity, from birth through the teenage years. Since pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children’s teeth, they are naturally better equipped to address the many potential problems that may occur, such as a delayed loss of baby teeth or the development of cavities and tooth decay.

Pediatric dentists take a holistic approach to providing care to children and work with parents to identify environmental factors that may contribute to poor dental health, such as dietary choices and the potential risks associated with habits such as thumb sucking, teeth grinding or the use of a pacifier. These interactive opportunities serve to empower the entire family to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Statistics indicate that pre-school children are getting more cavities than ever before, with one out of every four children having one by the age of four. In addition, children miss more time from school due to tooth aches than they do from the flu. Due to these alarming facts a pediatric dentist will practice developmentally-based dental care by focusing a great deal of time during your child’s initial visits on teaching them about good dental habits, such as how to properly take care of their gums and teeth.

The pediatric dental team at Jamaica Hospital is dedicated to treating all children, from the time their first tooth erupts through their high school years. They believe the world is a happier place when it is filled with smiling children and they take pride in maintaining those smiles.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Center, please call 718-206-6980.

Holiday Travel Tips

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The holiday period (November 21 to January 2nd) is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. According to a recent study from AAA (American Automobile Association), most Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home to be with the ones they love. The report indicated driving is the most popular means of travel and more than 89% of travelers will be on the road.

With more vehicles on the road during the holidays, the odds of getting into an accident are greater. However, by following these safe driving tips from the American Red Cross you can keep your loved ones safe and enjoy your trip:

Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Follow the rules of the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

If winter weather threatens and you become stuck in the snow, these tips are for you:

Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

From all of us at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center…Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Today is the Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event when the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to quit smoking. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.

The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.

Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:

• Smoking Cessation Groups
• Nicotine substitute products
• Support from family and friends
• Telephone quit lines
• Counseling
• Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke

If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Renee Rolston MD

November has been recognized as Bladder Health Awareness month, to serve as a reminder to get the facts about common bladder health problems and to encourage patients to take an active role in their bladder health.

There are many conditions that can affect the bladder one of the most common is urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss or leakage of urine. According to the American Urological Association, about 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 4 men suffer from some type of urinary incontinence.

Urge incontinence also known as overactive bladder and stress incontinence are the two most common forms of this health issue. Urge urinary incontinence is when urine leakage occurs with the sudden and strong desire to urinate. Stress urinary incontinence is when urine leakage occurs with physical activity such as laughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise. There are instances in which both urge and stress incontinence symptoms occur; this is known as mixed incontinence.

Depending on the type of urinary incontinence, extent of symptoms and treatment goals there may be one or more treatment options.

Treatment options include:

Physical therapy
Oral Medications
Vaginal Devices (pessaries, incontinence inserts)
Bladder Botox
Surgery

There are a few things you can do to prevent common bladder health problems. Here are a few helpful health bladder tips.

Manage daily fluid intake and reduce bladder irritants like caffeinated beverages and alcohol
Limit or avoid very spicy and acidic foods that can bother the bladder
Stop Smoking
Stay active exercise regularly and don’t forget to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong with kegels
Try to maintain a normal weight, excess weight gain can increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence

If fear of leaking urine stops you from doing things you enjoy, it may be time to consider treatment. Here at Jamaica Hospital we have providers who specialize in the treatment of bladder control issues. To learn more about treatment options for urinary incontinence or to schedule an appointment with one of our Urogynecologist, please call 718-206-7001.

Renee Rolston MD-OB/GYN

E-Cigarettes And Vaping Q&A

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Yogaalakshmi Sundararajan M.D.

According to the Center on Addiction, vaping has grown in popularity with the rise of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Several studies indicate that particles found in the “vapor” produced by these devices contain toxic chemicals which have been linked to respiratory and heart disease, as well as cancer. Despite these findings, some still believe that vaping is far less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. In fact, the opposite is true. This Q&A addresses this and other misconceptions people may have about vaping.

Q: What are ENDS or vaping devices?

A: Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems are tobacco products that do not produce smoke. Some of the most commonly used terms used to describe these products are e-cigarettes, vapes and vaporizers. These devices are usually composed of a battery, heating element and a chamber which is often filled with liquid containing nicotine. This liquid is heated by the device to release an aerosol often mistaken for water vapor. Vaping is inhaling and exhaling the aerosol produced.

Q: Are there negative effects associated with vaping?

A: The liquid found in vaping devices often contains nicotine which causes addiction and increases abuse potential. Nicotine is toxic to the brain of developing fetuses. It also harms adolescent brain development. The aerosol component of vaping devices has cancer-causing chemicals. Cases of accidental poisoning by the liquids in devices are becoming more common. Defective products can cause explosions and fires.

Q: How do regular cigarettes compare to vaping devices?

A: Smoking a regular cigarette will produce smoke while delivering nicotine to the body. The smoke is a harmful component that contains many toxic agents including but not limited to carbon monoxide and tar; both of which can cause cancer and other diseases. E-cigarettes and other vaping devices contain fewer toxic chemicals when compared to regular cigarettes because there is no smoke. However, they still contain significant levels of harmful substances such as nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, propylene glycol and other cancer-causing agents.

Q: Can e-cigarettes and other vaping devices be used to quit smoking?

A: E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA to quit smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems that e-cigarettes have the potential to benefit adult smokers (non-pregnant) as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products, but more studies are needed to prove this. Recent CDC studies also found that most adults using e-cigarettes don’t quit smoking, instead, are using both products.

Q: Is there a rising epidemic in the use of vaping device among youth?

In the USA there are several laws put in place to regulate the use of vaping devices. Despite these regulations, the use of vaping devices is increasing among youth. Reports from the CDC indicate that 4.3% of middle school students and 11.3% of high school students have tried vaping in the past month. Vaping devices are produced in various models, including those that look like flash drives. This makes it easier for students to mask its presence. Lack of legislation to stop advertising of vaping products, availability of multiple appealing flavors, easy access are all factors that have contributed to increased use of vaping devices among youth.

Nicotine and other toxic substances, delivered in the form of traditional cigarettes or ENDS are harmful to your health. The best way to avoid these toxic chemicals derived from tobacco use is to stop smoking or vaping.

If you are currently a smoker and would like to quit, please schedule an appointment to see your doctor. There are many resources available to help control cravings and decrease use.

To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine Doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6942.

Yogaalakshmi Sundararajan M.D. -Family Medicine Physician

Why STD Rates Are Rising

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the United States continue to rise at a pace that concerns health officials. Data gathered from 2013 to 2017 indicate that STD rates have increased greatly over the four year period.

In the United States, nearly 2.3 million cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis were diagnosed in 2017. Studies show that these numbers have surpassed previous records set in 2016 by more than 200,000 cases. CDC reports show that from 2013 to 2017, gonorrhea diagnoses increased by 67%; primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses increased by 76% and chlamydia 22%.

Health officials are most concerned about these sharp increases because chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea are all diseases that were once nearly eliminated or widely controlled but now have resurged.

Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of these diseases. There has been a rise in risky sexual practices such as sex without condoms. Studies show this may be the result of a reduced fear of getting pregnant and less fear of the risks associated with unprotected sex. Other factors believed to be contributors to the escalation of STD rates include:

The rise of certain dating apps which have made casual sexual encounters more readily available and anonymous.
STDs spreading in populations that were not traditionally affected. The CDC reports that more and more women are being diagnosed with syphilis and some have passed the disease on to their babies. The agency states that in 2016, “there was a 36 percent increase in rates of syphilis among women and a 28 percent increase in syphilis among newborns.”
A lack of education and resources to combat these new challenges. According to the CDC, there isn’t enough funding available for STD clinics or programs to provide effective prevention education and healthcare.

There is still a stigma attached to STDs and people may be reluctant to speak to their doctor about screening and treatment. However, it is important to keep in mind that your doctor is professionally trained to assist you or provide treatment. If you are sexually active and believe you may be at risk of exposure to STDs, it is important that you get screened regularly. Leaving certain STDs untreated can lead to complications such as infertility, stillbirth in infants, an increased risk of HIV infection, pelvic inflammatory disease and certain cancers.