September 2019 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The school year has begun and road travel increases. This can be a dangerous time of year, especially for children.

Many children rely on walking, riding a bicycle, or taking a bus to and from school. Fewer daylight hours can make it harder for motorists to see these young students. Take advantage of the following tips to strengthen your traffic safety knowledge:

Car:

All passengers should wear a seat belt.
All children should ride in an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4′ 9” and is between eight to 12 years of age).

School Bus:

Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the curb or to the school building.
Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them too).
Remind your child to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

Walking:

Make sure your child’s walk to school follows a safe route with trained crossing guards at every intersection.
If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Bike:

Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

Following these simple rules can help to prevent accidents and will keep you and children safe.

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.

Claustrophobia

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Categorized as a “phobia”, claustrophobia is diagnosed when the patient exhibits persistent (usually 6 months or longer) unreasonable or excessive fear due to the presence or anticipation of a specific situation. That fear will often times cause an anxiety response that may lead to a panic attack.

People with claustrophobia will go to great lengths to avoid what triggers their anxiety, such as:

Being in a small room without windows
Riding in an airplane, small motor vehicle or subway car
Being in a packed elevator
Undergoing medical testing such as a MRI or CT scan
Attending large gatherings like a concert or party
Standing in a closet

While in the throes of an episode, the person with claustrophobia may experience one or more of these symptoms:

Sweating and chills
Dry mouth
Headache and numbness
Tightness in the chest, and chest pain
Nausea
Disorientation and confusion
Lightheadedness, fainting, and dizziness
High blood pressure and an accelerated heart rate

In severe cases, claustrophobia may cause reactions that can interfere with the person’s everyday life, professional life and relationships.

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of claustrophobia and would like to speak with a professional at , please call to schedule an appointment.

Fall Prevention Tips

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Alexander Ariza

According to an article written in the New York Times, “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Every 19 minutes in this country, an older person dies from a fall.”

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is committed to educating our community’s senior citizens on how to prevent falls. Here are some quick tips to help seniors stay safe.

Exercise

Your body needs to be active to stay healthy. The benefits of movement far outweigh the safety of inaction. Exercise ensures healthy joints, balance, endurance, and strength.

Medications

Always ask your doctor what your prescribed medications’ side effects are. If certain medications do make you dizzy, let your physician know. Be sure to read labels, check expiration dates, and follow all instructions carefully. Your diet may also affect how you feel on certain drugs. Make sure you keep a list of all the medications you are taking and bring it with you to each doctor that you visit.

Vision

Maintain your eye health by seeing an eye doctor for checkups as recommended. Doing so can reduce your risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as cataracts. If diagnosed with cataracts, removing them may reduce your risk of falling. Be extra cautious after having cataract surgery, as there is a chance your vision will change.

Home Safety

The four most common areas of the home where falls occur are the stairs, the bathroom, the living room, and the bedroom. Stairs should be clear of clutter and well lit. When going up and down the staircase, make sure you hold on to the banister for extra support. Grab bars should be installed near the bathtub or shower stall to prevent slipping. The living room should be well lit, clear of clutter and have wide unobstructed pathways to get around. When getting out of bed, take your time to adjust to sitting and standing slowly. Do not rush.

Ask for Help

There is no shame in asking for help from others. When riding the bus, ask for a seat. If you need to change a lightbulb have a neighbor, friend, or family member help out. If you need a ride to get to the doctor, there are many resources available to you to do so safely. Let others know where you are and what you’re doing often, especially if you are living alone.

To receive more information on Falls Prevention, please visit Jamaica Hospital Trauma Department’s Injury Prevention page https://jamaicahospital.org/clinical-services/trauma-center/injury-prevention/

Mindfulness Meditation

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Tasmia Ahmed M.D.

Everyday life can be full of worries. So much so that we forget how to enjoy the present moment and struggle to cope with a barrage of stress.

Escalated stress levels can serve as a threat to our overall health. Chronic stress increases the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart problems, obesity, sexual dysfunction, skin and hair problems as well as gastrointestinal problems. Stress can also disrupt creativity, problem-solving, and memory. This is because stress affects the prefrontal cortex, the most evolved part of the brain that is responsible for regulating our thoughts, actions, and emotions.

Due to the effects that stress can have on our health, it is important that we apply stress-reducing techniques to our daily routines. Practicing mindfulness meditation is one way to re-train our brains to be less preoccupied with worry and reduce stress. It allows us to focus our minds on a present moment, acknowledge negative thoughts without judging them, and then let them go. The goal is not to suppress thoughts, but to let them pass out of our minds, and then return to the task at hand. This can typically be achieved by practicing mindful exercises such as:

1. Mindful breathing – Start by breathing slowly in through your nose and out your mouth. Let go of your thoughts and maintain awareness for distractions. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breathing.
2. Mindful eating – Purposefully slow down your pace while eating. Smell your food, notice how it feels in your mouth and savor its taste.
3. Mindful walking – Walk and use all your senses to acknowledge the world around you.

In addition to reducing stress, there are other benefits we can gain from mindfulness meditation. It improves brain efficiency in attention and impulse control and may reduce anxiety, depression, and pain in some cases. One study found that listening to brief mindfulness meditations, delivered by a smartphone app as a reminder multiple times a week for eight weeks, improved overall well-being.

If the effects of stress are taking a toll on your health, speak with your doctor about stress-reducing techniques you can add to your routine. To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-6942.

Tasmia Ahmed M.D.

Blepharitis

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid- typically involving the part of the lid where our lashes grow. It is a disorder that can affect anyone of any age; however, people with oily skin, dandruff or rosacea are more prone to getting infections.

There are several possible factors that can contribute to blepharitis, including:

A buildup of bacteria
Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands of the eyelids
Eyelash mites or lice
Allergic reactions to eye makeup, eye medications or contact lens solutions.
Rosacea

Blepharitis can result in the following complications:

Excess tearing or dry eyes
Burning or stinging eyes
Crusty debris at the base of the eyelid
Loss of lashes
A sty
Chronic pink eye
A chalazion ( a blockage of an oil gland at the margin of the eyelid)
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
Scarring of the eyelids

Unfortunately, there is no cure for blepharitis but there are a number of treatments used to control symptoms. Treatments an eye doctor may prescribe or recommend include:

Warm compresses
Eyelid scrubs
Medications such as antibiotics to fight infection
Medications such as steroid eye drops or ointments to control inflammation
Medications to treat underlying conditions such as dandruff or rosacea
Procedures to remove mites or open clogged glands

Practicing good eyelid hygiene tips can help to reduce the risk of inflammation. Doctors recommend practicing daily self-care regimens which can involve applying a warm compress to break down the buildup of debris, cleaning your eyelids daily with a solution such as baby wash diluted with water or using dandruff- controlling shampoos.

If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis and would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206- 5900.

Jamaica Hospital Provides Patient Safety Tips For Your Next Hospital Visit

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Dealing with illness or injury can be a stressful situation for anyone. When faced with challenges concerning your health or that of a loved one, you place your trust in the hands of healthcare professionals to provide you with solutions to those problems.

The last thing that you need to think about during a medical emergency is the possibility of an error occurring during treatment, but by taking an active role in your care plan and working with your doctors and nurses, you can drastically reduce these chances and greatly enhance the probability of a positive outcome.

Jamaica Hospital has created a person-centered care model that focuses on patient communication and empowerment. We encourage all patients to take an active role in their treatment plan. To that end, we have provided the following tips to help you during your next hospital visit:

Provide your healthcare providers with a detailed medical history, including a list of all existing conditions, prior hospitalizations as well as prescription and over the counter medications you are currently taking.
Be sure to notify your medical team of any known food or medication allergies
Check that you were issued a hospital identification wristband that contains accurate personal information
Ensure that all doctors, nurses, and the rest of your healthcare team positively identify you before providing treatment. Ask that all providers address you by name and confirm your date of birth.
Visually inspect your environment for cleanliness as healthcare facilities are likely environments to spread germs if they are not properly maintained
Closely monitor that all healthcare providers wash their hands before and after they provide treatment
Be an active participant with your healthcare provider. Provide details about how you are feeling, ask questions about all treatment plans and prescribed medication, including potential side effects.
Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare team to repeat information if you do not understand something initially

Jamaica Hospital understands the stress associated with a hospital visit. By providing the tips listed above, we hope to eliminate some of your concerns so you can concentrate on a fast and complete recovery.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A baby’s teeth are very important and providing them with proper care is necessary to make sure they don’t develop cavities later in life.

Dental care for a baby starts even before their teeth start to break through the gums. The first steps that should be taken with an infant are to make sure their gums are kept clean. This is done by using a soft wash cloth or a soft gauze pad and wiping the gums at least twice a day, especially after each feeding. This will help to remove harmful bacteria that may accumulate.

Once a baby’s teeth start to develop, between six and eight months of age, a toothbrush specially designed for them should be used. These toothbrushes have very soft bristles and a small head to fit into a baby’s mouth. It isn’t necessary to use toothpaste at the beginning. Most babies will start to develop

To prevent cavities from developing, a baby should only be given water, milk, or formula. Things to stay away from are fruit juices, sodas, and sugary drinks.

A pediatric dentist can help provide tips to care for your baby’s teeth and to insure that they develop properly. A first visit with a dentist should be scheduled around their first birthday. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist at , please call .

What You Should Know About the Outbreaks Associated with Using E-cigarette Products

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

According to a recent alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “over 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products have been reported.” The number of cases is expected to grow while the CDC conducts its investigation.

E-cigarettes are devices used to inhale an aerosol that may contain nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol or other chemicals. Research has indicated that e-cigarettes can also contain harmful substances such as lead and diacetyl (A flavoring chemical linked to lung disease).

E-cigarettes are known by different names such as vapes, vaping pens, mods, e- hookahs, tank systems or e-cigs. Patients involved in the CDC’s investigation have reported a history of using these or similar devices, and have experienced the following symptoms associated with severe pulmonary disease:

Chest pain, cough or shortness of breath
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss

Several state health departments have also reported deaths linked to the illness. So far, five deaths have been confirmed.

Although all cases in the investigation have been linked to the use of e-cigarette products, the exact cause of the epidemic is unknown. Until a cause for the vaping- related illness is identified, the CDC is asking consumers to consider not using e-cigarette products.

Consumers should consider the agency’s recommendation as other serious health complications have been recently linked to e-cigarette products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation involving e-cigarette users experiencing seizures or other neurological symptoms. The agency is asking those experiencing seizures, tremors or fainting related to vaping to consult their physician and submit a report online.

If you are an e-cigarette user and are experiencing symptoms associated with lung disease or neurological complications, please speak with your doctor. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, call 718-206-7001.

Tips To Properly Maintain Your CPAP Machine

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Michael Hinck

For those living with sleep apnea, the decision to get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is a valuable investment in your health.

A CPAP machine works by sending a constant flow of airway pressure to your throat to ensure that your airway stays open during sleep, effectively treating the spontaneous pauses in breathing.

Although these machines can improve your quality of sleep and overall health, it is important to keep in mind that failure to properly maintain them can increase your chances of developing other types of illnesses.

Your CPAP machine consists of a cushioned mask, tubing or hoses, humidifier chamber and filter. You directly breath in air that’s circulated through it, so failing to clean each of these components regularly will not only decrease how well it functions, but can also lead to health complications, such as:

Bacteria exposure
Mold exposure
Allergy symptoms
Possible increased risk for sinus infections or pneumonia

Cleaning your CPAP machine is fairly easy and inexpensive. The following are some tips to help you properly maintain it.

Before cleaning any parts of your CPAP device, be sure to unplug it.
Clean the mask and cushion – the parts that touch your face – daily with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. The mask should then be left to air dry before reusing.
Replace the water in your heated humidifier chamber daily. Do not allow this water to sit for extended periods of time, as bacteria love a warm, wet place to grow.
Only use distilled water in your humidifier to avoid hard mineral deposits.
Take apart the machine and thoroughly clean all components, including hoses, filters, and the chamber at least once per week.
Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement

Following these guidelines will not only extend the life of your device and improve its effectiveness, but more importantly help keep you healthy.

If you think you have sleep apnea and would like to make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center, please call 718-206-5916.

Quick and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Want to turn classic chicken salad into a healthy meal? Try switching out mayo for plain greek yogurt to decrease the saturated fat and calories while maintaining flavor.

For a deliciously healthy alternative combine:

Greek yogurt
Almonds
Celery
Grapes
Honey
Green onion
Dill
Chunks of chicken

For the entire recipe, visit –

Bon apetite!