April 2021 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Our Employee Spotlight Shines On Jonathan Toval

Posted on April 29, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

We are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Jonathan Toval, Lead Medical Assistant in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

Jonathan has been at Jamaica Hospital for the past eight years. He was born and spent the first few years of his life in Lima, Peru and moved to New York City in 1999. He attended Intermediate School 61 in Queens, and graduated from John Bowne High School in 2005. Jonathan currently lives in Forest Hills. In his free time Jonathan enjoys spending time with his friends and his family. His two main past times are playing competitive soccer and poker playing. His favorite soccer team is Real Madrid. He enjoys traveling to any place there is a beach, but his travel plans have been curtailed in the past year due to the pandemic.

He really values his relationship with his family and enjoys their company. They provide him with wonderful conversations and lots of laughter which they frequently share with one another. He enjoys all types of music and believes that listening and dancing to salsa makes him happy. His favorite type of food is Peruvian but he also enjoys sushi and steak.

Being in a position to work with a diverse group of patients is something that Jonathan really likes. He enjoys being able to meet patients and colleagues at work who come from all over the world. This gives him an opportunity to learn other languages and about other cultures. Working at Jamaica Hospital is like being at his second home and it has had a great influence on his life.

We are very happy to have Jonathan on our team for the past eight years and we look forward to having him remain with us for many years 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.

Maskne

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Joann Ariola

As part of the initiative to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) recommends that wearing a mask, that covers the nose and mouth and fits snugly against the sides of the face.

Wearing a mask is required in many public places and has become a part of our daily routine. However, some are finding that extensive wear may lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Masks help to trap saliva or other types of water droplets from escaping into the air and transmitting COVID. They can also trap moisture and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, the fabrics used to make certain masks can irritate sensitive skin.

All of these elements may contribute to the development of the following conditions:

Acne – Pimples, whiteheads or blackheads caused by pores becoming clogged with oil, dead skin, and dirt.

Rosacea – If you already have rosacea, wearing a mask can irritate your skin and cause a flare-up.

Contact dermatitis – The material used to make the mask may cause an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin. The reaction may come in the form of a red rash and blisters.

Folliculitis – Wearing a mask for long periods of time can cause your hair follicles to become infected and cause bumps on your skin. These bumps can be itchy and painful and appear similar to acne.

Some ways to prevent these types of conditions are:

Wash your face regularly.
Use a gentle cleanser.
Apply cortisone cream and moisturizer to your face and neck.
Avoid wearing makeup while you are wearing your mask.
Frequently changing disposable masks
Washing your reusable mask with hypoallergenic soaps.
Use topical antibiotic cream to prevent a breakout before wearing your mask.
Always wash your hands before removing your mask.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends removing your mask for 15 minutes every 4 hours to give your skin a breather. Additionally, try removing your face mask in instances when you are in a situation where physical distancing is an option.

Keep in mind that wearing a mask is extremely effective in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and choosing the right type of mask can alleviate some skin irritations you may be experiencing.

If your skin irritation persists, you may want to seek the advice of a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

COVID-19 and the Potential for a Stroke

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

As more details are being learned about COVID-19, evidence suggests that having the virus may increase the risk of stroke.

A stroke may occur in patients who have contracted COVID for several reasons. Here are a few believed to be contributing factors:

The pre-existence of underlying cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension or heart disease
The development of infections and inflammation caused by COVID that can lead to stroke
The formation of blood clots which can lead to stroke

Studies have shown that some COVID positive individuals are more at risk than others for having a stroke. It has been found that males, 65 years of age or older, are more likely than females to have an ischemic stroke after contracting the virus and African Americans are at higher risk than Caucasians.

Research also indicates that people who have a stroke and COVID spend about twice as long in the hospital as patients who do not have COVID (22 days versus 10 days). Patients with COVID who have a stroke are also twice as likely to die than non-COVID stroke patients.

If you are at risk of having a stroke or other cardiovascular issues you should visit your doctor for regular checkups to prevent complications. It is also important to take preventative measures to avoid the COVID-19 virus. This includes wearing a face mask when in public spaces, proper and frequent hand washing, and getting vaccinated.

To schedule an appointment with a cardiovascular specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-7001

National Infertility Month

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Joann Ariola

The National Infertility Association founded National Infertility Week, which is observed each year to increase public understanding and awareness of the reproductive disease. People who are trying to conceive are encouraged to learn the guidelines for seeing an infertility specialist.

Infertility is more common than many realize. It is estimated that 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Infertility affects both men and women equally.

There are several factors that can contribute to infertility. In men some of these are:

Problems with the delivery of sperm
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Damage resulting from chemotherapy or radiation
Abnormalities in the production of sperm
Use of tobacco or alcohol

Some causes of infertility in women may be the result of:

Hormonal abnormalities
Ovulation disorders
Damage to reproductive organs
Uterine or cervical abnormalities
Use of tobacco or alcohol

Although these conditions can impair a person’s ability to conceive, seeking medical assistance as soon as possible can greatly increase their chances of conception. A physician who specializes in infertility will conduct several tests to determine probable causes and explore several treatment options. Treatment can be surgical or medicinal and may include:

Intrauterine insemination
In vitro fertilization
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH)
Human menopausal gonadotropin or hMG
Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH
Metformin
Bromocriptine
Sperm extraction

While coping with infertility can be challenging, it is important for individuals to remember not to blame themselves, lean on their partner or loved ones for support, acknowledge stress and practice stress-reducing techniques, gain knowledge by utilizing resources.

At Jamaica Hospital, we are dedicated to helping patients find ways to achieve pregnancy. We provide consultations for all female infertility problems. Our team of experts is prepared to treat infertility and assist you in your journey towards pregnancy.

If you are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, it is recommended you seek a medical consultation. If you would like to make an appointment with with a medical professional at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Infertility team , please call 718-291-3276.

For more information about this observance, please visit https://resolve.org/amid-threats-to-ivf-national-infertility-awareness-week-niaw-brings-awareness-activities-across-the-country/

Tips for Pumping and Storing Breast Milk

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

There are several reasons why mothers may want to pump and store breast milk for their babies. For some, they are returning to the workplace, for others pumping and storing milk simply offers convenience and flexibility for their busy schedules. In certain cases, pumping and storing milk helps to address supply problems. Lastly, this method can provide opportunities for dads and other family members to bond with babies by participating in feedings.

Whatever one’s reasons are for pumping and storing milk, it is important to know the fundamentals of properly and safely doing so.

Here are a few tips to consider when pumping milk:

Always start by washing your hands
Ensure that the tools you are using to pump milk are clean to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination
Consider pumping in the morning, many moms produce the most milk during this time of day
Massage areas of your breasts that feel firm before pumping, doing so can help improve the letdown of milk
Relax and make yourself comfortable, stress can hinder letdown
Use hospital-grade breast pumps if you are not expressing milk manually
Keep a consistent schedule. Pump at the same times every day. (If returning to work it is best to express your milk during the same time you would normally feed your baby. Inform your employer about the importance of keeping this schedule- exercise your pumping rights).

When storing breast milk, it is advised that you follow these tips:

Store breast milk in clean containers designed specifically for this purpose
Do not store breast milk beyond the recommended or optimal time for safe storage (It is important to note that storage guidelines may differ for premature infants)
Room temperature (The medical definition of room temperature is a temperature of from 59° to 77°F (15° to 25°C) – no more than four hours
Refrigerator– up to 3 days
Freezer-up to 6 months
Label each container with the date that you expressed milk
When thawing frozen milk, it is best to do so overnight in the refrigerator or by holding the container under warm, running water.
Do not defrost frozen milk in the microwave, doing so can damage the composition of breast milk

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is a designated Baby-Friendly USA facility that promotes breastfeeding. Our hospital provides several social and clinical programs designed to support pregnant and nursing mothers. Some of our programs include breastfeeding education classes, CenteringPregnancy and breastfeeding support groups. To learn more about our breastfeeding initiatives, please visit https://jamaicahospital.org/clinical-services/ob-gyn/baby-friendly/

Stress Awareness Week

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Joann Ariola

In 1992, the month of April was designated as Stress Awareness Month. During this time, health professionals join together to increase the public’s awareness about what causes stress and what can help cure the growing stress epidemic.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is participating by reaching out to our social media community and sharing some helpful techniques that can assist you in managing your daily stress, such as:

Meditation – is helpful to the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress
Breathing Deeply – triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, neutralizes stress and elicits a calming feeling
Exercise – all forms of exercise can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain releasing feel-good chemicals giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress
Eating Healthy – choosing a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber may reduce the chance that stress can boost the body’s natural defense system

Prolonged, excesive periods of stress is unhealthy for any individual. A change of mindset can bring about a healthier lifestyle. That positive change can help you manage stress and bring far-reaching improvement to your health and well being.

For more information and to find out ways you can make a difference visit – http://stressawarenessmonth.com/

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

April 11-16 is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. Jamaica Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department is joining the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance and the American Academy of Otolaryngology in spreading awareness.

DYK that in the U.S., a new head and neck cancer case is diagnosed every 10 minutes and a person dies from this disease every 45 minutes?

Symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

Change in the voice
A growth in the mouth
A lump in the neck
Problems with swallowing
Bringing up blood
Persistent earaches
Changes in the skin

Early diagnosis is key to the successful treatment of these types of cancers. To schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

A Covid-19 Vaccine Myth

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

There are many myths being spread about the COVID-19 vaccines and this is causing some people to be hesitant about getting it. The vaccines currently being administered within the United States have been proven to be safe.

One myth is that the vaccines are made with egg-based products and people who are allergic to eggs may have a reaction. It should be clear that neither the Pfizer/BioNTech nor the Moderna COVID vaccines are made with egg-based products.

Even though these vaccines are not made with egg-based products, those who have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines should still mention this before receiving the vaccine. All patients, regardless of their history of allergic reactions should be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

Facts About Aspirin Therapy

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Daily aspirin therapy is sometimes recommended for people who are at risk for heart attacks or diagnosed with certain heart diseases. While this form of therapy is effective, it may not be the right form of treatment for everyone.

Taking occasional doses of aspirin is typically safe; however, daily use can lead to serious side effects. This is why it is highly advised that you speak with your doctor to determine if this approach is best for you. Serious side effects of aspirin can include:

Gastrointestinal bleeding
A stroke resulting from a burst blood vessel
Allergic reactions

Recommendations for daily aspirin use may vary from person-to-person. Your doctor may recommend this regimen if you have:

Coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis
Had a heart attack
Had a transient ischemic attack or stroke
Had bypass surgery or a stent placement procedure

Your doctor may not recommend daily aspirin therapy if you:

Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
Have bleeding stomach ulcers
Have an aspirin intolerance
Drink alcohol regularly
Are undergoing certain medical or dental procedures

If you are considering daily aspirin therapy, you must consult your physician before you begin. You should inform your doctor about any health conditions or risks you may have that will increase the chances of complications. Provide a list of medications that you are taking, as some may contribute to drug interactions and adverse effects. Based on the current condition of your health, your doctor will advise you as to whether or not daily aspirin therapy is right for you.

#WorkoutWednesday – Running Do’s and Don’t’s

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Joann Ariola

It is no secret that exercise does wonders for your health. Running, in particular, offers many benefits, and is known to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it was found that” five to 10 minutes a day of low-intensity running is enough to extend life by several years.” Similar studies have also indicated that running can help reduce the risks associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Given the benefits, your doctor may recommend that you include running as part of your exercise regimen. If you decide to run, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to prevent injury and optimize your workout. Here are some running dos and don’ts:

The Do’s:

Keep your head up -This will keep your body in alignment and prevent injuries
Stretch and warm up-This reduces muscle tightness and increases your range of motion
Start slowly -Starting off too fast can lead to overexertion which may result in side aches
Schedule rest days –Allow your body days to recover and reduce the risk of exhaustion
Remain hydrated- Drinking enough water will prevent dehydration

The Don’ts:

Do not run in shoes that are worn or not intended for running- Shoes that are worn or not designed for running may lack support and lead to injuries
If running outdoors, do not run with headphones – It is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid hazards
Do not eat big meals before running-Eating too much can slow you down
Do not ignore injuries- It is important that you rest if you are injured, not doing so can lead to complications

The most important thing to consider before starting your running routine is to speak with your doctor. Experts recommend that you receive a full medical checkup if you are over the age of 40, have preexisting medical conditions, are obese or have a family history of heart disease. Your doctor will be able to assess your health and determine if running is best for you.