September 2021 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Our Employee Spotlight Shines on Pearlette Edionwe

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Pearlette Edionwe, RN, BSN, MSN, who has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 14 years and currently serves as Assistant Head Nurse on 3 North.

Pearlette is a native of Trelawny, Jamaica, West Indies. She attended Bohemia All Age Elementary School and Christiana Secondary High School before coming to the United States at the age of 25. Her first job was as a babysitter on Long Island. Following that she worked for the Cerebral Palsy Association of New York while studying to become an LPN. She received her Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Eastwick College of New Jersey and then obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. While working at Jamaica Hospital as the Assistant Head Nurse on 3 North, she obtained her Masters Of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis on Leadership in Healthcare Systems.

Pearlette currently lives in Freeport, Long Island. She has three children of whom she is very proud of. In her free time she enjoys reading, crocheting, gardening, watching track and field events, basketball and listening to gospel music. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Pearlette always makes time for her Maltipoo named Theodore Cornelius Edionwe. Her favorite places to travel to are Paris, and the Island of Jamaica. Pearlette tells us that her favorite foods are those that are home cooked.

Pearlette’s calling is taking care of patients who she strives to give the best possible care. She enjoys working with the team on her unit to accomplish this goal. She is proud to be a part of the Jamaica Hospital family because they are supportive and kind. We are proud to have her as a member of our team and look forward to her working with us for many more years.

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.

MediSys Family Medicine Center in Richmond Hill

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

With much fanfare in 1998, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center opened the doors to the MediSys Family Medicine Center in Richmond Hill, located at 133-03 Jamaica Avenue and home to the Family Medicine program. Present at the ribbon cutting was the staff of the center and members of the hospital’s administration. Also joining them at this momentous occasion was Dr. David Satcher, the former Surgeon General of the United States.

The staff at this modern facility treats over 24,000 patients each year and the site offers 33 exam rooms, four procedure rooms and four family rooms. Some of the services offered at MediSys Richmond Hill are: primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, podiatry, dermatology, allergy, nutrition, osteopathic manipulative treatment, sports medicine, palliative care and integrative health.

Dr. Radeeb Akhtar, an Attending Physician at the Family Medicine Center shares why he enjoys being at the center for the past four years is because “it is an excellent team, providing high quality primary care for a wonderful culturally rich patient population”. Rovina Rabindranauth has been a Patient Care Representative for six years and she states that “working with people from different cultures and helping them to get excellent medical care” is what she values about this center. Stephanie Kearney who has been an Ambulatory Care Representative at the center for 12 years explains that “the staff at this center works together as a team and always puts patients first”.

The hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The site offers parking for patients in the rear of the building and is also accessible by public transportation (buses Q56, Q24, and the E train).

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at the MediSys Family Medicine Center Richmond Hill, please call 718-657-7093.

Dental Screenings for Infants

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

When is the appropriate time to begin dental screenings for infants? An infant is defined as a baby between birth and one year of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that infants see the dentist for their first dental exam within six months of getting their first tooth or by their first birthday.

Dr. Deborah Pasquale, Chairperson of the Department of Dentistry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center makes the following suggestions on how to prepare for the first dental exam:

Make sure the infant is well rested the night prior
Schedule a morning appointment when the infant is most likely to be well rested and alert
Make the visit to the dental specialist a positive experience
Give the dentist the infant’s medical history
Bring the infant’s favorite toy or blanket to make them feel comfortable

During the exam, the dentist will evaluate the infant for proper gum and tooth development. If necessary, the dentist will gently clean the gums and any teeth that are present. Flouride treatment may also be recommended. To help protect the infant’s teeth at home the dentist will instruct parents on how to properly clean teeth and gums, as well as make suggestions on proper nutrition.

Jamaica Hospital’s pediatric dental center is ultra modern and provides comprehensive dental services for children in a welcoming environment. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, please call 718-206-6980

COVID SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Joann Ariola

According to the Mayo Clinic, children of all ages can become ill with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). But most kids who are infected typically don’t become as sick as adults and some might not show any symptoms at all.

Children and adults experience similar symptoms of COVID-19, children’s symptoms tend to be mild and cold-like. Most children recover within one to two weeks. Possible symptoms can include:

Fever or chills
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches or body aches
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Poor feeding or poor appetite
New loss of taste or smell
Belly pain

To determine whether your child has COVID-19, a test using a long-stemmed swab can be administered by a medical professional. If the test is positive for COVID, it is recommended that you teat mild symptoms such as fever and body aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow the appropriate guidelines for dosages. Additionally, make sure your child gets plenty of fluids and rest.

Jamaica Hospital Welcomes Dr. Hala Ubaid.

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

Jamaica Hospital would like to introduce our community to Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Hala Ubaid.

Dr. Ubaid was born and raised in New York. She is fluent in three languages: Urdu, Hindi, and English.

Dr. Ubaid earned her bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology, then went on to complete her medical education at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. She graduated with honors from both programs.

Dr. Ubaid performed at the top of her class and gained extensive experience serving a diverse population during her residency training at Nassau University Medical Center. She is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Ubaid is highly trained in performing a wide range of obstetrical and gynecological procedures including general gynecologic surgery.

Before joining Jamaica Hospital six months ago, Dr. Ubaid worked at a private practice for several years. “I have always wanted to work in a team setting in which I could mentor medical residents and care for a community that was underserved. I am able to do these things and more at Jamaica Hospital. I’m happy to be a part of this team,” she shared.

Having lived in Queens and with family members currently residing in the borough, giving back to the community is very important to Dr. Ubaid. Building trust among her patients is equally as important. Dr. Ubaid believes that one of the best ways to foster relationships with the women and families she cares for is to be sensitive to their cultural needs. “I aim to meet the unique needs of each of my patients. It is my goal to provide them with quality healthcare throughout all stages of life,” she said.

To make an appointment with Dr. Ubaid, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276.

How Bipolar Disorder Can Affect Your Sleep

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Getting the appropriate amount of sleep, along with maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising regularly are considered the three most important aspects to living a healthy lifestyle. For those living with bipolar disorder however, getting the right amount of sleep is both very important and a major challenge.

Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). While experiencing the manic or hypomanic phase of the illness, those with bipolar disorder can go on little or no sleep for lengthy periods of time. Conversely, during the depression or low phase, individuals may require excessive amounts of sleep (up to 14 hours per day).

Bipolar disorder can affect sleep in many ways, including:

Insomnia – Insomnia includes not only difficulty falling asleep, but problems staying asleep or getting too little sleep.
Hypersomnia – A condition marked by over-sleeping, which is sometimes even more common than insomnia during periods of depression in bipolar disorder.
Delayed sleep phase syndrome – Delayed sleep phase syndrome is a circadian rhythm disturbance. It can be associated with depression.
Irregular sleep-wake schedule – When people with bipolar disorder have a lack of a sleep routine, the irregular cycle can greatly interfere with appropriate treatment of the disorder.
Nightmares, vivid dreams and night terrors – These may also affect people with bipolar disorder.

Disrupted sleep can aggravate a mood disorder so it’s important to address some of the issues that can affect sleep. There are several ways a person with bipolar disorder can attempt to get regular sleep. These methods are known as sleep hygiene and can include:

Creating a schedule – Establishing a regular time to go to sleep and to wake up can be beneficial as it can reduce the changes in mood that accompany bipolar disorder.
Optimizing your bedroom – Try making the bedroom as comfortable as possible. This can include having the right kind of bedding and pillows as well as eliminating light, noise, and other distractions.

Limiting activities – The bedroom is a place reserved for sleeping. Try to limit other activities, such as watching TV or working on your laptop, in the bedroom.
Diet and exercise – Avoiding alcohol and caffeine use before bedtime as well as eating large meals can help improve sleep. It’s also a good idea to keep a few hours between exercise and bedtime.
Take time to relax – If you can, wind down before bedtime. Consider a warm bath, some pleasure reading, or meditating before turning off the lights.

Your doctor may also suggest light therapy, certain medications or sleep aides to help you improve your sleep patterns. To make an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s outpatient Mental Health Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Joann Ariola

Sickle cell disease is an inherited form of anemia – a condition in which red blood cells are unable to carry oxygen throughout the body. For most, red blood cells are round and can move easily through blood vessels, but the red blood cells in people with sickle cell disease are crescent, or half-moon shaped. These irregular shaped cells can get stuck in blood vessels, which can slow or block the flow of oxygen to certain parts of the body.

In addition to being irregular in shape, sickle cells are fragile and break apart easily. Normal red blood cells live an average of four months before they die and need to be replaced. Sickle-shaped cells however only live an average of 20 days. The result of this shortage of blood cells is a loss of energy and general sense of fatigue.
Other symptoms of sickle cell disease include:

• Hand-Foot Syndrome – Often the first sign of sickle cell disease. It is caused by a lack of blood flow to the hands and feet

• Episodes of Pain – Referred to as a “crisis”, these episodes of pain occur when blood flow is blocked to the chest, abdomen, and joints. The frequency and duration of the episodes vary from person to person, but in severe cases, they can result in hospitalization.

• Frequent Infections and Fever– Sickle Cell can cause damage to the spleen, an organ that fights infection, making those with sickle cell at greater risk of developing an infection and an accompanying fever.

• Changes in Skin – People with sickle cell disease can develop a yellow tint to their skin or the whites of their eyes. Skin and nail beds can often become pale.

• Delayed growth – By not receiving enough oxygen rich red blood cells, those with sickle cell disease may also not get the necessary nutrients essential for growth.

The risk of inheriting sickle cell disease is a genetic one. For a baby to be born with it, both parents must carry the sickle cell gene. Doctors can diagnose sickle cell disease before a child is born. Couples who are at risk for passing on this disease to their children may want to talk with a genetic counselor about prenatal testing. The sickle cell gene is more common in families that come from Africa, India, Carribbean islands, and Central and South America.

To determine if you have sickle cell disease, your doctor can order a test to check for hemoglobin S, the defective form of hemoglobin that underlies sickle cell anemia. Further tests can confirm the existence of one gene (carrying the sickle cell trait) or two genes (sickle cell anemia). For those who have sickle cell anemia, treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms and avoiding crisis. Regular check-ups to monitor your red blood cell count are important. Medications are available to reduce pain and prevent complications can be prescribed, and blood transfusions, supplemental oxygen and even bone marrow transplants may also be necessary.

Jamaica Hospital serves a culturally rich and diverse population. Many members of our community are from the parts of the world most often affected by sickle cell disease. We encourage anyone living with sickle cell disease to carefully manage their condition. The hospital also recommends all potential parents to be tested for the sickle cell trait.

September is Healthy Aging Month

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Healthy Aging Month is an annual observation created to bring awareness to the fact that there is an increase in the number of people who are 45 and older living in the United States.

There are over 76 million people, once considered to be part of the Baby-Boom generation, in the U.S. today who are over the age of 50. In addition to that, people who belong to the Generation-X started to turn 50 in the year 2015.

This segment of the population needs to be mindful of the importance of their social, mental, physical and financial well-being.

Tips for staying healthy after the age of 50 include:

Keeping active
If you smoke – quitting now
Remaining socially engaged
Staying positive
Finding things to do that make you smile
Getting regular medical check-ups
Eating healthy
Exercising regularly
Seeking help for mental health issues

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to discuss your medical concerns, please call 718-206-7001.

Healthy Labor Day Cookout Tips

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Joann Ariola

One of the best things about the Labor Day Weekend is spending time with family and friends at cookouts and barbeques. While we look forward to these outings, the foods found can cause us to pack on the pounds. Whether attending or hosting your a Labor Day gathering, try some of these calorie conscious techniques:

• Skip the chips and dip. Instead, try healthier alternatives, like fresh vegetables. If you want to make a dip, use non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.

• Try kabobs. They offer the same opportunity to enjoy grilled chicken, beef, or pork, but minus the bread. Plus, the grilled vegetables on them will help you fill up.

• If you insist on having a burger or hot dog, choose healthier options, such as chicken or turkey instead of beef. Also, avoid whit flout buns and breads and opt for whole grains instead.

• Instead of heavy macaroni or potato salads loaded with mayonnaise, look for salads with a vinaigrette base as a lighter alternative.

• Don’t limit yourself to just grilling meat. There are many types of fish that are not only healthier, but also taste great on the grill. Vegetables, lightly coated in olive oil are also tasty and filling.

• For dessert, serve some refreshing summer fruit, such as cherries, peaches, plums or melons.
By following these tips, you can still enjoy your end of summer, but not pay for it in the fall.