November 2021 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Strep Throat

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Kazi Ara D.O.

Strep pharyngitis—or strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, a usual suspect when it comes to throat infections.

After making itself at home in your mouth and tonsils, the bacteria can cause you to have symptoms such as fever, rash, white patches in the throat, and decreased appetite.

Strep throat is often spread from someone who is already infected. It also stays on surfaces and gets inside you after you touch contaminated surfaces then touch your mouth or nose. The key to avoiding transmission is properly washing your hands.

If you think you have strep pharyngitis, you can follow up with your primary care physician for testing. Similar to how you get a COVID test (inserting a swab in your nostrils), a strep test is done by swiping your throat with a swab.

There are two main tests when it comes to testing for strep throat: the rapid antigen test or throat culture. The rapid antigen test is a simple test where the physician will take a sample from your tonsils. They will then run the sample under a special solution to detect bacteria. The other test, the throat culture, is also done with a cotton applicator. The difference is the sample is plated on a dish to see if there will be any bacterial growth—like planting a seed to see if a plant will grow. The throat culture is the gold standard test out of the two, but it takes 1-2 days at least for the results. This is why rapid testing is used more often as the results come back in only a few minutes.

Once diagnosed with strep pharyngitis, it is important to finish the antibiotic treatment your doctor prescribes. Some common antibiotics used include 10 days of amoxicillin or alternatives such as erythromycin if you are allergic to penicillin. Your doctor may also give you medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers and pain. Some also find gargling with salt water or lozenges helpful.

It is important that you complete your full course of antibiotics because if left untreated, the bacteria can cause further harm. Untreated strep pharyngitis may lead to conditions such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. ARF can cause you to have rashes, pain in your joints, strange arm or leg muscle movements. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis can cause you to have dark urine or puffiness of the face, arms, or legs.

To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-657 -7093.

Kazi Ara D.O.

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.

GERD Awareness Week

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Perhaps there is no other day of the year associated with eating more than Thanksgiving. With so much attention being paid to food consumption, it is fitting that this week we also raise awareness about a health condition that affects the digestive system.

November 21-27, 2021 has been designated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) Awareness Week. GERD, is a very common disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining.

After it is swallowed, food travels down the esophagus where it stimulates cells in the stomach to produce acid and pepsin (an enzyme), which aid the digestion process. A band of muscle at the lower part of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts as a barrier to prevent the back-flow. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach’s contents to flow up into the esophagus.

Chronic heartburn is the most frequently reported symptom of GERD. Acid regurgitation (refluxed acid into the mouth) is another common symptom. Other symptoms can include belching, difficulty or pain when swallowing, or waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva). GERD may also lead to chronic sore throat, laryngitis, throat clearing, chronic cough, and other oral complaints such as inflammation of the gums and erosion of the enamel of the teeth.

Dietary and lifestyle choices can contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, or alcohol may trigger reflux. Studies show that smoking can relax the LES and contribute to this condition. People who are obese are more prone to developing GERD symptoms.

Doctors recommend lifestyle and dietary changes for most people needing treatment for GERD. Along with lifestyle and diet changes, your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter remedies, or, in serious cases, prescribe medications designed to reduce acid in the stomach.

To speak to a doctor about treating your GERD, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

E-Scooter Safety

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Jessica Dennehy

Recently, electric scooters (E- scooters) have been lawfully permitted on New York City roads, and with that, comes a rise in e-scooter accidents.

E-scooters are a fast, accessible, and environmentally friendly means of transportation, however, it is important to take safety precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

Safety precautions should take place prior to getting on the road. One of the ways you can do so is by making sure your e-scooter rides properly. Loss of balance accounts for a significant number of e-scooter injuries; therefore, if you are carrying a bag or a similar item ensure that it is balanced properly before riding to avoid accidents.

The law permits e-scooter riders to be in bicycle lanes and on roads where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less, so long as you are 16 years or older. E-scooters are not permitted to be ridden on the sidewalk, which can lead to crashes with pedestrians.

When riding an e-scooter, make sure to comply with NYC law and do not exceed 15 miles per hour. Keep in mind that the faster a rider is moving, that the longer it will take to brake and stop moving. This is important when approaching yellow or red lights, or when pedestrians or cyclists may be crossing the road.

Additionally, as an e-scooter rider, it is important to follow the rules of the road and obey traffic laws to keep yourself safe. This means not riding the wrong way down streets, ignoring red lights, including making a right on red where not permitted, and using an e-scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A majority of accidents and fatalities take place during dawn and when it is dark out, therefore, increasing visibility is key, especially critical during the winter months. By wearing bright colored clothing, you greatly increase visibility, and by wearing reflective clothing, you triple your visibility as compared to if you wear black clothing.

If you ride an e-scooter, a great way to maintain visibility during early morning or evening hours is to utilize reflect tape on your e-scooter and your helmet.

Wearing a helmet is recommended for all e-scooter riders and is required by law for those who are 16 and 17 years old. A helmet is a vital piece of safety equipment. Wearing a helmet can greatly decrease your risk of injury, brain injury, and even death. According to a meta-analysis, wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, and traumatic brain injury by 53%.

In addition to wearing a helmet, proper footwear is vital for a safe e-scooter ride as well. Similar shoe guidelines apply to e-scooters as they do to bicycles, wearing closed toed shoes with a back to them that secure well to the foot.

Furthermore, just as a cell phone is distracting for car drivers, the same concept applies to e-scooter riders. Make sure not to use a cell phone will using an e-scooter, it is always safer to pull over if you need to check your phone. Listening to music is also distracting and will inhibit the rider’s ability to hear the sounds of oncoming traffic.

Overall, staying safe on an e-scooter is important for personal safety and for the safety of others, by following these guidelines you can prevent accidents and injury.

Jessica Dennehy, Trauma Injury Program Coordinator

Shining Our Spotlight on the Jamaica MediSys Family Care Center

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our spotlight on the MediSys Family Care Center located at 149-18 Jamaica Avenue. This site was originally located on Sutphin Boulevard and moved to the current location in 2015. The site is 3,600 square feet and has 11 modern exam rooms. The services offered are internal medicine, podiatry and pediatrics. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM and Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The center is easily accessible by public transportation (Buses Q6, 8, 9, 40, 60, 112 and the J, E, Z trains). This office sees 15,000 patient visits a year.

There are currently 17 staff members who work at this location. Many of them have been here for over 15 years. Dr. Piyali Sen began at the original location on Sutphin Boulevard 21 years ago and moved into the new location in 2015. She tells us “ I feel like I helped to build this medical office into what it is today. The patients and the staff are like family to me”. Debra Hariraj a Patient Care Representative started at the original office in Jamaica 17 years ago. She tells us that she enjoys working at this medical office because “ there is great satisfaction taking care of the patients who come in to be treated and giving them the care that they need”.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of the providers at this office, please call 718-523-5500.

What Are Doctors Checking for During Physical Exams?

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

During a physical examination, doctors inspect different parts of our bodies to check for symptoms or potential health problems. They may peer inside our ears, shine a light in our eyes, and look inside our mouths for tell-tale signs, here are some of the medical reasons why they do so:

Shining a light in your eyes- Our eyes can reveal a great deal about our health. Doctors shine a light in our eyes to evaluate how well our pupils respond. In healthy eyes, the pupils will shrink and maintain their round shape. Doctors may also look at the color of your eyes during an examination. Red eyes mays signal irritation and yellow eyes can serve as a warning sign for liver problems.
Peering into your ears – By using an otoscope, doctors can check for signs of infection. Some otoscopes can send a puff of air into the ear canal, this helps doctors to see your eardrum and how it moves when there is pressure in your ear canal.
Pressing your stomach-Doing so can help doctors determine if the size of your internal organs is normal. Additionally, your doctor may check for pain, tenderness, or firmness. Doctors may also listen to your stomach with a stethoscope to check for bowel problems.
Looking into your mouth- Our mouths can also tell us a lot about our health. Doctors look at the back of our throats to see if there are any infections. They also look at the color and texture of our tongues which can be indicative of infections or other underlying medical conditions.
Listening to your heart or lungs – By using a stethoscope, your doctor may listen to your heart to check for heart murmurs, irregular rhythms, or signs of congestive heart failure. Doctors listen to your lungs to check for wheezing, fluid build-up, or infections.

Getting an annual physical is very important for your health. A physical examination can help your doctor to detect problems that can pose a serious threat to your overall wellness.

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

National Home Care and Hospice Month

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Association of Home Care and Hospice, during the month of November, the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) is joining with the National Association of Home Care and Hospice to promote raising awareness about hospice and home care professionals.

When you are faced with the decision of choosing whether home care or hospice care better suites the needs of you, or your loved ones; it is best to know the definition and relationship between the two before deciding.

Home care and hospice focus on relieving symptoms that are related to a chronic illness, such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, AIDS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological diseases.

Since most Americans would like to age in place, home care professionals provide a much needed service that provides comfort and high quality healthcare to home bound patients who have chronic illnesses.

When home care is not an option, hospice care may be the choice for your loved one. Keep in mind, hospice care is only offered when the patient has progressed to a point where curative treatment is no longer desired. Hospice care supports the patient, and their families, on the journey to end of life focusing on relieving symptoms and offering comfort from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.

It is important to know that choosing home care or hospice care the focus should be about providing comfort, control, dignity and quality of life and not about giving up. If you, or a loved one should need information on home care or hospice care, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6914 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or to just talk, call 718-206-6914.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November has been designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States has prediabetes. This is the equivalent of 88 million people who are at risk of developing type II diabetes during their lifetime. The ADA states that 1 in 5 people in the United States who has diabetes isn’t aware that they even have it.

There is no cure for diabetes but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar daily and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways complications can be prevented.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications. It is the leading cause of blindness, non-traumatic amputations, kidney disease and also increases the risk for heart attacks.

It is also important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-7001.

Vaccine Booster Eligibility

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

COVID-19 vaccines are found to be effective in lowering the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, the efficacy of the vaccine may decrease over time. To help strengthen and prolong protection from COVID, vaccine boosters or additional shots are recommended for individuals who are fully vaccinated but may be at an increased risk for infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who fit certain criteria.

According to the CDC, individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, are eligible for a booster if they are:

65 years or older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live-in high-risk settings

Booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine are recommended six months after receiving your second dose. You can get any of the vaccines authorized in the U.S.

If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you are 18 years old or older. Getting any of the boosters authorized in the U.S. two months after vaccination is recommended.

Side effects to booster shots may vary, the CDC states, “Reactions reported after getting a booster shot were similar to that of the 2-shot or single-dose initial series. Fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot or single-dose initial series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.”