August 2022 - Health BeatHealth Beat

The Monkeypox Vaccine

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Monkeypox cases have emerged across most of the United States. Symptoms of the virus include:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms

Most people with monkeypox also experience a rash that’s typically located near the genitals or anus. It may also be present on other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and chest.

Two vaccines are now available that may effectively offer protection against monkeypox. JYNNEOS is the only vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone at risk of contracting the virus. Another vaccine, ACAM2000, may also be used to prevent monkeypox under the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug system, but is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, an exfoliative skin condition like eczema, or people who are pregnant.

Studies have shown side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, brain or spinal cord swelling, and infection in patients who received ACAM2000. These reactions have not been observed in patients who received JYNNEOS.

Your doctor can help you determine which vaccine is right for you, but vaccination in general, combined with practices like safe sex, maintaining distance from infected people and animals, and disinfecting your home when an infected person has been there, can help protect most people against the virus. Children in particular may benefit from vaccination, as their symptoms are likely to be worse than those of infected teens and adults.

You can make an appointment for monkeypox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Anxiety Triggers

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Anxiety is defined by the National Library of Medicine as, “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.” Having these feelings occasionally is normal; however, they become a health concern when they are excessive and interfere with the ability to live a normal life.

The exact cause of anxiety is still not fully understood, but it is believed that the following factors play a role:

Genetics
Environmental stress
Brain chemistry
Certain medical conditions

Although the exact cause of anxiety is unknown, there are certain triggers such as life events, lifestyle changes, or daily habits that can lead to or worsen this response. These include:

Financial insecurity
Traumatic experiences
Caffeine consumption
Alcohol consumption
Meeting new people
Stress
Relationship problems
Exposure to violence
Taking certain medications
Substance misuse
Loneliness or isolation

Anxiety triggers are unique to each individual. However, the most important steps anyone affected by anxiety can take is identifying what their triggers are and learning how to cope with them. Here are a few tips for coping with anxiety:

Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
Exercise
Use stress management or relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
Maintain good sleep health
Try to minimize negative thoughts and think positively
Journal or write down your thoughts
Speak to someone about how your feeling
Adhere to your treatment plan

Anxiety affects many people, and no one should feel ashamed if they struggle with the disorder or other mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is affected by anxiety, consult a mental health professional to explore possible causes and treatments. Your mental health provider may recommend lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, or medication.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Maynard Lantimo

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Maynard Lantimo, Epic Clinical Education Specialist.

Maynard has been employed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 29 years. He was raised in Brooklyn and then moved to Queens. He currently lives in Valley Stream on Long island.

Maynard went to elementary school at Holy Innocents School in Brooklyn, then began high school at Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn as a lower freshman. He then transferred to Hillcrest High School in Queens from where he graduated. Maynard later received his Associates degree from Queensborough Community College, and his Bachelor’s degree from Hunter College. He completed his post graduate degree at the Career Institute of Health and Technology for Networking Specialist while also becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

In his free time, Maynard like to keep physically fit. He enjoys running, bicycling, and strength training. He has completed seven full marathons and eight half marathons. He is currently only three marathons away from getting the worldwide renowned Six Star Medal of the Abbot World Marathon Majors.

He likes to travel especially to Miami Beach Florida and to Jamaica. He loves music and says that it is a great motivator when he goes out running. He likes to listen to reggae, jazz, R&B, soca, pop music, soft rock, rap and also classical music.

One of the things most important to Maynard is balancing overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. His family, friends, and place of work have given him a wonderful blend of exciting energy that has helped him overcome many challenges.

Maynard likes working at Jamaica Hospital because throughout the years many of his colleagues have become friends and feel like they are part of his family which makes a healthy addition to his positive lifestyle. We look forward to Maynard continuing to work with us for many more years.

Three Essential Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Although your child may be exposed to several health risks as the new school year begins, you can help them stay healthy by following these tips:

Getting your child vaccinated: Ensuring that your child receives their recommended immunizations is a simple, effective way to keep them from getting sick. In fact, many schools require students to receive their immunizations in order to attend classes.

Hand-washing and sanitization: Hand-washing and sanitizing alone go a long way toward staying in school; according to the Centers for Disease Control, hand-washing can reduce the risk of respiratory illness by up to 21%. Following and promoting sanitary practices at home may make it easier for them to continue these practices while at school.

Creating a mentally healthy environment: Physical illness isn’t the only health risk your child may face in class. Stress, bullying, or even issues like undiagnosed ADD or ADHD can negatively impact their mental health and their ability to stay focused on their studies. Staying aware of the causes of mental health issues, creating a supportive environment at home, encouraging your child to maintain healthy routines, and helping them learn effective coping mechanisms can make it easier for them to maintain a healthy state of mind throughout the school year.

Visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get your child the medical help they need to stay engaged with their studies. You can also visit our Psychiatry Department for help addressing mental health challenges that arise before, during, or after the school year.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you learn more about what makes getting vaccinated so important, which immunizations you should receive, and what they protect you against.

Vaccinations against prevalent, dangerous diseases are an important part of protecting both your own health and the health of those around you. Issues like pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and more can introduce potentially lifelong complications that may reduce your quality of life or even shorten it. Immunization awareness is a critical part of combating these illnesses.

The benefits of vaccinations hold true at any age, though some immunizations are more important at certain ages than others.

Children whose immune systems are still developing, for instance, need them not only as a protective measure for themselves but often as a requirement for enrolling in school and participating in other activities. Adults over 60 years of age may need vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines to help protect their health.

Though the list of necessary immunizations evolves as new diseases are discovered and researched, the most common vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control include:

HepA, HepB (Hepatitis A and B)
DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)
IPV (Polio)
PCV (Pneumococcal)
RV (Rotavirus)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella)
Influenza (flu)
Meningococcal conjugate
HPV
Zoster

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-6000 or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Psoriasis Action Month

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system is attacking its own normal tissue.

Psoriasis particularly affects your skin, speeding up the growth cycle of cells. This most commonly presents in the form of a rash, or itchy, scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, among other parts of your body.

The rashes created by psoriasis may flare up in cycles of weeks or months. In people who are genetically pre-disposed to developing the disease, it may be triggered by infections, cuts, burns, or medications.

Psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic disease. Both of these may be treated with the use of prescription medications or using creams and ointments.

Treatments for psoriasis may include topical therapy, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.

If you’re suffering from symptoms associated with psoriasis or psoriatic disease, a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan. If your symptoms potentially indicate psoriatic arthritis, a consultation with a rheumatologist may be recommended.

There is no cure for psoriasis, so the treatment plan you follow will focus on managing your symptoms and providing as much relief as possible.

The most effective way to take action against your psoriasis is to visit a medical professional and begin treatment as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Dermatology by calling (718) 206-6742.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This month, we’re shedding light on a health condition you may be at risk of developing if you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gastroparesis (also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”) is a disorder that disrupts the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and 40 women may suffer from gastroparesis, adding up to about 5 million people throughout the United States. Although gastroparesis is rare, you may be more likely to develop it based on certain factors.

Diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and any surgery that may have injured your vagas nerve may contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. Out of these factors, diabetes is the most commonly-identified cause.

A few different symptoms may indicate signs of gastroparesis, including a feeling of fullness in your stomach before or after finishing a normal-sized meal, stomach pain or discomfort, or nausea.

The first doctor you may see when you start to present symptoms of gastroparesis is your primary care physician. This doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist if they believe those symptoms may indicate gastroparesis.

When diagnosing you with gastroparesis, a doctor conducts a physical exam, measures stomach emptying, and takes your medical history into consideration. These factors, in addition to your symptoms, complications, and most likely cause help determine the best course of treatment for you. If diabetes is determined to be the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will focus on helping you control your blood glucose levels.

You can also tackle your symptoms from a dietary angle by reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding tough-to-chew foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and increasing your intake of water and liquids containing glucose and electrolytes. Light physical activity after each meal can also be helpful for stimulating your digestive processes, relieving feelings of fullness and allowing you to process food more easily.

Are you suffering from symptoms that may be signs of gastroparesis? Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to learn more about some of the most common problems affecting children’s vision and ways to prevent and treat those conditions.

According to the CDC, about 1 in every 4 children in the United States suffers from an undiagnosed eye health problem. These issues come in a wide variety of different forms, but some are more frequent than others, including:

Strabismus: This condition causes crossed eyes, preventing both eyes from focusing on the same object.

Amblyopia: Also known as “lazy eye,” amblyopia disrupts communication between the brain and the affected eye, leading to a greater reliance on the stronger eye and deteriorating vision in the affected eye.

Blurred vision: This issue can result from a few different conditions, including refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (a misshapen cornea). Convergence insufficiency can also blur your child’s vision when looking at an object up close.

Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD): This problem occurs when your child’s eyes are misaligned and failing to work together, leading to symptoms like double vision and light sensitivity.

Nystagmus: As many as 1 in 1,000 school-aged children suffer from nystagmus, which causes uncontrollable eye movements that may lead to dizziness, balance problems, and shaky vision.

You can prevent these problems from negatively impacting your child’s quality of life in a few different ways, including getting recommended vision screenings during your child’s regular checkups with a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.

If any signs of an eye health issue are found during a vision screening, an eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can more accurately diagnose the cause of that problem and help create an effective treatment plan. Protective eyewear, adequate sleep, and limited screen time also go a long way toward preserving your child’s eye health.

To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Department, please call 718-206-5900.

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), often referred to as the “Morning After Pill”, is a type of emergency birth control used to prevent pregnancy in women who have had unprotected sex or whose birth control method has failed.

Emergency contraceptive pills contain the medications levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. Both delay or prevent ovulation when taken within 72 to 120 hours after contraceptive failure or having unprotected sex. Pills containing ulipristal acetate require a prescription and those made with levonorgestrel can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

It is important to note that while effective, emergency contraceptive pills do not prevent all pregnancies. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians, “Emergency contraception is about 75 to 85 percent effective.”

Furthermore, they are less effective when taken beyond the recommended time of 72 to 120 hours after intercourse. The sooner they are taken the better.

Emergency contraceptive pills are generally safe to take; however, they should not be used if:

You know you are or think you might already be pregnant
You have a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding
You are allergic to the ingredients

Other precautions to keep in mind are: ECPs should only be taken as a form of backup contraception. They should not be used for routine birth control. Lastly, these pills cannot be used to terminate a pregnancy.

The side effects of emergency contraceptive pills are mild and may include:

Headache
Fatigue
Breast tenderness
Abdominal cramps
Spotting (light bleeding)
Nausea or vomiting ( If you vomit within two hours after taking an emergency contraceptive pill, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you should repeat the dose.)

If you are experiencing symptoms such as abnormally heavy or long-lasting vaginal bleeding, fevers or chills, pain during intercourse after taking ECPs, or missed periods within three weeks of taking the pill contact your doctor immediately.

To speak with a doctor at the Women’s Health Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-291-3276.