October 2022 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Halloween 2022 Safety Tips

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Halloween is a family-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury as kids take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children between the ages of five and 14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year. Injuries due to falls and other accidents are also common among children on Halloween.

Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured on this holiday by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.

On Halloween, children should:

Go only to well-lit houses.
Remain on porches without actually entering a house.
Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
Use flexible, non-sharp plastic props for costume pieces such as knives and swords.
When walking through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross at appropriately-designated crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame-retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes that may cause kids to trip.
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.

On Halloween, parents and adults should:

Supervise trick-or-treating for children under the age of 12.
Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
Make sure children under the age of 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
Have children get out of cars on the side of the sidewalk, not the street.

Follow these tips to keep both your children and yourself safe this year. Have a happy and fun Halloween!

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Andres Parra

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Andres Parra, Reception and Information Desk supervisor. Andres began his career at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center eight years ago. He is a native of the Borough of Queens, having grown up in East Elmhurst and still resides in the borough.

Andres attended P.S. 148, John Bowne High School and received his BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He likes to go to art exhibits, museums, art galleries, concerts, and restaurants. He also enjoys photography. Andres tells us that his favorite types of food are Asian and Latin. Some of the places that he has travelled to are the Dominican Republic and to see family in Miami and Colombia. He is a huge fan of baseball, football, soccer and Formula 1 auto racing. Andres was a DJ for 16 years and has an extensive knowledge of music. The genres he likes most are Latin, hip-hop, rock and house music.

Andres enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because it gives him an opportunity to help patients and visitors on a daily basis. He takes great pride in knowing that his colleagues at the front desk are the face of the hospital as they are often the first encounter people have when they visit the building. Andres’ team stives to provide excellent customer service to the community.

We are very happy to have Andres as a member of our team and look forward to having him continue with us for many more years.

What is Baker’s Lung?

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

“Baker’s lung” refers to the high risk that bakers, grain millers, and similar professionals face of developing asthma due to regular exposure to certain workplace irritants. Baker’s lung is one of the most common forms of occupational asthma in the United States. Occupational asthma affects up to 25% of people with asthma throughout the country.

The substances that bakers and similar professionals are exposed to during their work day include flour, grains, bread additives, eggs or egg powder, yeast, nuts, and even other common allergens such as dust mites and mold. Taken together, these irritating substances create environments that make bakers one of the most high-risk professions for occupational asthma.

If you are a baker, you may need to work with your employer to ensure that your workplace is able to accommodate your health needs. Occupational asthma triggers can be controlled to reduce or prevent incidents of workplace asthma attacks in the following ways:

Using tools such as protective equipment, as well as allergy-friendly ingredients such as low-dust flour, to prevent the creation and inhalation of irritating dust.
Ensuring that your work area is properly ventilated.
Keeping an inhaler present in the workplace and make sure your employer and coworkers know where it can be found.
Ensuring that environmental checks are performed regularly to identify triggering substances in the workplace.

An important part of managing your asthma symptoms while working is ensuring that you’re receiving adequate medical care to control them. If you require a diagnosis or treatment, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001 now.

Latchkey Incontinence

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The term “latchkey incontinence” is often used to describe a person’s constant and urgent need to urinate the moment they get home. Although the term is popular, it is not generally used in medical terminology.

A person with latchkey incontinence is most likely experiencing symptoms of an overactive bladder or OAB. Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that causes frequent urination, uncontrollable urination or nocturia (waking up to urinate more than two times at night).

With OAB, the urge to urinate may intensify with certain triggers such as inserting the key in the door, opening the garage door, or any behaviors that indicate to the brain that you are getting closer to home. Over time, if this pattern continues, the brain will associate these behaviors or cues with the need to urinate and trigger the urge to go whether the bladder is full or not. Other OAB triggers may include having the urgent need to urinate when hearing running water or while washing your hands.

OAB typically develops as a result of conditions or injuries that affect the detrusor muscle in the bladder. These conditions or injuries may include:

Nerve damage caused by diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
Abdominal trauma
Urinary tract infections
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Obesity

It is important to seek treatment for OAB because it will not go away on its own and symptoms may become more severe. Treatment may include behavioral interventions or changes such as scheduling bathroom trips, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training. These therapies may be followed by medication, nerve stimulation, or potentially surgery if symptoms persist.

If you are experiencing symptoms of OAB, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Allergic Asthma Testing and Management

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma, is a type of asthma that is triggered or made worse by allergies. Exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, dander, mold, etc.) or irritants to which patients are sensitized may increase asthma symptoms and precipitate asthma exacerbations in patients who have asthma. Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. In fact, up to 90 percent of children and 60 percent of adults with asthma suffer from allergies

With allergic asthma, medical history is often not enough to make an accurate allergy diagnosis. For example, a patient can present with a history indicative of house dust mite or cat allergy but actually not be sensitized. Identifying and reducing exposure to allergens to which patients are sensitized can reduce the risk of induced asthma exacerbations, particularly in the case of house dust mite sensitization.

It is also important to identify and treat other allergic conditions. For example, both allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis are risk factors for the development of asthma. More than 80 percent of people with asthma also suffer from rhinitis, suggesting the concept of “one airway, one disease.” The presence of allergic rhinitis commonly exacerbates asthma, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, emergency visits, and hospitalizations for asthma.

A blood test—together with an allergy-focused medical history—may help identify underlying allergen triggers.  A specific IgE test is a powerful allergy diagnostic tool that measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. It can test for hundreds of allergic triggers, such as pollen, mold, food, and animal dander.

To schedule a blood test with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-6942.

Spina Bifida Awareness Month

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 1,400 babies are born with spina bifida in the United States each year. It can affect every child differently, but typically comes in three main forms: spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.

Spina bifida occulta, or “hidden” spina bifida, is the most common form of the condition, affecting up to 15% of the general population. It’s also the mildest form of spina bifida; a gap forms in the spine, but no opening or growth develops in a baby’s back and the spinal cord and nerves are left relatively unaffected.

Another form of spina bifida, meningocele, causes a sac of fluid to develop in a baby’s back, but does not contain any part of the spinal cord and causes little to no nerve damage, leading to only minor disabilities.

The most serious form of this condition, myelomeningocele, typically involves a sac of fluid forming within a gap in a baby’s back which may contain part of the spinal cord and nerves, potentially leading to severe disabilities in a person’s lower body.

Spina bifida is usually diagnosed within the first 28 days of pregnancy through an alpha-fetoprotein test, an ultrasound, or an amniocentesis test, though in certain cases, it may be diagnosed after birth.

Several comorbidities are associated with spina bifida. Approximately 68% of children diagnosed with the condition develop a latex allergy. Additionally, it increases a child’s risk of experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Eighty percent of children with spina bifida also develop hydrocephalus, a condition which causes an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

Due to the symptoms of spina bifida and the various conditions that may accompany it, people with this condition undergo an average of at least eight surgeries by 18 years of age. Many babies will require spinal surgery to prevent further injury and infection, and babies who also develop hydrocephalus will require a ventricular shunt, which may need to be replaced once they reach two years of age as well as several years later.

While there is no cure for spina bifida, surgery can prevent the condition from worsening. Additionally, pre-natal care can help prevent spina bifida from developing. Four hundred micrograms of folic acid are recommended for new mothers every day before and during early pregnancy. Controlling fevers, body heat, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or obesity can also help.

A doctor can help you identify potential risks and create a treatment plan to prevent spina bifida and other congenital conditions at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To schedule an appointment or receive more information, please call (718) 291-3276.

3 Conditions an ENT Can Help You Prevent

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

An ear, nose, and throat doctor (also known as an ENT or otolaryngologist) treats a wide range of medical problems every day, including many common diseases and conditions such as sinus infections, ear infections, and tonsillitis. An otolaryngologist’s expertise also covers a variety of rarer health issues, several of which could lead to serious complications. Three of these issues include nasal valve collapse, thyroid cancer, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

A nasal valve collapse typically occurs as a result of trauma or as a complication of surgery. It can occur in the internal valve, located between the skin and respiratory epithelium, or the external valve, which is comprised of the columella, nasal floor, and nasal rim. The purpose of these valves is primarily to restrict airflow, so when a collapse occurs, the flow of oxygen through your nasal passages may be either severely restricted or entirely blocked. An ENT typically treats a nasal valve collapse through surgery.

An ENT can also diagnose and treat thyroid cancer. Approximately 43,800 people develop this form of cancer each year, with about 2,230 people dying of the disease annually. Thyroid cancer may present through symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, a lump in the neck, and changes in your voice. An ENT can diagnose thyroid cancer through a biopsy and will treat most forms of this disease through surgical removal.

If you experience symptoms such as watery drainage from the nose, back of the throat, or ear, an ENT may diagnose you with a CSF leak through a CT or MRI scan. A CSF leak may allow bacteria to reach the brain or spinal cord, leading to the development of conditions such as meningitis. Most leaks around the ears and sinuses may be repaired through minimally invasive procedures, though certain cases may require a craniotomy.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, you can schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of sudden unexpected infant death, typically affecting babies between one month and one year of age. The cause of SIDS is unknown, but it occurs most frequently in children aged between one and four months, typically while they’re sleeping.

It can be difficult to properly diagnose SIDS as a cause of death in many cases due to the fact that it’s often only determined once other potential causes of death have been ruled out. Although its frequency has drastically decreased in recent years, it still remains a serious threat to newborn children.

Most SIDS deaths occur in boys during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Babies that are most often affected are also premature or underweight, have a sibling that died due to SIDS, live in a household with people who smoke, and often sleep on their stomach or side on a sleeping surface that’s too soft. Many of these babies may also overheat during sleep.

Additionally, certain risk factors are linked to a child’s mother, including childbirth at under 20 years of age, smoking while pregnant, and receiving minimal prenatal care.

The best way to prevent SIDS is to eliminate as many of these risk factors as possible. You can:

Make sure the baby sleeps on their back
Remove soft surfaces, such as fluffy blankets and toys, from sleeping areas
Prevent smoking in the presence of the baby and the household in general
Breastfeed your baby or provide the closest possible alternative, such as donated milk or formula

If your baby becomes unresponsive during sleep, please dial 9-1-1 to get emergency medical assistance immediately.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Lupus vs. Multiple Sclerosis: What’s the Difference?

Posted on October 3, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects over 200,000 people in the United States, approximately 90% of whom are women. Due to the rare nature of this disease, it is sometimes misdiagnosed in its early stages. One condition it’s often mistaken for is multiple sclerosis (MS), a more common autoimmune condition affecting over one million Americans.

Lupus is primarily associated with chronic joint pain, skin rashes, fevers, and hair loss, as well as neurological issues such as headaches, seizures, strokes, and personality changes. While these symptoms are less common in people with MS, certain issues typically associated with this condition, such as numbness, blurred vision, weakness, and balancing difficulties, can also present with other common lupus symptoms.

Both lupus and MS tend to cause periodic flare-ups of symptoms such as fatigue and pain. Additionally, both conditions can affect the nervous system and lead to a variety of neurological problems. Certain symptoms, however, are more indicative of one disease than the other, and it’s important to look out for them to ensure that your doctor has the information necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Many people with lupus experience a rash on their cheeks and nose that can act as a telltale sign of the disease. Knowing whether a person’s numbness, weakness, or other neurological problems are associated with seizures or strokes can also help to determine whether lupus or MS is the more likely cause.

Several diagnostic procedures are also available to confirm the cause of symptoms. An MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord may be used to diagnose either lupus or MS. If this scan doesn’t provide enough information, your doctor may perform a lumbar puncture to check for MS antigens. For lupus, several blood tests and the AVISE Connective Tissue Disease test can check for antibody measures and other signs of the disease.

If you begin to experience symptoms of either of these conditions, it’s important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001.