November 2022 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Managing Stress with SMART Goals

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Stress is a common part of life for most Americans. It can often be traced back to the workplace, with approximately 83% of workers experiencing work-related stress, but major world events and aspects of daily life such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also had a widespread mental health impact.

While stress is unpleasant to experience in itself, it can also lead to various other problems when it comes to interpersonal relationships, productivity at work, and overall mental and physical health.

Effective stress management is essential for living a healthy life. It’s important for you to set realistic expectations for yourself, identify controllable factors in your life that are causing you stress, and tackle them directly. One effective way to do this is to set SMART goals.

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. They allow you to understand the process required for achieving a goal and accurately track your progress. For example, you might be facing stress related to a job opportunity you’re applying for. You can set a SMART goal of pursuing that opportunity by:

Outlining the specific factors that are most important for getting the job
Making those factors measurable
Setting an attainable goal for improving the factors you’ve outlined
Identifying the relevance of those factors to your overall desirability as a candidate
Making the goal time-bound by setting a date by which you’ve improved the factors you identified

If you need help setting SMART goals or managing your stress, you can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic by calling (718) 206-5575.

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 23, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how your dinner may lead to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Approximately 20% of Americans suffer from GERD, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the United States. GERD is not the same thing as acid reflux or heartburn, though these terms are often used interchangeably.

Acid reflux, which also occurs as a symptom of GERD, involves stomach acid flowing up from your stomach into your esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in your chest. Heartburn causes a similar burning sensation in the same area. Chocolate, tomato sauce, coffee, alcohol, dried foods, and spicy foods, as well as large meals in general, can cause these symptoms to flare up.

If you have GERD or often suffer from acid reflux or heartburn after a meal, there are a variety of prescription and nonprescription medications you can rely on to help manage your symptoms this Thanksgiving. These medications, including antacids, H-2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, reduce or negate the effects of stomach acid on your esophageal tissue by neutralizing it or reducing its production.

If medication fails to help manage your symptoms, there are surgical treatments available for GERD, including fundoplication (a minimally-invasive procedure that prevents reflux) or a LINX device implant (which blocks reflux while allowing food to pass through the junction of the stomach and esophagus).

As a long-term condition, GERD can contribute to your risk of developing other medical problems. Repeated contact with stomach acid can cause your esophageal tissue to become inflamed, develop ulcers, and even experience precancerous changes.

Don’t let GERD stop you from enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with your family. You can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get started on your treatment by calling (718) 206-7001.

National Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Millions of Americans suffer from a variety of bladder problems each year, increasing risks to their overall health. Bladder function is an important part of the body’s urinary system, which filters fluid and waste from the body, regulates hormones, stabilizes electrolyte levels, maintains bone strength, and even assists in the production of red blood cells.

Many problems that affect the bladder may indicate or lead to problems with other parts of the urinary system, such as the kidneys, and eventually affect the entire body in severe cases. Some of these issues include:

Incontinence: When it comes to bladder function, incontinence refers to an inability to voluntarily control urination. The most common form of incontinence is urge incontinence (also known as overactive bladder). Other forms include stress incontinence, functional incontinence, and overflow incontinence.

Bladder cancer: Approximately 75,000 Americans develop bladder cancer each year. It occurs more frequently in men. This condition may develop as transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma. Bladder cancer may be caused by smoking, genetics, exposure to certain chemicals, arsenic, chronic urinary tract infections, certain chemotherapy drugs, and the herb Aristolochia fangchi.

Interstitial cystitis: This condition causes bladder pressure and pelvic pain, as well as a more frequent urge to urinate in smaller volumes.

Urinary tract infection: These infections can occur anywhere in the urinary system, including the bladder, causing a variety of symptoms that includes frequent urination, pain while urinating, dark or cloudy urine, and lower back and abdominal pain.

Nocturia: This disorder causes more frequent urination during the night and may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as diabetes, heart conditions, or insomnia.

You can prevent these conditions and promote good bladder health in many different ways. A healthy diet is limited in alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that aggravate your bladder problems, but high in water can help. Additionally, regular exercise, particularly routines that incorporate pelvic floor exercises, can improve your bladder strength and reduce urination frequency.

Good hygienic habits can also help to protect your bladder health. You should:

Use the bathroom when needed and fully empty your bladder.
Urinate after sex.
Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.

Finally, you should visit a urologist annually over the age of 40 and as soon as possible if you’re suffering from symptoms of a medical issue with your urinary system. You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Ovarian Cysts

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office Of Women’s Health defines ovarian cysts as fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. Ovarian cysts are common and usually form during ovulation. Most women will develop cysts at least once in their lifetime.

The two most common types of ovarian cysts are follicle and corpus luteum cysts. Other cysts that are less common include endometriomas, dermoids, and cystadenomas.

Anyone born female is at risk for developing ovarian cysts; however, the risk factor is higher with

Previous ovarian cysts
Hormonal problems
Pregnancy
Severe pelvic infections
Endometriosis

In most cases, ovarian cysts are symptomless and do not lead to further complications. They typically disappear within a few months without treatment. However, if cysts continue to grow and become enlarged, twisted, or ruptured, symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, painful intercourse, and pain in the lower back or thighs can occur. Cysts can also lead to complications such as infertility.

If you are experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor. If cysts are discovered after a thorough examination and testing, your doctor will determine the course of treatment based on the type of cyst and severity. Medication or surgery may be recommended.

The Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event when the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to quit smoking. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.

The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.

Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:

Smoking Cessation Groups
• Nicotine substitute products
• Support from family and friends
• Telephone quit lines
• Counseling
• Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke

If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that affects approximately five percent of people throughout the United States. It causes nodules to develop in the layer of tissue under the skin of your palm over the course of years. This condition can affect both of your hands, though in most cases, one hand is affected more severely than the other.

In the beginning stages of Dupuytren’s contracture, the skin on the palm of your hand thickens. Later, this skin may appear puckered or dimpled and develop a firm lump that is tender when touched.

As nodules form over time, tough cords of tissue develop beneath the skin, rendering your fingers unable to completely straighten, resulting in a forced and constant bending of the fingers as they’re pulled toward your palm. This can make a large number of routine activities that require the use of your hands more difficult.

There is no clear cause for Dupuytren’s contracture, though certain factors may indicate that you are more likely to develop it. It is a hereditary disease, and men of Northern European descent are affected most frequently. It also typically only begins after the age of 50.

Certain lifestyle factors, such as tobacco and alcohol usage, are also associated with an increased risk of developing Dupuytren’s contracture, as well as people with diabetes and seizure disorders.

There is no cure for Dupuytren’s contracture, but surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. Anti-inflammatory steroid injections into the nodules that form beneath the skin may slow the progression of the condition, and in advanced cases, surgery can remove the cords that form in the hands to restore mobility.

Two types of surgical procedures are available for Dupuytren’s contracture: fasciotomy and subtotal palmar fasciectomy. During a fasciotomy, the cords in your hand are divided, not removed; during a subtotal palmar fasciectomy, these cords are removed, along with as much abnormal tissue as possible.

You can receive treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

Debunking Acne Treatment Myths

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all heard acne treatment myths at some point in our lives. Among the most common is the belief that toothpaste is an effective remedy for treating pimples. The opposite is true. While there are some ingredients in toothpaste that might seem effective in shrinking bumps, there are others that can do far more harm than good, and cause damage to the skin.

The myth that toothpaste could be used as a treatment for acne may have gained popularity when most products contained triclosan, an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Many manufacturers today no longer include this ingredient in toothpaste because studies suggest that it could negatively affect our health.

Triclosan has been removed from most toothpaste but there are still other ingredients included that prove beneficial for our teeth but harmful to our skin. These are:

Sodium lauryl sulfate
Menthol
Flouride
Sodium benzoate

Using these substances on the skin can make acne worse or result in allergic reactions that include swelling, redness, or itching.

Another popular myth involves using ice to treat pimples. While applying ice may work in temporarily alleviating symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in inflammatory types of acne; it has little or no effect on other types of pimples that are non-inflammatory such as blackheads or whiteheads.

It is also important to keep in mind that using ice does not treat the contents (oil, bacteria, debris, and dead skin) inside a pimple. Additionally, applying ice for long periods to the skin can lead to rosacea, dilated blood vessels, tissue damage, or frostbite.

Damage to our skin and other complications can be avoided by using dermatologist-approved products that are intended for skin care. They contain ingredients that have been tested and recommended by professional organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology.

If you choose to use more natural remedies, speak with your dermatologist about their risks and benefits before applying them to your skin.

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

The Mako SmartRobotics Surgical Platform At Jamaica Hospital

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce the innovative Mako SmartRobotics surgical platform to our Department of Orthopedic Surgery. This state-of-the-art advancement in joint replacement surgery transforms the way total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacements are performed, resulting in better outcomes for our patients.

Mako SmartRobotics uses 3D CT-based planning. To get a detailed three-dimensional model of the surgical area prior to surgery. This allows the surgeon to receive the most accurate images of the joint and surrounding area. “Through the use of 3D-CT-based planning, we know more about my patients prior to surgery than ever before. This increased knowledge allows our surgeons to make fewer and smaller incisions, resulting in less soft tissue damage for some patients or greater bone preservation for others.” stated Dr. Sanjit Konda, Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at Jamaica Hospital “Mako’s 3D CT provides me the opportunity to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line.”

According to the American Joint Replacement Registry, over 2.2 million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States every year and those numbers are projected to increase. The most common reasons someone receives either hip or knee replacement surgery include joint destruction due to arthritis, wear and tear, or a fracture due to injury. Unfortunately, the increase in joint replacement procedures coincides with a growing number of patients dissatisfied with the results of conventional hip and knee replacement surgery. Some of the most common complaints shared by patients are high levels of pain, increased hospital length of stay, a long rehabilitation process, and restricted flexibility. The Mako SmartRobotics surgical system addresses these issues as patients have reported experiencing less pain, less need for inpatient physical rehabilitation, shorter hospital stays, greater flexibility, and greater soft tissue protection.

The addition of the Mako system is the latest advancement for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Jamaica Hospital. “We are proud to offer this highly advanced SmartRobotics technology in our area,” said Dr Konda. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide our community with the highest quality care.”

How to Prepare for the End of Daylight Saving Time

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Each year on November sixth, daylight saving time comes to an end, setting clocks back by one hour. This means an earlier sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening, which may contribute to a few different types of health issues in many people throughout the United States.

When daylight saving time ends, sunlight is absent for a greater part of the day for most people. This can be disruptive to the body’s circadian rhythm (the cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral functions that operates on a 24-hour cycle). While the effects of this may often be as simple as feeling hungrier or drowsier at an earlier time of the day, it could also lead to more significant, long-lasting problems such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression, is typically characterized by a lack of energy and motivation in many people, but can lead to symptoms as serious as suicidal ideation in some cases. It can last as long as five months and affects up to three percent of the United States population.

There are steps you can take to avoid symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and other adverse effects that accompany the end of daylight saving time. These include:

Adjusting your sleep schedule to increase sunlight exposure: Going to bed and rising earlier will allow more time spent during daylight. Be sure to get enough sleep each night and wake up at a set time each morning.

Focusing on a healthy diet and regular exercise: A balanced diet and exercise are beneficial for both your physical and mental health. This remains true when it comes to coping with an adjusted daily schedule, as both of these can improve your mood throughout the day and counter-act increased drowsiness and symptoms of depression.

Investing in a light box: Light therapy is an artificial means of providing your body with ultraviolet light. It can help with adjusting to a decrease in available sunlight. Before purchasing a light box, ensure that it’s designed to treat SAD, that it’s bright enough, that it protects your eyes, and that it can fit securely and comfortably within one or more spaces that you frequently occupy.

If you’re experiencing negative mental health symptoms as daylight saving time comes to an end, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic by calling (718) 206-5575.

What is RSV?

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a respiratory illness that is typically most prevalent during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Most children born in the United States will have experienced it at some point before their second birthday.

The virus often presents symptoms similar to those of a cold, including a runny nose, coughing or wheezing, fever, and decreased appetite. These symptoms usually appear approximately four to six days after infection, but may not appear all at once.

While it usually does not lead to hospitalization, RSV can be particularly dangerous to children if it causes bronchiolitis or pneumonia to develop; it’s the most common cause of both of these illnesses in children under the age of one. If an infant develops either of these conditions, becomes dehydrated, or experiences significant difficulty breathing, the situation could become more serious and require hospital care.

RSV can also be especially dangerous for older adults, accounting for approximately 177,000 hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65.

The virus is usually spread through:

Bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or droplets
Surfaces that have the virus on them
Direct contact such as kissing an infected person

The best way to decrease the risk of an older adult or infant developing RSV is to prevent as many means of transmission as possible and promptly get them medical care if their symptoms seem to be worsening.

People and children who are at risk of developing severe cases of RSV should:

Avoid close contact with infected people and, if possible, close-contact settings such as daycare centers where RSV can more easily spread
Frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and refrain from touching their face until after they’ve done so

If you are sick with RSV, you should:

Avoid close contact with non-infected people
Frequently clean surfaces you’ve touched with disinfectant
Wear a mask and/or cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001 now.