Monthly Archives: June 2023

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Amir Barkhodari

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Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce you to board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Amir Barkhodari.

Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and inflammatory (rheumatic) conditions. Ā Some of the most common diseases and conditions treated by rheumatologists are:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Gout

Dr. Barkhodari is highly trained in his field. He attended medical school at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and completed a prestigious research fellowship at Stanford University. His extensive medical training is further defined by a residency at Jamaica Hospital and a fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Dr. Barkhodari is known among his peers for his sense of community.Ā  His desire to help others began at an early age and led him to medicine.Ā  He recalls, ā€œAs a kid growing up in Iran, I saw many people living with chronic and debilitating diseases, and I wanted to help them. I decided pursuing a career in medicine would help me to achieve this goal.ā€

As a rheumatologist, Dr. Barkhodari takes immense pride in providing high-quality care to his patients. He also believes it is equally as important to educate patients and communities about the need for early detection of rheumatic diseases such as lupus.

Early detection and treatment can minimize the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with autoimmune conditions. ā€œIt is important to diagnose these conditions early and create a personalized treatment plan, unique to each patientā€™s needs.Ā  This approach can help greatly with reducing chronic pain and avoiding complications such as organ failure,ā€ he explained.

Jamaica Hospital serves a patient population in which autoimmune and rheumatic conditions are prevalent. Dr. Barkhodari hopes that his knowledge and experience as a rheumatologist will greatly benefit his patients and our community.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkhodari, please call 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.

Rumination

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We have all had negative thoughts, and in most cases, thatā€™s normal.Ā  However, when negative thoughts become excessive and repetitive, this pattern of thinking may be cause for concern.

Rumination is a thought processing disorder that is characterized by obsessional thinking that involves repetitive, negative thinking, or dwelling on negative feelings that interfere with normal functioning.

Rumination is often described as a loop of negative thoughts. This cycle of negative thinking can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety or worsen already existing mental health disorders. Rumination can also affect a personā€™s sleep and physical health, as a result of stress.

People ruminate for several reasons. The American Psychological Association listed the following as common reasons why people may have ruminating thoughts. They:

  • Believe they are gaining insight into a problem.
  • Perceive they face constant, uncontrollable stressors.
  • Had traumatic experiences.
  • Possess personality characteristics such as perfectionism or neuroticism.
  • Have low self-esteem.

The first step to addressing rumination is recognizing that there is a problem.Ā  If you realize that you are ruminating, you can try these tips to help break the cycle of negative thinking:

  • Distract yourself by doing activities that can disrupt negative thinking.
  • Identify triggers that you can or canā€™t change.
  • Learn how to set realistic expectations.
  • Work on improving self-esteem.
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Practice positive affirmations

Lastly, if ruminating thoughts persist and are interfering with your life, try seeking assistance from a mental health professional.

The most common therapy used to address rumination is rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on redirecting a personā€™s thought process and improving coping skills.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 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.