January 2024 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Supporting Your Physical Well-Being

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

With the first month of 2024 coming to an end, it’s a great time to check in on the progress you’ve made toward the goals you’ve set for the year. Whether you’re looking to get into better physical shape, reach a career milestone, or gain better control over any medical conditions you experience on a regular basis, wellness is an important part of moving toward your goals in a steady, efficient way. Make sure that you are:

Staying physically active (about 150 minutes of moderate exercise, including 2 days of strength training, each week)
Getting enough sleep (at least 7 hours per night)
Making some time each week for social connections with friends and loved ones
Eating enough food for your size
Avoiding smoking and limiting consumption of harmful substances such as alcohol
Making some time each week for leisurely activities that you enjoy
Practicing mindfulness and staying focused on the present moment
Keeping up with preventative medical screenings and addressing medical problems as they appear by visiting a doctor

For preventative visits and specialized treatment for medical problems, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s 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.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Morteza Modaber

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Morteza Modaber, the new Director of Neurology for both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Modaber obtained his medical degree at Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, before coming to practice medicine in the United States. After four years of neuromodulation research at the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed an internship program in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University from 2016 to 2017. He then completed a residency program in neurology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell from 2017 to 2020, where he also completed a fellowship program in vascular neurology.

Part of what Dr. Modaber finds so engaging about his new role is the opportunity it offers to serve unmet needs for patients living in Queens. “There’s a massive need in the Queens community for neurological care,” said Dr. Modaber. “There isn’t enough access to medical professionals with a neurological background. I’m very excited to be able to help provide that care.”

Both the community he serves and the people that he works with bring joy and purpose to Dr. Modaber’s career. “Our hospitals and the communities they serve are melting pots of different cultures and different groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. I’m very happy to be working in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Dr. Modaber.

As Director of Neurology, Dr. Modaber plans to expand the Neurology Department in ways that will allow it to provide comprehensive neurological care to the Queens community. “I want to be able to offer people in Queens the best neurological care they can get in New York without having to take a long trip to Manhattan, Long Island, or somewhere else to get it,” said Dr. Modaber. “We’ve been recruiting a lot of highly-skilled people and are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Modaber to our team and look forward to the work that he and the rest of the Neurology Department will do to provide high-quality neurological care to our community.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Christa Deleon

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Christa Deleon, Executive Administrative Assistant in our Food and Nutrition Department.

Christa has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 10 years. She grew up in Island Trees on Long Island and currently resides in Levittown. Christa attended Island Trees Elementary School and Island Trees High School. She graduated from Berkley College where she received her bachelor’s degree.

She has two sons, Luca and Massimo who are seven and five years of age. Christa also has a one year old female American Bully who’s name is Raven. One of Christa’s favorite things to do is to spend time with her sons, her family and friends. She likes to try all types of new restaurants, but her favorite would be anything Italian.

Christa loves to travel. She has been to many different cities both domestically and internationally, including Paris, Washington D.C and her favorite place to go on vacation is to Aruba. One of the countries she would like to visit one day is Italy. Christa enjoys reading, especially psychological thrillers. She likes all different types of music. Her sons play football, soccer and lacrosse and she enjoys watching them when they are playing. Christa used to play softball and soccer and is an avid hockey fan. Her favorite hockey team is the New York Islanders.

Christa enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because of the diversity of the staff and our patients. She feels as though she has learned a lot culturally and linguistically. Christa is proud to be part of a team that has a positive impact on people’s lives and their health. We look forward to her working with us for many more years into the future.

When is a Cough Serious?

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Coughing is a normal reflex and often does not signify a serious underlying medical condition. However, a cough could be connected to a more significant health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor when it is:

Severe
Worsening over time
Occurring frequently over several days or weeks

A cough can be either “acute,” meaning that it lasts less than three weeks, or “chronic,” meaning that it lasts longer. Some causes of acute cough, such as the common cold or exposure to airborne irritants, are not necessarily causes for concern on their own, but others, such as pneumonia and influenza, are potentially life-threatening for some people, such as older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

In many cases, chronic coughing is also not indicative of a major, life-threatening health problem, such as when it is caused by mild allergies or asthma. However, it may be a cause for concern when it is severe, frequent, or accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss

These symptoms could indicate that a cough is associated with a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary embolism. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

You can receive diagnostic care and specialized treatment for your cough at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Lupus: Triggers and Warning Signs

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Lupus is a chronic disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s organs and tissues. The exact cause of lupus is unknown; however, it is believed that hormones, genetics, and environmental factors play a role.

Anyone can develop lupus, but some individuals may have a greater risk than others. Those with a higher risk are:

Black people
Asian people
Hispanic people
People assigned female at birth
People with a family history of lupus

Symptoms of lupus range from mild to severe, and can include:

Joint pain
Butterfly rash
Mouth sores
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Inflammation in the brain
Blood clots
Hair loss

People living with lupus often experience periods when their symptoms worsen; this is known as a flare. Flares come and go and are often triggered by anything that causes stress to the body. Common triggers may include:

Emotional stress
Pregnancy or giving birth
Infections
Surgery
Physical injuries
Viral illnesses
Severe exposure to ultraviolet rays
Exhaustion (being overworked or not getting enough rest)
Certain medications
Not taking lupus medications regularly

Lupus flares often have warning signs such as fever, swollen joints, fatigue, and other associated symptoms. However, flares can also occur without symptoms. This is why individuals diagnosed with lupus must visit their doctor regularly to monitor their health.

The Lupus Center at Jamaica Hospital is staffed by highly trained rheumatologists. For more information about the Lupus Center or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-9888.

What To Do When Your Baby Suddenly Stops Breastfeeding

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When most people hear the words “nursing strike” the most common assumption is that it has something to do with a work stoppage by hospital caregivers, but the term can also refer to when a baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed. This response can sometimes be mistaken for weaning, but unlike a nursing strike, weaning normally takes place gradually over weeks or months.

Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes end with your baby back to breastfeeding, within a few days. In some cases the cause is a mystery, but most of the time it is due to some external factor. Some of the most common triggers for a nursing strike include:

An illness affecting your baby such as an ear infection or stuffy nose
A change in deodorant, soap, lotion, or anything that would result in you smelling different to your baby
Your baby is teething or experiencing sore gums
A temporary reduction in the milk supply
A change in nursing patterns
Your baby was frightened during a previous nursing experience

Whatever the cause, getting the baby back to the breast can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips that can help get your baby back to breastfeeding:

Be patient. Don’t try to force your baby to breastfeed as it can make the situation worse.
Rule out any physical problems such as an ear infection, stuffy nose, teething issues, or a bladder infection.
Spend more skin-to-skin time together.
Avoid giving your baby a pacifier.
Attempt to nurse when your baby is either falling asleep, sound asleep, or just waking up.
Movement helps so try putting your baby in a sling while you walk around or try relaxing in a rocking chair.
Take a bath together or cuddle in a quiet, dark room.

You should continue to pump or hand express milk while your baby is refusing to nurse to prevent plugged ducts and infections. It is also important to remain calm and understand that your baby isn’t rejecting you and while the situation can be upsetting it is only temporary and everything will go back to normal.

If your baby is experiencing a nursing strike and you have additional questions, you should speak with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Tips To Help You Your New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

The beginning of every new year always seems to be a great time to make resolutions for changes to something in our lives. However, these New Year’s resolutions are often easier to make than to keep.

Here are some tips to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions:

Select one goal that you want to achieve instead of many
Plan in advance how you intend to achieve your goal
Don’t be too ambitious with your goal, it is best to keep it simple
Break up your goal into smaller, manageable parts
Pick a goal that involves a new activity
Try to learn from past challenges with achieving your goals
Don’t let yourself become discouraged if you have setbacks
Keep a daily log of your progress
Pick a goal where you can measure the results

Achieving a goal that you made as your New Year’s resolution is always easier when you have the support of friends and family. Let people know what you hope to achieve and enlist others who can be supportive. Additionally, give yourself some positive reinforcement when you are working towards a goal.

A Recipe for Healthy Chicken Soup

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Not only does a bowl of chicken soup help keep us warm in the winter, its ingredients may also provide several benefits for our health. Here is a recipe from the National Foundation for Cancer Research for chicken soup that is both healthy and delicious. https://www.nfcr.org/blog/chicken-soup-helps-soothe-the-common-symptoms-of-cold-flu-and-mild-covid-19/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoKOfvpLEgwMV_mBHAR0u_wzQEAMYASAAEgKmf_D_BwE

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that causes your thyroid gland to become enlarged (also known as goiter) and become underactive (also known as hypothyroidism). These symptoms may not appear at first, and in some people they may not develop at all, but they can occur gradually and lead to a variety of other issues, such as fatigue, weight gain, a slowed heart rate, difficulty concentrating, or a low mood.

Approximately 5% of people in the United States experience Hashimoto’s disease. It is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, aside from iodine deficiency. While it can affect people of any age, sex, or ethnic background, it is much more common among people assigned female at birth (AFAB) than people assigned male at birth (AMAB). It is also typically diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.

A person develops Hashimoto’s disease when their immune system creates antibodies to attack thyroid tissue. This causes thyroid inflammation and damage due to an accumulation of white blood cells in your thyroid. People with other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease than people who do not experience these conditions.

Your doctor can diagnose Hashimoto’s disease through a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and blood tests. Specific tests that help with this diagnosis include a thyroid-stimulating hormone test (which is typically used to check for hypothyroidism) and an antithyroid antibody test (which looks for certain types of antibodies in your blood to determine whether Hashimoto’s disease is the cause of your hypothyroidism).

Hashimoto’s disease cannot be cured, but in cases where it causes hypothyroidism, it can often be managed through medication. The standard treatment is levothyroxine, which supplements the hormone thyroxine (T4) and ensures that your body has enough of it to function normally. While you would need to take this medication for the rest of your life, it is effective at managing the symptoms of this condition for most people.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease and require a diagnosis or treatment, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-7001.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority This Year

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Many people experience chronic mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. These issues can be caused by a wide variety of factors, some of which can be directly changed or coped with in a healthy way.

As the new year begins, you can use this time to start identifying mental health issues you experience, some of the potential causes of those issues, and how you can work to improve them. Some specific steps you can take to start making positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health: Your physical and mental well-being are deeply intertwined and have a strong impact on one another. Improving your diet, developing a regular exercise routine, and getting enough sleep each night can lead to major improvements in your mood, outlook, and ability to think clearly, allowing you to cope more effectively with mental health challenges.

Recognizing positive things in your life: If your mind often drifts toward negative thoughts and emotions, it’s important to recognize and be thankful for aspects of your life that are positive. This can be anything from having a strong social support system of friends and family, simply having a roof to sleep under each night, or being in good physical health.

Developing effective coping mechanisms: Coping mechanisms are an important tool for anyone who experiences mental health problems. These strategies allow you to adjust the way you mentally process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy examples of coping mechanisms include:

Looking for ways to resolve the cause of distress, if possible
Viewing the problem from a different perspective
Talking to someone who supports you

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with the help of a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5575.