May 2024 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating a Fever

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When you develop a fever, it’s usually in reaction to an illness. In most cases, a fever will eventually resolve on its own. However, certain signs may indicate that a fever is occurring due to a more severe underlying problem; in these cases, treatment is necessary. You can take some steps to assess and reduce your fever, but there are also things you should watch out for to ensure that you’re treating your fever appropriately.

Do: take your temperature if you feel sick and are running warm; your fever may be worse than you realize. Fevers can typically be broken down into four levels of severity:

If you have a low fever, your body temperature may range between 99.1°F to 100.4°F.
A moderate fever ranges between 100.6°F and 102.2°F.
A high fever typically ranges between 102.4°F and 105.8°F.
Any temperature higher than 105.8°F is considered to be hyperthermia, which can be life-threatening.

Do: stay hydrated; you lose fluids more rapidly while experiencing a fever due to increased sweating and other factors, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration is dangerous on its own, but it can also increase your body temperature and worsen your fever. Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy fluid levels. Cold water can also help reduce your body temperature.

Do: see a doctor as soon as possible if your fever becomes worse or does not resolve after a few days. This is especially important and may mean seeking emergency medical care if you have developed hyperthermia.

Don’t: try to power through your symptoms and go to work or school despite having a fever. Your illness may be dangerous to not only you, but the people around you; it’s important to isolate yourself at home and rest if you have a fever.

Don’t: underdress or overdress for your fever. If you’re feeling overheated, it may be tempting to lower the temperature of your home, crank up the air conditioning, and shed blankets or layers of clothing. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chills, you may want to bundle up much more than is necessary or beneficial. Dress in light, breathable clothing, keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level, and try to avoid extra layers of blankets or clothing.

Don’t: ignore your fever or pass it off as a non-issue if it’s not going away or is getting worse. In this situation, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor 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.

Hip Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

If you are considering (or if your doctor has recommended) hip replacement surgery, it’s important for you to know what to expect to help determine whether it’s the right treatment approach for you.

Hip replacement surgery is often considered when hip pain significantly interferes with movement or sleep and does not improve with medication.

There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: total and partial hip replacement. A total hip replacement involves replacing the socket of your hip joint with a durable plastic cup and replacing your femoral head with a ball made of ceramic or metal. This ball is attached to a metal stem inserted into your femur. A partial hip replacement only involves replacing the femoral head; your natural hip joint socket is preserved.

The type of hip replacement surgery you get depends mainly on how much damage your hip joint has sustained. Total hip replacements are most commonly used as a last resort for treating arthritis pain. Partial hip replacements are more common for older people who have experienced an injury, such as a hip fracture.

During surgery, your surgeon may use certain specialized tools to perform your hip replacement safely and effectively. At Orthopedic Specialists of New York, our surgeons utilize the Mako robotic surgical assistant, which reduces the amount of cutting required during surgery and allows for more healthy bone tissue to be preserved.

Whether you receive a partial or total hip replacement, surgery can provide pain relief and restore some mobility to the joint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there will still be limits to the types of physical activity you can engage in after your surgery. While most patients will be able to return to low-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or bicycle riding during or after their first-year post-surgery, it may be more dangerous to engage in high-impact activities such as competitive sports.

If you have any questions or concerns about hip replacement surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists Of New York. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

A Tasty Recipe for Baked Lemon Chicken

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Warm spring evenings call for an easy to prepare recipe for baked lemon chicken to enjoy. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/baked-lemon-chicken-recipe-2128674

Spotlighting Jamaica Hospital’s Mobile Crisis Team

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are highlighting the important work of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mobile Crisis Program in our community.

Jamaica Hospital’s Mental Health Department operates the Mobile Crisis Program as part of its mental health emergency services. The program is the only one of its kind to serve our community and hospital, responding to mental health crisis referrals, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our providers rapidly provide in-person visits within two hours of receiving a referral.

The program is staffed by a team of dedicated mental health administrators, coordinators, and social workers who provide comprehensive crisis intervention, home-visit, repatriation, counseling, and support services to countless patients and families.

Jamaica Hospital’s mobile crisis team emphasizes compassion and empathy when delivering mental health care and support. Each care provider is highly trained to engage appropriately with individuals in crisis or those experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Our team serves a very diverse population; therefore, special attention is paid to the unique and cultural needs of each individual and loved one encountered.

The primary goal of the hospital’s mobile crisis program is to go above and beyond to offer assistance. This goal is achieved by providing more support than average, which involves thorough follow-up care, and connecting individuals to social services and programs needed to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Jamaica Hospital’s Mobile Crisis Program aims to help individuals and families in our community by safely and compassionately engaging with those experiencing a mental health crisis, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and reducing the risk of future crises through the provision of continuous care. Participation is voluntary; however, if it is determined that a person in crisis needs further psychiatric or medical assessment, arrangements may be made for them to be transported to a hospital psychiatric emergency room.

In New York City, you can request help from a mobile crisis team if you are concerned about a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is experiencing or is at risk of a mental health crisis. You can also request a team for yourself. To request a team, please call 988.

Heart Palpitations

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Experiencing heart palpitations can be a very frightening occurrence. These palpitations have been described as feeling as though the heart is racing, missing a beat, pounding, or fluttering. Palpitations can be felt in the chest, the neck or the throat and they are seen more frequently in women than in men.

Some of the most common causes of heart palpitations include:

Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Fear
Fever
Panic attacks
Strenuous exercise
Pregnancy
Medications that contain pseudoephedrine
Consuming too much alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or narcotics ( cocaine or amphetamines)

It is important to find the reason for experiencing heart palpitations and knowing how often they occur. Tests that will help a physician identify the cause include a blood test, an EKG, a chest x-ray, a Holter monitor and an ultrasound of the heart.

It is best to seek immediate medical help if the heart palpitations are accompanied by:

Feeling shortness of breath
Feeling dizzy
Feeling chest pain
Feeling light headed

Treatment for heart palpitations will be determined by what is causing them. When possible, eliminating external influences will be the first line of treatment. If the palpitations are caused by an irregular heart beat, medications may need to be prescribed.

It is important to get immediate medical care by calling 9-1-1 if the heart palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, severe dizziness, severe shortness of breath, or passing out.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. During this time, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is working to provide important information about this disease for our patients, including its symptoms, potential complications, and current available treatments.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that affects the mucus-producing cells in your body. CF occurs when there is a mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This mutation disables cells from moving chloride (a component of salt) to their surfaces. Without the movement of chloride, cells cannot hydrate properly, causing your body to produce thicker, stickier mucus.

The buildup of heavy mucus caused by CF can damage the digestive system, lungs, and other organs that depend on mucus to function by obstructing the ducts, tubes or passageways of these organs. Those living with cystic fibrosis also often have abnormally high levels of salt in their sweat. Other symptoms that may develop as a result of the disease include:

Frequent lung infections, such as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
Persistent cough with thick mucus
Frequent sinus infections
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Nasal polyps
Fatigue
Delayed growth or puberty
Bowel movements that produce greasy, bulky stool
Severe constipation
Male infertility

All babies born in the United States are screened for cystic fibrosis by testing small blood samples. If someone is suspected to have CF, their doctor can also order a sweat test to determine if their chloride levels are normal.

Currently, there is no cure for CF; treatment generally focuses on alleviating symptoms and reducing complications. Treatment may include:

Medications, such as antibiotics for lung infections, anti-inflammatory medications, stool softeners, mucus-thinning drugs, medications that assist in nutrient absorption, and medications that treat gene mutations
Physical therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Surgery

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.

Food Allergy Awareness Week

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

May 12- 18, 2024 has been designated as Food Allergy Awareness Week in an effort to raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 33 million Americans have a serious and potentially life-threatening food allergy. This number indicates that food allergies are much more common than previously believed.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food component as a hazardous substance and attacks it. The effects of food allergies may appear on the skin, in the respiratory passage, or the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of food allergies may vary from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, they can even be fatal.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction that can cause death. This type of allergic reaction requires immediate action and medical attention. You must be prepared for an emergency if you or a loved one has a severe food allergy. Learn the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, low blood pressure., dizziness, or fast heart rate. You should create an emergency care plan in the event anaphylaxis occurs; this may include the administration of epinephrine, a life-saving drug, and calling 911 if symptoms persist.

Every year in the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals are brought to hospital emergency departments due to severe allergic reactions. Jamaica Hospital joins the effort to raise awareness about food allergies and urges everyone to learn more about this growing, yet manageable issue.

Highlights of The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

On Monday, April 8^th, The MediSys Health Network held a very special ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the network’s cancer center, located on the concourse level of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s C building.

MediSys President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz began the ceremony by remarking that the opening of the cancer center was a long time in the making, and how excited he was that the day had finally come. He also thanked everyone involved in making the completion of the project a reality.

Congressman Gregory Meeks and Queensborough President Donovan Richards also joined Mr. Flanz and a room full of hospital employees. They spoke about the importance of having a comprehensive cancer center in Queens, where residents could receive high-quality care without needing to leave the borough. The Congressman and the Borough President also praised MediSys’ leadership for continuing to understand and meet the needs of our community, both vowed to lend their support to the organization in achieving those objectives.

Also present were multiple members of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSK) leadership, including Hospital President Shelly Anderson. During her remarks, Anderson shared how excited everyone at MSK is about the two organizations entering the next phase of an agreement to work together to provide equitable cancer care to the people of Queens.

The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center features 24 multi-purpose treatment rooms. Each of the private rooms is designed for a relaxing patient experience and includes comfortable chairs, flat-screen televisions, and soothing murals on the walls. When configuring the layout, an emphasis was placed on ensuring optimal patient/provider interaction.

While receiving treatment in the center, patients will also have access to various support services, including on-site mental health and integrative health professionals as well as nutritional counselors. In addition, patient navigators are available to guide our patients through every step of their journey. This has all been made available to ensure our patients receive everything they need for a positive outcome.

Our new cancer center is officially open and accepting patients. We invite you to take a virtual tour of our facility here: https://virtualtours.llc/projects/1147jhmc/final/index.htm

To learn more about our center or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-8263.

May is Designated as Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

The month of May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This designation was first made in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health. The goal of this recognition is to help take away the stigma of having a mental illness, increase awareness of resources available to treat mental illness, and to educate people about what it means to have a mental illness.

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are sharing important statistics to know:

Mental illness affects one in twenty people in the United States each year, and one in five of these people are affected very seriously
Mental illness affects one in six children, and only half are getting treatment
Half of all lifetime mental illness starts by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
Anxiety disorder is found in 48 million people
Major depression is found in 21 million people
Bipolar depression is found in 7 million people
Obsessive compulsive disorder is found in 3 million people
Schizophrenia is found in 1.5 million people

A person who has mental health issues can live a full and productive life if they receive the proper care. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has a comprehensive Mental Health Department. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

Effective Solutions for Snoring

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Snoring is a common occurrence for millions of people while they sleep. Many people might not even realize how often they snore, or that they do so at all. For most, snoring is harmless; however, it can potentially be disruptive for anyone who’s trying to sleep in the same room as someone who snores, depending on how loud or frequent it is. Additionally, snoring can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

If you snore, the first thing you should do is mention it to your doctor to rule out any potentially related medical problems. In certain cases, it can be linked to sleep apnea, which causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep. This can cause you to feel as though you didn’t sleep enough, even if you got a full night’s sleep. People who have sleep apnea also generally snore more loudly than people who do not. Other factors that can contribute to snoring include:

Obesity
Nasal congestion
Alcohol and certain medications
A deviated septum
Pregnancy
Age
Being assigned male at birth
A family history of snoring

If your doctor has ruled out the possibility of a serious underlying medical condition, there are several steps you can take to make your snoring quieter, less frequent, or both. Some of these approaches include:

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
Decreasing your consumption of alcoholic beverages
Changing your sleeping position

If any medical issues are contributing to your snoring, talk to your doctor to determine whether these solutions may help you:

Cold and allergy medications
Nasal strips
Mouth guards designed to keep your jaw in its proper position while sleeping

If you’re concerned that your snoring may be a sign of a medical problem, you can receive treatment from the ear, nose, and throat specialists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7110.