Monthly Archives: August 2024

Employee Spotlight Shines on Denise Roman, PT, DPT

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This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Denise Roman, PT, DPT, PPS coordinator and a PT supervisor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Denise has been at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 34 years. She was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. Denise attended Fountain A.M.E and St. Mary’s primary schools, and the Bishop’s High School.  After graduating from high school, Denise traveled to Jamaica, West Indies where she studied  and received her degree in Physical Therapy at the School of Physical Therapy on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. In 1989, Denise immigrated to the United States. She continued her studies at the Empire College, receiving a BS in Community and Human Services. Denise then went on to receive a post graduate certificate in Early Intervention from the Westchester Medical College and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College.

Denise currently resides in Springfield Gardens. She loves pets and while living in Guyana she had many, but currently doesn’t have any. In her free time she enjoys reading and volunteering with youth programs at her church. Denise has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She believes that volunteering and giving back to the community are very important qualities. Denise has never forgotten the people who have helped her along the way and she feels that that she always wants to do her best to be of service to others.

Denise has traveled extensively and some of the places she has visited are Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. Of course, Guyana is one of her favorite places to visit. Denise enjoys many different types of food, especially West Indian, Mexican and Asian. Her favorite types of music to listen to are gospel, reggae, soca, R&B, jazz and folk.  Denise enjoys watching cricket, and track and field. She played netball in school and likes outdoor activities that include walking, parasailing, and white water rafting.

Denise loves working at Jamaica Hospital as it has allowed her to grow professionally and has given her the opportunity to watch the hospital expand . She is proud of the fact that her colleagues work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. This was very evident during the COVID pandemic as the staff continued to give their best despite the dangers of the disease and being mentally and physically challenged.  Denise was very thankful for the care her mother received while being a patient at the hospital and credits the staff for saving her life. We are very proud to have Denise as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.

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.

Social Anxiety

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Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes intense fear of being judged or watched by others in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

  • Inherited traits
  • Brain structure
  • Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Family history
  • Negative experiences
  • Temperament
  • New social or work demands
  • Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional and behavioral symptoms
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
    • Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
    • Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
    • Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
    • Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
    • Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
  • Physical and physiological symptoms
    • Blushing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Trembling
    • Sweating
    • Upset stomach or nausea
    • Trouble catching your breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Feeling that your mind has gone blank
    • Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

  • Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
  • Attending parties or social gatherings
  • Going to work or school
  • Starting conversations
  • Making eye contact
  • Dating
  • Eating in front of others
  • Using a public restroom
  • Taking or making phone calls
  • Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

  • A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
  • A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
  • A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
  • Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
  • Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

  • Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
  • Medications
    • Antidepressants
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has a social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider 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.

Hypersomnia

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Hypersomnia is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness. Hypersomnia can be categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary hypersomnia is not caused by any other medical conditions; it is a condition in its own right.  Conditions classified as primary hypersomnia include narcolepsy, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Secondary hypersomnia results from other medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or bipolar disorder. It can also result from taking certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs, barbiturates, and anti-psychotics.

People living with hypersomnia feel extremely tired or sleepy during the day, even after getting adequate sleep at night.  They have difficulty staying awake and fall asleep several times during the day. Other signs and symptoms of hypersomnia include:

  • Sleeping longer than normal (10 or more hours each day)
  • Difficulty waking up in the mornings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Slow thinking and speech
  • Anxiety
  • Low energy
  • Irritability
  • Headache

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of hypersomnia can put you at risk for accidents and greatly affect your social, work, and personal life.

If you are consistently feeling sleepy despite getting adequate rest, you should speak with your doctor who can order several tests to determine a diagnosis.

Diagnosing hypersomnia may include getting an overnight sleep test, a multiple sleep latency test, or assessing your sleepiness using an Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Treatments for hypersomnia may include medications and making lifestyle changes such as sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

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The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

  • Flu – needed every year
  • COVID-19
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
  • Chickenpox
  • Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 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.

10 Signs And Symptoms of Cancer You Should Not Ignore

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The American Cancer Society has recently reported that a little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024. Within that group, approximately 611,720 individuals may lose their battles to the disease.

Early detection of certain cancers and early intervention can increase survival rates, or help many people live longer after a cancer diagnosis.

Screenings are essential in detecting some cancers early and helping to prevent cancer-related deaths. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of the disease and notifying your doctor can also help with early detection.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms of cancer you should not ignore:

  1. Chronic coughs or hoarseness
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. Unexplained weight loss
  4. Extreme fatigue that does not get better with rest
  5. Skin changes, such as changes in moles
  6. Changes in bowel or bladder movements
  7. Unusual bleeding or bruising
  8. Breast lumps
  9. Difficulty swallowing
  10. Frequent fevers

See your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent. Your physician can conduct tests to determine a diagnosis.  There is no single test to diagnose cancer; therefore, testing may include a combination of diagnostic imaging, biopsies, blood tests, urinalysis, genetic testing, or endoscopic examination.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

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.

The Importance of Back-To-School Eye Exams

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It is important to get children’s vision checked before going back to school because healthy vision is a vital part of their development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them.

Unfortunately, many eye problems such as nearsightedness and infections in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes. They include:

  • Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed
  • Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
  • Their eyes are watery or inflamed
  • They rub their eyes a lot
  • They close or cover one eye
  • They tilt their head forward
  • They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
  • They hold objects close to their eyes to see
  • They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
  • Things are blurry or hard to see for them

Regular eye examinations can prevent issues from occurring or stop them from getting worse.

In addition to getting a comprehensive eye exam, there are  several ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

  • Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
  • Limiting screen time
  • Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit a pediatric ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

 

 

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.

Peripheral Neuropathy

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Peripheral neuropathy is any condition that involves damage to peripheral nerves outside your brain or spinal cord. These conditions often cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas and body functions like digestion and urination.

The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

The nerves in the peripheral nervous system are divided into three categories and have a specific job.

  • Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration, or touch, from the skin
  • Motor nerves that control muscle movement
  • Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the nerve affected and can include:

  • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in your hands and feet. These sensations can spread upward into your arms and legs
  • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them, or when they’re under a blanket
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
  • Inability to move if motor nerves are affected
  • Heat intolerance
  • Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
  • Bowel, bladder, or digestive problems
  • Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

Peripheral neuropathy can happen for many reasons. Some include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
  • Medications and toxins
  • Tumors
  • Genetic conditions
  • Infections
  • Hansen disease (leprosy)
  • Trauma and surgery
  • Vascular disorders
  • Idiopathic neuropathy

A combination of methods are used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy including:

  • Symptoms and medical history
  • Physical and neurological exams
  • Lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy varies depending on its cause. Treatments can include:

  • Medications
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Devices and wearable equipment
  • Podiatry and foot care
  • Other pain treatments such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, injections, or surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator

Some causes of peripheral neuropathy are preventable. Some preventative or precautionary steps you can take include:

  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Wearing safety equipment as needed
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Avoiding alcohol in excess
  • Avoiding exposure to toxins, poisons, and heavy metals

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, 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.

Causes of Chest Pains That Aren’t Heart-Related

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Chest pains are usually associated with heart problems. However, there are many other causes that you should be aware of.

Chest pain that isn’t heart-related is called noncardiac chest pain. Noncardiac chest pain is often described as feeling a painful squeezing or tightness in your chest, or a pressure of heaviness behind your sternum. The pain may be felt on the right or left side or in the middle of your chest.

Many symptoms may occur with noncardiac chest pain including:

  • A sour taste or a sensation of food entering the mouth
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain that gets better or worse when you change body position
  • Pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
  • Tenderness when you push on your chest
  • Pain that continues for many hours

You may not be able to tell the difference between a heart attack and noncardiac chest pain, for that reason it is important to take any chest pain seriously. If it is sudden or new and lasts longer than five minutes, go to the emergency room. If it goes away after a few minutes, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause.

Some causes of noncardiac chest pain include:

  1. Digestive issues
    • Heartburn
    • Swallowing disorders
    • Gallbladder or pancreatic problems
  2. Muscle and bone injuries
    • Costochondritis
    • Sore muscles
    • Injured ribs
  3. Lung-related issues
    • Pulmonary Embolism
    • Pleurisy
    • Collapsed lung
    • Pulmonary Hypertension
  1. Panic attacks
  2. Shingles

Some risk factors associated with noncardiac chest pain can include:

  • High Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Anxiety

Some immediate tests used to help diagnose the cause of chest pain include:

  • ECG or EKG
  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan

Follow-up tests may need to be done depending on the results of the first tests. They include:

  • Echocardiogram
  • CT scan
  • Stress tests
  • Coronary catheterization

Treatment for chest pain varies depending on the cause. Some treatments can include:

Medications if the cause isn’t heart-related such as:

  • Blood thinners
  • Acid-reducing medicines
  • Antidepressants

Surgical procedure if the cause isn’t heart-related such as:

  • Lung re-inflation

If you are experiencing any chest pain symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

 

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.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

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Diabetes is a disease that occurs when our blood sugar or glucose is too high. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood glucose.

Diabetes is diagnosed in a significant amount of people in our population; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that approximately 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is 11.6% of the population.

Complications such as vision loss, amputation, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and even death can occur as a result of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes; however, the disease can be managed, and in some cases reversed through treatment and (or) healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Reversing diabetes or putting it in remission means managing blood sugar levels and keeping your A1c below 48 mmol/mol or less than 6.5%, without needing to take medications for three months or more.  This may be achieved by:

  • Losing weight, which may help cells respond to insulin
  • Exercising by doing a combination of aerobic and strength training activities
  • Eating a healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains
  • Avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates

It is important to note that diabetes reversal or remission is not permanent. Therefore, there is a chance that symptoms can return.  Please see your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following signs that are indicative of your diabetes being out of remission.

  • Frequent infections
  • Increased hunger, thirst, or urination
  • Blurry vision
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

In addition, continue to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your diabetes is being managed well.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 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.

What Parents Should Know About Oral Nicotine Pouches

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking hit a historic low in 2023, with the adult smoking rate dropping to 11%. Because of the steady decline of smokers over the years, tobacco companies have tried other ways to retain customers as well as attract new ones by introducing new products.

One of those new products is oral nicotine pouches. Oral nicotine pouches are small permeable pouches typically placed between the lip and the gum containing crystalized nicotine powder in various flavors. Although little is known about the product, nicotine pouches have become one of the fastest-growing categories, increasing sales from about 126 million units to over 800 million units between 2019 and 2022.

Oral nicotine pouches are aimed at adults who are looking for a tobacco-less, smoke-free alternative to cigarettes as they try to stop smoking. However, according to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in October of 2023, 1.5% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.

Tobacco companies sell nicotine pouches in attractive packaging and assorted flavors, including citrus, berry, peppermint, coffee, and mango. Researchers are concerned that this marketing tactic is likely to appeal to young people who may not be aware of the harmful effects of nicotine. Some social media influencers have promoted the use of nicotine pouches by showing how they use them in their daily lives, discreetly placing them in their mouths at work and school, as well as doing taste tests.

“Nicotine pouches are marketed as a nicotine product that provides a buzz without the harmful effects of tobacco or smoking. However, people using these products should be aware that ‘tobacco-free’ does not mean ‘risk-free’”, says Alexandra Howell, DMD, Oral Medicine Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Services at Virginia Commonwealth’s University’s School of Dentistry.

Despite the long-term health impact of nicotine pouches being unknown, the side effects of its use can include:

  • Nicotine addiction
  • Irritation of the gums
  • Lung problems
  • Infertility problems
  • Stomach problems
  • Sore mouth
  • Hiccups
  • Nausea

Nicotine pouches can also present several cardiovascular risks. The use of these products can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and potential heart attacks.

To speak with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center about smoking cessation, please call (718) 206-6942.

 

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.