Monthly Archives: August 2024

Blood Clots

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Blood clots are gel-like clumps of blood that form in your arteries and veins. Blood clots help control bleeding, but can also cause serious medical issues like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack.

Blood clots are the first line of defense if something damages your blood vessels. This is why bleeding usually stops after a few minutes when you cut yourself. You can also develop a blood clot when you have been immobile for a long time or have medical conditions that increase your risk of getting them.

Blood clots are made of small colorless fragments of cells produced by your bone marrow called platelets. They are also made of a sticky blood protein that looks like strings called fibrin. Platelets and fibrin work together to seal injured areas of your blood vessels.

You can have blood clots anywhere in your body. When they develop in the veins of your arms and legs it’s called deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots that form in the arteries of your lungs are called pulmonary embolism. A stroke occurs when blood clots block blood flow to your brain. When blood clots are in your heart, they can cause a heart attack.

If you are experiencing leg pain, swollen legs, or skin discoloration, these may be symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Chest pain or shortness of breath can be symptoms of blood clots in your lungs or heart.

Some other possible symptoms of blood clots to be mindful of include:

  • A cough that produces blood sputum
  • A fast heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, or jaw
  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Some conditions focus on blood clots such as blood clotting issues. Some blood clotting disorders include:

  • Factor V Leiden- an inherited disorder and most common blood clotting disorder. It slightly increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Prothrombin Gene Mutation- an inherited condition that slightly increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome- an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of blood clots.

People who have an increased risk of developing blood clots include:

  • People 65 years of age or older
  • Pregnancy
  • People who are obese
  • People who have cancer
  • Those on birth control or hormone therapy
  • Smokers
  • Immobile people

Ways to reduce the risk of developing blood clots include:

  • Avoid sitting for long periods
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Changing your lifestyle

If you are experiencing any of these 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.

How to Increase Your Stamina

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Stamina is the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.

Physical stamina is the ability to put in the maximum amount of effort during a physical activity, over some time while maintaining optimal performance.

Low stamina can negatively impact a person’s overall quality of life. Low physical stamina is associated with:

  • Poor athletic performance
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Difficulty sleeping

High physical stamina can lead to:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Better sleep
  • Higher sex drive
  • Improved athletic performance

An effective way to build up physical stamina is by doing aerobic exercises and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Mental stamina, sometimes called mental toughness, is the ability to handle life’s stresses, perform well under pressure, and maintain focus despite distractions.

Mental stamina has multiple components that can be referred to as the four C’s of mental toughness including:

  • Control: feeling like you are in control of your life, circumstances, and emotions.
  • Commitment: sticking with your goals even when it gets difficult.
  • Challenge: viewing potential threats to your success as opportunities instead.
  • Confidence: believing in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Low mental stamina is associated with:

  • Difficulty with daily tasks
  • Depression
  • Increased stress levels
  • Decreased attention span
  • Irritability

High mental stamina can lead to:

  • Increased attention span
  • Improved ability to focus on a task
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Increase in productivity

There are several ways to build mental stamina, including:

  • Setting “S.M.A.R.T.” goals- increase mental stamina by setting specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-efficient goals.
  • Find your motivation- focus on “why” you are working on a particular task to help motivate you to keep going.
  • Seek outside support- find people who will support you as you pursue your goals, such as a coach or other people who are pursuing similar goals.
  • Be positive- maintain a positive attitude about your progress and visualize yourself achieving your goal.
  • Stay focused- mental stamina depends on your ability to pay attention to a task for an extended amount of time.
  • Be aware of your environment- remove potential distractions from your environment when working on tasks to help build mental stamina.
  • Practice stress management techniques- reducing stress can improve mental stamina. Techniques such as mindfulness, stress therapy, and diaphragmatic breathing can be helpful.

Remember stamina can be built up, whether it’s physical or mental.

If you are experiencing any medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a neurologist 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.

Listeria, What You Should Know

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There have been products such as deli meats, vegetables, dips and salsas, and plant-based milk recalled due to a recent listeria outbreak.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes, is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures. 

Most people encounter listeria or listeriosis as a foodborne illness as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits especially melons, and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of listeria contamination. However, any food that is improperly handled or prepared can be affected. 

The listeria bacteria is unique compared to other types of bacteria because it survives and multiplies in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage. It also doesn’t change the smell, taste, or texture when it contaminates food like other bacteria.

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you first get infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks. But it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

The symptoms of a listeria infection include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, symptoms may include:

  • Headache 
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion or changes in alertness
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions

Those at risk of severe infection from listeria include:

  • Pregnant women
  • People older than 65 years old
  • People with weakened immune systems 
  • People suffering from chronic diseases

A blood test is often the most effective way to determine whether you have a listeria infection. Samples of urine and spinal fluid may also be tested. 

The treatment of listeria infection varies depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment at all. More serious listeria infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Some ways to prevent a listeria infection include:

1) Keeping things clean- wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot, soapy water to wash the utensils, cutting boards, and other food preparation services.

2) Scrub raw vegetables- clean raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under plenty of running water.

3) Cook your food thoroughly- Use a food thermometer to make sure your meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked to a safe temperature. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a listeria infection you can see a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

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August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles or motility in your stomach.

There are many signs and symptoms of gastroparesis which include:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal bloating
  • A feeling of fullness after eating a few bites
  • Vomiting undigested food that was eaten a few hours earlier
  • Acid reflux
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss and malnutrition

Many people with gastroparesis don’t have any noticeable signs or symptoms of the condition.

The cause of gastroparesis is unclear, however, some cases have been caused by damage to the vagus nerve which controls the stomach muscles. The vagus nerve helps manage the complex processes in the digestive tract like signaling the muscles in your stomach to contract and push food into the small intestine. 

The vagus nerve can also be damaged by diseases such as diabetes, as well as complications from stomach, or abdominal surgeries. 

Other factors that can increase your risk of gastroparesis include:

  • Esophageal surgery
  • Infection, usually from a virus
  • Certain medications that slow the rate of stomach emptying, such as narcotic pain medications
  • Scleroderma- a connective tissue disease
  • Nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or MS
  • An underactive thyroid

Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men. The condition can lead to several complications, including:

  • Severe dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Undigested food that hardens and remains in your stomach
  • Unpredictable blood sugar changes
  • Decreased quality of life

Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis so they can rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms. These tests include:

  • Gastric emptying tests
  • Scintigraphy
  • Breath tests
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Ultrasound

The treatment for gastroparesis begins with identifying and treating the underlying condition. For example, if diabetes is the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor can work with you to help control it. 

Other treatments may include:

  • Changes to your diet 
    • Eating smaller meals more frequently
    • Chewing food thoroughly
    • Eating well-cooked fruits and vegetables instead of raw
    • Avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables
    • Choosing mostly low-fat foods
    • Eating soups and pureed foods if liquids are easier to swallow
    • Drinking about 34-51 ounces of water a day
    • Avoiding carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking
    • Waiting for at least two hours to lie down after a meal
    • Taking a daily multivitamin
  • Medications
    • To stimulate the stomach muscles
    • To control nausea and vomiting
  • Surgical treatment

If you are suffering from symptoms of gastroparesis, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (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.