Monthly Archives: March 2025

Robot-assisted Hysterectomy

Posted on by

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus.

Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy can involve removing surrounding organs and tissues, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the type of hysterectomy you need depending on your condition. This will determine if your fallopian tubes and/or ovaries will be removed.

The different types of hysterectomy surgeries include:

  • A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix but leaves the ovaries. Since you still have ovaries, you won’t enter menopause immediately after surgery.
  • A supracervical hysterectomy removes just the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix. You can also have your fallopian tubes and ovaries removed at the same time. Since you still have a cervix, you will still need pap smears.
  • A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Since your ovaries are removed, menopause will start immediately if you haven’t already completed it.
  • A radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina, and some surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes. Healthcare providers use this procedure when cancer is involved. Since your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause.

A healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments before recommending a hysterectomy, depending on the reason for needing one. Sometimes, those treatments don’t help, or surgery is the only option to treat the condition.

Surgeons perform hysterectomies to treat the following:

  • Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe pelvic pain
  • Uterine fibroids and other noncancerous tumors
  • Severe endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapse that can lead to urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence
  • Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer
  • Conditions with the lining of your uterus, such as hyperplasia or adenomyosis
  • Serious complications of childbirth such as uterine rupture

Many people have a hysterectomy to prevent cancer. For people at high risk for certain types of cancer, removing the uterus and/or surrounding reproductive organs can reduce the chances of developing cancer.

Healthcare providers can use several different surgical approaches to perform a hysterectomy. A surgical procedure that is performed is a robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.

A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is similar to an abdominal laparoscopy, however, a surgeon performs the procedure with the help of a robotic machine.

A surgeon inserts a laparoscope through the abdomen incisions. They insert small, thin surgical tools through three to five other small incisions around your belly button. The surgeon controls robotic arms and instruments.

The recovery is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • Minimal scarring
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery times
  • Less risk of wound infection,
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Less blood loss

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7001 to make an appointment.

 

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.

MS Awareness Month

Posted on by

March is observed as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a month that raises awareness about the disease.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves called myelin. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes, and other symptoms. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. MS eventually causes permanent damage to the nerve fibers.

Launched in 2003, National MS Education and Awareness Month is a nationwide effort by MS Focus: The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and affiliated groups to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis. The vital goals of this campaign are to promote an understanding of the scope of the disease and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.

MS Awareness Month benefits those with MS, their families, and communities. It is also an opportunity for family and friends of people with MS to learn more about the disease.

There are several ways to get involved in MS Awareness Month, including:

  • Sign up for an MS walk
  • Attend educational events
  • Share your story
  • Make a donation
  • Wear orange
  • Spread the word on social media

MS affects everyone differently. MS Awareness Month brings awareness to the condition’s many forms.

Getting involved during MS Awareness Month can help raise awareness for this condition and lead to a cure.

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 Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on by

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar names, however, they are different diseases with distinctive causes.

A key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes develops over several years and is related to lifestyle factors such as being inactive and carrying excess weight, and is usually diagnosed in adults.

Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, mistaking them for foreign invaders. After the beta cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.

Researchers are unsure why the immune system attacks the body’s cells. They believe it may be due to genetic and environmental factors, such as being exposed to viruses.

People who have type 2 diabetes have an insulin resistance. The body can still produce insulin but is unable to use it effectively.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin-resistant and others don’t, but several lifestyle factors may contribute to it, such as being inactive and carrying excess weight.

Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role. When a person develops type 2 diabetes, the pancreas will overcompensate by producing more insulin. Because the body can’t effectively use the insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The known risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

  • Family history
  • Age

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

  • Having prediabetes or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
  • Carrying excess weight or having obesity
  • Having a lot of belly fat
  • Being physically active less than three times a week
  • Being over the age of 45
  • Having had gestational diabetes
  • Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
  • Being Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural inequities contributing to health disparities
  • Having an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
  • Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If not managed properly, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms that can include:

  • Urinating frequently
  • Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot of fluids
  • Feeling very hungry
  • Feeling very fatigued
  • Having blurry vision
  • Having cuts or sores that don’t heal properly
  • Having very dry skin
  • Having more infections than usual

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also experience irritability, mood changes, and unintentional weight loss.

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. However, it is possible to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include:

  • Maintaining a moderate weight
  • Working with a healthcare provider to develop a healthy weight-loss plan, if you are overweight
  • Increasing activity levels
  • Eating a balanced diet and reducing the intake of sugary foods and overly processed foods

If you are experiencing diabetes symptoms, you can call to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at 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.

Jamaica Hospital Opens New Pediatric Unit

Posted on by

On Wednesday, March 19th, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center proudly opened its newly renovated inpatient pediatric unit.

When creating the new space, emphasis was placed on comfort, safety, and privacy. The unit, located on the 5th floor of the hospital, is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and features 13 beds, including two isolation rooms complete with a HEPA filtration system.

Additionally, the pediatric unit is beautifully decorated with child-friendly murals to create a soothing environment and offers a family lounge, an open refreshment area for families, and a pediatric playroom, which will be staffed by a dedicated Child Life Specialist.

The pediatric unit is staffed by board-certified pediatricians, as well as experienced pediatric registered nurses and respiratory therapists. Jamaica Hospital also offers a wide variety of pediatric subspecialty services, including pediatric endocrinology, urology, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, surgery, and neonatology, to provide comprehensive care for the children in the community.

Construction on the pediatric unit began in April of 2024 and was almost entirely completed by Jamaica Hospital’s in-house Engineering Department.  During construction, pediatric patients requiring admission were transferred to Flushing Hospital Medical Center, also part of the MediSys Health Network, where they received expert and compassionate care.

“This is an exciting day for the community and Jamaica Hospital,” stated Marge Lilienthal, Director of Nursing for Women & Children’s Services. The opening of this new unit reaffirms the hospital’s commitment to the care of children in our communities.  We now have a world-class facility for our doctors, nurses, and the rest of our health care team to deliver care.”

 

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. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos

Posted on by

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, the newest members of the nephrology team.

Dr. Michael Chang is an attending nephrologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his internal medicine residency at Montefiore Moses-Weiler Campus in the Bronx, New York. He later completed a fellowship in nephrology at the Mount Sinai Hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, also known as Dr. Fausto by his patients, is a board-certified Nephrologist and Internist. He is incredibly passionate about helping people live healthier lives and believes that adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve kidney health and overall well-being. After earning his medical degree from Universidad del Valle in Colombia, Dr. Bolanos completed a research fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, focusing on artificial organ support and transplants. During this time, he realized that while medical technology is powerful, simple lifestyle interventions like healthy eating and exercise can lead to positive heart and kidney disease outcomes.

Dr. Chang is especially interested in providing high-quality, compassionate care to his patients. Many of his patients suffer from diabetic kidney disease and hypertension. Dr. Chang particularly enjoys bridging the knowledge gap for patients about their conditions, He spends considerable time counseling patients, so they understand their treatment plans. One of his favorite aspects of his work is getting to know patients personally. When prescribing medications for kidney disease, he is mindful of a patient’s values and lifestyle. He is also passionate about working with medical trainees and teaching them to become more curious and independent doctors.

Since making New York City his home, Dr. Bolanos is proud to have served several communities throughout Brooklyn and Queens. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at Woodhull Medical Center/New York University Hospital and later completed a Nephrology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate/ Kings County Hospital Medical Center. He has an unwavering commitment to caring for vulnerable communities and forging long-standing relationships with patients afflicted with kidney disease. In his free time, Dr. Bolanos enjoys running and swimming to stay active and healthy.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Chang and Dr. Bolanos to our team and look forward to the work they and the rest of the Nephrology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

 

 

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 Cope When a Family Member is in Hospice

Posted on by

Hospice care or end-of-life care is specialized care that provides physical comfort alongside emotional, social, and spiritual support for people nearing the end of life.

The grief we experience while coping with a dying loved one is different than what we experience after someone has died.

Here are some strategies to help both the patient and their loved ones during hospice care:

Understand your grief

Anticipatory grief is the deep sadness felt during the last days of life. It can be felt by both the patient and their loved ones.

Feeling grief while your loved one is still alive doesn’t mean you are abandoning your loved one or giving up. Instead, anticipatory grief can give you a chance to gain meaning and closure you might not have had otherwise.

You may feel like you are somewhere between holding on and letting go. Some people find this very painful. They may feel like they are betraying their loved one if they lean towards letting go. The truth is that it is possible to live with both holding on and letting go simultaneously. You don’t have to choose.

Let yourself feel and grieve

Everyone grieves and responds differently to news about a terminal diagnosis. Anticipatory grief can begin as soon as you’re told a loved one may die soon. You could also experience a delay as you process the information about your loved one’s diagnosis.

Let yourself feel the pain. This helps you to be honest and true with yourself.

Anticipatory grief is not just grief for the coming death of a loved one. It is also grief for other losses that go along with death, such as:

  • The loss of a companion
  • The loss of shared memories
  • The loss of dreams for the future

Sometimes, grief from the past can resurface during this time.

Denying the pain you are feeling can prolong the grief you feel later on. Grief serves a purpose, whether it occurs before or after death.

Researchers have identified four phases and tasks of grief. They include:

  • Accepting the impending loss
  • Working through the pain
  • Adjusting to a new reality where your loved one is absent
  • Connecting to your departed loved one differently as you move forward

Implementing these tasks doesn’t mean you should give up on your loved one or forget them. Instead, these tasks will help you hold onto the joy and love you once shared. They can also help temper the deep sadness that may make remembering painful.

Don’t go it alone: Express your pain

Trying to stay strong when a parent or loved one is dying can be challenging. Always give yourself permission to feel sad or ask for support from other people in your life.

It is important to let yourself feel your pain. However, many people find it hard to express grief before death. They may feel they are being unsupportive of their loved one. Talking to a trusted friend is a good way to cope with these feelings.

One huge difference between anticipatory grief and the grief you feel after someone dies is that there is often more anger in anticipatory grief. You may also find it more difficult to control your emotions.

Find a friend who doesn’t judge and will let you express anger. This person should be a good listener and should not try to “fix things” or tell you how you should feel.

There is no easy fix for your emotions. However, a good listener can help you feel less alone.

Spend time with your dying loved one

People sometimes talk about how difficult it is to spend time with a dying loved one because they may not want to remember them as they were dying. They may want to remember how the person was before instead.

Spending time with a dying loved one is important for many people. This isn’t just true for the person who is dying, but also for their close loved ones. If you decide not to visit your loved one, you may regret it later.

Find meaningful ways to spend time together. Share old photographs or keepsakes. If possible, ask your loved one to share stories about themselves, family heirlooms, and other possessions. You may find reminiscing to be healing.

Try journaling

Keeping a journal can be healing. It can help you express things you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing with a friend. A journal can be a place to record thoughts you had around the time of your loved one’s death.

You can also try writing letters. A letter to your dying loved one may also help you say all the things you’ve been wanting to say.

Take advantage of holistic methods of coping

A holistic approach may be helpful for both the person dying and their loved ones. “Holistic” means treating the whole person, including their mental and emotional health. Some of these therapies have been found to help with emotions like anxiety.

A holistic approach can help bring hope and healing to those grieving. Some examples include:

  • Guided imagery
  • Meditation
  • Art therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Qigong, a Chinese practice of meditation and breathing
  • Music therapy

Nurture your spirituality

Spirituality is important for those who are dying and for their caregivers. Spirituality can take many forms, including:

  • Organized religion and prayer
  • Meditation
  • Communing with nature
  • Listening to music that is meaningful to you

Studies have shown that people have a better quality of life in their last days if they have an active spiritual life. Caregivers may also experience less depression if their dying loved one has an active spiritual life.

Maintain a sense of humor

There isn’t much room for humor when someone is dying. However, in the right setting, humor can sometimes be healing. One review found a strong benefit of humor in the end-of-life setting. Humor can benefit the person dying and their loved ones.

Practice forgiveness

Forgiveness can be healing. Learning to forgive yourself is just as important as forgiving others.

The time before death is very emotional. There may be anger and resentment among family members. However, it is also a time to resolve differences.

Listening is an important first step toward forgiveness. Sometimes, two people can say the same things, but in different ways. At other times, you may continue to disagree with what your loved one is saying even after talking it through. When this happens, ask yourself this question: “Is it more important to love or to be right?”

Letting go of resentment and pain from the past can be freeing. Give yourself the gift of forgiveness.

Give your loved one permission to die

Sometimes a dying person can live until a specific moment. Some people seem to wait until after a loved one says goodbye. This goodbye can act as permission to die. This can be helpful for the dying person and their loved ones. A goodbye can be a beautiful gift.

Anticipatory grief is a common experience. There are many ways to cope with anticipatory grief, but everyone grieves differently. It is important to allow yourself to grieve.

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.

Jamaica Hospital First in South Queens to Implant Esprit BTK™ System to Reduce the Risk of Leg Amputation

Posted on by

A surgical team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, led by Dr. Mina Guerges, is the first in South Queens to successfully implant a new and innovative device designed to reduce the risk of leg amputation in certain patients, for example, those with diabetes.

The FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System (Esprit BTK™ System) is a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent and breakthrough innovation that treats patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) below the knee (BTK).

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the lower leg and feet become blocked or narrowed. Over time, these blockages or the restriction of blood can damage or kill skin, nerves, or muscles in the affected limb, increasing the risk of complications such as amputation.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia currently affects more than 20 million people living in the United States.  Those at risk for developing CLTI include people who:

  • Use tobacco products
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Have diabetes
  • Have a family history of PAD or CLTI

Jamaica Hospital serves a patient population with a prevalence of CLTI. The hospital’s vascular division has achieved a high level of success in caring for these patients by combining traditional approaches and new techniques and technologies to improve outcomes.

As the first hospital in South Queens to utilize the Esprit™ BTK System, Jamaica Hospital offers patients an effective treatment option to prevent limb amputation. The device works by keeping arteries open and delivering a drug (Everolimus) to support vessel healing before completely dissolving.

Studies have shown that implanting the device offers greater benefits than previously used methods, such as balloon angioplasty, to prevent possible amputation. The surgery to implant the Esprit™ BTK System is minimally invasive, meaning small incisions are used. Additional benefits include shorter recovery times, the potential for better long-term outcomes, and a reduced risk of amputation.

Vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital are optimistic that leveraging this new technology will help manage chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee and greatly improve limb salvage rates among patients.  The hospital aims to ensure patients in the community have access to effective, innovative, and high-quality healthcare.

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.

Signs of High Stress

Posted on by

Stress is a natural human reaction that happens to everyone. Your body is built to react to stress in ways meant to protect you against threats from predators and other aggressors. These threats are rare today, however, that doesn’t mean that life is free of stress.

Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive by keeping you alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. However, stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.

Stressors can be positive and negative; getting a new job or losing a job can cause stress. Other causes of stress include:

  • An illness or death of a loved one
  • Marriage, separation, or divorce
  • Financial issues
  • Moving into a new house
  • Going on vacation
  • Having a baby
  • Retiring

There are three main types of stress: acute, episodic acute, and chronic.

  • Acute stress- is a short-term stress that comes and goes quickly. It can be positive or negative. It is the feeling you get when you ride a rollercoaster or have a fight with a significant other. Everyone experiences acute stress from time to time.
  • Episodic acute stress- is when you experience acute stress regularly. With this type of stress, you don’t get the time you need to return to a calm, relaxed state. Episodic stress frequently affects people working in certain professions, such as healthcare providers.
  • Chronic stress- is long-term stress that can last for weeks or months. It can be caused by troubles in your marriage, issues at work, or financial problems. It is important to find ways to manage chronic stress because it can lead to health issues.

The body’s autonomic nervous system controls the heart rate, breathing, vision changes, and more. It also triggers the body’s “flight-or-fight” response as a way to react to stressful situations.

Having a continuous activation of this stress response can cause wear and tear on the body. It can cause you to develop stress symptoms that are physical, psychological, or behavioral.

Physical stress symptoms can include:

  • Aches and pains
  • Chest pain or the feeling of your heart racing
  • Exhaustion or insomnia
  • Headaches, dizziness, or shaking
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle tension or jaw clenching
  • Stomach or digestive problems
  • Trouble having sex
  • A weakened immune system

Psychological stress symptoms can include:

  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Sadness

Chronic stress can lead to several long-term issues that affect your immune, digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.

People with chronic stress try different things to cope. Some of these things can become habit-forming and can impact your health. Behavioral stress symptoms can include:

  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Gambling disorder
  • Overeating or developing an eating disorder
  • Participating compulsively in sex, shopping, or internet browsing
  • Smoking
  • Substance abuse disorder

It can be difficult to diagnose stress due to its subjectivity. It isn’t measurable with tests because only the person experiencing it can determine whether it is present and how severe it feels. A healthcare provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life.

If you have chronic stress, your healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms that result from stress, such as diagnosing and treating high blood pressure.

Stress is something that can’t be avoided. However, you can prevent it from becoming overwhelming by practicing daily stress relief strategies, including the following:

  • Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise and sleep
  • Doing relaxation exercises such as yoga, deep breathing, massages, or meditation
  • Keeping a gratitude journal
  • Taking time for hobbies
  • Fostering healthy relationships and talking with your friends and family
  • Finding ways to include humor and laughter in your life
  • Volunteering in your community
  • Organizing and focusing on what you need to get done at home and work and removing unneeded tasks
  • Seeking professional counseling

Embracing mindfulness and learning to manage stress can reward you with peace of mind, fewer stressors and less anxiety, and a better quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

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.

COPD Myths

Posted on by

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of health conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that limit airflow in the lungs.

Many myths and misconceptions exist about COPD. Here are some misconceptions surrounding COPD:

Myth #1: Only people who smoke get COPD

COPD is often associated with smoking, as smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is the most common cause of the damage done to the lungs and airways. However, nearly 30% of people with COPD have never smoked a cigarette. Nonsmoking causes of COPD include:

  • Long-term exposure to polluted air, such as smog in an urban area or dust and fumes at a workplace
  • Genetics plays a role, specifically a condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)
  • Asthma that’s active or even inactive. Researchers have found that 29% of people with asthma eventually receive a COPD diagnosis
  • Childhood respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia

Myth #2: COPD is rare

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over six in 100 adults in the U.S. had a COPD diagnosis in 2022.

That means millions of adults across the country have received a diagnosis of COPD. The actual proportion of adults with COPD may be higher due to delays in obtaining a diagnosis.

Myth #3: Exercise is too hard if you have COPD

Shortness of breath, wheezing, a chronic cough, and fatigue can all be a part of COPD. Any one of these symptoms can make exercising challenging.

Moderate exercise may not affect your lungs. In some cases, exercise can minimize the symptoms of COPD while strengthening the heart and helping reduce stress.

Try to build up to 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four times a week. Combine safe cardiovascular activities such as walking or biking with stretching and strength-building. It won’t be easy to start exercising. Speak with your healthcare provider about building an exercise plan that works for you. They may be able to connect you with a respiratory therapist for breathing techniques and exercises you can do. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor about your health before starting a new exercise regimen.

Myth #4: Only older people develop COPD

COPD is more common in people 65 or older. However, younger people can also develop this condition.

A 2023 study found that COPD affected more than 1.6% of adults ages 20 to 50 in the U.S. Adults aged 35 to 50 had a higher risk of COPD than those under the age of 35.

A history of smoking or secondhand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of COPD in young adults.

Myth #5: COPD is a man’s disease

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that women are more likely to develop COPD than men in the U.S.

More women than men have also died from COPD since 2000 in the U.S.

Exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants raises the risk of COPD for anyone; however, women can experience more harmful effects than men from these pollutants.

Women with COPD also tend to get a diagnosis later than men, after the disease has progressed and treatment is less effective. This may contribute to reduced survival in women with COPD.

Myth #6: Nothing can be done to treat COPD

COPD treatments are available to help limit symptoms and potentially slow the progression of COPD.

Your treatment plan can include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking (if you smoke), as well as one or more of the following:

  • Vaccinations
  • Medications
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Lung transplant
  • Surgery

Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about your treatment options.

Myth #7: There’s no point in quitting smoking after you develop COPD

Avoiding tobacco smoke is one of the most important things you can do to manage COPD.

If you smoke, cutting back and quitting can help limit symptoms and slow the progression of COPD.

Although more research is necessary, it may also be helpful to avoid e-cigarettes and other vaping products.

Avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is likely your healthiest option. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn about smoking cessation counseling, medication, or other resources that can help you cut back and quit smoking or vaping.

Jamaica Hospital’s Medical Home Department has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring you Freedom from Smoking, a comprehensive and successful group-based smoking cessation program. For more information or to register, call: 718-206-8494

 

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.

Missed Periods

Posted on by

Many women will have late or missed periods in their lifetime. Depending on the reason, this can be normal.

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of a missed period; however, it is only one of several reasons why your period may be late or missed.

Missed or late periods may also be caused by:

  • Stress
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Perimenopause
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Breastfeeding
  • Sudden changes in your weight
  • Obesity
  • Extreme or excessive exercise
  • Taking certain medications

When you don’t get your period at all, this is known as amenorrhea. There are two kinds of amenorrhea: primary and secondary.  Primary amenorrhea occurs in females aged 15 and older who have never had their first period. Secondary amenorrhea happens when women who have previously had regular periods stop menstruating for three months or more in a row.

The absence of your period, when not caused by perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, can be indicative of an underlying health condition.

You should see a doctor for missed periods if:

  • You have missed your period for three months or more consecutively
  • You have fewer than nine periods in a year
  • You have not had your period by the age of 16 or 17
  • There are changes in the pattern of your periods

Your doctor may perform a pelvic examination and order tests, including imaging and hormonal tests, to determine a diagnosis. Treatment for amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications or surgery.

If you have concerns about missed or late periods, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health department for an appointment by calling 718-291-3276.

 

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.