Diabetic Macular Edema

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a severe complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when there is swelling in the central part of the retina in the eye, called the macula.

Diabetes affects the blood vessels in the eyes, making them weaker and more likely to leak blood. It may also cause new and more fragile blood vessels to grow where they shouldn’t.

There are several signs and symptoms of diabetic macular edema, including:

Blurry or double vision

Difficulty seeing colors

Dark spots

Straight lines that appear to be bent or curved

Floaters

Difficulty seeing when there’s glare or bright light

Seeing an object as being a different size when looking at it with only one eye and then the other

Diabetic macular edema can be diagnosed when an ophthalmologist performs a thorough eye examination to see if there is any swelling in your retina. In addition to the eye exam, your ophthalmologist will perform a slit lamp exam, as well as tests to help diagnose and monitor diabetic macular edema, including:

Optical coherence tomography

Fluorescein angiography

Amsler grid

There are several treatment options for diabetic macular edema. One form of treatment includes drugs that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a protein that helps new blood vessels grow, and steroids that are injected into the eye to help manage inflammation. Another form of treatment includes laser therapy to seal the blood vessels in your eyes to stop the leakage, and vitrectomy.

There are several ways to possibly reduce your risk of developing diabetic macular edema, including:

Managing diabetes and other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure

Getting regular eye exams

Eating a healthy diet

Getting regular physical activity

Quitting smoking

If you’re experiencing symptoms of diabetic macular edema, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (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.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating abruptly because of a sudden loss of electrical function. This medical emergency requires immediate attention because blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops within seconds.

Someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may lose consciousness, collapse, stop breathing or gasp for air, or not respond when shaken. Although sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning, individuals may have shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a rapid beating heart beforehand.

A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may die within minutes if not treated immediately. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die.

If someone appears to be in sudden cardiac arrest, you must call 911 and begin CPR immediately. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available.

Sudden cardiac arrest can have several causes, including:

Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
Heart attack
Coronary artery disease
Congenital heart defects
Cardiomyopathy
Heart valve disease
Recreational drug use
Severe blood loss
Electrolyte imbalances

Some individuals have a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest than others. A person may be at a higher risk if they:

Have experienced a previous heart attack
Have had heart failure
Have certain inherited heart conditions
If they are living with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension and high cholesterol
A history of serious arrhythmias
Are a survivor of a prior sudden cardiac arrest episode

Those who are obese, smoke, or use illicit substances are also at risk.

Research shows that between 40% and 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases are preventable and the risk can be reduced, because the vast majority of causes stem from underlying heart conditions.

Prevention can be achieved through knowing your family history, requesting specific screenings and early detection, managing underlying illnesses, and practicing heart-healthy habits. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department can help you manage your heart health. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7100.

What to Know About This Year’s Flu Shot

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flu season has arrived, and it can be unpredictable. It can begin as early as fall and can last until spring, with flu activity usually peaking during winter.

Public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together every fall to promote the flu vaccine because the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death.

The flu can hit hard and fast, with more severe symptoms usually coming on more suddenly. Symptoms of the flu include:

A high, sudden fever

A stuffy nose

A dry cough

Headaches

Muscle aches

Extreme fatigue

Chills and sweats

Lack of appetite

The flu vaccine can help protect you and your loved ones from potentially dangerous complications. The Food and Drug Administration has approved nine flu vaccines for the 2026-2027 season to help prevent an infection from the flu virus. Each vaccine is trivalent, meaning they were designed to protect against three different strains of influenza, which are the viruses that cause the flu. The three strains are comprised of two influenza A viruses and one influenza B/Victoria virus.

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can have a lot to do with when you get it, which is why it is recommended to get the flu vaccine about two weeks before flu season begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people six years of age or older receive an annual flu vaccine, ideally before the end of October. However, vaccination later in the season can still offer protection.

Each of the nine vaccines is recommended for certain age groups. They include:

Fluad is recommended for those 65 years of age or older

Fluarix is recommended for those six months or older

Flublok is recommended for those nine years of age or older

Flucelvax is recommended for those six months or older

FluLaval is recommended for those six months or older

FluMist is recommended for those two years of age or older

Fluzone is recommended for those six months or older

Fluzone High-Dose is recommended for those 65 years of age or older

MFlusiva is recommended for those 50 years of age or older

It is important to note that the flu vaccine has more benefits than just lowering your risk of getting the flu. They include:

It lowers the risk of needing to go to a healthcare professional for treatment of the flu

It reduces the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations, and death

It helps lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick with the flu virus

It helps prevent the flu from spreading to those around you. This is essential if you are regularly around people who have weakened immune systems or people who can’t receive the flu vaccine

If you are pregnant, it helps protect your fetus during pregnancy and for a few months after birth

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious symptoms of the flu virus. However, there are also several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu, including:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you are around high-risk individuals.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of the flu, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

What is HRT for Menopause?

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps people who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and replaces the hormones that the body isn’t making enough of.

HRT is the term used when a person receives treatment at a younger age, especially before the age of 40. Healthcare providers use the term hormone therapy (HT) when the person is receiving treatment after the age of 50. As women transition to menopause, their ovaries stop making high levels of estrogen. This can cause symptoms, such as:

Hot flashes and night sweats

Mood swings, depression, or irritability

Insomnia

Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse

Leaking pee

There are two main types of HRT: estrogen therapy and estrogen-progesterone therapy.

Estrogen therapy involves taking only estrogen. Estrogen can come in many forms, including:

Pills that are taken orally

A patch that sticks to the skin

A gel that is applied to the skin

A ring that is worn inside the vagina

A cream that is applied to the vagina

Tablets that are placed inside the vagina

A spray that is applied to the arm

Estrogen-progesterone therapy, or combination therapy, combines doses of estrogen and progesterone

There are two ways to take hormone replacement therapy: systemic and local.

Systemic hormone therapy means the hormone goes through your bloodstream and travels to the organs and tissues it needs to get to.

Local hormone therapy means the hormone is applied to a specific area.

There are both health benefits and risks to be aware of when taking HRT. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of HRT outweigh its risks.

A main benefit of HRT is that it relieves uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, which can lead to a better quality of life and allow you to get back to enjoying your daily activities. The benefits of HRT include:

Helping with vaginal dryness and uncomfortable sex

Helping with hot flashes and night sweats

Helping with estrogen deficiency

Other health benefits of taking HRT include:

Reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis or breaking a bone

Improves your sleep

Improves mood and overall happiness in some people

Reduces your risk of developing diabetes

Combination therapy lowers your risk of developing colon cancer

Although HRT can help you get through menopause as you deal with it, it comes with potential risks, including:

Increased risk of uterine cancer, only if you still have a uterus and aren’t taking progestin along with estrogen

Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use in some people

Increased risk of heart disease if you begin using HRT 10 years after menopause starts

Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

Increased risk of gallbladder disease

It’s important to note that many of these potential risks have to do with your overall health and family history of health conditions. It is important to discuss any individual risks with your healthcare provider.

If HRT doesn’t work for you or if your healthcare provider doesn’t think you would benefit from it, they may offer alternative options that may help your symptoms. Alternative options include:

Antidepressants for hot flashes

Over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal lubricants

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for hot flashes and painful sexual intercourse

Fezolinetant or paroxetine, which are FDA-approved for treating hot flashes

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms and are interested in HRT, you can get more information about Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service or make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast Cancer Stages

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells become abnormal, multiply, and form tumors. Most breast cancers are carcinomas that start in milk ducts or milk-producing glands. Most cases are invasive, which means a tumor can spread to other parts of your body without treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it is rare, male breast cancers also occur.

Most people who have breast cancer survive it. However, what a breast cancer diagnosis means is different for everyone. The cancer type, its stage, and your response to treatment are just a few factors that will shape your outlook.

Cancer staging systems help healthcare providers plan treatment and understand your prognosis, or what to expect after treatment. The most well-known one is called the TNM system, which considers (T) tumor size and location, and whether cancer has spread to the (N) lymph nodes or (M) metastasized to other sites. Healthcare providers will use this information to stage breast cancer from 0 to IV. The higher numbered stages mean the disease is more advanced. The TNM stages are:

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Stage 0 doesn’t show any evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started or getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells break through to or invade normal surrounding breast tissue. Stage I breast cancer is divided into subcategories IA and IB:

- Stage IA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor that measures up to 2 cm

- - The cancer has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved

- Stage IB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor in the breast, but small groups of cancer cells that are larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm, and are found in the lymph nodes

- - There is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm in the lymph nodes

Stage II is divided into subcategories IIA and IIB:

- Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor present in the breast, but is found in one to three lymph nodes under the arm or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone and is larger than 2 mm

- - A tumor that measures 2 cm or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and a small group of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in the lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III breast cancer is divided into subcategories IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

- Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - No tumor is found in the breast, or the tumor may be any size, or cancer is found in four to nine axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or small groups of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer

- - May have spread to up to nine axillary lymph nodes

- - May have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - There may be no sign of cancer in the breast, or if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast

- - The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes

- - The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone

Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain

Whether you need diagnostic testing or treatment, the MediSys Cancer Center located at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers unmatched Queens cancer care for any form of cancer. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our New York hospital’s oncology department, please call 718-206-8263.

Mental Illness Awareness Week- National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Depression results from a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, and it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take steps to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression, including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional, you can find out more about the mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Chronic Arthritis

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Arthritis is a general term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation, pain or tenderness, stiffness, or swelling in the joints.

Chronic arthritis is a form of arthritis that persists for an extended period, typically longer than three months, and causes ongoing symptoms. These symptoms can limit your range of motion and make daily activities more difficult.

Some common forms of chronic arthritis are:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis

Some people are at higher risk of developing arthritis than others. Risk factors for arthritis include:

Smoking /Tobacco use
Having previous joint injuries
Age (the risk increases as you get older)
Genetics
Excess weight
Occupations that require constant bending, squatting, or heavy lifting
Past joint infections
Chronic gum disease

A healthcare professional can diagnose arthritis after conducting a physical examination, assessing your medical history, or analyzing lab or imaging tests. A specialist such as a rheumatologist may confirm your diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Treatment for chronic arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. It may involve medications to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or prevent further joint damage. Your healthcare provider may also recommend physical therapy and making lifestyle changes to help maintain a good quality of life.

To schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Fall Allergies

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Fall has arrived, and with it, the fall allergy season. Nearly 25% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, however, they can also be severe during September through December.

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to ragweed pollen being widely dispersed. Symptoms you may experience include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and post-nasal drainage.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001

Astigmatism

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Astigmatism is a common, generally treatable imperfection in the eye’s curvature that causes blurred distance and near vision. It occurs when the cornea (the surface of the eye) or the lens has mismatched curves, making the surface egg-shaped instead of round like a ball.

There are several signs and symptoms of astigmatism, including:

Seeing glare, halos, or star-like patterns around lights

Squinting

Blurred or distorted vision

Eye strain or discomfort

Headaches

Difficulty with night vision

Fatigue

Astigmatism is a refractive error that may be present at birth or develop after an eye injury, disease, or surgery.

Other refractive errors that may occur in combination with astigmatism include:

Myopia or nearsightedness– occurs when the cornea is curved too much, or the eye is longer than usual. Instead of being focused precisely on the retina, light is focused in front of the retina, which makes distant objects seem blurry

Hyperopia or farsightedness– occurs when the cornea is curved too little or the eye is shorter than usual. When the eye is in a relaxed state, light never comes to a focus at the back of the eye, which makes nearby objects seem blurry

There are several risk factors for astigmatism, including:

Genetics

Keratoconus

Eye injury

Eye surgery

An eye doctor will perform an eye exam to help them diagnose astigmatism. The eye exam allows the doctor to check the health of your eyes and refraction. They will then use the results to determine the prescription needed to provide clear vision.

The goal of treating astigmatism is to improve vision clarity and eye comfort. Treatments for astigmatism include:

Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses

Refractive surgery, which improves vision and reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. An eye surgeon uses a laser beam to reshape the curves of the cornea, correcting the refractive error. Types of refractive surgery include:

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

Epi-LASIK

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)

Other types of refractive surgeries include clear lens extraction and implantable contact lenses. There is no single best method for refractive surgery, and you should decide only after a complete evaluation and a thorough discussion with your surgeon about which refractive surgery is best for you.

The Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York provides a comprehensive range of medical, diagnostic, and surgical services for those with vision and eye conditions. Services are offered by some of the leading general, specialty, and pediatric ophthalmologists in Queens, NY. Please call 718-206-5900 to make an appointment.