Raina Daswani

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

This month we would like to introduce you to Raina Daswani, a Respiratory Therapist who works primarily on the pediatric inpatient unit and also the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She has been with Jamaica Hospital for almost five years and feels like it has become her second home.

Raina is a Queens native, having grown up in Forest Hills and graduating from Forest Hills High School. After high school she went on to study at both Queens College and the Borough of Manhattan Community College where she earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Raina is very proud of the work that she is doing at the hospital. She enjoys the diversity of the illnesses that she treats and the people she meets every day. Her colleagues at Jamaica Hospital feel like a second family to her. Everyone is very supportive of one another and that makes coming to work every day very enjoyable. She says team work is very important especially when working at a hospital and people at Jamaica work well together. Raina feels very fortunate to have chosen the right career for her and likes that she gets to do something every day that she really feels good about.

Raina currently lives on Long Island, is married and she has a Maltese, named Simba. In her free time she enjoys reading, going to movies and to shows on Broadway. When she goes on vacation, she enjoys travelling to Europe. Raina looks forward to coming to work every day and we look forward to having her work with us for a long time.

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 Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to take part in the Great American Smokeout. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.
The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.
Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:
• Smoking Cessation Groups
• Nicotine substitute products
• Support from family and friends
• Telephone quit lines
• Counseling
• Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke
If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital to discuss smoking cessation, please call 718-206-8494.

Foot Care

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

We often take them for granted but think how life would be different if we had serious problems with our feet or worse, if one or both were missing.
One of the big mistakes that people often make is not wearing shoes that fit properly. If shoes are too tight, they can cause friction against the skin which will lead to blisters, callouses and the potential for ingrown toe nails. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose, this can lead to the potential for falling. Worn out shoes may be very comfortable but can also be harmful. Look at the bottom of the shoes to see if they are wearing out unevenly. If they are, it is time to treat yourself to a new pair.
Many people have difficulty trimming their own toe nails which can lead to problems, especially if the nails start to grow into the skin. That can lead to the potential for pain at the very least and also for infections. If you experience difficulty with keeping the nails properly trimmed, seek the help of a podiatrist who can assist you. Nail salons which are very popular may not be the best solution because the workers don’t always use instruments that are properly cleaned and they also may not use proper techniques.
It is important to keep the feet clean and dry. Always dry the feet thoroughly after bathing and especially between the toes. This will keep the skin from peeling. Poor hygiene can lead to serious problems and the possibility of infection.
During the winter months, our skin tends to be very dry and can crack. Using an unscented skin cream or Vitamin A and D cream once a day on the top and bottom of the foot can help avoid cracked skin. It is important to remember that these creams should not be used between the toes.
Never go barefoot in public areas, especially showers. There is a greater risk for contracting athlete’s foot and other skin diseases from these places. Wearing a pair of pair of rubber or plastic shoes in the shower can help, even in your own home.
People with diabetes have to be extra cautious when it comes to taking care of their feet. Even a tiny cut can be very dangerous. That is because people with diabetes tend to heal slowly and are often more susceptible to infection.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet, you should make an appointment with a foot doctor who can assist you. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Diwali Toy Donation to Pediatrics

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was the recipient of the first Diwali Toy Drive sponsored by Shri Surya Narayan Mandir. Members of the organization took time out of their schedules to distribute toys and other gifts to the children on the Pediatric and the Maternity units where both moms and babies received gifts

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November has been designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. There are 86 million more people who have pre-diabetes and are at risk of developing type II diabetes during their lifetime.

There is no cure for diabetes but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar daily and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways complications can be prevented.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications. It is the leading cause of blindness, non traumatic amputations, kidney disease and also increases the risk for heart attacks.

During the month of November, the ADA sponsors events around the country that serve to make people aware of the risk factors and the warning signs of diabetes. For more information on events taking place, please see the American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org. It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Mirna Calixto

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

This month we would like to introduce you to Mirna Calixto, receptionist at the main information desk.
Mirna has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for two years and says that she feels very privileged to be one of the first points of contact for people visiting the hospital. She enjoys helping people and making sure that our visitors have a positive experience. Mirna speaks both English and Spanish which is a big asset at the hospital’s information desk.
Mirna is a Queens native who grew up in Jamaica. She is a graduate of Hillcrest High School and is now currently enrolled at LaGuardia College studying for a career in a health care.
Mirna has three children, two girls and a boy and also two pets, one is a small dog and the other is a golden macaw bird that actually speaks-sometimes too much she says.
Her favorite season is the fall because she believes that there is something special about the changing colors of the leaves. In her free time she enjoys hiking, visiting water parks and traveling to see other states.
Mirna shares that the best part of working at Jamaica Hospital, besides the wonderful people that she works with, is interacting with guests all day and providing them with assistance. She always tries her best to ensure that they receive the information needed to make their visit go smoothly.

Flu Prevention

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

It is the middle of October and it is also the beginning of flu season. None of us want to catch the flu so it is a good idea to take some preventative measures that can help us to stay healthy.
Here are a few of the ways we can prevent getting the flu:
• Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the vaccine every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep a hand sanitizer handy for the times soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Whenever possible, disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others such as tables and chairs.
• Clean your drinking glasses and dishes in hot water and with soap
• Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night
• Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is highly recommended to quit smoking.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital to discuss the flu vaccine and other ways to stay healthy, please call 718-206-7001.

Five Steps to Lowering Blood Pressure

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, here are five lifestyle changes that you can make to help to lower it:
• Losing just ten pounds can have a significant effect on blood pressure.
• Partaking in regular physical exercise such walking, jogging, swimming and dancing are all good choices.
• Eating foods with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy is important.
• Drinking less coffee and tea will help lower blood pressure
• Quitting smoking will help to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure can cause significant health problems if left untreated. Consult with your physician about ways that you can keep yours under control. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Recognizes Physicians Assistants Week

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Physician Assistants (PA) are certified and state licensed medical professionals who practice medicine in all areas with healthcare teams that includes physicians, nurses and other health providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and uniformed services. Physician Assistants are highly skilled and trained to practice in fields including but not limited to, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Urology, Family Medicine, Neurology, Geriatrics, and Education. PA’s may change fields of practice at any time and are usually trained further on the job site. They are also well known for their extreme sensitivity, empathy, and detailed communication with their patients. The PA field has grown tremendously over the years making this one of the top career choices in the U.S. and other countries.

Jamaica Hospital has Physician Assistants who work in many areas throughout the hospital. They are highly skilled and compassionate and they enjoy serving our local community by providing quality care to all of their patients.

Treating a Sore Throat

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

One of the most common causes of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as from a cold. A sore throat can also be due to a bacterial infection such as strep throat, or irritation from pollutants including smoke, allergies, and dryness.

Once a diagnosis is made, the symptoms of a sore throat can be treated. Over the counter medication can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. When the cause of the sore throat is bacterial, an antibiotic may have to be prescribed by a physician. If the sore throat is being caused by exposure to an irritant it is a good idea to stay away from the substance that is causing the problem.

Home remedies for the symptoms of a sore throat include:

Rest
Drinking fluids
Warm liquids
Gargling with warm salt water
Lozenges

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call