Electronic Medical Records

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

For as long as anyone can remember, patient’s medical records have been hand written and kept in a filing cabinet in each provider’s office. In order to access this information it was necessary to call the doctor’s office and have the requested information read over the phone, or have it sent through the mail.

Now the modern way for patients to access their medical records at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is through an electronic health record system called MyChart. This system allows the patient access, in a secure manner, portions of their health record online. Patients can have access to their lab results, immunization history, allergies, medication list, and their ambulatory care and emergency room visit summaries. Patients can also see what appointments they have on their schedule, can ask their physicians questions and request medication refills.

To use MyChart a patient must set up account. This is an easy process and only takes a few minutes. If you are a patient at Jamaica Hospital and would like to have access to your medical records through MyChart, please ask one of our registration associates who can assist you.

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.

Instrument Sterilization

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Instruments that come in contact with the body during all surgical procedures and many non-surgical procedures must be free of all microbial elements. This is to ensure that the risk of infection is kept to a minimum.
Throughout history different methods were adopted using materials that were available at that time. In 3000 BC the Egyptians used pitch and tar as antiseptics. In later years the fumes from burning sulfur were found to cleanse objects of infectious material.
In 1680 a French physicist, Denis Papin invented a pressure cooker that would trap boiling water, convert it into steam, and was found to cleanse objects by cooking them. This device was further improved upon during the next two hundred years and it became possible to additionally sterilize linens, dressings, gowns using steam. Two major contributions to the art of sterilization came in the 1860’s when the French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur wrote extensively on how germs cause disease and the English physician, Joseph Lister, developed a technique that used carbolic acid as a spray to disinfect instruments. During the late 1800’s steam sterilization became much more widespread. Surgical instruments were also being made out of materials that were better able to withstand high levels of heat. This allowed them to be processed at higher temperatures and were being made with smooth surfaces which allowed for more thorough cleaning.
During the 1900’s various improvements were introduced. This included sterilization with steam, irradiation, with glutaraldehyde. More recently, sterilization of instruments can be achieved using high temperature / high pressure, ultraviolet light, and the most commonly used chemical for sterilization is ethylene oxide. It can be used on almost all instruments, both metal and non-metal.
The importance of cleanliness when it involves objects that come in contact with the body cannot be stressed enough. It was recognized in ancient times and improvements are still evolving today for the safety of patients.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. There are more than three million people in the United States and 60 million people worldwide who suffer from glaucoma.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Typically the disease starts to develop suddenly, often without symptoms, and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost before some people even notice a problem. It usually starts with loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve so that the brain isn’t able to receive images from the eyes. There are two types of Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma where pressure inside the eye increases on its own and damages the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma where another disease causes the pressure in the eye to increase and that results in optic nerve damage. Both types will eventually lead to blindness.
Early detection of Glaucoma can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are very important. To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718- 206-5900.

How smoking affects nutrition

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Smoking plays a large role in the body’s ability to absorb and process nutrients. The nicotine in cigarettes is a potent chemical that negatively affects the systems of the body and how they function. One of the functions that nicotine affects is the body’s ability to maintain the proper level of nutrients.
Vitamin and mineral absorption is also diminished by nicotine, and is more likely to be drained from stores within the body. Vitamin C which the body needs to prevent organ damage is depleted when nicotine is present. People who smoke also tend to have a higher incidence of osteoporosis because less vitamin D absorption leads to less calcium available to strengthen bones.
Nicotine suppresses a person’s appetite by interacting with the brain and central nervous system. One of the ways it occurs is by altering the way we detect flavor.
Quitting smoking will help to restore the body to a better nutritional status. Until a person is able to stop smoking completely, it is a good idea to add fruits and vegetables to the diet. This will help the body by making more minerals and vitamins available to be absorbed. Jamaica Hospital offers a program to help people who are interested in quitting. To learn more, please call 718-206-8494.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

New Year’s Eve – Going Out or Staying In ?

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone knows that New Year’s Eve is the most popular night of the year to party. It is a night to go out with family and friends to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. Some people prefer to spend a quiet night at home though. The reasons are varied but commonly people don’t want to spend the money, don’t like the crowds, and think that the night is much a-do about nothing.

Which do you prefer?

Department Spotlight – Radiology

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

The Department of Radiology at Jamaica Hospital processes over 150,000 images a year. Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chairperson of the Department of Radiology and her staff is committed to offering to our patients the highest level of care. All of the physicians in the department are board certified and subspecialty trained. The department is accredited by the American College of Radiologists, meaning that the highest quality of care is provided to our patients when their radiology procedures are performed.
The department has the latest and most advanced equipment. The Department of Radiology offers a 128 slice Cat Scan and a 1.5 Tesla MRI and within the next three months 3-D mammography will be offered both at the Women’s Health Center and also on the main campus. This technology, in addition to our sonography and digital x-ray equipment offers our patients the highest level of diagnostic capabilities. To schedule an appointment please call 718-206-6138.

Gastrointestinal Disorders Awareness Week

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, during the week of Thanksgiving, the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders promotes GERD Awareness week. This week was chosen because it is the start of the holiday season, a time of year when people tend to eat more than they normally do. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD ) is a disease that occurs when the contents of the stomach flow backwards into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. One of the consequences of overeating is heartburn, a side effect of GERD.
GERD can be controlled by following these tips:
• Don’t eat meals late at night
• Avoid fatty foods like chips, dips and cheeses
• Remain active and exercise whenever possible
• Do not smoke
• Keep away from citrus juices that tend to be acidic
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Keep away from fried foods
• Limit desserts especially those containing chocolate
• Try to stay awake for at least three hours after a large meal
• Avoid caffeinated beverages
GERD can be treated with medication and by changes in eating habits. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6742.

The Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 19, 2015 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 71b-206-8494.

History of Invitro Fertilization

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

On July 25, 1978 the first baby was born that had been conceived invitro. These babies were referred to as “Test Tube Babies” because they were essentially created in a laboratory in a glass tube. Invitro Fertilization is the process where the egg harvested from a female is combined with the sperm obtained from a male in a lab and in a glass tube. This was the culmination of many years of research performed by Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards during the 1960’s and 1970’s in England.
The invention of the microscope in the 17th century really helped scientists understand how fertilization takes place. For hundreds of years following this development, research was done on how to implant fertilize eggs artificially, but while still within the body. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that fertilization outside of the body was begun. In 1959 the first rabbit to be conceived invitro was born, followed in 1963 by a hamster and in 1972 by the birth of a mouse. The technique that really helped advance IVF was the use of laparascopic surgery. This allows the gynecologist to remove the follicles from the ovary very precisely.
It is estimated that now over 200,000 babies have been conceived using IVF. The procedure has been improved upon tremendously in the last few years. Many times this process leads to multiple eggs being fertilized and more than one baby being conceived.
To speak to a physician at Jamaica Hospital about IVF and pregnancy in general please schedule an appointment at our Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276.