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.

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 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.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 4, 2015 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 that 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 . It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-6742.

World Psoriasis Day – October 29 2015

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

October 29th has been designated World Psoriasis Day by the International Federation of Psoriasis Association to raise awareness about this disease. It is estimated that worldwide there are 125 million people worldwide who have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, reoccurring, immune related inflammatory disorder of the skin. It is believed to have a genetic component which means it can run in families. The disease usually starts to appear in the younger years and continues into adulthood, and it affects men and women equally. There is no known cause other than it is triggered by a malfunctioning of the immune system. Psoriasis is unsightly but is not contagious.

Psoriasis presents as reddish plaques on the skin with silvery scales. These lesions can be very painful and itchy. It can also affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis) which can cause physical and functional deformity. There is no cure for the disease, but treatments do exist that make the skin lesions less painful and less visible.
To make an appointment a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital’s ambulatory care center please call 718-206-7001.