Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Decorating your home for the holidays is always so much fun, but did you know that each year an estimated 250 house fires nationwide are caused by faulty holiday lights? Here are some tips for keeping your home safe this year:

• Before stringing holiday lights always check the sockets to ensure they are not broken or cracked.

• Never use indoor lights for outdoors use.

• Turn off the indoor tree lights before going to bed or whenever you leave the house.

• Do not connect more than three sets of lights to each extension cord.

• Make sure that your lights have safety labels and are made by reputable companies.

• Do not use candles on or near a tree.

• Place your tree and gift wrapped presents away from sources of heat such as fireplaces.

• Make sure that your tree is secured firmly to its base so that it can’t tip over.

• Artificial trees should be fire resistant.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy and accessible in case of emergency.

Don’t ruin your holiday by being careless. A little common sense and taking some precautions will ensure a joyous holiday for you and your family.

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.

Schizophrenia

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain that is severe, chronic and disabling. Research has shown that there is a brain chemical imbalance that causes the disease. People with the illness do not interpret reality in a normal manner. It occurs in approximately one percent of the population, but if there is a family history of the illness the frequency is much higher. Men and women are affected equally but symptoms are usually seen earlier in men. Usually the illness is first noticed in the early 20’s for men and late 20’s for women. When teenagers develop the illness they tend to be withdrawn socially, perform poorly in school, become irritable and lack motivation. It is unlikely for most people to develop the illness after their mid forties.

Adult Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

• Hallucinations – People hear, see, smell or feel things that do not exist
• Delusions – false beliefs like imagining they are someone else
• Thought disorders – Having trouble organizing thoughts and speaking without making sense
• Movement disorders – A person may make agitated movements or not move at all
• Lack of caring about personal hygiene

The treatment goal is to be able to control symptoms Treatment for schizophrenia includes taking antipsychotic medications and receiving psychosocial treatments.. It is important that a treatment plan for the patient include counseling for their families as well. One important method of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy which is where the patient is taught how to manage their symptoms.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7160.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and a good time to find out if you are at risk. With 30 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 86 million at risk, there is a possibility that you either have it, are at risk for it, or know someone who has been diagnosed.

Risk factors for diabetes include having a family history of the disease, obesity, living a sedentary life style and having heart disease. Africn Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Native Americans are also at higher risk. Signs and symptoms include blurry vision, sudden change in weight, frequent urination, feeling thirsty all the time and fatigue. People who are at risk should start having annual assessments starting at age 45.

Diabetes is a disease that leads to elevated blood sugar. Either the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone, insulin, that helps the cells absorb glucose (type I diabetes) or the body produces insulin and the cells don’t recognize it (type II diabetes).Type I diabetes affects children most frequently and can’t be prevented so it must be treated with medication. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset, is not always preventable but it can sometimes be delayed or controlled by diet and exercise.

The key to successfully managing diabetes and preventing secondary complications is to control blood sugar levels. Type I diabetes is treated by taking insulin injections on a daily basis. Type II diabetes can be treated by taking medication. These medications can either be administered in tablet form or in more severe cases by taking tablets and insulin injections.

People at risk should speak to their physician about being tested for diabetes. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Don’t be afraid to exercise if you are pregnant. As long as you are feeling well, and your doctor approves, it is okay to do some moderate exercising during pregnancy. Exercising is recommended because inactivity is not good for pregnant women. It can lead to excess weight gain, elevated blood pressure, frequent aches and pains, and higher risk of C-sections.

The benefits of exercising during pregnancy include:

• Better posture
• Improved circulation
• Less fatigue and more energy
• Strengthens muscles
• Helps prevent back pain

Exercising during pregnancy has to be done carefully and should be done in moderation. You don’t want to injure your body or your developing fetus. It is advisable to work with an instructor who has experience working with pregnant women. Definitely do not exercise if you are experiencing any type of discomfort, shortness of breath, or become overheated.

One of the easiest ways to start exercising during pregnancy is by simply walking. It is important to always wear shoes that are comfortable and loose fitting clothing. Walking should be done on a level surface at the beginning and slowly increase the distance and duration. For added benefit, you can try carrying light weights, increasing your speed, and walking up and down hills. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and low or non-impact aerobics are also usually safe.

Consult with a physician before beginning any form of exercise routine. If you would like to schedule an appointment for prenatal care in our Women’s Health Center, please call 718- 291-3276.

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Yeast Infections

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Though commonly considered to be a medical condition that affects only women, the organism that causes these infections can also be found in men and infants. These infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called candida albicans, Candida is a naturally occurring microorganism that is found in the human body. It is kept under control by a normally occurring bacteria called lactobacillus. When an imbalance of lactobacillus occurs, there can be an overgrowth of candida leading to symptoms. Some of the factors that can affect the growth of candida are antibiotic use, pregnancy, a compromised immune system, and poorly controlled diabetes.This organism likes to grow in areas of the body that are warm and moist.

When a candida infection develops on the genitals, it is called a yeast infection. This type of infection is much more common in women than in men. Symptoms of a yeast infection are genital redness, burning on urination, genital redness and in women a white clumpy discharge.

If candida affects the mouth or throat it is called oral thrush and characterized by white spots on the inside of the mouth and tongue and a sore throat. It is seen most often in patients receiving chemotherapy, the elderly, infants, and in people with AIDS.

There is a type of diaper rash that can be caused by candida. It will show up as dark red patches of skin on a bay’s bottom and sometimes there are spots that are filled with fluid.

It is important to seek medical treatment if you think you may have an infection so that a proper diagnosis can be made and the proper treatment can be started. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

History of MRI

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

History of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Physicians send patients for MRI’s to help them diagnose medical conditions. Do you know what an MRI is?
An MRI is a computerized map of harmless radio signals emitted by the human body. It is excellent for viewing soft tissue and seeing any defects that may be present.
In 1977 the first human scan was performed in a prototype MRI machine.
MRI works by creating a strong magnetic field, protons in the nucleus of the hydrogen atoms are magnetized.
• MRI creates a steady state of magnetism in the body
• Radio waves during the study change the steady state orientation of protons
• MRI stops the radio waves and measures the body’s electromagnetic transmission
• Signals that are transmitted are used to create images of the body by computerized axial tomography.
The rotating magnetic field was discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1882. This eventually led to the definition of the Tesla Unit which describes the strength of a magnetic field. MRI machines, which were developed almost a century later, are calibrated in Tesla Units. The stronger the magnetic field, the stronger the amount of radio signals that are given off by the body’s atoms. The stronger the radio signal will lead to a better quality of the MRI image.
Jamaica Hospital offers the most up-to-date MRI technology and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 718-206-6743.

Breakfast

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Is it true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
Eating breakfast provides us with energy that we will need to help start the day. It also has health benefits for improved performance, concentration and weight control. Breakfast is important for school age children because it has been shown to provide energy to help them concentrate, helps with eye-hand coordination, and with problem solving skills.
People who eat a healthy breakfast tend to weigh less than people who skip breakfast. Those who skip breakfast are hungrier during the day and tend to eat more snacks and less healthy food choices. A healthy breakfast that includes some lean protein helps curb cravings for food during the rest of the day.
In addition to lean proteins, other components of a healthy breakfast include:
• Bread and grains (cereal, toast, or a muffin)
• Skim milk or low fat yogurt
• Fruit or vegetables, or juices.
It is important to avoid sugary cereals and doughnuts.
Whether for yourself or your children, follow these tips and start your day off right with a well balanced healthy breakfast.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

• Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Yoga

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Developed in India thousands of years ago, Yoga is a form of exercise that has gained popularity tremendously over the past 50 years.

Yoga teaches increased flexibility by learning how to stretch your muscles. This can help a person improve mobility, feel less tired and improve their posture.

• Some of the other benefits of yoga are:

• Improved immunity

• Ease migraines

• Improve sexual performance

• Better sleep

• Improve eating habits

Yoga can help you to feel calmer and more relaxed. This is because some forms of yoga teach techniques that focus on breathing.

It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and to lower the heart rate. This can greatly help people who have been diagnosed with heart disease and who either have had a stroke or at risk of having a stroke.

It usually takes a few weeks to start seeing the benefits of yoga. When looking for yoga classes, find an instructor who has proper training and who is certified to teach the class. It can be practiced by just about anyone, and it isn’t just for people who are in good physical condition.

Ways to Quit Smoking

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Would you like to quit smoking but don’t know which method is the best for you?

Smoking cessation methods all have positive and negative attributes. There is no guarantee that any one way is better than any other. Some of the methods available are:

• Behavioral Modification – this is an important method because it involves educating people who want to quit and learn about the health benefits of smoking cessation. Some of the behavioral techniques include keeping a diary of when the person needs a cigarette, smoking only half a cigarette, waiting 5 minutes after the urge hits before reaching for a cigarette, and avoiding situations or places that trigger the desire to have a cigarette.

• Cold Turkey – This technique is good for a first attempt. The level of success can vary and is often dependent on the person’s determination to achieve the goal. It also is the least expensive way of quitting. This method usually works best for people who are casual smokers, have a low nicotine dependence, and who smoke less than ten cigarettes a day.

• Nicotine Patch – This technique is often the first choice for people who are tying to quit smoking. It is relatively safe to use and isn’t very expensive. Some side effects include skin rash and vivid dreams. The patch is usually used for six to eight weeks.

• Nicotine Gum – This is another popular technique that people will try when they want to quit smoking. It is more expensive than the patch and a person has to be willing to chew a lot of gum throughout the day in order to keep the medication at a constant level in the body. It isn’t as quick acting as some of the other techniques. Nicotine gum comes in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg, and the higher dose is best for people who are heavy smokers. Some of the side effects can be sore mouth, hiccups, and nausea.

• Burpropion – Zyban – The first non nicotine product for smoking cessation. This is a pill that can be used in addition to the nicotine patch. A person starts taking this medication for one to two weeks before their intended quit date. It should not be used for more than 12 weeks. The side effects can include headaches, insomnia, dry mouth and rhinitis.

• Nasal Spray – This is a good method for people who did not have success with the patch or the gum. It is quick acting and good for people who are heavy smokers. It is very expensive and not much more effective than the other modalities.

Smoking cessation can be difficult to achieve with just one attempt. Studies have shown though that people who have higher rates of success are under a physicians care and guidance in this process. To schedule an appointment with a specialist at Jamaica Hospital to discuss the best options for you, please call 718-206-6742.