Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Elizabeth Fontana

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce the newest member of our medical team: Dr. Elizabeth Fontana, a neurosurgery specialist, and Trauma Liaison. Neurosurgery includes the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, or any other parts of the nervous system.

“Neurosurgery is a job that is interesting, different, rewarding, and challenging every single day,” said Dr. Fontana. “I am always learning from colleagues and patients. It is a privilege to be able to practice medicine in this field.” She also has a particular interest in brain tumors and the field of oncology in general.

As Trauma Liaison, Dr. Fontana works with Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma service, the busiest in New York City and one that consists of a team of highly-trained surgeons who provide life-saving treatment to critically-injured patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dr. Fontana grew up in a small town west of Boston, where she attended public school before studying at Harvard. Later, she moved to New York City for medical school, completing both her studies and residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and spending a year in Seattle to complete her fellowship in tumor treatment.

Before joining Jamaica Hospital, Dr. Fontana worked for Northwell Health on Long Island but came to work here because she recognized it as an exciting opportunity to participate in the growth and development of our neurosurgical program.

“The neurosurgery department is relatively new, but has made really great strides in the past few years,” said Dr. Fontana. “The administration has been extremely supportive of this growth effort, and I felt like it was a place where I would really be able to contribute to the development of the neurosurgical program and provide valuable services to this community.”

You can schedule an appointment with a specialist at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Neurosurgery for diagnosis and treatment by calling (718) 206-7110.

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 Monkeypox Vaccine

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Monkeypox cases have emerged across most of the United States. Symptoms of the virus include:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms

Most people with monkeypox also experience a rash that’s typically located near the genitals or anus. It may also be present on other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and chest.

Two vaccines are now available that may effectively offer protection against monkeypox. JYNNEOS is the only vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone at risk of contracting the virus. Another vaccine, ACAM2000, may also be used to prevent monkeypox under the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug system, but is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, an exfoliative skin condition like eczema, or people who are pregnant.

Studies have shown side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, brain or spinal cord swelling, and infection in patients who received ACAM2000. These reactions have not been observed in patients who received JYNNEOS.

Your doctor can help you determine which vaccine is right for you, but vaccination in general, combined with practices like safe sex, maintaining distance from infected people and animals, and disinfecting your home when an infected person has been there, can help protect most people against the virus. Children in particular may benefit from vaccination, as their symptoms are likely to be worse than those of infected teens and adults.

You can make an appointment for monkeypox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Three Essential Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Although your child may be exposed to several health risks as the new school year begins, you can help them stay healthy by following these tips:

Getting your child vaccinated: Ensuring that your child receives their recommended immunizations is a simple, effective way to keep them from getting sick. In fact, many schools require students to receive their immunizations in order to attend classes.

Hand-washing and sanitization: Hand-washing and sanitizing alone go a long way toward staying in school; according to the Centers for Disease Control, hand-washing can reduce the risk of respiratory illness by up to 21%. Following and promoting sanitary practices at home may make it easier for them to continue these practices while at school.

Creating a mentally healthy environment: Physical illness isn’t the only health risk your child may face in class. Stress, bullying, or even issues like undiagnosed ADD or ADHD can negatively impact their mental health and their ability to stay focused on their studies. Staying aware of the causes of mental health issues, creating a supportive environment at home, encouraging your child to maintain healthy routines, and helping them learn effective coping mechanisms can make it easier for them to maintain a healthy state of mind throughout the school year.

Visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get your child the medical help they need to stay engaged with their studies. You can also visit our Psychiatry Department for help addressing mental health challenges that arise before, during, or after the school year.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you learn more about what makes getting vaccinated so important, which immunizations you should receive, and what they protect you against.

Vaccinations against prevalent, dangerous diseases are an important part of protecting both your own health and the health of those around you. Issues like pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and more can introduce potentially lifelong complications that may reduce your quality of life or even shorten it. Immunization awareness is a critical part of combating these illnesses.

The benefits of vaccinations hold true at any age, though some immunizations are more important at certain ages than others.

Children whose immune systems are still developing, for instance, need them not only as a protective measure for themselves but often as a requirement for enrolling in school and participating in other activities. Adults over 60 years of age may need vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines to help protect their health.

Though the list of necessary immunizations evolves as new diseases are discovered and researched, the most common vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control include:

HepA, HepB (Hepatitis A and B)
DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)
IPV (Polio)
PCV (Pneumococcal)
RV (Rotavirus)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella)
Influenza (flu)
Meningococcal conjugate
HPV
Zoster

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-6000 or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Psoriasis Action Month

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system is attacking its own normal tissue.

Psoriasis particularly affects your skin, speeding up the growth cycle of cells. This most commonly presents in the form of a rash, or itchy, scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, among other parts of your body.

The rashes created by psoriasis may flare up in cycles of weeks or months. In people who are genetically pre-disposed to developing the disease, it may be triggered by infections, cuts, burns, or medications.

Psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic disease. Both of these may be treated with the use of prescription medications or using creams and ointments.

Treatments for psoriasis may include topical therapy, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.

If you’re suffering from symptoms associated with psoriasis or psoriatic disease, a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan. If your symptoms potentially indicate psoriatic arthritis, a consultation with a rheumatologist may be recommended.

There is no cure for psoriasis, so the treatment plan you follow will focus on managing your symptoms and providing as much relief as possible.

The most effective way to take action against your psoriasis is to visit a medical professional and begin treatment as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Dermatology by calling (718) 206-6742.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This month, we’re shedding light on a health condition you may be at risk of developing if you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gastroparesis (also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”) is a disorder that disrupts the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and 40 women may suffer from gastroparesis, adding up to about 5 million people throughout the United States. Although gastroparesis is rare, you may be more likely to develop it based on certain factors.

Diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and any surgery that may have injured your vagas nerve may contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. Out of these factors, diabetes is the most commonly-identified cause.

A few different symptoms may indicate signs of gastroparesis, including a feeling of fullness in your stomach before or after finishing a normal-sized meal, stomach pain or discomfort, or nausea.

The first doctor you may see when you start to present symptoms of gastroparesis is your primary care physician. This doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist if they believe those symptoms may indicate gastroparesis.

When diagnosing you with gastroparesis, a doctor conducts a physical exam, measures stomach emptying, and takes your medical history into consideration. These factors, in addition to your symptoms, complications, and most likely cause help determine the best course of treatment for you. If diabetes is determined to be the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will focus on helping you control your blood glucose levels.

You can also tackle your symptoms from a dietary angle by reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding tough-to-chew foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and increasing your intake of water and liquids containing glucose and electrolytes. Light physical activity after each meal can also be helpful for stimulating your digestive processes, relieving feelings of fullness and allowing you to process food more easily.

Are you suffering from symptoms that may be signs of gastroparesis? Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to learn more about some of the most common problems affecting children’s vision and ways to prevent and treat those conditions.

According to the CDC, about 1 in every 4 children in the United States suffers from an undiagnosed eye health problem. These issues come in a wide variety of different forms, but some are more frequent than others, including:

Strabismus: This condition causes crossed eyes, preventing both eyes from focusing on the same object.

Amblyopia: Also known as “lazy eye,” amblyopia disrupts communication between the brain and the affected eye, leading to a greater reliance on the stronger eye and deteriorating vision in the affected eye.

Blurred vision: This issue can result from a few different conditions, including refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (a misshapen cornea). Convergence insufficiency can also blur your child’s vision when looking at an object up close.

Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD): This problem occurs when your child’s eyes are misaligned and failing to work together, leading to symptoms like double vision and light sensitivity.

Nystagmus: As many as 1 in 1,000 school-aged children suffer from nystagmus, which causes uncontrollable eye movements that may lead to dizziness, balance problems, and shaky vision.

You can prevent these problems from negatively impacting your child’s quality of life in a few different ways, including getting recommended vision screenings during your child’s regular checkups with a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.

If any signs of an eye health issue are found during a vision screening, an eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can more accurately diagnose the cause of that problem and help create an effective treatment plan. Protective eyewear, adequate sleep, and limited screen time also go a long way toward preserving your child’s eye health.

To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Department, please call 718-206-5900.