Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Men face a heightened risk of certain medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, making certain medical screenings particularly important for identifying these conditions early and treating them effectively.

The types of screenings you require may change or become broader as you age and your health changes. Some of the most important screenings include:

Blood pressure screening: Even if you have no medical history of (or risk factors for) high or low blood pressure, you should receive a screening once every three to five years. However, if you do have a history of abnormal blood pressure, have an immediate family member with high blood pressure, or are Black, you should receive a screening once per year. Other risk factors that warrant an annual blood pressure screening include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Obesity

Cholesterol screening: If you have no known risk factors for coronary heart disease, men should receive a cholesterol screening every five years starting at the age of 45. Men who do have risk factors for coronary heart disease should receive them starting at the age of 20. If you have abnormally high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, you should be screened more frequently.

Diabetes screening: Men without any risk factors for diabetes should receive screenings every three years starting at the age of 35. However, these screenings should begin earlier or be conducted more frequently if you:

Have an immediate relative with diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a medical history of heart disease

Cancer screenings: According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers accounted for approximately 43% of cancer diagnoses in men; additionally, the mortality rate of cancer is higher among men than women. Some of the most important cancer screenings men should receive include:

Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Bladder cancer
Melanoma

Physical exam: Regular general check-ups with your doctor are important, even for men who seem to be in perfect health. These visits can help you identify signs of underlying medical problems or risk factors for future issues.

You can receive all of these medical screenings at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

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 to Tell the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Seasonal allergies and colds can lead to a variety of similar symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose. However, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between both conditions to ensure that you’re getting appropriate medical treatment and to determine whether the people around you may be at risk of getting sick.

Colds and allergies are caused by different factors; as a result, they generally require different types of medication for effective treatment. Colds, which are viral, can be treated with pain relievers, antiviral medication, and rest. Allergies, which are immune system responses to certain substances, are best treated with antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. Some medication, such as decongestants, can be helpful for both colds and allergies.

Colds and allergies can also lead to different symptoms. For example, allergies are more likely than colds to lead to eye irritation and itchiness. On the other hand, a fever, as well as general aches and pains throughout the body, can both occur due to a cold; however, they will almost never occur because of an allergy. A cold is also more likely to cause:

Sore throat
Coughing
Chest discomfort

Allergies and colds also differ in terms of how long symptoms may take to resolve. The symptoms of a cold typically last up to a week. Symptoms of an allergy, however, could take weeks to resolve. This is due, in part, to exposure to allergens; if you have a seasonal allergy to a substance such as pollen, for example, it may be difficult to avoid exposure during the course of your daily activities until the end of the season.

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for either seasonal allergies or colds at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Protecting Yourself From Wildfire Smoke and Poor Air Quality

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Ongoing wildfires in Canada have brought significant amounts of smoke to New York City, resulting in record levels of air pollution. This smoke presents a variety of health hazards, particularly for certain at-risk groups. However, it is important to note that high levels of smoke can affect anyone, even people who are otherwise healthy.

Wildfire smoke in particular includes a mixture of gases and fine particles that can cause coughing, sneezing, eye and sinus irritation, and shortness of breath. In people with certain medical conditions, exposure to smoke may cause symptoms of those conditions to worsen. People who are at the highest risk include:

People with lung diseases such as COPD or asthma
People with cardiovascular disease
Older adults and children
Expectant mothers

Anyone who may be exposed to smoke should take effective measures to protect themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you:

Reduce smoke exposure as much as possible: You should minimize the amount of time you spend outdoors for as long as poor air quality alerts due to the smoke remain in effect. While inside, keep all doors and windows closed; if possible, use an air purifier or make sure your air conditioner has high efficiency filters that can prevent fine particles from entering your home.

Wear a mask: If you must go outside while air quality alerts remain in effect, make sure to wear a mask. N95 respirators are ideal, as these offer the highest level of protection against airborne particles.

Consult your doctor: If you are at heightened risk of adverse health effects due to smoke, talk to your doctor about what you should do if your symptoms worsen and about any medication you should have on hand to manage them.

If you experience smoke-related medical problems, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If a medical emergency occurs, please dial 911 immediately.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Millions of Americans experience headaches and migraines each year, both of which can result in a wide variety of symptoms. For many people, however, it may not be easy to tell the difference between these two medical problems.

While both headaches and migraines commonly lead to pressure or pain in your head, headaches are only one potential symptom of migraines. A migraine can cause many other symptoms, such as:

Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells

There are two common types of migraine. A migraine with aura causes visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms that may precede a headache by up to an hour, as well as temporary vision loss, trouble speaking, confusion, loss of appetite, numbness, or muscle weakness on one side of the body. A migraine without aura causes a headache that affects one side of the head without warning, as well as confusion, blurred vision, and mood changes.

There are also multiple different types of headaches, all of which may lead to varying forms of head pressure or pain. Some of these include:

Sinus headaches: This type of headache causes pressure and pain in and around your sinus cavities, which are located around your eyebrows, cheek bones, and nose. Sinus headaches are often caused by the common cold, seasonal allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or any other factor that increases mucus buildup. Migraines are commonly mistaken for sinus headaches.

Tension headaches: A tension headache, often caused by factors such as eye strain, stress, or hunger, results in feelings of pressure that can affect one or both sides of your head.

Cluster headaches: This uncommon type of headache typically affects one side of the head and occurs in clusters, meaning that they may occur almost daily for a period of weeks or months and cause attacks lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. It is unknown what exactly causes cluster headaches.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, you can receive specialized treatment from a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

World No Tobacco Day

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

On May 31^st each year, the World Health Organization highlights the harmful health effects of tobacco products such as cigarettes. While tobacco usage rates among the general population have decreased over time, approximately 22.3% of people across the world continue to use it. The risks of using tobacco are well documented; however, many people around the world are not fully aware of the dangers.

A substantial amount of information exists about the harmful effects of tobacco usage. Aside from lung-related conditions such as emphysema, there are also very strong links between tobacco usage and heart disease, circulatory problems, and stroke. Coronary vascular diseases are one of the world’s leading causes of death. Tobacco use is the second leading cause of these types of diseases, with hypertension being the leading cause.

Despite the wealth of information available about the harmful effects of tobacco products, their continued usage results in over 8 million deaths each year. Approximately 1.2 million of these deaths occur due to exposure to second-hand smoke, highlighting the negative health impacts that tobacco usage can have not only on the user, but on the people around them, as well.

A few of the World Health Organization’s efforts to inform people about tobacco’s harmful effects include:

Increasing public knowledge of the risks of smoking and secondhand smoke
Encouraging healthcare providers to speak to their patients about the hazards of tobacco
Encouraging governmental support for educational programs
Seeking ways to promote smoke-free zones in buildings and public spaces
Increasing taxes on tobacco products
Making it more difficult to purchase tobacco products
Banning tobacco advertising

If you would like to quit smoking, speak to your medical provider to learn more about the resources available to help you. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers a tobacco cessation program that can support you in your efforts to quit. Please call 718-206-8494 to learn more.

What is Optic Neuritis?

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. This inflammation causes damage to the myelin (an insulating sheath that covers the nerve and helps transmit these signals), leading to symptoms such as eye pain, temporary vision loss in one eye, a decreased ability to perceive colors vividly, and flashing or flickering lights.

Optic neuritis can be one of the first indicators of multiple sclerosis, a condition that can also cause inflammation in the optic nerve as well as the brain. Your lifetime risk of developing multiple sclerosis is roughly 50% after a single episode of optic neuritis; this risk is higher in people with lesions on their brain, which may appear on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Other conditions are also frequently associated with optic neuritis. These include neuromyelitis optica (a condition that causes more severe inflammation in the optic nerve and spinal cord than multiple sclerosis), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disorder (which also causes inflammation in the optic nerve, spinal cord, or brain), bacterial infections, viruses, sarcoidosis, Behcet’s disease, and lupus. Certain substances, such as methanol and ethambutol, are also associated with optic neuritis.

It is rare for symptoms such as vision loss or reduced color perception to be permanent after an episode of optic neuritis. Although most people will regain most or all of their normal vision, some degree of permanent optic nerve damage is also common.

An ophthalmologist can diagnose optic neuritis based on a variety of tests, including:

A standard eye exam
An ophthalmoscopy
A pupillary light reaction test
An optical coherence tomography (OCT)
A visual field test
A visual evoked response test

In addition to these exams, you may require other diagnostic procedures such as an MRI scan or a blood test to check for other potential indicators of optic neuritis. Your doctor may refer you to other specialists or locations for these tests.

You can receive a diagnosis or treatment for optic neuritis at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

What is Sciatica?

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Sciatica is nerve pain that can occur throughout the lower back, buttocks, hips, and down the legs. This pain may be mild or severe and cause a variety of sensations, including anything from sharp or shooting pain to a burning or electric feeling. It can also occur constantly or intermittently and worsen based on posture, movement, and time spent sitting or standing.

The primary cause of sciatica is injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve is most commonly injured due to a herniated or slipped disk. However, injury to the sciatic nerve can occur in a few different ways, including:

Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis
Pressure from tumors
Piriformis syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome

Several risk factors, such as aging, obesity, prior injuries to the lower back or spine, pregnancy, or a job that requires significant physical exertion such as heavy lifting, may increase your likelihood of experiencing sciatica. However, these risks may be reduced through adjustments to your lifestyle and activities, such as:

Improving your posture: Improper form while exercising or lifting heavy weights, as well as poor posture while sitting, standing, or moving can increase your risk of sciatica.

Following a regular diet and exercise routine: A healthy, balanced diet and a workout routine that incorporates aerobic and strength exercises can help you manage sciatica risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Exercises that build core strength can be especially helpful, as a stronger core provides more support for your lower back.

Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco products such as cigarettes contain nicotine, which causes spinal tissue, vertebral disk, and bone damage over time that can impact the sciatic nerve.

You can find effective treatment for most cases of sciatica from specialists such as chiropractors and physical therapists. However, for severe cases, you may need to work with a neurologist to diagnose the most likely cause and find the right treatment approach. You can find a doctor to treat sciatica at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many different parts of the body, including (but not limited to) your joints, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs, as well as other organs.

Lupus is often distinguished by a facial rash that spreads across both cheeks. However, it can still be difficult to diagnose, as it may present a wide variety of symptoms in different people that may resemble other conditions.

Most people with lupus experience mild symptoms broken up by periodic flare-ups, during which their symptoms temporarily worsen. Aside from inflammation, these symptoms may include fever, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, shortness of breath, and fingers and toes that turn white or blue in response to cold or stress.

People with lupus can also experience several complications. The leading cause of death among people with this condition is kidney failure due to damage caused by the disease. However, inflammation of the heart and lungs also increases the risk of additional medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, seizures, and strokes.

The cause of lupus is unknown, but it is most common for women and people of Black, Hispanic, or Asian backgrounds. Although lupus is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45, it can affect people of any age. Lupus (as well as flare-ups of symptoms) can be triggered by sunlight, infections, and certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medication, and seizure medication.

Lupus is a life-long disease with no cure, but it can be managed with the help of a doctor. Several different types of drugs, including steroids, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy drugs, may be used to help you cope with your symptoms, depending on your specific symptoms. You may also need to avoid certain vaccines, particularly those with live viruses such as the chickenpox or shingles vaccine, as well as make certain adjustments to your diet.

You can receive specialized medical treatment for lupus at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Neuropathic pain occurs when your body sends pain signals to your brain, triggering a shooting or burning sensation as well as potential numbness. People who experience neuropathic pain may also have trouble sleeping due to their symptoms, potentially resulting in additional issues such as emotional problems. Symptoms can present in several different ways, including:

Allodynia: This form of neuropathic pain is triggered in response to typically non-painful stimuli, such as gentle pressure or cold temperatures.

Hyperalgesia: Some people who experience neuropathic pain may feel a greater-than-average reaction to normally painful stimuli, such as the prick of a needle.

Hypoalgesia: Unlike hyperalgesia, this type of neuropathic pain causes the opposite reaction, resulting in reduced pain in response to typically painful stimuli.

Spontaneous pain: This type of neuropathic pain occurs without any stimuli.

Dyesthesia: This symptom can occur either spontaneously or in response to an external stimulus, resulting in an abnormal sensation.

Neuropathic pain is typically chronic, as it is most often the result of long-term conditions such as diabetes, central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, or injuries that result in nerve damage. However, acute neuropathic pain can also occur in some cases.

Neuropathic pain is treated with the goal of resolving the underlying cause of your symptoms while providing you with relief and maintaining your normal functionality. This can involve a variety of treatment approaches, including medication, physical and psychiatric therapy, and potentially surgery.

One effective approach to relieving neuropathic pain is through nerve blocks, which are injections of steroids, anesthetics, or other medicines into the affected nerves. These injections are performed by pain management specialists from a wide range of clinical backgrounds, including neurology, orthopedics, and physical therapy, who can determine whether this treatment is right for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

You can receive pain management treatments such as nerve blocks at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with a pain specialist, please call (718) 206-7246.

What are Statins?

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Cholesterol is an important part of many of your body’s functions. However, too much of it can cause your arteries to become narrowed or blocked, increasing your risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks or strokes. This problem is particularly linked to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. For adults, an optimal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL; a near-optimal level is 100 to 129 mg/dL.

Statins are prescription medications that disrupt cholesterol production in your liver, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and increase the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your blood; HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol from your blood and transports it back to your liver. Statins are available in brand-name or generic versions and are typically taken as tablets or capsules once per day.

Statins are typically prescribed to people who cannot reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco products, as well as:

People who have experienced serious cardiovascular problems such as a stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease
People over the age of 40 with an LDL above 70 mg/dL who have diabetes or are at high risk of heart disease

Statins are also often taken for the rest of a patient’s life to keep their cholesterol levels low, as these levels tend to increase with age before gradually decreasing later in life.

While most patients should not have much trouble tolerating statins, they may cause some side effects. These commonly include headaches, nausea, and aching in the muscles and joints. Rarely, however, statins may lead to more serious side effects, such as increased blood sugar, muscle cell damage, liver damage, or memory problems.

A cardiologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of statins to determine whether they’re the right treatment approach for you. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department, please call (718) 206-7100.