National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It is a month observed to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect the body against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

From infants to older adults, immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, flu, shingles, and HPV-related cancers. Skipping vaccines can leave you and your family vulnerable to these illnesses.

Getting vaccinated plays an important role in keeping your family and community healthy, as vaccinations help protect you from infectious diseases and can lessen the severity of illness. They don’t just help protect you; they also help keep diseases from spreading to others, such as your family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and others in the community. Especially those who are most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month offers a timely reminder as families prepare for back-to-school and flu season approaches. If you would like to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, encourage friends and family to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

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.

Dysautonomia

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Dysautonomia is the general term for nervous system disorders that disrupt the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

There are two main types of dysautonomia: primary and secondary.

Primary dysautonomia can happen on its own without a specific cause and isn’t as common as secondary dysautonomia. Two types of primary dysautonomia are familial dysautonomia, which means it is inherited, and idiopathic dysautonomia, which means it happens for reasons healthcare providers can’t explain or detect. Your odds of having familial dysautonomia are increased if you:

Have a family member, such as a parent or sibling, with dysautonomia

Are of Jewish heritage, especially if you are Ashkenazi Jewish heritage

Are of Eastern European heritage

Secondary dysautonomias are conditions that can cause or contribute to dysautonomia, such as:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG)

Amyloidosis

Botulism

COVID-19 infection, especially long COVID

Lewy body dementia

Lupus

Parkinson’s Disease

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Type 2 diabetes

The autonomic nervous system manages all the body processes you don’t think about, such as your blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, digestion, heart rate, sweating, and much more. If you have dysautonomia, one or more of these ANS processes aren’t functioning properly.

Dysautonomia can cause several different symptoms due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system, including:

Nausea and vomiting

Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble focusing

Balance problems

Vertigo

Migraines or frequent headaches

Mood swings or anxiety

Fatigue or ongoing tiredness

Sexual dysfunction

Vision issues, such as blurred vision or trouble with your eyes adjusting to light changes

Pinpoint pupils or unusually wide-eyed pupils

Unusually dry or watery eyes

Trouble swallowing

Sound or light sensitivity

Chest pain or discomfort

Runny nose

Shifts in body or skin temperature

Sweating more or less than usual, or sweating more in certain body parts

Clammy or pale skin

Exercise intolerance

Excessive drooling

There can be several possible complications of dysautonomia because of how it affects vital body processes. Most of the complications revolve around symptoms of dysautonomia, especially when they’re severe or disrupt your usual routine and activities. Serious symptoms and complications typically include:

Trouble breathing, such as shortness of breath

Heart rate issues, such as heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or a fast or slow heart rate

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or passing out (especially when standing up), which can lead to injuries from falls

Disrupted digestion, such as changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea

Disrupted kidney function, leading to urinary tract infections, a frequent urge to pee, or urinary incontinence

Diagnosing dysautonomia is often a process of elimination, using a combination of methods and tests. It also involves determining how and when symptoms happen and finding the pattern linking them. Experienced healthcare providers may find it challenging to diagnose dysautonomia because it can cause symptoms throughout the body that might not seem connected. Healthcare providers may also link symptoms to the condition causing dysautonomia but not realize dysautonomia is also happening.

Some of the tests that may help diagnose dysautonomia or help rule out other conditions include:

Physical and neurological exams

Heart tests, especially an electrocardiogram

Ultrasound and other tests for symptoms related to urinary incontinence

Blood tests, especially testing for antibodies that indicate an autoimmune disorder or testing levels of certain neurotransmitters such as catecholamines

Tilt table test

Sweat tests, such as the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test

Pupil measurement testing, also known as pupillometry

There is no cure for dysautonomia. However, many symptoms are manageable, and the approach for treating dysautonomia depends on several factors, especially the cause.

Some treatment approaches that might help include:

Staying hydrated

Making dietary changes

Taking medications to increase blood pressure

Taking immune-suppressing medications or other immune system treatments

If you are experiencing any symptoms of dysautonomia, you can consult a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Healthy Eating

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Eating healthy can be difficult, especially when you don’t have the time, and there is the convenience of fast-food restaurants and processed foods.

Most people in the United States need to eat more nutrient-dense foods and limit highly processed foods, added sugars, added sodium, and refined carbohydrates.

Healthy eating emphasizes protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and limiting added sugars.

The best way to practice healthy eating is to aim for having a variety of colors on your plate. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and fresh herbs are full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Too much added sugars in your diet, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maple syrup, and honey, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sugary beverages are common sources of added sugar.

To limit added sugars, you can:

Drink water with berries or slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber instead

Read nutrition labels and choose foods with no or lower amounts of added sugars

Limit sugary snacks and snack on fruit or vegetable slices instead

Add fruit to your whole grain cereal or yogurt for sweetness

Avoid adding flavored syrups to your coffee

Eating too much sodium can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. More than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged or prepared foods. While sodium has several forms, 90% of the sodium we consume is from salt.

To cut back on sodium, you can:

Read the nutrition facts label to find foods that are low in sodium or lower-sodium options

Buy unprocessed foods, such as fresh or frozen vegetables, to prepare at home

Avoid highly processed foods, such as breads, pizza, and deli meats that are high in sodium

Fiber helps maintain our digestive health and helps us feel fuller longer. Fiber also helps control our blood sugar and lowers our cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources of fiber.

To increase your fiber intake, you can:

Start your day with a whole-grain cereal, such as oatmeal

Add fresh fruit with a meal or as a dessert

Slice raw vegetables for quick snacks

Top your whole-grain cereal with berries, pumpkin seeds, or almonds

Add a half-cup of beans or lentils to a salad to add texture and flavor

Protein is also an important part of healthy eating. Including protein-rich foods in your diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Protein options include:

Eggs

Poultry

Seafood

Red meat

Beans

Peas

Lentils

Legumes

Nuts

Seeds

Soy products such as tofu

Good nutrition is about choosing healthy foods and beverages on a consistent basis. Eating healthy, whole, nutrient-dense foods can support longevity and vitality, and lower your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Registered Dietitians assist patients with growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating. To make an appointment, please call 718-657-7093.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is recognized as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. With children preparing for the new school year, it is important to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries
Infections
Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, such as:

Their eyes don’t line up or appear crossed
Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
Their eyes are watery or inflamed
They rub their eyes a lot
They close or cover one eye
They tilt their head forward
They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
They hold objects close to their eyes to see
They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams
Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
Limiting screen time
Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking you up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities so the transition is less sudden

If you or your child needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Dehydration Kidney Stones

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Drinking water is essential for our health and wellbeing. Not drinking enough water can lead to health complications such as dehydration, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are solid masses or clusters of crystals that form from substances such as minerals, acids, and salts in the kidneys. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand, or in rare cases, larger than a golf ball.

Stones occur when there is little liquid and too many of the minerals, acids, and other substances such as calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine, causing them to stick together and form crystals or stones. Kidney stones can form over months or years.

According to research done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dehydration is an important risk factor for kidney stones because the body doesn’t have enough water to dilute minerals and salts in the urine. The research further stated that a person should drink enough water to have about two liters of urine output daily to prevent kidney stones and pay attention to the color of their urine to know if the goal is achieved or not. Dark colored urine is a sign of dehydration.

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side, which might feel like it extends from the groin to the side. This pain can be dull, or it can be sharp and severe and comes in waves. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Bloody urine

Pain when urinating

The inability to urinate

Feeling the urge to urinate a lot

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

Fever or chills

Drinking water plays a very important role in preventing kidney stones because it helps dilute the urine and reduces the concentration of minerals and salts that can form stones. Drinking enough water throughout the day causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps flush out substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid before they can combine and form crystals.

A healthcare provider can diagnose kidney stones by performing urine, imaging, and blood tests.

To treat a small kidney stone, a healthcare provider will have the person monitor their symptoms until it passes in their urine. They may also prescribe medications to keep them comfortable and help the stone pass on its own. Larger kidney stones need treatment depending on their size, location, whether they are causing infections or symptoms, and other factors.

Medications to treat kidney stones help relax the ureter to help pass the stone more easily, help manage any nausea and vomiting, and help manage pain.

Procedures to remove large kidney stones include:

Shockwave lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Laparoscopic surgery

It is recommended to drink up to three liters of water daily and throughout the day to help prevent kidney stones from returning. Other ways to prevent kidney stones from returning include:

Drinking water, but drinks like tea and coffee also count

Adding fresh lemon juice to your water

Avoiding eating too much salt

Avoiding fizzy drinks

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones and would like more information about receiving treatment from a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Social Anxiety

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When a person has social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, everyday interactions can cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or negatively judged by others around them. Fear and anxiety may lead to avoidance that can disrupt their lives. Additionally, severe stress can affect daily routines and common everyday social experiences, including:

Attending parties or social gatherings

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers

Starting conversations

Making eye contact

Going to school or work

Dating

Eating in front of others

Using a public restroom

For those living with social anxiety disorder, comfort levels in social situations vary and depend on personality traits and life experiences. Some people are naturally reserved, and others are more outgoing.

Having feelings of shyness or discomfort in certain situations isn’t necessarily a sign of social anxiety disorder, particularly in children. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes begin in younger children or in adults.

The signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include constant:

Intense fear or anxiety during social situations

Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers

Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself

Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively

Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment

Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention

Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as:

Blushing

Sweating

Trembling

Having a shaky voice

Anxiety in anticipation of a feared activity or event

Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation

Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation

For children with social anxiety disorder, anxiety about interacting with adults or peers may present itself as crying, having temper tantrums, clinging to parents, or refusing to speak in social situations.

Several physical signs and symptoms can accompany social anxiety disorder, including:

A fast heartbeat

Trouble catching your breath

Sweating

Trembling

Blushing

An upset stomach or nausea

Dizziness or lightheadedness

A feeling that your mind has gone blank

Muscle tension

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time and may flare up if you’re facing a lot of changes, stress, or demands in your life. Although avoiding situations that cause anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if left untreated.

Like several other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely stems from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, including:

Brain structure

Inherited traits

Environment

Many factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history

Temperament

New social or work demands

Negative experiences

Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to you

If social anxiety is left untreated, it can control your life, as anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships, or enjoyment of life, and can cause:

Low self-esteem

Poor social skills

Isolation and difficult social relationships

Trouble being assertive

Negative self-talk

Hypersensitivity to criticism

Low academic and employment achievement

Substance abuse, such as drinking too much alcohol

Suicidal ideation, suicide, or suicide attempts

To diagnose you with social anxiety disorder, a healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have the disorder along with other physical or mental health disorders. They may determine a diagnosis based on:

A physical exam that helps assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety

A discussion of your symptoms, such as how often they occur, and in what situations

Reviewing a list of situations to see if they make you anxious

Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety

Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

The treatment for social anxiety disorder depends on how much it affects your ability to function in your daily life. The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

There isn’t a way to predict what will cause someone to develop anxiety disorders. However, you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you’re anxious, such as:

Getting help early

Setting priorities in your life

Keeping a journal

Avoiding unhealthy substance use

Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.

If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

What Persistent Heartburn Can Be a Sign Of

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone, that is sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth, due to stomach acid escaping into the esophagus and irritating its delicate lining. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, when lying down, or when bending over.

Heartburn has several symptoms, including:

A burning sensation in the chest or throat

A sore throat or hoarseness

Difficulty swallowing

A sour taste in the mouth

Feeling like food is stuck in the throat

Nausea or vomiting

Regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth

The most common cause of heartburn is acid reflux, which can be triggered by:

Overeating

Eating spicy or fatty foods

Smoking

Alcohol intake

Using certain medications

Occasional heartburn is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs more than twice a week or every day, can be a symptom of larger problems, such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter

Barrett’s esophagus: occurs when repeated exposure to stomach acid causes changes to esophageal cells, which can transform into a potentially fatal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastritis: is inflammation of the stomach lining that may be caused by bacteria, infection, chronic vomiting, excessive use of alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Hiatal hernia: is a condition that occurs when part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm

Esophagitis: is inflammation of esophageal tissue often caused by GERD

It is important to know that if you are experiencing severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with jaw, neck, or back pain, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology consists of board-certified gastroenterologists who provide high-quality, expert care to patients suffering from such conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening type of pneumonia caused by breathing in mist or getting water that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria in the lungs.

You can also get Legionnaires’ disease from:

Hot tubs

Shower heads

Faucets

Humidifiers

Decorative water features

Heating and cooling systems, usually only in large buildings

Intubation during surgery

Dirt

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around Legionella bacteria. But some people are more likely to get sick with Legionella infection than others. You can have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you:

Are older than 50 years old

Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes

Have a weakened immune system caused by certain medical conditions, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease, and medications that can compromise your immune system

Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema

Live in a long-term care facility

Have stayed in a hospital recently

Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently

Have received an organ transplant recently

Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. It can also cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

Fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C)

A dry cough

Shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Muscle aches

Headache

Nausea

Confusion

Coughing up blood

Abdominal pain

The most common way to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease is with urine and sputum tests. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get pictures of the inside of your chest. They will also take a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history.

Other tests used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease can include:

Blood tests

Bronchoscopy

Thoracentesis

The treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics, either intravenously or in pill form. If you are having trouble breathing, a healthcare provider may give you treatments to help you get enough oxygen. You will probably have to stay in the hospital while you are being treated.

You can reduce your risk at home by making sure shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, and humidifiers are properly cleaned.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.