Bad Hygiene Habits That Can Make You Sick

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We all have our bad habits. We also have bad hygienic habits. Here are some bad hygienic habits that can make you sick:

Washing your hands incorrectly- when you don’t wash your hands properly, germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them.
Irregular brushing or flossing of teeth- not brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Rarely showering or bathing- not showering can cause acne, rashes, and life-threatening infections.
Infrequently washing bedding- bedsheets that haven’t been washed in months or longer become a petri dish of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, and can lead to a staph infection.
Leaving in contact lenses for days- wearing contact lenses for a week or longer can lead to severe eye infections, including corneal ulcers.
Not washing bras or underwear regularly- not washing your underwear properly leaves the risk of contracting yeast infections, thrush, and urinary tract infections. Wearing unwashed bras can cause acne, rashes, or worse.
Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or hairbrushes- using someone else’s toothbrush can lead to oral infections. Using someone’s razor can lead to skin infections like staph and also transmit viruses like hepatitis and HIV.
Reusing water bottles without washing them- refilling your reusable water bottle without washing it can cause large amounts of bacteria including E. coli to form.
Not washing produce before eating or cooking with them- ingesting the bacteria on unwashed fruits and veggies can give you food poisoning, and consuming the pesticides on some of these foods can raise your risk of serious conditions.
Not washing your hair regularly- bacteria will start to collect and clog your hair follicles, which could lead to infection.
Using your kitchen sponge for too long- using a dirty sponge can spread salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, among other nasty substances.

Good hygiene isn’t about eradicating yourself of germs. You can kick bad hygiene habits by not letting harmful bacteria fester or not taking shortcuts.

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.

Anemia

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia can be short-term or long-term and can range from mild to severe. There are many forms of anemia and each has its cause. The forms of anemia are:

Aplastic anemia- is a rare, life-threatening condition where the body doesn’t make enough new blood cells
Iron deficiency anemia- is the most common type of anemia, where there isn’t enough iron in the body
Sickle cell anemia- is a serious inherited condition where the hemoglobin forces red blood cells into a crescent shape
Thalassemia- is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal
Vitamin deficiency anemia- there isn’t enough folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough red blood cells

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and severity. It can be mild enough that there are no symptoms at first. However, symptoms can get worse as the anemia gets worse. Possible symptoms of anemia can include:

Tiredness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headaches

Anemia can happen if:

The body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin or red blood cells
Bleeding causes loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin faster than they can be replaced
The body destroys red blood cells and the hemoglobin that is in them

Many factors can increase the risk of anemia, including:

A diet that doesn’t have enough of certain vitamins and minerals
Problems with the small intestines
Menstrual periods
Pregnancy
Chronic conditions
Family history

Other factors like a history of certain infections, blood diseases, and autoimmune conditions, drinking too much alcohol, being around toxic chemicals, and taking some medicines can affect the making of red blood cells and also increase the risk of anemia.

If anemia is not treated, it can cause many health problems, including:

Severe tiredness
Pregnancy complications
Heart problems
Death

Many types of anemia can’t be prevented. However, eating a healthy diet might prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemias. A healthy diet includes:

Iron
Folate
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin C

To diagnose anemia, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. Tests might include:

Complete blood count
A test to show the size and shape of the red blood cells
A bone marrow biopsy

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. If you have anemia because of an underlying condition, your provider will treat that condition. But they may also do the following treatments that include:

Dietary supplements
Medications
Procedures

If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment for anemia, you can schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Volvulus

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Volvulus is a condition that occurs when the intestine twists on itself, obstructing the flow of material through the bowel. This can cut off the blood supply to the intestine. Volvulus is commonly due to a birth defect called malrotation. This complication can cause the intestinal tissue to die, and can lead to the following symptoms:

Yellow or green vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling or distention
Rapid heart rate
Rapid breathing
Bloody stools
Constipation
Shock

Volvulus of the small intestine usually occurs in infants and children. Children with volvulus may not have long-term problems if the condition is treated promptly. However, surgery is required within hours of the onset of symptoms for this to occur.

Volvulus in adults typically forms in the colon. This is known as sigmoid volvulus.

Some factors that may increase the risk of volvulus include:

Chronic constipation
A high-fiber diet
Past abdominal surgery

Volvulus is diagnosed based on its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distention, constipation, and inability to pass gas. A healthcare provider may suspect volvulus based on the symptoms and begin looking for a possible cause. This can be done by performing a physical exam and ordering:

Lab tests
CT scan
X-rays
Contrast enema

Volvulus treatment focuses on two goals, fixing the twisted intestine and preventing future episodes. The process of untwisting the intestines is called “reducing” the volvulus. This requires a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, which uses a flexible, tube-like instrument equipped with a light and camera. Inserting and advancing the instrument can help untwist a sigmoid volvulus and restore blood supply while allowing the gastroenterologist to see and assess any tissue damage. This may help determine if surgery is necessary.

If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of volvulus, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Wellness Wednesday- The Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live healthier. Walking has many health benefits that can help you to:

Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat by burning calories
Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Lower blood sugar
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve muscle endurance
Ease joint pain
Boost immune function
Boost energy levels
Improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Improve balance and coordination
Lengthen life spans
Inspire creative thinking
Reduce stress and tension

Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while walking:

Walking in areas designated for pedestrians.
Walk in well-lit areas
Wear a reflective vest or light so people in cars can see you if you walk in the evening or early morning hours
Wear sturdy shoes with good heel and arch support
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Drink plenty of water before and after your walk to stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days

The faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Make sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Several different factors can often come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, however, it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take the step to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It helps maintain men’s:

Bone density
Fat distribution
Muscle strength and mass
Facial and body hair
Red blood cell production
Sex drive
Sperm production

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines—typically about 1% a year after turning 30 or 40 years old. For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease called hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

Men can have many signs and symptoms as they age. Some that might occur as a result of lower testosterone levels can include:

Changes in sexual function
Physical changes
Emotional changes

Other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes, and depression can cause some of these signs and symptoms.

Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, however, it is unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there is little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function in some men, however, there is little evidence that it improves other functions, such as energy and vitality.

Testosterone therapy has various risks, including:

Worsening sleep apnea
Causing acne or other skin reactions
Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of existing prostate cancer
Enlarging breasts
Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink
Stimulating too much red blood cell production contributes to an increased risk of forming a blood clot, which could cause a pulmonary embolism

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy is right for you, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. A blood test is used to diagnose a low testosterone. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy.

Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don’t have a medical condition that is contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone.

If you would like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, you can call and make an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, at 718-206-7001.

Eye Injury Prevention Month

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is eye injury prevention month. More than one million people per year are affected by an eye injury and 90% of these injuries could have been prevented if protective eyewear was worn. Here are some facts and tips that can help protect your eyes from injury:

The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals, battery acid, and workshop and yard debris.
Eyes can be damaged by the sun, not just dust, chemicals, and foreign bodies.
Wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jumpstarting your car, or working with cleaning or other chemicals.
Always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities.
Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns, or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

To ensure healthy vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends frequent, comprehensive eye exams every one or two years to prevent any serious problems.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for you or someone you know, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Whooping Cough

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Whooping cough or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that causes a distinct “whooping” cough.

Whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations, and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.

Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, but it could take longer. The symptoms are usually mild at first and resemble the symptoms of a common cold, which include:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery eyes
Fever
Cough

After a week or two, the signs and symptoms of whooping cough worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may also cause:

Vomiting
Extreme fatigue
A high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When the bacteria enter your respiratory system, they attach to the tiny, hair-like extensions that line your respiratory tract called cilia. The bacteria then release toxins damaging the cilia, causing the airways to swell, increasing mucus secretions, and creating severe coughing.

It is difficult to diagnose whooping cough early because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, like a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Doctors can sometimes diagnose whooping cough by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Tests can include:

A nose and throat culture and test
Blood tests
A chest X-ray

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases, diphtheria and tetanus.

Treatment for whooping cough is dependent on age and vaccination history. Infants are typically hospitalized for treatment because whooping cough is more dangerous for that age group.

Treatment for older children and adults can be managed at home. Antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing whooping cough.

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-7001 or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources like email, texts, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school- educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.
Talking about bullying at home- parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the many roles children can play in bullying.
Supporting your community- mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.
Raising awareness- share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.
Support anti-bullying organizations- contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.
Organize anti-bullying events- plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.
Engage in school programs- encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.
Be an upstander- teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

RSV

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. A seasonal virus, RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

Signs and symptoms of RSV most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms, including:

Congested or runny nose
Dry cough
Low-grade fever
Sore throat
Sneezing
Headache
Lack of energy
Decreased appetite

It is difficult to distinguish RSV symptoms from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever
Severe cough
Wheezing
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
Struggling to breathe
Cough
Decreased appetite
Unusual tiredness
Irritability

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can cause many complications, including:

Hospitalization
Middle ear infection
Asthma
Repeated infections

RSV can infect anyone. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children
- Antibody product called nirsevimab
- Vaccines for pregnant people
Vaccine for older adults
Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection
- Washing your hands often
- Avoiding exposure
- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean
- Not sharing drinking glasses with others
- Not smoking
- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on the findings of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs
Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation
Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus
Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. However, hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication
Nasal saline drops
Using a humidifier
Drinking fluids
Staying away from cigarette smoke

Some hospital care treatments include:

Intravenous fluids
Humidified oxygen
A breathing machine

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.