Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps.

The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or when narrowing of stool lasts for more than a few days.
A feeling of needing a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black.
Cramping or abdominal pain
Weakness and fatigue
Unintended weight loss

Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the number two cause of death in women in the same age group.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

There are two types of colorectal cancer screening tests:

Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:

Colonoscopy
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Sigmoidoscopy

These exams are beneficial because they not only look for cancer but can also prevent it by removing polyps that could potentially become cancerous.

Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Stool DNA test
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

At-home tests are less invasive and easier to perform but must be done more often. Please note, that at-home tests can present false-positive and false-negative results. Any test with a positive result will require a colonoscopy.

Choosing a colon screening test is not an easy decision, but it is a lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about the best colon screening options for you. You can commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist 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.

Summer Fruits for Diabetics

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

It can be difficult for diabetics to stay away from tempting sweet treats that can raise their blood sugar. It may sound cliché to call fruit, “nature’s candy”, but fruit can be a much healthier alternative to keep your blood sugar levels low while satisfying those cravings.

Here are some delicious fruits to add to your diet:

Apricots
Grapefruit
Grapes
Cherries
Blueberries
Honeydew melon
Kiwi
Papaya
Nectarines
Tangerines

Here are some fruits to have in moderation:

Apples
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Avocado
Blackberries
Oranges
Strawberries
Plums
Raspberries
Peaches
Pears
Mango

Fruits are an essential part of a nutritious diet. It is important to note that not all fruits may be good for people living with diabetes. Eat them in moderation, consider their glucose index levels, practice portion control, and always monitor your blood sugar.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal spine curvature, in which the spine resembles the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.
Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:
- Marfan’s syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Neurofibromatosis
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Arthrogryposis
- Riley-Day syndrome

There are a wide range of causes and ages for when scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.
The appearance of the child’s head is not centered with the rest of the body.
Uneven hips or one hip sticks out more than the other.
Pushed-out ribs
Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.
Back pain and discomfort
When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation
Bracing
The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery
The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, consult your pediatrician about an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

This week, we are expected to experience a highly dangerous heatwave across New York City and the rest of the Northeast and Midwest due to the presence of a heat dome. Starting Wednesday and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s and could get as high as the mid to high-90s.

A heatwave is when temperatures rise above 90 degrees for at least three days. A heat dome is when a ridge of high pressure builds over an area and doesn’t move for up to a week or more.

Extreme heat causes two heat-related illnesses in that your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness and fainting

Here are some ways to prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cold compresses, and sip cool (not cold) water.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke symptoms can include:

A fever of 104 degrees or more
Severe headache
Behavioral changes
Confusion
Hot, red skin
No sweating
Rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness

Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke: Quickly move yourself or the individual to a cooler place, use cold compresses, and do not give them anything to drink.

Some overall tips for staying safe in extreme heat include:

Stay hydrated- Drink extra fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Wear sunscreen- Apply properly and as recommended to prevent sunburn which can make you dehydrated and affect your ability to cool down.
Limit your time outside- Shorten your exercise time and rest often in shady areas. Try to exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
Monitor high-risk loved ones- Pay attention to the warning signs of certain illnesses or medical conditions. Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those with a history of:

Heart disease
Asthma
High blood pressure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes

Others at risk due to extreme heat include the elderly, young children, those who work outdoors, people with disabilities, those who live alone, those without access to air conditioning, people who take certain medications, and pets.

Check the car- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

Usually, we would look to a cool summer night for relief from a hot summer day. Unfortunately, night temperatures aren’t dropping as they should.

Here are some things you can do before going to bed during the heatwave:

Stay hydrated
Eat light
Dress lightly
Look for chances to cool the bedroom
Avoid alcohol
Set time aside to relax
Shower in lukewarm or cool water
Find the coolest place to sleep
Keep a regular sleep schedule

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, so it is important to understand the risks of extreme heat and to make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

PTSD Awareness Month

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is doing its part to raise awareness by sharing important facts.

PTSD or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered after experiencing a traumatic event. A traumatic event can be anything from experience in combat, an assault, an accident, or a natural disaster.

While most of us would have a hard time processing a traumatic event, symptoms resulting from that experience are likely to get better over time. Those who suffer from PTSD find that their symptoms do not get better but get worse because there is a significant impact on how they can function in their day-to-day lives.

Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:

Trouble sleeping
Reliving the traumatic event
Nightmares
Hopelessness about the future
Loss of concentration
Difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Being quick to anger
Self-destructive behaviors, like abusing drugs or alcohol.
Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.
Being easily frightened

Like most other illnesses, some people have a higher risk factor of suffering from PTSD than others. This includes people who have already gone through a traumatic event, those who do not have a good support structure like close friends and family that they can rely on, and if there is a family history of mental illness or if they already have a mental health problem.

Here are some ways you can help someone with PTSD:

Learning about PTSD and how it can affect loved ones.
Listening to the individual when they are uncomfortable with doing certain activities.
Being there for them, without trying to fix them.
Encouraging them to seek treatment and participate in activities
Find support for yourself.
Recognizing the symptoms, even in yourself. Living with someone with PTSD can sometimes result in secondary PTSD, which is when the partner or family member feels symptoms that are similar to PTSD.
Combating the stigma. Challenge the stigma that surrounds PTSD and mental health. Be mindful of your language and attitudes. Promote open, judgment-free conversations about mental health in your circles. Encourage others to see PTSD not as a weakness, but as a sign of a person’s resilience.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

A Simple and Delicious Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad Recipe

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Are you looking to spice up your meals this summer? Here is a recipe for a delicious shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/shrimp-spiced-mango-and-avocado-salad-with-citrus-dressing-recipe-1913723

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraines and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

Headache is a general term that describes the pain in the scalp, head, and neck. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical care. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Alcohol
Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
Dental problems such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Eyestrain
Keeping your head in one position for a long time.
Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically feel like dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.
Managing daily stress

Migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics are a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine:

Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Epilepsy
Sleep disorders
Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine
Certain medications or taking particular medications too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern or migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelid, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol
Being exposed to heat
Bright lights
Overexertion
Processed foods
Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

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.

Swim Safety

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Summertime is here. That means time will be spent at beaches and pools where we can cool off. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water.

When around a body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and often happens in silence. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, and even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

It is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages 5-14 occur in natural water like lakes, rivers, or oceans.
More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters.

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are steps that you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative.

Here are three components of water competency:

Water Smarts

Put a fence around your home swimming pool. It should be at least four feet high, fully enclose the pool, and separate from the house. It needs a self-closing and self-latching gate. All toys that might attract a child should be removed when the pool isn’t used.
Know your limitations, including physical fitness, and medical conditions.
Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where there are lifeguards or water watchers present. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. Floaties, armbands, or water wings do not prevent children from drowning and can easily slip off, especially when kids jump in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for parents and children.
Swim sober.
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
Know how to call for help.
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment such as:
River currents.
Ocean rip currents.
Water temperature.
Shallow or unclear water.
Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.

Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

Make sure you can get in and out of the water safely.
Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
Turn over and turn around in the water.
Swim at least 25 yards.
Exit the water.

Helping Others

These actions will help your family and loved ones avoid emergencies – and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

Closely pay attention to children or weak swimmers in and near the water.
Knowing the signs that someone is drowning.
Knowing ways to safely assist a drowning person, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”.
Knowing CPR and first aid.

It is important to be well-prepared when in and around pools and bodies of water. If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Summer Heart Health Tips

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The summer months come with many things. Warmer weather, beautiful flowers, longer days full of trips to the beach, and parties and barbecues. Warmer weather also brings extreme heat and added risk factors that can affect heart health.

As the body works harder to keep its core temperature to normal levels, a strain is placed on our organs, especially the heart. This can have hazardous effects on people with pre-existing cardiovascular problems and people with a healthy heart as well.

Being in extreme heat for too long can cause two serious heat-related illnesses in which your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Dizziness and fainting

Here are some ways to prevent heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cold compresses, and sip cool (not cold) water.

Heatstroke or sunstroke symptoms include:

Fever of 104 degrees or more
Severe headache
Behavioral changes
Confusion
Hot, red skin
No sweating
Rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness

Here are ways to prevent heatstroke: Quickly move the individual to a cooler place, use cold compresses, and do not give them anything to drink.

People at risk of being severely affected by extreme heat are those with a history of:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes

There are many ways to take preventative measures to ensure you stay safe in warmer and sometimes extreme temperatures.

You can do this by:

Knowing the heat illness warning signs.
Seeing your doctor to know if you’re at risk of having heat-related heart problems.
Avoiding spending too much time outdoors during the hottest days of the summer
Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, especially during peak sun.
Wearing loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
Staying cool in areas where there is air-conditioning or a fan. If either isn’t accessible, apply cold compresses (ice-pack or ice-water-filled bottle to your pulse points.
Hydrating by drinking plenty of water to help regulate your body temperature, and avoiding drinking too many alcoholic drinks because they can dehydrate you.
Eating water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, salads, and cold soups.
Being smart about exercising. If it is too hot to work outside, do it indoors.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.