Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Author at Health BeatHealth Beat

The Importance of Back-To-School Eye Exams

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

It is important to get children’s vision checked before going back to school because healthy vision is a vital part of their development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them.

Unfortunately, many eye problems such as nearsightedness and infections in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes. They include:

Their eyes do not 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

Regular eye examinations can prevent issues from occurring or stop them from getting worse.

In addition to getting a comprehensive eye exam, there are several ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

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 a pediatric ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The MediSys Health Network Launches New Healthcare App

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The MediSys Health Network (Comprised of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center) is pleased to announce the launch of its new application and comprehensive patient platform, MediSys Connect.

The MediSys Connect app is an ideal companion for patient health. The app is integrated with an intuitive platform that gives patients a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing them to manage their healthcare conveniently from their mobile devices.

With MediSys Connect, patients can seamlessly search for healthcare providers and schedule their appointments in just a few clicks. The platform’s Find-A-Doctor feature offers a wide selection of providers, with over 100 specialties to choose from. Patients can also utilize a messaging tool within the app to securely and directly communicate with their physicians.

Other key tools allow patients to:

View test results
View medication lists
Request medication refills
Stay informed about past and upcoming appointments
eCheck-in for upcoming appointments
Enroll for paperless statements
View billing account summaries and statements
View signed and scanned documents
Manage payments
Effortlessly retrieve medical records.

In addition to these user-friendly tools, MediSys Connect provides access to newsletters and podcasts. Here, patients can stay informed by reading articles or listening to trusted healthcare experts discuss various medical and lifestyle topics.

The MediSys Health Network encourages patients to download the MediSys Connect app and explore the state-of-the-art features.

Whether you’re a guest user, a Medisys Connect member, or have a MyChart account, the platform is easy to navigate. It is designed to provide a positive and personalized healthcare experience. Information provided on the platform is available in multiple languages to help members of the network’s culturally diverse patient population manage their health.

New users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. They can sign up by providing their name, birth date, and address. MyChart users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and log in with their existing credentials from MyChart.

Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Father’s Day isn’t the only celebration for men in June. Men’s Health Month is also observed. Men’s Health Month is an observance to raise awareness of preventable health problems, encourage early detection and treatment of disease, and improve overall well-being among men.

As part of its celebration of Men’s Health Month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is sharing a few men’s health statistics and facts to consider:

Men are more than likely to be uninsured and significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a healthcare provider.
Men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women as the overall mortality rate is 41% higher for men than women as men lead the death rate for cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Only 60% of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine check-up, and 40% won’t see a doctor until something is seriously wrong.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.
Men are more likely to put their health at risk by smoking, drinking alcohol, and making other unhealthy life choices.
One in two men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother, or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having your PSA and DRE levels checked.
Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million men of all ages across the United States. If you are having problems, see a urologist to ensure it’s not an early warning sign of something more serious, like heart disease, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar.

Men’s Health Month doesn’t just encourage men to take care of their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well. Men also lead the death rate for suicide.

Here are a few men’s mental health statistics and facts:

31% of men suffer from depression in their lifetime.
9% of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety.
Only 25% of men talk to a mental health professional.
Only 33% take medication for their mental health problems.

Here are some preventative measures that you can take:

Choose a primary care provider and go regularly.
Get screening tests based on your age and family history.
Eat healthy to prevent or manage chronic conditions.
Get and stay active.
Manage stress and seek a mental health professional if needed.

If you are experiencing any medical problems, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating a Fever

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When you develop a fever, it’s usually in reaction to an illness. In most cases, a fever will eventually resolve on its own. However, certain signs may indicate that a fever is occurring due to a more severe underlying problem; in these cases, treatment is necessary. You can take some steps to assess and reduce your fever, but there are also things you should watch out for to ensure that you’re treating your fever appropriately.

Do: take your temperature if you feel sick and are running warm; your fever may be worse than you realize. Fevers can typically be broken down into four levels of severity:

If you have a low fever, your body temperature may range between 99.1°F to 100.4°F.
A moderate fever ranges between 100.6°F and 102.2°F.
A high fever typically ranges between 102.4°F and 105.8°F.
Any temperature higher than 105.8°F is considered to be hyperthermia, which can be life-threatening.

Do: stay hydrated; you lose fluids more rapidly while experiencing a fever due to increased sweating and other factors, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration is dangerous on its own, but it can also increase your body temperature and worsen your fever. Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy fluid levels. Cold water can also help reduce your body temperature.

Do: see a doctor as soon as possible if your fever becomes worse or does not resolve after a few days. This is especially important and may mean seeking emergency medical care if you have developed hyperthermia.

Don’t: try to power through your symptoms and go to work or school despite having a fever. Your illness may be dangerous to not only you, but the people around you; it’s important to isolate yourself at home and rest if you have a fever.

Don’t: underdress or overdress for your fever. If you’re feeling overheated, it may be tempting to lower the temperature of your home, crank up the air conditioning, and shed blankets or layers of clothing. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chills, you may want to bundle up much more than is necessary or beneficial. Dress in light, breathable clothing, keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level, and try to avoid extra layers of blankets or clothing.

Don’t: ignore your fever or pass it off as a non-issue if it’s not going away or is getting worse. In this situation, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Hip Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

If you are considering (or if your doctor has recommended) hip replacement surgery, it’s important for you to know what to expect to help determine whether it’s the right treatment approach for you.

Hip replacement surgery is often considered when hip pain significantly interferes with movement or sleep and does not improve with medication.

There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: total and partial hip replacement. A total hip replacement involves replacing the socket of your hip joint with a durable plastic cup and replacing your femoral head with a ball made of ceramic or metal. This ball is attached to a metal stem inserted into your femur. A partial hip replacement only involves replacing the femoral head; your natural hip joint socket is preserved.

The type of hip replacement surgery you get depends mainly on how much damage your hip joint has sustained. Total hip replacements are most commonly used as a last resort for treating arthritis pain. Partial hip replacements are more common for older people who have experienced an injury, such as a hip fracture.

During surgery, your surgeon may use certain specialized tools to perform your hip replacement safely and effectively. At Orthopedic Specialists of New York, our surgeons utilize the Mako robotic surgical assistant, which reduces the amount of cutting required during surgery and allows for more healthy bone tissue to be preserved.

Whether you receive a partial or total hip replacement, surgery can provide pain relief and restore some mobility to the joint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there will still be limits to the types of physical activity you can engage in after your surgery. While most patients will be able to return to low-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or bicycle riding during or after their first-year post-surgery, it may be more dangerous to engage in high-impact activities such as competitive sports.

If you have any questions or concerns about hip replacement surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists Of New York. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

Food Allergy Awareness Week

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

May 12- 18, 2024 has been designated as Food Allergy Awareness Week in an effort to raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 33 million Americans have a serious and potentially life-threatening food allergy. This number indicates that food allergies are much more common than previously believed.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food component as a hazardous substance and attacks it. The effects of food allergies may appear on the skin, in the respiratory passage, or the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of food allergies may vary from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, they can even be fatal.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction that can cause death. This type of allergic reaction requires immediate action and medical attention. You must be prepared for an emergency if you or a loved one has a severe food allergy. Learn the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, low blood pressure., dizziness, or fast heart rate. You should create an emergency care plan in the event anaphylaxis occurs; this may include the administration of epinephrine, a life-saving drug, and calling 911 if symptoms persist.

Every year in the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals are brought to hospital emergency departments due to severe allergic reactions. Jamaica Hospital joins the effort to raise awareness about food allergies and urges everyone to learn more about this growing, yet manageable issue.

Highlights of The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

On Monday, April 8^th, The MediSys Health Network held a very special ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the network’s cancer center, located on the concourse level of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s C building.

MediSys President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz began the ceremony by remarking that the opening of the cancer center was a long time in the making, and how excited he was that the day had finally come. He also thanked everyone involved in making the completion of the project a reality.

Congressman Gregory Meeks and Queensborough President Donovan Richards also joined Mr. Flanz and a room full of hospital employees. They spoke about the importance of having a comprehensive cancer center in Queens, where residents could receive high-quality care without needing to leave the borough. The Congressman and the Borough President also praised MediSys’ leadership for continuing to understand and meet the needs of our community, both vowed to lend their support to the organization in achieving those objectives.

Also present were multiple members of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSK) leadership, including Hospital President Shelly Anderson. During her remarks, Anderson shared how excited everyone at MSK is about the two organizations entering the next phase of an agreement to work together to provide equitable cancer care to the people of Queens.

The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center features 24 multi-purpose treatment rooms. Each of the private rooms is designed for a relaxing patient experience and includes comfortable chairs, flat-screen televisions, and soothing murals on the walls. When configuring the layout, an emphasis was placed on ensuring optimal patient/provider interaction.

While receiving treatment in the center, patients will also have access to various support services, including on-site mental health and integrative health professionals as well as nutritional counselors. In addition, patient navigators are available to guide our patients through every step of their journey. This has all been made available to ensure our patients receive everything they need for a positive outcome.

Our new cancer center is officially open and accepting patients. We invite you to take a virtual tour of our facility here: https://virtualtours.llc/projects/1147jhmc/final/index.htm

To learn more about our center or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-8263.

National Infant Immunization Week

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Infants under the age of two are susceptible to a variety of serious illnesses that can significantly harm or even kill them, as their immune system is still in an early stage of development. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of immunizations that can protect infants against some of the most dangerous diseases to their health.

Many parents may have concerns about vaccinating their children due to potential side effects. While mild adverse reactions are possible with many vaccines, they typically disappear on their own within a few days. Generally, the side effects most children may expect include reactions such as fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling or tenderness around the site of the injection. More serious, long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccines such as those given to infants only use the ingredients necessary to be safe and effective. These ingredients may often include adjuvants (commonly found in antacids and antiperspirants) and stabilizers (such as sugar or gelatin). Additionally, all vaccines go through extensive lab testing, often for years, before they are available to the general public.

The CDC recommends vaccinating children under the age of two against:

Hepatitis B
Rotavirus
Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Pneumococcal conjugate
Inactivated poliovirus
COVID-19
Influenza
Measles, mumps, rubella
Varicella
Hepatitis A

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the CDC’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines they need, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

Learn The Facts About Epilepsy

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Epilepsy, also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. Those with this neurological disorder experience abnormal brain activity, which results in unpredictable and unprovoked seizures as well as other unusual behaviors, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process the brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

Temporary confusion
A staring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Experiencing fear, anxiety, or déjà vu

A person with epilepsy may experience different symptoms than others with the same disorder. In most cases, however, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.

While epilepsy has no identifiable cause, about half the cases can be traced to a variety of different factors, including:

Family history
Head trauma
Stroke
Infectious diseases such as meningitis encephalitis, or AIDS
Developmental disorders, including autism

Medications or surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

Jamaica Hospital Surgical Team Completes First Percutaneous AV Fistula Procedure In Queens

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

We are pleased to share that a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center surgical team has completed the first percutaneous AV fistula procedure in Queens.

The team led by vascular surgeon Dr. Mina Guerges utilized advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to achieve a successful outcome.

Percutaneous AV fistulas are performed on patients diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure, and require hemodialysis; a type of treatment that utilizes a dialyzer (a machine that cleans the blood).

Hemodialysis patients need safe and consistent vascular access points to complete their treatments. Traditionally, access points are created surgically. However, a percutaneous AV fistula creates access using non-surgical techniques that offer several advantages to patients including:

Small incisions
No scarring (patients are left with a small puncture site instead of a permanent scar common with surgery)
Reduced lifestyle interruptions
Shorter recovery times

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of a percutaneous AV fistula is the lowered risk of complications which can include infections and aneurysm formation.

Creating a percutaneous AV fistula requires the expertise of skillful physicians. During the procedure, vascular surgeons and radiologists utilize imaging to insert a needle and guide a tiny catheter device that helps pull the walls of a vein and artery together to create a fistula, then a special tool is used to finalize the connection and create the access point desired.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a fistula for dialysis patients, physicians at Jamaica Hospital are proud to offer the latest technology and alternative options to common surgical procedures.

Jamaica Hospital was recently recognized for its superior outcomes in surgical care. In 2023, the hospital ranked number two in New York for surgical care according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades. The recognition serves as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced and high-quality healthcare to patients.