Sleep Awareness Week

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The keys to a healthy lifestyle are eating right, exercising, and getting adequate sleep. While we give a great deal of attention to the first two, the importance of a good night’s sleep is often overlooked. March 12th through the 18th has been designated Sleep Awareness Week, the 25^th Anniversary of this event. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) want to raise awareness and educate the community about how important sleep is to each and every one of us.

There are many health benefits that sleep can provide. Sleep aids our heart, brain, lungs, and muscles to function properly. Additional benefits include:

Improved immunity
Decreased pain
Increased alertness
Lower risk of injury
Improved memory
Better mood

The NSF recommends that adults receive seven to nine hours of sleep each night. They also provide the following tips to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Stick to a sleep schedule with the same bedtime and wake-up time, even on the weekends.
Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. Try to separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress, or anxiety; a lot of which can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon. Napping may help you during the day, but it can interfere with your ability to sleep at night
Avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages at least five to six hours before bed.
Exercise daily. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity.
Evaluate your sleep environment. Remove any noisy distractions, eliminate bright lights, and set a comfortable temperature to optimize your sleep.
Sleep on a comfortable mattress and Make sure your mattress is supportive.

If you still have trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlining medical issue. Jamaica Hospital operates a state-of-the-art sleep center that can help diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

When To See A Doctor If You Have A Sinus Infection?

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is a very common type of infection that occurs when the sinuses or cavities in the front of the face, around the eyes, and behind the nose become filled with mucous.

The majority of sinus infections are caused by viruses. Sinus infections can also be caused to a much lesser extent by bacteria or fungus, however, and are less likely to be transmitted from one person to another. They can also be caused by allergies, blocked nasal passages, asthma, and nasal blockages due to polyps.

Acute viral sinusitis typically lasts seven to ten days and may follow a cold. Chronic sinusitis can last for 12 weeks or longer.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Facial pain or pressure on the forehead or between the eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Thick yellow, green, or cloudy nasal discharge
Inability to smell
Cough
Sore throat
Fever

Sinus infections typically begin to improve by themselves in about 10 days. You should contact your physician if the infection is not improving or if it is getting worse. Anyone who experiences any of the following should see a physician as soon as possible:

Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
Confusion
Stiff neck
Vision changes
Swelling and redness around the eyes
Intense headache

A sinus infection can spread to the brain or the eye if it is left untreated. People who have frequent or chronic sinus infections should see an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) to see if there is an underlying reason these are occurring.

If you think you may have a sinus infection, you can try several remedies at home such as a warm compress on the face, over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These shouldn’t be used for more than three days.

Speak to your physician if the symptoms of a sinus infection don’t improve or worsen after ten days. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at 718-206-7001.

Multiple Allergies and the Symptom Threshold

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Everyone has their own unique combination of allergic triggers and not all of them are obvious. You may be sensitized to several allergen sources, but your sensitization may not be enough to trigger symptoms when you are exposed to only one of them. But when you encounter multiple substances you’re allergic to at the same time, they can add up, and you may start experiencing symptoms, such as itchy eyes or a runny nose.

Determining if you’re allergic and identifying your allergic triggers can help you stay below your symptom threshold—the point where you start experiencing allergy symptoms.

Most people with allergies—up to 80 percent—are allergic to multiple allergens. And for some of these people; symptoms may appear only when they encounter two or more things they’re allergic to at the same time.

Minimizing your exposure to your allergic triggers may help lessen or eliminate your symptoms. For example:

• You could have a low-level allergy to dust mites, mold, and grass pollen. During large parts of the year, you’re exposed to dust mites and mold but may have little to no symptoms.

• But in the spring, when pollen is in the air, you may experience symptoms. You then might think that you have only a pollen allergy. But without a test you won’t know for sure.

Your best defense against your allergic symptoms is to know what’s causing them and to avoid those triggers. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to cut everything you’re allergic to out of your life. You’ll just have to reduce your exposure enough to get below your symptom threshold—the level where you start to experience symptoms.

One of the best ways to find out what’s causing your allergic symptoms is to get tested. There are several different options for allergy testing, including blood tests, skin-prick tests, food challenge tests, and allergy provocation tests. Together with your healthcare provider, you can decide which test is best for you. After your elected allergy test is performed, the results are reviewed by your healthcare provider alongside your medical history to help establish an accurate diagnosis. 

To schedule an allergy test at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Receives America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award For Fourth Consecutive Year

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that it is one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. This achievement puts Jamaica Hospital in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance across the most common conditions and procedures. This is the fourth consecutive year Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is among America’s Best.

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top-performing hospitals.

Being named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals is an achievement that speaks to Jamaica Hospital’s commitment to providing its patients and community with high-quality healthcare. The distinction of being one of America’s Best is among several achievements earned by the hospital for clinical excellence and high performance in a wide range of services. Jamaica Hospital received four 2023 U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospitals awards in recognition of the treatment and care provided to patients diagnosed with heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and stroke. Healthgrades also ranked Jamaica Hospital among the top five hospitals in New York for surgical care in 2023.

“We’re proud to recognize Jamaica Hospital Medical Center as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023,” said Brad Bowman MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “As one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center consistently delivers better-than-expected outcomes for the patients in their community and is setting a high national standard for clinical excellence.”

Make Your Smile a Priority in 2023

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

We have all made New Year’s resolutions at some point in our lives. Many of these annual vows revolve around improving our health. Typical resolutions may include losing weight, quitting smoking, or beginning an exercise routine, but what about our oral health? The New Year is also a good time to commit ourselves to better dental care.

Make 2023 the year you look to improve your smile. Some ways to help you meet this goal include:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene– Daily brushing and flossing is a simple way to improve oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouth rinses also helps to improve your oral health.
Watch What You Eat and Drink– An essential part of achieving your dental health resolutions is making healthier food and beverage choices, especially for snacks. Frequent consumption of food and beverages containing carbohydrates and acids contributes to tooth decay.
Quit Smoking– Quitting cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use is important for improving your oral and overall health. There is no better time than the present to make a resolution to stop tobacco use. Consider free online tools, smoking cessation groups, progress-tracking apps and support from friends and family to assist you with tobacco cessation.
Use Whitening Products– There are several over-the-counter smile-improving products that you can use to whiten your teeth when you brush and floss. In recent years, tooth whitening has acquired enormous popularity because it can enhance the appearance of teeth by removing deep (intrinsic) or surface (extrinsic) stains.
Receive Regular Check-Ups– A resolution to make routine visits to the dentist may help prevent oral disease or reveal an existing disease in its early stage. Dental visits should take place every six months to allow your dentist and dental hygienists to monitor the condition of your oral cavity and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet your wants and needs.

Some however might need to make more than a few lifestyle changes to address their dental needs. For those, a dentist or orthodontist can help. Make this the year you stop putting off having dental work done. An orthodontist can correct an overbite or straighten crooked teeth and a dentist can address your need for crowns, implants, or fillings to preserve your tooth structure.

To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Center, please call 718-206-6980

Jamaica Hospital Opens New, State-Of-The-Art Pediatric Eye Center

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Earlier today, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new pediatric ophthalmology center. Construction of the state-of-the-art facility and the purchase of equipment was made possible thanks to a generous donation of $1 million from Maspeth Federal Savings, one of New York City’s strongest community banks.

Maspeth Federal Savings has been working with Jamaica Hospital throughout the pandemic and has provided mission-critical equipment and supporting donations. Today, the organization is the sole donor to the pediatric ophthalmology center, which addresses an urgent need in the local area.

“As a community bank, it’s incredibly important to us that the people and facilities in our community have the resources they need to do what they do best; in this case, providing care that our children desperately need,” said Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings.

Jamaica Hospital provides quality healthcare to an underserved community, including much-needed vision services to children who have limited access to comprehensive ophthalmologic care. By creating a dedicated ophthalmology center for children, the hospital aims to address the lack of access to care and other healthcare disparities that impact its community.

The need for a comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology service is reflected in current statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four preschool-aged children and approximately 6.8% of children younger than 18 years of age in the United States has undiagnosed or untreated vision problems. These numbers are amplified in communities that encounter disparities in receiving optimal healthcare. Children who reside in underserved communities are found to be at nearly twice the risk for developing eye disorders compared to children living in neighborhoods that are supplied with sufficient health services.

The Maspeth Federal Savings Pediatric Ophthalmology Center at Jamaica Hospital will be the only one of its kind to service Queens. “We are bringing a world-class, state-of-the-art center to Queens. Residents who live in our community no longer have to travel outside their local area to receive high-quality pediatric eye care. Our center is staffed by physicians who are among the best in their specialty and are highly skilled in performing a wide range of services to diagnose and treat pediatric ocular conditions,” said Bruce J. Flanz, Jamaica Hospital’s President and CEO.

“We are thrilled to have a center of excellence in pediatric ophthalmology in Queens County. This center will allow us to provide cutting-edge technology and treatment to our youngest patients,” shared Dr. Julia Shulman, Chairperson of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital. The newly constructed 2900 square foot center consists of a modernly designed area waiting area, four spacious examination rooms, two testing rooms, three consultation offices, and two charting workstations. Each room is equipped with amenities to provide a comfortable environment for children.

“Our community needed a facility like this in Queens for a very long time. When our board member Dr. Cono Grasso came to us and explained the importance of the center, we immediately made it a priority,” stated Mr. Rudzewick of Maspeth Federal Savings.

“Jamaica Hospital is grateful to Maspeth Federal Savings for their generous donation to our pediatric ophthalmology center. Their philanthrophy and commitment to helping our communities thrive has helped our hospital make critical advancements that will greatly benefit our growing patient population,” said Mr. Flanz.

The Mako SmartRobotics Surgical Platform At Jamaica Hospital

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce the innovative Mako SmartRobotics surgical platform to our Department of Orthopedic Surgery. This state-of-the-art advancement in joint replacement surgery transforms the way total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacements are performed, resulting in better outcomes for our patients.

Mako SmartRobotics uses 3D CT-based planning. To get a detailed three-dimensional model of the surgical area prior to surgery. This allows the surgeon to receive the most accurate images of the joint and surrounding area. “Through the use of 3D-CT-based planning, we know more about my patients prior to surgery than ever before. This increased knowledge allows our surgeons to make fewer and smaller incisions, resulting in less soft tissue damage for some patients or greater bone preservation for others.” stated Dr. Sanjit Konda, Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at Jamaica Hospital “Mako’s 3D CT provides me the opportunity to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line.”

According to the American Joint Replacement Registry, over 2.2 million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States every year and those numbers are projected to increase. The most common reasons someone receives either hip or knee replacement surgery include joint destruction due to arthritis, wear and tear, or a fracture due to injury. Unfortunately, the increase in joint replacement procedures coincides with a growing number of patients dissatisfied with the results of conventional hip and knee replacement surgery. Some of the most common complaints shared by patients are high levels of pain, increased hospital length of stay, a long rehabilitation process, and restricted flexibility. The Mako SmartRobotics surgical system addresses these issues as patients have reported experiencing less pain, less need for inpatient physical rehabilitation, shorter hospital stays, greater flexibility, and greater soft tissue protection.

The addition of the Mako system is the latest advancement for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Jamaica Hospital. “We are proud to offer this highly advanced SmartRobotics technology in our area,” said Dr Konda. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide our community with the highest quality care.”

Allergic Asthma Testing and Management

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma, is a type of asthma that is triggered or made worse by allergies. Exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, dander, mold, etc.) or irritants to which patients are sensitized may increase asthma symptoms and precipitate asthma exacerbations in patients who have asthma. Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. In fact, up to 90 percent of children and 60 percent of adults with asthma suffer from allergies

With allergic asthma, medical history is often not enough to make an accurate allergy diagnosis. For example, a patient can present with a history indicative of house dust mite or cat allergy but actually not be sensitized. Identifying and reducing exposure to allergens to which patients are sensitized can reduce the risk of induced asthma exacerbations, particularly in the case of house dust mite sensitization.

It is also important to identify and treat other allergic conditions. For example, both allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis are risk factors for the development of asthma. More than 80 percent of people with asthma also suffer from rhinitis, suggesting the concept of “one airway, one disease.” The presence of allergic rhinitis commonly exacerbates asthma, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, emergency visits, and hospitalizations for asthma.

A blood test—together with an allergy-focused medical history—may help identify underlying allergen triggers.  A specific IgE test is a powerful allergy diagnostic tool that measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. It can test for hundreds of allergic triggers, such as pollen, mold, food, and animal dander.

To schedule a blood test with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-6942.

Jamaica Hospital Signs Formal Agreements With Local Cure Violence Groups To Help End Gun Violence In Our Community

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

On Monday, June 13^th, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center held an important event to address the gun violence epidemic in our community.

On that date, the hospital signed official partnerships with three members of The NYC Crisis Management System – King of Kings, Life Camp, and Rock Safe Streets as part of its commitment to end gun violence in our community. The objective of the landmark agreement is for all involved to work together to prevent violence and assist in protecting the health of patients and community members.

According to the formal collaboration, Jamaica Hospital will designate employees who will support the provision of anti-violence and violence interruption services by responding to referrals of traumas associated with gun violence. These designated employees will also assist in coordinating the visitation of Responders (individuals appointed by Cure Violence groups) with patients and loved ones, with their consent and as authorized by the law.

Responders’ duties include conducting follow-up visits during the inpatient stay with identified hospital patients, upon a determination by Jamaica Hospital that the patient is stable. Responders will provide supportive services such as mediation, conflict resolution, and service referrals to assist in the prevention of re-injury to these patients or to prevent retaliation connected to gun violence incidents.

Participating in the event were many local elected officials including Congressman Gregory Meeks, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senator Leroy Comrie, and Chief Kevin Williams, NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South. Each official praised both Jamaica Hospital and the three members of The NYC Crisis Management System for working together to help end the gun violence crisis.

In addition, Dr. Katherine McKenzie addressed the audience to share information about Jamaica Hospital’s existing Violence Elimination and Trauma Outreach (VETO) program, which aimed to provide support for victims of gun violence as well as the hospital’s plans to create a dedicated center where gun violence victims can have all their clinical and social needs met as part of our Trauma Healing & Recovery Integrative Violence Elimination (THRIVE) Survivor Center.

After the presentation, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center President & CEO, Bruce Flanz signed formal Memos of Understanding to officially mark the occasion.

The event received significant media attention. To see the press clips, please click on the links below:

Tick-Borne Diseases

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

With summer in full swing, we will be spending more time participating in activities outdoors in areas such as parks, forests, and hiking trails. While getting out and keeping physically fit is strongly encouraged it is important to keep in mind that being in these areas can put you at risk for tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in New York City and in the United States. On the east coast, Lyme disease is spread by the bite of a black-legged tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Not all black-legged ticks carry this bacterium and, even if they are infected, they must be attached for at least 36 – 48 hours after a person is bitten to transmit the disease.

Although Lyme disease is common, it is not the only tick-borne disease to be wary of; other diseases include tularemia, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and anaplasmosis.

The best way to avoid contracting Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is to avoid direct contact with ticks. You can do this by avoiding wooded and brushy areas, and high grass.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the following to reduce exposure to ticks:

Wear a hat and light-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone
Check your skin and clothes for ticks
Remember to check your hair, underarms, and groin for ticks.

Some of the tips to find and remove ticks from your body and clothing are:

Take a shower soon after returning indoors. If you wash within two hours of returning indoors, the ticks are more easily found and washed off your body.
Once you are indoors, take your clothing and place them in the wash using hot water and then put them in the dryer on “high” for at least 10 minutes; if the clothes were washed in cold water, place them in the dryer on “high” for at least 90 minutes

If you have been bitten, please consult a doctor immediately. Tick-borne diseases that are left untreated can cause arthritis, facial palsy, and nervous system problems. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.