Xavia Malcolm, Author at Health Beat

Low FODMAP Diet

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The low FODMAP diet is a short-term, elimination diet designed to help people living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Research shows that following a low FODMAP diet as recommended by a doctor or nutritionist can reduce symptoms in up to 86% of people diagnosed with IBS or SIBO.

The acronym FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. They can trigger symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea in some people.

High FODMAP foods that are notorious for causing digestive symptoms include:

Onions
Garlic
Products containing lactose such as milk, cheese, or ice cream
Dairy alternatives such as coconut milk (in the carton) or soy milk
Foods containing fructose such as apples, pears, watermelon, agave nectar, or honey
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Snow peas
Ingredients found in calorie sweeteners such as isomalt and xylitol

Excluding these foods temporarily from a diet for about two to six weeks, or as recommended by a physician; then slowly reintroducing them, can help identify which foods are causing symptoms to occur. Once it is determined which foods are causing symptoms, they will be limited or avoided.

The FODMAP diet is very restrictive; therefore, it is beneficial to plan your meals. Your nutritionist or physician may recommend that you base your meals around low FODMAP foods such as:

Almond milk
Vegetables such as eggplant, spinach tomatoes, zucchini, and potatoes
Fruits such as grapes, pineapples, or strawberries
Proteins such as chicken, lamb, or fish

A low FODMAP diet is not for everyone. It can do more harm than good to those who have not been diagnosed with IBS or SIBO. Low FODMAP diets can also be challenging; however, working with a physician or dietitian can help you to stick to the guidelines and maintain proper nutrition.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor or dietitian at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 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.

How Does Blue Light Affect Sleep?

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Devices such as smartphones, laptops, and smart televisions emit blue light, which is a color on the light spectrum that’s visible to the human eye. Blue light also contains the highest level of energy on the light spectrum.

While blue light may offer benefits when utilized during the day, such as helping to boost attention and mood, it can cause several problems when used at night. The most common is interfering with our sleep cycles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to blue light emitted from devices used at night can make it difficult for us to fall asleep or can wake us up too early.

Blue light has this effect because light plays an essential role in aligning circadian rhythms, which is the body’s internal clock that helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. The CDC explains that the “body’s circadian clock responds to light, as a signal to be awake, and dark, as a signal to fall asleep.”

Blue light stimulates the part of our brain that makes us alert and it suppresses the body’s secretion of melatonin; the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Exposure can trick our brains into thinking it’s daytime even when using devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops at night.

To prevent this problem, and reduce the risk of blue light exposure, the Sleep Foundation recommends:
• Turning off electronics two to three hours before bedtime
• Dimming the lights on electronics or using night mode
• Using smartphone or computer applications designed to reduce the emission of blue light
• Using an eye mask to sleep if you are unable to turn off or dim certain light sources

Creating a healthy sleep environment can help us to achieve the rest our bodies need to reenergize and heal. This involves making sure that lights do not interfere with our sleep.

To learn more about creating a healthy sleep environment, or to speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

The Risk of Using Tap Water In Home Medical Devices

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of tap water to fill home medical devices such as humidifiers, neti pots, and CPAP machines can pose a potential threat to our health.

Although tap water is treated to meet safe drinking standards, it is not sterile and is unsafe for inhalation. Therefore, using tap water to fill certain home medical devices is not recommended.

Unsterilized water contains microorganisms such as Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Inhaling these pathogens can lead to infection. Both pathogens are responsible for a large portion of hospitalizations and deaths related to waterborne diseases.

Some individuals are more at risk for acquiring infections than others, they include:

The elderly
Infants and young children
People with weakened immune systems

To avoid the risk of developing an infection or waterborne illnesses caused by the inhalation of pathogens, the CDC recommends using clean, sterile water ( Tap water can be sterilized by boiling it for a minimum of one minute and allowing it to cool), or using distilled water. It is important to note that bottled drinking water is not considered sterile.

The CDC also recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting home medical devices to help reduce exposure to waterborne pathogens.

To learn more about waterborne illnesses and ways to use water safely, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/index.html

The Difference Between A Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are terms that are often used interchangeably; however, the two are very different life-threatening emergencies. A heart attack is best described as a circulation problem, while a cardiac arrest is described as an electrical problem.

A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. This blockage can be caused by the buildup of cholesterol, fat deposits, or other substances in the coronary arteries. The decreased flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle can lead to severe damage or death. The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm, shoulder, or stomach
Nausea
Lightheadedness

Time is of the essence when treating a heart attack. Each minute that goes by can result in more damage to the heart. Emergency treatment, which includes medications, surgery, or a combination of both, is needed to restore the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical malfunction of the heart that causes it to stop pumping blood to other parts of the body. This can result in the loss of consciousness or death if not treated quickly. The signs of a cardiac arrest are immediate and can include:

Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Unusual fatigue
Collapsing suddenly
Not breathing or gasping for air

Treatment for cardiac arrest should be immediate. Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR is performed, and a defibrillator shocks the heart to restore a normal rhythm within a few minutes. Emergency treatment is needed to treat complications that may have resulted from cardiac arrest.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is recognized as a Primary Heart Attack Center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. This certification reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing a high standard of cardiac care to heart attack patients.

Jamaica Hospital’s Cardiology Department cardiology takes pride in providing patients with the very best in heart health care. Our experts provide a wide range of inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular services for those with known or suspected diseases of the heart and blood vessels. To schedule an appointment with our cardiologists, please call 718-206-7100.

Signs of Poor-Quality Sleep

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleep quality is defined by the National Sleep Foundation as, “the measurement of how well you’re sleeping—in other words, whether your sleep is restful and restorative.”

Getting adequate amounts of quality sleep is essential for our health. It allows our bodies to recharge and provides additional benefits including:

Improving memory and concentration
Strengthening the immune system
Reducing stress
Lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes

Consequently, not getting enough quality sleep can have a negative effect on our health. A lack of quality sleep can result in:

Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia and other sleep disorders
Increased stress
An increased risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes
An increased risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

Thankfully, our body tells us when we are depriving ourselves of quality sleep so that we can make improvements. Signs of poor-quality sleep include:

Taking 30 minutes or more to fall asleep
Feeling sleepy or tired, even after getting enough sleep
Waking up often throughout the night and lying awake for several minutes
Having trouble concentrating during the day
Experiencing hunger more often
Experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or gasping for air
Having dark circles or bags under the eyes

Improving sleep quality can be achieved by making simple changes to our lifestyles. Here are a few recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
Remove electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and phones from the bedroom.
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Don’t use tobacco.
Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

If you are having difficulty falling and staying asleep for an extended period, speak with your doctor to explore possible causes. Your physician may recommend that you see a sleep specialist who can diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by harmful toxins produced by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria Clostridium sordellii may also cause TSS; however, occurrences are less common.

Staphylococcus, streptococcus, and Clostridium sordellii bacteria typically live in our nose and mouth, and on our skin without causing harm. However, when they enter the body through cuts in the skin or small tears in the vagina, they can get into the bloodstream and spread to vital organs, causing severe damage and illness.

Although toxic shock syndrome is commonly associated with women who use tampons, especially the super-absorbent types, it can affect anyone including men and children. The risk factors for developing TSS include:

Using super-absorbent tampons for longer than the recommended use
Using menstrual cups, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges
Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion
Having had recent surgery
Having any type of staph infection
Having cuts or burns on the skin

The signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome vary and may include:

Fever
Rash
Bright red eyes, lips, and tongue
Low blood pressure
Headaches
Confusion
Muscle aches
Vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Seizures

If you are at risk of developing TSS and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor or go to your nearest emergency department right away. If left untreated, toxic shock syndrome can result in amputations or even death.

Treatment for TSS is dependent on severity and other factors such as your age and medical history. Treatment may include wound cleaning, antibiotics, intravenous (IV) medications to treat shock or prevent organ damage, heart medications, supplemental oxygen, or dialysis.

Ovarian Cysts

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office Of Women’s Health defines ovarian cysts as fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. Ovarian cysts are common and usually form during ovulation. Most women will develop cysts at least once in their lifetime.

The two most common types of ovarian cysts are follicle and corpus luteum cysts. Other cysts that are less common include endometriomas, dermoids, and cystadenomas.

Anyone born female is at risk for developing ovarian cysts; however, the risk factor is higher with

Previous ovarian cysts
Hormonal problems
Pregnancy
Severe pelvic infections
Endometriosis

In most cases, ovarian cysts are symptomless and do not lead to further complications. They typically disappear within a few months without treatment. However, if cysts continue to grow and become enlarged, twisted, or ruptured, symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, painful intercourse, and pain in the lower back or thighs can occur. Cysts can also lead to complications such as infertility.

If you are experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor. If cysts are discovered after a thorough examination and testing, your doctor will determine the course of treatment based on the type of cyst and severity. Medication or surgery may be recommended.

Debunking Acne Treatment Myths

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all heard acne treatment myths at some point in our lives. Among the most common is the belief that toothpaste is an effective remedy for treating pimples. The opposite is true. While there are some ingredients in toothpaste that might seem effective in shrinking bumps, there are others that can do far more harm than good, and cause damage to the skin.

The myth that toothpaste could be used as a treatment for acne may have gained popularity when most products contained triclosan, an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Many manufacturers today no longer include this ingredient in toothpaste because studies suggest that it could negatively affect our health.

Triclosan has been removed from most toothpaste but there are still other ingredients included that prove beneficial for our teeth but harmful to our skin. These are:

Sodium lauryl sulfate
Menthol
Flouride
Sodium benzoate

Using these substances on the skin can make acne worse or result in allergic reactions that include swelling, redness, or itching.

Another popular myth involves using ice to treat pimples. While applying ice may work in temporarily alleviating symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in inflammatory types of acne; it has little or no effect on other types of pimples that are non-inflammatory such as blackheads or whiteheads.

It is also important to keep in mind that using ice does not treat the contents (oil, bacteria, debris, and dead skin) inside a pimple. Additionally, applying ice for long periods to the skin can lead to rosacea, dilated blood vessels, tissue damage, or frostbite.

Damage to our skin and other complications can be avoided by using dermatologist-approved products that are intended for skin care. They contain ingredients that have been tested and recommended by professional organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology.

If you choose to use more natural remedies, speak with your dermatologist about their risks and benefits before applying them to your skin.

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Latchkey Incontinence

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The term “latchkey incontinence” is often used to describe a person’s constant and urgent need to urinate the moment they get home. Although the term is popular, it is not generally used in medical terminology.

A person with latchkey incontinence is most likely experiencing symptoms of an overactive bladder or OAB. Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that causes frequent urination, uncontrollable urination or nocturia (waking up to urinate more than two times at night).

With OAB, the urge to urinate may intensify with certain triggers such as inserting the key in the door, opening the garage door, or any behaviors that indicate to the brain that you are getting closer to home. Over time, if this pattern continues, the brain will associate these behaviors or cues with the need to urinate and trigger the urge to go whether the bladder is full or not. Other OAB triggers may include having the urgent need to urinate when hearing running water or while washing your hands.

OAB typically develops as a result of conditions or injuries that affect the detrusor muscle in the bladder. These conditions or injuries may include:

Nerve damage caused by diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
Abdominal trauma
Urinary tract infections
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Obesity

It is important to seek treatment for OAB because it will not go away on its own and symptoms may become more severe. Treatment may include behavioral interventions or changes such as scheduling bathroom trips, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training. These therapies may be followed by medication, nerve stimulation, or potentially surgery if symptoms persist.

If you are experiencing symptoms of OAB, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.