Dispelling PTSD Myths

Posted on June 16, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Knowing the facts about post-traumatic stress disorder is crucial because it helps to dismantle stigmas and confusion surrounding the disorder.

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in people who have witnessed or experienced terrifying, traumatic, or significant life-changing events, such as natural disasters, car accidents, sexual assault, or combat.

According to the National Center for PTSD, the disorder affects approximately 5% of adults living in the United States in any given year.

Each person experiences PTSD in their own way. They may experience any of the symptoms that fall within the following four categories:

Intrusion: Having intrusive thoughts such as repeated, unwanted, or distressing memories of the triggering event; reliving or having flashbacks of the traumatic event; or having nightmares about the event.
Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the event, including activities, places, people, objects, or situations. Avoiding thinking or talking about traumatic events.
Changes in mood and thinking: Feeling ongoing sadness, guilt, or shame; having trouble remembering key details of the traumatic event, having ongoing negative thoughts about oneself and others, feeling detached from others, or being disinterested in activities once enjoyed.
Changes in arousal and reactivity: Having trouble concentrating, having trouble sleeping, being irritable or having angry outbursts, displaying aggressive, reckless, or destructive behavior, or being hypervigilant.

While the facts about PTSD have been established, harmful myths about PTSD persist. Here are some inaccurate ideas people may have about the disorder:

Myth: Only military veterans experience PTSD

Truth: Anyone, including children, can develop PTSD

Myth: Having PTSD means you are weak or broken

Truth: PTSD is a medical condition that involves changes in how our brain responds to extreme stress. It is not a character flaw and has nothing to do with mental strength.

Myth: PTSD occurs immediately after a traumatic event

Truth: The symptoms of PTSD may not manifest or present right away. It is common for the effects of PTSD to remain dormant for months or years before surfacing.

Myth: PTSD only occurs after extremely traumatic events

Truth: Trauma is subjective and manifests differently for every individual. What counts as trauma for one person may look different for another; therefore, no one’s experiences should be minimized.

Myth: People with PTSD are violent or dangerous

Truth: Most individuals with PTSD are not violent. In fact, they are more likely to experience avoidance and withdrawal. Many can lead normal lives and understand their responses with proper care and support.

Myth: Once you have PTSD, you’ll always have it

Truth: PTSD is a treatable medical condition. People can recover significantly with a treatment plan that can involve therapy, medication, or support systems.

Myths and misconceptions surrounding PTSD can make those who are affected feel isolated and delay treatment. Understanding the facts helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help.

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

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.

Glucose Tolerance Test

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A glucose tolerance test is a medical lab test used to measure how effectively our bodies process sugar after a meal. It helps healthcare providers screen for or diagnose conditions such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes.

The most common and standard glucose tolerance test is an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, other screening methods can include a glucose challenge test, used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes, or an intravenous glucose tolerance test, primarily used in research and rarely used as an alternative to OGTT when a patient is unable to process oral glucose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that a typical oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) involves measuring your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a sweet liquid that contains glucose. You will need to fast overnight before the test, after which your blood will be drawn to measure your fasting blood sugar level. Then, you will drink the glucose solution, and your blood sugar levels will be checked again. These measurements typically occur at the 1-hour, 2-hour, and possibly 3-hour marks after drinking the solution.

After testing, you may resume your normal daily activities. Your physician or healthcare provider should receive your lab results in the next few days. Your test results may fall within the following ranges.

Normal – where blood sugar returns to an expected normal range after drinking the glucose solution
Prediabetes – where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to determine a diabetes diagnosis
Diabetes -where blood sugar levels remain highly elevated

If your results show that you have diabetes, your doctor may determine next steps based on how high your blood sugar levels are. They may want to test again to confirm their findings, request additional testing to check for related conditions, or create a treatment plan that may involve lifestyle changes or medications.

New Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines, introducing major changes to blood-based and at-home stool testing.

According to the ACS, the updated guidelines reaffirm that screening in average-risk adults begins at age 45 and continues through age 75 for those with a life expectancy greater than 10 years. Key changes in these guidelines include the introduction of new screening technologies and a focus on improving access and adherence to screening.

While the ACS recognizes colonoscopy as the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, it also encourages the use of additional, acceptable screening, including:

The next generation-ng-mt-sDNA test, a stool test taken at home
A mt-sRNA test, a stool test taken at home
Blood-based test options, taken in a doctor’s office (It is important to note that blood tests have been found to be less effective in detecting stage I cancers and advanced precancerous lesions.)

The American Cancer Society emphasizes, all positive results of non-colonoscopy tests must be followed up with timely colonoscopy screening. Acting quickly can help your doctor rule out or confirm colorectal cancer, potentially lowering the risks associated with the advanced stages of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The ACS estimates that over 158,000 people living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026. Colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 55,000 deaths this year. Regular screenings can prevent up to 60% of colorectal cancer deaths.

Despite having this knowledge, many people are not getting screened. The ACS reports that 1 in 3 eligible adults are not up to date with screening, and more than 20 million eligible Americans have never been screened.

“By offering more screening tools in our guideline update, more eligible adults will be able to participate in lifesaving colorectal cancer testing, helping to close the screening gap and catch more cancers at an earlier, treatable stage,” states the ACS.

If you are interested in learning more about colorectal cancer screening and your eligibility, speak with your doctor. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Different Types of Asthma

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes airways to become inflamed, swollen, and narrow, making breathing difficult. It affects millions of people living in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26 million people in America have asthma.

Asthma isn’t a single disease but rather a group of related conditions with shared symptoms, which include:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Cough
Chest tightness
Mucus production

Asthma is categorized into different types based on severity and triggers. Some common clinical types of asthma are:

Allergic asthma – triggered by allergens such as pollen
Non-allergic asthma – triggered by non-allergens such as stress or irritants such as smoke or weather
Exercise-induced asthma- occurs when airways narrow during physical activity, especially in dry or cold air
Occupational asthma -caused by exposure to irritants such as chemicals, dust, or fumes at the workplace
Aspirin‑Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)- triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs
Cough-variant asthma- where a chronic dry cough is the only or primary symptom, lasting weeks
Nighttime asthma – where symptoms worsen at night or early morning

Your doctor may evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and triggers to diagnose your type of asthma. Testing may include allergy tests, sputum, or lung function tests.

Treatment for asthma may vary by type. They may include inhaled corticosteroids, biologic therapies, allergy medications, a bronchodilator used before exercise, trigger avoidance, avoidance of aspirin or NSAIDs, or rescue inhalers.

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

Nearsightedness

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long or oval-shaped rather than round. People living with myopia can see objects that are near but have trouble seeing objects that are farther away. It is estimated that more than 40% of adults living in the United States have myopia. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearsightedness has been on the rise for several decades.

Nearsightedness typically begins in childhood or adolescence. It progresses during childhood and the teen years, then stabilizes in adulthood. The primary cause of nearsightedness is axial myopia, which is caused by the eye being too long from front to back. Because of this extra length, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This eye elongation can be driven by the following risk factors:

Genetics passed down from parents. If one or both parents have myopia, a person has an increased chance of developing the condition
Ethnicity – some ethnic groups are more at risk than others
Limited outdoor time – not spending enough time outdoors
Doing close-up activities, or near-vision work, such as reading or viewing screens for extended periods

People who are nearsighted may experience symptoms such as:

Difficulty seeing objects far away
Eye strain
Squinting
Headaches
Tiredness when doing certain activities, such as driving

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist. Your eye doctor can diagnose myopia by conducting a comprehensive eye examination.

Myopia is permanent; however, in most cases, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser procedures such as LASIK or LASEK, lens implants, or vision therapy. People living with pathological myopia, which is a severe and progressive form of the condition, may not be able to have their vision corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

At Jamaica Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, we are passionate about providing patient-centered adult and pediatric care. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

The New 2026 Cholesterol Guidelines

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The longer an individual has high LDL cholesterol, the greater their lifetime risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, both of which remain among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Experts agreed that stricter and clearer guidelines were needed to address these trends. Furthermore, new scientific evidence showed that earlier, more personalized, and more aggressive management of cholesterol can prevent cardiovascular disease and complications more effectively over a person’s lifetime.

In response to these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with nine other leading medical organizations, updated the guidelines for managing cholesterol and other blood lipids for the first time since 2018.

According to the AHA, a major focus of the new guidelines is earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco products, prioritizing healthy sleep habits, and taking cholesterol-lowering medication when recommended by a healthcare professional.

The new guidelines strongly emphasize the importance of preventing cardiovascular disease earlier by identifying individuals at higher risk sooner and implementing screening and interventions at younger ages. Adults aged 30 and older are now included in the risk assessment group, instead of the previously recommended age of 40 and older.

Other new recommendations for the management of cholesterol include:

Using the new Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs (PREVENT™) risk calculator, a new tool to assess risk earlier in adults ages 30-79 years. The PREVENT™ tool estimates a person’s risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 and 30 years.
Testing for lipoprotein (a) in all adults at least once in their lifetime. Lipoprotein (a) is a genetic biomarker for heart disease.
The consideration of additional testing to improve cardiovascular risk assessment. These tests include a non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan and Apolipoprotein B
Cholesterol screening in children who may have high cholesterol due to lifestyle habits or inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Guidelines recommend that screening begin for children aged 9 to 11 who have not previously been screened.
Clear targets for LDL cholesterol. Doctors now aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL in most patients without risk factors, below 70 mg/dL in those at high risk, and below 55 mg/dL in individuals with heart disease.

The guidelines also advise against taking supplements to lower cholesterol due to insufficient evidence and safety risks.

The primary objective of the new cholesterol guidelines is to reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly in order to decrease an individual’s overall and lifetime risk of heart attacks and strokes. This approach is personalized and based on individual risk factors. Individuals can apply these guidelines to improve their health by understanding their risk for cardiovascular disease, consulting their healthcare providers for recommended screening tests, comprehending their cholesterol levels, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by their doctor.

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

American Diabetes Alert Day

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

American Diabetes Alert Day is observed each year on the fourth Tuesday in March. The observance was created by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and highlight the importance of understanding your risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, the CDC reports that, “More than 40 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels are too high. This happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to help regulate the amount of sugar that enters the body’s cells. As a result, excess sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.

If diabetes is not managed properly or is left untreated, it can lead to complications and increase the risk of serious health problems. Diabetes complications include:

Damage to the nerves in the body
Kidney problems
Skin problems
Bladder problems
Eye diseases that can lead to blindness
Gum disease
Foot complications that can lead to limb loss
Cardiovascular disease, potentially increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke

Some people are more at risk of developing diabetes than others. You may have an increased risk if you:

Are overweight or obese
Are physically inactive
Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
Have ever had gestational diabetes
Are age 45 and older
Are a Hispanic or Latino, African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. (The CDC states that some Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk.)

Diabetes Alert Day serves as a “wake up call” to pay attention to these risk factors and properly manage your health. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about ways to improve your health and lower the chances of complications occurring. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious breathing disorder that causes breathing to stop and restart several times during sleep. These involuntary breathing pauses are called apneic events.

Sleep apnea happens when there is a blockage of the airway or when the brain fails to regulate breathing. This can prevent your body from getting adequate oxygen and lead to various health problems, including:

High blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of diabetes
Sleep deprivation

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Gasping or choking for air during sleep
Restless sleep
Breathing pauses
Daytime fatigue
Trouble staying asleep
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)
Dry mouth

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a healthcare professional who may ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep center to undergo testing. The most common tests for sleep apnea are:

Polysomnogram, an overnight sleep study conducted in a sleep lab. Here you will be hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart rate, breathing, arm and leg movements, and other functions
Home sleep apnea test, which is the at-home version of the sleep study. Key metrics and functions are measured with a portable device. Home sleep apnea tests may sometimes miss certain metrics. Therefore, your healthcare provider may still recommend a polysomnogram.

Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms, general health, and age. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, oxygen, devices such as a CPAP machine, dental appliances, orofacial therapy, or surgery.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Sleep Medicine utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose sleep disorders. Several testing options are available at our sleep lab in Queens. We also offer home sleep studies to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and several treatment devices and therapies, including Inspire Therapy. To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist, please call 718-206-5916.

Herniated Disc

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the spine tears or ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance, or nucleus, in the disc to leak and irritate surrounding nerves.

A herniated disc can affect any part of the spine; however, this problem is most likely to occur in the lower spine. Herniated discs in the lumbar spine (the lower back) typically result in symptoms that affect the legs, feet, lower back, or buttocks. A common cause of lower back pain is a herniated disc. This pain is often described as sharp and radiating. In addition to lower back pain, a herniated disc can also cause leg pain, or sciatica.

A herniated disc in the cervical spine (the neck) may lead to neck pain, pain between the shoulder blades, or pain in the arms, hands, or fingers. Herniation in the neck or lower spine may also result in numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, and in some instances bladder problems.

Herniated discs can be caused by age-related weakening or wear and tear of the discs; this is called disc degeneration. Other causes include:

Sudden or traumatic injuries
Repeated minor injuries
Repeated bending, strain, or twisting
Improper lifting of heavy objects
Poor posture
Obesity or excess body weight

Some people are at risk of getting a herniated disc more than others. Risk factors include:

Living a sedentary life
Being overweight
Smoking
Working in a career that requires frequent heavy lifting
Having a previously herniated disc
Having close blood relatives with spinal disc problems
Having a connective tissue disorder
Being seated for long periods

Most herniated discs heal on their own; however, in some instances, they may not. Symptoms of a herniated disc can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to complications such as bladder or bowel dysfunction, significant tingling, numbness, or weakness. It is advisable that you see a doctor if you are experiencing these complications.

Your physician may perform a thorough physical examination and order neurological examinations, imaging tests, or nerve tests to help diagnose a herniated disc. Once diagnosed, treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, or surgery.

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

Scar Revision

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A scar is a visible mark that is made of fibrous tissue. Scars may form as a result of surgery, injury, infection, burns, or sores.

Less severe scars may fade (appearing lighter or less prominent) over time. However, thicker, more severe scars may remain prominent and cause physical discomfort, such as pain or tenderness to the touch. In addition, severe scars, particularly those resulting from burns, prior surgeries, or injuries, can restrict motion by tightening the skin. People may consider scar revision to address these issues.

Scar revision is a treatment performed to cosmetically improve the appearance of scars or potentially minimize the discomfort caused by scars. It is important to note that scar revision will not completely erase your scar.

There are several scar revision treatments, including:

Injectables/ steroid injections
Topical treatments
Resurfacing treatments
Surgery

Scar revision surgery is plastic surgery performed to alter the appearance or condition of scars. Surgery typically involves advanced, minimally invasive techniques such as surgical excision, tissue expansion, Z-plasty or W-plasty, skin flap surgery, or skin grafts.

It is important to note that all surgical procedures carry risks; however, serious complications are rare in scar revision surgery. Potential risks include:

Poor wound healing
Bleeding
Infection
Recurrence of keloid scars
Asymmetry
Anesthesia risks (if general anesthesia is used)
New scar may not look exactly as desired (though usually better than the original)

If you are considering scar revision surgery, you will first meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Your surgeon will evaluate your scar to determine which treatments or methods may work best for you. A qualified plastic surgeon evaluates risks based on your health and scar type.

To learn more about scar revision surgery or to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6713.