Xavia Malcolm, Author at Health BeatHealth Beat

Foods Asthma Sufferers May Want To Avoid

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Although food is not a common trigger for asthma, some people with the disease may develop symptoms or adverse reactions as a result of eating certain foods or additives.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma-triggering foods can include those that contain sulfites an additive found in:

• Pickled foods
• Packaged potatoes
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Wine and beer
• Shrimp
• Bottled lemon or lime juices
• Some condiments

Foods that contain salicylates, a naturally occurring chemical compound, have also been known to trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. Salicylates can be found in:

• Teas and coffees
• Certain Herbs and spices

Additionally, foods that can cause gas or bloating such as beans, fried foods, carbonated drinks, onions, or garlic may make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.

Lastly, if you are allergic to certain foods, it is best to avoid them. An allergic reaction to these foods can also trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma sufferers should be careful about the foods they eat. Food allergies or reactions vary depending on the individual; therefore, speaking with a doctor about foods to eliminate or add to a diet is recommended.

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.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infection that causes encephalitis or severe brain inflammation. It is spread through the bite of a mosquito infected with the EEE virus or EEEV. Eastern equine encephalitis cannot be transmitted from person to person.

The EEE virus can affect the way the brain and nerves function, and potentially lead to long-term or life-threatening complications.

Some people infected with EEEV may not present with any symptoms; however, if symptoms appear, they could range from mild to severe and include:

Fever
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
High fever
Vomiting
Drowsiness

The symptoms of an EEE infection typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

An EEE infection may progress into more serious complications such as:

Seizures
Coma
Behavioral changes
Paralysis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of the people who develop severe EEE die and those who survive may have some degree of brain damage; therefore, it is important that you see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Your doctor may diagnose EEE based on signs and symptoms, travel history (traveling to areas where the EEE virus is prevalent), mosquito exposure, and blood or spinal lab tests. Treatment typically involves getting enough fluids, rest, or taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Patients may require hospitalization in severe cases.

Eastern equine encephalitis can be prevented by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and taking steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors.

Hypersomnia

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypersomnia is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness. Hypersomnia can be categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary hypersomnia is not caused by any other medical conditions; it is a condition in its own right. Conditions classified as primary hypersomnia include narcolepsy, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Secondary hypersomnia results from other medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or bipolar disorder. It can also result from taking certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs, barbiturates, and anti-psychotics.

People living with hypersomnia feel extremely tired or sleepy during the day, even after getting adequate sleep at night. They have difficulty staying awake and fall asleep several times during the day. Other signs and symptoms of hypersomnia include:

Sleeping longer than normal (10 or more hours each day)
Difficulty waking up in the mornings
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Hallucinations
Slow thinking and speech
Anxiety
Low energy
Irritability
Headache

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of hypersomnia can put you at risk for accidents and greatly affect your social, work, and personal life.

If you are consistently feeling sleepy despite getting adequate rest, you should speak with your doctor who can order several tests to determine a diagnosis.

Diagnosing hypersomnia may include getting an overnight sleep test, a multiple sleep latency test, or assessing your sleepiness using an Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Treatments for hypersomnia may include medications and making lifestyle changes such as sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

10 Signs And Symptoms of Cancer You Should Not Ignore

Posted on August 20, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Cancer Society has recently reported that a little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024. Within that group, approximately 611,720 individuals may lose their battles to the disease.

Early detection of certain cancers and early intervention can increase survival rates, or help many people live longer after a cancer diagnosis.

Screenings are essential in detecting some cancers early and helping to prevent cancer-related deaths. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of the disease and notifying your doctor can also help with early detection.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms of cancer you should not ignore:

Chronic coughs or hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue that does not get better with rest
Skin changes, such as changes in moles
Changes in bowel or bladder movements
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Breast lumps
Difficulty swallowing
Frequent fevers

See your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent. Your physician can conduct tests to determine a diagnosis. There is no single test to diagnose cancer; therefore, testing may include a combination of diagnostic imaging, biopsies, blood tests, urinalysis, genetic testing, or endoscopic examination.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when our blood sugar or glucose is too high. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood glucose.

Diabetes is diagnosed in a significant amount of people in our population; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that approximately 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is 11.6% of the population.

Complications such as vision loss, amputation, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and even death can occur as a result of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes; however, the disease can be managed, and in some cases reversed through treatment and (or) healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Reversing diabetes or putting it in remission means managing blood sugar levels and keeping your A1c below 48 mmol/mol or less than 6.5%, without needing to take medications for three months or more. This may be achieved by:

Losing weight, which may help cells respond to insulin
Exercising by doing a combination of aerobic and strength training activities
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains
Avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates

It is important to note that diabetes reversal or remission is not permanent. Therefore, there is a chance that symptoms can return. Please see your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following signs that are indicative of your diabetes being out of remission.

Frequent infections
Increased hunger, thirst, or urination
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Slow healing wounds
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

In addition, continue to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your diabetes is being managed well.

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

Calculating Smoking Pack Years

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A pack year is used to measure how much a person has smoked over a long period. According to the National Cancer Institute, a pack year “is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, 1 pack year is equal to smoking 1 pack per day for 1 year, or 2 packs per day for half a year, and so on.”

Along with a person’s age and smoking history, quantifying a pack year can help doctors determine whether someone should be screened for lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings are appropriate for adults who are longtime smokers and are at risk of developing the disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screenings for individuals who:

Are between 50 and 80 years old
Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

A low-dose computed tomography or low-dose CT is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer at this time. This machine works by scanning the body using low doses of radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs.

The USPSTF advises yearly screenings should stop when a patient:

Has not smoked in 15 or more years
Turns 81 years old
Develops a health problem that makes them unwilling or unable to have surgery if lung cancer is found

Getting an annual screening for lung cancer can save lives by detecting the disease early when there is a greater chance it can be cured. While annual screenings are effective, they are not for everyone. Therefore, if you are at risk of developing lung cancer, speak with your doctor to learn if this is the best approach for you.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers a lung cancer screening program to the community. For more information about our program, please call 718-206-5603 or email LUNGCANCERSCREENING@jhmc.org.

How Being Outdoors Benefits Mental Health

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Nature provides us with many healing properties including natural light from the sun, green spaces such as parks, and blue spaces such as bodies of water; all of which have been proven to have positive effects on our mental health.

Spending time regularly in nature can promote good mental health by helping our minds to relax and rejuvenate. Furthermore, research shows that regular exposure to nature has been linked to a host of other mental health benefits. Here are a few:

Improved cognitive function
Improved focus
Improved memory
Increased creativity
Decreased stress
Decreased anxiety symptoms
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Reduced depression symptoms

We must connect regularly with nature to reap its benefits. We can nurture our connection by partaking in activities such as hiking, going to the beach, or camping.

For those who are unable to plan getaways or excursions, getting access to nature does not always need to include extensive planning or activities. We can also enjoy nature in urban or small spaces, and in a few minutes each day by:

Going to a park
Tending to a plant or garden at home
Spending time in our backyards
Looking outside our windows at trees and plants
Placing a plant in our workspaces
Sitting by a pond
Listening to nature sounds, such as raindrops or the ocean

Maintaining good mental health is crucial for our overall well-being. This can be accomplished by incorporating time in nature into our daily routines, and, most importantly, seeking the care and support we need when we experience symptoms of a mental health condition.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.

National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. The observance was created to raise awareness and increase understanding of craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and palate.

Approximately 7,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a cleft lip or palate; both occur when a baby’s lip or palate does not form completely during pregnancy. A cleft lip happens when the tissue that makes the upper lip does not join completely and leaves a gap. A cleft palate forms when the tissue that makes up the palate or the roof of the mouth does not fuse completely, resulting in an opening.

A child born with a cleft lip or palate may experience:

Difficulty with feedings
Trouble speaking
Chronic ear infections
Hearing problems
Dental problems

The exact reason why a cleft lip or palate happens is unknown; however, research suggests the following factors may increase the risk:

Genetics
A lack of folic acid during pregnancy
Taking certain medications, such as antiseizure medications during pregnancy
Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy
Obesity during pregnancy
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
Diabetes during pregnancy

The risk of developing a cleft palate or lip may be lowered by taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, eating a healthy diet, managing diabetes, or receiving genetic counseling.

A cleft lip or palate may be detected during pregnancy using prenatal ultrasound or noticed at birth. Treatment may involve surgeries to correct the cleft and improve its appearance. A doctor may also recommend lactation or feeding support, dental treatments, hearing aids, speech therapy, or mental health support.

Strokes On The Rise In Younger People

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, or when there is bleeding in the brain. A stroke can result in brain damage, long-term disability, or death.

Data shows that people over the age of 55 have a higher risk of stroke than others. Although the risk of stroke increases with age, it is important to remember that it can happen to anyone. Younger people can have strokes too.

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 10-15% of strokes occur in adults aged 18-50 years, and the incidence of ischemic stroke (caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain) is rising in that group.

Several factors may increase the risk of stroke in younger adults. They are:

Pregnancy
Smoking
Illicit drug use
Binge drinking
Taking birth control pills that include estrogen
Sickle cell disease
Blood clotting disorders
Migraine with aura
Diabetes
Hypertension
Patent foramen ovale
Obesity
Genetics

The risk of stroke can be reduced by receiving the appropriate care for certain diseases and health conditions, avoiding the use of illicit drugs, and making positive lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption.

Having a stroke can have a serious impact on your health. This is why knowing the warning signs and receiving timely treatment is crucial. The acronym B.E.F.A.S.T (balance, eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911) can help you remember the warning signs of a stroke and respond quickly.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (the highest designation of stroke care) by the Joint Commission. Whether you’ve survived a stroke or may be at risk of experiencing one, you can schedule an appointment for neuroendovascular screening, stroke rehabilitation, or any other form of stroke treatment that we provide. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

What You Should Know About The Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill.

The Opill (norgestrel) tablet is a daily, non-prescription, progestin-only, oral contraceptive medication that is used to prevent pregnancy. It can be purchased online, at pharmacies, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

Opill is a convenient birth control option and according to its manufacturer, pharmaceutical company Perrigo, it is 98% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy when used as directed. To work effectively, the medication must be taken daily, at the same time every day. Perrigo also advises users to avoid taking medications that may cause an interaction with Opill, as this can reduce efficacy, and result in unintended pregnancy. Additionally, Perrigo recommends that Opill should not be taken with other hormonal birth control products such as an intra-uterine device (IUD), contraceptive patches, or injections.

Although Opill is generally safe, there are a few side effects that may occur. They include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating
Irregular bleeding
Increased appetite
Acne

The convenience of buying a birth control pill over the counter can be appealing to many; however, not everyone should take Opill. This group includes those who:

Suspect they are pregnant
Have breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
Have certain liver diseases

It is also recommended that individuals living with other forms of cancer besides breast cancer speak with their doctors before taking the medication.

While Opill is effective in preventing unintended pregnancy, it is important to note that it does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To stop the spread of STDs, please practice safe sex by using condoms.