May is National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the number of people living in the United States who suffer from allergies and asthma has doubled over the last 20 years. Last year alone, there were over 2 million emergency room visits due to asthma and allergy attacks.

In an effort to bring attention to numbers that continue to grow and approach epidemic proportions; the White House has designated May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The month of May was chosen to raise awareness as it coincides with the peak season and a perilous time for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Education is the primary objective of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It is hoped that by educating the public about both chronic health conditions, more action will be taken to prevent symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected.

Prevention and awareness are the best defenses against asthma or allergy symptoms. The first step in preventing symptoms is becoming aware of your triggers, which can be achieved through testing. Dr. Lisa Roth, Allergist and Immunologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, explains, “It is important that you speak to your doctor about receiving allergy tests. Testing can help to determine the cause of your symptoms. Often people purchase over the counter medications to treat symptoms but they may not be treating the correct cause for their discomfort.” Once your triggers are identified you can learn how to lessen their effects and seek proper treatment.

Dr. Roth recommends the following tips to lessen your exposure to triggers and alleviate symptoms:

Monitor pollen and mold counts
Keep doors and windows shut in your home and car,
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
Clean the air in your home with a HEPA filter
Wash your face and hair as soon as you get home
Wash linens and clothing frequently.

To learn more about Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s website http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month.aspx

To schedule appointment with an allergist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6742.

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.

Burns

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Burns are one of the most common injuries to occur in the home. An estimated 250,000 children under the age of 17 are treated annually in hospitals and ERs for burn injuries.

There are three primary types of burns:

First-degree burns- damage is done only to the outer layer of the skin. These burns can result in minor swelling, blisters or redness
Second-degree burns- damage is done to the outer layer and the layer underneath the skin. Skin may develop blisters or begin to thicken
Third-degree burns- damage is done to deeper tissue. Skin might appear charred, white or leathery in appearance

When treating minor burns that do not require emergency care such as first-degree burns, doctors recommend:

Holding the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or applying a cool compress. Do not apply ice as this can cause further damage
Taking over-the-counter-pain relievers
Applying an anesthetic lotion that contains aloe vera to the affected area
Applying an antibiotic ointment
Bandaging the burn , with a sterile, non- adhesive, gauze bandage (not cotton balls as small fibers can adhere to the burn)

You should seek medical attention if:

There are signs of an infection
The burn blister is larger than three inches in diameter
Pain endures for several hours
The burn appears deep
The burn affects a widespread area such as the face, feet, hands, groin or buttocks

Burns in the home can be prevented when proper safety measures are practiced. The National Fire Protection Association offers helpful tips to help keep you and your family safe. Please visit their website https://www.nfpa.org for more information.

National Healthcare Decision Day

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Today, Jamaica Hospital recognizes National Healthcare Decision Day. On this day, our goal is to help members of our community understand the importance of planning end-of-life-care and providing advance directives.

Although planning end-of-life-care is difficult, it is necessary. Taking the time to prepare for this stage of life can help you and loved ones with making challenging decisions about your care that may arise in the future.

When planning your end-of-life care it is important to consider what your wishes are and how they should be carried out.

Advance directives are legal documents (which includes the creation of a living will and choosing a healthcare proxy) that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on.

To receive further information about planning end-of-life care, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Palliative Care Division recommends utilizing comprehensive resources such as The Conversation Project. The organization provides a starter kit, “a useful tool to help people have conversations with their family members or other loved ones about their wishes regarding end-of-life care.” For more information, visit theconversationproject.org

Motion Sickness

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Motion sickness is a common condition that many of us experience at some point in our lives. It is the feeling of nausea, dizziness or uneasiness that can develop during a bumpy or rocky ride. For some, this sensation may occur while traveling in a car, boat, train, plane or other modes of transportation.

Motion sickness also referred to as seasickness, carsickness or airsickness is caused when the brain receives mixed signals from our balance-sensing system which consists of our eyes, inner ear (semicircular canals) and sensory nerves. Mixed signals are received by the brain because your eyes cannot see the motion your body is feeling, or conversely, your body cannot feel the motion your eyes are seeing. Motion sickness can start suddenly, typically with a feeling of uneasiness then progressing to other symptoms such as dizziness, a cold sweat, headaches or vomiting.

Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to motion sickness. However, anyone who is traveling can be at risk. Factors that can increase the chances for symptoms to appear include poor ventilation in a vehicle, the type of vehicle, fears or anxieties about traveling or the orientation in which a person is sitting or standing.

Treatment for motion sickness may include medication, home remedies or applying simple changes to your environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends the following interventions for treatment or prevention:

Being aware of and avoiding situations that tend to trigger symptoms.
Optimizing position to reduce motion or motion perception—for example, driving a vehicle instead of riding in it, sitting in the front seat of a car or bus, sitting over the wing of an aircraft, holding the head firmly against the back of the seat, and choosing a window seat on flights and trains.
Reducing sensory input—lying prone, shutting eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon.
Maintaining hydration by drinking water, eating small meals frequently, and limiting alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Avoiding smoking—even short-term cessation reduces susceptibility to motion sickness.
Adding distractions—controlling breathing, listening to music, or using aromatherapy scents such as mint or lavender. Flavored lozenges may also help.
Using acupressure or magnets is advocated by some to prevent or treat nausea, although scientific data on efficacy of these interventions for preventing motion sickness are lacking.
Gradually exposing oneself to continuous or repeated motion sickness triggers. Most people, in time, notice a reduction in motion sickness symptoms.

Most cases of motion sickness are mild. Symptoms are typically self-treatable or go away when a person is no longer in motion. However, medical professionals recommend that you see a doctor if you experience motion sickness repeatedly or if symptoms persist after your journey.

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

April is National Donate Life Month

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

April is National Donate Life Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lives of people saved by organ donation and the donors who made a difference. In 2016, over 33,000 lives in the United States were saved thanks to the men and women who decided to give the gift of life.

During National Donate Life Month, organizations such as LiveOnNY carry out missions or campaigns to educate communities about the importance of organ donation. These initiatives are very important because they address many concerns people may have about becoming a donor, such as:

Religion- Most major religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others are in support of organ donation.
Age – If you have been given approval by your doctor to be a donor, you are never too old. The oldest person in the U.S. on record to be a donor was 93 years old.
Health conditions- It is important that you do not rule yourself out as a donor due to medical conditions. Each case is different.
Premature death- The primary goal of doctors is to save your life. Donation is only considered when all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

Jamaica Hospital is encouraging people to help play a role in saving or improving lives by registering as organ donors. Research shows that 90 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation but only about 30 percent are registered. By registering, you can make a difference and help save up to eight lives.For more information please visit, http://www.liveonny.org/ or www.organdonor.gov

Types and Stages Of Lung Cancer

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two major types of lung cancer. About 80 to 85% of diagnosed cases of the disease are attributed to NSCLC and the remaining 10 to 15% to SCLC.

Once diagnosed, a doctor will try to determine how much cancer has spread; this process is known as staging. Different stages of the disease describe how much cancer is in the body and can help doctors to decide on suitable treatment options.

The staging system most commonly used for NSCLC is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. There are four stages which include:

Stage 1- Cancer is found only in the lungs and has not spread to lymph nodes.

Stage 2 – Cancer is found in the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes.

Stage 3- Cancer is found in the lungs, lymph nodes, and in the middle of the chest.

Stage 4- Cancer is found in the lungs, fluid in the area around the lungs, as well as other parts of the body and other organs.

The stages of SCLC are based on the results of biopsies, physical exams, imaging tests or any additional form of testing used to determine how far this type of cancer has advanced. Doctors typically use a two-stage system to help them to decide which form of treatment is best. The stages of SCLC are:

Limited Stage- This is when cancer is found in only one side of the chest and in the lymph nodes above the collarbone – on the same side of the chest.

Extensive Stage- This describes when cancer has spread to lungs, the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Treatment for each type of lung cancer varies by stage. Typical approaches for NSCLC may include surgery, radiation, immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Radiation or chemotherapy are the most common types of treatment used for patients diagnosed with SCLC.

Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products contribute greatly to the development of lung cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing this deadly disease.

If you are ready to quit smoking, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides a free smoking cessation program. To learn about our Freedom From Smoking program please call, 718-206-8494 or visit www.JamaicaHospital.org.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Approximately 30 million adults in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition causes damages to kidneys and leads to a loss of function over time. If your kidneys are unable to function properly, complications such as hypertension, nerve damage, weakened bones and anemia can develop. CKD also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

While high blood pressure can result from chronic kidney disease, it can also be the cause of it. Other conditions and diseases that can cause CKD include diabetes, recurrent kidney infections, prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract and vesicoureteral reflux.

Anyone at any age can develop chronic kidney disease; however, some people are more at risk than others. You may have an increased risk for CKD if you:

Have a family history of kidney failure
Have diabetes
Have hypertension
Are obese
Have cardiovascular disease
Are a smoker
Are of African American, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian American descent
Are an older adult

Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease can vary by individual and may appear over time as the disease progresses. They can include:

Muscle cramps and twitches
Swelling of feet and ankles
Trouble concentrating
Fatigue
Frequent urination, especially at night
Itchy skin
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
High blood pressure
Vomiting

There are several things you can do to prevent CKD and keep your kidneys healthy. Maintaining a healthy diet and cutting back on food rich in sugar and salt is beneficial for your kidneys, as well as monitoring cholesterol levels, keeping hydrated, quitting smoking and drinking in moderation.

If you are living with chronic kidney disease, it is strongly advised that you keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control, moderate protein consumption, reduce salt intake, avoid NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and get the flu shot each year.

Tips for Traveling With Medication

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Preparing for a flight often requires careful planning and packing. When traveling with medication, knowing airport rules ahead of time can help you pack correctly and minimize setbacks on your trip.

It is important that you follow these tips provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to avoid delays in your travel time or confiscation of your medication:

Confirm that your prescription is legal at your destination; some medications that are allowed in the United States are prohibited in other countries.
Learn state requirements for the labeling of prescription medication. States have individual laws to which travelers must comply.
You can bring unlimited amounts of your medication in pill or solid form, as long as it is screened. Medications are typically screened by X-ray; however, if you do want them X-rayed you may ask to have them inspected instead. This request must be made before your medication enters the X-ray tunnel.
You are allowed to bring liquid medication in carry-on bags over 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities.
If traveling with liquid medication, you must inform the inspecting officer at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Additional screening will be required and you may be asked to open the container.
Supplies associated with medication such as syringes, pumps, IV bags or needles must undergo screening.

Packing appropriately for your trip can make traveling with medication less complicated. It is highly recommended that you check the TSA’s website, www.tsa.gov, for updates as the current rules can change.

How Do You Know When It’s Safe to Go Back to Work After the Flu?

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

You can’t stop coughing, your nose is running, and your throat ache is at a level 10. On top of this, you feel exceptionally fatigued. Chances are that you are battling the flu.

Fighting the flu can understandably be a miserable experience. For this reason, you may be worried about spreading the flu to other people in your workplace. So, for how long is the flu contagious? Here’s a rundown on what you need to know about the influenza b contagious period.

How Easily Can the Flu Spread Once You Have It?

Physicians usually recommend that you stay home if you’re battling the flu. That’s because if you go to work while sick, your coworkers can easily contract the virus.

In fact, experts say that if you have the flu, you can spread this illness to other people as far as six feet away. The flu virus is typically spread through the droplets created when you talk, sneeze, or cough.

How Long Is the Flu Contagious?

Timing your return to work properly will help to decrease other people’s chances of getting sick from the flu. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best that you stay home while you are still suffering from symptoms like vomiting, coughing with phlegm, diarrhea, and fever. Some physicians say that a safe period to stay away from the workplace once you begin to notice flu symptoms is five days. In addition, you shouldn’t return to work until you’ve been fever free for 24 hours.

How Can You Prevent the Spread of the Flu Virus This Year?

As you ponder the answer to the question “How long is the flu contagious,” you should know that even when you begin to feel better days after contracting the flu, you might still be contagious. For this reason, it’s critical that you take a few steps to prevent the flu virus from spreading:

Wash your hands.
Disinfect areas you think might be contaminated.
Avoid sharing utensils with others or sanitize them before sharing them.
Avoid coming into contact with other people.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Call us at (718) 206-6000 for more information about the flu or to schedule a physician appointment to get checked out if you believe that you have the flu.

JHMC Partners with Shape Up NYC to Offer Free Stretch and Release Classes

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

In an effort to improve the overall wellness of our community, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s; Shape Up NYC, to offer free Stretch and Release classes to everyone.

The class will be taught by the hospital’s own Janis Sharkey, Clinical Nurse Manager, who specializes in holistic care. It will focus on applying principles of the Alexander Technique and Cantienica to stretch and strengthen muscles, as well as improve balance. Postures and movements are similar to Yoga.

Stretch and Release will begin on February 1st and will take place every Thursday at 5:15 pm at the MediFit Gym at Jamaica Hospital; 134-20 Jamaica Ave; 3rd Floor. For more details please visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/shape-up-nyc