Actions That Can Reduce The Risk of SIDS

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under the age of one. It is the leading cause of death in babies in the United States. Most cases of SIDS occur while infants are asleep; this is why it is also referred to as “crib death”.

Despite many years of research, the cause of SIDS is still unknown; some experts theorize that the cause may be the result of defects in the part of a child’s brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.

Although the cause of SIDS is undetermined, research does indicate that factors that include a combination of factors in physical and sleep environments can make infants more vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), parents and caregivers can take the following actions to help reduce the risk of an occurrence:

Make sure babies sleep on their backs (Babies should not sleep on their stomachs or sides)
Avoid placing soft materials such as quilts or comforters in cribs or wherever babies are placed to sleep
Place babies to sleep on a firm surface( Infants should not be placed on soft surfaces such as waterbeds or sofas)
Breastfeed for as long as possible- especially within the first six months of a baby’s life
Adults should avoid sharing beds with babies
Use cribs that conform to the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Abstain from drinking , smoking or using illicit drugs during pregnancy and after giving birth
Monitor the temperature in a baby’s sleep space to ensure they are not too warm

The CDC reports that due to education, incidents of SIDS have declined. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is raising awareness during SIDS Awareness Month, which is observed in October, by educating the community about ways to reduce risks.

Although there has been a declination in the number of infant deaths attributed to SIDS, It is important to keep in mind that SIDS remains as the leading cause of death in babies and parents should always take measures to provide a safe sleep environment for their child.

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.

The Importance Of Early Detection

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

breast cancer awareness -517467601 October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women in the United States? It estimated that each year, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Over 40,000 women are expected to lose their fight to disease. However, more women are surviving breast cancer due to improvements in treatment and early detection.

Cancer deaths can be decreased by as much as one-third with early detection and treatment.

Early detection can start from home. Doctors suggest that women perform monthly breast self-exams. In addition to yearly screenings and mammograms, self-exams can help women to monitor changes or abnormalities that may occur in her breasts. It is important to remember that breast self-exams are never a substitute for clinical breast exams or mammograms.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women should begin receiving clinical breast exams in their twenties. Women below the age of forty are advised to receive them every three years. Those over 40 should schedule yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Mammograms are one of the most effective breast screening and diagnostic tools; however, other tools such as MRI’s or ultrasounds may also be used to further evaluate abnormalities or help diagnose breast cancer.

Early and immediate treatment is one of the benefits women will gain from early detection of cancer. If you are age forty and older schedule an appointment for a mammogram as soon as possible. The American College of Radiology is a great resource to find accredited facilities and breast imaging centers.

Dr’sTips for Choosing a Good Day Care and Keeping Your Kids Healthy Away From Home

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

For many parents, the decision of where to enroll their child in daycare is difficult. There are many factors to consider, such as ensuring that your child remains in a safe and healthy environment at all times.

Dr. Rosa Tajian, Pediatric ER Physician is sharing a few tips to help parents with asking the right questions and making certain the best practices are used:

Safety

Require proof that the facility and staff are fully licensed and trained– Asking for proof of licensing for the facility and staff is a must. Daycares should be able to provide official documents demonstrating their facility is upholding health and safety requirements. Training on safety policies and emergency measures such as CPR should be ongoing for staff. It is also important to learn how the staff is screened before hire; does the facility conduct a complete health and background check?
Make sure that the staff to child ratio is adequate– There is safety in numbers. When choosing a daycare knowing how many adults are caring for groups of children is important. There are regulations that stipulate the maximum amount of children allowed per staff member in a daycare setting. To learn the appropriate numbers, a parent can always obtain that information from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Childcare Services. It is always good to confirm from time to time that the ratio remains adequate because facilities can lose staff members and not replace them.
Check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as fire extinguishers –Ensuring that these devices are present and functional reduces the risk for hazards. Each mechanism should be inspected as recommended and documentation of inspection should be presented if required.
Medications and hazardous materials are out of reach– Ask the daycare provider to show you where hazardous substances are kept. They should be locked away and out of reach.

Health

Hand washing policy– Daycares should reinforce strict handwashing policies. Staff should be required to wash hands after changing diapers, before preparing food, after wiping spit up, drool or runny noses.
Sick policy –Find out if there is a strict, written policy for sick kids that all parents must abide by. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics provide general guidelines of when children should stay home from daycare or school. Equally as important is a sick policy for staff. Adults should be asked to go home if they are feeling sick or presenting symptoms that can jeopardize a child’s health.
Cleanliness –The cleanliness of the daycare is extremely important. Ensure that play areas are properly sanitized as well as toys. Areas such as bathrooms and kitchens should be exceptionally clean at all times. Daycares should exercise a strict cross –contamination policy that prohibits actions such as washing or preparing bottles in the same sink used to wash hands after changing diapers.
Immunization policy –Daycares often require immunization records when a child first enrolls. However, they should also follow up with parents to ensure that subsequent vaccinations are up to date. It is very important for the staff to receive vaccinations for diseases such as pertussis which can be harmful to children’s health.

The Department of Pediatrics at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides comprehensive care for children in our community. Our physicians are highly trained in a wide variety of specialties needed to help children overcome illnesses. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital, please call, 718-206-7001.

Could You Be Pregnant? 10 Signs You May Be

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

A common question many women ask after missing their period is, “could I be pregnant?” There are early symptoms that you could look out for that may indicate pregnancy. These signs may show up a week or two after you have missed your period and can include:

Mood swings
Food aversions
Frequent urination
Spotting and cramping
Constipation
Changes in breasts that may involve swelling or tenderness
Fatigue
Headaches
Back pain
Darkening of nipples

Every woman’s body is unique; therefore, some may experience multiple symptoms or none at all during the early stages of their pregnancies. If you believe you could be pregnant, it is advised that you see your doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will discuss a prenatal care plan that is best for you and your baby’s health.

Prenatal care is vital because it improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Women who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birthweight babies and are more at risk of having complications caused by pregnancy.

To speak with a doctor about your pregnancy or prenatal care, please schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

What are the Symptoms and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer?

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect men living in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017 alone there will be about 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer and 26,730 deaths caused by the disease.

It is important for men to know if they are risk for developing prostate cancer. Risk factors for the disease include:

Age – The chance of developing prostate cancer increases after the age of 50
Race/ethnicity- Prostate cancer occurs more in men of African American and African Caribbean ancestry
Family History- Men with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop prostate cancer
While prostate cancer usually does not present symptoms until its later stages, it is also important for men to know the symptoms. Symptoms include:

Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination
Pain or burning during urination
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
Pain in the hip, pelvis or back that does not go away
If you are at risk of developing prostate cancer or are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may suggest that you receive testing to find out if you have the disease or to assess the severity of your condition. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are several treatment options available. Your doctor will discuss which treatment is best based on the advancement of the disease.

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

We Will Never Forget 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

“I want them to know they will never be forgotten,” is what Jamaica Hospital’s Vinny Barranco EMTP Supervisor wants people to remember.

Vinny was one of the emergency responders that raced to the World Trade Center 16 years ago on the tragic day of 9/11. We sat with him as he shared his story of this very sad day in our nation’s history. Here are details from our interview:

Where were you when you first heard we were being attacked?

Vinny: I was in the hospital’s garage getting ready to head out on the road.

What were you feeling?

Vinny: My feelings came in different stages. Just a flood of emotions; I was angry, I felt sorrow- my heart was breaking. Our guys felt the same way but we knew we had a mission. We knew that we had to get to World Trade Center at any cost and by any means. We were determined to get out there and do everything that we could do to help. Our hearts were heavy but that did not stop us. We had guys that were off duty calling in saying, “I’m going in.” Jamaica Hospital tried to fit as many emergency responders possible in each ambulance. It was all hands on deck. Our mechanics made sure that everything that was mobile was ready to go, our ambulances, our mobile health clinics

How did you feel when you arrived at the World Trade Center after the attacks?

Vinny: When I arrived, I was just in disbelief of what I was seeing. This was not the New York City I know. I did not resemble my New York, It resembled a war zone. When we looked at the World Financial Center there was total devastation. It’s just hard to put in words what we saw.

What would you like survivors and those who lost loved ones to this tragedy to know?

Vinny: On 9/11 I lost friends. We lost employees from Jamaica Hospital. It’s hard knowing they are gone. It is heart-wrenching. We want everyone who was affected by this tragedy to know that their loved ones will never be forgotten. This is the reason why I volunteer at the Tribute Center because I want them to know to know we will never forget.

Vinny volunteers at the 9/11 Tribute Museum; He devotes his spare time to taking guests on tours and sharing his story. Vinny helps visitors to understand and remember the events that took place on 9/11. He knows that by doing so, he is doing his part in keeping the memories of those who perished alive.

At Jamaica Hospital we will never forget and recognize the courage of emergency responders and others who helped people affected by 9/11. On this day, please join Jamaica Hospital as we remember those we lost.

Dr.’s Tips: Health Symptoms and Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Dr. Alan Roth; Chairman of Family Medicine

Occasionally we may experience symptoms that we choose to ignore under the assumption that “it’s nothing serious” or “it will pass.” However, it is important to remember our bodies are designed to provide us with warning signs that alert us when a serious problem is developing.

“There are times when your body is telling you that you need to pay attention and seek medical assistance immediately. Symptoms can be indicators of disease or conditions that may be potentially life threatening,” shares Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Ignoring telltale signs can be a detriment to your health. Here are a few health symptoms that you should not take lightly or dismiss:

Leg pain with swelling – Swollen legs serve as a symptom of many medical conditions including heart failure. If the heart is not functioning properly, it is unable to circulate blood throughout the body causing blood and other fluids to back up in the veins and store in the limbs. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, there is a possibility that you have developed a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.
Severe and sudden head pain- These are two common symptoms of a brain aneurysm. This occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and results in intense levels of pain. A sudden and severe headache is also indicative of a stroke.
Severe and sudden abdominal pain- This could be a sign that you have an aortic aneurysm that has ruptured. Aneurysms are bulges in the aorta and while they can form anywhere in the body; they are most commonly found in the belly area. Aortic aneurysms can lead to stroke, blood clots or death.
Chest Pain – Intense discomfort of the chest that include pressure or pain are symptoms synonymous with a heart attack. Other symptoms of a heart attack you may experience include: shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or sweating. Intense chest pain can also be indicative of a condition that is known as aortic dissection, this is caused by a tear in the aorta.
Unexplained weight loss- If you have lost more than 5% of your body weight within a period of six months without changing your diet or trying to lose weight, there may be need for concern. Weight loss is a common symptom of several cancers. It is also a symptom that presents itself in people with endocrine disorders and could also be a sign of diabetes.
Abdominal discomfort with bloating- In women, if abdominal pain with bloating persists almost daily and consistently for more than two to three weeks, it is a reason to raise concern. The symptoms are common in cases of ovarian cancer. Other symptoms include changes in bowel movement and pressure in the pelvis or lower back.

While some of these symptoms are alarming and others are more subtle, you should always pay attention to changes in your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, It is highly recommended that you do not ignore them and seek immediate medical attention, as it can be the difference between life and death in some cases. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-657-7093.

7 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Very often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop. Bladder problems can lead to discomfort, difficulty urinating, frequency in urination and in some cases, mad dashes to the bathroom.

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are seven ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract and help prevent bladder infections.
Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegels are a good way for men and women to maintain bladder control.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing difficulty urinating or have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Anxiety, Fatigue, Heat Intolerance and Other Telltale Signs of Graves’ Disease

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Graves’ disease, also referred to as Basedow’s disease is an immune system disorder that affects the thyroid gland.

The disease is caused by a malfunction in the body’s immune system that creates antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI); which attach themselves to healthy thyroid cells and mimics the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This causes the affected cells to work overtime in overproducing and releasing thyroid hormones.

When the body produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), it can have a negative impact and lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, weight loss and anxiety. Many of these symptoms can be found in a person diagnosed with Graves’ disease along with the following common signs:

Enlargement of the thyroid gland
Changes or irregularities in menstrual cycles
Frequent bowel movements
Fatigue
Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmology)
Erectile dysfunction
Thick, red skin (Graves’ dermopathy)

Although it is possible for anyone to develop Graves’ disease, some people are more at risk than others. Factors that could increase the risk of the disease include:

Age- Individuals under the age of 40
Pregnancy- Pregnancy or recent childbirth in women who are genetically susceptible
Smoking- Smokers have an increased risk of Graves’ ophthalmology because the immune system is compromised
Gender- Women are seven to eight times more likely to develop the disease than men
Living with other autoimmune disorders- People with diseases such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis that compromise the immune system are more at risk

If you are at risk or experiencing symptoms, an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the body’s hormone- secreting glands can assess your medical history and conduct an examination. If it is determined that you do have Graves’ disease, your doctor may recommend a course of treatment that is best for you.

There are typically three options for treating patients with Graves’ disease that include: medication, radioiodine therapy or thyroid surgery. The most common approach for treatment is radioiodine therapy. In addition to treatment, your doctor may also suggest making changes in your lifestyle such as improving your diet.

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

Treating Prostate Cancer

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Prostate cancer is one of the most common diseases that affect men’s health. It is estimated that one in every seven men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you most likely have questions about available treatment options.

Before recommending a course of treatment, your doctor will need to determine the stage or severity of the disease. This can be concluded by using imaging technology to assess how aggressive the cancer might be. Some of the testing methods utilized by physicians include:

multiparametric MRI
enhanced MRI
positron-emission tomography (PET)

Once the stage of the prostate cancer has been determined, your doctor will recommend the best treatment option. Treatment is unique to each individual and may include a combination of therapies and medication management.

Depending on the severity of your case, treatment may include:

Active Surveillance- This is where your doctor will monitor your cancer closely. Surveillance typically includes conducting blood tests and digital rectal exams every six months, observing changes in symptoms and possibly administering prostate biopsies each year.
Surgery- One of the most common options used to treat prostate cancer is surgery. Surgery is usually considered when cancer has not spread outside the prostate gland. A radical prostatectomy is the operation that your doctor may perform. It involves removing the entire prostate gland as well as surrounding tissue.
Radiation Therapy- Is often used to treat cancers that have grown outside the prostate gland and have spread to nearby tissues. High levels of radiation are used to kill cancer cells or to keep them from growing.
Hormone Therapy- Also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or androgen suppression therapy, is an option a physician may explore when cancer has spread too far to be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. The goal of hormone therapy is to reduce the amount of male hormones (androgens) that are produced. This helps delay the progression of prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy- If hormone therapy is not working; your doctor may consider chemotherapy as a form of treatment. During chemotherapy, a combination of cancer–fighting drugs is administered by mouth or intravenously. This form of treatment is best used to shrink or eliminate cancer cells that have spread outside the prostate gland into other parts of the body.

Making treatment decisions can be challenging. Your first step in making a decision is to learn about your options. As an informed patient, you will be able to help your doctor to make a care plan that is best for you.

To schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.