National Drug and Alcohol Facts Awareness Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids, so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

The National Institute for Drug Abuse has designated the week of Monday, January 23^rd, 2017 as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Awareness Week in an effort to provide teens with the facts about drugs and alcohol.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.

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.

Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis C?

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a disease that infects and causes damage to the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus and is spread from person to person through contact with blood. Over time, this disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and ultimately, liver failure.

Although hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplants in the United States, many people do not know they have the disease until they are donating blood or are diagnosed with liver damage. The symptoms of HCV can take years to present and may include:

Joint pain
Sore muscles
Dark urine
Stomach pain
Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and skin
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Clay-colored bowel movements

Learning the risk factors of hepatitis C and receiving treatment promptly can reduce the severity of symptoms. Talk to your doctor about getting tested if the following pertains to you:

You were born between 1945 and 1965
You are infected with HIV
You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July, 1992
You are having or have had unprotected sex with multiple partners
You are a current or former drug injection user and have shared needles
You work in an environment where you are exposed to blood through a needle stick
You have liver disease or have received abnormal liver test results
You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987
Your mother had hepatitis C when she gave birth to you

If diagnosed with hepatitis C, consider seeing a specialist who is trained and experienced in treating patients with your condition. There are several therapies and medications that your doctor may recommend. A complete list of approved medications and treatments for HCV can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

In addition to treatment, your doctor will also advise that you live a healthy life by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, quitting recreational drug use, practicing safe sex and getting regular checkups.

FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit’s Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

During a recent interview with Lieutenant Anthony Mancuso, head of the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit, we learned that the three major causes of residential fires during the holiday season are candles, cooking and electrical failure or malfunction.

Cooking

According to the Lieutenant, cooking stands at the top of the list because it is the leading cause of fire-related residential property damage. Mancuso explained that unattended cooking is a major contributor to incidents- especially during this time of year. His advice for holiday chefs is to:

Never leave cooking food unattended
Avoid distractions while cooking
Properly prepare and follow guidelines when deep frying turkeys or other foods

In the event of a kitchen fire it is important to:

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire
Use generous amounts of baking soda to extinguish small fires. Otherwise use a fire extinguisher (if available) and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Candles

While candles are aromatic and delightful, if not handled safely they can be dangerous. Lieutenant Mancuso recommends flame-less candles, “If aromatic candles are what you prefer, there are many flame-less candle brands that offer that option.” He added, “If you choose to use real candles, do not leave them unattended.”

Electrical

When using electrical lights for decoration it is important to ensure that these products have been tested for safety. Look for UL or ETL listings or certifications on these devices. Without a UL or ETL label, you will not know how safe a product truly is. Other things to keep in mind are to never leave lights on while you are sleeping or not home and to use extension cords and power strips appropriately.

Lastly, Lieutenant Mancuso encourages residents to ensure that their smoke alarms are operational and to make certian batteries are changed as recommended. He also wants members of our community to keep in mind that following these very important tips can be the difference between life and death in some cases. The Fire Safety Education Unit of the FDNY recommends that everyone should visit http://www.fdnysmart.org/safetytips/ to learn more about fire safety.

Lieutenant Mancuso and the Fire Safety Education Unit of the FDNY wishes everyone, “A happy and safe holiday.”

A Remedy For Heartburn

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Believe it or not, chewing gum may be used as an alternative remedy for alleviating the symptoms of heartburn. Studies have shown that chewing on a piece of gum helps to produce saliva which is alkaline in composition and forces fluids back into the stomach. These fluids aid in neutralizing the acids that cause the burning sensation that is associated with heartburn.

Dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum, as sugary gums can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. It is suggested that peppermint flavored-gums be avoided as the ingredient may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to open and relax. This can allow gastric acids to get into the esophagus and trigger heartburn symptoms.

Chewing gum is only a temporary solution, if you suffer from chronic heartburn; please monitor your diet and lifestyle. Avoiding foods that commonly trigger heartburn such as citrus, coffee or alcohol can be beneficial. Additionally, if you are a smoker, it is best to quit. Smoking can affect the efficiency of the muscles of the esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of symptoms to develop. If your heartburn persists, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Why Patients With RA Should Be Concerned About Osteoporosis

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only affects the joints but it can also lead to long-term problems in bone health, such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bones to become brittle, porous (less dense) and weakened, leaving them susceptible to fractures. Studies have found that people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

The reasons why the two are linked are numerous. Complications of RA, including systemic inflammation, the use of glucocorticoids or corticosteroids and loss of mobility can all further the development of osteoporosis.

People with RA who have developed osteoporosis may not know they have the disease because it often goes undetected until the bones fracture. However, there are several lifestyle changes they can apply to reduce their risk, such as:

Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
Getting adequate sunlight to receive vitamin D
Exercise (weight bearing exercise)
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Taking recommended bone density tests

It is recommended that you speak with a doctor before making changes as each person’s case is unique. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat osteoporosis.

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

-6742 or 718-206-7001. The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients who develop rheumatological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. There is a twice-monthly arthritis clinic and bone mineral density testing for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Thanksgiving Holiday Safety Driving Tips

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The Thanksgiving Day holiday period (November 23 to November 27) is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. According to a recent study from AAA (American Automobile Association) a projected 48.7 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home to be with the ones they love. The report indicated driving is the most popular means of travel and more than 89% of travelers will be on the road.

With more vehicles on the road during the holiday travel period, the odds of getting into an accident are greater. However, by following these safe driving tips from the American Red Cross you can keep your loved ones safe and enjoy your trip:

Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Follow the rules of the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

If winter weather threatens and you become stuck in the snow, these tips are for you:

Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing

How to tell the difference between a long lasting cold, bronchitis or pneumonia

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

That dreaded time of year is here, it is cold season. In the United States, this season starts around September and typically lasts until March or April.

Chances are like many, you may catch a cold. If you do, you may display symptoms that include sneezing, scratchy or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, congestion or a low-grade fever. These symptoms are normal but can worsen when left untreated and may cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia to develop.

It is important to know when your condition is worsening. There are several signs that can help you to recognize when your common cold has become something more.

Here are some symptoms of bronchitis to look out for:

A cold that persists for two weeks or more
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Coughs that produce thick clear, white, green or yellow mucous or blood
Rapid breathing
Soreness of the chest

Pneumonia can develop after having a serious cold or flu. Symptoms can be mild or severe depending on factors such as age and your state of health. The symptoms of pneumonia can include:

Violent coughing spasms that produce very little mucous
Coughs with bloody or yellow or greenish mucous
Fever
Sharp or stabbing chest pain when you breathe deeply or cough
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Clammy skin or excessive sweating
Chills
Muscle aches

If your cold persists longer than two weeks and you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, pneumonia can be life threatening.

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

What Are Your Chances of Developing Heart Disease and Ways to Reduce Risks

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The term heart disease is used to describe a range of conditions that affect heart function. Some of the most common types of heart disease are coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is the cause of approximately one in every four deaths. These numbers are alarming and may affect you if you are at risk of developing certain heart conditions.

Your chances of developing heart disease are determined by risk factors you may or may not be able to control. Risk factors that you can control (modifiable) are:

Obesity
Diet
Smoking
Lack of physical activity
Excessive alcohol consumption

Risk factors that you cannot control (non-modifiable) are:

Family history
Age
Gender

Whether your risks are modifiable or non-modifiable, the good news is, there are many things you can do to lower the chances or prevent heart disease from developing.

Eating a healthy diet- Eating a moderate and well- balanced diet can help with obesity. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which have been linked to heart disease.
Quit smoking – Smoking damages the lining of the arteries and compromises the function of the heart. Quitting smoking will not only benefit your heart but other organs that can also be affected by tobacco smoke.
Exercising- Exercising as recommended can help regulate blood pressure, keep arteries and blood vessels flexible and improve cholesterol levels.
Moderating alcohol consumption- Excessive alcohol consumption can harm your heart and lead to heart failure, high blood pressure as well as cardiac arrhythmia.

In addition to applying healthy lifestyle changes to your daily routine, it is also helpful to schedule annual physical exams to ensure that your body is functioning normally. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

JHMC & Assemblyman David Weprin Work Together To Educate Communities About Breast Cancer

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Assemblymember Alice Cancel, Assemblymember David Weprin, Assemblymember Francisco Moya, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto, Sandra Lee, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Billy Joel, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly member Didi Barett, Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Each year breast cancer kills as many as 40,000 women in the United States. These numbers are of great concern to community leaders such as Assemblyman David Weprin as the number of breast cancer cases continue to grow in parts of Queens.

Over the years the Assemblyman has worked with several community and health organizations to raise awareness. As part of his continued efforts to educate residents about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, Weprin has collaborated with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Chairwoman of Radiology Dr. Sabiha Raoof to provide the following five vital facts about the disease:

Fact 1.Breast cancer occurs in one in every eight women living in the United States. It is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and second leading cause of death.

Fact 2. Some of the factors that put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer include:

Smoking
A family history of breast cancer -having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer
You are over the age of 55 (Most invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 and older)
You have dense breast tissue
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Radiation to chest or face before age 30
Being overweight or obese
You have used hormone replacement therapy to ease menopausal symptoms

Fact 3. Symptoms of breast cancer include nipple retraction, skin irritation, dimpling, swelling of the breast or armpits, unusual discharge from the nipple and lumps in the breast.

Fact 4. There are changes that you can make in your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, some of which are:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Being physically active
Eating a healthy diet
Breastfeeding( It has been found that breastfeeding can lower cancer risk, especially if a woman breastfeeds for longer than one year)
Quitting smoking
Limiting alcohol consumption
Limiting or avoiding hormone replacement therapy

Fact 5. According to Dr. Raoof, “Early detection is the key to reducing the risk of developing breast cancer and the probability of premature death. Women who have regular mammograms are more likely to find breast cancer early and are less likely to require aggressive treatment to be cured. Studies show that the rate of survival is much higher when breast cancer is detected in its earlier stages. “

Earlier this year, as part of the “Get Screened, No excuses” campaign; Assemblyman Weprin joined Governor Andrew Cuomo at Citi Field as legislation was signed to increase patients’ access to breast screening services and facilities. As part of the legislative agreement, 210 hospitals and hospital extension clinics will offer extended hours of screening for at least four hours per week to help women who have difficulty scheduling mammograms during the typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. In addition, the legislation eliminates annual deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance payments for screening and diagnostic imaging for the detection of breast cancer; including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and MRIs.

In conjunction with this initiative Jamaica Hospital has extended hours of operation at all of its locations where mammograms are offered. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-291-3276.

For detailed information about breast cancer and screening guidelines please visit, www.cancer.org.

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Have you ever woken up and found that you were unable to move or speak? Believe it or not, over the centuries some have attributed this symptom to evil or supernatural presences especially when accompanied by hallucinations or a chest-crushing sensation. However, there is a medical explanation and name for this phenomenon. This frightening but perfectly natural occurrence is called sleep paralysis. It is estimated that up four out of every ten people have experienced symptoms associated with the disorder. Studies suggest that as many as fifty percent will experience sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime.

Sleep paralysis is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms which occur when your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. It has been found that sleep paralysis most often happens during the REM (rapid eye movement), the phase where your brain is active and vivid dreams occur but your muscles are relaxed or turned off. The state of paralysis happens when a person wakes up before REM is completed. The brain is still actively dreaming but as a response to keep the body from acting out dreams and harming ourselves or others; our voluntary muscles become paralyzed.

According to medicinenet.com, “Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it’s called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it’s called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.”

Symptoms of sleep paralysis may differ from person to person and may include:

The inability to move or speak immediately after waking up.
Hallucinations- which occur because the brain is still in a state of dreaming.
Chest pressure- which can occur as a result of panicking

Causes of sleep paralysis can be attributed to:

Lack of sleep
Sleep position- It is believed that people who sleep on their backs are more inclined to have symptoms
Extreme fatigue
Use of certain medication
Narcolepsy
Stress
Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder

Although sleep paralysis is a relatively harmless health condition it is recommended that you consult your physician or a sleep specialist if symptoms are prevalent and disrupting daily activities or the ability to function normally. To schedule an appointment with the Sleep Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.