April is National Donate Life Month

Posted on April 4, 2017 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 25 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

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.

Seizure First Aid Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

A seizure can be a frightening event for the person who is experiencing it as well as the bystander. According to WebMD, “tonic-clonic seizures are the most dramatic and frightening.”

During tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, a person may convulse (jerking movements), lose consciousness, have stiffened muscles or bite their tongue or cheek. A person can also lose control of their bladder or bowels.

What should you do in the event that someone you know is having a tonic- clonic seizure? Here is how you can help them:

Keep calm
Cushion or support their head
Look to see if they own an epilepsy card or identification jewelry-this may provide you with information about the next steps you can take
Protect them from injury by removing objects within reach
Lay them on their side
Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck
Time how long convulsions last
Once convulsions have stopped, place them in the recovery position (pictured below)

It is also important to know what not to do during these seizures, do not:

Put anything in their mouths
Restrict or restrain their movements
Try to move them (only do so if they are in danger)
Feed them or give them beverages (wait until they are fully alert)

If seizures continue for more than five minutes, call 9-1-1 immediately. Other times you should call emergency services is if, you know this is the person’s first seizure, they are having seizures one after the other, they are pregnant, there are injuries caused by the seizure or you believe they are in need of urgent medical attention.

For more information on seizure first aid, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/first-aid.htm.

Seasonal Allergies Tips and Treatments

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

While spring signals the beginning of beautiful weather and warmer days for many; it also marks the beginning of allergy symptoms for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. If you are one of these people, symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and headaches can leave you feeling miserable.

Dr. Lisa Roth, allergist and immunologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center advises, “There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever pollen counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

If your symptoms are continuous and affect your ability to carry out routine activities- you should speak with an allergist. Your allergist will be able to help you identify what triggers your seasonal allergies and provide the best course of treatment to offer relief or stop symptoms.

Treatment options may include prescription medication to control symptoms or immunotherapy. “Allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment for allergic disorders that decreases symptoms for many people by modulating the immune system in a beneficial way. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens providing lasting relief of allergy symptoms,” explains Dr. Roth. Allergy shots are highly effective and can help alleviate many symptoms.

The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Jamaica Hospital focuses on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of allergic and immunologic conditions. To schedule an appointment with an allergist such as Dr. Lisa Roth, please call 718-206-6742.

Q and A: Medication Expiration Dates

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Q: Do over -the-counter and prescription medications have expiration dates? Do they mean anything and is it safe to take them past the expiration date?

A: Over-the-counter and prescription medications are time stamped with expiration dates. Time stamps can be found on the labels or on the actual container. It is important that you pay attention to these dates. The expiration dates indicate a guarantee of full potency and safety within the recommended shelf life.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – “Don’t be tempted to take expired medications.” The FDA states, using expired medical products is “risky and possibly harmful to your health.” This is because the efficiency of a medication may lessen over time due to changes in its chemical composition or a decrease in its potency.

Do You Know How to Dispose of your Expired Medications?

Read here to learn how:

Colorectal Cancer Risk factors and Prevention

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Colorectal cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells or tumors to develop in the colon or rectum. It is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer found in men and women in the United States.

Although colorectal cancer causes the deaths of approximately 50,000 people each year; the rate of survival is improving due to education, early detection and treatment.

Learning the risk factors of colorectal cancer is essential as there are risk factors you can control and some you cannot. The risk factors you can control include:

Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Poor diet – a diet rich in red meats and processed meats can increase your risk
Heavy alcohol consumption

These factors can be addressed by quitting smoking, exercising, eating a healthy and balanced diet and moderating your consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The factors that you cannot control that may contribute to colorectal cancer are:

Age- people over the age of 50 have a higher risk in developing the disease
A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
A personal history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Having an inherited gene defect that can cause family cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome or Lynch syndrome
Race or ethnicity
Having type 2 diabetes

Knowing your risk factors and taking appropriate actions can help you to reduce the probability of developing the disease.

Although it is not completely clear what causes colorectal cancer; it can be prevented by receiving regular screenings. With regular screenings, polyps or colon cancer can be found and treated early before advancing.

There are several testing methods your doctor may use to screen for colorectal cancer. Screening tests may include a colonoscopy or other testing methods such as fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography or double-contrast barium enema. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women should receive screenings beginning at the age of 50.

For a complete guide to the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for colorectal cancer early detection, please visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/early-detection/acs-recommendations.html

Dr’s Tips- Snoring and Solutions

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Here is a wake-up call for snorers; did you know that snoring affects approximately 90 million adults living in the United States? “Although snoring is common and many of us have learned to live with it, the truth is snoring is not normal and should not be ignored,” states Dr. Mayank Shukla; sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Snoring occurs when air flow through the nose or mouth is physically obstructed while sleeping. This can be the result of several factors including nasal congestion, excessive throat and nasal tissue, sleep deprivation or a tongue muscle that has become too relaxed during sleep.

Snoring on occasion does not raise cause for great concern. People who snore occasionally could try the following solutions recommended by Dr. Shukla to help them or their loved ones to get a restful night’s sleep:

Avoid sleeping on your back
Use a humidifier if the air in your room is dry
Adjust your pillows to keep your head elevated
Open nasal passages by using steam , nasal strips or salt water rinse
Reduce consumption of alcohol or other sedatives
Stay hydrated
Get your recommended amount of sleep

However, if you are a frequent snorer, these solutions may not benefit you as there may be serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease or hypertension connected to your chronic snoring. Dr. Shukla suggests that you consult your physician as soon as possible if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

Frequent waking from sleep
Chronic headaches
Daytime sleepiness
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Gasping for air or choking while snoring

These symptoms are commonly associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder which causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. OSA can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke and in severe cases, death. A sleep study may be required to diagnose OSA.

There are several treatments your doctor may recommend; the most common is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Additional methods of treatment may include medication, oral appliances, surgery, or lifestyle adjustments such as losing weight or quitting smoking.

Jamaica Hospital’s state- of-the-art Sleep Center provides several testing options to diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Our staff consists of highly skilled, board-certified sleep specialists and respiratory therapists. We also boast an impressive 2:1 technician patient ratio, which provides our patients with the optimal attention they need during their sleep study. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mayank Shuklah or other sleep specialists at Jamaica Hospital, please call, 718-206-5916.

Natural Ways to Maintain a Healthy Metabolism

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Metabolism is the process in which our bodies convert fuel from the food we eat into energy. The body will either use this fuel immediately or store it in the tissues of the liver or muscles as glycogen or other parts of the body as fat.

The metabolic process involves combining the calories in food with oxygen to produce the energy needed to help the body function optimally. The number of calories your body utilizes to carry out basic functions such as moving, growing and cell repair is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR).

It is essential that you maintain a healthy BMR. Fluctuations or abnormalities of the basal metabolic rate can result in weight gain, fatigue, endocrine and immune dysfunction.

The first step in maintaining a healthy BMR is to find out what your numbers are. Basic metabolic rate is usually determined by using one of two formulas:

Men: BMR = 88.362 + (6.251 x weight in lbs) + (12.189 x height in inches) – (5.677 x age in years)

Women: BMR = 447.593 + (4.203 x weight in lbs) + (7.869 x height in inches) – (4.330 x age in years)

It is highly recommended that you obtain accurate numbers from a certified fitness professional, a registered dietitian or your physician.

According to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Registered Dietitian, Lindsay Chetelat, “Your next steps to maintaining a healthy BMR include applying long-term lifestyle changes.” Some of these changes are:

Eating a healthy breakfast every morning
Exercising – Cardio with strength training
Including sources of lean protein at all meals
Eating regularly- Chetelat advises eating small and nutritious meals every three to four hour
Eating enough- Eating less than 1200 calories per day can actually cause your metabolism to slow down.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Nutritional Services Department assists patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. An appointment with a Registered Dietitian consists of a comprehensive nutrition assessment, nutrition education, behavior modification counseling and goal setting. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7056.

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.

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.”