Can you guess how far a sneeze travels?

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The spray from a sneeze can travel distances of up to five feet and speeds of 100 miles per hour. This year’s cold and flu season is predicted to be intense-so exercise the proper precautions to prevent the spread of flu and cold viruses. To prevent the spread of germs, flu and cold viruses always cover your nose when you sneeze.

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.

Signs of a Heart Attack and What You Should Do

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Heart attack is the number one cause of death in women and men in the United States. It is estimated that one in every four deaths are caused by a heart attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, that only 27% of people know the warning signs of a heart attack and when to call 9-1-1. Knowing the signs of a heart attack and following the suggested guidelines can reduce the probability of death.

Warning signs differ with each individual; they may be mild or severe. For some the attack can be immediate while for others symptoms can begin days or weeks in advance. Heart attacks have several key symptoms and warning signs to be aware of, some of which include:

Chest pains or discomfort (This is the most common symptom)
A squeezing, aching or pressure sensation in the chest or arms, this may spread to the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath
Breaking out into a cold sweat
Nausea and (or) vomiting
Dizziness

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, act immediately and call 9-1-1. While waiting for emergency response, if nitroglycerin is prescribed by a doctor it should be given as instructed. Aspirin can also help during a heart attack by reducing damage to the heart and preventing the blood from clotting. However aspirin should be administered only if recommended by a physician, as aspirin can have adverse effects if taken with certain medications.

Complications due to heart disease can be prevented by exercising, quitting smoking, eating heart- healthy foods such as salmon, getting regular health screenings, taking medication, reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.

To make an appointment to discuss, improve or maintain your heart health call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718- 206- 7001.

Can You Overdose on Vitamins?

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Surely you have heard the saying, “too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.” The same applies to vitamin supplements, as taking an excess of vitamins can be harmful to your health. This may seem contradictory because vitamins are often encouraged to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in our diets. Physicians or nutritionists may suggest vitamins once it is confirmed that you have a nutrient deficiency and highly advise that the daily recommended doses are followed.

The Institute of Medicine has established guidelines such as the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) and DV (Daily Value) to help people understand the daily suggested dose of vitamins.

Vitamin overdose occurs when a person ingests far more than the daily recommendation, for an extended period of time. Although the body can excrete excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, it can retain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which can be toxic.

Here are a few vitamins that are proven to be toxic if taken in excess, as well as their symptoms of overdose:

Iron- Nausea, bloody stools, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fluid build-up in the lungs and fever.
Vitamin A-Hair loss, liver damage, severe headaches, bone pain, blurred vision, dry skin and vomiting
Vitamin D- Abnormal heart rhythm, constipation, frequent urination, muscle weakness and confusion.
Vitamin E- Interferes with the body’s ability to clot blood, which can be harmful for those on blood thinning medication
B Vitamins-B6 in excess can cause nerve damage; while B3 can cause jaundice, elevated liver enzyme levels and nausea.

If you have decided to purchase vitamins, always follow the daily recommended dose to avoid excessive intake. Before purchasing it is recommended that you consult a physician or nutritionist to receive an assessment.

Why Is Glaucoma Called The “Silent Thief of Sight?”

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Glaucoma is a condition which increases pressure within the eyeball and causes damage to the optic nerve. Currently almost 3 million people in the United States over the age of 40 have Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” because there are usually no symptoms until the disease has progressed and there is some form of vision loss. Warning signs to look for are blurred vision, gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision and halos around lights.

This Year’s Flu Season May Be Deadly For Children- Learn ways to protect your little ones

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

It is being reported in the media that this year’s strain of the flu virus can potentially be life threatening for children. Since the beginning of the flu season 21 children have died. This strain of the virus can create severe respiratory problems, bacterial infections and very high fevers.

About 90% of flu cases so far have been caused by the H3N2 sub-type. H3 sub-types tend to cause the largest numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in young children-because their immune systems are still developing. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are also at risk.

What can you do to protect your children?

Watch out for symptoms which include: high fevers, chills and shakes, headaches and body aches, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, vomiting and stomach aches.
Keep children away from people who have flu symptoms.
Teach them to cover their noses or mouths, when they cough or sneeze.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, these are prime areas for germs to spread.
Speak with your physician about antiviral drugs.

The CDC recommends that children ages six months and older should receive flu vaccinations. Although this year’s vaccine is not a match for the H3N2 virus, it will lessen the severity of the symptoms and reduce the chances of hospitalization.

Can Children with Asthma Keep Pets?

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The presence of some pets in the home can trigger asthma attacks in children. While many believe pets’ fur is the culprit, it is actually the allergens such as dust and proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva, dead-skin flakes, urine and feathers that can cause a reaction.

These allergens and proteins are airborne-they can enter the body by way of the mouth or nose. When they are combined with antibodies (a substance that the body recognizes as foreign) and inhaled into the lungs, they can trigger the body’s defense mechanisms, causing inflammation and eventually restricting air flow.

It is recommended that the easiest way to reduce the hazards of pet dander and allergens in the home is to relocate the animal. For some, this decision can be difficult as pets often become members of the family. If the option of relocating the animal is not likely, then the following solutions should be considered.

Minimizing contact by keeping your pet outdoors as much as possible or prohibiting the animal from the bedroom of the person with asthma.
Using vacuums with HEPA filters to frequently vacuum surfaces where dander can accumulate.
Wash pets often and groom them outside the home.
Keep animals off surfaces such as the couch, which collects pet dander.
Dust frequently. It is best to dust when the person with asthma is not home.
Clean bird and rodent cages thoroughly at least once a week.
Purchase air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Keep children away from litter boxes or places designated for the animal to eliminate waste.
Change carpeted floors to hard wood floors.

It is highly advised that you consult a physician to confirm that it is okay to keep your pet and to explore the best ways to reduce the risks of triggering an asthma attack. Your doctor may be able to develop a treatment plan, which can include allergy shots, sprays or pills to help manage symptoms.

Buyer Beware the Potential Dangers of Plastic Surgery Tourism

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Cosmetic surgery is chosen with the intent of enhancing a person’s appearance. Procedures could include breast augmentations, rhinoplasty and facelifts. The costs of plastic surgery can be expensive. Generally, most insurance plans consider cosmetic surgery as elective and will not cover the costs-leaving many patients to pay out of pocket and some exploring the option of plastic surgery tourism.

The costs of receiving surgery overseas can be relatively cheaper than in the United States and can be tempting; however, consumers should be aware of the dangerous and sometimes deadly situations they can encounter. It is highly important to keep in mind that many plastic surgery practices overseas do not uphold the rigid standards of qualified board-certified physicians in the U.S. There are no laws protecting patients who choose to do surgeries outside of the country, therefore if there is negligence it is unlikely the medical practice will be penalized.

Other complications that a consumer may encounter from plastic surgery tourism include:

Travel- Long flights can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolisms and blood clots.
Lack of follow up care- Follow up care after surgery is extremely important. Physicians need to assess your recovery and ensure there are no abnormalities and infections. Many overseas facilities offer very limited or no follow up care.
Botched surgeries and revisions- If the procedure is botched, it may cost twice as much money to make revisions than the initial surgery would with a domestic surgeon.
Language barriers- A breakdown in comprehension and communication can be fatal.
Sub-standard equipment-The facility may be ill-equipped.Facilities overseas may not use the same safety checklist that is standard in the U.S. and medical records may not be properly documented.

Every surgery, including plastic surgery has risks. Boards and organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are in existence to regulate practices, set safety standards and help reduce these risks. While you may be saving money by going abroad, you are being exposed to medical institutions that may not have the same standards of the U.S. and increasing your risks for complications and potentially death.

Delicious and Healthy Herbed Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Full Herbed Cornbread Healthy Recipe courtesy of www.eatingwell.com

CORNBREAD

1 1/2 cups cornmeal

1 cup white-whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

1/2 cup low-fat milk

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

3 tablespoons canola oil

STUFFING

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), divided

1 1/4 cups chopped celery

1 1/4 cups chopped shallots

2 sweet-tart apples, such as Jonagold, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock

3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

Ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION

To prepare cornbread: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, milk, eggs, egg whites, melted butter and oil in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until blended.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. If time allows, let stand, uncovered at room temperature, before preparing the stuffing.

To prepare stuffing: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, shallots and apples; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, crumble cornbread into medium pieces in a large bowl.

Add sage and thyme to the pan; cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Scrape the mixture into the bowl and toss to combine with the cornbread.

Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Add to the stuffing mixture along broth, parsley, Old Bay, salt and pepper. Scrape into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake the stuffing for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until lightly brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.

What Happens During A Diabetic Coma

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

A diabetic coma results from either very high or very low blood glucose levels. This is a life-threatening complication which causes the patient to fall into a state of unconsciousness. The coma is reversible if treated immediately, but if left untreated they may receive permanent brain damage or potentially die. There are three main types of diabetic comas: severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic hyperosmolar. Each type of coma can be brought on by excessive food intake, failure to take the proper doses of medication, trauma, illegal drug use, alcohol consumption or infection.

Hypoglycemia occurs when the body has insufficient glucose. If the brain does not have enough glucose, it cannot function properly which later causes you to pass out. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is common amongst people with type 1 diabetes and is triggered by the build-up of ketones. Ketones build up when sugar levels are too low and the body begins to burn fat for energy. Diabetic hyperosmolar occurs when your blood sugar is dangerously high, causing your blood to get thick and syrupy. Your body will try to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it in urine. This will cause frequent urination that can lead to dehydration.

There are several symptoms that will alert you if your sugar levels are dangerously high or low:

Fatigue
Sudden and extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Fruity-smelling breath
Shaking or nervousness
Irregular heartbeat
Confusion

If you are experiencing these symptoms check your blood glucose levels right away and seek immediate medical attention. The best way to avoid diabetic comas is through prevention and managing your diabetes. You can manage your diabetes by checking your blood sugar regularly, exercising, sticking to your recommended diet, staying hydrated and taking the proper doses of medication. For more information on diabetes management and early prevention Jamaica Hospital offers a free diabetes prevention program, to sign up please call 718-206-7088.

Can Consuming Too Much Sugar Cause Obesity?

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The rising consumption of sugar, specifically in the form of fructose is believed to be a contributor to obesity. Fructose unlike Glucose is not produced by the body. This molecule is not a natural part of human metabolism and very few cells utilize fructose. One of the few cells to metabolize fructose is in the liver, which turns it into fat.

A diet high in fructose can cause leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain how much fat your body should store. When we consume food, some of this food gets stored in the fat cells. If there is a resistance of leptin; your body will not get the signal that your fat cells are full, causing you to eat more. Excess fructose can also cause insulin resistance. The higher the insulin levels in the body, is the higher the increase of deposition of fat into the fat cells.

Sugar can be addictive to some individuals, especially those who are predisposed to addiction. Studies show that sugar can amplify reward-seeking behavior. When we consume a lot of sugar a large amount of dopamine is released to the brain. Dopamine plays a major role in addictive behavior and encourages the individual to eat more.

Simply consuming less sugar is one of the best approaches to improving your health and regulating weight gain. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day for men is 37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons and for women is 25 grams or 6 teaspoons. You can take steps in reducing your intake by cutting down on processed foods, eating less sweets, drinking less sugary beverages such as soda and supplementing refined sugar with honey, molasses or other natural sweeteners.

Consult a physician to assess your diet and to create a plan to help you regulate your weight. To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718 206 6942.