Insomnia

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, It is estimated that 30% of adults living in the United States experience symptoms of insomnia.

Insomnia can be categorized into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not linked to any other health conditions. In contrast, secondary insomnia can be caused by underlying health conditions or medication side effects.

Symptoms of insomnia may vary and can last for a short time ( a few days or weeks), or they can be chronic occurring at least three times per week and lasting more than three months. Insomnia symptoms can include:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Trouble staying asleep throughout the night
Waking up too early
Tiredness or sleepiness during the day
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Irritability
Mood swings

Longterm sleep deprivation caused by severe or chronic insomnia can lead to the development of complications such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Stroke

Getting good quality sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health. There are a few things that we can do to improve our quality of sleep. They include:

Setting and following a sleep schedule
Avoid using electronic devices before bed
Avoid eating heavy meals late in the day
Avoid the consumption of foods or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine before bed

If you are experiencing long-term insomnia symptoms that are affecting your ability to do daily activities, you should speak with a doctor. A sleep specialist can conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of sleep deprivation and create a treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

Lupus: Triggers and Warning Signs

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Lupus is a chronic disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s organs and tissues. The exact cause of lupus is unknown; however, it is believed that hormones, genetics, and environmental factors play a role.

Anyone can develop lupus, but some individuals may have a greater risk than others. Those with a higher risk are:

Black people
Asian people
Hispanic people
People assigned female at birth
People with a family history of lupus

Symptoms of lupus range from mild to severe, and can include:

Joint pain
Butterfly rash
Mouth sores
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Inflammation in the brain
Blood clots
Hair loss

People living with lupus often experience periods when their symptoms worsen; this is known as a flare. Flares come and go and are often triggered by anything that causes stress to the body. Common triggers may include:

Emotional stress
Pregnancy or giving birth
Infections
Surgery
Physical injuries
Viral illnesses
Severe exposure to ultraviolet rays
Exhaustion (being overworked or not getting enough rest)
Certain medications
Not taking lupus medications regularly

Lupus flares often have warning signs such as fever, swollen joints, fatigue, and other associated symptoms. However, flares can also occur without symptoms. This is why individuals diagnosed with lupus must visit their doctor regularly to monitor their health.

The Lupus Center at Jamaica Hospital is staffed by highly trained rheumatologists. For more information about the Lupus Center or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-9888.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack and damage the glands that produce and control moisture in the body.

Sjögren’s is classified into two types: primary and secondary. In primary Sjögren’s, there are no other autoimmune diseases present. Secondary Sjögren’s is diagnosed in someone who also has other rheumatic conditions.

Parts of the body that are most affected by the disease are the eyes and mouth. However, the skin, joints, kidneys, nerves, lungs, and thyroid can also be impacted over time.

Dry eyes and mouth are the most common symptoms of Sjögren’s. But people living with the disease may also experience:

Tooth decay
Vaginal dryness
Dry skin
Skin rashes
Joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle pain
Heartburn
Acid reflux
Shortness of breath
Light sensitivity

Health complications that could potentially develop as a result of Sjögren’s include:

Lymphomas
Damage to the nervous system
Gastroparesis
Eye infections
Abnormal liver function
Irritable bowel
Yeast infections
Recurrent bronchitis

The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown. Research suggests that a combination of genetics, environment, and hormones may be linked. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. These are:

Age – Sjögren’s is typically diagnosed in people older than 40
Gender- women are more likely than men to develop the disease
Rheumatic disease- having rheumatic conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Genetics- having one or both parents living with Sjögren’s

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome; however, there are several ways to treat and manage the disease. Treatment may include medication, the use of artificial saliva or tears, the use of special moisturizers or lubricants, hormone therapy, or tear duct surgery. Applying lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, increasing fluid intake, wearing protective glasses, increasing the humidity in your home, and reducing stress can help you manage symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, please contact your doctor to schedule an examination. Your doctor may diagnose the disease by conducting blood tests, eye exams, x-rays, or biopsies.

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

Breast Pain While Breastfeeding

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

It is common to experience some discomfort while breastfeeding during the first few days after giving birth. You may feel pain, soreness, or tenderness in your breast or nipple, but these issues should improve over time with proper care and breastfeeding techniques.

Breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both mother and baby. Therefore, if you continue to experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, it may indicate a more serious problem that should not be ignored.

It’s important to identify the cause and seek help from a lactation consultant if needed. One of the most common reasons for nipple pain is an incorrect latch. Signs of a poor latch include:

– Nipple pain
– Clicking or smacking noises from your baby
– Your baby sucking in their cheeks
– Your baby is showing signs of hunger after feeding

Other potential causes of breast or nipple pain during breastfeeding can include:

– Mastitis (inflammation in the breast)
– Breast abscess
– Clogged milk ducts
– Engorgement
– Thrush
– Cracked nipples
– Tongue-tie (when the baby has a short frenulum)

If you are experiencing breast or nipple pain, it is advisable to consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. A consultant can help address breastfeeding challenges such as low milk supply, latching issues, or other barriers to successful breastfeeding.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Benjamin Hartley

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce the newest member of its neurosurgical team, neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Hartley.

Dr. Hartley was raised in Redmond, Oregon, and comes from a family of surgeons. “My father and grandfather were both surgeons,” he shared. “Although they’ve inspired me to become a physician, my greatest motivation was being able to care for patients and communities who needed it most.”

Dr. Hartley brings extensive knowledge and expertise to complement a team of highly trained neurosurgeons at Jamaica Hospital. He received his medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and completed his residency at Weill-Cornell Medical College and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Dr. Hartley later went on to complete a fellowship in neurosurgical oncology at Northwell Health. “I chose neuroscience because it is the last great frontier of the life sciences, and I enjoy solving problems by using my hands,” he explained.

Years of intensive training and clinical experience have earned Dr. Hartley recognition as a top specialist. He specializes in treating brain tumors, skull base tumors, brain hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, and other conditions that affect the nervous system. Dr. Hartley utilizes advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

According to Dr. Hartley, the best part of his job is working with an esteemed group of colleagues, and helping patients and families navigate challenging medical diagnoses.

Dr. Hartley’s dedication to medicine extends well beyond the walls of the hospital. He also commits his time to creating and supporting community initiatives that promote diversity in medicine. His proudest achievement is founding the PrIMES Mentorship program. The program supports undergraduate students from under-represented demographics interested in medicine by pairing them with physicians who serve as mentors.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to have a highly skilled and community-centric physician such as Dr. Hartley on its team. He aims to offer the highest quality surgical treatments, compassionate care in and out of the operating room, and open lines of communication with patients and families at all times.

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

Q&A: What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is Recalled?

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A drug recall is one of the most effective ways to protect the public from potentially harmful drugs.

Drug recalls are mostly voluntary and occur when a manufacturer decides to remove a drug from the market when there is reason to believe the product is mislabeled, contaminated, defective, or hazardous to a person’s health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also request a recall if multiple reports of adverse effects or problems have been received.

If your medicine has been recalled, the FDA recommends that you speak with your doctor right away to determine the best course of action for your health. If your doctor advises that you stop taking the medication, you may be able to take it back to the store of purchase and request a refund. Manufacturers may also provide contact information for product returns.

To keep up-to-date or find out more about drug recalls, you can visit the FDA’s website https://www.fda.gov/ and sign up for alerts.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Amir Barkhodari

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to introduce you to board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Amir Barkhodari.

Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and inflammatory (rheumatic) conditions. Some of the most common diseases and conditions treated by rheumatologists are:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Gout

Dr. Barkhodari is highly trained in his field. He attended medical school at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and completed a prestigious research fellowship at Stanford University. His extensive medical training is further defined by a residency at Jamaica Hospital and a fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Dr. Barkhodari is known among his peers for his sense of community. His desire to help others began at an early age and led him to medicine. He recalls, “As a kid growing up in Iran, I saw many people living with chronic and debilitating diseases, and I wanted to help them. I decided pursuing a career in medicine would help me to achieve this goal.”

As a rheumatologist, Dr. Barkhodari takes immense pride in providing high-quality care to his patients. He also believes it is equally as important to educate patients and communities about the need for early detection of rheumatic diseases such as lupus.

Early detection and treatment can minimize the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with autoimmune conditions. “It is important to diagnose these conditions early and create a personalized treatment plan, unique to each patient’s needs. This approach can help greatly with reducing chronic pain and avoiding complications such as organ failure,” he explained.

Jamaica Hospital serves a patient population in which autoimmune and rheumatic conditions are prevalent. Dr. Barkhodari hopes that his knowledge and experience as a rheumatologist will greatly benefit his patients and our community.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkhodari, please call 718-206-7001.

Rumination

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all had negative thoughts, and in most cases, that’s normal. However, when negative thoughts become excessive and repetitive, this pattern of thinking may be cause for concern.

Rumination is a thought processing disorder that is characterized by obsessional thinking that involves repetitive, negative thinking, or dwelling on negative feelings that interfere with normal functioning.

Rumination is often described as a loop of negative thoughts. This cycle of negative thinking can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety or worsen already existing mental health disorders. Rumination can also affect a person’s sleep and physical health, as a result of stress.

People ruminate for several reasons. The American Psychological Association listed the following as common reasons why people may have ruminating thoughts. They:

Believe they are gaining insight into a problem.
Perceive they face constant, uncontrollable stressors.
Had traumatic experiences.
Possess personality characteristics such as perfectionism or neuroticism.
Have low self-esteem.

The first step to addressing rumination is recognizing that there is a problem. If you realize that you are ruminating, you can try these tips to help break the cycle of negative thinking:

Distract yourself by doing activities that can disrupt negative thinking.
Identify triggers that you can or can’t change.
Learn how to set realistic expectations.
Work on improving self-esteem.
Practice mindfulness
Practice positive affirmations

Lastly, if ruminating thoughts persist and are interfering with your life, try seeking assistance from a mental health professional.

The most common therapy used to address rumination is rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on redirecting a person’s thought process and improving coping skills.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Tips To Encourage Family Fitness

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Making fitness a priority in your family can provide several health benefits for your loved ones. Exercising regularly as a group can help family members maintain a healthy weight, improve concentration and focus, strengthen bones and muscles, improve coordination and flexibility, and most importantly allow for quality time spent together.

Exercise is an activity that the entire family can enjoy. Workouts do not need to be intense to reap the benefits. Here are some ideas for activities that could be enjoyable for everyone:

Hiking
Riding bicycles
Playing a game of tag
Gardening
Walking
Dancing
Playing volleyball
Skating/Rollerblading
Swimming
Building a snow fort or snowman

One of the ways you can keep your family motivated to participate in these activities is by creating challenges during which you can track progress and offer incentives. You may also participate in activities that support causes, such as charity walks; exercising for a good cause can be very rewarding.

Making fitness a part of your family’s routine is very important. Experts recommend setting aside at least 30 minutes, three times a week for physical activities. Don’t forget to keep it simple. The goal is to have fun and stay healthy together.

National Minority Health Month

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health celebrates National Minority Health Month every year, in April.

The observation was established to highlight the importance of improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities by reducing health disparities.

Health disparities are preventable differences in the quality of healthcare and health outcomes experienced by groups of people due to social inequities.

Communities of color or those of lower socioeconomic status are often disproportionately exposed to factors that lead to health disparities. Common disparities that occur among these groups are:

A lack of access to healthcare
Being uninsured or underinsured
Higher rates of premature death, infant mortality, cancer, and chronic diseases such as diabetes
Lower rates of life expectancy

Disparities in underserved populations develop as a result of the unequal distribution of resources needed to achieve optimal health or live a healthy life. However, they can be reduced by addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, access to health services, the conditions in which people live, and language and literacy skills.

Many of these challenges exist in urban areas such as Queens, New York – the most ethnically and racially diverse county in the United States. The richness in diversity of the borough gives much to celebrate such as the most languages spoken in one region; however, health disparities continue to prevail in some neighborhoods due to social inequities. Some of the health disparities that persist include:

Higher rates of tobacco addiction
Higher rates of breast, colorectal, cervical, and prostate cancers
Higher infant mortality rates
Prevalence in chronic diseases such as diabetes
Prevalence in mental health disorders
Prevalence in unintentional injuries, such as those incurred by falling

Jamaica Hospital aims to reduce or eliminate health disparities that affect its community by increasing access to high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. The hospital has launched several initiatives and offers various programs and services to meet the unique needs of its patient population. This includes:

Food assistance programs such as WIC
A smoking cessation program
A diabetes prevention program
A care management program
A CenteringPregnancy program
Inpatient and outpatient mental health services
The promotion of culturally and linguistically competent care, supported by a diverse group of bilingual patient navigators and language assistance
The promotion of health literacy through social media campaigns
The provision of world-class cancer care and services
The provision of integrated healthcare
Community outreach and education provided by the Trauma Department

To learn more about Jamaica Hospital’s initiatives to increase access to quality healthcare and the wide range of services provided by the hospital, please visit www.JamaicaHospital.org