Body Dysmorphia

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to unfairly and negatively think about how you see and feel about your body and appearance. A person who has body dysmorphia may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious. Other common symptoms of body dysmorphia include:

Constantly comparing yourself with others

Constantly asking others if you look okay

Not believing others when they say you look fine

Hiding parts of your body under a hat, scarf, or makeup

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding them entirely

Constantly grooming or exercising

Picking at your skin with your fingers or tweezers

Seeing several healthcare providers about your appearance

Having unnecessary plastic surgeries

Suicidal ideations

Avoiding social situations

Not leaving the house, especially during the day

These symptoms can cause severe disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their thoughts, which can undermine their mental and physical well-being.

Experts estimate that body dysmorphia affects about 2.4% of adults in the U.S. overall, and between 1.7% and 2.9% of people globally.

Body dysmorphia is most likely to begin in the teen or early adult years. Two-thirds of people with body dysmorphia develop the condition before the age of 18, usually around 12 or 13 years old. However, it can also start in early adulthood.

Experts don’t fully know how or why body dysmorphia occurs, but they believe multiple factors are involved, such as:

Genetics

Brain structure, chemistry, and activity differences

Cultural influences and popular media

A history of childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying

People who suffer from body dysmorphia are more likely to have other mental conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Substance use disorders

The symptoms of body dysmorphia can take many shapes as a person who suffers from this condition can excessively focus on one or more parts of the body, such as their:

Face, such as their nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes

Hair, such as its appearance or any thinning and/or baldness

Skin and appearance of their veins

Breast size

Muscle size and tone

Genitalia

There aren’t any medical tests that can diagnose dysmorphia. A healthcare provider will perform a medical evaluation to help rule out other medical conditions and may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The mental health professional will diagnose body dysmorphia based on:

A psychological evaluation, which assesses risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image

Your personal, social, family, and medical history

Signs and symptoms that you have experienced

The treatment for body dysmorphia often can include a combination of:

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy

Medications, such as antidepressants

You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control, and you may even spend hours each day worrying about the way you look. Your thinking can become so negative and persistent that you may think about suicide at times. If you are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an emergency, call 911.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

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.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs, typically accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation. This sensation usually occurs in the evening or at night when sitting or lying down. Moving the legs eases the discomfort for a short time.

There are two types of restless leg syndrome: early onset and late onset.

Early onset restless leg syndrome is diagnosed before the age of 45, usually runs in your biological family, and progresses slowly.

Late-onset restless leg syndrome is diagnosed after the age of 45 and progresses more quickly.

Restless leg syndrome affects between 7% and 10% of the U.S. population and is more common among Caucasian people and females.

The symptoms of restless leg syndrome include:

An uncomfortable sensation in the legs that causes the urge to move them

A temporary feeling of relief when the legs move

Sensations that worsen while resting

Twitchy legs or leg jerks in the evening and while sleeping

Restless leg syndrome symptoms can affect sleep and can cause:

Sleep disruptions, difficulty falling or staying asleep

Fatigue or daytime sleepiness

Behavior or mood changes

An urge to get out of bed to stretch or move the legs

Depression or anxiety

Difficulty paying attention, remembering things, or concentrating

When a person experiences restless leg syndrome, they feel sensations that make them want to move their legs and feet. These sensations include:

Crawling

Itching

Aching

Throbbing

Pulling or tugging

Burning

There isn’t a known cause for restless leg syndrome. However, researchers believe it may be caused by an imbalance of dopamine, the brain chemical that sends messages to control muscle movement.

Other factors that may contribute to the risk of developing restless leg syndrome include:

Genetics

Medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or anti-nausea medications

Having an underlying medical condition, such as an iron deficiency

Other medical conditions can cause restless leg syndrome, including:

Anemia

Pregnancy

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Peripheral neuropathy

Substance abuse disorder

There are several triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, stress, and certain medications, that can make restless leg syndrome symptoms worse.

To diagnose restless leg syndrome, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to review your symptoms and ask about your medical and family medical history. They may also perform a neurological exam, blood tests, and recommend an overnight sleep study. The criteria they will use to confirm a diagnosis of restless leg syndrome include:

You have the urge to move your legs, usually occurring with uncomfortable sensations like aching or pulling.

Symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity.

You have partial or total relief when stretching, walking, or exercising the affected muscles.

Your symptoms are worse or only occur in the evening or at night.

Another medical condition didn’t cause your symptoms.

Treating restless leg syndrome includes taking medications or changing your routine at home by following recommended at-home therapies to help relieve your symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of restless leg syndrome, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus- is lupus that only affects your skin

Drug-induced lupus- occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it

Neonatal lupus- occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue

Fever

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body

Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure

Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Dry eyes

Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and the environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight

Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Kidney and liver assessment

Urinalysis

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray

An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during a flare-up. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Corticosteroids

Antimalarial drugs

Immunosuppressants

Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly

Being sun smart

Getting regular exercise

Quitting smoking

Eating a healthy diet

Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

If you would like to participate in Lupus Awareness Month, here are some ways you can do so:

Learn about lupus

Support those who are suffering from lupus

Advocate for better research, more care, and more compassion

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888.

Different Types of Asthma

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes airways to become inflamed, swollen, and narrow, making breathing difficult. It affects millions of people living in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26 million people in America have asthma.

Asthma isn’t a single disease but rather a group of related conditions with shared symptoms, which include:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Cough
Chest tightness
Mucus production

Asthma is categorized into different types based on severity and triggers. Some common clinical types of asthma are:

Allergic asthma – triggered by allergens such as pollen
Non-allergic asthma – triggered by non-allergens such as stress or irritants such as smoke or weather
Exercise-induced asthma- occurs when airways narrow during physical activity, especially in dry or cold air
Occupational asthma -caused by exposure to irritants such as chemicals, dust, or fumes at the workplace
Aspirin‑Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)- triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs
Cough-variant asthma- where a chronic dry cough is the only or primary symptom, lasting weeks
Nighttime asthma – where symptoms worsen at night or early morning

Your doctor may evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and triggers to diagnose your type of asthma. Testing may include allergy tests, sputum, or lung function tests.

Treatment for asthma may vary by type. They may include inhaled corticosteroids, biologic therapies, allergy medications, a bronchodilator used before exercise, trigger avoidance, avoidance of aspirin or NSAIDs, or rescue inhalers.

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

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Arthritis Awareness Month. The month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, accounting for about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Other types of arthritis include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Gout

Juvenile arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, where they will examine the affected joints and ask about symptoms. During the healthcare provider’s examination of the joints, they will check their range of motion and compare them to other, similar joints.

A healthcare provider may also use imaging tests to take pictures of the joints. Imaging tests include:

X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

These tests help the healthcare provider see potential damage inside the joints. These tests also help them rule out any injuries or conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as broken bones.

A healthcare provider may also use blood tests to check uric acid levels if they suspect gout. Blood tests can also show any signs of autoimmune diseases or infections.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education. The most common treatments for arthritis include:

Physical therapy or occupational therapy

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen

Corticosteroids

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Surgical procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement

Arthritis Awareness Month is a time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. The best way to get involved is by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to serve the local community, and our patients value our person-centered, compassionate approach. Our friendly staff is standing by to answer any questions you might have. For further information on consultation, diagnosis, and treatments, contact us at 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

Nearsightedness

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long or oval-shaped rather than round. People living with myopia can see objects that are near but have trouble seeing objects that are farther away. It is estimated that more than 40% of adults living in the United States have myopia. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearsightedness has been on the rise for several decades.

Nearsightedness typically begins in childhood or adolescence. It progresses during childhood and the teen years, then stabilizes in adulthood. The primary cause of nearsightedness is axial myopia, which is caused by the eye being too long from front to back. Because of this extra length, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This eye elongation can be driven by the following risk factors:

Genetics passed down from parents. If one or both parents have myopia, a person has an increased chance of developing the condition
Ethnicity – some ethnic groups are more at risk than others
Limited outdoor time – not spending enough time outdoors
Doing close-up activities, or near-vision work, such as reading or viewing screens for extended periods

People who are nearsighted may experience symptoms such as:

Difficulty seeing objects far away
Eye strain
Squinting
Headaches
Tiredness when doing certain activities, such as driving

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist. Your eye doctor can diagnose myopia by conducting a comprehensive eye examination.

Myopia is permanent; however, in most cases, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser procedures such as LASIK or LASEK, lens implants, or vision therapy. People living with pathological myopia, which is a severe and progressive form of the condition, may not be able to have their vision corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

At Jamaica Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, we are passionate about providing patient-centered adult and pediatric care. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health is a progressive approach to healthcare in which leading treatment services offered by modern medicine are combined with a deep understanding of the nature of illness, healing, and wellness.

This approach combines modern and holistic medicines to help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients at the center of a treatment plan that considers their physical, emotional, and social needs.

A treatment plan that accomplishes this is tai chi. Tai chi has been a tenet of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Sometimes called meditation in motion, tai chi is a series of exercises that help bring harmony between the body’s energy and mind, by using slow, highly coordinated movements and physical postures with meditation and controlled breathing, aimed to energize and balance the body’s energy, known as qi, pronounced “chi”. According to traditional Chinese principles, when the qi is balanced, the body functions at its best.

Although tai chi is a low-impact exercise with movements that look leisurely, these movements are bodyweight exercises with physical demand.

There are hundreds of studies on tai chi, with researchers finding that tai chi has several benefits that may help with numerous health concerns. Here are some health benefits of tai chi:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year. A review of ten studies on tai chi and balance found that people who practiced it had up to 50% fewer falls than those who didn’t. Both the CDC and the American Geriatric Society recognize tai chi as an effective way to lower fall risk as it helps build stability and strength, increasing balance, which helps prevent falls.

Research indicates that practicing tai chi can slow the progression of dementia by boosting cognition and brain health, as it can help with learning, memory, and other mental functions. Researchers found that older adults who practiced tai chi daily for 12 weeks had more activity in their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking skills. A study conducted by tai chi researcher and Chief of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University, Elizabeth Eckstrom, showed that people who practiced a simple form of tai chi called Tai Ji Quan twice a week for six months improved their score on a cognitive test by one and a half points. Additionally, the study showed that if they added a cognitive challenge while practicing tai chi, such as counting backwards from 20 or spelling words backward, their scores jumped by another three points.

Tai chi can bring a sense of calmness and quiet as it focuses on breathing and movement, which takes the mind away from any stressors, helping the stress melt away. One study conducted on participants who are deemed healthy but stressed showed that practicing tai chi for 12 weeks lowered their anxiety levels substantially.

There are studies that have shown that tai chi can reduce blood pressure as well as or better than antihypertensive drugs or other types of exercise. In 2024, one randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Open Network assigned 342 people with prehypertension to two groups: one group performed four sessions of tai chi each week, and the other group performed four sessions of aerobic exercise. After a year, both groups displayed lower systolic blood pressure readings. However, the group that practiced tai chi experienced a larger decline of 7.01 mg Hg on average, compared to the aerobic group, which was 4.61 mm Hg.

According to the CDC, one in five people in the U.S. lives with chronic pain that affects their daily life and activities. One review of people with chronic knee osteoarthritis found that they had significantly less pain and better physical function after practicing tai chi. The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation strongly recommend practicing tai chi to manage both chronic knee and hip osteoarthritis, as it helps improve muscle and core strength and coordination, leading to better joint stability. Studies have also indicated that tai chi can help people with fibromyalgia, with research showing it may relieve symptoms even better than aerobic exercise.

In 2021, a review of 23 studies by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that tai chi improved the exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to tai chi’s focus on deep abdominal breathing and movement, which can help increase breathing efficiency and oxygen intake.

Practicing tai chi can help the 10%-30% of older adults who suffer from insomnia. One systematic review of nine randomized trials published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy reported that older adults who practiced tai chi one and a half to three hours a week significantly improved their sleep quality and had an enhanced functional ability. What’s more, Elizabeth Eckstrom’s research showed that people fell asleep 17 minutes sooner and slept 42 minutes longer after doing tai chi.

There is also other research that has linked tai chi to lower cholesterol and inflammation levels, and evidence that it may help reduce complications of Parkinson’s disease as well.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Patient Testimonial: Mary Tucker

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

After a two-week trip to London, I was four hours into my return flight when I began seeing flashing lights and a sudden surge of floaters in my right eye. Given my family history of retinal detachment — and knowing it can lead to blindness — I decided before we even landed in New York to cancel my connecting flight and go directly to the emergency room.

I chose Jamaica Hospital Medical Center near JFK Airport.

Even at check-in, I was met with extraordinary kindness and empathy. In a busy ER, that level of warmth stood out. Within minutes, I was triaged, insurance processed, vitals taken, and escorted for an ocular sonogram. I waited less than 30 minutes before Dr. Eric Zhong, the ophthalmologist on duty, evaluated me thoroughly. He determined my retina was not detached and gave me clear guidance on monitoring symptoms.

The following day, just five minutes after boarding a rescheduled flight, my symptoms worsened. I immediately deplaned and returned. The Jamaica Hospital EMTs were calm, skilled, and remarkably reassuring — the kind of competence that lowers your blood pressure the moment they enter the room.

Dr. Zhong was still on duty and recognized that the situation had evolved. Unable to immediately identify the cause, he brought in a colleague — not out of uncertainty, but out of commitment. They suspected a small retinal hole and ensured I had next-day specialist follow-up, which they personally arranged.

A subsequent specialist initially questioned the finding — but when I followed up at one of the top eye hospitals near my home, the diagnosis was confirmed. I had a retinal hole in one eye and an issue in the other. I went directly from the exam chair to laser surgery in both eyes.

The Jamaica Hospital team’s diagnosis was right all along. I was very satisfied with their level of care.

Both of my ER visits were completed in just two to three hours — nearly unheard of in emergency care. More importantly, the culture was unmistakable: collaborative, respectful, compassionate, and highly competent.

They didn’t just treat my eyes — they restored my confidence in what healthcare can look like at its best.

I am deeply grateful to the entire team.

National Infertility Awareness Week

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April 19th to April 25th is observed as Infertility Awareness Week, a week dedicated to breaking the stigma around infertility, amplifying the stories of those who have and are experiencing infertility, and advocating for equitable access to care to help treat it.

Infertility is the condition that causes the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility.

Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. However, many safe and effective treatments can boost your chances of getting pregnant.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Many couples will conceive eventually with or without treatment.

Women should talk with a healthcare professional about infertility if they have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. Sooner if they:

Are 35 years or older and have tried to conceive for six months or longer

Are over the age of 40

Have had no periods or irregular or very painful periods

Have known fertility problems

Have endometriosis or a history of pelvic inflammatory diseases

Have had one or more miscarriages

Have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation

Men should talk to a healthcare professional if they have:

A low number of sperm or other problems with sperm

A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual conditions

Had treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy

Had hernia surgery

Testicles that are smaller than the typical adult size, or swollen veins in the scrotum

Had infertility with a partner in the past

Relatives with infertility problems

Sometimes, the issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth. Other times, they develop in life.

Infertility can affect one or both partners. In some cases, no cause can be found. Some causes of male infertility can include:

Conditions that can affect how much sperm is made or sperm quality

Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract

Certain environmental factors

Damage related to cancer and its treatment

Some causes of female infertility can include:

Ovulation disorders

Uterine conditions

Fallopian tube damage or blockage

Endometriosis

Primary ovarian insufficiency

Pelvic adhesions

Cancer and its treatments

Many risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:

Tobacco use

Marijuana use

Alcohol use

Being overweight or underweight

Exercise issues

Some types of infertility cannot be prevented. However, the following tips may boost your chances of pregnancy:

Couples should have sex often and soon after menstrual bleeding stops. One of the ovaries usually releases an egg in the middle of the cycle, which is midway between menstrual periods, for most people with menstrual cycles, that is about 28 days apart. It is ideal to have sex every day, starting five to seven days before an egg is released. Continue until two days after ovulation.

Before you are tested for infertility, your healthcare team or clinic will work to understand your sexual habits. They might make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Unfortunately, for some couples, no cause for infertility is found. This is called unexplained fertility.

Men’s treatment for infertility may include:

Lifestyle changes

Medicines

Surgery

Sperm retrieval procedures

Some women need only one or two treatments to improve infertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant, including:

Fertility medicines

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Surgery to restore fertility

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is also used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique.

At Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.

Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.