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Oral Health

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:

Endocarditis
Cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy and birth complications
Pneumonia

Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.

Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:

Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease

You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
Flossing between your teeth daily.
Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980

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.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when our blood sugar or glucose is too high. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood glucose.

Diabetes is diagnosed in a significant amount of people in our population; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that approximately 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is 11.6% of the population.

Complications such as vision loss, amputation, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and even death can occur as a result of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes; however, the disease can be managed, and in some cases reversed through treatment and (or) healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Reversing diabetes or putting it in remission means managing blood sugar levels and keeping your A1c below 48 mmol/mol or less than 6.5%, without needing to take medications for three months or more. This may be achieved by:

Losing weight, which may help cells respond to insulin
Exercising by doing a combination of aerobic and strength training activities
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains
Avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates

It is important to note that diabetes reversal or remission is not permanent. Therefore, there is a chance that symptoms can return. Please see your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following signs that are indicative of your diabetes being out of remission.

Frequent infections
Increased hunger, thirst, or urination
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Slow healing wounds
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

In addition, continue to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your diabetes is being managed well.

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

Summer Fruits for Diabetics

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

It can be difficult for diabetics to stay away from tempting sweet treats that can raise their blood sugar. It may sound cliché to call fruit, “nature’s candy”, but fruit can be a much healthier alternative to keep your blood sugar levels low while satisfying those cravings.

Here are some delicious fruits to add to your diet:

Apricots
Grapefruit
Grapes
Cherries
Blueberries
Honeydew melon
Kiwi
Papaya
Nectarines
Tangerines

Here are some fruits to have in moderation:

Apples
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Avocado
Blackberries
Oranges
Strawberries
Plums
Raspberries
Peaches
Pears
Mango

Fruits are an essential part of a nutritious diet. It is important to note that not all fruits may be good for people living with diabetes. Eat them in moderation, consider their glucose index levels, practice portion control, and always monitor your blood sugar.

The Link Between Diabetes and Cancer

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Type 2 diabetes and cancer are two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Individually, these conditions can be devastating for your health, but certain factors for diabetes may also increase your risk for a few different types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, bladder, and uterine cancer.

Some risk factors for diabetes and cancer may be outside of your control and, as a result, difficult to manage. These include:

Age: Your risk of developing both diabetes and cancer increases with age.
Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk of both cancer and diabetes than women.

Most of the factors that affect your risk of diabetes and cancer relate to your diet and lifestyle. These can largely be managed by making healthy adjustments to your regular habits. Manageable risk factors include:

Weight: Excessive body weight is one of the leading risk factors for both diabetes and cancer. Your weight can mainly be managed through diet and regular exercise. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a limited amount of animal protein products such as meat, fish, and dairy.

Activity: Physical inactivity contributes to excessive weight and the development of various other health issues. Regular exercise is crucial for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and provides significant benefits for your overall physical well-being.

Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for several different forms of cancer. While it is most commonly associated with lung, oral, and esophageal cancer, it can also lead to pancreatic, liver, colon, and bladder cancer.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk of both diabetes and cancer. Stick to the recommended limits (two drinks per day for men, one drink per day for women) to reduce your risk.

Regular screenings for both diabetes and cancer can help you receive the treatment you need as early as possible. To schedule an appointment for a diabetes screening with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001. To schedule a cancer screening, please contact our Oncology Department at (718) 206-6742.

Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Men face a heightened risk of certain medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, making certain medical screenings particularly important for identifying these conditions early and treating them effectively.

The types of screenings you require may change or become broader as you age and your health changes. Some of the most important screenings include:

Blood pressure screening: Even if you have no medical history of (or risk factors for) high or low blood pressure, you should receive a screening once every three to five years. However, if you do have a history of abnormal blood pressure, have an immediate family member with high blood pressure, or are Black, you should receive a screening once per year. Other risk factors that warrant an annual blood pressure screening include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Obesity

Cholesterol screening: If you have no known risk factors for coronary heart disease, men should receive a cholesterol screening every five years starting at the age of 45. Men who do have risk factors for coronary heart disease should receive them starting at the age of 20. If you have abnormally high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, you should be screened more frequently.

Diabetes screening: Men without any risk factors for diabetes should receive screenings every three years starting at the age of 35. However, these screenings should begin earlier or be conducted more frequently if you:

Have an immediate relative with diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a medical history of heart disease

Cancer screenings: According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers accounted for approximately 43% of cancer diagnoses in men; additionally, the mortality rate of cancer is higher among men than women. Some of the most important cancer screenings men should receive include:

Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Bladder cancer
Melanoma

Physical exam: Regular general check-ups with your doctor are important, even for men who seem to be in perfect health. These visits can help you identify signs of underlying medical problems or risk factors for future issues.

You can receive all of these medical screenings at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

What is Pediatric Diabetes?

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10% of all Americans have diabetes, with an increasing number of these cases occurring in children and teenagers under the age of 20. Diabetes that occurs within this age range (referred to as pediatric diabetes) usually presents as type 1 diabetes, which causes the body to stop producing insulin. However, type 2 diabetes, which causes insufficient insulin production and causes cells to absorb less sugar from the bloodstream, has begun to account for more of these cases over time.

According to Dr. Hariram Ganesh, a pediatric endocrinologist at Forest Hills Pediatrics, increasing rates of obesity and economic factors are largely to blame for the increased prevalence of pediatric type 2 diabetes.

“Rising obesity rates have caused rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children to even out,” said Dr. Ganesh. “Junk food is much cheaper and more accessible than healthy options. Many families would rather spend a dollar on fast food than 60 dollars on something healthy at the grocery store. “

Children with prediabetes may exhibit certain signs, such as excessive thirst and the frequency with which they need to use the bathroom. Additionally, black marks may occur around the neck, armpits, groin, or other parts of the body due to abnormally high insulin levels. Some other signs you may notice include:

Yellow, brown, or red patches of skin
Hardened or thickened skin on the fingers or toes
Blisters (in rare cases)
Skin infections or rashes

If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your child to your primary physician as soon as possible. They can help determine whether your child’s symptoms warrant a referral to an endocrinologist or are indicative of a less severe problem.

While neither type 1 nor type 2 diabetes has a cure, both are treatable. For children with type 2 diabetes, an initial plan of three to six months of dietary changes and exercise coupled with medication may help manage the condition. In cases of type 1 diabetes, however, treatment options are more limited.

“Type 1 primarily involves insulin dependence and cannot be managed with diet and exercise alone,” said Dr. Ganesh. “Even if a child loses weight, they’ll continue to need insulin. Otherwise, they may end up in the hospital.”

Still, Dr. Ganesh emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise, regardless of any diabetes diagnoses your child may or may not have received.

“Diabetes is just one problem among many related to childhood obesity, and in many cases, a diagnosis may only be a matter of time. Parents should make a point to emphasize a healthy diet and physical activity for their children, whether that involves playing with them or finding a local place for them to regularly participate in physical recreation,” said Dr. Ganesh.

If your child is exhibiting signs that may be indicative of prediabetes, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 206-7001.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This month, we’re shedding light on a health condition you may be at risk of developing if you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gastroparesis (also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”) is a disorder that disrupts the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and 40 women may suffer from gastroparesis, adding up to about 5 million people throughout the United States. Although gastroparesis is rare, you may be more likely to develop it based on certain factors.

Diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and any surgery that may have injured your vagas nerve may contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. Out of these factors, diabetes is the most commonly-identified cause.

A few different symptoms may indicate signs of gastroparesis, including a feeling of fullness in your stomach before or after finishing a normal-sized meal, stomach pain or discomfort, or nausea.

The first doctor you may see when you start to present symptoms of gastroparesis is your primary care physician. This doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist if they believe those symptoms may indicate gastroparesis.

When diagnosing you with gastroparesis, a doctor conducts a physical exam, measures stomach emptying, and takes your medical history into consideration. These factors, in addition to your symptoms, complications, and most likely cause help determine the best course of treatment for you. If diabetes is determined to be the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will focus on helping you control your blood glucose levels.

You can also tackle your symptoms from a dietary angle by reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding tough-to-chew foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and increasing your intake of water and liquids containing glucose and electrolytes. Light physical activity after each meal can also be helpful for stimulating your digestive processes, relieving feelings of fullness and allowing you to process food more easily.

Are you suffering from symptoms that may be signs of gastroparesis? Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose or blood sugar levels are abnormally high. It is the most common type of diabetes affecting approximately 29 million people living in the United States.

Type 2 diabetes impairs cells in the body from properly using insulin-a hormone produced by the pancreas that aids in regulating blood glucose levels. This impairment can lead to other serious health problems such as vision loss, kidney, or heart disease.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may take years to present. It is common for individuals to have the disease and not know that they have it. Symptoms may include frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, as well as slow-healing wounds.

There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes; however, the disease can be managed successfully with medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “…your doctor may prescribe insulin, other injectable medications, or oral diabetes medicines to help manage your blood sugar and avoid complications.”

Lifestyle habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and consistently monitoring blood glucose levels are also beneficial in managing your diabetes.

Learn The Facts About Diabetes

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Diabetes is a treatable, but not curable, disease in which the body either develops a resistance to insulin or cannot successfully use all the foods it takes in because of a defect in the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone created in the pancreas, an organ found near the stomach. It acts as a key to allowing glucose into our cells. Glucose is created during digestion and is needed as a fuel for the body to perform many activities.

Scientists are not certain why diabetes affects some people and not others, but there is strong evidence that heredity, diet, activity level, and ethnicity play an important role.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and non-traumatic amputations, and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is essential to be under the regular care of a physician when diagnosed with the disease, as diabetics have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke and are also prone to infection and slow-healing wounds.

What Are The Risk Factors For Diabetes?

You are at risk of developing diabetes if you:
Are overweight
Are over the age of 45
Have poor dietary habits
Do not exercise regularly
Are a woman who has experienced gestational diabetes
Are a woman who has delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth
Are of African American decent
Are of Hispanic decent
Have a family history of diabetes

What Are The Types Of Diabetes?

Type I
Type I is also called insulin dependent diabetes because the body does not produce insulin in sufficient quantities, if at all. In this form of diabetes, people are required to take insulin every day by injection. It is seen mostly in children and young adults, though not exclusively. It affects 10% of the diabetic population.

Type II
This more common form of the disease affects the greatest number of people. Almost 90% of people with diabetes have this type. Type II has also been called the non-insulin dependent form of the disease because it can often, though not always, be managed without taking insulin. Many people do well with oral medications, strict diets, exercise, and close monitoring by a physician.

Gestational Diabetes
This form of the disease can develop during pregnancy. It will often go away after the pregnancy is completed. It is believed to be caused by the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. It is a risk factor for developing the disease later in life.

Some common symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent urination
Constant thirst
Dramatic weight loss
Constant hunger
Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
Blurred vision
Frequent feeling of fatigue

It is important to discuss any symptoms with your physician as soon as they are noticed. The above lists some warning signs and they all need not be present. Further testing is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Diabetes isn’t necessarily painful, and that is why it is often not diagnosed until major symptoms develop.

Depending on the type of diabetes and its severity, treatment plans will vary and must be tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Medications include daily injections of insulin and/or oral agents, strict diet, regular glucose monitoring, an exercise plan, and regular medical examinations.

Diabetes Prevention

Posted on May 24, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), “Approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 84% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.”

Pre-diabetes is a silent health condition that has no symptoms and is almost always present before you develop type 2 diabetes.

It is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as full-blown diabetes. If you haven’t visited your doctor, a good way to see if you are at increased risk for pre-diabetes is to take the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes risk test by visiting https://www.diabetes.org/risk-test

Those who should be screened for pre-diabetes include overweight adults age 45 and older, or those who are under age 45 and has one or more of the following risk factors:

Habitually physically inactive
Overweight or obese
Have previously been identified as having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
Have a family history of diabetes
Are members of certain ethnic groups (including Asian, African-American, Hispanic or Native American)
Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a child weighing more than 9 pounds
Have elevated blood pressure
Have elevated cholesterol
Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Have a history of vascular disease

That said, if you have pre-diabetes, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by a sustained modest weight loss and increased moderate-physical activity, such as walking 30 minutes a day.

Through weight loss and increased physical activity, a dietitian may direct you on how to make food choices that cut down on the amount of fat and carbohydrates by:

Eating more foods that are broiled and fewer foods that are fried
Decrease the amount of butter you use in cooking
Eat more fish and chicken
Eat more meatless meals
Re-Orient your meals to reflect more vegetables and fruit

If you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision, you may have crossed from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offers a free and innovative approach to treat patients who are at risk for developing diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was developed by the National Institute of Health and is aimed at managing the health of individuals with either prediabetes or borderline diabetes.

These meetings are facilitated by “Lifestyle Coaches” who are specially trained and certified Jamaica Hospital Patient Navigators with strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills.For more information about eligibility or to sign up for the Diabetes Prevention Program, please visit https://jamaicahospital.org/pre-diabetes/ or call 718-206-8494.