General Health Archives

Can Exercise Relieve Nasal Congestion?

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Mild to moderate physical exercise can temporarily relieve nasal congestion. A runny nose often occurs because of irritation in your nasal passages. This can occur due to a variety of causes, including sinus infections, airborne substances such as smoke or strong perfumes, and allergies.

Exercises such as push-ups can provide quick relief by opening your nasal passages and reducing inflammation that may be affecting them. However, this may not be the best approach in all cases.

Relieving nasal congestion through light exercise can be helpful when your symptoms are not severe and are limited to your nose, throat, or other parts of your head. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms that are worse or occurring in other parts of your body, such as a fever, fatigue, chest congestion, or muscle aches, it may be best to rest and avoid unnecessary exertion.

Additionally, physical exercise may even be a contributing factor to your nasal congestion in certain cases. If you have asthma, for example, your congestion may be a result of exercise-induced asthma, which causes your airways to constrict in response to hard physical activity.

Before exercising with nasal congestion or a cold, you should talk to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT), also known as an otolaryngologist, to determine the cause of your congestion and whether physical exercise may help or harm your symptoms. An otolaryngologist can also prescribe decongestant medication or recommend alternative methods of relieving your congestion that may be safer for you, such as:

Using a humidifier
Taking a hot shower
Drinking more water throughout the day
Applying a warm compress to your face

If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, you can find an otolaryngologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7110.

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.

Low FODMAP Diet

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The low FODMAP diet is a short-term, elimination diet designed to help people living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Research shows that following a low FODMAP diet as recommended by a doctor or nutritionist can reduce symptoms in up to 86% of people diagnosed with IBS or SIBO.

The acronym FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. They can trigger symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea in some people.

High FODMAP foods that are notorious for causing digestive symptoms include:

Onions
Garlic
Products containing lactose such as milk, cheese, or ice cream
Dairy alternatives such as coconut milk (in the carton) or soy milk
Foods containing fructose such as apples, pears, watermelon, agave nectar, or honey
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Snow peas
Ingredients found in calorie sweeteners such as isomalt and xylitol

Excluding these foods temporarily from a diet for about two to six weeks, or as recommended by a physician; then slowly reintroducing them, can help identify which foods are causing symptoms to occur. Once it is determined which foods are causing symptoms, they will be limited or avoided.

The FODMAP diet is very restrictive; therefore, it is beneficial to plan your meals. Your nutritionist or physician may recommend that you base your meals around low FODMAP foods such as:

Almond milk
Vegetables such as eggplant, spinach tomatoes, zucchini, and potatoes
Fruits such as grapes, pineapples, or strawberries
Proteins such as chicken, lamb, or fish

A low FODMAP diet is not for everyone. It can do more harm than good to those who have not been diagnosed with IBS or SIBO. Low FODMAP diets can also be challenging; however, working with a physician or dietitian can help you to stick to the guidelines and maintain proper nutrition.

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

What is an Elimination Diet?

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Foods that you’re allergic to can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms, including gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. While these types of problems are rarely life-threatening allergic reactions, they can cause significant discomfort and disruption in your daily life. However, you may not know for certain which exact foods are causing these reactions. An elimination diet can help you identify them.

Elimination diets involve removing, then later re-adding, certain foods from your diet which are suspected to be the cause of allergic reactions. This diet is typically only maintained for a brief period of up to six weeks.

An elimination diet is typically divided into an “elimination” phase and a “reintroduction” phase. During the elimination phase, potential allergens are removed from your diet. These typically include foods such as:

Nuts
Seeds
Legumes
Dairy products
Starchy foods
Caffeinated drinks
Spices
Meat
Fish
Sugary products
Certain fruits and vegetables

During the reintroduction phase, you once again start to eat each food group you’ve cut out of your diet. Each of these groups is individually re-introduced over the course of up to three days, providing adequate time to watch for potential symptoms.

Different versions of the elimination diet, such as the low-FODMAPs diet (which targets short-chain carbohydrates), only remove specific food groups. Alternatively, varieties such as the fasting elimination diet, which involves only drinking water for up to five days, may be more extreme than the standard version.

No matter which version of the elimination diet you plan to try, you should only do so under the supervision of a medical professional. The re-introduction of food allergens can potentially cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that causes airways to swell and restricts your breathing. Extreme varieties such as the fasting elimination diet can be especially dangerous to your health without the guidance of a doctor.

If you suspect you have a food allergy and plan to follow an elimination diet, schedule an appointment with a registered dietician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Nutritional Services Department by calling (718) 206-7056.

Stages of the Common Cold

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The common cold affects millions of people throughout the United States each year and is much more prevalent during the winter and spring seasons.

Colds typically cause a variety of symptoms that includes a sore throat, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, with some cases also causing headaches and body aches.

Many people also catch the common cold multiple times a year. Adults may have one up to three times each year on average. For children, this number is variable, but could be as high as 12 cases per year for babies and toddlers.

A common cold typically lasts between seven and 10 days and can be divided into three stages with varying symptoms.

During the early stage of a cold (often the first one to three days), you may experience a sore throat as the first symptom; this can occur as early as the first day of infection. This may be quickly followed by the onset of other typical cold symptoms.

In the peak stage of a cold, your symptoms may reach their maximum intensity, resulting in effects such as a constant runny nose, a worsened cough, or consistent aches throughout your body. In some cases, this may also lead to a fever.

The late stage of a cold takes place within the last one to three days. During this phase, the severity of your symptoms should decrease as you experience less nasal congestion and aching. While coughing may also decrease for most people, it can potentially last as long as two weeks after your initial infection.

If your symptoms last longer than average, remain intense for an extended period of time, or lead to additional symptoms such as a fever, you should visit a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

The Risk of Using Tap Water In Home Medical Devices

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of tap water to fill home medical devices such as humidifiers, neti pots, and CPAP machines can pose a potential threat to our health.

Although tap water is treated to meet safe drinking standards, it is not sterile and is unsafe for inhalation. Therefore, using tap water to fill certain home medical devices is not recommended.

Unsterilized water contains microorganisms such as Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Inhaling these pathogens can lead to infection. Both pathogens are responsible for a large portion of hospitalizations and deaths related to waterborne diseases.

Some individuals are more at risk for acquiring infections than others, they include:

The elderly
Infants and young children
People with weakened immune systems

To avoid the risk of developing an infection or waterborne illnesses caused by the inhalation of pathogens, the CDC recommends using clean, sterile water ( Tap water can be sterilized by boiling it for a minimum of one minute and allowing it to cool), or using distilled water. It is important to note that bottled drinking water is not considered sterile.

The CDC also recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting home medical devices to help reduce exposure to waterborne pathogens.

To learn more about waterborne illnesses and ways to use water safely, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/index.html

5 Essential Clothing Items for Preventing Frostbite

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Winter in New York City can be very cold due to windy weather and temperatures that often reach below freezing. If you are not adequately prepared, you face a greater risk of suffering from frostbite, which occurs when the skin and deeper layers of tissue freeze.

Frostbite can introduce a variety of long-term complications such as long-term numbness in the affected area, changes in skin color, loss of nails, arthritis, and gangrene, which can lead to an amputation. It’s most likely to occur when a part of your body is insufficiently protected against cold weather, but factors such as alcohol usage, smoking, and a history of previous frostbite incidents can increase your risk.

One of the most important steps you can take to prevent frostbite is to stock your wardrobe with clothing that provides adequate protection against the cold. Make sure you have each of the following items:

An insulated, windproof hat that covers your ears: Your ears are at a greater risk of experiencing frostbite than other parts of your body, making it important to wear a hat that covers them and adequately protects them against cold temperatures and wind.

An adequately-insulated jacket: Some of the best jackets for protecting against cold weather are waterproof and feature down insulation with a fill power between 500 and 900, with the higher end of this range indicating superior quality. Other materials that offer good insulation include wool, silk, and fur. Types of jackets you may want to look for include puffer jackets and parkas.

Mittens: Your hands are typically better protected against the cold by mittens rather than gloves. As with your jacket, look for materials such as wool or silk to ensure your mittens can adequately retain heat.

Boots: Whether the weather conditions you walk in are snowy, rainy, or dry, winter boots can provide better protection against both cold wind and water than other types of footwear such as sneakers. As with other clothing items, look for boots that are waterproof, windproof, and insulated.

Moisture-wicking shirts and socks: Even in very cold weather, you can potentially work up a sweat, leaving you vulnerable to cold wind. Choose moisture-wicking shirts, socks, and other under-layers of clothing, as these will move the sweat you produce to their outer layers.

If you develop frostbite this winter, visit a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

National Blood Donor Month

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a transfusion of blood, platelets, or plasma. However, this critically-needed blood is often in short supply, as only about 3% of eligible people donate blood each year.

A steady supply of donated blood is necessary for transfusions during a wide range of surgical procedures to counteract any blood loss that may occur. Approximately 21 million blood components are transfused throughout the U.S. each year.

Blood donations are also crucial for treating severe injuries. Victims of car accidents who have incurred severe injuries and blood loss can sometimes require as many as 100 units of blood; a healthy human body, in comparison, typically only holds about 10 units of blood at any given time. Additionally, transfusions are an essential part of treatment for chronic conditions that cause anemia, such as cancer or kidney disease.

There are four common types of donations: whole blood donations, red blood cell donations, plasma donations, and platelet donations.

Whole blood donations: This type of donation contributes approximately one pint of blood and includes all contents of the blood, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Red blood cell donations: People who meet certain height and weight requirements may be able to donate only their red blood cells; your platelets and plasma are returned to your bloodstream.

Plasma donations: A plasma donation only contributes your plasma, which is most often needed to treat accident and burn victims. Plasma transports protein and nutrients throughout the body.

Platelet donations: Platelets enable blood clotting, which prevents blood loss after sustaining an injury. This type of donation is needed for various types of patients, including accident victims, cancer patients, and people with blood clotting problems.

To make a donation, you can schedule an appointment at a blood drive or donor center near your area through the New York Blood Center.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by harmful toxins produced by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria Clostridium sordellii may also cause TSS; however, occurrences are less common.

Staphylococcus, streptococcus, and Clostridium sordellii bacteria typically live in our nose and mouth, and on our skin without causing harm. However, when they enter the body through cuts in the skin or small tears in the vagina, they can get into the bloodstream and spread to vital organs, causing severe damage and illness.

Although toxic shock syndrome is commonly associated with women who use tampons, especially the super-absorbent types, it can affect anyone including men and children. The risk factors for developing TSS include:

Using super-absorbent tampons for longer than the recommended use
Using menstrual cups, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges
Recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion
Having had recent surgery
Having any type of staph infection
Having cuts or burns on the skin

The signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome vary and may include:

Fever
Rash
Bright red eyes, lips, and tongue
Low blood pressure
Headaches
Confusion
Muscle aches
Vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Seizures

If you are at risk of developing TSS and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor or go to your nearest emergency department right away. If left untreated, toxic shock syndrome can result in amputations or even death.

Treatment for TSS is dependent on severity and other factors such as your age and medical history. Treatment may include wound cleaning, antibiotics, intravenous (IV) medications to treat shock or prevent organ damage, heart medications, supplemental oxygen, or dialysis.

3 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

The holiday season is a stressful time for many people for a variety of reasons. For some it might be the pressure of buying gifts or the burden of hosting, while others might have concerns about the financial strain associated with the holidays.

No matter your situation, it’s important not to let the natural stressors that accompany the holidays ruin the season for you. Most factors that lead to stress during the holidays are manageable through the application of mindfulness techniques and an active effort to remember the things that matter most: showing love and appreciation to the people around you and making happy memories with those people.

Some tips for maintaining this perspective and preserving the positive energy of the holiday season for yourself and your family include:

Reminding yourself that your efforts are good enough: Strict expectations to find the perfect gift, make your home look perfect before guests arrive, or to cook the perfect holiday dinner may prevent you from enjoying any of these activities (or their results). Remind yourself that there is no need for perfection in any of these areas and that what matters most is doing the best you can to ensure that your loved ones have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with you.

Releasing yourself from the expectations and opinions of other people: For many people, the thoughts and expectations of others may cause as much pressure (or more) as their own. However, you cannot control how the people around you view you or your efforts. Instead, resolve to be kind to those around you, regardless of their stated opinions, and make a conscious choice to only hold yourself to your own expectations.

Planning goals instead of making resolutions: As the New Year approaches, people often set “New Year’s resolutions” for themselves that, while indicative of goals they may truly care about, often die out within weeks. An approach that is more likely to succeed involves making a detailed, step-by-step plan for achieving the goal you have in mind, starting small and making incremental progress forward on a set timeline.

If your holiday stress is causing (or stems from) mental health problems, you can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic by calling (718) 206-5575.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency such as suicidal contemplation, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s confidential, 24/7 National Help Line at 1-800-662-4357.

Avoiding the Flu During the Holiday Season

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Throughout the holiday season, flu cases tend to reach their peak; many respiratory viruses have an easier time surviving in the cold than in the warm weather of other seasons. Holiday gatherings also often provide ideal circumstances for these viruses to spread.

Fortunately, there are a few ways for you and your family members to protect yourselves against the flu and prevent as few people from getting sick as possible, allowing everyone to enjoy holiday celebrations in good health. Some preventative steps you can take include:

Getting vaccinated: The simplest, most effective step you can take toward preventing the spread of the flu is to make sure you’re up to date on your influenza vaccinations. Anyone over the age of six months should get vaccinated annually.

Wash your hands regularly: Another simple method of protecting against the flu is to practice effective hand hygiene through regular, consistent handwashing. You should generally wash your hands after using the bathroom, after touching surfaces used by other people or animals, before and after preparing food, and before and after coming into direct contact with another person or animal. If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Practice healthy lifestyle habits: Regular exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet are effective for keeping your body at a well-protected baseline level against many diseases and conditions, including the flu. Include regular aerobic exercise in your routine several times per week and make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.

You should also make sure to visit a doctor as soon as you begin to feel symptoms of a respiratory infection, including a sore throat, difficulty breathing or wheezing, congestion, or coughing. You can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.