Sleep Apnea Complications

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

There are three main types of sleep apnea. They include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when an individual with OSA develops CSA while undergoing therapy for their OSA.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, which makes it difficult to determine which type a person has. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring

Episodes in which a person stops breathing during sleep

Gasping for air during sleep

Awakening with a dry mouth

Morning headaches

Insomnia

Hypersomnia

Difficulty paying attention while awake

Irritability

Sleep apnea can cause several complications, including:

Daytime fatigue

High blood pressure or heart problems

Type 2 diabetes

Metabolic syndrome

Complications with medicines and surgery

Liver problems

Sleep-deprived partners

To diagnose sleep apnea, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep disorder center, where a sleep specialist can help determine if further evaluation is needed. An evaluation can involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep testing. Tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal polysomnography

Home sleep tests

If you have OSA, a healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out a blockage in your nose and throat.

To treat sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, in mild cases. Other sleep apnea treatments include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Other airway pressure devices

Oral appliances

Tissue removal

Tissue shrinkage

Jaw repositioning

Implants

Nerve stimulation

Tracheostomy

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT specialist.

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.

What is Listeria?

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Many food products have been recalled over the past few months due to various outbreaks of listeria.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

Most people encounter listeriosis, a foodborne illness, as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits (especially melons), and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of being contaminated by Listeria bacteria. However, any food that is handled or prepared improperly can be affected.

Listeria bacteria are unique from many other foodborne illnesses because they survive and multiply in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage, and it doesn’t change the smell, taste, or texture of the food that it contaminates, like other bacteria.

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you’re first infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks, but can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

Symptoms of a listeria infection can include:

Fever

Chills

Muscle aches

Nausea

Diarrhea

If the listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms may include:

Headache

Stiff neck

Confusion or changes in alertness

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Those at risk of severe listeria infection include:

Pregnant women

People older than 65 years old

People with weakened immune systems

People suffering from chronic diseases

The most effective way to diagnose a listeria infection is a blood test. Samples of urine and spinal fluid may also be tested.

The treatment for a listeria infection varies depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment at all. Antibiotics can treat more serious listeria infections.

Some ways to prevent a listeria infection include:

Washing hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot soapy water to wash utensils, cutting boards, and other food preparation surfaces.

Cleaning raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under running water.

Using a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked at a safe temperature.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a listeria infection, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Common Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Summer has arrived, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means an increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wear a hat and sunglasses

Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are suffering from any summer skin condition, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Tips to Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As many of us prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here are some tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely:

When it comes to fireworks, the safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, so you may want to consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string instead. If you are allowed to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging

Keep water close by

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection

Light only one firework at a time and never relight a “dud”, which is a firework that doesn’t work after being lit

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets

Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented.

Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following:

Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle alone.

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.

Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool.

It is important to be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones. They are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure.

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States and can affect them at any age.

There are three types of heart disease. They include:

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.

Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.

Although some women have no symptoms, other women may experience:

Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache

Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat

Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness that won’t go away of feels excessive

In some women, the first signs and symptoms if heart disease can be:

A heart attack

Palpitations

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns

Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach

Shortness of breath

Other signs can include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat

Nausea

A rapid or irregular heartbeat

Unusual tiredness

Lightheadedness

Medical treatment for a heart attack is based on the type of heart attack and where the blockage in the coronary artery is.

A complete blockage of the artery of the heart is a STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A partial blockage is an NSTEMI heart attack or a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The different ways to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle during a heart attack include:

Clot-dissolving medications

Balloon angioplasty and stenting

Surgery

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-1700.

The Health Effects of High Cortisol Levels

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone”, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Cortisol helps the body respond to stress by mobilizing energy to cope with stressors, or perceived threats. Cortisol triggers the “fight or flight” response.

In addition to regulating your body’s stress response, cortisol plays other important roles, including:

Regulating blood pressure
Controlling the sleep/wake cycle
Regulating metabolism and glucose (blood sugar) levels
Managing how the body uses proteins, carbohydrates and fats
Suppressing inflammation
Controlling heart rate

Because cortisol affects most systems in the body, having elevated levels and prolonged exposure can have a negative impact on your health. Having high cortisol levels for a long time can lead to:

High blood sugar
High blood pressure
Hirsutism or excessive hair growth in women
Muscle weakness
Osteoporosis
Wide pink or purple stretch marks on the belly, hips, breasts, underarms or thighs
Weight gain in the abdomen or face
Acne
Skin that bruises easily
Severe fatigue
Reduced fertility

There are several reasons why our bodies may produce high levels of cortisol, including:

Cushing syndrome
Chronic stress
Adrenal gland tumors
Taking high doses of certain medications, such as corticosteroids

If you are experiencing symptoms related to high cortisol levels, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. They can assess your health by asking about your medical history and lifestyle, and ordering tests to investigate the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include the surgical removal of tumors, adjusting medication doses, prescribing medication to regulate cortisol production, or making lifestyle changes.

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

Sickle Cell Disease

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. A genetic mutation in the HBB gene causes sickle cell disease. The HBB gene is responsible for making a part of hemoglobin. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop, causing those red blood cells to block the blood flow through the body, creating recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies is born with the sickle cell trait. About one in every 365 Black or African American babies is born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are many symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow
Extreme tiredness
Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle cell disease include:

Episodes of severe pain
Anemia symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat
Fever
Acute chest syndrome
Stroke
Priapism
Avascular necrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Organ damage
Leg ulcers
Gallstones
Deep vein thrombosis
Pregnancy complications
Vision problems
Frequent infections

Sickle cell disease is diagnosed using a blood test that can check for the form of hemoglobin that underlies sickle cell anemia. In the United States, this test is part of routine newborn screening, but older children and adults can also get it.

If you or your child has sickle cell disease, your healthcare provider may suggest other tests to check for possible complications. If you or your child carries the sickle cell gene, you will likely be referred to a genetic counselor.

If you have sickle cell disease, there are many ways to manage and treat it, including:

Medicines
Blood transfusions
Blood and bone marrow transplant
Gene therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Protein is essential to maintaining overall good health. However, consuming extra protein often comes from eating meats high in saturated fats, which can add to elevated LDL cholesterol levels or “bad cholesterol.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 0.8 g/kg per day for adults 18 years or older. Based on weight, growing children and pregnant or lactating women require more protein than a typical adult man or woman. In terms of calories, the recommendation is that 10% to 35% of your daily calories come from protein.

You can consume your recommended daily allowance of protein from several food sources. If someone’s body weight is 70kg (154 lbs.), the RDA of protein is 56 g/day. If you drink an 8-ounce glass of milk, you’ll take in about 8 grams of protein. Add a cup of yogurt for about another 11 grams. Follow that up with a 3-ounce piece of lean/extra lean meat, which is about 21 grams of protein, and a cup of dry beans, which is about 16 grams, and you have already reached the 56-gram daily requirement for an adult man. For an adult woman, a 46-gram daily requirement of protein can be reached by eating one serving of low-fat Greek yogurt, a 4-ounce serving of lean chicken breast, and a bowl of cereal with skim milk.

The American Heart Association has a guided outline of the suggested servings for each food group:

Choose plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, lentils, or chickpeas. These are not only high in protein but fiber. Legumes, for example, can pack about 16 grams of protein per cup and are low in fat and an inexpensive alternative to meat.
Opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy options instead of full-fat dairy products.
Include regular intake of fish and seafood 2 to 3 times a week, especially oily fish such as salmon, anchovies, herring, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, which are high in polyunsaturated fats. Make sure to avoid seafood that is fried. These forms do not have health benefits.
When choosing meat or poultry, opt for lean cuts, skinless poultry, and avoid processed forms.
Eggs are another good source of protein and provide other sources of nutrients that benefit your health. Healthy individuals can include up to a whole egg or equivalent daily. However, people with dyslipidemia should be cautious in consuming eggs.
Choose main dishes that combine meat and vegetables, such as low-fat soups or a stir-fry.
Be aware of portion size. Aim for 3-ounce servings (4 ounces raw) of cooked poultry or meat per meal.

Before you add or make any drastic changes to your diet, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so.

The registered dietitians at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are ready to help you plan a diet that can reduce your risk of disease, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 657-7093.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June 6th is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day that honors the victims and survivors of gun violence and builds a community with those working to end gun violence.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day, also known as Wear Orange Day, originated on June 2nd, 2015, which is what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago, Illinois. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear to protect themselves and others.

#WearOrange honors Hadiya and the 125 people shot and killed every day in the United States, along with hundreds more who are wounded and the countless others whose lives have been changed by gun violence.

To participate in National Gun Violence Awareness Day, you can do the following:

Attend a gun safety community event.
Talk to friends, family, and neighbors. Start a conversation about gun safety and why it matters in your community.
Wear the color orange.
Post yourself wearing or holding something orange and use #WearOrange to show your support for gun violence prevention.

For this 11th year of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, #WearOrange and join in remembering the millions of lives stolen or impacted by gun violence and taking action by advocating for gun violence prevention in their honor.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Normal pressure cephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus can affect several brain-related abilities, including:

Thinking and concentration
Memory
Movement

There are two forms of normal pressure hydrocephalus, and they happen at equal rates. The two types are:

Primary (idiopathic) NPH means that it isn’t happening because of another medical condition, and the cause is unknown. Experts suspect idiopathic NPH can involve one or more age-related issues with how the body makes, circulates, and reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid. About half the cases of NPH are idiopathic.
Secondary NPH happens when another medical condition affects how the body makes, circulates, or reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid. Some examples of conditions that can cause secondary NPH include:
- A brain aneurysm
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Brain tumors, including cancer
- Encephalitis or meningitis
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injuries

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is usually difficult to diagnose because it shares several symptoms with dementia and similar age-related conditions. It is also common for NPH to happen at the same time as age-related conditions. About 30% of people with NPH also have Alzheimer’s or a similar degenerative brain disease.

The symptoms of NPH usually start gradually, and develop and worsen over three to six months. The three main symptoms of NPH are known as Hakim’s triad. Between 50% and 75% of people with NPH show all three symptoms at the same time. Hakim’s triad includes three types of symptoms, which include:

Gait issues are the most likely of the three symptoms to occur. About 80% to 95% of people with NPH show this kind of symptom. Some of these symptoms may resemble movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, however, a key difference is that NPH symptoms typically only affect the legs and feet. If you have NPH, it often causes the following:
- Trouble lifting your feet
- Taking shorter and unsteady steps
- Hesitating or walking uncertainly
Urinary incontinence is when you lose control of your bladder, causing you to pee unintentionally. Early on, this can cause a strong urge to pee often that is difficult to control.
Cognitive difficulties are the third key symptom of NPH and can appear as or cause any of the following:
- Mental and physical slowness
- Memory problems
- Executive dysfunction
- Emotional changes

A healthcare provider can diagnose NPH using a combination of methods that include:

physical and neurological exams
Asking questions about your medical history and symptoms
diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, cisternogram scan, and CT scans
Lab tests, such as a spinal tap

Depending on your symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend other tests to rule out conditions that have symptoms similar to NPH.

NPH is usually a treatable disease. The approach to treatment varies depending on whether it is primary/idiopathic or secondary NPH. Unlike most brain-related conditions, treating NPH rarely involves medications because NPH doesn’t respond to medications.

Primary/idiopathic NPH is usually treatable, with the most common and most effective treatment being surgery to implant a device called a shunt.

Secondary NPH may be curable, only if it happens because of a curable condition. The treatment for secondary NPH varies depending on the underlying cause. A healthcare provider is the best person to tell you about the possible treatments and what they recommend.

If you commonly experience symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus or other brain-related conditions, you can receive specialized treatment from a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718)-206-7001.