Holiday Driving Safety Tips

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends. Depending on where you are, or where you are going, many challenges such as weather conditions, limited daylight, and driving in unfamiliar areas can make driving difficult. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving this holiday season:

Prepare your vehicle for the winter and keep an emergency kit with you
Get a good night’s sleep before leaving to avoid drowsy driving
Leave early to avoid heavy traffic
Make sure that every person in the vehicle is buckled up properly
Practice defensive driving
Don’t drive impaired
Avoid distractions
Check the weather conditions before driving
Stick to the speed limit

Taking the proper precautions before and during your drive is for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away.

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.

Travel Tuesday: Tips For Traveling With Prescriptions

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for airplane travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently shared that it expects almost 40 million people to fly this year. Among those travelers are people who need to pack their prescriptions for their trips.

Each country has rules for what is permissible or legal. Therefore, it is important to check with your destination’s embassy and learn the laws when flying with your prescriptions.

For those traveling to and from the United States, TSA provides the following information:

It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Packing your medications safely and according to TSA guidelines can help avoid delays during airport security screenings. Remember to check the laws on medications for your destination; some medications that are considered legal in the U.S. may be unlicensed or classified as controlled substances in other countries.

For more information on TSA medication guidelines, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/

Foot Drop

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Foot drop or drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. It happens when you can’t raise the front part of your foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift it.

Foot drop may cause a person to drag their feet on the floor when they walk. To avoid this, a person with foot drop may raise the thigh more than usual when walking as though they were climbing stairs. This way of walking, called steppage gait, causes the foot to slap against the floor with each step, sometimes causing the skin on the top of the foot and toes to feel numb.

Foot drop isn’t a disease. It is more a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. Foot drop has several possible causes, typically due to an issue with your nerves and/or muscles. The most common causes are lumbar radiculopathy and peroneal nerve injury. Other causes include:

Brain conditions
Motor neuron conditions
Peripheral neuropathies
Muscle conditions

To diagnose foot drop, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:

Loss of muscle control in your lower leg(s) and foot/feet
Muscle atrophy in your foot or leg
Difficulty lifting your foot and toes

Your healthcare provider may also order any of the following tests to find the underlying cause of foot drop, including:

Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and/or an MRI to look for compression or damage in your legs, spine, or brain
Certain blood tests, such as a blood sugar test to check for diabetes and diabetes-related neuropathy
Nerve conduction tests to examine how your nerves are functioning
Electromyography to measure the electrical activity in your leg muscles

Foot drop treatment depends on what is causing it. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If the cause is a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis or ALS, foot drop may be permanent. Possible treatments for foot drop include:

Physical and occupational therapy to help stretch and strengthen your muscles and help you walk better
Braces, splints, or shoe inserts to help support your ankle and foot and keep it in a more natural position

In some cases, people need surgery to relieve pressure on their peroneal nerve or to repair it. If you have chronic foot drop, your healthcare provider may suggest fusing your ankle or foot bones. Or you may have tendon surgery in which a surgeon transfers a tendon from your other leg to the muscle in your affected leg to help it pull your foot up.

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

Living with Diabetes during the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for many people. It can be even more challenging for people with diabetes.

If you are a diabetic, it is important to eat mindfully by following your diet and making a plan. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a diabetes-friendly holiday season:

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Stay hydrated
Communicate with family and friends about your diabetes needs and how they can support you
Stay active
- Take short walks
- Dance or play games
Plan for holiday meals
- Choose healthier options
- Watch portion sizes
- Balance your plate
Prepare for travel
- Pack your diabetes kit
- Carry snacks
Get enough sleep
Don’t skip meals
Watch what you drink and how much
Talk to your doctor about changes in your health
Take care of your mental health
- Practice mindfulness
- Set realistic expectations

With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy the holidays and your favorite foods while managing your blood sugar.

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Mental Health and Holiday Stress

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holidays can be a stressful time for many, with all the shopping, gatherings, and family time, they can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. For people dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season, with 41% reporting higher stress levels compared to other times of the year. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given include:

Lack of time
Financial pressure
Gift giving
Family gatherings

To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.

There are several ways to cope with holiday stress including:

Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Taking a break when needed
Getting fresh air and sunlight
Seeking therapy and staying in therapy
Maintaining healthy habits
Respecting differences
Saying no
Sharing feelings
Being realistic with yourself and others
Reaching out to friends and family

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.

Patient Testimonial: Dwayne Bull says, “I could never find words to express how thankful and how grateful I am”, After Dr. Mangla, his team, and the Jamaica Hospital Staff Save His Husband Arthur’s Life

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

“I could never find words to express how thankful and how grateful I am”, is what Dwayne Bull said after his husband Arthur’s surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. On September 11^th, 2024, Mr. Arthur Dower Bull took a short walk with his husband Dwayne to shop in their neighborhood. After about a block of walking, Arthur began to show signs of passing out. At that moment, Dwayne immediately called 911. Leading up to that moment Arthur passed out, Dwayne explained, “Arthur had been complaining about pain in his left leg and shortness of breath since having two surgeries two weeks prior.” The ambulance arrived and Arthur was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Arthur was being evaluated in the ER while Dwayne waited for news on his condition in the waiting room. A doctor approached Dwayne and told him that Arthur’s heart had stopped and he had to be revived. When the doctor told him that, Dwayne said, “My heart stopped, and I had never experienced that mental state in my life.” Dwayne recounted seeing a team of people standing over Arthur attempting to revive him again. He says, “I felt the pain of losing someone for the first time in my life and the hardest part was not being able to do anything about it.” For Dwayne, sitting in the waiting room feeling alone, nervous, and scared and not knowing what was happening, was the hardest thing for him.

Then, Dr. Aditya Mangla appeared. Dwayne recalls that Dr. Mangla was “extremely calm” and had a “positive presence about him”. “He gave me peace”, said Dwayne. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne that Arthur had blood clots in his lungs and blood stopped flowing to his heart. He expressed that if he did not perform immediate surgery Arthur wouldn’t make it and if he does perform the surgery, there still might be a chance that he wouldn’t make it because of the severity of his condition. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne there was a “30% chance that Arthur could survive the surgery”. Dwayne says Dr. Mangla, “assured me that he was extremely knowledgeable in this area of medicine and that he and Arthur were in the right place.”

Dr. Mangla allowed Dwayne to see Arthur one last time before surgery. Dr. Mangla told Dwayne, “I will treat him like he’s one of mine”. Dwayne waited in the waiting room for 90 minutes but remained positive because he knew Arthur was in good hands due to Dr. Mangla’s sincerity and level of experience. Then Dr. Mangla appeared with a certainty and enduring smile expressing that the surgery was successful. He then showed Dwayne pictures of the blood clots that were removed from Arthur’s lungs. When Dwayne finally got to see Arthur after the surgery, Arthur’s first words to him were, “You’re here.”

Dwayne would like to thank Dr. Mangla for the impeccable service he received. “Dr. Mangla is an angel,” Dwayne said. He would also like to thank Dr. Mangla’s team, the ICU nurses, and the rest of the hospital staff. “The hospital should be given an award.”

Dwayne and Arthur moved here from California last year and have been enjoying the sights and culture of the city. Thanks to Dr. Mangla, his team, and the hospital staff, they can continue to do so. “Dr. Mangla saved the life of my loved one. I wanted to say thank you, and I will never forget your unconditional support or allowing God to use you by the power of prayer.”

Holter Monitor

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the heart’s electrical activity over 24 hours or longer while you’re away from your healthcare provider’s office.

A standard or resting ECG is one of the simplest and fastest tests to check the heart. Holter monitor tests may be done if a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) doesn’t provide enough details about the heart’s condition. Some personal devices like smartwatches offer electrocardiogram monitoring. Ask your healthcare professional if this is an option for you.

Some reasons you might need to wear a Holter monitor or why your healthcare provider may ask you to wear one include:

To evaluate symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related. Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
To identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations
To assess your risk for future heart-related events in certain conditions. These conditions can include thickened heart walls or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after a heart attack that causes weakness of the left side of the heart. This is called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In this syndrome, an abnormal electrical conduction pathway exists in the heart.
To see how well a pacemaker is working
To find out how well treatment is working for complex abnormal heart rhythms
To see how fast or slow your heart rate gets during the day and if you have any pauses in your heart rhythm

While you wear a Holter monitor, you can do most daily activities unless you have instructions to avoid certain things. You may be given a form to record your activities and any symptoms. It’s important to note if and when you have any of the following symptoms:

Pounding, fluttering, or skipped heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Lightheadedness

After the allotted time with the Holter monitor, your healthcare provider will review the test results and discuss them with you. Information from Holter monitor testing can show if you have a heart condition and if any medicines you currently take aren’t working.

If you didn’t have any irregular heartbeats while you wore the monitor, you may need to wear a wireless Holter monitor or an event recorder. These devices can be worn longer than a standard Holter monitor. Event recorders are similar to Holter monitors and require you to push a button when you feel symptoms. There are several different types of event recorders.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away.

Endocrine disruptors

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with how the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system, work. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. These chemicals are linked to many health problems in both wildlife and people. Since endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) come from many different sources, people are exposed in several ways, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. EDCs can also enter the body through the skin.

Endocrine disruptors can disrupt many different hormones, which is why they have been linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes, including:

Alterations in sperm quality and fertility
Abnormalities in sex organs
Endometriosis
Early puberty
Altered nervous system function
Immune function
Certain cancers
Respiratory and cardiovascular problems
Metabolic issues
Diabetes
Obesity
Growth
Neurological and learning disabilities

According to the Endocrine Society, there are nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals worldwide, and 1,000 or more of those could be endocrine disruptors based on their unique properties. The following chemicals are among the most common and well-studied:

Atrazine
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Dioxins
Perchlorate
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Phthalates
Phytoestrogens
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Triclosan

High EDC exposures during fetal development and childhood can have long-lasting health effects since there are periods where hormones regulate the formation and maturation of organs. Early-life exposures have been linked to developmental abnormalities and may increase the risk for various diseases later in life.

Many EDCs have been found to cross the placenta and become concentrated in the fetus’ circulatory system. Other EDCs can be transferred from mother to infant through breast milk.

Although evidence linking EDCs to adverse health outcomes grows, the cause-and-effect relationship is not yet fully understood. Generally, chronic high exposure poses the highest risk, however, a developing fetus or infant is more vulnerable to lower exposures.

Additionally, a person’s genetic predisposition to specific health conditions and additional environmental risk factors can modify how a person is affected by EDCs.

For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Walking Pneumonia in Children

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes your airways to swell, and the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids. It can also cause a high fever and a cough with mucus.

A cold lasting longer than seven to ten days, especially with a cough that gets worse over time is often a sign of walking pneumonia. Other symptoms may include:

· A fever of 101 degrees F or below

· Fatigue

· Headache, chills, sore throat, and other cold or flu-like symptoms

· Fast breathing or breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds

· Labored breathing that makes rib muscles retract

· Ear pain

· Chest or stomach pain

· Malaise or feeling of discomfort

· Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

· Rash

· Joint pain

Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to start. The symptoms are often mild, but can sometimes be more severe

Most children with walking pneumonia don’t feel sick enough to stay home, but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until antibiotic treatment kicks in and symptoms improve

Walking pneumonia symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child with an infection in the top or middle part of the lungs will probably have labored breathing. A child with an infection in the lower part of the lungs may have no breathing problems but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.

Walking pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Other bacteria, viruses, or mold can also cause it.

Doctors usually diagnose walking pneumonia by performing an exam. They will check a child’s breathing and listen for a crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest x-ray or test of mucus samples from the child’s throat or nose will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Walking pneumonia is treated with antibiotics because they are an effective treatment. A five to ten-day course of oral antibiotics is usually recommended. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure your child takes them on schedule for as long as directed to recover more quickly.

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

Water Retention

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Water retention or edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs, and ankles. It can also affect other body parts such as your face, hands, and abdomen. Edema can affect anyone, especially people who are pregnant and adults 65 and older.

Symptoms of edema include:

An area of your body is larger than it was the day before
The skin over the swollen area looks stretched and shiny
Difficulty walking if your legs, ankles, and feet swell
You have a cough or trouble breathing
You feel fullness or tightness in the swollen body part
You feel mild pain or a sore feeling in the affected area
Stiff joints
Weight fluctuations
Puffiness of the abdomen, face, and hips
Bloating

There are many causes associated with edema, including:

Standing or sitting for too long
Weakened valves
Underlying medical conditions
Side effects from medication
Poor nutrition
Pregnancy
Compromised immune system

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to diagnose edema, followed by diagnostic tests to find the cause. They will look for swelling, especially on parts of your body where your skin has a shiny, stretched appearance.

Edema grading is a scale used to identify the severity of your edema diagnosis and estimate how much fluid built up in your tissues.

Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. Examples of this include:

If lung disease causes edema, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider will recommend you quit smoking.
If edema occurs with chronic heart failure, your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes to treat your diagnosis by monitoring your weight, fluid intake, and salt intake. They may also recommend cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink.
If edema is a side effect of a medication you are taking, your healthcare provider may stop or lower the dosage of your medication to resolve swelling. Do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

There are a few steps you can take to keep fluid from building up in your body, including:

Keeping your legs elevated above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving or going on short walks.
Wearing support socks, stockings, or sleeves, that put pressure on body parts to keep fluids from collecting there.
Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
Following your doctor’s directions for taking medications. Your doctor may want you to take a diuretic to help you get rid of excess fluid.

If you are experiencing swollen legs, ankles, or feet, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.