Group B Strep Awareness Month

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Group B Strep (GBS), or Strep B, is a bacteria that lives naturally in our bodies and comes and goes without showing symptoms or causing harm unless it enters a part of the body free from bacteria. If the bacteria infects the lining around the brain it causes it to swell resulting in meningitis.

GBS bacteria live in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. It can cause many types of infection which can be life-threatening. These infections and their symptoms include:

Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

Fever
Chills
Low alertness.

Sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection)

Fever
Chills
Low alertness.

Bone and joint infections

Fever
Chills
Swelling
Stiffness or inability to use the affected limb or joint.

Urinary tract infections

Pain or burning while urinating.
Frequent urination.
Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
Bloody urine.
Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

Meningitis

Fever
Headache
Stiff neck.
Nausea and vomiting.
Sensitivity to light.
Confusion

Pneumonia

Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
Confusion
Cough
Fatigue
Fever or chills.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Shortness of breath.

Skin and soft tissue infections

Fever
Red skin.
Swollen skin or infected area.
Skin or infected area is warm to the touch.
Skin or infected area is full of pus or other drainage.

GBS bacteria most commonly causes bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns. This occurs when bacteria is passed on to the newborn as it goes through the birth canal during vaginal delivery.

GBS disease symptoms in newborns and babies include:

Fever
Difficulty when feeding.
Irritability or lethargy in the infant.
Difficulty breathing.
A blueish color to their skin.

Doctors diagnose GBS disease by taking samples of a patient’s blood, urine, or spinal fluid depending on the type of infection.

Treatment for GBS depends on the type of infection. Doctors usually treat GBS disease with antibiotics. People with soft tissue and bone infections may need surgery.

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

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

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.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps.

The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or when narrowing of stool lasts for more than a few days.
A feeling of needing a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black.
Cramping or abdominal pain
Weakness and fatigue
Unintended weight loss

Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the number two cause of death in women in the same age group.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

There are two types of colorectal cancer screening tests:

Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:

Colonoscopy
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Sigmoidoscopy

These exams are beneficial because they not only look for cancer but can also prevent it by removing polyps that could potentially become cancerous.

Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Stool DNA test
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

At-home tests are less invasive and easier to perform but must be done more often. Please note, that at-home tests can present false-positive and false-negative results. Any test with a positive result will require a colonoscopy.

Choosing a colon screening test is not an easy decision, but it is a lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about the best colon screening options for you. You can commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

This week, we are expected to experience a highly dangerous heatwave across New York City and the rest of the Northeast and Midwest due to the presence of a heat dome. Starting Wednesday and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s and could get as high as the mid to high-90s.

A heatwave is when temperatures rise above 90 degrees for at least three days. A heat dome is when a ridge of high pressure builds over an area and doesn’t move for up to a week or more.

Extreme heat causes two heat-related illnesses in that your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness and fainting

Here are some ways to prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cold compresses, and sip cool (not cold) water.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke symptoms can include:

A fever of 104 degrees or more
Severe headache
Behavioral changes
Confusion
Hot, red skin
No sweating
Rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness

Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke: Quickly move yourself or the individual to a cooler place, use cold compresses, and do not give them anything to drink.

Some overall tips for staying safe in extreme heat include:

Stay hydrated- Drink extra fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Wear sunscreen- Apply properly and as recommended to prevent sunburn which can make you dehydrated and affect your ability to cool down.
Limit your time outside- Shorten your exercise time and rest often in shady areas. Try to exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
Monitor high-risk loved ones- Pay attention to the warning signs of certain illnesses or medical conditions. Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those with a history of:

Heart disease
Asthma
High blood pressure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes

Others at risk due to extreme heat include the elderly, young children, those who work outdoors, people with disabilities, those who live alone, those without access to air conditioning, people who take certain medications, and pets.

Check the car- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

Usually, we would look to a cool summer night for relief from a hot summer day. Unfortunately, night temperatures aren’t dropping as they should.

Here are some things you can do before going to bed during the heatwave:

Stay hydrated
Eat light
Dress lightly
Look for chances to cool the bedroom
Avoid alcohol
Set time aside to relax
Shower in lukewarm or cool water
Find the coolest place to sleep
Keep a regular sleep schedule

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, so it is important to understand the risks of extreme heat and to make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, 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 dial 911 right away.

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraines and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

Headache is a general term that describes the pain in the scalp, head, and neck. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical care. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Alcohol
Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
Dental problems such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Eyestrain
Keeping your head in one position for a long time.
Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically feel like dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.
Managing daily stress

Migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics are a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine:

Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Epilepsy
Sleep disorders
Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine
Certain medications or taking particular medications too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern or migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelid, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol
Being exposed to heat
Bright lights
Overexertion
Processed foods
Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, 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.

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating a Fever

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When you develop a fever, it’s usually in reaction to an illness. In most cases, a fever will eventually resolve on its own. However, certain signs may indicate that a fever is occurring due to a more severe underlying problem; in these cases, treatment is necessary. You can take some steps to assess and reduce your fever, but there are also things you should watch out for to ensure that you’re treating your fever appropriately.

Do: take your temperature if you feel sick and are running warm; your fever may be worse than you realize. Fevers can typically be broken down into four levels of severity:

If you have a low fever, your body temperature may range between 99.1°F to 100.4°F.
A moderate fever ranges between 100.6°F and 102.2°F.
A high fever typically ranges between 102.4°F and 105.8°F.
Any temperature higher than 105.8°F is considered to be hyperthermia, which can be life-threatening.

Do: stay hydrated; you lose fluids more rapidly while experiencing a fever due to increased sweating and other factors, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration is dangerous on its own, but it can also increase your body temperature and worsen your fever. Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy fluid levels. Cold water can also help reduce your body temperature.

Do: see a doctor as soon as possible if your fever becomes worse or does not resolve after a few days. This is especially important and may mean seeking emergency medical care if you have developed hyperthermia.

Don’t: try to power through your symptoms and go to work or school despite having a fever. Your illness may be dangerous to not only you, but the people around you; it’s important to isolate yourself at home and rest if you have a fever.

Don’t: underdress or overdress for your fever. If you’re feeling overheated, it may be tempting to lower the temperature of your home, crank up the air conditioning, and shed blankets or layers of clothing. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chills, you may want to bundle up much more than is necessary or beneficial. Dress in light, breathable clothing, keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level, and try to avoid extra layers of blankets or clothing.

Don’t: ignore your fever or pass it off as a non-issue if it’s not going away or is getting worse. In this situation, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Anesthesia is medicine used to manage pain during a wide range of medical procedures, including everything from tooth extractions and biopsies to appendectomies, cancer surgery, and childbirth. Anesthesia is an important part of these procedures; without it, many of them would be difficult or impossible to perform.

There are three main types of anesthesia: sedation, local, regional, and general. Sedation typically reduces pain throughout the body and makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. Local anesthesia affects a specific, small part of your body, such as a particular organ. Regional anesthesia affects a large part of your body, such as from the waist down. General anesthesia affects your entire body and renders you unconscious. Most types of anesthesia are injected or administered through an intravenous (IV) line, but general anesthesia may sometimes be administered through a breathing mask or tube.

The type of anesthesia you receive depends on the specific procedure you will be undergoing, as well as your medical history and circumstances. Certain people may face greater risks of medical complications than others from anesthesia, such as problems with brain function, malignant hyperthermia, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, death. Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing these complications, such as:

Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Stroke
Lung conditions
Kidney conditions
Neurological disorders
Obesity
Allergies to anesthesia medication

The risks of anesthesia increase with the strength of its effects. Most of the severe side-effects associated with anesthesia occur in rare instances with general anesthesia. Sedation and local anesthesia, on the other hand, may rarely cause minor side-effects, such as itching at the site of injection. Regional anesthesia is also generally safe, but can sometimes cause headaches and may rarely cause nerve damage.

The best way to minimize any risks associated with anesthesia is to consult a licensed, board-certified anesthesiologist. If you’re receiving surgery, an anesthesiologist will typically meet with you ahead of time to discuss potential risks, and will also be present to monitor you throughout your procedure.

How Does Being in Love Affect Your Body?

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Love is no simple feeling; in fact, being in love with someone can cause a complex swirl of different emotions, like happiness, desire, and excitement, as well as some potentially negative feelings, such as anxiety and over-attachment. These emotions are linked to several chemicals and hormones produced by the body, which can result in a variety of mental and physical effects.

Many of the physical effects of love can be positive in the long term, including everything from a healthy sex drive to a decreased risk for several chronic diseases, reduced pain, and even an increased likelihood of a longer life span. However, there are some potentially negative effects, too, such as poorer judgement (making risky choices to satisfy or impress the person you love) and anxious over-attachment (agonizing over things such as what the other person is doing or how long it’s taking them to respond to you).

When you’re in love, it can make you feel euphoric, particularly when you receive affection from the person you’re in love with. This happens because of an increase in dopamine levels. Dopamine controls the brain’s pleasure and reward centers and is part of many of our body’s functions, such as learning, awareness, mood changes, sleep, arousal, and even movement. However, dopamine levels can also contribute to the development of an addiction to feelings of love, particularly in the “infatuation” stage when those feelings are strongest; this can potentially make it difficult to form a lasting relationship.

Aside from dopamine, hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, which can make your palms sweat and cause your heart to race, are also shown to increase when you’re in love with someone. Additionally, when people develop a feeling of attachment to the person they’re in love with, it can trigger the development of hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin, which create feelings of security and comfort.

A healthy, committed, long-lasting relationship will produce more good effects than bad ones over the long term, but an important part of maintaining such a relationship is noticing and taking proactive steps to manage negative thoughts or behaviors as they occur. One of the best ways to do this is with the help of a licensed psychiatrist. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic, please call (718) 206-5575.

What is the Difference Between RSV and the Common Cold?

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

In the cold weather seasons, illnesses such as the common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) often run rampant, infecting millions of people each year. Both share similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart.

Because RSV and the common cold are also extremely common, it is very likely that the average person will develop one or both of them at some point in a given year. Additionally, RSV and the common cold are more likely to develop in:

Infants and young children
Adults over the age of 70
People with weakened or compromised immune systems
People who are frequently in spaces with many other people, such as a college dorm, gym, shared workspace, or public transportation

While it can be difficult to differentiate between the two, one important distinction to keep in mind is that, unlike RSV, which refers to a single type of viral illness, the term “common cold” can refer to any one of hundreds of different viruses, all of which cause similar symptoms. These symptoms occur in three stages, in which they begin to appear, worsen to their peak intensity, and finally start to improve. They typically include:

A sore throat (usually the first symptom to appear)
A runny nose
Frequent coughing
Aches throughout your body
In some cases, a fever

A person with RSV will also usually experience these same symptoms. However, someone who develops RSV is more likely to have a fever and may experience more wheezing than someone with a cold. It is also more likely to cause someone to lose their appetite.

It is important to note symptoms of both the common cold and RSV, as they can develop into more serious illnesses for certain groups of people. In the case of a cold, this is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems or a respiratory condition, such as asthma. For RSV, this risk is greater for infants, older adults, and people with heart and neuromuscular conditions.

Both RSV and the common cold usually don’t require much treatment aside from rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to help reduce symptoms. However, if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 10 days and do not improve, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Supporting Your Physical Well-Being

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

With the first month of 2024 coming to an end, it’s a great time to check in on the progress you’ve made toward the goals you’ve set for the year. Whether you’re looking to get into better physical shape, reach a career milestone, or gain better control over any medical conditions you experience on a regular basis, wellness is an important part of moving toward your goals in a steady, efficient way. Make sure that you are:

Staying physically active (about 150 minutes of moderate exercise, including 2 days of strength training, each week)
Getting enough sleep (at least 7 hours per night)
Making some time each week for social connections with friends and loved ones
Eating enough food for your size
Avoiding smoking and limiting consumption of harmful substances such as alcohol
Making some time each week for leisurely activities that you enjoy
Practicing mindfulness and staying focused on the present moment
Keeping up with preventative medical screenings and addressing medical problems as they appear by visiting a doctor

For preventative visits and specialized treatment for medical problems, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

When is a Cough Serious?

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Coughing is a normal reflex and often does not signify a serious underlying medical condition. However, a cough could be connected to a more significant health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor when it is:

Severe
Worsening over time
Occurring frequently over several days or weeks

A cough can be either “acute,” meaning that it lasts less than three weeks, or “chronic,” meaning that it lasts longer. Some causes of acute cough, such as the common cold or exposure to airborne irritants, are not necessarily causes for concern on their own, but others, such as pneumonia and influenza, are potentially life-threatening for some people, such as older adults, infants, and people with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

In many cases, chronic coughing is also not indicative of a major, life-threatening health problem, such as when it is caused by mild allergies or asthma. However, it may be a cause for concern when it is severe, frequent, or accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss

These symptoms could indicate that a cough is associated with a serious underlying medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary embolism. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

You can receive diagnostic care and specialized treatment for your cough at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.