ADHD

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder diagnosed in children, as well as found in teens and continue into adulthood. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD tend to be hyperactive, have difficulty staying focused, and can’t control their impulses. Boys tend to be affected more frequently than girls. There isn’t a definite cause for the illness but there is a hereditary component, or result of a chemical imbalance in people who are diagnosed with ADHD. Mothers who smoke, drank alcohol, had poor nutrition, or were substance abusers during their pregnancy tend to have children with a higher incidence of the disease.
Children with ADHD:
• Are easily distracted
• Have trouble sitting still
• Have trouble waiting their turn
• Have difficulty organizing themselves
• Talk excessively
ADHD cannot be cured but can be managed through therapy and medication. Dr. Teresita Ruiz a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, recommends that a parent who suspects their child is showing signs of abnormal behavior, seek professional help for an evaluation. Early intervention is an important component of successfully managing ADHD. To schedule an appointment with a child psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7160.

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.

Honey Hastens Healing

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that out of all areas in the home, the kitchen is number one for getting burns and did you, also, know that the kitchen is a place you can find home remedies for that burn?

While most minor burns will heal on their own, there are home treatment remedies that can relieve your symptoms and promote healing, such as:

Honey – Honey has long been a remedy to disinfect wounds and heal burns. When applied to a burn, honey draws out fluids from the tissues, effectively cleaning the wound. You may also apply the honey to a gauze bandage, which is less sticky than direct application. On a piece of sterile gauze, place a dollop of honey and put the bandage directly on the burn, honey-side down. The dressing should be changed three to four times per day.
Additional home remedies for burns that can be found in your kitchen are:
Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths can help relieve the itch while the burn is healing
Tea bags – Tea bags contain tannic acid and help draw the heat from a burn. Gently dab the liquid, from a luke-warm water moistened tea bag, on the burn site.
Vinegar – Vinegar works as an astringent and antiseptic on minor burns and helps prevent infection. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water, and rinse the burned area with the solution.
Cool water. – While ice is nice for sore muscles, cool water is the best liquid refreshment for burned skin. Ice can restrict blood flow to the burn site and further damage delicate tissues. Instead, gently run cool water or place cool compresses over the burn site for ten minutes. Do this as quickly as possible, preferably within seconds of getting a burn. Cool water not only feels good but will help stop the burn from spreading, and the sooner you run cool water on the burn, the greater the effect will be to reduce it.

Do’s and Don’ts to avoid burns:

DO lower the temperature of your hot-water heater to below 120 degrees F. A second-degree burn can happen within seconds in water that’s hotter than 120 degrees.
DO turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
DO keep that steaming cup of java out of a child’s reach, which means off the coffee table or other low-lying areas.
DON’T ever leave a child unattended in the kitchen.
DO make the stove area off-limits to children.
DO put a childproof lock on the oven door.
DO keep oven mitts and potholders handy when cooking.

You can try these remedies for minor burns, but if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, please seek medical treatment immediately.

How Much Sweat is Normal ?

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

The amount of sweat that a person produces varies from person to person and is dependent on the activity a person is doing. A person that works in a climate controlled environment is going to sweat less than a person working out in a gym or doing manual labor. Excess sweating is called hyperhidrosis and this occurs when a person is sweating more than what might be considered normal. There is no quantifiable number that can be associated with excess sweating but a person who sweats through their clothes in an environment where it isn’t routine for heavy sweating, should be evaluated. Certain people sweat excessively due to the medications they are taking, sometimes there may be an infection that the body is trying to fight, and some people have a family history of excessive sweating.
A simple way to treat perspiration is by using an over the counter anti-perspirant. In more severe cases a physician may prescribe medication that will help to control excess sweating and in very severe cases there are procedures that can be performed that will help control the perspiration.
If you think that you may be sweating excessively, contact your physician and have a thorough exam performed. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718-206-7001.

The Fight Against Obesity is a Family Affair

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Joann Ariola

The childhood obesity problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions with many political leaders and health advocates turning their attention to bringing awareness to this issue.

Interventions have been suggested, school lunches have become healthier and more attention has been given to the benefit of outside play, recess, and cutting back on the consumption of processed foods.

One of the most effective solutions to the issue of childhood obesity may be a simple one; scheduling time for a healthy family dinner. The ritual of eating meals together, as a family, has shown to greatly improve healthy eating habits.

Studies have shown that families who dine while watching television tend to be heavier than those who make to time to sit down, together, for a meal on a regular basis. As a parent, eating with your family will give you the opportunity to encourage our children to eat mindfully, reinforce healthy eating habits and teach your children to eat slowly.

Some idea’s to make family meals regular events at your house are:

Turn off the TV
Make a date to have a meal together
Share the meal preparation process with the whole family
Select a healthy alternative to a favorite meal

In addition, eating is about so much more than the food and nutrients we receive from it. Meal time should be pleasurable, social and a time to connect with each other.

If you or someone you know is struggling with obesity, contact the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory care Center to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed Nutritionist’s at 718-206-7001.

Cataract Surgery

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

A cataract is defined as the clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is made up of water and protein. When the lens is healthy, the proteins are arranged in a very precise pattern allowing light to pass through to the retina in a clear manner. As we age, these proteins may begin to clump together and cause the lens to become cloudy which leads to blurry and dim vision. They are commonly found in people as they get older, and can start when people are in their forties but become noticeable after the age of sixty. Besides aging other factors that can contribute to cataract formation are diabetes, smoking and alcohol abuse.
Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:
• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Colors that appear faded
• Glare from headlights, lamps
• Diminished night vision
Cataracts can be corrected by performing surgery to replace the lens of the eye with an artificial lens. There are two types of procedures that can be performed:
Phacoemulsification – a procedure where a small incision is made to the side of the cornea. The lens is broken up by ultrasound and removed by suction.
Extracapsular surgery – a procedure where a bigger incision is made in the side of the cornea and the lens is removed in one piece.
After both types of surgery a new plastic lens is inserted and allowed to heal. Most people see immediate improvement in their vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures done today. Ninety percent of patients who undergo this procedure have their vision restored completely.
From annual eye examinations to surgical procedures, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s board certified and fellowship trained ophthalmologists are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disorders and ophthalmic conditions.
To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Is Your Constant State of Nervousness and Worry a Sign of an Anxiety Disorder?

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Anxiety is an emotion we all experience. Feeling anxious is a normal reaction to stressful situations such as waiting for the results of a test, speaking in public or preparing for a job interview. Anxiety is often synonymous with feelings of distress, nervousness, panic and fear. These reactions are normally triggered when our bodies feel that there is danger or there is a threatening situation.

For most the feeling of anxiety is temporary and will subside once stressful or threatening circumstances are resolved. However for an estimated 18.1 percent of adults living in the United States, anxiety does not go away and develops into a serious mental health disorder that affects their ability to lead a normal life.

There are six major types of anxiety disorders: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, social anxiety disorders, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorders. Symptoms can be specific to a condition and can differ based on the individual.

The following symptoms of anxiety may be indicative of a developing problem, especially if they continue for an extended period of time:

Experiencing a constant state of worry or fear.
Having trouble concentrating.
Insomnia or other chronic sleep related problems.
Heart palpitations or chest pain during a state of panic.
A fear of being around people or being in public places.
Suffering from overwhelming compulsions, such as constantly washing hands.
Irrational fears of objects or activities that pose little to no danger.
Experiencing anxiety as a result of a traumatic event.

If the preceding symptoms occur on a regular basis and have become so great that they are interfering with your ability to function daily, it is recommended that you seek the help of a mental health professional.

The Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers psychiatric consultation and treatment services. Our team of mental health professionals consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, creative arts therapists and support staff who are dedicated to positive outcomes and work closely with each patient to provide necessary clinical treatment and services. To learn more about the Psychiatry Department at Jamaica Hospital visit www.JamaicaHospital.org or call 718 206 5575.

Milk – Which type is best for you ?

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Traditionally when people thought about milk, they were referring to the kind that came from a cow. Dairy milk was offered as either whole, two percent, one percent, skim, or lactose free. Today, there are many non-dairy varieties of milk, and each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Milk made from rice, almonds and soy are now commonly found in supermarkets.
Types of Milk:
Dairy Milk – whole milk contains the highest amount of fat, the most amount of calories and cholesterol. One percent milk has fewer calories, and skim milk has even less. Fat free milk contains no saturated fats but is still a good source of protein, minerals, calcium and vitamins. Lactose free milk is good for people who have difficulty digesting the sugar lactose that is found in regular milk, yet it contains all of the other nutrients.
Almond Milk – is free of cholesterol and saturated fat, is low in calories, and does not contain lactose. It is not a good source of protein and contains no calcium unless it is fortified. People who are allergic to nuts should not drink it. Also, it isn’t recommended for people with osteoporosis.
Soy Milk – contains protein, has no cholesterol, is low in saturated fat, and does not contain lactose. It can be fortified with calcium, and potassium.
Rice Milk – does not contain lactose, is good for people who are allergic to nuts, can be fortified with calcium. It is important to note however, that it is high in carbohydrates which is not recommended for people with diabetes to consume. It is also low in protein which does not make it a good choice for people who are athletes.
To find out which type of milk would be best for you, make an appointment with a nutritionist at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001.

10 Tips for Dining Out For Those With High Blood Pressure

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Dining out is a treat we look forward to because we get to try new foods or indulge in our favorite cuisines. However, it is recommended that if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure to be mindful of the foods you pick from the menu. It is suggested that you stick to a diet that is low in saturated fats, does not contain MSG and has very little sodium or no added salt.

Nutritionists also advise that practicing the following tips when dining out will help in controlling blood pressure levels.

Choose appetizers with fruits or vegetables, instead of salty treats.
Ask for your food to be prepared without added salt or MSG.
Stay away from the saltshaker.
Select foods that are prepared using healthy cooking techniques such as grilling or steaming.
Avoid foods that are pickled, smoked or cured.
Cut away excess and visible fat from meats.
Avoid using butter or foods prepared with butter.
Limit sodium intake from condiments by using them sparingly or by asking that they be served on the side.
Steer clear of items that include cheese.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If you have high blood pressure you can still enjoy restaurant meals and make healthy food choices by sticking to the preceding tips. In addition to eating healthy it is also important to remember to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and take medications as prescribed to help control your blood pressure.

Measles Vaccine

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

The measles, once an endemic disease, responsible for as many as 542,000 cases a year, has now become almost completely eradicated in the United States due to the development of a measles vaccine.
The measles virus was first isolated by virologist John Enders in 1954. The measles vaccine was licensed in 1963 and has been widely responsible for the almost total elimination of the disease in the United States. This is due to pre-school and school aged children now being routinely vaccinated almost universally in the United States. The vaccine is now administered together with the vaccines for mumps and rubella, and is called the MMR vaccine. Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine, there are still cases being seen due to exposure to people who are bringing it in from outside the country.
To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001

Doctors Say You Need to Relax

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Relax178982704 (1) For many, dealing with excessive stress has become a way of life. We often hear the words “just relax,” but sometimes we find it difficult to take that advice and de-stress due to every day hassles.

When you are stressed the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline- which causes the fight or flight reaction. This can speed up the normal function of several organs, including the heart. The fight or flight reaction is appropriate when we face immediate threats but can be damaging if prolonged; as our bodies are only designed to deal with the effects of stress for short intervals.

Extended periods of stress can take its toll on our health in many ways. Long-term stress is known to negatively affect several systems of the body, including:

The nervous system- High levels of cortisol and adrenaline can impair the nervous system, which regulates heart rates, the excretion of waste, breathing rates and the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.
The immune system- Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of infections, infectious diseases, skin problems such as eczema and can slow down wound healing rates.
The digestive system- Excessive levels of stress can stimulate the muscles of the intestines and cause diarrhea or constipation. It can also lead to indigestion or nausea and increase the risk of ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.
The endocrine system- Stress hormones can cause the liver to increase blood sugar levels. This is particularly dangerous for diabetics.

It is important to reduce excessive and prolonged periods of stress, because it can wreak havoc on our health. We can decrease or manage stress by learning to take a moment to relax, exercising and eating healthy.