Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems that affect men and boys.

Statistics show men are less likely than women to seek medical attention when something affects their health. Men are also less likely to have preventative screenings and checkups with their healthcare providers. This is a problem as early detection of a medical condition is the best way to effectively treat and manage it.

Additionally, avoiding or delaying checkups or screenings could result in a treatable condition becoming severe and/or fatal.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended, age-specific screening guidelines for men to help them manage their health:

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 18-39 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colon cancer screenings

Dental examinations

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screenings

Eye examinations

Immunizations

Skin examinations

Infectious disease screenings

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 40-64 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings

Prostate cancer screenings

Osteoporosis screening

Lung cancer screening

Infectious disease screening

Immunizations

Eye examinations

Dental examinations

Skin examinations

It is important to visit your healthcare providers regularly, even if you are feeling healthy. These visits can help:

Screen for any medical issues

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Assess your risk for any future medical problems

Update vaccinations and other preventative care services

Help you get to know your healthcare provider in case of an illness

If you are experiencing any medical problems or would like to receive health screenings, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling (718) 206-7001.

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.

Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a month that recognizes the importance of educating the public on an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the world’s leading cause of blindness.

Most cataracts occur when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lens, and proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing it to become cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb eyesight early on, but with time, they will eventually affect a person’s vision.

There are several symptoms of cataracts, including:

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision

Trouble seeing at night

Sensitivity to bright light and glare

The need for brighter light for reading and other activities

Seeing “halos” or streaks that form around lights

Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Fading or yellowing of colors

Double vision in one eye

There are many types of cataracts, including:

Nuclear cataracts

Cortical cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Congenital cataracts

Several factors can increase the risk of cataracts, including:

Increasing age

Diabetes

Getting too much sunlight

Smoking

Obesity

Family history of cataracts

Previous eye injury or inflammation

Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye exam. A healthcare provider will closely examine your eyes for signs of cataracts and assess their severity. They will also ask about your vision, medical history, and if you’re having trouble with everyday tasks because you can’t see as well as before. Tests used to diagnose cataracts include:

Slit lamp exam

Visual acuity test

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision. During this surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently stays in the eye.

No studies have proven how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. However, healthcare professionals think several strategies may be helpful, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Quitting smoking

Managing other health problems

Choosing a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

Wearing sunglasses

Reducing alcohol use

If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center by calling (718) 206-5900.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus- is lupus that only affects your skin

Drug-induced lupus- occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it

Neonatal lupus- occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue

Fever

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body

Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure

Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Dry eyes

Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and the environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight

Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Kidney and liver assessment

Urinalysis

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray

An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during a flare-up. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Corticosteroids

Antimalarial drugs

Immunosuppressants

Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly

Being sun smart

Getting regular exercise

Quitting smoking

Eating a healthy diet

Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

If you would like to participate in Lupus Awareness Month, here are some ways you can do so:

Learn about lupus

Support those who are suffering from lupus

Advocate for better research, more care, and more compassion

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888.

Patient Testimonial: Mary Tucker

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

After a two-week trip to London, I was four hours into my return flight when I began seeing flashing lights and a sudden surge of floaters in my right eye. Given my family history of retinal detachment — and knowing it can lead to blindness — I decided before we even landed in New York to cancel my connecting flight and go directly to the emergency room.

I chose Jamaica Hospital Medical Center near JFK Airport.

Even at check-in, I was met with extraordinary kindness and empathy. In a busy ER, that level of warmth stood out. Within minutes, I was triaged, insurance processed, vitals taken, and escorted for an ocular sonogram. I waited less than 30 minutes before Dr. Eric Zhong, the ophthalmologist on duty, evaluated me thoroughly. He determined my retina was not detached and gave me clear guidance on monitoring symptoms.

The following day, just five minutes after boarding a rescheduled flight, my symptoms worsened. I immediately deplaned and returned. The Jamaica Hospital EMTs were calm, skilled, and remarkably reassuring — the kind of competence that lowers your blood pressure the moment they enter the room.

Dr. Zhong was still on duty and recognized that the situation had evolved. Unable to immediately identify the cause, he brought in a colleague — not out of uncertainty, but out of commitment. They suspected a small retinal hole and ensured I had next-day specialist follow-up, which they personally arranged.

A subsequent specialist initially questioned the finding — but when I followed up at one of the top eye hospitals near my home, the diagnosis was confirmed. I had a retinal hole in one eye and an issue in the other. I went directly from the exam chair to laser surgery in both eyes.

The Jamaica Hospital team’s diagnosis was right all along. I was very satisfied with their level of care.

Both of my ER visits were completed in just two to three hours — nearly unheard of in emergency care. More importantly, the culture was unmistakable: collaborative, respectful, compassionate, and highly competent.

They didn’t just treat my eyes — they restored my confidence in what healthcare can look like at its best.

I am deeply grateful to the entire team.

Treatments to Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is progress in Alzheimer’s and dementia research that is creating promising new treatments for those living with the disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications for Alzheimer’s disease, which fall into two categories:

· Drugs that change disease progression in people living with early Alzheimer’s

· Drugs that temporarily ease some symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Drugs that change disease progression target the underlying biology of the disease process by aiming to slow the decline of memory and thinking, as well as function.

Anti-amyloid treatments work by removing a protein that accumulates into plaques in the brain, called beta-amyloid. Each treatment works differently and targets beta-amyloid at a different stage of plaque formation.

These treatments change the course of the disease significantly for those who are in the early stages by giving them more time to be able to participate in daily activities and live independently.

The two treatment therapies that change disease progression are Donanemab and Lecanemab.

Donanemab is an anti-amyloid antibody intravenous (IV) infusion therapy that is delivered every four weeks to treat early Alzheimer’s disease, which includes people who are living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s who have been diagnosed with elevated beta-amyloid in the brain.

Donanemab was the third therapy that demonstrated that removing beta-amyloid from the brain decreases cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Lecanemab was the second therapy to demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid from the brain decreases cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to note that anti-amyloid treatments do have side effects, such as allergic reactions, amyloid-related abnormalities (ARIA), infusion-related reactions, headaches, and falls.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, brain cells die, and the connections among those cells are lost. When this occurs, it causes cognitive and noncognitive symptoms to worsen.

Although these medications don’t stop the damage that Alzheimer’s disease causes to brain cells, they may lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time by affecting specific chemicals involved in delivering messages among and between the brain’s nerve cells.

The medications that are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory and thinking include:

Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other thought processes. These medications prevent the breakdown of a chemical messenger important for memory and learning, called acetylcholine. Cholinesterase inhibitors support communication between nerve cells. The most prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include:

· Benzgalantamine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Donepezil treats mild-to-severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Galantamine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Rivastigmine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as well as mild-to-moderate dementia due to Parkinson’s disease

Possible side effects for these medications include:

· Headache

· Dizziness

· Diarrhea

· Increased frequency of bowel movements

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

Glutamate regulators are medications prescribed to improve memory, attention, reasoning, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks. This medication regulates the activity of glutamate, a different chemical messenger that helps the brain process information.

Memantine is a glutamate regulator that treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. It can cause side effects that include headaches, constipation, confusion, and dizziness.

A cholinesterase inhibitor combined with a glutamate regulator, such as donepezil and memantine, treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, dizziness, increased frequency of bowel movements, and constipation.

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just impact memory and thinking. It also impacts a person’s quality of life by affecting a variety of behavioral and psychological symptoms that come with dementia, such as agitation, hallucinations and delusions, and sleep disturbances. Some medications focus on treating these non-cognitive symptoms for a time; however, it is important to try non-drug strategies to manage behaviors before adding medications.

The FDA has approved only one drug to manage symptoms of insomnia that has been tested in people who are living with dementia, and one that treats agitation.

Orexin receptor antagonists are prescribed to address symptoms of insomnia and inhibit the activity of a type of neurotransmitter involved in the sleep-wake cycle called orexin.

Suvorexant treats insomnia and has been shown in clinical trials to be effective for people who are living with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects can include a risk of impaired alertness and motor function, worsening depression or suicidal thinking, complex sleep behaviors, sleep paralysis, and compromised respiratory function.

Atypical antipsychotics are a group of antipsychotic drugs that target the serotonin and dopamine chemical pathways in the brain. These drugs are mainly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as add-on therapies for major depressive disorder. The FDA requires that all atypical antipsychotics carry a safety warning that the medication has been associated with an increased risk of death in older patients who are experiencing dementia related psychosis.

Many atypical antipsychotic medications are used “off-label” to treat dementia-related behaviors, and there is only one FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to try non-drug strategies to help manage non-cognitive symptoms such as agitation before adding any medications.

Brexpiprazole treats agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects may include weight gain, sleepiness, common cold symptoms, dizziness, and restlessness.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or would like to learn more about treatment options, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a month that observes the importance of raising awareness of thyroid disorders and how they affect the lives of millions of people around the world.

The thyroid is a gland located in front of the neck. It is a part of the body’s endocrine system and produces hormones that play an important role in many of the body’s systems, such as cells and tissues, the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys.

The hormones the thyroid produces include:

Thyroxine (T4)- the primary hormone made and released by the thyroid. It is the hormone that the thyroid makes the most of; however, it doesn’t have much of an effect on the metabolism

Triiodothyronine (T3)- the thyroid makes lesser amounts of this hormone, but it has a much bigger impact on the metabolism than T4

Reverse triiodothyronine- the thyroid makes very small amounts of RT3. This hormone reverses the effects of T3

Calcitonin- this hormone helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood

These hormones also affect several bodily functions, including:

Blood pressure

Body temperature

Heart rate

Metabolism

Breathing

Digestion

Brain development

Mental activity

Skin and bone maintenance

Fertility

Four main conditions affect the thyroid, including:

Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland

Goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland

Thyroid cancer

Different thyroid conditions have different symptoms. Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is under- or over-producing hormones and can often be silent or present symptoms that are overlooked due to their subtlety.

Symptoms that may signal a thyroid condition include:

Slow or rapid heart rate

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Difficulty tolerating the cold or heat

Depression (caused by hypothyroidism) or anxiety (caused by hyperthyroidism)

Irregular menstrual periods

When a healthcare provider wants to check the health of a person’s thyroid, they perform a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). They will also check the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood. If the results of these tests come back and are abnormal, the healthcare provider may suggest an imaging test such as a thyroid scan or an ultrasound of the thyroid.

There are several treatment options for thyroid conditions, depending on what they are and their severity. The three main treatment options for thyroid conditions include:

Medication

Surgery

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Thyroid conditions are common and can affect anyone at any age. However, some people face a higher risk if they:

Have a family history of thyroid disease

Have an autoimmune condition, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus

Take a medication that’s high in iodine

Are older than 60, especially if you’re female

Fortunately, there is a way for a person to keep their thyroid healthy. This can be done by getting enough iodine in their diet with foods that are fortified with iodine, such as cheese, cow milk, eggs, yogurt, saltwater fish, shellfish, seaweed, soy milk, and soy sauce.

If you would like to get your thyroid checked or to receive more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Autoimmune diseases are health conditions that happen when the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. They are also called autoimmune disorders by healthcare providers.

The immune system is the body’s built-in defense system. It automatically detects substances that shouldn’t be in the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It sends out white blood cells to eliminate them before they can damage the body or make a person sick.

If a person has an autoimmune disease, their immune system is overactive. When it doesn’t have anything to attack, the immune system turns on the body and damages healthy tissue.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions, which means a person will have to manage them and the symptoms they cause for the rest of their life.

There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any tissue or organ in the body, depending on where the immune system malfunctions. These autoimmune diseases can include:

Joints and muscles

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Lupus

Myositis

Skin and blood vessels

Sjögren’s syndrome

Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis

Dermatomyositis

Scleroderma

Vasculitis

Rheumatoid vasculitis

Urticarial vasculitis

Vitiligo

Digestive system

Crohn’s disease

Celiac disease

Ulcerative colitis

Autoimmune gastritis

Endocrine system

Type 1 diabetes

Addison’s disease

Hashimoto’s thyroditis

Graves’ disease

Nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD)

Autoimmune diseases are very common due to there being so many different types, with experts estimating that around 1 in 15 people in the U.S. has an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect a person’s body from head to toe. Conditions that affect the muscles can cause muscle weakness, joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, indicating a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Type 1 diabetes causes high blood sugar. And some autoimmune diseases can affect a person’s vision.

Many autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation, which causes a feeling of warmth, discoloration or redness of the skin, swelling, and pain.

Additionally, a lot of autoimmune diseases can cause recurring symptoms. These episodes of more noticeable or more severe symptoms are called flares or attacks.

Unfortunately, experts don’t know for certain what causes autoimmune diseases, and researchers are still studying what makes the immune system start attacking the body in the first place.

However, some studies have found certain factors, or triggers, that might increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease. They include:

Viral infections such as COVID-19 and the Epstein-Barr virus

A person’s sex, as women are more likely to have an autoimmune condition

Having biological relatives with autoimmune diseases, as some are genetic and can be passed through generations of a biological family

Having one autoimmune disease can increase a person’s odds of developing another one. This is called multiple autoimmune syndrome

Exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors may trigger autoimmune diseases

Smoking and other types of tobacco use can cause many health issues, including potentially triggering autoimmune diseases

A healthcare provider diagnoses autoimmune diseases when they perform a physical exam and discuss a person’s health history with them. They will examine their body, specifically if they are experiencing symptoms in a specific area. They will ask about the person’s symptoms and when they first noticed them.

A healthcare provider will perform tests for several different conditions that can cause the symptoms until they find a cause. This is called a differential diagnosis. They may order blood tests to look for specific markers, or clues the immune system leaves behind after it damages the body or causes specific issues, of autoimmune diseases.

They may also perform imaging tests to look inside the body, including:

X-rays

CT scan

Ultrasound

Autoimmune diseases may need a variety of treatments, since they cause a variety of symptoms. Which treatment is needed depends on which condition a person has. Everyone’s immune system, genetics, and environment are different, which means the treatments will be unique to each person. Some common treatments to manage autoimmune disease symptoms include:

Pain relievers

Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Immunosuppressants

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

IVIG infusions

A person may need specific treatment based on what condition they have. People with Type 1 diabetes will need insulin therapy. People with celiac disease will need to eat a gluten-free diet.

The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients in Queens, NY, who develop rheumatological disorders. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 718-206-6742.

ALS

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. There is no exact known cause of the disease. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. And it also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medicines for treating ALS:

Riluzole
Edaravone

There are many forms of therapy and forms of support when ALS affects your ability to breathe, speak, and move. They include:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

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

World Vitiligo Day

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June 25^th is World Vitiligo Day. Vitiligo is a disease that causes skin to lose color or pigmentation. Smooth white or light areas called macules or patches appear on the skin. It generally starts on the hands, forearms, feet, and face.

Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin, melanocytes, stop making it or die. It is unclear what exactly causes vitiligo; however, it may be related to the following:

An autoimmune condition
Family history
A trigger event, such as stress, severe sunburn, or skin trauma, such as a chemical burn

About 1% of the global population has vitiligo. It affects all races and sexes equally. Vitiligo is more visible in people with darker skin tones. Although the disease can develop at any age, macules or patches usually become apparent before the age of 30.

A person may be at a higher risk of developing vitiligo if they have certain autoimmune conditions, such as:

Addison’s disease
Anemia
Type 1 diabetes
Lupus
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Thyroid disease

There are several types of vitiligo, including:

Generalized- the most common type of vitiligo that causes macules to appear in various places on the body
Segmental- this type only affects one side of the body or one area, such as the hands or face
Mucosal- this type affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and/or genitals
Focal- this rare type is where the macules develop in a small area and don’t spread in a certain pattern within one to two years
Trichome- this type causes a bullseye with a white or colorless center, then an area of lighter pigmentation, and an area of the person’s natural skin tone
Universal- this rare type causes more than 80% of the skin to lose pigment

The signs and symptoms of vitiligo include:

Patches of skin or mucous membranes that lose color and appear white or lighter than your natural skin tone
Patches of hair on the body turn silver, gray, or white

Symptoms can be mild and only affect a small area of the body or severe, affecting a large area of the skin. Some people with vitiligo experience itchy skin before depigmentation starts.

To diagnose vitiligo, a healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and examine your skin, possibly with a special lamp. This evaluation may also include a skin biopsy and blood tests.

The choice of treatment for vitiligo depends on your age, how much skin is involved and where, how quickly the disease is progressing, and how it’s affecting your life.

Medications and light-based therapies are available to help restore skin color or even skin tone, though results may vary and are unpredictable. Some treatments have serious side effects, so a healthcare provider may suggest that you try changing the appearance of your skin by applying a self-tanning product or makeup first.

If you and a healthcare provider decide to treat your condition with a drug, surgery, or therapy, it may take several months to judge its effectiveness. You may also have to try a combination of approaches before finding what works best.

If you have vitiligo, certain self-care tactics may help you care for your skin and improve its appearance, including:

Protecting your skin from the sun and artificial sources of UV light
Concealing affected skin
Not getting a tattoo

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist 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.