Category Archives: Health

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

  • 2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
  • 2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

  • Those who never received the COVID vaccine
  • Those at risk for severe COVID-19
  • Those 65 years and older
  • Those living in long-term care facilities
  • Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.  To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486.

 

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.

Oral Health

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Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:

  • Endocarditis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pregnancy and birth complications
  • Pneumonia

Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.

Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:

  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease

You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
  • Flossing between your teeth daily.
  • Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
  • Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
  • Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980

 

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.

MPox

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Mpox previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus usually affects rats, mice, or monkeys. But it can occur in people as well.

Mpox usually occurs in Central and West Africa. Cases outside of Africa are due to international travel, imported animals, and close contact with an animal or person infected with mpox.

Mpox symptoms may start three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms last two to four weeks and may include:

  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backaches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

A skin rash starts about one to four days after a fever. It first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other body parts. You can spread mpox while you have symptoms.

There are many ways that mpox can spread, including:

  • Person to person
    • Direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids of a person with mpox
    • Extended close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, including sexual contact
    • Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or bodily fluids of an infected person
    • An infected pregnant person can spread the mpox virus to a fetus
  • Animal to person
    • Animal bites or scratches
    • Wild game that is cooked for food
    • Products, such as skins or furs made from infected animals
    • Direct contact with bodily fluids or rashes of animals with mpox

There are many steps you can take to prevent infection or the spread of the mpox virus, including:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
  • Avoiding the handling of clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in close contact with an infected animal or person
  • Quarantining people who have mpox from healthy people
  • Washing your hands well with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoiding animals that may carry the virus

The treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough fluids to help keep stool soft, and pain management. There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox. If you have mpox, quarantine at home in a room separate from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

You can make an appointment for mpox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site 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.

A Flavorsome and Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Dinners

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As the summer fades into fall, here is a comforting and delicious recipe for chicken chili to add to your dinner rotation.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chicken-chili-3869708

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.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

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September is sickle cell awareness month. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. 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. 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 are born with the sickle cell trait and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are 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 disease can 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

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease 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.

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.

Hand Hygiene for Children

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Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

  • Explain the benefits of handwashing
  • Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
    • Step 1: Wet hands with running water
    • Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
    • Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
    • Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
    • Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
  • Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Set the times when they should be washing their hands
    • When they are visibly dirty
    • Before and after eating
    • After using the toilet
    • After touching animals and pets
    • After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
    • Before and after visiting friends and relatives
  • Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Denise Roman, PT, DPT

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This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Denise Roman, PT, DPT, PPS coordinator and a PT supervisor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Denise has been at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 34 years. She was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. Denise attended Fountain A.M.E and St. Mary’s primary schools, and the Bishop’s High School.  After graduating from high school, Denise traveled to Jamaica, West Indies where she studied  and received her degree in Physical Therapy at the School of Physical Therapy on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. In 1989, Denise immigrated to the United States. She continued her studies at the Empire College, receiving a BS in Community and Human Services. Denise then went on to receive a post graduate certificate in Early Intervention from the Westchester Medical College and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College.

Denise currently resides in Springfield Gardens. She loves pets and while living in Guyana she had many, but currently doesn’t have any. In her free time she enjoys reading and volunteering with youth programs at her church. Denise has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She believes that volunteering and giving back to the community are very important qualities. Denise has never forgotten the people who have helped her along the way and she feels that that she always wants to do her best to be of service to others.

Denise has traveled extensively and some of the places she has visited are Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. Of course, Guyana is one of her favorite places to visit. Denise enjoys many different types of food, especially West Indian, Mexican and Asian. Her favorite types of music to listen to are gospel, reggae, soca, R&B, jazz and folk.  Denise enjoys watching cricket, and track and field. She played netball in school and likes outdoor activities that include walking, parasailing, and white water rafting.

Denise loves working at Jamaica Hospital as it has allowed her to grow professionally and has given her the opportunity to watch the hospital expand . She is proud of the fact that her colleagues work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. This was very evident during the COVID pandemic as the staff continued to give their best despite the dangers of the disease and being mentally and physically challenged.  Denise was very thankful for the care her mother received while being a patient at the hospital and credits the staff for saving her life. We are very proud to have Denise as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.

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.

Social Anxiety

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Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes intense fear of being judged or watched by others in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

  • Inherited traits
  • Brain structure
  • Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Family history
  • Negative experiences
  • Temperament
  • New social or work demands
  • Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional and behavioral symptoms
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
    • Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
    • Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
    • Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
    • Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
    • Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
  • Physical and physiological symptoms
    • Blushing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Trembling
    • Sweating
    • Upset stomach or nausea
    • Trouble catching your breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Feeling that your mind has gone blank
    • Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

  • Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
  • Attending parties or social gatherings
  • Going to work or school
  • Starting conversations
  • Making eye contact
  • Dating
  • Eating in front of others
  • Using a public restroom
  • Taking or making phone calls
  • Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

  • A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
  • A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
  • A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
  • Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
  • Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

  • Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
  • Medications
    • Antidepressants
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has a social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

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.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

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The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

  • Flu – needed every year
  • COVID-19
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
  • Chickenpox
  • Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 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.

Peripheral Neuropathy

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Peripheral neuropathy is any condition that involves damage to peripheral nerves outside your brain or spinal cord. These conditions often cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas and body functions like digestion and urination.

The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

The nerves in the peripheral nervous system are divided into three categories and have a specific job.

  • Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration, or touch, from the skin
  • Motor nerves that control muscle movement
  • Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the nerve affected and can include:

  • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in your hands and feet. These sensations can spread upward into your arms and legs
  • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them, or when they’re under a blanket
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
  • Inability to move if motor nerves are affected
  • Heat intolerance
  • Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
  • Bowel, bladder, or digestive problems
  • Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

Peripheral neuropathy can happen for many reasons. Some include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
  • Medications and toxins
  • Tumors
  • Genetic conditions
  • Infections
  • Hansen disease (leprosy)
  • Trauma and surgery
  • Vascular disorders
  • Idiopathic neuropathy

A combination of methods are used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy including:

  • Symptoms and medical history
  • Physical and neurological exams
  • Lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy varies depending on its cause. Treatments can include:

  • Medications
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Devices and wearable equipment
  • Podiatry and foot care
  • Other pain treatments such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, injections, or surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator

Some causes of peripheral neuropathy are preventable. Some preventative or precautionary steps you can take include:

  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Wearing safety equipment as needed
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Avoiding alcohol in excess
  • Avoiding exposure to toxins, poisons, and heavy metals

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (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.