Why is it important to add ICE to your cellphones?-

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

fireman with cell-482463357 ICE is short for In- Case-Of- Emergency. In the event that you or a loved one is involved in an emergency, adding the information (phone numbers etc.) of your emergency contact under the name ICE can enable first responders and hospital staff to get in touch with that person ASAP.

Cellphone owners can add multiple emergency contacts, listing them as ICE 1-Mom, ICE 2-Dad, ICE 3-Wife and so on.

There are several cellphone apps on the market that feature ICE along with important medical information such as a list of medications, allergies and conditions.

It is also encouraged that you carry this information on a card in your wallet.

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.

Is Smoking Cigars Any Safer Than Smoking Cigarettes?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Cigarette sales are beginning to see a decline while cigar consumption has been rising steadily. This is partly attributed to the growing belief that cigars are a safer alternative to cigarettes. Many smokers perceive cigars as having fewer health risks because the smoke is not inhaled into the lungs but is instead sucked and kept in the mouth for the taste. However, the most concerning misconception among smokers is the belief that cigars are safer because they do not have a Surgeon General’s health warning as cigarettes do.

Research has proven all of these beliefs to be untrue. Cigars do not require health labels because they are not as regulated as cigarettes. Furthermore, they contain some of the same hazardous chemicals such as arsenic and can have the same negative health effects.

Cigars contain high levels of the addictive substance nicotine. Nicotine can enter the body by being inhaled into the lungs and can also be absorbed through the lining in the mouth. Cigars are also known to contain more tar than cigarettes. Tar contains the carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) benzo(a)pyrene. Cigar smokers are at a high risk for developing cancers of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

Cigar smoke has been linked to other health conditions such as oral, lung and cardiovascular disease. Chronic cigar smokers may be twice as likely to be at risk for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). They may also face a higher risk of premature death caused by aortic aneurysms and damage to the heart. Cigars can also wreak havoc on dental health by causing tooth loss, bad breath and stained teeth.

The National Cancer Institute has determined that cigars are no safer than cigarettes and there are no safe tobacco products. There is also no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. For this reason and others previously discussed, the best option for smokers to improve their health and prevent the risk of developing chronic diseases is to stop smoking.

If you or someone you know needs help in quitting smoking please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Freedom From Smoking program at 718 206 8494 or visit www.smokefree.gov for more information.

Q&A about Toenail Fungus with Podiatrist Dr. A. Rubin

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

We sat with Dr. Andrew Rubin one of the podiatrists at Jamaica Hospital, for a Q & A session about toenail fungus; one of the most common conditions treated by the department. Here is some of the information he shared with us during the interview.

Q: Dr. Rubin what is toenail fungus?

A: This is a common condition that is medically known as onychomycosis. It is usually caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte but can also be caused by yeasts or non-dermatophyte molds.

Q: What are some of the causes or risk factors?

A: Some risk factors and causes include: trauma to the nail bed, family history, diabetes, continuously wearing shoes that do not allow air to flow, walking barefoot around communal showers and pools or the use of unsterilized instruments in nail salons.

Q: What are some of the signs or symptoms to look for?

A: Nails may become thickened, brittle and have a cloudy appearance or discolorations.

Q: Can toenail fungus lead to other conditions or complications?

A: Toenail fungus can spread and infect surrounding areas. This can lead to pain while standing or walking as well as permanent damage to the nail. For those who are diagnosed with diabetes complications may include bacterial infections such as cellulitis.

Q: How is it treated?

A: Treatments vary from topical anti-fungal creams and nail polishes, oral medications, surgery or laser therapy.

The department of podiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides medical and surgical treatment for foot disorders in adults and children. The facility’s podiatrists are specially trained in treating a full range of conditions that include bunions, diabetic foot care, corns, callouses and toenail fungus. They are dedicated in providing patients with the best and appropriate foot care.

For more information on foot disorders treated at Jamaica Hospital or to schedule an appointment, please call the Department of Podiatry at 718-206-7001.

Why Nurses Are Special

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Today is National Nurses Day. There are countless reasons why nurses are special. In celebration of this day, we are sharing the top 6 reasons:
1.Nurses are selfless-they take risks each and every day in taking care of us.
2.They are committed to making our lives healthier, even when we may not be.
3.They are compassionate.
4.They make us smile even if they are having a bad day.
5.They are nurturing.
6.They are masters in the art of patience.

We appreciate all your hard work and sacrifice and would like to say thank you.

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.

The “Eyes” Have It

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the redness and swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the lid and surface of the eye causing a discharge. Pinkeye can be caused by many things including, but not limited to, an infection, dry eyes from lack of tears or over exposure to wind and sun, chemicals, allergies and smoke.

Pinkeye is very common, is usually not serious, can be viral or bacterial, is highly contagious and can spread very easily. Therefore, preventing its spread is important.

There are home remedies for Pinkeye that will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage prior to seeing your doctor.

Some home remedies that have proven effective are – removing your contacts from infected eyes, applying cold or warm compresses to your eye (whichever feels best) to soothe any discomfort and reduce redness.

When treating your Pinkeye at home, remember to wipe your eye from the inside toward the outside and do not rub drainage back and forth between eyes. After wiping your eye, be sure to wash your hands to prevent pinkeye from spreading.

Symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days, but some cases can last for up to 3 weeks.

If symptoms persist and you would like to make an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Hepatitis B

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that has a distinct effect on the liver. Each has different symptoms and treatments. Some causes of Hepatitis B can be misuse of recreational drugs and prescription medications or by sexual transmission. The only way to determine if you have Hepatitis B is by submitting to a laboratory test.

Persons with Hepatitis B may not realize they have it at first. Often times, the disease does not present with any symptoms or you might not get the right diagnosis since the disease shares some of the same signs as the flu, such as:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Mild fever
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain

People with hepatitis may notice darkness to their urine, light-colored stools, a yellowing of their skin (jaundice) or an itchy feeling all over your body. In more advanced cases, there can be bleeding inside your body or the mental feeling of being in a daze or stupor.

It is always smart to check with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms, or are in an at risk atmosphere.

Not seeking treatment for Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, a serious scarring of your liver.

If you would like to make an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital’s Green Initiative

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The ecoMediSys initiative was created by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with the goal of identifying and highlighting ecological initiatives that we have implemented. The program helps in reducing waste, increasing recycling and conserving energy.

Some of the changes we have applied include:

The conversion to a paperless, electronic medical records (EMR) system throughout the hospital and our ambulatory care centers. This drastically reduced the amount of paper previously used in patient charts.
The implementation of a digital radiology system that eliminated the use of chemicals associated with conventional x-rays.
The elimination of blood pressure machines and thermometers that contain mercury.
The installation of energy efficient boilers and chillers, as well as a conversion from oil to gas.
A transition to energy efficient LED lighting and the implementation of a fluorescent tube and bulb recycling program.
An increase in our paper as well as bottle and can recycling programs.
Shredding and recycling containers have been added throughout the campuses in both offices and patient care areas.
The motor transport department has replaced all of it’s vehicles with higher mpg cars and vans and initiated a no-idling program for all hospital vehicles.
The hospital also added auto-off light switches in many offices and replaced all old PCs with energy star-rated computers.

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.