The Benefits of Sleep

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Feeling tired? You’re not alone. According to The National Sleep Foundation, millions of Americans lack adequate sleep and suffer from a sleep disorder. To better help individuals get a good night’s rest, Jamaica Hospital has opened a brand new, state-of-the-art Sleep Center.

The Sleep Center staff is comprised of Board Certified Sleep Specialists and Respiratory Therapists who work together to diagnose and treat the following sleep disorders: narcolepsy (falling asleep suddenly during the day often without warning), sleep apnea (irregular interruptions in breathing during sleep), snoring, shift work sleep disorders (sleep difficulties stemming from working irregular hours or overnight shifts), and pediatric sleep disorders, such as night terrors.

“Our lives are consumed with work, family, and personal responsibilities, all of which greatly impact the time we get to rest,” said Dr. Mayank Shukla, Director of Sleep Medicine at Jamaica Hospital. “Inadequate sleep is considered the norm but we have to understand that sleep affects our overall health, so if you’re not getting enough rest, it’s important to find out why.”

Dr. Shukla adds that the various symptoms of a sleep disorder can include: daytime sleepiness, fatigue, falling asleep at inappropriate times, loud snoring, frequent nocturnal movements, nighttime chest pains, poor memory and concentration, and morning headaches.

Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center performs overnight tests, where a patient wears electrodes so that their breathing, brain waves, muscle movements, snoring, and heart rate can be monitored by a technician throughout the night. The testing environment is comfortable and homelike. Each patient room has soundproof walls for privacy and is furnished with a queen size bed, a flat screen television, and a DVD player. A continental breakfast is also available to patients before their morning departure.

“Sleep disorders and lack of sleep is a growing problem,” said Dr. Shukla. “People often ignore their continued sleepiness, not realizing that it can be the result of a sleep disorder. It’s important that people mention this problem to their doctor.”

If you have a sleep disorder or suspect that you have a sleep disorder and would like to schedule an appointment, ask your doctor to provide you with a referral to Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center.

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.

Quit Smoking and Avoid Weight Gain

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Many people gain a few pounds when they quit smoking, some more than others. Research has shown that, on average, individuals can gain between two to 10 pounds once they stop smoking. This, however, shouldn’t affect your decision or effort to quit smoking, since weight gain is dependent upon your eating habits and your level of physical activity.

Smoking and Weight Gain
There are a several reasons why people gain a few pounds after they stop smoking. Smoking is known to increase the body’s rate of metabolism, which helps burn calories. Once someone stops smoking, their rate of metabolism may slow down, lessening the amount of calories they burn throughout the day. Over time this could lead to a weight gain.

Also, people who smoke tend to have an oral fixation. When they stop smoking, the act of chewing usually replaces the oral fixation for smoking and most people find themselves eating more. In addition, smoking also acts as an appetite suppressant, which also causes a person to eat more frequently once they stop the habit.

How to Avoid Weight Gain
Learning to eat healthy snacks and exercising will help keep weight under control. More specifically:

Eat foods that are low in calories but filling, such as carrots, apples, air popped popcorn or low fat yogurt
Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Exercise on a regular basis; join a gym, take the stairs, or walk whenever possible

Weight gain is a real concern for people desiring to kick the habit but fortunately, it can be minimized or completely avoided. The damage smoking causes the body is far greater than adding a few extra pounds. The decision to stop smoking can be the first step to leading a healthier life.

Please call 718-206-6742 if you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician who can help with smoking cessation.

The Power of Power Naps

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

An office protocol, that normally would have been grounds for termination, is now being considered for its many benefits. Several companies are now acknowledging the health benefits of a short nap during the workday, which include increased alertness, enhanced brainpower, and fewer sick days.

It is recommended that adults sleep for at least eight hours every night, however, research has shown that most individuals suffer from broken sleep and fail to get a good night’s rest. For these individuals, a short nap can help. A quick 15 to 20 minute power nap can provide the boost needed to effectively complete your workday.

There are several progressive companies, such as British Airways, Nike, Pizza Hut and Google, who are now seeking to reap these benefits. These companies have created designated nap rooms or “renewal rooms” for their employees, allowed their employees to bring a nap mat for the office, or simply encouraged their employees to sleep at their desk.

Some employers are now encouraging napping for the wellness of their employees. People who take daily 30-minute naps are 37 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t nap, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007. Naps can also boost the immune system—theoretically leading to fewer sick days—and propel employees into their most alert, energetic, and creative states, say nap advocates. Believers in this protocol feel that a well-rested employee is a pleasant employee, noting that if you’re sleep deprived, you’re going to be moody.

Napping Further Explained
Naps can be broken down into four categories:

Planned napping, also known as preemptive napping, involves taking a nap before you get sleepy. It is a good thing to do if you know you’re going to have a late night.
Emergency napping is exactly as it sounds— taking a nap when you’re so sleepy that you can’t properly engage in your current activity.
Habitual napping is the practice of taking a nap at the same time every day.
Appetitive napping is the act of napping strictly for enjoyment.

As noted, napping increases alertness, learning capacity, memory and performance— and we have known this now for several decades. Naps can also reduce stress, as well as lower blood pressure, which is important for our overall health. So, with the research and results on “power napping,” it is safe to say that a well-rested employee is a more productive employee.

The Dangers of Energy Drinks

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

Whether they are used for a midday boost, as an all-night study aid, to enhance athletic performance, or for recreational consumption with alcohol, energy drinks or energy “shots” are used by a variety of people, for many different reasons, but concerns about their potential risks are now being raised.

Hospitals across the United States are reporting increased numbers of Emergency Room visits linked to the consumption of energy drinks. In 2009, over 113,000 people were taken to the E.R. due to complications from energy drinks, ten times the number reported in 2005, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

According to Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Jamaica Hospital, “one of the biggest potential risks associated with drinking these products is the effect on the heart. Containing over 35 mg of caffeine per ounce, energy drinks can possess nearly three times the caffeine as a cup of coffee. The consequences of ingesting such large amounts of caffeine include elevated blood pressure and accelerated heart rate.” In addition, energy drinks are loaded with sugar and taurine, an amino acid also know to boost heart rate.

Even though most agree that consuming energy drinks does not elevate blood pressure and heart rate enough to pose a threat to healthy individuals if taken in moderation, medical professionals do urge those with an existing heart disease to avoid energy drinks. People with hypertension or a heart arrhythmia have also been warned to stay away from these beverages.

It is also recommended that individuals do not combine energy drinks with alcohol. By mixing caffeine (a stimulant) with alcohol (a depressant) individuals have a difficult time gauging their level of impairment. Believing the caffeine has sobered them up, those who mix alcohol and energy drinks experience “wide awake impairment,” a feeling of increased alertness.

The marketing of energy drinks has sparked some controversy. They have been promoted to provide a quick boost of energy and many athletes have taken them to increase performance. Dr. Doughlin adds “The problem with this idea is, exercise already increases heart rate and blood pressure. Adding a boost of caffeine only puts unnecessary strain on the heart. In addition, caffeine is a known diuretic, causing athletes to lose water when they should be trying to stay hydrated”.

What many do not realize is that energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, and therefore, are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as soda or other drinks that contain caffeine. In fact, the manufacturers of these products often do not disclose the amount of caffeine they contain. Many lawmakers are now calling for increased regulations for the energy drink industry, including improved labeling disclosures.

Dr. Doughlin provides this tip for those who are looking for an alternative to energy drinks, “If you eat healthy, exercise daily and sleep between seven and eight hours every night, you will naturally have more energy.”

Dodging Winter Depression

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

When Winter arrives, do you find yourself spending long hours in your house or apartment feeling fatigued, anxious, and irritable? If so, you are not alone. As many as half a million people in the United States may experience Winter-onset depression, a type of depression associated with cold-weather months. With a physician’s help, however, Winter-onset depression is a treatable condition.

Winter-onset depression is the most common variety of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with changing seasons. The cause of the condition is unclear, but it may be related to changes in an individual’s circadian rhythm (biological clock) that result from reduced exposure to sunlight in Winter.

Winter-onset SAD typically lasts from late Fall to Summer. SAD usually appears in people age 20 or older, with women experiencing more cases of the disorder than men. SAD is more likely to occur as a person ages, and individuals living in northern regions are more vulnerable to Winter-onset SAD.

Every person’s experience with Winter-onset SAD is different, but common symptoms include:

Changes in appetite
Weight gain
Low energy level and fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability and anxiety
Avoidance of social situations
Lack of interest in favorite activities

Winter-onset SAD is fairly predictable, as symptoms tend to occur at the same time each year.

“Many people with Winter-onset SAD may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, who can assess a patient’s symptoms and formulate a treatment plan”, says Seeth Vivek, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Possible treatments include medication, behavior therapy, and light therapy.”

Light therapy acts as a substitute for the limited sunlight during the Winter months. Patients sit in front of a light box or wear a light visor for 30 minutes per day, and if the therapy proves effective, they continue it until Spring. Light therapy has few side effects, as it can cause eyestrain and headache.

When it comes to preventing Winter-onset SAD, your best bet is to stay active. Search for odd jobs to do around the house that you put off when the weather was nice, and guard against isolation by scheduling get-togethers with friends.

To make an appointment or to speak with a member of the Department of Psychiatry, please call 718-206-7135.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Andrew Rubin

Every year the month of November is recognized nationally as Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million people have this disease, however only 18.8 million have been diagnosed. An additional 79 million people in the United States are believed to have pre-diabetes.

Diabetes affects different race and ethnic groups more frequently than others. The prevalence of diabetes has been calculated to affect 7.1 % of Caucasians, 8.4% of Asian Americans, 12.6% of African Americans and 11.8 % of Hispanics. Diabetes is considered a chronic illness that leads to it being a cause of death, either directly or through a complication due to the disease. Some of the complications associated with diabetes are hypertension, blindness, heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, neuropathy, and amputations.

Diabetes is a chronic illness for which there is no known cure. It can however be treated successfully in many people, and very often these people lead long and healthy lives. Having a family history of diabetes can be a risk factor for developing the disease but not a guarantee that a person will definitely develop it. Other risk factors include obesity, poor diet, having diabetes during pregnancy, race and ethnicity, being over the age of 45, lack of exercise, and having high blood pressure.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes are: frequent urination, frequently feeling thirsty, blurry vision, fatigue, feeling hungry even after having just eaten a meal or a snack, wounds that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and in some cases, weight loss.

The three most common forms of diabetes are Type 1 which indicates a lack of insulin production by the pancreas, Type 1 is most commonly associated with children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but it is not utilized adequately by the body, also known as adult-onset diabetes and the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. Gestational Diabetes occurs occasionally during pregnancy and then frequently resolves itself once the pregnancy is completed.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a physician will discuss treatment options that will work for that individual. Often this will include either an oral medication in cases that are less severe, or insulin injections for more serious cases, combined with diet modification and possibly an exercise regime. It is extremely important to keep diabetes well controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications that may be irreversible and can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke and premature death.

If you suspect that you may have diabetes, please call 718-206-6742 to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians who specialize in treating this disease.

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Posted on November 15, 2013 by Radeeb Akhtar, MD MPH

Minimizing Risks for Children on Halloween

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Michael Hinck

Halloween is known as a kid-favorite holiday, full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury, as children take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies. The Trauma Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center urges families to stay safe this holiday.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year. Also, falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween.

According to Dr. Sebastian Schubl, Medical Director of Trauma at Jamaica Hospital, parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured at Halloween by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.
Children should:
• Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
• Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
• Use costume plastic knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
When walking through neighborhoods trick or treating, they should
• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks, and do not cross between parked cars.
• Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
• Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
• Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes to prevent tripping.
• Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

On Halloween parents and adults should:
• Supervise the trick or treat outing for children under age 12.
• Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
• Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
• Drive slowly.
• Watch for children in the street and on medians.
• Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
• Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.

Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division Offers Tips to Avoid Falls

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Michael Hinck

September 22 was National Fall Prevention Awareness Day and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Trauma Division wants to make sure you and your loved ones are taking the proper steps to avoid these preventable incidents.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “falls are the leading cause of injury leading to death for adults 65 or older and are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admission for trauma for this age group.” Falls are also the most common form of traumatic brain injuries in older adults.

As we get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — increase the chances of falls. It is very important to follow these simple steps to decrease your chances of falling:

• Make an appointment to see your doctor to determine your risk of falling. Discuss the factors that increase your chances of falling, including your medical history, your muscle strength and your medications to see if they have side effects such as dizziness or weakness. You should also have your sight and hearing tested regularly.

• Find a good exercise program aimed at building balance, strength, and flexibility. Consider activities such as walking, water workouts and even tai chi. Ask your doctor to write a referral to a physical therapist, who can create a customized exercise routine for you if you are unsure.

• Wear appropriate footwear. High heel shoes, slippers, sandals, or any shoes with slick soles can greatly increase your chances or slipping and falling. Instead, wear properly fitting shoes with nonskid soles. Choose shoes with laces or fasteners over slip-ons and women should avoid walking in stocking feet.

• Look around your home and remove any tripping hazards. Remove any boxes, electrical cords or stacks of paper from the floor and move furniture from high traffic areas. Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape and use nonslip bathmats in the bathtub.

• Properly light your living space by placing nightlights in your bedroom and in your hallways. Create clear paths to light switches and always turn on lights before using the stairs. Also, store flashlights in easy to find locations in the event of a power outage.

• Speak with your doctor about the utilization of assistive device such as canes or walkers for balance. Other assistive devices that are recommended for the home are handrails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare-wood steps, grab bars for the shower, and a raised toilet seat with armrests.

Falls are a largely preventable public health problem. Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division urges older adults and their loved ones to follow these fall prevention measures and live safe, healthy lives.

For more information about falls or other trauma related issues, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division at 718-206-8552.

Back To School: Are Your Children Vaccinated

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Michael Hinck

Today’s vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death and have helped many illnesses become distant memories. However, many parents are still unclear which vaccines their children should receive or if their children should receive any at all? School-age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines. Here are five important reasons to vaccinate your child:

• Immunizations can save your child’s life
The polio vaccine is one example of the impact that vaccines can have on the eradication of a disease. Dr. Anatasia Fokas, Pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, states, “Vaccines have eradicated many illnesses which have caused death and paralysis in the past. Thankfully, medical advancements have eliminated diseases such as polio and today, there are no reports of polio in the United States.”

• Vaccinations are safe and effective
With extensive testing and careful monitoring of quality, safety, and effectiveness, vaccines are reviewed and approved by a panel of scientists, doctors and healthcare professionals. “Vaccines may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of the injection,” but Dr. Fokas advises, “This shouldn’t deter families from receiving the vaccines. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.”

• Immunizations protect others you care about
Getting your child vaccinated at the scheduled times helps prevent the spread of diseases to you and your loved ones. In 2010, a resurgence of whooping cough (pertussis) and measles caused 26 deaths out of the 21,000 cases presented; most of the deaths were in children under 6 months. Infants need time to build their immunity and may not be able to receive vaccines at birth. For this reason, it is important for you and your children to receive the vaccinations to help prevent these occurrences.

• Immunizations can save your family time and money
“Getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance,” says Dr. Fokas. Children with vaccine-preventable diseases can be denied permission to attend school or day care. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. Ensuring that you and your loved ones receive the scheduled vaccinations can save your family time and money.

• Immunizations protect future generations
If we have effective vaccination programs in place today we will be able to prevent the spread of disease s in the future.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s On-Site Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center is located on the ground floor of the hospital. Please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with one of our Pediatricians.