Stroke Recovery: Walking with Patients Beyond the Guidelines

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Abigail Hasan

At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s stroke clinic, recovery doesn’t always follow a predictable path. We serve a diverse population, of which some face not only the aftermath of stroke but also the daily challenges of low literacy, language barriers, poverty, and mistrust of the healthcare system. For these patients, healing is not just clinical—it’s emotional, educational, and deeply human.

Helping someone through the disability that follows a stroke is a journey. It’s not a quick fix or a one-time consult. It’s a repeated process of teaching, re-teaching, listening, adjusting, and celebrating even the smallest wins. Every step forward—standing up without assistance, remembering medication, expressing a full thought—is a struggle, but also a sign of improvement. These moments might seem small to an outsider, but in the context of post-stroke life, they are monumental.

Some patients come in frustrated, embarrassed, or silent. Others are overwhelmed by the loss of independence or the fear of another stroke. But with time, trust, and tailored communication—visuals, repetition, interpreters, touch—they start to shift. And that shift becomes the heartbeat of our clinic. It’s in those moments, when a caregiver finally understands the importance of blood pressure monitoring, or a patient tears up after writing their name for the first time again, that we see the real meaning of our work.

Caring in this setting is more than clinical expertise. It’s advocacy. It’s a partnership. It’s knowing that when patients don’t understand, it’s not because they’re unwilling—it’s because the system hasn’t always spoken their language. So we change the system, one encounter at a time. And in doing so, we shift the narrative from stroke as an end, to stroke as a beginning.

Stroke recovery in our clinic takes time. But it is forward motion. And that matters. Every hard-earned step our patients take reflects not only their resilience, but also the power of compassionate, equity-focused stroke care. This is what makes our dedication worth it—because during our patients’ progress we find purpose and profound connection.

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.

Patient Testimonial- Wayne Texeira says, “Dr. Lasic and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Gave Me a Second Chance.”

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

“I got a second chance”, is what Wayne Texeira said after his experience at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. While working at Jamaica Hospital, Mr. Wayne Texiera suddenly couldn’t breathe and fell to his knees. He saw the lights fading and passed out. While in the ER, he was told his lungs were filling with fluid, he had heart failure, and he almost died. His doctor, Dr. Zoran Lasic, told Mr. Texiera that he had to change his lifestyle after performing an angiogram that showed that he had 30% functionality in his heart.

Over the next year, through the care and recommendations from Dr. Lasic, Mr. Texeira lost 45 pounds, quit smoking, and stopped eating unhealthy foods. He also gained 60% functionality in his heart, which is remarkable. “I am very grateful to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the staff, and the doctors. My perception changed after I got a second chance.” Now living in Georgia with his wife and daughter, the catalyst for his lifestyle change, “I kept looking at her and I didn’t want her not to have a father, Mr. Texeira said. With a second chance, Mr. Texeira is grateful, “Life has been good. I have no regrets.”

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing sudden numbness and muscle weakness.

Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in the legs and feet and spreads to the upper body and arms. Some people may notice the first symptoms in the arms or face. As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can turn into paralysis. Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome include:

A pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists
Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body
An unsteady walk, or not being able to walk or climb stairs
Trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing
Double vision or inability to move the eyes
Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting, or cramp-like, and may be worse at night
Trouble with bladder control or bowel function
Rapid heart rate
Low or high blood pressure
Trouble breathing

People with Guillain-Barre syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin.

The symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome differ depending on the type, as there are several forms of the condition. The main types are:

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS)
Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)

There is no exact known cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Rarely, a recent surgery or vaccination can trigger it.

In Guillain-Barre syndrome, the immune system attacks the nerves. In AIDP, the myelin sheath protecting the nerves is damaged. The damage prevents nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis. It can be triggered by:

Most commonly, an infection with Campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry
Influenza virus
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Zika virus
Hepatitis A, B, C, and E
HIV
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Surgery
Trauma
Hodgkin lymphoma
Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations
COVID-19 virus

Healthcare providers can typically diagnose Guillain-Barre syndrome based on symptoms and medical history. They may ask how and when your symptoms started and if you have been sick recently. They will also perform physical and neurological exams to look for signs of muscle weakness and weak or absent deep tendon reflexes.

Unfortunately, many other neurological conditions share similar symptoms to Guillain-Barre syndrome, so a healthcare provider will need to perform other tests to rule out other conditions. These tests can include:

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests
A spinal tap
An imaging test

There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, two types of treatment can speed recovery and reduce symptoms. They include:

Plasma exchange
Immunoglobulin therapy

These treatments are equally effective. Mixing them or using one after the other is no more effective than using either method alone. You are also likely to be given medicine to:

Relieve severe pain
Prevent blood clots

People with Guillain-Barre syndrome need physical help and therapy before and during recovery. Care may include:

Movement of your arms and legs by caregivers before recovery helps keep muscles flexible and strong
Physical therapy during recovery helps you cope with fatigue and regain strength and proper movement
Training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces, to give you mobility and self-care skills

You can receive pain management treatments, such as nerve blocks, at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with a pain specialist, please call (718) 206-7246.

Jamaica Hospital’s Annual Baby Shower

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Department is inviting community members to its annual baby shower.

This year’s theme is “Babies In Bloom,” celebrating the Spring season. The event will take place on Friday, May 9th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 90-28 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica, NY, in the hospital’s D building.

There will be giveaways, fun activities, and health education stations. Light refreshments will be served.

Tips for Choosing a Therapist

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When considering therapy, it is essential to know what you are seeking therapy for. Whether it is to restore a relationship, recover from trauma, adjust to a new life phase, improve your mental health, or just talk to someone, finding the right therapist is the first step.

After you figure out the reason or reasons why you are seeking therapy, it is important to consider the kind of therapist that best fits your mental health needs. Here are some tips for searching for a therapist:

Think about your goals ahead of time
Consult your insurance and finances
Ask someone you trust
Explore local resources
Use a reliable online database
Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern
Ask questions about the things that matter to you
Pay close attention to your own responses

Once you have found some prospective therapists, there are many questions to consider before and/or during your therapy sessions. These questions include:

Do I feel comfortable opening up to this person, and is there a strong connection? Studies show that this is crucial for achieving success in any therapy.
Is the therapist empathic and a good listener?
Does the therapist seem to have an agenda? Are they trying to have you commit too soon to a schedule before accurately assessing your motivation and the range of available options?
What are their credentials and level of expertise, and have they treated many others with your particular condition?
What types of therapy do they offer? They should be able to explain why one type is better than another for your particular condition.
How do they manage the fee/billing, and do they offer a sliding scale?
How do they collaborate with your psychiatrist or PCP, as this will greatly improve the quality of care?
Do they offer evening and weekend hours, and what is the recommended frequency of sessions?
Finally, what are the agreed-upon goals and endpoints for therapy?

Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. It is important to take your time before you make a decision, as it is not to be taken lightly. It is also important to note that you are not obligated to stay if a therapist isn’t the right fit. You can get free consultations through your insurance.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep paralysis is a type of parasomnia that occurs when the body is between stages of sleep and wakefulness lasting for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

During an episode of sleep paralysis, you are aware of your surroundings but can’t speak or move. You can still move your eyes and breathe. You may also feel:

Fear
Panic
Helplessness
Anxious

When it ends, you may feel confused because you will regain movement of your body as if nothing happened. You can feel nervous about going to sleep after an episode of sleep paralysis, and it can affect how you feel and function during the day.

Sleep paralysis isn’t dangerous, however, it can cause emotional distress during an episode. Some cases of sleep paralysis are linked to other disorders.

You can experience several symptoms during an episode of sleep paralysis either right before falling asleep or as you’re waking up, including:

You can’t move your arms and legs
You can’t speak
Sensations of pressure against your chest or moving out of your own body
Hallucinations, such as a dangerous person in your room
Daytime sleepiness

Symptoms may first appear in childhood or adolescence. Episodes are more frequent in your 20s and 30s.

The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown. However, healthcare providers believe it could happen due to the following:

Narcolepsy
Sleep deprivation
An irregular sleep schedule
Obstructive sleep apnea
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or panic disorder
Certain medications
Substance use disorder

To diagnose sleep paralysis, healthcare providers can confirm or rule it out after a physical exam and a sleep evaluation. A provider may ask you about the following:

Your symptoms, such as how often you experience sleep paralysis, what it feels like, and when it started
The quantity and quality of sleep you get, such as how many hours you sleep at night and whether you feel tired during the day
Your medical history, including what medications you currently take and whether you smoke, use alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs
Your family history and if you’re aware of any biological family members who experience sleep paralysis

To further diagnose sleep paralysis, a healthcare provider may recommend testing if they suspect certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy. Tests can include:

An overnight sleep study
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

Treatment for sleep paralysis will depend on the reason why you have it. A healthcare provider may recommend the following:

Taking medications that prevent you from reaching the REM stage of sleep
Taking medications to treat an underlying mental health condition or sleep disorder, such as antidepressants
Improving your sleep hygiene
Talking to a mental health provider if you experience frequent stress

There isn’t much you can do to prevent sleep paralysis from happening. However, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

One of the best ways to avoid sleep paralysis is to improve your quality of sleep. You can do this by:

Having a set sleep schedule with specific times for going to bed and waking up
Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is dark and quiet
Putting phones, tablets, e-readers, and computers away before bedtime
Relaxing before bed by taking a bath, reading, or listening to soothing music

If you are suffering from sleep paralysis, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

How Stress Affects Diabetes #StressAwarenessMonth

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we are under stress, the body releases hormones that increase blood glucose levels. This can cause adverse symptoms in people with diabetes.

If you experience stress or feel threatened, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream increasing respiratory rates. This can also increase blood glucose levels if the body can’t adequately process it.

Stress affects people differently. The type of stress that people experience can impact their body’s physical response.

When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they can experience an increase in their blood glucose levels. People who have type 1 diabetes may have a more varied response as they experience either an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels.

Mental symptoms of stress include:

Feeling unmotivated
Feeling irritable
Feeling depressed
Feeling restless
Feeling anxious

When you are under physical stress, your blood sugar can also increase. This can happen due to sickness or injury. This affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

Headaches
Muscle pain or tension
Sleeping too much or too little
General feelings of illness
Fatigue

There are several ways to manage the effects of different forms of stress which could help lessen or limit the stressors in your life, including:

Exercising regularly
Practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation
Avoiding known stressors, such as high-stress social situations
Reducing caffeine intake
Spending time with loved ones

If you are feeling stressed, you can also connect with people online or in your community for solidarity and support by:

Joining an online support group
Joining an in-person support group
Seeking therapy

If mental or physical stress symptoms are affecting your diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Gut Health

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Digestive problems such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and constipation reflect what is happening throughout your body. They can also be indicative of problems that may be affecting your gut health.

The main drivers of gut health change are shifts in stomach acid, gut immunity, and gastrointestinal flora, or the “gut microbiome.” The gut microbiome refers to the microorganisms living in your intestines.

Each person has about 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in their digestive tract. Some microorganisms can be harmful to our health; however, many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary for a healthy body.

Research indicates that having a large variety of bacteria in the gut may help reduce the risk of conditions that include:

Diabetes
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Psoriatic arthritis

Over the past few decades, research has found a connection between gut health and mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases, endocrine conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

A higher level of diversity in gut bacteria may be associated with improved gut health, as well as your general mental and physical health.

You may be able to improve and possibly reset your gut health through lifestyle and diet changes. Some ways you can improve your gut health naturally include:

Managing and lowering your stress levels
Eating the right foods
Getting enough sleep
Eating slowly
Staying hydrated
Taking a prebiotic or probiotic
Checking for food intolerances
Changing your diet
Being more physically active
Getting help for issues such as anxiety and depression

Diet and gut health are very closely linked. Avoiding processed foods, high-fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods may promote the growth of damaging bacteria.

Eating certain foods that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria contributes to your overall health. These foods include:

Foods high in fiber
Garlic
Fermented foods
Collagen-boosting foods

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology consists of board-certified gastroenterologists who provide high-quality, expert care to patients suffering from such conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001.

MS Awareness Month

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

March is observed as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a month that raises awareness about the disease.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves called myelin. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes, and other symptoms. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. MS eventually causes permanent damage to the nerve fibers.

Launched in 2003, National MS Education and Awareness Month is a nationwide effort by MS Focus: The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and affiliated groups to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis. The vital goals of this campaign are to promote an understanding of the scope of the disease and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.

MS Awareness Month benefits those with MS, their families, and communities. It is also an opportunity for family and friends of people with MS to learn more about the disease.

There are several ways to get involved in MS Awareness Month, including:

Sign up for an MS walk
Attend educational events
Share your story
Make a donation
Wear orange
Spread the word on social media

MS affects everyone differently. MS Awareness Month brings awareness to the condition’s many forms.

Getting involved during MS Awareness Month can help raise awareness for this condition and lead to a cure.

The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar names, however, they are different diseases with distinctive causes.

A key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes develops over several years and is related to lifestyle factors such as being inactive and carrying excess weight, and is usually diagnosed in adults.

Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, mistaking them for foreign invaders. After the beta cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.

Researchers are unsure why the immune system attacks the body’s cells. They believe it may be due to genetic and environmental factors, such as being exposed to viruses.

People who have type 2 diabetes have an insulin resistance. The body can still produce insulin but is unable to use it effectively.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin-resistant and others don’t, but several lifestyle factors may contribute to it, such as being inactive and carrying excess weight.

Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role. When a person develops type 2 diabetes, the pancreas will overcompensate by producing more insulin. Because the body can’t effectively use the insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The known risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

Family history
Age

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

Having prediabetes or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
Carrying excess weight or having obesity
Having a lot of belly fat
Being physically active less than three times a week
Being over the age of 45
Having had gestational diabetes
Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Being Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural inequities contributing to health disparities
Having an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If not managed properly, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms that can include:

Urinating frequently
Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot of fluids
Feeling very hungry
Feeling very fatigued
Having blurry vision
Having cuts or sores that don’t heal properly
Having very dry skin
Having more infections than usual

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also experience irritability, mood changes, and unintentional weight loss.

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. However, it is possible to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include:

Maintaining a moderate weight
Working with a healthcare provider to develop a healthy weight-loss plan, if you are overweight
Increasing activity levels
Eating a balanced diet and reducing the intake of sugary foods and overly processed foods

If you are experiencing diabetes symptoms, you can call to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.