Aortic Dissection

An aortic dissection is a serious condition that occurs when blood rushes through a tear in a weakened area of the aorta’s wall causing it to split or dissect.

Symptoms of aortic dissection can be similar to the symptoms of other heart problems like a heart attack. These signs and symptoms include:

  • Sudden severe chest or upper back pain.
  • Sudden severe stomach pain.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Symptoms that are similar to those of a stroke.
  • Weak pulse in one arm or thigh.
  • Leg pain
  • Difficulty walking

Aortic dissections are divided into two groups, depending on which part of the aorta is affected. These groups are:

  • Type A- is more common and dangerous. It involves a tear in the part of the aorta where it exits the heart. A tear may also occur in the upper aorta.
  • Type B- involves a tear in the lower aorta only.

Some factors that can raise your risk of aortic dissection include:

  • Hypertension
  • Hardening of the arteries
  • Aortic aneurysm
  • An aortic valve defect
  • A narrowing of the aorta at birth

Certain genetic diseases can also increase the risk of aortic dissection. They include:

  • Turner syndrome
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Other connective tissue disorders.
  • Inflammation of the arteries

Other potential risk factors for aortic dissection include:

  • Sex
  • Age
  • Pregnancy
  • Cocaine use
  • High-intensity weightlifting.

Aortic dissection is uncommon and usually occurs in men in their 60s and 70s. The condition can cause many complications including:

  • Death due to severe internal bleeding.
  • Organ damage, such as kidney failure or life-threatening intestinal damage.
  • Stroke
  • Aortic valve damage or rupture into the lining around the heart.

It can be challenging to detect an aortic dissection because symptoms can mimic those of other diseases and health problems which can delay a diagnosis.

A doctor may think you have aortic dissection if you have:

  • Sudden tearing or ripping chest pain.
  • A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms.
  • Widening of the aorta on a chest X-ray.

Tests to diagnose aortic dissection include:

  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
  • CT scan of the chest.
  • MRA

An aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment can include surgery or medications depending on the area of the aorta involved.

Treatments for Type A and Type B aortic dissection may include:

  • Surgery
  • Medications

After treatment, you may need to take medication to control your blood pressure for the rest of your life. You may also need regular CT or MRI scans to monitor your condition.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of aortic dissection, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

 

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.

Summer Allergies

The summer months come with beautiful flowers, warm weather, and longer days. They also bring the onset of summer allergies.

There are many causes of summer allergies. Some of which include:

  • Ragweed (the most common allergy trigger)
  • Grasses
  • Trees
  • Smog
  • Air pollution
  • Insect bites
  • Mold
  • Dust mites

Summer allergy symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes and nose
  • Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

  • Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
  • Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
  • Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
  • Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
  • Checking your local TV news station or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
  • Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
  • Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
  • Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

  • Using air conditioning in your house.
  • Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
  • Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
  • Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
  • Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

  • Oral antihistamines
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
  • Oral decongestants

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Essential Tremors

Essential tremors are a neurological condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. It affects any part of the body but mostly occurs in the hands.

Essential tremors are normally not dangerous but can worsen and become severe in some people. It is sometimes confused with Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms of essential tremors include:

  • They start gradually and are more noticeable on one side of the body.
  • They worsen with movement.
  • They occur in the hands first, affecting one or both hands.
  • They cause a “yes-yes” or “no-no” motion of the head.
  • They may be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine, or extreme temperature changes.

About half the people with essential tremors appear to have an altered gene that causes them. This is called familial tremor. It is unclear what causes essential tremors in people without familial tremors.

There are a couple of known risk factors for essential tremors including:

  • Altered gene
  • Age- Essential tremors, which are more common in people 40 and older.

Complications caused by essential tremors include difficulty:

  • Holding a cup or glass without spilling.
  • Eating without shaking.
  • Putting on makeup or shaving.
  • Talking, if the voice box or tongue is affected.
  • Writing clearly.

There are no medical tests to diagnose essential tremors. It is often a matter of ruling out other conditions that could be causing symptoms. A healthcare provider may do this by reviewing your medical history, family history, and symptoms, and completing a physical examination. Some tests used to do this include:

  • Neurological examination that tests the functionality of your nervous system
    • Tendon reflexes.
    • Muscle strength and tone.
    • Ability to feel certain sensations.
    • Posture and coordination.
    • Way of walking.
  • Laboratory tests- blood and urine may be tested for several factors including:
    • Thyroid disease.
    • Metabolic problems.
    • Medicine side effects.
    • Levels of chemicals that may cause tremors.
  • Performance tests- a healthcare provider may ask you to:
    • Drink from a glass.
    • Hold your arms outstretched.
    • Write words or a sentence.
    • Draw a spiral.

People with mild symptoms of essential tremors don’t require treatment. But if it is causing difficulty in performing daily activities treatment options may include:

  • Medicines
    • Beta-blockers
    • Anti-seizure medications
    • Tranquilizers
    • Botox injections
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Nerve stimulation devices
  • Surgery
    • Deep brain stimulation
    • Focused ultrasound thalamotomy

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.

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.

Food Dos and Don’ts for Sleep

We all enjoy a snack before bed. Sometimes those snacks can keep us awake or help us sleep.

Certain nutrients and hormones in foods help promote sleep. Tryptophan, found in turkey and fish, stimulates serotonin production. Melatonin, found in milk and cherries, makes you sleepy. Potassium found in bananas and magnesium also found in bananas and almonds help promote muscle relaxation.

Simple carbs and saturated fats in foods represent the danger zones of pre-sleep snacks. Both can reduce serotonin levels and can be difficult to digest.

With that in mind, here are some additional food dos and don’ts to consider before bedtime.

Some food do’s before bedtime:

  • Peanut butter on whole-grain bread.
  • Lean cheese on whole grain crackers.
  • Fortified cereal and milk.
  • Herbal teas like chamomile and mint.
  • Yogurt

Some food don’ts before bedtime:

  • Sweets and sugar
  • Dark chocolate
  • Fast food
  • Caffeine

Lastly, alcohol can make you sleepy but it can cause a restless night of sleep, and certain spicy foods we eat are hard to digest and may cause you to wake up.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates across all meals and not just at night can promote healthy sleep and help you wake up refreshed.

If you still have trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlying medical issue. 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.

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.

Calculating Smoking Pack Years

A pack year is used to measure how much a person has smoked over a long period. According to the National Cancer Institute, a pack year “is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, 1 pack year is equal to smoking 1 pack per day for 1 year, or 2 packs per day for half a year, and so on.”

Along with a person’s age and smoking history, quantifying a pack year can help doctors determine whether someone should be screened for lung cancer.  Lung cancer screenings are appropriate for adults who are longtime smokers and are at risk of developing the disease.  The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screenings for individuals who:

  • Are between 50 and 80 years old
  • Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history
  • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

A low-dose computed tomography or low-dose CT is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer at this time.  This machine works by scanning the body using low doses of radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs.

The USPSTF advises yearly screenings should stop when a patient:

  • Has not smoked in 15 or more years
  • Turns 81 years old
  • Develops a health problem that makes them unwilling or unable to have surgery if lung cancer is found

Getting an annual screening for lung cancer can save lives by detecting the disease early when there is a greater chance it can be cured.  While annual screenings are effective, they are not for everyone.  Therefore, if you are at risk of developing lung cancer, speak with your doctor to learn if this is the best approach for you.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers a lung cancer screening program to the community. For more information about our program, please call 718-206-5603 or email [email protected].

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.

Group B Strep Awareness Month

Group B Strep (GBS), or Strep B, is a bacteria that lives naturally in our bodies and comes and goes without showing symptoms or causing harm unless it enters a part of the body free from bacteria. If the bacteria infects the lining around the brain it causes it to swell resulting in meningitis.

GBS bacteria live in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. It can cause many types of infection which can be life-threatening. These infections and their symptoms include:

  1. Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Low alertness.
  1. Sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection)
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Low alertness.
  1. Bone and joint infections
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness or inability to use the affected limb or joint.
  1. Urinary tract infections
  • Pain or burning while urinating.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.
  1. Meningitis
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Confusion
  1. Pneumonia
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
  • Confusion
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or chills.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Shortness of breath.
  1. Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Fever
  • Red skin.
  • Swollen skin or infected area.
  • Skin or infected area is warm to the touch.
  • Skin or infected area is full of pus or other drainage.

GBS bacteria most commonly causes bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns. This occurs when bacteria is passed on to the newborn as it goes through the birth canal during vaginal delivery.

GBS disease symptoms in newborns and babies include:

  • Fever
  • Difficulty when feeding.
  • Irritability or lethargy in the infant.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • A blueish color to their skin.

Doctors diagnose GBS disease by taking samples of a patient’s blood, urine, or spinal fluid depending on the type of infection.

Treatment for GBS depends on the type of infection. Doctors usually treat GBS disease with antibiotics. People with soft tissue and bone infections may need surgery.

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

If you would like to get screened for GBS bacteria, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

 

 

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.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

 

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps.

The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or when narrowing of stool lasts for more than a few days.
  • A feeling of needing a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
  • Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
  • Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black.
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Unintended weight loss

Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the number two cause of death in women in the same age group.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

There are two types of colorectal cancer screening tests:

  1. Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:
  • Colonoscopy
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
  • Sigmoidoscopy

These exams are beneficial because they not only look for cancer but can also prevent it by removing polyps that could potentially become cancerous.

  1. Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
  • Stool DNA test
  • Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

At-home tests are less invasive and easier to perform but must be done more often. Please note, that at-home tests can present false-positive and false-negative results. Any test with a positive result will require a colonoscopy.

Choosing a colon screening test is not an easy decision, but it is a lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about the best colon screening options for you. You can commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Anessa Madraymootoo-Ramdial, RN

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Anessa Madraymootoo-Ramdial, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader on 6 South.

Anessa has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center since 2018. She was born in Guyana and moved with her family to Queens when she was three years old. Since then, she has lived in the Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park area.  She attended elementary school at PS 100Q, middle school at MS 226, high school at Hillcrest High School. Anessa obtained her Associate’s degree and her Bachelor’s degree from the New York City College of Technology. She was the class valedictorian. She then went on to obtain her Master’s in Nursing Administration & Leadership from Capella University in 2023.

Anessa is very family oriented and enjoys spending her free time with her loved ones. She owes much of her success to her parents and is grateful to them for their unwavering support.

Anessa enjoys different types of food, especially Thai, Italian, and West Indian cuisine. One of her favorite activities is online shopping. She enjoys travelling and has a trip planned soon to visit Singapore. One day she hopes to visit Thailand. Other activities that she likes to do are Do-it-Yourself projects and crafting. She likes to design and produce custom-made T-shirts, mugs and welcome signs for events. Her favorite types of music are Bollywood and Soca. She likes to dance as well.

Jamaica Hospital has been a part of Anessa’s life since she was a child. Her experiences as a patient in the pediatric clinic inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. Despite the challenges that come with being a healthcare worker, Anessa derives immense satisfaction from helping others and there is no greater feeling than serving her community. She enjoys working with the diverse population that we serve. The satisfaction of her patients and colleagues is of paramount importance to her.

Anessa also has a passion for teaching nursing clinical skills to nursing students and it is something she feels very strongly about. It is also a way for her to stay up to date on new evidence-based knowledge that she can share with her colleagues.

Anessa enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because her team feels like family to her. They support one another and with that comes great opportunities to learn and to grow professionally. We look forward to Anessa continuing to work with us for many more years into the future.

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.

The MediSys Health Network Launches New Healthcare App

The MediSys Health Network (Comprised of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center) is pleased to announce the launch of its new application and comprehensive patient platform, MediSys Connect.

The MediSys Connect app is an ideal companion for patient health. The app is integrated with an intuitive platform that gives patients a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing them to manage their healthcare conveniently from their mobile devices.

With MediSys Connect, patients can seamlessly search for healthcare providers and schedule their appointments in just a few clicks.  The platform’s Find-A-Doctor feature offers a wide selection of providers, with over 100 specialties to choose from. Patients can also utilize a messaging tool within the app to securely and directly communicate with their physicians.

Other key tools allow patients to:

  • View test results
  • View medication lists
  • Request medication refills
  • Stay informed about past and upcoming appointments
  • eCheck-in for upcoming appointments
  • Enroll for paperless statements
  • View billing account summaries and statements
  • View signed and scanned documents
  • Manage payments
  • Effortlessly retrieve medical records.

In addition to these user-friendly tools, MediSys Connect provides access to newsletters and podcasts. Here, patients can stay informed by reading articles or listening to trusted healthcare experts discuss various medical and lifestyle topics.

The MediSys Health Network encourages patients to download the MediSys Connect app and explore the state-of-the-art features.

Whether you’re a guest user, a Medisys Connect member, or have a MyChart account, the platform is easy to navigate. It is designed to provide a positive and personalized healthcare experience.  Information provided on the platform is available in multiple languages to help members of the network’s culturally diverse patient population manage their health.

New users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. They can sign up by providing their name, birth date, and address. MyChart users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and log in with their existing credentials from MyChart.

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.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

This week, we are expected to experience a highly dangerous heatwave across New York City and the rest of the Northeast and Midwest due to the presence of a heat dome. Starting Wednesday and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s and could get as high as the mid to high-90s.

A heatwave is when temperatures rise above 90 degrees for at least three days. A heat dome is when a ridge of high pressure builds over an area and doesn’t move for up to a week or more.

Extreme heat causes two heat-related illnesses in that your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness and fainting

Here are some ways to prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cold compresses, and sip cool (not cold) water.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke symptoms can include:

  • A fever of 104 degrees or more
  • Severe headache
  • Behavioral changes
  • Confusion
  • Hot, red skin
  • No sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness

Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke: Quickly move yourself or the individual to a cooler place, use cold compresses, and do not give them anything to drink.

Some overall tips for staying safe in extreme heat include:

  1. Stay hydrated- Drink extra fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
  2. Wear sunscreen- Apply properly and as recommended to prevent sunburn which can make you dehydrated and affect your ability to cool down.
  3. Limit your time outside- Shorten your exercise time and rest often in shady areas. Try to exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
  4. Monitor high-risk loved ones- Pay attention to the warning signs of certain illnesses or medical conditions. Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those with a history of:
  • Heart disease
  • Asthma
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes

Others at risk due to extreme heat include the elderly, young children, those who work outdoors, people with disabilities, those who live alone, those without access to air conditioning, people who take certain medications, and pets.

  1. Check the car- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

Usually, we would look to a cool summer night for relief from a hot summer day. Unfortunately, night temperatures aren’t dropping as they should.

Here are some things you can do before going to bed during the heatwave:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat light
  • Dress lightly
  • Look for chances to cool the bedroom
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Set time aside to relax
  • Shower in lukewarm or cool water
  • Find the coolest place to sleep
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, so it is important to understand the risks of extreme heat and to make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100.  If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

 

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.