Employee Spotlight Shines on Andres Parra

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Andres Parra, Reception and Information Desk supervisor. Andres began his career at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center eight years ago. He is a native of the Borough of Queens, having grown up in East Elmhurst and still resides in the borough.

Andres attended P.S. 148, John Bowne High School and received his BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He likes to go to art exhibits, museums, art galleries, concerts, and restaurants. He also enjoys photography. Andres tells us that his favorite types of food are Asian and Latin. Some of the places that he has travelled to are the Dominican Republic and to see family in Miami and Colombia. He is a huge fan of baseball, football, soccer and Formula 1 auto racing. Andres was a DJ for 16 years and has an extensive knowledge of music. The genres he likes most are Latin, hip-hop, rock and house music.

Andres enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because it gives him an opportunity to help patients and visitors on a daily basis. He takes great pride in knowing that his colleagues at the front desk are the face of the hospital as they are often the first encounter people have when they visit the building. Andres’ team stives to provide excellent customer service to the community.

We are very happy to have Andres as a member of our team and look forward to having him continue with us for many more years.

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.

Allergic Asthma Testing and Management

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma, is a type of asthma that is triggered or made worse by allergies. Exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, dander, mold, etc.) or irritants to which patients are sensitized may increase asthma symptoms and precipitate asthma exacerbations in patients who have asthma. Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. In fact, up to 90 percent of children and 60 percent of adults with asthma suffer from allergies

With allergic asthma, medical history is often not enough to make an accurate allergy diagnosis. For example, a patient can present with a history indicative of house dust mite or cat allergy but actually not be sensitized. Identifying and reducing exposure to allergens to which patients are sensitized can reduce the risk of induced asthma exacerbations, particularly in the case of house dust mite sensitization.

It is also important to identify and treat other allergic conditions. For example, both allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis are risk factors for the development of asthma. More than 80 percent of people with asthma also suffer from rhinitis, suggesting the concept of “one airway, one disease.” The presence of allergic rhinitis commonly exacerbates asthma, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, emergency visits, and hospitalizations for asthma.

A blood test—together with an allergy-focused medical history—may help identify underlying allergen triggers.  A specific IgE test is a powerful allergy diagnostic tool that measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. It can test for hundreds of allergic triggers, such as pollen, mold, food, and animal dander.

To schedule a blood test with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-6942.

What is Osteoarthritis ?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, currently affecting over 32 million Americans. This form of arthritis is known as the “wear and tear” disease because while it can affect almost any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, hands, and spine that are subject to the most amount of movement. Women tend to be affected by osteoarthritis more often than men.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which is the slippery tissue which cushions your bones when they rub against one another deteriorates over time due to weight, stress, injuries or genetic factors. When this happens, people with osteoarthritis will experience a variety of issues including::

Joint pain
Joint Deformity
Decrease in joint mobility
Swelling of a joint
Joint crackling

Diagnosing osteoarthritis can be performed by taking an x-ray, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), and physical manipulation of the joint. Examining the joint fluid can help differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis may not be able to be completely avoided but there are ways to slow down its progress and to treat it. Measures to minimize osteoarthritis include:

Keeping active
Maintaining a proper weight
Participating in physical therapy
Taking medications to reduce symptoms such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Receiving cortisone injections into the joint
Receiving injections of hyaluronic acid
Having Joint replacement procedures

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, speak with your physician to discuss what treatment option is best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

A Delicious Fall Recipe

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Today is the first day of Fall and a perfect time to prepare a delicious butternut squash casserole to welcome in the season. Here is a recipe from delish.com made with butternut squash. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a40509027/butternut-squash-casserole-recipe/

September is Cholesterol Education Month

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

September is designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. The importance of this designation is to bring awareness of the health risks associated with high cholesterol.

One of the major conditions associated with high cholesterol is heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. People who have high levels of cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than those who have levels in the normal range.

The liver produces two types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). When the level of LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol is too high we can develop health problems such as peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. We can reduce our risk of complications by making lifestyle changes.

Ways to reduce “bad” cholesterol LDL and raise HDL “good” cholesterol include:

Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Avoid saturated fats and trans fats such as fried food, pizza, margarine and pastries
Eat foods with unsaturated fats including olive oil, olives, nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans and canola oil
Eat foods with polyunsaturated fat containing Omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna
Eat high fiber foods such as fruits, beans, oat cereal
Limit alcohol consumption
Use Psyllium as a dietary supplement

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, so the only way to assess it is through a blood test. It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have cholesterol level in the blood checked every five years after the age of 20 and it should be a part of your annual physical as you get older. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

The Monkeypox Vaccine

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Monkeypox cases have emerged across most of the United States. Symptoms of the virus include:

Fever
Aches and pains
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms

Most people with monkeypox also experience a rash that’s typically located near the genitals or anus. It may also be present on other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and chest.

Two vaccines are now available that may effectively offer protection against monkeypox. JYNNEOS is the only vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone at risk of contracting the virus. Another vaccine, ACAM2000, may also be used to prevent monkeypox under the Expanded Access Investigational New Drug system, but is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system, an exfoliative skin condition like eczema, or people who are pregnant.

Studies have shown side effects such as myocarditis, pericarditis, brain or spinal cord swelling, and infection in patients who received ACAM2000. These reactions have not been observed in patients who received JYNNEOS.

Your doctor can help you determine which vaccine is right for you, but vaccination in general, combined with practices like safe sex, maintaining distance from infected people and animals, and disinfecting your home when an infected person has been there, can help protect most people against the virus. Children in particular may benefit from vaccination, as their symptoms are likely to be worse than those of infected teens and adults.

You can make an appointment for monkeypox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Maynard Lantimo

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Maynard Lantimo, Epic Clinical Education Specialist.

Maynard has been employed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 29 years. He was raised in Brooklyn and then moved to Queens. He currently lives in Valley Stream on Long island.

Maynard went to elementary school at Holy Innocents School in Brooklyn, then began high school at Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn as a lower freshman. He then transferred to Hillcrest High School in Queens from where he graduated. Maynard later received his Associates degree from Queensborough Community College, and his Bachelor’s degree from Hunter College. He completed his post graduate degree at the Career Institute of Health and Technology for Networking Specialist while also becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

In his free time, Maynard like to keep physically fit. He enjoys running, bicycling, and strength training. He has completed seven full marathons and eight half marathons. He is currently only three marathons away from getting the worldwide renowned Six Star Medal of the Abbot World Marathon Majors.

He likes to travel especially to Miami Beach Florida and to Jamaica. He loves music and says that it is a great motivator when he goes out running. He likes to listen to reggae, jazz, R&B, soca, pop music, soft rock, rap and also classical music.

One of the things most important to Maynard is balancing overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. His family, friends, and place of work have given him a wonderful blend of exciting energy that has helped him overcome many challenges.

Maynard likes working at Jamaica Hospital because throughout the years many of his colleagues have become friends and feel like they are part of his family which makes a healthy addition to his positive lifestyle. We look forward to Maynard continuing to work with us for many more years.

Three Essential Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Although your child may be exposed to several health risks as the new school year begins, you can help them stay healthy by following these tips:

Getting your child vaccinated: Ensuring that your child receives their recommended immunizations is a simple, effective way to keep them from getting sick. In fact, many schools require students to receive their immunizations in order to attend classes.

Hand-washing and sanitization: Hand-washing and sanitizing alone go a long way toward staying in school; according to the Centers for Disease Control, hand-washing can reduce the risk of respiratory illness by up to 21%. Following and promoting sanitary practices at home may make it easier for them to continue these practices while at school.

Creating a mentally healthy environment: Physical illness isn’t the only health risk your child may face in class. Stress, bullying, or even issues like undiagnosed ADD or ADHD can negatively impact their mental health and their ability to stay focused on their studies. Staying aware of the causes of mental health issues, creating a supportive environment at home, encouraging your child to maintain healthy routines, and helping them learn effective coping mechanisms can make it easier for them to maintain a healthy state of mind throughout the school year.

Visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get your child the medical help they need to stay engaged with their studies. You can also visit our Psychiatry Department for help addressing mental health challenges that arise before, during, or after the school year.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you learn more about what makes getting vaccinated so important, which immunizations you should receive, and what they protect you against.

Vaccinations against prevalent, dangerous diseases are an important part of protecting both your own health and the health of those around you. Issues like pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and more can introduce potentially lifelong complications that may reduce your quality of life or even shorten it. Immunization awareness is a critical part of combating these illnesses.

The benefits of vaccinations hold true at any age, though some immunizations are more important at certain ages than others.

Children whose immune systems are still developing, for instance, need them not only as a protective measure for themselves but often as a requirement for enrolling in school and participating in other activities. Adults over 60 years of age may need vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines to help protect their health.

Though the list of necessary immunizations evolves as new diseases are discovered and researched, the most common vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control include:

HepA, HepB (Hepatitis A and B)
DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)
IPV (Polio)
PCV (Pneumococcal)
RV (Rotavirus)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella)
Influenza (flu)
Meningococcal conjugate
HPV
Zoster

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-6000 or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Psoriasis Action Month

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system is attacking its own normal tissue.

Psoriasis particularly affects your skin, speeding up the growth cycle of cells. This most commonly presents in the form of a rash, or itchy, scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, among other parts of your body.

The rashes created by psoriasis may flare up in cycles of weeks or months. In people who are genetically pre-disposed to developing the disease, it may be triggered by infections, cuts, burns, or medications.

Psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic disease. Both of these may be treated with the use of prescription medications or using creams and ointments.

Treatments for psoriasis may include topical therapy, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.

If you’re suffering from symptoms associated with psoriasis or psoriatic disease, a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan. If your symptoms potentially indicate psoriatic arthritis, a consultation with a rheumatologist may be recommended.

There is no cure for psoriasis, so the treatment plan you follow will focus on managing your symptoms and providing as much relief as possible.

The most effective way to take action against your psoriasis is to visit a medical professional and begin treatment as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Dermatology by calling (718) 206-6742.