How Does Winter Weather Increase Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we get deeper into this winter season, extreme, record-low cold temperatures have brought snow and frigid winds with them. These conditions can severely affect your heart, especially if you already suffer from or are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

The cold temperatures affect the heart by causing blood vessels to constrict, which is the body’s natural reaction to send blood deeper into the body. This doesn’t cause problems for those with healthy arteries. However, if someone has arteries that were narrowed by fatty plaque, cold-related blood vessel constriction can leave them more vulnerable to chest pain or a heart attack. This is especially true when engaging in a strenuous outdoor activity such as walking quickly in a strong wind or shoveling snow, which can commonly trigger a heart attack.

Strenuous outdoor activity in cold weather isn’t the only thing that can put the heart at risk. Cold temperatures also increase the risk of suffering from hypothermia. Hypothermia means the body’s temperature has fallen below 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius, and the body can’t produce enough energy to keep its temperature warm enough. Cold-related blood vessel constriction keeps vital organs warm and helps reduce heat loss. If a person has narrowed blood vessels, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the body, which then raises blood pressure and puts stress on the heart. Hypothermia has several symptoms, including:

Lack of coordination

Slowed reaction time

Mental confusion

Shivering

Sleepiness

Hypothermia can be life-threatening, so it is extremely important to take proper precautions to stay warm by dressing in layers, keeping your head and ears covered, and keeping your hands and feet warm.

If you are going to engage in any strenuous outdoor activities, here are some tips to keep you safe:

Take frequent breaks

Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and listen to your body

Learn CPR

Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia

Don’t drink alcohol before or immediately after a strenuous activity

Consult with your healthcare provider

If you have, or are at risk of developing, or are experiencing symptoms of a heart condition, you should consult a cardiologist to explore the most effective precautions you can take to protect your heart health during the winter season. 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.

Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The winter season can be difficult to navigate when there is the risk of developing one of three respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia. All three of these illnesses share similar symptoms but are all different and range from mild to severe.

The common cold is the least serious of the three respiratory illnesses, as it presents milder symptoms. Common cold symptoms include:

Mild cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Congestion

When a person is suffering from the common cold, they will usually feel run-down for a couple of days and are able to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrup and cold medications.

Unlike a cold, the flu or influenza hits hard and fast, with more intense symptoms usually beginning more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms of the flu include:

A high, sudden fever

A stuffy nose

A dry cough

Headaches

Muscle aches

Extreme fatigue

Chills and sweats

Lack of appetite

A flu vaccine is available to help prevent an infection from the flu virus, as well as medications that can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, with the illness and its symptoms being more severe than the cold or flu. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

Chest pains that increase when you cough

Coughing up blood or mucus

High fever

Difficulty breathing

Inability to breathe deeply

Chills

Extreme and weakening fatigue

Lack of appetite

Clammy skin and frequent sweating

Bacterial and viral pneumonia are treatable with antibiotics and antivirals, respectively. Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening for the elderly, very young children, and those with chronic lung conditions. Vaccines for pneumonia are available for high-risk patients.

Preventing respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia requires taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing and/or spreading these infections, including:

Washing your hands regularly

Avoiding contact with individuals who are sick with any of these respiratory illnesses

Getting your annual flu vaccination

Getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal and Hib vaccines if you are in an at-risk group

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu, or pneumonia, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Specialty Departments Move to New Metropolitan Avenue Location

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center is excited to announce that it has relocated several of its specialty departments to a brand-new, modern space at 132-47 Metropolitan Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11418.

The following specialty services have moved to this location: general surgery, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, vascular surgery, urology, and wound care.

The new site, which spans 6,468 square feet, has been designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and support for all patients. It features 15 examination rooms, a modern layout, and various amenities.

The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (718) 301-0720.

Jamaica Hospital thanks its patients for trusting the organization with their care and looks forward to welcoming them at the new location.

What to Do Next After Receiving a Dementia Diagnosis

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be devastating. Whether it is you are a loved one, several questions are raised after the diagnosis, namely “What do I do next?”

After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is important to be as proactive as possible. There are several steps you can take to help you or a loved one plan for the future, as well as help everyone involved feel that they are informed, supported, and less alone. Steps include:

Learn about and understand the specific dementia diagnosis, as it helps guide healthcare decisions, treatment options, and expectations for the future.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms such as memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is caused by physical changes in the brain.

Different types of dementia include:
Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
Frontotemporal Dementia
Huntington’s Disease
Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of dementia. They include:

- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time and place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Communicate with you or your loved one’s healthcare providers to discuss what can be expected and how to best manage symptoms.
Plan for the future by consulting with various financial and legal experts to discuss advance care directives, such as a living will and durable power of attorney, as they outline any wishes for future medical treatment and designate someone to make decisions on your or your loved one’s behalf if/when you are unable to. A financial adviser can help you or your loved one organize and manage any expenses that may relate to long-term care
Communicate with family members and caregivers openly about your or your loved one’s diagnosis, any care preferences, and plans so that everyone is on the same page.
Maintain any and all social connections and participate in activities that encourage cognitive function. Maintaining a support network is important, as dealing with dementia can make you or a loved one feel isolated.
Ask your or your loved one’s healthcare provider about which treatments are available and recommended based on one’s specific dementia diagnosis, and ask about eligibility for clinical trials.
Start any of the recommended treatments or medications that may help manage dementia symptoms. Be sure to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare providers so they can monitor the condition and adjust care as needed. Monitor your symptoms and keep your healthcare providers up to date with them so they can offer any interventions that can help with any new symptoms that present themselves.
Remove any household hazards that may lead to falls or injuries. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, adults ages 65 and older living with dementia are at a 45.5% risk of getting injured or dying from falls, compared to 30.9% of people in the same age group who don’t have dementia. It is important to note that falls are the leading cause of death for that age group.

A dementia diagnosis is a difficult time for any family that must experience it. It is important to make sure that you, your loved ones, and any caregivers are prepared for the challenges that may arise on this journey.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of dementia, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Maternal Health Awareness Day

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January 23rd is observed as Maternal Health Awareness Day, a day that recognizes the importance of spreading awareness and reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. It is a major problem in the United States. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries and is the only advanced country to have maternal mortality rates that have increased in recent decades.

Black and indigenous women in the U.S. are particularly at risk, as their maternal mortality rates are two to three times as high as those of other women. What’s more, black women in the U.S. are four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines pregnancy-related deaths as any deaths that occur during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from pregnancy complications that affect the mental or physical health of a woman, her baby, or both.

Pregnancy-related deaths may occur due to:

The pregnancy causing a new medical or mental health problem

The pregnancy starting a chain of events that result in death

The pregnancy making an unrelated medical condition worse

According to the CDC, an estimated 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

Many social factors contribute to pregnancy-related deaths. Social factors are any nonmedical conditions, such as where women live, work, and spend their free time, that can affect their health. Social factors such as their income and access to high-quality care can affect a woman’s ability to manage conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, that can increase maternal risk.

The CDC recommends these tips for pregnant and expectant women, which can help prevent and treat severe pregnancy-related complications:

Starting prenatal care early

Seeing a healthcare provider throughout the pregnancy

Attending all postpartum visits

If you would like to learn more about maternal health, 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.

What May Cause Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, people who smoke tobacco aren’t the only ones at risk of developing lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases each year happen in people who never smoke.

Nonsmokers can develop lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radioactive gases such as radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other harmful chemicals.

According to the CDC, about 50% to 60% of lung cancers found in nonsmokers are adenocarcinomas, which is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells that line the tiny air sacs in the lungs and make substances such as mucus. Additionally, about 10% to 20% are squamous cell carcinomas, cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the lungs, and 6% to 8% are small cell lung cancers, and the rest are other types of lung cancer.

Lung cancers in nonsmokers are often different than those that are in smokers, as they usually develop in younger people, and often have certain gene changes that differ from those in tumors found in smokers.

A person’s genes can influence their risk of developing certain diseases, including some types of cancer, as some genes help control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die. These genes are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Oncogenes help cells grow, divide, or stay alive. Tumor suppressor genes help control cell division or cause cells to die at the right time.

Cancer can develop when any DNA changes that activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes occur. These changes in many different genes are usually needed to cause cancer to develop. The two primary types of gene changes are inherited gene changes and acquired gene changes.

Inherited gene changes are gene changes passed down from a person’s parents. These inherited changes to a person’s DNA may increase their risk of developing certain cancers.

Acquired gene changes cannot be inherited but are acquired during a person’s lifetime and may occur in any individual cell. Certain acquired gene changes can affect the cell’s ability to control how it grows and will ultimately mutate a non-cancer cell into a cancer cell.

It is more common for nonsmoking women, especially Asian nonsmoking women, to develop lung cancer, as they are more than twice as likely to develop it as male nonsmokers. This is due to women having an acquired gene change, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Symptoms of lung cancer are the same for smokers and nonsmokers. Lung cancer symptoms include:

Feeling tired or weak all the time

Loss of appetite

A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse

Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm

Chest pains

Shortness of breath

Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness

Bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back

Wheezing

If a smoker is exhibiting symptoms of lung cancer, they should see a healthcare provider.

Although there isn’t any screening guidance for nonsmokers, taking steps such as being aware of lung cancer symptoms and reducing exposure to air pollutants and radon can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Some additional steps include:

Avoid secondhand smoke

Monitor the air quality in your community

Test your home for radon

Protect yourself at work by avoiding any chemicals or cleaning products that contain carcinogens

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments for lung cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Does My Child Need a Tonsillectomy?

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Children can be affected by many ailments as they grow up, including problems with their tonsils.

Tonsils are lumps of tissue on either side of the throat, and are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which helps fight infection. Tonsils are the body’s first line of defense against any bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nose. Since the tonsils defend against bacteria and viruses, they can become infected, resulting in strep throat or chronic tonsillitis, a chronic bacterial infection in the tonsils.

If a child suffers from frequent tonsil infections, it may be recommended that they receive a tonsillectomy.

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children.

There are two types of tonsillectomies:

Traditional tonsillectomy: Both tonsils are completely removed.

Intracapsular tonsillectomy: All of the affected tonsil tissue is removed, except for a small layer to protect the throat muscles underneath.

An intracapsular tonsillectomy has many benefits, including:

Faster recovery

Less pain

No need for as much painfor as much pain medicine

A lower risk of bleeding

Can eat and drink after the procedure

Children can also have a tonsillectomy if they have enlarged tonsils that block their airflow, which can lead to breathing issues, especially while they sleep.

Tonsillectomies can offer many benefits to children who suffer from frequent tonsil infections or sleep apnea. However, it can come with risks as with any surgical procedure. It is important to consider the pros and cons and discuss them with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your child. Here are some pros and cons your healthcare provider may discuss:

Pros:

- Improved quality of life

- Fewer infections

- Improved breathing

- Less time off from school

Cons:

- Surgical risks

- Post-surgery pain and recovery

- No immunity from future infections

- Potential of a change in voice

It is important to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist before you consider having your child’s tonsils removed.

An ENT will determine whether they should have a tonsillectomy after they assess their frequency of infections, the size of their tonsils, and how much the child’s overall health and quality of life are impacted by the condition.

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718)206-6713.

Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new study conducted by Oregon Health and Science University and the Portland Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care System has found that people who have untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have an increased risk of eventually developing Parkinson’s disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when people repeatedly stop and start breathing while they sleep due to the throat muscles relaxing and blocking their airway.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

The study analyzed the health records of 13,737,081 U.S. veterans collected by the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1999 to 2022. The average age of the participants in the study was 60.5 years, with 9.8% being women.

1,552,505 participants of the study had obstructive sleep apnea. Six years after their original OSA diagnosis, there were 1.6 cases of Parkinson’s disease for every 1,000 individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, compared to those without it.

What’s more, the study shows that because OSA causes repeated airflow blockages during sleep, it leads to low oxygen levels and briefly interrupted blood flow to the brain and blood vessels. It can also lead to ischemia-reperfusion, which occurs when blood flow is restored after a period of reduced blood supply, leading to cells becoming damaged instead of healing. When this occurs, it causes fragmented sleep and triggers the autonomic centers in the brain, making neurons and blood vessels vulnerable. Similarly, Parkinson’s disease causes neurons to slowly break down and die, affecting neurological function.

People who are suffering from OSA can improve their sleep quality with early treatment using common treatments for sleep apnea, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask or the new Inspire device. Unlike the CPAP mask, the Inspire device works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process, using mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. could help lower their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

If you would like to get tested for sleep apnea, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-5916.

To learn more about CPAP or Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call 718-206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.

If you would like to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, you can schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to form underneath the skin. These lumps usually develop in areas such as the armpits, the groin, buttocks, and breasts where the skin rubs together.

Hidradenitis suppurativa starts after puberty and usually before the age of 40. It can last for many years, worsening over time.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect one or more areas of the body, with several signs and symptoms, including:

Blackheads- small, pitted areas of the skin that often appear in pairs

Painful pea-sized lumps that form under the skin in areas where more sweat and oil glands are present, or where the skin rubs together, that can last for weeks or months

Leaking bumps or sores that can get bigger, break open, and drain pus with an odor

Tunnels that form under the skin. These tunnels connect lumps and heal slowly, and drain blood and pus

Some people who have hidradenitis suppurative experience only mild symptoms; however, the course of the disease varies extremely. Excess weight and smoking are associated with worse symptoms, but people who are thin and smoke can also experience severe symptoms of the disease.

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs when hair follicles become blocked. The cause of the blockage isn’t known; however, experts think it may be connected to hormones, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking, or excess weight.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing hidradenitis suppurativa. They include:

Race

Family history

Certain conditions

Smoking

Severe and persistent hidradenitis can cause complications, including:

Infection in the affected area

Restricted movement due to sores and scar tissue

Skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, has been reported with long-term hidradenitis suppurativa

Scars and skin changes after wounds have healed, leaving pitted skin and rope-like scars

Swelling in the arms, legs, or genital area, due to scar tissue caused by hidradenitis that blocks the lymph nodes in those areas from draining

Psychological effects and social isolation, such as depression, anxiety, or not wanting to go out in public due to the location, drainage, and odor of the sores

Lifelong pain

Hidradenitis suppurativa can often be mistaken for acne or pimples. A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on signs and symptoms, skin appearance, and medical history. Hidradenitis suppurativa can be difficult to diagnose and requires specialized care, so a healthcare provider may refer a patient to a dermatologist.

There aren’t any laboratory tests available to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa; however, if there is pus or drainage present in the wounds, samples may be taken for testing.

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa can include medications, surgeries, or both to help control symptoms and prevent complications of the condition.

Medications used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa can include:

Antibiotics

Steroid injections

Hormonal therapy

Biologics

Retinoids

Pain medicine

Surgical procedures used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa include:

Uncovering the tunnels under the skin by removing tissue to expose them

Punch debridement, which removes a single inflamed bump

Laser therapy

Surgical removal of all the infected skin

If you or a loved one is suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Dermatology. To make an appointment, please call (718) 206- 6742.

Does Nasal Irrigation Effectively Fight the Common Cold?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As the winter season progresses, so does cold season.

When we come down with a cold, we try different methods to relieve our cold symptoms.

However, using a simple saline or saltwater solution can help reduce the duration of these symptoms.

A pilot study conducted in 2019 found that flushing the nose with a 3% saline solution, which is higher than the standard 0.9% concentration, can reduce cold symptoms in approximately two days.

Additionally, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of cold viruses.

In the same 2019 study, 93% of participants reported that the 3% saline solution made a difference in their symptoms, and 61% indicated that they would use it again during another cold.

Most people may catch a cold two or three times each year, as the cold virus spreads easily via contaminated droplets. Saline solution is an affordable, easy-to-use treatment that may help slow down the spread of the cold virus between family members.

Saline nasal drops may also help to clear up a runny nose. The solution may help reduce viral load, the amount of the virus in a person’s system, by flushing out the nasal passages.

Saline nasal drops help flush out mucous and inflammatory mediators, which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can improve cold symptoms and give the immune system a better chance to fight the infection.

When you are looking to buy saline nasal drops or sprays, it is important to look for a saline percentage or the words “hypertonic” or “extra-strength” on the label. Many brands of saline solutions sell 3% hypertonic nasal spray, but it is important to read the labels carefully to confirm the product does not contain other added medications.

You can also make a saline solution at home with salt, baking soda, and water. It is important to only use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water when preparing the solution, as the quality of tap water varies, and there may be things such as bugs and germs present.

To make the saline solution, combine three tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. Avoid any salts that contain iodine, preservatives, or anti-caking agents because these can irritate your nose. Put one teaspoon of the salt-baking soda mixture into eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. Baking soda helps reduce irritation; however, you may still experience some irritation in the nose or throat after using the saline solution.

Although hypertonic nasal drops or sprays could be prepared correctly, they can still irritate the nose and throat. Some people may even experience a temporary burning sensation. Use the hypertonic saline solution as tolerated. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative cold remedies if the saline solution doesn’t work well for you and if your cold symptoms persist or get worse.

If you are suffering from common cold symptoms and would like to learn more about nasal irrigation, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7110.