Tips For The Hurricane Season

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

While we typically associate the summer with delightful temperatures, this time of year can also bring dangerous weather conditions, namely hurricanes.

With a long history of providing relief to places previously devastated by hurricanes, including sending personnel to assist the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Maria, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is experienced and knowledgeable about how to properly prepare for such an event. Our hospital would like to share the following safety tips with our community:

In case of a need to evacuate, know where the nearest evacuation route is located
Keep a supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking
In an easy to locate area of your home keep flashlights, extra batteries, extra cash, a first aid kit, basic tools, charged cell phones and chargers, and a battery operated radio
Make sure you have a seven day supply of prescription medications
Have a three day supply of drinking water, one gallon per day per person.
Fill a bathtub with water to use to flush toilets
Make sure that all of your important documents are kept in a place that is high above ground level. Always keep a copy of these documents with you if there is a need to evacuate
Give everyone in your household a list of people they should contact in case of an emergency
Have a plan to protect your pets and have extra food for them
Prepare to put outdoor furniture away or at least firmly secured

By being prepared and following these tips, you can help keep your home and your loved ones safe from disaster.

For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov

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.

FAQ’S ABOUT INSULIN

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Insulin is a proven treatment to control blood glucose levels for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Below is some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding insulin:

Q. What is insulin?

A. Insulin is hormone that would typically be produced by the pancreas.

Q. Why would I need to take insulin?

A. When blood glucose levels can no longer be controlled by diet, exercise or oral medication, your doctor may prescribe insulin as a prescription to lower your blood sugar levels.

Q. Why is it important to keep my glucose levels as close to normal limits as possible?

A. High blood sugar levels can obstruct organ function which can lead to kidney failure, heart disease and may eventually cause blindness.

Q. Does insulin have any side effects?

A. One of the more common side effects of insulin is low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. This condition happens when too much insulin is taken causing you to experience anxiety, sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion and lack of coordination. Hypoglycemia is remedied by eating or drinking a substance that contains sugar.

Q. How is insulin administered?

A. Insulin should be injected into the body’s fatty tissue. Be sure to rotate the injection sites since continual use in the same spot

Q. How long will I have to take insulin?

A. If you have type 2 diabetes, caused by a condition such as pregnancy, you may have to take insulin for a short period of time. If your type 2 diabetes is caused by your pancreas not making enough insulin, you may need to take insulin more regularly in order to remain healthy.

I hope you have found these questions and answers helpful and informative.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your blood sugar levels, diabetes or nutrition, please call the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Keeping Kids Busy During These Challenging Times

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

During these last few months, with schools closed and social distancing rules in place, it has proven to be very challenging to keep children occupied.

Here are some suggestions that you may find helpful for keeping children occupied based on their age.

Younger children:

Go on scavenger hunts around your neighborhood
Put painters tape on the floor and make a maze for toy trucks to follow
Take a whiteboard or pieces of paper and let your child write a story
Make hand puppets with socks and tell stories
Plant seeds in paper cups and watch them grow
Build a fort with a sheet

Older children :

Go on virtual tours of interesting places around the world.
Bake cookies
Use the internet to learn new skills or to learn how to play an instrument
Write letters to people in nursing homes
Play board games

While trying new and innovative ways to occupy their time can be difficult at times, there are many benefits. These activities can stimulate them mentally and physically and help them to avoid boredom and depression. There are also many resources on the internet that will help you to find activities that suit everyone’s interests.

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Swim Safety Tips

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Joann Ariola

The weather is warming up and people will be looking for ways to keep cool. One way that has always been popular during the warm summer months is swimming in a pool. Every year there are countless accidents and also fatalities at or near swimming pools. Many of which could have been avoided had precautions been taken.

Safety Tips to follow:
• Never leave children unattended near a pool
• Only swim when there is a lifeguard present
• Every pool should have proper drain covers
• Pools should have alarms and proper fencing
• Keep the pool clean
• There should be no diving allowed in pools that are shallow
• Never swim alone
• There should be no horseplay in or near a pool
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not swim in a thunderstorm
• It is a good idea to give children swimming lessons before the start of the summer
• Children who don’t know how to swim should be given flotation devices to wear

There are many organizations around the country that offer swimming lessons for children and adults of all ages. If you don’t know how to swim, look into getting some lessons before heading out to the pool. You will have a good time and you will also be a lot safer this summer.

The Importance of Getting a Bone Density Screening

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

A bone density test is a type of x-ray that measures the concentration of calcium and other minerals in the bones. This test is most commonly performed to evaluate a patient for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose density and become easy to break or fracture.

Some people are more at risk for developing osteoporosis than others. Risk factors include:

Age – Older people tend to have a greater incidence of osteoporosis
Race – Caucasians and Asians are typically more prone to bone density issues
Gender – Women experience bone loss more frequently than men
Dietary factors – People who have a low intake of calcium are at greater risk
Medications – People with a long term use of injectable steroids have bone loss issues
Smoking – People who smoke tend to lose bone mass at a faster rate than non-smokers
Family history – There is a correlation of osteoporosis and hereditary factors

Symptoms of the disease are:

Loss of height over a period of time
Back pain
Bones that break more easily than expected
A stooped posture

For those who are presenting symptoms or have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis, a doctor may recommend testing to assess the density of their bones.

Bone density screenings are non-invasive, painless, and use low amounts of x-rays. The results of the test will indicate whether or not you need to take medication that will help to maintain your bone density or make changes in your lifestyle and diet to prevent bone loss.

If you would like to schedule a bone density screening at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, ask your physician for a referral to have it performed. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital by calling 718-206-7001.

Tips To Prevent Summer Dehydration

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

As summer temperatures heat up, our bodies may sweat more, and exposure to the dangers of the sun can increase. These factors can lead to dehydration, and put some at risk for developing serious health complications such as kidney stones, seizures, or heat stroke.

One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is drinking enough water.

In addition to drinking your daily recommended amount of water, there are a few tips you can follow to prevent dehydration. These include:

Staying out of the sun as much as possible, especially during peak hours of sunlight (typically, between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Eating fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of water such as celery, cucumbers, and watermelon
Drinking liquids before you begin to feel thirsty
Avoiding or minimizing drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea
Avoiding or minimizing alcohol consumption

Dehydration should not be taken lightly, because not only is your body losing water, it is also losing electrolytes and minerals that help organs to function well. Therefore, it is important that you stay hydrated during the summer and avoid complications to your health.

Summertime Allergies

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Joann Ariola

If you are one of the millions of Americans who experience summertime allergies, you may want to control your seasonal symptoms with this allergy sufferer’s survival guide.

Summer allergies occur when your immune system tries to defend your body against substances that are harmless to others causing itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, and an itchy, stuffy or runny nose.

About 50 million Americans suffer from year-round allergies to mold, dust, and pets. However, summer allergies are the mostly triggered by trees, pollen, leaves, grasses and ragweed.

There isn’t a cure for allergies, but there are ways you can find relief. If you symptoms are minor, there are over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays that may help.

The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to suffer unnecessarily. If over– the-counter remedies aren’t working, then it’s probably a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor.

To schedule an appointment with an Allergist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001

Jamaica Hospital Warns Against Using Fireworks This July 4th Holiday

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Michael Hinck

With July 4^th holiday approaching, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants everyone to know the potential dangers associated with fireworks so you can avoid injuring yourself or others.

Fireworks are ILLEGAL in New York State, and are extremely dangerous when they are not being used by a professional. They burn at extremely high temperatures and can rapidly burn through clothing and skin. Items such as sparklers are mistakenly thought to be safe, but they are actually quite dangerous too.

In states where it is legal to purchase and operate fireworks, please be sure to follow the following safety tips:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under the close supervision of an adult
Never light fireworks indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks in case of fire

This year, have a safe Fourth of July and leave the firework displays to the trained professionals. If you have questions about fireworks displays and safety, you can visit The National Council on Firework Safety webpage at http://www.fireworksafety.org. Take the test and learn just how much you know about fireworks safety.

Heart Disease and Hot Weather

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Woman with water bottle in summer heat

Summertime heat affects everyone, but for people who suffer from heart disease, it can be life threatening. Activities that are performed when the weather is mild may not have much risk associated with them but once the temperature rises they can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People with heart disease are very susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

When we are exposed to the heat, our bodies respond by sweating, which is the body’s way to maintain a normal temperature. . Heat as well as the body’s response to it, leads to enlarged blood vessels, lower blood pressure and higher heart rate. This combination can cause people with heart problems to serious problems due to the stress on the cardiovascular system. If the heart is already weakened it may not be able to pump blood effectively and keep the blood pressure at a high enough level. This can lead to an overheating of the body. Some medications that are prescribed for heart patients also lower the heart rate, which can be compounded during the hot weather.

Some helpful tips for people with heart disease in the hot weather are:

Stay out of the heat during the middle of the day
Wear clothing that is loose fitting and light
Do not perform strenuous activities in hot weather
Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Stay indoors in an air conditioned environment

Discuss with your physician ways to stay healthy during the hot summer months. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6742.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has reopened many of its healthcare services. To learn about the safety measures the hospital has taken to protect your health, please visit https://jamaicahospital.org/to-our-patients/

June is Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated June as Cataract Awareness Month. The purpose of this designation is to help educate the public on what cataracts are and how to treat them once they are diagnosed.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. This will result in blurry vision, and since less light is being transmitted, objects will appear darker as well.

Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness; therefore, it is important that you do not delay treatment.

It is estimated that 25 million people in the United States age 40 and older will be diagnosed with a cataract, and by the time people reach the age of 80, more than half of the population of the United States will be affected with the disease.

Risk factors for developing cataracts include:

Age
Diabetes
Smoking
Prolonged exposure to sunlight
Obesity
High blood pressure
Hereditary factors
Prior eye injuries

Cataracts are classified by what causes them. Age is the biggest factor, followed by eye trauma, congenital causes and secondary to taking certain medications like steroids.

There are a few ways to lower the risk of developing cataracts, but they may not be completely successful.

Wearing sunglasses when outdoors
A diet rich in vitamin C foods
Avoiding smoking

Treatment for cataracts involves a surgical procedure which removes the old lens of the eye and replacing it with a synthetic one. It is a very common procedure and considered relatively safe. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.