Important Information About Hypertension

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is defined an adult as blood pressure that is greater than or equal to 140 mm systolic and 90 mm diastolic. Hypertension directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

When the heart beats, it generates a force exerted against artery walls, known as blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured by testing the force needed to stop blood from flowing through the arteries, away from the heart. When a blood pressure test is performed, a test result will yield two numbers. The first number is known as the systolic number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. The second number, known as the diastolic number, measures the pressure between heart beats, when the heart is at rest. A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects approximately one quarter of all Americans. Hypertension is commonly known as the “silent killer” because of the lack of any noticeable symptoms. If not treated, hypertension can lead to many more serious conditions that can ultimately prove fatal.

Diagnosing and treating hypertension is very important because it can lead to a number of other diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Everyone is susceptible to developing hypertension, but some groups are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk are:

• People with a history of hypertension in their family

Overweight people

• African Americans

• Elderly people

You are also at a higher risk to develop hypertension if you:

• Smoke

• Drink alcohol frequently

• Are pregnant or on birth control pills

• On a high-salt diet

• Are an inactive person

If you have hypertension, there are ways of controlling your condition. The following lifestyle changes can be added to reduce your risk:

Exercise Regularly – Aerobic exercise for 15 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week, every week is recommended by doctors. Swimming, walking, jogging, riding a bike, and dancing are all excellent forms of aerobic exercise.
Eat healthy – Avoid foods with high salt and high fat content. Doctors suggest eating more fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, pasta, and low-fat dairy products.
Control Alcohol – Limit alcohol consumption.
Stop Smoking – If you are serious about controlling hypertension, you must stop smoking.

In some more serious cases, doctors will prescribe medication to help control hypertension. The best prevention is to see a doctor and have a blood pressure check-up at least once a year.

Before beginning a diet or exercise program, consult your physician.

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.

Meet Dr. George Ferzli

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital would like to introduce you to Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist), Dr. George Ferzli.

Otolaryngologists treat conditions associated with the ear, nose, and throat and related structures of the head and neck. These are some of the most complex areas of the body as they affect your ability to breathe, eat, speak, and hear.

Dr. Ferzli is highly trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery.

Dr. Ferzli completed his residency at S.U.N.Y Downstate Medical Center and continued his training in the highly coveted Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital. He is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology.

He provides a wide variety of services for patients that include but are not limited to:

Nose and breathing procedures such as rhinoplasty
Adenoid surgery
Head and neck reconstruction
Tonsillectomy

One of the ways Dr. Ferzli helps his patients is by utilizing the latest technologies. He is aware of many new advances and has incorporated them into his patients’ treatment plans.

He is extremely happy to join the ENT Division at Jamaica Hospital, and work with a strong and diverse team of doctors. Dr. Ferzli feels that together they are building a much-needed service that can greatly benefit patients.

Dr. Ferzli treats patients at the following location:

TJH Surgical Services
89-05 135^th Street
Jamaica, NY 11418
718-206-7110

A “Honey” of a Cold Remedy

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Honey and cinnamon have become indispensable ingredients in so many ways, not only because of their delicious flavor, but also because of their numerous benefits.

The tasty combo has been used for thousands of years to add extra flavor to food, but if you have caught a summer cold and are coughing intensely, honey and cinnamon is a delicious, nutritious and effective all-natural cough syrup.

Ingredients:

One cup of honey

Three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

One teaspoon of cinnamon

1/4 cup of lukewarm water.

Slowly mix the lemon juice with the honey and then gradually add the warm water and then take one or two teaspoons of this homemade cough syrup before going to bed, to relieve the symptoms of cough without experiencing any side effects.

If you cold lasts more than a week, you may want to seek the opinion of a health care professional. If you’d like to schedule an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7002.

Is My Pain From Osteoarthritis Or A Similar Condition ?

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that typically affects parts of the body where joints are weight bearing such as the knees, hips, spine, hands or feet. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage which is the tissue that cushions the bones where they meet each other to form a joint. Over time, the loss of cartilage will lead to bone rubbing against bone which causes them to erode and become painful with motion.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes mistaken for similar diseases that also cause joint pain. Some of these diseases include:

Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Reactive arthritis
Lyme disease

A characteristic that distinguishes osteoarthritis from these diseases is the way that joint pain presents itself. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, pain usually occurs as a result of exertion of the joints, and typically occur during or after movement. The diseases that present with some of the same characteristics, movement within a joint is not usually reason for the pain to occur.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis is done by performing lab tests to check for indicators in the blood and also by performing x-rays to check for distinctive patterns of bone and joint involvement.

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis such as joint pain or limited mobility, you can make an appointment with a specialist known as a rheumatologist who can make a diagnosis. Treatment of the disease may include medications, therapy or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-6742.

October Is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Joann Ariola

October is National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. In celebration of this observance, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Clinic would like to share a few tips about good oral hygiene.

Here are a few tips to help make sure you maintain good oral health:

Maintenance – Don’t forget your dental routine and always remember to brush and floss your your teeth at least twice a day
Eat healthy – Cookies and sweets are nice treats, but instead of reaching for candy, fill your plate with crunchy vegetables such as celery.
Drink healthy – Avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks and juices with lots of sugar. Instead, drink water with fluoride in it to keep your teeth strong and healthy. If you want something bubbly, try carbonated water. If you must drink soda, use a straw to keep most of the acid off your teeth.
Consuming alcohol – Aside from all the obvious reasons to be responsible when consuming alcohol, also know that it can affect your teeth. Red wine can stain your teeth and the acid in most alcoholic beverages can also be damaging.
Dental check up – Whether it is a regular check-up or a visit to deal with an existing issue, it is important to make the time to schedule your regular dental check-ups.
Using your teeth as a tool – Avoid using your teeth to tear open packages, tear tape or ribbons, or cracking nuts. These types of cations can lead to chips or breaks.

If you are experiencing a dental issue or would like to schedule an appointment for a routine check up, please call the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Clinic at 718-206-6980.

Understanding Over- The- Counter Sleep Aids

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Experiencing either of these issues may happen on occasion or can become chronic -occurring more than three times a week, for at least three months.

Whether problems getting adequate sleep occurs occasionally or is a nightly struggle, it can lead to complications such as fatigue or problems concentrating which prompts many to seek relief.

There are a number of ways to get relief from the effects of insomnia, one of which includes taking over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids.

Over-the-counter sleep aids are widely available but should be used as a temporary solution (no longer than two weeks). Sleep experts advise against regular use because most OTC sleep aids rely on antihistamines to promote drowsiness. Others may also combine the pain reliever Acetaminophen or alcohol along with antihistamine as their primary active ingredients.

Long-term use of sleep aids containing these ingredients can lead to:

Dry mouth and throat
Daytime drowsiness
Feeling off balance
Constipation or urinary retention
Blurred vision
Dependency

It is important to keep in mind that OTC sleep aids are often not recommended for people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe liver disease, sleep apnea or close-angle glaucoma.

Sleep aids may be used to provide temporary relief for insomnia; however, they should not be used as a replacement for creating healthy sleeping habits or seeking proper treatment.

Healthy sleep habits include:

Avoiding excessive blue light from electronics or cellphones before going to sleep
Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day if possible
Keeping naps short ( 30 minutes or less)
Avoiding caffeine or nicotine
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly

If you are suffering from the effects of insomnia, speak with your doctor before taking a sleep aid. Your doctor can inform you of possible drug interactions or medications that can affect underlying health conditions. They may also recommend making an appointment with a sleep specialist who can properly diagnose your condition and offer treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or prescribed sleep-inducing medications. To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

October 8^th has been designated as National Depression Screening day, an annual event held during Mental Illness Awareness Week. This event was started 27 years ago as an effort to provide people with mental health education materials and give them resources for support services. National Depression Screening Day was also created with the hope of removing the stigma from mental illness.

The World Health Organization estimates that 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The organization states that early recognition and treatment of the disease offer the best opportunity for successful outcomes. If depression is left untreated it can lead to destructive behaviors and possibly suicide.

Depression screenings help to distinguish between short term feelings of sadness and stress due to transient life episodes, and more severe cases that can go on for months and years. The tests usually last between two to five minutes and the scores will indicate whether a further evaluation by a mental health professional is needed. It is important for people to know that help is available.

To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department of Jamaica Hospital
Medical Center, please call 718-206-7160.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Joann Ariola

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women in the United States? It estimated that each year, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Over 40,000 women are expected to lose their fight to disease. However, more women are surviving breast cancer due to improvements in treatment and early detection.

Cancer deaths can be decreased by as much as one-third with early detection and treatment.

Early detection can start from home. Doctors suggest that women perform monthly breast self-exams. In addition to yearly screenings and mammograms, self-exams can help women to monitor changes or abnormalities that may occur in her breasts. It is important to remember that breast self-exams are never a substitute for clinical breast exams or mammograms.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women should begin receiving clinical breast exams in their twenties. Women below the age of forty are advised to receive them every three years. Those over 40 should schedule yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Mammograms are one of the most effective breast screening and diagnostic tools; however, other tools such as MRI’s or ultrasounds may also be used to further evaluate abnormalities or help diagnose breast cancer.

Early and immediate treatment is one of the benefits women will gain from early detection of cancer. If you are age forty and older schedule an appointment for a mammogram as soon as possible. The American College of Radiology is a great resource to find accredited facilities and breast imaging centers.

Getting Help for Mental Health Issues is Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Mental illness affects millions of Americans, yet not surprisingly, many of those who need help do not receive it. There are many reasons why – it could be due to limited availability of services, or a strong distrust of others, or those who are mentally ill might have such a sense of hopelessness that they do not seek care.

While all of these are factors as to why someone doesn’t seek support, perhaps the biggest single reason is a sense of fear and shame associated with admitting help is needed. This sense of shame is very common and it is only reinforced by society, which has attached stigmas to mental illness. The beliefs the public has about mental illness leads those who need help to avoid it so they are not labeled as “crazy” and have their condition negatively affect their personal relationships and career goals.

Getting society to overcome the stigmas associated with mental illness is the key to having more individuals come forward, but unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. These stigmas can lead to obvious and direct discrimination, such as someone making a negative remark about mental illness or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding an individual because they assume they could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to mental illness.

Those with mental illness should never be ashamed of their condition and here are some reasons why:

According to the World Health Organization, one out of four people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.
Shame is pretty much guaranteed to make things worse. Feelings of shame are proven to have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health
Mental illness is no one’s fault. No one asks to have a mental illness and it is definitely not a choice we make.
We’re not ashamed when our bodies get sick, so why should we be ashamed when our minds aren’t in top form.
There is no normal – our minds are complex things and no single brain is the same
Our mental health doesn’t define us. Don’t let your mental illness become who you are, it is just one aspect of you.

It’s time to speak out against the stigmas associated with mental illness and reframe the way we see it. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center advises anyone who feels they need help to get it. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief and help you in life.

To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Outpatient Mental Health Center, please call 718-206-5575

Resting Heart Rate

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

The normal resting heart rate range is from 60 to 100 beats per minute. When a healthy person has a heart rate closer to the lower number, it signifies a heart that pumps blood more efficiently.

A resting heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute is called bradycardia and a heart rate above 100 beats per minute is called tachycardia. If the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, a person may experience fatigue or being dizzy. A heart rate above 80 beats per minute can indicate circulatory problems and a rate above 90 for an extended period of time can be linked to premature death if not better controlled.

Factors that can affect a resting heart rate include:

Body dimensions
Age
Air temperature
Medications
Body position
Chronic disease ( ex: diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension)
Smoking
Emotions
Stress level

You can measure a person’s heart rate by taking the index and middle finger and placing it either on the side of the neck, top of the foot, inside of the elbow or on the wrist. Count the number of beats you feel in 30 seconds and then double that number to get the number of beats per minute. A resting heart rate should not be taken within an hour of exercising, drinking a caffeinated beverage, or a stressful event. The American Heart Association recommends taking your heart rate upon waking up in the morning and before getting out of bed.

It is recommended that you check your heart rate a few times a week. If you notice any abnormalities schedule an appointment with your physician for a complete check-up. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical center, please call 718-206-7001.