The Importance of Knowing Your Family Medical History

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Diseases such as diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s and cancer are known to run in families. Members of your family share certain genetic traits that can serve as clues in assessing your risk of developing hereditary diseases. That is why it is important to know your family’s medical history.

The more you know about your family’s medical history, the better. Try to gather as much information as you can from blood relatives. You can do so by reaching out and letting family members know why you are collecting this information.

When gathering your family’s medical history, there are a few key components you should include. They are:

Major medical issues and conditions that run in the family
Age of onset ( When each member of your family was diagnosed with a medical condition)
Causes of death
Ethnic backgrounds ( Some ethnicities are more at risk for developing certain diseases than others)
Environment ( Families may share common environments that can have an impact on their health)

If you are unable to obtain this information from family members, documents such as death certificates may provide some answers.

Be sure to record information in a safe place and share it with other members of your family. You should also share the information collected with your doctor who may recommend screening tests for conditions you may be at risk for developing.

Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, knowing your family’s history can help you take the steps needed to reduce your risk of inherited diseases. If applicable, you can stop smoking, lose weight change your diet, exercise more frequently or reduce the amount of alcohol you consume to lower your risk.

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.

Fall Allergies

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Ever ask yourself, “Why are my allergies kicking up, it’s not spring or summer?” The answer may be that if you are a warmer weather allergy sufferer, you will most likely be sensitive to allergens in the fall too.

While the fall season signals the beginning of cooler temperatures, it can be especially difficult for those who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen. If you are one of these people, symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and headaches can reoccur leaving you feeling miserable.

There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever ragweed counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

If your symptoms are continuous and affect your ability to carry out routine activities, you should speak with an allergist. Your allergist will be able to help you identify what triggers your seasonal allergies and provide the best course of treatment to offer relief or stop symptoms.

The and Immunology at focuses on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of allergic and immunologic conditions. To schedule an appointment with an allergist, please call

Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The school year has begun and road travel increases. This can be a dangerous time of year, especially for children.

Many children rely on walking, riding a bicycle, or taking a bus to and from school. Fewer daylight hours can make it harder for motorists to see these young students. Take advantage of the following tips to strengthen your traffic safety knowledge:

Car:

All passengers should wear a seat belt.
All children should ride in an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4′ 9” and is between eight to 12 years of age).

School Bus:

Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the curb or to the school building.
Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them too).
Remind your child to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

Walking:

Make sure your child’s walk to school follows a safe route with trained crossing guards at every intersection.
If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Bike:

Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

Following these simple rules can help to prevent accidents and will keep you and children safe.

Claustrophobia

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Categorized as a “phobia”, claustrophobia is diagnosed when the patient exhibits persistent (usually 6 months or longer) unreasonable or excessive fear due to the presence or anticipation of a specific situation. That fear will often times cause an anxiety response that may lead to a panic attack.

People with claustrophobia will go to great lengths to avoid what triggers their anxiety, such as:

Being in a small room without windows
Riding in an airplane, small motor vehicle or subway car
Being in a packed elevator
Undergoing medical testing such as a MRI or CT scan
Attending large gatherings like a concert or party
Standing in a closet

While in the throes of an episode, the person with claustrophobia may experience one or more of these symptoms:

Sweating and chills
Dry mouth
Headache and numbness
Tightness in the chest, and chest pain
Nausea
Disorientation and confusion
Lightheadedness, fainting, and dizziness
High blood pressure and an accelerated heart rate

In severe cases, claustrophobia may cause reactions that can interfere with the person’s everyday life, professional life and relationships.

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of claustrophobia and would like to speak with a professional at , please call to schedule an appointment.

Fall Prevention Tips

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Alexander Ariza

According to an article written in the New York Times, “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Every 19 minutes in this country, an older person dies from a fall.”

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is committed to educating our community’s senior citizens on how to prevent falls. Here are some quick tips to help seniors stay safe.

Exercise

Your body needs to be active to stay healthy. The benefits of movement far outweigh the safety of inaction. Exercise ensures healthy joints, balance, endurance, and strength.

Medications

Always ask your doctor what your prescribed medications’ side effects are. If certain medications do make you dizzy, let your physician know. Be sure to read labels, check expiration dates, and follow all instructions carefully. Your diet may also affect how you feel on certain drugs. Make sure you keep a list of all the medications you are taking and bring it with you to each doctor that you visit.

Vision

Maintain your eye health by seeing an eye doctor for checkups as recommended. Doing so can reduce your risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as cataracts. If diagnosed with cataracts, removing them may reduce your risk of falling. Be extra cautious after having cataract surgery, as there is a chance your vision will change.

Home Safety

The four most common areas of the home where falls occur are the stairs, the bathroom, the living room, and the bedroom. Stairs should be clear of clutter and well lit. When going up and down the staircase, make sure you hold on to the banister for extra support. Grab bars should be installed near the bathtub or shower stall to prevent slipping. The living room should be well lit, clear of clutter and have wide unobstructed pathways to get around. When getting out of bed, take your time to adjust to sitting and standing slowly. Do not rush.

Ask for Help

There is no shame in asking for help from others. When riding the bus, ask for a seat. If you need to change a lightbulb have a neighbor, friend, or family member help out. If you need a ride to get to the doctor, there are many resources available to you to do so safely. Let others know where you are and what you’re doing often, especially if you are living alone.

To receive more information on Falls Prevention, please visit Jamaica Hospital Trauma Department’s Injury Prevention page https://jamaicahospital.org/clinical-services/trauma-center/injury-prevention/

Caring for Baby Teeth

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A baby’s teeth are very important and providing them with proper care is necessary to make sure they don’t develop cavities later in life.

Dental care for a baby starts even before their teeth start to break through the gums. The first steps that should be taken with an infant are to make sure their gums are kept clean. This is done by using a soft wash cloth or a soft gauze pad and wiping the gums at least twice a day, especially after each feeding. This will help to remove harmful bacteria that may accumulate.

Once a baby’s teeth start to develop, between six and eight months of age, a toothbrush specially designed for them should be used. These toothbrushes have very soft bristles and a small head to fit into a baby’s mouth. It isn’t necessary to use toothpaste at the beginning. Most babies will start to develop

To prevent cavities from developing, a baby should only be given water, milk, or formula. Things to stay away from are fruit juices, sodas, and sugary drinks.

A pediatric dentist can help provide tips to care for your baby’s teeth and to insure that they develop properly. A first visit with a dentist should be scheduled around their first birthday. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist at , please call .

Quick and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Want to turn classic chicken salad into a healthy meal? Try switching out mayo for plain greek yogurt to decrease the saturated fat and calories while maintaining flavor.

For a deliciously healthy alternative combine:

Greek yogurt
Almonds
Celery
Grapes
Honey
Green onion
Dill
Chunks of chicken

For the entire recipe, visit –

Bon apetite!

#WellnessWednesday Tips

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Joann Ariola

When seeking to achieve a wellness lifestyle, try to keep it simple.

Some simple ways you can bring more wellness into your life are:

Drink more fluids
Remember to eat a healthy breakfast daily
Make a list of goals you’d like to meet
Keep healthy snacks on hand so that you do not become too hungry
Move around during the course of the day. Take a brisk walk or just get up from your desk chair and stretch
Get enough sleep. It is recommended that six to eight hours of sleep is beneficial
Make time for yourself (meditation, yoga, exercise, prayer)
Organize and de-clutter your life and surroundings

Poison Ivy Rash

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Many people enjoy spending time outside during the summer. With more time spent outdoors, there is an increased risk of exposure to plants that can cause allergic reactions. The most common plants of this kind are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac; all of which grow in wooded or vegetated areas and contain urushiol.

Urushiol is an oily resin found in the leaves, stems and roots of each plant. When this substance comes in contact with our skin, it can lead to a reaction we know as poison ivy rash. An allergic reaction typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after exposure and symptoms can last up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may include:

Redness
Blistering
Itching
Swelling

There are several ways to minimize our exposure and reaction to plants that can cause poison ivy rash. We can:

Learn to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
Steer clear of these plants by avoiding areas in which they grow
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants
Immediately wash areas that have been exposed with soap and water
Bathe pets that have been exposed

Approximately 60 to 80% of people who are exposed to urushiol will have a reaction. For mild cases, taking cool showers and applying soothing topical treatments such as calamine lotion is recommended. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe pills or creams that contain steroids or antihistamines.

Retinal Detachment

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Mayo Clinic, retinal detachment is an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its underlying support tissue.

The warning signs of retinal detachment are:

The appearance of tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision commonly referred to as floaters
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred vision
A gradual reduction in peripheral or side vision
A shadow over the visual field

There are three different types of retinal detachment:

Rhegamtogeneous – The most common type of detachment which occures slowly over time.

Tractional – A detachment that occurs when there is scar tissue growing on the retina’s surface

Exudative – Occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retna without any tears or holes in the retna.

Aging and family history of retinal detachment are the most common risk factors for this condition. Those who already have a retinal detachment in one eye, have severe nearsightedness, have had previous eye surgery, have received a trauma to the eye or have an eye disorder that thins the retina are equally at risk.

Retinal detachment is an emergency so if you are experiencing flashes of light, floaters or a darkening of your field of vision, you will want to contact your eye doctor immediately. If a detachment isn’t repaired, you may have permanent vision loss.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of retinal detachment or would like to schecule an eye exam, please call the at for an appointment.