What is a hernia ?

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

A hernia occurs when an organ or body part pushes through a weak spot in muscle or connective tissue into a part of the body that it isn’t supposed to be in. While some hernias can occur at birth, others may form later in life. These types of hernias may occur as a result of heavy lifting, straining, pregnancy and obesity.

There are several types of hernias that include:

Inguinal hernias – Occurs when a part of the intestine pushes into the inguinal canal. Most commonly seen in males.
Femoral hernia -Occurs when the femoral artery and vein pass through the canal between the abdomen and the groin. Most often seen in females.
Epigastric hernia – Occurs when a small piece of fat protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles located between the belly button and the breastbone
Umbilical hernia – Occurs when a portion of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall next to the belly button
Hiatal hernia – Occurs when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest and causes heartburn
Incisional hernia – Occurs when a portion of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall where surgery had been performed previously

The symptoms of a hernia often depend on where it is located. Some hernias will cause pain while there are others that only have physical signs, such as a bulging out of the skin, but aren’t painful. When a portion of the intestine pushes through a muscle and becomes trapped it can be very painful block the intestinal blood supply. These hernias require urgent surgical attention. A hernia can be prevented by avoiding lifting heavy objects improperly, maintaining proper weigh, care when coughing, having a diet that contains adequate fiber, and avoiding excessive straining during a bowel movement.

Treatment for a hernia depends on its location, size and the amount of discomfort. In some cases surgery isn’t necessary and the hernia can be pushed into place and held there by a device called a truss. Surgical options include closing the weak spot in the muscle with stitches, , using a mesh to reinforce the weak muscle that the hernia is pushing through, and laparoscopic surgery to repair the defect that is causing the hernia.

If you are experiencing any discomfort from a hernia, it is important to seek professional help to learn what the options are to repair it. You can schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718-206-7001.

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.

Perinatal Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Awaiting the arrival of your child or becoming a mother should be a time of great hope and happy anticipation, but for some, it can bring a wave of depression and anxiety. If you are experiencing depression and anxiety that occurred during or within one year after your pregnancy, you may have Perinatal Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

GAD is usually prevalent in those who have a history of depression, anxiety or substance abuse, a family history of mental illness, lack of a good support system, issues with a previous pregnancy or schedule and hormonal changes.

Some common signs of GAD are:

Feeling sad, depressed, and/or crying a lot
Diminished interest in becoming a mother
Feeling worthless or guilty, especially about not being a good mother
Strong anxiety, tension, and/or fear either about your future child or other things
Sleep problems
Thoughts of wanting to be dead or wanting to kill yourself
Having low energy
Loss of or increase in appetite or weight
Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
Feeling restless or irritable
Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, or hyperventilation

Often times the new mom may experience disbelief, embarrassment, shame or guilt with GAD before seeking treatment to manage the disorder. Successful management of GAD can be done through medication and/or therapy.

If you are expecting a baby or have just become a mom and are feeling any of the symptoms listed above, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Mental Health for a screening.

To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Foods that are Suprisingly High in Sugar

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Joann Ariola

As our lifestyles move toward healthier eating habits, it is not enough to just count calories, carbohydrates or proteins; we should also be checking how much sugar is in the “healthy” foods we are eating.

Fruit, for example, although healthy for you, can be high in sugar. A pineapple has 16 grams of sugar per slice, there are 17 grams per of sugar in one large banana and a small apple has a whopping 19 grams of sugar. Although all are healthy, you have to be what you eat; especially, if you are a diabetic.

Some other “healthy” foods that are surprisingly high in sugar are:

Lo-fat yogurt
Fruit juice
Sport drinks
Chocolate milk
Granola
Protein bars
Salad dressing
Smoothies
Non-dairy milk

The American Heart Association recommends that women limited their added sugar intake to six teaspoons per day, while men should limit their intake to nine teaspoons.

It is a known fact that ingesting too much sugar is not good for your overall health. If your sugar intake is more than the recommended daily dosage, you may be at risk for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

If you are concerned about your sugar intake and would like to speak with a Registered Dietitian at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Is My Wellness Routine Causing Me Stress?

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Did you ever notice when you turn on the TV, radio, read a magazine or listen to a podcast, the topic being discussed is how boosting your wellness routine will reduce your stress? But, what if your wellness routine is what is causing your stress?

Experts will tell you that there is a fine line between positive self-care and over reaching your wellness goals, causing the activation of the very anxiety based triggers you are seeking to quell. Some of the routines you may have adopted to make you feel better can often be another stressful thing in your already jam packed lifestyle. If this is the case, it is time for a change.

Some ways to determine if your wellness routine is a cause of stress are:

Feeling overwhelmed – If your morning routine is cutting into your responsibilities, try to accommodate a different start time when your home is quieter and time can be spent focusing on yourself.
Not feeling the benefit – If your wellness routine isn’t helping you achieve your goals, you may want to tweak it a bit and change the activity. If your spin class isn’t helping you, switch to yoga or a brisk walk.
Routine rut – Like anything else, sometimes our wellness routine can get a bit boring. Add some fun to your existing routine by partnering up with friends. Adding a bit of laughter to your daily routine
Your wellness routine has to be realistic. It has to become every facet of your day slowly working to transform you into the best version of yourself.
Your wellness routine has to be realistic. It has to become every facet of your day slowly working to transform you into the best version of yourself.

Your wellness routine has to be realistic. It has to become part of every facet of your day, slowly working to transform you into the best version of yourself. Be honest with yourself and simplify your routine so that you can reset your priorities and avoid burnout.

Employee Spotlight Shines on David Hutt

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on David Hutt, Supportive Care Associate in the Operating Room. David is a native of Westchester County, having grown up in Peekskill where he attended Peekskill High School. David joined Jamaica Hospital 23 years ago, first rotating between units before moving to 3 North and currently in the operating room where he has worked for 21 years.

David is very proud of the work he does at Jamaica Hospital. He says that his co-workers are like family to him. Everyone works well together. He also enjoys interacting every day with his patients. He has received many compliments from the people he has helped. He credits his compassion and sense of humor for helping to make the patients’ experience a pleasant one. He looks forward to many more years of working at the hospital with his team.

David is known as an avid sports fan. His favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he also roots for the Pittsburgh Penguins, The L.A. Lakers, and the New York Mets. He enjoys listening to all types of music, going to the movies, concerts, and sometimes just staying home and watching TV. Two of his favorite vacations were spent on a cruise and also when he went to Cancun. The best way he can think of to spend his free time is with family and close friends.

David has been living in Queens for 33 years, and the last 7 with his wife in Ozone Park and says that he really enjoys the cultural diversity and fast pace of the neighborhood and the city.

Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Service Wants to Educate the Public on How to “Stop the Bleed”

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

What would you if you encountered a traumatic event where someone was bleeding and no medical professional was immediately available? Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division wants to make you aware of a national campaign called “Stop the Bleed” that can help in these types of situations.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign that was initiated by the White House in 2015 to bring attention to this very serious situation. It is a collaboration of a number of Federal agencies, non- profit organizations and corporations. The purpose of this campaign is to teach as many people as possible what to do when faced with a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. When an emergency arises often the first people on the scene will be non-medical professionals without much training in first aid. This campaign serves to train as many people as possible on what to do until help arrives.

These are the ABC’s to follow when someone is bleeding: :

A – Alert
Either call 9-1-1 or have another bystander make the call
B – Bleeding
Find the source of the bleed
C – Compress
Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply pressure with both hands, apply a tourniquet when possible, or pack the wound with gauze or a clean cloth

In addition it is important to assess the situation so that you can ensure your own safety. When it is possible, you should protect yourself from blood and blood products by using gloves and other protective gear when available.

If you would like to obtain more information on learning how to Stop the Bleeding, please visit the website

Citrus Marinated Salmon with Couscous and Sauteed Haricot Verts

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

March is National Nutrition Month. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Nutrition is marking the occasion with a healthy and tasty receipe for Citrus Marinated Salmon with Couscous and Sauteed Haricot Verts.

This receipe serves four (4)

We would like to thank our

INGREDIENTS:

Fish

Marinade:

3 Tablespoon Orange Juice

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1.5 Tablespoon minced garlic

1 Teaspoon canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

4- 4 oz Salmon filets

Haricot Verts- French Green beans

1 lb green beans, French, fresh

1 Tablespoon canola oil

3 cloves garlic, peeled, minced

Kosher salt to taste

Couscous:

Prepare according to package

PREPARATION:

To prepare fish:

Combine marinade ingredients bowl, place salmon in marinade
Heat canola oil in sautee pan over high heat
Remove fish from marinade and discard excess marinade
Place fish in hot pan, Flesh side down, cook for 4-5 minutes, flip fish to skin side, cover pan and cook 4 additional minutes or until cooked through and fish is flakey

To prepare green beans

If using fresh green beans – follow steps below. If using frozen – skip to step 5

Trim ends of green beans
Bring pot of water to boil, blanch green beans for 1-2 minutes in boiling water
Shock green beans in ice bath
Drain green beans
Heat oil in sauté pan over medium high heat
Add minced garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant
Add green beans and sauté for 1 minute or until evenly coated and heated through. (if using frozen green beans, will need more time to cook through)
Season with kosher salt to taste

To prepare the couscous

Cook couscous according to the package directions

The Benefits of Couples Counseling

Posted on March 15, 2019 by Joann Ariola

There are many changes that couples can go through during the course of their relationship. In some instances, these changes can lead to undue stress, strain and conflict on their relationship.

During these times, couples may benefit from counseling. Couples counseling can be effective in helping you and your partner heal, foster forgiveness and help you reconnect.

Some benefits from counseling are:

Learning how to communicate in a non-adversarial way
Understanding the importance of listening to your partner and how to process what your partner is saying
Learning how to get your point across with assertion and not aggression or anger
Finding a way to discuss your issues without fear of retaliation or hurting the feelings of your partner
Learning how to work through your issues in a safe environment
Getting your feelings out in the open and not letting them fester
Re-committing to work out your issues together without engaging in conflict
Developing a deeper understanding of your partner and what their needs are

By entering into counseling, you may find that you and your partner are willing to put in the work needed to get through a difficult time. If the opposite is realized, you will then feel less guilt when you make the decision to end the relationship knowing you have given it every chance.

If you and your partner would like to speak with a counselor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, call 718-206-5588 to schedule an appointment.

Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

Oh My Aching Feet!

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on skin, which leads to the formation of thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. Complications from corns and calluses are rarely serious; however, if you are a diabetic they can lead to more serious issues.

Diabetics often have impaired sensitivity and may not be aware of the friction or presence of a corn or callous. Since they are unaware, the corn or callous can progress into ulcers or secondary infections without the person knowing.

In addition, diabetics don’t, usually, heal as quickly as non-diabetics and their infections can become life-threatening.

Indications that you may have a corn or callous:

Skin is thick and hardened.
Skin may be flaky and dry.
Hardened, thick skin areas are found feet or other areas that may be rubbed or pressed.
The affected areas can be painful and may bleed.

According to the National Institutes of Health, preventing friction by wearing proper fitting shoes and avoiding walking barefoot are often the only preventative measures you can take.

Regular examination of you feet can help you to identify any problems and, if you receive a foot injury, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing corns/calluses that are painful, red, warm, or there is drainage in the area, you should call your healthcare provider immediately to determine the cause.

To make an appointment with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Centers Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7005 to schedule an appointment.