Foot Care

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

We often take them for granted but think how life would be different if we had serious problems with our feet or worse, if one or both were missing.
One of the big mistakes that people often make is not wearing shoes that fit properly. If shoes are too tight, they can cause friction against the skin which will lead to blisters, callouses and the potential for ingrown toe nails. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose, this can lead to the potential for falling. Worn out shoes may be very comfortable but can also be harmful. Look at the bottom of the shoes to see if they are wearing out unevenly. If they are, it is time to treat yourself to a new pair.
Many people have difficulty trimming their own toe nails which can lead to problems, especially if the nails start to grow into the skin. That can lead to the potential for pain at the very least and also for infections. If you experience difficulty with keeping the nails properly trimmed, seek the help of a podiatrist who can assist you. Nail salons which are very popular may not be the best solution because the workers don’t always use instruments that are properly cleaned and they also may not use proper techniques.
It is important to keep the feet clean and dry. Always dry the feet thoroughly after bathing and especially between the toes. This will keep the skin from peeling. Poor hygiene can lead to serious problems and the possibility of infection.
During the winter months, our skin tends to be very dry and can crack. Using an unscented skin cream or Vitamin A and D cream once a day on the top and bottom of the foot can help avoid cracked skin. It is important to remember that these creams should not be used between the toes.
Never go barefoot in public areas, especially showers. There is a greater risk for contracting athlete’s foot and other skin diseases from these places. Wearing a pair of pair of rubber or plastic shoes in the shower can help, even in your own home.
People with diabetes have to be extra cautious when it comes to taking care of their feet. Even a tiny cut can be very dangerous. That is because people with diabetes tend to heal slowly and are often more susceptible to infection.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet, you should make an appointment with a foot doctor who can assist you. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital, please call 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.

November is Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Joann Ariola

The American Urological Association (AUA) has designated November as Bladder Health Month.

So often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop, therefore the AUA is committed to increasing the public’s awareness about bladder health conditions.

Some symptoms of an infected bladder are:

Pelvic pain
Increased urge to urinate
Pain with urination
Blood in the urine

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are some ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection and have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Diwali Toy Donation to Pediatrics

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was the recipient of the first Diwali Toy Drive sponsored by Shri Surya Narayan Mandir. Members of the organization took time out of their schedules to distribute toys and other gifts to the children on the Pediatric and the Maternity units where both moms and babies received gifts

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November has been designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. There are 86 million more people who have pre-diabetes and are at risk of developing type II diabetes during their lifetime.

There is no cure for diabetes but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar daily and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways complications can be prevented.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications. It is the leading cause of blindness, non traumatic amputations, kidney disease and also increases the risk for heart attacks.

During the month of November, the ADA sponsors events around the country that serve to make people aware of the risk factors and the warning signs of diabetes. For more information on events taking place, please see the American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org. It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Obesity: Lifestyle or Genetics?

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Joann Ariola

“How does she eat so much and not gain any weight?”

It’s a question that has left many puzzled and quite frustrated. The conversation about weight, however, is a longstanding one. Today, especially, weight gain and weight loss remain relevant discussions, as the United States faces an obesity epidemic.

Though several health initiatives to help fight obesity have been implemented over the past few years, it is important to first understand what factors contribute to obesity. According to a National Institutes of Health funded study conducted by UCLA, not only does behavior and environment affect obesity, but genetic factors can also play a significant role in causing obesity.

How our genes actually influence obesity varies. As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genes give the body instruction for responding to changes in its environment. Some research has linked genes to metabolism, pointing out that genetics affects how one’s body responds to high-fat diets. Genes can either cause an increased tendency to store fat or a diminished capacity to use dietary fats as fuel. Other research has suggested that genes influence behaviors, such as overeating and being sedentary.

The conversation about obesity can now change since research has shown that body weight is hereditary and that genetic disposition affects weight. In all efforts to fight obesity, living environments where high calorie foods are prevalent and physical activity is limited should be looked at more closely.

We understand that the road to healthier choices isn’t easy to travel, especially alone. Here at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center our outpatient registered Dietitians assist patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. To schedule an appointment the outpatient nutrition services department can be reached directly at .

Mirna Calixto

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

This month we would like to introduce you to Mirna Calixto, receptionist at the main information desk.
Mirna has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for two years and says that she feels very privileged to be one of the first points of contact for people visiting the hospital. She enjoys helping people and making sure that our visitors have a positive experience. Mirna speaks both English and Spanish which is a big asset at the hospital’s information desk.
Mirna is a Queens native who grew up in Jamaica. She is a graduate of Hillcrest High School and is now currently enrolled at LaGuardia College studying for a career in a health care.
Mirna has three children, two girls and a boy and also two pets, one is a small dog and the other is a golden macaw bird that actually speaks-sometimes too much she says.
Her favorite season is the fall because she believes that there is something special about the changing colors of the leaves. In her free time she enjoys hiking, visiting water parks and traveling to see other states.
Mirna shares that the best part of working at Jamaica Hospital, besides the wonderful people that she works with, is interacting with guests all day and providing them with assistance. She always tries her best to ensure that they receive the information needed to make their visit go smoothly.

What Is Tinnitus?

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Many of us will hear it from time to time. Only you can hear it- a ringing in your ear that may come and go. The medical term for it: tinnitus. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 10% of adults in America have experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.

Some of the causes you may experience ringing in your ears can be:

Trauma to the ear. This can include listening to your music loudly. The recommended listening should be at less than 90 decibels according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.
Wax Build- up. Some people produce more ear wax than others. Instead of using Q-Tips, try softening the ear wax with peroxide or mineral oil and allow the wax to dissolve and drain.
Excessive use of certain medicines such as aspiring or antibiotics.
Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, have also been known to cause ringing in the ears as well.

Is the ringing persistent? Contact Jamaica Hospital’s ambulatory care center and set an appointment to see a physician at 718-206-7001.

Flu Prevention

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

It is the middle of October and it is also the beginning of flu season. None of us want to catch the flu so it is a good idea to take some preventative measures that can help us to stay healthy.
Here are a few of the ways we can prevent getting the flu:
• Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the vaccine every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep a hand sanitizer handy for the times soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Whenever possible, disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others such as tables and chairs.
• Clean your drinking glasses and dishes in hot water and with soap
• Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night
• Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is highly recommended to quit smoking.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital to discuss the flu vaccine and other ways to stay healthy, please call 718-206-7001.

Organ Donor Registry Day

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Joann Ariola

New York State currently holds the second lowest number of organ donors with 26% registered compared to 50% nationwide. That’s why the state has adopted October 4, as its additional Organ Donor Registry Day.

In an effort to bolster the number of organ donors in NYS, both Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s hosted a registration in their main lobby.

On hand to give their personal account of the importance of organ donation was Mary Fischer, CNA at FHMC and her daughter, Lauren Fischer, a double lung transplant recipient.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the US. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, however 21 people still die each day waiting for an organ.

Here are a few popular myths and facts about organ donation:

Myth: Age, illness or physical defects can prevent me from becoming a donor.

Fact: A person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.

Myth: If doctors know that I am registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.

Fact: The first priority of a medical professional is to save lives. Organ and tissue donation isn’t even considered or discussed until after death is declared.

Myth: My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.

Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation. Discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.

Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.

Fact: Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.

To find out how you can register as organ, eye and/or tissue donor please visit

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Joann Ariola

October is National Bullying Prevention Month is a nationwide campaign founded in 2006 and its mission is to reach out to communities in an effort to educate and raise awareness of bullying and the tools for prevention.

Bullying occurs when an individual or group possesses an imbalance of power, either from a physical or social status perspective, over another person or group. While bullying is prevalent among all age groups, it has become a serious cause for concern among children.

The National Bullying Prevention Center defines bullying as behavior that hurts or harms another person physically or emotionally. Those being bullied often have difficulty stopping the behavior directed at them and struggle to defend themselves.

Statistics have shown that at least 28 percent of students, ages 12-18, reported being bullied at school during the year. Additionally, 7.2 % of students admit to not going to school due to personal safety concerns. Many fear the physical and verbal aggression of their peers, and many more attend school in a state of anxiety and depression.

Many children will not tell parents they are being bullied until the situation escalates, but there a few changes in their behavior that can alert you. Signs that your child may be a victim of bullying include refusing to speak about their day at school,not wanting to go to school, unexplained marks and bruises, asking for more lunch money, complaining of frequent headaches and stomach aches,sudden loss of friends and frequent nightmares.

If you find that your child is being bullied, you will need to document the dates, times and places of the action. If the bullying is taking place on school grounds, call the school and schedule a face to face meeting with a teacher or principal. If not on school grounds, notify the police.

Most schools have adopted an anti-bullying policy. Obtain a copy to determine if the bully violated school law. Bullying is best handled when you work together, with the proper authorities.

After notification, be sure to follow up with your child, and the school, to make sure that the bullying has stopped.