Jamaica Hospital Recognizes Physicians Assistants Week

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Physician Assistants (PA) are certified and state licensed medical professionals who practice medicine in all areas with healthcare teams that includes physicians, nurses and other health providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and uniformed services. Physician Assistants are highly skilled and trained to practice in fields including but not limited to, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Urology, Family Medicine, Neurology, Geriatrics, and Education. PA’s may change fields of practice at any time and are usually trained further on the job site. They are also well known for their extreme sensitivity, empathy, and detailed communication with their patients. The PA field has grown tremendously over the years making this one of the top career choices in the U.S. and other countries.

Jamaica Hospital has Physician Assistants who work in many areas throughout the hospital. They are highly skilled and compassionate and they enjoy serving our local community by providing quality care to all of their patients.

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 September 27, 2017 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 Division of Allergy and Immunology at Jamaica Hospital focuses on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of allergic and immunologic conditions. To schedule an appointment with an allergist, please call 718-206-7001.

Employee Spotlight Denise Amalfitano

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Denise has been with Jamaica Hospital for almost 20 years. She started her career at the hospital as a public affairs representative where she organized community events that promoted health and wellness. These activities took her to local schools, houses of worship and to senior centers where she enjoyed educating people on the benefits of being well informed about their health.

Always looking for ways to increase her knowledge and skills, fifteen years ago Denise was offered the opportunity to work in Emergency Room Registration where she quickly learned all of the facets of her new position. She worked her way up to become supervisor of that department and then on to her current role as the director. With over 130,000 emergency room registrations every year, it is certainly a challenging position but Denise absolutely loves what she does. She also acts as an Administrator on Duty which is a position with great responsibility at the hospital and also serves as a certified medical interpreter.

Denise grew up in Richmond Hill, New York and graduated from Richmond Hill High School. She is a firm believer in being the best that you can be and in early 2018 she will be completing a dual Master’s program earning both an MBA and an MHA degree. Denise encourages the members of her staff to also look for ways to better themselves, especially through education. She is always proud of all the people who started in her department who have gone on to earn degrees, and take on positions with more responsibility.

She is married to her wonderful husband of 17 years and they live in Howard Beach. Together they enjoy traveling to new places, but most of all they enjoy all that New York has to offer. Denise is an only child and family is extremely important to her. Denise believes in giving back to the community. She taught religious instruction for two years at Our Lady of Grace, a large congregation in Howard Beach.

Denise is very proud to tell people that she works at Jamaica Hospital. She feels that patients receive extremely good care and she tells everyone that she meets how wonderful the hospital is. We are very happy to spotlight Denise this month.

Could You Be Pregnant? 10 Signs You May Be

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

A common question many women ask after missing their period is, “could I be pregnant?” There are early symptoms that you could look out for that may indicate pregnancy. These signs may show up a week or two after you have missed your period and can include:

Mood swings
Food aversions
Frequent urination
Spotting and cramping
Constipation
Changes in breasts that may involve swelling or tenderness
Fatigue
Headaches
Back pain
Darkening of nipples

Every woman’s body is unique; therefore, some may experience multiple symptoms or none at all during the early stages of their pregnancies. If you believe you could be pregnant, it is advised that you see your doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will discuss a prenatal care plan that is best for you and your baby’s health.

Prenatal care is vital because it improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Women who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birthweight babies and are more at risk of having complications caused by pregnancy.

To speak with a doctor about your pregnancy or prenatal care, please schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

National School Backpack Awareness Day

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Backpacks are essential back-to- school items for kids. They come in different colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly they help children to carry their belongings. Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body. However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that has the following features:

Lightweight
Wide and padded straps
Multiple compartments
Padded back
Waist belt
Correct size (A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso).

Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back. Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women. This type of cancer usually affects women who are in their fifties and sixties, and who typically have a family history of the disease.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, and constipation
• Abdominal and pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Backaches
• Frequent Urination with urgency

When a physician suspects ovarian cancer, they will perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. The exam may include a blood test for the CA-125 genetic marker, an examination of the abdomen to see if there is tenderness, a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and a biopsy.

There are four main stages of ovarian cancer:

. Stage I – completely confined to one or both ovaries.
. Stage II – Found in one or both ovaries with spread to other pelvic organs (bladder, colon, rectum, uterus).
. Stage III – Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen and/or the lymph nodes.
. Stage IV – The most advanced stage of the disease with spread to additional organs such as the liver and lungs.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the affected organ(s), hormone therapy, and radiation. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of ovarian cancer, the age of the patient, and the stage of the disease.

Remember that early detection is important and just may save your life. All women should see their OB/GYN once a year for a pelvic exam. If you would like to make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276.

We Will Never Forget 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

“I want them to know they will never be forgotten,” is what Jamaica Hospital’s Vinny Barranco EMTP Supervisor wants people to remember.

Vinny was one of the emergency responders that raced to the World Trade Center 16 years ago on the tragic day of 9/11. We sat with him as he shared his story of this very sad day in our nation’s history. Here are details from our interview:

Where were you when you first heard we were being attacked?

Vinny: I was in the hospital’s garage getting ready to head out on the road.

What were you feeling?

Vinny: My feelings came in different stages. Just a flood of emotions; I was angry, I felt sorrow- my heart was breaking. Our guys felt the same way but we knew we had a mission. We knew that we had to get to World Trade Center at any cost and by any means. We were determined to get out there and do everything that we could do to help. Our hearts were heavy but that did not stop us. We had guys that were off duty calling in saying, “I’m going in.” Jamaica Hospital tried to fit as many emergency responders possible in each ambulance. It was all hands on deck. Our mechanics made sure that everything that was mobile was ready to go, our ambulances, our mobile health clinics

How did you feel when you arrived at the World Trade Center after the attacks?

Vinny: When I arrived, I was just in disbelief of what I was seeing. This was not the New York City I know. I did not resemble my New York, It resembled a war zone. When we looked at the World Financial Center there was total devastation. It’s just hard to put in words what we saw.

What would you like survivors and those who lost loved ones to this tragedy to know?

Vinny: On 9/11 I lost friends. We lost employees from Jamaica Hospital. It’s hard knowing they are gone. It is heart-wrenching. We want everyone who was affected by this tragedy to know that their loved ones will never be forgotten. This is the reason why I volunteer at the Tribute Center because I want them to know to know we will never forget.

Vinny volunteers at the 9/11 Tribute Museum; He devotes his spare time to taking guests on tours and sharing his story. Vinny helps visitors to understand and remember the events that took place on 9/11. He knows that by doing so, he is doing his part in keeping the memories of those who perished alive.

At Jamaica Hospital we will never forget and recognize the courage of emergency responders and others who helped people affected by 9/11. On this day, please join Jamaica Hospital as we remember those we lost.

#WellnessWednesday

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Joann Ariola

There is no time like the present to make healthy changes in your life. A healthy lifestyle would include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 12 habits that are practiced by people who are living a healthy lifestyle.

They include:

Physical activity
Forgiveness
Portion size
Preventive healthcare screening
Adequate sleep
Trying something new
Strength and flexibility
Laughter
Family and friends
Addressing addictive behaviors
Quieting your mind
Gratitude

Every day, take a few minutes to make a small change that will have a positive effect on your body. It’s never too late to start taking care of your body. After all, it’s the only one you’ve got.

Dr.’s Tips: Health Symptoms and Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Dr. Alan Roth; Chairman of Family Medicine

Occasionally we may experience symptoms that we choose to ignore under the assumption that “it’s nothing serious” or “it will pass.” However, it is important to remember our bodies are designed to provide us with warning signs that alert us when a serious problem is developing.

“There are times when your body is telling you that you need to pay attention and seek medical assistance immediately. Symptoms can be indicators of disease or conditions that may be potentially life threatening,” shares Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Ignoring telltale signs can be a detriment to your health. Here are a few health symptoms that you should not take lightly or dismiss:

Leg pain with swelling – Swollen legs serve as a symptom of many medical conditions including heart failure. If the heart is not functioning properly, it is unable to circulate blood throughout the body causing blood and other fluids to back up in the veins and store in the limbs. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, there is a possibility that you have developed a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.
Severe and sudden head pain- These are two common symptoms of a brain aneurysm. This occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and results in intense levels of pain. A sudden and severe headache is also indicative of a stroke.
Severe and sudden abdominal pain- This could be a sign that you have an aortic aneurysm that has ruptured. Aneurysms are bulges in the aorta and while they can form anywhere in the body; they are most commonly found in the belly area. Aortic aneurysms can lead to stroke, blood clots or death.
Chest Pain – Intense discomfort of the chest that include pressure or pain are symptoms synonymous with a heart attack. Other symptoms of a heart attack you may experience include: shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or sweating. Intense chest pain can also be indicative of a condition that is known as aortic dissection, this is caused by a tear in the aorta.
Unexplained weight loss- If you have lost more than 5% of your body weight within a period of six months without changing your diet or trying to lose weight, there may be need for concern. Weight loss is a common symptom of several cancers. It is also a symptom that presents itself in people with endocrine disorders and could also be a sign of diabetes.
Abdominal discomfort with bloating- In women, if abdominal pain with bloating persists almost daily and consistently for more than two to three weeks, it is a reason to raise concern. The symptoms are common in cases of ovarian cancer. Other symptoms include changes in bowel movement and pressure in the pelvis or lower back.

While some of these symptoms are alarming and others are more subtle, you should always pay attention to changes in your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, It is highly recommended that you do not ignore them and seek immediate medical attention, as it can be the difference between life and death in some cases. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-657-7093.

Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Joann Ariola

The Mayo Clinic describes Parkinson’s disease as a progressive disease of the nervous system that causes a tremor, muscular rigidity combined with slow and imprecise movement of the body. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The disease mostly affects people who are middle-aged and elderly people.

Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include:

Tremor – A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers.
Slowed movement –Over time, Parkinson’s disease may reduce your ability to move and slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
Rigid muscles – Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause you pain.
Impaired posture and balance –Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems.
Loss of automatic movements – Decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes – You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.
Writing changes – It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.

Managing some of the symptoms, such as tremor can be helped with medications. The medications prescribed can act as a substitute for dopamine and send a similar signal to the neurotransmitter in your brain.

Although these medications can become less effective over time, some patients realize significant improvement of their symptoms after starting treatment and continue to do.

To see these and more information regarding Parkinson’s disease visit