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

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.

History of the EKG Machine

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

An EKG machine measures the electrical activity of the heart. It displays this activity by drawing waves on a piece of paper that is either displayed on a screen or drawn on a piece of paper that runs through a machine.
• Late 1700’s – The first step in the development of the modern electrocardiograph machine was the creation of a machine that could sense, but not measure, electric current. This machine was called a galvanometer.
• 1786 an Italian physician, Dr. Luigi Galvan, discovered that skeletal muscles worked by producing electric current. In
• 1842 Dr. Carlo Matteucci working at the University of Pisa discovered that there is an electrical current that comes with each heart beat in a frog.
• Mid 1800’s a machine called the “Rheotome” was invented that could now measure this electrical current.
• 1872 – further refinements to this Rheotome led to a machine devised by Gabrrile Lippman of the “capillary electrometer”.
During this time, a British physiologist, Augustus Waller, was able to record the first human electrocardiogram that using this technology with electrodes placed on the chest and back of a patient. This demonstrated electric activity taking place before ventricular contraction. In
• 1893 – Dr. Wilhelm Einthoven, a Dutch physiologist, refined the capillary electrometer to show five deflections in the electrical current passing through the heart. The five waves were initially called ABCDE, but were changed to PQRST after a mathematical correction was made to compensate for the inertia in the capillary tube. He used the phrase “electrocardiogram” for the first time at a meeting of Dutch physicians. In
• 1901 – Dr. Eintoven he developed a string galvanometer, a more sensitive machine. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his invention of the electrocardiograph.
As time passed, the electrocardiograph machine became much smaller and much more accurate. In 1903 it weighed 600 pounds and by 1930 it weighed about 30 pounds. Tthe importance of an electrocardiograph was recognized as being essential in diagnosing cardiac from non cardiac pain and able to help diagnose a myocardial infarction or a heart attack. Today we use a 12 lead electrocardiogram as a major tool in diagnosing heart disease. The machine today weighs just a few pounds and is an essential tool in diagnosing diseases of the heart.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Joann Ariola

If you work outside of normal daytime hours such as evening shifts, night shifts, rotating shifts or swing shifts, you may be at greater risk for developing shift work sleep disorder (SWSD).

SWSD is a sleep disorder that disrupts the circadian rhythm of an individual.

Your circadian rhythm is often called a “body clock.” It is a cycle that lets our bodies know when to rise, sleep, and eat.

More than 15 million people in the United States work various types of shifts. Some are better able than others to adjust to working irregular hours, but for those that are unable to adjust, SWSD can become a major factor in lessening their quality of life.

Some symptoms of sleep shift disorder are:

Excessive sleepiness
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Problems concentrating
Irritability
Headaches
Increase risk of making mistakes and having accidents

SWSD can also have adverse effects on your health. Chronic sleep shift disorder can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive issues and depression.

If you are a shift worker with irregular hours there are some treatment measures that can help:

Exercise Regularly
Keep a healthy diet
Keep your sleep area dark with black out drapes or use a sleep mask
Avoid alcohol and caffeine at least three hours before bedtime
Put away digital devices. The light from your device can play tricks on your brain, making it think it is daylight
If possible, take a 10-20 min nap during your shift

If none of the above treatment options seem to help you adjust to your irregular work schedules, you might want to consider contacting a sleep clinic. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s has a state-of-the-art Sleep Center. Call 718-206-5916 for more information or to make an appointment.

7 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Very often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop. Bladder problems can lead to discomfort, difficulty urinating, frequency in urination and in some cases, mad dashes to the bathroom.

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 seven 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 and help prevent bladder infections.
Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegels are a good way for men and women to maintain bladder control.
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 difficulty urinating or have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Psoriasis

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Psoriasis is a condition that is characterized by raised, red scaly patches. It is often found on the scalp, knees and elbows but can show up on other parts of the body as well. It causes skin cells to multiply at a faster rate than normal which can lead to a buildup of lesions. Areas affected by psoriasis also tend to feel warmer because they contain more blood vessels.

Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown there is a correlation between genetics and the body’s immune system.

Psoriasis is not contagious so it does not get passed by coming in to contact with a person who has it. It affects men and women equally and can develop at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 15 and 35 years old.

Common signs of psoriasis include:

•Red patches of skin with thick silvery scales
•Cracked and dry skin that may bleed
•Stiff joints that may become swollen
•Itching, burning and soreness
•Nails that are pitted, thick and ridged
There are certain risk factors for developing psoriasis. This includes stress, smoking, obesity, alcoholism, skin infections, a vitamin D deficiency, and a family history.

Psoriasis is diagnosed by examining the skin. An assessment is conducted based on the thickness and redness of the skin. If a person is diagnosed, there are three ways that treatment for psoriasis can be approached. Topical creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids are the most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate conditions. Light therapy that is either natural or artificial ultraviolet can be used and is directed at the area of the body that is affected. In severe cases, medications that are either injected or taken orally may be required. Depending on severity, these treatments can be offered by themselves or together. There are also alternative treatments that are being used and this includes Aloe Vera which comes from a plant and omega-3 fatty acids that comes from fish oils.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital for any type of skin condition, please call 718-206-7001.

TALK YOURSELF POSITIVE

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Joann Ariola

With all the running around we do and the stress we deal with each and every day, try to take a moment to center your mind and bring wellness to your entire being. Try reciting these and other positive affirmations to help start your day in a positive way.

Jamaica Hospital Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Today Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosted a baby shower for women in our community in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. Our lactation consultants along with special guests spoke to moms-to-be about the importance of breastfeeding and the many health benefits it provides.

Each year, August first to seventh is designated World Breastfeeding Week to encourage breastfeeding around the world and improve the health of babies.

World Breastfeeding Week was created 25 years ago by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to promote the health benefits infants receive from being fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months of life. The observation is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Organizations including WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics have found that in addition to being an optimal source of nutrition, breastfeeding offers babies protection from bacteria and viruses that can lead to potential life threatening diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers; women who choose to breastfeed are less likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer, diabetes and post-partum depression.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is a designated Baby-Friendly USA facility that promotes exclusive breastfeeding. Our hospital provides several social and clinical programs to support pregnant and nursing mothers. Some of our programs include breastfeeding education classes, CenteringPregnancy and breastfeeding support groups.

Last year, we opened a lactation lounge for our community to utilize and access 24 hours, 7 days a week.

For more information about the services we provide, please visit www.JamaicaHospital.org.

Bobby Serina, RN

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The entire staff of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department is critical to treating hundreds of patients every day. For over twenty years, one of the people who has dedicated his career to taking care of patients is Bobby Serina, RN.
Bobby grew up in the Philippines where he attended Liceo De Cagayan College of Nursing. He graduated in 1979 then started working at Doctor’s General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City in 1980 as an ER/OR nurse. Bobby furthered his education during this time and obtained his BSN Supplemental in 1981. In 1985 he decided to go abroad, traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he worked at the 1400 bed Riyadh Central Hospital in the emergency room.
While Bobby was working in Saudi Arabia he met his beautiful wife Menchi who is also an ER nurse. They are blessed with three beautiful children and two grandchildren. He worked in Saudi Arabia for ten years and had the opportunity of a lifetime when he went to work in the Royal Palace clinic in Riyadh. In the years that Bobby spent in Saudi Arabia he learned the culture of the country and the Arabic language which he still speaks very well. In 1983 Bobby’s wife came to the United States and shortly afterwards, he followed.
Bobby has been working at Jamaica Hospital for twenty years and he describes his experiences at the hospital as amazing and would not trade it for anything. He feels that he learns something new every day which he feels is so important. He enjoys working with the wonderful people at the hospital who come from so many different parts of the world. Bobby describes the ER as a collaborative effort between the EMS responders, PCA’s, PAR’s, transporters, PA’s, physicians and hospital administration. The camaraderie amongst the staff and the fact that they share a common goal of helping our patients is why they work together so well. Bobby really enjoys making a big difference in patients’ lives and he says, no matter how stressful each day can be, at the end of the day he says he feels a great deal of accomplishment.
Bobby is dedicated to his profession and to providing patients with the highest level of care and compassion. When he isn’t working, he enjoys running, working out, playing tennis and basketball. What is especially important to Bobby is his family and he enjoys spending time with them as often as possible.

Can Yoga Naturally Lower your Blood Pressure?

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Practicing yoga can give your overall health an added boost. Studies have found that it is also helpful in fighting hypertension when combined with other methods of management such as a healthy diet, medication and aerobic exercise. Research indicates that on average patients who incorporated yoga into their care management routine saw a notable reduction in their systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number).

It is believed that yoga is an effective complementary treatment for hypertension because it increases and strengthens the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Additionally it can help improve resiliency to stress; a trigger in elevating blood pressure levels.

If you decide to include yoga as a part of your care, it is important to know that not all yoga poses are created equal in high blood pressure management. There are some poses that are helpful and there are others that can be harmful.

Yoga poses that can be beneficial are:

Bridge pose
Posterior stretch pose
Savasana pose
Child pose

Yoga poses that should be avoided or modified include:

Bow pose
Camel pose
Feathered peacock pose
Balasana pose

It is important that you speak with your physician before trying yoga. Your physician will assess your health and advise if you are physically capable. If your doctor has given you the green light, inform your yoga instructor about your hypertension. This information will help in the prevention of injuries or the exacerbation of your medical condition.

Do You Need More Or Less Sleep As You Get Older?

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Research indicates that as you get older, you will need less sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following hours for each age group:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours

• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours

• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours

• Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours

• School-age children (6-13): to 9-11 hours

• Teenagers (14-17): to 8-10 hours

• Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours

• Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours

• Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

It was also found that adults tend to take longer to doze off, sleep more lightly and wake up more often during the night than children and adolescents.

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