Spring Gardening Tips for the Beginner

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Spring has sprung and so has our desire to commune with the “great outdoors!” Flowers are blooming everywhere and you may want to put your green thumb to the test by starting your own garden.

Below are some simple gardening tips from Realsimple.com –

Know your geographic area
Test your soil
Start with “easy” plants
Put together a plan
Keep a journal
Set a Calendar
Remember when to water and when not to

Since gardening should be a stress relieving process, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t see results right away. With proper care and maintenance, your garden will grow.

For these and other great, simple gardening tips visit – https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/outdoor/gardening-101

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.

Nat’l Stroke Awareness Month – Think F.A.S.T!

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and in honor of that, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) would like to discuss how you can recognize the warning signs of having a stroke.

The easiest way to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is to think F.A.S.T. :

F- Face Drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile. You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A- Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S- Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence, such as “my name is Jane,” repeatedly.

T- Time to call 9-1-1: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

Additional symptoms of a stroke are:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable and by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically.

If someone you know is exhibiting the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 for help immediately. If you are interested in finding out if you are at risk for a stroke, you can make an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Cervical Cancer – Who is at Risk ?

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Cervical cancer is a cancer that involves the lower part of the uterus (womb), which is known as the cervix. This can involve a microscopic lesion, that cannot be seen with the naked eye; or it can involve a larger area that is visible while performing a pelvic exam or during colposcopy.

Signs and symptoms can include bleeding after sexual intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, abnormal vaginal discharge, and/or pain.

Risk factors for cervical cancer include: infection with certain types of human papilloma virus, and having diseases that lead to lower immunity (such as HIV). Smoking is also a risk factor.

A vaccine is available that can prevent infection with some of the high risk and low risk types of HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccination for boys and girls ages 11 or 12. Vaccination is also recommended for women 13 years through 26, and men ages 13 through 21. Routine screening with a pap smear or going for an annual gynecologic exam can help with the detection of early signs and symptoms of the disease, or the detection of pre-cancerous changes of the cervix. Practicing safe sex and smoking cessation are also some methods to reduce your risk.

Cervical cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy of the cervix. Prior to having a biopsy, there are abnormal results that can be encountered on a pap smear, that would require further testing or exams (such as colposcopy). There are also two types of procedures that can be performed if there is an abnormality detected with colposcopy and with biopsies, called a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or a Cone biopsy of the cervix. These procedures can be diagnostic as well as therapeutic.

Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these methods. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician in the Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276.

Understanding Hair Loss- When Losing Hair Becomes A Problem

Posted on April 25, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

On average, people can lose up to 100 hairs from their scalps each day.

Occasionally finding a few stray hairs on your brush or comb or in other places is not cause for alarm. However, there are life events or lifestyle changes that can accelerate the normal rate at which a person loses hair.

Factors such as age, genetics, hormones, medication, pregnancy, cosmetic procedures (dyes and relaxers), stress, diet or certain illnesses can all serve as possible causes for a person’s hair loss.

There are several different types of hair loss (alopecia):

Androgenic alopecia- is a genetic condition that affects men and women. This condition is also referred to male or female pattern baldness.
Involuntional alopecia- occurs naturally with age
Telogen effluvium-this causes temporary hair thinning resulting from changes in the growth cycle
Scarring alopecias- inflammatory skin conditions such as cellulitis or folliculitis can result in permanent hair loss
Traction alopecia- occurs when hair is constantly being pulled at the follicles. This commonly happens to men and women who wear tight hair styles

Balding occurs when the amount hair that is being lost becomes excessive. There are cues that you can look out for that indicates excessive hair loss. They include:

Large amounts of hair on your pillow each morning
Large amounts of hair left in your brush or comb after grooming
Thinning on the top third of the scalp (for women)
Circular or patchy bald spots appearing on the scalp
Patches of scaly skin on the scalp

If you have concerns about excessive hair loss, it is recommended that you speak with a dermatologist. Your doctor may explore different types of treatments based on the reason for hair loss and severity. Treatment options may include a dietary plan, laser therapy, surgery or medication. It is important to keep in mind that while most hair loss conditions can be treated, there are some forms such as androgenic alopecia that are untreatable.

To schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001. The Division of Dermatology at Jamaica Hospital offers several services, including adult and pediatric dermatology, dermatologic and skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.

Healthy Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Recipe

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

This quick, delicious and healthy shrimp and vegetable dinner is easy to prepare and full of nutrients.

Ingredients

1 red onion, large dice
1 red bell pepper, large dice
1 cup crimini mushrooms, stems removed and halved
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
3/4 teaspoon paprika, divided
1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms and broccoli to a large sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to the veggies and toss evenly. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
2) Meanwhile in a separate bowl add the shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Toss until shrimp is evenly coated.
3) Remove veggies after 15 minutes and add the shrimp directly to the pan with the veggies, spreading out evenly. Place back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes. Remove and serve alone, or over rice or pasta

http://www.lifeisbutadish.com/

Hearing Loss in Young Adults

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States.

Studies show that the number of people worldwide who are at risk for hearing loss is growing and this includes a substantial number of young adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),” around 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults face this risk due to exposure to unsafe levels of sound. ”

WHO explains, that “the amount of damage that is done depends on multiple factors – the duration of exposure to the sound, how intense or loud the sound is and how frequently exposure to unsafe levels of sound occurs.”

Doctors classify hearing loss by degree:

Mild hearing loss: One-on-one conversations are fine, but it’s hard to catch every word when there’s background noise.
Moderate hearing loss: You often need to ask people to repeat themselves during conversations in person and on the phone.
Severe hearing loss: Following a conversation is almost impossible unless you have a hearing aid.
Profound hearing loss: You can’t hear when other people speaking unless they are extremely loud. You can’t understand what they’re saying without a hearing aid or cochlear implant.(http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hearing-loss-causes-symptoms-treatment#1)

Teenagers and young adults can do many things to help prevent hearing loss. “Measures as simple as keeping the volume of personal audio devices down to safe levels. Wearing ear plugs when visiting an environment with loud sound levels is important, as is limiting the amount of time spent engaging in activities with potentially unsafe sound levels.(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290185.php)

It is important for young adults and teens to keep in mind damage done to their hearing is irreversible. “They should be aware that once you lose your hearing, it won’t come back.” Dr. Etienne Krug WHO director for the Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention.

Adult Acne

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some adults continue to get acne well into their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. There is even a possibility that you can get acne for the first time as an adult.

As an adult, acne can be frustrating because the remedies you used as a teen are rendered useless or can even make your acne worse. But, how do we determine whether the marks on our skin are acne or merely a blemish?

Blemishes, or pimples, can show up on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders because these areas have the greatest number of oil glands. The marks come and go with little or no treatment. Acne, on the other hand, has a long term affect, requires treatment and if left untreated, may leave dark spots and permanent scars on the skin.

Women who are menopausal are more likely, than men of a similar age, to get what dermatologists call “adult-onset acne.”

Some other reasons for developing adult acne are:

Stress
Family history
Excessive use of hair and skin care products
Medication side effects
Undiagnosed medical conditions
Excessive consumption of carbohydrates
Excessive consumption of dairy

There are many do it yourself remedies, but if nothing clears your adult acne, you should see a dermatologist. With proper treatment and a great deal of patience, it can be controlled.

Breastfed v. Formula

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that babies who are breastfed have a better chance of fighting off viruses and bacterial infections than babies who aren’t breastfed?
Well, it’s true; breast milk contains antibodies that can fight off viruses and bacteria, as well as lowering your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies.

Some additional benefits of breastfeeding are:
• Breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system
• Breastfeeding aids in digestion with less bouts of diarrhea, constipation or colic
• Breastfeeding in premature babies is an effective way to enhance health, growth and development

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed exclusively for the first six months. Beyond that, breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months, or longer if both the mother and baby are willing to continue breastfeeding.

The reason healthcare professionals are promoting breastfeeding over formula is commercial formulas try to duplicate breast milk; however, they are unable to completely match breast milk’s exact composition. Breast milk is a living substance made by each mother for her individual infant.

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the biggest decisions a new parent will make. If would like more information about the benefits of breast feeding over formula feeding, you can speak with a Lactation Specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. Call 718-291-3276 to schedule an appointment.

National Stress Awareness Month

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Joann Ariola

In 1992, the month of April was designated as Stress Awareness Month. During this time, health professionals join together to increase the public’s awareness about what causes stress and what can help cure the growing stress epidemic.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is participating by reaching out to our social media community and sharing some helpful techniques that can assist you in managing your daily stress, such as:

Meditation – is helpful to the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress
Breathing Deeply – triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, neutralizes stress and elicits a calming feeling
Exercise – all forms of exercise can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain releasing feel-good chemicals giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress
Eating Healthy – choosing a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber may reduce the chance that stress can boost the body’s natural defense system

Prolonged, excesive periods of stress is unhealthy for any individual. A change of mindset can bring about a healthier lifestyle. That positive change can help you manage stress and bring far-reaching improvement to your health and well being.

For more information and to find out ways you can make a difference visit –

Nail Fungus

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis as it is known medically, is a condition that is commonly found on nails of people of any age, although primarily it is seen in older adults, it can be seen in children as well.. It usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the nail that progressively takes over the whole nail. It appears more commonly on toe nails than on finger nails because this type of fungus likes to live in an environment that is warm, dark, moist, as is commonly found inside of shoes and also where there is reduced blood flow. Men tend to develop nail fungus more often than women.
Nails that are infected with fungus will show signs of being:
• Thickened
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Distorted in shape
• Dark in color
A few risk factors for developing nail fungus are being diabetic, having a nail injury, being immune-compromised, living or working in humid conditions, having poor circulation, receiving chemotherapy, wearing tight fitting shoes, having poor hygiene, and having other fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
There are different ways to treat nail fungus and they range from the simple home remedy to the more intensive that is prescribed by a physician. Home remedies can include applying a vapo rub, tea tree oil, trimming and filing the nails, and over the counter nail creams and ointments. The more intense methods prescribed and administered by a physician includes oral antifungal medications, medicated nail polish, nail removal and laser light therapy.
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in all conditions of the feet. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.