Donate Life Month

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

April is National Donate Life Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lives of people saved by organ donation and the donors who made a difference. In 2015, over 30,000 lives in the United States were saved thanks to the men and women who decided to give the gift of life.

During National Donate Life Month, organizations such as LiveOnNY carry out missions or campaigns to educate communities about the importance of organ donation. These initiatives are very important because they address many concerns people may have about becoming a donor, such as:

Religion- Most major religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others are in support of organ donation.
Age – If you have been given approval by your doctor to be a donor, you are never too old. The oldest person in the U.S. on record to be a donor was 93 years old.
Health conditions- It is important that you do not rule yourself out as donor due to medical conditions. Each case is different.
Premature death- The primary goal of doctors is to save your life. Donation is only considered when all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

Jamaica Hospital is encouraging people to help play a role in saving or improving lives by registering as organ donors. Research shows that 90 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation but only 25 percent are registered. By registering, you can make a difference and help save up to eight lives.

For more information please visit www.LiveOnNY.org

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.

World Immunization Week

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The last week in April is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as World Immunization Week. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of how immunization saves lives. Many events are held to encourage people to vaccinate themselves or their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization averts an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths every year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted several important milestones which have already been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants worldwide.

It is easy to think of vaccine- preventable diseases as diseases of the past; or not happening in our country, but the truth is they can and do happen in the United States.

The World Health Organization encourages health partners to join the 2016 plan to help raise awareness about the importance of immunization.

Some key facts you need to know about the benefits of immunizations are:

Immunization prevents illness, disability and death from cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhea, rubella and tetanus.
Uptake of new and underused vaccines is increasing.
An estimated 18.7 million infants worldwide are still missing out on basic vaccines.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of immunizations, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

For more information about World Immunization Week 2016, please visit

History of Sutures

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Sutures (also known as stitches) have been around for thousands of years and are used to hold wounds together until the healing process is complete. They were first described as far back 3000 BC in ancient Egyptian literature. For centuries they were made from plant materials like hemp, or cotton or animal material such as tendons, silk, and arteries. The material of choice for many centuries was catgut, a fine thread woven from sheep intestines.
In the 1800’s it became apparent that it was a good idea to sterilize the catgut before using it to suture wounds, In the 1860’s the physician Joseph Lister devised a technique for sterilizing catgut and it was perfected finally in 1906. Eventually, sterilization took place by exposing the suture material to radiation which was more effective than previous techniques. Each development helped to reduce the risk of infection.
Early in the 20th century synthetic materials were developed that could be used for suturing. These synthetic materials, still used today, were categorized as “absorbable” or ‘non-absorbable’ depending on their ability to be absorbed during the wound healing process.
Absorbable sutures usually dissolve anywhere from 10 days to eight weeks and are made from:
• Silk
• Catgut
• Polyglycolic acid
• Polylactic acid
• Monocryl
Non – absorbable sutures don’t dissolve naturally and are usually removed after the wound has closed. They are made from:
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Stainless steel
• PVDF
• Polypropelene
Additional new technology has added laser technology and surgical glue to the tools available to physicians for wound healing. These new materials help the process go quicker and also make the scars less visible. However, even with all the new modern techniques for suturing a wound, many of the basic concepts used today were first developed thousands of years ago.

April is Irritable Bowel Awareness Month

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

For many people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), finding out which foods agree with them and which foods cause them discomfort, is essential to living successfully with the disease.
IBS is a condition whereby certain foods will cause intestinal discomfort after being consumed. These symptoms can include:
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea or Constipation
There is no general rule of what to eat and what to avoid in treating IBS. A physician will go through a patient’s daily diet and see if there are certain foods that are more likely to act as irritants. Foods that typically cause a problem for people with IBS have a high concentration of insoluble fiber which are found primarily in whole grains and vegetables and that do not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber rich foods pass through the intestine almost intact and can act as a natural laxative. The foods that physicians who treat this disease recommend avoiding include:
• Nuts
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Raisins
• Broccoli
The act of eating and chewing stimulates the digestive tract. It has been suggested that instead of eating one or two full meals every day, eating five or six smaller portion meals may prevent the digestive tract from becoming over stimulated.
To make an appointment with a physician specializing in IBS at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-6742.

Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

National Lima Bean Respect Day is observed on April 20. Lima beans are a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Lima beans can increase energy levels by helping to restore iron. They are delicious in soups, stews, salads, casseroles, by themselves or mixed with other vegetables.

In honor of National Lima Bean Respect Day, try this easy and delicious Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad recipe:

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/2 pound boneless lamb top round steak or shoulder chop, cut into 16 pieces
1 lemon, cut into 8 pieces
1medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges (stem end left intact)
1 pound frozen baby lima beans
1 ounce Feta, crumbled (1/4cup)
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
¼ cup torn fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS

Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, make the vinaigrette: whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Transfer half the vinaigrette to another medium brown, add the lamb and toss to coat.
Heat broiler. Thread the lamb, lemon and onion onto the skewers and place on a broiler-proof baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Add the beans and 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain well and add to the bowel with the remaining vinaigrette. Add the Feta, olives and mint and toss to combine. Serve with the kebabs

Serves: 4

Total Time: 40 min

For this and other easy recipes visit –

Can Aspirin Trigger and Asthma Attack ?

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Aspirin may have many benefits but for people who have asthma, it can trigger an attack. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 10 – 20 % of people who live with asthma have a reaction to either aspirin or other pain killers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of NSAIDS are Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve, and Naprosyn.
The likelihood of having an asthmatic attack is increased if a person living with asthma has nasal polyps in addition to sensitivity to aspirin. This condition, known as Samter’s Triad increases the chances of having an asthmatic attack by 30 – 40 %. This is due to the fact that nasal polyps are an inflammatory condition in the nasal passages and anti-inflammatories can lead to respiratory complications. Many people with nasal symptoms such as runny nose, post nasal drip, and congestion may be prone to an asthma attack if they take aspirin or NSAIDS.
If you suspect that you have asthma and are experiencing: shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, speak to your doctor about how aspirin can impact your condition. A doctor can recommend medications that are safer to take. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-7001.

Natural Ways to Revive Your Skin This Spring

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Now that winter is over and the days are getting warmer, you are probably going to wear clothing that shows more of your skin. Unfortunately for many of us the cold and dry winter months has taken a toll, leaving our skin dry, cracked and dull- just simply not at its best. The good news is you can help revive your skin and bring back its beauty by doing the following:

Exfoliate –Exfoliating helps remove dry and dead skin cells from the surface. The benefits of exfoliation include an increase in cell turnover, healthier skin cells, improved texture, softer and brighter skin. It is recommended that you exfoliate once or twice a week but each individual is different and should consult a dermatologist about frequency. Using a home-made body scrub is one of the ways you can exfoliate. The most popular scrubs that can be made at home are salt or brown sugar scrubs combined with oils such as coconut, olive or grapeseed.
Moisturize-It is likely that winter has depleted moisture from your skin. Replace moisture by using honey; which is loaded with antioxidants, oils such as olive oil or believe it or not yogurt. It is suggested that you apply yogurt to skin, leave it on for 10 minutes then wash it off to reveal skin that looks refreshed. Applying hydrating masks to the face can help with suppleness. You can include natural moisturizing ingredients such as avocado or bananas in your mask.
More water- Water is good for skin because it combats dehydration, which can make your skin appear drier. Keeping hydrated helps your organs to work better, this includes your biggest organ- your skin. Eating foods with high water content such apples or melons can also help with hydration.

Following these after-winter skin care tips can help you in putting your best spring skin forward; however, it is strongly recommended that you speak with a physician before trying them; especially if you have food allergies or chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.

Zika

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention, the Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis.

Most recently, the Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly in babies of mother’s who contracted the virus during pregnancy. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s brain with microcephaly does not develop properly during the pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, this results in a smaller sized head.

What we DO know:

Zika virus can be passed from pregnant women to their fetus during pregnancy or at delivery.
Pregnant women can be infected with the Zika virus through the bite of an infected mosquito
You can become infected by a male sex partner
Pregnant women should not travel to areas affected by Zika
Based on available evidence, the Zika virus infection in a woman who is not pregnant would not pose a risk for birth defects in future pregnancies after the virus has cleared from her blood.

What we DO NOT know:

How likely a pregnant woman who has been exposed to Zika will get the virus
How the virus will affect her pregnancy or how likely it is that Zika will pass to her fetus
If the infected fetus will develop other birth defects or when in the pregnancy the infection might cause harm to the fetus
If sexual transmission of Zika virus poses a different risk of birth defects that mosquito-borne transmission

If you must travel to Zika areas affected by Zika, speak with your healthcare provider about the risks of Zika Virus before you travel. Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites and try to avoid regions where Zika is present.

If you have traveled to a region where Zika is present and are pregnant, talk to your health care provider about Zika symptoms. If you would like to speak with a physician, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center, call 718-291-3276.

For more FAQ’s on Zika Virus you will find the following websites helpful –

Is Social Media Making Me Fat?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Have you ever wondered why when you see postings of food on social media that are pleasing to your eyes, you immediately begin to desire that food or think, “Gee, I’m hungry?

The human mind is divided into two parts, the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind works while we are awake, while the subconscious mind is always activated. The subconscious mind regulates everything in our body, our character, our speech and receives and processes information. The food and beverage postings on social media speak directly to our conscious and subconscious mind.

According to researchers, 70 percent of household meals in America are influenced by digital media. Pictures of food and beverages show up on news feeds 63 percent of the time. One popular social media site noted that a widely used food hashtag marked photos of snacks and meals 54 million times on their site alone.

In addition to subliminally causing you to want to eat more food, studies have shown that people who spent two hours or more using a device with LED display, such as a smart phone or tablet, had a corresponding dip in melatonin levels. Melatonin is the chemical that prepares your body for sleep. When we lose sleep, we can pack on extra pounds because there is a link between sleep loss and weight gain. If you are awake for longer periods of time, you may be more inclined to reach for a late night snack or bag of chips.

Some steps you can take to curb your hunger and promote good health are:

Choose fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Prepare your meals at home and limit dining out and processed on-the-go meals.
Try to avoid being distracted by TV, work, driving or surfing on your computer, phone or tablet while eating.
Regulate your social media feed, especially if the pictures of food and beverages make your stomach moan.

Obesity is on the rise because many factors, but keep in mind that you are in control and can make healthy choices to live a healthy life. It’s better to eat with your stomach and not with your eyes.

Hey, I Thought This Was Healthy

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Optimal health is a goal for many but is sometimes easier said than done. In this day and age there are so many diet fads and new health trends that inspire us for a moment and create shortcuts to a seemingly healthy lifestyle. However, everything that might seem good for you can actually be bad for you. Let’s take a look at some popular health beverages that are actually junk food in disguise.

Fruit Juices

When you go to the supermarket you see a lot of juices that claim to have 100% fruit juice. That must be healthy because it comes from a fruit right? Wrong. A lot of the fruit juice is not really fruit juice. Sometimes there isn’t even any actual fruit in there, just chemicals that taste like fruit. What you’re drinking is basically just fruit-flavored sugar water. Fruit juice is like fruit, except with all the good stuff (like the fiber) taken out, only leaving you with sugar.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks were designed with athletes in mind. Whether you are committing to a steady workout routine or joining a local sports team to stay in shape, you might grab a sports drink every once in a while to stay hydrated. These drinks contain electrolytes (salts) and sugar, which can be useful for athletes in many cases. However, most regular people don’t need any additional salts, and they certainly have no need for liquid sugar. Although often considered “less bad” than sugary soft drinks, there really is no fundamental difference except that the sugar content is sometimes slightly lower. It is important to stay hydrated, especially around workouts, but most people will be better off sticking to plain water.

Smoothies

Smoothies have long been the darling of the health-food world. Although some smoothies made with simple, whole-food ingredients can be healthy, don’t get fooled into thinking anything with the name “smoothie” is good for you. Some smoothies are made with lots of added sugars, high-calorie ingredients like chocolate syrup, or even use full-fat ice cream as a base. Your best smoothie bet? Make one at home so that you know exactly what’s in it.

Diet Sodas

The word “diet” doesn’t always equal healthy, and that’s certainly the case for diet soda. Made with artificial ingredients and flavorings, it’s not only unnatural and high in sodium, but regular diet soda drinkers have been shown to eat more calories after consuming diet cola. While the reasons aren’t fully understood, researchers suspect it’s the body’s way of making up for calories it thinks it received in the diet soda but didn’t.

Today we learned that foods that look good for us are not always the best for us. If you saw some of your favorite beverages on here remember that the fresh way is the best way! Carefully read all of your labels before consumption and look out for liquids that are high in sugars, fats and sodium.