Shingles

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Shingles is the term used for a skin rash that is caused by the herpes-zoster (varicella) virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, and the symptoms have resolved the virus can lie dormant dormant in their nerve roots for years. In some cases it can reactivate and cause shingles. Some of the factors that can cause the virus to become activated are stress, advanced age, exhaustion or a weakened immune system.

This rash is very painful and can last for many weeks. It is most frequently located on one side of the body, usually it shows up on the abdomen, the back or the buttocks as a band or stripe of fluid filled lesions that later are covered with scabs. They can also be found on the face and when they do, extra precautions must be taken so as to not affect the eye. Shingles isn’t contagious to people who have already had the chickenpox. There is the possibility of people contracting chickenpox if they come in contact with the open sores and if they have never had it before, however that risk is very low.

Signs and symptoms of shingles:

• Itching
• Red rash on one side of the body
• Pain
• Sensitive to the touch
• Headache
• Weakness
• Fluid filled blisters
• Tingling sensation
• Exhaustion
• Fever

Symptoms will last for several weeks, sometimes months. There isn’t a cure for shingles but a physician will usually prescribe medications to make the symptoms less intense. Antiviral medication will shorten the length of time that the symptoms will be present. Medication for pain will also help. People with shingles also get some relief by using certain skin creams, oatmeal baths, and cool compresses while the skin rash is active.
There is a vaccine for chickenpox which is given to children and to adults who have never had the disease. There is also a shingles vaccine that people who have had chickenpox can be given. It doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t develop shingles but can reduce the chances of developing complications. To learn more about vaccines for chickenpox or shingles please make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital by calling 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.

Jamaica Hospital and LiveOnNY Rallying New Yorkers To Use The Power Of Their Signature To Help Save Lives On Organ Donor Enrollment Day

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Did you know New York is ranked last in the entire country for the percentage of residents registered as organ donors? This is troubling because every 18 hours a New Yorker dies while waiting for an organ. It takes 1 donor to save 8 lives.

Jamaica Hospital is taking action and teaming up with LiveOnNY to help launch the first ever Organ Donor Enrollment Day on Oct. 6th. The event is being executed with one goal in mind: enroll as many willing New Yorkers as possible as organ donors in a single day.

Join us in the hospital’s main lobby from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the cafeteria from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to register or show your support for this very important cause.

Tips For Choosing A Pediatrician

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The health of your child is very important. Equally as important is the pediatrician you choose to take care of their healthcare needs.

Pediatricians manage the physical, mental and behavioral health of children. They treat patients from birth until the age of 21. Therefore, your relationship with your child’s physician may be long term. Because your relationship with your child’s physician could be long lasting, it is important for you to compile a list of characteristics or requirements to help you assess compatibility.

While there are many qualified pediatricians for you to choose from, selecting one that is compatible with your requirements can sometimes be challenging.

Here are a few helpful tips you can use to make your search for a pediatrician less complicated:

Ask around– Friends or loved ones can be a trusted resource when looking for a pediatrician. They can refer you to a pediatrician that has provided a positive experience or to someone who has an excellent reputation.
Find the name of qualified pediatricians- A list of qualified and board certified physicians in your area can be found on the website of The American Academy of Pediatrics. abp.org
Consider proximity- It is highly suggested that you seek a pediatrician that is located within close proximity to your home.
Make sure the physician is covered by your insurance- Call your insurance company to ensure that the physicians you are interested in are providers in your plan.
Set up interviews– Call the pediatrician’s office and explain that you are interested in their services and would like to schedule a time to ask a few questions. Your talk with the doctor may be in person or over the phone. A few key questions to ask include:
Where did the pediatrician attend medical school?
What are their credentials?
Which hospitals are they affiliated with?
On average, how long does it take to get an appointment?
On average how much time does the doctor take to see each patient?
How are emergency situations handled?
How can the doctor be reached after hours?
Are sick and well patients separated?
Go with your instincts- After your interview with the pediatrician use the information you have gathered and your parental instincts to help you to decide if they are best for you.

Once you have selected your pediatrician, remember a good doctor-parent relationship can improve the quality of healthcare your child receives. Building a good relationship with your doctor will require clear communication, mutual respect and trust.

History of Toothpaste

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Even in ancient times people were concerned with the health of their teeth and gums. The first toothpaste was used by the Egyptians around 5000 BC. It was made from the powder of ox hooves, burnt eggshells, pumice and water. There is also evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans used crushed bones and oyster shells followed by the Chinese who favored ginseng, herbal mints and salt.
More modern versions of tooth cleaning products were made in the mid 1800’s that combined soap, borax and chalk. In those days toothpastes were mainly in powder form and were very abrasive which often damaged teeth. The first toothpaste which came in a jar was developed in 1850 In the 1890’s toothpaste was introduced in tube form. Soap was still an important ingredient of toothpaste until the 1940’s when it was replaced by sodium lauryl sulphate . One of the major developments was the addition of fluoride in the 1950’s which inhibited tooth decay and is still a key component today.
To make an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980.

The Resurgence of an Old Disease -Syphilis on the rise in NYC

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

syphilis-178883789 (1) The New York State Department of Health is raising awareness on the alarming and steady rise of syphilis cases in our region. The number of New Yorkers newly infected with syphilis has increased by more than 160% between 2010 and 2014. Numbers are particularly higher in Manhattan and men account for approximately 70% of these cases.

Syphilis is considered an old, easy to diagnose and highly treatable disease. It once plagued populations from the 1400’s up until the 1940’s; when it was discovered that antibiotics such as penicillin can be used as a cure. Since then the spread of this sexually transmitted disease has been controlled with the use of modern medications and contraceptives such as condoms.

Given the history of syphilis and the resources that are readily available, one may question why we are seeing such resurgence? Studies have shown that people are having more casual and unprotected sex and many are unaware that they are carriers of the disease.

If left untreated the disease can cause serious damage to the body and can eventually lead to premature death.

The New York State Department of Health is encouraging people to remember the importance of practicing safe sex. The escalation of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases can be reduced if unsafe sex practices are eliminated and if those who are sexually active receive frequent STD screenings.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for STD screenings, please call the Family Medicine Center at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-6942 or visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

hypertension pregnancy -78484693 (1) Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common medical problems encountered by pregnant women. It is estimated that the disease affects six to eight percent of expecting mothers.

Women with a pre-existing history of chronic hypertension are likely to experience complications caused by the disease; however, women with no prior history are also at risk of developing high blood pressure or gestational hypertension. A high blood pressure rate during pregnancy is defined as a reading over 140/90, anything above that number is concerning.

Some women are more at risk for developing gestational hypertension than others. Your risk may be higher if you are:

African American
Carrying more than one baby
Pregnant with your first child
Over 40 years old
From a family with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia
Obese

High blood pressure during pregnancy poses various medical problems not only for the mother but for the developing baby as well. Some of these problems include:

Harm to the mother’s kidneys
Placental abruption
Low birth weight
Premature labor

If left untreated, high blood pressure can develop into a serious condition known as preeclampsia. This condition is most likely to occur in women with pre-existing and chronic hypertension. The disease usually develops after the 27^th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high levels of protein in urine and elevated blood pressure levels. Women may experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea or vomiting, reduced urine or no urine output, swelling or shortness of breath.

If you have been informed by your doctor that your blood pressure levels are high it is important to get it under control immediately. You can do so by taking prescribed medications and managing your sodium intake. It is equally important that you maintain prenatal appointments to monitor the development of your baby.

For questions about prenatal care or to make an appointment with the Women’s Health Center of Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.

The Modern Day Zombie

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Walking Corpse Syndrome (also known as Cotard’s Syndrome) is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder in which the afflicted person holds the delusion that he or she is dead, missing their soul, organs, blood or other body parts, as well as being in a state of existence denial. Conversely, some patients may have delusions of immortality.

For people with this condition, entertainment like cable TV’s “The Walking Dead” may be too close for comfort.

Studies indicate that the disease is more prevalent in older patients and women with depression. It is also more likely to occur in patients with disorders such as:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorders
Brain injury
Brain atrophy
Seizure disorders
Depression
Brain tumors
Stroke
Migraine

Though it is thought that lesions in the frontal and temporal regions (front and sides) of the right hemisphere of the brain have been associated with the disease, Cotard’s disease is so rare that it is difficult to pinpoint the mechanisms that cause it.

Tests are used to diagnose associated diseases and rule out other conditions. Current treatment for Cotard’s Syndrome involves medication with antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Electroconvulsive therapy, in combination with medication, has been reported to be more effective than medications alone.

Fortunately, patients with Cotard’s Syndrome can experience a complete recovery, even in severe cases.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity affects approximately one in five children in the United States. Obesity is measured by taking a child’s body-mass index (BMI) and evaluating where this number falls on a BMI age-growth chart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a table to make it possible to compare the BMI with those of other children of the same age and height. Other factors that need to be considered are the type of body frame, musculature, and the child’s development pattern.

There are many reasons why a child may become obese. Often obese children come from families where there are poor eating habits, and lack of physical activity. Other contributing factors can include stress, boredom, and depression as well as living in a community with limited accessibility to healthy food choices.

Obesity in children puts them at risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, arthritis, and heart disease. It also makes children more prone to depression, low self-esteem and susceptible to bullying.

Ways to control a child’s weight include:

Limit fast food
Increase fruits and vegetables in the diet
Limit sweet drinks
Limit desserts and unhealthy snacks
Eat together as a family when possible
Regulate portion sizes
Increase physical activity, not just exercise
Decrease the amount of time spent watching TV or on the computer

Jamaica Hospital strives to help prevent childhood obesity by participating in workshops throughout the year at schools and at community health fairs by providing educational materials and guidance on proper nutrition. To speak with a pediatrician about childhood obesity, please call to schedule an appointment.

What to Expect When You Are Expecting

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

There are so many changes your body goes through when you are pregnant, but there are also some screenings you may need to undergo to determine your health and the health of your unborn child; especially in your first and third trimesters.

First trimester testing may include blood and urine samples to determine
The level of the hCG hormone
Check for a kidney infection
Blood glucose for diabetes
Blood typing
Rh factor

Additionally, your blood could be tested for anemia, rubella (German measles), hepatitis B, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

As your pregnancy progresses, your obstetrician may order tests for diseases such as toxoplasmosis (toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world’s most common parasites) and varicella (the virus that causes chickenpox).

If you are like most pregnant women, the only tests you’ll need in your third trimester are routine screenings. They are a combination of additional blood and urine tests, blood pressure check, measurement of your uterus and a check of your baby’s heartbeat and an ultrasound to mark the baby’s due date and fetal development.

You may be tested for group B streptococcus, a bacterium that you can pass to your child during delivery. If you test positive, you will need to receive antibiotics during labor to prevent your baby from becoming ill.

Depending on your racial, ethnic or family background, genetic testing may be required, as well as a:

Nonstress Test – Woman who are carrying multiples or have chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Aminiocentesis – This test is commonly done in the second trimester to diagnose or rule out fetal birth defects, and is generally recommended to women wo are age 35 and older.

It sounds like a great deal of testing, but the majority of the tests are minimally invasive and necessary since these conditions can affect the baby’s health and well-being.

National School Backpack Awareness Day – Backpack Safety

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Back safety-513203503 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.