Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus that only affects your skin
Drug-induced lupus occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it
Neonatal lupus occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight
Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Kidney and liver assessment
Urinalysis
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray
An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during one. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Antimalarial drugs
Immunosuppressants
Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly
Being sun smart
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

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.

Patient Testimonial- Wayne Texeira says, “Dr. Lasic and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Gave Me a Second Chance.”

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

“I got a second chance”, is what Wayne Texeira said after his experience at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. While working at Jamaica Hospital, Mr. Wayne Texiera suddenly couldn’t breathe and fell to his knees. He saw the lights fading and passed out. While in the ER, he was told his lungs were filling with fluid, he had heart failure, and he almost died. His doctor, Dr. Zoran Lasic, told Mr. Texiera that he had to change his lifestyle after performing an angiogram that showed that he had 30% functionality in his heart.

Over the next year, through the care and recommendations from Dr. Lasic, Mr. Texeira lost 45 pounds, quit smoking, and stopped eating unhealthy foods. He also gained 60% functionality in his heart, which is remarkable. “I am very grateful to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the staff, and the doctors. My perception changed after I got a second chance.” Now living in Georgia with his wife and daughter, the catalyst for his lifestyle change, “I kept looking at her and I didn’t want her not to have a father, Mr. Texeira said. With a second chance, Mr. Texeira is grateful, “Life has been good. I have no regrets.”

What Parents Should Know About Oral Nicotine Pouches

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking hit a historic low in 2023, with the adult smoking rate dropping to 11%. Because of the steady decline of smokers over the years, tobacco companies have tried other ways to retain customers as well as attract new ones by introducing new products.

One of those new products is oral nicotine pouches. Oral nicotine pouches are small permeable pouches typically placed between the lip and the gum containing crystalized nicotine powder in various flavors. Although little is known about the product, nicotine pouches have become one of the fastest-growing categories, increasing sales from about 126 million units to over 800 million units between 2019 and 2022.

Oral nicotine pouches are aimed at adults who are looking for a tobacco-less, smoke-free alternative to cigarettes as they try to stop smoking. However, according to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in October of 2023, 1.5% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.

Tobacco companies sell nicotine pouches in attractive packaging and assorted flavors, including citrus, berry, peppermint, coffee, and mango. Researchers are concerned that this marketing tactic is likely to appeal to young people who may not be aware of the harmful effects of nicotine. Some social media influencers have promoted the use of nicotine pouches by showing how they use them in their daily lives, discreetly placing them in their mouths at work and school, as well as doing taste tests.

“Nicotine pouches are marketed as a nicotine product that provides a buzz without the harmful effects of tobacco or smoking. However, people using these products should be aware that ‘tobacco-free’ does not mean ‘risk-free’”, says Alexandra Howell, DMD, Oral Medicine Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Services at Virginia Commonwealth’s University’s School of Dentistry.

Despite the long-term health impact of nicotine pouches being unknown, the side effects of its use can include:

Nicotine addiction
Irritation of the gums
Lung problems
Infertility problems
Stomach problems
Sore mouth
Hiccups
Nausea

Nicotine pouches can also present several cardiovascular risks. The use of these products can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and potential heart attacks.

To speak with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center about smoking cessation, please call (718) 206-6942.

What is Eclampsia?

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Eclampsia is a condition that causes seizures during pregnancy. It is a rare complication in people with preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure and protein in urine during pregnancy. Eclampsia generally occurs after the 20^th week of pregnancy and requires emergency medical care.

Aside from seizures, people with eclampsia may also experience severe distress, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Before the onset of these symptoms, certain warning signs may occur, such as:

Severe headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Distorted vision or loss of vision
Swelling of the hands, face, or ankles
Difficulty breathing or urinating
Abdominal pain, particularly on the upper right side of the abdomen

A few factors may increase a person’s risk of developing eclampsia. These include:

A family or personal history of preeclampsia or eclampsia (though most people with preeclampsia do not develop this condition)
Being pregnant for the first time
Twins or triplets
Autoimmune conditions
Obesity
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Pregnancy at an age younger than 17 or older than 35

While certain factors that increase your risk of eclampsia may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to manage many of them. You should attend all of your pre-natal medical appointments and get prompt care from your doctor as needed, particularly if you experience symptoms of preeclampsia. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced, moderate diet and regular exercise can help to control your blood pressure.

If you have been diagnosed with eclampsia, your doctor may suggest inducing labor if the fetus is at 37 weeks gestation or more, as this is the most effective means of treating the condition and protecting the health of yourself and your baby. During pregnancy, you may also be prescribed medication to prevent seizures, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the fetus’ lungs.

You can receive treatment for eclampsia at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 291-3276. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Men face a heightened risk of certain medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, making certain medical screenings particularly important for identifying these conditions early and treating them effectively.

The types of screenings you require may change or become broader as you age and your health changes. Some of the most important screenings include:

Blood pressure screening: Even if you have no medical history of (or risk factors for) high or low blood pressure, you should receive a screening once every three to five years. However, if you do have a history of abnormal blood pressure, have an immediate family member with high blood pressure, or are Black, you should receive a screening once per year. Other risk factors that warrant an annual blood pressure screening include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney problems
Obesity

Cholesterol screening: If you have no known risk factors for coronary heart disease, men should receive a cholesterol screening every five years starting at the age of 45. Men who do have risk factors for coronary heart disease should receive them starting at the age of 20. If you have abnormally high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, you should be screened more frequently.

Diabetes screening: Men without any risk factors for diabetes should receive screenings every three years starting at the age of 35. However, these screenings should begin earlier or be conducted more frequently if you:

Have an immediate relative with diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a medical history of heart disease

Cancer screenings: According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers accounted for approximately 43% of cancer diagnoses in men; additionally, the mortality rate of cancer is higher among men than women. Some of the most important cancer screenings men should receive include:

Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Bladder cancer
Melanoma

Physical exam: Regular general check-ups with your doctor are important, even for men who seem to be in perfect health. These visits can help you identify signs of underlying medical problems or risk factors for future issues.

You can receive all of these medical screenings at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Important Information About Hypertension

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is defined an adult as blood pressure that is greater than or equal to 140 mm systolic and 90 mm diastolic. Hypertension directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

When the heart beats, it generates a force exerted against artery walls, known as blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured by testing the force needed to stop blood from flowing through the arteries, away from the heart. When a blood pressure test is performed, a test result will yield two numbers. The first number is known as the systolic number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. The second number, known as the diastolic number, measures the pressure between heart beats, when the heart is at rest. A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects approximately one quarter of all Americans. Hypertension is commonly known as the “silent killer” because of the lack of any noticeable symptoms. If not treated, hypertension can lead to many more serious conditions that can ultimately prove fatal.

Diagnosing and treating hypertension is very important because it can lead to a number of other diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Everyone is susceptible to developing hypertension, but some groups are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk are:

• People with a history of hypertension in their family

Overweight people

• African Americans

• Elderly people

You are also at a higher risk to develop hypertension if you:

• Smoke

• Drink alcohol frequently

• Are pregnant or on birth control pills

• On a high-salt diet

• Are an inactive person

If you have hypertension, there are ways of controlling your condition. The following lifestyle changes can be added to reduce your risk:

Exercise Regularly – Aerobic exercise for 15 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week, every week is recommended by doctors. Swimming, walking, jogging, riding a bike, and dancing are all excellent forms of aerobic exercise.
Eat healthy – Avoid foods with high salt and high fat content. Doctors suggest eating more fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, pasta, and low-fat dairy products.
Control Alcohol – Limit alcohol consumption.
Stop Smoking – If you are serious about controlling hypertension, you must stop smoking.

In some more serious cases, doctors will prescribe medication to help control hypertension. The best prevention is to see a doctor and have a blood pressure check-up at least once a year.

Before beginning a diet or exercise program, consult your physician.

Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

Mistakes That Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Measuring your blood pressure at home is a very important part of properly managing hypertension. Therefore taking accurate measurements is crucial.

To ensure accuracy, there are several things you should and should not do while measuring, as they can affect your reading. Here are a few:

Always use the bathroom before measuring- Having a full bladder can add points to your reading.
Remain quiet- Talking while checking your blood pressure can cause deviations in measurements.
While seated make sure your back is supported and both your feet are placed flat on the ground-Measuring blood pressure in a posture where your back or feet are not supported can affect readings.
Keep your arm leveled with your heart- If your arm is not on the same level as your heart while getting a reading, you run the risk of getting measurements that are higher than your actual blood pressure level. Always make certain your arm is supported, you can rest it on a chair arm, table or desk to receive the best positioning.
Do not place the blood pressure cuff over clothing – Studies show that doing so can have an impact on systolic blood pressure. Your cuff should be placed on your bare arm during measurements.
Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure- Consuming food or drinking beverages within that time can result in a reading that may be inaccurate and high.

Improperly measuring your blood pressure can have serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A reading that underestimates your blood pressure might give you a false sense of security about your health. But a reading that overestimates your blood pressure might lead to treatment you don’t really need.”

In addition to following best practices for an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important that you keep track of your numbers. You can use a notebook, app or chart to do so. If you are concerned about changes in your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor right away.

To speak with a doctor, or schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

When Should You Go to The ER For High Blood Pressure?

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Complications caused by hypertension (high blood pressure), is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. Elevated blood pressure levels can cause substantial damage to our bodies and lead to conditions that can become life-threatening.

Knowing when to seek immediate emergency care can help you avoid delays in getting medical attention, and decrease your risk of developing severe complications caused by extremely high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, when blood pressure levels increase severely and reach measurements of 180/110 or greater, you should seek immediate medical attention.

There are other warning signs coupled with high blood pressure that indicate you are having a hypertensive crisis and require emergency care. Signs and symptoms may include:

Severe chest pain
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headaches accompanied by blurred vision and confusion
Seizures
Unresponsiveness
Shortness of breath
Severe anxiety

The cause of a severe spike in your blood pressure and these symptoms could be the result of missing your blood pressure medications, a stroke, a heart attack, kidney failure or an artery rupture.

A hypertensive crisis can lead to complications or damages to your body such as fluid in the lungs, memory loss, vision damage, and damage to vital organs. This is why it is important that you go to your nearest hospital emergency room and receive the treatment needed to lower your blood pressure. Damage to your organs will be assessed and your doctors will immediately address complications.

Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Joann Ariola

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

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

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