Category Archives: lifestyle

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

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September is sickle cell awareness month. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop, causing those red blood cells to block the blood flow through the body creating recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are many symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

  • Episodes of severe pain
  • Anemia symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Priapism
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Organ damage
  • Leg ulcers
  • Gallstones
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Vision problems
  • Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease including:

  • Medicines
  • Blood transfusions
  • Blood and bone marrow transplant
  • Gene therapies
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (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.

Hand Hygiene for Children

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Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

  • Explain the benefits of handwashing
  • Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
    • Step 1: Wet hands with running water
    • Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
    • Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
    • Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
    • Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
  • Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Set the times when they should be washing their hands
    • When they are visibly dirty
    • Before and after eating
    • After using the toilet
    • After touching animals and pets
    • After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
    • Before and after visiting friends and relatives
  • Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

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.

Social Anxiety

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Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes intense fear of being judged or watched by others in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

  • Inherited traits
  • Brain structure
  • Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Family history
  • Negative experiences
  • Temperament
  • New social or work demands
  • Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional and behavioral symptoms
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
    • Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
    • Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
    • Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
    • Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
    • Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
  • Physical and physiological symptoms
    • Blushing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Trembling
    • Sweating
    • Upset stomach or nausea
    • Trouble catching your breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Feeling that your mind has gone blank
    • Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

  • Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
  • Attending parties or social gatherings
  • Going to work or school
  • Starting conversations
  • Making eye contact
  • Dating
  • Eating in front of others
  • Using a public restroom
  • Taking or making phone calls
  • Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

  • A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
  • A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
  • A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
  • Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
  • Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

  • Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
  • Medications
    • Antidepressants
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has a social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

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.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

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The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

  • Flu – needed every year
  • COVID-19
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
  • Chickenpox
  • Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 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.

Peripheral Neuropathy

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Peripheral neuropathy is any condition that involves damage to peripheral nerves outside your brain or spinal cord. These conditions often cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas and body functions like digestion and urination.

The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

The nerves in the peripheral nervous system are divided into three categories and have a specific job.

  • Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration, or touch, from the skin
  • Motor nerves that control muscle movement
  • Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, and bladder function

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the nerve affected and can include:

  • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in your hands and feet. These sensations can spread upward into your arms and legs
  • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them, or when they’re under a blanket
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
  • Inability to move if motor nerves are affected
  • Heat intolerance
  • Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
  • Bowel, bladder, or digestive problems
  • Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

Peripheral neuropathy can happen for many reasons. Some include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
  • Medications and toxins
  • Tumors
  • Genetic conditions
  • Infections
  • Hansen disease (leprosy)
  • Trauma and surgery
  • Vascular disorders
  • Idiopathic neuropathy

A combination of methods are used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy including:

  • Symptoms and medical history
  • Physical and neurological exams
  • Lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy varies depending on its cause. Treatments can include:

  • Medications
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Devices and wearable equipment
  • Podiatry and foot care
  • Other pain treatments such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, injections, or surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator

Some causes of peripheral neuropathy are preventable. Some preventative or precautionary steps you can take include:

  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Wearing safety equipment as needed
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Avoiding alcohol in excess
  • Avoiding exposure to toxins, poisons, and heavy metals

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (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.

Causes of Chest Pains That Aren’t Heart-Related

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Chest pains are usually associated with heart problems. However, there are many other causes that you should be aware of.

Chest pain that isn’t heart-related is called noncardiac chest pain. Noncardiac chest pain is often described as feeling a painful squeezing or tightness in your chest, or a pressure of heaviness behind your sternum. The pain may be felt on the right or left side or in the middle of your chest.

Many symptoms may occur with noncardiac chest pain including:

  • A sour taste or a sensation of food entering the mouth
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain that gets better or worse when you change body position
  • Pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
  • Tenderness when you push on your chest
  • Pain that continues for many hours

You may not be able to tell the difference between a heart attack and noncardiac chest pain, for that reason it is important to take any chest pain seriously. If it is sudden or new and lasts longer than five minutes, go to the emergency room. If it goes away after a few minutes, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause.

Some causes of noncardiac chest pain include:

  1. Digestive issues
    • Heartburn
    • Swallowing disorders
    • Gallbladder or pancreatic problems
  2. Muscle and bone injuries
    • Costochondritis
    • Sore muscles
    • Injured ribs
  3. Lung-related issues
    • Pulmonary Embolism
    • Pleurisy
    • Collapsed lung
    • Pulmonary Hypertension
  1. Panic attacks
  2. Shingles

Some risk factors associated with noncardiac chest pain can include:

  • High Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Anxiety

Some immediate tests used to help diagnose the cause of chest pain include:

  • ECG or EKG
  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan

Follow-up tests may need to be done depending on the results of the first tests. They include:

  • Echocardiogram
  • CT scan
  • Stress tests
  • Coronary catheterization

Treatment for chest pain varies depending on the cause. Some treatments can include:

Medications if the cause isn’t heart-related such as:

  • Blood thinners
  • Acid-reducing medicines
  • Antidepressants

Surgical procedure if the cause isn’t heart-related such as:

  • Lung re-inflation

If you are experiencing any chest pain symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

 

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.

What Parents Should Know About Oral Nicotine Pouches

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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.

 

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.

Blood Clots

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Blood clots are gel-like clumps of blood that form in your arteries and veins. Blood clots help control bleeding, but can also cause serious medical issues like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack.

Blood clots are the first line of defense if something damages your blood vessels. This is why bleeding usually stops after a few minutes when you cut yourself. You can also develop a blood clot when you have been immobile for a long time or have medical conditions that increase your risk of getting them.

Blood clots are made of small colorless fragments of cells produced by your bone marrow called platelets. They are also made of a sticky blood protein that looks like strings called fibrin. Platelets and fibrin work together to seal injured areas of your blood vessels.

You can have blood clots anywhere in your body. When they develop in the veins of your arms and legs it’s called deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots that form in the arteries of your lungs are called pulmonary embolism. A stroke occurs when blood clots block blood flow to your brain. When blood clots are in your heart, they can cause a heart attack.

If you are experiencing leg pain, swollen legs, or skin discoloration, these may be symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Chest pain or shortness of breath can be symptoms of blood clots in your lungs or heart.

Some other possible symptoms of blood clots to be mindful of include:

  • A cough that produces blood sputum
  • A fast heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, or jaw
  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Some conditions focus on blood clots such as blood clotting issues. Some blood clotting disorders include:

  • Factor V Leiden- an inherited disorder and most common blood clotting disorder. It slightly increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Prothrombin Gene Mutation- an inherited condition that slightly increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome- an autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of blood clots.

People who have an increased risk of developing blood clots include:

  • People 65 years of age or older
  • Pregnancy
  • People who are obese
  • People who have cancer
  • Those on birth control or hormone therapy
  • Smokers
  • Immobile people

Ways to reduce the risk of developing blood clots include:

  • Avoid sitting for long periods
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Changing your lifestyle

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

 

 

 

 

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.

How to Increase Your Stamina

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Stamina is the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.

Physical stamina is the ability to put in the maximum amount of effort during a physical activity, over some time while maintaining optimal performance.

Low stamina can negatively impact a person’s overall quality of life. Low physical stamina is associated with:

  • Poor athletic performance
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Difficulty sleeping

High physical stamina can lead to:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Better sleep
  • Higher sex drive
  • Improved athletic performance

An effective way to build up physical stamina is by doing aerobic exercises and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Mental stamina, sometimes called mental toughness, is the ability to handle life’s stresses, perform well under pressure, and maintain focus despite distractions.

Mental stamina has multiple components that can be referred to as the four C’s of mental toughness including:

  • Control: feeling like you are in control of your life, circumstances, and emotions.
  • Commitment: sticking with your goals even when it gets difficult.
  • Challenge: viewing potential threats to your success as opportunities instead.
  • Confidence: believing in yourself and your ability to succeed.

Low mental stamina is associated with:

  • Difficulty with daily tasks
  • Depression
  • Increased stress levels
  • Decreased attention span
  • Irritability

High mental stamina can lead to:

  • Increased attention span
  • Improved ability to focus on a task
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Increase in productivity

There are several ways to build mental stamina, including:

  • Setting “S.M.A.R.T.” goals- increase mental stamina by setting specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-efficient goals.
  • Find your motivation- focus on “why” you are working on a particular task to help motivate you to keep going.
  • Seek outside support- find people who will support you as you pursue your goals, such as a coach or other people who are pursuing similar goals.
  • Be positive- maintain a positive attitude about your progress and visualize yourself achieving your goal.
  • Stay focused- mental stamina depends on your ability to pay attention to a task for an extended amount of time.
  • Be aware of your environment- remove potential distractions from your environment when working on tasks to help build mental stamina.
  • Practice stress management techniques- reducing stress can improve mental stamina. Techniques such as mindfulness, stress therapy, and diaphragmatic breathing can be helpful.

Remember stamina can be built up, whether it’s physical or mental.

If you are experiencing any medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (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.

Summer Allergies

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The summer months come with beautiful flowers, warm weather, and longer days. They also bring the onset of summer allergies.

There are many causes of summer allergies. Some of which include:

  • Ragweed (the most common allergy trigger)
  • Grasses
  • Trees
  • Smog
  • Air pollution
  • Insect bites
  • Mold
  • Dust mites

Summer allergy symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes and nose
  • Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

  • Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
  • Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
  • Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
  • Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
  • Checking your local TV news station or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
  • Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
  • Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
  • Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

  • Using air conditioning in your house.
  • Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
  • Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
  • Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
  • Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

  • Oral antihistamines
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
  • Oral decongestants

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (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.