Water Retention

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Water retention or edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs, and ankles. It can also affect other body parts such as your face, hands, and abdomen. Edema can affect anyone, especially people who are pregnant and adults 65 and older.

Symptoms of edema include:

An area of your body is larger than it was the day before
The skin over the swollen area looks stretched and shiny
Difficulty walking if your legs, ankles, and feet swell
You have a cough or trouble breathing
You feel fullness or tightness in the swollen body part
You feel mild pain or a sore feeling in the affected area
Stiff joints
Weight fluctuations
Puffiness of the abdomen, face, and hips
Bloating

There are many causes associated with edema, including:

Standing or sitting for too long
Weakened valves
Underlying medical conditions
Side effects from medication
Poor nutrition
Pregnancy
Compromised immune system

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to diagnose edema, followed by diagnostic tests to find the cause. They will look for swelling, especially on parts of your body where your skin has a shiny, stretched appearance.

Edema grading is a scale used to identify the severity of your edema diagnosis and estimate how much fluid built up in your tissues.

Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. Examples of this include:

If lung disease causes edema, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider will recommend you quit smoking.
If edema occurs with chronic heart failure, your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes to treat your diagnosis by monitoring your weight, fluid intake, and salt intake. They may also recommend cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink.
If edema is a side effect of a medication you are taking, your healthcare provider may stop or lower the dosage of your medication to resolve swelling. Do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

There are a few steps you can take to keep fluid from building up in your body, including:

Keeping your legs elevated above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving or going on short walks.
Wearing support socks, stockings, or sleeves, that put pressure on body parts to keep fluids from collecting there.
Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
Following your doctor’s directions for taking medications. Your doctor may want you to take a diuretic to help you get rid of excess fluid.

If you are experiencing swollen legs, ankles, or feet, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center 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.

Doomscrolling

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Doomscrolling is when a person actively seeks out saddening or negative material to read or scroll through on social media or news media outlets.

Gaining prevalence in 2020, the idea behind doomscrolling is attempting to get access to all the information you need to keep yourself protected from what is dangerous around you. Unfortunately, you can become unable to tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.

According to research, people with a high level of neuroticism (a general tendency toward negative emotions) may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling. Neuroticism is one of the big five personality traits, along with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

Dr. Richard Mollica, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School says that women and people with a history of trauma are the two most vulnerable groups when it comes to doomscrolling.

Doomscrolling can reinforce negative thoughts and a negative mindset, something that can greatly impact your mental health. Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety and can also cause them to experience feelings of:

Apprehension
Sadness and anger
Uncertainty about the future

Some potential effects of doomscrolling include:

May worsen mental health issues
May lead to insomnia
Can contribute to “crazymaking” or “gaslighting”, a form of abuse that makes you feel off-balance mentally or emotionally by making you believe you’re crazy.

Here are some tips to help you stop doomscrolling:

Avoid catastrophizing by not letting your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
Think about how you feel after doomscrolling
Keep your phone off your nightstand
Switch your phone to grayscale
Limit your screen time
Opt out of notifications
Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table
Focus on the now
Seek out positive news
Practice gratitude
Move your body
Disconnect
Ask for help

Embrace mindfulness and practice checking your phone consciously, not compulsively. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.

This Recipe For Mom’s Lasagna Will Comfort You And Keep You Warm On A Cold Fall Night

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

As the fall temperatures get colder we’ll be spending more time indoors. Here is a comforting fall recipe for Mom’s lasagna to keep you warm during the cold, autumn months.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-symon/moms-lasagna-fall-version-11957227

Bad Hygiene Habits That Can Make You Sick

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We all have our bad habits. We also have bad hygienic habits. Here are some bad hygienic habits that can make you sick:

Washing your hands incorrectly- when you don’t wash your hands properly, germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them.
Irregular brushing or flossing of teeth- not brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Rarely showering or bathing- not showering can cause acne, rashes, and life-threatening infections.
Infrequently washing bedding- bedsheets that haven’t been washed in months or longer become a petri dish of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, and can lead to a staph infection.
Leaving in contact lenses for days- wearing contact lenses for a week or longer can lead to severe eye infections, including corneal ulcers.
Not washing bras or underwear regularly- not washing your underwear properly leaves the risk of contracting yeast infections, thrush, and urinary tract infections. Wearing unwashed bras can cause acne, rashes, or worse.
Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or hairbrushes- using someone else’s toothbrush can lead to oral infections. Using someone’s razor can lead to skin infections like staph and also transmit viruses like hepatitis and HIV.
Reusing water bottles without washing them- refilling your reusable water bottle without washing it can cause large amounts of bacteria including E. coli to form.
Not washing produce before eating or cooking with them- ingesting the bacteria on unwashed fruits and veggies can give you food poisoning, and consuming the pesticides on some of these foods can raise your risk of serious conditions.
Not washing your hair regularly- bacteria will start to collect and clog your hair follicles, which could lead to infection.
Using your kitchen sponge for too long- using a dirty sponge can spread salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, among other nasty substances.

Good hygiene isn’t about eradicating yourself of germs. You can kick bad hygiene habits by not letting harmful bacteria fester or not taking shortcuts.

Wellness Wednesday- The Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live healthier. Walking has many health benefits that can help you to:

Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat by burning calories
Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Lower blood sugar
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve muscle endurance
Ease joint pain
Boost immune function
Boost energy levels
Improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Improve balance and coordination
Lengthen life spans
Inspire creative thinking
Reduce stress and tension

Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while walking:

Walking in areas designated for pedestrians.
Walk in well-lit areas
Wear a reflective vest or light so people in cars can see you if you walk in the evening or early morning hours
Wear sturdy shoes with good heel and arch support
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Drink plenty of water before and after your walk to stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days

The faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Make sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday: Meditation

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Meditation is the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It can wipe away the day’s stress and bring inner peace. It can also be used as a practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and even increased pain tolerance.

There are many types of mediation, including:

Guided meditation
Mantra meditation
Mindfulness meditation
Qigong
Tai chi
Yoga

Each type of meditation includes certain features to help you meditate. The most common features include:

Focused attention- focusing your attention is one of the most important elements of meditation. It helps free your mind from the many things that cause stress and worry.
Relaxed breathing- this meditation technique involves deep, even-paced breathing using the diaphragm to expand your lungs. The purpose is to slow your breathing, take in more oxygen, and reduce the use of shoulder, neck, and upper chest muscles while breathing so that you breathe better.
A quiet setting- if you’re a beginner, meditation may be easier to do if you’re in a quiet spot to have fewer distractions. As you get more skilled at meditation, you may be able to do it anywhere, including high-stress places.
A comfortable position- you can practice meditation whether sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions or activities. Ensure you are comfortable to get the most out of your meditation. Aim to keep a good posture during meditation.
An open attitude- let thoughts pass through your mind without judging them.

Here are some emotional and physical benefits of meditation:

It helps reduce stress
It helps to control anxiety
It supports emotional health
It enhances self-awareness
It increases your attention span
It may reduce age-related memory loss
It can help generate kindness
It may help with addiction
It helps to improve sleep
It helps control pain
It can help decrease blood pressure
It is accessible anywhere
It enables you to be more patient

Meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health without special equipment or costly memberships. Trying a style of meditation suited to your goals is a great way to improve your quality of life, even if you only have a few minutes a day.

If you want to learn more about Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s integrative health services, events, or classes or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

National Afib Awareness Month

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Afib Awareness Month. Afib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. During Afib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, the ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

It usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of Afib, they can include:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of Afib, including:

Paroxysmal Afib
Persistent Afib
Long-standing persistent Afib

The most common cause of Afib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause Afib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of Afib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent Afib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

Afib is diagnosed when a healthcare provider examines you and asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of Afib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for Afib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

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.

Hand Hygiene for Children

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

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.

Social Anxiety

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

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.