The Benefits of Taking a Vacation

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

We live in a stressful society, therefore It is very important for people to take a break in order to stay healthy. Studies have shown not taking a vacation for a few years can increase the risk of heart disease and the potential for a heart attack.

It was also found that people who take vacations have an easier time with breaking bad habits such as nail biting, smoking, and eating poorly because the stressors that lead to these behaviors are minimalized.

There are many additional benefits to taking a vacation:
•A better outlook on life
• A chance for the body to unwind
• An increase in happiness

To really benefit from a vacation a person has to leave their work environment at home.
Today, with electronic devices so prevalent, it is recommended to not check them more than once or twice a day, while on vacation to reap the full benefits of relaxation.

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.

The Facts About Synthetic Marijuana

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, is a drug that is having a devastating effect on our area, and many other cities across the United States. In an attempt to raise awareness about the drug, Jamaica Hospital wants to share the following facts with the community.

K2 and other forms of synthetic marijuana are a blend of chemical substances known as cannabinoids that are sprayed on dried leaves. The result is a product that resembles marijuana, but has a much more potent effect. While the intention of synthetic marijuana is to mimic the effects traditional marijuana has on the body, the reaction to the synthetic version is often much more severe.

For a long time these products were readily available as they were sold in brightly colored packages at local corner stores and bodegas across the City. In addition to its accessibility, what has made synthetic marijuana popular for many is the cost. While a traditional marijuana joint typically can cost $5, a synthetic joint only costs about $1, making it very popular among not only the poor and homeless, but also with kids. Many users report another reason for taking synthetic marijuana is it doesn’t appear on drug tests.

In 2012 they were made illegal to sell in New York, but the law that was passed were very difficult to enforce because as the chemical products used became banned, those who made them would alter the compound to stay one step ahead of authorities.

This process of regularly changing the drug’s chemical composition also accounts for the unpredictability in the reaction by those who take it. Since the chemicals vary from packet to packet, people who use K2 may feel fine one time, and become extremely sick the next. Examples of this have been mass poisonings, most recently this week in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick.

Potential adverse reactions to smoking synthetic marijuana include: kidney failure, elevated blood pressure, loss of consciousness, violent behavior, nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, anxiety, and even death.

In 2015 however, stricter laws were passed outlawing the sale of anything that could be marketed as synthetic marijuana, rather than going after the specific compounds. Still synthetic pot can be easily obtained in many of the poorer parts of the City and while some stores still sell it, much of the distribution has moved to the street.

Since the beginning of 2015, there have been more than 6,000 emergency-room visits in the city due to synthetic marijuana overdoses, with more than 1,200 emergency department visits occurring in July of 2015 alone. Officials say the situation has improved. Since the new laws took effect, the city has proclaimed some measure of success. In May, hospital visits for the drug were down 85 percent. While this news is encouraging, the events of this past week in Brooklyn remind us of how serious synthetic marijuana can be in our community and we urge everyone to remain aware of its dangers.

Emergency Preparedness Plans and What You Should Have in Your Kit

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Disasters can occur unexpectedly but being prepared can lessen the effect of damages and the chances of accidents. Developing an emergency plan and creating a kit for your household is the best way to prepare for disasters.

When forming an emergency plan get the entire family or those who live in your home involved. Here is a checklist for things to consider:

Ensure that contact information for family and loved ones is up to date
Designate safe spaces where everyone can meet
Locate emergency shelters in your community
Assign responsibilities to each member of your household
Choose an emergency contact person outside of your immediate area
Create an evacuation plan and practice evacuating your home at least twice a year
If you have pets, keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your neighborhood
Remind everyone to register with the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well website or call 800-RED-CROSS after a disaster. Enrolling will allow concerned loved ones to know that you are safe, by searching the list.

In addition to having an emergency plan, it is vital that you put together an emergency preparedness kit. A few suggested items to include are:

Water- at least one gallon per person for each day , lasting two weeks
Non- perishable food
Flashlights
Batteries
Sanitary and personal hygiene Items
Copies of important documents, such as ID’s, birth certificates, medical information, proof of address and insurance
Cell phones and chargers
Extra cash in small bills
Medications
Multipurpose tools
Battery-powered and two-way radios
Blankets
Maps
Emergency contact information cards
Spare set of house and car keys

If you need assistance in making an emergency plan, City programs such as Ready New York provide ready-made templates, where you can fill in important information. Templates also include resources from utility companies, city and federal emergency departments. Please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/downloads/pdf/myemergencyplan_english.pdf to create a plan.

Avoid Serious Injury When Grilling – Practice These Safety Tips

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Warm weather brings people outdoors for all kinds of activities. One of the most popular is outdoor grilling. Whether it be the all – American hotdogs and hamburgers, chicken, steak, fish and vegetables, everything tastes better on a grill, but grilling can be dangerous if precautions aren’t taken.

Following these rules will make grilling safe:

• Keep the grill at least ten feet away from your house, garage, porch, and automobile
• Always keep the grill clean
• Remove any grease and fat build up
• Keep a hose fire extinguisher, or a bucket of water nearby
• Check for leaks if you are using a gas grill
• Make sure the area is well ventilated
• Keep away from decorations and other flammable objects
• Keep small children away from the grill
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Keep the lid open when starting the fire to avoid build-up of gas
• Do not grill indoors with an outdoor grill
• Do not overload the grill with food

Don’t let your summer grilling be memorable for the wrong reasons. Every year people end up with serious injuries because they weren’t careful. Remember that a grill uses a flame to cook and regardless of it being charcoal or gas that is fueling it, it can get out of control quickly. Take your time and do it the right way and you will have a wonderful meal every time.

Is Your Mattress Contributing to Your Back Pain?

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Michael Hinck

There are many possible reasons someone might experience back pain. One potential contributing factor could be the mattress you sleep on.

Waking up with lower back pain can be an indicator that your mattress is to blame. It is recommended that you evaluate the condition of your mattress every five to seven years since this is when they begin to break-down. Nearly two-thirds of those who suffer with lower back pain report significant improvements after purchasing a new mattress.

Selecting a mattress can be tricky. It has long been believed that a firm mattress works best, but others believe that a medium to firm mattress is better. At the end of the day, what matters most is what feels best for you, so lie down and “test” a few mattresses in the store before making a decision.

Purchasing a mattress can be an expensive investment. For those who can’t afford to buy a new mattress, follow these tips can help:

• Use a plywood board between your mattress and box-spring or frame for added support
• Place a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back or between your knees if you sleep on your side to take pressure off of your spine
• Wrap a rolled-up towel around your waist to help maintain a proper curve in your spine
• Never get out of bed too fast. Instead, roll on your side, bend your knees and push yourself up with your hands
• Even if you are experiencing back pain, don’t remain in bed too long. This can relieve stiffness and pain

While these tips can be helpful for some, they might not work for everyone. if you continue to experience back pain, or if your pain is worse at night, speak to your doctor immediately.

Health Effects Caused By Worrying

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Worrying yourself sick is not just a saying; studies prove that being in a constant state of worry can have a harmful effect on your physical health. Excessive worrying can lead to anxiety and an increase in your levels of stress. This can trigger a number of problems that can make you ill.

High levels of stress produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, both can negatively impact the nervous system, digestive system, the heart and glands; leading to health conditions such as:

Stomach ulcers
Heart disease
Diarrhea
Sleep disorders
Frequent headaches
Fatigue
Short term memory loss

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help decrease how frequently you worry and potentially reduce the risk of developing serious health problems- they include:

Exercising
Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi
Drinking caffeine in moderation
Maintaining a healthy diet
Socializing with people who are supportive

If these tips do not help and you continue to experience stress-related symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

Do You Know How to Dispose of your Expired Medications?

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Michael Hinck

If you peek inside your medicine cabinet, there is a good chance it contains a few expired or unnecessary prescription medications. It is probably a good idea to discard them, but what is the right way to do so?

Disposing of these medications, whether they are expired antibiotics, or pain meds that are no longer needed is very important because they can be harmful if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for.

While most medicines can be thrown in the household trash, many others have specific disposal instructions to immediately flush them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Only flush prescription drugs that specifically note to do so as there is evidence that certain medications can harmful to the water supply. If you are uncomfortable flushing or disposing of your meds, another option is participating in local drug “take-back” programs where they can be turned in and properly disposed of.

If no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash using these tips:

• Remove your meds from their original containers and mix them with coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter. This makes them less appealing to drug seekers.

• Place this mixture in a sealable bag to prevent the drugs from leaking out of the garbage bag.

• Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to protect your identity and privacy.

• Do not give your medicine to friends. Doctors prescribe medicines based on your specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

• When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist.

Check with your local government officials about any up-coming drug take-back events in your community. If you cannot locate one and you have questions, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s on-site retail pharmacy about how to properly dispose of your medications. For more information, please call 718-206-8515.

Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

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

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

INGREDIENTS

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

DIRECTIONS

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

Serves: 4

Total Time: 40 min

For this and other easy recipes visit –

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This designation provides patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country an opportunity to join together to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of early detection.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women with an average risk of developing colon cancer be tested beginning at age 50. People with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be tested earlier.

Early detection can save lives, but unfortunately, less than half of the people age 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet there is a 90 percent cure rate when detected early.

There are a variety of different tests used to diagnose colon cancer. They include:

Standard (or optical) colonoscopy – During this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and tool for removing tissue. During a colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the colon and rectum can be removed.

Sigmoidoscopy – During this test, the rectum and the sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidascope. The instrument is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and sigmoid colon as air is passed pumped into the colon to expand it so the doctor can see it more clearly.

High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) – This exam checks for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The stool samples are collected by the patient and the doctor has the samples tested.

Speak with your doctor about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer and what test(s) are best for you. If you do not have a doctor, Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center has doctors that can help. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

What do you rely on most for maintaining a healthy heart?

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Joann Ariola

1. Exercise

2. Balanced diet

3. Getting plenty of sleep

4. Reducing stress

5. All of the above

Answer – 5- All of the above

Although the American Heart Association recommends for overall cardiovascular health – at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days per week or at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per week for a total of 75 minutes with a moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least 2 days per week for additional benefits, best results are gained when exercise is combined with a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and reducing stress .