What Happens If a Polyp is Found in Your Colon

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but only if you have been screened for warning signs while you are still healthy. Cancer screenings can find precancerous growths or polyps, as most colorectal cancers start as polyps.

There are different types of colon and rectal polyps. They include:

Hyperplastic polyps: These polyps are not precancerous, and doctors generally remove them anyway, just to be safe.

Adenomas: These colon polyps are precancerous and can take seven to 10 or more years to evolve into cancer—if it ever does. Overall, only 5% of adenomas progress to cancer, but your risk is hard to predict. Doctors remove all the adenomas they find.

Sessile serrated polyps: These polyps were once thought harmless; however, this type of adenoma is now known to be risky and is also removed.

Thankfully, polyps aren’t cancer, and most of them will not develop into cancer. This can only happen if they are caught in the precancerous phase before they have a chance to grow and turn into cancer.

After polyps are removed, you will need to return for an additional colonoscopy. There is a 25% to 30 % chance that a repeat colonoscopy will find additional polyps. You may need to come back for follow-up testing to see if more polyps have grown in the future.

The follow-up care you will need if polyps were removed during your colonoscopy depends on your family history, personal risk factors, and the type of polyps found. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your risk and next steps.

If the polyps found were benign, your healthcare provider might recommend continuing your usual recommended screening schedule. Sometimes, if many benign polyps were found, your healthcare provider might recommend a more frequent schedule for getting routine colonoscopies.

If the polyps were pre-cancerous, your healthcare provider may recommend getting a repeat colonoscopy within one to three years. Sometimes, repeating the procedure within six months may be best, because your healthcare provider will want to check the area where each polyp was removed and look for other polyps or problems.

If polyps were removed during your colonoscopy, this can put you at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. This is especially true if you had multiple polyps found, if they were large, or if they are the types of polyps that have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.

Along with getting routine testing, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Getting regular physical activity

Avoiding red meat and processed foods

Avoiding alcohol

Quitting smoking

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist 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.

When Should You Be Concerned with Your Stool?

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Everybody poops. That is a fact of life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of changes in your bowel movements, as they can indicate if there are potential health issues.

For example, hard, lumpy poop can mean you’re dehydrated. Red poop may be a sign of rectal bleeding. Pungent poop could indicate an infection or other concerns.

Some stools can be big or small depending on the day. It can be round or oblong. Or it can be hard, soft, or even liquid in form. The Bristol Stool Chart gives a sense of what’s ideal and what isn’t. It classifies stool into seven types based on shape and consistency. The types include:

Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like little pebbles

Type 2: Hard and lumpy and starting to resemble sausage

Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface

Type 4: Thinner and more snake-like, plus smooth and soft

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges

Type 6: Fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges

Type 7: Watery with no solid pieces

Gastroenterologists suggest Type 3 or Type 4 is optimal and reflective of a healthier diet and lifestyle, and is easier to pass.

The other five types can signal that something may be off internally. For instance:

Type 1 and Type 2 stool signals constipation and can be difficult or painful to pass. The most common cause is not enough fluids. Adding fiber to your diet and exercise to your daily routine can also help move things along.

Type 5 stool can indicate a lack of fiber, which can help soak up fluid and firm things up. Continually pooping in this part of the scale may be a sign of bowel issues.

Types 6 and 7 are in diarrhea territory and could signal an illness, food poisoning, or some other digestive or intestinal issue. Stress can cause this too. See a doctor if your stool consistently registers on this part of the chart.

Your poop should be a basic brown color. This color comes from the mixing of the various ingredients in your digestive tract, including:

Bile that breaks down fats passing through the digestive system

Bilirubin, a substance created when red blood cells reach the end of their life cycle and exit your body as a waste product

The digested remnants of all the food you ate

Sometimes, poop can be a color other than brown due to something we ate. Vegetables, fruits, and food dyes can change the color of poop, which is perfectly normal.

It is important to know that a food-related tint should disappear within a day or so once the source is out of your system. However, if this color lasts longer than normal, it could be a warning sign of other medical issues. For example:

Greenish poop could be due to a bacterial or viral infection, a parasite, or irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be connected to new medications you’re taking

Reddish poop could indicate rectal bleeding or conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or even colorectal cancer

Blackish poop could signal that there is blood in the upper digestive system from ulcers. It may also be a byproduct of taking iron supplements

Yellowish or greyish poop could signal liver, gallbladder, or pancreas disorders

Contact a healthcare provider if your poop lingers on the wrong part of the color chart for more than a few days.

Poop smells bad. However, some poop can smell worse than others. Foul-smelling poop is often connected to unwanted bacteria living in your gut, disrupting your usual digestive process.

Symptoms should clear up quickly if the smell is because of something you ate. Speak to a healthcare provider if the issue lasts longer than normal to see if there could be an underlying medical condition that is causing the smell.

Staying aware of the size, shape, color, and smell of your poop is good to do, but not necessary to do every day. If something is wrong with your digestive system, you will know.

If you would like to speak with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain condition that happens after repeated head injuries. CTE usually affects athletes who play contact sports or military personnel.

CTE causes neurodegeneration, which means it permanently destroys nerve cells in your brain. Over time, this damage can cause changes in your behavior and mental abilities. It has been associated with second impact syndrome, when a second head injury occurs before symptoms of a previous head injury have fully resolved.

Experts are still trying to understand how repeated head injuries and other factors might contribute to the changes in the brain that result in CTE. Researchers are looking at how the number of head injuries someone experiences and how bad the injuries are may affect the risk of CTE.

There are no specific symptoms that have been linked to CTE, as it shares symptoms with other brain conditions that cause neurodegeneration. It can affect your:

Cognitive function, which can cause:

Memory loss

Trouble solving problems or making plans

Trouble making a choice or judging what you should do next

Mild cognitive impairment

Mood and personality, which can cause:

Anxiety

Depression

Mood swings, especially acting or feeling more aggressive or impulsive

Personality changes

Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or suicidal behavior

Motor function, which can cause:

Balance issues

Loss of coordination

Tremors, twitches, or other muscle movements you can’t control

There is no way to diagnose CTE in a living person. The only way healthcare providers can confirm CTE is by examining samples of a person’s brain with a microscope during their autopsy.

Even though a healthcare provider may not be able to definitively diagnose CTE while a person is alive, they can still make an educated assumption by building a diagnosis using a few factors, including:

A physical exam

A neurological exam

The symptoms a person is experiencing

A person’s medical history, especially if they have had head injuries

Experiencing CTE symptoms doesn’t automatically mean a person has it. There are a lot of conditions that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare provider will use tests to help diagnose or rule out these other issues. Tests include:

Blood tests

CT scan

Lumbar puncture

PET scan

There is no treatment for CTE because there is currently no cure for it. Unfortunately, if a person has CTE, their symptoms will continue to get worse. Avoiding head injuries is the only way to lower your risk of developing CTE. Wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports, especially helmets or protective headwear.

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

World Lung Cancer Day

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day. It is a day dedicated to the global initiative of raising awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, and it is so prevalent that more people die from it than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined every year.

World Lung Cancer Day was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with other health organizations. The day focuses on educating the public about risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures, while advocating for research and improved access to care.

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to support those affected by the disease and to emphasize the critical need for collective action in the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening helps to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective. Early detection through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can improve survival rates in individuals with the disease.

The MediSys Health Network is committed to improving the morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. For more information about our program, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 718-206-LUNG (5864).

Asthma in the Summer

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Summer can be a difficult season for people with asthma. The heat and humidity can affect airways, with the hot air causing them to tighten and narrow. This can trigger symptoms such as wheezing, breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that increase the likelihood of asthma attacks.

Similarly, humid air is not only heavy and hard to breathe in, but it can trap irritants and allow allergens such as dust mites and mold to thrive and diminish air quality, triggering asthma symptoms. This effect occurs regardless of the type of asthma a person has. If a person has allergic asthma, they may find managing their asthma to be especially difficult in the summer. The same is true if a person has exercise-induced asthma and tends to be more active during the summer.

Asthma symptoms are usually more common in the fall and winter; however, summer creates unique risks as there are more causes of summer asthma. Causes of summer asthma symptoms include:

Having asthma means the lungs are sensitive to extreme heat. Breathing in hot air can aggravate airways and trigger symptoms. Becoming dehydrated can cause a person to breathe more rapidly than normal, which can also play a role in setting off symptoms.

Ozone is a product of atmospheric chemicals and sunlight. Although more research is needed to discount statistical uncertainty and better assess adult lung function in response to different levels of exposure, many researchers believe this pollutant can exacerbate asthma, especially in children. This is based on studies that show lung function worsens in the days after ozone levels peak, affecting people with asthma and even people without it.

If you have allergic asthma and are triggered by certain allergens that are especially prevalent in June, July, and August, it stands to reason you’re more likely to have asthma attacks during these months.

March through June: tree pollen is high

May through early June: grass pollen is high

June: outdoor mold spores peak and decrease after the first frost

August through the first frost: weed pollen is high (daily peaks around noon)

Whether it is a small campfire or a raging wildfire, exposure to smoke is more likely in the summer months. Smoke carries fine particulate matter that can get into a person’s airways and have a major impact on asthma.

If you have a history of worsened asthma in the summer, an asthma healthcare provider will work with you to create a seasonal action plan, which may include incorporating additional medications and/or lifestyle measures into your overall management measures.

It is key to head into summer with your asthma well under control. It is not under control if:

You use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week

Asthma symptoms interrupt sleep more than twice a month

You need a new rescue inhaler more than twice a year

Avoiding allergens altogether may be difficult, especially if you enjoy being outside in warm weather. In addition to following your prescribed treatment plan, this may involve taking some special precautions in the summertime, including:

Checking the pollen counts for your area

Staying indoors and/or limiting outdoor activities on days with extreme heat, high humidity, high pollen counts, wildfire smoke days, thunderstorm warnings, and ozone alert days

Showering after outdoor activities

Not letting dust accumulate in your home

Using a dehumidifier and an air conditioner

Considering immunotherapy

It is important to follow your asthma action plan, try to avoid triggers, and stick to the asthma medication regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. These steps may include taking daily asthma controller medication to prevent asthma symptoms and rescue medications to treat acute symptoms.

If your asthma symptoms are becoming difficult to deal with, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological syndrome that involves involuntary movements.

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of tardive dyskinesia. However, the main theory is that it can develop due to the use of dopamine receptor-blocking medications. This includes short-term and long-term use of medications, though it is more likely to develop after long-term use. It can also occur after the discontinuation of, a change in, or the reduction in medication.

Tardive dyskinesia can develop due to exposure to the following medications:

Antipsychotic medications

Anti-nausea medications

Certain antidepressants

Tardive dyskinesia can cause involuntary movements of the:

Facial muscles

Tongue

Neck

Trunk muscles

Limbs

Facial involuntary movements caused by TD may include:

Lip-smacking or making sucking motions with your mouth

Grimacing or frowning

Sticking the tongue out or against the inside of your cheek

Chewing movements

Puffing of your cheeks

Rapid eye blinking

Other involuntary movements may include:

Making repetitive finger movements like you’re playing the piano

Thrusting or rocking your pelvis

Walking with a duck-like gait

Inability to remain physically still

These symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe.

A healthcare provider may describe these symptoms as:

Dystonia- which are uncontrollable muscle contractions

Myoclonus- which are brief, sudden muscle movement

Buccolingual stereotypy- which are repetitive movements of your mouth

Tics- which are habitual contractions of your muscles, often in your face

Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, including:

Age: People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop TD. Those who are over the age of 65 are especially at risk due to age-related neurological changes

Sex: Females are more likely to develop TD. Those who are in post-menopause have rates of TD as high as 30% after almost a year of exposure to antipsychotic medications

Race: Studies show that Black Americans are more likely to develop TD than white Americans. And people of Filipino and Asian descent have a lower risk of developing TD than people of Caucasian descent

Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder who take antipsychotic medications are more sensitive to developing TD compared to other people taking the same medications

To diagnose tardive dyskinesia, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medication history. If you take any medications that are known to cause tardive dyskinesia, your healthcare provider may suspect TD. They may refer you to a neurologist, movement disorder specialist, or psychiatrist.

Healthcare providers refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose tardive dyskinesia. It states that symptoms of TD must last for at least one month after stopping the medication to get a diagnosis of the condition. You must have been on medication for at least three months if you’re younger than 40 or younger, or one month if you’re over 40.

A healthcare provider may recommend other tests to confirm TD or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as Huntington’s disease, using laboratory tests and imaging tests such as a brain CT scan and/or MRI.

A healthcare provider will determine what treatment plan is right for you depending on several factors, such as:

How severe your TD symptoms are

How long you have been taking a medication

Your age

What medication you are taking

Associated conditions, such as other neurological disorders

If you are experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Sleep Apnea Complications

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

There are three main types of sleep apnea. They include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when an individual with OSA develops CSA while undergoing therapy for their OSA.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, which makes it difficult to determine which type a person has. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring

Episodes in which a person stops breathing during sleep

Gasping for air during sleep

Awakening with a dry mouth

Morning headaches

Insomnia

Hypersomnia

Difficulty paying attention while awake

Irritability

Sleep apnea can cause several complications, including:

Daytime fatigue

High blood pressure or heart problems

Type 2 diabetes

Metabolic syndrome

Complications with medicines and surgery

Liver problems

Sleep-deprived partners

To diagnose sleep apnea, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep disorder center, where a sleep specialist can help determine if further evaluation is needed. An evaluation can involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep testing. Tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal polysomnography

Home sleep tests

If you have OSA, a healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out a blockage in your nose and throat.

To treat sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, in mild cases. Other sleep apnea treatments include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Other airway pressure devices

Oral appliances

Tissue removal

Tissue shrinkage

Jaw repositioning

Implants

Nerve stimulation

Tracheostomy

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT specialist.

What is Listeria?

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Many food products have been recalled over the past few months due to various outbreaks of listeria.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

Most people encounter listeriosis, a foodborne illness, as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits (especially melons), and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of being contaminated by Listeria bacteria. However, any food that is handled or prepared improperly can be affected.

Listeria bacteria are unique from many other foodborne illnesses because they survive and multiply in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage, and it doesn’t change the smell, taste, or texture of the food that it contaminates, like other bacteria.

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you’re first infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks, but can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

Symptoms of a listeria infection can include:

Fever

Chills

Muscle aches

Nausea

Diarrhea

If the listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms may include:

Headache

Stiff neck

Confusion or changes in alertness

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Those at risk of severe listeria infection include:

Pregnant women

People older than 65 years old

People with weakened immune systems

People suffering from chronic diseases

The most effective way to diagnose a listeria infection is a blood test. Samples of urine and spinal fluid may also be tested.

The treatment for a listeria infection varies depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment at all. Antibiotics can treat more serious listeria infections.

Some ways to prevent a listeria infection include:

Washing hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot soapy water to wash utensils, cutting boards, and other food preparation surfaces.

Cleaning raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under running water.

Using a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked at a safe temperature.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a listeria infection, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Common Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Summer has arrived, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means an increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wear a hat and sunglasses

Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are suffering from any summer skin condition, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Tips to Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As many of us prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here are some tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely:

When it comes to fireworks, the safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, so you may want to consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string instead. If you are allowed to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging

Keep water close by

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection

Light only one firework at a time and never relight a “dud”, which is a firework that doesn’t work after being lit

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets

Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented.

Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following:

Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle alone.

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.

Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool.

It is important to be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.