Tetanus Shot

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A tetanus shot is a vaccine that reduces your risk of getting tetanus or lockjaw, a painful and potentially fatal bacterial infection.

The incubation period of tetanus ranges from 3 to 21 days after infection. Most cases occur within 14 days.

Symptoms can include:

Jaw cramping or the inability to open the mouth
Muscle spasms often occur in the back, abdomen, and extremities
Sudden painful muscle spasms, often triggered by sudden noises
Trouble swallowing
Seizures
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure or a fast heart rate

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in the environment on metals and in soil. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of Tdap or DTap shots in childhood and boosters every ten years. These shots also protect against other bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus shots work by training the immune system to identify threats, so it has the tools to fight them when it encounters them again. These shots are known as a toxoid vaccine, which means they contain a weakened version of the toxin released by Clostridium tetani, the tetanus-causing bacteria. The toxoid creates an immune response that protects you if you are exposed to these bacteria in the future.

There are many reasons to get a tetanus shot, including:

Within 48 hours of getting a wound that is deep and/or contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva. You will need a booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you can protect your baby from pertussis in their first months of life
As part of the childhood immunization regimen. The CDC recommends an initial five-shot series between the ages of two months and six years old, and a booster shot between 11 and 12 years old
Every 10 years after your initial series of shots

You shouldn’t get a tetanus shot if you or your child has an allergic reaction, seizures, or a decreased level of consciousness after getting a tetanus shot in the past. Do not get a tetanus shot until you speak with your healthcare provider. They can make a recommendation as to what is safe for you.

Before you get a tetanus vaccine, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have:

Life-threatening allergies
Guillain–Barré syndrome
Suffered from seizures in the past
Had severe pain or swelling after getting a tetanus shot in the past
A condition that affects the nervous system
Recently had transplant surgery

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take, as certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cancer treatments, and immunosuppressants, could interact with the tetanus shot.

Like most vaccinations, there is a chance of side effects. However, the side effects of a tetanus shot are usually mild. The most common side effect is muscle soreness in the arm. Other side effects include:

Swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Low-grade fever
Fussiness or irritability in babies

Children and babies rarely experience serious side effects from the DTap vaccine. If they do experience side effects, they would include:

Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Seizures
Swelling of an entire arm or leg
Continued, inconsolable crying that lasts for more than a few hours

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms relating to tetanus, you can receive treatment 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.

Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Muscle Spasms

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Muscle spasms or muscle cramps are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. Muscle spasms occur when the muscles involuntarily and forcibly contract and cannot relax.

Muscle spasms are normal and very common, and can involve part of, or all of, a muscle or several muscles in a group. These spasms can occur anywhere in the body. The most common types of muscle spasms include:

Back spasms

Leg cramps and charley horses

Neck spasms

Arm spasms

Abdomen spasms

Ribcage spasms

Chest spasms

Muscle spasms can occur in anyone at any time, including while walking, sitting, exercising, or sleeping. Some individuals are more susceptible to muscle spasms than others and experience them regularly with any type of exertion. People most likely to get muscle spasms include:

Athletes

Pregnant women

Infants

People who are obese

People over the age of 65

Most of the time, muscle spasms aren’t something to worry about. However, muscle cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition that affects the brain. Involuntary muscle movements resulting from a neurological condition are called dystonia.

Muscle spasms range from mild to severe. Mild muscle spasms feel like the muscle is jumping around on its own and can be seen twitching. Severe muscle spasms feel like the entire muscle stiffens into a tight ball. If the cramping is painful, it may cause lingering discomfort in that area for a couple of days.

If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, they may cause symptoms such as:

Paralysis

Muscle pain

Muscle weakness

Coordination issues

Numbness

Difficulty sleeping

Vision issues

Experts aren’t sure why some people get muscle spasms more than others. However, possible causes can include:

Dehydration

Muscle fatigue

Exercising in extreme heat, which causes heat cramps

Not enough stretching

Electrolyte imbalance

Stress

Too much high-intensity exercise

A healthcare provider can diagnose muscle spasm by reviewing a person’s health history and medications, as well as asking questions that include:

How bad is the pain?

How long do the cramps last?

When do muscle spasms usually happen?

What do the muscle spasms feel like?

When did the muscle spasms start?

There is no pill or injection used to treat and relieve muscle spasms. However, some things can be done to try and stop muscle cramps, including:

Massage the affected areas with your hands or a massage roller

Stretch the affected area

Stand up and walk around

Apply heat or ice

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Muscle spasms can happen at any time, and because they are so predictable, they can be difficult to prevent. Unfortunately, there are risk factors that can’t be avoided, such as your age. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

Stretching your muscles regularly

Performing flexibility exercises

Drinking a lot of water

Wearing shoes that fit properly

Avoiding exercising in extreme heat

Working toward better overall fitness

Staying at a weight that is healthy for you

Avoiding medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect

Stretching your muscles before going to sleep

Using pillows to keep your toes pointed upward if you sleep on your back or letting your feet hang over the end of the bed if you sleep on your chest, to prevent leg cramps

If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Snow STEMI

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A powerful winter storm called a Nor’easter has brought blizzard-like conditions and a large amount of snowfall to our area.

When we get such large amounts of snow, the easy part is watching the beauty of the snow falling. Unfortunately, the most difficult part is having to shovel several inches of snow from the sidewalk and driveway.

A major worry when shoveling large amounts of snow is how it can affect our health.

According to the National Library of Medicine, heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure during the winter months have been associated with increased adverse cardiovascular events, such as “snow-shoveler’s ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).”

Snow-shoveler’s STEMI is a type of heart attack that occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle. This can especially occur due to the over-exertion caused by shoveling snow.

Per the American Heart Association, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of a heart attack, but most people won’t have a problem. Sudden exertion, such as shoveling hundreds of pounds of snow or pushing a heavy snow blower after being sedentary for several months, can put a huge strain on the heart.

There is also a factor of cold weather, as it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and make blood clots form more easily and constrict arteries, which can decrease blood supply. This can even affect healthy people. People who are over the age of 40 years old, or are relatively inactive, are especially at risk. Other people who are at risk of STEMI include:

Those with preexisting heart conditions:

Those with high blood pressure (hypertension)
Those who smoke tobacco products

According to Medical News Today, research indicates that heavy snowfall is linked to a 6% higher likelihood of hospital admission for men with a heart attack and a 34% increase in dying.

The National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips to shovel safely:

Know the signs of a heart attack, stop immediately, and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them; every minute counts

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

- Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach
- Shortness of breath

Other signs of a heart attack can include:

- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual tiredness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness

Take it slow and stretch before you start shoveling
Shovel only fresh, powdery snow because it is lighter
Push the snow instead of lifting it. If you do lift the snow, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
Lift with your legs and not your back
Dress in warm layers
Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
Do not work to the point of exhaustion

If you have a history of heart disease, do not pick up a shovel without the permission of your healthcare provider.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of STEMI, while, during, or after shoveling snow, 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 call 911 immediately.

13 Poses to Do Every Day for Increased Flexibility

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we exercise, we can sometimes focus more on gaining strength, endurance, lung capacity, and body composition. However, we can sometimes overlook gaining more flexibility.

Flexibility training improves the range of motion at the joints, which can facilitate freer movement, help reduce pain and risk of injury, and generally make us more capable in our everyday lives. Yoga is an exercise that can help boost flexibility.

Yoga is a holistic mind-body activity that involves moving through a series of body poses and breathing exercises that can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation.

Here are 13 yoga poses you can do every day for increased flexibility:

Cat-cow pose

Low cobra pose

Reclined spinal twist

Standing crescent moon

Half lord of the fishes

Bound angle pose

Reclined pigeon pose

Wide-legged forward fold with chest expansion

Reclined hamstring stretch

Assisted low lunge

Downward-facing dog

Thread the needle

Reverse tabletop

Maintaining our flexibility as we age is essential to our health. People who remain flexible have fewer difficulties with daily activities and experience an increased quality of life. An increased range of motion is associated with fewer injuries, decreased pain, and stronger muscles, which can lead to better performance.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Autoimmune diseases are health conditions that happen when the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. They are also called autoimmune disorders by healthcare providers.

The immune system is the body’s built-in defense system. It automatically detects substances that shouldn’t be in the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It sends out white blood cells to eliminate them before they can damage the body or make a person sick.

If a person has an autoimmune disease, their immune system is overactive. When it doesn’t have anything to attack, the immune system turns on the body and damages healthy tissue.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions, which means a person will have to manage them and the symptoms they cause for the rest of their life.

There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any tissue or organ in the body, depending on where the immune system malfunctions. These autoimmune diseases can include:

Joints and muscles

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Lupus

Myositis

Skin and blood vessels

Sjögren’s syndrome

Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis

Dermatomyositis

Scleroderma

Vasculitis

Rheumatoid vasculitis

Urticarial vasculitis

Vitiligo

Digestive system

Crohn’s disease

Celiac disease

Ulcerative colitis

Autoimmune gastritis

Endocrine system

Type 1 diabetes

Addison’s disease

Hashimoto’s thyroditis

Graves’ disease

Nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIPD)

Autoimmune diseases are very common due to there being so many different types, with experts estimating that around 1 in 15 people in the U.S. has an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect a person’s body from head to toe. Conditions that affect the muscles can cause muscle weakness, joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, indicating a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Type 1 diabetes causes high blood sugar. And some autoimmune diseases can affect a person’s vision.

Many autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation, which causes a feeling of warmth, discoloration or redness of the skin, swelling, and pain.

Additionally, a lot of autoimmune diseases can cause recurring symptoms. These episodes of more noticeable or more severe symptoms are called flares or attacks.

Unfortunately, experts don’t know for certain what causes autoimmune diseases, and researchers are still studying what makes the immune system start attacking the body in the first place.

However, some studies have found certain factors, or triggers, that might increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease. They include:

Viral infections such as COVID-19 and the Epstein-Barr virus

A person’s sex, as women are more likely to have an autoimmune condition

Having biological relatives with autoimmune diseases, as some are genetic and can be passed through generations of a biological family

Having one autoimmune disease can increase a person’s odds of developing another one. This is called multiple autoimmune syndrome

Exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors may trigger autoimmune diseases

Smoking and other types of tobacco use can cause many health issues, including potentially triggering autoimmune diseases

A healthcare provider diagnoses autoimmune diseases when they perform a physical exam and discuss a person’s health history with them. They will examine their body, specifically if they are experiencing symptoms in a specific area. They will ask about the person’s symptoms and when they first noticed them.

A healthcare provider will perform tests for several different conditions that can cause the symptoms until they find a cause. This is called a differential diagnosis. They may order blood tests to look for specific markers, or clues the immune system leaves behind after it damages the body or causes specific issues, of autoimmune diseases.

They may also perform imaging tests to look inside the body, including:

X-rays

CT scan

Ultrasound

Autoimmune diseases may need a variety of treatments, since they cause a variety of symptoms. Which treatment is needed depends on which condition a person has. Everyone’s immune system, genetics, and environment are different, which means the treatments will be unique to each person. Some common treatments to manage autoimmune disease symptoms include:

Pain relievers

Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Immunosuppressants

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

IVIG infusions

A person may need specific treatment based on what condition they have. People with Type 1 diabetes will need insulin therapy. People with celiac disease will need to eat a gluten-free diet.

The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients in Queens, NY, who develop rheumatological disorders. If you would like to make an appointment, please call 718-206-6742.

Meet Our Doctors- Dr. Andrew Bi

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Bi, the newest member of our orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Bi was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in East Lyme, Connecticut, and currently resides in Queens. He graduated from the University of Connecticut magna cum laude with honors. He then graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine summa cum laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Then he completed his orthopedic surgery residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedics, where he served as Executive Chief Resident. Dr. Bi later underwent subspeciality training at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in a sports medicine fellowship, where he served as assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and DePaul University.

Dr. Bi has received numerous awards for teaching, clinical care, and research, including the Ralph Lusskin Senior Resident Teaching Award, the Marian Frauenthal Sloane Clinical Research Award, and the Rush Annual Thesis Day Award.

Dr. Bi treats all aspects of orthopedic injuries with a special interest in the management of all shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee conditions, including, but not limited to robotic-assisted joint replacements for arthritis, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries for sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum injuries, and the fixation of fractures. His current research efforts involve anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal allograft transplantations, rotator cuff tears, hip arthroscopy, and orthobiologics.

Dr. Bi is excited to begin at the Medisys family at Jamaica Hospital, bringing with him expertise in sports medicine subspecialization, as well as his Chinese heritage, to care for the diverse population surrounding the hospital.

If you are experiencing any conditions or injuries affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you can schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Specialists of New York by calling 718-206-6923

Foods Rich In Magnesium

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in various foods. It helps support more than 300 different chemical processes throughout the human body, such as:

Muscle function

Regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Promoting energy production

Nerve function and bone health

Mental health

When eating foods containing magnesium, experts recommend consuming between 310 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, depending on age and sex:

Babies 6 months and younger: 30 mg

7 to 12 months: 75 mg

1 to 3 years old: 80 mg

4 to 8 years: 130 mg

9 to 13 years 240 mg

14 to 18 years (male): 410 mg

14 to 18 years (female): 360 mg

19 to 30 years (male): 400 mg

19 to 30 years (female): 310 mg

31 and older male: 420 mg

31 and older female: 320 mg

Pregnant women should get an additional 40 mg of magnesium per day. Some, but not all, prenatal vitamins include magnesium.

Many foods contain magnesium, including:

Nuts and seeds:

- Roasted almonds- 1oz = 80 mg of magnesium

- Roasted cashews- 1oz = 72 mg of magnesium

- Whole flaxseeds- 1 Tbsp = 40 mg of magnesium

- Dry roasted peanuts- 1 oz = 49 mg of magnesium

- Hulled and roasted pumpkin seeds- 1 oz = 15 mg of magnesium

- Chia seeds- 1oz = 111 mg magnesium

Legumes:

- Boiled black beans- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Cooked and prepared edamame- ½ cup = 50 mg of magnesium

- Cooked lima beans- ½ cup = 40 mg of magnesium

Fiber-rich whole grains:

- Cooked quinoa- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Plain, unfrosted shredded wheat- 1 cup = 56 mg of magnesium

Low-fat dairy products:

- Nonfat milk- 1 cup = 24 to 27 mg of magnesium

- Plain low-fat yogurt- 8oz = 42 mg of magnesium

Greens:

- Cooked spinach- ½ cup = 78 mg of magnesium

- Cooked Swiss chard- ½ cup = 75 mg of magnesium

- Collard greens- ½ cup = 25 mg of magnesium

Fruit:

- One whole avocado = 58 mg of magnesium

- One medium banana = 32 mg of magnesium

- One small papaya = 33 mg of magnesium

- Blackberries- 1 cup = 29 mg of magnesium

Vegetables:

- Green peas- ½ cup = 31 mg of magnesium

- Sweet corn- ½ cup = 27 mg of magnesium

- One medium potato with skin on = 48 mg of magnesium

Dark chocolate that is 70%-85% cocoa- 1oz = 64 mg of magnesium

2 liters of water- up to 240 mg of magnesium

If you have a magnesium deficiency, a healthcare provider may suggest magnesium supplements. When magnesium is combined with other substances, it can help bring out specific benefits, including:

Magnesium glycinate: helps promote sleep

Magnesium citrate: helps digestion

Magnesium oxide: an antacid and aid to relieve migraines

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): used as a muscle relaxant

Eating a meal that contains magnesium-rich foods is the foundation of a healthy diet and is beneficial for your overall health.

It is important to note that you should first speak with your doctor about making any changes to your diet and before taking any new supplements. To consult a physician about the best ways to get your daily amount of magnesium, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Best Sleep Postures

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Everyone has a particular position they use while sleeping. However, people frequently overlook the importance of their sleeping position.

Your sleep posture can influence how your body feels, the quality of your sleep, and even certain health conditions. Finding the right sleep position can relieve stress on the spine and joints, and may also impact factors such as a person’s breathing and risk of heartburn.

The best sleep position is one that promotes healthy spine alignment from the hips to the head. What works best for a person depends on their health situation and what they find comfortable.

Some sleep positions are healthier than others. For example, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these positions, it is easier to keep your spine supported and balanced because it relieves pressure, allowing the muscles to relax and recover.

Spinal support is only one part of the equation. Sleeping positions can also have effects on a range of health issues, including sleep apnea, acid reflux, and pain.

If a person is suffering from sleep apnea, the best sleep position to help reduce symptoms is to sleep on their side or stomach because it keeps their airways open while they sleep.

For a person with heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the best sleeping position is on their left side, which helps make it harder for stomach acid to reach the junction between the stomach and esophagus.

Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent with a small pillow between them is the best sleeping position for someone who has lower back pain, which allows the entire spine to stay in a neutral position, and that spinal alignment helps reduce neck and back pain.

To help someone relieve their neck pain, the best sleeping position is on their back with their arms in a similar position. This reduces the overactivity of the muscles around the neck and doesn’t put more pressure on one side of their body.

If someone is experiencing both hip and knee pain, they can reduce the pain by sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees, which can keep the hips, pelvis, and spine aligned, easing pressure on joints and muscles.

For women who are pregnant, the best sleeping position is on their left side with their knees bent, which improves circulation, making it easier for nutrient-rich blood to reach the placenta, and can help reduce pressure on the liver and lower back. It may also help ease swelling in the legs, feet, and hands.

When a person has allergies or a stuffy nose, sleeping upright is the best sleeping position to help their airways stay open, allowing the stuffy nose to drain.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important to your health and well-being. However, sometimes the position you choose to sleep in can cause or worsen breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, or aggravate back and neck pain. If any of these conditions arise, you may want to try to sleep in a different position.

If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like help, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

ALS

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. There is no exact known cause of the disease. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. And it also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medicines for treating ALS:

Riluzole
Edaravone

There are many forms of therapy and forms of support when ALS affects your ability to breathe, speak, and move. They include:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you are experiencing any symptoms of ALS, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.