ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating the unique strengths that often come with a neurodivergent brain.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Adult ADHD symptoms include:

Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it.

The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, but research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics
Environment
Problems during development

Factors that may increase the risk of ADHD may include:

You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs during pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to spot. However, the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life, before the age of 12, continuing into adulthood, creating major problems.

There is no single test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis. A diagnosis will likely include:

A physical exam
Questions about your current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
ADHD rating scales or psychological tests

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training, and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment as they can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they won’t cure it.

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.

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.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a month to raise awareness, shine a light on ovarian cancer, and amplify the voices of those in the community who have experienced this disease.

Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.

Types of ovarian cancer include:

Epithelial ovarian cancer- this type is the most common. It includes several subtypes, such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors- this type includes rare tumors that are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors- these types of rare ovarian cancers tend to occur at a younger age.

When ovarian cancer first develops, the signs and symptoms are subtle, which makes the disease difficult to detect in the early stages (I-II). This is why only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. Often, symptoms don’t appear until the disease is in its advanced stages (III-IV). When ovarian cancer symptoms do occur, they’re usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits
A frequent need to urinate

Several factors can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

Older age
Inherited gene changes
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Age when menstruation started and ended
Never having been pregnant

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there may be ways to reduce your risk, including:

Considering taking birth control pills
Discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider

Several tests and procedures can be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer. They include:

A pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood tests
Surgery
Genetic testing

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment options for you.

Once it is confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider will use the information from your tests and procedures to assign your cancer a stage. The lowest stage, stage I, indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations.

Surgical operations to remove ovarian cancer include:

Surgery to remove one ovary
Surgery to remove both ovaries
Surgery to remove both ovaries and the uterus
Surgery for advanced cancer

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain, but it can also be used before surgery.

Other therapy treatments for ovarian cancer can include:

Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy

Palliative care is another treatment option as it focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness and can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 31^st is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms.

An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or a combination of substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medications.

The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.

The common signs and symptoms of a drug overdose can include:

Dilated pupils, nausea or vomiting, headache, and chest pain
Seizures, convulsions or tremors, blue lips or fingers, and abnormally high body temperature
Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath
Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked
Violent or aggressive behavior, paranoia, and agitation
Disorientation or confusion, unresponsiveness, and unconsciousness
Death

The International Overdose Awareness Day campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises. It stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.

National Breastfeeding Month

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Breastfeeding Month. It is a time when communities and health organizations work in tandem to share the many health benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother and baby and to celebrate the natural and healthful bond between a new mother and her infant.

There are five great health benefits of breastfeeding, including:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Breast milk shares antibodies from a mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.

Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted while traveling.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Ways you can celebrate National Breastfeeding Month include:

Learn more and educate others about breastfeeding

Support breastfeeding mothers

Advocate for better breastfeeding policies

Donate to relevant breastfeeding advocacy organizations

Share stories and experiences about breastfeeding

Volunteer during National Breastfeeding Month

Participate in breastfeeding events

Express gratitude for those who are breastfeeding

At Jamaica Hospital’s Baby Friendly USA-designated Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life, and we provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services, such as breastfeeding, please contact us at 718-291-3276 for more information.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As many parents prepare their children for the new school year, it is essential to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries

Infections

Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, including:

Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed

Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen

Their eyes are watery or inflamed

They rub their eyes a lot

They close or cover one eye

They tilt their head forward

They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work

They hold objects close to their eyes to see

They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work

Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities

Limiting screen time

Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

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).

National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June 6th is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day that honors the victims and survivors of gun violence and builds a community with those working to end gun violence.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day, also known as Wear Orange Day, originated on June 2nd, 2015, which is what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago, Illinois. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear to protect themselves and others.

#WearOrange honors Hadiya and the 125 people shot and killed every day in the United States, along with hundreds more who are wounded and the countless others whose lives have been changed by gun violence.

To participate in National Gun Violence Awareness Day, you can do the following:

Attend a gun safety community event.
Talk to friends, family, and neighbors. Start a conversation about gun safety and why it matters in your community.
Wear the color orange.
Post yourself wearing or holding something orange and use #WearOrange to show your support for gun violence prevention.

For this 11th year of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, #WearOrange and join in remembering the millions of lives stolen or impacted by gun violence and taking action by advocating for gun violence prevention in their honor.

June Is Men’s Health Month

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

June is designated as Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness of health issues that affect men and encourage the prevention and early detection of diseases such as prostate cancer, hypertension, and other conditions.

Many of the health risks faced by men are preventable or treatable if detected early.

One of the most effective ways to detect certain health problems early or prevent them is to get regular screenings.

Key health screenings include:

Prostate cancer
Colorectal cancer
Blood pressure
Lung cancer
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Osteoporosis

In addition to getting regular screenings, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that help reduce health risks, such as:

Eating a healthy diet
Quitting smoking
Exercising
Limiting alcohol consumption
Getting adequate sleep

Prioritizing mental health is also crucial for overall well-being. It’s important to recognize and be attentive to the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support by confiding in trusted friends or family or seeking assistance from licensed healthcare professionals.

Jamaica Hospital offers a variety of services that can help you manage your health. To learn more, please visit our website at www.JamaicaHospital.org

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus that only affects your skin
Drug-induced lupus occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it
Neonatal lupus occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight
Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Kidney and liver assessment
Urinalysis
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray
An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during one. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Antimalarial drugs
Immunosuppressants
Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly
Being sun smart
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

How Stress Affects Diabetes #StressAwarenessMonth

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we are under stress, the body releases hormones that increase blood glucose levels. This can cause adverse symptoms in people with diabetes.

If you experience stress or feel threatened, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream increasing respiratory rates. This can also increase blood glucose levels if the body can’t adequately process it.

Stress affects people differently. The type of stress that people experience can impact their body’s physical response.

When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they can experience an increase in their blood glucose levels. People who have type 1 diabetes may have a more varied response as they experience either an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels.

Mental symptoms of stress include:

Feeling unmotivated
Feeling irritable
Feeling depressed
Feeling restless
Feeling anxious

When you are under physical stress, your blood sugar can also increase. This can happen due to sickness or injury. This affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

Headaches
Muscle pain or tension
Sleeping too much or too little
General feelings of illness
Fatigue

There are several ways to manage the effects of different forms of stress which could help lessen or limit the stressors in your life, including:

Exercising regularly
Practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation
Avoiding known stressors, such as high-stress social situations
Reducing caffeine intake
Spending time with loved ones

If you are feeling stressed, you can also connect with people online or in your community for solidarity and support by:

Joining an online support group
Joining an in-person support group
Seeking therapy

If mental or physical stress symptoms are affecting your diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.