Common Vaccines That Can Prevent Chronic Diseases or Some Cancers

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaccines don’t just protect you from specific infectious diseases or help reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. They also play a significant role in preventing you from developing common chronic diseases, including certain cancers.

What’s more, there is an increasing amount of research that has shown that vaccines can reduce the risk of developing dementia and heart conditions.

Here are some common vaccines that can prevent chronic diseases and some cancers:

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through sex, and is responsible for most cervical cancers. It can also cause a large number of lower genital cancers and certain head and neck cancers.

Studies have shown that rates of HPV infection, early signs of precancer, and cervical cancer have fallen since the HPV vaccine was introduced. A 2024 study of an estimated 3.5 million participants found fewer cases of HPV-related cancers in people who were vaccinated. Another study found that cervical cancer deaths among women younger than 25 years old dropped more than 60 percent in recent years, with researchers suggesting that the significant decline was most likely the result of vaccinations.

The HPV vaccine should be administered to all young people between the ages of nine and 26. It can be given to people up to the age of 45; however, the vaccine is less effective the older you are. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for most people younger than 15 years old, and three shots for people between 15 and 26 years old and those who are immunocompromised.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave your body after you have recovered from chicken pox and stays dormant in your nervous system, and for some people, it can reactivate and cause a painful rash. In the U.S., an estimated one million people get shingles each year, and for certain people, it can sometimes also cause lifelong chronic pain conditions or other serious complications, such as vision loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults between 50 and 69 years old.

Additionally, many large-scale studies have reported a connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. There is also research that suggests the vaccine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The CDC recommends two doses of a shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, or people 19 years or older with weakened immune symptoms. The chicken pox vaccine for children can help prevent shingles when they’re older.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B virus is a leading risk factor for liver disease and cancer later in life. It can be contracted through sexual contact, needles, and childbirth, and can be passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

Acute hepatitis B can be a short-term illness that happens within the first six months of exposure to the virus. It can cause people to have no symptoms or only mild sickness. However, the illness, which is a liver infection that can become a lifelong chronic condition if left untreated, could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended that all infants receive the vaccine at birth, with the series of shots to be completed in the first 15 months of their life.

Flu, Coronavirus, and RSV Vaccine

Vaccines that help prevent infections from respiratory viruses are important because they protect us against serious disease, as well as flare-ups or worsening of existing chronic health conditions.

A study done in 2020 found higher rates of severe flu infections among adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Additionally, a study of 46 million adults observed that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes decreased after people received coronavirus vaccinations.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.

It is also important for those who have chronic conditions to get the coronavirus and RSV vaccines.

RSV can be devastating for children and elderly people. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended for babies, pregnant women to protect their babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with chronic health conditions, and all adults 75 and older.

Bacterial Vaccines

Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia can also lead to chronic disabilities or even death.

The longer a person has a meningitis infection, the greater the risk of the infection causing serious complications such as hearing loss, vision troubles, memory issues, learning disabilities, brain damage, seizures, and kidney failure.

Pneumonia can have long-term effects, such as depression, heart disease, and blood vessel diseases that worsen. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia could cause kidney, liver, and heart damage due to the organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly, or because of the immune system responding negatively to the infection.

Both bacterial meningitis and pneumonia can lead to sepsis. If treated early, a person suffering from sepsis can recover completely; however, others might experience long-term effects, including insomnia, nightmares or hallucinations, panic attacks, joint and muscle pain, decreased cognitive function, and organ failure.

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults who are at an increased risk, receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it protects against the disease that causes meningitis. Children five years and younger and adults 50 or older should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent pneumonia and other infections, including meningitis and sepsis.

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against worsening or serious symptoms of illness and developing chronic diseases and cancers.

To learn more about our infectious disease services or to make an appointment with our infectious disease physicians, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6000.

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.

Swim Safety Tips

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and that means a lot of time is spent at beaches and pools where we can all cool off from the heat. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water this summer.

When around any body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and is often silent. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the amount of time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, or even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

It is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14 years old
More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters
About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages five to 14 occur in natural water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are several steps you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative. Here are three components of water competency:

Water Smarts

Put a fence around your home swimming pool. The fence should be at least four feet high and should fully enclose the pool, and also keep it separate from the house. The fence needs a self-closing and self-latching gate
All toys that might attract a child need to be removed from the pool when no one is using it
Know your limitations, such as physical fitness and medical conditions
Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where lifeguards or water watchers are present
Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. It is important to know that swim accessories, such as swim belts, floaties, armbands, or water wings, do not prevent you from drowning, and can easily slip off, especially when jumping in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for adults and children
Swim sober
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout
Know how to call for help
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment, such as:
- Ocean rip currents
- River currents
- Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
- Water temperature
- Shallow or unclear water

Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. However, over half of adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

Getting in and out of the water safely
Float or tread water for at least one minute
Turn over and around in the water
Swim at least 25 yards
Exit the water

Helping Others

These actions will help your family or loved ones avoid emergencies, and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

Paying close attention to children or weak swimmers you are supervising in or near water
Knowing the signs that someone is drowning
Knowing ways to safely assist a person who is drowning, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”
Knowing CPR and first aid

It is important to be well-prepared when in or around pools and bodies of water, and to follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of drowning. These swim safety tips can help you enjoy your summer and keep you and your loved ones safe. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Juvenile Arthritis

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Juvenile Arthritis, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term describing inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under 16 years.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center provides a wide range of pediatric services. If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

July Fourth is a fun time to spend with friends and family. Many of us prepare to celebrate by having barbecues, cookouts, and watching fireworks. But as we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe during this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm.

You may want to set off fireworks as part of your Fourth of July celebration; however, it is important to know that all fireworks, including Roman candles, bottle rockets, bombs, skyrockets, and other aerial devices, are illegal in New York City.

New York State law allows the sale and use of sparklers but limits the types and sizes. They must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike and must be no more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

However, if you live on Long Island, in New York City, or in parts of the Hudson Valley, sparklers are banned.

The safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. If you do use fireworks in a state, city, or county where they are legal, follow these tips for the safety of yourself and your loved ones:

Read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use.

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection

Keep small children away from fireworks.

Have a bucket of water or a hose ready to extinguish accidental fires.

Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks.

Light one device at a time.

Never try to light a device that didn’t light the first time.

Only use fireworks away from people, pets, buildings, and flammable materials.

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.

Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.

If your state and local ordinances do not allow fireworks, consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string as an alternative.

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

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 alone in a vehicle.

- 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.

If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries after a Fourth of July celebration, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

The Dangers of Misusing the Allergy Medication Diphenhydramine

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When people are experiencing allergy symptoms such as coughs, sneezes, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat, they turn to allergy medications like diphenhydramine to help quell them. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that, when used as directed, is usually safe for occasional allergy or sleep symptoms. However, when diphenhydramine is misused and more than the recommended dosage is taken, it can cause serious health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one million people are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year, and more than one-fourth are hospitalized.

Unfortunately, teenagers have been reportedly taking dangerously high doses of diphenhydramine intentionally to provoke hallucinations. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that taking higher doses of diphenhydramine could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or even death, after news reports of teenagers being admitted to emergency rooms or dying after a TikTok challenge encouraged them to misuse the allergy medication.

In addition to life-threatening complications, misusing diphenhydramine can lead to cognitive decline, psychiatric harm, and neurological injury.

The FDA recommends always reading the drug facts label on all over-the-counter medicines to find out if they contain diphenhydramine, how much and how often you should take them, and important safety information to avoid taking more than the dose listed and prevent serious health risks.

Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of the potentially harmful effects of misusing diphenhydramine:

Lock medicine away safely to prevent accidental poisoning

Choose medicines that only treat the symptoms you have

Be mindful that many medicines contain multiple ingredients that may interact with alcohol dangerously

Look out for the same active ingredients in medicines taken at the same time, as it may result in an overdose

Do not take medicines longer than needed or in higher doses

Do not take medicines with side effects that impact your ability to drive safely or use heavy machinery until you are in an appropriate and safe environment

Read the dosing directions carefully, especially when it comes to infants and children

Be cautious when taking more than one medicine at a time, as drug-to-drug interactions can cause serious health effects and can even be fatal

If you or a loved one is experiencing a bad reaction or serious side effects to an allergy medication, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

Body Dysmorphia

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to unfairly and negatively think about how you see and feel about your body and appearance. A person who has body dysmorphia may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious. Other common symptoms of body dysmorphia include:

Constantly comparing yourself with others

Constantly asking others if you look okay

Not believing others when they say you look fine

Hiding parts of your body under a hat, scarf, or makeup

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding them entirely

Constantly grooming or exercising

Picking at your skin with your fingers or tweezers

Seeing several healthcare providers about your appearance

Having unnecessary plastic surgeries

Suicidal ideations

Avoiding social situations

Not leaving the house, especially during the day

These symptoms can cause severe disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their thoughts, which can undermine their mental and physical well-being.

Experts estimate that body dysmorphia affects about 2.4% of adults in the U.S. overall, and between 1.7% and 2.9% of people globally.

Body dysmorphia is most likely to begin in the teen or early adult years. Two-thirds of people with body dysmorphia develop the condition before the age of 18, usually around 12 or 13 years old. However, it can also start in early adulthood.

Experts don’t fully know how or why body dysmorphia occurs, but they believe multiple factors are involved, such as:

Genetics

Brain structure, chemistry, and activity differences

Cultural influences and popular media

A history of childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying

People who suffer from body dysmorphia are more likely to have other mental conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Substance use disorders

The symptoms of body dysmorphia can take many shapes as a person who suffers from this condition can excessively focus on one or more parts of the body, such as their:

Face, such as their nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes

Hair, such as its appearance or any thinning and/or baldness

Skin and appearance of their veins

Breast size

Muscle size and tone

Genitalia

There aren’t any medical tests that can diagnose dysmorphia. A healthcare provider will perform a medical evaluation to help rule out other medical conditions and may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The mental health professional will diagnose body dysmorphia based on:

A psychological evaluation, which assesses risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image

Your personal, social, family, and medical history

Signs and symptoms that you have experienced

The treatment for body dysmorphia often can include a combination of:

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy

Medications, such as antidepressants

You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control, and you may even spend hours each day worrying about the way you look. Your thinking can become so negative and persistent that you may think about suicide at times. If you are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an emergency, call 911.

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.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 6, 2026 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 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 the 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 a flare-up. 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

If you would like to participate in Lupus Awareness Month, here are some ways you can do so:

Learn about lupus

Support those who are suffering from lupus

Advocate for better research, more care, and more compassion

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.

Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

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.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) takes place February 23rd – March 1st. NEDAW raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges stigma, and provides hope and support to all who have been impacted by these conditions.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can cause unhealthy relationships with how a person thinks about food, eating, weight, and how they see themselves. If eating disorders aren’t treated effectively, they can become long-term problems and can be fatal in some cases.

Eating disorders are common. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), studies show that 28.8 million people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

There are several types of eating disorders. They include:

Anorexia nervosa restricts food and/or caloric intake, and creates a fear of gaining weight and a distorted self-image

Bulimia nervosa causes a person to binge or eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time, or believe that the food intake was large, which is followed by purging the food by vomiting or with the use of laxatives, or excessive exercise

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) limits the amount or type of food eaten for reasons unrelated to a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose weight

Binge eating disorder causes a person to eat or think there is a large amount of food in a short time, followed by feelings of shame, regret, guilt, or depression

Pica causes a person to compulsively swallow non-food items, such as chalk, dirt, or paint

Rumination disorder causes undigested food to return to a person’s mouth after swallowing it. Food is then rechewed, re-swallowed, or spit out

It may be difficult to spot an eating disorder in a loved one, as they can often mimic some dietary or lifestyle changes. What’s more, you may not be able to tell if someone is suffering from an eating disorder by looking at them. Eating disorders have several signs and symptoms, including:

Mood swings

Fatigue

Fainting or dizziness

Thinning hair or hair loss

Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight loss

Unusual sweating or hot flashes

Behavioral symptoms of eating disorders include:

Restrictive eating

Eating a lot of food in a short amount of time

Avoiding certain foods

Forced vomiting after meals or misuse of laxatives

Compulsive exercising after meals

Frequent bathroom breaks after eating

Withdrawing from friends or social activities

Hiding food or throwing it away

Food rituals, such as chewing food longer than necessary or eating in secret

These symptoms look and feel different for each person and vary depending on the type of eating disorder they have, and can affect their health, emotions, and ability to function in important areas of life.

If a person has an eating disorder, they may experience several feelings, including:

Food is their enemy, or it can harm them

They did something wrong or shameful after they ate food

They aren’t the correct weight or body size

They are perceived negatively by other people

They are “failing” if they don’t meet certain food or weight requirements

What and how they eat is the only thing they can control in their life

They don’t want to spend time with others due to the fear of being judged

There isn’t an exact known cause for eating disorders. However, research has suggested that several factors can lead to a person developing an eating disorder, including:

Genetics

Brain biology

Underlying mental health conditions

Cultural and social ideals

Eating disorders can be developed by anyone at any age but are most common among adolescents and teenagers. A person may be at increased risk of developing an eating disorder if they:

Have a history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions in their biological family

Have an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Experienced a physical, emotional, or sexual trauma

Participate in activities where their weight or body size is a factor, such as swimming, gymnastics, or wrestling

Have gone through a major change, such as starting a new school or job, a divorce, or a move

Have type 1 diabetes. Studies have found that up to 25% of women with type 1 diabetes develop an eating disorder

Has a driven personality and is a perfectionist

Untreated eating disorders can cause a person to have several serious health complications, as severely restricting calories, vomiting, or extreme exercise can take a toll on their physical health. Complications include:

Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart problems

Stroke

Gastrointestinal problems

Acid reflux

Low blood pressure

Osteoporosis

Organ failure and brain damage

Severe dehydration and constipation

Stopped menstrual cycles

Tooth damage

A healthcare provider may diagnose a person’s eating disorder by reviewing their symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging, blood, or urine tests.

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can also diagnose an eating disorder by conducting a psychological evaluation to learn more about a person’s eating behaviors and beliefs. They will use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) to make a diagnosis. The DSM-5-TR outlines symptoms for each type of eating disorder.

Treatments for eating disorders can vary by type, but they can include:

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other medications

Nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian

As a mental health condition, your feelings about food or your body image may put you at risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder and needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment. Call 911 if there is an emergency.