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Whooping Cough

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Whooping cough or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that causes a distinct “whooping” cough.

Whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations, and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.

Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, but it could take longer. The symptoms are usually mild at first and resemble the symptoms of a common cold, which include:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery eyes
Fever
Cough

After a week or two, the signs and symptoms of whooping cough worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may also cause:

Vomiting
Extreme fatigue
A high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When the bacteria enter your respiratory system, they attach to the tiny, hair-like extensions that line your respiratory tract called cilia. The bacteria then release toxins damaging the cilia, causing the airways to swell, increasing mucus secretions, and creating severe coughing.

It is difficult to diagnose whooping cough early because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, like a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Doctors can sometimes diagnose whooping cough by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Tests can include:

A nose and throat culture and test
Blood tests
A chest X-ray

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases, diphtheria and tetanus.

Treatment for whooping cough is dependent on age and vaccination history. Infants are typically hospitalized for treatment because whooping cough is more dangerous for that age group.

Treatment for older children and adults can be managed at home. Antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing whooping cough.

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-6000 or your primary care physician as soon

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.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources like email, texts, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school- educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.
Talking about bullying at home- parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the many roles children can play in bullying.
Supporting your community- mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.
Raising awareness- share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.
Support anti-bullying organizations- contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.
Organize anti-bullying events- plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.
Engage in school programs- encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.
Be an upstander- teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Hand Hygiene for Children

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

Explain the benefits of handwashing
Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
- Step 1: Wet hands with running water
- Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
- Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
- Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
- Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Set the times when they should be washing their hands
- When they are visibly dirty
- Before and after eating
- After using the toilet
- After touching animals and pets
- After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
- Before and after visiting friends and relatives
Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

Flu – needed every year
COVID-19
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
Chickenpox
Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

Flu
COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

Flu
COVID-19
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

What Parents Should Know About Oral Nicotine Pouches

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking hit a historic low in 2023, with the adult smoking rate dropping to 11%. Because of the steady decline of smokers over the years, tobacco companies have tried other ways to retain customers as well as attract new ones by introducing new products.

One of those new products is oral nicotine pouches. Oral nicotine pouches are small permeable pouches typically placed between the lip and the gum containing crystalized nicotine powder in various flavors. Although little is known about the product, nicotine pouches have become one of the fastest-growing categories, increasing sales from about 126 million units to over 800 million units between 2019 and 2022.

Oral nicotine pouches are aimed at adults who are looking for a tobacco-less, smoke-free alternative to cigarettes as they try to stop smoking. However, according to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in October of 2023, 1.5% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.

Tobacco companies sell nicotine pouches in attractive packaging and assorted flavors, including citrus, berry, peppermint, coffee, and mango. Researchers are concerned that this marketing tactic is likely to appeal to young people who may not be aware of the harmful effects of nicotine. Some social media influencers have promoted the use of nicotine pouches by showing how they use them in their daily lives, discreetly placing them in their mouths at work and school, as well as doing taste tests.

“Nicotine pouches are marketed as a nicotine product that provides a buzz without the harmful effects of tobacco or smoking. However, people using these products should be aware that ‘tobacco-free’ does not mean ‘risk-free’”, says Alexandra Howell, DMD, Oral Medicine Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Services at Virginia Commonwealth’s University’s School of Dentistry.

Despite the long-term health impact of nicotine pouches being unknown, the side effects of its use can include:

Nicotine addiction
Irritation of the gums
Lung problems
Infertility problems
Stomach problems
Sore mouth
Hiccups
Nausea

Nicotine pouches can also present several cardiovascular risks. The use of these products can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and potential heart attacks.

To speak with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center about smoking cessation, please call (718) 206-6942.

Group B Strep Awareness Month

Posted on July 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Group B Strep (GBS), or Strep B, is a bacteria that lives naturally in our bodies and comes and goes without showing symptoms or causing harm unless it enters a part of the body free from bacteria. If the bacteria infects the lining around the brain it causes it to swell resulting in meningitis.

GBS bacteria live in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. It can cause many types of infection which can be life-threatening. These infections and their symptoms include:

Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

Fever
Chills
Low alertness.

Sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection)

Fever
Chills
Low alertness.

Bone and joint infections

Fever
Chills
Swelling
Stiffness or inability to use the affected limb or joint.

Urinary tract infections

Pain or burning while urinating.
Frequent urination.
Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
Bloody urine.
Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

Meningitis

Fever
Headache
Stiff neck.
Nausea and vomiting.
Sensitivity to light.
Confusion

Pneumonia

Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
Confusion
Cough
Fatigue
Fever or chills.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Shortness of breath.

Skin and soft tissue infections

Fever
Red skin.
Swollen skin or infected area.
Skin or infected area is warm to the touch.
Skin or infected area is full of pus or other drainage.

GBS bacteria most commonly causes bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns. This occurs when bacteria is passed on to the newborn as it goes through the birth canal during vaginal delivery.

GBS disease symptoms in newborns and babies include:

Fever
Difficulty when feeding.
Irritability or lethargy in the infant.
Difficulty breathing.
A blueish color to their skin.

Doctors diagnose GBS disease by taking samples of a patient’s blood, urine, or spinal fluid depending on the type of infection.

Treatment for GBS depends on the type of infection. Doctors usually treat GBS disease with antibiotics. People with soft tissue and bone infections may need surgery.

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

If you would like to get screened for GBS bacteria, 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.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal spine curvature, in which the spine resembles the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.
Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:
- Marfan’s syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Neurofibromatosis
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Arthrogryposis
- Riley-Day syndrome

There are a wide range of causes and ages for when scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.
The appearance of the child’s head is not centered with the rest of the body.
Uneven hips or one hip sticks out more than the other.
Pushed-out ribs
Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.
Back pain and discomfort
When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation
Bracing
The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery
The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, consult your pediatrician about an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Choosing Safe Toys For Children This Holiday Season

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The holiday season is the best time of the year to buy toys for children. However, parents are often overwhelmed by a larger selection, and choosing the best toy can become challenging. The most important thing to remember when choosing toys for toddlers is picking safe and appropriate toys for their age.

Each year hospital ERs are visited by over 200,000 young children, typically under the age of three, who have incurred toy-related injuries. These injuries can be avoided if parents keep these guidelines in mind when buying toys:

Carefully read warning labels
Do not buy toys with small and removable parts
Check to see if toys are on a recall list by visiting sites such as recalls.gov or cpsc.gov.
Avoid buying toys with parts that launch or projects
Do not purchase toys with sharp edges or points
Make certain that cords or strings are shorter than seven inches
Avoid buying toys that make extremely loud noises

Most toys come with warning labels that advise parents of potential choking hazards and compatibility by age group. Parents should pay close attention to these labels and do due diligence by researching toys and inspecting them for further dangers.

What is Pediatric Diabetes?

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10% of all Americans have diabetes, with an increasing number of these cases occurring in children and teenagers under the age of 20. Diabetes that occurs within this age range (referred to as pediatric diabetes) usually presents as type 1 diabetes, which causes the body to stop producing insulin. However, type 2 diabetes, which causes insufficient insulin production and causes cells to absorb less sugar from the bloodstream, has begun to account for more of these cases over time.

According to Dr. Hariram Ganesh, a pediatric endocrinologist at Forest Hills Pediatrics, increasing rates of obesity and economic factors are largely to blame for the increased prevalence of pediatric type 2 diabetes.

“Rising obesity rates have caused rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children to even out,” said Dr. Ganesh. “Junk food is much cheaper and more accessible than healthy options. Many families would rather spend a dollar on fast food than 60 dollars on something healthy at the grocery store. “

Children with prediabetes may exhibit certain signs, such as excessive thirst and the frequency with which they need to use the bathroom. Additionally, black marks may occur around the neck, armpits, groin, or other parts of the body due to abnormally high insulin levels. Some other signs you may notice include:

Yellow, brown, or red patches of skin
Hardened or thickened skin on the fingers or toes
Blisters (in rare cases)
Skin infections or rashes

If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your child to your primary physician as soon as possible. They can help determine whether your child’s symptoms warrant a referral to an endocrinologist or are indicative of a less severe problem.

While neither type 1 nor type 2 diabetes has a cure, both are treatable. For children with type 2 diabetes, an initial plan of three to six months of dietary changes and exercise coupled with medication may help manage the condition. In cases of type 1 diabetes, however, treatment options are more limited.

“Type 1 primarily involves insulin dependence and cannot be managed with diet and exercise alone,” said Dr. Ganesh. “Even if a child loses weight, they’ll continue to need insulin. Otherwise, they may end up in the hospital.”

Still, Dr. Ganesh emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise, regardless of any diabetes diagnoses your child may or may not have received.

“Diabetes is just one problem among many related to childhood obesity, and in many cases, a diagnosis may only be a matter of time. Parents should make a point to emphasize a healthy diet and physical activity for their children, whether that involves playing with them or finding a local place for them to regularly participate in physical recreation,” said Dr. Ganesh.

If your child is exhibiting signs that may be indicative of prediabetes, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 206-7001.

What is RSV?

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a respiratory illness that is typically most prevalent during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Most children born in the United States will have experienced it at some point before their second birthday.

The virus often presents symptoms similar to those of a cold, including a runny nose, coughing or wheezing, fever, and decreased appetite. These symptoms usually appear approximately four to six days after infection, but may not appear all at once.

While it usually does not lead to hospitalization, RSV can be particularly dangerous to children if it causes bronchiolitis or pneumonia to develop; it’s the most common cause of both of these illnesses in children under the age of one. If an infant develops either of these conditions, becomes dehydrated, or experiences significant difficulty breathing, the situation could become more serious and require hospital care.

RSV can also be especially dangerous for older adults, accounting for approximately 177,000 hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65.

The virus is usually spread through:

Bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or droplets
Surfaces that have the virus on them
Direct contact such as kissing an infected person

The best way to decrease the risk of an older adult or infant developing RSV is to prevent as many means of transmission as possible and promptly get them medical care if their symptoms seem to be worsening.

People and children who are at risk of developing severe cases of RSV should:

Avoid close contact with infected people and, if possible, close-contact settings such as daycare centers where RSV can more easily spread
Frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and refrain from touching their face until after they’ve done so

If you are sick with RSV, you should:

Avoid close contact with non-infected people
Frequently clean surfaces you’ve touched with disinfectant
Wear a mask and/or cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001 now.