New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s Eve is a time when we come together to reflect on the previous year, as we prepare to celebrate the start of a new one. However, these celebrations can come with dangers and responsibilities.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this New Year’s Eve:

Plan your rides in advance. On average, driving accidents rise during the holidays, so it is extremely important to have a safe ride when so many people will be out that night celebrating. Do not assume that you will be able to get a cab. Knowing your options in advance can help you decide whether you will be taking public transportation, using a rideshare app, or carpooling with friends.

Plan for the safety of your guests. If you are going to host a party, be sure your guests get home safely. Hire a driver for the evening who can provide people with a way to get home. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the party, provide additional food or snacks, and ensure that your guests don’t drive after drinking.

Make a plan with your kids. Set a reasonable curfew for your kids for their New Year’s Eve activities. If they are old enough to drive, be sure they understand the dangers of driving on that holiday. Encourage them to stay in one location instead of going from party to party. Discuss the dangers of driving distractions and how to avoid them. A teen passenger and teens driving with friends face a higher risk than teens who are driving alone.

Take care of your pets. New Year’s Eve can cause high anxiety in pets. You can keep them safe in the house and comfortable by drowning out any sounds outside that are loud. If your pet has a history of high anxiety, consider consulting your vet for anxiety medication.

Avoid leaving your car somewhere overnight, as New Year’s Day is the most active holiday for cars to get stolen. If you do have to leave your car overnight, make sure it is locked and try to pick it up as early as possible the next day. If you do decide to drive home, be sure to let someone know when you leave and when you get home safely.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any medical problems, you can receive treatment by a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

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 Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.

Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.

Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.

Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.

Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.

Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center, call (718) 206-5900. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

The Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using a public restroom.

Not washing our hands can lead to the spread of germs and increase the risk of getting illnesses that affect our health.

Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and reduce the spread of germs.

Germs can spread easily when we touch our faces, prepare food, or handle shared objects. You can pick up and pass along germs when you:

Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Prepare or eat food with unwashed hands

Touch contaminated surfaces or objects

Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into your hands and then touch others or shared items

Therefore, it is extremely important to keep you and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands often. There are several instances when it is important to wash your hands, including:

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating

Before and after caring for someone who’s sick

Before and after treating a wound

After using the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has used the bathroom

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching animals or handling pet food

After touching garbage

Some other facts that highlight the importance of handwashing include:

80% of spreadable diseases can be transferred by touch

Washing your hands a few times a day can reduce diarrhea rates by 40%

Touching your face with dirty hands can spread sicknesses such as pneumonia, the common cold, and the flu

Pneumonia is the number one cause of childhood death, and is preventable by regular handwashing

When you flush a toilet with the seat up, a bacteria-filled mist is spread over about 6 square meters, and worse, 90% of these bacteria cover the sinks in public bathrooms.

Most bacteria on our hands are under our fingernails, so it is important to scrub under them when washing our hands

Damp hands are 1,000 times more likely to spread bacteria than dry hands, yet only 20% of people dry their hands after washing them

Reusable cloth towels have millions of bacteria in their fibers. Using disposable paper towels is the cleanest way to dry our hands

Studies show that people who wash their hands have 24% fewer sick days because of respiratory illness, and 51% fewer sick days due to a sick stomach

It is important to wash your hands after being in public places where you may touch shared surfaces such as door handles, shopping carts, or checkout screens, and before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Clean hands prevent infections and sickness, so it is important to learn the basics of hand hygiene. Here are five steps to wash your hands the right way:

Wet your hands with clean, warm, or cold running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap

Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails

Scrub for at least 20 seconds. You can hum or sing the “Happy Birthday” song to time yourself

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water

Dry your hands with a clean towel or dry air

If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Making a habit of good hand hygiene is an easy, effective way to prevent infections and sickness.

If you are sick and would like to be seen by a physician, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

What is the New Flu Virus Variant?

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A new variant of the flu virus, known as H3N2 subclade K, is affecting the U.S. this season, having circulated in other countries since the summer.

This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2, which is a subtype of influenza A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 is the main type of flu spreading in the U.S. as of mid-November.

Additionally, scientists from around the world have reported that H3N2 subclade K, a mutation of H3N2, has undergone several mutations, which haven’t been seen before in flu viruses. These mutations may make this new strain more severe than usual, with some experts suggesting that these changes could reduce the effectiveness of the current flu vaccine in preventing infection.

However, it is important to note that it is still recommended to receive the flu vaccine, as the CDC notes that the H3N2 subclade K strain can cause severe symptoms in older adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of five. Other people who are vulnerable to severe symptoms of the subclade K strain include:

Anyone who is immunocompromised

Pregnant people

People with underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease

Doctors warn that flu infections, if left untreated or not treated early enough, can increase the risk of complications such as ear infections and sinus infections, as well as more serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.

Last year, data from the CDC showed that the U.S. had the most total flu-related hospitalizations in about 15 years, and close to 280 pediatric deaths from the flu.

People who are infected with the flu usually develop symptoms about one to four days after being exposed. Flu symptoms include:

Fever and chills

Muscle and body aches

Headaches

Sore throat

Cough

Deep fatigue or tiredness

Runny nose or stuffy nose

Vomiting and diarrhea (in some cases, especially in children)

For most healthy people, the flu resolves within a week or two with rest and fluids. However, certain symptoms are red flags that indicate you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to wake up

Seizures

Not urinating, which is a sign of severe dehydration

Severe muscle pain

A high fever that does not respond to fever-reducing medication

Symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious symptoms of the flu virus. There are also several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu. They include:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you are around high-risk individuals.

If you are experiencing any flu symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Infant Botulism

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Infant botulism is a rare, life-threatening condition that causes a slow form of paralysis. It affects infants under one year old.

Infant botulism differs from botulism in older children and adults as it develops slowly and worsens gradually. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical care promptly can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery. Symptoms of infant botulism can include:

Respiratory difficulty and possible respiratory arrest

Choking when trying to feed

Constipation

Weak or poor feeding

Eyelid drooping

Lack of facial expressions, being unable to lift their head, or other signs of muscle weakness or paralysis

Weak and altered crying

Weakness or decreased muscle tone, which prevents them from reaching or grabbing

Changes in bowel movement, such as not pooping for days or weeks at a time

Since infants cannot express how or what they are feeling, it is essential to recognize and be aware of potential warning signs.

Infants can contract botulism if they eat something, such as honey, that contains spores from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is why infants under a year old should never be given honey. A recent outbreak of infant botulism is suspected to be linked to the contamination of infant formula. When an infant ingests Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria multiply and make a toxin, which disrupts the infant’s nervous system after entering its bloodstream, causing symptoms of botulism.

Infants under a year old are at a higher risk of contracting botulism, with 95% of cases occurring in infants younger than six months old.

A healthcare provider can diagnose infant botulism by observing symptoms and performing physical and neurological exams. Testing stool for botulinum toxin is the best way for a healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis.

Infant botulism is treatable with an antitoxin called botulism immune globulin, which is administered through an IV.

The Department of Pediatrics at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. If your infant is experiencing symptoms of botulism, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

RSV Vaccine

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. A seasonal virus, RSV, spreads in the fall and winter, often in conjunction with other respiratory viruses, typically peaking in December and January.

Signs and symptoms of RSV most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Distinguishing RSV symptoms from those of the common cold or other respiratory viruses, such as the flu or COVID-19, can be challenging.

RSV can infect anyone. However, severe cases of RSV affect babies who are 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis, presenting symptoms such as:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficulty breathing

Cyanosis, or a bluish color of the skin due to a lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can cause many complications, including:

Hospitalization

Middle ear infection

Asthma

Repeated infections

To treat RSV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of any FDA-licensed RSV vaccine for all adults 75 and older, and adults 60-74 at increased risk of severe RSV. Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk include those with:

Chronic heart or lung disease

A weakened immune system or certain other chronic medical conditions

Those who are residents of nursing homes

The CDC also recommends a one-time dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant women from week 32 through week 36 of pregnancy, for the prevention of RSV in their infants during the first six months of life. Most infants will not need both maternal vaccination and infant RSV antibodies. The recommended administration of infant RSV antibody is from October through March, with the optimal timing for antibody administration being shortly before the RSV season begins in October-November, or within a baby’s first week of life if born October through March, ideally during the birth hospitalization.

Additionally, the CDC recommends that eligible adults get the RSV vaccine at any time, with the best time being in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread.

If you or a loved one would like to receive the RSV vaccine, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Inguinal Hernia Repair- Pediatric Surgery

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in infants and children.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal. This can form a bulge in the groin or scrotum, which can be painful.

There are two types of inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernia and indirect inguinal hernia.

A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of the inguinal canal.

An indirect inguinal hernia enters the inguinal canal through the top. This usually occurs because of a birth defect, when the opening of a fetus’s canal doesn’t close all the way during development in the uterus. The inguinal canal extends from a child’s abdomen to their genitals.

Inguinal hernias usually only develop on one side of a child’s groin, developing on the right side more often than on the left side. About 10% of the time, inguinal hernias develop on both sides of the groin.

Inguinal hernias are most common in children six years of age or younger, and are more common in premature infants, with 90% of them affecting baby boys.

A baby boy’s testicle forms above the lower abdominal wall and descends through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The place where the testicle passes through is more susceptible to a hernia because it is a preexisting opening.

In females, the inguinal canal is narrower and begins under the abdominal wall. It carries the round ligament that supports the uterus, and this tough ligament helps to reinforce the muscle wall. However, if a female has connective tissue disease, they may be more susceptible to hernias where connective tissue attaches the uterus to the inguinal canal. Congenital indirect inguinal hernias may also affect baby girls, but it is rare.

Not all inguinal hernias have symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms come and go. A hernia may slide in and out of the opening, or a child may only feel it during certain activities.

In children, you may see a lump in their groin area that gets bigger when they cry. It may go away when they sleep. An inguinal hernia may not always be noticeable because it may be tucked behind muscle fibers.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially if you cough or strain
A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
Weakness or pressure in the groin
Occasional, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
Crankiness and difficulty feeding in infants

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen
A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
Straining during bowel movements or urination
Strenuous activity
Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male
Family history
Premature birth and low birth weight
Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

A physical exam is usually performed to diagnose an inguinal hernia in a child. A doctor will check for a bulge in the child’s groin or scrotum area while they are straining or crying, and then determine if it goes away when they are relaxed. If the child is old enough, they may ask them to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

An inguinal hernia in a child is usually treated as soon as possible, as children are more at risk of dangerous complications from them. Complications that can develop from an inguinal hernia include:

Incarcerated hernia- occurs when the contents of the hernia get stuck. When this happens, a child’s healthcare provider can’t push the hernia back into their abdomen
Strangulated hernia- occurs when the hernia gets stuck and cuts of the blood supply to the child’s intestines. The lack of blood flow to a child’s intestines can cause tissue death. This is a serious and painful condition and is a medical emergency

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

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.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we progress through the fall season and approach winter, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do fall ill.
Avoiding and preventing the spread of illnesses by practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity. Experiencing stress may affect self-care routines and lower the body’s resistance to infections

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

What Parents Should Expect When Their Child Is Getting an Appendectomy

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a child experiences abdominal pain, it can be a cause of concern for parents. One of the most common causes of severe stomach pain in children is appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. If it is left untreated, it can rupture, leading to serious complications.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in children include:

Sudden pain in the lower right side of the abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Loss of appetite
Swelling or bloating in the abdomen

Symptoms of appendicitis may vary, and younger children may have difficulty articulating their pain.

The best treatment for appendicitis is a surgical procedure called an appendectomy. An appendectomy is often an emergency surgery.

Your child may not have a lot of time to get ready for the appendectomy. The healthcare team will want to know when your child last ate because having food in the stomach can cause problems when your child is under anesthesia. If the surgery is planned ahead of time, ask the healthcare provider when your child should stop eating and drinking beforehand.

After the appendectomy, your child will need to rest as it may take a few weeks for them to feel back to normal.

Some tips to help your child have a smooth recovery after the appendectomy include:

Follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely
Limit strenuous activities to avoid putting strain on the surgical area
Keep your child hydrated and encourage them to eat a light, nutritious diet to aid in their recovery

It is important to call your healthcare provider if your child:

Has fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher
Has abdominal swelling
Has green or yellow drainage from any incision
Has pain that gets worse as hours or days pass
Has redness or swelling around the incision
Shows signs of sluggishness
Is vomiting
Will not drink
Doesn’t start to eat one or two days after surgery
Hasn’t had a bowel movement for two days after the surgery
Has diarrhea

The pediatric surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provide many different surgical services to younger patients. For more information about our Queens, NYC pediatric surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.