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.

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.

Kidney Stones

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Kidney stones are solid masses or clusters of crystals that form from substances such as minerals, acids, and salts in the kidneys. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand, or in rare cases, larger than a golf ball.

Kidney stones occur when there is little liquid and too many of the minerals, acids, and other substances, such as calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid, in the urine, causing them to stick together and form crystals or stones. Kidney stones can form over months or years.

There are four types of kidney stones, and they are named after the kind of crystal that they are made from. They include:

Calcium-oxalate and calcium phosphate stones are the most common types of kidney stones

Uric acid stones

Struvite stones

Cystine stones

Depending on the size of kidney stones, a person may not even realize that they have them. Smaller-sized stones can pass through the urinary tract in the urine without symptoms. However, larger-sized kidney stones can get trapped in the ureter, the tube that drains urine from the kidney down to the bladder, causing pee to back up and limit the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the body, which can also cause bleeding.

Kidney stones can take as long as three weeks to pass on their own. Sometimes, small stones can cause extreme pain as they go through the urinary tract and out of the body. If a kidney stone can’t pass on its own, a healthcare provider will need to break it up and remove it.

Kidney stones are common. About one in 10 people will get a kidney stone during their lifetime. They are most common in men who are in their 30s and 40s and among non-Hispanic white people.

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side, which might feel like it extends from the groin to the side. This pain can be dull, or it can be sharp and severe, and comes in waves. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Bloody urine

Pain when urinating

The inability to urinate

Feeling the urge to urinate a lot

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

Fever or chills

Several risk factors can cause someone to develop kidney stones, including:

Not drinking enough fluids

Eating foods high in sodium or sugars

Eating meat and other protein-rich foods

Having a family history of kidney stones

Having a blockage in the urinary tract

Taking vitamin C supplements

Having had stomach or intestine surgery, including gastric bypass surgery

Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and some antiseizure medications

Having certain medical conditions, such as:

Cystic fibrosis

Diabetes

Gout

High blood pressure

High levels of calcium in the urine

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Kidney cysts

Obesity

Osteoporosis

Parathyroid disease

Primary hyperoxaluria

Hemiplegia or paraplegia, which are types of paralysis

Kidney stones can cause many complications, including:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

A blockage that backs up urine into the kidney, causing it to swell

Acute kidney injury

Kidney infection

Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A healthcare provider can diagnose kidney stones by performing urine, imaging, and blood tests.

To treat a small kidney stone, a healthcare provider will have the person monitor their symptoms until the stone passes in their urine. They may also prescribe medications to keep them comfortable and help the stone pass on its own. Larger kidney stones need treatment depending on their size, location, whether they are causing infections or symptoms, and other factors.

Medications to treat kidney stones help relax the ureter to help pass the stone more easily, help manage any nausea and vomiting, and help manage pain.

Procedures to remove large kidney stones include:

Shockwave lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Laparoscopic surgery

It is important to note that the things we eat and drink impact our risk for kidney stones. Talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian about ways to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. They may recommend:

Drinking plenty of water

Limiting consumption of foods high in sugar and sodium

Limiting consumption of animal proteins

Maintaining a weight that is healthy for you

Eating foods that are good sources of calcium

Limiting consumption of foods high in oxalates

Prescription medications

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, and would like more information about receiving treatment from a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Recurrent UTIs

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common; they occur when bacteria enters and infects the urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as painful, frequent, and/or bloody urination. In most cases, a UTI can be cleared up quickly using antibiotics; however, for some people, UTIs may become a frequent occurrence.

A person is considered to have recurrent UTIs if they have developed three UTIs within a 12-month period or two within a six-month period. UTIs can return frequently for a few potential reasons, including:

Urinary tract abnormalities: If there is a structural problem with your urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate, it can be easier for you to develop a UTI.

Bladder dysfunction: UTIs are more likely to occur and return quickly in people who have difficulty fully emptying their bladder when they urinate.

Age: Older adults face an increased risk of developing frequent UTIs. This is partially due to an increased likelihood of developing other chronic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or dementia, all of which can lead to bladder control problems. UTIs are also more likely to occur in potty-training children.

Changes in vaginal bacteria: Changes such as menopause or the use of spermicides can cause changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina. These changes make UTIs more likely to occur, even after successful treatment.

While it’s important for everyone to practice healthy habits that can prevent UTIs, it’s especially important for people who are more likely to develop them. Some habits that can help protect you against UTIs include:

Practicing good hygiene, such as wiping front to back after using the toilet, washing the outer genital area with a gentle soap, and urinating after sex
Drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria from the bladder
Potentially switching to a birth control method that does not include spermicide

If you experience frequent UTIs, it’s also important that you talk to a doctor to find an effective course of preventative treatment. You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cancer-related cause of death among people assigned male at birth. The specific causes of prostate cancer are unknown, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, such as:

Age (prostate cancer is most common over the age of 50)
Race (prostate cancer is more common and more likely to be aggressive among Black men)
Family history (having a father, brother, or child with prostate cancer may increase your risk)
Obesity (prostate cancer is more likely to be aggressive and to return after treatment among people who are obese)

Prostate cancer may not present any symptoms, particularly in its early stages. When symptoms are present, they may include:

Difficult, painful, and/or more frequent urination
Blood in urine or semen
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Painful ejaculation
Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, and upper thighs
Unintended weight loss

There are two screening tests available for prostate cancer: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. To perform a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved finger a few inches into your rectum to check your prostate gland. A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that checks for elevated levels of PSA in your blood; aside from prostate cancer, this test can also indicate less serious issues such as prostate enlargement or infection.

Your doctor may recommend additional tests to diagnose cancer, such as an ultrasound and/or biopsy of the prostate. A prostate ultrasound involves a small probing device, approximately the size of a finger, being placed into your rectum; this device creates sound waves that bounce off of your organs and create an image that allows your doctor to view the size, shape, and location of your prostate gland. A prostate biopsy involves removing a small piece of the prostate to look for abnormal cells.

Treatment of prostate cancer depends factors such as your age, your overall health, and the growth and spread of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Common treatment options include watchful waiting or expectant management (regularly checking for new signs or symptoms), radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays used to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy, surgery (having the prostate gland removed), and hormone therapy.

You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for a prostate cancer screening or to discuss treatment options. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

National Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Millions of Americans suffer from a variety of bladder problems each year, increasing risks to their overall health. Bladder function is an important part of the body’s urinary system, which filters fluid and waste from the body, regulates hormones, stabilizes electrolyte levels, maintains bone strength, and even assists in the production of red blood cells.

Many problems that affect the bladder may indicate or lead to problems with other parts of the urinary system, such as the kidneys, and eventually affect the entire body in severe cases. Some of these issues include:

Incontinence: When it comes to bladder function, incontinence refers to an inability to voluntarily control urination. The most common form of incontinence is urge incontinence (also known as overactive bladder). Other forms include stress incontinence, functional incontinence, and overflow incontinence.

Bladder cancer: Approximately 75,000 Americans develop bladder cancer each year. It occurs more frequently in men. This condition may develop as transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma. Bladder cancer may be caused by smoking, genetics, exposure to certain chemicals, arsenic, chronic urinary tract infections, certain chemotherapy drugs, and the herb Aristolochia fangchi.

Interstitial cystitis: This condition causes bladder pressure and pelvic pain, as well as a more frequent urge to urinate in smaller volumes.

Urinary tract infection: These infections can occur anywhere in the urinary system, including the bladder, causing a variety of symptoms that includes frequent urination, pain while urinating, dark or cloudy urine, and lower back and abdominal pain.

Nocturia: This disorder causes more frequent urination during the night and may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as diabetes, heart conditions, or insomnia.

You can prevent these conditions and promote good bladder health in many different ways. A healthy diet is limited in alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that aggravate your bladder problems, but high in water can help. Additionally, regular exercise, particularly routines that incorporate pelvic floor exercises, can improve your bladder strength and reduce urination frequency.

Good hygienic habits can also help to protect your bladder health. You should:

Use the bathroom when needed and fully empty your bladder.
Urinate after sex.
Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.

Finally, you should visit a urologist annually over the age of 40 and as soon as possible if you’re suffering from symptoms of a medical issue with your urinary system. You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Latchkey Incontinence

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The term “latchkey incontinence” is often used to describe a person’s constant and urgent need to urinate the moment they get home. Although the term is popular, it is not generally used in medical terminology.

A person with latchkey incontinence is most likely experiencing symptoms of an overactive bladder or OAB. Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that causes frequent urination, uncontrollable urination or nocturia (waking up to urinate more than two times at night).

With OAB, the urge to urinate may intensify with certain triggers such as inserting the key in the door, opening the garage door, or any behaviors that indicate to the brain that you are getting closer to home. Over time, if this pattern continues, the brain will associate these behaviors or cues with the need to urinate and trigger the urge to go whether the bladder is full or not. Other OAB triggers may include having the urgent need to urinate when hearing running water or while washing your hands.

OAB typically develops as a result of conditions or injuries that affect the detrusor muscle in the bladder. These conditions or injuries may include:

Nerve damage caused by diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
Abdominal trauma
Urinary tract infections
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Obesity

It is important to seek treatment for OAB because it will not go away on its own and symptoms may become more severe. Treatment may include behavioral interventions or changes such as scheduling bathroom trips, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training. These therapies may be followed by medication, nerve stimulation, or potentially surgery if symptoms persist.

If you are experiencing symptoms of OAB, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Stress and Urge Incontinence

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common disorder. The American Urological Association estimates that, “A quarter to a third of men and women in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence.”

Although urinary incontinence affects men and women, it is more prevalent in women as a result of pregnancy, menopause and childbirth.

There are different types of urinary incontinence including stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, mixed incontinence and urge incontinence. The two most common are urge and stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by loss of urine that is associated with an intense or sudden urge to urinate that cannot be delayed. This may result from:

Bladder infections
Bladder inflammation
Bladder cancer
Brain or nerve problems
Bladder stones
Enlarged prostate

Stress incontinence occurs when activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, standing up, or exercising causes urine to leak. This can be caused by:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Nerve injury
Being overweight
Pelvic or prostate surgery

Urinary incontinence requires medical attention; unfortunately, a significant number of people who experience symptoms do not seek treatment. Untreated bladder incontinence can lead to skin problems and infections. It can also affect an individual’s mental health and overall quality of life in the long run.

Urinary incontinence is often indicative of an underlying medical problem. Therefore, If you are experiencing symptoms, it is advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your physician can begin treatment early. Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, bulking agents (to help close the bladder opening), or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Why Does Warm Weather Increase the Frequency of Kidney Stones ?

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Why do kidney stones occur more frequently during warmer weather? When the weather is warm, we are more likely to become dehydrated which increases the risk for our bodies to develop kidney stones.

We tend to sweat more in the hotter months which deplete our body of fluids; this in turn will make our urine more concentrated. Urine that is highly concentrated allows for the formation of stones made up of calcium, oxalate or uric acid. A stone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea.

When the body is dehydrated, there is also less of a flow of urine through the ureters (the tube between the kidney and the bladder) which is an important factor in moving the kidney stones through this passageway.

Kidney stones can cause a tremendous amount of pain when passing through the ureter. This pain can be felt in the lower back and groin.

Additional symptoms of kidney stones include:

Blood in the urine
Nausea
Fever and Chills
Vomiting
If you have had kidney stones, there is a 50 percent chance that you can develop more within the following five years. However, you can take a few precautions to lower your risk or prevent stones from developing. Ways to prevent kidney stones include:

Drinking at least eight to twelve glasses of water each day to dilute the urine
Limiting your salt intake
Cutting back on red meats, organ meats and shellfish
Drinking sugar free lemonade or limeade as the citrate will prevent stone formation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a kidney stone, seek medical help right away. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call .

7 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Very often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop. Bladder problems can lead to discomfort, difficulty urinating, frequency in urination and in some cases, mad dashes to the bathroom.

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are seven ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract and help prevent bladder infections.
Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegels are a good way for men and women to maintain bladder control.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing difficulty urinating or have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

How “Annual” Is Your Annual Physical?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Joann Ariola

A. Yearly

B. Bi-Yearly

C. When I don’t feel good

D. I don’t do doctors

An annual exam is a good way of tracking your health progress. Some of the benefits are:

Primary prevention
To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases
To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)
A way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior
To update clinical data since your last check-up
To enhance the relationship betweenyou and your doctor

If you are interested in scheduling an exam, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.