The Importance of an Annual Exam

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Improving one’s physical health is often a go-to New Year’s resolution. The best way to do this is by scheduling a routine medical check-up appointment. Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider to ensure you don’t have any underlying health issues.

There are several reasons to get a physical exam, including:

It can prevent illnesses
It monitors the risk of chronic disease
It identifies illnesses that don’t have symptoms
It monitors your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry
It helps adjust your lifestyle that is suitable for your age
It helps keep an ongoing relationship with your healthcare provider

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 206-7001.

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.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with the help of a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5575.

15 Foods to Add to Your Diet to Boost Your Brain Health

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The brain is the command center of the body. It processes information and sends messages controlling everything your body does from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

Omega-3 fatty acids
B vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Selenium
Iron
Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

Brain development
Proper signaling of neurotransmitters
Processing and understanding new information
Memory
Protein balance
Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

Here are 15 foods to add to your diet that are rich in essential nutrients:

Eggs
Fatty fish
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Walnuts
Turmeric
Coffee
Leafy greens
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Fermented dairy
Avocados
Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice
Whole grains

Remember, no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating brain foods regularly can keep your brain sharp and maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to reap the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

What Causes Lymph Nodes to Swell?

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and a vital part of the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are your body’s natural reaction to illness or infection. They act as filters that help rid the body of germs, cells, or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid.

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and lymph nodes throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are located in the head and neck region, the armpits, and the groin where they frequently swell.

When lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When they first swell, you might notice:

Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph node

Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms might include:

Runny nose, sore throat, fever, and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this happens, it can indicate an infection.
Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating possible cancer
Fever
Night sweats

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Common infections
- Strep throat
- Measles
- Ear infections
- An infected (abscessed) tooth
- Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
- HIV
Uncommon infections
- Tuberculosis
- Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis
- Toxoplasmosis- a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
- Cat scratch fever- a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
Immune system disorders
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Cancers
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Other cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes

To diagnose what is causing your swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may need:

Your medical history
A physical exam
Blood tests
Imaging studies
A lymph node biopsy

Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus usually return to normal after the viral infection ends. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:

Infection- antibiotics are the most common treatment for lymph nodes caused by bacterial infections. If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an HIV infection, you’ll receive specific treatment for that condition.
Immune disorder- if your swollen lymph nodes are caused by certain conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
Cancer- swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends. Depending on where you are, or where you are going, many challenges such as weather conditions, limited daylight, and driving in unfamiliar areas can make driving difficult. Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving this holiday season:

Prepare your vehicle for the winter and keep an emergency kit with you
Get a good night’s sleep before leaving to avoid drowsy driving
Leave early to avoid heavy traffic
Make sure that every person in the vehicle is buckled up properly
Practice defensive driving
Don’t drive impaired
Avoid distractions
Check the weather conditions before driving
Stick to the speed limit

Taking the proper precautions before and during your drive is for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other drivers on the road.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away.

Ear Infections

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

An ear infection, or acute otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults, making them one of the most common childhood illnesses besides colds.

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection common in children include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Fussiness
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100˚ F (38˚ C) or higher
Drainage fluid from the ear
Headache
Loss of appetite

Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:

Ear pain
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Trouble hearing

Ear infections often begin after a cold or another upper respiratory infection. The germs travel into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked. The blockage leads to poor Eustachian tube function and infected fluid in your middle ear.

Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses and/or bacteria that cause them are.

Several factors can cause a risk of ear infections, including:

Age
Family history
Colds
Chronic illnesses
Ethnicity
Poor air quality and smoky environments

Most healthcare providers can tell if you have an ear infection based on symptoms and a physical exam. Other tests include:

Tympanometry test
Acoustic reflectometry test
Tympanocentesis test

Treatment for ear infections can include:

Pain medication
Anesthetic drops
Antibiotic therapy

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Foot Drop

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Foot drop or drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. It happens when you can’t raise the front part of your foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift it.

Foot drop may cause a person to drag their feet on the floor when they walk. To avoid this, a person with foot drop may raise the thigh more than usual when walking as though they were climbing stairs. This way of walking, called steppage gait, causes the foot to slap against the floor with each step, sometimes causing the skin on the top of the foot and toes to feel numb.

Foot drop isn’t a disease. It is more a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. Foot drop has several possible causes, typically due to an issue with your nerves and/or muscles. The most common causes are lumbar radiculopathy and peroneal nerve injury. Other causes include:

Brain conditions
Motor neuron conditions
Peripheral neuropathies
Muscle conditions

To diagnose foot drop, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:

Loss of muscle control in your lower leg(s) and foot/feet
Muscle atrophy in your foot or leg
Difficulty lifting your foot and toes

Your healthcare provider may also order any of the following tests to find the underlying cause of foot drop, including:

Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and/or an MRI to look for compression or damage in your legs, spine, or brain
Certain blood tests, such as a blood sugar test to check for diabetes and diabetes-related neuropathy
Nerve conduction tests to examine how your nerves are functioning
Electromyography to measure the electrical activity in your leg muscles

Foot drop treatment depends on what is causing it. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If the cause is a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis or ALS, foot drop may be permanent. Possible treatments for foot drop include:

Physical and occupational therapy to help stretch and strengthen your muscles and help you walk better
Braces, splints, or shoe inserts to help support your ankle and foot and keep it in a more natural position

In some cases, people need surgery to relieve pressure on their peroneal nerve or to repair it. If you have chronic foot drop, your healthcare provider may suggest fusing your ankle or foot bones. Or you may have tendon surgery in which a surgeon transfers a tendon from your other leg to the muscle in your affected leg to help it pull your foot up.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of foot drop, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Living with Diabetes during the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Making healthy choices during the winter holidays can be challenging for many people. It can be even more challenging for people with diabetes.

If you are a diabetic, it is important to eat mindfully by following your diet and making a plan. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a diabetes-friendly holiday season:

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Stay hydrated
Communicate with family and friends about your diabetes needs and how they can support you
Stay active
- Take short walks
- Dance or play games
Plan for holiday meals
- Choose healthier options
- Watch portion sizes
- Balance your plate
Prepare for travel
- Pack your diabetes kit
- Carry snacks
Get enough sleep
Don’t skip meals
Watch what you drink and how much
Talk to your doctor about changes in your health
Take care of your mental health
- Practice mindfulness
- Set realistic expectations

With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy the holidays and your favorite foods while managing your blood sugar.

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Mental Health and Holiday Stress

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holidays can be a stressful time for many, with all the shopping, gatherings, and family time, they can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. For people dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season, with 41% reporting higher stress levels compared to other times of the year. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given include:

Lack of time
Financial pressure
Gift giving
Family gatherings

To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.

There are several ways to cope with holiday stress including:

Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Taking a break when needed
Getting fresh air and sunlight
Seeking therapy and staying in therapy
Maintaining healthy habits
Respecting differences
Saying no
Sharing feelings
Being realistic with yourself and others
Reaching out to friends and family

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.

Holter Monitor

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the heart’s electrical activity over 24 hours or longer while you’re away from your healthcare provider’s office.

A standard or resting ECG is one of the simplest and fastest tests to check the heart. Holter monitor tests may be done if a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) doesn’t provide enough details about the heart’s condition. Some personal devices like smartwatches offer electrocardiogram monitoring. Ask your healthcare professional if this is an option for you.

Some reasons you might need to wear a Holter monitor or why your healthcare provider may ask you to wear one include:

To evaluate symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related. Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
To identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations
To assess your risk for future heart-related events in certain conditions. These conditions can include thickened heart walls or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after a heart attack that causes weakness of the left side of the heart. This is called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In this syndrome, an abnormal electrical conduction pathway exists in the heart.
To see how well a pacemaker is working
To find out how well treatment is working for complex abnormal heart rhythms
To see how fast or slow your heart rate gets during the day and if you have any pauses in your heart rhythm

While you wear a Holter monitor, you can do most daily activities unless you have instructions to avoid certain things. You may be given a form to record your activities and any symptoms. It’s important to note if and when you have any of the following symptoms:

Pounding, fluttering, or skipped heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Lightheadedness

After the allotted time with the Holter monitor, your healthcare provider will review the test results and discuss them with you. Information from Holter monitor testing can show if you have a heart condition and if any medicines you currently take aren’t working.

If you didn’t have any irregular heartbeats while you wore the monitor, you may need to wear a wireless Holter monitor or an event recorder. These devices can be worn longer than a standard Holter monitor. Event recorders are similar to Holter monitors and require you to push a button when you feel symptoms. There are several different types of event recorders.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away.