The Importance of an Annual Exam

Posted on November 30, 2016 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.

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.

Can Lifestyle Choices Affect Infertility

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that infertility affects 10-15% of couples in the United States. Although it is commonly assumed that this condition occurs only in women; it affects both genders.

Infertility is usually diagnosed after a couple has tried to conceive for over one year without success. In women this problem can be the result of several problems such as ovulation disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, blocked Fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids. Factors that can cause infertility in men may include oligospermia (very few sperm cells are produced) or azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced).

There are also lifestyle practices that can increase the risk of infertility. Smoking, consuming too much alcohol, mental stress and poor diet are all known to affect fertility.

Excess stress can affect the function of the hypothalamus gland; which regulates the hormones that tells the ovaries to release eggs. Recent studies have also indicated that women experiencing greater amounts of stress were more likely to produce high levels of alpha-amylase and had a more difficult time getting pregnant.

The toxins inhaled from cigarette smoke can affect fertility by causing damage to reproductive organs, eggs and sperm. Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption can also cause imbalances in the hormones of the reproductive systems of women and can also damage sperm in men.

Adopting a healthy diet that includes foods known to improve reproductive health and boost fertility can increase the chances of healthy ovulation. Dietitians often recommend eating organic foods and cold water fish such as salmon, increasing the intake of whole grains and drinking freshly squeezed fruit juices to couples who are trying to conceive.

If you have been trying to conceive for at least one year without success, it is possible that your lifestyle could be a contributing factor. It is recommended that you consult an Ob/Gyn to explore the possible causes of your infertility.

To learn more about infertility and treatments please call the Women’s Health Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-291-3276.

What Expecting Mothers Don’t Expect

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

As wonderful and exciting as pregnancy is, it comes with a lot of anxiety and curiosity due to changes your body undergoes on the journey to motherhood. Some of these changes aren’t the most comfortable or fun and some are totally unexpected. Here’s a list of three unexpected changes some women go through when expecting.

Forgetfulness. Short-term memory loss caused by pregnancy , also called “pregnancy brain,” may cause you to forget appointments, what you just walked into the store for, where you left your purse, whether you turned off the stove — and, maybe, your phone number. A fun fact: for reasons unknown, some research has shown that women pregnant with girls are, on average, more forgetful than those carrying boys. Forgetfulness is completely normal, and thile it’sfrustrating it is only temporary.
Snoring. Even if you’ve never done it before in your life snoring is fairly common during pregnancy, affecting about one in three pregnant women. The most likely culprits of your new sleep habit are nasal congestion caused by surging pregnancy hormones, that cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, and excess weight gain, which results in extra tissue around your head and neck – both of which are common pregnancy symptoms. Usually snoring is just an annoyance but sometimes can be the result of more serious issues like gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, or preeclampsia. It is very important to share your snoring concerns with your doctor if you have been snoring more than usual.
Discolored Skin. Most women expect to start glowing in their second trimester but some women find that they get spotty or dry, itchy skin, that they get skin tags and also brown patches of skin. Some women also find they get a dark line down their belly – called the linea nigra. You can also get redness on the palms of your hand and the soles of your feet.

There are all sorts of changes that happen to your body during pregnancy. Pregnancy books and prenatal classes tell you about the obvious ones but there are also all sorts of weird changes that happen to your body that no one talks about. Keep in mind that all women don’t go through the same changes during pregnancy. If any of your symptoms are alarming and too uncomfortable make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Jamaica Hospital now offers a new, group model for prenatal care called Centering Pregnancy, that offers expectant moms the opportunity to share experiences and learn from other women who are in the same stages of pregnancy as they are. For more information about our Centering Program, please call 718-206-6866.

The White Coats are Coming!

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Does the thought of having a physician take your blood pressure make you nervous? Anxiety over going to the doctor’s office can lead to an elevation in your blood pressure; a condition known as “white coat hypertension.”

White coat hypertension is a real condition that occurs when blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office are higher than they are in other settings, such as your home. The term white coat refers to the traditional white lab coat health care professionals wear in clinical settings.

The underlying cause of white coat hypertension is believed to be tension and stress associated with being examined by a physician. Not much attention was given to this condition since the blood pressure of patients returned to normal levels when taken in the home environment, where they feel more relaxed. Recent studies however have proven that people with white coat hypertension are twice as likely to develop true hypertension within a decade, compared to people with normal blood pressure levels.

How do you know if you have white coat hypertension and what should you do if you have it? The first step is for your doctor to have you monitor your blood pressure at home to see if it returns to normal levels. If it does, together, you and your doctor can decide whether to treat it or not. On one hand, if your blood pressure is normal during the rest of the day, taking blood pressure medications can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). On the other hand, people with white coat hypertension might have elevated blood pressure during other stressful parts of the day. Many factors, such as age, family history, and the existence of other conditions will help the doctor make the right decision for you.

There are things that you can do to reduce your anxiety and stress before having your blood pressure checked by a health care professional. First, avoid drinking excessive amounts of water before checking your blood pressure because water can increase your reading. Also, do not participate in any physical activity before having your blood pressure taken. Excessive physical exertion will raise blood pressure. Lastly, avoid stressful situations and remain calm leading up to and during your visit to the doctor’s office.

If you think you have hypertension, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Jamaica Hospital’s Family Care Center at 718-657-7093 to schedule an appointment.

Is This Job Killing Me?

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Some workplace stress is normal, but excessive stress can interfere with productivity and impact your physical and emotional health. If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, you can lose confidence, and become irritable or withdrawn.

Health issues that can be caused by excessive stress are:

Heart disease
Asthma
Obesity
Diabetes
Headaches
Depression and anxiety
Gastrointestinal problems

How you manage your stress is one way of avoiding the negative health impacts of a stressful lifestyle. By realizing that not being able to control everything in your work environment does not mean you are powerless, you can find ways to manage your workplace stress without rethinking career ambitions.

Some quick, office stress relievers are:

Take a short walk
Drink water
Stretch
Make a plan or to-do list
Unplug from email and social media
Breathe
Act rather than react
Ask for help

One of the best ways of coping with stress is to identify what your stress triggers are. Once you have identified them, you can find ways to resolve them.

If using these steps to relieve your feelings of being stressed is not helping, you may want to consult a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry. Call 718-206-7160 for an appointment.

Bistro Roasted Chicken

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Looking to cook a healthy and filling meal for two? Take a look at the recipe below and Bon Appetit!

Bistro Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

2 chicken leg quarters (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 whole garlic heads

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Loosen skin from thigh and leg by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Combine basil and next 5 ingredients (basil through pepper). Rub herb mixture under loosened skin. Place chicken on a broiler pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone.

Remove white papery skin from garlic heads (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap each head separately in foil; place on broiler pan with chicken. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 450° (do not remove chicken from oven). Bake 30 minutes or until thermometer registers 180°. Cover chicken loosely with foil; let stand 10 minutes. Discard skin.

For this and other delicious healthy meals for two check out –

Mosquito Bites – More Than Just an Itch

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Summertime means most of us will spend more time outdoors, but this means we must share our space with mosquitoes. Of the 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, roughly 200 can be found in the USA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitos have been labeled the most dangerous animal in the world since estimates hold mosquitos responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year, as well as transmitting West Nile virus, yellow fever and the more notable Zika virus.

We are told by health professionals and monitoring agencies that the Zika virus is primarily spread to people through the bite of an insect, the Aedes aegypti mosquito to be more specific. Additionally, there have been some cases where Zika has been spread through having sexual relations with an infected male. Men and women who have traveled to Zika hot spots should consider condom use during pregnancy if the man has been exposed.

The most common symptoms of the Zika virus disease are:

Fever
Rash
Joint pain
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

The CDC goes on to state that the Zika virus is usually mild with symptoms that last from several days to one week, but with Zika being linked to birth defects in women infected during pregnancy, the CDC recommends the following measures to protect you against being bitten:

Repellents – When used as directed, insect repellents are the best way to protect yourself and family from getting mosquito bites. The higher percentages of active ingredients provide longer lasting protection.
Cover up – When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Keep mosquitoes outside – Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens
Protect yourself when traveling – learn about the country-specific travel advice, health risks and how to stay safe.

Since specific areas where Zika is spreading, and most prevalent, are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time, please visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Site for the most updated information at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

Preeclampsia Awareness Month

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Preeclampsia Awareness Month is a nationally recognized health observance that presents an opportunity to offer education to help increase awareness of this life-threatening disorder.

Preeclampsia occurs in eight percent of all pregnancies. Formerly called toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that is marked by high blood pressure in pregnant women that have previously not experienced high blood pressure. Symptoms of preeclampsia include high levels of protein found in their urine and they may have swelling in the feet, legs and hands. Preeclampsia appears late in the pregnancy, generally after the 20 week mark, although, in some cases, it can appear earlier.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, preeclampsia can become a more serious condition called eclampsia, which can put the expectant mother and baby at risk.

There is no cure for preeclampsia, but when it is caught in its early stages, it is easier to manage.

If you are pregnant and would like to make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center, call 718-291-3276, for an appointment.

Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

National Lima Bean Respect Day is observed on April 20. Lima beans are a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Lima beans can increase energy levels by helping to restore iron. They are delicious in soups, stews, salads, casseroles, by themselves or mixed with other vegetables.

In honor of National Lima Bean Respect Day, try this easy and delicious Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad recipe:

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/2 pound boneless lamb top round steak or shoulder chop, cut into 16 pieces
1 lemon, cut into 8 pieces
1medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges (stem end left intact)
1 pound frozen baby lima beans
1 ounce Feta, crumbled (1/4cup)
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
¼ cup torn fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS

Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, make the vinaigrette: whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Transfer half the vinaigrette to another medium brown, add the lamb and toss to coat.
Heat broiler. Thread the lamb, lemon and onion onto the skewers and place on a broiler-proof baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Add the beans and 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain well and add to the bowel with the remaining vinaigrette. Add the Feta, olives and mint and toss to combine. Serve with the kebabs

Serves: 4

Total Time: 40 min

For this and other easy recipes visit –

Is Social Media Making Me Fat?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Have you ever wondered why when you see postings of food on social media that are pleasing to your eyes, you immediately begin to desire that food or think, “Gee, I’m hungry?

The human mind is divided into two parts, the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind works while we are awake, while the subconscious mind is always activated. The subconscious mind regulates everything in our body, our character, our speech and receives and processes information. The food and beverage postings on social media speak directly to our conscious and subconscious mind.

According to researchers, 70 percent of household meals in America are influenced by digital media. Pictures of food and beverages show up on news feeds 63 percent of the time. One popular social media site noted that a widely used food hashtag marked photos of snacks and meals 54 million times on their site alone.

In addition to subliminally causing you to want to eat more food, studies have shown that people who spent two hours or more using a device with LED display, such as a smart phone or tablet, had a corresponding dip in melatonin levels. Melatonin is the chemical that prepares your body for sleep. When we lose sleep, we can pack on extra pounds because there is a link between sleep loss and weight gain. If you are awake for longer periods of time, you may be more inclined to reach for a late night snack or bag of chips.

Some steps you can take to curb your hunger and promote good health are:

Choose fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Prepare your meals at home and limit dining out and processed on-the-go meals.
Try to avoid being distracted by TV, work, driving or surfing on your computer, phone or tablet while eating.
Regulate your social media feed, especially if the pictures of food and beverages make your stomach moan.

Obesity is on the rise because many factors, but keep in mind that you are in control and can make healthy choices to live a healthy life. It’s better to eat with your stomach and not with your eyes.