Poll Question- How Long Should A Cold Last?

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Colds are a nuisance and we often wish we could get rid of them the moment they begin. People hope their colds will last only for a few days and will go away, but colds are expected to last longer than many think. How long do you think a cold should last?

A: 3 to 5 Days

B: 5 to 7 Days

C: 7 to 14 Days

The answer is C. A cold is expected to last between one to two weeks. It is recommended that you see your physician if your cold lasts any longer. This could be a sign of a more serious issue such as a sinus infection.

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.

Cervical Health Awareness Month- The Importance of Regular Cervical Screenings

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the American Social Health Association. This initiative helps raise awareness and encourages women to receive regular screenings for cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer which is one of the most common cancers found in women. However early detection can lessen the severity of both diseases and prevent the development of abnormal or cancerous cells.

It is recommended that women receive regular screenings to check the health of their cervixes. The frequency of screenings varies by age and the following guideline is recommended by The American Cancer Society:

All women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 21. Women aged 21 to 29, should have a Pap test every 3 years. HPV testing should not be used for screening in this age group (it may be used as a part of follow-up for an abnormal Pap test).
Beginning at age 30, the preferred way to screen is with a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years. This is called co-testing and should continue until age 65.
Another reasonable option for women 30 to 65 is to get tested every 3 years with just the Pap test.
Women who are at high risk of cervical cancer because of a suppressed immune system (for example from HIV infection, organ transplant, or long-term steroid use) or because they were exposed to DES in utero may need to be screened more often. They should follow the recommendations of their health care team.
Women over 65 years of age who have had regular screening in the previous 10 years should stop cervical cancer screening as long as they haven’t had any serious pre-cancers.
Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) should stop screening (such as Pap tests and HPV tests), unless the hysterectomy was done as a treatment for cervical pre-cancer (or cancer). Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix (called a supra-cervical hysterectomy) should continue cervical cancer screening according to the guidelines above.
Women of any age should NOT be screened every year by any screening method.
Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow these guidelines

In addition to receiving screenings, it is strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that women and men receive HPV vaccinations to stop the spread of the virus.

Please speak with your doctor as soon as possible about steps you can take to maintain your cervical health and remember, prevention is better than cure.

Dealing With Holiday Depression

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Holiday depression 524928563 The holiday season may be a time of happiness for many but for others it can also be the time of year that they are likely to feel depressed.

Financial stress, increased alcohol or food consumption, Seasonal Affective Disorder and loneliness are common contributors to depression during the holidays.

While the source of depression may vary from person to person, there are chronic behaviors and health problems that are widely recognized as symptoms of the disorder. Some of these include:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Sleeping excessively
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

People who experience bouts of depression during the holidays can reduce these symptoms by:

Asking for help when holiday stressors become overwhelming
Moderating alcohol consumption
Spending time with loved ones
Exercising
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Getting enough sleep
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation

If symptoms of depression persist or progress into self-harming thoughts, please seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. It is important to remember there is no shame in receiving assistance from mental health professionals; they will help you to identify the source of your depression and offer several options for treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5587.

How Harmful is Occasional or Social Smoking?

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

“I am not really a smoker because I only smoke on occasion or socially.” These words are frequently spoken by those who consider themselves light or social smokers. It is quite common to find that people within this group are usually in denial of the frequency of their use of cigarettes and believe that they are not at risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses.

The truth is contrary as research has found that one third of people who classify themselves as social smokers actually smoke more than six times per day. Additionally, whether someone smokes a lot or a little, they are at risk for developing diseases caused by tobacco. The damage that one puff of nicotine causes is instant. It takes 10 seconds for nicotine to be transported throughout the body and to the brain. It slows down circulation and increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Furthermore in a study conducted by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education it was found that light smoking may result in several health complications such as:

Stroke
COPD
Peripheral artery disease
Lower respiratory tract infections
Weakened immune systems

Smoking occasionally or socially does not exclude you from developing the health complications associated with tobacco use. Over time smoking will take its toll on your body. The best thing you can do for your health is quit smoking.

If you or someone you know needs help in quitting smoking please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Freedom From Smoking program at 718 206 8494 or visit www.smokefree.gov for more information.

History of the Heimlich Maneuver

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

In 1972 the Heimlich maneuver was conceived of by Dr. Henry Heimlich, a thoracic surgeon, who noted that many people were dying each year from choking. He conceptualized using air that was compressed in the lungs to help expel whatever was blocking the windpipe. Dr. Heimlich first worked on anesthetized dogs in a laboratory in order to perfect his technique. He found that by compressing the abdomen with an upward thrust, he could successfully clear a blockage in the windpipe. Since the invention of this technique, the Heimlich maneuver has saved several million lives.

Link to demonstration of Heimlich Maneuver: http://ow.ly/VJ5vC

5 Flu prevention tips

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Flu-126438163 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu (influenza) season can begin as early as October and last until May. The peak season for flu activity within that period is estimated to be between December and March. During these months you should take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of spreading or contracting the virus.

Keep your hands clean – Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of germs and the flu; however, if you are unable to wash your hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also helpful.
Avoid contact – Avoiding contact with those who have the flu is an effective way to prevent transmission. It is also recommended that you stay away from others if you have the virus. Take special care not to spread germs to children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems as they are more susceptible to getting the flu.

3: Clean surfaces – Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.

4: Avoid touching the eyes, mouth and nose – The eyes, nose and mouth all serve as points of entry for germs to get into your body.

5: Get the flu vaccine – The flu vaccine is highly effective in preventing the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months should receive vaccination. The vaccine can reduce the probability of serious flu-related illnesses or hospitalizations.

In addition to following these given tips, be sure to take care of your body by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep. Utilizing this flu-fighting combination will provide you with an effective strategy to help reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

The Winter Itch

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Seasonal itchiness is common when the cold, dry winter air takes moisture away from your skin. The top layer of skin is made up of dead skin cells embedded in a mix of natural oils. The oils in this skin layer help keep water inside the body and prevent irritants and germs from entering. The dead cells and skin oils lock some water into the top layer, which keeps the skin soft and smooth. Cold, dry air can damage the top skin layer, allowing water in the skin to escape and cause small cracks that expose underlying cells to irritants and germs. This irritation may cause nerves in the skin to send “itch” signals to the brain.

Weather-related itching may be accompanied by other dry skin symptoms, such as dullness, flakiness, roughness and more visible fine lines. Fortunately, weather-related dry skin isn’t usually serious and is easily treated.

Some products from your local stores can help, such as:

Moisturizers: In the winter, the best types of moisturizers to use are the ones that are oil-based rather than water-based. These are thicker and create a protective layer on the skin that will retain moisture in your skin for longer periods of time.
Sunscreen: Despite the cold temperatures, you can still get sunburned during the winter, which will make your skin even drier. When you plan to be outside, apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 about 30 minutes before going out. If you are out for longer periods of time reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours.
Gloves: Your hands are one part of your body that is exposed to the cold more often, so protect them whenever you can by wearing warm gloves.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help counteract the effects of using heat in your home or office. Place the humidifier in rooms where you spend most of your time to get the best results.
Oatmeal: Take an oatmeal bath to soothe the itching. In addition to taking these soothing baths, refrain from taking very hot baths and showers in the winter. Instead use warm water and try not to stay in the bath or the shower for too long.

If the itchiness you are experiencing becomes severe or the skin begins to peel or crack significantly, you may have a skin disorder in addition to the typical dryness that occurs during colder months and should consult your physician.

If you itchy skin has become red and cracked, you may want to make an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. It is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-670-XXXXfor an appointment.

SNACK CHIPS THAT WON’T GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR HIPS!

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Joann Ariola

With the holiday season in full swing and snacking at an all-time high, you may be interested in this delicious and healthy alternative potato chips for your party table…

Cracked Pepper Potato Chips with Onion Dip

Ingredient’s for the chips:

3 Large russet potatoes (2 ¼ pounds total), sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
Salt

Ingredient’s for the dip:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 scallions, thinly slices, greens and whites separated
1 ¼ cups nonfat Greek style yogurt or 1 2/3 cups regular nonfat plain yogurt
¼ cup of mayonnaise
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

How to make this recipe:

Chips – Toss potatoes in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of oil, and pepper until well coated. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange potato slices in 1 layer on 2 cookie sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until chips are crisped and lightly browned. Remove from oven, season with salt and cool.

Dip – Heat oil over a medium heat and add onions and scallion whites. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. If using regular yogurt, place it in a strainer lined with a paper towel and set the strainer over a bowl. Let the yogurt drain and thicken for 20 minutes.

Combine onions with thickened or Greek style yogurt, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, salt pepper and scallion greens and stir well to incorporate. Chill for 1 hour to let flavors meld.

Serve with chips

Excellent source of Vitamin C

Good source of Potassium

For more healthy snack recipes visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/packages/healthy-every-week/healthy-appetizer-recipes/healthy-appetizer-recipes.html

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.

Home Remedies That Help Relieve UTI Symptoms

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Urinary Tract Infection-532487483 Drinking cranberry juice to help relieve the symptoms of a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is one of the most commonly recommended home remedies you may find. Although it is a popular home remedy, it is not the only one that proves beneficial in providing relief for mild symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

There are other things you can do to help you get over the symptoms of a urinary tract infection:

1: Drink lots of water- Drinking water will help to flush out the bacteria that are causing your infection.

2: Wear breathable garments- Clothing that allows your skin to breathe, can help prevent bacteria from further developing. Restrictive clothing such as tight jeans is known to trap moisture and for cultivating an environment that breeds bacteria.

3: Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder- Avoid drinking beverages that include alcohol or caffeine. Drinks that contain these ingredients can irritate your bladder and trigger frequent urination.

4: Use a heating pad- Urinary tract infections can cause pain and discomfort but by applying a heating pad to your abdomen you can reduce these symptoms as well as bladder pressure.

5: Drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water- Components and enzymes in apple cider can be helpful in preventing bacteria from multiplying.

6: Take Vitamin C- Vitamin C keeps the bladder healthy by acidifying urine and combating the development of harmful bacteria.

If symptoms continue to persist after using these home remedies, please make an appointment to see a physician as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a form of treatment. If you are prescribed antibiotics it is highly advised that you take the full course of prescribed medication to prevent reinfection.