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.

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.

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.

Holiday Heart Syndrome

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Holiday Heart Syndrome, coined in 1978, is a real syndrome in which the heart’s vulnerability to certain arrhythmias is increased by excessive alcohol ingestion (binge drinking) and the onset of a heart rhythm disturbance in people who are otherwise healthy.

The most frequently seen arrhythmia during the holiday season is atrial fibrillation, in which the top chambers of the heart quiver or fibrillate causing the heart to beat irregular and often quite fast.

Excessive alcohol intake in women is defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or over three doses at one time. For men, heavy consumption is defined as over 14 drinks per week or over four drinks at one time by the U.S. Department of health and Human Service.

Alcohol alone does not fully explain Holiday Heart Syndrome. There are other risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are higher around the holidays such as:

Overeating
Stress
High levels of sodium consumption
Dehydration

Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives. Health concerns, family and relationship issues, financial problems can all cause stress which can ultimately affect your health; the idea of “letting go” at a holiday event and consuming more alcohol than usual as a way to forget the present may have a negative effect on your future.

If you have any heart symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately; even if your symptoms appear ON a holiday.

History of Invitro Fertilization

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

On July 25, 1978 the first baby was born that had been conceived invitro. These babies were referred to as “Test Tube Babies” because they were essentially created in a laboratory in a glass tube. Invitro Fertilization is the process where the egg harvested from a female is combined with the sperm obtained from a male in a lab and in a glass tube. This was the culmination of many years of research performed by Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards during the 1960’s and 1970’s in England.
The invention of the microscope in the 17th century really helped scientists understand how fertilization takes place. For hundreds of years following this development, research was done on how to implant fertilize eggs artificially, but while still within the body. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that fertilization outside of the body was begun. In 1959 the first rabbit to be conceived invitro was born, followed in 1963 by a hamster and in 1972 by the birth of a mouse. The technique that really helped advance IVF was the use of laparascopic surgery. This allows the gynecologist to remove the follicles from the ovary very precisely.
It is estimated that now over 200,000 babies have been conceived using IVF. The procedure has been improved upon tremendously in the last few years. Many times this process leads to multiple eggs being fertilized and more than one baby being conceived.
To speak to a physician at Jamaica Hospital about IVF and pregnancy in general please schedule an appointment at our Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276.

Pain Management

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Pain is described as a distressful, uncomfortable feeling that tells your body something is wrong. It is physical suffering that is the result of an injury or illness. While we have all experienced sensations that we may describe as shooting pains, sharp pains, passing or steady pains; pain and pain tolerance is unique to each individual. Pain can be temporary and a nuisance for some, it can also be long term and debilitating for others.

When pain becomes long term and interferes with normal, daily physical activities, it is recommended that you seek the help of a physician for pain management. Pain management specialists use an interdisciplinary approach to diagnose the source of your pain and offer treatment options to bring you relief. They will assess your symptoms to determine the type of pain you may be experiencing.

Pain can be categorized into two main categories: acute pain or chronic pain. Acute pain occurs for a short duration of time. It typically lasts less than three to six months. Chronic pain lasts longer and signals that there is an ongoing cause for your pain.

Treating chronic pain can be challenging and your doctor may need to explore several methods of treatment. Treatment options that your pain management specialist may apply include:

Medications
Surgery
Acupuncture
Psychotherapy
Chiropractic therapy

The TJH Interventional Pain Management Practice, conveniently located on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center campus offers an interdisciplinary approach to pain management while providing comprehensive evaluations and treatment options to patients with chronic pain in relaxing and private setting.

The goal of the practice is to provide comfort and improve the quality of life patients by reducing or eliminating their pain. Patients who receive pain management services generally are able to return to their normal lifestyle, quicker and without the use of addictive medications. To schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist, please call 718-206-PAIN.