Peripheral Vascular Disease and Hypertension

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Peripheral Vascular Disease or PVD as it’s more commonly known, is a condition that is often associated with Hypertension.

PVD is a slow and progressive circulation disorder involving diseases in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart, the lymph vessels – arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Organs supplied by these vessels, such as the brain, heart and legs may not receive adequate blood flow for ordinary function.

However, the legs and feet are the most commonly affected.

Up to half of the people diagnosed with PVD are symptom free. For those experiencing symptoms, most common and first symptom is intermittent leg discomfort described as cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest. During rest, the muscles need less blood flow, so the pain disappears. It may occur in one or both legs depending on the location of the blocked or narrowed artery.

Other symptoms of PVD may include:

Decreased skin temperature
Diminished pulses in the legs and feet
Hair loss on the legs
Impotence
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles
Reddish coloring of the extremities

Some risk factors for peripheral vascular disease include factors that can be changed or treated with lifestyle changes, such as controlling your blood pressure or increasing physical activity. Unfortunately, risk factors like age and family history of heart disease and hypertension cannot be changed.

It is important to take steps to prevent PVD. A prevention plan may also be used to prevent or lessen the progress of PVD once you are diagnosed. If you would like to consult a physician, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s 718-206-7001 for diagnosis and treatment.

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.

10 Unusual Phobias

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Many people are afflicted with unusual phobias such as Venustraphobia, which is the fear of beautiful women. A phobia is defined as an irrational fear or anxiety disorder. People with phobias tend to be extremely fearful of a specific situation, person, object or activity. There is still uncertainty of what actually causes phobias; however they can be linked to genetics, life experiences or environmental reasons.

A few unusual phobias include:

Bibliophobia- A fear of books.
Coulrophobia-A fear of clowns.
Aulophobia- A fear of flutes.
Porphyrophobia- A fear of the color purple.
Nyctohylophobia- A fear of the woods in the night.
Octophobia- A fear of the figure 8.
Selenophobia- A fear of the moon.
Lutraphobia- A fear of otters.
Heliophobia- A fear of sunlight.
Chionophobia- A fear of snow.

Although these phobias are unusual they should not be taken lightly. They can be harmful to people who have them and can potentially lead to depression, social isolation or substance abuse. It is advised that you seek help immediately if you or someone you know is suffering from the complications of a phobia.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Joann Ariola

When you are faced with the decision of choosing whether palliative care or hospice care better suites the needs of you, or your loved ones; it is best to know the definition and relationship between the two before deciding.

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms that are related to a chronic illness, such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, AIDS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological diseases. Palliative care can be used at any stage of illness –not just advanced stages.

Hospice care is palliative by nature, but is only offered when the patient has progress to a point where curative treatment is no longer desired. Hospice care supports the patient, and their families, on the journey to end of life focusing on relieving symptoms and offering comfort from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.

Although there are differences between palliative care and hospice care, there is a relationship between the two. Knowing the treatment differences and similarities may be helpful when making your decision, including:

Treatments are not limited with palliative care and can range from conservative to aggressive or curative.
Hospice care treatments are limited and focus on the palliation of symptoms. The goal is no longer to cure, but to promote comfort.
Palliative care can be considered at any time during the course of a chronic illness.
With hospice care, Medicare requires that a physician certify that a patient’s condition is terminal. The physician must certify that a patient’s life expectancy is six months or less.
Both palliative and hospice care can be delivered at any location.
Palliative care services are typically provided through regular physician and nursing visits.
Hospice care services are more inclusive than palliative care services. Hospice care includes physician services, nursing services, social worker, spiritual care, bereavement care and volunteers. In some cases physical, occupational, speech and dietary therapy services, as well as other counseling services are deemed necessary as part of the hospice holistic care plan to manage terminal symptoms and provide support for the individual and their family.

It is important to know that choosing palliative care or hospice care is about comfort, control, dignity and quality of life and not about giving up. If you, or a loved one should need information on palliative or hospice care, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Palliative Care and Hospice Care services can help. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or to just talk, call 718-206-6914.

The NERVE of Diabetes

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve problems, know as neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a shorter term for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy from diabetes can damage the nerves in your hands, arms, feet and legs. This condition can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the degree of neuropathy, and how long you have been a diabetic, nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart and reproductive organs.

The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have issues with controlling their blood glucose, have high blood pressure and are overweight.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the nerves affected and develop gradually over the years. Symptoms may include:

Trouble with balance
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Abnormal sensation to a body part (Dysesthesia)
Diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Vision changes
Burning or electric pain in extremities

When treating diabetic neuropathy, a nutritionist may recommend healthier food choices and exercise to help lower your glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. Additionally, analgesics and low doses of antidepressants can be prescribed for pain relief, burning and tingling.

If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center and Department of Nutrition can help. Call 718-206-7001 to get the process started.

Don’t Let Depression Meno”PAUSE” Your life

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Joann Ariola

If you are between the ages of 45 and 55, did you know you are four times more likely to have depression than women who have not reached that stage in their life?

During menopause, a woman’s body experiences a reduction in the production of estrogen and a rise in production of testosterone (typically known as a male sex hormone). The rapid fluctuations of these hormones can influence the neurotransmitters in the brain and can lead to depression.

During Menopause, a woman’s body can experience irregularities, such as, restless sleep, hot flashes, weight gain, blood circulation, as well as, reduction in sex drive and a slower metabolism.One change that gets far less attention is a woman’s psychological health.

Studies have proven that menopausal women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than the general population, even if they don’t have a personal history of mental health disease.

Depression is a common yet potentially serious symptom of menopause. It involves more than the occasional bout of sadness and, if not treated, can lead to more severe mental disorders and a lessened quality of life.

Although depression experienced during menopause is often dismissed, it is recognized as a valid disease and, when identified, can be managed.

If you are experiencing similar changes and are in an at risk age group, you can schedule an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Mental Health at 718-206-7005.

Should You Breast Feed When You Are Sick?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Mother breastfeeding and hugging newborn baby

There are many benefits to breast feeding, but is it harmful to your child’s health when you are sick with a cold or virus?

Even when you are sick, your baby will almost always benefit from breastfeeding. In most instances, viruses are most likely transmitted before symptoms even occur. Breast feeding can actually help protect your baby from the virus since your breast milk produces the necessary antibodies to stave off the illness. In fact, even if your baby gets sick, it is usually a much milder case than anyone else in the house.

It is not a good idea for you to stop breast feeding abruptly because your breasts can become engorged, which can lead to painful inflammation, known as mastitis. Instead, while you are sick, ask a family member to bring the baby to you to nurse and take him way when you’re done so you can rest. Also, drink plenty of fluids when you are sick so you don’t become dehydrated and your milk supply does not decrease.

Some moms may also be concerned about taking medications while breastfeeding, but with few exceptions, over the counter medications are just fine. Some suggestions include:
• Avoid using extra or maximum strength pain medication or fever reducers.

• Medications that contain ibuprofen are recommended over those that contain acetaminophen.

• Try to use single ingredient, short acting forms of cold, cough, and allergy medications.

• Avoid taking aspirin as there is a small risk of infants developing Reye’s syndrome.

It is important however to carefully read medication labels and check with your physician before taking any drug while you are nursing. If you do not have a doctor, contact Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

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Buyer Beware the Potential Dangers of Plastic Surgery Tourism

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Cosmetic surgery is chosen with the intent of enhancing a person’s appearance. Procedures could include breast augmentations, rhinoplasty and facelifts. The costs of plastic surgery can be expensive. Generally, most insurance plans consider cosmetic surgery as elective and will not cover the costs-leaving many patients to pay out of pocket and some exploring the option of plastic surgery tourism.

The costs of receiving surgery overseas can be relatively cheaper than in the United States and can be tempting; however, consumers should be aware of the dangerous and sometimes deadly situations they can encounter. It is highly important to keep in mind that many plastic surgery practices overseas do not uphold the rigid standards of qualified board-certified physicians in the U.S. There are no laws protecting patients who choose to do surgeries outside of the country, therefore if there is negligence it is unlikely the medical practice will be penalized.

Other complications that a consumer may encounter from plastic surgery tourism include:

Travel- Long flights can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolisms and blood clots.
Lack of follow up care- Follow up care after surgery is extremely important. Physicians need to assess your recovery and ensure there are no abnormalities and infections. Many overseas facilities offer very limited or no follow up care.
Botched surgeries and revisions- If the procedure is botched, it may cost twice as much money to make revisions than the initial surgery would with a domestic surgeon.
Language barriers- A breakdown in comprehension and communication can be fatal.
Sub-standard equipment-The facility may be ill-equipped.Facilities overseas may not use the same safety checklist that is standard in the U.S. and medical records may not be properly documented.

Every surgery, including plastic surgery has risks. Boards and organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are in existence to regulate practices, set safety standards and help reduce these risks. While you may be saving money by going abroad, you are being exposed to medical institutions that may not have the same standards of the U.S. and increasing your risks for complications and potentially death.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a complete transformation. Many of these changes are due to hormonal shifts and altered blood flow. Women may experience several changes in their skin.

Often, changes in pigmentation are among the most pronounced skin changes during pregnancy. Dark patches may begin to appear on a woman’s face, particularly along the cheekbone, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip. This is known a chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. This occurs because estrogen and other hormones stimulate glands that produce more pigment, but since the pigment is not produced evenly, it results in a blotchy look. While chloasma is not preventable, the effects can be minimized by avoiding exposure to the sun or using sunblock.

Many women also develop acne during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, but is usually not as severe as during adolescence. To combat pimples, simply wash your face with a mild, oil-free cleanser multiple times a day. Avoid abrasive scrubs and exfoliants because your skin during pregnancy is often more sensitive. Check with your physician before using ante-acne prescription medications.

Other skin conditions that women experience during pregnancy include stretch marks, heat rash, spider veins, and the development of a reddish hue to the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, known as palmer erythema.

Regardless of the issue, skin conditions during pregnancy will improve or resolve within weeks or months after your baby is born.

To minimize adverse skin conditions during pregnancy, try following the “pregnancy diet”, a diet that offers women just the right balance of nutrients during pregnancy. Other suggestions include drinking plenty of water and only using “noncomedogenic” and unscented makeup and skin care products. A supplement of B6 might also be helpful for someone with severe skin issues.

For more information about changes to your skin during pregnancy, speak to your obstetrician. If you do not have one, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center by calling 718-291-3276.

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The Surprising Health and Beauty Benefits of The Avocado

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The Avocado is a very healthy and unique fruit. It is abundant in healthy fats, nutrients and has numerous health and beauty benefits. Some of the nutrients found in this super fruit include, vitamins C, B6, K, Folate and Potassium.

Some of the benefits of the avocado include:

It is a great source of Oleic acid-this healthy fat reduces inflammation and lowers bad cholesterol
Monounsaturated fats in the avocado can improve your skin tone by maintaining good moisture levels, repairing damaged skin cells, reducing skin redness and irritation.
Avocados are good for weight loss. The body uses monounsaturated fats as slow burning energy than storing it as fat. This gives you a feeling of fullness and reduces your appetite
Vitamin B6 and folic acid controls homecysteine levels which are linked to an increased risk in heart disease.
It is high in fiber and antioxidants
Avocados are a great source of biotin which helps prevent dry and brittle nails and hair.

Not only are avocados delicious but they are good for you. Enjoy them in guacamole, salads, as a spread, on a sandwich or by itself.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Secondhand smoke is a combination of side stream smoke-which comes from the end of a burning cigarette and mainstream smoke-which is exhaled by the smoker. It may seem harmless but the smoke that comes from the end of the cigarette is considered to be even more harmful than the smoke inhaled by the smoker; because there are no filters. Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone; however, pregnant women, children and partners of people who smoke are the most vulnerable.

There are over 250 harmful chemicals that can be found in the smoke created by tobacco products. Some of these chemicals are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, arsenic, vinyl chloride and formaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency categorizes secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen; meaning that it can cause cancer in humans.

The more you are exposed to secondhand smoke, the higher your risk of developing diseases and suffering from the health effects. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and coughing can be triggered by secondhand smoke. Other harmful health effects include the increased risk of developing heart disease, respiratory disease and strokes.

Pregnant women who consistently breathe secondhand smoke may have miscarriages or give birth to low birth-weight and premature babies. For newborns exposure can escalate the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Children can experience increased occurrences of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections.

Secondhand smoke is harmful, despite the level of exposure. Breathing in even a little smoke can be dangerous and the effects on your health can be immediate. There are several ways to reduce the risk of exposure to second hand smoke. You can ask members in your family not to smoke in your home, disallow smoking in your car and choose smoke- free restaurant and indoor places.