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.

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.

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.

If Your Baby is Not Latching On; It Could be Tongue-Tie

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

One of the most intimate moments shared between mother and baby is during breastfeeding. If the infant does not latch on to the mother’s breast she may feel rejected, bewildered and frustrated. Before becoming distressed a mother should look into reasons why the baby is refusing to breastfeed; one of which could be a condition called ankyloglossia, otherwise known as tongue-tie.

Tongue-Tie is a congenital condition which restricts the tongue’s range of motion. It is caused by an abnormally thick and short lingual frenulum. The frenulum is the membrane which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The degree of severity in tongue-tie varies from mild cases, where the lingual frenulum loosens over time or severe cases of complete ankyloglossia where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth. This can affect feeding.

Breastfeeding requires the baby to place the tongue over the lower gum while sucking. If the infant‘s range of motion is limited and is unable to place the tongue in the right position, this will interfere with the ability to get milk. Poor breastfeeding can lead to poor nutrition.

A consultation with a lactation specialist or physician to explore all causes for breast-feeding refusal is usually the first step in evaluating the baby. If it is determined that the infant does have severe tongue-tie and the ability to feed is compromised, a simple and quick surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure most commonly recommended is called a frenotomy; which can be done with or without anesthesia. During the procedure a physician will examine the frenulum, then use sterile scissors to snip it free. A frenotomy can also be done by laser. The physician may also recommend a frenectomy which is a surgical revision of the frenulum.

After surgery the infant’s tongue movement should improve greatly and in most cases breastfeeding can commence immediately.

To obtain more information about breastfeeding or to schedule a consultation with a lactation specialist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.

Centering Care: Share Your Prenatal Experience With Other Expectant Moms

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Frustrated by short prenatal visits that leave you with more questions than answers? You might be interested in learning about a new, very popular and effective form of prenatal care.

Centering Pregnancy incorporates a group care model that provides a dynamic and lively atmosphere for learning and sharing that is difficult to create during a typical prenatal care visit. During a centering modeled pre-natal care visit, a group of women with similar gestational ages meet together, to participate in a provider facilitated discussion. Through this unique model of care, women have an opportunity to share similar experiences, receive support, and empower one another to choose healthy behaviors during their pregnancies.

Centering Pregnancy maintains all the same patient-centered elements of traditional prenatal care, but incorporates them into an interactive experience for expectant mothers and their families. At the beginning of each session, patients have a brief individual assessment by the care provider before joining the group to discuss key health topics and the exchange of information and education on shared health experiences. Each group visit lasts under two hours with your healthcare provider guiding the session.

Each group meets for a total of 10 sessions throughout pregnancy. Sessions begin during the first trimester and meet at regular prenatal intervals until delivery. After delivery, the group meets for a reunion session during the postpartum period.

The satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers support the effectiveness of this model of care. Women who have participated in centering-based prenatal care have expressed a high level of fulfillment and motivation. Professionals report that the group setting provides them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care. Some of the many benefits of centering care include reduction in preterm birth, higher birth weight and increased breastfeeding rates.

Jamaica Hospital now offers Centering Prenatal care at its Women’s Health Care Center. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s Centering Program, please call 718-291-3276.

The Harmful Truth about High Heels

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

High heels can make you look long and lean, and can definitely add some glitz to your outfit—but unfortunately, that’s not all they’re doing. According to podiatrists at Jamaica Hospital, high heels, shoes with at least a two inch heel, can also lead to several medical problems.

“Prolonged wearing of high heels can lead to foot pain, ingrown toe nails, bunions, nerve damage, or damage to leg tendons,” explained Dr. Nicholas Camarinos, Chief of e at Jamaica Hospital. “Additionally, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, and overworking an injured leg muscle can also result from wearing high heels over time.”

These problems are likely to develop because the feet are forced into an unnatural position when they are in high heels, therefore placing increased weight on the toes. The incorrect redistribution of weight causes the body to lean forward and puts a strain on the back, knees, and hips. In addition, the change in posture also puts pressure on the nerves which can trigger numbness and pain throughout the entire body.

The conditions that result from wearing high heels don’t develop immediately. They occur from frequent high heel wear. Dr. Camarinos understands that it’s hard to discourage women from entirely eliminating heels from their wardrobe. Instead, he offers the following recommendations:

wear a sensible heel height or consider a wedged shoe
use insoles to help reduce the impact to your knees
wear the correct size shoe
wear heels on days you expect limited walking or standing
alternate shoes throughout the day or from day to day
stretch your calf muscles and feet a few times a day

“Ultimately, our advice isn’t to forbid women from wearing heels. Wearing heels are fine, as long as they aren’t worn all the time and for everything,” explained Dr. Camarinos. “Moderation is key.”

If you frequently wear high heels, are experiencing foot pain, and would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Podiatry at 718-206-6712.

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