Treating Asthma When You Have a Cold

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Colds make us feel miserable and coughing fits tend to bring attention to us at times when we want it least. For most catching a cold is a nuisance but for others with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, colds can be very serious. Colds are one of the most common causes for flare ups in asthmatics. The mildest of cold symptoms can easily lead to wheezing, shortness of breath or trigger asthma attacks.

Taking preventative measures to avoid catching a cold is one of the best recommendations that asthmatics can follow. Some of these precautions include: frequently washing or sanitizing hands, staying away from individuals who have colds and avoiding contact to the eyes and nose.

Even though prevention is highly recommended, during the cold season avoiding a cold is sometimes easier said than done. If you do contract the cold virus there are several things you can do to help control your asthma:

If you are sick stay home and take care of yourself. Staying home can help you avoid environmental factors that could worsen your condition.
Monitor your air flow by frequently using a peak flow meter. If there is a drop in peak flow rates contact your physician to discuss adjustments to medication.
Keep track of changes in your condition and developing asthma symptoms such as wheezing, tightness of the chest or coughing.
Take medication as advised by your doctor.

Following these recommendations can help you manage symptoms and reduce the risk of a serious attack. If your condition continues to get worse after several days, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you’d like to make an appointment with a doctor at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center, call 718-206-7001 to schedule 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.

HEALTHY OATMEAL RASIN COOKIES

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Joann Ariola

It’s Holiday Baking Season! Let’s start this season off right with a healthy choice.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

INGREDIENTS

1 1/3 cups of quick cooking oats or rolled oats
1/3 cup of all purpose flour
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla
6 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter ( margarine may be substituted)
3/4 cup of light brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup of dark raisins
1/3 cup of flax seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffed up ( 1-2 minutes) and add the egg, cinnamon and vanilla and beat for another 30 seconds until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, raisins, flax seeds and flour with baking powder and baking soda and pinch of salt.
Then using a rubber spatula, fold the oat mixture into the egg mixture. The dough will be a little crumbly, that’s ok.
Using a standard tablespoon measuring spoon or a small ice cream scoop or oiled hands, pick up golf ball sizes of the dough and place them on the cookie sheet about 1/2 inches apart ( these cookies don’t spread too much).
Bake the cookies ( middle rack) for 12-14 minutes depending on the size of your cookies. Take them out while the centre is still soft but the edges have set ( if you like a chewy cookie) or let them bake an extra 2 minutes until the centres are set too if you like a crunchier cookie.
Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before attempting to remove them.
Now enjoy!
To freeze the dough: wrap it in wax or parchment paper and freeze it as a log or pre-measure it into golf ball sizes. When ready to bake slice the dough ( if it’s a log) or bake the gold ball frozen doughs at the same temperature for an extra 2 minutes longer.

For this an other delicious cookie recipes visit –

Mistakes That Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Measuring your blood pressure at home is a very important part of properly managing hypertension. Therefore taking accurate measurements is crucial.

To ensure accuracy, there are several things you should and should not do while measuring, as they can affect your reading. Here are a few:

Always use the bathroom before measuring- Having a full bladder can add points to your reading.
Remain quiet- Talking while checking your blood pressure can cause deviations in measurements.
While seated make sure your back is supported and both your feet are placed flat on the ground-Measuring blood pressure in a posture where your back or feet are not supported can affect readings.
Keep your arm leveled with your heart- If your arm is not on the same level as your heart while getting a reading, you run the risk of getting measurements that are higher than your actual blood pressure level. Always make certain your arm is supported, you can rest it on a chair arm, table or desk to receive the best positioning.
Do not place the blood pressure cuff over clothing – Studies show that doing so can have an impact on systolic blood pressure. Your cuff should be placed on your bare arm during measurements.
Do not eat or drink anything 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure- Consuming food or drinking beverages within that time can result in a reading that may be inaccurate and high.

Improperly measuring your blood pressure can have serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A reading that underestimates your blood pressure might give you a false sense of security about your health. But a reading that overestimates your blood pressure might lead to treatment you don’t really need.”

In addition to following best practices for an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important that you keep track of your numbers. You can use a notebook, app or chart to do so. If you are concerned about changes in your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor right away.

To speak with a doctor, or schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Home Remedy for an Upset Tummy…

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The Chinese have used ginger to treat nausea and digestive issues for over 2,000 years. While research has debated the extent of its effectiveness as a natural remedy, it’s thought that active components, such as gingerol, directly affect the digestive and central nervous systems.

Most doctors and herbal medicine practitioners agree that using fresh ginger in teas and water or natural ginger candies will help relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy. Some studies suggest it is an effective treatment for post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea, as well.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost immunity. Bottom line, there are no disadvantages to ingesting a little ginger to help ease nausea and digestive issues.

Don’t Ignore The Signs of A Ministroke

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Ministroke also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when there is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain.

The symptoms of a ministroke are sometimes ignored because they typically last only for a few minutes (in some instances up to 24 hours), and may mimic symptoms of migraines, low blood sugar or seizures.

Although the symptoms of a ministroke generally do not cause permanent damage, they must not be dismissed. One in three people who have a ministroke are at risk of having a major stroke within a year; therefore, it is important to pay attention to the warning signs. Signs and symptoms of TIA include:

Numbness or weakness of the face, legs or arms (especially on one side of the body)
Dizziness or loss of balance
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden headache
Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of having a major stroke.

Flu Season Precautions

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

We are in the month of December and cases of flu are being reported by physician’s offices and hospital emergency rooms. None of us want to catch the flu so it is a good idea to take some preventative measures that can help us to stay healthy.

Here are a few of the ways we can prevent getting the flu:

• Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the vaccine every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep a hand sanitizer handy for the times soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Whenever possible, disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others such as tables and chairs.
• Clean your drinking glasses and dishes in hot water and with soap
• Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night
• Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is highly recommended to quit smoking.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to discuss the flu vaccine and other ways to stay healthy, please call 718-206-7001.

Does Your Child Have a Growth Disorder?

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When is a lack of growth a cause for concern? All children grow at different rates. The same boy that is the smallest in his class in elementary school might be the tallest at his high school graduation. In most cases lack of height can be attributed to genetic factors or in other instances it could just be that the child is a “late bloomer.”

After years of collecting statistics on childhood development experts have developed a standard growth chart. Pediatricians use this chart as a guideline to monitor the growth of their patients against other children of the same age during a child’s annual well visit. Children are ranked by percentile (from 1 to 100). If a child is ranked either below the 3^rd or above the 97^th, a doctor will usually want to investigate potential reasons as to why.

While in most cases there is no need for concern, for some children, a lack of growth could be caused by a growth disorder. The most common reason for a growth disorder is related to the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. One of the main functions of this gland is to release growth hormones to your body. When the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough growth hormone, it causes a condition known hypopituitarism, which can slow down a child’s rate of growth. Special tests can determine if a child isn’t producing enough growth hormone. If not, daily injections of growth hormone can often help them grow at a more conventional rate.

Another gland that produces hormones important for growth is the thyroid. Your thyroid makes a hormone called thyroxine. If it makes too little, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Having too little thyroxine cause a child to grow more slowly. Doctors can do a simple blood test for hypothyroidism. If it’s needed, pills can be prescribed to compensate for the lack of this hormone.

Thankfully, many growth disorders can be successfully treated today. The best advice is to make sure your child sees their pediatrician for their annual visit so any issue can be immediately identified. If you do not have a pediatrician, you can make an appointment to see one inJamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Break Free from Osteoporosis by Learning How to Prevent and Manage the Disease.

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have an increased risk, due to poor bone density. In fact, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood that you’ll develop osteoporosis – some are controllable, but others are not. Some of the factors are:

• Gender – Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Age – The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Race – You’re at the greatest risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Asian descent.
• Family history – Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk.
• Body frame size – Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Hormone levels – Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies.
• Dietary factors – Those with a lower calcium intake or have a history of eating disorders are at an increased risk
• Medications – Long-term use of oral or injectable steroids can interfere with the bone rebuilding process
• Lifestyle – Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can contribute to the weakening of bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the keys to combatting osteoporosis are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Recommendations include:

Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Participate in weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises on a regular basis

A bone density test can be performed to measure the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip, wrist and spine.

Hormone therapy or medications can be administered to treat osteoporosis, but there are side effects. Please consult your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, Jamaica Hospital has qualified physicians at our Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Anemia in Older Adults

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin). Hemoglobin is the part of the cell that that binds oxygen. If your hemoglobin is low, the cells in your body will not receive enough oxygen.

Although anemia can happen at any age, this condition is extremely common in adults 60 years and older. In fact, it is estimated that about 10% of older adults living independent lives over the age of 65 have anemia.

Since anemia is usually caused by poor nutrition or other medical issues, such as receiving chemotherapy, vitamin deficiency, or internal bleeding, older adults are at greater risk of developing the condition.

Common symptoms of anemia are:

Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
High heart rate
Headaches
Becoming paler (which is often first seen by checking inside the lower lids)
Lower blood pressure (especially if the anemia is caused by bleeding)

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms of anemia, your physician can perform a simple complete blood count (CBC) test to determine your overall health and detect a wide range of blood disorders including anemia.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center offers medical testing to diagnose testing. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

Pregnancy Myths

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Learning that you are pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. After receiving the great news, you are likely to go on a quest for information that will help you to have a healthy pregnancy.

During your search for information, you may encounter a lot of helpful facts and just as many myths. To help you to separate fact from fiction, here are a few common myths debunked:

You cannot dye your hair- There is no data that supports the harmful effects of dying your hair during pregnancy.
You are eating for two- Most women will only need to consume 200 extra calories each day during their pregnancy. There is no need to consume an excessive amount of calories.
You should not exercise- Exercise is encouraged throughout your pregnancy. However, as your pregnancy advances, some types of exercise can be harmful. Consult with your doctor to determine a workout routine that is safe for your health.
You can drink a little while pregnant – No amount of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy. It is best to completely avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
You should avoid vaccinations- It is highly recommended that you receive the vaccinations needed to keep you and your developing baby healthy. One vaccination that is highly recommended is the whooping cough vaccine; it protects your baby from developing pertussis.

If you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, your Ob/Gyn is a great source of information. Your doctor can advise you about exercise, diet, medications and other factors of your health. To schedule an appointment with an Ob/Gyn at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.