Signs of Low Potassium

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living in the United States are not consuming enough potassium. In fact, it is estimated that less than 2% of people meet the daily nutritional requirement, which is 3,500–4,700 mg each day for adults.

This is concerning because potassium is essential in helping our bodies to function properly.   Our bodies need potassium to control the electrical activity of the heart, build protein, regulate water balance as well as acid-based balance in blood and tissue, maintain healthy nerve function and regulate blood pressure.

A diet rich in potassium is linked to several health benefits such as:

  • Reducing the risk of stroke
  • Preventing osteoporosis
  • Preventing kidney stones
  • Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

When our bodies have significantly low amounts of potassium, we may experience several tell-tale signs which include:

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Problems with digestion
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps and spasms
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart palpitations
  • Tingling and numbness, typically in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mood changes or mental fatigue

Eating foods that are rich in potassium is one of the best ways to improve intake.  Some foods that are an excellent source of this important mineral are:

  • Bananas
  • Green leafy vegetables such as spinach
  • Beets
  • White beans
  • Potatoes ( white and sweet potatoes)
  • Oranges
  • Avocados
  • Yogurt
  • Salmon

Low potassium levels may be the result of a deficiency in your diet or a more serious, underlying medical condition.  Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing signs that may indicate that you are deficient.  Your doctor may request a blood test to determine if your levels are low and the cause.

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Mourning the Loss of a Pet

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences we can have. For most people, a pet is like a member of the family. They love us unconditionally and over the course of our lives and theirs, will give us countless hours of joy and happiness. When a pet passes on, it can be devastating. It is very normal to grieve for the loss of a pet in the same way as we would for anyone else in our lives that we love.

Some of the ways we can handle the loss of a pet:

  • Allow yourself time to mourn
  • Think back on all the memories you and your pet created together
  • Try to continue with your life and your daily routine
  • Allow others to offer their condolences
  • Meditation
  • Write a letter to your pet, hold a memorial service, put some items of the pet in a special place in your home.
  • Seek professional help to speak about your feelings

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a mental health therapist, please call 718-206-7160.

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.

Food Allergies: What Parents Should Know

Food Allergies According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States.”

The most common foods known to cause allergies in children include eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, fish and shellfish.  If a child is severely allergic to any of these foods, they should avoid them at all costs.  Exposure or consumption can lead to a serious reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can result in death.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within minutes and may include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weak and rapid pulse
  • Throat tightening or the feeling of the throat closing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Swollen tongue
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

In the event a child is experiencing anaphylaxis, do not wait to see if symptoms will go away.  Treatment must be administered immediately.  If the child carries an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use this right away to begin emergency care.

Doctors strongly recommend that the Epipen is administered exactly as instructed. According to www.epipen.com , when administering the medication to a young child, one should:

  • Remove the Auto-Injector from the clear carrier tube.
  • Flip open the yellow cap of your EpiPen® or the green cap of your EpiPen Jr® carrier tube.
  • Tip and slide the auto-injector out of the carrier tube.
  • Hold the auto-injector in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward. Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh®.
  • With your other hand, remove the blue safety release by pulling straight up without bending or twisting it.
  • Hold the leg firmly in place while administering an injection.
  • Place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle (perpendicular) to the thigh.
  • Swing and push the auto-injector firmly until it “clicks.” The click signals that the injection has started.
  • Hold firmly in place for 3 seconds (count slowly 1, 2, 3).
  • Remove the auto-injector from the thigh. The orange tip will extend to cover the needle. If the needle is still visible, do not attempt to reuse it.
  • Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

For complete instructions on how to properly use the Epipen, please visit https://www.epipen.com/-/media/files/epipen/howtouseepipenautoinjector.pdf or www.epipen.com

If the child does not carry an EpiPen, and is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, get emergency help immediately. Every second counts.

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.

Back To School – Time To Reestablish Your Child’s Sleep Schedule

Summer vacation is an opportunity for children to extend their bedtimes at night and sleep a little later in the morning. While most parents tend to be a bit more flexible with their kid’s sleeping habits during this time of the year, it’s important to remember that back to school is just around the corner and now is the time to reestablish a proper sleeping routine for your children.

After a relaxing summer, children might need some time to adjust to a regular schedule. Here are some tips to help your child ease into his or her school-time sleep pattern and to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout the year:

  • Every night, beginning 1-2 weeks before school begins, set an incrementally earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
  • Once your child’s sleep schedule is established, stick with it! Don’t use the weekend to “catch up on sleep.”
  • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to allow your child to unwind including a bath and a bed-time story (for young children) or a reading time (for older children).
  • Limit television, video games, and other electronic distractions before and during bedtime.
  • Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages close to bedtime as they may prevent your child from falling asleep.
  • Maintain a peaceful bedroom environment which includes a comfy bed, appropriate room temperature and lights turned off, or with a night light if your child needs one.
  • Be a role model by setting a good example for your child. Establish your own regular sleep schedule and maintain a home that promotes healthy sleep.

Getting your child back on track at bedtime will allow for a smooth transition for the first day of school and will help your children reach their full learning potential.

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.

Are You Sure This Burger Isn’t Meat?

 

 

 

 

 

If you are a Vegetarian who has missed the taste and juiciness of an all American beef burger, you may not have to pine any longer.  The rage right now, whether called Impossible, Superiority or Beyond, are meatless burgers that replicate the texture, taste and succulence of meat.

The Washington Post recently highlighted one such burger – Superiority Burger.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup dried red quinoa
  • 1½ cups plus 2 tablespoons water
  • 1¼ teaspoons fine sea salt, plus more as needed
  • 2 medium carrots, scrubbed well and cut into ¼ -inch dice (about 1 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed for frying
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1½ cups)
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seed, toasted and ground (see NOTES)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked or no-salt-added canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • ½ cup coarse dried bread crumbs, such as panko
  • ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and crushed (see NOTES)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons potato starch
  • 8 soft buns, toasted, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Combine the quinoa, 1½ cups of the water and ¼ teaspoon of the salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook until fluffy, 35 to 45 minutes. Uncover, transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

While the quinoa is cooking, spread the diced carrots on a quarter baking sheet; roast (middle rack) until dark around the edges and soft, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it is translucent and lightly browned at the edges, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the fennel seed, chili powder, ¼ teaspoon of the pepper and ½ teaspoon of the salt; cook until the spices are very fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and cook, stirring frequently, until they are very tender. Pour in the vinegar; use a spatula to dislodge any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Use a potato masher or large fork, to coarsely mash the onion-chickpea mixture.

Scrape the onion-chickpea mixture into the bowl with the quinoa. Add the roasted carrots, bread crumbs, walnuts, lemon juice, parsley, Sriracha or other hot chili sauce, the remaining ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper, and mix well. Taste, and add more salt, as needed.

Whisk together the potato starch and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to form a thick, smooth slurry. Fold that into the burger mixture.

Use a ½ -cup measure to scoop 8 equal portions. Shape each one into a ¾ -inch-thick disk.

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a large saute pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add as many patties as will fit without overcrowding. Working in batches, pan-fry the patties until browned, about 3 minutes on each side.

To serve, place each patty on a toasted bun.

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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.

New Changes for MediSys MyChart

For many years, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has offered our patients the opportunity to better manage their health care and interact with their providers, through the MyChart patient portal.

Access to MyChart accounts has always required a patient’s physician to provide them with a special access code. Now, thanks to our partnership with Experian, our patients can create their very own MyChart account without needing an access code. For patients to create an account, they simply click the link to the MediSys MyChart website: https://mychart.medisys.org and click on the “sign up now” tab.

The new Experian verification process is much easier and will give patients quicker access to their chart, allowing them to take any number of actions, including:

  • Reviewing their medications, immunizations, allergies, and medical history
  • Reviewing test results online
  • Reviewing health education topics and discharge instructions
  • Requesting prescription refills online
  • Interacting with your provider via email
  • Requesting an appointment
  • Linking to family medical records

We hope that this new method of creating an account will encourage more patients to sign-up. By offering our patients easier access to their records, we feel they will become better educated and empowered to take a more active role in their health and the health of their family, which we feel will lead to a healthier patient population.

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.

Ingrown Toe Nails

An ingrown toe nail occurs when the corner or the edge of a nail curves into the skin causing pain, redness, swelling and potentially an infection.

The reasons a toe nail can become ingrown include:
• Cutting the nail too short
• Cutting the nails at improper angle
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Nails that curve by themselves   in to  the skin
• Banging the toe into a hard surface.

While we can’t always avoid getting an ingrown toe nail, there are a few things that we can do that will help lessen the chances of it occurring. A few tips to help avoid ingrown nails are to wear comfortable shoes that aren’t tight fitting, keep toe nails trimmed straight across, don’t let toe nails grow too long, and check your feet every day for signs of trouble.

Infected ingrown toe nails can be very painful. They will usually be accompanied by the presence of pus and the toe may feel warm. If you suspect that you have an infected ingrown toe nail, you must see a podiatrist as soon as possible. They may have to remove the piece of nail that is causing the infection and will probably prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the foot and beyond. People with diabetes and poor circulation must be extra careful in these situations.

If a toe nail becomes ingrown, it will be necessary to have it treated professionally. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

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.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Having a baby is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but the pregnancy itself isn’t always a pleasant experience. Can a prenatal massage help?

The goals of a prenatal massage are the same as a regular massage – to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, offer relaxation, and to re-energize the body and mind.

Many women experience joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping, and sciatica during pregnancy. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping release tension in nearby muscles.

A prenatal massage also improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy by stimulating soft tissue. This reduces fluid build-up around joints. Improved blood flow also helps the body’s lymphatic system work more efficiently by aiding in the removal of toxins and tissue waste.

By ridding the body of certain stress hormones, a prenatal massage can reduce anxiety and improve an expecting mother’s overall mood.  Other benefits include the alleviation of headaches, reduced instances of insomnia, decreased levels of depression, and even improved labor outcomes.

When choosing a massage therapist, be sure to pick one who is certified in prenatal massage. Certified Prenatal Massage Therapists are trained to provide relief to known sore spots and also know to avoid applying pressure to very sensitive pressure points. They know the appropriate techniques to use and positions to recommend and may even have a specially designed massage table for pregnant women.

A prenatal massage may not be for everyone.  Women with certain conditions, such as preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension or with a history of pre-term labor should not receive a prenatal massage. All women should consult with their prenatal care provider before scheduling a massage.

If you have questions about prenatal massage or would like to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276.

For more health tips and information visit us on Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital

 

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.

What Causes Night Sweats?

A common concern shared by patients with their doctor is night sweats.  This is the occurrence of excessive sweating at night while sleeping.

If you are experiencing night sweats while sleeping in a warm room, wearing too much clothing to bed or sleeping with too many blankets, the cause for excessive perspiration is most likely the result of your sleep environment.

However, if neither applies and you are experiencing night sweats frequently, there is a chance that this may be caused by an underlying medical issue.

There are several conditions that are known to cause night sweats, some of these are:

  • Hormone disorders
  • Cancers
  • Stroke
  • Infections
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Menopause
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Idiopathic hyperhidrosis
  • Thyroid diseases

Certain medications are also known to cause night sweats. You should speak with your doctor if night sweats:

  • Occur on a regular basis
  • Are accompanied by symptoms such as fever or pain
  • Occur after menopausal symptoms have subsided after several months
  • Interrupts your sleep

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

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.

The Effects Smoking Has on the Digestive System

Smoking affects the entire body, increasing the risk of many life-threatening diseases—including lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. What some might not realize however is the strong effect smoking has on the digestive system.

Smoking increases the chances of developing many types of cancers of the digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach and pancreas. Research has also suggested that smoking can contribute to liver, colon, and rectal cancers.

In addition, smoking can be a factor in the development or progression of many common disorders of the digestive system, such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When you smoke, it can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to weaken. This muscle between the esophagus and stomach keeps stomach contents, such as acids intended to break down foods, from flowing back into the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn and possibly damaging the lining of the esophagus.

Another harmful effect smoking can have on the digestive system is it increases the risk of developing peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are sores on the inside lining of the stomach or duodenum, most commonly caused by an infection resulting from the development of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Studies suggest that smoking increases the risk of H. pylori infection, slows the healing of peptic ulcers, and increases the likelihood that peptic ulcers will recur

The good news is that quitting smoking can improve the symptoms of some digestive diseases or keep them from getting worse.  If you are looking to quit smoking, but need help, Jamaica Hospital offers the Freedom From Smoking program. For more information or to enroll in our smoking cessation program, please call 718-206-8494

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.