August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Traditionally, the month of August is when children around the United States starting getting prepared to return to school. Often this will require them to visit their pediatricians for physical exams and vaccinations. One of the most important exams is an eye exam.

The American Optometric Association recommends that children get their first eye check-up when they are six months old. They should receive another check-up at the age of three, and again when they are either five or six. After the age of six, children should have their eyes examined every two years unless they wear contact lenses or glasses which require annual visits to an eye doctor. It is also recommended that your child visit an eye doctor if they exhibit signs and symptoms of a vision disorder. These include:

• Lack of interest in reading
• Not able to see things far away
• Constant tilting of the head
• Squinting when watching TV
• Frequent blinking and rubbing of the eyes
• Seeing double
• Holding a book close to the face
• An eye that wanders
• Covering one eye
• Inability to stay focused on an object

Eye health and eye health are very important. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.

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.

Jamaica Hospital Offers a Low Dose CT Scan

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Joann Ariola

CT scans are widely used across the medical field to perform diagnostic exams, and for many patients, the risk of radiation exposure is concerning. To address this concern, Jamaica Hospital is utilizing a low-dose CT scanner.

Jamaica Hospital’s, state-of-the-art GE CT scanners boast quick scans and use high-definition technology to produce precise images, using 30%-40% less radiation.

CT scanners are a specialized technology that provide detailed pictures of muscles, organs and tissues and are a vital diagnostic tool. The clarity of these images help lead to accurate diagnoses, while lower doses of radiation improves patient safety. Comparatively, low-dose CT scans are just as effective as the traditional scanners used in the past.

Low dose scans are commonly used to diagnose muscle and bone disorders, determine the location of tumors and infections, guide procedures, such as surgery and radiation therapies, identify diseases and conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, and detect internal bleeding and injuries.

What Happens During a CT Scan?

Obtaining a CT scan requires lying on a table that moves slowly through a large imaging machine. In order to produce clearer pictures, some patients may be required to swallow a dye or have it injected into their veins.

Patients are advised against wearing jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins, or any other objects that could affect the quality of images.

If your physician requested that you have a CT scan performed and you would like to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6138.

Can you get the flu in the summer?

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Although it is possible to get the flu during the summer, it is highly unlikely that you will.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that while influenza viruses circulate year-round, they are most common during fall and winter months. These viruses survive better in colder and drier climates. Therefore the chances that you will get the flu in the summer, which consists of hot and humid conditions, are greatly reduced.

Flu-like symptoms that occur during the summer are most likely caused by other illnesses. Some illnesses that present very similar symptoms to the flu include:

The common cold – symptoms include sore throat, coughing, sneezing and congestion
Pneumonia-symptoms include fever, headaches, chills and coughing
Gastroenteritis- symptoms include body aches, pain, fever, headaches along with diarrhea and abdominal cramps
Bronchitis- symptoms include fatigue, coughing, fever, chills and shortness of breath

Getting the flu during the summer is unusual but possible. If you suspect that you have the flu or are experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, it is advised that you see your doctor. He or she will conduct an examination and order tests to determine all possible causes for your symptoms as well as appropriate treatment methods.

Recognizing The Symptoms of A Stroke

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Andrew Flowers MD

Stroke is an all too common medical emergency that affects more than 795,000 people in the United States each year; of that number, 140,000 people die from complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke occurs every four seconds and someone dies from stroke every four minutes. Because the chances of an occurrence are high, there is a possibility that you may come in contact with a person while they are having a stroke. Knowledge is key when helping someone in this situation.

Stroke can occur when there is a blockage of blood supply or bleeding in the brain. Both instances can lead to severe symptoms if not addressed with urgency. When stroke occurs time equals brain: meaning for every minute without treatment 1.9 million neurons (the building blocks of the nervous system) may become damaged or die.

Time is essential when treating stroke. The sooner you recognize the warning signs, the sooner you can seek emergency care. When it comes to recognizing stroke, all you have to remember is F-A-S-T:

Facial droop: one side of the face isn’t moving like the other. If you ask them to smile, it will appear lop-sided or crooked.
Arm weakness: one side may be weaker than the other, or they cannot raise both arms together. There may also be numbness or tingling of the arm or leg.
Speech difficulty: slurred speech, or speech that may not make sense. They cannot repeat a simple phrase or aren’t forming their words normally.
Time: if you notice any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately and remember the time you first noticed symptoms, this will be very important information when it comes to treatment.

Other signs of stroke may include a sudden severe headache, changes to vision, confusion, numbness/tingling, trouble walking or poor balance.

If someone you know has symptoms of stroke, CALL 9-1-1! Emergency medical staff can provide early diagnosis and treatment and ensure that the patient gets transported where they need to go as quickly as possible. Recognizing the signs of stroke early can save a life!

For more information about stroke and stroke prevention and treatment, you can go to www.cdc.gov/stroke or www.stroke.org or schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss what risk factors you may have and what you can do to minimize your risk of stroke.

To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine Doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6942

Andrew Flowers, MD- Family Medicine

Jamaica Hospital Celebrates Breast Feeding Week

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Today Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosted a baby shower for women in our community in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. Our lactation consultants along with special guests spoke to moms-to-be about the importance of breastfeeding and the many health benefits it provides.

Each year, August first to seventh is designated World Breastfeeding Week to encourage breastfeeding around the world and improve the health of babies.

World Breastfeeding Week was created 26 years ago by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to promote the health benefits infants receive from being fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months of life. The observation is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Organizations including WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics have found that in addition to being an optimal source of nutrition, breastfeeding offers babies protection from bacteria and viruses that can lead to potential life threatening diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers; women who choose to breastfeed are less likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer, diabetes and post-partum depression.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, recently designated Baby-Friendly USA promotes exclusive breastfeeding. Our hospital provides several social and clinical programs created to support pregnant and nursing mothers. Some our programs include breastfeeding education classes, Centering Pregnancy and breastfeeding support groups. The hospital opened a lactation lounge for our community to utilize and access 24 hours, 7 days a week.

For more information about the services we provide, please visit

Benefits of Lemon Water

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that starting your day with the smallest changes in your routine, such as drinking lemon water, can help you on your path to a healthy lifestyle?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some benefits of lemon water are:

Aids Digestion
Helps you stay hydrated
Is weight-loss friendly
Prevents oxidation
Supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C
Provides a potassium boost
Helps prevent kidney stones

All it takes is squeezing half of a fresh lemon into an 8 oz. glass of water. The best part is you can’t consume too much and it will really kick start your day!

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Leonardo da Vinci, although best known as a painter, happend to be fascinated by science. Like any modern day scientist, he used observations, common-sense reasoning and research to find answers to satisfy the many questions he had regarding the health of the human body, mind and soul.

He cataloged his findings in his “Notebooks.” We are sharing one of his thoughts here and wish you a great #wellnesswednesday

“Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

Age and Conception

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Age is a factor that affects a woman’s chances of conceiving. Women become less fertile as they grow older because they have fewer eggs. The quality of a woman’s eggs also declines with age.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), fertility in women can begin to decrease at the age of 32 and they can become more at risk of developing complications after the age of 35.

Although becoming pregnant after the age of 35 may have its challenges, there are things a woman can do to help increase her chances of having a baby including:

Receiving preconception care from her gynecologist
Eating a healthy diet
Losing weight if overweight or obese
Avoiding chemicals or substances in the home or workplace that can be harmful to pregnancy
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Taking supplements that contain folic acid
Exercising regularly

If you are over the age of 35, you should not be discouraged from trying to conceive. Advancements in gynecological care and fertility treatments are making it possible for many women to have a baby after that age. However, it is important that you speak with your doctor about your risks and challenges you may encounter.

To schedule an appointment with an Ob/Gyn at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6808.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Effective, Non-Surgical Treatment for Varicose Veins

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital now offers the VenaCure EVLT therapy to treat a condition that affects over 25 million Americans – varicose veins.

Varicose veins are bulging, bluish cords that run beneath the surface of your skin and are most prevalent on the legs and feet. They are sometimes surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries known as spider veins. While varicose veins are usually harmless, in some cases they can become painful and tender to the touch. They can also lead to swollen ankles and hinder circulation in the limbs.

Up until recently, the most common way to treat varicose veins is through the use of compression stockings designed to help leg muscles push blood upward, or taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate swelling. In more serious cases, doctors can perform a variety of interventions, including the use of heat with radiofrequency to close the veins, injecting chemicals into the vein, or even some surgical options that either strip or remove the vein entirely.

Now, Jamaica Hospital is offering a new and more effective way of treating varicose veins. The VenaCure EVLT system is the number one physician choice in laser vein treatment and brings remarkable results and significant advantages to remedying superficial vein reflux. During this laser vein treatment, a thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein. A laser light is emitted through a fiber, delivering just the right amount of energy, causing these superficial veins to close and reroute blood flow to other veins.

This minimally invasive and clinically proven treatment option boasts a 98 percent success rate with minimal to-no scarring, offers less discomfort and a quicker recovery period than other forms of therapy for varicose veins. The VenaCure EVLT procedure is also easy to perform, results in less complications, is done in your doctor’s office, and can get you back on your feet in less than an hour.

For more information about VenaCure EVLT treatment, or to schedule an appointment with one of Jamaica Hospital’s vascular surgeons, please call 718-206-7110.

Employee Spotlight on Samantha Nunez

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we shine our employee spotlight on Samantha Nunez an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Ambulatory Care at Jamaica Hospital. Samantha has been working at the hospital for the past two years, and prior to that she was at Flushing Hospital.
Samantha is a native of Queens, having grown up and attended school in the South Ozone Park and currently resides in St. Albans. She is a graduate of Martin Van Buren High School and is now studying for her degree at Nassau Community College. Samantha has been greatly influenced by her work in the health field and her future plan is to obtain a master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in the health professions.
In her free time Samantha enjoys going to concerts, movies, spending time with family and friends, and traveling whenever she has the opportunity. She enjoys all four seasons but the one she likes the most is Spring.
Samantha is very close with her family, especially her grandmother who she tries to see as often as possible. She has a very strong relationship with her two sisters and is surrounded by a very nice group of friends that she also likes to spend time with. Samantha has two puppies, Simba and Bambi that she absolutely adores.
Samantha enjoys the diversity of the people she works with at Jamaica Hospital. She finds her colleagues to be very much like a family, and everyone helps one another to provide a very high level of care to our patients. Samantha has learned a lot by working at Jamaica Hospital and it has definitely influenced her long term goal of being involved in healthcare.