National Bike Month – Stay Safe and Fit

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Joann Ariola

National Bike Month begins on May 14^th and culminates with Ride to Work Day on May 18, 2018.

Communities nationwide will participate in this week-long recognition good health and bring attention to the need of lessening toxic emissions that motor vehicles are having on our environment.

According to , more than half of all Americans live less than 5 – 10 miles from work. By utilizing the extensive miles of bike lanes to and from your work destination, you could probable arrive at your destination in less than an hour.

Riding a bicycle to work can be a fun and effective way to get fit. Cycling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it increases oxygen intake and stimulates the heart. Studies show that riding can increase energy levels by 20 percent and in one hour burn up to 488 calories when pedaling at 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Although a bicycle is an excellent fitness tool, it is also considered a vehicle. Therefore, the rules of the road must be obeyed and a bicycle should be operated safely to prevent injuries and accidents. Statistics show that bicyclists face higher risks in crash-related injuries and deaths than drivers in a motor vehicle.

Follow these basic riding tips to ensure your safety and reduce the risks:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and do not weave in between other vehicles.
Obey traffic laws and signals.
Do not listen to music or speak on cell phones while riding.
Wear a proper fitting helmet.
Never pass another vehicle on the right.
Always keep your hands on the brakes.
Stay aware of dangerous road hazards such as potholes and broken glass.
Use hand signals to show motorist where you are going.

So suit up, remember to wear your helmet and cycle your way to health and a cleaner environment!

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.

Is There a Benefit to Wearing a Fitness Tracker?

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Generally speaking, if you are inactive your risk of experiencing obesity, low energy, diabetes and hypertension is higher. To combat these health issues, you can incorporate a brisk walk or run into your weekly activity. The addition of this type of movement to your day may prevent or, in some cases, reverse health issues.

One of the ways some are finding it beneficial to keep track of their activity level is by wearing a “fitness tracker.” Surprisingly, one of the first reports you may receive from your tracker is that you are not as active as you thought you were.

Most fitness trackers are a good way of monitoring your steps, calories, distance travelled, caloric intake, as well as your heart rate and sleep patterns. They can be viewed as your “conscience” for personal accountability and motivation for a relatively low cost.

Some of the benefits of a fitness tracker include:

Encouraging physical activity – If you check your tracker and see that you are behind in your steps for the day, you may “step” up your game a bit and take a walk.
Measuring your heart rate – This feature can give you hard data on the effort you exert while doing a particular workout and/or task. It can give you a hint on the condition of your cardiovascular system by allowing you to see just how quickly your heart rate increases.
Providing insights on your sleep patterns – Sleep has a definite influence on your overall health. Fitness trackers that log sleep activity can help you address whatever is lacking in your sleep cycles.
Encouraging healthy eating – Fitness trackers can come equipped with apps that help you track your food and may help with weight loss.
Promoting interaction – Some fitness trackers allow the user to interact with other users, create group challenges and receive rewards for meeting goals.

There really isn’t a downside to tracking your activity, unless you take your fitness tracker off and it remains lost at the bottom of a drawer.

Preeclampsia Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Preeclampsia Awareness Month is a nationally recognized health observance that presents an opportunity to offer education to help increase awareness of this life-threatening disorder.

Preeclampsia occurs in eight percent of all pregnancies. Formerly called toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that is marked by high blood pressure in pregnant women that have previously not experienced high blood pressure. Symptoms of preeclampsia include high levels of protein found in their urine and they may have swelling in the feet, legs and hands. Preeclampsia appears late in the pregnancy, generally after the 20 week mark, although, in some cases, it can appear earlier.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, preeclampsia can become a more serious condition called eclampsia, which can put the expectant mother and baby at risk.

There is no cure for preeclampsia, but when it is caught in its early stages, it is easier to manage.

May is Healthy Vision Month

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 90 million Americans over the age of 40 have eye problems. That is about 60 percent of the population. May has been designated as Healthy Vision Month to bring attention to our eyes and the problems that we can encounter. While prevention is always the best route to follow, treating eye problems early, should they occur, can prevent further harm to our vision.
One of the reasons people neglect their eyes is because if they don’t think there is a problem, they aren’t going to get checked. While older adults, especially women, are usually the group that experiences more age related vision problems, it is becoming more evident that school age children are also experiencing vision problems. Children who can’t see well probably have difficulty reading, and this can affect them in school.
Many eye problems can be traced back to family history. While not a guarantee that someone will experience an issue with their vision if a parent had an eye problem, it certainly is something to be mindful of. Certain chronic illnesses, like diabetes can also predispose people to vision problems.
It is important to protect your eyes from things that can harm them. Doctors recommend wearing sunglasses if you are going to be outdoors during daylight hours for prolonged periods of time. It is also recommended to wear safety glasses if you are going to be working in hazardous environments. Many of us spend long periods of time looking at our computer screens. To avoid problems we should follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes look away from the screen and focus on something twenty feet away for twenty seconds. This will help to prevent the eyes from getting tired and the muscles of the eyes from becoming weak.
Other ways to protect your vision include:
• Regular comprehensive eye exams
• Proper diet (with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and dark leafy vegetables)
• Quit smoking or don’t start
• Maintain a proper weight
• Wash hands before placing or removing contact lenses
The National Eye Institute recommends a regular comprehensive dilated eye exam be performed on a regular basis, usually once a year. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.

Employee Spotlight – Margaret Novoa

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we shine our employee spotlight on Margaret Novoa, clerical assistant to the manager of MediSys East New York.

Margaret grew up in South Ozone Park and attended school at St. Teresa of Avila. Her family moved to Brooklyn during her high school years where she attended Erasmus Hall High School and after graduating from high school she went on to study at Linden State College in Vermont.

Margaret began her career at Jamaica Hospital 35 years ago in the Emergency Department before moving on to the Department of Family Medicine and eventually to her current position in MediSys East New York.

In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, her three grandchildren and other members of her family. Many of the people that she has worked with at the hospital over the years have become like family to her and she cherishes these friendships. Margaret enjoys reading, traveling, walking, and cooking. Margaret believes strongly in giving back to the community and she began a charity in honor of her mother, Carmen Novoa, that benefits single mothers and their children.

Margaret takes great pride in working at Jamaica Hospital for many reasons. Having grown up in this community she feels good about being able to give back to the neighborhood that gave so much to her. She feels very fortunate to work with people who look out for one another and from whom she has learned so much. Margaret looks forward to continuing to work at Jamaica Hospital and to contributing to the well-being of others. We are very happy to have her as a member of the Jamaica Hospital family.

Is Obesity Having an Impact on Your Child’s Self-Esteem?

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Obesity among teenagers is a growing problem in the United Sates. It is estimated that 31% of teenagers are overweight and another 16% are obese.

Many parents and doctors focus on the physical effects of obesity, but what about the psychological and emotional ramifications? Obesity can lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, but its depression, low self esteem, anxiety and poor body image that should be the greater concern for most.

Recent studies have concluded that obese teens have considerably lower self esteem than their non-obese peers. The difference in the two groups is most evident among 14 year olds, which also happens to be a critical time for teens because it is when they develop their sense of self worth. It is also an age where peers can be most cruel. Teasing, taunting, and poor treatment from other kids can also contribute to depression and other psychological issues.

Teens with low self-esteem often feel lonely, nervous, or are generally sad. They are also more inclined to experiment with cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. They often become depressed, which causes them to withdraw from social activities with friends and family and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

There are a variety of factors that have contributed to a rise in obesity among teens. While genetics play a role for some, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are often the cause for most. Teens today consume too much junk food and sugary drinks and don’t exercise as much as in previous generations. Temptations from television, video games, and computers are often cited as the reasons for a decrease in physical activity.

Professionals suggest that parents of obese teens engage their children in an open dialogue about the issue. Together, parents and teens can work on a plan that is attainable. Efforts to fix the problem should focus on lifestyle issues rather than a calorie count because attempting to impose a strict diet could contribute to the teen’s poor self esteem. Incorporate the assistance of a medical professional, but allow the teen to take charge during visits in an effort to build confidence. Parents should encourage and participate in improving diet and increasing activity as well.

Jamaica Hospital has a variety of services to help teens facing this issue, including nutritional counseling and adolescent mental health services. Speak to your child’s pediatrician or make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to find the best treatment options for your teen.

Burns

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Burns are one of the most common injuries to occur in the home. An estimated 250,000 children under the age of 17 are treated annually in hospitals and ERs for burn injuries.

There are three primary types of burns:

First-degree burns- damage is done only to the outer layer of the skin. These burns can result in minor swelling, blisters or redness
Second-degree burns- damage is done to the outer layer and the layer underneath the skin. Skin may develop blisters or begin to thicken
Third-degree burns- damage is done to deeper tissue. Skin might appear charred, white or leathery in appearance

When treating minor burns that do not require emergency care such as first-degree burns, doctors recommend:

Holding the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or applying a cool compress. Do not apply ice as this can cause further damage
Taking over-the-counter-pain relievers
Applying an anesthetic lotion that contains aloe vera to the affected area
Applying an antibiotic ointment
Bandaging the burn , with a sterile, non- adhesive, gauze bandage (not cotton balls as small fibers can adhere to the burn)

You should seek medical attention if:

There are signs of an infection
The burn blister is larger than three inches in diameter
Pain endures for several hours
The burn appears deep
The burn affects a widespread area such as the face, feet, hands, groin or buttocks

Burns in the home can be prevented when proper safety measures are practiced. The National Fire Protection Association offers helpful tips to help keep you and your family safe. Please visit their website https://www.nfpa.org for more information.

The Benefits of Coconut Milk

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

There is always something new coming on the scene that is healthier for you than other choices. Lately, the buzz is all about the benefit of Coconut Milk.

Coconut milk can be a tasty substitute for cow’s milk. Coconut Milk is found in the white flesh of fully ripened brown coconuts. Like, cream, coconut milk has a thick consistency and a rich texture.

Often times, people mistake coconut milk for coconut water. These two liquids are very different. In fact, coconut water comes from less ripened green coconuts.

Some health benefits of coconut milk are:

Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Builds muscle and helps reduce fat
Is rich in electrolytes and can prevent fatigue
Can assist in weight loss
Improves digestion
Relieves constipation

So, if you are looking for an alternative to cow’s milk, try coconut milk in your smoothie or cereal for a healthy change.

Why Wearing Socks is Important

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

We are coming in to the warmer months of the year and many of us will be dressing more casually. Either as a fashion statement or as a way to be comfortable, some people will chose to wear shoes without wearing socks. Socks provide a bit of cushioning so that our feet don’t rub directly against the lining of the shoe, and they also help to keep them dry. When feet are exposed to prolonged moisture, there is a potential for foot fungus to develop. Foot fungus thrives in places that are warm, dark and moist, which is exactly what the environment inside of a shoe is.
One of the easiest ways to prevent foot fungus is to wear socks whenever you wear shoes. This will help to keep the feet dry. Keeping the feet clean will also help because it will remove any bacteria and dead skin that can potentially lead to an infection.
If you develop a fungal foot infection, especially a fungal infection, it will be important to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the condition properly and prescribe an appropriate medication. To make an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

National Healthcare Decision Day

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Today, Jamaica Hospital recognizes National Healthcare Decision Day. On this day, our goal is to help members of our community understand the importance of planning end-of-life-care and providing advance directives.

Although planning end-of-life-care is difficult, it is necessary. Taking the time to prepare for this stage of life can help you and loved ones with making challenging decisions about your care that may arise in the future.

When planning your end-of-life care it is important to consider what your wishes are and how they should be carried out.

Advance directives are legal documents (which includes the creation of a living will and choosing a healthcare proxy) that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on.

To receive further information about planning end-of-life care, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Palliative Care Division recommends utilizing comprehensive resources such as The Conversation Project. The organization provides a starter kit, “a useful tool to help people have conversations with their family members or other loved ones about their wishes regarding end-of-life care.” For more information, visit theconversationproject.org