The Great American Smokeout

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages everyone to take part in the Great American Smokeout. This event helps to make people aware of the dangers of using tobacco products as well as the tools that are available to help them quit smoking.
The Great American Smokeout started in 1970 in a small town in Massachusetts. People were asked to give up smoking for one day and to take the money that they would have spent on cigarettes and donate it to a local high school scholarship fund. The event spread to other cities both large and small and eventually led to legislation that bans smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the United States today. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Smoking is also the cause of cancer of the larynx, mouth, sinuses, throat, esophagus, and the bladder. The number of people who smoke has dramatically decreased in the United States since the anti-smoking campaigns began. In 1965 it was estimated that over 40 percent of the population were smokers and today that number is around 18 percent.
Smokers have the best chances of quitting if they use at least two of the following methods:
• Smoking Cessation Groups
• Nicotine substitute products
• Support from family and friends
• Telephone quit lines
• Counseling
• Prescription medications that help to reduce the urge to smoke
If you would like more information about quitting smoking please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital to discuss smoking cessation, 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.

Healthy Turkey Chili

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Joann Ariola

With winter quickly approaching and the thermostat dipping, it’s the perfect time to make a big pot of Turkey Chili

This quick, delicious and healthy Turkey Chili dinner is simple to prepare and packed with nutrients.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ teaspoons olive oil

1 pound ground turkey

1 onion, chopped

2 cups water

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (16 oz) can canned kidney beans-drained, rinsed and mashed

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ ground cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly brown. Stir in onion and cook until tender.
Pour water into the pot. Mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic.
Season chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

For this and other healthy recipes visit –

Foot Care

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

We often take them for granted but think how life would be different if we had serious problems with our feet or worse, if one or both were missing.
One of the big mistakes that people often make is not wearing shoes that fit properly. If shoes are too tight, they can cause friction against the skin which will lead to blisters, callouses and the potential for ingrown toe nails. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose, this can lead to the potential for falling. Worn out shoes may be very comfortable but can also be harmful. Look at the bottom of the shoes to see if they are wearing out unevenly. If they are, it is time to treat yourself to a new pair.
Many people have difficulty trimming their own toe nails which can lead to problems, especially if the nails start to grow into the skin. That can lead to the potential for pain at the very least and also for infections. If you experience difficulty with keeping the nails properly trimmed, seek the help of a podiatrist who can assist you. Nail salons which are very popular may not be the best solution because the workers don’t always use instruments that are properly cleaned and they also may not use proper techniques.
It is important to keep the feet clean and dry. Always dry the feet thoroughly after bathing and especially between the toes. This will keep the skin from peeling. Poor hygiene can lead to serious problems and the possibility of infection.
During the winter months, our skin tends to be very dry and can crack. Using an unscented skin cream or Vitamin A and D cream once a day on the top and bottom of the foot can help avoid cracked skin. It is important to remember that these creams should not be used between the toes.
Never go barefoot in public areas, especially showers. There is a greater risk for contracting athlete’s foot and other skin diseases from these places. Wearing a pair of pair of rubber or plastic shoes in the shower can help, even in your own home.
People with diabetes have to be extra cautious when it comes to taking care of their feet. Even a tiny cut can be very dangerous. That is because people with diabetes tend to heal slowly and are often more susceptible to infection.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet, you should make an appointment with a foot doctor who can assist you. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

November is Bladder Health Month

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Joann Ariola

The American Urological Association (AUA) has designated November as Bladder Health Month.

So often we take bladder health for granted until a problem starts to develop, therefore the AUA is committed to increasing the public’s awareness about bladder health conditions.

Some symptoms of an infected bladder are:

Pelvic pain
Increased urge to urinate
Pain with urination
Blood in the urine

The good news is by taking an active role in your bladder health you can avoid infections and reduce the risk of developing several medical problems. Here are some ways you can help improve your bladder’s health and help it to function properly.

Don’t wait long to use the bathroom. Holding in urine can add pressure to the bladder and increase the risk of developing infections.
Do not rush when emptying your bladder. Rushing may result in your bladder not emptying completely- this can lead to bladder infections.
Avoid food or drinks that contain irritants. Certain food or drinks that contain ingredients such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, acid, spices, excessive amounts of salt and alcohol can worsen bladder problems.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Drinking your daily recommended amount of water can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Avoid constipation by adding fiber to your diet. Constipation often results in a full rectum which adds pressure to the bladder.
Urinate after having intercourse. Men and women should try to urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush away bacteria that may have entered during sex.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection and have questions about maintaining bladder health, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7110 to schedule an appointment with a urologist.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Many people associate Alzheimer’s disease with older adults that are advanced in age. However, the disease can also affect people who are younger than the age of 65. When this happens, the disease is referred to as younger-onset or early onset Alzheimer’s.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s has been found to mostly affect people in their forties and fifties. Currently, experts are unsure why some people get the disease at an earlier age than others. Research does point to genetics as a contributing factor in some cases.

The symptoms and signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s may differ with each person and can include:

Personality or mood changes
Difficulty making decisions
Misplacing items on a regular basis
Frequently withdrawing from social situations
Difficulty finding the right words for specific items
Difficulty finishing a sentence
Losing track of locations, dates or times
Asking for the same information again and again
Difficulty learning new things

If you are experiencing symptoms or displaying signs of the disease on an ongoing basis, it is recommended that you consult a physician who specializes in treating Alzheimer’s. In order to diagnose the disease, the physician may complete a comprehensive medical evaluation which can include cognitive tests, brain imaging, neurological and medical exams.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can maximize the benefits received from treatment and may help you to maintain your independence longer. Therefore, it is highly advised that you seek the assistance of a specialist immediately.

Diwali Toy Donation to Pediatrics

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was the recipient of the first Diwali Toy Drive sponsored by Shri Surya Narayan Mandir. Members of the organization took time out of their schedules to distribute toys and other gifts to the children on the Pediatric and the Maternity units where both moms and babies received gifts

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November has been designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. There are 86 million more people who have pre-diabetes and are at risk of developing type II diabetes during their lifetime.

There is no cure for diabetes but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar daily and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways complications can be prevented.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications. It is the leading cause of blindness, non traumatic amputations, kidney disease and also increases the risk for heart attacks.

During the month of November, the ADA sponsors events around the country that serve to make people aware of the risk factors and the warning signs of diabetes. For more information on events taking place, please see the American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org. It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Obesity: Lifestyle or Genetics?

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Joann Ariola

“How does she eat so much and not gain any weight?”

It’s a question that has left many puzzled and quite frustrated. The conversation about weight, however, is a longstanding one. Today, especially, weight gain and weight loss remain relevant discussions, as the United States faces an obesity epidemic.

Though several health initiatives to help fight obesity have been implemented over the past few years, it is important to first understand what factors contribute to obesity. According to a National Institutes of Health funded study conducted by UCLA, not only does behavior and environment affect obesity, but genetic factors can also play a significant role in causing obesity.

How our genes actually influence obesity varies. As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genes give the body instruction for responding to changes in its environment. Some research has linked genes to metabolism, pointing out that genetics affects how one’s body responds to high-fat diets. Genes can either cause an increased tendency to store fat or a diminished capacity to use dietary fats as fuel. Other research has suggested that genes influence behaviors, such as overeating and being sedentary.

The conversation about obesity can now change since research has shown that body weight is hereditary and that genetic disposition affects weight. In all efforts to fight obesity, living environments where high calorie foods are prevalent and physical activity is limited should be looked at more closely.

We understand that the road to healthier choices isn’t easy to travel, especially alone. Here at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center our outpatient registered Dietitians assist patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. To schedule an appointment the outpatient nutrition services department can be reached directly at .

Be Careful With This Scary Halloween Costume Accessory

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Michael Hinck

With Halloween approaching, many are getting into the spirit by looking for costumes that frighten. Whether choosing a scary witch, chilling vampire or a creepy zombie costume, there is one spooky accessory that is considered dangerous and should not be used.

Decorative, or costume contact lenses are very popular this time of year because of their ability to change the color or overall appearance of your eyes. Many people use them to create a “frightening look”, but this attempt to terrify can come at a cost to your vision.

It is important to know that contact lenses are medical devices intended to correct your vision and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should not be worn unless prescribed by an eye doctor. Retailers that advertise them as cosmetics or sell them over-the-counter, without a prescription are breaking the law. The issue with these “fashion” lenses is that they are advertised as one size fits all, but this is not accurate. Before wearing contact lenses, your doctor should measure each eye to properly fit the lenses and evaluate how your eye responds to them. A poor fit can cause serious eye damage, including:

Scratches on the cornea (the clear dome of tissue over the iris—the part of the eye that gives you your eye color)
Sorneal infection (an ulcer or sore on the cornea)
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Decreased vision
Blindness

According to an article published by the FDA, “The problem isn’t with the decorative contacts themselves. It’s the way people use them improperly—without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care.” Many of the issues arise due to a lack of care instructions on decorative contact lens packaging.

The FDA warns to never buy these types of contact lenses from street vendors, beauty supply stores, novelty or Halloween stores, or an internet site that does not require a prescription.

If you are determined to get decorative contact lenses to complete your scary look this Halloween, speak to your eye doctor and get a prescription that includes the brand name, lens measurements, and an expiration date. Then go to a seller that requires you have a prescription. Failure to do so, and the biggest scare could be the damage you do to your eyesight.

Mirna Calixto

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

This month we would like to introduce you to Mirna Calixto, receptionist at the main information desk.
Mirna has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for two years and says that she feels very privileged to be one of the first points of contact for people visiting the hospital. She enjoys helping people and making sure that our visitors have a positive experience. Mirna speaks both English and Spanish which is a big asset at the hospital’s information desk.
Mirna is a Queens native who grew up in Jamaica. She is a graduate of Hillcrest High School and is now currently enrolled at LaGuardia College studying for a career in a health care.
Mirna has three children, two girls and a boy and also two pets, one is a small dog and the other is a golden macaw bird that actually speaks-sometimes too much she says.
Her favorite season is the fall because she believes that there is something special about the changing colors of the leaves. In her free time she enjoys hiking, visiting water parks and traveling to see other states.
Mirna shares that the best part of working at Jamaica Hospital, besides the wonderful people that she works with, is interacting with guests all day and providing them with assistance. She always tries her best to ensure that they receive the information needed to make their visit go smoothly.