Building a Healthier Community: Stroke Awareness and Prevention in Action

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Abigail Hasan

At the MediSys Health Network (Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center), our mission extends beyond hospital walls and into the heart of our community. Every year, our stroke outreach team has proudly partnered with local organizations to bring life-saving education and preventive health services to our neighbors.

Through events like Jamaica Jams, community gatherings at the Riverfund Pantry, and collaborations with community boards and faith-based organizations, we’ve connected with hundreds of residents—many of whom are at risk for high blood pressure and stroke. These partnerships allow us to meet people where they are, providing accessible, culturally sensitive education and care.

Blood Pressure Screening & Awareness

High blood pressure remains one of the most significant risk factors for stroke. At each event, our team offered free blood pressure screenings, identifying individuals with undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension. These screenings are vital steps in preventing stroke before it happens.

Teaching Health for Everyday Living

Beyond screening, our outreach emphasizes stroke awareness—helping people recognize the signs of stroke using the BE FAST tool, understand when to call 911, and learn strategies for prevention. We also focus on practical health education:

Tips for maintaining a heart-healthy diet
Encouraging physical activity in daily routines
Reducing smoking and alcohol use
Promoting regular check-ups with healthcare providers

Community Partnerships Make the Difference

The success of these initiatives reflects the strength of our partnerships. Whether in food pantry lines, at local festivals, or in faith-based settings, our outreach efforts demonstrate how healthcare and community organizations can work hand-in-hand to improve public health.

Looking Ahead

Our stroke team is committed to continuing these efforts, expanding to more neighborhoods, and building stronger bridges with community leaders. Together, we can raise awareness, reduce risk, and help our community rise stronger against stroke.

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.

Measles

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It can affect anyone, but it is most common in children.

Some risk factors for measles include:

Being unvaccinated
Traveling internationally
Having a Vitamin A deficiency

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including:

Fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Inflamed eyes
Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background, which form on the inner lining of the cheek)
A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in stages that span over two to three weeks. These stages include:

Infection and incubation- the measles virus spreads in the body for 10 to 14 days after infection. During that time, there are no signs or symptoms.
Nonspecific signs and symptoms- measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a sore throat. This mild illness can last two to three days.
Acute illness and rash- a rash that can consist of small red spots, with some that may be slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face is usually the first place it appears. The rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet over the next few days. At the same time, the fever rises to temperatures as high as 104 to 105.8.
Recovery- the measles rash can last for about seven days. The rash fades gradually from the face and lastly the thighs and feet. As other symptoms go away, coughing and the darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was, last about 10 days.

A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days. Starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, infectious droplets spray into the air where others can breathe them in. Infectious droplets can stay in the air for about an hour and on a surface for several hours.

Many complications can arise from measles, including:

Diarrhea and vomiting
Ear infection
Bronchitis, laryngitis, or croup
Pneumonia
Encephalitis
Pregnancy problems

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adults receive the measles vaccine to prevent infection.

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose measles based on the disease’s characteristic rash and the Koplik’s spot on the inner lining of the cheek. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you or your child received measles vaccines, whether you traveled outside of the U.S. recently, and if you had contact with anyone who has a rash or fever.

The rash can be confused with many other illnesses. However, a blood test can be done to confirm whether the rash is measles. A test using a throat swab or urine sample can also be used.

There is no specific treatment for a measles infection once it occurs. Treatment can include providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms, such as rest and treating or preventing complications.

Some measures can be taken to protect individuals who don’t have immunity to measles after they have been exposed to the virus, including:

Post-exposure vaccination
Immune serum globulin
Medications
- Fever reducers
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin A

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the measles virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Tooth Sensitivity

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Tooth sensitivity occurs when tooth enamel wears down and exposes the inner layer of your teeth, called dentin, making hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods painful. This can also point to an issue such as gum disease, cavities, or a cracked tooth.

Dentin has tiny tubules that lead to the center of the tooth, where the nerve lives. These tubules allow temperature and sugar to reach the nerve, causing pain.

There are many reasons why your teeth may feel sensitive, including:

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can wear down the outer layer of your teeth
Brushing too hard: using too much pressure or a hard toothbrush can wear down enamel and make gums pull back
Cracked teeth: a crack or chip can let bacteria in and irritate your tooth
Gum disease: swollen or infected gums can expose tooth roots
Gum recession: thin or damaged gums may pull back and reveal the sensitive root surface
Mouthwash use: some have acids that make sensitivity worse
Plaque buildup: too much plaque near the roots can trigger pain
Recent dental procedures, such as fillings, cleanings, or other treatments, can cause short-term sensitivity
Teeth grinding: clenching or grinding your teeth wears down enamel and can expose dentin
Teeth whitening products can increase sensitivity

Sometimes tooth sensitivity goes away on its own, especially after a dental visit. However, if your teeth hurt when they touch something hot, cold, sour, or sweet, talk to your dentist. They will check to see what is causing the problem and suggest the best solution. Common treatments for tooth sensitivity include:

Dental bonding: covers exposed roots
Dentin sealant: blocks pain signals
Fluoride varnish: strengthens enamel and reduces discomfort

Do not ignore the pain. Getting care early can help prevent more serious problems. If sensitive teeth go untreated, you could end up with:

An infected tooth
Cavities
Gum disease
Long-term or worsening pain

Sometimes, you can stop sensitivity before it starts. Some ways you can protect your teeth include:

Brushing and flossing gently every day
Limiting acidic foods like citrus and pickles
Seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
Trying desensitizing toothpaste to reduce pain
Using fluoride products to strengthen teeth
Using a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid further damage
Wearing a mouth guard if you grind your teeth

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and would like to receive a check-up, you can make an appointment with one of our board-certified dentists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Center by calling 718-206-6980.

Nasal Polyps

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Nasal polyps are small, painless, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps vary in size, ranging from small teardrops to large grapes.

Polyps may not cause symptoms when they are small; however, as they grow larger, they can lead to health problems, including:

Difficulty breathing through the nose
Facial pain
Runny nose
Postnasal drip
Itching around the eyes
Loss of smell or decreased sense of smell
Headaches
Loss of taste
Nasal congestion
Snoring
Sinus pressure
Nose bleeds

Larger polyps can lead to complications such as sleep apnea, frequent asthma attacks, or recurrent sinus infections.

The causes of nasal polyps are unknown, but it is believed that long-term inflammation or irritation plays a role.

While anyone can develop polyps, they are more common in people who:

Have asthma
Have chronic sinus infections
Have cystic fibrosis
Are hypersensitive to certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Have chronic rhinitis

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms associated with nasal polyps. To diagnose this condition, your doctor may perform a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests such as a nasal endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, allergy test, or blood test.

Treatment for nasal polyps can include medications such as nasal steroids, oral steroids, or biologic medications. If medications are not effective, you may require surgery to remove the polyps.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening type of pneumonia that is caused by breathing in mist or getting water in your lungs that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

You can also get Legionnaires’ disease from:

Hot tubs
Shower heads
Faucets
Humidifiers
Decorative water features
Heating and cooling systems, usually only in large buildings
Intubation during surgery
Dirt

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around Legionella bacteria. But some people are more likely to get sick with a Legionella infection than others. You can have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you:

Are older than 50 years old
Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes
Have a weakened immune system caused by certain medical conditions, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease, and medications that can compromise your immune system
Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
Live in a long-term care facility
Have stayed in a hospital recently
Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently
Have received an organ transplant recently

Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. It can also cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

Fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C)
A dry cough
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Muscle aches
Headache
Nausea
Confusion
Coughing up blood
Abdominal pain

The most common ways to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease are with urine and sputum tests. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get pictures of the inside of your chest. They will also perform a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history.

Other tests used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease can include:

Blood tests
Bronchoscopy
Thoracentesis

The treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics, either intravenously or in pill form. If you are having trouble breathing, a healthcare provider may give you treatments to help you get enough oxygen. You will probably have to stay in the hospital while you are being treated.

You can reduce your risk at home by making sure shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, and humidifiers are properly cleaned.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 31^st is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms.

An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or a combination of substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medications.

The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.

The common signs and symptoms of a drug overdose can include:

Dilated pupils, nausea or vomiting, headache, and chest pain
Seizures, convulsions or tremors, blue lips or fingers, and abnormally high body temperature
Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath
Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked
Violent or aggressive behavior, paranoia, and agitation
Disorientation or confusion, unresponsiveness, and unconsciousness
Death

The International Overdose Awareness Day campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises. It stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Kirk Comrie, RN

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Kirk Comrie, RN, Assistant Head Nurse at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Kirk began his career at Jamaica Hospital at the age of 23, which was 11 years ago and has risen up through the ranks to become an Assistant Head Nurse. This year Kirk was given the Nurse of Distinction Award.

Kirk grew up in the Bronx and still resides there. He attended PS 97, Harry S. Truman High School, received his ADN degree at Virginia State University and his BSN degree at Chamberlain University. He has two children, a boy, Lyle who is 10 years old and a girl Zara who is five years old.

Kirk enjoys traveling and is very proud of the fact that he has visited six of the seven continents. He has been to over 20 countries, and his favorite city is Tokyo. He likes learning about different cultures and exploring new places. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family. He also enjoys going to new restaurants, his favorite food is seafood. Kirk likes to go bowling and watch sci-fi shows. He loves music, especially from the 1990’s and early 2000’s R&B. Basketball is the sport he enjoys watching. The key to his happiness is being a positive person to those around him.

Kirk likes working at Jamaica Hospital because he has met some amazing people along the way. He believes working at the hospital has made him the man he is today. His colleagues are not only like a team to him, they are like family. His career as a nurse allows him to have a positive impact on people’s lives. It is a very rewarding feeling to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. We look forward to Kirk being a member of our team and the Jamaica Hospital family for many years in to the future.

Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As children prepare for the school year, it is important for them to return to school healthy.

Here are some tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential for protecting children and others against various diseases.
Make sure they get their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.
Make sure they get vision and hearing tests done. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
Make sure to take care of their mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.
Make sure to limit their screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until at least 14 years old.
Be sure to monitor their social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health tips will help you and your family return to the classroom safely and be confident in your health.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Attending parties or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations
Making eye contact
Dating
Eating in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls
Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575.

Summer Recipe: Comforting and Delicious Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese for the Cool Summer Nights

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As summer winds down, the nights will be getting cooler. Here is a recipe for a comforting, delicious, and hearty rigatoni with summer Bolognese.

Rigatoni with Summer Bolognese Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network