Health Beat

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

The Brain Injury Association of America ( BIAA) has designated the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness month. This designation was initiated over thirty years ago to bring attention to this very serious issue.

There are two basic types of brain injuries. They are:

Non Traumatic Brain Injury – caused by lack of oxygen, a tumor, a stroke or a birth defect
Traumatic Brain Injury – caused by a fall, penetrating wound, or by blunt force to the head

The BIAA estimates that there are over 5.3 million people in the United States that are living with a brain injury and it is estimated that 2.8 million new cases occur each year.

A brain injury can affect a person physically, behaviorally or emotionally. Almost half of brain injuries are due to a person falling and hitting their heads. Other leading causes of traumatic brain injuries are sports-related injuries and head trauma due to domestic violence.

Anyone who experiences a head trauma should immediately seek proper medical evaluation and care. If the person loses consciousness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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 Should You Do During a Panic Attack?

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

When a panic attack strikes, it can be difficult to think clearly. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and without warning, causing a feeling of intense fear as well as symptoms that may resemble other medical emergencies, such as heart attacks. Some of these symptoms include:

Chest pain
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Rapid or pounding heartbeat
Hot flashes and sweating
Numbness or tingling

While they are not necessarily dangerous to your physical health on their own, panic attacks can have a detrimental effect on your mental health, especially if they become worse or more frequent over time. If you experience one, there are certain steps you should take to get through it and improve your ability to prevent future attacks:

When in doubt, go to the emergency room: The symptoms of panic attacks are similar enough to other serious medical conditions that it may be very difficult for you to distinguish between them in the moment. The safest option is to call 911 and get to the emergency room immediately. If no signs of a heart attack or other medical emergency are found during your visit, it’s more likely that what you experienced was a panic attack.

Get a friend or family member’s help: During a panic attack, you may find it difficult to calm down or communicate clearly, so it’s important to have a friend or family member with you who can help. This person should be able to get you anything you might need while experiencing the panic attack, such as water or a quiet space to yourself, and help you communicate with any healthcare providers who treat you.

Practice deep breathing exercises: Many people hyperventilate during a panic attack, meaning that they breathe too rapidly; this can cause symptoms to worsen and increase the sense of fear that occurs during an attack. Slower, deeper, rhythmic breathing can help reduce these symptoms and make them easier to cope with.

If you experience a panic attack, it’s important to visit a psychiatrist as soon as possible to receive treatment that can reduce the severity and frequency of future attacks. You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic by calling (718) 206-5575.

Insomnia

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, It is estimated that 30% of adults living in the United States experience symptoms of insomnia.

Insomnia can be categorized into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is not linked to any other health conditions. In contrast, secondary insomnia can be caused by underlying health conditions or medication side effects.

Symptoms of insomnia may vary and can last for a short time ( a few days or weeks), or they can be chronic occurring at least three times per week and lasting more than three months. Insomnia symptoms can include:

Having a hard time falling asleep at night
Trouble staying asleep throughout the night
Waking up too early
Tiredness or sleepiness during the day
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Irritability
Mood swings

Longterm sleep deprivation caused by severe or chronic insomnia can lead to the development of complications such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Stroke

Getting good quality sleep is crucial for our mental and physical health. There are a few things that we can do to improve our quality of sleep. They include:

Setting and following a sleep schedule
Avoid using electronic devices before bed
Avoid eating heavy meals late in the day
Avoid the consumption of foods or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine before bed

If you are experiencing long-term insomnia symptoms that are affecting your ability to do daily activities, you should speak with a doctor. A sleep specialist can conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of sleep deprivation and create a treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a condition that affects the lining of the uterus (also known as the endometrium); it currently affects an estimated 176 million women around the globe. Some of the symptoms of endometriosis include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

Symptoms of endometriosis tend to appear during reproductive years, between the ages of 12 and 60. The highest number of cases are diagnosed between the ages of 25 to 35; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms. Additionally, this disorder can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.

Endometriosis causes the inner lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. This most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, and the areas between the rectum and the vagina. Rarely, endometriosis can also occur in the lungs, thighs, arms, and other parts of the body that are more distant from reproductive organs.

When endometrial tissue spreads, it develops into growths called implants. These clumps of tissue are affected by the menstrual cycle as though they were inside of the uterus, regardless of their actual location. Each month, they build up, break down, and shed. However, endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body if it is not inside the uterus; as a result, these implants cause inflammation, swelling, internal bleeding, and the formation of scar tissue.

Doctors do not yet know what causes endometriosis, but certain risk factors have been identified that may make you more likely to develop it. These include:

An immediate family member with endometriosis
An abnormal uterus
Menstruation that begins before the age of 11
Shorter menstrual periods, lasting less than 27 days on average
Heavy menstruation that lasts for more than one week

If you experience symptoms of endometriosis, your doctor can perform a variety of tests, such as pelvic examinations, laparoscopy, and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately diagnose it. While there is no cure for endometriosis, your doctor can work with you to develop an effective treatment that may incorporate options such as medication, surgery, or alternative therapies.

You can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center to receive high-quality treatment for endometriosis. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

Jamaica Hospital Surgical Team Completes First Percutaneous AV Fistula Procedure In Queens

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

We are pleased to share that a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center surgical team has completed the first percutaneous AV fistula procedure in Queens.

The team led by vascular surgeon Dr. Mina Guerges utilized advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to achieve a successful outcome.

Percutaneous AV fistulas are performed on patients diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure, and require hemodialysis; a type of treatment that utilizes a dialyzer (a machine that cleans the blood).

Hemodialysis patients need safe and consistent vascular access points to complete their treatments. Traditionally, access points are created surgically. However, a percutaneous AV fistula creates access using non-surgical techniques that offer several advantages to patients including:

Small incisions
No scarring (patients are left with a small puncture site instead of a permanent scar common with surgery)
Reduced lifestyle interruptions
Shorter recovery times

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of a percutaneous AV fistula is the lowered risk of complications which can include infections and aneurysm formation.

Creating a percutaneous AV fistula requires the expertise of skillful physicians. During the procedure, vascular surgeons and radiologists utilize imaging to insert a needle and guide a tiny catheter device that helps pull the walls of a vein and artery together to create a fistula, then a special tool is used to finalize the connection and create the access point desired.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a fistula for dialysis patients, physicians at Jamaica Hospital are proud to offer the latest technology and alternative options to common surgical procedures.

Jamaica Hospital was recently recognized for its superior outcomes in surgical care. In 2023, the hospital ranked number two in New York for surgical care according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades. The recognition serves as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced and high-quality healthcare to patients.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Jose Otero

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Jose Otero, Special Care Associate (SCA) in the Cardiovascular Interventional Unit at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Jose began his employment at the hospital 27 years ago. He is a native of Brooklyn and still resides there. He attended PS 106 and completed his education at Bushwick High School. In his free time he enjoys building things in his home, different types of arts and crafts, painting and woodworking. He likes to improve his home with things that he has constructed on his own. Jose is fond of motorcycles and whenever he has the opportunity, he takes rides through scenic areas in and out of the city. He belongs to a group called the Latin American Motorcycle Association which has over 15,000 members worldwide. The group has members from all different professions who ride for the shear pleasure of being out on the roads, enjoying their time together. One day he hopes to travel to places that he has always wanted to visit.

Jose’s father was a professional musician who played many different types of instruments. This instilled in him a love of a wide variety of musical genres. He feels that through music people can communicate their feelings and music can also make people feel happy. His favorite sport are the martial arts. He has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years and it has become like a religion to him. It takes a great deal of concentration and gives him much inner peace.

Family and friends are very important to Jose. He likes to make people smile whenever possible. He feels that through his interactions with patients he can take away some of the anxiety and stress that they may be feeling. We are very fortunate to have Jose as a member of our team and look forward to having him continue with us for many more years.

Potty Training Tips

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone who has ever experienced potty training a child knows that it can be challenging. One of the challenges people encounter is deciding when to begin potty training. The average age for commencing potty training is between 18 months and two years of age. However, each child is different, and it may take more time. Girls typically start potty training earlier than boys.

Before beginning training, it is important that children are able to:

Follow easy instructions
Walk to where a potty is located
Know what a potty is
Know how to communicate the need to go potty
Keep a diaper dry for two hours
Get on and off the potty easily
Take off their diaper or their clothes on their own

When training a child to go potty, establish a word or phrase that indicates that it is time to go potty. You can introduce the concept of using a potty by doing some practice first. That means with their clothes on so that they get accustomed to sitting on the potty. Giving a child some positive reinforcement when they use the potty is also helpful, even if they make an attempt and nothing happens. This can include verbal compliments and perhaps a sticker they can put on a piece of paper. Do not use words that have negative connotations about going to the potty. The potty should be kept in the same location in the home. It is important to set a routine for using it. Examples of this would be upon waking up in the morning, after a nap, 15 to 30 minutes after a meal, or 45 minutes after drinking fluids.

Potty training isn’t always easy, and there will be times when a child may have an accident, but the process will get better with time. You can speak to your pediatrician for suggestions if you feel that there are issues with your child using the potty. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Anesthesia is medicine used to manage pain during a wide range of medical procedures, including everything from tooth extractions and biopsies to appendectomies, cancer surgery, and childbirth. Anesthesia is an important part of these procedures; without it, many of them would be difficult or impossible to perform.

There are three main types of anesthesia: sedation, local, regional, and general. Sedation typically reduces pain throughout the body and makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. Local anesthesia affects a specific, small part of your body, such as a particular organ. Regional anesthesia affects a large part of your body, such as from the waist down. General anesthesia affects your entire body and renders you unconscious. Most types of anesthesia are injected or administered through an intravenous (IV) line, but general anesthesia may sometimes be administered through a breathing mask or tube.

The type of anesthesia you receive depends on the specific procedure you will be undergoing, as well as your medical history and circumstances. Certain people may face greater risks of medical complications than others from anesthesia, such as problems with brain function, malignant hyperthermia, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, death. Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing these complications, such as:

Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Stroke
Lung conditions
Kidney conditions
Neurological disorders
Obesity
Allergies to anesthesia medication

The risks of anesthesia increase with the strength of its effects. Most of the severe side-effects associated with anesthesia occur in rare instances with general anesthesia. Sedation and local anesthesia, on the other hand, may rarely cause minor side-effects, such as itching at the site of injection. Regional anesthesia is also generally safe, but can sometimes cause headaches and may rarely cause nerve damage.

The best way to minimize any risks associated with anesthesia is to consult a licensed, board-certified anesthesiologist. If you’re receiving surgery, an anesthesiologist will typically meet with you ahead of time to discuss potential risks, and will also be present to monitor you throughout your procedure.

How Does Being in Love Affect Your Body?

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Love is no simple feeling; in fact, being in love with someone can cause a complex swirl of different emotions, like happiness, desire, and excitement, as well as some potentially negative feelings, such as anxiety and over-attachment. These emotions are linked to several chemicals and hormones produced by the body, which can result in a variety of mental and physical effects.

Many of the physical effects of love can be positive in the long term, including everything from a healthy sex drive to a decreased risk for several chronic diseases, reduced pain, and even an increased likelihood of a longer life span. However, there are some potentially negative effects, too, such as poorer judgement (making risky choices to satisfy or impress the person you love) and anxious over-attachment (agonizing over things such as what the other person is doing or how long it’s taking them to respond to you).

When you’re in love, it can make you feel euphoric, particularly when you receive affection from the person you’re in love with. This happens because of an increase in dopamine levels. Dopamine controls the brain’s pleasure and reward centers and is part of many of our body’s functions, such as learning, awareness, mood changes, sleep, arousal, and even movement. However, dopamine levels can also contribute to the development of an addiction to feelings of love, particularly in the “infatuation” stage when those feelings are strongest; this can potentially make it difficult to form a lasting relationship.

Aside from dopamine, hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, which can make your palms sweat and cause your heart to race, are also shown to increase when you’re in love with someone. Additionally, when people develop a feeling of attachment to the person they’re in love with, it can trigger the development of hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin, which create feelings of security and comfort.

A healthy, committed, long-lasting relationship will produce more good effects than bad ones over the long term, but an important part of maintaining such a relationship is noticing and taking proactive steps to manage negative thoughts or behaviors as they occur. One of the best ways to do this is with the help of a licensed psychiatrist. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic, please call (718) 206-5575.

Recognizing the Signs of Online Gambling Addiction

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

When you’re virtually betting on a football game or playing casino games like poker or roulette through a website or an app, there are plenty of opportunities and platforms available today for online gambling. However, with such an increase in options for gambling virtually, there is also an increased risk of developing a gambling addiction, so it’s important to be able to identify the signs of this kind of addiction in yourself as they appear.

A gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, involves a compulsion to repeatedly gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve a desired level of excitement, even when this behavior is causing financial harm to yourself and your family. Gambling can be as addictive (and, potentially, as destructive) as alcohol or drugs; in fact, the American Psychiatric Association places gambling disorder in the same classification level as these substance use disorders.

Gambling disorder develops gradually, so you may not immediately recognize signs of this problem when they begin to appear. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a doctor may diagnose a person with gambling disorder if they recognize four or more of the following symptoms:

Compulsion to gamble with increasing amounts money for excitement
Restlessness or irritability while trying to reduce gambling
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to limit time spent gambling
Frequent thoughts about gambling
Gambling as a result of distress
Often attempting to win back gambling losses
Hiding gambling activity
Risking relationships, employment, or educational opportunities to continue gambling
Relying on other people for help with financial problems while gambling

For people who gamble virtually, the risks of developing an addiction are significantly higher than someone who only does it in a physical location, as opportunities to continue gambling are always available and accessible. Some steps you can take to prevent or treat gambling disorder in this situation include:

Reaching out for mental and emotional support from trusted people or support groups
Distracting yourself with different activities
Thinking about what will happen when you gamble, particularly in terms of damage to relationships and opportunities
If necessary, deleting gambling-related apps from your device
Getting help from a licensed psychiatrist

If you need professional help coping with gambling disorder, you can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 206-5575.