Employee Spotlight Denise Amalfitano

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Denise has been with Jamaica Hospital for almost 20 years. She started her career at the hospital as a public affairs representative where she organized community events that promoted health and wellness. These activities took her to local schools, houses of worship and to senior centers where she enjoyed educating people on the benefits of being well informed about their health.

Always looking for ways to increase her knowledge and skills, fifteen years ago Denise was offered the opportunity to work in Emergency Room Registration where she quickly learned all of the facets of her new position. She worked her way up to become supervisor of that department and then on to her current role as the director. With over 130,000 emergency room registrations every year, it is certainly a challenging position but Denise absolutely loves what she does. She also acts as an Administrator on Duty which is a position with great responsibility at the hospital and also serves as a certified medical interpreter.

Denise grew up in Richmond Hill, New York and graduated from Richmond Hill High School. She is a firm believer in being the best that you can be and in early 2018 she will be completing a dual Master’s program earning both an MBA and an MHA degree. Denise encourages the members of her staff to also look for ways to better themselves, especially through education. She is always proud of all the people who started in her department who have gone on to earn degrees, and take on positions with more responsibility.

She is married to her wonderful husband of 17 years and they live in Howard Beach. Together they enjoy traveling to new places, but most of all they enjoy all that New York has to offer. Denise is an only child and family is extremely important to her. Denise believes in giving back to the community. She taught religious instruction for two years at Our Lady of Grace, a large congregation in Howard Beach.

Denise is very proud to tell people that she works at Jamaica Hospital. She feels that patients receive extremely good care and she tells everyone that she meets how wonderful the hospital is. We are very happy to spotlight Denise this month.

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.

Today is Fall Prevention Awareness Day – Learn How to Prevent a Fall

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Michael Hinck

On this day we welcome in one type of fall and at the same time, look to avoid another.

September 22, 2017 is the first day of fall in 2017, but this day also brings attention to National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of this day of recognition sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits for older adults. They are a major cause of hip fractures and are responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries.

This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme is Take a Stand to Prevent Falls. It seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and exercising measures to prevent falls in the older adult population.

The NCOA offers the following fall prevention tips for older adults:

Find a good exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility
Ask your healthcare provider to provide you with a fall risk assessment based on your medical history
Regularly review your medications to determine if they increase your risk of falling
Get your hearing and vision checked annually
Keep your home safe by removing hazards and improve lighting conditions
Enlist the help and support of family members and neighbors

By providing these tips, Jamaica Hospital hopes everyone has a fall-free fall season.

September is Pain Awareness Month

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Pain Awareness Month was established in 2001 to bring about national recognition to issues related to pain and pain management. It is estimated that approximately 100 million people experience chronic pain. There are many explanations for why a person is experiencing pain and also varying levels of severity. Pain is a warning sign that there is a problem within the body that needs to be addressed. It is well known that pain can be very uncomfortable and can alter a person’s ability to perform normal daily functions.
The most common areas affected are:
• Head and neck pain
• Joints
• Lower back pain
• Sciatic nerve
• Pelvis
• Post-surgical pain
Some causes of these conditions can be caused by arthritic conditions, chemical imbalances, diabetes, poor circulation, entrapped nerves, trauma and cancer.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pain specialist at Jamaica Hospital to discuss your condition, please call 718-206-PAIN (7246).

Could You Be Pregnant? 10 Signs You May Be

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

A common question many women ask after missing their period is, “could I be pregnant?” There are early symptoms that you could look out for that may indicate pregnancy. These signs may show up a week or two after you have missed your period and can include:

Mood swings
Food aversions
Frequent urination
Spotting and cramping
Constipation
Changes in breasts that may involve swelling or tenderness
Fatigue
Headaches
Back pain
Darkening of nipples

Every woman’s body is unique; therefore, some may experience multiple symptoms or none at all during the early stages of their pregnancies. If you believe you could be pregnant, it is advised that you see your doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will discuss a prenatal care plan that is best for you and your baby’s health.

Prenatal care is vital because it improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Women who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have low birthweight babies and are more at risk of having complications caused by pregnancy.

To speak with a doctor about your pregnancy or prenatal care, please schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

The Effects of Smoking on the Skin

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. The skin is one area that smoking has a very noticeable effect and can be seen very easily.
There are thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke. Some of these can affect the skin’s elasticity which will lead to wrinkles and skin that looks baggy. Smoke also affects oxygenation of the blood which can lead to a change in skin tone and pallor.
Some other effects smoking can have on skin include:
• Psoriasis
• Hair thinning
• Yellow fingers
• Slower wound healing
• Cancerous skin lesions
Quitting smoking can reverse some of the negative effects. This is due to better oxygenation of the blood and also removal of the toxic chemicals from the body.
If you smoke and would like to quit, you can speak to your doctor and see what method would be best for you. Jamaica Hospital provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. We offer a free smoking support group every Wednesday, and there is also the availability of one on one sessions, both in person or by phone. More information is available at 718-206-8494.

National School Backpack Awareness Day

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Backpacks are essential back-to- school items for kids. They come in different colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly they help children to carry their belongings. Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body. However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that has the following features:

Lightweight
Wide and padded straps
Multiple compartments
Padded back
Waist belt
Correct size (A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso).

Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back. Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women. This type of cancer usually affects women who are in their fifties and sixties, and who typically have a family history of the disease.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, and constipation
• Abdominal and pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Backaches
• Frequent Urination with urgency

When a physician suspects ovarian cancer, they will perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. The exam may include a blood test for the CA-125 genetic marker, an examination of the abdomen to see if there is tenderness, a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and a biopsy.

There are four main stages of ovarian cancer:

. Stage I – completely confined to one or both ovaries.
. Stage II – Found in one or both ovaries with spread to other pelvic organs (bladder, colon, rectum, uterus).
. Stage III – Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen and/or the lymph nodes.
. Stage IV – The most advanced stage of the disease with spread to additional organs such as the liver and lungs.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the affected organ(s), hormone therapy, and radiation. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of ovarian cancer, the age of the patient, and the stage of the disease.

Remember that early detection is important and just may save your life. All women should see their OB/GYN once a year for a pelvic exam. If you would like to make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276.

What are the Symptoms and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer?

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect men living in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017 alone there will be about 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer and 26,730 deaths caused by the disease.

It is important for men to know if they are risk for developing prostate cancer. Risk factors for the disease include:

Age – The chance of developing prostate cancer increases after the age of 50
Race/ethnicity- Prostate cancer occurs more in men of African American and African Caribbean ancestry
Family History- Men with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop prostate cancer
While prostate cancer usually does not present symptoms until its later stages, it is also important for men to know the symptoms. Symptoms include:

Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination
Pain or burning during urination
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
Pain in the hip, pelvis or back that does not go away
If you are at risk of developing prostate cancer or are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may suggest that you receive testing to find out if you have the disease or to assess the severity of your condition. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are several treatment options available. Your doctor will discuss which treatment is best based on the advancement of the disease.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

We Will Never Forget 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

“I want them to know they will never be forgotten,” is what Jamaica Hospital’s Vinny Barranco EMTP Supervisor wants people to remember.

Vinny was one of the emergency responders that raced to the World Trade Center 16 years ago on the tragic day of 9/11. We sat with him as he shared his story of this very sad day in our nation’s history. Here are details from our interview:

Where were you when you first heard we were being attacked?

Vinny: I was in the hospital’s garage getting ready to head out on the road.

What were you feeling?

Vinny: My feelings came in different stages. Just a flood of emotions; I was angry, I felt sorrow- my heart was breaking. Our guys felt the same way but we knew we had a mission. We knew that we had to get to World Trade Center at any cost and by any means. We were determined to get out there and do everything that we could do to help. Our hearts were heavy but that did not stop us. We had guys that were off duty calling in saying, “I’m going in.” Jamaica Hospital tried to fit as many emergency responders possible in each ambulance. It was all hands on deck. Our mechanics made sure that everything that was mobile was ready to go, our ambulances, our mobile health clinics

How did you feel when you arrived at the World Trade Center after the attacks?

Vinny: When I arrived, I was just in disbelief of what I was seeing. This was not the New York City I know. I did not resemble my New York, It resembled a war zone. When we looked at the World Financial Center there was total devastation. It’s just hard to put in words what we saw.

What would you like survivors and those who lost loved ones to this tragedy to know?

Vinny: On 9/11 I lost friends. We lost employees from Jamaica Hospital. It’s hard knowing they are gone. It is heart-wrenching. We want everyone who was affected by this tragedy to know that their loved ones will never be forgotten. This is the reason why I volunteer at the Tribute Center because I want them to know to know we will never forget.

Vinny volunteers at the 9/11 Tribute Museum; He devotes his spare time to taking guests on tours and sharing his story. Vinny helps visitors to understand and remember the events that took place on 9/11. He knows that by doing so, he is doing his part in keeping the memories of those who perished alive.

At Jamaica Hospital we will never forget and recognize the courage of emergency responders and others who helped people affected by 9/11. On this day, please join Jamaica Hospital as we remember those we lost.

What is Bell’s Palsy ?

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes the muscles on one side of the face to become very weak or even paralyzed. When this happens, the face droops on one side. The cause of this is usually damage to the seventh cranial nerve, known as the “facial nerve” . It is more common in people who have diabetes, are pregnant or who have recently had a viral infection, but it can happen to anyone. Bell’s palsy is usually only temporary with the symptoms disappearing within a few weeks to a few months.
Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy:
• Unable to blink on one side
• Facial droop
• Drooling
• Problem with chewing
• Loss of sense of taste
• Unable to close one eye
• Possible pain behind the ear or in the jaw
Diagnosing Bell’s palsy usually involves taking a detailed medical history as well as ruling out other causes of nerve damage to the face. These symptoms can also be caused by a stroke, Lyme disease and a stroke. A physician may order a few tests to help with the diagnosis. This might include an MRI, a CT scan and an Electromyography (EMG).
Bell’s palsy often will start to resolve on its own after a few weeks. To relieve some of the symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable, a physician might prescribe corticosteroids which have an anti-inflammatory affect and also some physical therapy. To relieve some pain, a mild pain reliever can be taken such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol.
If you have any symptoms of sudden facial drooping you should go to the nearest emergency room immediately. .