If Your Baby is Not Latching On, It Could Be a Condition Called Tongue-Tie

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

For many mothers who choose to breastfeed, a sense of accomplishment is often gained when their baby first latches on. Breastfeeding provides a time to nurture, comfort and build a bond with their babies. However, if a baby is unable to latch on and breastfeed properly, mothers can develop feelings of rejection or frustration. Before becoming distressed, lactation experts at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are advising moms to look into the reasons why their baby is not latching on. One of those reasons may be due to a condition called ankyloglossia, otherwise known as tongue tie.

Tongue tie is a medical condition that is present at birth. It restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This restriction is caused by an abnormally thick and short lingual frenulum (The frenulum of the tongue is the soft tissue that connects your tongue to the base of your mouth).

The degree of severity of tongue tie varies from mild cases, where the lingual frenulum loosens over time or severe cases of complete ankyloglossia where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth.

Tongue tie can complicate breastfeeding because it may not allow a baby to open the mouth widely enough to latch on at the correct angle or make a good seal around the breast.

During an examination of the baby’s mouth, a lactation specialist, nurse or physician can perform an assessment to determine if an infant has tongue-tie or if the ability to feed is compromised. Depending on severity, further consultation for a simple and quick surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure most commonly recommended is called a frenectomy; which can be done with or without anesthesia. A physician will examine the frenulum, then use sterile scissors or a laser to cut it free.

In an effort to promote breastfeeding, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers many services and resources to the community. One of the services the hospital has made available to mothers is frenectomy in an outpatient setting. Procedures are performed by our highly trained dentists, utilizing laser technology. The procedure is quick, painless and there is very little or no bleeding. After surgery, the infant’s tongue movement should improve greatly and in most cases, breastfeeding can commence immediately.The dental clinic can be reached at 718-206-6980.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that the hospital has received official Baby Friendly-USA® Designation. Baby-Friendly® hospitals and birth centers are required to meet the gold standard of providing excellent maternal care and achieving optimal infant feeding outcomes, in relation to breastfeeding.

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.

Put a lid on it! – The Benefits of Wearing a Bike Helmet for Safety

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

It’s no secret that the main advantage of wearing a helmet while riding your bicycle to increase safety. This is exactly why helmets were devised and it’s the reason that they’re required, by law, in the New York State.

Since you can never predict exactly when, where and how you’ll fall from your bike, it pays to heed the warning of the experts and statistics that prove the benefit of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle a bit further.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that 70% of bicyclists involved in a fatal crash suffer from head injuries. The NHTSA further cites that helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in preventing head and brain injuries and refers to helmets as “the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities from bicycle crashes.”

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute goes on to state that non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders. While there’s no guarantee that a helmet will save your life, it’s clear that wearing one is much safer than not wearing one.

If you are going to riding your bicycle, it would be a wise safety measure to purchase a helmet before taking that bike on the road

Kids Home for The Summer Healthy Snack Swaps

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

The kids are home for the summer and parents are now challenged with providing them with healthy and nutritious snacks throughout the day. Finding the balance between snacks that children are drawn to and snacks that are healthy can become difficult.

Sugar, high sodium, colorful packaging, fun shapes and unnatural food coloring are a few factors that make junk food enticing to children. However, parents can win the fight against junk food by making healthy food more appealing to their kid’s senses.

Here are a few tips on swapping kid favorites with healthier choices:

Hot dogs- Instead of regular beef and pork hot dogs, purchase turkey franks with low sodium and without added nitrates. Decorate the hot dog with colorful vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, red and yellow peppers.
Salty cheese snacks- Make plain cheese fun by cutting it into quirky shapes or adding bright and sweet fruit. You can make cheese and fruit shish kebabs.
French fries- Opt for baked sweet potato fries and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, and D. They are a source of Iron, magnesium and potassium.
Ice cream- Frozen yogurt is just as tasty and contains less sugar and fat. Adding toppings such as fruit and granola is a plus.
Popsicles- Freeze real fruit juices with bits of fruit into bars.
Potato chips- Kale chips are rich in vitamin A and easy to make at home. Make them delicious by adding herbs and spices.
Candy- Healthy alternatives to candy include raisins or strawberries and bananas lightly drizzled with chocolate.
Milkshakes- Smoothies made with fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt are a healthier option.
Macaroni and cheese-Use low-fat cheese, add Greek yogurt to make it creamy and spinach to make it nutritious.

The battle against junk food is not lost. Keep food exciting and nutritious for your family by sourcing healthy recipe websites or visiting Jamaica Hospital’s Facebook.

How Long After a Meal Should I Wait to Swim?

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Joann Ariola

We have all been warned to wait 30 minutes after eating before going into the pool, but is that a Fact or a Myth?

Well, in this instance, it is a myth. Swimming on a full stomach does not impact your ability to swim. It is true that blood rushes into the stomach to aid in the digestion process, but it is not enough blood to cause your muscles to lose energy and function.

There are cases of stomach upset when swimming after eating a large meal such as cheese burgers, fries, or wings. A good suggestion would be, if you desire to go into the pool directly after eating, you may want to make a healthier food choice to avoid any type of stomach upset and if you have eaten a heavy meal start off with a low to moderate level of swimming intensity.

Although developing cramps can happen while swimming on a full stomach, they would not be debilitating enough to cause drowning. In fact, Less than one percent of drowning deaths in the United States have been linked to a full stomach.

The Dangers of Thirdhand Smoke

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Much has been written about the effects that smoking and secondhand smoke have on people’s health. Recently, attention has been given to another dangerous byproduct of smoking, it is called thirdhand smoke. This is the phenomenon where nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarette smoke lingers in carpeting, clothing, furniture, bedding, wall, cars, and any place where people have smoked a cigarette. It doesn’t go away easily. Some suggest coming into contact with thirdhand smoke residue can lead to serious health issues, similar to those associated with second hand smoke .
The effects of thirdhand smoke can include difficulty with breathing, coughing, and potentially many of the other complications that can come from smoking a cigarette.Children are more susceptible than adults to thirdhand smoke because they come in to contact with more surfaces within a home during a typical day. They play on the floor, they run their hands across table tops, and they are more likely to touch surfaces that are hard to clean.
Thirdhand smoke is difficult to remove from an indoor area. Simple cleaning is often not effective. The best way to avoid thirdhand smoke is to maintain a smoke free environment. There are no benefits to smoking only bad effects and it is important for people who smoke to realize that they are not only harming themselves, but also those who they share space with.
If you would like to stop smoking, please contact one of the counselors at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-8494 who will assist you.

What’s Bugging You?

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Summer usually means picnics and family reunions, but it also means a reunion with insects that can wreak havoc on outdoor activities. Follow these tips to minimize the potential for bug bites and bee stings.

When outdoors – especially in wooded areas – wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to help protect your skin from insect bites. Be aware that insects may be drawn to scented soaps and perfumes. Also, cover food and drain or dump standing water, which attracts most insects.

Mosquito bites can be more than just annoying and itchy, they can also make you really sick. Using insect repellent is the best way to protect yourself and your family, especially when traveling overseas. Repellent is the best way to prevent diseases like Zika that are primarily spread by mosquitoes.

Treating Bites and Bee Stings

If a sting occurs, remove the stinger as soon as possible by scraping the area with your fingernail or something with a flat surface, such as a credit card. For bee and wasp stings and non-poisonous spider bites, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and apply ice to reduce swelling. Continue to wash two or three times daily until the skin has healed.

Severe Reactions

If you are stung in the mouth, seek medical attention immediately. Severe swelling occurs quickly in oral mucous membranes and can block airways, making breathing difficult or impossible.

If you have a severe reaction to a bug bite, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room or call 911. Otherwise Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center is available to help, to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

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Jamaica Hospital Officially Opens the Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that it officially re-opened its Hospice Care Unit, The Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care, after undergoing a complete renovation.

To commemorate the important milestone, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier this month on the unit. Joining Jamaica Hospital in celebrating the completion of the project were elected officials Borough President Melinda Katz, Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer-Amato as well as others who support the hospital’s efforts to provide essential services to the community.

The journey for the Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care began last year when a $1.3 million capital campaign was initiated by the Hospital’s leadership in an effort to facilitate the renovation. Thanks to the generosity of several donors, including Board Member Joseph Ferrara, the namesake of the unit, the hospital has successfully completed construction.

News of the grand re- opening of the unit has been well received by many in the community, as the Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care was designed to offer end-of-life care in a family-oriented environment. Many upgraded amenities have been provided for patients and families that promote serenity, privacy and will allow them to feel more at home during a difficult time. Additionally, the unit offers comforts such as private and spacious suites for patients, family meeting rooms and a relaxing family lounge that offers loved ones a space to gather, de-compress or reflect.

Jamaica Hospital’s staff is very appreciative of the community’s positive reception of the Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care and the services it will provide. “It is our goal that our patients and their loved ones receive compassion and comfort during a time that can be very difficult,” said Dr. Alan Roth; Chairman of Family Medicine and Chief of Palliative Care Medicine. Dr. Roth continued “We will continue to apply this approach in a new, modern and family environment.”

Watch our Interview on NY1 News.

Hospital Staff Spotlight – Laurie Regan, RN

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Laurie Regan is a familiar face to many people at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Laurie has been at Jamaica Hospital since 1997. She has been a nurse in our pediatric emergency department for the past eight years and prior to that, a nurse on the pediatric inpatient unit for 12 years. She is a Queens native, having grown up in Whitestone, where she still resides with her three daughters and two dogs.
During her time at Jamaica Hospital Laurie has had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Laurie describes her experience at Jamaica Hospital as being a one-of-a-kind opportunity. She has worked with many wonderful people through the years and has learned a lot. The environment is very exciting as you never know what is going to come in to the emergency room and you always have to be prepared to handle all kinds of situations. Laurie works long hours but it doesn’t bother her because of the great team of people she works with and the level of fulfilment she gets from helping people who come in seeking medical attention.
In addition to working at Jamaica Hospital, Laurie also works for the NYC Department of Health where she has the opportunity to go in to the different schools and build relationships with the students and the staff. It was thanks to Laurie’s connection to a local school that Jamaica Hospital was the recipient of six pieces of art that now hang outside the pediatric emergency department.
Laurie is also very community minded and is active in the Malba Civic Association, where she helps to keep the neighborhood beautiful and safe. Laurie has a strong interest in forensic nursing and would like to one day pursue an advanced degree in that field. Laurie looks forward to continuing to learn and continuing to contribute to the well-being of our patients.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Joann Ariola

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. During this month, the Alzheimer’s Association is asking healthcare providers to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5 million Americans and is fatal. It is a progressive brain disease that currently has no cure. Alzheimer’s is more than memory loss and can appear through a variety of signs and symptoms such as:

Memory loss
Difficulty planning and solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Difficulty determining time or place
Difficulty finding the right words
Misplacing items often
Difficulty making decisions
Personality and mood changes
Withdrawing from work and social events

Alzheimer’s, unlike Dementia (which is syndrome that affects mental cognitive tasks such as memory and reasoning) causes the person to lose the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

Jamaica Hospital is committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia through social media and providing medical services to those who are experiencing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or a loved one has questions or concerns and would like to see a medical professional, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center for an appointment at 718-206-7001.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit

Today is National HIV Testing Day

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

There are 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States, and one in seven are unaware they have the virus.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, along with other health organizations is working together to raise awareness about the importance of getting tested and early HIV diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends “that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.”

We are encouraging people to know their status. There are now more ways than ever to get tested.

Jamaica Hospital’s clinics offer HIV testing to the community. For a list of our clinics and contact information, please visit https://jamaicahospital.org/clinical-services/ambulatory-care/

If a patient tests positive we also provide HIV counseling and treatment. We offer integrated clinical care, social and educational services in a comfortable and caring environment.

To receive more information about National HIV Testing Day and to learn more about the virus, please visit, https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/testingday.html