Sinusitis

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

A sinus infection develops as the result of fluid filling the spaces in the head that surround the cavities of the nose and the eyes. These sinuses are normally filled with air but when they fill with fluid they can become blocked and there is the possibility that bacteria can grow there and become infected. An infection in the sinuses is called sinusitis. A sinus infection can be caused by a cold, allergies, hay fever, a deviated septum and nasal polyps.
Sinus infection symptoms include:
• Pressure or pain around the face and eyes
• Headache
• Blockage in your nose
• Congestion
• Post nasal drip
• Fever or cough
• Thick yellow foul smelling discharge from your nose
• Reduced sense of smell
• Fatigue
• Ear pain
Relief for a sinus infection can come from antibiotics, steam, hot showers, decongestants, and antihistamines.
If you experience any of the symptoms of a sinus infection you should be seen by your physician who will recommend a course of treatment. If you would like to see a physician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

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.

April is National Donate Life Month

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

April is National Donate Life Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lives of people saved by organ donation and the donors who made a difference. In 2016, over 33,000 lives in the United States were saved thanks to the men and women who decided to give the gift of life.

During National Donate Life Month, organizations such as LiveOnNY carry out missions or campaigns to educate communities about the importance of organ donation. These initiatives are very important because they address many concerns people may have about becoming a donor, such as:

Religion- Most major religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others are in support of organ donation.
Age – If you have been given approval by your doctor to be a donor, you are never too old. The oldest person in the U.S. on record to be a donor was 93 years old.
Health conditions- It is important that you do not rule yourself out as a donor due to medical conditions. Each case is different.
Premature death- The primary goal of doctors is to save your life. Donation is only considered when all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

Jamaica Hospital is encouraging people to help play a role in saving or improving lives by registering as organ donors. Research shows that 90 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation but only 25 percent are registered. By registering, you can make a difference and help save up to eight lives.For more information please visit, http://www.liveonny.org/ or www.organdonor.gov

National Stress Awareness Month

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Joann Ariola

In 1992, the month of April was designated as Stress Awareness Month. During this time, health professionals join together to increase the public’s awareness about what causes stress and what can help cure the growing stress epidemic.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is participating by reaching out to our social media community and sharing some helpful techniques that can assist you in managing your daily stress, such as:

Meditation – is helpful to the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress
Breathing Deeply – triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, neutralizes stress and elicits a calming feeling
Exercise – all forms of exercise can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain releasing feel-good chemicals giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress
Eating Healthy – choosing a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber may reduce the chance that stress can boost the body’s natural defense system

Prolonged, excesive periods of stress is unhealthy for any individual. A change of mindset can bring about a healthier lifestyle. That positive change can help you manage stress and bring far-reaching improvement to your health and well being.

For more information and to find out ways you can make a difference visit –

Nail Fungus

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis as it is known medically, is a condition that is commonly found on nails of people of any age, although primarily it is seen in older adults, it can be seen in children as well.. It usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the nail that progressively takes over the whole nail. It appears more commonly on toe nails than on finger nails because this type of fungus likes to live in an environment that is warm, dark, moist, as is commonly found inside of shoes and also where there is reduced blood flow. Men tend to develop nail fungus more often than women.
Nails that are infected with fungus will show signs of being:
• Thickened
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Distorted in shape
• Dark in color
A few risk factors for developing nail fungus are being diabetic, having a nail injury, being immune-compromised, living or working in humid conditions, having poor circulation, receiving chemotherapy, wearing tight fitting shoes, having poor hygiene, and having other fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
There are different ways to treat nail fungus and they range from the simple home remedy to the more intensive that is prescribed by a physician. Home remedies can include applying a vapo rub, tea tree oil, trimming and filing the nails, and over the counter nail creams and ointments. The more intense methods prescribed and administered by a physician includes oral antifungal medications, medicated nail polish, nail removal and laser light therapy.
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in all conditions of the feet. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Pacifier’s helpful or harmful

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Joann Ariola

The pacifier is the saving grace for many new parents to soothe their crying baby. However, what parents may not know are the germs harbored on the pacifier could be causing more harm than good to their baby’s health. If you have noticed your child is more prone to being diagnosed with strep throat and ear infections, the pacifier maybe the culprit.

Germs are not just on the surface of the pacifier. The porous rubber top of the pacifier is likely to grow bacteria from the inside out. Research conducted at the Tulsa Wellness Care Center found standard lab cultures produced strep bacteria, various strains of staph and the bacteria that cause pneumonia. The pacifier samples also produced the yeast that causes thrush. Thinking you can clean or disinfect the pacifier for continual use? Not necessarily. Even after washing and boiling a pacifier, these bacterias build a resistance under a complex structure called ‘biofilm’ and continue to harbor and grow. Surprisingly, the life expectancy of a pacifier, even after continual cleaning and “disinfecting”, is only two weeks.

So after this information, what should a parent fdo? Quit cold turkey? Cry it out? Here are a few helpful tips to ease the distress for both parent and baby:

Take it away early- newborns have a sucking reflex due to hunger, but by three months of age, it’s non-nutritive. Instead, try soothing your baby rocking or holding them.
Make it taste bad- Once they are older, they have developed their taste buds and are biased to certain tastes. Parents have tried vinegar or lemon to make it taste bad, but once it becomes unappealing, your child may be pacifier-free.
Take it away gradually- using it only for naps can be helpful and then gradually letting go the need for it.
Cut the tops off of the pacifier- an unconventional method, but possibly helpful. Place them strategically where he or she may find them and they will realize they are no longer able to use.

A healthy, happy baby will appreciate your caution in the long run.

Seizure First Aid Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

A seizure can be a frightening event for the person who is experiencing it as well as the bystander. According to WebMD, “tonic-clonic seizures are the most dramatic and frightening.”

During tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, a person may convulse (jerking movements), lose consciousness, have stiffened muscles or bite their tongue or cheek. A person can also lose control of their bladder or bowels.

What should you do in the event that someone you know is having a tonic- clonic seizure? Here is how you can help them:

Keep calm
Cushion or support their head
Look to see if they own an epilepsy card or identification jewelry-this may provide you with information about the next steps you can take
Protect them from injury by removing objects within reach
Lay them on their side
Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck
Time how long convulsions last
Once convulsions have stopped, place them in the recovery position (pictured below)

It is also important to know what not to do during these seizures, do not:

Put anything in their mouths
Restrict or restrain their movements
Try to move them (only do so if they are in danger)
Feed them or give them beverages (wait until they are fully alert)

If seizures continue for more than five minutes, call 9-1-1 immediately. Other times you should call emergency services is if, you know this is the person’s first seizure, they are having seizures one after the other, they are pregnant, there are injuries caused by the seizure or you believe they are in need of urgent medical attention.

For more information on seizure first aid, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/first-aid.htm.

Treat Your Blood Clots, It Could Save Your Life

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

A blood clot is a clump of blood that is in a gelatinous, solid state. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body. Deep vein blood clots typically form in your thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other areas of your body.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, symptoms of DVT only occur in about half of the people who have this condition. Common symptoms include:

swelling in your foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side
cramping pain in your affected leg that usually begins in your calf
severe, unexplained pain in your foot and ankle
an area of skin that feels warmer than the skin on the surrounding areas
skin over the affected area turning pale or a reddish or bluish color

DVT occurs most commonly in people who are over 50 years in age. Certain conditions that alter how your blood moves through your veins can raise your risk of developing clots. These include:

being overweight, which puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis
having a family history of DVT
having a catheter placed in a vein
staying seated for a long time while you’re in a car or on a plane, especially if you already have at least one other risk factor

To better control and treat DVT, your doctor may prescribe medication and suggest daily routines to decrease your risk. DVT treatments focus on keeping the clot from growing. Your doctor might prescribe medications that thin your blood, making it harder for blood clots to appear. Another treatment method is wearing compression stockings that prevent swelling and lower your chance of developing clots.

You can lower your risk of having DVT by making a few lifestyle changes. These include keeping your blood pressure under control, giving up smoking, and losing weight if you’re overweight. Moving your legs around when you’ve been sitting for a while also helping to keep your blood flowing. Walking around after being on bed rest can prevent clots from forming. Take any blood thinners your doctor prescribes if you’re having surgery, as this can lower your chance of developing clots afterward.

Artificial Sweetners

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Anyone who has ever tried to watch their weight, protect their teeth, or has been told that they have diabetes, has probably tried something made with an artificial sweetener. The concept of using sugar substitutes has been around for a very long time. A researcher at Johns Hopkins University accidently discovered a product that would be developed into what we now know as saccharin in 1879. The use of artificial sweeteners as part of our daily lives became more prevalent in the mid 20th century.

There are six sugar substitutes that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in foods and beverages. These are aspartame, sucralose, stevia, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium. These products are very sweet and therefore only very small quantities need to be added to food and beverages to make them taste good. For as long as these products made with artificial sweeteners have been available there has been controversy over any harmful side effects that they may pose. So far the FDA has not been able to substantiate any claims of harmful effects from their use.

As people in the United States have become more health conscious, the use of products made with artificial sweeteners has increased. More and more products are being produced each year that are labeled “Sugar Free”, “Diet”, “Low-Cal”, “Light”, or “Artificially Sweetened”. People are naturally attracted to foods that taste sweet. It has been stated that the taste of sugar may even be addictive. While limiting the intake of sugar may be seen as a good trend, people seem to be consuming more of the artificially sweetened products which may not be beneficial in the long term. Over indulgence in products that are made with these artificial sweeteners can still cause weight gain.

Seasonal Allergies Tips and Treatments

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

While spring signals the beginning of beautiful weather and warmer days for many; it also marks the beginning of allergy symptoms for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. If you are one of these people, symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and headaches can leave you feeling miserable.

Dr. Lisa Roth, allergist and immunologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center advises, “There are several things you can do to find relief. If symptoms are mild, try the following suggestions which may provide temporary relief:

Closing windows and doors at night or whenever pollen counts are high
Trying over the counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines
Rinsing your eyes with a saline solution
Trying nasal irrigation
Taking steamy showers
Wearing a mask while doing yard work
Washing clothes and linens frequently
Using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters
Keeping indoor air dry by using a dehumidifier
Thoroughly washing your face and hair when you get home

If your symptoms are continuous and affect your ability to carry out routine activities- you should speak with an allergist. Your allergist will be able to help you identify what triggers your seasonal allergies and provide the best course of treatment to offer relief or stop symptoms.

Treatment options may include prescription medication to control symptoms or immunotherapy. “Allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment for allergic disorders that decreases symptoms for many people by modulating the immune system in a beneficial way. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens providing lasting relief of allergy symptoms,” explains Dr. Roth. Allergy shots are highly effective and can help alleviate many symptoms.

The Division of Allergy and Immunology at Jamaica Hospital focuses on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of allergic and immunologic conditions. To schedule an appointment with an allergist such as Dr. Lisa Roth, please call 718-206-6742.

Can Diabetics be Vegans/Vegeterians

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Tuesday, March 24 is , a one-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Often times, diabetics wonder if they can be a vegetarian or vegan? The answer is yes, it is possible.

There are many different types of vegetarian diets. The most common types are:

Vegan- This group does not eat meat, eggs, or dairy products.
Lacto-vegetarian- This group does not eat meat or eggs. However, they will eat dairy products.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian- This group does not eat any meat. However, they will eat both dairy products and eggs.

If diabetics decide to become vegetarian or vegan, their diets should be rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D. Eating a good mix of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products guarantee the body receives the vitamins and proper fuel required to normally function. As a vegetarian or vegan, this kind of diet should not solely concentrate on simple carbohydrates rich in starches, such as potatoes, white rice and white bread or even fruits, which can have the opposite effect on blood sugar levels for diabetics. A focus on a well-rounded diet can help to improve blood sugar levels and make the body more responsive to insulin. It can also help with weight management which can be a concern to many diabetics.

The key to a healthy vegetarian/vegan diet as a diabetic is balance and planning. Every person who has diabetes has his, or her, own individual energy and nutrient needs. Anyone interested in changing their dietary lifestyle should consult with their health care professional.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offers a free, innovative approach to treat patients at risk of developing diabetes. The hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is aimed at managing the health of individuals with prediabetes, or borderline diabetes. The DPP is open to all who meet the basic medical criteria. For more information about eligibility or to sign up for the Diabetes Prevention Program, please call 718-206-7088.