Smoking and Dental Care

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Joann Ariola

With smoking, we tend to focus on the effects it may have on the lungs or the heart. However, we don’t focus on the health effects it may have on other parts of the body including your oral health.

The American Cancer Society states that smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. In addition, smoking can cause many serious problems for teeth and oral structures. It can interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells; this can make smokers more susceptible to infections, gum disease, or even periodontal disease. The problem can be further exacerbated when proper dental health care is not followed. The excess of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke makes smokers twice more likely to suffer tooth loss than non-smokers.

Keep your winning smile and kick the smoking habit. For help to quit smoking, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s smoking cessation support group at 718-206-8494.

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.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

When disaster hits there is often very little time to prepare. By taking the time to gather a few items in advance for yourself and your loved ones, you will be able to get through the first few days until help arrives.
An Emergency Preparedness Kit should include:
• One gallon of water per person per day, a minimum of a three day supply
• Nonperishable food and easy to prepare items, three day supply per person
• Battery powered radio
• Battery powered flashlight
• Cell Phone and chargers
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags
• Diapers and formula for people with babies
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Insurance documents
• List of important contact names and numbers
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a water proof container
• Three day supply of pet food
• Personal hygiene items
• Paper and pencil
• Paper cups, plates, utensils, paper towels
• Towels, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
• Rain gear
• Gloves
By keeping these items in a safe, easy to access place in your home, they will serve you well in case of an unforeseen emergency. For further information regarding Emergency Preparedness, there is information available on the following websites:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90354
http://www.redcrossstore.org

Jamaica Hospital Supports “Go Red For Women”

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital’s Cardiology Department Wears Red

National Go Red Day was created in 2003 to raise awareness about the devastating affects cardiovascular disease has on women in the United States.

Before the “Go Red” initiative was founded, many Americans believed the myth that heart disease affects men more than women. The truth is that cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 500,000 women in the U.S. every year – that’s one woman every 80 seconds.

Through this national initiative, the Go Red For Women movement has generated a great deal of awareness as many more women are aware of the importance of heart health. Some of the many strides made since 2003 include:

More than one-third of women have lost weight.
More than 50% of women have increased their exercise.
6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.
More than 40% of women have checked their cholesterol levels.

The effort has proven to be effective. Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day and deaths in women have decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years.

One of the keys to maintaining this success is through continued education. All women are encouraged to “Know Your Numbers” because it is knowledge that can save their life. The five numbers all women should know are: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help women and their healthcare provider determine their risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Jamaica Hospital employees supports Go Red For Women Day by wearing red to raise awareness. Jamaica Hospital urges all women to make an appointment with their doctor to learn their numbers. If you do not have a doctor and would like to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7100.

Plantar Warts

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Plantar warts are skin growths that occur on the bottom of the feet in the outer layer of the skin. These warts look like small callouses, about the size of a pencil eraser that grows inward and are tender to the touch. Sometimes they appear to have little black dots inside of them caused by tiny blood vessels that have grown within. These warts are viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and they are noncancerous. They tend to be painful because of the pressure that is exerted on them when a person walks. They typically get in to the skin on the bottom of the foot through cuts, breaks or weak spots in the skin.
Plantar warts thrive in areas that are warm and moist. Examples of this are gym locker rooms, around the sides of a pool, and in people’s shoe gear. The wart is not easily transmitted from person to person unless direct contact is made with the site of infection.
People who are susceptible to plantar warts include:
• Children and teenagers
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have had plantar warts in the past
• People who frequently go barefoot in public showers.
Treatment options for plantar warts are prescribed by a physician and include:
• Salicylic Acid – When applied to the infected skin will cause it to peel off in layers over time. It is a slow process but effective and requires multiple treatments.
• Cryotherapy – Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This method tends to be a little painful and usually takes a few weeks to see results. Typically it has to be performed more than once.
• Laser treatment – A treatment whereby a pulse dyed laser cauterizes (burns) the wart and destroys the blood vessels that lead to it.
• Minor surgery – The wart is destroyed using an electric needle. It is painful and may cause a scar so it isn’t used frequently.
There is also a home remedy whereby a person will cover the wart with silver duct tape, soak it in warm water every day and remove the tape every six days. The wart is left uncovered for 12 hours and then the process is repeated. This is method may be popular but not very effective for everyone.
In healthy people, plantar warts will usually resolve on their own in a year or two. However because they can be uncomfortable, people usually chose to seek medical treatment. A podiatrist (foot doctor) is specially trained to treat plantar warts. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

No Fry Eggplant Parmesan

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Joann Ariola

The new year caused us to take an accounting of our lifestyle choices and changing some of our habits to help bolster good health. Some “resolutions” may have been to become more physically active, manageing your stress better, quitting smoking and choosing a healthier diet. All of which are very important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you have been focused on adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, you may want to consider switching from fried foods to baked foods in an effort to lower your fat consumption.

Try this easy and delicious No Fry Eggplant Parmesan to loose the fat without losing any of the taste!

For this and other “no fry” recipe’s visit –

Enjoy!

Fun Fact Friday: How Much Paper Does Jamaica Hospital Recycle Every Year?

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital Fun Fact:

Jamaica Hospital and its partners in the MediSys Health Network understand the importance of “Going Green” to help the planet.

A few years ago we established EcoMediSys, a committee of hospital employees responsible for evaluating how the hospital could become more environmentally conscious. One of the many ways we have achieved our goals is through our paper usage.

Fact:
In 2010, Jamaica Hospital printed over 19 million copies of paper. Thanks to the implementation of an electronic medical records system and incorporating other operating efficiencies, we have reduced that amount to just over 6 million last year – a reduction of over 300 percent.

In addition, we increased our recycling efforts. According to our most recent data, Jamaica Hospital now recycles an average of over 240,000 pounds of paper annually.

Paper usage is just one example of how Jamaica Hospital is dedicated to helping the environment.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic illness that is of unknown origin. It typically leaves the patient feeling extremely tired, it may get worse with mental or physical activity, and usually does not improve with rest. There are a few theories as to what causes the condition but none have been proven. Some physicians believe it may be caused by a viral infection or possibly caused by stress.
There are eight signs and symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain that is unexplained
• Enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits
• Joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches
• Sleep that does not refresh the body
• Extreme exhaustion that lasts more than 24 hours
Some factors that may contribute to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are:
• Age – Usually affects people in their 40’s and 50’s
• Gender – Affects women more often than men
• Stress – People under a lot of stress may develop the condition more frequently
• Depression
• Lifestyle restrictions – owing to physical disability or being home bound.
It is important to have a thorough check up to make certain that there are no other chronic health issues that may be causing symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no cure for the condition and treatment options are geared towards the improvement of the symptoms. In some cases antidepressants may be used and sleeping pills which may aid in getting some rest. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital to discuss unexplained fatigue, please call 718-206-6742.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Awareness Week – Prescription Opioid Facts

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Prescription opioid abuse among teens living in the United States has become a major public health concern. In fact, many national health organizations have declared that the U.S. is in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the use of these drugs among young adults has more than doubled and the number of opioid- related deaths has quadrupled in recent years. The CDC, along with other health organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hope to reduce these statistics by increasing education among teens and their families.

It is crucial for parents and young adults to know the facts about opioids, so that they can understand how these drugs can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. Here are six important facts families should know:

Opioids are narcotic medications that are prescribed to treat mild to severe pain.
Some of the most common types of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine tramadol and codeine.
Opioids work by reducing the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.
Misusing opioids can result in the development of a chemical dependency to these drugs. Misuse may occur when a person is taking opioids long term, is taking more than what was prescribed or is taking them for non-medical reasons.
It is common for teens to mix prescription opioids with other substances such as alcohol. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten teens combined opioids with additional substances and 52% within this group co-ingested prescription pills with alcohol. This behavior puts teens at a higher risk for overdose.
Some of the warning signs of opioid abuse include; anxiety attacks, sudden improvement in self-esteem, depression, improved alertness, increased energy, a decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, constipation and breathlessness.

There are several steps one can take to prevent or reduce the chances of prescription opioids misuse, they include; keeping medication locked up or keeping track of medication to ensure pills are not missing, correctly disposing unused medication, monitoring your loved one’s behavior while they are taking medication and communicating with your doctor about not exceeding the recommended time period for pain treatment.

If your loved one is addicted to prescription opioids it is highly recommended that you have an honest conversation with them about harmful effects that could potentially lead to death. Reassure them that you are here to help and not to judge them. Seek help from a trained medical professional immediately. There are several treatment options available which include medication and counseling. Your physician or mental health counselor will determine which treatments are best for a healthy recovery.

The National Institute for Drug Abuse has designated the week of Monday, January 23^rd, 2017 as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Awareness Week in an effort to provide teens with the facts about drugs and alcohol.

For further information and resources about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit the NIDA’s website www.drugabuse.gov.

Does Winter Weather Make Arthritis Worse?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Bundle up, work out indoors, and keep plenty of vitamin D in your diet. These are some of the ways you can get arthritis pain relief despite the bone-chilling cold of winter weather. Many people who experience more severe arthritis pain in the winter than compared to other months believe that barometric pressure is to blame for their heightened discomfort. However, that old wives tale hasn’t been proven scientifically.

Whether the joint pain/weather connection is scientifically true or not, you can still use these arthritis pain-relief tips when your aching joints act up in winter.

Stay active. Keep your body stimulated by doing light exercises or consistent movements to keep your joints moving. Do it indoors to keep away from the cold.
Eat a Healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that comprised of low saturated fat, lean proteins, more fiber, and refined carbs helps to improve body functions during the winter.
Add Vitamin D. It is necessary to take a supplement vitamin D or ensure to make your diet vitamin-D rich. Fish oil is a potent source of omega 3 fatty acids as well as getting natural sunlight.
Stay Hydrated. Hydration is most often associated with sweat and the summer months, but it’s just as important to drink plenty of water in winter, too.

If your arthritis doesn’t improve after trying the above tips it is very important that you consult with a doctor immediately. The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients who develop rheumatological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001

Beet, Kale, and Kohlrabi Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Joann Ariola

There are special fruits and veggie’s that are specific to a season. For the winter season, you should be able to find some wonderful grapefruits, lemons, oranges, clementines and tangerines, as well as beets at your grocery store right now.

If you are in the mood for a Citris delight, try this receipe for a quick, nourishing and delicious salad.

WHAT YOU NEED

1 bunch kale
1 bunch lettuce
1 kohlrabi
1 beet
2 carrots
1 grapefruit
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ cup sunflower seeds or pepitas

WHAT TO DO

Remove the stems from the kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Peel the kohlrabi, beet, and 2 carrots and chop them into matchsticks (julienne) with a knife or using a food processor. Remove the sections from half of the grapefruit and peel them.
In a small canning jar, combine juice from the remaining half grapefruit (around ¼ cup), 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Cover the jar and shake vigorously to combine (or whisk all ingredients together in a bowl).
To serve, place vegetables on serving plates or in bowls. Top with grapefruit vinaigrette and sunflower seeds or pepitas.

For this and other delicious seasonal receipes visit –