National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month. It is a time when communities and health organizations work in tandem to share the many health benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother and baby and to celebrate the natural and healthful bond between a new mother and her infant.  

There are five great health benefits of breastfeeding, including: 

  • Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs. 
  • Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.  
  • Breast milk shares antibodies from a mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.  
  • Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted while traveling. 
  • Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.  

Ways you can celebrate National Breastfeeding Month include: 

  • Learn more and educate others about breastfeeding 
  • Support breastfeeding mothers 
  • Advocate for better breastfeeding policies 
  • Donate to relevant breastfeeding advocacy organizations 
  • Share stories and experiences about breastfeeding 
  • Volunteer during National Breastfeeding Month 
  • Participate in breastfeeding events 
  • Express gratitude for those who are breastfeeding 

At Jamaica Hospital’s Baby Friendly USA-designated Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life, and we provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services, such as breastfeeding, please contact us at 718-291-3276 for more information. 

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.

When Should You Be Concerned with Your Stool?

Everybody poops. That is a fact of life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of changes in your bowel movements, as they can indicate if there are potential health issues.  

For example, hard, lumpy poop can mean you’re dehydrated. Red poop may be a sign of rectal bleeding. Pungent poop could indicate an infection or other concerns.  

Some stools can be big or small depending on the day. It can be round or oblong. Or it can be hard, soft, or even liquid in form. The Bristol Stool Chart gives a sense of what’s ideal and what isn’t. It classifies stool into seven types based on shape and consistency. The types include: 

  • Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like little pebbles 
  • Type 2: Hard and lumpy and starting to resemble sausage 
  • Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface 
  • Type 4: Thinner and more snake-like, plus smooth and soft 
  • Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges 
  • Type 6: Fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges 
  • Type 7: Watery with no solid pieces  

Gastroenterologists suggest Type 3 or Type 4 is optimal and reflective of a healthier diet and lifestyle, and is easier to pass. 

The other five types can signal that something may be off internally. For instance: 

  • Type 1 and Type 2 stool signals constipation and can be difficult or painful to pass. The most common cause is not enough fluids. Adding fiber to your diet and exercise to your daily routine can also help move things along.  
  • Type 5 stool can indicate a lack of fiber, which can help soak up fluid and firm things up. Continually pooping in this part of the scale may be a sign of bowel issues. 
  • Types 6 and 7 are in diarrhea territory and could signal an illness, food poisoning, or some other digestive or intestinal issue. Stress can cause this too. See a doctor if your stool consistently registers on this part of the chart.  

Your poop should be a basic brown color. This color comes from the mixing of the various ingredients in your digestive tract, including: 

  • Bile that breaks down fats passing through the digestive system 
  • Bilirubin, a substance created when red blood cells reach the end of their life cycle and exit your body as a waste product 
  • The digested remnants of all the food you ate 

Sometimes, poop can be a color other than brown due to something we ate. Vegetables, fruits, and food dyes can change the color of poop, which is perfectly normal.  

It is important to know that a food-related tint should disappear within a day or so once the source is out of your system. However, if this color lasts longer than normal, it could be a warning sign of other medical issues. For example: 

  • Greenish poop could be due to a bacterial or viral infection, a parasite, or irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be connected to new medications you’re taking 
  • Reddish poop could indicate rectal bleeding or conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or even colorectal cancer 
  • Blackish poop could signal that there is blood in the upper digestive system from ulcers. It may also be a byproduct of taking iron supplements 
  • Yellowish or greyish poop could signal liver, gallbladder, or pancreas disorders 

Contact a healthcare provider if your poop lingers on the wrong part of the color chart for more than a few days. 

Poop smells bad. However, some poop can smell worse than others. Foul-smelling poop is often connected to unwanted bacteria living in your gut, disrupting your usual digestive process.  

Symptoms should clear up quickly if the smell is because of something you ate. Speak to a healthcare provider if the issue lasts longer than normal to see if there could be an underlying medical condition that is causing the smell. 

Staying aware of the size, shape, color, and smell of your poop is good to do, but not necessary to do every day. If something is wrong with your digestive system, you will know.  

If you would like to speak with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001 to schedule an appointment. 

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.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As many parents prepare their children for the new school year, it is essential to have their eyes checked.  

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.  

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being. 

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including: 

  • Injuries 
  • Infections 
  • Nearsightedness 

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, including: 

  • Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed 
  • Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen 
  • Their eyes are watery or inflamed 
  • They rub their eyes a lot 
  • They close or cover one eye 
  • They tilt their head forward 
  • They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work  
  • They hold objects close to their eyes to see 
  • They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work 
  • Things are blurry or hard to see for them 

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including: 

  • Getting regular eye exams 
  • Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities 
  • Limiting screen time 
  • Practicing healthy nutrition 

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900. 

 

 

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.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain condition that happens after repeated head injuries. CTE usually affects athletes who play contact sports or military personnel.  

CTE causes neurodegeneration, which means it permanently destroys nerve cells in your brain. Over time, this damage can cause changes in your behavior and mental abilities. It has been associated with second impact syndrome, when a second head injury occurs before symptoms of a previous head injury have fully resolved.  

Experts are still trying to understand how repeated head injuries and other factors might contribute to the changes in the brain that result in CTE. Researchers are looking at how the number of head injuries someone experiences and how bad the injuries are may affect the risk of CTE.  

There are no specific symptoms that have been linked to CTE, as it shares symptoms with other brain conditions that cause neurodegeneration. It can affect your: 

  • Cognitive function, which can cause: 
  • Memory loss 
  • Trouble solving problems or making plans 
  • Trouble making a choice or judging what you should do next 
  • Mild cognitive impairment 
  • Mood and personality, which can cause: 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Mood swings, especially acting or feeling more aggressive or impulsive 
  • Personality changes 
  • Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or suicidal behavior 
  • Motor function, which can cause: 
  • Balance issues 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Tremors, twitches, or other muscle movements you can’t control 

There is no way to diagnose CTE in a living person. The only way healthcare providers can confirm CTE is by examining samples of a person’s brain with a microscope during their autopsy.  

Even though a healthcare provider may not be able to definitively diagnose CTE while a person is alive, they can still make an educated assumption by building a diagnosis using a few factors, including: 

  • A physical exam 
  • A neurological exam 
  • The symptoms a person is experiencing 
  • A person’s medical history, especially if they have had head injuries 

Experiencing CTE symptoms doesn’t automatically mean a person has it. There are a lot of conditions that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare provider will use tests to help diagnose or rule out these other issues. Tests include: 

  • Blood tests 
  • CT scan 
  • Lumbar puncture 
  • MRI 
  • PET scan 

There is no treatment for CTE because there is currently no cure for it. Unfortunately, if a person has CTE, their symptoms will continue to get worse. Avoiding head injuries is the only way to lower your risk of developing CTE. Wear the right protective equipment for all activities and sports, especially helmets or protective headwear. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of CTE, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. 

 

 

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.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are common during the summer months. They are itchy bumps that form after a female mosquito has bitten us.

Mosquito bites generally cause mild symptoms, which may include:

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Small blisters
  • A small amount of swelling

While these symptoms are usually minor, some individuals, particularly those with certain immune disorders, may experience a severe reaction. Symptoms of a severe reaction can include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Low-grade fever
  • Significant swelling

Severe reactions are more common in children than in adults. Some children may develop Skeeter Syndrome, a localized allergic reaction to the bite, which results in large, swollen, and painful areas. These symptoms can persist for several weeks.

Treating a mosquito bite can be done at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that we:

  • Wash the bite and surrounding area with soap and water.
  • Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed.
  • Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.
    • Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.
    • Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.
    • Wait 10 minutes.
    • Wash off the paste.
  • Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching. Follow the product label directions.

However, if you are experiencing a persistent fever, difficulty breathing, headaches, body aches, throat swelling, hives, or any other signs of a severe reaction or infection, you must seek medical attention.

 

 

 

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.

World Lung Cancer Day

August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day. It is a day dedicated to the global initiative of raising awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments.  

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, and it is so prevalent that more people die from it than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined every year.  

World Lung Cancer Day was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with other health organizations. The day focuses on educating the public about risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures, while advocating for research and improved access to care. 

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to support those affected by the disease and to emphasize the critical need for collective action in the fight against lung cancer. 

Lung cancer screening helps to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective. Early detection through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can improve survival rates in individuals with the disease. 

The MediSys Health Network is committed to improving the morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. For more information about our program, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 718-206-LUNG (5864). 

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.

MediSys Health Network Research Day

The MediSys Health Network of Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers held its Fourth Annual Research Conference and Poster Competition.  

The posters submitted are broken into three categories: Case Reports, Empirical Research, and Quality Improvements. They are then graded on a rubric of five areas: format, visual, content 1, content 2, and impact.  

The first-place winning posters in Case Reports were “Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension” by T. Okan, M. Al-Dmour, M. Hussein, S. Mohammed, V. Patel, A. Doshi, S. Jain, and K. Doshi (JHMC) and “HIV and Miliary Tuberculosis Co-Infection: A Case Series” by A. Inghirami, M.A. Burrola-Suarez, and J. Shakil (FHMC). 

Second-place winning posters of the category included “A Case of Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism Treated with Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in a Patient Who Presented with Syncope and Chest Pain” by R. Maharjan, S. Rao, Z. Lasic (JHMC), and “Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a 74-Year Old on Apixaban” by C. Montesano, D. Egbo, N. Marfo, M.A. Louis, and  N. Mandava.  

And finally, the third-place posters were “The Use of Intravenous Thrombolytics for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Thrombocytopenia Complicated by Hemorrhagic Conversion Due to Undiagnosed Malignancy” by A. Sivapalan, C. Ninan, and A. Waddell (JHMC) and “Breast Cancer and Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A Rare Critical Issue” by V. Khachatryan, M.A. Burrola-Suarez, M.T. Rahman, N. Tasnim, K. Cappas, and A. Khan (FHMC). 

In the Empirical Research Category, the posters that were awarded first place were “Assessing Patient-Providers’ Conversations about Stress and Health” by F. Khan, A. Mir, L. Gance, S. Chemouni Bach, M. Basant, A. Chorzepa, L. Keating, C. Nienaber, A. Roth, D. Chen, and E. Brondolo (JHMC) and “Circadian Variations of Glucose Challenge Test Results in Pregnancy: Examining Non-Linear Trends” by A. Makol, L. Keating, R.J. Robitsek, T. Tang, Lien B, L. Woo, and I. Ngai (FHMC).  

Second-place winning posters were “Comparing Acidity and Dental-Hypersensitivity Between Arginine Mouthrinse and SDF” by M.R. Mears, L. Keating, and J. Weiss (JHMC) and “Exploring Potential Under Diagnosis of Hypophosphatasia” by R. Faridizad, K. Cappas Cordero, S. Khalid, H. Sadia, M. Mafi, A. Russo, L. Keating, and K. Robinson (FHMC). 

Lastly, the third-place winning posters of the category were “Point of Care Fentanyl Testing VS. Standard Testing in a Chemical Dependency Unit” by M.S. Radeos, J. Cintron-Hernandez, B. Balchan, G. John, B. Joseph, A.M. Radeos, J. Wong, and D. Chen (JHMC) and “Adipose Rebound in Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism in an Urban Multiethnic Community Hospital” by N.L. Sands, A. Glowacki, A. Gogenini, M. Roland, and L.Q. Lew (FHMC). 

In the final category Quality Improvements, the first-place winning posters were, “Improving Pain Documentation in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Efforts to Support a Developing Standard of Care” by H. Liu, H. Jaber, A. Jaramillo, F. Khan, Z. Sagarwala, C. Pang, R. Resendez Rodriguez, E. Siaw, S. Varughese, H. Woo, A. Eromosele, L. Keating, P. Cruz, C. Nienaber, A. Roth, and E. Brondolo (JHMC) and “QI Project: Assessing Internal Medicine Interns’ Confidence in Various Tasks Over the Course of Intern Year” by S. Dubey, M. Roland, and K. Beekman (FHMC). 

Congratulations to all of those who placed, the honorable mentions of each category, and everyone who participated in this year’s Research Day Conference and Poster Competition.

 

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.

Asthma in the Summer

Summer can be a difficult season for people with asthma. The heat and humidity can affect airways, with the hot air causing them to tighten and narrow. This can trigger symptoms such as wheezing, breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that increase the likelihood of asthma attacks.  

Similarly, humid air is not only heavy and hard to breathe in, but it can trap irritants and allow allergens such as dust mites and mold to thrive and diminish air quality, triggering asthma symptoms. This effect occurs regardless of the type of asthma a person has. If a person has allergic asthma, they may find managing their asthma to be especially difficult in the summer. The same is true if a person has exercise-induced asthma and tends to be more active during the summer.   

Asthma symptoms are usually more common in the fall and winter; however, summer creates unique risks as there are more causes of summer asthma. Causes of summer asthma symptoms include: 

  • Having asthma means the lungs are sensitive to extreme heat. Breathing in hot air can aggravate airways and trigger symptoms. Becoming dehydrated can cause a person to breathe more rapidly than normal, which can also play a role in setting off symptoms.  
  • Ozone is a product of atmospheric chemicals and sunlight. Although more research is needed to discount statistical uncertainty and better assess adult lung function in response to different levels of exposure, many researchers believe this pollutant can exacerbate asthma, especially in children. This is based on studies that show lung function worsens in the days after ozone levels peak, affecting people with asthma and even people without it. 
  • If you have allergic asthma and are triggered by certain allergens that are especially prevalent in June, July, and August, it stands to reason you’re more likely to have asthma attacks during these months.  
  • March through June: tree pollen is high 
  • May through early June: grass pollen is high 
  • June: outdoor mold spores peak and decrease after the first frost 
  • August through the first frost: weed pollen is high (daily peaks around noon) 
  • Whether it is a small campfire or a raging wildfire, exposure to smoke is more likely in the summer months. Smoke carries fine particulate matter that can get into a person’s airways and have a major impact on asthma.  

If you have a history of worsened asthma in the summer, an asthma healthcare provider will work with you to create a seasonal action plan, which may include incorporating additional medications and/or lifestyle measures into your overall management measures.  

It is key to head into summer with your asthma well under control. It is not under control if: 

  • You use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week 
  • Asthma symptoms interrupt sleep more than twice a month 
  • You need a new rescue inhaler more than twice a year 

Avoiding allergens altogether may be difficult, especially if you enjoy being outside in warm weather. In addition to following your prescribed treatment plan, this may involve taking some special precautions in the summertime, including: 

  • Checking the pollen counts for your area 
  • Staying indoors and/or limiting outdoor activities on days with extreme heat, high humidity, high pollen counts, wildfire smoke days, thunderstorm warnings, and ozone alert days 
  • Showering after outdoor activities 
  • Not letting dust accumulate in your home 
  • Using a dehumidifier and an air conditioner 
  • Considering immunotherapy 

It is important to follow your asthma action plan, try to avoid triggers, and stick to the asthma medication regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. These steps may include taking daily asthma controller medication to prevent asthma symptoms and rescue medications to treat acute symptoms.  

If your asthma symptoms are becoming difficult to deal with, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological syndrome that involves involuntary movements.  

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of tardive dyskinesia. However, the main theory is that it can develop due to the use of dopamine receptor-blocking medications. This includes short-term and long-term use of medications, though it is more likely to develop after long-term use. It can also occur after the discontinuation of, a change in, or the reduction in medication.  

Tardive dyskinesia can develop due to exposure to the following medications: 

  • Antipsychotic medications 
  • Anti-nausea medications 
  • Certain antidepressants 

Tardive dyskinesia can cause involuntary movements of the: 

  • Facial muscles 
  • Tongue 
  • Neck 
  • Trunk muscles 
  • Limbs 

Facial involuntary movements caused by TD may include: 

  • Lip-smacking or making sucking motions with your mouth 
  • Grimacing or frowning 
  • Sticking the tongue out or against the inside of your cheek 
  • Chewing movements 
  • Puffing of your cheeks 
  • Rapid eye blinking 

Other involuntary movements may include: 

  • Making repetitive finger movements like you’re playing the piano 
  • Thrusting or rocking your pelvis 
  • Walking with a duck-like gait 
  • Inability to remain physically still 

These symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe. 

A healthcare provider may describe these symptoms as: 

  • Dystonia- which are uncontrollable muscle contractions 
  • Myoclonus- which are brief, sudden muscle movement 
  • Buccolingual stereotypy- which are repetitive movements of your mouth 
  • Tics- which are habitual contractions of your muscles, often in your face 

Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, including: 

  • Age: People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop TD. Those who are over the age of 65 are especially at risk due to age-related neurological changes 
  • Sex: Females are more likely to develop TD. Those who are in post-menopause have rates of TD as high as 30% after almost a year of exposure to antipsychotic medications 
  • Race: Studies show that Black Americans are more likely to develop TD than white Americans. And people of Filipino and Asian descent have a lower risk of developing TD than people of Caucasian descent 
  • Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder who take antipsychotic medications are more sensitive to developing TD compared to other people taking the same medications 

To diagnose tardive dyskinesia, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medication history. If you take any medications that are known to cause tardive dyskinesia, your healthcare provider may suspect TD. They may refer you to a neurologist, movement disorder specialist, or psychiatrist.  

Healthcare providers refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose tardive dyskinesia. It states that symptoms of TD must last for at least one month after stopping the medication to get a diagnosis of the condition. You must have been on medication for at least three months if you’re younger than 40 or younger, or one month if you’re over 40.  

A healthcare provider may recommend other tests to confirm TD or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as Huntington’s disease, using laboratory tests and imaging tests such as a brain CT scan and/or MRI.  

A healthcare provider will determine what treatment plan is right for you depending on several factors, such as: 

  • How severe your TD symptoms are 
  • How long you have been taking a medication 
  • Your age 
  • What medication you are taking 
  • Associated conditions, such as other neurological disorders 

If you are experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Shiv Kumarie Santram, RN

This month we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Shiv Kumarie Santram, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager. Shiv began her nursing career at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in 2016, on 4 South Telemetry. In 2017 she was promoted to Assistant Head Nurse of the unit and in 2020 Shiv was promoted to Clinical Nurse Manager. She is currently on 6 South, a Med-Surgical Unit.

Shiv was born in Endeavour Leguan, Guyana where she attended Eastern Leguan Primary School, Leguan Secondary School and West Demerara Secondary School. She emigrated to the United States in 2001 and continued her education at Long Island University, obtaining her BSN degree in 2015, and her MSN/MBA in 2022 from Grand Canyon University. Shiv is currently pursuing her DNP at Grand Canyon University with an expected graduation date of 2027.

Shiv married her husband Navindra Santram in 2004 and he  also works at Jamaica Hospital.  They have two teenage sons and live in South Ozone Park, Queens. Their family also includes a dog named Summer and a cat named Spring. In her free time Shiv enjoys online shopping, watching tv shows without commercials and she volunteers in the community with her family at health fairs, cleaning up the beach in Rockaway and in local parks. She likes to travel, and her favorite places to visit are Florida and Jamaica. Shiv likes her cultural food from Guyana, especially crab curry with eggplant and eddo.  She enjoys listening to Bollywood music, playing cricket and outdoor camping.

Over the years, Shiv has received several recognitions and awards. These included: Excellence in Patient Safety; Making a Difference, certificate of appreciation (outstanding courage, strength, leadership and professionalism), CARE recognition (providing exemplary compassion, advocacy, respect and engagement to patient and family members); and in 2024 Leadership of the Year.

Shiv’s dedication to patient care extends well beyond the walls of our hospital. She was a member in October 2024 of the MediSys Disaster Medical Response Team: Humanitarian aid in Asheville, NC affected by hurricane Helene.

Shiv represented Jamaica Hospital in 2024 at the Sigma Theta Tau International Research Congress Sharing Insights; Advance Care: Disseminating Nursing Research and Evidence for the Future in Singapore, Indonesia. Also in 2024, she represented Jamaica Hospital – 1199 SEIU in missionary work at Montego Bay Jamaica ” Empathy in Action: Caring Beyond Ourselves; Honoring Self-Care”.

Shiv likes working at Jamaica Hospital because she wants to make a difference in people’s lives. The people she works with have become like family to her and assisting patients on a daily basis provides  her great satisfaction. We look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years in to the future.

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.