Tardive Dyskinesia

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

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

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Andrew Rubin

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.

Menopause and Memory Issues

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Menopause occurs when a person goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Memory lapses and trouble concentrating are common symptoms of menopause and even perimenopause. These menopausal symptoms are caused by the female sex hormone estrogen, which is necessary for maintaining sexual and reproductive health.

Low estrogen levels can cause temporary bouts of brain fog and impact verbal memory, including the ability to recall words and names. However, this type of menopause-related forgetfulness isn’t the same as the early signs of dementia.

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause a decline in cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. It is caused by damage to the brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas.

The first signs of dementia are typically things like getting lost in familiar places or confusion about how to perform everyday activities, such as driving home from the store, and inability to remember names.

Another key factor in someone affected by dementia is age. Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects people over the age of 65. Less than 10% of cases occur in people younger than 65, especially those without a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Menopause, on the other hand, usually happens in your mid-40s to mid-50s, and perimenopause can start years earlier.

Midlife “brain fog” can be frustrating and worrisome at times. However, with some extra care and attention to your health, it can be managed and controlled.

Here are some ways to cope with menopausal memory issues:

Get enough sleep

Eat a balanced diet that includes brain-enhancing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables rich in color, to serve as antioxidants

Create and stick to a regular exercise routine

Stop multitasking, as it can drain the brain’s abilities

Exercise your brain by doing activities that can improve your mental fitness, such as:

Doing crossword puzzles, board games, or chess

Going for a vigorous walk

Reading a novel

Taking up a new physical activity, such as ballroom dancing or boxing

Meditating

Starting a journal about positive experiences

Learning a foreign language

Trying tai chi

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopausal memory loss, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center or contact us at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

A Tasty and Delectable Summer Recipe for Teriyaki Wings

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Are you looking for something to serve at a summer gathering or just for a weeknight meal? Here is a recipe for tasty, delectable teriyaki wings to serve on a breezy summer night. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/teriyaki-chicken-wings-recipe-1915521

How High Blood Pressure Affects Kidney Health

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, negatively impacts our health, including kidney health.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure, and impaired kidney function can also lead to higher blood pressure levels.

High blood pressure, if left untreated or uncontrolled over time, can damage the blood vessels in our kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients needed for proper functioning.

Additionally, high blood pressure can cause scarring of kidney tissue, a condition known as hypertensive arteriolar nephrosclerosis. This scarring impairs our kidneys’ ability to filter blood and regulate fluids.

When kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter blood effectively and struggle to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. This retention of fluids, salt, and toxins can further elevate blood pressure.

To significantly reduce the risk of these complications and others associated with high blood pressure, it is important to manage our health effectively. This can be achieved by:

Taking medications as prescribed
Limiting our sodium intake
Eating a healthy diet
Having regular blood pressure screenings
Drinking less alcohol
Exercising
Quitting smoking or using tobacco
Controlling cholesterol

Working with your doctor to control your blood pressure can help you minimize your risk of kidney damage and other health problems. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Sleep Apnea Complications

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

There are three main types of sleep apnea. They include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when an individual with OSA develops CSA while undergoing therapy for their OSA.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, which makes it difficult to determine which type a person has. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring

Episodes in which a person stops breathing during sleep

Gasping for air during sleep

Awakening with a dry mouth

Morning headaches

Insomnia

Hypersomnia

Difficulty paying attention while awake

Irritability

Sleep apnea can cause several complications, including:

Daytime fatigue

High blood pressure or heart problems

Type 2 diabetes

Metabolic syndrome

Complications with medicines and surgery

Liver problems

Sleep-deprived partners

To diagnose sleep apnea, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep disorder center, where a sleep specialist can help determine if further evaluation is needed. An evaluation can involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep testing. Tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal polysomnography

Home sleep tests

If you have OSA, a healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out a blockage in your nose and throat.

To treat sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, in mild cases. Other sleep apnea treatments include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Other airway pressure devices

Oral appliances

Tissue removal

Tissue shrinkage

Jaw repositioning

Implants

Nerve stimulation

Tracheostomy

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT specialist.

What is Listeria?

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Many food products have been recalled over the past few months due to various outbreaks of listeria.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a species of pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal feces. It can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

Most people encounter listeriosis, a foodborne illness, as it can be found in hot dogs, deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits (especially melons), and unpasteurized dairy products. These foods have the highest risk of being contaminated by Listeria bacteria. However, any food that is handled or prepared improperly can be affected.

Listeria bacteria are unique from many other foodborne illnesses because they survive and multiply in low temperatures, including refrigerators and freezers. It can multiply to dangerous levels during storage, and it doesn’t change the smell, taste, or texture of the food that it contaminates, like other bacteria.

Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period (the time between when you’re first infected and when you first show symptoms) varies. It usually takes one to two weeks, but can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months.

Symptoms of a listeria infection can include:

Fever

Chills

Muscle aches

Nausea

Diarrhea

If the listeria infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms may include:

Headache

Stiff neck

Confusion or changes in alertness

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Those at risk of severe listeria infection include:

Pregnant women

People older than 65 years old

People with weakened immune systems

People suffering from chronic diseases

The most effective way to diagnose a listeria infection is a blood test. Samples of urine and spinal fluid may also be tested.

The treatment for a listeria infection varies depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Most people with mild symptoms require no treatment at all. Antibiotics can treat more serious listeria infections.

Some ways to prevent a listeria infection include:

Washing hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot soapy water to wash utensils, cutting boards, and other food preparation surfaces.

Cleaning raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under running water.

Using a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and egg dishes are cooked at a safe temperature.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a listeria infection, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Common Summer Skin Problems

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Summer has arrived, and we will all be spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. However, spending more time outdoors means an increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and other elements of summer can lead to common skin conditions.

Some common summer skin conditions include:

Sun skin damage- sun safety is a priority when it comes to summer skin care. Even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature wrinkling, and aging. Some ways to protect your skin include:

Using a good, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on your face and other exposed areas, even on cloudy days.

Apply generously, and remember not to forget the lips, rims of the ears, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating

Covering up with sun-protection clothing and always wear a hat and sunglasses

Staying inside or in a shaded area during peak sunny hours

Insect bites and stings can leave the skin with painful welts and can even spread disease. A tick bite can spread Lyme disease. Wasp, bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can be painful, especially if you are allergic. Mosquito bites can make summertime gatherings miserable.

To help prevent insect bites and stings, you can follow these steps:

Use repellent to keep bugs off your skin

Use a fan to circulate the air to help keep bugs from biting

Treat bites with an anti-itch medication, as scratching bug bites can cause infection, break the skin, and leave scars

Rashes and skin irritations- things such as summer heat, poison ivy, swimming in certain bodies of water, perspiration, and other factors can cause skin irritations and rashes.

Hot summer air and sweat can cause and/or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as acne, tinea, and prickly heat.

Plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plentiful in the summer. If you go for a run or hike, or go camping, be mindful that the oils from these plants can cause an allergic reaction that can be severe, with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness. The best way to prevent coming in contact with these plants is to learn what they look like so you can avoid them while outdoors. If you are exposed to these plants, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly to remove as much oil as possible.

Bodies of water can contain bacteria, parasites, and other irritants that can cause certain water-related rashes, such as:

Swimmer’s itch

Sea lice

Chlorine rash

Some general summer skin care tips to keep your skin healthier during the summer months include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside

Limit your exposure to the sun

Take cool showers and dry off when you’re hot and sweaty

Use a mild cleanser daily and avoid heavy makeup

If you are suffering from any summer skin condition, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Tips to Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As many of us prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Here are some tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely:

When it comes to fireworks, the safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, so you may want to consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string instead. If you are allowed to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging

Keep water close by

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection

Light only one firework at a time and never relight a “dud”, which is a firework that doesn’t work after being lit

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets

Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented.

Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following:

Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle alone.

Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.

Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool.

It is important to be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones. They are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure.

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States and can affect them at any age.

There are three types of heart disease. They include:

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.

Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.

Although some women have no symptoms, other women may experience:

Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache

Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat

Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness that won’t go away of feels excessive

In some women, the first signs and symptoms if heart disease can be:

A heart attack

Palpitations

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns

Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach

Shortness of breath

Other signs can include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat

Nausea

A rapid or irregular heartbeat

Unusual tiredness

Lightheadedness

Medical treatment for a heart attack is based on the type of heart attack and where the blockage in the coronary artery is.

A complete blockage of the artery of the heart is a STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A partial blockage is an NSTEMI heart attack or a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The different ways to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle during a heart attack include:

Clot-dissolving medications

Balloon angioplasty and stenting

Surgery

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-1700.