How Does Caffeine Effect Your Blood Pressure?

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Are you one of many people who can’t function without having their morning coffee first? If so, there are a few effects that caffeine can have on hypertension. The java jolt of a caffeine fix may cause a jump in blood pressure — a particular problem in people who already have high blood pressure.

Caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. It is not clear what causes this spike in blood pressure. Some researchers believe that caffeine could block a hormone that helps keep your arteries wide enough for steady blood flow.

Some people who constantly drink caffeinated beverages have a higher average blood pressure than those who don’t drink any. Others who regularly drink caffeinated beverages develop a tolerance to caffeine. As a result, caffeine doesn’t have a long–term effect on their blood pressure. Research has shown that caffeine has a stronger blood pressure increasing effect in men who are older than 70 or who are overweight.

To see if caffeine might be raising your blood pressure, check your blood pressure within 30 to 120 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage. If your blood pressure increases by five to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine. If you plan to cut back on caffeine, eliminate it slowly over several days to avoid withdrawal headaches.

If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor whether you should limit or stop drinking caffeinated beverages. Keep in mind that the amount of caffeine in coffee and other beverages varies by brand. Also, avoid caffeine right before activities that naturally increase your blood pressure, such as exercise, weightlifting or hard physical labor.

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.

The Facts About Synthetic Marijuana

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, is a drug that is having a devastating effect on our area, and many other cities across the United States. In an attempt to raise awareness about the drug, Jamaica Hospital wants to share the following facts with the community.

K2 and other forms of synthetic marijuana are a blend of chemical substances known as cannabinoids that are sprayed on dried leaves. The result is a product that resembles marijuana, but has a much more potent effect. While the intention of synthetic marijuana is to mimic the effects traditional marijuana has on the body, the reaction to the synthetic version is often much more severe.

For a long time these products were readily available as they were sold in brightly colored packages at local corner stores and bodegas across the City. In addition to its accessibility, what has made synthetic marijuana popular for many is the cost. While a traditional marijuana joint typically can cost $5, a synthetic joint only costs about $1, making it very popular among not only the poor and homeless, but also with kids. Many users report another reason for taking synthetic marijuana is it doesn’t appear on drug tests.

In 2012 they were made illegal to sell in New York, but the law that was passed were very difficult to enforce because as the chemical products used became banned, those who made them would alter the compound to stay one step ahead of authorities.

This process of regularly changing the drug’s chemical composition also accounts for the unpredictability in the reaction by those who take it. Since the chemicals vary from packet to packet, people who use K2 may feel fine one time, and become extremely sick the next. Examples of this have been mass poisonings, most recently this week in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick.

Potential adverse reactions to smoking synthetic marijuana include: kidney failure, elevated blood pressure, loss of consciousness, violent behavior, nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, anxiety, and even death.

In 2015 however, stricter laws were passed outlawing the sale of anything that could be marketed as synthetic marijuana, rather than going after the specific compounds. Still synthetic pot can be easily obtained in many of the poorer parts of the City and while some stores still sell it, much of the distribution has moved to the street.

Since the beginning of 2015, there have been more than 6,000 emergency-room visits in the city due to synthetic marijuana overdoses, with more than 1,200 emergency department visits occurring in July of 2015 alone. Officials say the situation has improved. Since the new laws took effect, the city has proclaimed some measure of success. In May, hospital visits for the drug were down 85 percent. While this news is encouraging, the events of this past week in Brooklyn remind us of how serious synthetic marijuana can be in our community and we urge everyone to remain aware of its dangers.

HPV

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be the most commonly transmitted sexually related disease in the United States. It is a virus that is transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. It affects both sexes, but usually the rate of infection is twice as high for women than for men. While the body has the ability to fight off the disease naturally, most of the time, in some cases it can cause health related problems. Many people who are infected are not even aware that they have it.
Complications of HPV:
• Genital warts
• Vaginal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Anal cancer
• Cancer of the penis
• Cancer of the mouth and throat
There is no cure for HPV, usually treatment is for the condition that it causes. There are two vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil available which can help to prevent the disease. Both will protect against cervical cancers in women, Gardasil will protect against genital warts and cancers of the anus, vulva, and vagina. Gardasil is also available for males. The recommendation is that these vaccines be given to girls and boys at 11 or 12 years of age. Women can get the vaccine up until the age of 27 and men can get the vaccine up to the age of 22.
If you would like to make an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Senator Comrie and Jamaica Hospital -Promoting Wellness Through Walking

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Community Outreach Department applaud the steps Senator Leroy Comrie is taking to prevent childhood and adult obesity by promoting healthier lifestyle options that include walking.

Obesity is a problem that affects many Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately one-third, or 78.6 million Americans are obese. In addition, 17%, or 12.7 million children are obese. Obesity is a leading cause of a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer

Living a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity, in combination with a healthy diet is the best way to combat obesity. While many forms of physical activity require time and financial commitments that many of us do not have, one of the easiest ways to get your daily dose of physical activity is through walking.

Walking is very important for weight control. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you’ll burn. Generally speaking, by adding 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn approximately 150 calories a day. If you walk at a more vigorous pace and for a longer duration of time, you can burn even more calories and lose even more weight.

Senator Leroy Comrie and other local elected officials understand the importance of promoting physical activity to combat obesity, so together they created the “Walk for Wellness” event. This second annual series of walks are held in various parks and playgrounds through Southeast Queens on select Saturdays. The walks began in June and continue into October. Each walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to all.

According to Senator Comrie, “The Walk for Wellness event was created to be a community-wide initiative to combat obesity. By supporting one another in this effort, we can really make a difference by improving our health and the health of our neighbors.”

Of course, if you have underlying health issues, speak to a doctor before beginning any exercise program. If you do not have a doctor, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment to determine how much walking is appropriate for you.

To learn more about the Walk for Wellness event, please call Senator Comrie’s office at 718-454-0162.

What’s Bugging You?

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

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

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

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

Treating Bites and Bee Stings

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

Severe Reactions

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

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

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What Is The Best Way To Treat A Bee Sting?

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Getting stung by a bee is not the most pleasant experience to say the least. In the event that you are stung by a bee here are a few helpful steps to follow:

Remove the stinger as soon as you can, as it only takes seconds for the venom to enter your body. Scrape the stinger off the best way that you can (example: fingernail, tweezer,credit card ).
Wash the sting area with soap and water.
Apply cold compresses or ice to relieve pain and ease swelling.

The treatment steps for minor reactions to bee stings are not as effective for those who have severe allergic reactions. If you are allergic to bees and are stung, contact your primary care provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe reactions may need epinephrine, by way of an Epi-Pen.

Emergency Preparedness Plans and What You Should Have in Your Kit

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Disasters can occur unexpectedly but being prepared can lessen the effect of damages and the chances of accidents. Developing an emergency plan and creating a kit for your household is the best way to prepare for disasters.

When forming an emergency plan get the entire family or those who live in your home involved. Here is a checklist for things to consider:

Ensure that contact information for family and loved ones is up to date
Designate safe spaces where everyone can meet
Locate emergency shelters in your community
Assign responsibilities to each member of your household
Choose an emergency contact person outside of your immediate area
Create an evacuation plan and practice evacuating your home at least twice a year
If you have pets, keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your neighborhood
Remind everyone to register with the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well website or call 800-RED-CROSS after a disaster. Enrolling will allow concerned loved ones to know that you are safe, by searching the list.

In addition to having an emergency plan, it is vital that you put together an emergency preparedness kit. A few suggested items to include are:

Water- at least one gallon per person for each day , lasting two weeks
Non- perishable food
Flashlights
Batteries
Sanitary and personal hygiene Items
Copies of important documents, such as ID’s, birth certificates, medical information, proof of address and insurance
Cell phones and chargers
Extra cash in small bills
Medications
Multipurpose tools
Battery-powered and two-way radios
Blankets
Maps
Emergency contact information cards
Spare set of house and car keys

If you need assistance in making an emergency plan, City programs such as Ready New York provide ready-made templates, where you can fill in important information. Templates also include resources from utility companies, city and federal emergency departments. Please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/downloads/pdf/myemergencyplan_english.pdf to create a plan.

The White Coats are Coming!

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Does the thought of having a physician take your blood pressure make you nervous? Anxiety over going to the doctor’s office can lead to an elevation in your blood pressure; a condition known as “white coat hypertension.”

White coat hypertension is a real condition that occurs when blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office are higher than they are in other settings, such as your home. The term white coat refers to the traditional white lab coat health care professionals wear in clinical settings.

The underlying cause of white coat hypertension is believed to be tension and stress associated with being examined by a physician. Not much attention was given to this condition since the blood pressure of patients returned to normal levels when taken in the home environment, where they feel more relaxed. Recent studies however have proven that people with white coat hypertension are twice as likely to develop true hypertension within a decade, compared to people with normal blood pressure levels.

How do you know if you have white coat hypertension and what should you do if you have it? The first step is for your doctor to have you monitor your blood pressure at home to see if it returns to normal levels. If it does, together, you and your doctor can decide whether to treat it or not. On one hand, if your blood pressure is normal during the rest of the day, taking blood pressure medications can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). On the other hand, people with white coat hypertension might have elevated blood pressure during other stressful parts of the day. Many factors, such as age, family history, and the existence of other conditions will help the doctor make the right decision for you.

There are things that you can do to reduce your anxiety and stress before having your blood pressure checked by a health care professional. First, avoid drinking excessive amounts of water before checking your blood pressure because water can increase your reading. Also, do not participate in any physical activity before having your blood pressure taken. Excessive physical exertion will raise blood pressure. Lastly, avoid stressful situations and remain calm leading up to and during your visit to the doctor’s office.

If you think you have hypertension, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Jamaica Hospital’s Family Care Center at 718-657-7093 to schedule an appointment.

Cluttered Home = Cluttered Mind?

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Does the secret to escaping an otherwise stressful existence lie at home? When you enter your home it should spark instant relief and joy; it should be a sanctuary from the day’s stressors. If it isn’t, you have some work to do so that it becomes a retreat from the bustling world around you.

Messes at home can take up mental space. Thoughts of, “I need to clean the garage, organize my closet, rake the leaves or clean the attic” can hang out in your subconscious mind causing feelings of anxiety, sleepless nights and inadequacy.

Experts profess that by putting your house in order, literally, you can focus on putting your life in order as well.

Here are a few easy ways to help you unclutter your home:

Tackle clutter one room at a time – Break down which areas need the most attention and begin to go through the items you’d like to keep and the item’s you’d like to discard. The items did not arrive in a day, so don’t think that you have to purge in one day.
Let go of the past – When purging, don’t succumb to taking a trip down memory lane. Look at old photos, prom dresses, letters, report cards, etc. with a critical eye, not a teary one.

After you have looked through your closet, bedroom, garage, attic, etc. and have sorted out the things you want to discard, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. These feelings can transcend into a positive outlook in other aspects of your life.

Remember, your home should be a sanctuary where you can feel like you have escaped the day and your mind can become unburdened.

Breastfeeding and Augmentation

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), breast augmentation has become the #1 cosmetic procedure for the last decade.Since the best age for breast augmentation is anywhere from 18 to 50 years old, a woman’s desire to look younger may overlap with the tick of her biological clock.

One of the most popular questions women ask before having surgery is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?”

The answer is, yes. Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is absolutely possible.

Although the prior condition of the breasts, position of the implant and incision could have a direct bearing on milk production, it is very likely that you will have a positive experience when nursing your child.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s Lactation Consultant at 718-670-4200 for answers to FAQ’s.