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.

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 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.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Dandruff, the tiny white or yellow flakes of skin that are shed by the scalp is a major source of concern for many people. It can be caused by having dry scalp, psoriasis, eczema or an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff can be treated with several over the counter and prescription products. However if you choose to try a natural approach, there are a few items that can be found in your home that may help in providing relief. Here are a few:

Aspirin – take two crushed aspirins and mix it with your shampoo. Leave the mixture on the hair for two minutes then rinse.
Baking soda – apply a handful to your wet hair and after a few minutes rinse with water.
Apple cider vinegar – mix a quarter cup of it with a quarter cup of water and apply to your hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes to an hour then rinse thoroughly. Apply twice a week.
Coconut oil – apply three to five teaspoons of coconut oil to your scalp and let it sit for an hour. Shampoo normally after each treatment.
Lemon juice – massage two teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Then apply one teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with one cup of water. Repeat daily.
Aloe vera – massage this into your scalp prior to washing your hair. It helps to prevent the itchiness of dry skin.
Olive oil – massages about ten drops into your scalp and cover your head with a shower cap overnight. In the morning you can shampoo your hair normally.

It is believed that most of these remedies work because of their moisturizing, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It is advised that you consult your doctor before applying these products and if your dandruff still persists after application.

4 Tasty, Fun, Healthy Fourth of July Recipes

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Try these 4 tasty, fun & healthy recipes for the Fourth of July!
1. Siracha-glazed chicken with peaches & basil
http://bit.ly/29dKa1n
2.Grilled corn with chipotle butter
http://bit.ly/297mlqh
3. Patriotic parfait
http://bit.ly/1QRYe0G
4. Cheesecake stuffed strawberries
http://bit.ly/298O3CV

Fibroids- Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or just outside the uterus. They form when the smooth muscle cells of the uterus (myometrium) begin to grow rapidly and advance into tumors, which are typically non-cancerous. These tumors vary in size and can be as small as a pumpkin seed or as large as a grapefruit and in unusual cases, much larger.

Fibroids are very common. It is estimated that 70 to 80 % of women will develop tumors by the age of 50. Although the causes are unknown, there are factors that put some at a greater risk than others-they are:

Family history
Pregnancy
Being overweight
Having African American ancestry
Being over the age of 30

The symptoms of fibroids depend on the size, location and the number of tumors present. Symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Heavy bleeding and blood clots between and during periods
Increased urination
Pain during intercourse
Enlargement of the lower abdomen
Increased time of menstruation
Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

Women who have very small tumors or are going through menopause may experience very little or no symptoms at all.

Fibroids are diagnosed by gynecologists by way of pelvic exams and ultrasound or MRI. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on symptoms and the advancement of the growth. Treatment may consist of medication to regulate hormone levels, assist in shrinking the tumor or alleviate pain. Surgery may be performed laparoscopically to remove tumors, however, if your condition is extreme, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy.

Jamaica Hospital’s Gynecologic Division uses the latest techniques and equipment, such as ultrasonography, color Doppler, laser and laparoscopic surgery, in the diagnoses and treatment of female disorders. These disorders include sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal pap smears, benign tumors, and female urinary disorders, including urinary incontinence. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Summertime Blues

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Sad mother and son in summer green park

Its summertime and that usually means more hours of daylight and warmer weather to enjoy outdoors. While summer is usually a time of year to be cheerful and happy, for some people it can bring on a bit of sadness. Although this condition is typically associated with winter months, it also affects people during the summer. The terminology that is used for this type of sadness is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People with SAD during the summer months are often showing signs of anxiety.
Some common reasons people may feel sad in summertime:
• Fear of the outdoors
• Money is tight and can’t afford a vacation
• Feeling uncomfortable about body image
• Seeing pictures on social media of everyone else having a better time than you
• Summer heat may drain your energy and enthusiasm
• Sleep deprivation is common because of longer hours of sunlight – getting up earlier and going to sleep later.
The best way to deal with the summertime blues is to speak to a professional who is experienced in handling these conditions. If you would like to speak to a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7071.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Coordinated Care for Diabetics at St. Albans Center

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Michael Hinck

According to the most recent data from the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans are living with diabetes, many of whom are undiagnosed. Diabetes is a serious condition that if not managed properly can lead to a variety of health problems and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

For many diabetics, living with the disease means juggling medical appointments with various specialists to help them manage their condition. To help those living with diabetes in our community properly maintain their health, Jamaica Hospital has coordinated many services under one roof. The hospital’s MediSys Family Care Center in St Albans recently added ophthalmology, podiatry, and nutritional counseling to its list of services and a schedule was created so that each service would be available on the same day, allowing patients to easily go from one appointment to the next without leaving the building.

DIABETES AND OPTHALMOLOGY
Diabetes can lead to a variety of vision problems. One of the most common diabetic-related eye disorders is glaucoma. People with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes. In addition, diabetics are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. If left untreated, these issues can become serious and can even lead to blindness.

DIABETES AND PODIATRY
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in your extremities, especially in your feet. This lack of feeling is called sensory diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes also affects the flow of blood. Without good blood flow, it takes longer for a sore or cut to heal. If you have an infection that will not heal because of poor blood flow, you are at risk for developing ulcers or gangrene. For people with diabetes common foot problems can possibly lead to infection and serious complications, including amputation.

DIABETES AND NUTRITION
Healthy eating habits can help keep blood glucose, also called blood sugar, within target range. A nutritionist can help diabetics by teaching them what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. For those with diabetes, a proper diet can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other conditions caused by diabetes.

“We are happy to provide all of these services to our diabetic patients under one roof, especially on the same day” stated Dr. Nicholas Pantaleo Medical Director of the site. “By creating this comprehensive range of services, we are helping those living with diabetes better maintain their health. Our goal is to improve the health of our community and we hope that this coordination of services helps us achieve that goal.”

For more information about the full range of diabetes services at Jamaica Hospital’s MediSys St Albans Family Care Center, including hours of operation, please call 718-206-9888.

Heat Waves and Heart Health

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

As the temperature increases so does the risk of having complications linked to heart disease. Extreme summer heat can be dangerous for people who suffer from cardiovascular issues. Studies show that cardiovascular deaths are more frequent during heat waves and complications are usually triggered by dehydration.

Dehydration can occur because of excess sweating. If the body is overheating, an increase in the production of sweat is needed to keep it cool. In order to meet this demand, the heart has to work harder and faster to pump more blood to your skin. Dehydration also affects normal blood flow because a lack of fluid causes blood to thicken. If the body cannot cool itself and strain is put on the heart, a person can suffer from heat stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

If the following symptoms of heat-related illness or exhaustion are present, it is recommended that medical attention is sought right away:

Dizziness or light-headedness
Nausea or vomiting
Dark urine
Weakness
Rapid, weak pulse
Confusion
Rapid, shallow breathing
Unconsciousness

There are several steps a person can take to reduce the risk of heart complications during extreme heat:

Keep hydrated- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. However, stay clear of beverages that may dehydrate you such as teas, alcohol or coffee.
Take cool baths or showers to help body keep cool.
Wear cool and loose fitting clothing.
Do not exercise or perform rigorous physical activity during extreme heat.
Stay in cooler environments

It is always important to remember to follow the suggested precautions to stay safe during the summer heat.