March is Hemophilia Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Hinck

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan designated March as Hemophilia Awareness Month to raise awareness for the approximately 20,000 Americans living with the blood disorder.

Hemophilia is a general term for a wide range of bleeding disorders where the ability for blood to clot is dramatically reduced. The result is the sufferer bleeds excessively and for a prolonged period of time. When a person who does not have Hemophilia is cut, their vessels constrict and platelets “plug up” the leak by clotting to stop the bleeding. Those with Hemophilia lack certain chromosomes responsible for this function so bleeding continues.

Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that is caused by a defect in genes carried in the X chromosome. When a family member is diagnosed with Hemophilia, it is important that other family members (especially siblings and children) are also tested by performing a coagulation study.

In addition to excessive bleeding, symptoms of Hemophilia include: deep bruises, swelling, joint pain, blood in the urine or stool, and unexplained nosebleeds. Symptoms in newborns include unexplained irritability and excessive bleeding after immunizations.

Treatment for Hemophilia varies, depending on the specific type of the disorder and the severity. For some, clotting factor concentrates can be infused to prevent or treat bleeds. There are also topical products and nasal sprays available. Others may require plasma treatments administered in a hospital setting.

To be tested foe Hemophilia or to learn about treatment, speak to your doctor. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care, 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.

Whiplash – A Real Pain in the Neck

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden, forceful, movement of the head and neck. Often times it is caused by a rear end car accident but can also be caused by other forms of trauma like a sports related accident, shaking a baby forcefully, or if one person hits another in the head.

Signs and symptoms of whiplash sometimes don’t show up right away. It may take a day or two for some or all of the following symptoms to appear:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Limitation of neck range of motion
• Headache
• Shoulder and back pain
• Tingling in the arms
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Blurred vision

A complete examination by a physician will include checking range of motion of the neck and shoulders, tenderness in the shoulders, neck and back, checking reflexes and muscle strength in the arms. The exam will also probably include an x-ray, and a CT scan or MRI of the upper part of the body.

Treatment for whiplash depends on severity as each case is different. It includes rest, immobilization of the neck with a foam collar, pain management with medication, ice or heat to the affected area, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy. It can take weeks or months for the symptoms to subside.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

March is National Kidney Month

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a well-deserved checkup.

The kidneys are two, fist-sized organs in your lower back. They maintain overall health by serving following functions:

Filtering waste out of 200 liters of blood each day
Regulating of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content
Removing toxins from the body.
Balancing the body’s fluids
Releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure
Producing an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
Controlling the production of red blood cells

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control, some quick facts on Kidney Disease are:

Kidney disease is the 9^th leading cause of death in the country.
More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and most don’t know it.
There are over 95,000 people waiting for kidney transplants.
Currently, more than 590,000 people have kidney failure in the U.S. today.

Often times, kidney failure can be prevented or delayed through early detection and proper treatment of underlying disease such as diabetes and high blood pressure which can slow additional damage to the kidneys.

If you are 18 years or older with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask that you be screened for kidney disease.

If you would like to make an appointment to have your Kidney’s checked, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Sibling Rivalry

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Sibling rivalry is defined as a type of competition or animosity among siblings, whether blood related or not.

The sibling bond can be complicated since they generally spend more time together during childhood than they do with their parents. Sibling rivalry can be particularly intense when the children are very close in age and of the same gender.

Although bickering between siblings can drive parents crazy, sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up. Parents must create an equal balance of when to step in and play referee and when to let their kids work out their problems themselves.

Below are some of the common reasons for sibling rivalry:

Attention – Children are always vying for their parents’ attention. These days, parents are busier than ever and their attention on work or a new baby may cause less of a focus on each child. Children may act out and misbehave to get attention.
Sharing – With limited resources, siblings may have to share at least some of their possessions. Game systems, iPad’s or electronic items can be hard to share and require children to compartmentalize their time on each item.
Personality Differences – Some children are headstrong while others can be quieter and more introverted. Differences in temperament can lead to clashes.
Fairness issues – Children are always demanding fairness and equality and fighting for what they perceive are their natural born rights. A younger sibling might complain that her older sister gets to go to a concert and she has to stay home, while the older sister whines that she has to baby-sit her little sister instead of going out with her friends.

Your responsibility as a parent is to help your kids to learn to manage the feelings that come along with sibling rivalry. So, how can you stop the bickering? As a parent, you may have to indulge each child once in a while. Make the effort to spend “just us” time with your children and speak to them about tolerance and the benefits of being part of a family. Each child has their own unique strong points. Identify how those positive characteristics could cause them to become a role model to the other siblings.

Be sure not to confuse bullying with normal sibling rivalry. If one of your children bullies his/her siblings and has to be the boss and control the others to the point of getting physical, you will have to determine the difference, especially if there is aggression over and above the bickering.

In most instances of sibling rivalry, approach all situations with a level head and a firm stance on a standard of respect that is expected in your home. Live the model you would like them to emulate.

Use Caution When Using a Space Heater This Winter

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Michael Hinck

During the cold, winter months, when your home isn’t always as warm as you would like it to be, electric space heaters might seem like a convenient way of raising the temperature inside for you and your family.

When used appropriately, space heaters can be a reliable source of supplemental heat for your home or workplace. Unfortunately for many, space heaters are used improperly or as a primary source of heat. When used under these conditions, space heaters can become dangerous. In fact, they are responsible for approximately one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths.

To ensure you are using a space heater the right way, follow these simple safety tips:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before operating your space heater.
• Make sure your space heater is assembled correctly. Look for cracks in the unit or loose or frayed wire or plugs.
• Only use your space heater as a heating device. Do not attempt to use it to warm bedding, cook food or dry clothing.
• Space heaters must be kept a safe distance away from anything that can burn, including newspapers, magazines, clothing, curtains or rugs.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Be sure to install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Space heaters should always be positioned on a level surface. Never place heaters on furniture or uneven flooring.

Failure to comply with these recommendations can result in serious injury or even death.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center urges everyone to be smart when using space heaters this winter season.

Bunions

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Bunion_Progression_Scale

If you have ever looked down at your foot and said, “When did that get there?” you’re probably referring to a bunion, especially if it’s painful. A bunion is the painful swelling of the first joint on the toe. For many people, bunions run in the family. Bunions sometimes develop with arthritis. Three out of four Americans will experience a common foot problem in their lifetime. Therefore, you’re not alone.

Women are more likely to develop bunions due to years of wearing tight, poorly fitting shoes, especially heels with pointed-toe closures. Athletes who run track or are required to wear cleats can also get bunions easily.

There are a few cosmetic ways to comfort your bunion without surgery. However, most times when the bunion has gone untreated for too long, the pain becomes too severe and requires surgical removal.

Bunionectomy is the surgery performed to remove bunions. Bunions form when the bone or tissue at the joint at the bottom of the big toe moves out of place. Years of abnormal motion and pressure on the joint forces the big toe to bend toward the others, which causes an often-painful lump on the joint. Your doctor also may recommend surgery because bunions can result in other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes, bursitis, a bunion below the little toe, or pain in the balls of your feet. The goal of surgery is to return the big toe to its correct position. A surgeon puts bones, ligaments, tendons and nerves back into correct order, and removes the bump.

To prevent growth of your bunion you can wear properly fitting shoes that allow room for all of your toes and wear low-heeled shoes if you are used to wearing high heels or stilettos. If the pain caused by your bunion is still too unbearable you should speak to your doctor about surgery.

The Ambulatory Surgery Unit at Jamaica Hospital is here to help you through your experience. All nurses are trained with full holistic/relaxation techniques and will help you to make this a calm procedure. “We want you to feel like Jamaica ASU is a part of your family, ‘Jamaica Cares’” the nurse manager, Cheryl Gallotta-Dimassi is available to assist you, and welcomes you to seek her out.

Jamaica Hospital’s on-site Ambulatory Surgery Unit is located on the first floor of the hospital. The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For an appointment, call 718-206-6102.

The Mental Health Benefits for Adults Using Coloring Books

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The popularity of adult coloring books has grown rapidly over the past year and the idea that it’s just for kids is fading just as quickly.

Mental health professionals have long utilized art in treating patients because it has a profoundly positive effect on mental well-being. This form of therapy encourages self- exploration and helps in organizing emotions. Although art therapy received from a professional is more effective than coloring on your own; coloring does have several benefits. It has been found that coloring can help adults:

1: De-stress

2: Achieve a state of meditation

3: Reduce anxiety

4: Alleviate less severe symptoms of depression

5: Improve concentration

6: Boost creativity

While coloring can be beneficial; it is important for individuals to note that it is not art therapy and should not be used as a method of self-treatment for mental health disorders. Art therapy differs from coloring because it relies on a patient-therapist relationship. This dynamic is important in helping patients to express their problems to the therapist through art when they are not able to in words.

Creative arts therapy has been an integral part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years. For more information about the program or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

Eating Disorders Myths Debunked

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

eating disorder -487759058 “You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them,” “eating disorders are caused by a diet gone too far,” and “only young women are affected” are some of the popular misconceptions associated with eating disorders.

Studies show that despite growing awareness and education about eating disorders, many people still continue to view myths such as these as factual. This is dangerous as misinformation can result in the denial of symptoms and the validation of harmful behaviors.

In an effort to stop the spread of harmful information, we are providing the following myths and facts about eating disorders:

Myth –You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

Fact- Many individuals with eating disorders seem healthy in appearance. In several circumstances weight loss or weight gain may not be obvious during the onset of eating disorders. It is also common for sufferers to learn how to hide symptoms of their illness by doing things such as wearing baggy clothing.

Myth- Eating disorders are lifestyle choices or result from diets taken too far.

Fact – Going on a diet is a choice and having an eating disorder is not. Eating disorders are life- threatening illnesses that are associated with psychological, social or emotional distress.

Myth- Only adolescent women are affected by eating disorders.

Fact- Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender or age. In fact it is estimated that 10 million men living in the United States have an eating disorder. More and more people are seeking treatment for these disorders in their twenties and up. There three main groups of people that fit into this category:

Those who secretly struggle with eating disorders for years without seeking treatment.
Those who received treatment earlier in life and are experiencing recurring symptoms
Those who have developed eating disorders as adults

Home Remedy to Rid Blackheads

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Blackheads are most common on your face, specifically on your nose and the sides of your nose. Common and annoying, blackheads occur when your pores become clogged with excess sebum (an oil created by the sebaceous glands that keeps skin supple) and dead skin cells. The difference between a black head and a white head is simply whether or not the pore is open or closed. Blackheads aren’t as unpleasant as pimples but they are still a nuisance to have. Here are some home remedies to curing pesky blackheads using items you might already have in your kitchen.

A little baking soda goes a long way for blackheads, but don’t overdo it, as it can seriously dry out your skin thanks to its saltiness. While pH may or may not have a role to play in blackheads, the biggest reason baking soda helps is because of it’s small, fine, granules that can work as a natural and inexpensive way to occasionally exfoliate and remove anything clogging your pores (and therefore causing blackheads.)

You will need baking soda and fresh water.

Mix the water with enough baking soda to form a thick, but spreadable, paste. Using a gentle circular motion, massage the paste into your skin. Rinse thoroughly with plain water, pat your face dry, and then make sure you moisturize.

Since blackheads are caused by open, clogged, pores reacting to oxygen, it only makes sense that “shrinking” your pores down will help. Lemon juice is just the astringent substance needed to get the job done, however, it can lighten skin temporarily and it does make you sensitive to the sun, so load up on sunscreen if you plan on using this method in the summertime. If you have sensitive skin, try diluting the lemon juice with water first.

You will need a lemon, cotton balls and a small bottle.

Rinse your face and pat dry. Squeeze the lemon juice into a small bottle and then use just enough to dampen a cotton ball. Apply to affected areas 3-4 times a week, at bedtime. When you wake up, rinse your face with luke-warm water and apply moisturizer as usual. Store the rest of the juice in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be aware-the juice can sting sometimes!

Green tea can also be used to treat blackheads. Mix one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves with a little water to make a paste. Then, gently scrub the paste over the affected area for two to three minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply a little bit of moisturizer once your face is dry. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores.

There are many prescription medicines for the treatment of blackheads if trying natural treatments isn’t your thing. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Dermatology Department please call, 718-206-6742.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Michael Hinck

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. During this time of month, Jamaica Hospital urges everyone to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) there are three factors that we have control over that affects our risk of developing this terrible disease. They are: What we eat, how active we are and how much we weigh. The AICR states that the best protection against cancer is to control all three.

Let’s look at them one at a time:

What We Eat
Choosing a diet consisting mostly of plant foods and limiting red meat and avoiding processed food is the best defense. Preparing meals focused around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans will help you fortify your body against cancer.

How Active We Are
Being physically active for at least 30 minutes each day. Participating in any number of physical activities can lower your risk for colon cancer and possibly several other cancers as well. To fit time in your schedule, try breaking activities into 10-15 minute sessions.

What We Weigh
It is the third key to help protect against as many as six different types of cancer. The good news is that once you start following the first two guidelines about diet and physical activity, you’ll find it easier to accomplish this one.

Jamaica Hospital joins the American Institute of Cancer Research to bring awareness to how we can reduce our chances of getting cancer by altering our daily lives.