Health Beat

How to Tell the Difference Between a Bad Cold, Bronchitis, and Pneumonia

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

That dreaded time of year is here, it is cold season. In the United States, this season starts around September and typically lasts until March or April.

Chances are like many, you may catch a cold. If you do, you may display symptoms that include sneezing, scratchy or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, congestion or a low-grade fever. These symptoms are normal but can worsen when left untreated and may cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia to develop.

It is important to know when your condition is worsening. There are several signs that can help you to recognize when your common cold has become something more.

Here are some symptoms of bronchitis to look out for:

A cold that persists for two weeks or more
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Coughs that produce thick clear, white, green or yellow mucous or blood
Rapid breathing
Soreness of the chest

Pneumonia can develop after having a serious cold or flu. Symptoms can be mild or severe depending on factors such as age and your state of health. The symptoms of pneumonia can include:

Violent coughing spasms that produce very little mucous
Coughs with bloody or yellow or greenish mucous
Fever
Sharp or stabbing chest pain when you breathe deeply or cough
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Clammy skin or excessive sweating
Chills
Muscle aches

If your cold persists longer than two weeks and you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, pneumonia can be life threatening.

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Jia Llon Yee

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to introduce one of the newest members of our clinical team, Dr. Jia Llon Yee to our community.

Dr. Yee went to medical school at SUNY Downstate. He completed his residency at Temple University and returned to complete his fellowship at SUNY Downstate.

Dr.Yee joins Jamaica Hospital and the MediSys Health Network as a hematologist/oncologist for our rapidly expanding cancer care program.

“I’m very excited to be the newest member of the MediSys Health Network’s cancer care team. We are serving a community that faces many obstacles when accessing quality healthcare. Helping provide these services to a community that needs them brings me great pride and joy, ” shared Dr. Yee.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Dr. Yee was thrilled at the opportunity to practice at Jamaica Hospital. He explained, “I feel as if I am returning home. This is a great opportunity to reconnect to my roots.”

Dr. Yee added, “When I decided to pursue a career in medicine, I knew that I wanted to help those with cancer because I believe the relationship between an oncologist and their patients is a very special one. There are great advances in cancer care taking place and I look forward to utilizing them to help our patients and community.”

Dr.Yee treats a wide range of cancers ranging from head and neck, lung, gynecological, and those affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Dr. Yee treats patients every Tuesday through Friday in Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center.

For more information about Dr Yee or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Halloween 2023 Safety Tips

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Halloween is a family-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury as kids take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children between the ages of five and 14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year. Injuries due to falls and other accidents are also common among children on Halloween.

Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured on this holiday by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.

On Halloween, children should:

Go only to well-lit houses.
Remain on porches without actually entering a house.
Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
Use flexible, non-sharp plastic props for costume pieces such as knives and swords.
When walking through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross at appropriately-designated crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame-retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes that may cause kids to trip.
Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.

On Halloween, parents and adults should:

Supervise trick-or-treating for children under the age of 12.
Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
Make sure children under the age of 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
Have children get out of cars on the side of the sidewalk, not the street.

Follow these tips to keep both your children and yourself safe this year. Have a happy and fun Halloween!

What are Heart Tumors?

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Heart tumors are growths that develop in the heart. They can form in many different parts of the heart, such as the:

Endocardium (the tissue that lines the chambers of the heart)
Myocardium (the muscle tissue of the heart)
Pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)
Heart valves (which control the flow of blood through the heart)

Most of the time, heart tumors develop due to cancer that has spread from other parts of the body. These are referred to as metastatic heart tumors. Certain types of cancer, such as lung, breast, kidney, or esophageal cancer, are more likely to lead to the growth of these tumors than others. Metastatic heart tumors occur most commonly in people who have melanoma, affecting up to approximately 65% of people with this type of cancer.

Only a small number of heart tumors are primary tumors, meaning that they first developed in the heart. The vast majority of primary heart tumors are not cancerous, but even these can pose serious health risks, such as blood flow problems, blood clots, or stroke. Some examples of primary heart tumors include:

Myxoma (the most common benign primary heart tumor; it usually affects the left atrium)
Papillary fibroelastoma (benign tumor that usually develops in heart valves)
Lipoma (benign tumor that typically grows in the left ventricle, right atrium, or atrial septum)
Angiosarcoma (the most common cancerous primary heart tumor; this usually grows in the right atrium or pericardium)
Rhabdomyosarcoma (the most common cancerous primary heart tumor in children)

Heart tumors are typically diagnosed through imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, cardiac MRI or CT scan, and/or a PET scan. Your doctor will most likely order these tests if you have cancer in another part of your body and have started to develop heart problems. Primary heart tumors are more difficult to diagnose than metastatic tumors, as their symptoms are similar to other conditions; they are typically discovered as incidental findings through diagnostic tests ordered for other medical problems.

If you have developed symptoms of a heart condition, you can receive high-quality care at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s award-winning Queens cardiology center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7100.

Breast Pain While Breastfeeding

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

It is common to experience discomfort while breastfeeding within the first few days after giving birth. You may experience some pain, soreness, or tenderness of the breast or nipple. These problems should ease over time with proper care and breastfeeding techniques.

Continued pain or discomfort while breastfeeding is often indicative of a serious problem and should not be ignored. Pain is not a normal part of breastfeeding; therefore, you should try to investigate the cause or seek help from a lactation consultant.

One of the most common causes of nipple pain is an incorrect latch. Check your baby’s latch to see if it is the cause of the problem. Signs of a good latch include the following:

The baby is positioned well against your body (The American Pregnancy Association recommends that babies be positioned tummy-to-tummy with you at all times. Babies’ heads should be tilted slightly back and their ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment)
The baby’s chin and nose are touching your breast
The baby has a large part of the lower portion of the areola in the mouth
The baby’s lips are turned out, like fish lips, and flat against the breast

Signs of a poor latch are:

Nipple pain
The baby is making clicking or smacking noises
The baby is sucking in their cheeks
The baby is showing signs of hunger after feeding

Additional causes for breast or nipple pain during breastfeeding are:

Mastitis or inflammation in the breast
Breast abscess
Clogged milk ducts
Engorgement
Thrush
Cracked nipples
Tongue-tie or the baby having a short frenulum

Breastfeeding should be enjoyable for mom and baby, and both should be comfortable. If you are experiencing breast or nipple pain, speak with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. A lactation consultant can help parents and babies with breastfeeding challenges such as low milk supply, latching on, or other barriers to breastfeeding.

Making sure that you and your baby have the best start is one of our highest priorities. Breastfeeding your baby will help to provide a strong foundation for their health. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides free breastfeeding/chestfeeding education classes. To learn more about or sign up for our classes, please email breastfeedingclasses@jhmc.org

A Delicious Fall Recipe for Roast Pork and Sweet Potatoes

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Here is a Fall season recipe from the Food Network for roast pork and sweet potatoes that we think you will enjoy https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roast-pork-and-sweet-potatoes-3363155

3 Common Causes of Foot Pain

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Foot pain is common; any time you walk, run, or perform other activities that place stress on your feet, it increases their risk of becoming injured. This risk can also increase as a result of a variety of medical conditions.

One of the most helpful steps for alleviating foot pain is to determine what could potentially be causing it. A few common causes of foot pain include:

Poorly-fitting shoes: Foot pain and discomfort often occurs as a result of wearing shoes that do not properly fit. Both the size and shape of the shoe are important for maximizing your comfort and preventing pain.

Foot deformities: Many people experience some form of foot deformity, meaning that one or both of their feet have not properly developed physically in some way. A few common examples of foot deformities include hammer toes (which bend downward instead of pointing forward), clubfoot (a childhood deformity in which the foot is turned inward), and flat foot (meaning that the foot lacks an arch in a standing position).

Injury: The feet are involved significantly in many physical activities, such as walking, jogging, or sports. During these types of activities, you’re more likely to experience injuries such as sprained or twisted ankles, Achilles tendinitis, or nerve damage. Your risk of experiencing these injuries can be even higher due to factors such as improperly-fitting shoes and untreated foot deformities.

If you experience foot pain or have a medical condition that increases your risk of injury, it’s important that you talk to a podiatrist to get the specialized treatment you need. You can schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6712.

3 Warning Signs of Kidney Disease

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Kidney disease occurs due to a loss of function in the kidneys over time. The main function of the kidneys is to filter out wastes, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood; as damage to the kidneys increases, these substances begin to build up to unhealthy levels, leading to a variety of health problems.

Without appropriate treatment, kidney disease can escalate to kidney failure, at which point you would require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. Your chances of getting prompt treatment for kidney disease are higher when you can recognize warning signs as they appear. While many of these indicators are not exclusive to kidney disease, they may warrant diagnostic examination by your doctor. Some of the warning signs you should look out for include:

Urinary problems: Kidney disease involves damage to the kidney’s filters, which can cause a multitude of urinary issues, such as needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night. This damage can also lead to foaminess (indicating the presence of protein in the urine) and blood.

Fatigue: A buildup of toxins and waste substances in the blood due to kidney disease can also lead to increased tiredness and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, this occurs due to anemia, which can develop as a complication of kidney disease.

Dry and itchy skin: Kidney disease can lead to mineral and bone disease, which involves an imbalance of minerals and nutrients in the blood; this imbalance can cause you to develop dry, itchy skin, also known as pruritis. This occurs more often in people with advanced or end-stage kidney disease, but can also occur in people in the early stages of the disease.

If you have noticed any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. A primary care physician can screen you for a variety of potential causes of these symptoms; if they notice additional indicators of kidney disease, they may refer you to a nephrologist, a specialist in this type of disease.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Nephrology can provide treatment for kidney disease and a variety of other kidney-related medical problems. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Every year, millions of people in the United States are found to be living with a mental illness. To address this issue, in 1990, Congress designated the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. The reason for this designation is to bring attention to the fact that mental illness not only affects the person who has it, but also their family, friends and others that they interact with.

.Mental illness affects one in twenty people in the Untied States each year and for one in five of these people it is very serious. Less than half of the people with mental illness in the nation are receiving adequate treatment.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, the organization that has advocated for Mental Illness Awareness Week, hopes to bring attention to this serious issue through their 2023 campaign “Together we care. Together we share”. The objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues and resources by engaging communities and encouraging people to share their experiences.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has a comprehensive Mental Health Department. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

National ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the United States among children, affecting nearly 10% of all children between the ages of 3 and 17. It can also occur in adults, affecting up to about 5% of all adults in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors must determine if a patient’s symptoms demonstrate a clear pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity to diagnose ADHD. For children, six or more of these symptoms must remain consistent for at least six months; for adults, only five symptoms need to present in this manner to provide a diagnosis.

Some common symptoms of inattention that doctors may take into consideration when diagnosing ADHD include:

Failure to pay close attention to tasks during school, work, or other activities
Difficulty holding attention on tasks or play activities
Failure to listen when spoken to directly
Failure to follow through on instructions for schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
Frequent trouble organizing tasks and activities
Avoidance, dislike, or reluctance to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)
Frequently losing things necessary for tasks and activities
Often easily distracted
Often forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, on the other hand, often display persistent, excessively high energy levels in a variety of settings and activities. Some of these symptoms include:

Frequent fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat
Frequently leaving seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
Often running about or climbing in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may just feel restless)
Inability to play or take part in leisure activities quietly
Excessive talking
Blurting out an answer before a question has been completed
Impatience
Often interrupting or intruding on others

Several symptoms from either of these categories need to have been present before the age of 12 and in two or more settings (such as at work, school, or home). There also needs to be clear evidence that these symptoms are disrupting the individual’s normal functions in school, work, or social settings, and that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder.

Whether you’re an adult with symptoms of ADHD or the parent of a child presenting these symptoms, it’s essential to begin working with a doctor to get the medical care needed to manage these symptoms and reduce their disruptions to daily life as much as possible. You can schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.