Getting Your Kids Out The Door In the Morning This Summer

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Getting yourself AND your children ready in the morning can sometimes seem like an impossible task. Follow these tips to avoid the mania associated with trying to get your kids out the door for daycare or summer camp and still get to work on time.

• Establish a Set Routine – A non-negotiable routine must be created and adhered to. An important part of the routine is establishing consequences for failing to follow them. If your child understands the repercussions of not getting up the first time they are called, and understands that they will be enforced, they will be more likely to abide by them.

• Stagger Wake-Up Times – If you’ve got more than one kid in the house, and especially if you have a large family, consider staggering wake-up times for greater efficiency. Start with kids who need assistance first, or the ones who move at a snail’s pace come mornings.

• Determine Choices in Advance – Decide what your children will be eating for breakfast and what they will be packing for lunch the night before. Also choose and lay out your child’s entire outfit, including accessories before you go to bed. Not waiting for the last second to make these choices will help avoid arguments over meal choices and identify potential wardrobe issues such as stains or tears.

• Only do What is Important – By getting caught up tackling chores that you don’t have time for, you are setting yourself and your children up for failure. Consider creating a checklist of what absolutely must be done each morning and leave the other stuff until you get home.

• Designate an Essentials Area – Pick a place in your home for everything you will need the next morning. Shoes, backpacks, car keys, and cell phones should be placed in this area every day, so you don’t spend unnecessary time hunting for them in the morning and running the risk of missing a bus or a train.

• Be a Good Role Model – If you are grumpy and lethargic in the morning and running late yourself, then how can you expect your children to behave differently? A good tip is to get yourself up 10 minutes before your kids to brush off the cobwebs so you can greet your children with a positive attitude when they wake up.

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.

Are You Having Difficulty Breathing While At Work?

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Do you experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness while you are at work? Do these symptoms seem to go away when you are on vacation or away from work? There is a possibility that you may have a condition called occupational asthma.

As defined by Medicine.net, “Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by exposure to a particular substance in the workplace. Occupational asthma is not the same as previously diagnosed asthma that is worsened by being at work (this condition would be called work-aggravated asthma).”

There are several substances or triggers that can cause occupational asthma attacks. The most common are chemicals used in insulation, packing materials, paints or resins. Other irritants include metals such as nickel sulfate, smoke, gases and plant substances such as wheat, hemp or cotton.

Additional symptoms of this disease can include: inflammation of the lining around the eyes, runny nose, tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. Symptoms may get worse during the work week and go away after you have left work. They can also continue to occur both at work and outside of work. The longer you are exposed to the cause of the asthma attacks is the more likely you can develop long-lasting symptoms.

Some people are more at risk for developing occupational asthma. You may have an increased risk if you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you have a pre- existing asthma or allergy condition, you are a smoker or you work in an environment that has asthma triggers.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of occupational asthma it is advised that you see a physician as soon as possible because asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Upon your visit to the doctor, he (she) may perform a series of tests such as pulmonary function, spirometry or peak flow measurement. Treatments and suggestions may include wearing a mask or respirator while working as well as prescribed medications.

To make an appointment with the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Urologists Warn: Stay Hydrated This Summer to Avoid Kidney Stones

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Michael Hinck

You are out on a hot summer day participating in some type of physical activity and you feel a sudden sharp pain on your side or back. While the pain could be a number of things, there is a good chance that you have a kidney stone.

With summer’s heat and more increased physical activity, dehydration is a much more likely occurrence. With adequate hydration, calcium and other crystal forming substances cannot concentrate in the urine, but when someone is dehydrated, there is not enough fluid to dilute these substances, potentially causing kidney stones to form. Even though kidney stones are less than a centimeter in size, they can still cause intense discomfort.

Urologists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offer the following tips to reduce your chances of developing kidney stones this summer:

• Drink enough water – If you’re prone to kidney stones, your best defense is to stay hydrated during hot summer months. Hot temperatures make your body lose more water than usual, so it is important to replenish it throughout the day. You may need more than 64 ounces of water per day, depending on your weight and activity level.

• Eat less meat – A diet rich in animal protein can increase your risk for kidney stones, so try to minimize your consumption of burgers and other barbeque favorites and substitute them with other protein sources, such as beans, nuts and seeds.

• Limit your salt intake – Excess salt absorbs water in your system, which can also dehydrate you. Limit your daily sodium intake to 1500 mg or less per day by avoiding fast food, reading nutrition labels when you buy groceries, and cooking with less salt and more herbs and spices.

• Drink less caffeine – Even though you may think you are getting enough liquid by consuming caffeinated sodas, coffee, or tea, caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can dehydrate you

Kidney stones sometimes do not cause symptoms. If the crystals are small enough, they may pass through urinary tract and out of the body without being felt. However, if a stone is large enough to attract attention, the first symptom is usually severe pain in the back and side that begins when the stone moves into the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine. The pain may later spread to the groin and lower abdomen. Other symptoms include a persistent urge to urinate, painful urination, and pink, red, or brown urine

Seek medical attention if you have pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting or fever and chills, or if pain is so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position.

Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Urology offers a wide variety of treatment options for those suffering with kidney stones as well as many other conditions. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7110.

Facts and Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

acupuncture 115527170 The practice of acupuncture originated in China and can be traced as far back as 2,500 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and illness occurs when the energy (Chi) which flows throughout the body along pathways (meridians) is blocked or interrupted. Inserting very thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body will unblock that energy, allowing it to flow freely and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment with traditional western medicine. It is commonly known to help relieve pain and nausea; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that acupuncture is effective in providing therapeutic treatment for an estimated 28 health conditions.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments are:

Depression
Rheumatoid arthritis
Peptic ulcers
Acute and chronic gastritis
Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
Stroke
Renal colic

As with any form of medical treatment there are risks associated with acupuncture. This treatment can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. If needles are unsterilized you may run the risk of contracting an infection. It is possible, although very rare for needles to break and cause damage to internal organs or needles to be inserted too deeply into the upper back or chest causing lungs to collapse. It is advised that you seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist as this will ensure that required guidelines are being followed.

Generally speaking acupuncture is safe and can be combined as a method of treatment with traditional medicine. Speak with your physician to further discuss the safety of acupuncture and how it can potentially benefit your health.

Colorectal Surgery

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

A colorectal surgeon performs procedures on the intestinal tract, anus, rectum and peri-anal area of the body. One of the commonly treated conditions that they treat are hemorrhoids.
A hemorrhoid is a condition that occurs when veins in the anus and lower rectum become inflamed. They can be either internal (inside the lower rectum) or external (under the skin in the peri-anal area). They can be the result of repeated straining during a bowel movement and can also occur during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are common, and by the age of fifty approximately half of the adults have experienced them to some extent. This is due to the aging process of the tissues that support the veins in the peri-anal area.
• Symptoms of hemorrhoids include
• Discomfort in the anal area
• Swelling in the anal area
• Bright red bleeding during a bowel movement
• Bumps around the opening of the anus
Depending on the severity of the hemorrhoid, different treatment options exist. In mild cases, hemorrhoids may be able to be treated with creams or ointments. Changing the diet to include more fiber and adding a stool softener may also help. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary. A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical correction of this condition.
The surgery department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers colorectal diagnostic imaging and board certified surgeons who can treat all forms of colorectal disorders. In addition to hemorrhoids, some of the other conditions that they can treat are polyps, rectal prolapse, colon cancer, fissures, and abscesses. To schedule an appointment please call 718-206-7110.

Why Do We Get Grey Hair?

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Some think having grey hair makes them appear distinguished or intelligent; others just think it makes them look old. Either way, grey hair is a natural sign of aging for all of us, but why does our hair turn grey and why does it happen to some people earlier in life than others?

Each strand of hair on our head is surrounded by a tube of tissue called a follicle. These follicles contain pigment cells that produce the chemical, melanin, which gives our hair its color. As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and the hair will become a more transparent color — like grey, silver, or white as it grows.

People can get grey hair at any age. How early we get grey hair is determined by heredity. When you’re born, your genes are already hardwired for when and how quickly your hair will turn grey. This means that most of us will start developing grey hairs when our parents or grandparents did. This also applies to those who turn grey prematurely—people who grey before age 30 usually do so because it runs in their family.

While some researchers say that your genes are solely responsible for grey hair, others say that there seems to be a connection between greying and stress. While this may be true, the belief that a single traumatic or shocking event will cause your hair to suddenly turn grey is not true. Hair, once grown, doesn’t change color, so waking up with a head of white hair isn’t going to happen.

Another myth is that if you pluck one grey hair, it will cause three new ones to grow in its place. This old wives’ tale is simply not true. Each follicle can contain only one hair, and plucking it won’t make it able to produce multiple hairs. What happens to one follicle has no bearing on others.

So whether you plan to embrace your grey hair or cover it with any number of dyes and other concealing products, just know that there is no avoiding it – if and when you turn grey has already been decided.

ADHD

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder diagnosed in children, as well as found in teens and continue into adulthood. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD tend to be hyperactive, have difficulty staying focused, and can’t control their impulses. Boys tend to be affected more frequently than girls. There isn’t a definite cause for the illness but there is a hereditary component, or result of a chemical imbalance in people who are diagnosed with ADHD. Mothers who smoke, drank alcohol, had poor nutrition, or were substance abusers during their pregnancy tend to have children with a higher incidence of the disease.
Children with ADHD:
• Are easily distracted
• Have trouble sitting still
• Have trouble waiting their turn
• Have difficulty organizing themselves
• Talk excessively
ADHD cannot be cured but can be managed through therapy and medication. Dr. Teresita Ruiz a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, recommends that a parent who suspects their child is showing signs of abnormal behavior, seek professional help for an evaluation. Early intervention is an important component of successfully managing ADHD. To schedule an appointment with a child psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7160.

A Parent’s Guide to Chicken Pox

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Chicken pox is a common childhood infection that is highly contagious and caused by the varicella- zoster virus, the same virus that causes shingles. The virus can spread by contact with skin and clothing or by the exchange of bodily fluids which can be transferred by sneezing and coughing.

Chicken pox is characterized by itchy red bumps which can eventually develop into blisters. Additional symptoms associated with chicken pox are fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and body aches.

If left untreated chicken pox may lead to other complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, inflammation of the brain or toxic shock syndrome.

The first step parents should take in treating a child with chicken pox is bringing them to see their pediatrician to confirm that they have the virus. If diagnosed with chicken pox, there are several methods of treatment the physician may choose. Your pediatrician may prescribe antiviral medications and will advise you to keep your child at home and away from others who are at risk for contracting the virus.

While at home, there are several remedies and practices that you can use to bring relief to your child. Some of which include:

Ensuring proper hydration.
Adding oatmeal or baking soda to baths.
Applying calamine lotion to relieve itching.
Gargling salt mixed in warm water to bring relief to mouth sores.
Trimming fingernails or covering hands to prevent scratching. Scratching can lead to an infection.

The best way to prevent chicken pox is to get your child vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children should receive two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is usually given around 12-15 months of age and the second at around 18 months. If you believe your child has chicken pox and would like to make an appointment with a pediatrician please call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718 206 7050.

Honey Hastens Healing

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that out of all areas in the home, the kitchen is number one for getting burns and did you, also, know that the kitchen is a place you can find home remedies for that burn?

While most minor burns will heal on their own, there are home treatment remedies that can relieve your symptoms and promote healing, such as:

Honey – Honey has long been a remedy to disinfect wounds and heal burns. When applied to a burn, honey draws out fluids from the tissues, effectively cleaning the wound. You may also apply the honey to a gauze bandage, which is less sticky than direct application. On a piece of sterile gauze, place a dollop of honey and put the bandage directly on the burn, honey-side down. The dressing should be changed three to four times per day.
Additional home remedies for burns that can be found in your kitchen are:
Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths can help relieve the itch while the burn is healing
Tea bags – Tea bags contain tannic acid and help draw the heat from a burn. Gently dab the liquid, from a luke-warm water moistened tea bag, on the burn site.
Vinegar – Vinegar works as an astringent and antiseptic on minor burns and helps prevent infection. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water, and rinse the burned area with the solution.
Cool water. – While ice is nice for sore muscles, cool water is the best liquid refreshment for burned skin. Ice can restrict blood flow to the burn site and further damage delicate tissues. Instead, gently run cool water or place cool compresses over the burn site for ten minutes. Do this as quickly as possible, preferably within seconds of getting a burn. Cool water not only feels good but will help stop the burn from spreading, and the sooner you run cool water on the burn, the greater the effect will be to reduce it.

Do’s and Don’ts to avoid burns:

DO lower the temperature of your hot-water heater to below 120 degrees F. A second-degree burn can happen within seconds in water that’s hotter than 120 degrees.
DO turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
DO keep that steaming cup of java out of a child’s reach, which means off the coffee table or other low-lying areas.
DON’T ever leave a child unattended in the kitchen.
DO make the stove area off-limits to children.
DO put a childproof lock on the oven door.
DO keep oven mitts and potholders handy when cooking.

You can try these remedies for minor burns, but if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, please seek medical treatment immediately.

Follow Proper Roadside Safety This Summer

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Michael Hinck

As summer approaches, most Americans are beginning to plan vacation “road trips” to the beach, amusement parks, and other destinations. With more families on the road, the chances of roadside accidents increase as well. Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Center wants to take this opportunity to advise motorists on what to do (and what not to do) if your car breaks down on the road.

Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, engine failure, or a fender bender, every year millions of Americans encounter some form of vehicle trouble. If you find yourself in one of these situations, responding appropriately and taking proper precautions can mean the difference between life and death. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 59,000 pedestrians are injured during roadway crashes every year, with roughly 4,000 people killed, accounting for 12% of traffic accidents.

Follow these tips to ensure proper roadside safety to avoid making a bad situation even worse:

• Know your location. Look for street signs, restaurants, mile markers, or other surrounding identifiers so when you call for help, it will arrive with minimal delay.

• If you get stuck, make sure your vehicle is as visible as possible. Put your hazard lights on immediately. If you have them in your trunk, use flares, reflective lights or brightly colored flags as well. Another trick to bring attention to your car is to lift the hood.

• If you are able to, get your car out of the line of traffic. Moving your car onto highway shoulders, medians, and exit ramps are all safer options than leaving it in the middle of the road. Never try to repair or assess damage to your car on a busy highway.

• Once you are away from traffic, the safest choice is to remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. This is a much better option than waiting outside your car for assistance. If you must get out of your car, make sure to get out on the side furthest from the flow of traffic.

• If you cannot get off the road, do not stay in your vehicle. Exit your car or truck with extreme caution and get to a safe, out-of-the-way location and wait for help to arrive.

Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Department wants you to remember that if you encounter a roadside emergency, your well-being and that of your family should be your number one priority. Following proper roadside safety precautions and using good judgment will have a direct bearing on your personal safety.