Cardiomyopathy

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Cardiomyopathy is a disease which causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thickened or rigid. The cause of cardiomyopathy is often unknown; however, many believe genetics or previous and chronic heart disorders are contributing factors. Cardiomyopathy is not specific to any age group but it is more prevalent among adults.

This condition may lead to weakening of the heart, which makes it incapable of pumping sufficient blood throughout the body and maintaining a normal electrical rhythm.

The inability of the heart to function properly can potentially cause heart valve problems, heart failure and arrhythmias. Additional complications that can also occur include fluid build-up of the lungs, ankles, feet, legs and abdomen.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary. In the early stages of the disease, there may not be any symptoms but as the condition advances, they begin to appear. Some symptoms may include:

Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest.
Coughs.
Fatigue.
Irregular heartbeats which are rapid, pounding or fluttering.
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting.

Cardiomyopathy cannot be reversed or cured; it can be controlled with lifestyle changes and treated with medications such as diuretics, surgically implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. As a last resort heart transplant surgery may be recommended.

It is advised that you see your doctor if you have one or more of the symptoms associated with cardiomyopathy. You can contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Cardiology at 718-206-7100 for an appointment and evaluation.

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.

6 Home Remedies for Constipation

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all experienced constipation at some point in our lives. The experience can be painful and uncomfortable. Constipation is a condition of the digestive system that occurs when bowel movements are less frequent than normal (two or fewer in a week) and is difficult to pass. There are several causes for constipation some of which are: not enough fiber in the diet, eating large amounts of dairy products, medication and the most common culprit-insufficient fluid intake.

There are several home remedies that you can try to get relief from constipation, they include:

Drinking Epsom salts with water- This mixture is excellent for constipation because the salt softens the stool and the magnesium helps in contracting the muscles in the bowels.
Taking a tablespoon of olive oil- Olive oil is known to stimulate the digestive system and can help in moving waste through the colon.
Eating fiber- Adding natural fibers from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet can help in softening stool and making it bulkier.
Drinking Aloe Vera juice- Aloe Vera juice can be used to soothe the discomfort that can be caused by constipation.
Consuming prunes or prune juice- Prunes work as a natural laxative and is a common cure. This fruit is rich in fiber and contains sorbitol, which soften stools.
Drinking lots of water or fluids- consuming fluids help in softening the stool, making it easier to pass.

Following these simple home remedies can help relieve constipation and decrease irregularity. If your constipation persists for three weeks or more or you have spotted blood in your stool, please see your doctor immediately. Constipation that is left untreated for too long can lead to health complications such a hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse.

Medical Items You Should Bring On Vacation

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

With spring recess only days away many people are planning vacations and getaways. Here are a few suggested medical or protective items you should bring along to help keep your family and loved ones safe :

Medical thermometers.
Band Aids and bandages.
Antihistamines; such as Benadryl.
Antiseptic pain relieving sprays.
Painkillers
Tweezers
Eye wash solutions.
Alcohol pads.
Antibiotic ointments.
Digestive aids such as antacids or diarrhea medication.
Prescriptions in their original and labeled bottles.
If you have a chronic health condition it is recommended that you bring a letter from you doctor describing your condition and treatment.
Antifungal creams.
Cough and fever medicine.

Helping Your Children Cope With Loss

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult for most adults, so imagine how hard the process must be for children. How do we explain death and help them get through it?

How much a child understands about death and how they grieve depends on a number of factors including their age, stage of development, life experiences, temperament and personality. While recognizing that an individualized approach to helping children with the grieving process, here is some general information about how children of different ages process death.

• Young children, ages 5-6 years old have a hard time comprehending death. They only understand the world in literal terms. Try to keep explanations very simple and avoid euphemisms, such as the deceased loved one “went away” or “is sleeping” as it might confuse or scare them.

• After age six and up until approximately age ten, kids begin to grasp the finality of death, even if they don’t realize it’s natural for every living thing to die at some point. They also might not understand why death occurs and may think that they have some control over it. At this age, it is best to provide children with accurate and honest explanations.

• As children become teenagers, they begin to understand that all life ultimately comes to an end and there is no avoiding it. At this point they begin to have questions about their own mortality and vulnerability. The best thing to do as a parent is to encourage them to grieve and express their feelings.

Regardless of how old they are, there are a few suggestions that all parents should follow when trying to help a child deal with loss. Experts urge parents to be honest and encourage questions, even if they don’t have all the answers. Create an atmosphere of comfort and openness and send a message that there is no right or wrong way to feel. If you have spiritual beliefs, it is okay to share them with your child as well.

The choice of whether or not to have your child attend a funeral or memorial service is a personal one. If you do allow them to attend, explain beforehand what they will encounter. Share information on religious customs that might be practiced at a service as well. Many parents worry about exposing their children to their own emotional grief, but permitting them to see you in pain shows them that crying is a natural reaction to pain and loss.

While most children do not grieve in the same manner as adults, it is important for parents to watch for signs that a child needs help coping with loss. If your child’s behavior changes radically, seek help. Doctors, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals can all provide assistance. You can also research books and websites for additional tips to help your child manage their grief.

Jamaica Hospital offers a comprehensive Palliative Care Service that assists patients and their families, including children, by providing psychological support and bereavement counseling. For more information, please call 718-206-6919.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Coronary artery disease is the process where blood vessels within the heart have diminished flow of blood passing through them. The disease happens when plaque develops in the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque is composed mainly of cholesterol. If you are a male over the age of 45 or a female over the age of 55 you may be at higher risk. Heredity also plays a role in coronary artery disease.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease:
• Chest pain
• Feeling tired
• Heart palpitations
• Abnormal EKG
• Shortness of breath
Conservative treatment of coronary artery disease includes taking medications to help the flow of blood throughout the heart and the rest of the body. Taking a baby aspirin every day can also help in some cases. Diet and lifestyle changes are also recommended.
A surgical procedure, known as coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( CABG ) involves taking a vein from another part of the body, usually the leg but can also be from the chest or wrist, and bypassing the blocked portion of the coronary artery. One or more coronary arteries may have to be bypassed and is frequently referred to as double bypass, triple bypass or quadruple bypass to indicate that number.
In some cases there are no symptoms of coronary artery disease. It is very important to have an annual physical exam with an EKG. If any abnormalities are detected on an EKG or if the patient has symptoms, further testing, stress test, echocardiography, and coronary angiography, will be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Jamaica Hospital offers full diagnostic capabilities of coronary artery disease. To make an appointment with a cardiologist please call 718-206-6742.

Why Do People Eat Dirt, Chalk or Other Non -food Items?

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Why are some people addicted to eating substances that are not food? The answer is that they may have an eating disorder known as pica. A common characteristic of the disorder is the consistent consumption of non-nutritive substances for at least one month.

There are several reasons why a person may be demonstrating behaviors associated with pica- it could be a chemical imbalance, a nutritional deficiency such as an iron deficiency or an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Pica-related behaviors should be addressed immediately because of the risk of complications that can occur. Individuals could expose themselves to serious infections and medical conditions such as parasitic infestations, ulcers, intestinal obstructions and tooth abrasions.

Symptoms and complications that are commonly linked with pica can include:

Eating sand or soil, this potentially leads to gastric pain and bleeding.
Consuming clay, which may cause constipation.
Ingesting paint, could put a person at risk for contracting lead poisoning
Eating metal objects, this could lead to bowel perforation.

Some people are more likely than others to be subject to this eating disorder. These individuals may include:

Pregnant women (Pica is most common in women with their first pregnancy; they may crave items such as ice or chalk).
10 to 32 percent of children between the ages of one to six.
Adults with OCD or schizophrenia.
People who are malnourished.
Individuals who are mentally or developmentally disabled.

There are several approaches that can be exercised in the treatment of pica. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A physician may run blood tests to determine if the reason for the disorder may be a result of a nutritional deficiency. If this is the case, nutrients that are lacking are supplemented. Another approach may be therapy to address mental health or environmental health issues. It is recommended that a resolution be sought immediately because if left untreated pica can persist for years and may cause irreversible damage.

Asthma v. COPD

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

Asthma, on the other hand, is considered a separate respiratory disease, but is occasionally mistaken for COPD because of its similar symptoms.

These symptoms include:

Chronic coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

The majority of COPD sufferers also have asthma, which is considered a risk factor for developing the disease. As you age, the likelihood of this duel-diagnosis increases.

COPD and asthma respond well to treatments such as smoking cessation and airway-opening medications like bronchodilators. At times, inhaled steroids are also needed. However, lung function is only fully reversible in asthma patients. A diagnosis of asthma, along with COPD, often means a significant decline in lung function as the COPD progresses. This progression is true even in patients with mild forms of the disease.

By nature of the similarity of the symptoms of COPD and asthma, many patients can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Early detection of COPD, especially in current or past smokers, is critical to preserving lung function “Undiagnosed or poorly controlled asthma and COPD can lead to a decreased quality of life by limiting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Teaching patients to take their medicine as prescribed, to never run out of their medications, and to keep their doctors’ appointments is essential to improving their outcomes.” Dr. Kamica Lewis.

If you think you may have symptoms of asthma or COPD, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment with a doctor for an evaluation.

How many muscles do we use take a single step forward?

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The answer? We use 200 muscles to take a single step forward.

Breastfeeding is Nutritious, Effective and FREE!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Joann Ariola

There are many factors to consider when choosing to breast feed or formula feed your baby.

The American Pregnancy Association recommends breastfeeding for most families because breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It is a nearly perfect mix of all the ingredients your baby will need to grow. Breast milk contains vitamins, protein, and antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses, as well as, being more easily digested than infant formula.

A mother’s milk is always the perfect temperature, does not have a preparation time and is readily available at any time and place.

There is also a great financial benefit to breastfeeding. Formula prices can range from $54.00 to $198.00 per month depending on the brand. The additional cost of bottles, nipples and preparation should also be factored into this expense.Breast feeding not only saves you time and money, it will give you time to relax quietly with your newborn and bond.If you have any questions about breastfeeding and would like to speak with a lactation specialist, call Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276.

Who Invented the Stethoscope

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Probably the one diagnostic instrument that is used by almost every health care professional around the world is the stethoscope. It was invented by a French physician, Rene Laennec, in 1816. The idea came to him one day when he noticed two young boys sending signals to one another across a long piece of solid wood and making scratching sounds with a pin. Dr. Laennec experimented with different types of materials until he finally decided upon a hollow tube of wood, 3.5 cm in diameter and 25 cm long. The stethoscope has evolved over the years as new materials were introduced but the basic concept of being able to listen to sounds from within the chest cavity remain the same.