Health Beat

Making Your Mental Health a Priority This Year

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Many people experience chronic mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. These issues can be caused by a wide variety of factors, some of which can be directly changed or coped with in a healthy way.

As the new year begins, you can use this time to start identifying mental health issues you experience, some of the potential causes of those issues, and how you can work to improve them. Some specific steps you can take to start making positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health: Your physical and mental well-being are deeply intertwined and have a strong impact on one another. Improving your diet, developing a regular exercise routine, and getting enough sleep each night can lead to major improvements in your mood, outlook, and ability to think clearly, allowing you to cope more effectively with mental health challenges.

Recognizing positive things in your life: If your mind often drifts toward negative thoughts and emotions, it’s important to recognize and be thankful for aspects of your life that are positive. This can be anything from having a strong social support system of friends and family, simply having a roof to sleep under each night, or being in good physical health.

Developing effective coping mechanisms: Coping mechanisms are an important tool for anyone who experiences mental health problems. These strategies allow you to adjust the way you mentally process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy examples of coping mechanisms include:

Looking for ways to resolve the cause of distress, if possible
Viewing the problem from a different perspective
Talking to someone who supports you

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with the help of a psychiatrist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5575.

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.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that mainly affects people who are middle aged or older, but it can affect anyone at any age. There are more than three million people in the United States and 60 million people worldwide who suffer from glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Typically the disease starts to develop suddenly, often without symptoms, and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost before some people even notice a problem. It usually starts with loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve so that the brain isn’t able to receive images from the eyes. There are two types of Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma where pressure inside the eye increases on its own and damages the optic nerve and Secondary Glaucoma where another disease causes the pressure in the eye to increase and that results in optic nerve damage. Both types will eventually lead to blindness. Early detection of Glaucoma can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are very important. To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-5900.

How Does Winter Weather Increase Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

It’s important to be aware of the effects that cold, windy winter weather can have on your cardiovascular system. For some people, this weather can increase the risk of developing a serious medical problem; for others, particularly people who already have a cardiovascular condition, this weather can worsen the symptoms they experience and potentially lead to further complications.

The heart plays a vital role in maintaining your internal body temperature. If this temperature can’t stay above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, you could experience hypothermia, leading to potential symptoms such as a lack of coordination, fatigue, and confusion. To avoid this, your heart may have to work harder to keep you warm. This stress on your heart is even greater if you’re performing a physical outdoor activity, such as shoveling snow or jogging. You may begin to experience symptoms such as chest pain or even a heart attack.

There are certain steps you can take to protect yourself against these risks throughout the winter season. Some of these include:

Taking frequent breaks to rest while performing a physical activity
Wearing multiple warm layers (including at least one water-resistant outer layer)
Staying hydrated, particularly while performing a physical activity

If you have a heart condition, are at risk of developing one, or are experiencing symptoms, you should consult a cardiologist to explore the most effective precautions you can take to protect your health during the winter season. You can schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7100.

Tips for Safe Holiday Driving

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Many people drive to visit loved ones during the holiday season, making it important for them to exercise caution on the road.

Several potential hazards, such as weather conditions and drunk, rushed, or inattentive drivers, can make travel during this part of the year more dangerous. Some ways that you can manage these hazards and make the roads safer for everyone include:

Having a designated driver: Alcohol consumption (sometimes in large amounts) is common at many holiday gatherings, so it’s essential that everyone who plans to return home by car have a designated driver. Ideally, this person should drink as little as possible during the gathering. If they choose to drink, some rough estimates for how long they should wait before driving include:

1 hour for each shot of liquor
2 hours for each pint of beer
3 hours for each glass of wine

Remember: if you or your designated driver are too drunk to drive and no one else is available to get you home, you can (and should) use a car service such as Uber to return safely.

Sticking to the speed limit: If you’re stressed about arriving at your destination on time, it can be easy to rush and start driving faster than you should be without realizing it. This increases your risk of getting into an accident and makes the road more dangerous for other drivers around you, as well as anyone traveling in the car with you. Pay attention to how fast you’re driving and stay close to the speed limit.

Check weather conditions before driving: The cold weather that occurs during the holiday season can cause a variety of problems with your car, including icy roads, poorer visibility (if it’s snowing), dying car batteries, and thicker oil that struggles to circulate throughout your car. While you can’t always avoid these issues, it’s still important to be aware of how likely they might be, allowing you to better prepare for (and more easily manage) them if they occur.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center treats a high volume of motor vehicle collision injuries in New York City each day. To learn more, please call (718) 206-6000.

Yorkshire Pudding Recipe

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Enjoy the holiday season with this delicious recipe from the Food Network for Yorkshire Pudding. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/yorkshire-pudding-recipe-1943597

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack and damage the glands that produce and control moisture in the body.

Sjögren’s is classified into two types: primary and secondary. In primary Sjögren’s, there are no other autoimmune diseases present. Secondary Sjögren’s is diagnosed in someone who also has other rheumatic conditions.

Parts of the body that are most affected by the disease are the eyes and mouth. However, the skin, joints, kidneys, nerves, lungs, and thyroid can also be impacted over time.

Dry eyes and mouth are the most common symptoms of Sjögren’s. But people living with the disease may also experience:

Tooth decay
Vaginal dryness
Dry skin
Skin rashes
Joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle pain
Heartburn
Acid reflux
Shortness of breath
Light sensitivity

Health complications that could potentially develop as a result of Sjögren’s include:

Lymphomas
Damage to the nervous system
Gastroparesis
Eye infections
Abnormal liver function
Irritable bowel
Yeast infections
Recurrent bronchitis

The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown. Research suggests that a combination of genetics, environment, and hormones may be linked. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. These are:

Age – Sjögren’s is typically diagnosed in people older than 40
Gender- women are more likely than men to develop the disease
Rheumatic disease- having rheumatic conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Genetics- having one or both parents living with Sjögren’s

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome; however, there are several ways to treat and manage the disease. Treatment may include medication, the use of artificial saliva or tears, the use of special moisturizers or lubricants, hormone therapy, or tear duct surgery. Applying lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, increasing fluid intake, wearing protective glasses, increasing the humidity in your home, and reducing stress can help you manage symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, please contact your doctor to schedule an examination. Your doctor may diagnose the disease by conducting blood tests, eye exams, x-rays, or biopsies.

To schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001

Tips to Maintain Dental Health During the Holidays

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. While it is easy to get caught up in the merriment, we need be to be mindful of the effects all of the holiday festivities can have on our dental health. With sweet treats all around us, one particular cause of concern is how our teeth can be impacted.

Here are a few tips to help make sure we maintain good oral health into the new year:

Don’t forget your dental routine – No matter how busy you get this holiday season, don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene.
Eat healthy – Cookies and sweets are nice holiday treats, but instead of reaching for another candy cane, take a cue from the reindeer and fill your plate with vegetables, such as carrots.
Drink healthy – Avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks and juices with lots of sugar. Instead, drink water with fluoride in it to keep your teeth strong and healthy. If you want something bubbly, try carbonated water. If you must drink soda, use a straw to keep most of the acid off your teeth.
Be responsible while drinking alcohol – Aside from all the obvious reasons to be responsible when consuming alcohol, also know that it can affect your teeth. Red wine can stain your teeth and the acid in most alcoholic beverages can also be damaging.
Don’t skip your dental visit – We all know how hectic the holidays are, but whether it is a regular check-up or a visit to deal with an existing issue, it is important to make the time to honor your regular dental visit and not out it off until after the holidays.
Don’t use your teeth as a tool – Avoid using your teeth to tear open packages, tear tape or ribbons, or cracking nuts. These types of cations can lead to chips or breaks.
Stuff your stocking wisely – Sugary treats such as candy canes are a holiday staple, but try to limit the number of sweets in Christmas stockings that can lead to cavities. Use the holidays as an opportunity to replace everyone in the family’s toothbrush by dropping one in each stocking.

By following these simple dental tips, you can avoid being placed on Santa’s naughty list this year.

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

For many people, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Whether you’re experiencing financial difficulties, relationship issues with loved ones, or health problems that interfere with your ability to enjoy the holidays, it’s important to have effective ways to manage these causes of stress to prevent them from disrupting your holiday season. Some steps you may consider taking include:

Setting reasonable expectations for yourself: Circumstances such as cost or availability may sometimes make it difficult to accomplish certain things during the holiday season, such as getting an expensive gift for someone or hosting a big family dinner. To avoid stress, don’t over-extend yourself; instead, recognize what you can reasonably accomplish with the time and resources you have. Set realistic expectations for any gift-giving, hosting, or other responsibilities you have for the holidays.

Learning to de-escalate (or avoid) conflicts: Some holiday gatherings may bring family members together who don’t get along well. Conflict at these gatherings can create negative experiences for everyone involved, so it’s helpful to consider ways in which you can de-escalate them. If you’re hosting, try to steer the conversation into a more friendly direction; if the conflict escalates, remove the involved members from the gathering. Alternatively, it can also help to remove yourself from the situation, particularly if you’re one of the people directly involved in the conflict.

Keeping up with therapy: If you regularly attend therapy sessions for your mental health, try to maintain this schedule during the holiday season. While this part of the year can become extremely busy for many people, therapy can be an important outlet for stress, as well as a tool to help you learn coping mechanisms throughout the holidays.

If you need a psychiatrist to help you manage mental health problems, such as severe stress, that worsen during the holiday season, you can schedule a therapy appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry by calling (718) 206-5575.

Choosing Safe Toys For Children This Holiday Season

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The holiday season is the best time of the year to buy toys for children. However, parents are often overwhelmed by a larger selection, and choosing the best toy can become challenging. The most important thing to remember when choosing toys for toddlers is picking safe and appropriate toys for their age.

Each year hospital ERs are visited by over 200,000 young children, typically under the age of three, who have incurred toy-related injuries. These injuries can be avoided if parents keep these guidelines in mind when buying toys:

Carefully read warning labels
Do not buy toys with small and removable parts
Check to see if toys are on a recall list by visiting sites such as recalls.gov or cpsc.gov.
Avoid buying toys with parts that launch or projects
Do not purchase toys with sharp edges or points
Make certain that cords or strings are shorter than seven inches
Avoid buying toys that make extremely loud noises

Most toys come with warning labels that advise parents of potential choking hazards and compatibility by age group. Parents should pay close attention to these labels and do due diligence by researching toys and inspecting them for further dangers.

How Can Mold Impact Your Health?

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Mold growth is a common issue in many homes, and one that can cause a variety of medical problems. Many of the potential physical responses to mold exposure, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes, may occur more strongly in people who are allergic to mold or who have asthma. In some cases, severe reactions such as fever or shortness of breath can occur.

Mold is typically found in moist areas, such as parts of your home that have experienced flooding or leaks from your roof, windows, or pipes. It’s most likely to grow on wood-based products such as paper or cardboard, as well as some ceiling or floor tiles. Other materials that mold can grow on include:

Paint
Drywall
Carpet
Fabric
Insulation
Upholstery

You can often identify mold by its sight and smell. It often produces a musty odor and appears as one or more patches that are slimy, fuzzy, and/or discolored; these patches grow larger over time. Mold may also grow in places that are not easy to see, such as behind or under furniture, as well as inside pipes or walls. You can look for areas of your home where mold is most likely to grow by looking for signs of water stains or warping due to water damage.

If you notice signs of a mold problem in your home, make sure to identify the source of any water leakage and correct it, as well as discard any items with extensive mold growth or water damage that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Small areas of mold growth can be cleaned with soap and water, but for large-scale mold problems, it may be best to hire a licensed contractor to correct the issue.

If you are experiencing medical problems due to mold exposure, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.