How Safe is Hookah Smoking?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

Hookah smoking is a growing trend among teens and young adults. Though the practice of smoking specially-made tobacco from water pipes is believed by many to be a safe alternative to cigarette smoking, medical research has shown otherwise.

When one smokes hookah, tobacco is heated by charcoal in a smoke chamber. The smoke then passes through water and is drawn through a rubber hose to a mouthpiece. Hookah smoking typically takes place in a group setting and generally last about an hour.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “hookah smoking delivers the addictive drug nicotine, is as toxic as cigarette smoking, and poses several health risks.” In a typical hookah session, smokers take approximately 200 puffs, compared to cigarette smokers who average 20 puffs a session. Additionally, the volume of smoke inhaled during a hookah session is much higher than the smoke inhaled while smoking a cigarette, 90,000 milliliters compared to 600 milliliters.

It is also believed that the charcoal used to heat the tobacco increases toxicity levels of various compounds, including carbon monoxide and heavy metals. Therefore, hookah smoking is linked to lung and oral cancer, as well as reduced lung function. These are the same harmful health effects as cigarettes. Since hookah smoking involves using, and often sharing a mouthpiece, there is also the risk of developing and spreading infectious diseases, such as herpes, influenza, and hepatitis.

Although research on hookah smoking is still developing, there is enough evidence that suggest it is just as dangerous as cigarette smoking, if not worse. Hookah smoking and its use of flavored tobacco is marketed to young adults but it’s important to understand there is no such thing as smoking hookah safely.

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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.

Ear Infections and Your Child

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Ear infections are among the most common health conditions in young children and babies. However, some children are too young to tell you that they have ear pain. How can you tell if your child has an ear infection?

Look for the following symptoms, which are all signs of ear infections:

ear drainage
fever
trouble hearing
tugging on the ear, fussiness, or excessive crying
difficulty sleeping
difficulty eating or chewing

While ear infections are not always preventable, you can help minimize your child’s risk of developing them by keeping him or her away from second hand smoke and people with colds whenever possible. Frequent hand washing also helps. If your child has frequent ear infections it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for a complete evaluation.

Originating from germs found in the nose or throat, ear infections are easily treated. Over-the-counter pain medications can be given as needed for temporary relief. Ear infections may resolve by themselves, however depending on the severity, antibiotics may be needed. It is best to speak to your physician to determine the proper treatment.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

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Play It Safe

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

More than 3.5 million sports-related injuries occur each year, many of which are the result of exercising too vigorously without proper conditioning.

“Most injuries occur in muscles and ligaments, and only a small percentage involve broken bones,” says Joseph Bosco III, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Thoroughly
warming up and stretching muscles before engaging in rigorous exercise will greatly reduce the risk of injury.”

Gradually increasing your level of activity over a period of four to six weeks before high-intensity exercise is best. Performing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three days a week and working up
to 45 minutes four or five times a week is a safe way to build
endurance and prevent future injuries.

Proper Equipment
No matter your level of fitness, protective equipment should always be worn when participating in sports with a risk of head injury or falling at a high rate of speed. Sports such as biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, and baseball pose a risk of serious head injury if participants do not wear proper head protection. Wrist guards,
kneepads, and mouthpieces should also be worn when appropriate.

Hydration
Dehydration can occur before you realize the problem. Fluid intake before, during, and after a summer activity is recommended —especially when temperatures rise above 90 degrees. Drink one to two cups of water an hour before, at least one-half cup every 15 minutes during, and one cup 30 minutes after exercising. If you suffer a summer sports injury and need to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Orthopedics, please call 718-206-6923.

Dangers of Texting While Driving

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are one of the leading causes of death in the United States today. Each year, nearly 2.5 million Americans are treated in hospital emergency departments as a result of an MVA. While the numbers are staggering, Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Team wants everyone to know that most vehicle-related injuries are avoidable.

Jamaica Hospital operates a Level 1 Trauma Center, the highest designation to treat critically injured patients. Last year, Jamaica Hospital’s ER treated over 500 patients injured as a result motor vehicle accidents and the staff wants to offer the following tip to our community on how to avoid serious injury.

Stay Focused on the Road and Avoid Becoming a “Distracted Driver.”

Each day, more than 15 people are killed in accidents involving a distracted driver, a driver engaged in another activity that distracts them while driving. Distractions can impair a driver in three ways:

• Visually – Forcing the driver to take his or her eyes off the road
• Manually – Forcing the driver to take his or her hands off of the steering wheel
• Cognitively – Forcing the driver to take his or her mind off of driving while they are doing something else

While there are many forms of distractions for drivers, the type that has seen the largest increase in occurrences is texting while driving. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it impairs the driver’s visual, manual, and cognitive abilities. In a recent study by the CDC, 9% of U.S. drivers reported texting or emailing regularly or fairly often while driving.

Last year, nearly 6,000 people died and approximately another 500,000 were injured in automobile accidents that were reported to involve a distracted driver – and the numbers are steadily rising.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Team is well aware of the growing trend involving injuries and fatalities associated with texting and driving and they want to warn drivers to resist the urge to text “LOL” or you might end up “DOA!”

The Harmful Truth about High Heels

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

High heels can make you look long and lean, and can definitely add some glitz to your outfit—but unfortunately, that’s not all they’re doing. According to podiatrists at Jamaica Hospital, high heels, shoes with at least a two inch heel, can also lead to several medical problems.

“Prolonged wearing of high heels can lead to foot pain, ingrown toe nails, bunions, nerve damage, or damage to leg tendons,” explained Dr. Nicholas Camarinos, Chief of e at Jamaica Hospital. “Additionally, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, and overworking an injured leg muscle can also result from wearing high heels over time.”

These problems are likely to develop because the feet are forced into an unnatural position when they are in high heels, therefore placing increased weight on the toes. The incorrect redistribution of weight causes the body to lean forward and puts a strain on the back, knees, and hips. In addition, the change in posture also puts pressure on the nerves which can trigger numbness and pain throughout the entire body.

The conditions that result from wearing high heels don’t develop immediately. They occur from frequent high heel wear. Dr. Camarinos understands that it’s hard to discourage women from entirely eliminating heels from their wardrobe. Instead, he offers the following recommendations:

wear a sensible heel height or consider a wedged shoe
use insoles to help reduce the impact to your knees
wear the correct size shoe
wear heels on days you expect limited walking or standing
alternate shoes throughout the day or from day to day
stretch your calf muscles and feet a few times a day

“Ultimately, our advice isn’t to forbid women from wearing heels. Wearing heels are fine, as long as they aren’t worn all the time and for everything,” explained Dr. Camarinos. “Moderation is key.”

If you frequently wear high heels, are experiencing foot pain, and would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Podiatry at 718-206-6712.

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Cold Weather and Asthma

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

People who suffer from asthma definitely know the effects that cold air can have on their ability to breathe. When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease the symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time. Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside in cold weather. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

People with asthma know the effects it can have during the cold days of winter. Taking a few precautions can help minimize the effects of the cold air on the body.

The Benefits of Sleep

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Feeling tired? You’re not alone. According to The National Sleep Foundation, millions of Americans lack adequate sleep and suffer from a sleep disorder. To better help individuals get a good night’s rest, Jamaica Hospital has opened a brand new, state-of-the-art Sleep Center.

The Sleep Center staff is comprised of Board Certified Sleep Specialists and Respiratory Therapists who work together to diagnose and treat the following sleep disorders: narcolepsy (falling asleep suddenly during the day often without warning), sleep apnea (irregular interruptions in breathing during sleep), snoring, shift work sleep disorders (sleep difficulties stemming from working irregular hours or overnight shifts), and pediatric sleep disorders, such as night terrors.

“Our lives are consumed with work, family, and personal responsibilities, all of which greatly impact the time we get to rest,” said Dr. Mayank Shukla, Director of Sleep Medicine at Jamaica Hospital. “Inadequate sleep is considered the norm but we have to understand that sleep affects our overall health, so if you’re not getting enough rest, it’s important to find out why.”

Dr. Shukla adds that the various symptoms of a sleep disorder can include: daytime sleepiness, fatigue, falling asleep at inappropriate times, loud snoring, frequent nocturnal movements, nighttime chest pains, poor memory and concentration, and morning headaches.

Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center performs overnight tests, where a patient wears electrodes so that their breathing, brain waves, muscle movements, snoring, and heart rate can be monitored by a technician throughout the night. The testing environment is comfortable and homelike. Each patient room has soundproof walls for privacy and is furnished with a queen size bed, a flat screen television, and a DVD player. A continental breakfast is also available to patients before their morning departure.

“Sleep disorders and lack of sleep is a growing problem,” said Dr. Shukla. “People often ignore their continued sleepiness, not realizing that it can be the result of a sleep disorder. It’s important that people mention this problem to their doctor.”

If you have a sleep disorder or suspect that you have a sleep disorder and would like to schedule an appointment, ask your doctor to provide you with a referral to Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center.

Quit Smoking and Avoid Weight Gain

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Many people gain a few pounds when they quit smoking, some more than others. Research has shown that, on average, individuals can gain between two to 10 pounds once they stop smoking. This, however, shouldn’t affect your decision or effort to quit smoking, since weight gain is dependent upon your eating habits and your level of physical activity.

Smoking and Weight Gain
There are a several reasons why people gain a few pounds after they stop smoking. Smoking is known to increase the body’s rate of metabolism, which helps burn calories. Once someone stops smoking, their rate of metabolism may slow down, lessening the amount of calories they burn throughout the day. Over time this could lead to a weight gain.

Also, people who smoke tend to have an oral fixation. When they stop smoking, the act of chewing usually replaces the oral fixation for smoking and most people find themselves eating more. In addition, smoking also acts as an appetite suppressant, which also causes a person to eat more frequently once they stop the habit.

How to Avoid Weight Gain
Learning to eat healthy snacks and exercising will help keep weight under control. More specifically:

Eat foods that are low in calories but filling, such as carrots, apples, air popped popcorn or low fat yogurt
Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Exercise on a regular basis; join a gym, take the stairs, or walk whenever possible

Weight gain is a real concern for people desiring to kick the habit but fortunately, it can be minimized or completely avoided. The damage smoking causes the body is far greater than adding a few extra pounds. The decision to stop smoking can be the first step to leading a healthier life.

Please call 718-206-6742 if you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician who can help with smoking cessation.

The Power of Power Naps

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

An office protocol, that normally would have been grounds for termination, is now being considered for its many benefits. Several companies are now acknowledging the health benefits of a short nap during the workday, which include increased alertness, enhanced brainpower, and fewer sick days.

It is recommended that adults sleep for at least eight hours every night, however, research has shown that most individuals suffer from broken sleep and fail to get a good night’s rest. For these individuals, a short nap can help. A quick 15 to 20 minute power nap can provide the boost needed to effectively complete your workday.

There are several progressive companies, such as British Airways, Nike, Pizza Hut and Google, who are now seeking to reap these benefits. These companies have created designated nap rooms or “renewal rooms” for their employees, allowed their employees to bring a nap mat for the office, or simply encouraged their employees to sleep at their desk.

Some employers are now encouraging napping for the wellness of their employees. People who take daily 30-minute naps are 37 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t nap, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2007. Naps can also boost the immune system—theoretically leading to fewer sick days—and propel employees into their most alert, energetic, and creative states, say nap advocates. Believers in this protocol feel that a well-rested employee is a pleasant employee, noting that if you’re sleep deprived, you’re going to be moody.

Napping Further Explained
Naps can be broken down into four categories:

Planned napping, also known as preemptive napping, involves taking a nap before you get sleepy. It is a good thing to do if you know you’re going to have a late night.
Emergency napping is exactly as it sounds— taking a nap when you’re so sleepy that you can’t properly engage in your current activity.
Habitual napping is the practice of taking a nap at the same time every day.
Appetitive napping is the act of napping strictly for enjoyment.

As noted, napping increases alertness, learning capacity, memory and performance— and we have known this now for several decades. Naps can also reduce stress, as well as lower blood pressure, which is important for our overall health. So, with the research and results on “power napping,” it is safe to say that a well-rested employee is a more productive employee.

The Dangers of Energy Drinks

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

Whether they are used for a midday boost, as an all-night study aid, to enhance athletic performance, or for recreational consumption with alcohol, energy drinks or energy “shots” are used by a variety of people, for many different reasons, but concerns about their potential risks are now being raised.

Hospitals across the United States are reporting increased numbers of Emergency Room visits linked to the consumption of energy drinks. In 2009, over 113,000 people were taken to the E.R. due to complications from energy drinks, ten times the number reported in 2005, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

According to Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Jamaica Hospital, “one of the biggest potential risks associated with drinking these products is the effect on the heart. Containing over 35 mg of caffeine per ounce, energy drinks can possess nearly three times the caffeine as a cup of coffee. The consequences of ingesting such large amounts of caffeine include elevated blood pressure and accelerated heart rate.” In addition, energy drinks are loaded with sugar and taurine, an amino acid also know to boost heart rate.

Even though most agree that consuming energy drinks does not elevate blood pressure and heart rate enough to pose a threat to healthy individuals if taken in moderation, medical professionals do urge those with an existing heart disease to avoid energy drinks. People with hypertension or a heart arrhythmia have also been warned to stay away from these beverages.

It is also recommended that individuals do not combine energy drinks with alcohol. By mixing caffeine (a stimulant) with alcohol (a depressant) individuals have a difficult time gauging their level of impairment. Believing the caffeine has sobered them up, those who mix alcohol and energy drinks experience “wide awake impairment,” a feeling of increased alertness.

The marketing of energy drinks has sparked some controversy. They have been promoted to provide a quick boost of energy and many athletes have taken them to increase performance. Dr. Doughlin adds “The problem with this idea is, exercise already increases heart rate and blood pressure. Adding a boost of caffeine only puts unnecessary strain on the heart. In addition, caffeine is a known diuretic, causing athletes to lose water when they should be trying to stay hydrated”.

What many do not realize is that energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, and therefore, are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as soda or other drinks that contain caffeine. In fact, the manufacturers of these products often do not disclose the amount of caffeine they contain. Many lawmakers are now calling for increased regulations for the energy drink industry, including improved labeling disclosures.

Dr. Doughlin provides this tip for those who are looking for an alternative to energy drinks, “If you eat healthy, exercise daily and sleep between seven and eight hours every night, you will naturally have more energy.”