Is your Erectile Dysfunction Just a Symptom?

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Erectile dysfunction, sometimes referred to as impotence, occurs when a man can no longer maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Having erectile trouble, from time to time, isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.

Having erectile dysfunction symptoms may cause stress, cause relationship problems, affect your self-confidence, and reduce your sexual desire.

A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

Erectile or other sexual problems are an issue for you or your partner
You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that may be linked to erectile dysfunction

Even though it may seem awkward to speak with your doctor about erectile dysfunction, go in for an evaluation. If problems achieving or maintaining an erection are due to an underlying health condition, addressing the problem may be enough to reverse your erectile dysfunction.

If treating an underlying condition doesn’t help, medications or other direct treatments may work.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call our Department of Urology at 718-206-7110.

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.

The Relationship Between Obesity and Sleep Disorders

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Michael Hinck

America’s expanding waistline may be responsible for another growing problem in our country – sleep apnea. Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and many of them are overweight or obese. In fact, the most common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in adults is obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. People with this condition often have trouble staying in a deep sleep because their throats close, blocking their airways. As a result, they partially awaken to start breathing properly. They don’t realize they’re waking up and may become very sleepy during the day.

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. People with sleep apnea are also at an increased risk of work and driving-related accidents, due to inadequate sleep at night. It’s important that anyone with signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea — especially loud snoring, repeated nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness speak with a physician.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. Making an effort to lose weight is the best way to help people sleep better. Recent studies have proven that weight loss can significantly improve and potentially eliminate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in obese individuals. If, however, weight loss attempts are not successful, a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where patients wear a mask connected to a machine that blows air into the throat, keeping it open while they sleep at night.

If you believe that you have sleep apnea, it is imperative that you get tested. Speak with your doctor and request a referral to a sleep center so experts can perform an overnight sleep study. Jamaica Hospital operates a three-bed, fully private, sleep center. For more information, please call 718-206-5916.

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The Origin of Aspirin

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Taking an aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains has become so commonplace, we don’t even give it a second thought. Have a headache, take an aspirin, have a backache, take an aspirin, a little fever, an aspirin will help with that. It provides relief and for many people, that is all that matters.

Aspirin, the generic term for acetylsalicyclic acid, has been widely used for over 100 years. It is derived from the compound called salicin which comes from the bark of the willow plant. Historically, the pain relieving effects of salicin have been known for thousands of years, having been described by Hippocrates in some of his writings.

In the early 1800’s, scientists in Europewere working with the extract derived from the willow tree to help provide pain relief. While the impure crystal form of this compound helped to relieve pain, it was so strong that it had very bad side effects on the stomach. Over time, scientists were able to obtain a purified version of this compound and combined it with sodium to neutralize this effect.

In 1899, a German chemist working for the Bayer company convinced his bosses to market this new wonder drug to the public, and it became one of the first all purpose pain relievers.. Initially, aspirin was sold as a powder and became available in 1915 in tablet form.

Aspirin’s effect as an anti-clotting medication, allows it to prevent strokes and heart attacks. While other medications such as ibuprofen have become available for pain relief in more recent years., aspirin is still used by many.

Household Pests: An Avoidable Asthma Trigger

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

Those annoying little insects and rodents commonly found in crowded inner-cities do more than just disgust people. They also trigger asthma.

According to the American Lung Association, pests, such as rats, mice, and cockroaches, produce allergens that aggravate asthma by inflaming the airway of the lungs and causing them to tighten. It is also being determined if allergens can actually cause asthma to develop in preschool aged children.

Pests produce allergens when they shed skin, leave behind waste products, or die. These pest-related asthma triggers, as well as the pesticides used to eliminate them, can worsen asthma. When possible, pesticides should be avoided.

“Asthma affects almost 20 million Americans and is one of the most chronic childhood diseases,” said Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital. “It accounts for countless work and school absences, as well as frequent emergency visits and hospitalizations. In crowded urban areas, such as New York City, the environment can play a role in the onset of symptoms.”
Instead, Dr. Roth suggests individuals take the following precautions to safeguard their homes:

Keep food sealed and stored properly
Clean kitchen floors and counters daily
Seal cracks and holes in homes
Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry

“If you’re aware of what triggers your asthma, you can take steps to avoid them, which can ultimately help prevent an asthma attack,” said Dr. Roth.

If you suffer from asthma and would like to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-6942.

Celiac Disease

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Katherine Mobila

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which an individual is unable to digest gluten, the name for the general proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley, as well as certain vitamins, medicines and lip balms.
Celiac disease is both a disease of malabsorption (nutrients are not absorbed properly) and an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. This intolerance to gluten triggers an immune response that damages and/or destroys villi, the tiny protrusions that line the small intestine and absorb nutrients from foods such as fat, calcium and iron into the bloodstream. Without the properly functioning villi, nutrients will fail to reach the bloodstream and an individual with celiac disease can become malnourished.

There are many causes and triggers of celiac disease, which include:
• Genetic
• Surgery
• Childbirth
• Pregnancy
• Viral infection
• Severe emotional stress or trauma

Symptoms of celiac disease include:
• Digestive problems (bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea, and weight loss)
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis (a severe skin rash)
• Iron deficiency anemia (a low red blood cell count)
• Muscle cramps
• Growth problems (mostly found in children)
• Seizures
• Tingling sensation in the legs
• Mouth sores
• Missed menstrual period

Celiac disease can be diagnosed by a series of blood tests that examine gluten auto-antibodies and by a minor bowel biopsy to assess gut damage. Since gluten is a staple in the average person’s diet, it is important to continue eating this protein until the tests are completed and evaluated for the most accurate diagnosis.
The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free diets are mainly composed of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and most dairy products. Healthy, gluten-free alternatives to wheat and grains include almond meal flour, corn, quinoa, potatoes, and soy flour.
If you think you have celiac disease, a doctor can perform tests to diagnose your condition. For more information, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Gastroenterology Department at 718-206-7001.

How to Control Diabetes With Exercise

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Joann Ariola

The three cornerstones in the treatment of diabetes are food, medications, and activity. Of these three, activity is often a first choice for the person who has diabetes. Moving toward a more physically active life is generally inexpensive, convenient, usually produces great rewards in terms of blood glucose control and a general feeling of well-being.

Whenever you actively use a muscle, you burn both fatty acids and glucose. During and after periods of activity, your falling glucose level is sensed by the beta cells in your pancreas, and they relax their output of insulin.

This gives your beta cells a break from excessive insulin production. In addition, the lower insulin levels signal your liver to empty its glucose reserves (glycogen) into the blood to supply the muscles with needed energy.

As physical activity continues, the liver converts amino acids, lactic acid, and fats into glucose to supply the muscles. If the activity continues long enough, even the body’s fat cells are affected. They compensate for the reduced fatty acid levels in your blood by converting their stored triglycerides into fatty acids.

When all of these steps are considered, it’s easy to see why using your muscles is the perfect treatment for diabetes.

Exercising can:

Lower blood glucose
Lower Fatty Acid levels in your blood
Reduce the workload of your pancreas

Becoming more physically active is not completely without risks for people with diabetes. On the other hand, remaining sedentary is no bargain, either; it does nothing to help your glucose control, your weight management, or your overall well-being. To gain the benefits of increased physical activity and minimize potential risks, you need to understand and evaluate those risks up front and take steps to prevent problems before they occur.

Before you increase your activity level, you need to account for any diabetic complications or related conditions that may be present. Some types of activity may not be wise for people with certain medical conditions. Any activity that includes straining, such as weight lifting, can dramatically increase blood pressure during the actual activity, further aggravating any hypertension that may be present.

Assistance For Women Who Choose to Breastfeed

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Michael Hinck

For women who choose to breastfeed, but can’t nurse all the time, a breast pump is necessary. Yet, the costs of buying or renting one can be a major expense.

Now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), women who are returning to work, want their spouse to participate in feedings, or who can’t breastfeed because of medical reasons, can pump and not worry about the associated costs.

The ACA is a law that was implemented by President Obama in 2010 and became effective in 2012. The main purpose of the ACA is to improve the quality and accessibility of health insurance coverage for Americans, as well as decrease the costs. Part of the ACA mandates that health care plans now cover the costs of equipment and consultations necessary to help mothers take care of their babies. This provision includes the cost of breast pumps, breast feeding supplies, and lactation support.

Individual health plans have different coverage allowances, supplies, vendors, and timelines required to request a breast pump. It’s important to ask your insurance company the right questions when determining what your plan covers. Benefits vary, as some insurance plans will cover the cost of a double electric pump, while others will only cover a manual hand pump. Benefits may also vary if your baby has a medical condition, such as prematurity or Down Syndrome.

If you intend on obtaining a breast pump through your heath insurance plan, start researching your coverage early. It’s important to check out all the available options for breast pumps. Here are some questions you might want to ask your provider:
�
• What types and brands of pumps are covered (hospital-grade rental, double or single electric, manual pump)?
• Do I need to go through a durable medical equipment supply company to obtain a breast pump?�
• Is it possible to purchase a breast pump out-of-network and be reimbursed? If so, how much will I be reimbursed?
• When will I be able to get a breast pump – before or after I deliver?�
• Do I have to submit proof of medical necessity in order to acquire a breast pump? If so, do I need a letter of medical necessity and/or a physician order?�
• Is there a rental breast pump option? If so, what does it cover?

The Affordable Healthcare Act applies to you if you have private or commercial medical insurance. The ACA became effective on August 1, 2012. Once the plan went into effect, insurance companies had one year to implement a fee structure and details of the benefits for each specific health care plan.

Earwax: A Common Cause of Earaches

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Michael Hinck

If you are experiencing earaches or partial hearing loss, the problem might be excessive ear wax buildup.

Ear wax serves an important purpose. It traps harmful bacteria and other small particles, preventing them from entering the ear. It also coats the skin of the ear and serves as a water repellant.

Everyone produces ear wax. It is produced by tiny hair follicles and glands in the ear canal. For most, the wax usually falls out on its own or while washing. For others however, the glands produce more ear wax than can be naturally removed. Those with smaller ear canals might also experience ear wax buildup because a narrower ear canal may have a more difficult time pushing the wax out. When this excess wax fails to fall out, it can harden in the ear canal and become impacted.

The misuse of cotton swabs greatly contribute to ear wax build-up because when used incorrectly, they push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage. Hearing aids and ear buds can similarly cause ear wax impactions.

There are many symptoms of ear wax impaction, including:

Dizziness
Pain
Plugged or fullness sensation
Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Partial & progressive hearing loss

In fact, wax blockage is one of the most common reasons for hearing loss

Blockage due to ear wax build-up is a ear problem doctors frequently see, affecting about 6% of all Americans, but it is easily treatable. A doctor can examine and diagnose ear wax buildup using an otoscope. There are a variety of over-the-counter drops designed to soften the wax. A bulb syringe can also be used to gently flush the ear with warm water. If these remedies don’t work, a doctor can suction the ear canal or remove impacted wax with a curette.

If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to an infection. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Audiology Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Katherine Mobila

Rheumatic heart disease, also known as RHD, is a chronic heart disease that is caused by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is the result of an untreated or severe case of streptococcal infection, or strep throat. RHD is considered one of the most common forms of heart disease and is frequently found in children, especially in developing countries and poverty-stricken areas.

Symptoms of rheumatic fever include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Swollen and painful joints
• Rashes
• Involuntary movements of the body, also known as Sydenham’s chorea, a temporary nervous system disorder

Rheumatic fever is caused by a severe, inflammatory reaction to strep throat. The body produces antibodies that are meant to fight the infection’s bacteria, but instead attack the body’s tissue. These antibodies usually begin by attacking joint tissue and, if untreated, continue to attack the heart and the tissue surrounding it.

Factors that contribute to rheumatic fever are a weak immune system and poor living conditions. If this disease persists or reoccurs, it can cause valve damage, which can lead to heart disease, heart failure, and, in some cases, death.

Rheumatic fever can be prevented by treating strep throat during its early stages. If you are experiencing a sore throat without common cold symptoms and have a fever of 101 Fahrenheit or above, it could be strep throat. Strep throat is commonly treated by a 10-day oral antibiotic or one intramuscular penicillin injection. In order to prevent rheumatic fever from reoccurring, it is important to receive regulated injections of antibiotics, which are given for an extended period of time, also known as secondary prevention.

If you have strep throat that has gone untreated and may have rheumatic fever, seek medical attention immediately at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Family Medicine Department. For more information, please call 718-206-6942.

Diabetes and Your Kidneys

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Michael Hinck

The kidneys serve an important function – to filter waste products from the blood. For people with diabetes, however, the small blood vessels in the kidneys can become injured and fail to clean the blood properly.

Waste products are created when our bodies digest food. In the kidneys, millions of tiny blood vessels act as filters for this waste. As blood flows through the blood vessels, small molecules, such as waste products, squeeze through these holes and produce urine. Useful substances, such as protein, are too big to be filtered and remain in the blood.

A high level of blood sugar can damage the kidneys and after many years of strain, they start to leak and these useful proteins are lost into the urine. This overwork to compensate for a failing filtering system is the reason why there are no early symptoms of kidney disease. In fact, kidney damage can begin 5 to 10 years before symptoms start.

SYMPTOMS
The first symptom of kidney disease is often weight gain due to fluid buildup. Other symptoms include swelling of the ankles and legs, frequent urination, nausea, poor appetite, loss of sleep, and fatigue.

“Not everyone with diabetes develops kidney problems, but it is still important for anyone with diabetes to have their kidney function checked on a yearly basis” states Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital, “A doctor can check blood pressure, urine (for protein), blood (for waste products), and other organs for related complications. When kidney disease is diagnosed early, there are several treatments available to prevent kidney disease from getting worse.”

Diabetics can also manage of their condition by keeping their blood sugar and blood pressure under control. Eating a low fat and low sodium diet, taking proper medications, and getting regular exercise can also help prevent or slow kidney damage.
Failure to diagnose and take proper action to slow or prevent kidney disease can result in the kidneys completely failing. At this point, the only options are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

If you have diabetes and want to make an appointment to have your kidneys examined, please call 718-657-7093.

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