Health Beat

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Jonathan Macias

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Dr. Jonathan Macias, the new hematologists-oncologists at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center located on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center campus.

Dr. Hoilett obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. As a general hematologist and medical oncologist at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. Hoilett treats a wide range of conditions, including various types of cancer (such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers), hematological disorders (such as anemia, leukemias, and lymphomas), and complications related to these diseases. “My focus is on providing comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of my patients”, he said.

Dr. Macias is board-certified in internal medicine and received his medical degree at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine after obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. He then completed his residency at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. Dr. Macias, says about his work as a hematologist-oncologist, “Cancer is complicated, but new treatments are always being discovered, which keeps my job exciting.” He also says that he loves getting to know his patients over time and being there for them, whether through tough times or celebrating with good news. “Being able to give my patients hope and improve their lives is why I chose this job. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when I see the difference I can make in their life”, he said.

Dr. Hoilett’s journey into medicine was deeply influenced by his experiences with cancer in his community. He explains, “Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact of this disease on individuals and families, including my aunt who passed away from breast cancer.” These experiences helped spark his interest in oncology and the biology of cancer “compelling me to understand how such a devastating illness could affect lives.” He became increasingly aware of the disparities in healthcare access faced by those from less fortunate backgrounds, fueling his desire to specialize in oncology, where he could provide advanced medical care and advocate for health equity. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in care and building trust within the healthcare system to ensure that all patients receive the support they need during their treatment journeys.

Similarly, Dr. Macias was inspired to pursue medicine because he wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. “I loved learning about how the human body works and how to treat illnesses”, he says. “My family also played a big part in my decision to go into medicine.” Dr. Macias wanted to help them through their recovery whenever they got sick. “The idea of being able to help my family when they are sick or injured motivated me to be able to do the same for my patients.”

For Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias, deciding to work at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center comes down to wanting to serve the community. Dr. Hoilett is excited about joining the team and having the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals who share the commitment to improving cancer care in the community. “The affiliation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center enhances our capabilities, allowing us to offer cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials locally”, Dr. Hoilett says. He hopes to bring advanced medical treatments and a strong emphasis on health education and outreach by addressing the unique healthcare barriers faced by our diverse population. “I aim to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. I want to emphasize my commitment to health equity and community outreach initiatives.” Dr. Hoilett believes that by actively engaging with the community, we can improve access to care and ensure that all patients receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Macias was drawn to the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a diverse community. “Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, I had to help my family find doctors and get them to appointments. I appreciate the collaborative environment at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, where multidisciplinary teams work together to address complex medical issues and provide culturally competent care.” The supportive atmosphere among staff and the emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth further solidified his decision to work at the hospital. He believes that working at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center will enable him to contribute positively to the community while advancing his medical skills. “I hope to connect patients with the latest treatments and easy access to clinical trials when needed.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias to our team. We look forward to the work they and the rest of the Oncology and Hematology Departments will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

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.

Lazy Eye in Children

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Lazy eye or amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The weaker or lazy eye often wanders inward or outward. Amblyopia generally develops from birth up to seven years old, and rarely affects both eyes.

Signs and symptoms of lazy eye include:

A wandering or crossed eye
Eyes that appear not to work together
Poor depth perception
Squinting or shutting an eye
Head tilting
Abnormal results of vision screening tests

It is important to note that some children display no symptoms of amblyopia. The child’s strong eye and brain can compensate for the weaker eye, making it appear that the child has good vision. Over time, the brain gets used to working with only one eye. The eye that’s being ignored by the brain doesn’t develop normal vision.

There are three main causes of amblyopia, including:

Strabismus- which occurs when a child’s eyes aren’t aligned. The eyes don’t work together, leading the brain to ignore one eye
Refractive error or need for glasses- children are especially at risk if one eye has a larger need for glasses compared to the other eye
Conditions that cause poor vision in one eye, like cataracts or droopy eyelid, prompt the brain to ignore the blurry pictures seen by that eye

Additional factors that can place a child at a higher risk for amblyopia, include:

A family history of amblyopia
Prematurity
Developmental delay
Craniofacial disorders
Certain genetic conditions, such as:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- 22q deletion syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Noonan syndrome

Vision screening is the best way to diagnose amblyopia and its risk factors. Photoscreening, a type of vision screening that uses a special camera to determine how well a child can see, is often performed in conjunction with vision testing.

Treatment options depend on the cause of lazy eye and how much the condition affects your child’s vision. Treatment your doctor may recommend include:

Corrective eyewear
Eye patches
Bangerter filter
Eye drops
Surgery

Treatment while your child is young and the eyes are still developing, gives them a better chance of overcoming amblyopia. The goal is to make your child’s brain use both eyes. Getting the eyes to work as a team becomes harder as your child grows. Therefore, early treatment is best. Treatment may not work if started after seven to ten years of age.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of lazy eye, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

The Lown Institute Has Recognized Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers For Excellence in Health Equity

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The Lown Institute has recognized Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers for excellence in health equity, receiving an “A” grade on the 2024-25 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.

Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers achieved this honor through strong performance across metrics of community benefit, pay equity, and inclusivity out of more than 3,500 hospitals nationwide.

“Great care is only great if everyone can access it,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “We need hospitals to be strong community partners—and Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals are at the top of our list showing the way.”

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine health equity metrics and value of care alongside patient outcomes, for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide—offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the fifth annual rankings, the 2024-25 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms. The full can be found on the Lown Index website.

The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. Learn more at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.

Holter Monitor

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the heart’s electrical activity over 24 hours or longer while you’re away from your healthcare provider’s office.

A standard or resting ECG is one of the simplest and fastest tests to check the heart. Holter monitor tests may be done if a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) doesn’t provide enough details about the heart’s condition. Some personal devices like smartwatches offer electrocardiogram monitoring. Ask your healthcare professional if this is an option for you.

Some reasons you might need to wear a Holter monitor or why your healthcare provider may ask you to wear one include:

To evaluate symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related. Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
To identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations
To assess your risk for future heart-related events in certain conditions. These conditions can include thickened heart walls or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after a heart attack that causes weakness of the left side of the heart. This is called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In this syndrome, an abnormal electrical conduction pathway exists in the heart.
To see how well a pacemaker is working
To find out how well treatment is working for complex abnormal heart rhythms
To see how fast or slow your heart rate gets during the day and if you have any pauses in your heart rhythm

While you wear a Holter monitor, you can do most daily activities unless you have instructions to avoid certain things. You may be given a form to record your activities and any symptoms. It’s important to note if and when you have any of the following symptoms:

Pounding, fluttering, or skipped heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Lightheadedness

After the allotted time with the Holter monitor, your healthcare provider will review the test results and discuss them with you. Information from Holter monitor testing can show if you have a heart condition and if any medicines you currently take aren’t working.

If you didn’t have any irregular heartbeats while you wore the monitor, you may need to wear a wireless Holter monitor or an event recorder. These devices can be worn longer than a standard Holter monitor. Event recorders are similar to Holter monitors and require you to push a button when you feel symptoms. There are several different types of event recorders.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be heart-rhythm-related, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away.

Endocrine disruptors

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with how the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system, work. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. These chemicals are linked to many health problems in both wildlife and people. Since endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) come from many different sources, people are exposed in several ways, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. EDCs can also enter the body through the skin.

Endocrine disruptors can disrupt many different hormones, which is why they have been linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes, including:

Alterations in sperm quality and fertility
Abnormalities in sex organs
Endometriosis
Early puberty
Altered nervous system function
Immune function
Certain cancers
Respiratory and cardiovascular problems
Metabolic issues
Diabetes
Obesity
Growth
Neurological and learning disabilities

According to the Endocrine Society, there are nearly 85,000 human-made chemicals worldwide, and 1,000 or more of those could be endocrine disruptors based on their unique properties. The following chemicals are among the most common and well-studied:

Atrazine
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Dioxins
Perchlorate
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Phthalates
Phytoestrogens
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Triclosan

High EDC exposures during fetal development and childhood can have long-lasting health effects since there are periods where hormones regulate the formation and maturation of organs. Early-life exposures have been linked to developmental abnormalities and may increase the risk for various diseases later in life.

Many EDCs have been found to cross the placenta and become concentrated in the fetus’ circulatory system. Other EDCs can be transferred from mother to infant through breast milk.

Although evidence linking EDCs to adverse health outcomes grows, the cause-and-effect relationship is not yet fully understood. Generally, chronic high exposure poses the highest risk, however, a developing fetus or infant is more vulnerable to lower exposures.

Additionally, a person’s genetic predisposition to specific health conditions and additional environmental risk factors can modify how a person is affected by EDCs.

For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Walking Pneumonia in Children

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes your airways to swell, and the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids. It can also cause a high fever and a cough with mucus.

A cold lasting longer than seven to ten days, especially with a cough that gets worse over time is often a sign of walking pneumonia. Other symptoms may include:

· A fever of 101 degrees F or below

· Fatigue

· Headache, chills, sore throat, and other cold or flu-like symptoms

· Fast breathing or breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds

· Labored breathing that makes rib muscles retract

· Ear pain

· Chest or stomach pain

· Malaise or feeling of discomfort

· Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

· Rash

· Joint pain

Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to start. The symptoms are often mild, but can sometimes be more severe

Most children with walking pneumonia don’t feel sick enough to stay home, but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until antibiotic treatment kicks in and symptoms improve

Walking pneumonia symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child with an infection in the top or middle part of the lungs will probably have labored breathing. A child with an infection in the lower part of the lungs may have no breathing problems but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.

Walking pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Other bacteria, viruses, or mold can also cause it.

Doctors usually diagnose walking pneumonia by performing an exam. They will check a child’s breathing and listen for a crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest x-ray or test of mucus samples from the child’s throat or nose will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Walking pneumonia is treated with antibiotics because they are an effective treatment. A five to ten-day course of oral antibiotics is usually recommended. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure your child takes them on schedule for as long as directed to recover more quickly.

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

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Emily Pflug & Dr. Janos Barrera

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Emily Pflug and Dr. Janos Barrera, the newest members of the orthopedic surgical team.

Dr. Emily Pflug was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She moved to the East Coast for college and “ended up loving it.” She currently lives in the Boreum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. Dr. Pflug is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. She attended Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in marketing communication. Dr. Pflug then received her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later completed her orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Health and a hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery fellowship at the University of Colorado and Denver Health.

Dr. Janos Barrera was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in Portland, Oregon. He completed medical school and residency training in California before moving to New York in 2023. He is an orthopedic surgeon, and a hand and wrist surgeon, specializing in plastics and reconstructive surgery. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Washington, Dr. Barrera received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. He later completed his residency in integrated plastic surgery at Stanford Health Care, and a fellowship in hand and upper extremity at NYU Langone Health.

Dr. Pflug pursued medicine because her parents worked in the medical field. “My father was a radiologist and my mother was a cardiac rehab nurse. I saw firsthand how they contributed to tangible changes in the lives of their patients, and I knew I wanted to do something similar.” When choosing a specialty, she, like many orthopedists chose it for a specific reason. “I have a history of prior sports injuries during childhood which initially attracted me to the field. I chose hand surgery specifically because I found the anatomy complex and fascinating”, she said. “I enjoy the wide variety of pathology that I see on a daily basis including trauma, congenital issues, peripheral nerve, and degenerative conditions.”

Dr. Barrera was inspired to pursue medicine because he was an avid soccer player growing up, unfortunately, during his senior year of high school, he suffered a mandible fracture during a league championship game. “My experience as a patient got me interested in helping other patients who experienced traumatic injuries.” He chose his specialty because as he was exploring several fields during medical school, he found the breadth, scope, and variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery the best match for his interests. “Within plastic surgery, I was especially drawn toward hand surgery and microsurgery. I enjoy the complexity and variety of my practice, and I love helping patients regain function and return to the activities that bring them fulfillment.”

Dr. Pflug and Barrera are excited to join the Jamaica Hospital team and practice in the community. “I was an orthopedic resident at NYU Langone and spent several formative rotations at Jamaica Hospital during my training”, said Dr. Pflug. She hopes to bring a fresh, caring perspective to the community. “I care for patients with upper extremity injuries and pathology from the elbow to the fingertips and work with patients to develop a treatment plan that works for them.”

After spending time working with the Jamaica Hospital team during his fellowship, Dr. Barrera is thrilled to be joining them. “I’m especially excited to work with the residents and fellows while helping to further grow the hand surgery and limb salvage programs there”, he said. He hopes to bring compassionate and culturally sensitive care to his patients while providing the highest quality of care possible.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Pflug and Dr. Barrera to our team and look forward to the work that they and the rest of the Orthopedic Surgery Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Water Retention

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Water retention or edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs, and ankles. It can also affect other body parts such as your face, hands, and abdomen. Edema can affect anyone, especially people who are pregnant and adults 65 and older.

Symptoms of edema include:

An area of your body is larger than it was the day before
The skin over the swollen area looks stretched and shiny
Difficulty walking if your legs, ankles, and feet swell
You have a cough or trouble breathing
You feel fullness or tightness in the swollen body part
You feel mild pain or a sore feeling in the affected area
Stiff joints
Weight fluctuations
Puffiness of the abdomen, face, and hips
Bloating

There are many causes associated with edema, including:

Standing or sitting for too long
Weakened valves
Underlying medical conditions
Side effects from medication
Poor nutrition
Pregnancy
Compromised immune system

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to diagnose edema, followed by diagnostic tests to find the cause. They will look for swelling, especially on parts of your body where your skin has a shiny, stretched appearance.

Edema grading is a scale used to identify the severity of your edema diagnosis and estimate how much fluid built up in your tissues.

Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. Examples of this include:

If lung disease causes edema, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider will recommend you quit smoking.
If edema occurs with chronic heart failure, your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes to treat your diagnosis by monitoring your weight, fluid intake, and salt intake. They may also recommend cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink.
If edema is a side effect of a medication you are taking, your healthcare provider may stop or lower the dosage of your medication to resolve swelling. Do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

There are a few steps you can take to keep fluid from building up in your body, including:

Keeping your legs elevated above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving or going on short walks.
Wearing support socks, stockings, or sleeves, that put pressure on body parts to keep fluids from collecting there.
Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
Following your doctor’s directions for taking medications. Your doctor may want you to take a diuretic to help you get rid of excess fluid.

If you are experiencing swollen legs, ankles, or feet, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes down the back of your throat.

A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages. Many things can cause a temporary runny nose, including:

Viruses
Cold weather
Sinusitis
Certain foods and drinks
Exercise
Medications

Some causes of long-lasting or recurring runny noses include:

Allergies
Hormones
Nasal polyps

If you don’t have any other symptoms, there are several ways to manage a runny nose at home with self-care options, including:

Drinking plenty of fluids
Drinking hot teas
Using a humidifier
Doing a facial steam
Taking a hot shower
Rinsing your nose with a neti pot
Applying a warm compress
Using a saline nasal spray
Taking over-the-counter medication
Getting plenty of rest
Eating spicy food

Many things can cause a runny nose, and it often doesn’t require treatment. However, if you frequently get one, it may be good to seek a medical opinion since chronic rhinitis can make life uncomfortable and lead to infections. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Doomscrolling

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Doomscrolling is when a person actively seeks out saddening or negative material to read or scroll through on social media or news media outlets.

Gaining prevalence in 2020, the idea behind doomscrolling is attempting to get access to all the information you need to keep yourself protected from what is dangerous around you. Unfortunately, you can become unable to tear yourself away from all the horrible headlines.

According to research, people with a high level of neuroticism (a general tendency toward negative emotions) may be more likely to engage in doomscrolling. Neuroticism is one of the big five personality traits, along with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

Dr. Richard Mollica, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School says that women and people with a history of trauma are the two most vulnerable groups when it comes to doomscrolling.

Doomscrolling can reinforce negative thoughts and a negative mindset, something that can greatly impact your mental health. Research has linked consuming negative news to an increase in depression and anxiety and can also cause them to experience feelings of:

Apprehension
Sadness and anger
Uncertainty about the future

Some potential effects of doomscrolling include:

May worsen mental health issues
May lead to insomnia
Can contribute to “crazymaking” or “gaslighting”, a form of abuse that makes you feel off-balance mentally or emotionally by making you believe you’re crazy.

Here are some tips to help you stop doomscrolling:

Avoid catastrophizing by not letting your mind jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
Think about how you feel after doomscrolling
Keep your phone off your nightstand
Switch your phone to grayscale
Limit your screen time
Opt out of notifications
Don’t bring your phone to the dinner table
Focus on the now
Seek out positive news
Practice gratitude
Move your body
Disconnect
Ask for help

Embrace mindfulness and practice checking your phone consciously, not compulsively. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.