A Flavorsome and Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Dinners

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As the summer fades into fall, here is a comforting and delicious recipe for chicken chili to add to your dinner rotation.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chicken-chili-3869708

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.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

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September is sickle cell awareness month. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop, causing those red blood cells to block the blood flow through the body creating recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are many symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

  • Episodes of severe pain
  • Anemia symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Priapism
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Organ damage
  • Leg ulcers
  • Gallstones
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Vision problems
  • Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease including:

  • Medicines
  • Blood transfusions
  • Blood and bone marrow transplant
  • Gene therapies
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

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.

Hand Hygiene for Children

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Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

  • Explain the benefits of handwashing
  • Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
    • Step 1: Wet hands with running water
    • Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
    • Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
    • Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
    • Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
  • Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Set the times when they should be washing their hands
    • When they are visibly dirty
    • Before and after eating
    • After using the toilet
    • After touching animals and pets
    • After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
    • Before and after visiting friends and relatives
  • Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

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.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infection that causes encephalitis or severe brain inflammation. It is spread through the bite of a mosquito infected with the EEE virus or EEEV.  Eastern equine encephalitis cannot be transmitted from person to person.

The EEE virus can affect the way the brain and nerves function, and potentially lead to long-term or life-threatening complications.

Some people infected with EEEV may not present with any symptoms; however, if symptoms appear, they could range from mild to severe and include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness

The symptoms of an EEE infection typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

An EEE infection may progress into more serious complications such as:

  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Behavioral changes
  • Paralysis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of the people who develop severe EEE die and those who survive may have some degree of brain damage; therefore, it is important that you see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Your doctor may diagnose EEE based on signs and symptoms, travel history (traveling to areas where the EEE virus is prevalent), mosquito exposure, and blood or spinal lab tests. Treatment typically involves getting enough fluids, rest, or taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Patients may require hospitalization in severe cases.

Eastern equine encephalitis can be prevented by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and taking steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors.

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Denise Roman, PT, DPT

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This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Denise Roman, PT, DPT, PPS coordinator and a PT supervisor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Denise has been at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 34 years. She was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. Denise attended Fountain A.M.E and St. Mary’s primary schools, and the Bishop’s High School.  After graduating from high school, Denise traveled to Jamaica, West Indies where she studied  and received her degree in Physical Therapy at the School of Physical Therapy on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. In 1989, Denise immigrated to the United States. She continued her studies at the Empire College, receiving a BS in Community and Human Services. Denise then went on to receive a post graduate certificate in Early Intervention from the Westchester Medical College and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College.

Denise currently resides in Springfield Gardens. She loves pets and while living in Guyana she had many, but currently doesn’t have any. In her free time she enjoys reading and volunteering with youth programs at her church. Denise has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. She believes that volunteering and giving back to the community are very important qualities. Denise has never forgotten the people who have helped her along the way and she feels that that she always wants to do her best to be of service to others.

Denise has traveled extensively and some of the places she has visited are Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. Of course, Guyana is one of her favorite places to visit. Denise enjoys many different types of food, especially West Indian, Mexican and Asian. Her favorite types of music to listen to are gospel, reggae, soca, R&B, jazz and folk.  Denise enjoys watching cricket, and track and field. She played netball in school and likes outdoor activities that include walking, parasailing, and white water rafting.

Denise loves working at Jamaica Hospital as it has allowed her to grow professionally and has given her the opportunity to watch the hospital expand . She is proud of the fact that her colleagues work together as a team to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. This was very evident during the COVID pandemic as the staff continued to give their best despite the dangers of the disease and being mentally and physically challenged.  Denise was very thankful for the care her mother received while being a patient at the hospital and credits the staff for saving her life. We are very proud to have Denise as a member of our team and we look forward to her continuing to work with us for many more years to come.

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.

Social Anxiety

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Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes intense fear of being judged or watched by others in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

  • Inherited traits
  • Brain structure
  • Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Family history
  • Negative experiences
  • Temperament
  • New social or work demands
  • Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional and behavioral symptoms
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
    • Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
    • Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
    • Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
    • Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
    • Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
  • Physical and physiological symptoms
    • Blushing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Trembling
    • Sweating
    • Upset stomach or nausea
    • Trouble catching your breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Feeling that your mind has gone blank
    • Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

  • Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
  • Attending parties or social gatherings
  • Going to work or school
  • Starting conversations
  • Making eye contact
  • Dating
  • Eating in front of others
  • Using a public restroom
  • Taking or making phone calls
  • Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

  • A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
  • A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
  • A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
  • Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
  • Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

  • Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
  • Medications
    • Antidepressants
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has a social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Hypersomnia

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Hypersomnia is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness. Hypersomnia can be categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary hypersomnia is not caused by any other medical conditions; it is a condition in its own right.  Conditions classified as primary hypersomnia include narcolepsy, Kleine-Levin syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Secondary hypersomnia results from other medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or bipolar disorder. It can also result from taking certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs, barbiturates, and anti-psychotics.

People living with hypersomnia feel extremely tired or sleepy during the day, even after getting adequate sleep at night.  They have difficulty staying awake and fall asleep several times during the day. Other signs and symptoms of hypersomnia include:

  • Sleeping longer than normal (10 or more hours each day)
  • Difficulty waking up in the mornings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Slow thinking and speech
  • Anxiety
  • Low energy
  • Irritability
  • Headache

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of hypersomnia can put you at risk for accidents and greatly affect your social, work, and personal life.

If you are consistently feeling sleepy despite getting adequate rest, you should speak with your doctor who can order several tests to determine a diagnosis.

Diagnosing hypersomnia may include getting an overnight sleep test, a multiple sleep latency test, or assessing your sleepiness using an Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Treatments for hypersomnia may include medications and making lifestyle changes such as sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep.

To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

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The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

  • Flu – needed every year
  • COVID-19
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
  • Chickenpox
  • Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

  • Flu
  • COVID-19
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
  • HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

 

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.

10 Signs And Symptoms of Cancer You Should Not Ignore

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The American Cancer Society has recently reported that a little over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2024. Within that group, approximately 611,720 individuals may lose their battles to the disease.

Early detection of certain cancers and early intervention can increase survival rates, or help many people live longer after a cancer diagnosis.

Screenings are essential in detecting some cancers early and helping to prevent cancer-related deaths. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of the disease and notifying your doctor can also help with early detection.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms of cancer you should not ignore:

  1. Chronic coughs or hoarseness
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. Unexplained weight loss
  4. Extreme fatigue that does not get better with rest
  5. Skin changes, such as changes in moles
  6. Changes in bowel or bladder movements
  7. Unusual bleeding or bruising
  8. Breast lumps
  9. Difficulty swallowing
  10. Frequent fevers

See your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent. Your physician can conduct tests to determine a diagnosis.  There is no single test to diagnose cancer; therefore, testing may include a combination of diagnostic imaging, biopsies, blood tests, urinalysis, genetic testing, or endoscopic examination.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

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 Importance of Back-To-School Eye Exams

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It is important to get children’s vision checked before going back to school because healthy vision is a vital part of their development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them.

Unfortunately, many eye problems such as nearsightedness and infections in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes. They include:

  • Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed
  • Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
  • Their eyes are watery or inflamed
  • They rub their eyes a lot
  • They close or cover one eye
  • They tilt their head forward
  • They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
  • They hold objects close to their eyes to see
  • They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
  • Things are blurry or hard to see for them

Regular eye examinations can prevent issues from occurring or stop them from getting worse.

In addition to getting a comprehensive eye exam, there are  several ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

  • Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
  • Limiting screen time
  • Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit a pediatric ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

 

 

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.