Poison Ivy

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Many people enjoy spending time outside during the summer. With more time spent outdoors, there is an increased risk of exposure to plants that can cause allergic reactions. The most common plants of this kind are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac; all of which grow in wooded or vegetated areas and contain urushiol.

Urushiol is an oily resin found in the leaves, stems and roots of each plant. When this substance comes in contact with our skin, it can lead to a reaction we know as poison ivy rash. An allergic reaction typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after exposure and symptoms can last up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may include:

Redness
Blistering
Itching
Swelling

There are several ways to minimize our exposure and reaction to plants that can cause poison ivy rash. We can:

Learn to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
Steer clear of these plants by avoiding areas in which they grow
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants
Immediately wash areas that have been exposed with soap and water
Bathe pets that have been exposed

Approximately 60 to 80% of people who are exposed to urushiol will have a reaction. For mild cases, taking cool showers and applying soothing topical treatments such as calamine lotion is recommended. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe pills or creams that contain steroids or antihistamines.

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.

Conditions That Can Affect Your Sense of Smell

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Every year, thousands of people lose their ability to smell. According to the National Institutes of Health, 12% of adults in the United States have had some loss of their sense of smell.

A loss of smell can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Because smell and taste are linked, most people with a smell disorder are unable to properly taste their food. Most importantly, they may not be able to detect smells that warn of danger such as smoke or gas.

The inability to smell is typically the result of a problem occurring in the nose, brain or nervous system. One’s loss of smell can be partial or reduced (hyposmia) or complete (anosmia). In both cases, a loss of smell can be temporary or permanent.

Several conditions can lead to hyposmia; they include:

Colds
Nasal allergies
Flu
Hay fever
Sinus infection
Deviated septum
Hormonal imbalances

Anosmia can develop as a result of:

Head trauma
Upper respiratory viral infections
Nasal/ sinus diseases
Nasal polyps
Bone deformities of the nose
Alzheimer’s disease

If you have lost or have had a decline in your ability to smell, you should see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can perform a physical examination, review your medical history and request a series of tests to determine possible causes. Treatment for smell disorders is based on underlying causes and can include medication or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7110.

The Relationship Between Asthma and GERD

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

There is strong evidence that a relationship exists between asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to research, more than 75 percent of people living with asthma have GERD. The reason for this is not certain but studies show a relationship between stomach acid and airways.

GERD which is the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus seems to worsen asthma. One explanation as to why this happens may involve stomach acid which flows back in to the esophagus irritating the throat, the airways and the lungs. It is also a possibility that the acid affects a nerve in the esophagus which causes the lungs to tighten.

Ways to avoid the effects of GERD include:

Raising the head of the bed by 6 inches to keep stomach acid from flowing back in to the esophagus
Waiting three to four hours after eating a meal before laying down
Eating smaller meals
Keeping your weight under control
Quitting smoking
Avoid eating fatty food, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, coffee, tea, or alcohol before laying down

Speak to your physician about treatment options that may be best for you. You can also schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Retinal Detachment

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Mayo Clinic, retinal detachment is an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its underlying support tissue.

The warning signs of retinal detachment are:

The appearance of tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision commonly referred to as floaters
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred vision
A gradual reduction in peripheral or side vision
A shadow over the visual field

There are three different types of retinal detachment:

Rhegamtogeneous – The most common type of detachment which occures slowly over time.

Tractional – A detachment that occurs when there is scar tissue growing on the retina’s surface

Exudative – Occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retna without any tears or holes in the retna.

Aging and family history of retinal detachment are the most common risk factors for this condition. Those who already have a retinal detachment in one eye, have severe nearsightedness, have had previous eye surgery, have received a trauma to the eye or have an eye disorder that thins the retina are equally at risk.

Retinal detachment is an emergency so if you are experiencing flashes of light, floaters or a darkening of your field of vision, you will want to contact your eye doctor immediately. If a detachment isn’t repaired, you may have permanent vision loss.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of retinal detachment or would like to schecule an eye exam, please call the Jamaica Hospital Ophthalmology Center at 718-206-5900 for an appointment.

What Are the Symptoms Of A Pinched Nerve?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Our nerves are specialized cells that carry important messages throughout our bodies in the form of tiny electrical signals. When too much pressure is applied to our nerves by surrounding tissues, ligaments or bones, it can result in a pinched – or compressed nerve.

A pinched nerve can occur in various parts of our bodies and they can cause radiating pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe. It may cause temporary or long-lasting problems.

Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include:

Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward
Tingling, pins and needles sensations
Muscle weakness in the affected area
Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”

Symptoms may worsen when attempting certain movements, such as turning your head or straining your neck. Problems may also become worse while sleeping.

Certain medical conditions can contribute to the development of a pinched nerve. These include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Obesity
Thyroid disease
Pregnancy

A pinched nerve can also occur as the result of an injury or from repetitive activities. Conversely, long periods of inactivity or lying down can also cause the problem.

Maintaining a healthy weight, stretching regularly, avoiding repetitive motions and practicing good posture are some tips to avoid developing a pinched nerve.

With rest and other conservative treatments, such as taking over-the-counter medications, most people recover from a pinched nerve within a few days or weeks

See your doctor if the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve last longer or don’t respond to self-care measures. Your doctor can provide treatment options to shrink swollen tissue around the nerve. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

To make an appointment to see a doctor at Jamaica Hospital to treat a pinched nerve, please call 718-206-7001.

ADHD In Children

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Khadiga Ahmed

Does your child find it hard to pay attention? Does your child feel the need to move constantly during times when they shouldn’t? Do they constantly interrupt others?

All children struggle at times to pay attention, listen, follow directions, sit still, or wait their turn. But for kids with ADHD, these challenges occur more frequently.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition that makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors.

Kids with ADHD may have signs from one, two, or all three of these categories:

Inattentive: Kids who are inattentive (easily distracted) have trouble focusing their attention, concentrating, and staying on task. They may not listen well to directions, may miss important details, and may not finish what they start. They may seem absent-minded or forgetful and lose track of their things.
Hyperactive: Kids who are hyperactive are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. Without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others.
Impulsive: Kids who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They often interrupt and find it hard to wait. They may do things without asking for permission, take things that aren’t theirs, or act in ways that are risky. They may have emotional reactions that seem too intense for a given situation.

It is important to keep in mind that some of these behaviors are normal in children who are very young. Displaying these signs does not always mean that a child has ADHD. However, parents are encouraged to consult their doctor, if they have concerns.

To diagnose ADHD, doctors start by assessing a child’s health, behavior, and activity. Your doctor might ask you to complete checklists about your child’s behavior and might ask you to give your child’s teacher a checklist as well.

After gathering this information, doctors diagnose ADHD if it’s clear that:

A child’s distractibility, hyperactivity, or impulsivity goes beyond what’s usual for their age.
The behaviors have been going on since the child was young.
Distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affect the child at school and at home.
A health check shows that there are no other underlying medical problems.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, treatment may include:

Medication
Behavior therapy
Parent coaching
School support

Parents are encouraged to work with the child’s school to create a nurturing environment, focus on the child’s strengths and positive qualities and connect with others for support and awareness.

If you have further questions about ADHD or would like to schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206-6942.

Dr. Khadiga Ahmed D.O.

Heart Disease and Hot Weather

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Summertime heat affects everyone, but for people who suffer from heart disease, it can be life threatening. Activities that are performed when the weather is mild may not have much risk associated with them but once the temperature rises they can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People with heart disease are very susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

When we are exposed to the heat, our bodies respond by sweating, which is the body’s way to maintain a normal temperature. . Heat as well as the body’s response to it, leads to enlarged blood vessels, lower blood pressure and higher heart rate. This combination can cause people with heart problems to serious problems due to the stress on the cardiovascular system. If the heart is already weakened it may not be able to pump blood effectively and keep the blood pressure at a high enough level. This can lead to an overheating of the body. Some medications that are prescribed for heart patients also lower the heart rate, which can be compounded during the hot weather.

Some helpful tips for people with heart disease in the hot weather are:

Stay out of the heat during the middle of the day
Wear clothing that is loose fitting and light
Do not perform strenuous activities in hot weather
Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Stay indoors in an air conditioned environment

Discuss with your physician ways to stay healthy during the hot summer months. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6742.

Meet Dr. Gagandeep Singh

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital would like to introduce Dr. Gagandeep Singh to the community.

Dr. Singh is an Interventional Cardiologist who has been with Jamaica Hospital for two years.

He specializes in treating patients who have had or are at risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.

As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Singh has advanced training in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases, congenital and structural heart abnormalities by way of complex catheter-based and imaging procedures. Dr. Singh’s expertise in performing procedures such as coronary angiograms and coronary stenting has gained him recognition as a leader in his field.

He takes great pride in being able to help patients and families take charge of their heart health and improve their overall wellness. “I am most happy when I help my patients to successfully manage their health because I know that I am also, directly and indirectly, helping their loved ones.”

Dr. Singh is very excited about practicing at Jamaica Hospital, as he is very familiar with our community. “I am a New Yorker; I was raised in Queens and went to school in the area. So in many ways, taking care of this community is very personal to me. I want to make sure that everyone is provided with very best in heart health care.”

Dr. Singh treats patients at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center for an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Why Does Warm Weather Increase the Frequency of Kidney Stones ?

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Why do kidney stones occur more frequently during warmer weather? When the weather is warm, we are more likely to become dehydrated which increases the risk for our bodies to develop kidney stones.

We tend to sweat more in the hotter months which deplete our body of fluids; this in turn will make our urine more concentrated. Urine that is highly concentrated allows for the formation of stones made up of calcium, oxalate or uric acid. A stone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea.

When the body is dehydrated, there is also less of a flow of urine through the ureters (the tube between the kidney and the bladder) which is an important factor in moving the kidney stones through this passageway.

Kidney stones can cause a tremendous amount of pain when passing through the ureter. This pain can be felt in the lower back and groin.

Additional symptoms of kidney stones include:

Blood in the urine
Nausea
Fever and Chills
Vomiting
If you have had kidney stones, there is a 50 percent chance that you can develop more within the following five years. However, you can take a few precautions to lower your risk or prevent stones from developing. Ways to prevent kidney stones include:

Drinking at least eight to twelve glasses of water each day to dilute the urine
Limiting your salt intake
Cutting back on red meats, organ meats and shellfish
Drinking sugar free lemonade or limeade as the citrate will prevent stone formation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a kidney stone, seek medical help right away. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-7110.

Jamaica Hospital Receives Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The average American is living longer now than ever before, and while this is very good news, it does require the healthcare industry to adapt to caring for a growing senior population.

Senior citizens utilize the hospital system at higher rates than non-seniors and they often require treatment for multiple chronic conditions. While seniors make contact with the healthcare system at many different points of care, the place where they most often receive their care is in the Emergency Department.

Understanding the special needs of its geriatric patients, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department has made many special accommodations to treat them. In recognition of their efforts, the hospital recently received a Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Jamaica Hospital is the only hospital in Queens to receive this accreditation.

“By receiving this designation, Jamaica Hospital has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the specific healthcare needs of our older patients,” stated Dr. Shi-Wen Lee, Vice Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Jamaica Hospital.

To achieve this accreditation, Jamaica Hospital had to meet many criteria, including ensuring that physician and nursing staff receive focused education in geriatric emergency medicine. This training is aimed to help providers better understand and address the complex social and physical challenges of the geriatric patient.

In addition to receiving focused education, the hospital also needed to implement geriatric emergency care policies and guidelines, ensure geriatric patients received access to specific equipment and supplies, and even make accommodations to the emergency department’s physical environment.

According to Dr. Nathan Washburn, ER attending integrally involved in the accreditation process, “The process to achieve this designation was not an easy one; it required hard work and dedication by many, but ultimately we feel that it displays a commitment to elevating the level of care we provide to our geriatric patients.”