What is the Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care?

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Relief from symptoms is an important aspect of medical care for anyone experiencing a serious chronic condition such as heart failure, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Palliative and hospice care both focus on this part of your treatment; however, it’s important to know which type of care is most appropriate under your individual circumstances.

Palliative care involves medical, social, and emotional care and support to help provide relief. It can be provided at any stage of illness alongside other treatments intended to cure or improve your underlying condition and can involve a variety of medical specialists and professionals, including (but not limited to) doctors, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists. Ideally, palliative care should be provided as soon as possible after diagnosis to maintain your quality of life throughout the treatment process.

If treatment is no longer improving your condition, you could continue to receive palliative care focused on providing as much comfort as possible for the remainder of your life, or you may begin to receive hospice care if your doctor expects that you only have a short time left to live (typically six months or less).

Like palliative care, hospice care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and is offered in a variety of settings, such as at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. However, people who receive hospice care no longer receive treatments for their underlying illness. Care is focused solely on ensuring they are as comfortable as possible until death. This can involve most of the same types of medical care providers involved with palliative care. A member of the hospice team will visit regularly and someone will usually be available by phone as needed.

Hospice care at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center includes a variety of services and amenities, such as symptom management, nursing care, psychosocial and emotional support, and overnight accommodations for family members of patients, to provide you with maximum comfort and quality of life. To learn more, please visit our Hospice Care Services page.

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 Risk of Dehydration During Warm Weather Months

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Dehydration is a condition, seen at any time of the year but more often during the warmer months,  whereby the body doesn’t have enough water and therefore is unable to function properly. The severity of dehydration, mild, moderate or severe indicates how much water is missing from the body. Severe dehydration can lead to the body going into shock. The people who are most susceptible to dehydration are people who work outdoors in warm weather, and also athletes, the elderly, and people who live in high altitudes.

The body loses water in various ways. These include:

  • Sweating
  • Urinating
  • Breathing,
  • Crying
  • Pooping

We can lose an even greater amount of water when we have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating heavily while exercising strenuously, frequently urinating due to diabetes or when taking certain medications that cause us to deplete the water in our bodies.

What are the symptoms of dehydration? Depending on the severity, in adults they can include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dark urine
  • Dry skin
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Sleepiness

In young children symptoms of dehydration can also include having a dry diaper for several hours, crying without tears, sunken eyes, irritability, and a dry mouth and tongue.

The recommended amount of water taken in every day for an adult woman is 92 fluid ounces and for an adult man it is 124 fluid ounces. More water may be necessary if exercising strenuously or spending time in a very warm environment for an extended period of time. It is recommended that people who are dehydrated avoid caffeinated beverages, sugary drinks, and drinks containing alcohol.

If a person is suspected of being dehydrated, medical exams can help to diagnose it. This will include a thorough history, blood pressure, heart rate, blood test, and urine exams. A simple way to rehydrate some people is to have them drink more water during the day, and in some cases a sports drink that contains electrolytes. A young child may be given called Pedialyte. In more severe cases it may be necessary to give fluids intravenously.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications, and potentially death. For less severe cases., you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 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.

The Health Benefits of Flavonoid-Rich Foods

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Flavonoids are compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables that can reduce inflammation and protect your body against various types of toxins. They provide these benefits by regulating cellular activity and improving your resistance against free radicals, which cause damage to surrounding cells.

There are six types of flavonoids, each of which provides different benefits to your health and can be found in certain foods. They include:

Flavanols: This type of flavonoid has particularly strong antioxidant properties that can help protect your body against symptoms of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. They can be found in foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, peaches, berries, grapes, and kale, as well as liquids such as tea and red wine.

Flavan-3-ols: The most commonly-consumed type of flavonoid, flavan-3-ol, can lower your risk of several forms of cardiometabolic disease, including (but not limited to) hypertension (high blood pressure), insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Flavan-3-ols can be found in tea, chocolate, apples, pears, and berries.

Flavones: Flavones are notable for their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body. They can typically be found in parsley, red peppers, celery, chamomile, and peppermint.

Flavanones: Like flavones, flavanones have anti-inflammatory properties; additionally, they are strong antioxidants and can help you to control your cholesterol and weight. They are generally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit.

Isoflavones: These flavonoids can help to control hormonal balance, potentially improving problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Isoflavones can be found in soy products and certain legumes, such as fava beans, chickpeas, pistachios, and peanuts.

Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins can boost your protection against a variety of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, neurological disease, and cancer. They can be found in berries and berry products, including red and purple grapes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and red wine.

The registered dieticians at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are ready to help you plan a diet that can reduce your risk of disease, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 657-7093.

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.

Things to Consider Before Doing a Colon Cleanse

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A colon cleanse is the process of flushing out the large intestine. This can be done in one of two ways, one involves introducing large volumes of fluid into the colon, and the other involves taking powdered or liquid supplements such as laxatives, magnesium, or herbal tea by mouth. Both methods will stimulate the emptying of the colon of its contents.

History shows that colon cleanses date back thousands of years to ancient Greece. The theory of performing colon cleansing is to help remove toxins from the body which may be accumulating in the colon and can’t be expelled on their own.

Some of the conditions people believe are helped by doing a colon cleanse are fatigue, weight gain, low energy, and headaches.

Some of the potential risks of doing a colon cleanse include:

  • Dehydration
  • Mineral imbalance
  • Bowel perforation
  • Infection
  • Kidney failure
  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Bacterial imbalance

Some people should be extra cautious about having colon cleanses or might want to avoid them completely. These include people with the following conditions:

  • Diverticulitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Rectal tumors
  • Heart disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Tumors in the colon

Colon cleanses should only be done by a professional and only after consulting with a physician first. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 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.

What is Eye Cancer?

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Eye cancer is an extremely rare form of cancer that first develops in the eyeball or nearby structures such as the tear ducts and eyelids.

There are several different types of eye cancer. The most common form is intraocular melanoma. These often develop in the choroid, a structure in the uvea (the middle part of the eye), but can also begin in the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the ciliary body (the muscles behind the iris that allow you to focus on close or distant objects). Intraocular melanoma can also develop in the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the front of your eyeball).

Other forms of eye cancer include:

  • Eyelid cancer
  • Orbital cancer
  • Retinoblastoma
  • Intraocular lymphoma

Symptoms of eye cancer generally include vision loss, blurred vision, flashes of light, and spots in your vision, and can also potentially include eye bulging or irritation, a growing dark spot in the iris, a growing lump on the eyelid or eyeball, and changes in the movement or positioning of the eyeball. However, many people with eye cancer may not experience any symptoms and, as a result, may not be aware of their condition until it’s discovered by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Several factors may increase your risk of developing eye cancer. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 50 (with the exception of retinoblastoma, which is most common in children under five years of age). It’s also more common for people with pale skin complexion, people with light-colored eyes, and people with certain inherited conditions, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome or BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.

Radiation therapy and surgery are common treatment options for eye cancer. These may be supplemented by additional treatment approaches, such as laser therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that minimizes your risk of vision loss or other potential complications.

The specialists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology can help you get the care you need to treat your eye cancer effectively, achieve remission, and preserve your vision. 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.

Psoriasis Awareness Month

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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes the formation of thick, scaly patches of discolored skin, also known as plaques. These rashes occur due to inflammation and can appear anywhere on the body, but typically develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, fingernails, toenails, palms, feet, lower back, genitals, face, and mouth. Over 3% of Americans have been diagnosed with psoriasis.

There are many types of psoriasis, including:

  • Plaque psoriasis (the most common form of psoriasis)
  • Inverse psoriasis (which causes plaques to form without a scaly texture)
  • Guttate psoriasis (which can appear after a case of strep throat)
  • Pustular psoriasis (characterized by pus-filled bumps that appear on plaques)
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis (covering over 90% of your skin)
  • Sebopsoriasis (appearing on your face and scalp with a yellow coloration and scaly texture)
  • Nail psoriasis (which causes discoloration and pitting in your fingernails and toenails)

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that it is caused by your immune system functioning abnormally and attacking healthy cells; this results in inflammation that causes plaques on the skin. Psoriasis also significantly speeds up the production of new skin cells, causing scales and frequent shedding. Approximately one in three people diagnosed with this disorder may also be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune condition that causes swelling and pain in your joints.

Symptoms of psoriasis are not necessarily constant. They typically occur during periodic flare-ups, which may develop in response to certain factors or elements of the environment. Some common triggers for psoriasis include stress, infections such as strep throat, skin injuries, medications such as lithium and beta-blockers, and body temperature shifts in response to weather conditions.

Many cases of psoriasis may respond well to treatment options such as steroid creams, moisturizers, medical lotions or shampoos, vitamin D3 ointment, vitamin A or retinoid creams, and medications such as anthralin which slow down the production of new skin cells. If these options do not treat your symptoms effectively, your doctor may recommend light therapy, immunosuppressant drugs, and other, stronger medications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, you can receive specialized treatment from a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.  To schedule an appointment, please call (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.

Anger Management in Children

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Children, just as adults, can exhibit different ways of expressing their anger or frustration. The difference is that adults typically have better ways of coping with and understanding these emotions.  Children, on the other hand lack the maturity to understand why they feel the way that they do.

It is not unusual for a child to experience moments of stress which can lead to anger. Children will tend to respond to these situations by “acting out “. This can be displayed by crying uncontrollably, screaming, clenching their fists, hitting or being difficult to console.

These are a variety of events that can lead a child to displaying their frustration, including:

  • A new person, such as a baby, coming into the home
  • Parents fighting all the time
  • Starting a new school
  • Moving to a new home
  • Having a difficult time in school
  • Being bullied
  • Experiencing a trauma such as the loss of a loved one

What are some of the ways to help a child cope with their anger? Here are a few suggestions:

Children have to understand that there are certain rules and limits that they must live by. Setting a good example as an adult as to what constitutes good behavior is very important. It is also important to be consistent when setting boundaries. Rules can’t change from one situation to another and from one adult to another when dealing with a child.

Additional recommendations include:

  • Rewarding good behavior.
  • Keeping calm, getting angry at the already angry child can make things worse
  • Trying to speak to the child away from others so that they aren’t being embarrassed in front of others
  • Be reassuring to the child, tell them everything will be okay.
  • If the child is old enough, allowing them to verbalize why they feel the way they do.

Some activities that a child can do to relieve stress and lessen anger include having them:

  • Pop bubble wrap
  • Squish playdough
  • Scribble on a piece of paper than crumple it up
  • Do exercises
  • Rip a piece of paper

Most children will respond well to an adult who wants to help them learn how to cope with their anger. However there are some situations where professional intervention may be necessary. Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child is becoming angry too frequently or is overreacting. If you would like to make an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 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.

3 Health Benefits of Olive Oil

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Olive oil is used in a wide variety of meals, including everything from salads to pasta dinners and sautéed dishes. Although it is calorie-dense, containing approximately 120 calories per tablespoon on average, olive oil is considered a healthy fat. It is included as a staple component in diets such as the Mediterranean diet, which has been indicated through research to promote weight loss and help prevent serious health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Even on its own, olive oil provides several significant health benefits. Some of these include:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous conditions, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. Olive oil contains a substantial volume of antioxidants, which can effectively help to fight inflammation in the body. Some of these antioxidants include oleocanthal, which can produce an effect similar to a small percentage of an adult dose of ibuprofen, and oleic acid, the main fatty acid contained in olive oil.

Cholesterol control: Olive oil is also capable of preventing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, from oxidizing. Oxidized cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which refers to the buildup of cholesterol along artery walls. Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

Antibacterial effects: There are a significant number of nutrients contained in olive oil that can kill harmful bacteria, particularly Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the stomach and can cause ulcers and cancer.

To get the full benefit of these effects, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying extra virgin olive oil, which retains more of the properties and compounds contained in olives than more refined types of olive oil. Even if the label on a bottle of olive oil says “extra virgin,” it may not necessarily be correct; check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain any other refined oils.

If you’re looking to make healthy adjustments to your diet to prevent chronic disease or other health problems, you can get professional guidance from a registered dietician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (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.

How Can Swimming Affect Eczema?

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Eczema is an inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition that causes irritation, itching, blistering, and infections. People with eczema often experience periodic “flare-ups” during which their symptoms temporarily worsen. These flare-ups may be triggered by certain environmental factors that can irritate or dry out the skin.

While there is no definitive link between swimming and eczema flare-ups, elements found in most swimming pools can affect the skin in ways that can trigger or worsen the onset of symptoms. These include calcium chloride and chlorine.

Calcium chloride is added to pools to increase their alkalinity and stabilize pH levels. Generally, pool water is kept between a pH level of 7.2 and 7.8, making it slightly alkaline. Human skin, on the other hand, typically maintains a pH level between 4.1 and 5.8, making it more acidic. This acidity helps to maintain the skin’s moisture; if the skin’s pH level rises and becomes too alkaline, it can dry out, potentially irritating the skin and triggering eczema symptoms.

There is no definitive evidence that chlorine generally causes adverse effects in people with eczema. While it is capable of drying out the skin in a way that can cause irritation, its ability to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin can also potentially improve symptoms. Similarly, there is no substantial evidence to indicate how elements of natural bodies of water, such as salt water, can affect people with eczema.

Barrier creams and ointments applied to the skin before swimming can protect your skin against potential irritants while swimming by retaining the skin’s moisture and infusing it with lipids and ceramides, which occur as natural protective substances in normal skin. Additionally, if you plan to swim outdoors, it’s recommended that you protect your skin against sun damage. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and wear ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher.

If you experience symptoms of eczema, you can receive a diagnosis or treatment from a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (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.

Childhood Asthma

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Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in inner cities and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have the disease themselves.

Additional risk factors for childhood asthma include:
• Allergies – environmental or food
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby

Signs and symptoms include:
• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

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.