Health Beat

Bad Hygiene Habits That Can Make You Sick

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We all have our bad habits. We also have bad hygienic habits. Here are some bad hygienic habits that can make you sick:

Washing your hands incorrectly- when you don’t wash your hands properly, germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them.
Irregular brushing or flossing of teeth- not brushing or flossing your teeth can lead to swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Rarely showering or bathing- not showering can cause acne, rashes, and life-threatening infections.
Infrequently washing bedding- bedsheets that haven’t been washed in months or longer become a petri dish of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, and can lead to a staph infection.
Leaving in contact lenses for days- wearing contact lenses for a week or longer can lead to severe eye infections, including corneal ulcers.
Not washing bras or underwear regularly- not washing your underwear properly leaves the risk of contracting yeast infections, thrush, and urinary tract infections. Wearing unwashed bras can cause acne, rashes, or worse.
Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or hairbrushes- using someone else’s toothbrush can lead to oral infections. Using someone’s razor can lead to skin infections like staph and also transmit viruses like hepatitis and HIV.
Reusing water bottles without washing them- refilling your reusable water bottle without washing it can cause large amounts of bacteria including E. coli to form.
Not washing produce before eating or cooking with them- ingesting the bacteria on unwashed fruits and veggies can give you food poisoning, and consuming the pesticides on some of these foods can raise your risk of serious conditions.
Not washing your hair regularly- bacteria will start to collect and clog your hair follicles, which could lead to infection.
Using your kitchen sponge for too long- using a dirty sponge can spread salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, among other nasty substances.

Good hygiene isn’t about eradicating yourself of germs. You can kick bad hygiene habits by not letting harmful bacteria fester or not taking shortcuts.

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.

Anemia

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia can be short-term or long-term and can range from mild to severe. There are many forms of anemia and each has its cause. The forms of anemia are:

Aplastic anemia- is a rare, life-threatening condition where the body doesn’t make enough new blood cells
Iron deficiency anemia- is the most common type of anemia, where there isn’t enough iron in the body
Sickle cell anemia- is a serious inherited condition where the hemoglobin forces red blood cells into a crescent shape
Thalassemia- is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal
Vitamin deficiency anemia- there isn’t enough folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough red blood cells

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and severity. It can be mild enough that there are no symptoms at first. However, symptoms can get worse as the anemia gets worse. Possible symptoms of anemia can include:

Tiredness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headaches

Anemia can happen if:

The body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin or red blood cells
Bleeding causes loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin faster than they can be replaced
The body destroys red blood cells and the hemoglobin that is in them

Many factors can increase the risk of anemia, including:

A diet that doesn’t have enough of certain vitamins and minerals
Problems with the small intestines
Menstrual periods
Pregnancy
Chronic conditions
Family history

Other factors like a history of certain infections, blood diseases, and autoimmune conditions, drinking too much alcohol, being around toxic chemicals, and taking some medicines can affect the making of red blood cells and also increase the risk of anemia.

If anemia is not treated, it can cause many health problems, including:

Severe tiredness
Pregnancy complications
Heart problems
Death

Many types of anemia can’t be prevented. However, eating a healthy diet might prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemias. A healthy diet includes:

Iron
Folate
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin C

To diagnose anemia, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. Tests might include:

Complete blood count
A test to show the size and shape of the red blood cells
A bone marrow biopsy

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. If you have anemia because of an underlying condition, your provider will treat that condition. But they may also do the following treatments that include:

Dietary supplements
Medications
Procedures

If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment for anemia, you can schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Q and A: Medication Expiration Dates

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Q: Do over-the-counter and prescription medications have expiration dates? Do they mean anything and is it safe to take them past the expiration date?

A: Over-the-counter and prescription medications are time-stamped with expiration dates. Time stamps can be found on the labels or the actual container. It is important that you pay attention to these dates. The expiration dates indicate a guarantee of full potency and safety within the recommended shelf life.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – “Don’t be tempted to take expired medications.” The FDA states using expired medical products is “risky and possibly harmful to your health.” This is because the efficiency of a medication may lessen over time due to changes in its chemical composition or a decrease in its potency.

Volvulus

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Volvulus is a condition that occurs when the intestine twists on itself, obstructing the flow of material through the bowel. This can cut off the blood supply to the intestine. Volvulus is commonly due to a birth defect called malrotation. This complication can cause the intestinal tissue to die, and can lead to the following symptoms:

Yellow or green vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling or distention
Rapid heart rate
Rapid breathing
Bloody stools
Constipation
Shock

Volvulus of the small intestine usually occurs in infants and children. Children with volvulus may not have long-term problems if the condition is treated promptly. However, surgery is required within hours of the onset of symptoms for this to occur.

Volvulus in adults typically forms in the colon. This is known as sigmoid volvulus.

Some factors that may increase the risk of volvulus include:

Chronic constipation
A high-fiber diet
Past abdominal surgery

Volvulus is diagnosed based on its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distention, constipation, and inability to pass gas. A healthcare provider may suspect volvulus based on the symptoms and begin looking for a possible cause. This can be done by performing a physical exam and ordering:

Lab tests
CT scan
X-rays
Contrast enema

Volvulus treatment focuses on two goals, fixing the twisted intestine and preventing future episodes. The process of untwisting the intestines is called “reducing” the volvulus. This requires a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, which uses a flexible, tube-like instrument equipped with a light and camera. Inserting and advancing the instrument can help untwist a sigmoid volvulus and restore blood supply while allowing the gastroenterologist to see and assess any tissue damage. This may help determine if surgery is necessary.

If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of volvulus, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Wellness Wednesday- The Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live healthier. Walking has many health benefits that can help you to:

Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat by burning calories
Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Lower blood sugar
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Strengthen bones and muscles
Improve muscle endurance
Ease joint pain
Boost immune function
Boost energy levels
Improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Improve balance and coordination
Lengthen life spans
Inspire creative thinking
Reduce stress and tension

Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while walking:

Walking in areas designated for pedestrians.
Walk in well-lit areas
Wear a reflective vest or light so people in cars can see you if you walk in the evening or early morning hours
Wear sturdy shoes with good heel and arch support
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Drink plenty of water before and after your walk to stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy days

The faster, farther, and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Make sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Pinched Nerve

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A pinched nerve is a non-medical term used to describe a compressed nerve. A pinched nerve sensation occurs when surrounding tissues place too much pressure on a nerve. As a result, a person may experience short-term or long-term tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness in the affected area.

There are several types of pinched nerves characterized by the location of the compressed nerve and the part of the body it serves. This includes the pinching of a root nerve in the spine which causes tingling and pain in other parts of the body. This is known as radiculopathy.

A common type of radiculopathy is sciatica which causes pain along the sciatic nerve in the lower back and down the legs. Other conditions that can develop as a result of a pinched nerve are:
• Radial tunnel syndrome which occurs when the radial nerve in the elbow is affected
• Carpal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is affected
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the tibial nerve in the heel is affected

Some people are more at risk of experiencing a pinched nerve than others. They include those who:
• Were assigned female at birth
• Have rheumatoid arthritis
• Have diabetes
• Have thyroid disease
• Have bone spurs
• Are pregnant
• Are obese
• Are age 50 and older
• Perform activities that require repetitive movement of the wrist, shoulders, or hands

Most cases of a pinched nerve are mild and symptoms may go away in a few days or weeks. Your doctor may recommend treatment that involves over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, resting the affected area, pausing certain activities, or applying heat and ice.

Do not ignore the symptoms of a pinched nerve if they last longer than normal. Chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or other associated symptoms can indicate a serious problem.

Early detection can help you avoid complications. Your doctor can diagnose a pinched nerve by ordering imaging tests such as MRI, blood tests, spinal tap, or a nerve conduction study. Surgery is often used as a last resort to treat long-lasting symptoms.

An untreated neurological condition can significantly interfere with your ability to function daily, but with the help of our expert team of neurologists, you can get the treatment you need to prevent disability and maintain a high-quality, active life. To schedule an appointment, please email neuro@jhmc.org.

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Today October 10^th is recognized as National Depression Screening Day. The day is used as a way to bring awareness to the need for depression awareness and the need for accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Several different factors can often come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, however, it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take the step to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. 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.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It helps maintain men’s:

Bone density
Fat distribution
Muscle strength and mass
Facial and body hair
Red blood cell production
Sex drive
Sperm production

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines—typically about 1% a year after turning 30 or 40 years old. For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease called hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

Men can have many signs and symptoms as they age. Some that might occur as a result of lower testosterone levels can include:

Changes in sexual function
Physical changes
Emotional changes

Other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes, and depression can cause some of these signs and symptoms.

Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, however, it is unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there is little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function in some men, however, there is little evidence that it improves other functions, such as energy and vitality.

Testosterone therapy has various risks, including:

Worsening sleep apnea
Causing acne or other skin reactions
Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of existing prostate cancer
Enlarging breasts
Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink
Stimulating too much red blood cell production contributes to an increased risk of forming a blood clot, which could cause a pulmonary embolism

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy is right for you, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. A blood test is used to diagnose a low testosterone. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy.

Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don’t have a medical condition that is contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone.

If you would like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, you can call and make an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, at 718-206-7001.

Sleepwalking

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a sleep disorder that causes you to walk around or perform other activities while asleep. Approximately 7% of people have sleepwalked once in their lifetime.

Sleepwalking tends to run in families, and it occurs more commonly in children than adults. Children usually outgrow the condition by the time they’ve reached their teenage years or by the time they become adults. Sleepwalking may however continue into adulthood for some individuals.

In addition to age and genetics other factors that may lead to sleepwalking include:

Taking certain medications
Stress
Lack of sleep
Fever
Obstructive sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome
Alcohol use

Sleepwalking typically happens 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep and may last for several minutes. SleepFoundation.org states that a sleepwalking episode may involve:

Walking or running
Urinating in inappropriate places
Open, glassy eyes with a blank look on the face
Routine actions, like getting dressed
Minimally responsive or incoherent speech

People who sleepwalk may also sleep eat or take part in sexual activity without being aware of it.

It is important to take steps to create a safe environment and prevent injuries in people who sleepwalk. This can be done by keeping doors and windows locked, securing dangerous items, removing breakable items, or using alarms or motion-sensing devices.

Sleepwalking occasionally is not a concern and does not require treatment. However, if episodes occur frequently, for example, one or two nights a week, or more you should see a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if sleepwalking leads to dangerous behaviors, disturbs or puts others at risk for injury, continues into a child’s teen years, or begins in adulthood.

Diagnosing sleepwalking may include a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, or participating in an overnight sleep study. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, applying relaxation and stress reduction techniques, scheduled waking, or medication.

To speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Eye Injury Prevention Month

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is eye injury prevention month. More than one million people per year are affected by an eye injury and 90% of these injuries could have been prevented if protective eyewear was worn. Here are some facts and tips that can help protect your eyes from injury:

The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals, battery acid, and workshop and yard debris.
Eyes can be damaged by the sun, not just dust, chemicals, and foreign bodies.
Wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jumpstarting your car, or working with cleaning or other chemicals.
Always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities.
Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns, or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

To ensure healthy vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends frequent, comprehensive eye exams every one or two years to prevent any serious problems.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for you or someone you know, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.