May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The month of May has been designated as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac Disease affects one in 133 people in the United States. It is estimated that only 5% percent of the people who are affected are aware that they have it.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is defined as “a genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.” If left untreated, celiac disease can cause long-term health conditions such as gall bladder malfunction, infertility or miscarriage, pancreatic insufficiency, early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Symptoms of celiac disease include:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Headaches
Dermatitis
Bloating
Anxiety
Constipation
Depression
Delayed growth in children

Diagnosing celiac disease is performed through a blood test. If the results of the blood test come back positive, an endoscopy will be performed to give a definitive diagnosis.

In addition to having a better understanding of celiac disease, educating yourself about the changes to expect in your lifestyle will prove helpful. Some of the changes include:

Discarding any food that contains gluten. This means sticking to a strict diet that excludes barley, farina, oats, rye, and other known to have gluten.
Excluding certain items from your diet may deprive you of some nutrients. Therefore, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about which vitamins and dietary supplements you should take.
Evaluating the ingredients in medications, some may have small amounts of gluten.
Taking care of your body by exercising and implementing more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Following up with your physician or dietician as recommended. This is important as it will help to monitor your nutritional intake and check for deficiencies.

If you are experiencing symptoms of celiac disease and would like to schedule 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 Sciatica?

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Sciatica is nerve pain that can occur throughout the lower back, buttocks, hips, and down the legs. This pain may be mild or severe and cause a variety of sensations, including anything from sharp or shooting pain to a burning or electric feeling. It can also occur constantly or intermittently and worsen based on posture, movement, and time spent sitting or standing.

The primary cause of sciatica is injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve is most commonly injured due to a herniated or slipped disk. However, injury to the sciatic nerve can occur in a few different ways, including:

Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis
Pressure from tumors
Piriformis syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome

Several risk factors, such as aging, obesity, prior injuries to the lower back or spine, pregnancy, or a job that requires significant physical exertion such as heavy lifting, may increase your likelihood of experiencing sciatica. However, these risks may be reduced through adjustments to your lifestyle and activities, such as:

Improving your posture: Improper form while exercising or lifting heavy weights, as well as poor posture while sitting, standing, or moving can increase your risk of sciatica.

Following a regular diet and exercise routine: A healthy, balanced diet and a workout routine that incorporates aerobic and strength exercises can help you manage sciatica risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Exercises that build core strength can be especially helpful, as a stronger core provides more support for your lower back.

Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco products such as cigarettes contain nicotine, which causes spinal tissue, vertebral disk, and bone damage over time that can impact the sciatic nerve.

You can find effective treatment for most cases of sciatica from specialists such as chiropractors and physical therapists. However, for severe cases, you may need to work with a neurologist to diagnose the most likely cause and find the right treatment approach. You can find a doctor to treat sciatica at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Karen Clemente, PA

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Karen Clemente, Physician Assistant in the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Emergency Department. She has been a member of our team for 12 years.

Karen was born in the Philippines and moved to Queens, New York at a very early age. She attended PS 115 and is a graduate of St. John’s University. She is still residing in Queens. In her free time, she enjoys taking road trips and one of her favorite places to visit is Maine. Karen also enjoys going on Fall hikes in national parks.

Karen likes different types of food, the spicier the better. She loves music of all types and feels that there is always a genre that fits every mood. Karen enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

Working at Jamaica Hospital has been a wonderful experience for Karen. The staff works well together and there are many positive aspects to working in the Emergency Department. We look forward to having Karen continuing to work with us for many more years.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in many different parts of the body, including (but not limited to) your joints, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs, as well as other organs.

Lupus is often distinguished by a facial rash that spreads across both cheeks. However, it can still be difficult to diagnose, as it may present a wide variety of symptoms in different people that may resemble other conditions.

Most people with lupus experience mild symptoms broken up by periodic flare-ups, during which their symptoms temporarily worsen. Aside from inflammation, these symptoms may include fever, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, shortness of breath, and fingers and toes that turn white or blue in response to cold or stress.

People with lupus can also experience several complications. The leading cause of death among people with this condition is kidney failure due to damage caused by the disease. However, inflammation of the heart and lungs also increases the risk of additional medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, seizures, and strokes.

The cause of lupus is unknown, but it is most common for women and people of Black, Hispanic, or Asian backgrounds. Although lupus is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45, it can affect people of any age. Lupus (as well as flare-ups of symptoms) can be triggered by sunlight, infections, and certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medication, and seizure medication.

Lupus is a life-long disease with no cure, but it can be managed with the help of a doctor. Several different types of drugs, including steroids, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy drugs, may be used to help you cope with your symptoms, depending on your specific symptoms. You may also need to avoid certain vaccines, particularly those with live viruses such as the chickenpox or shingles vaccine, as well as make certain adjustments to your diet.

You can receive specialized medical treatment for lupus at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Ida Ogrenaj, RMA

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Ida Ogrenaj, Registered Medical Assistant in the TJH Medical suite at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. She has been working at our hospital for the past seven years.

Ida grew up in Albania where she attended elementary school, high school and college where she graduated with a degree as a teacher. She moved to the United States in 2010, settling in Middle Village where she still lives. She followed her passion for helping people by obtaining her Medical Assistant degree from the Bramson ORT school in Forest Hills.

Ida has an eight year old daughter, Alessia who she is very proud of. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. One of her favorite sports is volleyball. She enjoys travelling and some of the countries she has visited are Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Most recently, she had the opportunity to visit a few states within the United States.

Ida enjoys many different types of cuisine, Mediterranean, Italian, and Spanish are her favorites. She likes various types of music and her favorite singer is Celine Dion. In her free time Ida enjoys photography, cooking and decorating. The things that are most important to her are family, friendships, peace, health and love.

Ida feels that working at Jamaica Hospital in the TJH Medical suite is a wonderful experience. She likes it because it is a great working, teaching, and learning environment. The staff is very friendly and she enjoys the diversity of the people she works with. Ida values the interactions with patients every day. She has a passion for helping people to stay healthy and looks forward to working at TJH Medical for many years in the future.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Neuropathic pain occurs when your body sends pain signals to your brain, triggering a shooting or burning sensation as well as potential numbness. People who experience neuropathic pain may also have trouble sleeping due to their symptoms, potentially resulting in additional issues such as emotional problems. Symptoms can present in several different ways, including:

Allodynia: This form of neuropathic pain is triggered in response to typically non-painful stimuli, such as gentle pressure or cold temperatures.

Hyperalgesia: Some people who experience neuropathic pain may feel a greater-than-average reaction to normally painful stimuli, such as the prick of a needle.

Hypoalgesia: Unlike hyperalgesia, this type of neuropathic pain causes the opposite reaction, resulting in reduced pain in response to typically painful stimuli.

Spontaneous pain: This type of neuropathic pain occurs without any stimuli.

Dyesthesia: This symptom can occur either spontaneously or in response to an external stimulus, resulting in an abnormal sensation.

Neuropathic pain is typically chronic, as it is most often the result of long-term conditions such as diabetes, central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, or injuries that result in nerve damage. However, acute neuropathic pain can also occur in some cases.

Neuropathic pain is treated with the goal of resolving the underlying cause of your symptoms while providing you with relief and maintaining your normal functionality. This can involve a variety of treatment approaches, including medication, physical and psychiatric therapy, and potentially surgery.

One effective approach to relieving neuropathic pain is through nerve blocks, which are injections of steroids, anesthetics, or other medicines into the affected nerves. These injections are performed by pain management specialists from a wide range of clinical backgrounds, including neurology, orthopedics, and physical therapy, who can determine whether this treatment is right for you based on your symptoms and medical history.

You can receive pain management treatments such as nerve blocks at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with a pain specialist, please call (718) 206-7246.

A Springtime Recipe for Fettuccine Alfreddo and Vegetables

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

A beautiful, spring evening calls for a light, easy to prepare, fettuccine alfredo and spring vegetable dish to enjoy. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/spring-vegetable-fettuccine-alfredo-3577686

National Minority Health Month

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health celebrates National Minority Health Month every year, in April.

The observation was established to highlight the importance of improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities by reducing health disparities.

Health disparities are preventable differences in the quality of healthcare and health outcomes experienced by groups of people due to social inequities.

Communities of color or those of lower socioeconomic status are often disproportionately exposed to factors that lead to health disparities. Common disparities that occur among these groups are:

A lack of access to healthcare
Being uninsured or underinsured
Higher rates of premature death, infant mortality, cancer, and chronic diseases such as diabetes
Lower rates of life expectancy

Disparities in underserved populations develop as a result of the unequal distribution of resources needed to achieve optimal health or live a healthy life. However, they can be reduced by addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, access to health services, the conditions in which people live, and language and literacy skills.

Many of these challenges exist in urban areas such as Queens, New York – the most ethnically and racially diverse county in the United States. The richness in diversity of the borough gives much to celebrate such as the most languages spoken in one region; however, health disparities continue to prevail in some neighborhoods due to social inequities. Some of the health disparities that persist include:

Higher rates of tobacco addiction
Higher rates of breast, colorectal, cervical, and prostate cancers
Higher infant mortality rates
Prevalence in chronic diseases such as diabetes
Prevalence in mental health disorders
Prevalence in unintentional injuries, such as those incurred by falling

Jamaica Hospital aims to reduce or eliminate health disparities that affect its community by increasing access to high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. The hospital has launched several initiatives and offers various programs and services to meet the unique needs of its patient population. This includes:

Food assistance programs such as WIC
A smoking cessation program
A diabetes prevention program
A care management program
A CenteringPregnancy program
Inpatient and outpatient mental health services
The promotion of culturally and linguistically competent care, supported by a diverse group of bilingual patient navigators and language assistance
The promotion of health literacy through social media campaigns
The provision of world-class cancer care and services
The provision of integrated healthcare
Community outreach and education provided by the Trauma Department

To learn more about Jamaica Hospital’s initiatives to increase access to quality healthcare and the wide range of services provided by the hospital, please visit www.JamaicaHospital.org

What are Statins?

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Cholesterol is an important part of many of your body’s functions. However, too much of it can cause your arteries to become narrowed or blocked, increasing your risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks or strokes. This problem is particularly linked to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. For adults, an optimal level of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL; a near-optimal level is 100 to 129 mg/dL.

Statins are prescription medications that disrupt cholesterol production in your liver, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and increase the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in your blood; HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol from your blood and transports it back to your liver. Statins are available in brand-name or generic versions and are typically taken as tablets or capsules once per day.

Statins are typically prescribed to people who cannot reduce their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco products, as well as:

People who have experienced serious cardiovascular problems such as a stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease
People over the age of 40 with an LDL above 70 mg/dL who have diabetes or are at high risk of heart disease

Statins are also often taken for the rest of a patient’s life to keep their cholesterol levels low, as these levels tend to increase with age before gradually decreasing later in life.

While most patients should not have much trouble tolerating statins, they may cause some side effects. These commonly include headaches, nausea, and aching in the muscles and joints. Rarely, however, statins may lead to more serious side effects, such as increased blood sugar, muscle cell damage, liver damage, or memory problems.

A cardiologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of statins to determine whether they’re the right treatment approach for you. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department, please call (718) 206-7100.

Coping With Mental Health Challenges After A Heart Attack

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Having a heart attack can be frightening; therefore, it is common for people to experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression after surviving this life-changing event. In fact, the risk of depression is three times higher in heart attack survivors when compared to the general population; more than 25% of survivors experience anxiety after a heart attack, and 1 in 8 heart attack survivors experience symptoms of PTSD.

Mental health challenges often develop after a cardiac event because there is an uncertainty of things to come or a fear that it can happen again.

Feeling afraid, sad, confused, worried, stressed, or angry is expected in the days or weeks of having survived a heart attack. However, it is important that these emotions are addressed with urgency and managed because they can affect recovery. Untreated stress, anxiety, or depression can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate or blood pressure that put a strain on the heart.

Being aware of these negative emotions and learning how to cope can improve mental health. This can be achieved by identifying triggers and practicing stress or anxiety-reducing exercises such as:

Speaking to someone about how you feel
Socializing
Practicing mindfulness
Challenging negative thoughts and thinking positively
Practicing deep breathing
Practicing gratitude
Spending time in nature
Exercising
Eating well
Getting enough sleep

In addition to practicing stress management exercises or other coping techniques, it is important to seek the assistance of a mental health provider to create a treatment plan to manage the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.