3 Conditions an ENT Can Help You Prevent

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

An ear, nose, and throat doctor (also known as an ENT or otolaryngologist) treats a wide range of medical problems every day, including many common diseases and conditions such as sinus infections, ear infections, and tonsillitis. An otolaryngologist’s expertise also covers a variety of rarer health issues, several of which could lead to serious complications. Three of these issues include nasal valve collapse, thyroid cancer, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

A nasal valve collapse typically occurs as a result of trauma or as a complication of surgery. It can occur in the internal valve, located between the skin and respiratory epithelium, or the external valve, which is comprised of the columella, nasal floor, and nasal rim. The purpose of these valves is primarily to restrict airflow, so when a collapse occurs, the flow of oxygen through your nasal passages may be either severely restricted or entirely blocked. An ENT typically treats a nasal valve collapse through surgery.

An ENT can also diagnose and treat thyroid cancer. Approximately 43,800 people develop this form of cancer each year, with about 2,230 people dying of the disease annually. Thyroid cancer may present through symptoms such as swallowing difficulty, a lump in the neck, and changes in your voice. An ENT can diagnose thyroid cancer through a biopsy and will treat most forms of this disease through surgical removal.

If you experience symptoms such as watery drainage from the nose, back of the throat, or ear, an ENT may diagnose you with a CSF leak through a CT or MRI scan. A CSF leak may allow bacteria to reach the brain or spinal cord, leading to the development of conditions such as meningitis. Most leaks around the ears and sinuses may be repaired through minimally invasive procedures, though certain cases may require a craniotomy.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, you can schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care 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.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of sudden unexpected infant death, typically affecting babies between one month and one year of age. The cause of SIDS is unknown, but it occurs most frequently in children aged between one and four months, typically while they’re sleeping.

It can be difficult to properly diagnose SIDS as a cause of death in many cases due to the fact that it’s often only determined once other potential causes of death have been ruled out. Although its frequency has drastically decreased in recent years, it still remains a serious threat to newborn children.

Most SIDS deaths occur in boys during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Babies that are most often affected are also premature or underweight, have a sibling that died due to SIDS, live in a household with people who smoke, and often sleep on their stomach or side on a sleeping surface that’s too soft. Many of these babies may also overheat during sleep.

Additionally, certain risk factors are linked to a child’s mother, including childbirth at under 20 years of age, smoking while pregnant, and receiving minimal prenatal care.

The best way to prevent SIDS is to eliminate as many of these risk factors as possible. You can:

Make sure the baby sleeps on their back
Remove soft surfaces, such as fluffy blankets and toys, from sleeping areas
Prevent smoking in the presence of the baby and the household in general
Breastfeed your baby or provide the closest possible alternative, such as donated milk or formula

If your baby becomes unresponsive during sleep, please dial 9-1-1 to get emergency medical assistance immediately.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Lupus vs. Multiple Sclerosis: What’s the Difference?

Posted on October 3, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects over 200,000 people in the United States, approximately 90% of whom are women. Due to the rare nature of this disease, it is sometimes misdiagnosed in its early stages. One condition it’s often mistaken for is multiple sclerosis (MS), a more common autoimmune condition affecting over one million Americans.

Lupus is primarily associated with chronic joint pain, skin rashes, fevers, and hair loss, as well as neurological issues such as headaches, seizures, strokes, and personality changes. While these symptoms are less common in people with MS, certain issues typically associated with this condition, such as numbness, blurred vision, weakness, and balancing difficulties, can also present with other common lupus symptoms.

Both lupus and MS tend to cause periodic flare-ups of symptoms such as fatigue and pain. Additionally, both conditions can affect the nervous system and lead to a variety of neurological problems. Certain symptoms, however, are more indicative of one disease than the other, and it’s important to look out for them to ensure that your doctor has the information necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Many people with lupus experience a rash on their cheeks and nose that can act as a telltale sign of the disease. Knowing whether a person’s numbness, weakness, or other neurological problems are associated with seizures or strokes can also help to determine whether lupus or MS is the more likely cause.

Several diagnostic procedures are also available to confirm the cause of symptoms. An MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord may be used to diagnose either lupus or MS. If this scan doesn’t provide enough information, your doctor may perform a lumbar puncture to check for MS antigens. For lupus, several blood tests and the AVISE Connective Tissue Disease test can check for antibody measures and other signs of the disease.

If you begin to experience symptoms of either of these conditions, it’s important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call (718) 206-7001.

What is Osteoarthritis ?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, currently affecting over 32 million Americans. This form of arthritis is known as the “wear and tear” disease because while it can affect almost any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, hands, and spine that are subject to the most amount of movement. Women tend to be affected by osteoarthritis more often than men.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which is the slippery tissue which cushions your bones when they rub against one another deteriorates over time due to weight, stress, injuries or genetic factors. When this happens, people with osteoarthritis will experience a variety of issues including::

Joint pain
Joint Deformity
Decrease in joint mobility
Swelling of a joint
Joint crackling

Diagnosing osteoarthritis can be performed by taking an x-ray, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), and physical manipulation of the joint. Examining the joint fluid can help differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis may not be able to be completely avoided but there are ways to slow down its progress and to treat it. Measures to minimize osteoarthritis include:

Keeping active
Maintaining a proper weight
Participating in physical therapy
Taking medications to reduce symptoms such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Receiving cortisone injections into the joint
Receiving injections of hyaluronic acid
Having Joint replacement procedures

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, speak with your physician to discuss what treatment option is best for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

What is Sundowning?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

If a friend or loved one is displaying symptoms of confusion that occur or worsen in the late afternoon and evening, they may be experiencing sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome.

Sundowning is typically characterized by problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, and mood regulation which present themselves through behaviors such as pacing, wandering, or closely following someone, in addition to more dramatic outbursts of yelling, crying, or violence. A person experiencing sundowning may suffer from paranoia, delusions, or insomnia, as well. Although these symptoms usually occur in the latter half of the day, they can also appear during the morning.

Over 20% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia suffer from sundown syndrome. The exact causes of sundowning are unknown, but physical discomfort, infections, sleep cycle disruptions, overstimulation, and low lighting can all worsen its symptoms.

Managing triggers is the best way to prevent or decrease the severity of sundowning episodes. Light therapy, music therapy, and familiar environments can also help. Additionally, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medications may provide relief in some cases. For people whose sundowning symptoms are linked to sleep-related triggers, melatonin can be used to help restore a normal sleep cycle.

It’s important to get a loved one suffering from sundown syndrome to a doctor as soon as possible and to advocate for them throughout the treatment process to ensure that any issues they can’t communicate on their own are identified promptly. Schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 206-7001.

A Delicious Fall Recipe

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Today is the first day of Fall and a perfect time to prepare a delicious butternut squash casserole to welcome in the season. Here is a recipe from delish.com made with butternut squash. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a40509027/butternut-squash-casserole-recipe/

National School Backpack Awareness Day

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

As students begin a new school year, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is taking the opportunity to inform our community about backpack usage, potential medical issues that it can cause, and ways to prevent these issues for National School Backpack Awareness Day.

Most students use backpacks to carry the books and supplies they need for school each day, often hauling loads weighing as much as 20% of their body weight. When students frequently carry this kind of weight, the muscles and joints in their back, neck, and shoulders can become strained or injured due to continuous stress. This can also lead to posture problems, causing misalignment in the musculoskeletal system, interfering with proper joint movement and function, and wearing away the spine.

Your child’s choice of backpack can substantially help to avoid these problems. Look for a backpack that:

Fits your child properly
Features two wide, padded shoulder straps and a waist strap
Has a padded back
Is lightweight

These features are most helpful when utilized properly. All straps on a backpack should be tightened to keep the load as close to a student’s back as possible, reducing the stress it places on their muscles. Additionally, keep the heaviest items low and toward the center of the backpack, removing any items that aren’t necessary for the day. Lastly, be sure your child is lifting the weight of the backpack from their knees, not their back.

If your child is experiencing frequent or chronic back pain, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to diagnose and treat the problem by calling (718) 206-7001.

What You Should Know About The Novavax Adjuvanted COVID Vaccine

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Novavax vaccine, Adjuvanted was recently authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12 years of age and older. It is the fourth vaccine to receive authorization in the U.S. along with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine packages harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future.”

Adjuvanted is found to be 90% effective against COVID. It is used for primary vaccinations, meaning it has not been authorized for use as a booster.

The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart. It is given as an injection in the muscle. Mixing Adjuvanted with other COVID-19 vaccines is not recommended at this time.

As with other vaccines, there are side effects associated with Adjuvanted. The most common side effects include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site
Injection site redness or swelling
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea/ vomiting
Fever
Chills

Myocarditis and pericarditis, conditions caused by an inflammation of the heart, have occurred in a few clinical trial participants.

Although potential side effects can occur after receiving a COVID vaccine, the CDC advises that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Vaccines remain the most effective form of protection against infection.

It is important to remember that information about COVID-19 is constantly changing as we learn more about the virus. We encourage you to visit the CDC for updates.

What Is Anemia?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the United States and affects over two billion people globally. More women suffer from iron deficiency anemia than men. Anemia reduces the number of healthy red blood cells available to carry oxygen throughout your body, leaving you feeling tired and weak.

The symptoms of anemia can range from mild and temporary to chronic and severe, potentially causing life-threatening complications such as heart failure. Severe symptoms may be more likely for people over the age of 65.

The severity of anemia mainly depends on its cause, which can include factors such as:

Deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B-12
Acute or chronic inflammatory diseases
Radiation and chemotherapy
Infections and autoimmune diseases
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Bone marrow disease
Blood disease
Genetics

Not all forms of anemia are preventable, particularly if it’s inherited genetically or the result of a condition with unclear causes. Increasing your intake of foods rich in iron, folate, and vitamins B-12 and C can help prevent certain forms of anemia or manage anemic symptoms.

Additionally, you may be able to prevent anemia associated with other conditions by managing the risk factors of those conditions. This may include reducing your intake of alcohol or avoiding exposure to toxic substances as much as possible.

A hematologist can provide treatment to help relieve anemia symptoms through intravenous infusions, red blood cell transfusions, bone marrow transplants, erythropoietin injections, or surgery to stop internal bleeding that may cause the condition.

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