3 Mental Health Tips for Online Dating

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, you may be using online dating apps as part of your search. The odds of success may be in your favor, as most couples today first meet online, but if you aren’t careful, your approach to online dating could be harmful to your mental health.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may experience symptoms as a result of the way many major dating apps work. Most apps display photos of users along with information about their personalities. Users may develop negative thoughts about their body image or about themselves in general if they aren’t getting many responses to their profile.

On the other hand, while a high number of responses may provide an initial sense of validation, it can quickly turn negative if potential connections or conversations come to a quick or unexpected end. Negative feelings can also occur after first dates if the person you met decides to “ghost” you, never responding or asking to go out with you again.

To stay mentally healthy despite these potential bumps in the road of your online dating journey, you should:

Set limits on the time you spend on each app: The unhealthy effects of online dating apps can increase as you spend more time on them at the expense of other activities. Set a time limit of about 30 minutes each day or limit your number of swipes for each app. Take a break to do something else after finishing your time with one app if you plan to use another.

Make genuine connections your goal: It can be easy to swipe thoughtlessly on a high volume of profiles, resulting in either a low number of matches or conversations that lead nowhere. Don’t swipe just to see how many matches you can get; use online dating apps as a tool to meet people you can genuinely connect with based on your true personality.

Avoid online dating on bad days: If you are in a negative frame of mind due to the events of your day or are experiencing sudden symptoms of a mental health condition, avoid online dating apps for that day entirely, as they can do more harm than good to your self-esteem and self-image in these moments.

If you’re experiencing mental health problems that are interfering with your ability to make connections with other people, romantic or otherwise, you can find help from a therapist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 206-6160.

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 Does Blue Light Affect Sleep?

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Devices such as smartphones, laptops, and smart televisions emit blue light, which is a color on the light spectrum that’s visible to the human eye. Blue light also contains the highest level of energy on the light spectrum.

While blue light may offer benefits when utilized during the day, such as helping to boost attention and mood, it can cause several problems when used at night. The most common is interfering with our sleep cycles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to blue light emitted from devices used at night can make it difficult for us to fall asleep or can wake us up too early.

Blue light has this effect because light plays an essential role in aligning circadian rhythms, which is the body’s internal clock that helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. The CDC explains that the “body’s circadian clock responds to light, as a signal to be awake, and dark, as a signal to fall asleep.”

Blue light stimulates the part of our brain that makes us alert and it suppresses the body’s secretion of melatonin; the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Exposure can trick our brains into thinking it’s daytime even when using devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops at night.

To prevent this problem, and reduce the risk of blue light exposure, the Sleep Foundation recommends:
• Turning off electronics two to three hours before bedtime
• Dimming the lights on electronics or using night mode
• Using smartphone or computer applications designed to reduce the emission of blue light
• Using an eye mask to sleep if you are unable to turn off or dim certain light sources

Creating a healthy sleep environment can help us to achieve the rest our bodies need to reenergize and heal. This involves making sure that lights do not interfere with our sleep.

To learn more about creating a healthy sleep environment, or 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.

Jamaica Hospital Receives America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award For Fourth Consecutive Year

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to announce that it is one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. This achievement puts Jamaica Hospital in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance across the most common conditions and procedures. This is the fourth consecutive year Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is among America’s Best.

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top-performing hospitals.

Being named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals is an achievement that speaks to Jamaica Hospital’s commitment to providing its patients and community with high-quality healthcare. The distinction of being one of America’s Best is among several achievements earned by the hospital for clinical excellence and high performance in a wide range of services. Jamaica Hospital received four 2023 U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospitals awards in recognition of the treatment and care provided to patients diagnosed with heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and stroke. Healthgrades also ranked Jamaica Hospital among the top five hospitals in New York for surgical care in 2023.

“We’re proud to recognize Jamaica Hospital Medical Center as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023,” said Brad Bowman MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “As one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center consistently delivers better-than-expected outcomes for the patients in their community and is setting a high national standard for clinical excellence.”

How to Avoid Winter Injuries

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

The winter months can be a very nice time of year to spend outdoors enjoying many different types of sports and cold weather activities. However, it is important to remember that cold weather activities can pose certain risks. Here are some of the most common winter activities that can cause injuries and ways to avoid these mishaps:

Walking on slippery surfaces – the most common injuries are slips and falls which can lead to broken bones, sprained muscles and back injuries. Ways to avoid these injuries include:

Taking short steps
Walking slowly
Bending knees slightly when walking
Holding on to a railing when possible
Keeping your hands at your sides

Shoveling snow – when not done properly can lead to injuries of the back, neck, ankles, knees, wrists. and shoulders. Ways to avoid these injuries includes:

Warming up your muscles before starting to shovel by stretching
Bending at the knees
Keeping your back straight
Pushing snow instead of lifting when possible
Taking frequent breaks

Frostbite – this can occur if you are outdoors for prolonged periods without proper clothing for protection. Signs of frostbite are numbness and change in skin color. Ways to avoid frostbite include:

Wearing gloves, hats, heavy socks
Dressing in layers
Avoiding going outdoors when wet

Participating in winter sports – activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey and snowmobiling look like fun and they can be when practiced safely. However, accidents can occur when proper precautions are not taken. Some of these precautions include:

Making sure the ice on a pond or a lake is thick enough for the chosen activity
Wearing a helmet is important to avoid head injuries
Making sure there is someone supervising children or inexperienced adults
Avoiding courses with obstacles especially when skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating
Taking lessons first if you have never participated in an activity
Wearing proper safety gear especially on knees and elbows in case of a fall

It is important to never participate in any winter sporting activity alone, especially where the risks of injury are high.

Outdoor winter activities often look easier than they actually are. Taking precautions, will help to keep you safe from serious injuries.

The Risk of Using Tap Water In Home Medical Devices

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of tap water to fill home medical devices such as humidifiers, neti pots, and CPAP machines can pose a potential threat to our health.

Although tap water is treated to meet safe drinking standards, it is not sterile and is unsafe for inhalation. Therefore, using tap water to fill certain home medical devices is not recommended.

Unsterilized water contains microorganisms such as Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Inhaling these pathogens can lead to infection. Both pathogens are responsible for a large portion of hospitalizations and deaths related to waterborne diseases.

Some individuals are more at risk for acquiring infections than others, they include:

The elderly
Infants and young children
People with weakened immune systems

To avoid the risk of developing an infection or waterborne illnesses caused by the inhalation of pathogens, the CDC recommends using clean, sterile water ( Tap water can be sterilized by boiling it for a minimum of one minute and allowing it to cool), or using distilled water. It is important to note that bottled drinking water is not considered sterile.

The CDC also recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting home medical devices to help reduce exposure to waterborne pathogens.

To learn more about waterborne illnesses and ways to use water safely, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/index.html

National Cancer Prevention Month

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point within their lifetime. It is partially for this reason that cancer the second leading cause of death among Americans, accounting for over 600,000 estimated deaths throughout the United States. Nearly half of these deaths are the result of preventable lifestyle factors or a failure to diagnose the disease early.

As there are many different types of cancer, there is no singular way to prevent it; additionally, there is no way to completely eliminate your risk of developing the disease. However, targeting the lifestyle factors that most frequently contribute to the incidence of cancer in general can help you protect your health and remain as cancer-free as possible.

To reduce the risk of cancer, you should:

Avoid smoking: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke causes as many as 90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. For people who don’t smoke but are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke, the risk of cancer may increase by up to 30%.

Avoid UV light: Exposure to ultra-violet radiation is the most common cause of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. This exposure most frequently occurs due to excessive time in the sun, particularly for people who are not wearing protective sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine: Obesity is linked to a wide range of chronic health problems, including at least 13 forms of cancer. A moderate diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, healthy proteins, and a limited amount of meat, paired with an exercise routine that includes a moderate amount of aerobic, strength, core, balance, and flexibility exercises, is ideal for maintaining your physical health and fitness.

Limit alcohol consumption: Your alcohol consumption, even at low levels, is directly correlated with your risk for several different types of cancer. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink can help reduce your risk, but it is ideal to avoid it entirely, if possible.

Visit your doctor regularly: Typical annual check-ups such as a physical exam from your primary care physician or a skin exam from a dermatologist can help identify signs of cancer that may warrant further testing or a diagnosis. Many forms of cancer are also easiest to treat in their early stages, making regular screenings from cancer specialists helpful for reducing your risk of death.

Expert diagnostic testing and treatment for cancer is available in Queens through Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s joint Oncology program. Our state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatment approaches, coupled with services such as our patient navigation program to help guide you through the entire process, can give you the best possible chance at achieving remission and living cancer-free.

To learn more about our oncology services or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

Everything You Need to Know About the Different Types of Sugar

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is composed of molecules of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. When carbohydrates are broken down through digestion they become a source of energy for the body..

There are two types of carbohydrates, known as either simple carbohydrates or complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are made of either one molecule of sugar or two molecules of sugar. Complex carbohydrates are made up of three or more sugar molecules.

The simplest type of sugar is called a monosaccharide or simple sugar. Examples of this type of sugar are:

Glucose – comes from plants and the body uses it for energy.
Fructose – comes from honey, fruits and some root vegetables and can only be broken down by the liver.
Galactose – mainly found in peas and is structurally a variant of glucose.

Another type of simple sugar is a disaccharide which are formed when two monosaccharides are joined together. Examples of this type of sugar are:

Sucrose – comes from the combination of glucose and fructose and is found in sugar beets, often called table sugar.
Lactose – found in dairy products and is a combination of glucose and galactose.
Maltose – is composed of two molecules of glucose and found in some grains.

Some sugars are found in food naturally while other sugars are added to food when they are processed to add color and flavor. Regardless of sugar’s source, the body will metabolize it the same way. Sugar that is found naturally in fruit usually is in small enough quantities that it isn’t harmful. Added sugars are processed and do not provide any benefits to our health.

Consuming too much sugar can have detrimental effects on the body. This includes obesity, dental cavities, and diabetes. It is important to limit the amount of any type of sugar that is consumed on a daily basis in order to avoid these negative effects.

Low Vision Awareness Month: What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly three million Americans suffer from low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be corrected through medical treatments such as surgery, medication, or specialized eyewear. Low vision is most common among people aged 40 years and older.

One of the most common causes of low vision (and the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 50 and older) is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which impairs a person’s central vision and interferes with tasks such as reading or driving. Your risk of developing this condition increases as you age, but this risk may be higher for people who have a family history of AMD, are Caucasian, or smoke.

This condition can occur as either “dry” (also known as “atrophic”) AMD or “wet” (also known as “advanced neovascular”) AMD. The majority of AMD cases involve dry AMD, which occurs in three stages: early, intermediate, and late.

Early dry AMD usually doesn’t involve any obvious symptoms, but during the intermediate stage, you may experience mild blurry vision or difficulties seeing in low lighting. Late AMD may cause symptoms such as straight lines appearing crooked, increased blurry vision, greater difficulty seeing in low lighting, colors appearing less bright, and visual blank spots.

There are no specific treatments available for the early stage of dry AMD, but during its intermediate and late stages, special dietary supplements may be able to slow or halt the progression of the disease. These supplements contain:

Vitamins C (500 milligrams)
Vitamin E (400 International Units)
Copper (2 milligrams)
Zinc (80 milligrams)
Beta-carotene
Lutein (10 milligrams)
Zeaxanthin (2 milligrams)

Wet AMD is a form of late-stage AMD that progresses quickly as abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye, damaging the macula. It always begins as dry AMD and can occur during any stage of the condition. Unlike late-stage dry AMD, however, it can be treated through anti–vascular endothelial growth factor drugs or through photodynamic therapy (PDT), which combines injectable medications with laser treatments.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry or wet AMD, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Mukid Khan

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Mukid Khan, Epic Systems Analyst and Registered Respiratory Therapist . Today is a little more special for this recognition because it is also Mukid’s birthday.

Mukid has been with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 10 years. He began his career with us as a Registered Respiratory Therapist; he still continues to fill this role on a per diem basis. His full time position now is as an Epic Systems Analyst.

Mukid grew up in Queens. He lived in Astoria until the age of 16 then moved to Jamaica. He now resides in Forest Hills. He attended P.S. 85 in Astoria, Middle College High School in Long Island City and went on to get his B.S. in Respiratory Care at SUNY Stony Brook. A few years later, Mukid went on to graduate school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University where he obtained his M.S. in Medical Informatics.

In his free time, he enjoys listening to thought-provoking podcasts, watching indie films with ambiguous endings, experiencing art shows, and live musical events. Mukid likes to travel to new places. The most memorable places he has visited are the temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan and the Corn Islands of Nicaragua. He enjoys eating various types of food, his favorites being Nicaraguense, Bangladeshi, and Japanese. Mukid likes music that is melodic especially house and rock. His hobbies include photography, hiking, gaming, experimenting with new recipes, and also mixing music. His favorite annual holiday-time movie is the Lord of Rings Trilogy.

The priorities in his life are his wife and best friend Cristina, family, friends and his cat Kuma. Also important to him are the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and justice.

We look forward to Mukid continuing to work with us for many more years.

3 Common Achilles Tendon Conditions (And How to Avoid Them)

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

The Achilles tendon, which stabilizes your foot and ankle by connecting your calf muscle and heel, can become injured in a variety of ways. These injuries can cause pain, discomfort, and weakness in your ankle, interfering significantly with your daily activities. However, by taking certain precautions to preserve the well-being of your Achilles tendon, you may be able to prevent or reduce your risk of injury.

Tendinitis causes swelling and inflammation in your tendons, resulting in pain and instability while walking. Tendinitis often occurs as a result of overuse of your tendons; in many cases, sports are the primary culprits.

Maintaining your flexibility through stretching or other light warm-ups prior to vigorous physical activity can help prevent tendinitis, but it’s also important to avoid repetitive motions that can lead to overuse injuries as much as possible.

Tendinosis is sometimes confused for tendinitis, as both of these conditions can occur as a result of overuse injuries. Unlike tendinitis, however, tendinosis is not an inflammatory condition; it involves degeneration of the collagen in your tendons that worsens over time, wearing down the tendon and causing its fibers to become thick and hard.

Similarly to tendinitis, tendinosis is best avoided by incorporating warm-up stretches into your physical activities and avoiding overuse of your leg muscles.

An Achilles tendon rupture occurs much more suddenly than tendinitis or tendinosis as the stress placed on your tendon is abruptly increased. This can happen if you trip, fall, or increase the intensity of your physical activities to quickly, potentially resulting in severe pain and swelling near the heel as well as weakness while walking.

Warm-up stretches can be helpful for avoiding these injuries, but calf-strengthening exercises, varied workouts, slow increases in activity intensity, and appropriate footwear are all essential for protecting your Achilles tendon, as well.

If you experience pain, discomfort, or weakness in your heel or ankle, expert podiatric treatment is available at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Podiatry Department. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6712.