What Are Doctors Checking for During Physical Exams?

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

During a physical examination, doctors inspect different parts of our bodies to check for symptoms or potential health problems. They may peer inside our ears, shine a light in our eyes, and look inside our mouths for tell-tale signs, here are some of the medical reasons why they do so:

Shining a light in your eyes- Our eyes can reveal a great deal about our health. Doctors shine a light in our eyes to evaluate how well our pupils respond. In healthy eyes, the pupils will shrink and maintain their round shape. Doctors may also look at the color of your eyes during an examination. Red eyes mays signal irritation and yellow eyes can serve as a warning sign for liver problems.
Peering into your ears – By using an otoscope, doctors can check for signs of infection. Some otoscopes can send a puff of air into the ear canal, this helps doctors to see your eardrum and how it moves when there is pressure in your ear canal.
Pressing your stomach-Doing so can help doctors determine if the size of your internal organs is normal. Additionally, your doctor may check for pain, tenderness, or firmness. Doctors may also listen to your stomach with a stethoscope to check for bowel problems.
Looking into your mouth- Our mouths can also tell us a lot about our health. Doctors look at the back of our throats to see if there are any infections. They also look at the color and texture of our tongues which can be indicative of infections or other underlying medical conditions.
Listening to your heart or lungs – By using a stethoscope, your doctor may listen to your heart to check for heart murmurs, irregular rhythms, or signs of congestive heart failure. Doctors listen to your lungs to check for wheezing, fluid build-up, or infections.

Getting an annual physical is very important for your health. A physical examination can help your doctor to detect problems that can pose a serious threat to your overall wellness.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor 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.

National Home Care and Hospice Month

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Joann Ariola

According to the National Association of Home Care and Hospice, during the month of November, the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) is joining with the National Association of Home Care and Hospice to promote raising awareness about hospice and home care professionals.

When you are faced with the decision of choosing whether home care or hospice care better suites the needs of you, or your loved ones; it is best to know the definition and relationship between the two before deciding.

Home care and hospice focus on relieving symptoms that are related to a chronic illness, such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, AIDS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological diseases.

Since most Americans would like to age in place, home care professionals provide a much needed service that provides comfort and high quality healthcare to home bound patients who have chronic illnesses.

When home care is not an option, hospice care may be the choice for your loved one. Keep in mind, hospice care is only offered when the patient has progressed to a point where curative treatment is no longer desired. Hospice care supports the patient, and their families, on the journey to end of life focusing on relieving symptoms and offering comfort from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and insomnia.

It is important to know that choosing home care or hospice care the focus should be about providing comfort, control, dignity and quality of life and not about giving up. If you, or a loved one should need information on home care or hospice care, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6914 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or to just talk, call 718-206-6914.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

The month of November has been designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States has prediabetes. This is the equivalent of 88 million people who are at risk of developing type II diabetes during their lifetime. The ADA states that 1 in 5 people in the United States who has diabetes isn’t aware that they even have it.

There is no cure for diabetes but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugar daily and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways complications can be prevented.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many complications. It is the leading cause of blindness, non-traumatic amputations, kidney disease and also increases the risk for heart attacks.

It is also important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-7001.

Vaccine Booster Eligibility

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

COVID-19 vaccines are found to be effective in lowering the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, the efficacy of the vaccine may decrease over time. To help strengthen and prolong protection from COVID, vaccine boosters or additional shots are recommended for individuals who are fully vaccinated but may be at an increased risk for infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who fit certain criteria.

According to the CDC, individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, are eligible for a booster if they are:

65 years or older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live-in high-risk settings

Booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine are recommended six months after receiving your second dose. You can get any of the vaccines authorized in the U.S.

If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you are 18 years old or older. Getting any of the boosters authorized in the U.S. two months after vaccination is recommended.

Side effects to booster shots may vary, the CDC states, “Reactions reported after getting a booster shot were similar to that of the 2-shot or single-dose initial series. Fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot or single-dose initial series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.”

Learning More About Keratosis Pilaris, A Skin Condition That Can Worsen In Cold Weather

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Weather associated with the Fall and Winter months can negatively impact your body in many ways, including how it affects your skin. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to share information about one such skin condition, keratosis pilaris, that is normally associated with cold, dry weather.

Keratosis pilaris is a common, chronic skin condition that causes small, scaly bumps on the skin where there are hair follicles. These bumps are the result extra keratin, which is a type of protein that’s part of skin, hair, and nails. Keratin forms under the skin, blocking the opening of the hair follicle. When the hair follicle becomes plugged it leads to tiny rough, red patches on the skin that often resemble goose bumps. These bumps can appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. They can also appear on the cheeks and on the sides of the torso.

It is unknown as to why keratin builds up, but you are considered more at risk of developing it if you have a parent or sibling who has it. Also, those who already have eczema or atopic dermatitis are believed to have an increased chance of having the condition.

While understanding what causes keratosis pilaris is still somewhat of a mystery, we do know one factor that can exacerbate the condition – the weather. Even though keratosis pilaris is not officially considered a seasonal condition, it usually becomes worse in dry or cold conditions, typically associated in the Fall and Winter months. This is because cold weather breeds dry skin, which in turn seems to irritate keratosis pilaris. For some, thankfully, the rash will disappear once warmer temperatures return.

Although there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, for some the condition can improve with age and without treatment. For others, symptoms can be managed through a few different treatment options, including the use of topical exfoliants or retinoids or, in severe cases, laser therapy. There are also many things you can do at home to reduce the symptoms of keratosis pilaris, including:

Using a moisturizer or a lubricating lotion
Not vigorously scrubbing the skin
Drying off gently after showering
Using a humidifier to eliminate dry air
Avoiding the use of harsh cleansers and soaps

It is important to note that treatment may improve the appearance of the bumps, but the condition often comes back if treatment is stopped. You should speak with your doctor or dermatologist to determine the correct course of treatment for your skin condition.

To make an appointment with a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Health Benefits of Pumpkins and a Recipe to Enjoy

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that pumpkins are not only tasty, they are quite healthy?

Some health benefits of pumpkins are:

They are highly rich in Vitamin A
They contain antioxidants and immune boosters that may reduce your risk of chronic illnesses
They are high in nutrients and low in calories
They contain compounds that promote healthy skin.

Now that you know about some of the health benefits of pumpkin, why not try this tasty gluten free, vegan Creamy Pumpkin Soup recipe. It’s healthy, easy to prepare and delicious.

Serves: 3

Prep time – 5 minutes

Cook time – 25 minutes

Total time – 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, diced
½ pumpkin, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, diced
4-5 cups vegetable broth
½-1 cup coconut milk

Instructions

Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for a few minutes until translucent. Add pumpkin and garlic and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
Add rosemary and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until pumpkin is soft and cooked through. Add salt to taste.
Puree soup in a blender (in batches) and return to the pot.
Add coconut milk and simmer for another minute or two.

Give this recipe a try. It is simply delicious and healthy too.

ACL Tears

Posted on October 26, 2021 by Abraham Perl, M.D.

With school in full swing and more children participating in team sports, it is important to talk about injuries that can happen during physical activity. Some of these injuries involve damage to ligaments, which are pieces of connective tissue that connect two bones together.

The anterior cruciate ligament, known as the ACL, is the most injured knee ligament with approximately 100,000 – 200,000 ACL tears occurring each year in the United States.

ACL injuries happen most during sudden, cutting or pivoting movements which are common in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football.

Although anyone can injure their ACL, there are several factors that can place an individual at a greater risk. Risk factors include:

Participating in the aforementioned sports, as well as lacrosse, skiing, tennis and gymnastics
A previously torn ACL
Being female (Females are more likely to get injured than males due to differences in anatomy)
Poor conditioning
Wearing poor fitting footwear

Most patients who experience an ACL tear report hearing a pop at the time of injury. Other symptoms can include severe pain or tenderness, swelling and knee instability with walking or a loss of range of motion (Squatting and walking downstairs are particularly difficult movements after obtaining an ACL tear).

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms following an injury to the knee, it is important that you see a doctor immediately.

When you arrive at your doctor, they will ask you for details about how the injury occurred. They will then examine the injured knee by comparing it to the uninjured knee. During the exam, your doctor may perform tests such as the Lachman and Anterior Drawer test to help determine if the ACL was damaged. Several imaging studies such as an x-ray may be ordered to see if there are associated fractures of the surrounding bones. An MRI may also be required to assess damage to soft tissue and check the extent of the ACL tear.

As with many injuries, acute management begins with RICE therapy which stands for rest, ice compression, elevation. If the knee appears unstable, crutches may be provided. A specially fitted brace may be another option to help stabilize the knee. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen can help control the pain. Further treatment options may include physical therapy or surgery.

ACL tears can be prevented by performing stretching and strengthening exercises that focus on the lower body and core, warming up before playing sports, as well as participating in year-round training and conditioning.

If you suspect that you or your loved ones may have injured your ACL or have incurred any other type of injury, our physicians at the Family Medicine Clinic would be happy to evaluate you and discuss a treatment plan based on your goals.

To schedule an appointment with one of our incredible physicians please call our office at (718) 657 -7093.

Tremors

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

A tremor is defined as the unintentional or uncontrollable movement of a part of the body.

Tremors are sometimes the result of movement disorders, neurological conditions, or other health problems.

There are two types of tremors: resting and action. Resting tremors mostly affect the hands or fingers. They occur when a person is sitting still and tend to go away once an individual begins to move around. Action tremors occur when there is movement of the affected part of the body.

In addition to type, tremors can be further categorized by their appearance and cause. These categories include:

Essential tremor- results from a neurological disorder that causes the hands or other parts of the body to shake involuntarily and rhythmically. Shaking typically tends to worsen during movement than when at rest.
Dystonic tremor- occurs in individuals with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. Dystonia causes repetitive or twisting movements.
Parkinsonian tremor- is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Tremors occur mostly at rest. Involuntary and rhythmic tremors often start in one side of the body and eventually progress to both sides.
Cerebellar tremor- is caused by lesions or damage to the cerebellum from a tumor, stroke, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Cerebellar tremors can also be caused by inherited degenerative disorders such as ataxia as well damage to the cerebellum resulting from chronic alcoholism.
Orthostatic tremor- is a movement disorder characterized by a rapid tremor in the legs that occur when standing.
Psychogenic tremor- is the most common psychogenic movement disorder. It occurs often in patients who have conversion disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Conversion disorder is a disorder in which a person experiences blindness, paralysis, or other symptoms affecting the nervous system that cannot be explained solely by a physical illness or injury. Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a period of emotional or physical distress or psychological conflict.” Many patients with psychogenic tremors have underlying psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.
Physiologic tremor- is barely visible to the naked eye and is typically reversible once the cause is corrected. It can become more pronounced when there is a reaction to certain drugs, alcohol withdrawal or medical conditions such as hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism. These tremors may also present during periods of muscular fatigue, anxiety, or emotional stress.

Tremors can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Your doctor may order urine, blood or neurological tests to check for underlying medical conditions.

Tremors are treated based on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, psychotherapy Botox injections, medications or surgery.

MediSys Family Care Center in Howard Beach

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we would like to shine our spotlight on the MediSys Family Care Center in Howard Beach.

This center moved into its current location at 156-10 Crossbay Blvd in 2011, after having been one block south on Crossbay Boulevard since 1995. This site currently offers seven state-of-the-art exam rooms and is staffed by 13 employees.

The MediSys Family Care Center in Howard Beach offers a wide range of services including:

Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Podiatry
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Neurology

The staff shares with us why they enjoy working at MediSys Howard Beach. Dr. Lawrence Marino enjoys working at this office and tells us “I have been privileged to be part of this community for the past 30 years and ever more privileged to work with such a dedicated team”. Nilsa Valentine a Patient Access Representative in this practice says, “I have been working for the past 21 years in MediSys Howard Beach. The patients have become more than just an appointment. We treat them like family which makes for a great relationship. My team in this office has given me the care and support that I appreciate so very much”. Keven Ogando, an Ambulatory Care Representative at this office states that, “throughout my year of working here I enjoyed how kind and helpful my coworkers have been”.

The current hours of operation are:

Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday and Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Free parking is available in the rear of the building. The site is also accessible by public transportation using the Q41, Q52, and Q53 buses.

To schedule an appointment at Medisys Family Care Center in Howard Beach please call 718-323-3589.

Causes of Watery Eyes

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Joann Ariola

There are a number of ailments that can cause your eyes to be watery. The three most common causes are a cold, allergies and Dry Eye Syndrome. The most common medical cause being, Dry Eye Syndrome.

According to healthline.com some other causes of watery eye could be:

weather conditions such as dusty weather, wind, cold, and sunshine
environmental factors such as bright light and smog
inflammation of the eyelid
eyelid turned outward or inward
ingrown eyelash
pink eye or other infections
injury, such as a cut or scrape on the eye
some prescription medications

(to see the entire list of common causes, visit healthline.com)

According to the American Optometric Association, some symptoms affiliated with watery eyes or Dry Eye Syndrome are:

Gritty, irritated, scratchy or burning eyes
The feeling of something in the eyes
Excess watering
Blurred vision

Watery eyes can develop for a number of reasons including medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease, aging, your gender or certain medications you are taking that can reduce tear production.

In mild cases, symptoms can often me managed using over the counter artificial tear solutions.

In either case, if symptoms persist you should seek medical attention. If you are experiencing prolonged symptoms and would like to make an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.