Optimize Your Bedroom for A Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on May 3, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

One of the keys to achieving a good night’s rest is creating an environment that supports quality sleep.

There are a few factors to consider when cultivating that space. They include lighting, sound, tidiness, color, and temperature.

Here are a few ways you can optimize these elements to create a sleep-friendly bedroom:

Turn off all lights- This includes television lights, as well as lights from computers and phones. Exposure to light during sleep can throw off the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Keep it quiet- Remove or turn off electronics and any other items that contribute to background noise. The only noise believed to help you sleep is white noise.
Clear clutter- Research shows that sleeping in a cluttered room can affect sleep and lead to anxiety or stress.
Choose paint colors that are conducive to sleep- Colors such as lavender, blue, silver and green are known to be calming. Whereas, colors such as purple and red are believed to be stimulating.
Sleep in cool temperatures- According to the Sleep Foundation, “The best bedroom temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.”

Following these recommendations can help you achieve quality sleep. Sleep specialists also recommend sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding heavy meals a few hours before bedtime, and exercising at least three hours before bed as habits you can apply to improve sleep health.

If you are having problems falling and staying asleep, please consult a sleep specialist. To schedule an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Sleep Center, call 718-206-5916.

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.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Mariah Mahadeo

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Mariah Mahadeo, Clinical Coordinator in the TJH Department of Orthopedics.

Mariah has been with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for three years. She grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island and attended P.S. 161, Lawrence Middle School and graduated from Lawrence High School in 2010. Mariah obtained her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts in 2016 from Nassau Community College and is currently working on her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management at the University of Phoenix. Although Mariah grew up in a family that is in the food industry her passion has always been healthcare because she enjoys helping people.

Mariah recently got married. Her family is the most important aspect of her life. They have always supported her endeavors and encouraged her to work hard to attain her goals. Her work and her studies take up most of her time but when she does take a break, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite things to do with them is cooking and trying new recipes. She enjoys going out to eat as well, especially to Mexican, Italian and Asian restaurants. When she is able to get away from New York, her favorite places to vacation have warm weather and nice beaches. She has been to Trinidad which is la second home to her because this is where her family is from. Mariah has also been to Mexico and the Bahamas and one day hopes to go to Indonesia.

Mariah enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because of the great patient caret hat is provided. She also appreciates that her colleagues make her feel like a valued member of their department.

We are very happy to have Mariah on our team and look forward to her continuing with us for many more years.

Is it Pink Eye or a Springtime Allergy ?

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

Allergies of the eye and pink eye are both types of conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the outer membrane that covers the eyeball.

Many of the symptoms of pink eye and eye allergies are similar, and this can sometimes make it difficult to tell each condition apart. However, it is important that we learn about the characteristics that make them distinct- especially now that pink eye is considered a warning sign of a COVID-19 infection.

The symptoms of eye allergies can include:

Redness
Tearing
Gritty feeling in the eye
Itchiness
Blurred vision
Swelling of the eyelid

Symptoms of bacterial or viral pink eye can include:

Redness
Tearing
Gritty feeling in the eye
Itchiness
A green or white discharge in one or both eyes, that can result in crusting at night
Soreness of the eyes

Although eye allergies and pink eye share common symptoms, the causes of each condition are different. Allergies are typically caused by a reaction to an allergen such as pollen while pink eye can be caused by bacteria or a virus.

An additional distinction between the two conditions is viral or bacterial pink eye is extremely contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected individual or exposure to a contaminated surface. Eye allergies on the other hand are non-infectious.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with either type of conjunctivitis, it is important that you consult your eye doctor. Your physician will be able to examine your eyes or order tests to determine the reason for inflammation and provide the appropriate treatment.

To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5900.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression In Teens

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

It is estimated that one in five teenagers will experience depression during their adolescent years. However, many teens do not receive the help they need because the signs of depression are often confused with typical teenage behaviors.

It may not always be easy to tell the difference between depression and teenage mood swings, but here are a few warning signs and symptoms parents can look out for:

Unusual and frequent irritability
Loss of interest in regular activities
Excessive phone and internet use
Sadness for no apparent reason
Angry outbursts
Reckless behavior
Violent behavior
Fatigue
Unexplained aches and pains such as headaches and stomach aches
Sudden changes in sleep
Sudden changes in eating habits
Difficulty Concentrating
Problems at school
Negative self-talk
Isolation from friends and family
Drug and alcohol abuse
Talks of self-harm or suicide

If you think a teen might be depressed, start a conversation. Speak about concerning behaviors in a non-judgmental, loving, and supportive way. Acknowledge their feelings, do not minimize what is being said and resist the urge to be critical.

Initially, a teenager may be resistant to these conversations but gentle persistence from an adult is advised.

Untreated depression can lead to serious problems; therefore, it is important that you seek professional help as soon as possible. A mental health professional can create a treatment plan based on an evaluation. Treatment depends on the severity of depression and may include therapy or medications.

To speak with a mental health specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The month of April has been designated as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This is a disease where cancer cells form in one or both testicles. The average age of detection is 33 years old. The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,430 new cases are diagnosed each year and more than 380 men will die from the disease. It is considered to be a highly treatable disease, with an average of one death per 5,000 men.

There are a few risk factors for testicular cancer:

Family history
History of HIV positivity
Races – Caucasian American males are at the highest risk followed by African American males than Asian American males
Body size – tall slender males are at higher risk
History of an undescended testicle

The signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

A lump or swollen testicles
Loss of sex drive
Back pain
Breast growth or tenderness
Pre puberty growth of hair on face and body
Aches in the belly or testicles

Diagnosing testicular cancer is done by performing a physical exam as well as an ultrasound to detect whether a mass is solid ( more likely to be cancerous ) or fluid-filled, a blood test to detect certain proteins, a biopsy to see if there are cancerous cells present, and an MRI or Cat Scan to see if cancer has spread.

Treatment of testicular cancer is determined based on what is found at the time of diagnostic testing. Typically surgery to remove the affected testicle(s), as well as radiation and chemotherapy, are needed.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable if caught early. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

April 7th is World Health Day

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

In 1948 the World Health Organization (WHO) held the first World Health Assembly to address health issues affecting people around the world. April 7th was chosen as World Health Day to honor the founding of the organization.

Each year in celebration of World Health Day, the World Health Organization chooses a topic that it wishes to draw global attention to, one that is a subject of major importance.

It is estimated by WHO that over 13 million deaths around the world are due to environmental conditions and many of them might have been avoided had these conditions been improved. This is why the World Health Organization has chosen the theme Our Planet, Our Health for 2022. The WHO’s goal is to highlight the actions necessary to keep humans and the planet healthy and to encourage societies to focus on well-being.

The World Health Organization is of the opinion that we as a society must strive to break the cycles that are causing health, financial inequities and ecological mismanagement around the world because they are responsible for many problems we face. However, these issues can be resolved by making human health, ecological sustainability, and financial stability a priority.

Helpful Spring Cleaning Tips

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Studies show that an unclean and cluttered environment can negatively impact our physical and mental health.

Particles such as dust, dander, mildew, or mold in the home can trigger allergies and affect respiratory health.

A cluttered space can make some people feel mentally overwhelmed and can contribute to depression. Clutter has also been shown to affect sleep. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, it was found that people sleeping in cluttered environments were more likely to develop sleep disorders. Lastly, clutter can increase the risk of falls and injury.

A thorough spring cleaning and decluttering of the home can greatly improve environmental and air quality and help reduce the risk of illness or injury.

Here are a few helpful tips to make spring cleaning easier and our homes more conducive to better health:

Always remember to read the labels of cleaning products before using them. Certain chemicals such as ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, and formaldehyde can trigger allergies
Clean blinds with a duster or damp microfiber cloth (dampened cloths will attract more dust)
Clean windows with a glass cleaner
Wipe down walls, door frames, and baseboards. These areas are notorious for collecting dust but are often ignored
Use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter vacuum, to clean carpets, fabric shades, and drapes, also pay attention to fabric couches and mattresses
Organize clutter by sorting items into four categories: donate, store, dispose and keep
Clean wooden furniture by using a duster or microfiber cloth
Mop hard-surface floors with a microfiber mop
Wash bedding as recommended by the manufacturer. Don’t forget to also wash bedding accessories such as pillows, throw pillow covers and stuffed animals
Thoroughly clean bathrooms to avoid a buildup of mold and mildew. A cleaning solution of three parts water and one parts bleach is often recommended for cleaning mold and mildew
Clean kitchen cabinets and drawers with cabinet cleaner and degreaser
Clean air conditioning and heating filters
Don’t ignore hard-to-reach places such as ceiling fans and light fixtures. These can be cleaned by using a duster with an extendable handle

Spring cleaning can offer great benefits. For many, this includes achieving a sense of accomplishment and having a home that is tidy and free from clutter. The most important benefit however is, that spring cleaning helps to minimize exposure to allergens and other environmental hazards that can be harmful to our health.

Shining Our Employee Spotlight on Sandra Leon Gonzalez

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Sandra Leon Gonzalez, office manager of the TJH Surgical Suite. She has been with our hospital for 24 years.

Sandra was born in Ecuador and at nine years of age moved to New York. Her family first resided in Hollis, Queens and then when she was 10, moved to Richmond Hill. She attended P.S. 55, J.H.S. 226, Hillcrest High School and Queensborough Community College. As a resident of Richmond Hill, she was always familiar with the Jamaica Hospital name in the community.

Sandra is married to her husband Johnny for 37 years and has two sons, Michael who is 33 years old and Nicholas who is 27. She also has a grandson Jacob who is 6 months old. Sandra has a dog named Jackson who is one-half Labrador and one-half American bulldog.

In her free time, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, Broadway shows and dancing whenever possible. She also enjoys traveling, especially to Italy where she has been twice, France, Spain and of course her native Ecuador. Her favorite types of food are Spanish and Italian. Sandra likes many different types of music, this includes disco, Motown, jazz, Latin and anything else she can dance to. She is also a soccer, baseball, and golf enthusiast.

Making a difference and treating people with respect are very important to Sandra. This is why working at the TJH Surgical Suite has been a rewarding experience.

She believes in fostering an environment that is mindful of cultural sensitivities and one that allows patients to feel supported in voicing their concerns and opinions. Sandra has seen the Surgical Suite expand tremendously over the years and is very proud of its growth and contributions to the well-being of people in the community. She is grateful to her department’s leadership and staff for making this possible.

We are very happy to have Sandra as part of our team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and we look forward to her being with us for many years to come.

World Tuberculosis Day

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

March 24th has been designated globally as “World Tuberculosis Day”. The event began in 1982 is sponsored by the World Health Organization and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and is intended to raise awareness that anyone can contract TB to make health professionals aware of the importance of testing people for the disease.
This date was chosen to celebrate the discovery by Dr. Robert Koch of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) in 1882. This important discovery was the beginning of the steps being taken to control and hopefully one day eradicate the disease.

Unfortunately, Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the leading causes of death around the world. TB is a contagious bacterial disease that affects mainly the lungs but can also affect the kidneys, brain and the spine. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Pain with breathing

TB is spread by coming into contact with the airborne droplets of the bacteria from an infected person. People most susceptible are those who have compromised immune systems and include people undergoing chemotherapy, have diabetes, are very young or very old, and have HIV/AIDS. There are antibiotics that given to fight the disease but depending on the strain and their resistance to treatment, may require months or years of treatment.

A routine physical usually includes a TB skin test. If you would like to schedule a physical exam and a TB test with one of our physicians, please call 718-206-7001.

Signs That A Headache Is More Than A Headache

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Headaches are very common. They can be caused by a variety of reasons including eye or neck strain, stress, strong smells, bright lights, infections, or high blood pressure.

Typically, headaches are not indicative of a life-threatening emergency. However, there are times when our bodies are trying to alert us to a problem requiring urgent medical attention.

Here are a few warning signs:

A sudden or very intense headache
Changes in headache patterns
Headaches following head injury
Headaches that begin to occur regularly in those over the age of 50
Headaches accompanied by speech and vision changes
Headaches accompanied by a stiff neck and fever
Headaches accompanied by redness and pain in the eyes
Headaches accompanied by changes in behavior
Headaches with nausea and vomiting
Headaches that interrupt sleep
Headaches that begin after sneezing, coughing or straining the body
Headaches that worsen with movement
Headaches that prevent normal day-to-day activities
Headaches persisting for more than 24 hours

These tell-tale symptoms should not be ignored as they are often associated with serious health conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, hemorrhaging, concussions, meningitis, or hypertensive crisis. See a doctor right away for immediate medical intervention as timely treatment can prevent further complications.