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.

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.

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.

Shining Our Spotlight on the MediSys Women’s Health Center

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our spotlight on the MediSys Women’s Health Center (WHC) located at 133-03 Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill, New York.

This site opened in November of 1998 to serve the health care needs of women of all ages. It has 14 modern exam rooms and two procedure rooms.

The services offered here are prenatal care, maternal fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, gynecologic urology, family planning, mammograms, bone density exams, OB/GYN ultrasounds and gynecologic biopsies, colposcopies, Endosee, and LEEP. Annually the staff sees over 32,000 patients.

The center is open Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturdays 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It is easily accessible by public transportation. There is an “E” train station located within walking distance and so are the Q-24, Q-56, and Q-54 buses.

A few of our staff members shared with us why they enjoy working at the Women’s Health Center. Desiree Francis, RN tells us “Working at WHC gave me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. My colleagues are like a second family. I enjoy my job. Going above and beyond to assist patients is our ultimate goal here. Being able to do this makes waking up to come to work every day well worth it.”. Melissa Estrella, an ambulatory care representative says, “It is a pleasure to work at the Women’s Health Clinic; I get to learn and be involved in women’s health from start to finish in their pregnancies.” Catherine Conley a patient access representative tells us “the women’s health clinic is about community, trust and dedication . We give all our patients 110 % and make sure that each visit is stellar, with no stone being unturned; that’s where our dedication comes in. Working here has changed my life in so many positive ways.”

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of the providers at this office, please call 718-291-3276.

Stress and Urge Incontinence

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

Urinary incontinence or the loss of bladder control is a common disorder. The American Urological Association estimates that, “A quarter to a third of men and women in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence.”

Although urinary incontinence affects men and women, it is more prevalent in women as a result of pregnancy, menopause and childbirth.

There are different types of urinary incontinence including stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, mixed incontinence and urge incontinence. The two most common are urge and stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by loss of urine that is associated with an intense or sudden urge to urinate that cannot be delayed. This may result from:

Bladder infections
Bladder inflammation
Bladder cancer
Brain or nerve problems
Bladder stones
Enlarged prostate

Stress incontinence occurs when activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, standing up, or exercising causes urine to leak. This can be caused by:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Nerve injury
Being overweight
Pelvic or prostate surgery

Urinary incontinence requires medical attention; unfortunately, a significant number of people who experience symptoms do not seek treatment. Untreated bladder incontinence can lead to skin problems and infections. It can also affect an individual’s mental health and overall quality of life in the long run.

Urinary incontinence is often indicative of an underlying medical problem. Therefore, If you are experiencing symptoms, it is advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your physician can begin treatment early. Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy, bulking agents (to help close the bladder opening), or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Sleep Awareness Week

Posted on March 12, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The keys to a healthy lifestyle are eating right, exercise, and what’s the third thing? Oh yes, sleep. While we give a great deal of attention to the first two, the importance of a good night’s sleep is often overlooked.

March 13th through the 19th has been designated Sleep Awareness Week and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) want to raise awareness and educate the community about how important sleep is to each and every one of us. While most of us understand the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, we often do not make sleep a priority.

There are many health benefits that sleep can provide. Sleep aids our heart, brain, lungs, and muscles to function properly. Additional benefits include:

Improved immunity
Decreased pain
Increased alertness
Lower risk of injury
Improved memory
Better mood

The NSF recommends that adults receive seven to nine hours of sleep each night. They also provide the following tips to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends.
Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. Try to separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety; a lot of which can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon. Napping may help you during the day, but it can interfere with your ability to sleep at night
Avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages at least five to six hours before bed.
Exercise daily. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity.
Evaluate your sleep environment. Remove any noisy distractions, eliminate bright lights and set a comfortable temperature to optimize your sleep.
Sleep on a comfortable mattress and Make sure your mattress is supportive.

If you still have trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlining medical issue. Jamaica Hospital operates a state-of-the-art sleep center that can help diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Bacterial VS Viral Infection: What’s the Difference?

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

When pathogens (microorganisms) such as bacteria or viruses enter our bodies and multiply, they can cause harmful infections.

Infections resulting from viruses are called viral infections, and those caused by bacteria, bacterial infections. Both are invisible to the naked eye, can be contagious and cause similar symptoms such as inflammation, fever, coughing or vomiting.

Although viral and bacterial infections share similarities, there are primary differences between the two.

Bacteria are living, single-celled organisms that can reproduce on their own. They can survive in different environments inside and outside the human body. Most species are harmless and some are even beneficial for our health. However, a very small percent can cause illnesses such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or in more severe cases cholera or tuberculosis. Doctors can treat most bacterial infections with antibiotics. Unfortunately, some strains have become resistant to these medications.

Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and are not considered to be living organisms. They consist of a core of genetic code, a coat of protein and fat lipids to protect them. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and require living hosts such as people or animals to survive. Unlike bacteria where only a small percent is harmful to our health, most viruses cause illness and disease. Viral conditions include measles, chickenpox, HIV, polio, and COVID-19. Antibiotics are inefficient in treating these illnesses. Treatment for viral infections focuses on alleviating symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe antiviral medications to help the body fight infection.

Bacteria and viruses are all around us; therefore, there will always be a risk for infection and transmission. However, we can prevent this from occurring by practicing proper hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, staying home when sick and getting vaccinated, when possible.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Endometriosis Awareness takes the spotlight during the month of March with a mission to raise awareness about the disease which currently affects an estimated 176 million women around the globe.

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus- grows outside the uterus. This abnormal growth of tissue can commonly be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, as well as areas between the rectum and vagina. Areas where endometriosis is less commonly found are the lungs, thighs, arms and other areas beyond the reproductive organs or lower abdomen.

Endometrial tissue develops into growths or clumps called implants. These clusters of tissue respond to the menstrual cycle the same as they would inside the uterus. Meaning, each month the tissue builds up, breaks down then sheds. Unlike the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus; endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body through vaginal bleeding. This results in inflammation, swelling, the formation of scar tissue or internal bleeding.

The symptoms of endometriosis typically present themselves during reproductive years- on average between the ages of 12 to 60 years old. Symptoms include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

The cause of endometriosis is unknown but several factors such as genetics, retrograde period flow, immune system disorders and hormones are being researched.

Most cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35 years of age; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms and the disorder is sometimes mistaken for other conditions.

Women who do experience symptoms should speak with their doctor about receiving tests such as pelvic examinations, laparoscopy and imaging tests, to find out if they have endometriosis.

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments including medication, surgery and alternative therapies are available.

If you are experiencing the symptoms it is recommended that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you would like to make an appointment with a gynecologist, please call 718-291-3276

MediSys Health Network CEO Named to the Mayor’s Health Equity Task Force

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Michael Hinck

On February 17, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of his administration’s COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force. This task force was created to advise the administration on long-term, comprehensive policies around health equity and health access.

This roughly 40-person commission, unprecedented for its diversity, is comprised of a group of leaders from 11 different industries from across the city. One of those chosen to join this esteemed panel of leaders is MediSys (Jamaica and Flushing Hospital) President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz.

Mr. Flanz, along with the other members of the COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force will meet monthly and focus their attention on continuing the city’s path to a speedy, effective, and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as building a healthier and stronger city for all New Yorkers.

According to Mayor Adams, “We cannot build a just and prosperous recovery for all New Yorkers without bringing together and listening to experts and community leaders from across the city. The COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force brings not only the best minds together to build a speedy recovery, but a lasting one. I’m grateful to the members for bringing their time and ideas to the city as we work towards this shared goal.”

First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo added, “I’m thrilled to have leaders from every corner of New York City as part of our COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Taskforce. Thank you to everyone who has joined this effort, I’m looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work developing long term policies to guide our city through a just and equitable recovery.”

Mr. Flanz stated, “I am extremely proud to serve on this task force and I commend Mayor Adams for addressing these important issues. Representing two Queens-based hospitals located at the epicenter of the COVID pandemic, I witnessed first-hand the devastating effects the pandemic had on our communities that already face many socio-economic challenges. I look forward to working with this diverse group of talented individuals to address these disparities and create a more equitable health system for all.”

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

March is recognized as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This observance raises awareness for bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder which slows the blood clotting process. It is estimated that hemophilia occurs in 1 in every 5,000 male births in the United States. The disorder very rarely develops in girls.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot. This change or mutation can prevent the clotting protein from working properly or to be missing altogether.”

Because people with hemophilia lack sufficient blood clotting proteins, this causes them to bleed longer than they normally should. Bleeding can occur spontaneously or following an injury. Other common signs and symptoms that they may experience include:

Bleeding into the joints which can lead to swelling, tightness or pain (This most commonly affects the ankles, knees and elbows)
Bleeding from the mouth and gums
Bleeding after receiving vaccinations or injections
Blood in the urine or stool
Frequent and hard to stop nosebleeds
Bleeding into the skin (bruises)
Bleeding into soft tissue and muscle (hematomas)

A diagnosis of hemophilia is determined after blood has been tested to reveal a clotting-factor deficiency. If it is found that the blood is not clotting as it should, tests known as factor assays are required to explore the cause. In severe cases, the disorder can be diagnosed within the first year of a child’s life. People with a family history of hemophilia are encouraged to have their baby boys tested soon after birth.

One of the most common approaches for treating hemophilia is to replace the missing blood clotting factor. This treatment is administered through a tube placed in the vein. Other forms of treatment can include taking clot preserving medications, injecting the hormone Desmopressin (DDAVP), applying fibrin sealants and participating in physical therapy.

There are several measures that a person living with hemophilia can take to reduce the chances of injury or excessive bleeding. The following are recommended: avoid taking blood-thinning medications, exercise regularly (contact sports should be avoided), practice good dental hygiene and avoid certain pain medications that can aggravate bleeding such as aspirin.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Shining Our Spotlight on MediSys Clocktower

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are proud to shine our spotlight on the MediSys Family Care Center located at 91-20 Atlantic Avenue in Ozone Park.

This building has a long history in the community as it once was a part of the Lalance and Grosjean manufacturing complex. It has been known for over a century as “The Clocktower” owing to its distinctive clock which is situated at the highest point of the building. Originally this factory manufactured stamped iron and tin housewares and employed as many as 2100 people, many of whom lived in the community. Prior to its closing in 1955, the factory produced stainless steel for the U.S. Navy during World War II. The factory closed in 1955 and it became a bank for many years. In 1996 this building opened as MediSys Clocktower.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC_0368-1024x680.jpg MediSys Clocktower is located in a three story building featuring 22 modern exam and treatment rooms. It is staffed by 50 people and annually they see over 30,00 patient visits. The services offered at the center include: pediatrics, family medicine, integrative medicine, OB/GYN, dental, radiology, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric gastroenterology, pulmonary medicine, allergy, breast surgery, and podiatry. The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Q 24 bus stops right in front of the building.

A few staff members shared with us their thoughts on why they enjoy working at this site. Stephanie Flaherty a nurse practitioner has been working at this site for over 20 years. She states that “ working at the Clocktower gives her a great sense of pride because she feels she is making a difference in her patients’ lives. The staff all work together as a team to make the patients have a pleasant experience”. Martha Leonardo is an ambulatory care representative who tells us that “there is a great deal of satisfaction making sure that the patients are treated well and there is a sense of family amongst the staff that work here”. Geovanny Sang is a dental hygienist who has worked for the MediSys Health This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC_0376-1024x680.jpg Network for over 23 years, and at the Clocktower for over two years. She tells us that one of the most important roles she has is “educating the patients about proper dental care. Many patients come from very diverse places in the world and she enjoys spending time with them. The staff works well together as a team”. Dr. Naira Isakharov is a pediatrician who has worked at the Clocktower for almost five years. She tells us that “the continuity of patient care is very important and educating patients and their families on proper health habits is a major component of how she cares for them”.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of the providers at this office, please call 718-641-8207.