Tips To Avoid Overeating While Working From Home

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

More people are working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This arrangement can provide several benefits; however, there can be just as many challenges.

One of the most common issues experienced by some is the easy access to their kitchens and refrigerators. Having convenient and constant access to food often leads to overeating and unhealthy weight gain.

Here are a few things one can do to avoid this dilemma:

Work furthest away from the kitchen as possible
Develop an eating schedule and plan the times you are going to eat
Portion out meals and snacks
Avoid snacking out of boredom
Avoid stress eating but instead, practice healthy relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Drink plenty of water (When you are dehydrated, hunger can sometimes be mistaken for thirst)
Stock your kitchen with healthy food
Avoid doing other activities when eating ( Being distracted can lead to overeating)
Stay physically active

Practicing these tips can help provide balance and structure to your daily work-at-home routine. If you continue to struggle with overeating, speak with a dietitian or doctor who can help you with improving eating habits and maintaining a healthy weight.

To make an appointment with a dietitian 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.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Dental Sedation To Help Patients With “Dental Anxiety”

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

It is estimated that 10% – 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or fear. The source of “dental anxiety” may be due to a previous traumatic event or it could be fear of pain or injections. Regardless of the reason, this delay in care can often lead to further complications including increased tooth decay which can lead to tooth loss.

For those with anxiety caused by going to the dentist Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers mild to moderate dental sedation for a variety of procedures including tooth extractions. The service is offered to most adult and pediatric patients.

Patients who are interested in receiving dental sedation first need to schedule a pre-operative consultation. During the consultation providers will determine if sedation is appropriate. A customized anesthesia plan will be made for each patient. While sedation is safe for most, patients with a history of asthma, certain cardio-vascular disease or who are obese may not be eligible.

On the day of the appointment, the team will review the procedure and anesthesia plan with the patient and family. The IV anesthesia is administered by a trained oral surgeon and dental hygienist. After the injection, the patient will enter a “twilight” or light state of sedation. The patient’s heart, blood pressure and a pulse are monitored during the entire procedure to ensure patient safety. Most procedures last between 30-45 minutes. At the conclusion of the procedure, patients are released to a previously identified escort over 18 years of age.

Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Dentistry has been offering this safe service since July of 2019. The hospital’s team of qualified oral surgeons and dental anesthesiologists have a great deal of experience with dental sedation, performing approximately 20 procedures for children and adults every month.

Patients at Jamaica Hospital’s Dental Center are very appreciative for this service as it has helped them overcome their fear of going to the dentist.

If you would like to learn more about dental sedation service at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980 to schedule an initial consultation.

Lisa Fraumeni Shares Her “Jamaica Journey”

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Thousands of people work at Jamaica Hospital and each have their own unique story to tell about their career path. The following is one of them.

Lisa Fraumeni started her Jamaica Hospital journey in July of 1987 as a clerk in the hospital’s Admitting Department. According to Lisa, “I was working at the hospital while attending Queensborough Community College. I was originally unsure of what career path to follow, but working at Jamaica had a lot to do with my decision to ultimately pursue a degree in nursing.”

In 1996 Lisa graduated with her nursing degree. She wanted to continue working at Jamaica Hospital, but unfortunately there was a hiring freeze at the time. Lisa waited patiently for 10 months for a position to open up, but eventually was forced to accept an offer at another hospital.

Coincidentally, around the same time, Lisa was named Jamaica Hospital’s employee of the month. During the presentation of her certificate, hospital leadership learned of her situation. Not wanting to lose her as an employee, a job was offered to her and she happily stayed.

Lisa initially worked day and evening shifts on 4 North before being transferred to the Emergency Department in 1998 where she eventually became Assistant Head Nurse. In 2017, after nearly 20 years in Jamaica Hospital’s ER, Lisa was ready for her next challenge. There was an opening for a Nursing Supervisor position on the evening shift. Lisa applied and was given the job.

Over the last 33 years, Lisa considers her colleagues at Jamaica Hospital her second family. “Jamaica Hospital has provided me with so many opportunities for advancement, for which I am extremely grateful.” Lisa added, “I grew up at Jamaica Hospital and I’m excited to now be in a position to give back.” Lisa has returned to school to pursue her Doctorate in Nursing Administration. In her own words, “I’m still going. I’m not done yet.”

Information About Depression

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Depression is a mood disorder that makes you feel constant sadness or lack of interest in life. It can affect how a person feels, thinks and behaves. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Those living with depression have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

While everyone experiences feelings of sadness at some point in their life, those with clinical depression have prolonged periods of feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless. These feelings are not always tied to a specific incident and can last for many days to weeks. Depression can occur in children, adolescents and adults. Although someone can experience depression only once in their life, most who suffer with depression experience recurring episodes.

Some of the symptoms of depression include:

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

There is no known singular cause for depression. Instead, health professionals point to a combination of contributing factors including a person’s brain structure and chemistry. Hormone and genetics are also believed to play a role.

Help is available for those with depression. A mental health professional can conduct an evaluation and outline a course of treatment based on the patient’s individual needs. Treatment may include:

Medications – These can include a combination of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic, anti-anxiety or stimulant medications
Psychotherapy – Talking to a mental health professional on a regular basis about your depression and other issues can help treat the symptoms.
Electroconvulsive therapy – This brain stimulation therapy passes electric currents through your brain to help your neurotransmitters work better.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation – This treatment uses a coil to send magnetic pulses through your brain to help stimulate nerve cells that regulate mood.

Some with depression may experience thoughts of hurting themselves or others. If someone you know is depressed and you think they may hurt themselves or attempt suicide, call 911immediately.

The Facts About Ear Infections

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. Children are most likely to develop ear infections, but adults can get them too.

Ear infections are commonly associated with colds or the flu because the middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract by a tiny channel known as the Eustachian tube. Germs that are growing in the nose or sinus cavities can climb up the Eustachian tube and enter the middle ear to start growing.

The most common symptoms associated with ear infections in children include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
Drainage of fluid from the ear

Ear pain, difficulty hearing and drainage of fluid from the ear are the most common symptoms in adults.

While anyone can develop an ear infection, there are multiple factors that can increase your chances of developing one, including:

Age – Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of their Eustachian tubes and because their immune systems are still developing.
Group child care – Children cared for in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home.
Bottle feeding – Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than do babies who are breast-fed.
Seasonal factors. Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter. People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections when pollen counts are high.
Poor air quality. Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infections.

Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring symptoms. When they don’t however, antibiotics can be used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.

It is important to see your doctor when:

The patient is less than six months old
Symptoms last more than a day
Pain is severe
There is a discharge of fluid

Most ear infections don’t cause long-term complications, but if someone develops them repeatedly, they can lead to complications including impaired hearing, speech or development delays and spread of infection to nearby tissue.

The best ways to reduce the risk of developing an ear infection include practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing to avoid contracting the common cold, the flu or other viruses and bacterial infections that can lead to them. Other tips include breast-feeding your baby and avoiding secondhand smoke.

Anorexia

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Anorexia nervosa-often used interchangeably with anorexia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition characterized by having a distorted body image (believing one is much heavier than they are), and the intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese.

The exact cause for anorexia nervosa is unknown; however, there are several environmental, biological and psychological factors believed to contribute to its development.

Individuals with anorexia nervosa aim to maintain a low body weight that is abnormal for their height and age. This is typically achieved by practicing unhealthy weight loss habits such as:

Exercising excessively
Severely restricting the amount of food consumed
Vomiting after eating
Misusing, diuretics, laxatives or diet aides

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can be physical, emotional or behavioral, and may vary from person to person.

Physical symptoms can include:

Extreme weight loss
Severe loss of muscle mass
Fatigue
Thinning hair or hair that breaks easily
Fainting or dizziness
Infertility
Lanugo- soft, downy hair that covers the body

Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include:

An unhealthy preoccupation with food
Excessive concern about being overweight
Adopting eating rituals such as chewing food and spitting it out
Lying about food intake
Avoiding eating in public
Repeated weighing or measuring of the body
Social withdrawal

Most individuals with anorexia nervosa hesitate to seek help because their desire to stay thin often outweighs their concerns for being healthy. However, anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening, so it is important that they receive the immediate care of physicians and mental health experts to help with overcoming this condition.

The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa generally includes physical exams, lab tests and psychological evaluations. Treatment is often administered by a team of healthcare professionals who are experienced in dealing with eating disorders such as a primary care doctor, dietitian and psychologist. A care plan may include medication, psychotherapy and nutrition education.

We Shine Our Employee Spotlight on Lynn Velazquez Soto, MAPT

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are pleased to shine our Employee Spotlight on Lynn Velazquez Soto, MAPT, Physical Therapist Supervisor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Lynn has been a physical therapist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 24 years. She grew up in New York, and attended Saint Michaels for elementary, and junior high school: Brooklyn Tech High School, and then completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at CUNY and Touro College.

Her family life is very important to her and she enjoys spending free time with her two sons and daughter. She grew up in a home with many kinds of pets. At the present time, she has a Husky, a Chihuaha and a pet snake. Lynn likes to eat different types of food but her favorites are Italian, Spanish and Asian. She enjoys travelling especially to islands in the Caribbean and to other states but right now she is staying local due to travel restrictions. Her favorite types of music are Latin, classic and pop.

Lynn enjoys keeping busy with her many hobbies that include refinishing vintage furniture, fashion design and art projects. She also keeps active by running, swimming and biking. Lynn has also competed in several marathons.

Lynn’s priorities in life are her family, friends and patients. She is very proud to be part of Jamaica Hospital as it serves the community so well. She feels that our patients are like family in the sense that many have been coming to us for care for years. Lynn tells us that they see a wide variety of therapy diagnoses in her department and her team always strives to improve our patient’s well-being.

We are very pleased to have Lynn as a member of our team and look forward to her working with us for many more years.

JHMC’s Family Medicine Department Recognized as Health Literacy Heroes

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The Department of Family Medicine understands that the health literacy of our patients is influenced by many factors such as personal experience with the healthcare system, cultural norms, and social determinants of health. We appreciate that health literacy is our responsibility and can best be achieved by partnering with our patients. It is up to the healthcare team to communicate medical information in a way that meets our patients’ needs.

One of the ways we achieve this is by having patient navigators on our team who are trained in education for various chronic conditions and assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. Another fun initiative has been the social media video series “What Do You Mean?” which features our doctors breaking down medical jargon into patient-centered language making health-related concepts easier to understand.

Family Medicine is committed to Health Literacy! We are honored to be recognized as this year’s Health Literacy Heroes during Health Literacy Month.

Important Information About Hypertension

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Michael Hinck

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is defined an adult as blood pressure that is greater than or equal to 140 mm systolic and 90 mm diastolic. Hypertension directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

When the heart beats, it generates a force exerted against artery walls, known as blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured by testing the force needed to stop blood from flowing through the arteries, away from the heart. When a blood pressure test is performed, a test result will yield two numbers. The first number is known as the systolic number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. The second number, known as the diastolic number, measures the pressure between heart beats, when the heart is at rest. A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects approximately one quarter of all Americans. Hypertension is commonly known as the “silent killer” because of the lack of any noticeable symptoms. If not treated, hypertension can lead to many more serious conditions that can ultimately prove fatal.

Diagnosing and treating hypertension is very important because it can lead to a number of other diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Everyone is susceptible to developing hypertension, but some groups are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk are:

• People with a history of hypertension in their family

Overweight people

• African Americans

• Elderly people

You are also at a higher risk to develop hypertension if you:

• Smoke

• Drink alcohol frequently

• Are pregnant or on birth control pills

• On a high-salt diet

• Are an inactive person

If you have hypertension, there are ways of controlling your condition. The following lifestyle changes can be added to reduce your risk:

Exercise Regularly – Aerobic exercise for 15 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week, every week is recommended by doctors. Swimming, walking, jogging, riding a bike, and dancing are all excellent forms of aerobic exercise.
Eat healthy – Avoid foods with high salt and high fat content. Doctors suggest eating more fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, pasta, and low-fat dairy products.
Control Alcohol – Limit alcohol consumption.
Stop Smoking – If you are serious about controlling hypertension, you must stop smoking.

In some more serious cases, doctors will prescribe medication to help control hypertension. The best prevention is to see a doctor and have a blood pressure check-up at least once a year.

Before beginning a diet or exercise program, consult your physician.

Meet Dr. George Ferzli

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital would like to introduce you to Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist), Dr. George Ferzli.

Otolaryngologists treat conditions associated with the ear, nose, and throat and related structures of the head and neck. These are some of the most complex areas of the body as they affect your ability to breathe, eat, speak, and hear.

Dr. Ferzli is highly trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery.

Dr. Ferzli completed his residency at S.U.N.Y Downstate Medical Center and continued his training in the highly coveted Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital. He is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology.

He provides a wide variety of services for patients that include but are not limited to:

Nose and breathing procedures such as rhinoplasty
Adenoid surgery
Head and neck reconstruction
Tonsillectomy

One of the ways Dr. Ferzli helps his patients is by utilizing the latest technologies. He is aware of many new advances and has incorporated them into his patients’ treatment plans.

He is extremely happy to join the ENT Division at Jamaica Hospital, and work with a strong and diverse team of doctors. Dr. Ferzli feels that together they are building a much-needed service that can greatly benefit patients.

Dr. Ferzli treats patients at the following location:

TJH Surgical Services
89-05 135^th Street
Jamaica, NY 11418
718-206-7110