What You Should Know About the Outbreaks Associated with Using E-cigarette Products

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

According to a recent alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “over 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products have been reported.” The number of cases is expected to grow while the CDC conducts its investigation.

E-cigarettes are devices used to inhale an aerosol that may contain nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol or other chemicals. Research has indicated that e-cigarettes can also contain harmful substances such as lead and diacetyl (A flavoring chemical linked to lung disease).

E-cigarettes are known by different names such as vapes, vaping pens, mods, e- hookahs, tank systems or e-cigs. Patients involved in the CDC’s investigation have reported a history of using these or similar devices, and have experienced the following symptoms associated with severe pulmonary disease:

Chest pain, cough or shortness of breath
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss

Several state health departments have also reported deaths linked to the illness. So far, five deaths have been confirmed.

Although all cases in the investigation have been linked to the use of e-cigarette products, the exact cause of the epidemic is unknown. Until a cause for the vaping- related illness is identified, the CDC is asking consumers to consider not using e-cigarette products.

Consumers should consider the agency’s recommendation as other serious health complications have been recently linked to e-cigarette products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation involving e-cigarette users experiencing seizures or other neurological symptoms. The agency is asking those experiencing seizures, tremors or fainting related to vaping to consult their physician and submit a report online.

If you are an e-cigarette user and are experiencing symptoms associated with lung disease or neurological complications, please speak with your doctor. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 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.

Tips To Properly Maintain Your CPAP Machine

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Michael Hinck

For those living with sleep apnea, the decision to get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is a valuable investment in your health.

A CPAP machine works by sending a constant flow of airway pressure to your throat to ensure that your airway stays open during sleep, effectively treating the spontaneous pauses in breathing.

Although these machines can improve your quality of sleep and overall health, it is important to keep in mind that failure to properly maintain them can increase your chances of developing other types of illnesses.

Your CPAP machine consists of a cushioned mask, tubing or hoses, humidifier chamber and filter. You directly breath in air that’s circulated through it, so failing to clean each of these components regularly will not only decrease how well it functions, but can also lead to health complications, such as:

Bacteria exposure
Mold exposure
Allergy symptoms
Possible increased risk for sinus infections or pneumonia

Cleaning your CPAP machine is fairly easy and inexpensive. The following are some tips to help you properly maintain it.

Before cleaning any parts of your CPAP device, be sure to unplug it.
Clean the mask and cushion – the parts that touch your face – daily with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. The mask should then be left to air dry before reusing.
Replace the water in your heated humidifier chamber daily. Do not allow this water to sit for extended periods of time, as bacteria love a warm, wet place to grow.
Only use distilled water in your humidifier to avoid hard mineral deposits.
Take apart the machine and thoroughly clean all components, including hoses, filters, and the chamber at least once per week.
Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement

Following these guidelines will not only extend the life of your device and improve its effectiveness, but more importantly help keep you healthy.

If you think you have sleep apnea and would like to make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center, please call 718-206-5916.

Quick and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Want to turn classic chicken salad into a healthy meal? Try switching out mayo for plain greek yogurt to decrease the saturated fat and calories while maintaining flavor.

For a deliciously healthy alternative combine:

Greek yogurt
Almonds
Celery
Grapes
Honey
Green onion
Dill
Chunks of chicken

For the entire recipe, visit –

Bon apetite!

What is Exertional Asthma ?

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Do your asthma attacks coincide with participation in physical activity such as exercise? As in all types of asthma, as the airways tighten, it becomes difficult to take a complete breath, and the airways produce extra mucous.

The symptoms of exertional asthma include:

 Wheezing
Tightness of the chest
Coughing
Feeling tired
Inability to catch your breath

Some activities that can lead to heavier than normal breathing such as recreational sports including: running, basketball, football, soccer, and aerobic exercise. These can lead to exertional asthma. Additionally, when the air is cold and dry, activities such as shoveling snow or walking for long periods of time can also trigger an asthma attack.

Other contributing factors of exertional asthma can include:

 Smoke or smog
High pollen counts
Having a cold or other respiratory infection
Chlorinated pools or other chemical irritants

Treatment of exertional asthma includes taking medications both on a regular basis and prior to doing strenuous exercise to limit symptoms and control breathing. Some activities and sports should be avoided if they bring on asthma attacks.

If you are experience difficulty breathing while participating in strenuous activities, you should consult with a pulmonary specialist for a complete respiratory evaluation. Please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Is Your Child’s Rash Due To Fifth Disease?

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a contagious viral infection that is most common in school-age children. The disease produces a rash on the face and body of those who have it.

The feature that sets fifth disease apart from other types of rashes, such as rubella or scarlet fever is the distinctive, sudden appearance of bright red cheeks, commonly referred to as a “slapped cheek” rash. This can followed by a second rash a few days later on the chest, back, buttocks, arms and legs. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet. It can vary in intensity and usually goes away in seven to 10 days, but it can come and go for several weeks.

Other symptoms of fifth disease are usually mild and may include:

Fever
Runny nose
Headache
Pain and swelling in the joints

Fifth disease is transmitted from person to person by respiratory secretions, such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The incubation period is usually four to 14 days, but can be as long as 21 days. Those with fifth’s disease are most contagious when symptoms resemble that of a fever or a cold. By the time a rash appears they are no longer contagious.

There is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent fifth disease. You can reduce your chance of being infected or infecting others by:

Washing your hands often with soap and water
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Staying home when you are sick

Treatment for fifth disease typically involves taking over the counter medications to relieve symptoms, such as fever, itching, and joint pain.

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

Can Diabetes Affect Your Sense of Hearing?

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Michael Hinck

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, a disease that inhibits the body’s ability to produce and manage insulin appropriately, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream instead of feeding hungry cells.

If you have diabetes, you should be aware of how it can impact your hearing as research has indicated that diabetics have a higher probability of developing hearing loss than those without the disease.

Multiple studies in recent years have examined the relationship between diabetes and hearing loss. In one study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) those with diabetes were found to be more than twice as likely to have mild to moderate hearing loss than those without the disease. A separate study published by the Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism analyzed the results of more than 20,000 participants and concluded that diabetics were more likely to have hearing loss than those without the disease, regardless of their age.

While researchers are uncertain as to exactly how diabetes negatively impacts our sense of hearing, most believe that high blood glucose levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear.

Our inner ears are lined with hair cells called stereocilia. These hairs cells are responsible for translating the noise our ears collect into electrical impulses, which are then sent to the brain where we process them into recognizable sounds. Like other parts of the body, these hair cells require good circulation to function. If damaged, these cells cannot regenerate and hearing loss would be permanently affected.

With a higher likelihood of developing hearing loss, it is recommended that diabetics take certain precautions to avoid damaging these cells, including:

Turning down the volume on personal electronic devices and limiting the use of devices that require headphones or earbuds
Protecting your ears from excessive noise with earplugs if you engage in noisy hobbies or attend loud events.
Incorporating an appropriate amount of exercise into your daily routine. Even a moderate amount improves circulation and blood flow.
Maintaining an appropriate weight. Excessive weight makes it more difficult for your heart to pump blood effectively to all parts of your body, including your ears.

Most importantly, you should schedule a hearing evaluation regularly with your doctor if you have diabetes.

To speak to a doctor about how to better manage your diabetes, please call 718-206-7001.

#WellnessWednesday Tips

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Joann Ariola

When seeking to achieve a wellness lifestyle, try to keep it simple.

Some simple ways you can bring more wellness into your life are:

Drink more fluids
Remember to eat a healthy breakfast daily
Make a list of goals you’d like to meet
Keep healthy snacks on hand so that you do not become too hungry
Move around during the course of the day. Take a brisk walk or just get up from your desk chair and stretch
Get enough sleep. It is recommended that six to eight hours of sleep is beneficial
Make time for yourself (meditation, yoga, exercise, prayer)
Organize and de-clutter your life and surroundings

Poison Ivy Rash

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Many people enjoy spending time outside during the summer. With more time spent outdoors, there is an increased risk of exposure to plants that can cause allergic reactions. The most common plants of this kind are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac; all of which grow in wooded or vegetated areas and contain urushiol.

Urushiol is an oily resin found in the leaves, stems and roots of each plant. When this substance comes in contact with our skin, it can lead to a reaction we know as poison ivy rash. An allergic reaction typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after exposure and symptoms can last up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may include:

Redness
Blistering
Itching
Swelling

There are several ways to minimize our exposure and reaction to plants that can cause poison ivy rash. We can:

Learn to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
Steer clear of these plants by avoiding areas in which they grow
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants
Immediately wash areas that have been exposed with soap and water
Bathe pets that have been exposed

Approximately 60 to 80% of people who are exposed to urushiol will have a reaction. For mild cases, taking cool showers and applying soothing topical treatments such as calamine lotion is recommended. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe pills or creams that contain steroids or antihistamines.

Conditions That Can Affect Your Sense of Smell

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Every year, thousands of people lose their ability to smell. According to the National Institutes of Health, 12% of adults in the United States have had some loss of their sense of smell.

A loss of smell can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Because smell and taste are linked, most people with a smell disorder are unable to properly taste their food. Most importantly, they may not be able to detect smells that warn of danger such as smoke or gas.

The inability to smell is typically the result of a problem occurring in the nose, brain or nervous system. One’s loss of smell can be partial or reduced (hyposmia) or complete (anosmia). In both cases, a loss of smell can be temporary or permanent.

Several conditions can lead to hyposmia; they include:

Colds
Nasal allergies
Flu
Hay fever
Sinus infection
Deviated septum
Hormonal imbalances

Anosmia can develop as a result of:

Head trauma
Upper respiratory viral infections
Nasal/ sinus diseases
Nasal polyps
Bone deformities of the nose
Alzheimer’s disease

If you have lost or have had a decline in your ability to smell, you should see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can perform a physical examination, review your medical history and request a series of tests to determine possible causes. Treatment for smell disorders is based on underlying causes and can include medication or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7110.

The Relationship Between Asthma and GERD

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

There is strong evidence that a relationship exists between asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to research, more than 75 percent of people living with asthma have GERD. The reason for this is not certain but studies show a relationship between stomach acid and airways.

GERD which is the reverse flow of stomach acid into the esophagus seems to worsen asthma. One explanation as to why this happens may involve stomach acid which flows back in to the esophagus irritating the throat, the airways and the lungs. It is also a possibility that the acid affects a nerve in the esophagus which causes the lungs to tighten.

Ways to avoid the effects of GERD include:

Raising the head of the bed by 6 inches to keep stomach acid from flowing back in to the esophagus
Waiting three to four hours after eating a meal before laying down
Eating smaller meals
Keeping your weight under control
Quitting smoking
Avoid eating fatty food, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, coffee, tea, or alcohol before laying down

Speak to your physician about treatment options that may be best for you. You can also schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling .