Health Beat

Fireworks Safety Tips

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

July Fourth is a fun time to spend with friends and family. We have barbecues, cookouts, and watch fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.

You may want to set off fireworks as part of your Fourth of July celebration, however, it is important to know that all fireworks including Roman candles, bottle rockets, bombs, skyrockets, and other aerial devices are illegal in New York City.

New York State law allows the sale and use of sparklers but limits the types and sizes. They must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike, and be no more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

However, if you live on Long Island, New York City, or in parts of the Hudson Valley sparklers are banned.

If you do use fireworks in a state, city, or county where they are legal, follow these tips for the safety of yourself and your loved ones:

Read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use.
Keep small children away from fireworks.
Have a bucket of water or hose ready to extinguish accidental fires.
Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks.
Light one device at a time.
Never try to relight a device that didn’t light the first time.
Only use fireworks away from people, pets, buildings, and flammable materials.
Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.

Fireworks are best left to professionals. If you choose to use fireworks to celebrate Independence Day or other occasions or milestones, confirm the type of fireworks your state and local ordinances allow.

If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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.

Strokes On The Rise In Younger People

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, or when there is bleeding in the brain. A stroke can result in brain damage, long-term disability, or death.

Data shows that people over the age of 55 have a higher risk of stroke than others. Although the risk of stroke increases with age, it is important to remember that it can happen to anyone. Younger people can have strokes too.

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 10-15% of strokes occur in adults aged 18-50 years, and the incidence of ischemic stroke (caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain) is rising in that group.

Several factors may increase the risk of stroke in younger adults. They are:

Pregnancy
Smoking
Illicit drug use
Binge drinking
Taking birth control pills that include estrogen
Sickle cell disease
Blood clotting disorders
Migraine with aura
Diabetes
Hypertension
Patent foramen ovale
Obesity
Genetics

The risk of stroke can be reduced by receiving the appropriate care for certain diseases and health conditions, avoiding the use of illicit drugs, and making positive lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption.

Having a stroke can have a serious impact on your health. This is why knowing the warning signs and receiving timely treatment is crucial. The acronym B.E.F.A.S.T (balance, eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911) can help you remember the warning signs of a stroke and respond quickly.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (the highest designation of stroke care) by the Joint Commission. Whether you’ve survived a stroke or may be at risk of experiencing one, you can schedule an appointment for neuroendovascular screening, stroke rehabilitation, or any other form of stroke treatment that we provide. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps.

The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or when narrowing of stool lasts for more than a few days.
A feeling of needing a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black.
Cramping or abdominal pain
Weakness and fatigue
Unintended weight loss

Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the number two cause of death in women in the same age group.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

There are two types of colorectal cancer screening tests:

Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:

Colonoscopy
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Sigmoidoscopy

These exams are beneficial because they not only look for cancer but can also prevent it by removing polyps that could potentially become cancerous.

Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Stool DNA test
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

At-home tests are less invasive and easier to perform but must be done more often. Please note, that at-home tests can present false-positive and false-negative results. Any test with a positive result will require a colonoscopy.

Choosing a colon screening test is not an easy decision, but it is a lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about the best colon screening options for you. You can commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Anessa Madraymootoo-Ramdial, RN

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our employee spotlight on Anessa Madraymootoo-Ramdial, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader on 6 South.

Anessa has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center since 2018. She was born in Guyana and moved with her family to Queens when she was three years old. Since then, she has lived in the Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park area. She attended elementary school at PS 100Q, middle school at MS 226, high school at Hillcrest High School. Anessa obtained her Associate’s degree and her Bachelor’s degree from the New York City College of Technology. She was the class valedictorian. She then went on to obtain her Master’s in Nursing Administration & Leadership from Capella University in 2023.

Anessa is very family oriented and enjoys spending her free time with her loved ones. She owes much of her success to her parents and is grateful to them for their unwavering support.

Anessa enjoys different types of food, especially Thai, Italian, and West Indian cuisine. One of her favorite activities is online shopping. She enjoys travelling and has a trip planned soon to visit Singapore. One day she hopes to visit Thailand. Other activities that she likes to do are Do-it-Yourself projects and crafting. She likes to design and produce custom-made T-shirts, mugs and welcome signs for events. Her favorite types of music are Bollywood and Soca. She likes to dance as well.

Jamaica Hospital has been a part of Anessa’s life since she was a child. Her experiences as a patient in the pediatric clinic inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. Despite the challenges that come with being a healthcare worker, Anessa derives immense satisfaction from helping others and there is no greater feeling than serving her community. She enjoys working with the diverse population that we serve. The satisfaction of her patients and colleagues is of paramount importance to her.

Anessa also has a passion for teaching nursing clinical skills to nursing students and it is something she feels very strongly about. It is also a way for her to stay up to date on new evidence-based knowledge that she can share with her colleagues.

Anessa enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital because her team feels like family to her. They support one another and with that comes great opportunities to learn and to grow professionally. We look forward to Anessa continuing to work with us for many more years into the future.

The MediSys Health Network Launches New Healthcare App

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The MediSys Health Network (Comprised of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center) is pleased to announce the launch of its new application and comprehensive patient platform, MediSys Connect.

The MediSys Connect app is an ideal companion for patient health. The app is integrated with an intuitive platform that gives patients a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing them to manage their healthcare conveniently from their mobile devices.

With MediSys Connect, patients can seamlessly search for healthcare providers and schedule their appointments in just a few clicks. The platform’s Find-A-Doctor feature offers a wide selection of providers, with over 100 specialties to choose from. Patients can also utilize a messaging tool within the app to securely and directly communicate with their physicians.

Other key tools allow patients to:

View test results
View medication lists
Request medication refills
Stay informed about past and upcoming appointments
eCheck-in for upcoming appointments
Enroll for paperless statements
View billing account summaries and statements
View signed and scanned documents
Manage payments
Effortlessly retrieve medical records.

In addition to these user-friendly tools, MediSys Connect provides access to newsletters and podcasts. Here, patients can stay informed by reading articles or listening to trusted healthcare experts discuss various medical and lifestyle topics.

The MediSys Health Network encourages patients to download the MediSys Connect app and explore the state-of-the-art features.

Whether you’re a guest user, a Medisys Connect member, or have a MyChart account, the platform is easy to navigate. It is designed to provide a positive and personalized healthcare experience. Information provided on the platform is available in multiple languages to help members of the network’s culturally diverse patient population manage their health.

New users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play. They can sign up by providing their name, birth date, and address. MyChart users can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play and log in with their existing credentials from MyChart.

Summer Fruits for Diabetics

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

It can be difficult for diabetics to stay away from tempting sweet treats that can raise their blood sugar. It may sound cliché to call fruit, “nature’s candy”, but fruit can be a much healthier alternative to keep your blood sugar levels low while satisfying those cravings.

Here are some delicious fruits to add to your diet:

Apricots
Grapefruit
Grapes
Cherries
Blueberries
Honeydew melon
Kiwi
Papaya
Nectarines
Tangerines

Here are some fruits to have in moderation:

Apples
Bananas
Cantaloupe
Avocado
Blackberries
Oranges
Strawberries
Plums
Raspberries
Peaches
Pears
Mango

Fruits are an essential part of a nutritious diet. It is important to note that not all fruits may be good for people living with diabetes. Eat them in moderation, consider their glucose index levels, practice portion control, and always monitor your blood sugar.

Scoliosis Awareness Month

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that causes an abnormal spine curvature, in which the spine resembles the letters “S” or “C”.

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown but is thought to be genetic. There are three types of idiopathic scoliosis:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from birth to three years old.
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from three to nine years old.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis- occurs from 10 to 18 years old.

Some other forms of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- when scoliosis is present at birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis- when scoliosis is caused by an underlying systemic condition such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord tumors, or paralysis.
Syndromic scoliosis- when a unique group of spine conditions causes scoliosis. The most common diseases that cause syndromic scoliosis are:
- Marfan’s syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Neurofibromatosis
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Arthrogryposis
- Riley-Day syndrome

There are a wide range of causes and ages for when scoliosis can occur. However, scoliosis may appear during the main growth years for children (years 10 to 12), which is the growth spurt period for children before puberty.

During this time, scoliosis will often present with the following symptoms:

One of the child’s shoulder blades is higher than the other.
The appearance of the child’s head is not centered with the rest of the body.
Uneven hips or one hip sticks out more than the other.
Pushed-out ribs
Difficulty breathing due to a reduced area for lung expansion.
Back pain and discomfort
When the child bends forward, it appears that the two sides of the back are different heights.

The main goal for patients with scoliosis is to get an early diagnosis. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a pediatric orthopedist uses a physical exam and X-rays to diagnose early-onset scoliosis.

Scoliosis can be treated non-surgically and surgically. Some non-surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Observation
Bracing
The Risser cast

Some surgical treatments for scoliosis include:

Spinal fusion surgery
The growing rod technique

Scoliosis is treatable. The sooner a child is diagnosed, the less likely they will need surgery and the healthier they will be.

If you think your child may have an abnormal spine curvature, consult your pediatrician about an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

This week, we are expected to experience a highly dangerous heatwave across New York City and the rest of the Northeast and Midwest due to the presence of a heat dome. Starting Wednesday and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s and could get as high as the mid to high-90s.

A heatwave is when temperatures rise above 90 degrees for at least three days. A heat dome is when a ridge of high pressure builds over an area and doesn’t move for up to a week or more.

Extreme heat causes two heat-related illnesses in that your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness and fainting

Here are some ways to prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cold compresses, and sip cool (not cold) water.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke symptoms can include:

A fever of 104 degrees or more
Severe headache
Behavioral changes
Confusion
Hot, red skin
No sweating
Rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness

Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke: Quickly move yourself or the individual to a cooler place, use cold compresses, and do not give them anything to drink.

Some overall tips for staying safe in extreme heat include:

Stay hydrated- Drink extra fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Wear sunscreen- Apply properly and as recommended to prevent sunburn which can make you dehydrated and affect your ability to cool down.
Limit your time outside- Shorten your exercise time and rest often in shady areas. Try to exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
Monitor high-risk loved ones- Pay attention to the warning signs of certain illnesses or medical conditions. Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those with a history of:

Heart disease
Asthma
High blood pressure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes

Others at risk due to extreme heat include the elderly, young children, those who work outdoors, people with disabilities, those who live alone, those without access to air conditioning, people who take certain medications, and pets.

Check the car- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

Usually, we would look to a cool summer night for relief from a hot summer day. Unfortunately, night temperatures aren’t dropping as they should.

Here are some things you can do before going to bed during the heatwave:

Stay hydrated
Eat light
Dress lightly
Look for chances to cool the bedroom
Avoid alcohol
Set time aside to relax
Shower in lukewarm or cool water
Find the coolest place to sleep
Keep a regular sleep schedule

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, so it is important to understand the risks of extreme heat and to make a heat emergency plan that works for you and your family.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

PTSD Awareness Month

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is PTSD Awareness Month, and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is doing its part to raise awareness by sharing important facts.

PTSD or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered after experiencing a traumatic event. A traumatic event can be anything from experience in combat, an assault, an accident, or a natural disaster.

While most of us would have a hard time processing a traumatic event, symptoms resulting from that experience are likely to get better over time. Those who suffer from PTSD find that their symptoms do not get better but get worse because there is a significant impact on how they can function in their day-to-day lives.

Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:

Trouble sleeping
Reliving the traumatic event
Nightmares
Hopelessness about the future
Loss of concentration
Difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Being quick to anger
Self-destructive behaviors, like abusing drugs or alcohol.
Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.
Being easily frightened

Like most other illnesses, some people have a higher risk factor of suffering from PTSD than others. This includes people who have already gone through a traumatic event, those who do not have a good support structure like close friends and family that they can rely on, and if there is a family history of mental illness or if they already have a mental health problem.

Here are some ways you can help someone with PTSD:

Learning about PTSD and how it can affect loved ones.
Listening to the individual when they are uncomfortable with doing certain activities.
Being there for them, without trying to fix them.
Encouraging them to seek treatment and participate in activities
Find support for yourself.
Recognizing the symptoms, even in yourself. Living with someone with PTSD can sometimes result in secondary PTSD, which is when the partner or family member feels symptoms that are similar to PTSD.
Combating the stigma. Challenge the stigma that surrounds PTSD and mental health. Be mindful of your language and attitudes. Promote open, judgment-free conversations about mental health in your circles. Encourage others to see PTSD not as a weakness, but as a sign of a person’s resilience.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

A Simple and Delicious Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad Recipe

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Are you looking to spice up your meals this summer? Here is a recipe for a delicious shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/shrimp-spiced-mango-and-avocado-salad-with-citrus-dressing-recipe-1913723