Health Beat

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraines and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

Headache is a general term that describes the pain in the scalp, head, and neck. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical care. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Alcohol
Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
Dental problems such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Eyestrain
Keeping your head in one position for a long time.
Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically feel like dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.
Managing daily stress

Migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics are a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine:

Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Epilepsy
Sleep disorders
Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine
Certain medications or taking particular medications too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern or migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelid, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol
Being exposed to heat
Bright lights
Overexertion
Processed foods
Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, you can receive specialized treatment from a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Swim Safety

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Summertime is here. That means time will be spent at beaches and pools where we can cool off. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water.

When around a body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and often happens in silence. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, and even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

It is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages 5-14 occur in natural water like lakes, rivers, or oceans.
More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters.

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are steps that you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative.

Here are three components of water competency:

Water Smarts

Put a fence around your home swimming pool. It should be at least four feet high, fully enclose the pool, and separate from the house. It needs a self-closing and self-latching gate. All toys that might attract a child should be removed when the pool isn’t used.
Know your limitations, including physical fitness, and medical conditions.
Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where there are lifeguards or water watchers present. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. Floaties, armbands, or water wings do not prevent children from drowning and can easily slip off, especially when kids jump in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for parents and children.
Swim sober.
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
Know how to call for help.
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment such as:
River currents.
Ocean rip currents.
Water temperature.
Shallow or unclear water.
Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.

Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

Make sure you can get in and out of the water safely.
Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
Turn over and turn around in the water.
Swim at least 25 yards.
Exit the water.

Helping Others

These actions will help your family and loved ones avoid emergencies – and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

Closely pay attention to children or weak swimmers in and near the water.
Knowing the signs that someone is drowning.
Knowing ways to safely assist a drowning person, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”.
Knowing CPR and first aid.

It is important to be well-prepared when in and around pools and bodies of water. If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Summer Heart Health Tips

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The summer months come with many things. Warmer weather, beautiful flowers, longer days full of trips to the beach, and parties and barbecues. Warmer weather also brings extreme heat and added risk factors that can affect heart health.

As the body works harder to keep its core temperature to normal levels, a strain is placed on our organs, especially the heart. This can have hazardous effects on people with pre-existing cardiovascular problems and people with a healthy heart as well.

Being in extreme heat for too long can cause two serious heat-related illnesses in which your body can’t control its temperature: heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heavy sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Dizziness and fainting

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

Heatstroke or sunstroke symptoms include:

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

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

People at risk of being severely affected by extreme heat are those with a history of:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes

There are many ways to take preventative measures to ensure you stay safe in warmer and sometimes extreme temperatures.

You can do this by:

Knowing the heat illness warning signs.
Seeing your doctor to know if you’re at risk of having heat-related heart problems.
Avoiding spending too much time outdoors during the hottest days of the summer
Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, especially during peak sun.
Wearing loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
Staying cool in areas where there is air-conditioning or a fan. If either isn’t accessible, apply cold compresses (ice-pack or ice-water-filled bottle to your pulse points.
Hydrating by drinking plenty of water to help regulate your body temperature, and avoiding drinking too many alcoholic drinks because they can dehydrate you.
Eating water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, salads, and cold soups.
Being smart about exercising. If it is too hot to work outside, do it indoors.

If you are experiencing any of these 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.

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating a Fever

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

When you develop a fever, it’s usually in reaction to an illness. In most cases, a fever will eventually resolve on its own. However, certain signs may indicate that a fever is occurring due to a more severe underlying problem; in these cases, treatment is necessary. You can take some steps to assess and reduce your fever, but there are also things you should watch out for to ensure that you’re treating your fever appropriately.

Do: take your temperature if you feel sick and are running warm; your fever may be worse than you realize. Fevers can typically be broken down into four levels of severity:

If you have a low fever, your body temperature may range between 99.1°F to 100.4°F.
A moderate fever ranges between 100.6°F and 102.2°F.
A high fever typically ranges between 102.4°F and 105.8°F.
Any temperature higher than 105.8°F is considered to be hyperthermia, which can be life-threatening.

Do: stay hydrated; you lose fluids more rapidly while experiencing a fever due to increased sweating and other factors, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration is dangerous on its own, but it can also increase your body temperature and worsen your fever. Drink plenty of water to maintain healthy fluid levels. Cold water can also help reduce your body temperature.

Do: see a doctor as soon as possible if your fever becomes worse or does not resolve after a few days. This is especially important and may mean seeking emergency medical care if you have developed hyperthermia.

Don’t: try to power through your symptoms and go to work or school despite having a fever. Your illness may be dangerous to not only you, but the people around you; it’s important to isolate yourself at home and rest if you have a fever.

Don’t: underdress or overdress for your fever. If you’re feeling overheated, it may be tempting to lower the temperature of your home, crank up the air conditioning, and shed blankets or layers of clothing. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chills, you may want to bundle up much more than is necessary or beneficial. Dress in light, breathable clothing, keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level, and try to avoid extra layers of blankets or clothing.

Don’t: ignore your fever or pass it off as a non-issue if it’s not going away or is getting worse. In this situation, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Hip Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

If you are considering (or if your doctor has recommended) hip replacement surgery, it’s important for you to know what to expect to help determine whether it’s the right treatment approach for you.

Hip replacement surgery is often considered when hip pain significantly interferes with movement or sleep and does not improve with medication.

There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: total and partial hip replacement. A total hip replacement involves replacing the socket of your hip joint with a durable plastic cup and replacing your femoral head with a ball made of ceramic or metal. This ball is attached to a metal stem inserted into your femur. A partial hip replacement only involves replacing the femoral head; your natural hip joint socket is preserved.

The type of hip replacement surgery you get depends mainly on how much damage your hip joint has sustained. Total hip replacements are most commonly used as a last resort for treating arthritis pain. Partial hip replacements are more common for older people who have experienced an injury, such as a hip fracture.

During surgery, your surgeon may use certain specialized tools to perform your hip replacement safely and effectively. At Orthopedic Specialists of New York, our surgeons utilize the Mako robotic surgical assistant, which reduces the amount of cutting required during surgery and allows for more healthy bone tissue to be preserved.

Whether you receive a partial or total hip replacement, surgery can provide pain relief and restore some mobility to the joint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there will still be limits to the types of physical activity you can engage in after your surgery. While most patients will be able to return to low-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or bicycle riding during or after their first-year post-surgery, it may be more dangerous to engage in high-impact activities such as competitive sports.

If you have any questions or concerns about hip replacement surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists Of New York. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

A Tasty Recipe for Baked Lemon Chicken

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Warm spring evenings call for an easy to prepare recipe for baked lemon chicken to enjoy. Here is a recipe from the Food Network that we recommend.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/baked-lemon-chicken-recipe-2128674

Spotlighting Jamaica Hospital’s Mobile Crisis Team

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are highlighting the important work of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mobile Crisis Program in our community.

Jamaica Hospital’s Mental Health Department operates the Mobile Crisis Program as part of its mental health emergency services. The program is the only one of its kind to serve our community and hospital, responding to mental health crisis referrals, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our providers rapidly provide in-person visits within two hours of receiving a referral.

The program is staffed by a team of dedicated mental health administrators, coordinators, and social workers who provide comprehensive crisis intervention, home-visit, repatriation, counseling, and support services to countless patients and families.

Jamaica Hospital’s mobile crisis team emphasizes compassion and empathy when delivering mental health care and support. Each care provider is highly trained to engage appropriately with individuals in crisis or those experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Our team serves a very diverse population; therefore, special attention is paid to the unique and cultural needs of each individual and loved one encountered.

The primary goal of the hospital’s mobile crisis program is to go above and beyond to offer assistance. This goal is achieved by providing more support than average, which involves thorough follow-up care, and connecting individuals to social services and programs needed to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Jamaica Hospital’s Mobile Crisis Program aims to help individuals and families in our community by safely and compassionately engaging with those experiencing a mental health crisis, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and reducing the risk of future crises through the provision of continuous care. Participation is voluntary; however, if it is determined that a person in crisis needs further psychiatric or medical assessment, arrangements may be made for them to be transported to a hospital psychiatric emergency room.

In New York City, you can request help from a mobile crisis team if you are concerned about a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is experiencing or is at risk of a mental health crisis. You can also request a team for yourself. To request a team, please call 988.

Heart Palpitations

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Andrew Rubin

Experiencing heart palpitations can be a very frightening occurrence. These palpitations have been described as feeling as though the heart is racing, missing a beat, pounding, or fluttering. Palpitations can be felt in the chest, the neck or the throat and they are seen more frequently in women than in men.

Some of the most common causes of heart palpitations include:

Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Fear
Fever
Panic attacks
Strenuous exercise
Pregnancy
Medications that contain pseudoephedrine
Consuming too much alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or narcotics ( cocaine or amphetamines)

It is important to find the reason for experiencing heart palpitations and knowing how often they occur. Tests that will help a physician identify the cause include a blood test, an EKG, a chest x-ray, a Holter monitor and an ultrasound of the heart.

It is best to seek immediate medical help if the heart palpitations are accompanied by:

Feeling shortness of breath
Feeling dizzy
Feeling chest pain
Feeling light headed

Treatment for heart palpitations will be determined by what is causing them. When possible, eliminating external influences will be the first line of treatment. If the palpitations are caused by an irregular heart beat, medications may need to be prescribed.

It is important to get immediate medical care by calling 9-1-1 if the heart palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, severe dizziness, severe shortness of breath, or passing out.

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

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. During this time, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is working to provide important information about this disease for our patients, including its symptoms, potential complications, and current available treatments.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that affects the mucus-producing cells in your body. CF occurs when there is a mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This mutation disables cells from moving chloride (a component of salt) to their surfaces. Without the movement of chloride, cells cannot hydrate properly, causing your body to produce thicker, stickier mucus.

The buildup of heavy mucus caused by CF can damage the digestive system, lungs, and other organs that depend on mucus to function by obstructing the ducts, tubes or passageways of these organs. Those living with cystic fibrosis also often have abnormally high levels of salt in their sweat. Other symptoms that may develop as a result of the disease include:

Frequent lung infections, such as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
Persistent cough with thick mucus
Frequent sinus infections
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Nasal polyps
Fatigue
Delayed growth or puberty
Bowel movements that produce greasy, bulky stool
Severe constipation
Male infertility

All babies born in the United States are screened for cystic fibrosis by testing small blood samples. If someone is suspected to have CF, their doctor can also order a sweat test to determine if their chloride levels are normal.

Currently, there is no cure for CF; treatment generally focuses on alleviating symptoms and reducing complications. Treatment may include:

Medications, such as antibiotics for lung infections, anti-inflammatory medications, stool softeners, mucus-thinning drugs, medications that assist in nutrient absorption, and medications that treat gene mutations
Physical therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Surgery

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.

Food Allergy Awareness Week

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

May 12- 18, 2024 has been designated as Food Allergy Awareness Week in an effort to raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 33 million Americans have a serious and potentially life-threatening food allergy. This number indicates that food allergies are much more common than previously believed.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food component as a hazardous substance and attacks it. The effects of food allergies may appear on the skin, in the respiratory passage, or the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of food allergies may vary from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, they can even be fatal.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction that can cause death. This type of allergic reaction requires immediate action and medical attention. You must be prepared for an emergency if you or a loved one has a severe food allergy. Learn the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, low blood pressure., dizziness, or fast heart rate. You should create an emergency care plan in the event anaphylaxis occurs; this may include the administration of epinephrine, a life-saving drug, and calling 911 if symptoms persist.

Every year in the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals are brought to hospital emergency departments due to severe allergic reactions. Jamaica Hospital joins the effort to raise awareness about food allergies and urges everyone to learn more about this growing, yet manageable issue.