Citrus Marinated Salmon with Couscous and Sauteed Haricot Verts

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

March is National Nutrition Month. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Nutrition is marking the occasion with a healthy and tasty receipe for Citrus Marinated Salmon with Couscous and Sauteed Haricot Verts.

This receipe serves four (4)

We would like to thank our

INGREDIENTS:

Fish

Marinade:

3 Tablespoon Orange Juice

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1.5 Tablespoon minced garlic

1 Teaspoon canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

4- 4 oz Salmon filets

Haricot Verts- French Green beans

1 lb green beans, French, fresh

1 Tablespoon canola oil

3 cloves garlic, peeled, minced

Kosher salt to taste

Couscous:

Prepare according to package

PREPARATION:

To prepare fish:

Combine marinade ingredients bowl, place salmon in marinade
Heat canola oil in sautee pan over high heat
Remove fish from marinade and discard excess marinade
Place fish in hot pan, Flesh side down, cook for 4-5 minutes, flip fish to skin side, cover pan and cook 4 additional minutes or until cooked through and fish is flakey

To prepare green beans

If using fresh green beans – follow steps below. If using frozen – skip to step 5

Trim ends of green beans
Bring pot of water to boil, blanch green beans for 1-2 minutes in boiling water
Shock green beans in ice bath
Drain green beans
Heat oil in sauté pan over medium high heat
Add minced garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant
Add green beans and sauté for 1 minute or until evenly coated and heated through. (if using frozen green beans, will need more time to cook through)
Season with kosher salt to taste

To prepare the couscous

Cook couscous according to the package directions

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.

Poison Prevention Week- Child Safety Tips

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The Benefits of Couples Counseling

Posted on March 15, 2019 by Joann Ariola

There are many changes that couples can go through during the course of their relationship. In some instances, these changes can lead to undue stress, strain and conflict on their relationship.

During these times, couples may benefit from counseling. Couples counseling can be effective in helping you and your partner heal, foster forgiveness and help you reconnect.

Some benefits from counseling are:

Learning how to communicate in a non-adversarial way
Understanding the importance of listening to your partner and how to process what your partner is saying
Learning how to get your point across with assertion and not aggression or anger
Finding a way to discuss your issues without fear of retaliation or hurting the feelings of your partner
Learning how to work through your issues in a safe environment
Getting your feelings out in the open and not letting them fester
Re-committing to work out your issues together without engaging in conflict
Developing a deeper understanding of your partner and what their needs are

By entering into counseling, you may find that you and your partner are willing to put in the work needed to get through a difficult time. If the opposite is realized, you will then feel less guilt when you make the decision to end the relationship knowing you have given it every chance.

If you and your partner would like to speak with a counselor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, call 718-206-5588 to schedule an appointment.

Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Announces Partnership with LegalHealth to Provide Legal Services to Our Patients

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Michael Hinck

On a daily basis New Yorkers, especially low-income residents, face challenging financial and social issues. These factors can negatively impact their lives in many ways, most notably their physical and mental health. Lack of access to adequate housing, food, or safe and secure employment can impede their ability to seek and receive appropriate healthcare services for themselves and their families. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is working to remove these barriers by offering free legal services to its patients.

Every week an attorney from LegalHealth, a division of the New York Legal Assistance Group, comes to Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to provide legal counsel to hospital patients on issues relating to government benefits, housing, workplace conditions, and immigration and credit problems. LegalHealth also assists patients and families develop advanced planning directives, wills and legal matters affecting families.

It is well established that unmet social needs have a direct correlation with poor health. Social factors, such as food insecurity have been closely linked to higher risk of chronic conditions. Studies show that those who lose their jobs are 83% more likely to develop stress-related health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Jamaica Hospital made the commitment to fund the LegalHealth clinic knowing that addressing these issues will ultimately improve the health of its patients and potentially reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions. According to Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital, “By understanding these social determinants that our patients encounter on a daily basis and providing a resource to have them addressed, Jamaica Hospital and LegalHealth can remove many of the obstacles that prevent our community from improving and maintaining healthier lives.”

LegalHealth is also providing ongoing training to Jamaica Hospital’s providers to equip them with the necessary tools to help them identify any social, financial or other problems patients are experiencing which can be addressed with legal support.

The Legal Health clinic opened at Jamaica Hospital in January 2019 and is on site weekly.

Patients who utilize LegalHealth services are assured of complete confidentiality and services are completely free to Jamaica Hospital patients.

Oh My Aching Feet!

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on skin, which leads to the formation of thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. Complications from corns and calluses are rarely serious; however, if you are a diabetic they can lead to more serious issues.

Diabetics often have impaired sensitivity and may not be aware of the friction or presence of a corn or callous. Since they are unaware, the corn or callous can progress into ulcers or secondary infections without the person knowing.

In addition, diabetics don’t, usually, heal as quickly as non-diabetics and their infections can become life-threatening.

Indications that you may have a corn or callous:

Skin is thick and hardened.
Skin may be flaky and dry.
Hardened, thick skin areas are found feet or other areas that may be rubbed or pressed.
The affected areas can be painful and may bleed.

According to the National Institutes of Health, preventing friction by wearing proper fitting shoes and avoiding walking barefoot are often the only preventative measures you can take.

Regular examination of you feet can help you to identify any problems and, if you receive a foot injury, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing corns/calluses that are painful, red, warm, or there is drainage in the area, you should call your healthcare provider immediately to determine the cause.

To make an appointment with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Centers Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7005 to schedule an appointment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is a common type of anxiety disorder that affects approximately 15 million adults living in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is characterized by “an intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.”

There is no exact known cause for social anxiety disorder; although, it is believed that genetics play a significant role. Social phobia is also linked to having an overactive amygdala; the part of the brain that controls our response to fear. Others factors believed to contribute to the disorder are a history of abuse or bullying.

The onset of social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid –teens; however, it can also occur in young children and adults.

Those with social anxiety disorder often experience physical symptoms associated with fear or anxiety in social situations. These symptoms may include rapid heart rate, dizziness, muscle tension, sweating or nausea.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to live a normal life. Those affected often avoid or have trouble with normal, day-to-day social situations such as making eye contact, entering rooms where there are people, using public restrooms, eating in front of people or going to work or school.

These behaviors are often indicative of a more serious problem that could be developing as a result of social anxiety disorder. If left unaddressed, social phobia can lead to low self-esteem, negative thoughts, depression, substance abuse or suicide.

The best approach to treating social anxiety disorder is to receive assistance from a mental health professional. They will be able to assess your health to determine whether you have a social anxiety disorder or other mental health conditions. As part of your treatment, a mental health professional may recommend psychotherapy or medications. They may also suggest implementing lifestyle changes such as exercising, learning stress reduction skills or participating in support groups.

To make an appointment or to speak with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Employee Spotlight on Cristina Gonclaves

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

This month we shine our employee spotlight on Cristina Goncalves, Coordinator in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Occupational Health Services Department. Cristina has been with the hospital for seven years. She started her career four years ago at Jamaica Hospital as a switchboard operator before moving to her current position three years ago.

Cristina is a native of Queens. She grew up in the Jamaica area and attended Our Lady of the Cenacle elementary school, St. Agnes Academic High School and then John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology in 2013. Cristina has three children, two girls and a boy whom she enjoys spending all of her free time with. They enjoy going as a family to museums, parks, the movies and just doing anything that is adventurous. Two of Cristina’s favorite vacation destinations are Portugal and Myrtle Beach.

On Saturdays and Sundays Cristina enjoys her kick-boxing sessions. She also likes to eat different types of foods especially sushi, as well as Spanish and Indian food. She finds listening to Latin music very relaxing and also likes Disney songs.

Cristina feels that working at Jamaica Hospital is like being with family. She finds everyone to be very considerate of one another and she looks forward to having many more positive experiences here. Her long term goal is to return to school to become a social worker which she believes would be a very fulfilling career. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our team and look forward to her being with us for many more years.

When is it Okay to Request a Second Opinion From Your Doctor?

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Receiving news that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious or rare medical condition can be very overwhelming and scary. While it is important to listen to and follow your doctor’s instructions, it is also appropriate in these situations to seek the advice of other professionals and request a second opinion.

Unfortunately, less than half of the people diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening disease request a second opinion. The most frequent reasons individuals cited for not doing so include: feeling an urgency to seek treatment right away, lack of access to experts or centers of excellence, fear that their insurance carrier would not cover the cost, and concerns about offending their doctor.

In most cases, these reasons are unmerited; in reality, many conditions do not require immediate treatment and most physicians welcome a second opinion. In addition, many insurance providers allow for second opinions and can even help identify local experts that participate in your plan.

So, when is getting a second opinion a good idea? According to WebMD, the following circumstances are appropriate:

Where the treatment is very risky or toxic
Where the diagnosis is not clear, the treatment is experimental, or there is no established consensus or Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment
If you’re considering participating in a trial for a new drug
If you’re considering some new experimental approach or a procedure that involves using experimental instruments or devices.

In many cases, second opinions are very beneficial. In fact, a recent study highlighted their potential value. Researchers found that as many as 88% of those who sought a second opinion for a complex medical condition had a new diagnosis that changed their treatment plan, and 21% received a completely different diagnosis.

If you would like to seek a second opinion, but are unsure of how to start the conversation with your doctor, try some of these tips.

Tell your doctor you want to be sure that you explore all your treatment options. This may include looking into several surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Let your doctor know that you always talk to more than one expert when you need to make an important decision, whether it’s a medical, financial, or personal decision.
Explain to your doctor that a second opinion would give you peace of mind that your diagnosis and treatment plan are the best option for you.

Even if a second opinion doesn’t change your diagnosis or treatment plan, you can feel satisfied that you made a well-informed decision.

Neuropathy

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve problems, know as neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a shorter term for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy from diabetes can damage the nerves in your hands, arms, feet and legs. This condition can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the degree of neuropathy, and how long you have been a diabetic, nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart and reproductive organs.

The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have issues with controlling their blood glucose, have high blood pressure and are overweight.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the nerves affected and develop gradually over the years. Symptoms may include:

Trouble with balance
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Abnormal sensation to a body part (Dysesthesia)
Diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Vision changes
Burning or electric pain in extremities

When treating diabetic neuropathy, a nutritionist may recommend healthier food choices and exercise to help lower your glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. Additionally, analgesics and low doses of antidepressants can be prescribed for pain relief, burning and tingling.

If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center and Department of Nutrition can help. Call 718-206-7001 to get the process started.