Learn How to Stay Safe During Eye Injury Prevention Month

Posted on October 14, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Nearly 2.5 million Americans suffer some form of eye injury every year and approximately 1 million of those injuries result in some degree of vision loss. While many employers have instituted safety measures to reduce the incidence of workplace-related accidents, there are no regulations in place to protect you from the place where nearly half of all eye injuries occur…your home.

October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to take this opportunity to educate the community on how to decrease the chances of sustaining an eye injury while working in, or around your house.

Eye injuries can vary from deep puncture wounds requiring surgical treatment to minor surface scratches. Some of the most common types of eye injuries occur:

In the House: When using household chemicals, read the instructions carefully and make sure to point spray nozzles away from your face. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently destroy the surface of the eyes, resulting in blindness.

In the Workshop: While working with power tools there is a high likelihood of wood, metal or other material fragments, fumes or dust particles flying through the air and getting into your eyes. Many of these objects can cause injury.
In the Garden: When operating a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, be sure to check for rocks and stones, because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines.

In the Garage: Battery acid sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage the eyes.

Protecting your eyes from injury while working around the house is one of the most basic and easiest things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life. The best way to protect yourself from an eye injury is by wearing protective eyewear during home-based activities. Wearing safety goggles or other forms of protective eyewear can prevent 90% of all eye injuries, yet only 35 percent of respondents said they wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance.

Jamaica Hospital urges everyone to avoid an unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department by practicing proper eye safety around the house.

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.

Why It’s Important For Your Child To Get The Flu Shot This Year

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Flu season is coming and once again, many parents wonder if they should get their children vaccinated. Below is some information about the flu vaccine that parents should know.

The flu is more serious than the common cold for kids. Young children often require medical care after getting the flu. In fact, each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized due to complications from the flu, and for some, the illness can even result in death.

The best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children six months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. Ideally, the best time to get the flu vaccine is as soon as it becomes available as it usually takes up to two weeks before your child is fully protected.

Flu shots can be administered either by injection or by a nasal spray. The nasal spray flu vaccine can be given to children between two and eight years old. Side effects can include runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing, and head or muscle aches. The flu shot can be given to children ages six months and over. Side effects of the flu shot include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site or a low-grade fever.

Children under six months old are too young to be vaccinated. The best defense for them is to make sure those around them are vaccinated.

Some children who get the flu shot may require two doses. If your child is under nine years old and has never gotten the shot before, two separate doses will be necessary. These doses must be administered at least four weeks apart. If your child has gotten the seasonal flu vaccine before or is over nine years old, only one dose is required.

Please speak with your pediatrician before getting your child vaccinated if:

If your child isn’t feeling well
If your child recently had other vaccines
If your child has any medical conditions
If your child is allergic to eggs
If your child had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine

Please call your pediatrician now to schedule you child’s flu shot. If you do not have a pediatrician, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Clinic at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment with one of our qualified pediatric specialists.

What is Sepsis? Jamaica Hospital Educates the Community During Sepsis Awareness Month

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Michael Hinck

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and Jamaica Hospital wants to educate the community about this very serious condition.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication that stems from an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream meant to fight an infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail. If not identified and treated early, sepsis can progress to a condition known as septic shock, characterized by a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which may lead to death.

Sepsis is viewed by most doctors to be a three-stage syndrome, starting with sepsis, progressing through severe sepsis, and eventually into septic shock. The goal for healthcare providers is to look for the early symptoms of sepsis and administer antibiotics and IV fluids immediately before the condition becomes more dangerous.

Early symptoms include having a suspected or confirmed infection, plus a:

• Body temperature above 101.4 F
• Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
• Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute

Sepsis can affect anyone, but it is most common in older adults or those with a weakened immune system. The number of cases of sepsis in the United States appears be increasing. Some of the factors attributed to this rise include:

• A growing population of people over 65 years old. This group tends to have a weaker immune system.
• An increase in the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When these drugs used to treat infections do not work, it can lead to sepsis.
• More Americans are living with weakened immune systems, caused by HIV, cancer treatments or transplant drugs.

Since hospitals and nursing homes typically treat people who are either older or who’s immunity levels are compromised, sepsis can often occur in these settings.

Understanding the need to address the situation, Jamaica Hospital has taken a very proactive approach to combating sepsis. The hospital has initiated comprehensive protocols to both identify and treat sepsis. These efforts have led to steadily improving outcomes for our patients.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day – JHMC Wants You to Know the Facts About Suicide Prevention

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Suicide affects millions; over 800,000 people take their lives each year, and the number of people who attempt suicide is twenty five times that amount. In addition to the lives lost, suicide also affects the many friends and family members devastated by the loss of their loved one.

Suicide is largely preventable though. Through education and awareness, we can get those people who are contemplating suicide the help they need.

One of the best tools in preventing suicide is to know the risk factors. Over 90% of people who attempt suicide live with depression or another mental disorder. Alcohol or substance abuse is often a contributing factor. Adverse factions to traumatic events or stress can also lead to someone wanting to take their own life.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

• Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Keeping firearms in the home
• Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain
• Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Someone who is considering suicide usually displays certain behaviors. Loved ones should look for the following warning signs:

Always talking or thinking about death
Trouble sleeping and eating — that gets worse over time
Displaying reckless behavior that could result in death, such as driving fast or running red lights
Losing interest in things one used to care about
Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Talking about suicide or killing one’s self
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

If someone you know appears to be contemplating suicide, take the issue seriously. Let the person know that you care and understand and are listening and attempt to get them immediate help from a health care professional.

If your loved one appears to be in imminent danger of committing suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Remove any weapons or drugs he or she could use. Accompany him or her to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

September 10 has been designated World Suicide Prevention Day. Many organizations from around the world have joined this cause. Jamaica Hospital’s supports their efforts and the hospital’s Department of Psychiatry offers many inpatient and outpatient services to help those in need.

Jamaica Hospital Plans To Expand and Renovate Hospice Care Unit

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has announced plans to completely renovate and expand its hospice care unit.

The hospital has provided inpatient hospice care services since 2010 and in that time has provided compassionate, comfort care to countless patients facing end of life. Their multidisciplinary team of specially trained hospice professionals offers extensive medical, social and spiritual services. “As a community-based hospital we have made a commitment to provide the highest quality hospice care services to all those who need it,” stated Jamaica Hospital President and CEO; Bruce J. Flanz.

The organization’s commitment to the community was the inspiration to conceptualize what will be the newly developed Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care. The unit’s redesign will provide patients and loved ones with a home-like environment that promotes privacy and serenity. The new unit will offer many upgrades and amenities including family meeting rooms as well as a relaxing lounge that offers families a space to gather, decompress or reflect.

“Every detail from the lighting to the tranquil artwork will be carefully considered to offer our patients and families a sense of peace” said Chairman of Family Medicine and Palliative Care, Dr. Alan Roth. He continued, “As hospice professionals, we understand how important a comfortable environment is during what can be a difficult time.”

To achieve their goal of completing the new Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care, Jamaica Hospital has embarked on a $1,000,000 capital fundraising campaign. Numerous supporters of the hospital have already made generous contributions through naming opportunities and by purchasing memorial plaques.

The plans for renovating the hospice unit at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center have been enthusiastically received. Hospital leadership, staff and supporters are excited about the future of The Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care, which is set to begin construction this fall.

For information about contributing to our hospice unit, please call the Development Department at 718-206-8613.

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Avoid Serious Injury When Grilling – Practice These Safety Tips

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Warm weather brings people outdoors for all kinds of activities. One of the most popular is outdoor grilling. Whether it be the all – American hotdogs and hamburgers, chicken, steak, fish and vegetables, everything tastes better on a grill, but grilling can be dangerous if precautions aren’t taken.

Following these rules will make grilling safe:

• Keep the grill at least ten feet away from your house, garage, porch, and automobile
• Always keep the grill clean
• Remove any grease and fat build up
• Keep a hose fire extinguisher, or a bucket of water nearby
• Check for leaks if you are using a gas grill
• Make sure the area is well ventilated
• Keep away from decorations and other flammable objects
• Keep small children away from the grill
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Keep the lid open when starting the fire to avoid build-up of gas
• Do not grill indoors with an outdoor grill
• Do not overload the grill with food

Don’t let your summer grilling be memorable for the wrong reasons. Every year people end up with serious injuries because they weren’t careful. Remember that a grill uses a flame to cook and regardless of it being charcoal or gas that is fueling it, it can get out of control quickly. Take your time and do it the right way and you will have a wonderful meal every time.

Do You Know How to Dispose of your Expired Medications?

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Michael Hinck

If you peek inside your medicine cabinet, there is a good chance it contains a few expired or unnecessary prescription medications. It is probably a good idea to discard them, but what is the right way to do so?

Disposing of these medications, whether they are expired antibiotics, or pain meds that are no longer needed is very important because they can be harmful if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for.

While most medicines can be thrown in the household trash, many others have specific disposal instructions to immediately flush them down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed. Only flush prescription drugs that specifically note to do so as there is evidence that certain medications can harmful to the water supply. If you are uncomfortable flushing or disposing of your meds, another option is participating in local drug “take-back” programs where they can be turned in and properly disposed of.

If no disposal instructions are given on the prescription drug labeling and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash using these tips:

• Remove your meds from their original containers and mix them with coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter. This makes them less appealing to drug seekers.

• Place this mixture in a sealable bag to prevent the drugs from leaking out of the garbage bag.

• Scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to protect your identity and privacy.

• Do not give your medicine to friends. Doctors prescribe medicines based on your specific symptoms and medical history. Something that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.

• When in doubt about proper disposal, ask your pharmacist.

Check with your local government officials about any up-coming drug take-back events in your community. If you cannot locate one and you have questions, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s on-site retail pharmacy about how to properly dispose of your medications. For more information, please call 718-206-8515.

Do You Have Trouble Identifying Colors? You Might Be Color Blind!

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet – the colors of the rainbow; most of us can identify and distinguish each of these colors from the rest, but for those who are color blind, telling these colors apart is not so easy.

As much as 8% of men are color blind, (compared to only 0.5 % of women). Why are men so much more prone to colorblindness? Well, the reason for colorblindness is a dysfunction in the x chromosome. Men only have one X chromosome, but women have two – and all someone needs is one working x chromosome to compensate for the loss of function of the other.

Being color blind doesn’t really mean that a person can’t see color though. Complete color blindness is actually very rare. What is much more common is a visionary deficiency, which means a person isn’t aware of the differences among colors. Some deficiencies are profound while others are mild. In fact, some people who don’t have a severe form of color blindness are not even aware they have the condition.

The most common type of color blindness is an inability to distinguish between red and green. While there is no cure for color blindness, those who are red-green color blind can actually use a special set of lenses to help them perceive colors more accurately. There are even apps now available on smartphones to help people differentiate colors.

While some people go their entire life unaware they are color blind, most are diagnosed as children. This is because educational material is often color coded, so when a child has trouble processing information, color blindness can be identified as the reason.

Eye care professionals can use a variety of tests to diagnose color blindness. The most common tests use a series of colored circles with overlapping color shapes inside of them. These shapes are easily identifiable to people who have normal color vision, but are difficult to see for people who are color blind.

To have yourself, or your child tested for color blindness, please consult with your primary care doctor or ophthalmologist. The TJH Ophthalmology Center at Jamaica Hospital is staffed with board certified doctors who can test and diagnose this condition. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.