Infant Botulism

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Infant botulism is a rare, life-threatening condition that causes a slow form of paralysis. It affects infants under one year old.

Infant botulism differs from botulism in older children and adults as it develops slowly and worsens gradually. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical care promptly can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery. Symptoms of infant botulism can include:

Respiratory difficulty and possible respiratory arrest

Choking when trying to feed

Constipation

Weak or poor feeding

Eyelid drooping

Lack of facial expressions, being unable to lift their head, or other signs of muscle weakness or paralysis

Weak and altered crying

Weakness or decreased muscle tone, which prevents them from reaching or grabbing

Changes in bowel movement, such as not pooping for days or weeks at a time

Since infants cannot express how or what they are feeling, it is essential to recognize and be aware of potential warning signs.

Infants can contract botulism if they eat something, such as honey, that contains spores from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is why infants under a year old should never be given honey. A recent outbreak of infant botulism is suspected to be linked to the contamination of infant formula. When an infant ingests Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria multiply and make a toxin, which disrupts the infant’s nervous system after entering its bloodstream, causing symptoms of botulism.

Infants under a year old are at a higher risk of contracting botulism, with 95% of cases occurring in infants younger than six months old.

A healthcare provider can diagnose infant botulism by observing symptoms and performing physical and neurological exams. Testing stool for botulinum toxin is the best way for a healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis.

Infant botulism is treatable with an antitoxin called botulism immune globulin, which is administered through an IV.

The Department of Pediatrics at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. If your infant is experiencing symptoms of botulism, you can make an appointment by calling 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.

How Long Should You Keep Thanksgiving Leftovers?

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

It is the day after Thanksgiving, and the refrigerator is full of leftovers. It is important to know how long these leftovers should actually last to avoid foodborne illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Safety and Inspection Service recommends throwing out refrigerated leftovers after three to four days. If certain foods are kept in the freezer, they can still be eaten for three to four months after Thanksgiving.

It is important to properly store and refrigerate all leftovers within two hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. To store them, pack the leftovers into small containers and resealable plastic bags. Storing food in smaller portions makes it easier and more convenient for them to be used when taken straight from the freezer. Using freezer or storage-specific plastic bags and plastic wrap helps prevent freezer burn because they are thicker than normal bags. Push out as much air as possible to limit any exposure to the surface of the food, which also helps prevent freezer burn.

Throw away any food that doesn’t keep well in the refrigerator, such as salads, which can become soggy and wilted. Greens such as kale and cabbage can last for up to three days.

Remove any stuffing from inside the turkey and store it separately in airtight containers. Stuffing can last up to four days in the refrigerator and two to three months in the freezer.

When storing leftover turkey, cut the turkey into smaller pieces and store them separately in small airtight containers. Turkey can last for four days in the fridge and four months in the freezer.

Gravy can last for four days in the fridge and up to four months in the freezer. When reheating the gravy, add it to a saucepan and cover it with a lid, and bring it to a rolling boil.

Homemade cranberry sauce can stay good for a week to 10 days in the fridge. Canned cranberry sauce can be kept for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It is not recommended to freeze cranberry sauce.

Potatoes and yams can be stored in the refrigerator for four days and up to two months in the freezer.

Desserts such as fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for two days. After two days, they can be stored in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for two more days.

It is important to note that you should always reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as it destroys most foodborne pathogens, preventing you from developing food poisoning.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Healthy Holiday Recipe: Rustic Apple Pie with Dried Cherries

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we all look forward to what’s for dessert after a delicious meal.

Apple pie is a dessert commonly found on a Thanksgiving dessert table. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C. Adding cherries to an apple pie provides an additional source of antioxidants, making this dessert a heart-healthy choice.

Here is a recipe for a rustic apple pie that combines fresh apples with tangy dried cherries for a unique twist on a Thanksgiving classic.

Rustic Apple Pie with Dried Cherries Recipe | Ellie Krieger | Food Network

Foods Rich In Magnesium

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in various foods. It helps support more than 300 different chemical processes throughout the human body, such as:

Muscle function

Regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Promoting energy production

Nerve function and bone health

Mental health

When eating foods containing magnesium, experts recommend consuming between 310 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, depending on age and sex:

Babies 6 months and younger: 30 mg

7 to 12 months: 75 mg

1 to 3 years old: 80 mg

4 to 8 years: 130 mg

9 to 13 years 240 mg

14 to 18 years (male): 410 mg

14 to 18 years (female): 360 mg

19 to 30 years (male): 400 mg

19 to 30 years (female): 310 mg

31 and older male: 420 mg

31 and older female: 320 mg

Pregnant women should get an additional 40 mg of magnesium per day. Some, but not all, prenatal vitamins include magnesium.

Many foods contain magnesium, including:

Nuts and seeds:

- Roasted almonds- 1oz = 80 mg of magnesium

- Roasted cashews- 1oz = 72 mg of magnesium

- Whole flaxseeds- 1 Tbsp = 40 mg of magnesium

- Dry roasted peanuts- 1 oz = 49 mg of magnesium

- Hulled and roasted pumpkin seeds- 1 oz = 15 mg of magnesium

- Chia seeds- 1oz = 111 mg magnesium

Legumes:

- Boiled black beans- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Cooked and prepared edamame- ½ cup = 50 mg of magnesium

- Cooked lima beans- ½ cup = 40 mg of magnesium

Fiber-rich whole grains:

- Cooked quinoa- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Plain, unfrosted shredded wheat- 1 cup = 56 mg of magnesium

Low-fat dairy products:

- Nonfat milk- 1 cup = 24 to 27 mg of magnesium

- Plain low-fat yogurt- 8oz = 42 mg of magnesium

Greens:

- Cooked spinach- ½ cup = 78 mg of magnesium

- Cooked Swiss chard- ½ cup = 75 mg of magnesium

- Collard greens- ½ cup = 25 mg of magnesium

Fruit:

- One whole avocado = 58 mg of magnesium

- One medium banana = 32 mg of magnesium

- One small papaya = 33 mg of magnesium

- Blackberries- 1 cup = 29 mg of magnesium

Vegetables:

- Green peas- ½ cup = 31 mg of magnesium

- Sweet corn- ½ cup = 27 mg of magnesium

- One medium potato with skin on = 48 mg of magnesium

Dark chocolate that is 70%-85% cocoa- 1oz = 64 mg of magnesium

2 liters of water- up to 240 mg of magnesium

If you have a magnesium deficiency, a healthcare provider may suggest magnesium supplements. When magnesium is combined with other substances, it can help bring out specific benefits, including:

Magnesium glycinate: helps promote sleep

Magnesium citrate: helps digestion

Magnesium oxide: an antacid and aid to relieve migraines

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): used as a muscle relaxant

Eating a meal that contains magnesium-rich foods is the foundation of a healthy diet and is beneficial for your overall health.

It is important to note that you should first speak with your doctor about making any changes to your diet and before taking any new supplements. To consult a physician about the best ways to get your daily amount of magnesium, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we progress through the fall season and approach winter, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do fall ill.
Avoiding and preventing the spread of illnesses by practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity. Experiencing stress may affect self-care routines and lower the body’s resistance to infections

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Why Do We Eat When We Are Stressed?

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Stress can impact our health in various ways, including our eating behaviors. It can influence our appetite, how much we eat, and the types of food we choose. Studies show that stressful events activate systems associated with metabolism, cognition, and reward.

When a person is stressed or overwhelmed, their body produces cortisol, the hormone that creates the body’s fight-or-flight response to help protect itself. When a person has elevated cortisol levels for a prolonged period of time, such as during repeated and constant stressors, this can lead to fat storage, weight gain, and increased consumption of foods that are energy-dense and high in sugar and fat. These types of foods are “comfort” foods that can seem like they are counteracting stress; however, they may contribute to a person’s stress-induced craving for those foods.

There are several ways to manage stress eating, including:

Practicing mindful eating
Finding healthier options for your sweet or savory cravings
Watching your portion sizes
Meditating
Exercising
Finding sources of social support

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

15 Foods to Add to Your Diet to Boost Your Brain Health

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The brain is the command center of the body. It processes information and sends messages controlling everything your body does from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

Omega-3 fatty acids
B vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Selenium
Iron
Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

Brain development
Proper signaling of neurotransmitters
Processing and understanding new information
Memory
Protein balance
Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

Here are 15 foods to add to your diet that are rich in essential nutrients:

Eggs
Fatty fish
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Walnuts
Turmeric
Coffee
Leafy greens
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Fermented dairy
Avocados
Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice
Whole grains

Remember, no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating brain foods regularly can keep your brain sharp and maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to reap the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

A Flavorsome and Comforting Chicken Chili Recipe for Fall Dinners

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

As the summer fades into fall, here is a comforting and delicious recipe for chicken chili to add to your dinner rotation.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/chicken-chili-3869708

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.

Employee Spotlight on Nicole Santucci, RD CDN

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are very happy to shine our employee spotlight on Nicole Santucci, a nutritionist who has been working at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for almost four years.

Nicole grew up on Long Island in North Valley Stream and attended the Willow Road Elementary School, Valley Stream North High School and is a graduate of Syracuse University. She is currently enrolled at Stony Brook University where she will be completing her Master’s degree in May of 2019.

Nicole became interested in nutrition while taking a course at Syracuse University. Having been diagnosed as a Type I Diabetic when she was nine years old, eating healthy became a way of life she needed to adhere to. Her parents were very supportive and she was brought up as any other normal child would be, learning how to manage her diabetes successfully through proper eating habits, exercise and taking her medication. Because she has lived with diabetes for most of her life and learned so much from nutritionists who guided her, she felt it would be a natural fit as a career choice for her. She enjoys working at Jamaica Hospital for many reasons. Her department works well together as a team which is very important. From an educational standpoint she feels that the diverse population of patients will allow her to learn about many different cultures and provide her with invaluable learning experiences.

Nicole has very family strong ties to the Richmond Hill community and to the hospital itself. Not only was her father and many of her relatives born at Jamaica Hospital, but her uncle Thomas Santucci Jr was the Chairman of the Department of Medicine for over 30 years.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys cooking, especially Italian food, going to the movies, running when the weather permits and going to plays in Manhattan. She enjoys traveling and has been to many places both in Europe and the Caribbean. One of her favorite cities is Prague because of its beauty and her mother’s family came from there so she feels a strong connection to it. She enjoys spending time with her dog, a corgi hound mix named Pebbles who is a rescue. Nicole is engaged to be married in the Fall of 2019 so wedding planning are another activity that she is enjoying.

We are fortunate to have Nicole as part of our team of nutritionists at Jamaica Hospital and thank her for playing such an important role in our patients’ treatment.