Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

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.

Tetanus Shot

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A tetanus shot is a vaccine that reduces your risk of getting tetanus or lockjaw, a painful and potentially fatal bacterial infection.

The incubation period of tetanus ranges from 3 to 21 days after infection. Most cases occur within 14 days.

Symptoms can include:

Jaw cramping or the inability to open the mouth
Muscle spasms often occur in the back, abdomen, and extremities
Sudden painful muscle spasms, often triggered by sudden noises
Trouble swallowing
Seizures
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure or a fast heart rate

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in the environment on metals and in soil. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of Tdap or DTap shots in childhood and boosters every ten years. These shots also protect against other bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus shots work by training the immune system to identify threats, so it has the tools to fight them when it encounters them again. These shots are known as a toxoid vaccine, which means they contain a weakened version of the toxin released by Clostridium tetani, the tetanus-causing bacteria. The toxoid creates an immune response that protects you if you are exposed to these bacteria in the future.

There are many reasons to get a tetanus shot, including:

Within 48 hours of getting a wound that is deep and/or contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva. You will need a booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you can protect your baby from pertussis in their first months of life
As part of the childhood immunization regimen. The CDC recommends an initial five-shot series between the ages of two months and six years old, and a booster shot between 11 and 12 years old
Every 10 years after your initial series of shots

You shouldn’t get a tetanus shot if you or your child has an allergic reaction, seizures, or a decreased level of consciousness after getting a tetanus shot in the past. Do not get a tetanus shot until you speak with your healthcare provider. They can make a recommendation as to what is safe for you.

Before you get a tetanus vaccine, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have:

Life-threatening allergies
Guillain–Barré syndrome
Suffered from seizures in the past
Had severe pain or swelling after getting a tetanus shot in the past
A condition that affects the nervous system
Recently had transplant surgery

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take, as certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cancer treatments, and immunosuppressants, could interact with the tetanus shot.

Like most vaccinations, there is a chance of side effects. However, the side effects of a tetanus shot are usually mild. The most common side effect is muscle soreness in the arm. Other side effects include:

Swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Low-grade fever
Fussiness or irritability in babies

Children and babies rarely experience serious side effects from the DTap vaccine. If they do experience side effects, they would include:

Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Seizures
Swelling of an entire arm or leg
Continued, inconsolable crying that lasts for more than a few hours

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms relating to tetanus, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Helping Kids Cope with Bullying

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Many children get teased by siblings or friends at some point in their childhood. Teasing isn’t usually harmful when done in a mutual, friendly, and playful way. When teasing constantly turns hurtful and cruel, it becomes bullying. Unfortunately, bullying is something that children experience at one time or another.

Bullying is when peers intentionally use physical, verbal, or psychological ways to torment someone else, using a real or perceived power imbalance between the bully and the victim.

Bullying affects 75% of kids at some point between kindergarten and 12th grade. Sadly, 10%-20% of kids will be chronically bullied and at risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes, such as physical illnesses, depression and anxiety, aggression, and in extreme cases, suicide. Moreover, they may also face lower graduation rates and less successful career placement.

Chronic bullying has three components:

A power differential between the child and their aggressor

Repeated bullying day after day

Social sanctioning, which regulates another person’s behavior, enforces social standards, and maintains order

There are several reasons why children bully other children. Sometimes they do it because they need a victim, someone who seems to be emotionally or physically weaker, or acts or looks different in some way that makes the bully feel more important, popular, or in control. It may seem like bullies are bigger and stronger; however, that isn’t always the case.

Additionally, children can sometimes bully others because that is the way they have been treated. This behavior has been normalized because they may come from families or other environments where everyone regularly gets angry shouts or calls each other names.

It can be hard to know whether a child is being bullied or not, unless they tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, or if they have visible injuries or bruises.

However, there are some warning signs. A parent may notice a child is:

Not eating, sleeping well, or not doing the things they usually enjoy

Moodier or more easily upset than usual

Acting differently or anxious

Avoiding certain situations, such as going to school or taking the bus

Kids can be reluctant to tell adults about bullying experiences because they feel embarrassed and ashamed that it’s happening, or worried that their parents will be disappointed, upset, or angry with them. They may feel like getting bullied is their own fault, or that if they looked or acted differently, they wouldn’t get bullied. They may also be reluctant to tell someone about the bullying, because they believe that the bullying will get worse due to the fear of their bully finding out they told someone.

If a parent suspects that their child is being bullied and their child is hesitant to open up, it is important to find ways to approach the issue. If a child tells their parents that they are being bullied or if they see it happening to someone else, it is important to listen calmly and offer them comfort and support. Parents should praise their child for doing the right thing by talking about it and reminding them that they aren’t alone, as a lot of people get bullied at some point. They should also explain that it is the bully who is behaving badly, not them, and reassure them that they will figure out what to do about the bullying together.

Parents can help kids learn how to deal with bullying if it happens. Some parents or caregivers may be tempted to tell a child to fight back against their bully; however, it is important to advise them not to respond to bullying by fighting or bullying in return. This can quickly escalate into violence, trouble, and someone getting injured. Instead, advise them that it is best to walk away from the situation, spend time with others, and tell an adult. Some other ways kids can improve the situation and feel better are by:

Telling an adult

Talking about it

Avoiding the bully and using the buddy system

Holding onto the anger

Acting brave, walking away, and ignoring the bully

A child’s confidence can be greatly affected by bullying. A parent can help rebuild it by encouraging them to spend time with friends who have a positive influence on them. They can also participate in any sports, clubs, or any other activities that they enjoy that build strength and friendships.

Parents can also provide their child with a sympathetic ear and listen attentively to their tough situations, but they should also encourage them to talk about the good parts of their day, so a line of open communication becomes a habit for everyone. It is important to make sure they know that they are believed and that their parents will do what they can to address the bullying.

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

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.

Inguinal Hernia Repair- Pediatric Surgery

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in infants and children.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal. This can form a bulge in the groin or scrotum, which can be painful.

There are two types of inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernia and indirect inguinal hernia.

A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of the inguinal canal.

An indirect inguinal hernia enters the inguinal canal through the top. This usually occurs because of a birth defect, when the opening of a fetus’s canal doesn’t close all the way during development in the uterus. The inguinal canal extends from a child’s abdomen to their genitals.

Inguinal hernias usually only develop on one side of a child’s groin, developing on the right side more often than on the left side. About 10% of the time, inguinal hernias develop on both sides of the groin.

Inguinal hernias are most common in children six years of age or younger, and are more common in premature infants, with 90% of them affecting baby boys.

A baby boy’s testicle forms above the lower abdominal wall and descends through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The place where the testicle passes through is more susceptible to a hernia because it is a preexisting opening.

In females, the inguinal canal is narrower and begins under the abdominal wall. It carries the round ligament that supports the uterus, and this tough ligament helps to reinforce the muscle wall. However, if a female has connective tissue disease, they may be more susceptible to hernias where connective tissue attaches the uterus to the inguinal canal. Congenital indirect inguinal hernias may also affect baby girls, but it is rare.

Not all inguinal hernias have symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms come and go. A hernia may slide in and out of the opening, or a child may only feel it during certain activities.

In children, you may see a lump in their groin area that gets bigger when they cry. It may go away when they sleep. An inguinal hernia may not always be noticeable because it may be tucked behind muscle fibers.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially if you cough or strain
A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
Weakness or pressure in the groin
Occasional, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
Crankiness and difficulty feeding in infants

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen
A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
Straining during bowel movements or urination
Strenuous activity
Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male
Family history
Premature birth and low birth weight
Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

A physical exam is usually performed to diagnose an inguinal hernia in a child. A doctor will check for a bulge in the child’s groin or scrotum area while they are straining or crying, and then determine if it goes away when they are relaxed. If the child is old enough, they may ask them to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

An inguinal hernia in a child is usually treated as soon as possible, as children are more at risk of dangerous complications from them. Complications that can develop from an inguinal hernia include:

Incarcerated hernia- occurs when the contents of the hernia get stuck. When this happens, a child’s healthcare provider can’t push the hernia back into their abdomen
Strangulated hernia- occurs when the hernia gets stuck and cuts of the blood supply to the child’s intestines. The lack of blood flow to a child’s intestines can cause tissue death. This is a serious and painful condition and is a medical emergency

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As children prepare for the school year, it is important for them to return to school healthy.

Here are some tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential for protecting children and others against various diseases.
Make sure they get their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.
Make sure they get vision and hearing tests done. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
Make sure to take care of their mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.
Make sure to limit their screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until at least 14 years old.
Be sure to monitor their social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health tips will help you and your family return to the classroom safely and be confident in your health.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As many parents prepare their children for the new school year, it is essential to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries

Infections

Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, including:

Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed

Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen

Their eyes are watery or inflamed

They rub their eyes a lot

They close or cover one eye

They tilt their head forward

They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work

They hold objects close to their eyes to see

They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work

Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities

Limiting screen time

Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources like email, texts, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school- educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.
Talking about bullying at home- parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the many roles children can play in bullying.
Supporting your community- mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.
Raising awareness- share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.
Support anti-bullying organizations- contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.
Organize anti-bullying events- plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.
Engage in school programs- encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.
Be an upstander- teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Hand Hygiene for Children

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

Explain the benefits of handwashing
Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
- Step 1: Wet hands with running water
- Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
- Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
- Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
- Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
Set the times when they should be washing their hands
- When they are visibly dirty
- Before and after eating
- After using the toilet
- After touching animals and pets
- After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
- Before and after visiting friends and relatives
Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

Updated Vaccine for Returning Students

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The new school year is right around the corner. That means parents will be taking their children shopping for new school supplies and clothes. In addition to updating their child’s wardrobe and supplies, parents should remember to schedule vaccinations before the school year begins.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Each age group has recommended vaccines they need to receive before starting their new grade:

Vaccines for children aged four to six before they start kindergarten:

Flu – needed every year
COVID-19
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
Chickenpox
Polio

Vaccines for children aged seven to 10 before they start elementary school:

Flu
COVID-19

Vaccines for children aged 11 to 12 before they begin middle school:

Flu
COVID-19
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for children aged 13-18 before they enter junior and high school:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

Vaccines for college-aged teenagers:

Flu
COVID-19
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
HPV

You can find the complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your child by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. To schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccines needed, you can call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.