Visiting the Mall Can Improve Your Health!

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Joann Ariola

We all know that regular physical activity is important to our overall health, especially for seniors.

Did you know walking is a great way for older adults to remain active?

Seniors who commit to taking a brisk walk each day may be at a lower risk of:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Breast and colon cancers
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia

With the onset of colder months upon us, how can older adults continue their walking routine and remain active?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in the colder months, you can utilize indoor malls for your brisk walk. Malls can be pedestrian friendly, they are climate-controlled, are well lit, have benches for resting, fountains for hydrating, restrooms, as well as security guards and cameras for safety.

For more information on mall walking programs and for other walking resources visit the CDC’s Mall Walking: A program Resource Guide at –

So get yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes, hit the mall and improve your health!

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.

Nat’l Stroke Awareness Month – Think F.A.S.T!

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and in honor of that, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (JHMC) would like to discuss how you can recognize the warning signs of having a stroke.

The easiest way to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is to think F.A.S.T. :

F- Face Drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile. You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A- Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S- Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence, such as “my name is Jane,” repeatedly.

T- Time to call 9-1-1: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

Additional symptoms of a stroke are:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable and by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically.

If someone you know is exhibiting the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 for help immediately. If you are interested in finding out if you are at risk for a stroke, you can make an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Signs of a Stroke

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The easiest way to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is to think F.A.S.T. If someone you know is suddenly exhibiting the following signs, call 9-1-1 for help immediately:

A- Arm weakness: Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

T- Time to call 9-1-1: You should never wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

Additional symptoms of a stroke are:

Sudden confusion
Severe headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Sudden loss of coordination

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is a state- designated stroke center. To speak with a medical professional about stroke prevention and care please call our ambulatory care unit at 718-206-7001 or visit the National Stroke Association’s website at www.stroke.org.