How Energy Drinks Can Increase Blood Pressure

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We have all been at the point where we need a “pick-me-up” during the day. Whether it is to start the day in the morning on the way to work or school, or an energy boost in the middle of the day. When this happens, we may reach for a coffee or an energy drink.

Although energy drinks can give us an energy and productivity boost when we need them, unfortunately, drinking energy drinks daily can significantly raise our blood pressure due to their high caffeine and stimulant content.

Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure by blocking a chemical that relaxes blood vessels called adenosine. When this occurs, blood vessels constrict instead of dilating. This triggers the nervous system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline, causing the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise.

Energy drinks typically increase systolic blood pressure by 5 to 15mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg within an hour of consumption. This rise in blood pressure is usually temporary for healthy adults.

The effects of drinking energy drinks every day may be more dangerous for people with existing hypertension or other cardiovascular problems.

Caffeine levels in energy drinks can vary between 80 and 350 milligrams (mg) per serving, depending on the brand and size. A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. That means one energy drink could contain the same amount of caffeine as an espresso or more than three cups of coffee.

Energy drinks can also have synthetic caffeine that may be absorbed more quickly than natural caffeine from coffee. What’s more, they can typically contain more than just caffeine. Energy drinks may contain additional stimulants, such as taurine, guarana, and ginseng, that can amplify caffeine’s effects on the cardiovascular system. The combination of these stimulants and high sugar content can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Stimulants like guarana and taurine can further amplify cardiovascular stress by increasing heart rate, enhancing the effects of caffeine, and overstimulating the nervous system.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many energy drinks are safe to drink in one day because energy drinks can vary in caffeine and stimulant content. Furthermore, there is no universally safe amount to consume daily due to their potential health risks.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults, which is approximately the equivalent of four small cups of coffee. It is important to know that one or two energy drinks can surpass that limit, especially when combined with other caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

Energy drinks may cause heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and increased heart rate, especially when consumed in excess or with alcohol and other stimulants. These arrhythmias can lead to complications like stroke, even in younger adults.

It is important to know that you should avoid energy drinks if you have high blood pressure, take heart-related medications, or have any underlying heart conditions.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of high blood pressure, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

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.

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

November is observed as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It affects people of all ages and can greatly impact daily life.

Epilepsy is a lot more common than people realize, as approximately one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. Additionally, 470,000 children in the U.S. live with epilepsy, with approximately one in 150 children diagnosed with epilepsy.

Epilepsy can manifest in various forms. The disorder is classified based on seizure type and underlying cause:

Generalized epilepsy affects both hemispheres of the brain, resulting in widespread symptoms, such as convulsions or absence seizures

Focal epilepsy is limited to one area of the brain, which often causes localized symptoms, such as sensory changes or motor disruptions

Unknown or idiopathic epilepsy is when the underlying cause of seizures can’t be determined

Terms like seizures and epilepsy are often used interchangeably. However, these terms are distinct concepts with unique characteristics and implications.

When a person has had two or more seizures more than twenty-four hours apart that haven’t been brought on by specific events, such as a stroke, brain injury, infection, fever, or fluctuations in blood sugar, they are considered to have epilepsy. A person can also be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have one or more unprovoked seizures and a probability of future seizures.

A seizure is a single event. It is an electrical disturbance in the brain that interferes with its normal function. Scientists and clinicians compare it to an “electrical storm in the brain” in which brain cells hyper-synchronize in an abnormal pattern, disrupting the brain signal balance.

Seizures vary from person to person depending on which type of seizures they experience. This is due to epilepsy being a spectrum disorder, which means the causes, type, and severity can differ greatly for those affected by it.

Common types of seizures include:

Tonic-clonic seizures

Absence seizures

Focal seizures

Febrile seizures

The exact causes of epilepsy vary and aren’t entirely known. Typically, epilepsy and seizures result from abnormal signals from neurons in the brain. It can be genetic or acquired through events, such as physical injury or infection. What’s more, the cause of up to 50% of epilepsy cases worldwide is idiopathic, which means unknown.

Some underlying causes of acquired epilepsy include:

Head trauma

Brain structure abnormalities

Infectious disease

Stroke

Tumor

Healthcare providers diagnose epilepsy by conducting tests to detect abnormalities in a patient’s brainwaves. Tests can also detect seizure activity, including where a seizure starts in the brain.

The most common diagnostic test for epilepsy is the EEG. However, other brain scans, such as MRI or PET, can be used depending on the patient’s seizure, epilepsy type, or both. To determine whether a patient has epilepsy, a healthcare provider compares their test results to the guidelines and criteria established by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

To treat epilepsy, healthcare providers prescribe a patient’s treatment based on the type or types of seizures they are experiencing.

Epilepsy treatments available include:

Medications

Dietary changes

Medical devices

Surgery

It is important to note that finding the right treatment plan may require trial and error.

Living with epilepsy requires careful management of triggers, following medication regimens, and awareness of safety precautions. Staying informed about epilepsy and building a strong support system can help individuals lead fulfilling lives despite the difficulties the disorder creates.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Wellness Wednesday: Taking Screen Breaks

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all use some type of screen every day in today’s digital age. Whether for professional or personal use, we often use screens more than we should.

The impact of excessive screen time on mental and physical health cannot be overlooked.

Staring at a screen for long periods of time can lead to continuous and intense focus, resulting in mental fatigue and other significant mental health challenges, such as increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Excessive screen time affects your physical health as it pertains to your weight, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health due to time spent being sedentary.

Additionally, staring at screens for too long can cause digital eye strain, which is now one of the most common complaints in optometry offices. Symptoms of digital eye strain include:

Dry eyes

Blurred vision

Headaches

Difficulty focusing at a distance

Taking regular breaks from screens offers a chance to reset, reduce stress levels, and encourage a healthier mental state. It can also result in better sleep quality, as reducing screen time before bedtime helps the brain unwind and enables more restful sleep.

Here are some ways you can incorporate screen time breaks into your daily routine:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your focusing muscles a brief rest and reduces the cumulative strain

Engage in physical activity during screen breaks to enhance both mental and physical health

Schedule specific break times during the day to step away from your device

Set a screen curfew by using apps or tools that remind you to take breaks or limit screen time

Create screen-free zones

Replace your screen with a book, board game, coloring book, a sport, or time outside

Mindfulness can also play a key role in managing screen time effectively. By becoming more aware of screen habits, you can recognize when to step away from your screens and engage in alternative, enriching activities.

When Is a Fever an Emergency?

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever by itself is not an illness, but a symptom of a range of medical conditions and part of an overall response by the body’s immune system, usually caused by an infection. Fevers can also be a side effect of some medications.

Fevers are broadly categorized as low-grade, moderate-grade, high-grade, and hyperpyrexia.

Low-grade fever is an oral temperature of 99.1°F to 100.4°F (37.3°C to 38°C) in adults. Symptoms of a low-grade fever include:

Headache

Feeling hot

Achy eyes

Loss of appetite

Thirst

Moderate fever is an oral temperature of 100.6°F to 102.2°F (38.1°C to 39°C) in adults. Symptoms of a moderate-grade fever are like those of a low-grade fever, but also include:

Muscle and body aches

Fatigue

Sweating

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Nausea

High-grade fever is an oral temperature of 102.4°F to 105.8°F (39.1°C to 41°C) in adults. Symptoms of a high-grade fever are like those of a low-grade and moderate-grade fever, but also include:

Increased heart rate

Chills and shivering

Upset stomach

Extreme weakness

Vomiting

Decreased urination

Hyperpyrexia is an extremely high fever of over 106.7°F (41.5°C).

Symptoms of hyperpyrexia include:

Hallucinations

Extreme confusion

Rapid but weak heartbeat

Loss of consciousness

Shallow, rapid breathing

Dilated pupils

Seizures

Hot, dry, red skin

Inability to urinate

Fevers, such as low-grade fevers, don’t always require a hospital visit, as they often improve with medication and home care. However, moderate- or high-grade fever can be dangerous, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. If your fever reaches 105°F (40.5°C), seek medical attention immediately.

Adults should seek care from their healthcare provider if:

They have a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher

They are over 65 years of age or immunocompromised, and their fever is higher than 101°F (38.3°C)

They have swelling or severe pain anywhere in their body

They have a stiff neck

They have trouble breathing

For infants and young children, it is smart to be cautious and seek medical care if their symptoms are concerning, regardless of the temperature reading on the thermometer. You should take your child to receive medical care if:

Your child is three to 12 months and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C)

Your child is younger than three months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Your child is older than 12 months and has a fever above 104°F (40°C)

Your child is under the age of two and has a fever that has lasted longer than 24 hours

Your child is over the age of two and has a fever that has lasted longer than three days

Your child’s symptoms are getting worse

Your child still appears to be sick after taking fever-reducing medication

A child who has not had immunizations or did not get timely immunizations with a temperature of 100.4°F or above

There are several ways to reduce a fever, such as over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, resting and drinking plenty of fluids, and taking a lukewarm bath.

If you or your child is experiencing moderate- or high-grade fever symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a severe complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when there is swelling in the central part of the retina in the eye, called the macula.

Diabetes affects the blood vessels in the eyes, making them weaker and more likely to leak blood. It may also cause new and more fragile blood vessels to grow where they shouldn’t.

There are several signs and symptoms of diabetic macular edema, including:

Blurry or double vision

Difficulty seeing colors

Dark spots

Straight lines that appear to be bent or curved

Floaters

Difficulty seeing when there’s glare or bright light

Seeing an object as being a different size when looking at it with only one eye and then the other

Diabetic macular edema can be diagnosed when an ophthalmologist performs a thorough eye examination to see if there is any swelling in your retina. In addition to the eye exam, your ophthalmologist will perform a slit lamp exam, as well as tests to help diagnose and monitor diabetic macular edema, including:

Optical coherence tomography

Fluorescein angiography

Amsler grid

There are several treatment options for diabetic macular edema. One form of treatment includes drugs that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a protein that helps new blood vessels grow, and steroids that are injected into the eye to help manage inflammation. Another form of treatment includes laser therapy to seal the blood vessels in your eyes to stop the leakage, and vitrectomy.

There are several ways to possibly reduce your risk of developing diabetic macular edema, including:

Managing diabetes and other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure

Getting regular eye exams

Eating a healthy diet

Getting regular physical activity

Quitting smoking

If you’re experiencing symptoms of diabetic macular edema, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

What to Know About This Year’s Flu Shot

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Flu season has arrived, and it can be unpredictable. It can begin as early as fall and can last until spring, with flu activity usually peaking during winter.

Public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities come together every fall to promote the flu vaccine because the flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia. If it isn’t treated in time, the flu can even lead to death.

The flu can hit hard and fast, with more severe symptoms usually coming on more suddenly. Symptoms of the flu include:

A high, sudden fever

A stuffy nose

A dry cough

Headaches

Muscle aches

Extreme fatigue

Chills and sweats

Lack of appetite

The flu vaccine can help protect you and your loved ones from potentially dangerous complications. The Food and Drug Administration has approved nine flu vaccines for the 2026-2027 season to help prevent an infection from the flu virus. Each vaccine is trivalent, meaning they were designed to protect against three different strains of influenza, which are the viruses that cause the flu. The three strains are comprised of two influenza A viruses and one influenza B/Victoria virus.

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can have a lot to do with when you get it, which is why it is recommended to get the flu vaccine about two weeks before flu season begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people six years of age or older receive an annual flu vaccine, ideally before the end of October. However, vaccination later in the season can still offer protection.

Each of the nine vaccines is recommended for certain age groups. They include:

Fluad is recommended for those 65 years of age or older

Fluarix is recommended for those six months or older

Flublok is recommended for those nine years of age or older

Flucelvax is recommended for those six months or older

FluLaval is recommended for those six months or older

FluMist is recommended for those two years of age or older

Fluzone is recommended for those six months or older

Fluzone High-Dose is recommended for those 65 years of age or older

MFlusiva is recommended for those 50 years of age or older

It is important to note that the flu vaccine has more benefits than just lowering your risk of getting the flu. They include:

It lowers the risk of needing to go to a healthcare professional for treatment of the flu

It reduces the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations, and death

It helps lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick with the flu virus

It helps prevent the flu from spreading to those around you. This is essential if you are regularly around people who have weakened immune systems or people who can’t receive the flu vaccine

If you are pregnant, it helps protect your fetus during pregnancy and for a few months after birth

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious symptoms of the flu virus. However, there are also several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu, including:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you are around high-risk individuals.

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

What is HRT for Menopause?

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps people who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and replaces the hormones that the body isn’t making enough of.

HRT is the term used when a person receives treatment at a younger age, especially before the age of 40. Healthcare providers use the term hormone therapy (HT) when the person is receiving treatment after the age of 50. As women transition to menopause, their ovaries stop making high levels of estrogen. This can cause symptoms, such as:

Hot flashes and night sweats

Mood swings, depression, or irritability

Insomnia

Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse

Leaking pee

There are two main types of HRT: estrogen therapy and estrogen-progesterone therapy.

Estrogen therapy involves taking only estrogen. Estrogen can come in many forms, including:

Pills that are taken orally

A patch that sticks to the skin

A gel that is applied to the skin

A ring that is worn inside the vagina

A cream that is applied to the vagina

Tablets that are placed inside the vagina

A spray that is applied to the arm

Estrogen-progesterone therapy, or combination therapy, combines doses of estrogen and progesterone

There are two ways to take hormone replacement therapy: systemic and local.

Systemic hormone therapy means the hormone goes through your bloodstream and travels to the organs and tissues it needs to get to.

Local hormone therapy means the hormone is applied to a specific area.

There are both health benefits and risks to be aware of when taking HRT. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of HRT outweigh its risks.

A main benefit of HRT is that it relieves uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, which can lead to a better quality of life and allow you to get back to enjoying your daily activities. The benefits of HRT include:

Helping with vaginal dryness and uncomfortable sex

Helping with hot flashes and night sweats

Helping with estrogen deficiency

Other health benefits of taking HRT include:

Reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis or breaking a bone

Improves your sleep

Improves mood and overall happiness in some people

Reduces your risk of developing diabetes

Combination therapy lowers your risk of developing colon cancer

Although HRT can help you get through menopause as you deal with it, it comes with potential risks, including:

Increased risk of uterine cancer, only if you still have a uterus and aren’t taking progestin along with estrogen

Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use in some people

Increased risk of heart disease if you begin using HRT 10 years after menopause starts

Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

Increased risk of gallbladder disease

It’s important to note that many of these potential risks have to do with your overall health and family history of health conditions. It is important to discuss any individual risks with your healthcare provider.

If HRT doesn’t work for you or if your healthcare provider doesn’t think you would benefit from it, they may offer alternative options that may help your symptoms. Alternative options include:

Antidepressants for hot flashes

Over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal lubricants

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for hot flashes and painful sexual intercourse

Fezolinetant or paroxetine, which are FDA-approved for treating hot flashes

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms and are interested in HRT, you can get more information about Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service or make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast Cancer Stages

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells become abnormal, multiply, and form tumors. Most breast cancers are carcinomas that start in milk ducts or milk-producing glands. Most cases are invasive, which means a tumor can spread to other parts of your body without treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it is rare, male breast cancers also occur.

Most people who have breast cancer survive it. However, what a breast cancer diagnosis means is different for everyone. The cancer type, its stage, and your response to treatment are just a few factors that will shape your outlook.

Cancer staging systems help healthcare providers plan treatment and understand your prognosis, or what to expect after treatment. The most well-known one is called the TNM system, which considers (T) tumor size and location, and whether cancer has spread to the (N) lymph nodes or (M) metastasized to other sites. Healthcare providers will use this information to stage breast cancer from 0 to IV. The higher numbered stages mean the disease is more advanced. The TNM stages are:

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Stage 0 doesn’t show any evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started or getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells break through to or invade normal surrounding breast tissue. Stage I breast cancer is divided into subcategories IA and IB:

- Stage IA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor that measures up to 2 cm

- - The cancer has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved

- Stage IB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor in the breast, but small groups of cancer cells that are larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm, and are found in the lymph nodes

- - There is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm in the lymph nodes

Stage II is divided into subcategories IIA and IIB:

- Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor present in the breast, but is found in one to three lymph nodes under the arm or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone and is larger than 2 mm

- - A tumor that measures 2 cm or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and a small group of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in the lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III breast cancer is divided into subcategories IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

- Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - No tumor is found in the breast, or the tumor may be any size, or cancer is found in four to nine axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or small groups of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer

- - May have spread to up to nine axillary lymph nodes

- - May have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - There may be no sign of cancer in the breast, or if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast

- - The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes

- - The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone

Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain

Whether you need diagnostic testing or treatment, the MediSys Cancer Center located at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers unmatched Queens cancer care for any form of cancer. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our New York hospital’s oncology department, please call 718-206-8263.

Mental Illness Awareness Week- National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Depression results from a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, and it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take steps to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression, including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional, you can find out more about the mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.