The Importance of an Annual Physical Exam

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new year is upon us, and we are all looking for ways to improve our health. An important way to do so is to get an annual physical exam.

Getting a physical exam provides us with an opportunity to check our overall health and prevent any health issues from becoming more serious. It can also cultivate a relationship with a primary healthcare provider who can help:

· Manage current health issues

· Prevent illnesses

· Monitor the risk of chronic disease

· Identify illnesses that don’t have symptoms

· Monitor your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry

· Adjust your lifestyle to one that is suitable for your age

Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider to ensure you are taking the right steps to maintain and improve your health.

If you would like to receive a physical exam, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (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.

What is HER2 Breast Cancer?

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer is a fast-growing form of invasive breast cancer, one that spreads to other parts of the body. When a person has this type of cancer, tests show high levels of a specific protein, human growth factor receptor 2, which manages how cells grow and divide.

In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimated that invasive breast cancers would affect more than 290,000 women. Invasive breast cancers are cancers that have spread to the surrounding breast tissue. These cancers include:

· Invasive ductal carcinoma

· Lobular breast cancer

Additionally, of those 290,000 cases, between 15% and 20% of those breast cancers will be HER2-positive. Men rarely develop HER2-positive breast cancer.

Similar to many types of breast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. When it does cause obvious symptoms, you may experience:

· A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast

· A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea

· A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through a menstrual cycle

· A change in the look or feel of the skin of the breast. The skin may look dimpled, scaly, or inflamed, and may look reddish or darker than usual.

· A marble-like hardened area under the skin

· A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple

HER2-positive breast cancer happens when the HER2 gene mutates, creating the HER2 protein. HER2 proteins or receptors are on all breast cells’ surfaces.

Normally, HER2 proteins manage breast cell growth and repair, making sure cells divide as needed to replace any cells that are damaged or dying. When HER2 genes mutate, they create more copies of themselves, which means more proteins that cause more breast cells to divide and grow and become cancerous tumors.

Many factors can increase the risk of developing HER2 breast cancer, including:

· Having an inherited genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

· Having a personal history of breast cancer

· Having a condition such as atypical ductal hyperplasia

· Starting your menstrual cycle earlier than usual

· Starting menopause later than usual

· Taking hormone replacement therapy

· Having more than one alcoholic beverage in a day

· History of radiation therapy for conditions, including types of lymphoma

HER2-positive breast cancer causes many complications as it can spread or metastasize. About half of the people with it are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, including the brain. Metastatic breast cancer in the brain can be life-threatening.

All breast cancers are diagnosed by healthcare providers when they perform breast biopsies. If the biopsies find cancer, a medical pathologist will examine breast tissue cells for signs of HER2 proteins. Laboratory tests can include:

· Immunohistochemistry

· Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Since HER2-positive breast cancer is a form of invasive breast cancer, treatments will vary depending on factors such as cancer stage and HER2 status. Treatments may include:

· Targeted therapy

· Chemotherapy

If you would like to learn more about HER2-positive breast cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

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.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Dawodu

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Olanrewaju (Lanre) Dawodu, the newest member of the obstetrics and gynecology team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Dawodu is an attending physician, specializing in minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS). She chose minimally invasive gynecological surgery as a specialty because it allows her to treat complex conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. “I am passionate about using advanced surgical techniques that not only relieve symptoms, but also speed recovery and restore function, allowing those affected to reclaim their health and quality of life”, she said. Dr. Dawodu was drawn to medicine because it allows her to combine science, hands-on skills, and patient advocacy. “Over time, I became especially motivated by the need to improve care for women whose health concerns are often minimized or overlooked,” she explained.

Dr. Dawodu attended Wayne State University for her undergraduate degree and Meharry Medical College for medical school. She completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Dawodu treats patients with fibroids, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and other benign but complex gynecologic conditions. She specializes in both uterine-preserving procedures and definitive treatments such as hysterectomy. “I offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive surgical options, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, tailoring each approach to a patient’s individual needs and goals”, says Dr. Dawodu.

Although Dr. Dawodu wasn’t born or raised in Queens, she has lived in New York City for the past four years and is proud to serve the Queens community through Jamaica Hospital. “I am excited to build a comprehensive program in complex benign gynecology here in Queens”, she said. She also noted that Jamaica Hospital wonderfully serves a diverse population and she is eager to provide advanced surgical options to patients who might not otherwise have access to them, stating, “I hope to bring compassionate care, surgical expertise, and a focus on patient-centered outcomes. My goal is to help my patients feel heard, validated, and empowered in their healthcare decisions, while ensuring they have access to the latest minimally invasive treatments.” Beyond surgery, Dr. Dawodu is committed to mentorship, education, and improving the efficiency of care. She is excited to grow with Jamaica Hospital as it expands access to minimally invasive gynecologic options in Queens.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Dawodu to our team and look forward to the work she and the rest of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating the unique strengths that often come with a neurodivergent brain.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Adult ADHD symptoms include:

Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it.

The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, but research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics
Environment
Problems during development

Factors that may increase the risk of ADHD may include:

You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs during pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to spot. However, the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life, before the age of 12, continuing into adulthood, creating major problems.

There is no single test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis. A diagnosis will likely include:

A physical exam
Questions about your current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
ADHD rating scales or psychological tests

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training, and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment as they can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they won’t cure it.

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.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a month to raise awareness, shine a light on ovarian cancer, and amplify the voices of those in the community who have experienced this disease.

Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.

Types of ovarian cancer include:

Epithelial ovarian cancer- this type is the most common. It includes several subtypes, such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors- this type includes rare tumors that are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors- these types of rare ovarian cancers tend to occur at a younger age.

When ovarian cancer first develops, the signs and symptoms are subtle, which makes the disease difficult to detect in the early stages (I-II). This is why only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. Often, symptoms don’t appear until the disease is in its advanced stages (III-IV). When ovarian cancer symptoms do occur, they’re usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits
A frequent need to urinate

Several factors can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

Older age
Inherited gene changes
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Age when menstruation started and ended
Never having been pregnant

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there may be ways to reduce your risk, including:

Considering taking birth control pills
Discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider

Several tests and procedures can be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer. They include:

A pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood tests
Surgery
Genetic testing

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment options for you.

Once it is confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider will use the information from your tests and procedures to assign your cancer a stage. The lowest stage, stage I, indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations.

Surgical operations to remove ovarian cancer include:

Surgery to remove one ovary
Surgery to remove both ovaries
Surgery to remove both ovaries and the uterus
Surgery for advanced cancer

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain, but it can also be used before surgery.

Other therapy treatments for ovarian cancer can include:

Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy

Palliative care is another treatment option as it focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness and can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

National Breastfeeding Month

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Breastfeeding Month. It is a time when communities and health organizations work in tandem to share the many health benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother and baby and to celebrate the natural and healthful bond between a new mother and her infant.

There are five great health benefits of breastfeeding, including:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Breast milk shares antibodies from a mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.

Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted while traveling.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Ways you can celebrate National Breastfeeding Month include:

Learn more and educate others about breastfeeding

Support breastfeeding mothers

Advocate for better breastfeeding policies

Donate to relevant breastfeeding advocacy organizations

Share stories and experiences about breastfeeding

Volunteer during National Breastfeeding Month

Participate in breastfeeding events

Express gratitude for those who are breastfeeding

At Jamaica Hospital’s Baby Friendly USA-designated Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life, and we provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services, such as breastfeeding, please contact us at 718-291-3276 for more information.

Menopause and Memory Issues

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Menopause occurs when a person goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Memory lapses and trouble concentrating are common symptoms of menopause and even perimenopause. These menopausal symptoms are caused by the female sex hormone estrogen, which is necessary for maintaining sexual and reproductive health.

Low estrogen levels can cause temporary bouts of brain fog and impact verbal memory, including the ability to recall words and names. However, this type of menopause-related forgetfulness isn’t the same as the early signs of dementia.

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause a decline in cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. It is caused by damage to the brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas.

The first signs of dementia are typically things like getting lost in familiar places or confusion about how to perform everyday activities, such as driving home from the store, and inability to remember names.

Another key factor in someone affected by dementia is age. Alzheimer’s disease mainly affects people over the age of 65. Less than 10% of cases occur in people younger than 65, especially those without a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Menopause, on the other hand, usually happens in your mid-40s to mid-50s, and perimenopause can start years earlier.

Midlife “brain fog” can be frustrating and worrisome at times. However, with some extra care and attention to your health, it can be managed and controlled.

Here are some ways to cope with menopausal memory issues:

Get enough sleep

Eat a balanced diet that includes brain-enhancing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables rich in color, to serve as antioxidants

Create and stick to a regular exercise routine

Stop multitasking, as it can drain the brain’s abilities

Exercise your brain by doing activities that can improve your mental fitness, such as:

Doing crossword puzzles, board games, or chess

Going for a vigorous walk

Reading a novel

Taking up a new physical activity, such as ballroom dancing or boxing

Meditating

Starting a journal about positive experiences

Learning a foreign language

Trying tai chi

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopausal memory loss, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center or contact us at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones. They are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure.

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States and can affect them at any age.

There are three types of heart disease. They include:

Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.

Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating.

Although some women have no symptoms, other women may experience:

Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache

Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat

Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including:

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness that won’t go away of feels excessive

In some women, the first signs and symptoms if heart disease can be:

A heart attack

Palpitations

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns

Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach

Shortness of breath

Other signs can include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat

Nausea

A rapid or irregular heartbeat

Unusual tiredness

Lightheadedness

Medical treatment for a heart attack is based on the type of heart attack and where the blockage in the coronary artery is.

A complete blockage of the artery of the heart is a STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A partial blockage is an NSTEMI heart attack or a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The different ways to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle during a heart attack include:

Clot-dissolving medications

Balloon angioplasty and stenting

Surgery

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-1700.

Robot-assisted Hysterectomy

Posted on March 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus.

Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy can involve removing surrounding organs and tissues, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the type of hysterectomy you need depending on your condition. This will determine if your fallopian tubes and/or ovaries will be removed.

The different types of hysterectomy surgeries include:

A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix but leaves the ovaries. Since you still have ovaries, you won’t enter menopause immediately after surgery.
A supracervical hysterectomy removes just the upper part of the uterus while leaving the cervix. You can also have your fallopian tubes and ovaries removed at the same time. Since you still have a cervix, you will still need pap smears.
A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Since your ovaries are removed, menopause will start immediately if you haven’t already completed it.
A radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina, and some surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes. Healthcare providers use this procedure when cancer is involved. Since your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause.

A healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments before recommending a hysterectomy, depending on the reason for needing one. Sometimes, those treatments don’t help, or surgery is the only option to treat the condition.

Surgeons perform hysterectomies to treat the following:

Abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding
Severe pelvic pain
Uterine fibroids and other noncancerous tumors
Severe endometriosis
Uterine prolapse that can lead to urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence
Cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer
Conditions with the lining of your uterus, such as hyperplasia or adenomyosis
Serious complications of childbirth such as uterine rupture

Many people have a hysterectomy to prevent cancer. For people at high risk for certain types of cancer, removing the uterus and/or surrounding reproductive organs can reduce the chances of developing cancer.

Healthcare providers can use several different surgical approaches to perform a hysterectomy. A surgical procedure that is performed is a robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.

A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is similar to an abdominal laparoscopy, however, a surgeon performs the procedure with the help of a robotic machine.

A surgeon inserts a laparoscope through the abdomen incisions. They insert small, thin surgical tools through three to five other small incisions around your belly button. The surgeon controls robotic arms and instruments.

The recovery is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy including:

Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate.
Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
Minimal scarring
Less pain
Faster recovery times
Less risk of wound infection,
Shorter hospital stays
Less blood loss

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7001 to make an appointment.