Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Arthritis Awareness Month. The month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, accounting for about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Other types of arthritis include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Gout

Juvenile arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, where they will examine the affected joints and ask about symptoms. During the healthcare provider’s examination of the joints, they will check their range of motion and compare them to other, similar joints.

A healthcare provider may also use imaging tests to take pictures of the joints. Imaging tests include:

X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

These tests help the healthcare provider see potential damage inside the joints. These tests also help them rule out any injuries or conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as broken bones.

A healthcare provider may also use blood tests to check uric acid levels if they suspect gout. Blood tests can also show any signs of autoimmune diseases or infections.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education. The most common treatments for arthritis include:

Physical therapy or occupational therapy

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen

Corticosteroids

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Surgical procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement

Arthritis Awareness Month is a time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. The best way to get involved is by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to serve the local community, and our patients value our person-centered, compassionate approach. Our friendly staff is standing by to answer any questions you might have. For further information on consultation, diagnosis, and treatments, contact us at 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

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.

Nearsightedness

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long or oval-shaped rather than round. People living with myopia can see objects that are near but have trouble seeing objects that are farther away. It is estimated that more than 40% of adults living in the United States have myopia. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearsightedness has been on the rise for several decades.

Nearsightedness typically begins in childhood or adolescence. It progresses during childhood and the teen years, then stabilizes in adulthood. The primary cause of nearsightedness is axial myopia, which is caused by the eye being too long from front to back. Because of this extra length, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This eye elongation can be driven by the following risk factors:

Genetics passed down from parents. If one or both parents have myopia, a person has an increased chance of developing the condition
Ethnicity – some ethnic groups are more at risk than others
Limited outdoor time – not spending enough time outdoors
Doing close-up activities, or near-vision work, such as reading or viewing screens for extended periods

People who are nearsighted may experience symptoms such as:

Difficulty seeing objects far away
Eye strain
Squinting
Headaches
Tiredness when doing certain activities, such as driving

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist. Your eye doctor can diagnose myopia by conducting a comprehensive eye examination.

Myopia is permanent; however, in most cases, vision can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser procedures such as LASIK or LASEK, lens implants, or vision therapy. People living with pathological myopia, which is a severe and progressive form of the condition, may not be able to have their vision corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

At Jamaica Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, we are passionate about providing patient-centered adult and pediatric care. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health is a progressive approach to healthcare in which leading treatment services offered by modern medicine are combined with a deep understanding of the nature of illness, healing, and wellness.

This approach combines modern and holistic medicines to help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients at the center of a treatment plan that considers their physical, emotional, and social needs.

A treatment plan that accomplishes this is tai chi. Tai chi has been a tenet of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Sometimes called meditation in motion, tai chi is a series of exercises that help bring harmony between the body’s energy and mind, by using slow, highly coordinated movements and physical postures with meditation and controlled breathing, aimed to energize and balance the body’s energy, known as qi, pronounced “chi”. According to traditional Chinese principles, when the qi is balanced, the body functions at its best.

Although tai chi is a low-impact exercise with movements that look leisurely, these movements are bodyweight exercises with physical demand.

There are hundreds of studies on tai chi, with researchers finding that tai chi has several benefits that may help with numerous health concerns. Here are some health benefits of tai chi:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year. A review of ten studies on tai chi and balance found that people who practiced it had up to 50% fewer falls than those who didn’t. Both the CDC and the American Geriatric Society recognize tai chi as an effective way to lower fall risk as it helps build stability and strength, increasing balance, which helps prevent falls.

Research indicates that practicing tai chi can slow the progression of dementia by boosting cognition and brain health, as it can help with learning, memory, and other mental functions. Researchers found that older adults who practiced tai chi daily for 12 weeks had more activity in their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking skills. A study conducted by tai chi researcher and Chief of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University, Elizabeth Eckstrom, showed that people who practiced a simple form of tai chi called Tai Ji Quan twice a week for six months improved their score on a cognitive test by one and a half points. Additionally, the study showed that if they added a cognitive challenge while practicing tai chi, such as counting backwards from 20 or spelling words backward, their scores jumped by another three points.

Tai chi can bring a sense of calmness and quiet as it focuses on breathing and movement, which takes the mind away from any stressors, helping the stress melt away. One study conducted on participants who are deemed healthy but stressed showed that practicing tai chi for 12 weeks lowered their anxiety levels substantially.

There are studies that have shown that tai chi can reduce blood pressure as well as or better than antihypertensive drugs or other types of exercise. In 2024, one randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Open Network assigned 342 people with prehypertension to two groups: one group performed four sessions of tai chi each week, and the other group performed four sessions of aerobic exercise. After a year, both groups displayed lower systolic blood pressure readings. However, the group that practiced tai chi experienced a larger decline of 7.01 mg Hg on average, compared to the aerobic group, which was 4.61 mm Hg.

According to the CDC, one in five people in the U.S. lives with chronic pain that affects their daily life and activities. One review of people with chronic knee osteoarthritis found that they had significantly less pain and better physical function after practicing tai chi. The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation strongly recommend practicing tai chi to manage both chronic knee and hip osteoarthritis, as it helps improve muscle and core strength and coordination, leading to better joint stability. Studies have also indicated that tai chi can help people with fibromyalgia, with research showing it may relieve symptoms even better than aerobic exercise.

In 2021, a review of 23 studies by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that tai chi improved the exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to tai chi’s focus on deep abdominal breathing and movement, which can help increase breathing efficiency and oxygen intake.

Practicing tai chi can help the 10%-30% of older adults who suffer from insomnia. One systematic review of nine randomized trials published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy reported that older adults who practiced tai chi one and a half to three hours a week significantly improved their sleep quality and had an enhanced functional ability. What’s more, Elizabeth Eckstrom’s research showed that people fell asleep 17 minutes sooner and slept 42 minutes longer after doing tai chi.

There is also other research that has linked tai chi to lower cholesterol and inflammation levels, and evidence that it may help reduce complications of Parkinson’s disease as well.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Patient Testimonial: Mary Tucker

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

After a two-week trip to London, I was four hours into my return flight when I began seeing flashing lights and a sudden surge of floaters in my right eye. Given my family history of retinal detachment — and knowing it can lead to blindness — I decided before we even landed in New York to cancel my connecting flight and go directly to the emergency room.

I chose Jamaica Hospital Medical Center near JFK Airport.

Even at check-in, I was met with extraordinary kindness and empathy. In a busy ER, that level of warmth stood out. Within minutes, I was triaged, insurance processed, vitals taken, and escorted for an ocular sonogram. I waited less than 30 minutes before Dr. Eric Zhong, the ophthalmologist on duty, evaluated me thoroughly. He determined my retina was not detached and gave me clear guidance on monitoring symptoms.

The following day, just five minutes after boarding a rescheduled flight, my symptoms worsened. I immediately deplaned and returned. The Jamaica Hospital EMTs were calm, skilled, and remarkably reassuring — the kind of competence that lowers your blood pressure the moment they enter the room.

Dr. Zhong was still on duty and recognized that the situation had evolved. Unable to immediately identify the cause, he brought in a colleague — not out of uncertainty, but out of commitment. They suspected a small retinal hole and ensured I had next-day specialist follow-up, which they personally arranged.

A subsequent specialist initially questioned the finding — but when I followed up at one of the top eye hospitals near my home, the diagnosis was confirmed. I had a retinal hole in one eye and an issue in the other. I went directly from the exam chair to laser surgery in both eyes.

The Jamaica Hospital team’s diagnosis was right all along. I was very satisfied with their level of care.

Both of my ER visits were completed in just two to three hours — nearly unheard of in emergency care. More importantly, the culture was unmistakable: collaborative, respectful, compassionate, and highly competent.

They didn’t just treat my eyes — they restored my confidence in what healthcare can look like at its best.

I am deeply grateful to the entire team.

National Infertility Awareness Week

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April 19th to April 25th is observed as Infertility Awareness Week, a week dedicated to breaking the stigma around infertility, amplifying the stories of those who have and are experiencing infertility, and advocating for equitable access to care to help treat it.

Infertility is the condition that causes the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility.

Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. However, many safe and effective treatments can boost your chances of getting pregnant.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Many couples will conceive eventually with or without treatment.

Women should talk with a healthcare professional about infertility if they have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. Sooner if they:

Are 35 years or older and have tried to conceive for six months or longer

Are over the age of 40

Have had no periods or irregular or very painful periods

Have known fertility problems

Have endometriosis or a history of pelvic inflammatory diseases

Have had one or more miscarriages

Have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation

Men should talk to a healthcare professional if they have:

A low number of sperm or other problems with sperm

A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual conditions

Had treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy

Had hernia surgery

Testicles that are smaller than the typical adult size, or swollen veins in the scrotum

Had infertility with a partner in the past

Relatives with infertility problems

Sometimes, the issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth. Other times, they develop in life.

Infertility can affect one or both partners. In some cases, no cause can be found. Some causes of male infertility can include:

Conditions that can affect how much sperm is made or sperm quality

Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract

Certain environmental factors

Damage related to cancer and its treatment

Some causes of female infertility can include:

Ovulation disorders

Uterine conditions

Fallopian tube damage or blockage

Endometriosis

Primary ovarian insufficiency

Pelvic adhesions

Cancer and its treatments

Many risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:

Tobacco use

Marijuana use

Alcohol use

Being overweight or underweight

Exercise issues

Some types of infertility cannot be prevented. However, the following tips may boost your chances of pregnancy:

Couples should have sex often and soon after menstrual bleeding stops. One of the ovaries usually releases an egg in the middle of the cycle, which is midway between menstrual periods, for most people with menstrual cycles, that is about 28 days apart. It is ideal to have sex every day, starting five to seven days before an egg is released. Continue until two days after ovulation.

Before you are tested for infertility, your healthcare team or clinic will work to understand your sexual habits. They might make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Unfortunately, for some couples, no cause for infertility is found. This is called unexplained fertility.

Men’s treatment for infertility may include:

Lifestyle changes

Medicines

Surgery

Sperm retrieval procedures

Some women need only one or two treatments to improve infertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant, including:

Fertility medicines

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Surgery to restore fertility

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is also used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique.

At Jamaica Hospital’s 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 provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.

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.

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.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder occurs when a person unknowingly, physically acts out their vivid, often bad dreams with vocal sounds and sudden, often violent arm and leg movements during REM sleep.

People don’t normally move during REM sleep, which is a normal stage of sleep that occurs many times during the night.

About 20% of a person’s sleep is REM sleep, the usual time when dreaming occurs, primarily during the second half of the night.

REM sleep behavior disorder may be linked to neurological conditions, such as:

Lewy body dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple system atrophy

The onset of REM sleep behavior disorder can be gradual or sudden, and it can worsen over time. Episodes of the disorder occur occasionally or several times a night.

Symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder include:

Movements, such as kicking, punching, arm flailing, or jumping from bed, in response to action-filled or violent dreams, such as being chased or fighting off an attack
Noises, such as talking, laughing, shouting, emotional outcries, or even cursing
Being able to recall the dream if awoken during the episode

Usually, the nerve pathways in the brain that prevent muscles from moving are active during normal REM sleep, which results in temporary paralysis of the body. However, in REM sleep behavior disorder, the nerve pathways no longer work, causing a person to physically act out their dreams.

There are several risk factors associated with the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, including:

Having a certain type of neurodegenerative disorder
Taking certain medications
Having narcolepsy
Being male and over 50 years old

Additionally, recent evidence indicates there may also be several specific environmental or personal risk factors for REM sleep behavior disorder, including:

Occupational pesticide exposure
Farming
Smoking
A previous head injury

REM sleep behavior disorder can cause various complications, including:

Injury to yourself or your sleeping partner
Distress to your sleeping partner or other people living in your home
Social isolation for fear that others may become aware of your sleep disruption

To diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder, a healthcare provider reviews your medical history and symptoms. The evaluation can include:

Physical and neurological exam
Nocturnal sleep study
Talking with your sleeping partner

A healthcare provider uses the symptom criteria in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3). The criteria include:

You have repeated times of arousal during sleep where you talk, make noises, or perform complex motor behaviors, such as punching, kicking, or running movements, that often relate to the content of your dreams
You recall dreams associated with these movements or sounds
If you awaken during an episode, you are alert and not confused or disoriented
A sleep study shows you have an increase in muscle activity during REM sleep
Your sleep disturbance is not caused by another disturbance, a mental health disorder, medication, or substance abuse

REM sleep behavior disorder can be the first indication of the development of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder may include physical safeguards and medications.

Physical safeguards make it safer for you and your bed partner.

Medications such as melatonin and clonazepam can be prescribed to help treat REM sleep behavior disorder.

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

Why Do People Get Recurring Sinus Infections?

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is the inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses. It can make breathing through the nose difficult and cause swelling in the area around the eyes and face. It may also cause a headache or a throbbing pain in the face. Other common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

A runny nose with thick yellow or greenish mucus
Post-nasal drip
A stuffy nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over
Ear pressure or pain
Pain or pressure in your teeth
Fever
Cough
Bad breath
Headache
Tiredness
A changed sense of smell

Common acute sinus infections usually don’t last long and clear up easily. Recurrent or chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is when a person has four or more separate infections within one year, with each infection lasting at least 10 days with symptom-free intervals between them. This may often be a signal that an underlying issue needs to be addressed.

Recurrent sinus infections can have many underlying causes, which can often include a variety of factors working together:

Structural issues that affect sinus drainage, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum
Infections that are difficult to clear due to bacterial infections that develop after a viral illness, which include Staphylococcus Aureus and antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA
Health conditions or treatments that weaken the immune response or affect sinus function, such as:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immunosuppressant medications, chronic illness, or high stress levels may reduce immune effectiveness
- Dental infections that spread to nearby sinuses, which contribute to persistent or recurrent infections that have been overlooked

To diagnose recurrent sinus infections, a healthcare provider may perform a nasal endoscopy, order a CT scan, or conduct an allergy test

Identifying the underlying cause of recurrent sinus infections allows your healthcare provider to customize a treatment plan to help prevent them from occurring.

Treatment options for recurrent sinus infections vary based on your condition and may involve:

Medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, antibiotics, and antihistamines or allergy medications
Surgical interventions such as straightening a deviated septum, removing nasal polyps, or performing endoscopic sinus surgery
Addressing biofilms and resistant infections
Lifestyle tips to help prevent recurrent sinus infections, such as quitting smoking
Managing allergies
Using a humidifier
Practicing good hand hygiene
Supporting your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep, and stress management

If you or a loved one is suffering from recurrent sinus infections, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

The New 2026 Cholesterol Guidelines

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The longer an individual has high LDL cholesterol, the greater their lifetime risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, both of which remain among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Experts agreed that stricter and clearer guidelines were needed to address these trends. Furthermore, new scientific evidence showed that earlier, more personalized, and more aggressive management of cholesterol can prevent cardiovascular disease and complications more effectively over a person’s lifetime.

In response to these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with nine other leading medical organizations, updated the guidelines for managing cholesterol and other blood lipids for the first time since 2018.

According to the AHA, a major focus of the new guidelines is earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco products, prioritizing healthy sleep habits, and taking cholesterol-lowering medication when recommended by a healthcare professional.

The new guidelines strongly emphasize the importance of preventing cardiovascular disease earlier by identifying individuals at higher risk sooner and implementing screening and interventions at younger ages. Adults aged 30 and older are now included in the risk assessment group, instead of the previously recommended age of 40 and older.

Other new recommendations for the management of cholesterol include:

Using the new Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs (PREVENT™) risk calculator, a new tool to assess risk earlier in adults ages 30-79 years. The PREVENT™ tool estimates a person’s risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 and 30 years.
Testing for lipoprotein (a) in all adults at least once in their lifetime. Lipoprotein (a) is a genetic biomarker for heart disease.
The consideration of additional testing to improve cardiovascular risk assessment. These tests include a non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan and Apolipoprotein B
Cholesterol screening in children who may have high cholesterol due to lifestyle habits or inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Guidelines recommend that screening begin for children aged 9 to 11 who have not previously been screened.
Clear targets for LDL cholesterol. Doctors now aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL in most patients without risk factors, below 70 mg/dL in those at high risk, and below 55 mg/dL in individuals with heart disease.

The guidelines also advise against taking supplements to lower cholesterol due to insufficient evidence and safety risks.

The primary objective of the new cholesterol guidelines is to reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly in order to decrease an individual’s overall and lifetime risk of heart attacks and strokes. This approach is personalized and based on individual risk factors. Individuals can apply these guidelines to improve their health by understanding their risk for cardiovascular disease, consulting their healthcare providers for recommended screening tests, comprehending their cholesterol levels, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by their doctor.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.