Each year the Creative Arts Therapy Division at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosts a series of events, which includes an art exhibition in observance of Creative Arts Therapy Week.

The purpose of these events is to demonstrate the benefits of utilizing creative arts such as painting, music and dance as a form of therapy for patients receiving treatment for mental illnesses.

Over the last few years, the hospital’s therapists have transformed the main lobby into a beautiful art gallery enjoyed by patients, guests and staff during Creative Arts Therapy Week.   The gallery typically showcases the work of patients participating in the program; however, this year, hospital employees from several departments were invited to a workshop where they created their very own works of art for the exhibition.  Each piece was vibrant and relayed messages of encouragement and positivity.

The contribution of art from hospital staff was not the only new component to this year’s exhibition, as a nod to the theme for 2017, “Seen and Heard,” live musicians including an acoustic guitarist serenaded guests while they browsed and socialized.

The Creative Arts Therapy Division’s, art exhibit was well-received by the community and hospital staff. Not only was the exhibit a success at Jamaica Hospital it also received positive acclaim at the Queens Museum, where the pieces were later placed on display.

Creative arts therapy encourages self- exploration, helps organize emotions and has a profoundly positive effect on mental well-being. Patients often begin therapy feeling unhappy, conflicted or isolated but by creating art they are able to share their feelings, engage with therapists and begin the process of recovery. It is for these reasons and others that this form of therapy has been an integral part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years.

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center celebrated National Nutrition Month in March by hosting a series of fun and educational activities for the community as well as staff members.

The theme for this year’s celebration was, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” an educational campaign promoted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The focus of the campaign was to inform the public about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by including physical activities and well-balanced meals as part of a routine.

The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital kicked off National Nutrition Month in the hospital’s cafeteria by interacting with guests at the Wellness Table and placing educational cards on meal trays. Each week, the department kept staff and visitors informed and engaged with activities such as contests and recipe tastings. Employees were also invited to “get moving” during ZUMBA and self-defense classes and de-stress at meditation sessions held at the hospital’s fitness center. The Nutritional Services Department also coordinated the JHMC Health Fair on March 24th which was highly successful and well received.

Throughout National Nutrition Month, Flushing Hospital’s Nutrition Department provided healthy alternative meals and recipes to cafeteria diners. The department also promoted the launch of the Walking Club; an initiative created to promote workplace wellness and encourage employees to exercise.

The highlight of the month came on National Registered Dietitian Day when New York City Councilman Peter Koo recognized Flushing Hospital dietitians for their community outreach initiatives. A representative from the Councilman’s office presented members of the Nutrition Department with a proclamation, commending them for their dedication to improving the health of the community.

Overall National Nutrition Month was a great success at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Community outreach efforts were widely and positively received. The success of these events solidifies our relationship with our communities and reminds them that we are here to improve their overall health and wellness.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women who live in the MediSys Health Network’s service area.  In an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and lessen the negative impact the disease has on our communities, our network proudly supports the American Cancer Society’s, “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” initiative to provide breast health services and information to women.

Each year,  the MediSys Health Network’s, “Dream Believers Team,” consisting of Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center staff coordinates events to educate the community and raise funds to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease.  In addition to fundraising and educational efforts, team members further demonstrate advocacy by participating in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Over the years, the team’s dedication to raising funds to fight breast cancer has been recognized by the American Cancer Society but special recognition was given several weeks ago when the MediSys Dream Believers was named a Pacesetter Team and the number one fundraising team in Queens. The team rose over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society during the 2016 calendar year.

Team co-leader, Arlette Cunningham credits this great achievement to the hard work and support of hospital staff.  Cunningham hopes that MediSys Dream Believers will once again raise more than $30,000 this year and receive even more participation. “We are anticipating an increase in our numbers of walkers and supporters,” she shared.

To learn more about the MediSys Dream Believers Team and how you can support their mission, please call 718-206-6003.

It came as no surprise when Jamaica Hospital Medical Center volunteer Marguerite Luizzo, fondly known as “Margo,” was selected as NY1 News’, Queens Person of the Week.  The TV segment highlights individuals who make a difference in their communities by volunteering and helping others.   Luizzo has served as a volunteer at the hospital since 2012; her kindheartedness and positive attitude are some of the qualities that patients and staff have enjoyed over the years.

Margo has had a knack for helping others for as long as she can remember.  “As a child, I was always the first to grab the mercurochrome bottle when my siblings got hurt and put the Band-Aids on,” Luizzo shared with reporters.  She would continue to provide that special care to others for nearly 45 years throughout her professional career as a nurse.

Luizzo retired from Jamaica Hospital in 2012 but she knew her duty to help others could not stop there. “I like being around people and I just feel that we are put here to help one another,” she explained.   Never one to sit around; Margo decided that she would pursue a personal mission to provide community service in and around her Queens neighborhood.

Currently, Margo devotes her time to the hospital by serving as a patient liaison for the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU).  Her duties include providing a supportive and caring environment for patients and their families. Her dedication and compassion are appreciated by all who have the pleasure of meeting her. Luizzo also serves as a comfort captain; training other volunteers to carry out their work efficiently.

In addition to volunteering in Jamaica Hospital’s ASU, Margo is also a co-leader for the hospital’s MediSys Dream Believers Cancer Walk team and has helped raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and the American Cancer Society.

Congratulations Margo Luizzo for being featured as NY1 News,’ Queens Person of the Week. It is an honor that is well deserved.  Thank you for dedicating your time to the MediSys Health Network and in helping us to achieve our goal of providing quality care to the communities we serve.

WATCH news clip here:

The flu season began in October but many in our community still wonder, “Is it too late for me to get the flu shot?”  Jamaica Hospital Medical Center physician, Dr. Socorro De Jesus addressed this concern in a recent television interview by informing viewers that it is not too late and it is best to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Dr. De Jesus reminded everyone that receiving the flu shot can reduce the chances of becoming infected with the influenza virus by 50-60%.  She also discussed with reporters that receiving the flu shot not only protects the individual but it also protects the community, as the more people who are immunized in a vicinity the less likely the flu virus will spread in that environment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that “All persons aged 6 months and older are recommended for annual vaccination, with rare exception.” Vaccinations are very important for people who are at high risk of becoming infected with the flu virus. This includes children ages six months through four years old, older adults, people who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and health care professionals.

In an effort to protect staff, patients and members of the community, Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center encourages everyone to receive a flu shot each year.

WATCH here:

The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center participated in several successful community outreach events during this holiday season.

In November, the hospital’s registered dietitians, Lindsay Chetelat and Alessandra Venditto collaborated with the New York City Department of Health to host an event at the Jamaica Farmers Market.  The event promoted the health benefits of eating fresh, seasonal produce.

Chetelat and Venditto shared recipes with participants and demonstrated ways to prepare fruits and vegetables for a healthy meal. Health Bucks were distributed to guests as part of an initiative to increase access to fresh produce within the five boroughs. Health Bucks are paper vouchers created by the Health Department’s District Public Health Offices. The vouchers provide opportunities for residents to buy fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables while supporting regional farmers.

In December, the Nutritional Services Department’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Nelly Katan, assisted in the coordination of a NY1 News segment about ‘Eating Healthy during the Holidays.’ Dietitian Lindsay Chetelat shared several healthy eating tips with viewers which included sticking to the Plate Method, eating slowly and allowing yourself one treat.  The segment was well-received by many in our community.

To view the news segment, please watch here:

https://youtu.be/DhuPFcwEwfw

Both initiatives were a great success and are examples of some of the community outreach efforts conducted by the Nutritional Services Department in an effort to increase public education by engaging with residents in our neighborhood.  Members of the department work continuously to assist our patients in growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating.  We look forward to their advancements in the New Year.

Dr. Harrison Mu FACS, Director of Neurosurgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, was recently recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the Queens Tribune.  The momentous achievement came on the heels of the previous announcement that Mu has been chosen to serve as an Honorary Police Surgeon for the NYPD by police Commissioner James O’Neill.

Dr. Mu specializes in brain and spinal injuries. He is best known for treating and saving the life of NYPD Officer Kenneth Healey in the highly public incident in which Healey was attacked by an assailant with a hatchet.

The Health Care Heroes were carefully selected from medical institutions and programs in Queens and Long Island. Each honoree was nominated based on their contributions in helping to shape the future of healthcare and implementing innovations or philosophies that will ultimately improve and save the lives of patients.

Dr. Mu’s philosophy is, “Every person is unique and every patient should be treated as such,” he said. “My approach to every patient is individualistic. It is my feeling to help you understand your situation first. And with this understanding, we can discuss the management options and formulate a plan within the context of medicine and within your value and goals.”

Congratulations on your achievement Dr. Harrison Mu and thank you for all your contributions to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the communities we serve.

On November 19, 2016, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated the important milestone of serving the community for 125 years.  The momentous occasion was commemorated at the hospital’s annual Rainbow Ball dinner- dance and fundraiser which took place at Citi Field.

The venue was filled to the maximum capacity of 650 guests, consisting of hospital staff, community leaders and supporters of Jamaica Hospital.

Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz commenced the evening by welcoming everyone and sharing a brief history of the hospital since its humble beginnings in a rented four- bedroom house to the 408-bed institution it is today.

Mr. Flanz exuded pride as he spoke about the institution’s evolution over the last century and continuous commitment to providing quality health care.  He took a moment to highlight Jamaica Hospital’s ability to engage with the community and identify services needed to improve the population’s health.   One of the departments to provide a much-needed service over the years has been the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

(L-R) Jamaica Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery Nader Paksima MD

The department was recognized for providing highly specialized care to hundreds of thousands of patients and producing some of the nation’s best surgeons from its residency program.  Department head and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Nader Paksima MD., accepted an award on behalf of the stellar team. Proceeds from the Rainbow Ball were earmarked to benefit the Department of Orthopedic Surgery to help them continue their outstanding work.

(L-R)Honorees Ryan Eller; President Resorts World Casino and John O’Keefe; Senior Vice President of Operations, Underpinning and Foundation Skanska Inc.

Additional awards were presented to the honorees for the evening, Ryan M. Eller; President of Resorts World Casino and John O’Keefe; Senior Vice President of Operations, Underpinning and Foundation Skanska Inc.  Both were honored for displaying a strong commitment to Jamaica Hospital as well as communities in which the organizations operate.

In all the 2016 Rainbow Ball was a fantastic night of celebration.  Thank you to all who have contributed in making the event a success and to those who have supported Jamaica Hospital in its endeavors over the years.

Last month, MediSys Health Network celebrated the grand opening of the New York Surgical Specialists center by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The new multi-specialty practice located on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows, sits in the heart of one of the most highly-trafficked streets in Queens. The beautifully decorated 3700 Sq. Ft facility evidently designed with the comforts of the patient in mind, boasts a modern aesthetic and several state-of-the-art amenities.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by the practice’s head surgeons, Michael Stracher MD, Sanjeev Rajpal MD, Juan Sandoval MD and Frederick Gulmi MD. MediSys Health Network’s President and CEO Bruce J Flanz welcomed guests and gave opening remarks. He was later joined by Mournir Doss; Executive Vice President and CFO who spoke about the vision the network’s leadership had for New York Surgical Specialists and the hard work that brought it to fruition. He expressed his appreciation to project managers Rosemary Brandt and Tracey Agostini for facilitating and overseeing many aspects of the process.

Guests were granted office tours during which they learned about the sophisticated technologies, such as the Artemis Robot which will be utilized by the surgeons. The facility’s waiting area was furnished with comfortable seating, colorful pieces of art and a centrally located reception area. The eight examination rooms were impeccable and expansive.

New York Surgical Specialists is open for business and offers patients a wide range of surgical services that include general, bariatric, urological, gynecological and orthopedic surgery. The surgical group is one of few in Queens to provide patients with surgeons who specialize in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in addition to traditional surgery. Most surgical procedures will be performed at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.  New York Surgical Specialists’ friendly and professional staff is available to facilitate and expedite patient referrals and can be reached by calling, 718-408-NYSS (6977).