The first baby of the New Year is always a special event for each of our two hospitals. This year neither Jamaica nor Flushing Hospital Medical Center had the honor of having the first baby born in New York City; however, our first babies are still extra special to us. The first MediSys babies posed beautifully for our photographer. Special thanks to the staff that assisted with these deliveries.

Congratulations to the moms! We wish them and their families a lifetime of happiness.

These are our first babies of the New Year:

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Baby Boy:  Lucas Chance

Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz

Length: 18”

Time: 12:20 A.M. on 1/1/15

Mother: Sabrina Chance

Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Baby Girl: Anisa Khan

Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz.

Length: 20”

Time: 1:53 AM on 1/1/2015

Mother: Bibi Hussain

1. Remember to fully charge your cell phone or bring a charger, before going out.
2. Carry emergency contact information in your wallet and Inform loved ones of your destination.
3. Prepare an emergency safety kit in your vehicle.
4. If you plan on drinking, designate a driver or arrange for taxi service.
5. Monitor your intake of alcohol.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and the actions of people around you. Avoid those who seem out of control.
7. If you plan on going to a nightclub or a large party, bring friends with you and stick together.
8. Keep your pets safely away from party guests, flames and areas that are loud or highly trafficked.
9. Have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area.
10. Remember to practice safe sex.

If your resolution for 2015 is to improve your health, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers a wide variety of services to help you.

To assist members of our community living with hypertension or diabetes, the hospital offers support groups, led by qualified clinical facilitators. During these group meetings, participants have an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and build a supportive network to help them better manage their condition. To sign up for either Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension or Diabetes support groups, please call 718-206-7088.

For those looking to quit smoking, Jamaica Hospital also offers the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program. This 10-class program has been proven to be effective and is considered the premier smoking cessation model. To learn more about our smoking cessation program, please call 718-206-8494.
If eating healthy is your goal for 2015, Jamaica Hospital’s Nutrition Department offers outpatient counseling for those who qualify. Our outpatient Registered Dietitians assist patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7056.
Jamaica Hospital wishes everyone a happy and healthy new year.

Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by extremes in eating behaviors. They are serious emotional and physical addictions triggered by fears of becoming overweight. The most common disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both often coexist with other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Individuals affected by eating disorders tend to have exaggerated and negative perceptions of their bodies. These perceptions and fears of becoming overweight usually escalate as the body changes during pregnancy, which can cause mothers to increase destructive practices and potentially harm developing infants.

Anorexia nervosa involves obsessive starvation or exercise to control weight gain. Starvation can deprive the mother and the developing baby of essential nutrients. Women who are actively anorexic during pregnancy run the risk of premature labor, cardiac irregularities, a baby born with low birth weight and respiratory difficulties.

Behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa include bouts of extreme over eating followed by self-induced vomiting or the ingestion of laxatives to control weight.  The complications that may develop from this illness during pregnancy include gestational diabetes, birth defects, maternal high blood pressure and premature birth. Both diseases can ultimately result in miscarriage or still birth.

Individuals who are afflicted by these illnesses tend to be secretive about their extreme behaviors; however, when pregnant it is important to disclose the history of their eating disorder to an obstetrician. While pregnant, it is advised that the mother attends frequent prenatal appointments to track the development of the baby. The expertise of a nutritionist is needed to develop a plan for healthy weight gain. It is also highly recommended that they seek specialized care from a mental health professional to monitor and treat potential psychological effects.

To schedule an appointment with an Ob/Gyn at Jamaica Hospital, call 718-291-3276 or to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional call 718-206-7099.

Chest congestion is common during the winter season and can be caused by several ailments that affect the respiratory system such as the common cold, bronchitis, asthma or complications from heart disease.  It can be a rather uncomfortable experience with symptoms including tightness in the chest, coughing, shortness of breath or a runny nose. There are several home remedies that can be used to bring relief and treat chest congestion.

• Lemon and honey- Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey and a glass of hot water and drink this as a tea. This will help in reducing coughs and loosening the thickness of the mucus. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and are essential in getting rid of mucus-forming bacteria.
• Salt water gargle- Gargling with warm salt water helps remove mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Inhaling steam- Pour hot water into a bowl, then bend over the bowl with a towel over vyour head. Inhaling the steam and vapors from the bowl will help in loosening phlegm. Adding drops of eucalyptus oil can also be beneficial.
• Increase fluids- Increasing your intake of fluids prevent mucus from thickening.
• Drink black coffee-Have a cup or two of black coffee. Caffeine can offer relief for shortness of breath by expanding airways and the heat aids in clearing mucus.
• Eat spicy foods- Foods infused with cayenne pepper or chili pepper can clear blocked sinus and bronchial tubes.
• Ginger- Eat a small piece of raw ginger or add it to hot water and drink it as a tea to relieve chest congestion.

Chest congestion should not be taken lightly, because your body is not receiving the proper amounts of oxygen. Try these tips to aid in your relief, but if the problem persists; it is recommended that you see a physician. To make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center call 718 206 7001.

The true spirit of the holidays is in giving. While receiving gifts are great; don’t forget to give to those who are less fortunate.

There are several health benefits you can receive from giving, a few include: Charitable work makes you feel happy. When you are happy your body releases endorphins, which can help you reduce stress and produce what is known as the “helper’s high”. Giving or volunteering can form social connections which can be helpful for those experiencing symptoms of depression.

 

The 123^rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball was a delightful combination of red carpet flair and America’s favorite past time.  Guests arrived at our new venue, Citi Field on Saturday November 15^th, wide-eyed by the décor and elegantly dressed.  The stadium’s score board and venue were adorned with the Jamaica Hospital logo. The theme for the evening was upscale but there was also a twist of stadium fun as hawkers hollered “Get your hot pretzels here!” There were several treats such as gourmet hot dogs, hamburger sliders, shrimp po’ boy sandwiches and buffalo chicken sliders served as appetizers.

The ceremony began with everyone rising to their feet to sing the national anthem. This was followed by a humorous but heartfelt speech by president and CEO Mr. Bruce Flanz who welcomed guests and fondly shared his experiences working with the evening’s honoree Thomas J. Santucci and Vice President of Nursing, Jacqueline Holley.  The crowd was moved to tears then cheers when Mr. Flanz recognized Jaqueline Holley who recently announced her retirement after 32 years of service to Jamaica Hospital and presented her with a Daum Crystal lotus flower. The lotus flower was symbolic of the virtues of a nurse; gentle, delicate and blooms from murky waters.

Guest of honor Thomas J. Santucci, who was born at Jamaica Hospital and has previously served as a vice chairman of Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and a director of Trump Pavillion was applauded and honored for his dedication, humanitarian spirit and charitable endeavors.  Mr. Santucci also serves as director of the Metro Queens Boys and Girls Club and participates in numerous charities.

The remainder of the event was festive and celebratory of the hospital’s 123^rd milestone. Guests enjoyed the food and wine that was served, danced vivaciously to the live band, generously donated funds and bought raffle tickets. Several prizes were won from the raffles including hotel stays, electronics and the biggest prize of all was the 2015 Chevy Equinox. The proceeds from this year’s Rainbow Ball will benefit our gastroenterology services.

We would like to thank all who attended for making the 123^rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball a grand slam event.

Join us on Facebook: FaceBook.com/JamaicaHospital

Did you know that about 15% of residents in Queens are smokers?  This information is troubling because the medical implications of smoking will cause the premature deaths of one third of this smoking population. Our goal at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is to pioneer successful smoking cessation initiatives such as our Freedom from Smoking program and to significantly decrease these numbers.

The Hospital Medical Home Department has been working in conjunction with smoke-free partners such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society to ensure that our community members receive the best and most comprehensive resources to help smokers quit. With the collaboration of our partners we held one of the most successful smoking cessation events in Queens- the Great American Smokeout. The Great American Smokeout is a national event promoted by the American Cancer Society. Smokers are encouraged to stop smoking for 24 hours on November 20th, in hopes that this decision will last a lifetime.

On November 20^th the main hospital lobby seemed like the place to be as over 80 people visited the display tables of the Asthma Coalition of Queens, American Cancer Society, Smoke Free Partners of Queens, American Lung Association, Health First and our own Freedom from Smoking.

The event was a hit. Guests received tips, giveaways and resources to help them or loved ones quit. The greatest achievement for the Hospital Medical Home Department was seeing the positive impact of their outreach and knowing that continued efforts will save the lives and improve the health of members of our community.

The average smoker tries to quit at least six times before finding success; however, with group-based programs such as Freedom from Smoking the chances of successfully quitting will increase from about 5% to 40%. Participants enrolled in the program at Jamaica Hospital will learn how to overcome tobacco addiction and enjoy the benefits of better health in a supportive and interactive environment. They are six times more likely to be smoke-free one year later than those who quit on their own.  Classes are forming now and trained professional can be reached at 718-206-8494 for assistance.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Flushing Hospital Medical Center held its annual dinner dance, Celebration 2014.

Each year, the event grows with overwhelming support from the hospital’s Administrators and employees. This year, a special guest appearance was made by the da Vinci Surgical Robot, who delighted guests with a chance to test drive its simulator.

Attendance forthis year’s event topped the 500 mark. The General Chairmen of the committee, Robert Crupi, M.D. and Alexander Kintzoglou, M.D. spoke with pride regarding this year’s honorees in their categories.

Employee Awards were given to Mary Carr, Manager, Business Office, Paulette James, Transcription Coordinator, Medical Records and Ralph Nappo, Officer, Security. The employees were touted for their years of dedicated service to Flushing Hospital.

Additionally Maria DeMarinis Smilios, Director, Nursing – Maternal and Child Services was given an award for Excellence in Leadership and Dr. Ahamed Moideen, Director, Medical Education and SICU Trustee was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Perhaps Honoree, Paulette James, summed up the evening best when she stated, “This award means so much to me. Flushing Hospital has become my home away from home and its employees are my extended family.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 in the United States. It is estimated that 4,600 lives are lost each year. These numbers are cause for great concern but with awareness and prevention can be decreased.

With the reported average in occurrences and recent high-profile suicides, the question of what is suicide and can it be prevented have become popular topics in conversation. It is of the utmost importance that trained mental health professionals address concerns through public education and advocating for the awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

In support of Suicide Prevention week a team of doctors, residents and administrators under the leadership of Jamaica Hospital’s Dr. Seeth Vivek, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, raised awareness by displaying posters, making and distributing yellow ribbons; which represent the dedication to preventing youth suicide through education and public awareness campaigns. Proceeds from the group’s efforts will benefit future community outreach campaigns.

The psychiatric staff at Jamaica Hospital is available 24/7 for consultations, depression screenings, assessments and immediate care. The staff consists of a team of caring professionals which include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, creative arts therapists and nurses