Remember to fully charge your cell phone or bring a charger, before going out.- Carry emergency contact information in your wallet and Inform loved ones of your destination.
- Prepare an emergency safety kit in your vehicle.
- If you plan on drinking, designate a driver or arrange for taxi service.
- Monitor your intake of alcohol.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the actions of people around you. Avoid those who seem out of control.
- If you plan on going to a nightclub or a large party, bring friends with you and stick together.
- Keep your pets safely away from party guests, flames and areas that are loud or highly trafficked.
- Have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area.
- Remember to practice safe sex.
Jamaica Hospital Promotes a Healthy 2015
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.
Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
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.
Don’t “Brush off” Causes for Heart Disease
The American Heart Association published a statement linking gum disease and heart disease. Although there isn’t scientific data to prove that regular brushing, flossing and, especially, treatment of gum disease will decrease the incidence of heart disease; the lack of proper mouth care is proven to cause a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
There are credible reasons why dental health and heart health would be intertwined. For example, both heart disease and gum disease are an inflammation. When plaque builds on your teeth, it is an inflammatory process.
When a person has moderate to severe gum disease, their levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that rises during a whole-body inflammation, increases. CRP levels are also used to assess a person’s risk of a heart attack.
The most important thing you can do to avoid gum disease and maintain good oral health is:
• Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride
toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking between meals.
• Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.
Proper maintenance of your teeth and especially your gums will give you a healthy smile and may keep your heart healthy too.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department, call 718-206-6980.
7 Home Remedies to Relieve Chest Congestion
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 Health Benefits of Giving
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 123rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball Hit A Home Run!
The 123rd 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 15th, 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 123rd 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 123rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball a grand slam event.
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There Is Still Time To Get Your Flu Vaccine
The Occupational Health department is offering the flu vaccination free of charge to employees, volunteers, students, contract personnel and independent licensed practitioners who are affiliated with the MediSys Health Network.
Flu vaccination protocols for health care workers have become a widely discussed topic over the past few years. Several state and federal agencies have issued guidelines and will be closely monitoring their implementation. There is now mandatory reporting for New York State Department of health and CDC/CMS. The Joint Commission expects that 90% of hospital personnel will receive the flu vaccine every year.
Employees from all hospital departments, both at the main campus as well as the off-campus locations, are expected to participate in the organization-wide Flu Vaccination campaign. Any staff member who decides against the vaccination must sign a refusal form. If the vaccine is given by an outside agency or by a private physician, written proof must be submitted to the Office of Occupational Health. Any person who has an allergy to egg protein will be given a vaccine that is egg-protein free.
For those who have opted not to receive the flu vaccine, we remind them that un-vaccinated personnel will be required to wear surgical masks while in areas where patients are present from November 10th throughout the period when influenza remains prevalent in our region. Employees who decide not to receive the vaccine and who have not signed the opt-out form will be locked out of Kronos after December 1st. For further information regarding the flu vaccination program at Jamaica Hospital please contact the Occupational Health Department at 718-206-6812.
The Great American Smokeout Event Draws Large Crowd
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 20th 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.
Flushing Hospital’s da Vinci Robot Welcomed by Flashing Lights and Tech Fanfare
Flushing Hospital’s da Vinci robot made a public appearance on October 30th in the Flushing Hospital Medical Center lobby. The reception of the robot was overwhelmingly positive. There was a surge of excitement and curiosity as members of the community, physicians, reporters and elected officials became instantly intrigued at the sight of the da Vinci.
The main lobby of the hospital became abuzz with questions of “What does it do?” “How does it work?” The event provided a platform for doctors Roberto Cantu Jr., Neil Mandava, Alejandro Alcaide, Sanjeev Rajpal and Georges Sylvestre to answer these questions and educate guests on the types of surgeries that can be performed robotically and the benefits. Prostate, gynecological and urological surgeries are some of the procedures the da Vinci surgical platform is capable of performing. The benefits include increased dexterity during surgery and shorter hospital stays for patients.
Flushing Councilman Peter Koo demonstrated the dexterity of the robot by operating it firsthand. From left: Councilman Peter Koo, Flushing Hospital’s Dr. Alexander Kintzoglou, Dr. Robert Crupi and COO Robert Levine.
Guests were invited to operate the robot to complete a series of challenges using both a robot simulator as well as the actual da Vinci system. Flushing Councilman Peter Koo was marveled by the mobility of the da Vinci and stated “It’s like operating a video game.” The collective opinion of the event was as best stated by Senator Toby Stavisky” It’s exciting that Flushing Hospital is literally on the cutting edge.”
Watch NY1 reporters operate the da Vinci here:
Flushing Hospital is fully invested in providing a superior standard of patient care and the acquisition of the da Vinci robot “is very important for our community, which wants to know their local hospital has the state-of-the-art technology,” Flushing Hospital COO Robert Levine.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in making this event successful. To view some of the great reviews and coverage from the event; please click the following links.
http://queenstribune.com/flushing-hospital-unveils-new-surgical-robot/