Jamaica Hospital physicians, Dr. Richard Pinsker, Program Director of Internal Medical Residency Program, and Dr. Hineshkumar Upadhyay, Chief Resident, recently attended the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist 22^nd Scientific and Clinical Congress, where their case study about the association between marijuana use and endocrine problems was highlighted.

The study involved a 37-year-old male who smoked marijuana daily for 15 years. He was initially treated in the hospital’s Emergency Room, displaying signs of extreme fatigue, loss of libido, and shortness of breath. Further evaluation showed that the patient demonstrated low testosterone and pituitary hormone levels. In addition, the patient had no previous exposure to radiation or a history of head trauma. This led Dr. Pinsker and Dr. Upadhyay to conclude that chronic marijuana use negatively affects the endocrine system.

“We really feel that the evidence to date shows this is a much more serious health problem than we’ve given credit to,” Dr. Pinsker said during a press conference. “Marijuana has always been laughed off. It’s a kid’s drug; they’ll outgrow it. In certain communities, it’s so common that people look at it as if they’re having a glass of beer. I think it’s time that physicians start having their antenna up for all the difficulties that come with this drug.”

He added, “of course this is one case report, but I think it suggests that further research needs to be done… something prospectively should be done to map this out more scientifically.”

To read more about Dr.Pinsker and Dr. Upadhyays case study, please click here.

The employees who work Jamaica Hospital’s Labor, Delivery and Recovery Unit are used to delivering babies. Arranging weddings though? Now that was something new to them, but it didn’t prevent them from making one couple’s wish come true.

Samala Armogan and her fiancé Steven Bhaagaloo Goseine were expecting their first child on June 18th, but when they learned that Samala would have to be induced on May, 28th they were upset that their plan to be married before they baby was born would not be possible. The couple had received their marriage license and attempted twice before to get married, but according to Samala, “other medical emergencies got in the way of our plans.”

Upon hearing about their desire to be wed, the LDR staff was able to contact a member of the Hospital’s Volunteer Clergy Program, who just happened to be on-campus. Pastor Doulas Palms was happy to preside over the services, stating, “I never expected to be marrying anyone today. I consider it divine intervention that I was here to answer this prayer.”

While the pastor prepared for the service, the nurses scurried to freshen-up the room, take photos of the happy couple, and even provide flowers for the bride. “This is a first for me. I’ve been working as a nurse for a number of years and never experienced anything like this before. I am very excited for them”, said Myrna Escario, RN, who also served as witness to the nuptials. Approximately one dozen employees attended the very emotional service.

The newlyweds were so appreciative for all the efforts made by the staff. “It was very important to us to be married before our baby was born,” explained Steven. “Everyone really went out of their way to accommodate this very unusual request. We are so happy and thankful to them for making this happen.”

After the wedding, mom and dad spent their honeymoon welcoming their new son, Steven Jr. into the world. Both mother and baby are healthy and happy.

Anyone who has ever been a patient in a hospital will tell you that the experience can be unsettling, especially for children. In an effort to make the experience for children a little more pleasant, Jamaica Hospital recently opened a state-of-the-art pediatric treatment room.

The new treatment room has a tropical beach motif, with palm trees, dolphins playing in the surf and parrots flying high in the sky. The bright colors and wonderful artwork will not only make a remarkable difference for children but the physicians and nurses will have an easier time locating supplies. The treatment room also features strategically designed organization, better lighting, and an upgraded exam table.

A wide variety of procedures will be performed in the treatment room, including IV starts, blood collection, cauterizations, IV flushes, injections, hearing and sight testing, OB exams, and consultations.

Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Department is thrilled about the new feature of it’s Pediatric Unit. Staff members are excited about the room’s ability to serve as a distraction for children while they undergo medical care. Above all, they are thankful for the generous donations provided by the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Larry and Jane Scheinfelf Foundation, whose funding helped build the new room.

There has been a great deal of attention recently given to the relationship between brain injuries and sports. Most of the focus has been on the cumulative effects of concussions and violent, contact sports such as football, but surprisingly many non-contact sports and recreational activities have a higher incidence of brain injuries, with cycling having the highest numbers.

With summer practically upon us, the brain injury experts at Jamaica Hospital’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Unit are determined to warn the community about the potential dangers associated with cycling, as well as identify the signs and symptoms of concussive injuries.

In two separate interviews, with the Queens Chronicle and the Times Ledger newspapers, Dr. Gonzalo Vasquez-Casals, Neuro-Psychologist pointed out that of the 446,000 sports-related brain injuries treated at hospital in 2009, 85,000 or roughly 20% were due to cycling.

In the Times Ledger article, which appeared on May 3rd, Dr. Vasquez-Casals informed readers that headaches, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are potential signs of a concussion.

In the article, which ran in the Queens Chronicle on April 29th, Dr. Vasquez-Casals warned riders that helmets are the best way to safeguard against cycling injuries.  According to Dr. Vasquez-Casals, “97% of all fatal accidents involving bicycles are due to brain injuries when a rider wasn’t wearing a helmet.”

Dr. Vasquez-Casals was very hopeful that the message was well received and that cyclists in the community will enjoy a fun and safe summer on the bike paths.

In an attempt to create a more visitor friendly environment, Jamaica Hospital’s leadership recently decided to extend the hospital’s visiting hours.

The old visiting policy was not only limiting but also confusing because many of the units had different visitation schedules.  As a result, leaders from Administration, the Nursing Department, Building Services, Security and Admitting/Information Desk met and agreed to extend visiting hours on all floors.

Effectively immediately, visiting hours will now begin at 9:00 a.m. on all medical/surgical, intensive care, OB/GYN and pediatrics units. Visiting hours on all floors will end at 8:00 p.m.

The only unit that has not extended visitation is 5 North (Rehab, TCU, and TBI). This decision was made so that the patients on this unit can continue to receive uninterrupted daytime rehabilitation services.

Other enhancements of the new visiting policy include new age permissions on all units. Previously, Jamaica Hospital did not allow any children 16 years of age or under on the medical surgical floors.  Now, all children 12 and older can visit family members on any unit and siblings of any age can visit patients on 2 North and 2 South.

The Nursing Supervisors will continue to help those visitors who need special accommodations, such as rooming-in needs and comfort care passes.  They will also work on a case-by-case basis with visitors who require other special arrangements.

The hospital hopes that the changes will communicate to our patients and visitors our dedication to improving the quality of their stay.  We understand the difficulties some people have making it to the hospital when there are restrictions and we hope these measures are helpful.

New passes have been printed and the revised policy will be updated on all signs and other materials.