Heart to Heart - Southern Ocean Medical Center

Transcription

An Epic Comeback p20
When Heart Attacks Strike p10
Heart Your Greens p31
JANUARY/
FEBRUARY
2015
Heart
to Heart
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Coordinated care helped
keep a Ship Bottom
woman’s blood flowing.
page 8
MORE ONLINE AT SOUTHERNOCEANMEDICALCENTER.COM
Connect
WITH US
Sports participation is a
leading cause of injury in
young people. Read our article
to find out what workouts you can do
to protect yourself from sports injuries,
available Dec. 6, at Facebook.com/
MeridianHealthNJ.
Meridian tweets hot
health-related tips and
info to help create a
healthier you. Visit us this winter at
Twitter.com/MeridianNJ.
Pastor James Brown was feeling good,
until one night he woke up and had
trouble breathing. He was rushed to
the Emergency Department at Jersey
Shore where experts discovered
he had congestive heart failure.
Today, he is back at the pulpit. Hear
Pastor Brown's inspiring story at
YouTube.com/MeridianHealthNJ.
The Meridian
HealthViews app
is available for free
download from the
App Store on iTunes.
Once you’re in the
store, simply search
“HealthViews” to
download the app.
A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY
As part of our ongoing efforts to
improve the health and wellness of our
community, the new year brings
exciting opportunities for Meridian
Health and the people we serve.
Meridian Health and Hackensack
University Health Network recently
announced a mutual agreement to enter
into discussions to merge our health
systems. Prior to that, we signed a letter
of intent to merge with Raritan Bay
Medical Center. These exciting
announcements will be about
combining our clinical synergies to
better meet the needs of the
communities we serve.
At Meridian, you’re more than just a
number. Meridian CardioVascular
Network is committed to helping you
live heart healthy all year long. With
special events, educational programs,
and assessment information from our
heart-health experts, Meridian offers you
access to vital prevention and wellness
information. Even though February is
Heart Month, you can visit 365 Days of
Heart throughout the year. Go to
365DaysofHeart.com to learn more.
Meridian is a leader in cardiac care.
Our superior cardiovascular services
have earned us the highest designated
Chest Pain Center Accreditation by the
Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.
2
Meridian HealthViews
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
Sincerely,
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President, Meridian Health
Heart at Work
It’s never too early to fight back against heart disease. In fact, the American Heart
Association urges adults to begin taking preventive measures against heart attacks
as young as age 20. Turn to page 28 to find out what you can do to improve your
heart health starting today.
Health
views
Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., CHAIRMAN
Meridian Health is excited to provide
My Health eNews as part of our
continuing commitment to our
community’s health and wellness.
Visit MeridianHealth.com/
enewsletters today to subscribe!
As the only health care system in New
Jersey to receive this recognition,
Meridian distinguishes itself as providing
the best care available for patients who
present with symptoms of a heart attack.
Lastly, learn how to be heart healthy
at one of our many events, including
the Red Dress Event, AngioScreen®,
and Joyful Heart Tea. Turn to this
issue’s calendar for all of the details
about these great events.
All of us at Meridian Health wish you
continued good health in 2015.
John K. Lloyd, FACHE, PRESIDENT
Chrisie Scott, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Elliot Frank, M.D., MEDICAL ADVISOR
Michael McCauley, Gabriella Heizler,
Jacki Kronstedt HEALTHVIEWS PRODUCTION TEAM
This free bimonthly magazine is
prepared by the Marketing and
Communications Team of Meridian
Health. Please call 732-751-7530
with any questions or comments.
Inquiries or ideas can be addressed to
[email protected].
© 2015 Meridian Health
The material provided in this magazine is
intended to be used as general information
only and should not replace the advice
of your physician. Always consult your
physician for individual care.
Contents
4 Health Snapshots
Get the latest health news on a wide
range of topics — everything from
hip replacement to health screenings
to nutrition.
Success Stories
Staying the Course ............................. 6
Heart to Heart ..................................... 8
Sticking Together ................................ 9
When Heart Attacks Strike ................10
Timing Is Everything ...........................12
The Fast Track ....................................14
Convenient Care for Busy Lives ....... 15
Your Heart in Our Hands .................. 16
20
22 Events Calendar
Community health programs, fun
events, and support groups around
the region for adults and children.
Resting Easy ...................................... 17
A New Solution ................................. 18
Health and Wellness
An Epic Comeback ........................... 20
Home Is Where the Heart Is ............. 27
The Best Brand of Care..................... 21
Heart at Work .................................... 28
Soccer Pro Battles Back ................... 30
Love Your Greens .............................. 31
You get ready to roll.
You get jaw pain and cold sweats.
Signs of a heart attack.
She calls 911.
You get to a Meridian ER.
You get a team of experts.
You get rehab close to home.
You get your heart strong again.
So you can enjoy the ride.
© 2014 Meridian Health
An Epic
Comeback
Weight-loss surgery gets
former athlete back in shape
To get an appointment with a
Meridian CardioVascular specialist,
call 1-800-DOCTORS.
To get more information, visit
MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com.
Health
snapshots
Severe Snoring Linked
to Diabetes Risk
At night, sawing logs may earn you a trip to the guest room. By day, you may find
yourself at the doctor’s office — with a diabetes diagnosis.
What’s the connection? A condition called sleep apnea, pauses in breathing at
Join us to learn about night that cause snoring or choking sounds. The more severe your sleep apnea,
sleep disorders and the greater your danger of developing diabetes, a new study finds.
tips on how to get a
“Sleep deprivation from apnea may affect the way your body uses the hormone
better night’s sleep. insulin to control your blood sugar,” says Adrian Pristas, M.D., of Riverview
Turn to PAGE 23 for Medical Center and Bayshore Community Hospital. See your doctor if you or your
event details. bed partner notice loud nighttime noises.
ARE YOU GETTING A
GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP?
COULD CHOLESTEROL CAUSE CANCER?
High cholesterol clogs your arteries, placing
your heart in danger. Now, scientists have
uncovered a new health risk of the waxy,
fatty substance. Cholesterol changes the
way certain signals travel within your cells.
These shifts could lead to cancer, birth
defects, and other diseases, according to
researchers from the University of Illinois
at Chicago.
A plantcentered diet can
help reduce your intake
of saturated fat and
cholesterol, and increase
your dietary amount
of fiber and vitamins
C and E.
4
Your doctor can advise you on how low
your total and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol
levels, should be based on your overall
risk for heart disease. “Talk with your
health care team about bringing down
high numbers,” says Aditya Mehra, M.D.,
an interventional cardiologist at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center. “Eat lots
of vegetables and fruits, maintain a
healthy weight, exercise regularly, and take
medications if needed.”
CHOLESTEROL:
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Find out the difference between
good and bad cholesterol and
how to improve your numbers.
Go to PAGE 23 to learn more.
Change Your Mood, Cut Your Stroke Risk
Stress, anger, and sadness — such sour moods may all boost your chances
of having a stroke, a new study finds.
Researchers studied more than 6,700 adults for about eight and a half
years. About 200 had a stroke or a ministroke in that time. Those who
reported higher levels of strain, depression, and hostility all stood a
higher risk.
“Negative emotions seem to trigger unhealthy changes in your brain and
immune system,” says Harjinder Bedi, M.D., of Southern Ocean Medical
Center. Fortunately, you can take steps to relieve stress and live a happier
life. For instance, taking some time for yourself — just 15 minutes of
relaxation each day — can help.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR STROKE?
Learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for strokes and
what you should do if someone is having a stroke. Turn to
PAGE 23 for event details.
Bariatric Surgery Can Prevent Cancer, Too
When diet and exercise fail, weightloss surgery helps obese people shed
pounds. What’s more, it may also
reduce their cancer risk.
Fat cells secrete hormones and
other substances linked to
malignancies. Over time, obesity
increases your odds of developing
colorectal, breast, kidney, thyroid, and
other types of cancer. Bariatric surgery,
or weight-loss surgery, can help you
lose weight and fat by restricting your
food intake or interrupting digestion
and improving your metabolism.
“Weight-loss surgery can improve
the health and lives of those who
need it and reduce the risk of
obesity-related cancers,” says James
Pasquariello, M.D., of Ocean
Medical Center. “Talk with your
doctor about the benefits and risks.”
EXPLORE YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS
SURGERY OPTIONS
Come to our free event where
you'll hear Anil Pahuja, M.D.,
and James Pasquariello, M.D.,
discuss the benefits and options
for weight-loss surgery. Go to
PAGE 25 to find out more.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-560-9990 5
Staying the Course
Point Pleasant golfer’s near-fatal heart issues led
to a remarkable recovery.
Ocean Medical Center
BOB DULLY, 70, A SELF-DESCRIBED GOLF FANATIC, CAME HOME FROM AN
afternoon on the course last May when he began to feel a little lightheaded. The Point Pleasant resident decided to sit down, complaining
to his wife, Jean, of chest discomfort. But when she walked into the
room a few minutes later, Bob had already fallen to the floor and was
unresponsive. A quick call to the paramedics and expert care at
Ocean Medical Center led to his remarkable survival.
Immediate Response, Cutting-Edge Treatment
Within five minutes of Jean’s call, the paramedics arrived and found
that Bob was in cardiac arrest with no pulse. They immediately began
treatment, conducted CPR, and shocked his heart three times with a
cardiac defibrillator. Although his pulse was successfully restored, Bob
remained completely unresponsive as he was rushed to Ocean
Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
The Emergency Department called on Ali Moosvi, M.D., an
interventional cardiologist and director of Ocean Medical Center’s
cardiac catheterization laboratory, for help. An EKG indicated that
Bob had not had a heart attack yet, but was suffering from a
dangerous heart rhythm disturbance and was in shock with a very
low blood pressure following his cardiac arrest. These types of heart
rhythm disturbances often prevent blood flow to the rest of the body,
including the brain. To protect Bob’s vital organs like the heart and
brain, Dr. Moosvi quickly began therapeutic hypothermia treatment.
“Induced hypothermia involves carefully cooling the entire body to
slow down a patient’s metabolism and reduce oxygen demand,”
explains Dr. Moosvi, who is part of Meridian CardioVascular
Network. “When the metabolism slows down, the body requires less
energy and can therefore tolerate less blood flow. This in turn helps
limit damage to the brain, heart, and other vital organs.”
Aggressive Action
Bob, sedated and breathing with the help of a ventilator, was
monitored closely throughout the night in Ocean’s Intensive Care
Unit. And his condition remained stable. But the next morning,
monitors alerted staff that Bob was having a heart attack.
Dr. Moosvi rushed Bob into the Ocean cardiac catheterization lab.
There, he found that Bob had a critical blockage in his left anterior
descending artery (LAD). Dr. Moosvi quickly opened the artery with
angioplasty and then placed a stent to resume blood flow, stabilizing
Bob’s rapidly deteriorating condition. The shorter the time between
the heart attack and the opening of the artery, the better. In Bob’s case,
it was very short. However, he was still critically ill and unresponsive at
this stage.
“I learned later that Dr. Moosvi had called my family to let them
know of my poor prognosis. When not treated properly, people
who develop a blockage in the LAD may have serious consequences,”
explains Bob. “Dr. Moosvi prepared my family for the worst and let
6
them know I had only a
small chance of completely
recovering from this event.”
Back to Life
Ali Moosvi, M.D.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine,
Cardiovascular
Disease, and
Interventional
Cardiology
Brick
1-800-560-9990
Despite his two near
brushes with death, Bob
recovered at a remarkable pace. Just three
days after his cardiac arrest and two days
following his heart attack, Bob was sitting
up in a chair in his hospital room, asking
when he could go home. Doctors, staff, and
family had to explain how serious his
condition had been.
“Bob survived because he received great
care that was immediate and on point. There
was no room for error,” explains Sara
Belajonas, cardiovascular care manager at
Ocean. “His care required extraordinary
teamwork and coordination — from the EMS
responders and Emergency Department staff
to physicians and nurses. The combination of
events led to an amazing recovery.”
Within a few short months of his ordeal,
Bob was back to living life. Today, he’s golfing
multiple times a week, participating in cardiac
rehabilitation, and enjoying a full mental and
physical recovery.
“Ocean Medical Center did a wonderful
job. I enjoyed all the people there. They
enabled me to survive the way I did,” says
Bob. “Today, I feel as good as I’ve ever felt.”
Another Patient
Success Story
A former police officer,
Jim Phillips remembers
nothing from the night of his heart
attack. After treatment, Jim is happy
to be back safe and sound with his
loved ones. Hear Jim’s story at
point pleasant
resident Bob Dully
loves to golf, and he
is back on the course,
thanks to the care
he received at ocean
after his heart attack.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
7
Gloria Sansverie is back to
relaxing and watching the boats
on the bay after being treated at
Southern Ocean for blockages in
her coronary artery.
Video: Meet the Doc
Heart to Heart
Listen to Tommy Ng, M.D.,
as he discusses the importance
of cardiac health and care at
Coordinated care helped
keep a Ship Bottom woman’s blood flowing.
IN THE AFTERMATH OF 2012’S SUPERSTORM SANDY, GLORIA SANSVERIE WAS
working hard to put her house back together. She began to feel tired
often, and she thought it was from walking up and down
the stairs with furniture. When the exhaustion gave way to
more troubling symptoms, such as a funny feeling on the
left side of her face, a twitching cheek, sore shoulders, and
indigestion, Gloria decided to visit urgent care.
From there, she was sent to the Emergency Department at
Southern Ocean Medical Center, where she met Tommy Ng,
Tommy K. Ng, M.D.
Board certified
M.D., who specializes in general heart disease and
in Cardiovascular
interventional cardiology and is part of Meridian
Disease, Internal
Medicine, and
CardioVascular Network. Through tests, he discovered that
Interventional
Gloria had blockages in her coronary arteries, which supply
Cardiology
Manahawkin
blood to the heart.
1-800-560-9990
It was unclear, however, how significant Gloria’s blockages
were. Minor blockages can usually be treated with
medications and lifestyle changes. But when blockages are seriously
restricting blood flow, they usually require an angioplasty — a procedure
that involves opening up the artery with a balloon or stent — or open
heart surgery for coronary artery bypass.
Dr. Ng recommended evaluating Gloria’s condition with fractional flow
reserve, a two-minute study that uses a guide wire to measure coronary
artery blood pressure changes and aortic pressure to see to what degree
blood flow is restricted. This is usually used in intermediate blockage
cases like Gloria’s. “If there’s any gray area and we’re unsure about
8
intervening, fractional flow reserve is a good
tool to help us determine the optimal
treatment for the patient,” Dr. Ng says.
In case further intervention was necessary,
Gloria was transferred to Jersey Shore
University Medical Center as part of
Meridian Health’s continuum of care that
connects the hospitals. The results of the
fractional flow reserve showed that Gloria
would benefit from intervention, so Dr. Ng
inserted a stent (a small metal mesh tube)
into her artery using a balloon catheter. This
helps enhance blood flow to her heart and
improve its function.
A year later, Gloria is doing well without
recurrent cardiac symptoms and now sees
Dr. Ng for acupuncture treatment for lowback pain. She appreciated that at both
Southern Ocean and Jersey Shore, she was
under the same doctor’s care. “Dr. Ng is a
listener. He’s a human being, he does not
rush you, he answers your questions, and
he welcomes you with a nice handshake,”
Gloria says. “He is the most wonderful
doctor you can find.”
Sticking Together
Expert care saved this Morganville man’s life
after a devastating aneurysm.
Bayshore Community Hospital
Owano
BORN IN KEYPORT IN 1941, GEORGE MASSEY NEVER FELT THE NEED TO MOVE FAR
from home. Currently living in Morganville, George and his wife, Georgeanna,
worked together in a factory for more than 30 years, where George also served
as the union president.
Today, the Masseys work different jobs, but they usually work the night shift
in order to spend more time together. However, on July 7, 2014, George was
working the day shift. Little did they know this minor change would save his life.
Just like any other day, George finished his workday and returned home.
Shortly after eating dinner, he set his alarm for 4:00 a.m. and went to bed.
Throughout the night, George was awakened by pain in his abdomen, but
he assumed it was just a stomachache and went back to sleep.
Georgeanna arrived just before midnight to find George sweating profusely.
“Thank God she came home and checked on me,” he says. “Otherwise, I
wouldn’t be here today.” She immediately knew something was wrong. After
taking ibuprofen and sitting under the fan, George collapsed.
Pennycooke, M.D.
expertise. Fortunately, George
Board certified in
was in the right hands.
Vascular Surgery
and General Surgery
While Georgeanna struggled
Red Bank
through the longest hour of
1-800-560-9990
her life, Dr. Pennycooke and
his team used advanced techniques to repair the
ruptured aneurysm. When Dr. Pennycooke
returned to Georgeanna, he brought much better
news: The procedure to repair George’s aneurysm
had been successful. “We were able to repair his
damaged aorta with a stent graph,” Dr. Pennycooke
explains. “By reinforcing the interior wall of the
blood vessel, we were able to keep the blood vessel
from rupturing.”
Road to Recovery
Short on Time
Georgeanna called an ambulance and George was taken to the Emergency
Department at Bayshore Community Hospital where a highly trained
cardiovascular team awaited. After examining George, vascular surgeon Owano
Pennycooke, M.D., approached Georgeanna with bad news. “George was
suffering from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm,” says Dr. Pennycooke,
who is part of Meridian CardioVascular Network. “He had a 10 percent
chance of surviving.”
An aneurysm is a balloonlike bulge that occurs in a weakened area of
the blood vessel wall. Due to the size and location of George’s aneurysm,
the necessary procedure would take incredible skill and unbelievable
Are You At Risk for Heart
Attack and Stroke?
George stayed at Bayshore for seven days to recover
before starting rehab with Jorge Corzo, M.D.,
and the rest of the cardiac rehabilitation team
at Riverview Medical Center. “Rehab was very
challenging,” says George. “I had trouble at first,
but Dr. Corzo and his team were dedicated to
helping me.” While his rehabilitation wasn’t easy,
George pushed on and slowly but surely regained
his strength.
After returning home, Georgeanna retired to
spend more time with George. Today, George
has almost completely recovered from
the incident, and the Masseys are
enjoying their retirement the right
way: together.
by Noah Carpenter
AngioScreen® — a vascular
workup that includes a carotid
artery ultrasound, atrial fibrillation test,
blood pressure test, and more — can save
your life. Turn to page 23 for details
about our valuable AngioScreen events.
Morganville resident
George Massey,
who was treated
at Bayshore for
an aneurysm, has
returned to enjoying
his retirement.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
9
When Heart
Attacks Strike
Meridian Health offers
care every step of the way.
Meridian Health
Seventy-six-year-old Carmine
DiClerico enjoys golfing with
friends. The Jackson resident also
repairs golf clubs in his spare time.
10 Meridian HealthViews
January/February 2015
JACKSON RESIDENT CARMINE DICLERICO SPENDS HIS DAYS GOLFING WITH
Quality Care Close to Home
friends and neighbors. Not only does Carmine love to golf, he also keeps a
shop in his garage to make and repair golf clubs. At 76, Carmine was living a
fulfilling, healthy, and active life.
On June 29, 2014, Carmine began to experience reflux symptoms,
something he was accustomed to since he started to get heartburn a few
months earlier. He took medication that morning but began to worry when
there was no relief from the pain later in the day. “I’ve never had blood
pressure or heart problems, so the last thing I was thinking about was a heart
attack,” says Carmine. “After my chest pain worsened, my wife decided to
drive me to the Emergency Department (ED) at Ocean Medical Center.”
One month later, Carmine saw Dr. Orlando
at Jersey Shore, where he placed a stent in
Carmine’s other blocked artery. “No matter
where I received treatment throughout the
[Meridian] system, I felt comfortable and
well cared for,” Carmine says.
After the second stent was placed,
Dr. Orlando suggested cardiac rehabilitation
to help with recovery. At Meridian Health,
cardiac rehabilitation combines education
and exercise to improve quality of life by
adopting healthy lifestyle changes. “Cardiac
rehabilitation is an important final step
after cardiac treatment,” says Dr. Orlando.
“It not only rebuilds heart strength, but
also decreases the risk of heart problems in
the future.” After five sessions of cardiac
rehabilitation at Ocean, Carmine received
great news — he could get back on the
golf course.
Carmine attributes his health today to
Dr. Orlando, the teams at Jersey Shore and
Ocean, and his cardiac rehabilitation
program. “At rehab, they of course helped
me recover from my heart attack, but also
taught me about nutrition and staying
active,” says Carmine. “The care I received
from the moment I set foot in the ED to my
last day at cardiac rehab was exceptional,
and I attribute my health to everyone who
helped me along the way.”
by Randi Russell
Cutting-Edge Treatment
“When I got to the ED, it was almost like the team
knew I was coming — they were ready to do
everything they could to help me,” says Carmine.
Carmine’s team included James Orlando, M.D., a
cardiologist at Ocean and part of Meridian
CardioVascular Network. Dr. Orlando performed an
James Orlando, M.D.
Board certified
EKG, and determined the results were consistent with
in Cardiovascular
a heart attack. “When we see patients like Carmine
Disease and
Interventional
who are having a heart attack, we perform a cardiac
Cardiology
catheterization to determine the amount of blockage
Brick
1-800-560-9990
and to begin removing some of the blood clot and
opening the artery,” says Dr. Orlando. “With Carmine,
we used a transradial catheterization, which is performed through the wrist
rather than the groin and allows for less bleeding complications.”
During Carmine’s catheterization, Dr. Orlando found full blockage in one
of Carmine’s arteries and 80 percent blockage in another. He immediately
removed some of the clotting in the fully blocked artery and followed up by
placing a stent, which restores the blood flow in a blocked artery. Carmine
was sent home three days later, with an appointment to get a stent placed in
the partially blocked artery.
Expert Services, One Location
Meridian Health Village at Jackson is
your “one-stop shop” for better health
and wellness. Our cardiology experts provide
leading-edge heart care with the latest
advances in the prevention and treatment of
heart and cardiovascular disease. Visit
MeridianHealthVillage.com to find out more.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
11
Timing Is Everything
This Keansburg resident avoided a potential heart attack,
thanks to good timing and an expert, coordinated cardiology team.
Riverview Medical Center
FOR FREDERICK SMIT, ROUTINE DOCTORS’ APPOINTMENTS HAD TYPICALLY
At the Heart of It
been just that — routine. That changed one afternoon in December 2013
when the 64-year-old’s visit to his cardiologist turned out to be more
important than he anticipated, giving true meaning to the expression
“being in the right place at the right time.”
“I woke up in the morning feeling fine and asked my daughter, Kaitlin,
if she wanted to go Christmas shopping with me after my appointment,”
Frederick says.
Frederick arrived at the office of David Zukoff, M.D., chairman of the
Department of Cardiology at Riverview Medical Center and part of
Meridian CardioVascular Network. Still feeling OK,
Frederick went back to the exam room with his daughter to
wait for Dr. Zukoff when suddenly he started having
difficulty breathing and pressure in his chest.
Frederick spent three days recovering in the
hospital and returned to Riverview a few
days later to begin his 30-day outpatient
cardiac rehabilitation. Since then, he has
been feeling good and continues to keep
himself and his heart strong through
exercise, such as walking the dog or
working out at Meridian Fitness and
Wellness at Hazlet.
“I have been to Riverview a few times
before, and I could not ask for better care or
treatment. The nurses, transport team, and
staff are always friendly,” says Frederick. “In
fact, whenever I am there for blood work, I
always say hello to the nurses in cardiac
rehab. They always remember me and are so
caring. I feel comfortable with them.”
As for Dr. Zukoff and his team, Frederick
highly recommends them.
“I had been seeing a different cardiologist
years ago, but I was looking for someone
closer to home. My wife recommended I
check out the doctors at the Cardiac Care
Center, and they are terrific,” says Frederick.
“They all have great bedside manners and
great senses of humor, which means a lot to
a patient. It makes the experience much
more pleasant.”
by Caitlin Coyle
Quick Action
David Zukoff, M.D.
Board certified
in Cardiovascular
Disease and Internal
Medicine
Tinton Falls
1-800-560-9990
Aristotelis
Vlahos, M.D.
Board certified
in Interventional
Cardiology
Tinton Falls
1-800-560-9990
“Dr. Zukoff came to let me know he would be another
minute, but when I told him about my shortness of breath
and chest pain, he immediately performed an ECG,” says
Frederick.
According to Dr. Zukoff, an ECG, or electrocardiogram,
checks the electrical activity of the heart to determine the
cause of symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pains.
“An ECG can check the rhythm and beats of the heart, the
size and position of the chambers, as well as the presence of
any damage to the heart,” says Dr. Zukoff. “In Frederick’s
case, it revealed a possible blockage that could lead to a
heart attack if not treated.”
Dr. Zukoff quickly called an ambulance; gave Frederick
a blood thinner, an aspirin, and a nitrogen tablet; and told
him he was going to the Emergency Care Center at Riverview.
Coordinated Teamwork
When Frederick arrived at the Emergency Department, the
team was ready for him. He was brought to an exam room
where he was seen by one of Dr. Zukoff’s partners, Arthur
O’Keefe, M.D. Dr. O’Keefe reviewed the results of
Frederick’s ECG and blood test and admitted him, scheduling him for an
early procedure the next morning with Aristotelis Vlahos, M.D., a third
physician in the group, medical director of invasive cardiology at
Riverview, and part of Meridian CardioVascular Network.
Early the next morning, Frederick was transported to the
catheterization lab where Dr. Vlahos performed a procedure known as
percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or angioplasty using stents, to
open two 90 percent blockages in Frederick’s arteries.
“Stents are tiny wire mesh tubes, which are implanted to open an
artery to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms,” says Dr. Vlahos.
“Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure using local anesthesia and
mild sedation with no major incisions, which can help reduce pain
following the procedure and speed up recovery time.”
Frederick Smit enjoys
spending time with
his family and dog at
Union Beach.
Get Fit, Be Well
Meridian Fitness and Wellness
believes in creating a positive and
caring environment that encourages total
body wellness. To find out how our attentive
staff is committed to providing a rewarding
and successful fitness experience to members
of all ages and fitness levels, go to
MeridianFitnessandWellness.com.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
13
The Fast Track
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Quick action put speedboat racer Robert Duckworth
back at the helm.
ROBERT DUCKWORTH, 71, HAS RACED HIS CIGARETTE SPEEDBOAT ALL
A Quick, Comfortable Recovery
along the Eastern seaboard, zipping around Key West, the Bahamas,
and up the Hudson River. He had no plans of slowing down. But this
past July, four flights of stairs stopped him in his tracks.
Robert was attending a nighttime fundraiser when symptoms first
appeared. “When I went up those stairs, I thought my heart was going
to jump out of my chest,” he says. “It was jumping
around and I could barely get my breath for five minutes.
After that I knew I was in trouble.”
Robert spent five days in the hospital
recovering. “I was weak, but I never had a bit
of pain,” he says. “I would never believe they
had cut my chest open if I couldn’t look down
and see where it happened.”
The entire hospital staff was extremely
attentive, Robert says, all the way down to the
food they provided. “I asked for ice cream,
and the nurse said, ‘What flavor would you
like?’ Whenever I needed anything, they were
right there to help.”
After four months of recovery, including
cardiac rehabilitation, Robert feels better than
ever. Cardiac rehabilitation includes supervised
physical activity and education on exercise,
nutrition, and other heart-healthy changes to
prevent future heart problems. Robert is
planning a Florida vacation to watch a boat
show and speedboat races. “I would never
believe I had open heart surgery,” he
says. “I feel great.”
Timely Treatment
The next morning, Robert drove to Jersey Shore University
Medical Center, where cardiologist Shaddy Younan, M.D.,
Drew P.
discovered that Robert had five blockages in his heart
Greeley, M.D.
and may have experienced a heart attack. Dr. Younan
Board certified in
Thoracic Surgery
immediately referred Robert to cardiac surgeon Drew
and General Surgery
Greeley, M.D. Both doctors are part of Meridian
Neptune
CardioVascular Network. Dr. Greeley recommended
1-800-560-9990
that Robert undergo coronary artery bypass grafting.
“Mr. Duckworth presented with advanced triple vessel coronary
artery disease. That’s when you have buildup in all three
major vessels to the heart,” Dr. Greeley explains. “It increases
the risk for heart attack and can affect quality of life.”
Dr. Greeley operated less than one week after Robert
attended the fundraiser. “Because of the extent of his
coronary disease, we recommended coronary bypass
grafting,” Dr. Greeley says. “His anatomy did not lend
itself to stenting, a less invasive option.
Grafting requires opening the chest,
which can be more taxing on the
patient in the short run, but
generally has more durability as
treatment in the long run.”
Prevent Heart Disease
at Any Age
Join us at our free event to
hear Douglas Chudzik, M.D.,
discuss the signs and symptoms,
diagnosis, and treatment options for
heart disease. Turn to page 22 for
event details.
Red Bank resident Robert
Duckworth has lived along the
Navesink for 25 years. He loves
boating and spending time
with his grandchildren.
Convenient Care for Busy Lives
Meridian AfterHours helped Kristin Wolf manage
a painful case of shingles.
FOR KRISTIN WOLF, A BUSY PHYSICAL THERAPIST
in Brick, there is never a good time to get sick.
But the Saturday morning in April when she
awoke with a burning rash and severe pain in
her right leg was particularly hectic. She had
been working a lot and preparing to travel to a
conference the following week. Her stressful
schedule had brought on what she suspected
was a recurrence of shingles, a painful
condition caused by the chickenpox virus.
“I’d had shingles before, and I knew
I needed to get treated right away,” Kristin says.
“But I didn’t feel my condition warranted a trip
to the Emergency Department.”
Kristin’s first instinct was to call her primary
care doctor, Ladan Ilkhani, M.D., even though
she knew the office would probably be closed
on the weekend. To Kristin’s relief, she learned
that although Dr. Ilkhani wasn’t available, her
office was open and staffed with clinicians from
Meridian AfterHours, an immediate care center
that provides quick and convenient health care.
Kristin Wolf, pictured with
her husband Warren, is
focused on her health and
wellness. She enjoys going
to the beach, playing golf,
and vacationing in Florida.
Ladan Ilkhani, M.D.
Board certified in
Meridian AfterHours, with locations in Brick and Toms
Internal Medicine
River and a new office opening soon in Lakewood, are
Brick
1-800-560-9990
staffed with board certified family nurse practitioners and
medical assistants who offer high-quality, affordable,
convenient care for everyday health needs. At the Brick location, which also
happens to be Dr. Ilkhani’s office, the AfterHours staff arrives at 5:00 p.m. on
weekdays and serves as the only staff over the weekend.
When Kristin arrived at the office, she was immediately seen by a nurse
practitioner who confirmed that she did have shingles and wrote her a
prescription for an antiviral medication.
“I was in and out within a half hour,” Kristin says. “Within two days, my
symptoms began to subside. I was able to go on my trip the following week.”
In June, she returned for a routine visit with Dr. Ilkhani. “I saw in Kristin’s
medical record that she had been seen by the Meridian AfterHours staff,” Dr. Ilkhani
says. “I’m glad she received treatment right away, particularly since the antiviral
medication needs to be taken as soon as possible after the rash appears to help
reduce the length and severity of the shingles outbreak and reduce the risk for
complications. AfterHours is a great complement to a primary physician’s care.”
“As a health care provider myself, I was very impressed with Meridian
AfterHours,” Kristin says.
“I’d recommend
Up-To-The-Minute Care
it to anyone.”
Meridian AfterHours centers
treat everyday illnesses and
injuries such as coughs, colds, cuts,
and sprains. To find the nearest
location, visit MeridianAfterHours.com.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
15
Farmingdale
residents
Christina and
Peter Ravnholt
are thrilled and
grateful to have
baby Freya in
their lives.
Moms Know Best
Your Heart in Our Hands
Unforeseen pregnancy
complication demonstrates why experience matters.
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
CHRISTINA RAVNHOLT OF FARMINGDALE WAS NEARLY 35 WEEKS INTO AN
uncomplicated pregnancy when things took an unexpected turn.
Christina, 25 and expecting her first child, had gone to the Perinatal Institute
at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for a routine ultrasound to check the
baby’s growth. During the exam, Mehmet Genc, M.D., a highrisk OB-GYN, found that the baby had an irregular heartbeat.
Right away he sent Christina to the hospital’s maternity unit for
consultation with a pediatric cardiologist.
Maria Angela Umali-Pamintuan, M.D., a pediatric
cardiologist and part of Meridian Pediatric Network,
performed a fetal echocardiogram that showed the baby’s heart
Jonathan D.
rate was persistently very fast — between 270 and 290 beats
Baum, M.D.
Board certified
per minute (bpm). Normally, the heart rate should not be
in Obstetricshigher than 200 bpm, Dr. Umali-Pamintuan says. It wouldn’t
Gynecology
Freehold
be long before the baby’s heart problems would cause a life1-800-560-9990
threatening buildup of fluid in the body and heart failure.
Tough Choices
Maria Angela
T. UmaliPamintuan, M.D.
Board certified
in Pediatric
Cardiology and
Pediatrics
Brick
1-800-560-9990
“We had two options,” Dr. Umali-Pamintuan says. “Give
Christina medication to slow the baby’s heart rate or deliver the
baby early by cesarean section.” Either way there were risks.
Dr. Umali-Pamintuan and the team decided delivery was safer
for both mother and baby.
Christina’s OB-GYN, Jonathan Baum, M.D., performed the
C-section, and Christina and husband Peter became the proud
parents of a 6-pound, 6-ounce daughter, Freya. Freya was
given medication to control her heart rate and placed on a
ventilator to help her breathe. She spent three weeks in the
hospital, two in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Whether you’re looking to
socialize or share advice, the
Meridian Momtourage community is
where moms go to be heard. To meet our
mom bloggers and get women’s health
content about staying healthy and fit and
more, visit MeridianMomtourage.com.
Dr. Umali-Pamintuan says Freya’s fast
heart rate is caused by a congenital heart
abnormality that affects the heart’s
electrical system. More than 90 percent of
infants outgrow the problem within a
year, she says.
It Takes a Team
“Christina’s story shows exactly what
Jersey Shore, as an academic medical
center, has to offer prospective parents,”
Dr. Baum says. “You never know when
complications may arise. Our
perinatologists collaborate with our
OB-GYNs, pediatric subspecialists, the
Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care
units, and our residents. This
multidisciplinary approach enables us to
quickly assess a problem, develop a
comprehensive care plan, and execute it
in a matter of hours.”
The Ravnholts are certainly happy with
the outcome. Before she was 2 months
old, Freya was already “acting like a
normal full-term baby,” Christina says.
“Things could have been so much
worse if our doctors hadn’t detected
Freya’s condition when they did,” she
says. “I can’t believe how lucky we are.”
Resting Easy
Douglas Sprague is finally getting a good
night's sleep after being diagnosed with sleep apnea.
condition in which his airways
became blocked and he may have
stopped breathing during sleep.
“Many patients who have
obstructive sleep apnea don’t know
they have it, which makes it more
serious if it goes untreated,” Dr.
Bebawy says. “Snoring is the biggest
symptom of sleep apnea, but if it isn’t
waking you or your partner up you
might not know it is occurring. Other
symptoms include morning
headaches, difficulty
staying awake or
remembering things during
the day, and irritability.”
In October, Douglas
began using a home
Sam T. Bebawy, M.D.
CPAP machine to treat
Board certified in
his sleep apnea.
Internal Medicine,
Pulmonary Disease,
“Wearing a mask to bed
and Sleep Medicine
may
not be sexy, but if it is
Holmdel
1-800-560-9990
going to keep me healthy
then I will do whatever
I have to do,” Douglas says. “My
advice to other men with this
problem is if your wife or girlfriend
is complaining about your snoring,
then get yourself checked out. You
will not only be healthier, but you
will have a better frame of mind.”
by Caitlin Coyle
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL SLEEP FOUNDATION, 90 MILLION AMERICANS SNORE, BUT
many never seek a remedy. Douglas Sprague of South Amboy was one of these people,
until his girlfriend’s complaints about his snoring motivated him to get checked out.
“People have complained about my snoring for more than 20 years,” Douglas says. “I
hadn’t thought much about it, but I wanted to make sure I was healthy, so I went for
the study and found out I actually had a pretty severe problem.”
Elie Younes, M.D., a cardiologist at Bayshore Community Hospital and part of
Meridian CardioVascular Network, referred Douglas to the Center for Sleep Medicine
at Bayshore. Douglas was impressed when he arrived for his study in July 2014.
“It was really nice and hotel-like — big rooms, televisions,” Douglas says. “The staff
explained the process to me and I just watched TV until I fell asleep.”
After his study, Sam Bebawy, M.D., a pulmonologist and sleep medicine
physician on staff at Bayshore, and part of Meridian Neuroscience, uncovered
the problem behind Douglas’s snoring. It was severe obstructive sleep apnea, a
Seize the Night
A good night's sleep is important for
maintaining your overall health and
wellness. To learn what you can do if you are
suffering from snoring, frequent awakenings
during the night, or other sleep-related
problems, go to MeridianWellRested.com.
Douglas Sprague has been a
Sayreville police officer for 32
years. He enjoys motorcycles,
fishing, and golf.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
17
A New Solution
Groundbreaking pacemaker technology,
offered through a Jersey Shore University Medical Center research study,
saved Jack Clark’s life.
FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN ABNORMAL
heartbeat, a cardiac pacemaker — a device
that monitors and regulates the heart by
sending out electrical pulses — can be
lifesaving. But pacemakers aren’t free of
complications such as infection, discomfort,
and problems related to implant surgery.
Thankfully, a new, cutting-edge pacemaker
is available that reduces complications
and requires a less invasive approach to
implantation. And Jersey Shore University
Medical Center is among the first in the
nation to offer it.
“The Nanostim™ leadless pacemaker is
groundbreaking technology that is changing
the way pacemakers are implanted,” explains
Ashish Patel, M.D., a cardiac
electrophysiologist at Jersey Shore and part
of Meridian CardioVascular Network, who
implanted the first leadless pacemaker in the
state. “The pacemaker, which is the size of a
AAA battery, requires no long wires or leads.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, it’s implanted
using minimally invasive techniques and
hidden inside the heart.”
Dr. Patel. “Through research trials like this one, we can
provide patients the very latest in heart care.”
Spring Lake Heights resident Jack Clark, 84, was one
patient to take advantage of Jersey Shore’s research offering.
Jack had been fighting extreme fatigue for months and had
difficulty just walking around the house. He and his wife,
Roberta, attributed his fatigue to advancing age. But when Jack experienced a
fainting spell, they sought emergency care at Jersey Shore. There, Jack was
diagnosed with a slow heartbeat and told he needed a pacemaker.
“Dr. Patel offered me a choice: the old way or the new way,” says Jack, referring
to his option to have a traditional pacemaker or the Nanostim leadless pacemaker.
“The new way sounded much better.”
Thanks to cutting-edge
pacemaker technology,
Jack Clark is back to
feeling his best.
Research Provides Access to
New Technology
Jersey Shore was selected as one of 50
research sites nationwide — and the only site
in New Jersey — to study the Nanostim
leadless pacemaker as part of the prestigious
Leadless II pivotal trial. As a result, Jersey
Shore is the only center statewide that can
implant the device.
“Jersey Shore is a major cardiac center and
premier site for quality and research,” says
Simply The Best
Meridian Health’s superior cardiovascular services
have earned us the highest designated Chest Pain
Center Accreditation by the Society of Cardiovascular
Patient Care. Meridian is the only health care system in
New Jersey to receive this recognition. Find out more about
what we do at MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com.
Ashish B.
Patel, M.D.
Board certified
in Cardiovascular
Disease,
Clinical Cardiac
Electrophysiology,
and Internal
Medicine
Ocean
1-800-560-9990
Understanding Clinical Research
Meridian Health offers clinical trials in cardiology, oncology,
infectious disease, medicine, women’s health, rheumatology,
endocrinology, surgery, pediatrics, and other therapeutic areas.
Patients Reap Benefits of Leadless Pacemaker
Jack was the second patient in New Jersey to
receive the Nanostim leadless pacemaker, which
has been used successfully throughout Europe.
He was able to choose this option by
participating in the clinical trial through Jersey
Shore, which will monitor his health and
progress carefully. But to him, the pacemaker
provided a solution to his heart trouble without
having to undergo major surgery.
“A major benefit of the Nanostim leadless
pacemaker is that it requires just a single
puncture in a vein in the leg, where the
pacemaker is guided through blood vessels to
the heart. This approach is far less invasive
than traditional implantation surgery,” explains
Dr. Patel.
There are other potential benefits of the
leadless pacemaker, such as:
• It cannot be seen or felt in the chest because
it is completely hidden inside the heart.
Typically, pacemakers are implanted under
the skin around the collarbone and have
leads that run through blood vessels to the
heart. As a result, the site of the implant can
be uncomfortable or unsightly.
• Recovery with the leadless pacemaker may be
quicker than traditional surgical implantation
and requires no limitations. Patients
implanted with traditional pacemakers are
often restricted from lifting their arm for up
to six weeks.
• The risk of long-term complications may
be lower.
“There is substantially less hardware in the
leadless pacemaker — about 2.5 cm compared
with about 60 cm of hardware in traditional
pacemakers,” explains Dr. Patel. “As a result,
the risk of infection is potentially lower and
hardware problems are fewer. This study aims
to prove these benefits.”
Today, Jack is back at home with his wife. He
just had his first checkup with Dr. Patel, who
confirmed his pacemaker is working well and
told him to come back in six months.
“I couldn’t be happier about what Jersey
Shore did for me,” says Jack. “I’m very pleased
with my pacemaker and have had no problems
at all. I feel much better.”
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial (also clinical research) is a research study in which
human volunteers answer specific health questions that can
help determine if a medication or a treatment regimen is safe
and effective for treating a specific condition or disease. Clinical
trials compare the effectiveness of the study medication or
treatment against standard, accepted treatment or against a
placebo, if no standard treatment exists.
Why participate in a clinical trial?
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their
own health care, gain access to new research treatments before
they are widely available, and help others by contributing to
medical research.
What are some of the benefits of participating
in a clinical trial?
• Participants in clinical trials will receive either standard of
care or a promising new treatment that doctors hope will
be better than standard of care. The new treatment may
be available only to those who join the trial.
• If a new treatment is proven to be effective, participants
in clinical trials who are taking it may be among the first
to benefit.
• In many clinical trials, study medication, medical care,
and laboratory services may be provided to you free
of charge.
Meridian Health is proud to offer a stateof-the-art Clinical Research Center at
in order to better serve our clinical trial
participants. Find out what our facility
offers and more by visiting
MeridianHealth.com/ClinicalTrials.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
19
An Epic Comeback
Weight-loss surgery at Southern Ocean gets former athlete
back in shape.
JOHN CONROY, 50, WAS A COLLEGE ATHLETE. PLAYING SPORTS,
including rugby, came naturally to him — and kept him in
great shape. After college and as life moved on, John began to
gain weight. Life seemed to flash by until one day John
stepped on the scale and it couldn’t process his weight. “It
was such a wake-up call,” says John. “I was nearing 400
pounds, and when I stepped on the scale and it couldn’t
process my weight, I said to myself, ‘It’s time to see a doctor.’”
John made an appointment with Jonathan Reich, M.D., a
bariatric surgeon at Southern Ocean Medical Center. Dr.
Reich gave John information about every type of weight-loss
surgery, including gastric banding (Lap-Band), gastric
bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. “It’s really important for
us to educate patients on every surgery option,” says
Dr. Reich. “It allows patients to make their own decisions
about which surgery is best for them.”
Fifty-year-old John
Conroy loves to
fish at the beach in
Ship Bottom. The
Manahawkin resident
also enjoys biking
and working out.
After meeting with Dr. Reich and
attending a support group to hear about
other patients’ experiences, John chose to
have a sleeve gastrectomy. “During this
procedure, we remove about 60 percent
Jonathan
to 70 percent of the stomach and reshape
Reich, M.D.
Board certified in
it to match the other intestines,” says
General Surgery
Dr. Reich. “This changes the size of the
Manahawkin
1-800-560-9990
stomach and how the stomach contracts,
which allows people to stay fuller longer;
and reduces the appetite hormone.”
John underwent surgery on July 7, 2014 at Southern
Ocean. “From my first consultation to the day of surgery,
I could not have asked for a better team,” says John. “The
surgeons, nurses, and dieticians were calming, caring,
and professional.”
After surgery, John started to see himself as an athlete
again. He went from taking 10 minutes to cross the
hospital parking lot to taking 30 seconds. He started
taking the dog for walks — something that used to seem
impossible. He stopped using the shopping cart as a
walker and started pushing it effortlessly through the store.
Most important, John found his new favorite sport, bike
riding, and plans to do a triathlon in the near future. And
after only two months, John lost 100 pounds and gained a
catchphrase: Nothing tastes better than being thin.
“Losing weight was always such a challenge for me, and
I never thought it was possible until I met Dr. Reich,” says
John. “There are so many things to enjoy in life, and I
didn’t realize until now how much I actually missed before
this surgery.”
by Randi Russell
Lighten Your Outlook on Life
From chronic disease to
immobility, obesity can cause
many health issues. Whatever phase of
the weight-loss journey you are in,
Meridian Weightless has something for
you. To learn about our free seminars,
read our blogs, and much more, go to
MeridianWeightless.com.
Video: Meet the Doc
Watch Phillipa Woodriffe, M.D.,
as she discusses laparoscopic
surgery techniques, why she practices
at Riverview, and how she makes her
patients feel comfortable before surgery.
Visit MeridianHealth.com/DrWoodriffe
to hear more from Dr. Woodriffe.
Working in New York City and
a resident of Red Bank, Ben
Colarossi had his choice of care
locations. He chose Riverview
and thanks to his surgeon’s
expertise, was able to quickly
return to the work he loves.
The Best Brand of Care
A New York City advertising guru didn’t miss a beat thanks
to the care he received at Riverview.
IN HIS AMAZING 85 YEARS, BEN COLAROSSI OF RED BANK HAS RUN THE NEW
York City Marathon multiple times, created award-winning slogans for
some of the biggest brands, and proudly served his country with the
Marine Corps during the Cold War. Ben began his career in advertising
after returning from the service in 1949 and went on to earn more than a
dozen CLIO awards and give the world slogans such as Coca Cola’s “I’d
like to buy the world a Coke” and many more. One could
say Ben has experienced it all. That was up until fall 2013,
when he was faced with his first surgery.
“I was in to see my primary doctor [Ronald Costa, M.D.]
because I thought I was having breathing problems,” Ben
says. “But he thought it was more and sent me for an MRI.”
Dr. Costa sent Ben to Riverview Medical Center where
the
results of his MRI uncovered a problem — gallstones
Phillipa G.
Woodriffe, M.D.
had formed in Ben’s gallbladder, which led to serious
Tinton Falls
inflammation known as acute gangrenous cholecystitis.
1-800-560-9990
“The next thing I knew, I was being sent for emergency
surgery,” Ben says. “There were nurses and doctors all around me, which
is when I met Dr. Lifesaver.”
Ben underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with Phillipa
Woodriffe, M.D., a general surgeon skilled in laparoscopic techniques at
Riverview. According to Dr. Woodriffe, this surgery involves removing the
gallbladder using small incisions in the
abdomen and should be done as soon as
possible if gangrenous cholecystitis is
diagnosed.
“The gallbladder needs constant blood
flow, otherwise it will become vulnerable to
infection, which can be life-threatening,”
Dr. Woodriffe says.
After a successful and quick surgery, Ben
woke feeling good and ready to go home, but
not before thanking Dr. Woodriffe for “saving
his life.”
“That’s why I named her ‘Dr. Lifesaver,’
because that is what she is,” Ben says. “I
never had surgery before — even when I was
wounded — because it was not something I
wanted to experience. But Dr. Woodriffe and
the staff made it as pleasant as possible.”
Continuing to pave his legacy, Ben still
works in the city, developing new interactive
advertising techniques for clients.
by Caitlin Coyle
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
21
Events
calendar
All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Reserve
your spot by calling 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677)
or 1-800-560-9990 or by visiting MeridianHealth.com.
In cases of severe weather, a program may be canceled as
late as an hour before the start time. Call 1-800-DOCTORS
or 1-800-560-9990 to confirm.
Red Dress Event
Look Good, Feel Better
Meridian Women’s Heart Connection presents The Heart Truth
campaign’s Red Dress Collection, fresh off the fashion designer
runways. Enjoy a heart-healthy menu, door prizes, and giveaways.
Most important, learn how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Tickets
are $50, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Meridian
CardioVascular Network.
The American Cancer Society offers this
program to individuals being treated for
cancer. If you look good, you will feel
better. Learn some makeup and hair
tricks to make you look and feel better.
To register, call 1-800-227-2345.
FEBRUARY 19, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY 23, 10:00 A.M. – NOON
Watermark, 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Registration is required.
Meridian Cancer Care
Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
This four-session smoking-cessation
program is offered by Meridian Cancer
Care and the American Cancer Society.
Success in the program requires
attendance at all four sessions.
JANUARY 6, 8, 13, AND 15, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
J Cancer Conference Room
JANUARY 5, 9, 12, AND 16, 10:00 – 11:30 A.M.
Robotic Surgery
Michael Lasser, M.D., will discuss
cutting-edge technology, the daVinci®
Surgical System, and the various
conditions that can be treated using
this system. A light dinner will be
served. Registration is required.
FEBRUARY 6, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
J Lance Auditorium
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis
R Mausner Conference Room
Meridian CardioVascular
Network
MERIDIAN WOMEN’S HEART
CONNECTON
Joyful Heart Tea
Enjoy tea and heart-healthy delights
while learning how to keep your heart
healthy.
FEBRUARY 3, 12:30 – 2:00 P.M.
O East Wing, Conference Room A
FEBRUARY 18, NOON – 1:30 P.M.
B Conference Rooms A and B
SPEAKER: SHADDY YOUNAN, M.D.
Hypnotherapy is effective in alleviating
unwanted habits and developing
positive behaviors and lifestyle
changes. Fee: $30
Hypertension and You
MHV Jackson, Conference Center
JANUARY 12 AND FEBRUARY 9, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
R Shrewsbury River Conference Suite
Colorectal Lecture and Screening
FEBRUARY 11, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
JANUARY 20, 22, 27, AND 29, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
O East Wing, Conference Room B
FEBRUARY 17, 19, 24, AND 26, 10:00 – 11:30 A.M.
Learn the risk factors and how early
detection can save your life. Free
colorectal take-home kits will be
distributed. A light dinner will be
provided. Registration is required.
MFW Hazlet
Are You Lung Aware?
Preventing Heart Disease at
Any Age
FEBRUARY 18, 5:30 – 7:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY10, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M.
SPEAKER: ADAM KAPLAN, M.D.
SPEAKER: THOMAS LAKE, M.D.
O Community Room
JANUARY 27, 11:00 A.M. – NOON
MFW Manahawkin, Family Resource Center
Meridian Cancer Care physicians will
provide education about lung cancer
and lung disease. Find out if you
are eligible to participate in a lung
screening program.
JANUARY 8, 5:00 – 6:30 P.M.
Learn how to manage your blood
pressure through lifestyle changes.
Douglas Chudzik, M.D., will discuss signs
and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
options for heart disease.
MFW Hazlet
J Lance Auditorium
SPEAKER: GLENN PARKER, M.D.
LOCATION KEY
To register, call 1-800-DOCTORS
or 1-800-560-9990.
B
R
J
O
S
MFW Meridian Fitness and Wellness
MHV Meridian Health Village
MCRC Meridian Community Resource Center
Meridian Neuroscience
Cholesterol: Know Your
Numbers
Are You Getting a Good Night’s
Sleep?
Learn the difference between good and
bad cholesterol and what you can do to
improve your numbers.
Learn about sleep disorders and tips on
how to get a better night’s sleep.
J Brennan Rooms 104/105
MFW Hazlet
MFW Manahawkin, Family Resource
JANUARY 14, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M.
Center
Stroke: Are You At Risk?
Atrial Fibrillation: The Facts
Learn the signs, symptoms, and risk
factors for strokes and what you should
do if someone is having a stroke.
Julie Master, D.O., will discuss diagnosis
and treatment options for atrial
fibrillation, commonly known as A-Fib.
FEBRUARY 5, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Living with Congestive Heart
Failure
Learn how to maximize your quality of
life while living with congestive heart
failure.
Varicose Veins: Causes and
Treatment Options
Learn about varicose veins and their
causes and latest treatment options.
JANUARY 20
LECTURE: 9:00 – 10:00 A.M.
SCREENINGS: 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
SPEAKER: LAWRENCE MUELLER, M.D.
JANUARY 22
LECTURE: 9:00 – 10:00 A.M.
SCREENINGS: 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
SPEAKER: JEFFREY HAGER, D.O.
FEBRUARY 5
LECTURE: 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
SCREENINGS: 8:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Solutions to Balance Problems
Learn some of the causes of balance
problems and what you can do about them.
JANUARY 29, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Screenings to follow the lecture.
Memory Loss and Screening
Are you or a loved one experiencing
increased memory loss? Tommasina
Papa-Rugino, M.D., will discuss changes
in memory and dementia. Memory
screenings to follow the lecture.
Parkinson’s Life Enrichment
Exercise Class
Designed and administered by physical
therapists and exercise specialists, this
program helps people with Parkinson’s
improve their flexibility, balance, and
strength, enabling them to perform
everyday activities with greater ease.
For pricing and registration, call
732-836-4007.
NTH
HEART MUONT
DISCO
AngioScreen®
Learn your risk for heart attack
and stroke. This vascular workup
includes carotid artery ultrasound,
heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) test,
blood pressure check, screening
for abdominal aortic aneurysm and
peripheral artery disease (PAD),
and body mass index computation.
Participants receive a report of the
findings, educational material, and a
private consultation with a registered
nurse. To celebrate Heart Month, the
screening is just $49.95. Registration
is required.
JANUARY 14, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY 5, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
R Two River Conference Suite
JANUARY 15 AND FEBRUARY 7
NOON – 5:00 P.M.
YMCA Old Bridge
1 Mannino Park Dr., Old Bridge Township
JANUARY 19, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
FEBRUARY 19, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
JANUARY 21, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY 17, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
MFW Jackson, Conference Center
JANUARY 23, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
MFW Manahawkin, Family Resource
Center
JANUARY 27, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY 24, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
FEBRUARY 12, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
MCRC Freehold Raceway Mall
FEBRUARY 21, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
FEBRUARY 25, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M.
S Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Paint the Town Pink Information Session
Every year more towns and volunteers join Paint the Town Pink to raise awareness of the importance
of annual mammography. Whether you want to chair your town’s committee, volunteer, or get your
business or school involved, there are so many ways everyone can get involved in Paint the Town Pink!
Join past, present, and future Pink volunteers to learn more about how you can paint your town pink in
2015. For more information, visit PaintTheTownPink.com/2015. To register, call 855-PINK-411.
JANUARY 14, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
JANUARY 22, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Ocean First Bank
73 Broad Street, Red Bank
Townsquare Media Broadcast Studios
8 Robbins Street, Toms River
To register, call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990. 23
Meridian Orthopedics
Meridian Pediatric Network
Spine Health
Safe Sitter
JANUARY 12, 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.
JANUARY 22, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Meridian offers babysitter training for
boys and girls ages 11 to 14. This class
will review safety for both babysitters
and the children left in their care in a fun
learning environment. The class includes
handling emergency, first aid, and CPR.
Fee: $40.
JANUARY 17, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Learn the common causes of back pain
as well as prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment options.
SPEAKER: STEVE AYDIN, D.O.
SPEAKER: NASSER ANI, M.D.
JANUARY 19, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Healthy Bones
Learn the signs, symptoms, diagnosis,
and treatment options for osteoporosis,
including medications, exercise, and
diet. Bone density screening to follow
the lecture.
JANUARY 13, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
SPEAKER: BRIAN GOTTESMAN, M.D.
Suffering from Shoulder Pain?
Nicholas Jarmon, M.D., will discuss
the common causes of shoulder pain,
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
options.
FEBRUARY 5, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
All About Your Feet
Learn about the most common foot
ailments and treatment options. Foot
screenings to follow the lectures.
MFW Hazlet
SPEAKER: GINA LAGNESE, DPM
FEBRUARY 25, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
SPEAKER: ROBERT SUSSMAN, DPM
Rheumatoid Arthritis
MFW Jackson, Conference Center
JANUARY 19, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
FEBRUARY 16, 10:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Addiction and Recovery Services
For adult family members of addicted
individuals. Call for information.
Children’s Counseling
Meridian Behavioral Health offers a
variety of counseling services at both
our Neptune and Shrewsbury locations.
We offer age-specific group therapy
and therapeutic after-school program
for children ages 7 to 13, as well as
traditional individual and family therapy.
Call 732-869-2784, ext. 2 for registration,
schedules, and fees.
Diabetes
FEBRUARY 16, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
ABCs of Diabetes
Childbirth/Maternity
Childbirth Education Series
Meridian Health offers classes and
seminars for first-time and experienced
parents as well as tours, classes
for siblings, and more! Registration
required. Please register before your
third trimester. To learn more about
our fun and informative classes, visit
MeridianMomtourage.com.
Strike a Pose: Yoga for Moms
and Moms-To-Be
Classes focus on gentle postures,
breathing techniques, and overall
relaxation to prepare for childbirth or
recover after childbirth. Call Meridian
Life Fitness in Point Pleasant at
732-295-1778 for fees and to register.
Learn about the signs and symptoms,
treatment options, and prevention of
rheumatoid arthritis. Light refreshments
will be provided.
Counseling and
Behavioral Health
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you are at a
higher risk for heart disease and other
complications. Learn how to help manage
your diabetes and reduce your risks.
MFW Hazlet
Comprehensive Diabetes
Management
Individual or group educational and
support programs. To register, call
Bayshore Community Hospital at
732-888-7362, Riverview Medical
Center and Ocean Medical Center at
732-530-2555, Jersey Shore University
Medical Center at 732-897-3980, and
Southern Ocean Medical Center at
609-978-3400.
New Beginnings
Whether you’re looking to start or expand your family or are
looking for a healthy new beginning, join us in our Meridian
Momtourage lounge at the Freehold Raceway Mall for an afternoon
dedicated to the health and wellness of you and your growing
family. Learn about the Childbirth Center at Riverview and
resources at Meridian Health, mix and mingle with our mom
bloggers and expert physicians, and enjoy some healthy
snacks and pampering. Event is free, but registration is
required – 1-800-560-9990. For more information, visit
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/NewBeginnings.
SPEAKER: DEBORAH ALPERT, M.D.
FEBRUARY 19, 9:00 – 10:00 A.M.
SPEAKER: EDWARD ALLEGRA, M.D.
FEBRUARY 7, NOON – 2:00 P.M.
LOCATION KEY
or 1-800-560-9990.
B
R
J
O
S
Fitness
Weight-Loss Surgery
Yoga and Your Health
Weight-Loss Surgery: The Facts
Learn the benefits that yoga has on
your health.
MFW Hazlet
Self-Defense Exercises
Learn how to use balance and leverage
strength to defend yourself. $3 per class.
JANUARY 15, FEBRUARY 5 AND 19, 12:30 – 1:30 P.M.
New Year, New Goals
Find the tools you need for success and
learn how you can map out your weight
loss and fitness goals for 2015.
Diabetic
Retinopathy
Screening
Karl Strom, M.D., medical director of the
Bariatric Center of Excellence at Southern
Ocean and Bayshore, with surgeons
Jonathan Reich, M.D., and Silvia Fresco,
M.D., will host educational programs on
the benefits of weight-loss surgery.
JANUARY 6, FEBRUARY 3 AND 26, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
This screening is made possible
by the Mitchell-Vassar Bright
Future Legacy.
FEBRUARY 24, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
JANUARY 14, 2:00 – 3:30 P.M.
JANUARY 15, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
Ramada Inn
2373 Route 9, Toms River
JANUARY 20, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Screenings
Blood Pressure
JANUARY 20, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Importance of Strength Training
Learn the safe way to increase your muscle
endurance, improve bone density, and lose
more weight.
FEBRUARY 12, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Exercise and Your Heart
Learn how exercise can help reduce your
risk for a cardiac event as well as help to
restore your health after an incident.
Free blood pressure screenings.
FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH.
9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
MFW Hazlet
FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH.
9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH.
2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Balance Screening
FEBRUARY 18, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Call 732-206-8263 to register.
FEBRUARY 5, 1:00 P.M.
Nutrition
Holiday Sugar Blues
MHV Outpatient Rehabilitation
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant
Too much sugar over the holidays? Start the
year off right and learn how to make better
food choices and incorporate exercise in
your daily routine.
JANUARY 7, 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.
AARP Smart Driver
MFW Hazlet
Weight Loss with Hypnosis
Lose weight with hypnotherapy. Fee: $30.
JANUARY 14, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Nutrition Counseling
Consult a registered dietician to design a food
plan that meets your weight-management
and medical nutrition needs. For more
information, registration, or fees, call
Riverview Medical Center at 732-530-2555,
Meridian Life Fitness in Point Pleasant at
732-206-8263, or Southern Ocean Medical
Center at 609-978-3400.
O Outpatient Rehabilitation
Senior Programs
This driving program is for adults ages
50 and older who want to develop
safe defensive driving techniques. Fee:
$15 for AARP members and $20 for
nonmembers. Make checks payable to
AARP. Call for dates and times.
Hearing Aid Know-How
Not all hearing aids are equal. Learn
about the types of hearing aids that
are available, how they work, and the
benefits of having one.
JANUARY 15, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M.
S
Double Tree Hilton
700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls
FEBRUARY 12, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
R
Weight-Loss Surgery: Explore
Your Options
Anil Pahuja, M.D., and James V.
Pasquariello, M.D., will discuss the
benefits and options for weight-loss
surgery.
O Community Room
FEBRUARY 3, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Options for Weight-Loss Surgery
Seth Kipnis, M.D., medical director of
the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
an accredited metabolic and bariatric
surgery and quality improvement
program, discusses the benefits of
weight-loss surgery.
JANUARY 14, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
J Medical Staff Boardroom
FEBRUARY 11, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
General Wellness
All About Hernias
Lauren Fischer, M.D., will discuss the
signs, symptoms and treatment options
for hernias.
JANUARY 14, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
To register, call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990. 25
Take Control of Your Health
Learn practical skills and strategies for managing
symptoms, working with health care professionals, setting
weekly goals, problem solving, relaxing, handling difficult
emotions, eating well, and exercising safely and easily.
Six-week program. Registration required.
STARTING JANUARY 5, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
STARTING JANUARY 30, 1:00 – 3:30 P.M.
STARTING FEBRUARY 5, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
MFW Hazlet
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understand Crohn’s Disease
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type
of depression that occurs at the same
time every year. Learn about SAD and find
out tips on how to cope.
Melissa Reynon, M.D., will review the
causes of Crohn’s disease and discuss
the latest treatment options.
JANUARY 15, 10:30 – 11:30 A.M.
Shingles Update
Are you older than 50? Did you have the
chickenpox? If so, then you are at risk
for getting shingles. Mark Ende, D.O.,
will review the signs and symptoms,
treatment options, and prevention.
JANUARY 21, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Genealogy
Coping with Stress
Learn the impact that stress can have
on your body and the strategies and
relaxation techniques you can use to
cope. Call 732-295-1555 to register.
FEBRUARY 17, 2:30 – 3:30 P.M.
Ocean County Library – Point Pleasant
834 Beaver Dam Road
National Safety Defensive
Driving Class
Learn safe defensive driving techniques
and save on your insurance policy. Fee:
$8 for the class, plus $10 for certificate
JANUARY 22 AND FEBRUARY 19, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. and point reduction.
FEBRUARY 18, 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Interested in tracing your family history?
Join us for a hands-on session in our
computer learning center.
Breathe Better
Clinical Trials
To learn about current clinical trials
available at Meridian Health, please
visit us at MeridianHealth.com,
call 732-776-2953, or e-mail us at
[email protected].
CPR Training
All Meridian hospitals are American
Heart Association CPR training centers.
Call for dates, times, locations, and
classes offered.
Infectious Disease Clinic
Located at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center. Call 732-774-0151
to schedule a free, confidential
appointment.
Support Groups
Meridian offers support groups for
bereavement; caregivers; diabetes;
anorexia and bulimia; breast, lung,
prostate, thyroid, and other cancers;
Alzheimer’s disease; stroke; Parkinson’s
disease; sleep disorders; celiac disease;
heart disease; weight loss; and more.
Call for more information, dates,
and times.
Featured Support Group
Mended Hearts
Hear others share their experiences
about what they faced, including
lifestyle changes and treatment, in
their recovery from heart disease.
FOURTH THURSDAY OF JANUARY, MARCH,
MAY, JULY, AND SEPTEMBER AND THIRD
THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER AT NOON
R Rechnitz Conference Center
Meridian Programs and
Services
FOURTH THURSDAY OF FEBRUARY, APRIL,
JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, AND DECEMBER
AT NOON
O Community Room
Booker Health Sciences Library
Home Delivery
B
Bladder Health
Looking to learn more about a medical
topic, disease, or condition? The library
sends a packet of reliable information to
you at no cost.
Learn how to manage pulmonary
conditions and improve breathing.
Michael Lasser, M.D., will discuss ways
to reduce risk for infection as well as
diagnosing incontinence problems and
treatment options.
FEBRUARY 11, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
LOCATION KEY
or 1-800-560-9990.
B
PHONE: 732-776-4265
FAX: 732-776-4530
E-MAIL: [email protected]
R
J
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FOURTH THURSDAY OF FEBRUARY, APRIL,
OCTOBER, AND DECEMBER AT 6:00 P.M.
FOURTH TUESDAY OF JANUARY, MARCH,
MAY, JULY, SEPTEMBER, AND NOVEMBER
AT 1:00 P.M.
O Community Room
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Meridian Health
For this federal judge, the facts are clear: Home is the place to be.
Meridian At Home staff identifies each
patient’s unique needs to create a customized
care program and schedule. Judge Lacey
receives a few hours of care in the morning to
start his day and a few hours of care in the
afternoon, which includes meal preparation.
According to Judge Lacey, “My home health
aide, Jean, is an excellent care provider,
anticipates my needs and what needs to be
done around the house, and she has a
wonderful attitude. She takes great care of me.”
Physicians often recommend home care
services so that patients can remain in the
comfort of their homes. “Patients get
an emotional lift from recovering and
being able to remain in their homes,
and I believe this contributes greatly
to their physical and mental health,”
says John Gumina, M.D., of Jersey
Shore University Medical Center.
John D. Gumina, M.D.
“Meridian At Home provides the
Board certified in
highest level of care and services. I
Family Medicine
know this from personal experience,
Howell
1-800-560-9990
after using them for home physical
therapy after a knee replacement in
2013. Meridian At Home is the way to go.”
Judge Lacey agrees. “I would definitely
recommend Meridian At Home to anyone in
need of home care services or a little extra
help from time to time. Their people are not
only caring and reliable, but they always see
things that need to be done and take the
initiative to do them on their own.”
by Larry Ginsberg
AFTER A DISTINGUISHED CAREER SPANNING SEVEN DECADES, RETIRED JUDGE
Frederick Lacey knew what he wanted when he was faced with selecting home
health care services.
There came a time when Judge Lacey settled into a snowbird retirement
lifestyle, splitting his year between his longtime home in New Jersey and a
residence in Naples, Florida.
At age 94, like many people in their 90s, Judge Lacey experienced some
mobility and health-related issues that required medical assistance, as well as
assistance with activities of daily living, like meal preparation, personal care,
and household chores. For Judge Lacey, Meridian At Home, the home care
services division of Meridian Health, provides consistency and peace of mind
when he returns from Florida each spring.
“I am very comfortable with Meridian At Home, particularly as they make
my transition to my New Jersey home very easy,” Judge Lacey
says. “They provide the highest quality people, consistent care,
and are very reliable. They know my needs and preferences.”
Going the Extra Mile
By choosing Meridian At Home, you
benefit from our association with the
area’s finest physicians and full continuum of
health care services provided by Meridian Health.
Learn more about our caring and professional
health care team at MeridianAtHome.com.
When Judge Frederick Lacey returns
to his home in New Jersey after
spending time at his winter home in
Florida, he knows he’s in good hands
with Meridian At Home.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
27
Heart
at Work:
Improve Your Heart Health
Meridian Health
Think heart disease is something you don’t have
to worry about until you reach your dad’s age?
Think again: Plaque begins to build up in your
arteries as early as childhood and continues to
progress throughout adulthood.
“OVER TIME, PLAQUE MAY PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY
block blood flow through an artery, which can lead to
a heart attack or stroke,” says Edward Choi, M.D., of
Jersey Shore University Medical Center. In some
people, this process speeds up as early as their 30s,
whereas others may not experience the effects until
later in life.
The buildup of plaque in your arteries is a
condition called atherosclerosis, and it often
leads to heart disease — the number one cause
of death in the U.S.
Your Health Is in Your Hands
“Some risk factors, such as your
age, biological sex — men have a
higher risk for heart attack than
premenopausal women do — and
family history you can’t change.
Others you can, such as whether
you smoke or have a sedentary
lifestyle,” says Aarti Patel, M.D.,
of Ocean Medical Center.
Some other factors you can
control include:
Red Dress Event: Join Us!
Meridian Women’s Heart Connection
presents The Heart Truth campaign’s Red
Dress Collection, fresh off the fashion designer
runways. Enjoy a heart-healthy menu, door prizes,
and more! Turn to page 22 for event details.
A heart valve condition
slowed Yetta Summer
down but TAVR, a
minimally invasive
procedure available
only at Jersey Shore
University Medical
Center, helped her
get back to enjoying
retirement.
•
•
•
•
•
Managing cholesterol levels
Lowering your blood pressure
Increasing your physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Preventing or controlling diabetes
Aarti Patel, M.D.
Board certified
in Cardiovascular
Disease and Internal
Medicine
Brick
1-800-560-9990
It’s never too early to fight back against
heart disease. In fact, the American Heart Association urges
adults to begin taking preventive measures against heart attacks
as young as age 20.
Here’s what you can do to improve your heart health
starting today:
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
• Work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels if
you have diabetes
• Take steps to deal with stress, such as exercising, getting a
good night’s sleep, and spending time with people who bring
you joy
• Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for
men and one drink per day for women
What’s Up, Doc?
Starting at age 20, visit your doctor for heart health screenings.
“Some of the screenings you may receive include checking your
blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, along with your body
mass index (BMI),” says Ted Ende, D.O., of Southern Ocean
Medical Center.
If your doctor finds you have a problem, such as high blood
pressure, he or she will recommend steps you can take to
manage it before you develop more serious issues. These steps
may include a combination of diet and lifestyle changes as well
as medications, such as those to control your blood pressure or
cholesterol levels, if necessary. How often you need to follow
up with your physician depends on your risk factors and
overall health.
If you haven’t visited your doctor for a cardiovascular
screening yet, make an appointment today.
Ted Ende, D.O.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine
Forked River
1-800-560-9990
Edward J. Choi, M.D.
Board certified in
Cardiovascular Disease,
Internal Medicine,
and Interventional
Cardiology
Neptune
1-800-560-9990
K. George
Younan, M.D.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine
Parlin
1-800-560-9990
How Can You Lower Your BMI?
If your BMI shows that you are overweight or obese,
you can take steps to lower it. The recipe for lower BMI
involves following three simple steps:
Eat healthy: Eat balanced meals and avoid
foods with high saturated fat. Try to eat five or
more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
And watch portion sizes. One serving of cereal should be
about the size of your fist. One serving of meat should be
the size of a deck of cards.
Exercise: 45 to 60 minutes of moderate
activity most days of the week can make a big
difference. You don’t have to hit the gym. You
can walk, swim, or even dance. Just keep moving!
Get enough rest: Sleep is an important part
of a healthy life. “Getting enough sleep can help
prevent the onset of diseases like diabetes
and obesity,” says George Younan, M.D., of Bayshore
Community Hospital. “And if you have a chronic condition,
sleep can help you manage it better. Adults should get
seven to eight hours each night.”
Heart Disease by the Numbers
Every year, about 600,000 people die of heart disease
in the U.S and more than half are men. Face the facts
on how likely heart disease and its risk factors are to
strike you or someone you know:
8.8
MILLION
Number of U.S.
men who have
heart disease
13
IN
cu
an t
posd
t
73
U.S. adults with
high blood pressure
%
of men
ages 20 and
older are
overweight
or obese
21
%
More than 21 percent
of men smoke
cigarettes in the U.S.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
29
Soccer Pro Battles Back
Hayley Haagsma teams up with a surgeon who knows sports to get her
back in the game after an ACL injury.
Meridian Health
In Bruce Stamos, M.D., an orthopedic
surgeon with Ocean Medical Center and
part of Meridian Orthopedics, she found
an experienced physician with a unique
understanding of the challenges she faced.
Dr. Stamos completed a fellowship in
sports medicine at Harvard
Medical School’s Massachusetts
General Hospital and has
worked with high school,
college, and professional
athletes. He’s also a lifelong
amateur soccer player and
Bruce D.
serves as the head physician for
Stamos, M.D.
the Sky Blue FC team.
Board certified in
Dr. Stamos guided Hayley
Orthopedic Surgery
Brick
through a prerehabilitation
1-800-560-9990
program to strengthen the
muscles around her knee before
surgery. Then, on April 10, he performed
an outpatient procedure to repair the
ligament. After that, Hayley began the
long and difficult process of recovery,
which usually takes six to nine months.
“Hayley did everything we asked her to
do,” Dr. Stamos says. “She gave her
rehabilitation her undivided attention,
which is why she’s ahead of the game
now.” He believes she’s on track to be
fully healed when the new season begins
in the spring 2015.
“It’s great having a doctor who
understands what’s required to play
sports at a professional level,” Hayley
says. “I had faith in him from the first
time I met with him, and he’s given me
confidence that I can come back from
this injury a second time.”
HAYLEY HAAGSMA’S PROMISING CAREER WITH SKY BLUE FC WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER
team was abruptly interrupted almost as soon as it began. She was dribbling down the
sideline during the team’s first exhibition match in March 2014 when an opponent
slammed into her, hitting the inside of her left knee, bending it outward.
“I heard a pop and felt the pain, and I knew immediately what had happened,” Hayley
recalls. Her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which runs diagonally down the middle of
the knee and provides rotational stability for the joint, had torn.
For Hayley, it was the worst kind of déjà vu: She had experienced the
exact same injury to her right knee during her freshman year at Texas Tech
in 2010 (in fact, ACL tears are among the most common knee injuries in
female athletes). The experience taught Hayley that she’d have to channel
the same level of dedication into her healing as she did her training.
Get Your Joints in Motion
Sky Blue FC professional
soccer player Hayley
Haagsma is back in the
game thanks to the care she
received for her torn ACL.
People are enjoying longer and more
active lives. Bone and joint health are
critical to everyday health. Your Meridian Health
team is committed to helping you maintain this
health. Join the Meridian Movement today by
visiting MeridianOrthopedicsNJ.com.
Nutrition 101
Consult a registered dietician to
design a food plan that meets
your weight-management and medical
nutrition needs. Turn to page 25 to
learn more.
Smothered
Greens
Go green. Try this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups water
¼ lb. smoked turkey breast, skinless
1 tbsp. fresh hot pepper, chopped
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ tsp. cloves, ground
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp. thyme
1 stalk scallion, chopped
1 tsp. ginger, ground
¼ cup onion, chopped
2 lb. greens (mustard, turnip, collard,
kale, or mixture)
DIRECTIONS
1. Place all ingredients except greens
into large saucepan and bring to
boil.
2. Prepare greens by washing
thoroughly and removing stems.
3. Tear or slice leaves into bite-sized
pieces.
4. Add greens to turkey stock. Cook
for 20–30 minutes until tender.
Heart Your Greens
Meridian Health
Eat leafy vegetables to reap health benefits.
A WISE AND FAMOUS FROG ONCE LAMENTED HOW HARD IT WAS TO BE
Yield: Five servings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80, Fat: 2 g.
Source: NHLBI: Keep the Beat: Heart
Healthy Recipes
green. Well, if another old saying is true — you are what you eat —
he couldn’t have been further from the truth. Leafy vegetables are as
easy to prepare as they are full of essential nutrients. Study after
study has confirmed the benefits of verdant vegetables, linking
spinach, collards, kale, and their kin to:
Caryn M.
Giacona, M.D.
HEART HEALTH. A salad a day may keep cardiovascular disease
Board certified in
away. “People who eat more green, leafy veggies have a steadier
Family Medicine
Middletown
heart rate,” says Caryn Giacona, M.D., at Riverview Medical
1-800-560-9990
Center, “so doctors suspect [greens] contain nutrients that help
regulate the nerve impulses that keep your heart pumping.”
CANCER PREVENTION. These veggies may fight off breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma and bladder cancer, among others. They might also prevent colon polyps and
other precancerous growths.
MENTAL AND NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH. Teens who eat greens may behave
better, with less risk of being either depressed and withdrawn or aggressive. Older
adults who eat fewer greens may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
BONE AND TOOTH HEALTH. “Calcium and other nutrients in greens build
stronger skeletons and prevent bone loss over time,” Dr. Giacona says. The same
compounds strengthen teeth. In one study, older adults who ate their vegetables,
including greens, had fewer signs of periodontal disease.
CELL AND GENE HEALTH. Every day, your body’s smallest components are
under assault from environmental hazards. Compounds in these plants seem to
prevent or reverse these potentially cancer-causing changes. This association has
been observed in smokers, airplane pilots, and others frequently exposed
to radiation and other health hazards.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
31
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Meridian
Health
1140 Route 72 West
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
READ ABOUT
JOHN’S STORY
ON PAGE 20.
Lighten your
outlook on life.
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
425 Jack Martin Blvd.
Brick, NJ 08724
One Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701
MeridianWeightless.com is a new online
community and resource to help you
reach your healthy lifestyle goals. Whether you are looking for support,
education, or to share the steps you are taking every day while striving to
reach your weight-loss goals, MeridianWeightless.com is here for you.
727 North Beers Street
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Meridian Hospital Leadership
STEVEN G. LITTLESON, FACHE
Executive Vice President, Meridian Health
TIMOTHY J. HOGAN, FACHE
Regional Hospital President, Monmouth County
DEAN Q. LIN, MHA, MBA, FACHE
President, Ocean Medical Center
JOE COYLE
President, Southern Ocean Medical Center
Sign up for MeridianWeightless.com now
for the information and support you need
to meet your goals!
Meridian
WEIGHTLESS
Lighten your outlook on life.
Printed on Recyclable Paper
6116D

Heart to Heart - Southern Ocean Medical Center

Transcription

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