the January/February 2009 issue

Transcription

healthviews
a health publicati o n f r o m
Riverview Medical Center
Women: Find Relief
from Fibroids
page 16
Wintertime Tips for
Living with Arthritis
page 12
Your Heart Health
Across the Ages
page 24
Try the Crossword
Puzzle Inside!
page 26
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com | January/February 2009
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TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
Women have a choice.
A hysterectomy is not your only option.
For many women fibroids, a non-cancerous growth in the
uterus, can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness, and heavy
bleeding. Now there is a new option for the treatment of
uterine fibroids at Riverview Medical Center: Uterine artery
embolization (UAE).
UAE is a minimally invasive procedure done under fluoroscopy
(a moving x-ray) by an interventional radiologist at the
Diagnostic Imaging Center at Riverview.
Our interventional radiologists diagnose and treat numerous
types of medical conditions, including fibroids, by using
imaging techniques to guide them as they thread narrow
tubes (catheters) and other very small instruments through
blood vessels and other pathways of the body to the site of a
problem. These procedures rarely require general anesthesia
or hospitalization and often involve less pain and smaller
incisions than traditional surgery.
Diagnostic Imaging Center at Riverview:
Comprehensive Procedures.
Convenient Hours.
• PET/CT
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Breast MRI
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Digital Mammography • Nuclear Medicine
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Ultrasound
• General Radiology
• Plain X-Ray /IVP
• Special Procedures
• GI Series / Barium Enema
• Interventional Radiology
For more information about the Diagnostic
Imaging Center at Riverview, or to contact
our interventional radiologists, call
or visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/UAE
inside this issue
January/February 2009
4-5
• A ‘Mommy Makeover’ — Is It
Right for You?
• The Top Five Plastic Surgeries
for Women
6
• Heart Attack Boosts Gift of
Gab in Radio Personality
• Music Therapy: Not Just
Another Song and Dance
7
• Lending a Heart a
Helping Hand
• Heart Failure at a Glance
8-9
• Ocean Delivers for
Entire Family
• Best of the Best
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President,
Meridian Health
16
• A Growing Problem for
Many Women
17
• Jersey Shore Helps in a Pinch
• Total Knee Replacement: A
Mother-Daughter Affair
19-22
• Calendar of Events
23
• Childhood Obesity Today
May Mean Heart Disease
Tomorrow
24-25
10
• ‘They Work Miracles Here’
11
26
12
Think back to your grade school days. Remember how nervous and excited you felt on report card day? If your grades
were good, you proudly carried them home to your family.
At Meridian Health, we recently received high marks
of our own. Every year, New Jersey reviews its hospitals.
It looks at four quality measures — the treatment of heart
attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and infections after surgery.
The 2008 grades show our hospitals perform among the
best in New Jersey. Jersey Shore University Medical Center
and Riverview Medical Center rank in the top 10 percent
statewide for heart attack treatment. Ocean Medical Center
was rated the top hospital in Ocean County for overall
quality results, and top in the county for the treatment of
heart attack and congestive heart failure.
We’re proud of these rankings because they speak
to Meridian Health’s high standard of care. Every day,
our doctors, nurses, and other team members work their
hardest to improve our patients’ health.
You’ll meet some of our dedicated professionals in
this issue. On page 18, an orthopedic surgeon highlights joint replacement. And on page 8, you’ll read
about our top-notch nurses — another area in which
we’ve been recognized nationally.
As another new year begins, we’ve made our
resolution: We’ll strive to continue providing excellent care to our patients. Make a resolution to be an
advocate in your own health care this year: Attend
a Meridian Health seminar to get started. I wish you
health, happiness, and prosperity in 2009.
18
• Keep Your Heart Healthy
Through the Years
• Taking Steps to Keep Heart
Disease at Bay
• Find Reliable Health
Information on the Web
A Message to the
Community
• Heart-Healthy
Crossword Puzzle
• Recipe: Black Bean, Pasta,
and Artichoke Heart Medley
• Managing Arthritis in
the Winter
13
• A Field Guide to Body Scans
14
• Self-Care Tips for Cancer
Treatment Side Effects
15
On the cover: A surprising
number of American women
live with uterine fibroids. Leslie
Scott was one of them, until
she sought treatment at
Riverview Medical Center.
Read her story on page 16.
Sincerely,
• Ask the Health Experts:
Become a Savvy Health
Care Consumer
Live Heart Smart
February is American Heart Month. This issue of
HealthViews is full of content to help you live hearthealthy. Look for the heart icon throughout the issue
for tips on keeping your heart in good shape.
3
Meridian HealthViews January/February 2009
A ‘Mommy Makeover’ — Is It Right for You?
T
he changes a woman’s body goes
through during pregnancy are a
testament to human biology. Some
aspects of the metamorphosis inspire wonder of the “Isn’t it miraculous?!” type. But
for some women, that wonder is followed
by another: “I wonder how I’ll ever get my
pre-mommy figure back!” Cosmetic procedures may be part of the answer.
“Cosmetic surgery is actually very common in women from their late 30s through
their early 50s who’ve had children and
want to return to the more youthful, fit
look they had before pregnancy,” explains
Negin Griffith, M.D., a plastic surgeon on
staff at Riverview Medical Center.
In 2007, doctors performed 1.6 million surgical cosmetic procedures for
women in the U.S. Less invasive procedures also appeal
to some women. Botox
injections, made from the
same toxin that causes
botulism food poisoning, help erase wrinkles in small doses and
are directed at certain
muscles in the face
and forehead. It
doesn’t have any
systemic effects.
More than 9 million U.S. women
had minimally
invasive cosmetic procedures,
including Botox,
in 2007.
Beverly Austin found the right
plastic surgeon for her at Riverview
Medical Center. And now? “I feel
fabulous,” says Beverly.
Overall, cosmetic procedures among
women increased 8 percent in 2007
compared with 2006 and 68 percent compared with 2000.
Getting the Look You Want
There are many reasons women choose
to undergo cosmetic procedures. One
common reason has to do with their feelings about how they look. “Often breastfeeding, combined with the effects of time
and gravity, causes the breasts to lose
volume, change shape, and sag,” says
Dr. Griffith.
This leads some women to get a breast
lift, in which the surgeon raises the nipple
and adjusts the breast tissue to provide a
perkier breast. Others choose augmentation, getting saline or silicone implants.
Some have both procedures.
Procedures commonly considered
cosmetic can serve other purposes too. A
tummy tuck, for instance, can be about
more than slimming the abdomen.
“Pregnancy stretches the abdominal
skin and muscle. In particular, the rectus
abdominus, or ‘six-pack,’ muscle stretches
and separates along the midline. Often it
doesn’t return to its original position after
pregnancy. This can cause visible bulging
and abdominal weakness that can contribute to low back pain,” says Dr. Griffith.
“In abdominoplasty, we can bring the two
sides of this muscle back together while
removing fat and excess skin. This can
improve a patient’s core strength.”
Achieving the Right Balance
Businesswoman and single mother
Beverly Austin, 47, had Botox injections
and underwent breast augmentation at
Riverview Medical Center in 2008. “I was
born with hips, and I’ve always wanted to
balance them out,” she says. A period of
unemployment last spring seemed like the
perfect time.
“Time is a challenge for many busy
mothers. They often neglect themselves
while tending to others,” says Dr. Griffith.
“Then they come to cosmetic procedures
later when they can focus more on themselves again.”
about the Doctor
Negin N. Griffith, M.D.
Plastic Surgery
Holmdel | 732-335-0335
Beverly researched augmentation on
the Internet, scouring before and after
pictures for the look that seemed right
for her body. She also asked friends to
recommend surgeons, which is how she
found Dr. Griffith.
“I felt very comfortable with her immediately and knew that I was in the right
spot for me,” Beverly says.
That’s important, Dr. Griffith says.
“Deciding on and undergoing cosmetic
surgery is an extremely personal process.
It’s very important to be comfortable with
the surgeon who’s going through that process with you.”
She recommends choosing a surgeon
who has completed a U.S.-accredited
residency program and who the American
Board of Plastic Surgery has deemed board
certified or board eligible in plastic surgery.
❯
A Makeover to Consider Carefully
Before you sign up for a “mommy makeover” of your own, keep in mind that
cosmetic surgery deserves thoughtful consideration. “It is a makeover of a sort,” says Dr.
Griffith. “But it’s not a makeover in the same
sense as going to the salon for a new hairdo
or changing your wardrobe. Cosmetic surgery procedures are real operations, and
they have risks, like any operation.”
It’s important to follow a nutritious diet
and exercise regularly when preparing for a
procedure. “Being at a healthy weight and
having good muscle strength improve your
chances for better surgical results in the
short term and preservation of those results
over the long term,” says Dr. Griffith. Good
nutrition also aids healing after surgery.
Discuss your expectations with your surgeon in detail — including what the procedure, recovery, and results are likely to be.
The outcome depends not only on the
surgeon’s skill but also on how your particular body responds and heals. Beverly
got just the balance she sought. “I feel fabulous, and I think I look great. At the same
time, I don’t think people realize I’ve had
augmentation. I consider that successful,”
she says. “It’s exactly what I wanted.” n
The Top five Plastic
Surgeries for Women
Aging, pregnancy, emotional stress —
so many parts of life can affect the skin
you were born in. “Cosmetic surgery can
help you retake control over your appearance,” says Peter T. Hetzler, M.D., a board
certified plastic surgeon affiliated with
Riverview Medical Center.
These are the five most popular cosmetic surgeries for women, according to the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
1. Breast augmentation: Implants are used
to create fuller breasts. “They can restore
breast volume lost after weight loss or
pregnancy,” Dr. Hetzler says.
2. Liposuction: A doctor removes excess fat
deposits to slim and reshape specific areas.
3. Nose reshaping: Nose surgery, or
rhinoplasty, improves the appearance
and proportion of your nose. It also can
correct certain breathing problems.
4. Eyelid surgery: “This procedure improves the
appearance of the eyelids,” he says. “It can
treat under-eye bags and lower lid wrinkles.”
5. Abdominoplasty: An abdominoplasty
removes extra fat and skin and tightens
muscles loosened by pregnancy to give
you a tighter, flatter middle.
about the Doctor
PUT YOUR RED DRESS ON
It’s time for a girls’ night out! Join us as we admire the work of
famous designers as part of the Red Dress Collection from The
Heart Truth campaign. The collection helps raise heart disease
awareness. Space is limited!
See page 11:01
19 for AM
more
information.
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1
Peter T. Hetzler, M.D.
Board certified in
Plastic Surgery and
General Surgery
Little Silver | 732-219-0447
TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
At Riverview, breast cancer reconstruction
is more that skin deep. It’s skin DIEP.
For many breast cancer patients, the DIEP flap procedure is the most advanced and natural approach to breast
reconstruction. Women in our community are fortunate, because Riverview Medical Center is one of just a few
community hospitals in the country to offer the revolutionary DIEP flap procedure.
For women undergoing mastectomy, the DIEP flap provides unique benefits, for example there are no artificial
implants. In addition, this microsurgical procedure transfers excess tissue from a woman’s abdomen and
transplants the living tissue to create a new breast without compromising or removing
the abdominal muscle, keeping the women’s core strong so she can remain active.
For more information, call 800.560.9990
or visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Heart Attack Boosts Gift of Gab in Radio Personality
Radio DJ Mike Fitzgerald is back on the air
after receiving cardiac care at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. And he’s spreading
the word about the importance of heart health
to his listeners.
about the doctor
Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC
Board certified in
Internal Medicine and
Cardiovascular Diseases
Red Bank | 732-219-9300
“
Mike’s Top five
Relaxation tunes
M
ike Fitzgerald rarely has been at
a loss for words.
A station manager and DJ for
a New Jersey radio station, Mike’s never
had a problem making conversation. But
now he has even more to talk about: He
considers it his duty to raise awareness
about heart health and prevention of heart
attacks after he got a second lease on life.
As his interventional cardiologist at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
Michael A. Wappel, M.D., FACC, told him
recently, “You’re the only patient I have
where I can just turn on the radio to get an
update on their condition.”
Coming home from a Fourth of July
fireworks display in Long Branch, Mike felt
pain and pressure in his chest similar to
feelings he had been experiencing during
the week. During a summer where he had
just turned 60 and was going through a
divorce, the pressure was nothing new.
But when the feeling did not go away
that night, he called 911. He was taken
by ambulance to Jersey Shore. Blood tests
confirmed a heart attack. With medication controlling his blood pressure, Mike
was admitted to the hospital and a cardiac
catheterization was scheduled.
“The catheterization helped us pinpoint the diagnosis,” explains Dr. Wappel.
“Then, angioplasty was needed to clear
blockages and restore blood flow to the
heart. Several stents were placed in the
arteries to maintain these openings.”
Mike adds, “I watched the whole procedure on the screen and Dr. Wappel explained
everything he was doing. When he inserted a
stent, he could show the artery opening right
away and told me why he was adding two
more on my left side and one on my right.”
The angioplasty and stent procedures
were a success, and Mike noticed an
immediate change in breathing. He was
diligent about his two weeks of cardiac
rehabilitation, but even rehab didn’t stop
him from calling in to the radio station.
“I felt a responsibility to share what
had happened,” he says. “A lot of people
shared their stories with us.
“Now I’m in the zone. I honestly feel
like I’m 30. But it’s important for people to
take preventive measures — the heart attack
did cause damage to my heart. I maybe
could have avoided this or at least had it
happen later in life.” n — Ryan Younger
1. “ Time to Say Goodbye,” Andrea
Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
2. “Nessun Dorma,” Luciano Pavarotti
3. “Nella Fantasia,” Il Divo
4. “Unexpected Song,” Michael
Crawford
5. “Brahms: Symphony No. 1,” any
orchestra
Music Therapy: Not Just
Another Song and Dance
The next time you need medical care
— listen up. Why? Because experts say
that listening to music might be good
for your health.
In one study of people who had
heart surgery, researchers found that
soothing music lowered patients’
stress levels, breathing rate, and
blood pressure.
Music also helps heal. For example,
patients in a coronary care unit who
listened to music enjoyed slower heart
rates, fewer irregular heartbeats, and
lower blood pressure.
No one type of music is better than
another. It’s more important to listen to
music you enjoy and find relaxing.
target: good health
Make the most of your next workout by learning what your target heart rate should
be. Go to WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com and click on “Interactive Tools” along
the left side. Then, click on “Calculators.”
6
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-DOCTORS
Lending a Heart a Helping Hand
I
n 2006, Leona McGuire, 81, of
Howell, N.J., had surgery to treat thyroid cancer and was looking forward to
returning home. But when her physician
in Pennsylvania discovered problems with
her blood work, he required that she have
a cardiac catheterization.
The test found nothing, but Leona was
experiencing congestive heart failure a week
later. This condition can cause swelling in
the legs and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of
breath. She headed to Jersey Shore University
Medical Center for treatment. It was there
that Kimberly McCourt, R.N., a nurse practitioner at Jersey Shore’s Heart Failure Center,
approached Leona about their services.
“At the Center, we help manage heart
failure by adjusting medication doses to
help alleviate symptoms and slow the
progression of the disease,” says McCourt.
“We also provide in-depth education and
close follow-up to help patients take control of their condition and to prevent
readmission to the hospital.”
After she was released from Jersey
Shore, Leona followed up every few
weeks with the Heart Failure Center for
procedures such as receiving intravenous
diuretics to help alleviate the buildup of
fluid that occurs during heart failure.
But Leona was still having problems.
“Kimberly and Eileen Oates, R.N., at the
Center informed me that even with aggressive treatment, Leona’s health was failing,”
says Lance Berger, M.D., medical director
of the Center. “It was clear we needed to
start from the beginning, so we performed
about the doctors
Lance S. Berger, M.D.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine and
Cardiovascular Diseases
Ocean | 732-663-0300
David L. Johnson, M.D.
Board certified in General
and Thoracic Surgery
Neptune | 732-776-4618
a cardiac catheterization, an
echocardiogram, and a transesophageal echocardiogram.
That revealed two bad heart
valves that required surgery.”
Dr. Berger followed a multidisciplinary approach to ensure
Leona was ready for surgery. He
consulted with an oncologist,
an otolaryngologist, and a lung
specialist. Once cleared, Leona
was scheduled for surgery with
David Johnson, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Jersey Shore.
“In Leona’s case, we needed
to replace two different valves
to resolve two separate problems,” says Dr. Johnson. “The
aortic valve was narrowed and
obstructed. That affects the blood
outflow from the heart and hinders the heart muscle’s pumping ability. The mitral valve was
leaking. It was working twice
as hard.” After surgery, Leona’s
symptoms were greatly relieved.
“We work with heart failure patients and
their physicians to control symptoms and
prevent future hospitalizations due to heart
failure,” says Dr. Berger. “Eighty percent
of all heart failure hospital admissions are
potentially avoidable. Forty percent are
due to medication noncompliance, and the
other 40 percent are due to a poor diet. This
is why education is so important.”
Leona’s daughter, Karen, agrees. “The
ongoing education they provide enables me
to look for signs that my mother might need
to be brought in for treatment,” says Karen.
Karen also appreciates the weekly telemonitoring calls from the staff to check on
Leona’s symptoms, diet, and medications.
“Thanks to the Heart Failure Center, I
feel good and I am still able to do all the
things I used to do before, like gardening,”
Leona says. n — Gabriella Heizler
Leona McGuire doesn’t let heart failure keep
her from doing the things she loves, like
gardening. She credits the Heart Failure
Center for helping her control symptoms
and manage the disease.
Heart Failure at a Glance
Heart failure affects about 5 million
people in the U.S. An estimated
550,000 people are diagnosed each
year. Although heart failure may strike
at any age, it is more common in
people age 65 and older. Major
causes include:
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
You’ve got to have heart
In recognition of American Heart Month, Meridian Health is celebrating 28 Days to a
Healthier Heart. See page 19 for more information.
7
Ocean medical center
Ocean Delivers for Entire Family
H
ospitals sometimes are described as
sterile or clinical. But when talking
about Ocean Medical Center,
people often use words like “exceptional”
and “amazing” to describe the quality
of care and personalized treatment and
compassion they receive there.
That level of service may seem out
of the ordinary for a hospital. But for
Ocean’s staff, it’s all part of a commitment
to their profession and a personal desire
to create an exceptional experience
for each patient. Their commitment is
so exceptional that Ocean has been
recognized as a Magnet Award–winning
hospital (see sidebar).
“The nurses and staff were
fantastic. They really went
out of their way to make
us feel comfortable.”
Michael Lacerda
The Lacerda family — parents Melissa and
Michael, here with baby Madison Rose and son
Mikey — got through a health scare and a special
delivery together, thanks to coordinated care and
outstanding nurses at Ocean Medical Center.
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TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
Imaging Services Pavilion —
The latest technology in the hands of experts.
At Ocean Medical Center we constantly look at the needs of our community to enhance our services with new technology.
We have a team of imaging professionals, including highly trained and experienced radiologists and technologists,
extended hours for convenience, and advanced state-of-the-art technology.
• 64-Slice CT for faster scan times and cardiac studies
• MRI with specialized coils to conduct breast imaging, breast biopsies, prostate, and endorectal exams
• Women’s Imaging Pavilion with the full array of procedures — digital
mammography, ultrasound, and bone density
° Dedicated breast imager (a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging)
• State-of-the-art nuclear camera in a newly renovated space
To schedule an appointment call 732.836.4025. For more
information call 732.836.4000 or visit OceanMedicalCenter.com
Lifesaving Assistance
The Lacerda family experienced this
commitment and service firsthand. In
August 2008, 24-year-old Michael Lacerda
was enjoying a family barbecue when he
started to feel his heart beat rapidly.
Michael had been diagnosed with
type 1 diabetes when he was 15. His wife,
Melissa, who was 39 weeks pregnant with
their second child, was concerned the two
might be related. Together, Melissa and
Michael’s mother convinced him to go to
Ocean Medical Center.
As Michael arrived at Ocean, he
collapsed and was rushed into the
emergency department. He suffered a
diabetes-related seizure, and his heart
went into a life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmia. A defibrillator was used twice
to stabilize his heart.
Once stable, Michael was transported
to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization
laboratory. Here, an invasive cardiologist
performed a cardiac catheterization to
see if Michael’s arteries were blocked. No
blockages were found, so Michael was
transferred to the Critical Care Unit (CCU)
for further monitoring and testing.
When Michael arrived at CCU, nurse
manager Marie Foley-Danecker quickly
recognized that they had some unique
family needs to accommodate. Melissa,
25, was so close to delivery that they
allowed her to sleep in Michael’s room.
On the third night, Melissa’s water
broke. She was admitted to the maternity
unit — on the same floor as the CCU.
Michael’s nurses were determined to help
Michael be there for his wife, just as she
had been there for him.
“This was a very special circumstance,”
says Foley-Danecker. “I spoke to Michael’s
doctor about his stability and requested
orders that he be allowed to spend time
with his wife. We then spoke with the
Maternity nurses to facilitate his presence
at the delivery.”
A Special Delivery
Michael was hooked up to a portable
heart monitor and placed in a wheel-
chair. A CCU nurse accompanied him
to his wife’s bedside and stayed with
him to monitor his condition throughout
the delivery. Michael was there to
welcome his daughter, Madison Rose,
into the world.
After holding the baby and spending
a moment with his wife, Michael was
brought back to CCU. Over the next
24 hours, the CCU and Maternity unit
coordinated care to help the family
spend time together during brief,
monitored visits.
“We wanted to do everything
possible to accommodate this young
couple,” says Foley-Danecker. “Our
nurses and the entire hospital team
pride themselves on taking care of the
whole family.”
The day after his daughter’s birth,
Michael was transferred to Jersey
Shore University Medical Center for
extensive cardiac testing. He was
diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White
syndrome. Michael was treated to correct
the problem and returned home to his
family the next day.
“The nurses and staff were fantastic,”
says Michael. “They really went out of
their way to make us feel comfortable.”
Michael was so inspired by his experience
that he is now going back to school to
become a nurse. n — Donna Sellmann
Best of the Best
When it comes to choosing a
hospital, the quality of the nursing
staff is an important consideration.
Fortunately, your search for
outstanding care need not go
any further than Meridian Health.
The three hospitals in our system
have each received the Magnet
Award for Excellence three times in
a row. Given by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, the award is
nursing’s highest honor.
For patients, going to a hospital
with Magnet status means that they’ll
be getting the best nursing care
from the most qualified nurses.
“It’s not easy to achieve Magnet
status,” says Regina Foley, R.N.,
CHE, chief nurse executive at
Ocean Medical Center. “The
designation says a lot about our
ongoing commitment to quality.”
Foley says the fact that many nurses
have been with Meridian Health for
10 years or more contributes to the
high-caliber care. Also, nearly 60
percent of Meridian Health’s nursing
staff is nationally certified in a
medical specialty. In addition, the
nursing staff plays an important role
in shaping new hospital programs
and services. That shows in the
many patient-focused services and
procedures, Foley says.
“Nurses are the ultimate patient
advocates. They’re the eyes and
ears of a hospital,” she explains.
“Nurses’ views are heard and
respected. And that leads to the
best patient care.”
Exceptional Nurses of the Future
Meridian’s commitment to excellence in nursing continues to grow. This fall, the Georgian Court –
Meridian Health School of Nursing opened its doors. Students can enroll and work toward their bachelor of science in nursing degree. Visit georgian.edu/nursing for more information on the program.
9
shore rehabilitation
institute
‘They Work Miracles Here’
Shore Rehabilitation Institute has helped one Bayville woman overcome life’s challenges more than once.
L
inda Longo knows a lot more about
facing challenges than most folks.
In February 2007, she was rushed to
the hospital with a brain hemorrhage. She
survived surgery but the brain hemorrhage
had caused a stroke. “I couldn’t feel my
left arm or leg, and I needed four people
to help me stand,” Linda says.
After spending four weeks in intensive care, she was transferred to Shore
Rehabilitation Institute in Brick for acute
inpatient rehabilitation.
“Shore Rehab has such wonderful
people,” she says. “I was in bad shape
when I got here, but the physical therapist
was so encouraging and reassuring at each
of my sessions.”
“It was a rewarding experience to witness Linda’s progress during her rehabilitation,” says Debbie Murat, Linda’s physical
therapist. “She was truly a great patient —
very dedicated! She worked hard with all
her therapists, and that allowed her to
maximize her recovery.” After four weeks
of inpatient therapy, Linda left Shore
Rehab, walking with the help of a walker.
She continued outpatient therapy, working with physical therapist Tami Meale and
occupational therapist Rachelle SpencerMikita. “The therapists never gave up! My left
arm was taking longer to come around but
they worked with it to bring back the function. They also brought me to the point where
I was walking without any kind of assistance.
That gave me back my confidence.”
Another Setback
By August Linda had just two therapy sessions remaining. While shopping one day,
she tripped on some store merchandise
and fell, fracturing her hip. Again she was
rushed to the hospital for surgery.
Linda says she felt discouraged and
frustrated with this setback. She returned to
Shore Rehab, where once again the therapists boosted her with their encouragement
and support. When Linda finished her last
outpatient sessions in November 2007, she
was walking with a cane.
High-Tech Outpatient Option
In July 2008, Shore Rehab reached out to
Linda to see if she would be interested in
trialing a new therapy device called the
NESS L300™
. Patients can purchase the NESS
L300 and take it home to continue therapy. It
uses mild stimulation to lift the foot. This may
make it easier for the patient to walk up and
down stairs and on uneven surfaces.
It was a good fit for Linda. She says she
can feel the difference when walking with
the device. She’s even interested in purchasing one for daily use so that she won’t
need to rely on her brace.
Linda’s husband, Philip, reflects on Linda’s
progress. “After her surgery for the brain hemorrhage, her neurosurgeon said it wasn’t likely
that she would regain use of the left side of
her body. I can’t say enough about the caring
therapists at Shore Rehab and the work they
do here.” n — Judee Szaro Treanor
Linda Longo suffered a stroke that impaired movement in her left arm and leg. But her team
of therapists at Shore Rehabilitation Institute — including Tami Meale, shown here assisting
Linda — never gave up, and neither did she. Today, function has been restored in her arm and
leg, and a new home therapy device helps her walk with greater ease.
10
High-Tech Help
To learn more about the NESS L300™
or other therapies Shore Rehabilitation
Institute offers, please call 732-836-4500.
Foundation
Find Reliable Health Information on the Web
Government grant supports Riverview Medical Center librarian’s goal of teaching community
members how to find online health information they can trust.
T
he Internet is a treasure trove of health
information, but sometimes it’s hard
to know which Web resources are
backed by solid evidence. Meridian Health
can help, thanks to a grant recently received
by the John B. Movelle, M.D. Medical
Library at Riverview Medical Center.
The library received a 2007 Technology
Improvement Award by the National
Network of Libraries of Medicine. The
$7,500 grant supports a mobile computer
lab, which is used to offer free hands-on
classes to community members and
hospital staff.
“My goal is to teach people how to find
reliable health resources on the Internet,”
says Amy Edwards, the medical librarian
at Riverview Medical Center who sought
out the grant. “Health is such a universal
concern. I want to make people partners in
their own health care. When I hold classes, I
explore various Web sites with participants.”
She emphasizes that this information
should support, not replace, the doctorpatient relationship.
Surf Safely
• Meridian Health:
WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com
• MedlinePlus: MedlinePlus.gov
• HealthyNJ: www.healthynj.org
▲
11
Your Support Means the World
You can help support important
community programs like this at
Riverview Medical Center. Call the
Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations
at 732-751-5100 or click on “Ways to
Give” at MeridianHealth.com to make
a donation.
▲
Sharing the Knowledge
Edwards has partnered with the Red Bank
Public Library to offer classes to the public.
Other community partnerships are planned
as well. Within the Meridian System she
has taught classes for both the medical and
nursing staff.
“Typically we gear the community
classes to active older adults, but there’s
a fairly universal need for information,”
Edwards says. “Even those experienced
with the Internet will miss key sources of
reliable health information.”
The feedback from class participants
has been positive. “I found this course to
be easy to understand and use,” says Louis
Rivera, 69, of Atlantic Highlands. “There is
an incredible wealth of information readily
available. You can research not only facilities and their ratings, but the background,
training, and education of physicians. It’s
been very helpful to me.” n
▲
Scrutinizing Online Information
In her classes, Edwards gives tips for evaluating online health information. “I talk
about how to evaluate Web sites because
the quality of health information is so variable,” she says. Tips include checking the
following information about Web sites:
n When was the information updated?
n Who wrote the information? Who
reviews the information?
n Is there contact information for the
site’s sponsor?
n Is your privacy protected? Does the Web
site clearly state a privacy policy?
One great online resource is the
recently relaunched Meridian Health
Wellness Center. Government and educational resources are also good choices
for online content. “The National Library
of Medicine’s database, MedlinePlus, is a
great place to start,” says Edwards. “It links
you with other reliable resources.” Another
great resource Edwards uses in her classes
Better access to online health information
takes flight at Meridian. Class participants
like Louis Rivera, above, learn how to use
the Internet to seek the best care.
is HealthyNJ, a consumer health Web site
for New Jersey residents created by the
University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey Libraries.
Attend a Free Class
See page 21 for upcoming dates
for “From Snake Oil to Penicillin:
Finding Reliable Consumer Health
Information on the Internet.”
&
wise&well health news and information for the active adult
Managing Arthritis
in the Winter
D
oes it seem like your joint pain
heats up when the weather cools
down? You’re not alone. “Many
people believe their arthritis gets worse
during certain types of weather,” says
Richard Haddad, M.D., of Riverview
Medical Center. “For instance, some
people with arthritis say they feel more
fatigue during the colder months.”
As the temperature drops, it’s important
to keep managing your arthritis. Your joints
don’t take the season off, and actively managing your joint pain helps prevent it from
getting worse — whatever the weather.
Here are some ways to keep up your
commitment while the mercury falls.
Keep Moving
Even if it’s chilly outside, it’s important to
stay active. “Daily walking, swimming, or
other moderate exercise can help control
arthritis symptoms like
pain,” says Dr. Haddad.
Consider these ideas:
n Join a mall walkers
group or walk an
indoor shopping center on your own.
n Take an aquatic exercise class at a heated
indoor pool.
n If you’re braving the
cold blasts outside,
wear layers made of
silk, fleece, wool, or
down. This helps you
trap your body heat.
And don’t forget the
hat and gloves.
n Reward yourself with
a warm bath after
your workout. Think
of it as a gift to your
muscles and joints!
Warm Up to
Target Pain
If pain from sore joints is an issue, seek
the heat. Adding warmth to a tender
joint can increase blood flow to the area
and help reduce pain and stiffness. Try
applying warm towels or hot packs to
a sore wrist, shoulder, or neck. “Cold
packs can help, too, for inflamed joints
or muscles,” notes Dr. Haddad. “Your
doctor may recommend using both.”
Another suggestion to warm you
up this winter is to book a massage.
Light kneading and massaging strokes
can draw blood into a sore area to
tame pain. Just be sure to tell your
licensed or certified massage therapist
that you have arthritis.
Stay in Summer Shape
Set a goal now to avoid winter weight
gain. Adding pounds can be bad for
weight-bearing joints like the knees,
so try to stay in shape.
One weight-control tip is to watch
your portions. If you’re craving a
warm, comforting bowl of pasta,
remember that a serving is only onehalf cup. Check labels and recipes for
serving sizes, and serve yourself the
right portions.
Avoid the Hazards
of Winter
Joint injuries actually can lead to
arthritis. “Icy sidewalks are a huge
hazard. You might slip and fall,” says
Dr. Haddad. “Wear boots with nonskid
soles to reduce your risk of falling.”
Another winter hazard is snowfall. If
you have to shovel, stretch your major
muscles before you dig in. Try marching in place and moving your shoulders
in circles. Use a shovel with a plastic
blade, which is lighter than metal. As
you’re shoveling, take plenty of breaks.
Finish up with a sprinkling of rock salt
to melt ice on walkways. n
about the doctor
Richard H. Haddad, M.D., FACR
Board certified in Internal
Medicine and Rheumatology
Red Bank | 732-842-3600
Eat healthy in 2009 with this FREE cookbook!
Wow your family and friends with a good meal that’s good for
them. In this free cookbook, you’ll find mouth-watering recipes
that run the gamut from soup to nuts — literally! Call
1-800-DOCTORS today to get your copy. Supplies are limited!
12
Good Health,
GREAT FOOD
A Field Guide to Body Scans
R
outine X-rays usually are used
to show broken bones or general
anatomical structures such as
the chest or abdomen. But sometimes
doctors need other ways to see what’s
happening inside your body. “Your
doctor may want to look at different
tissues, blood vessels, or organs,” says
Dan Flynn, M.D., chief of Radiology at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“We may want to see different views or
obtain more detailed information about
how your body is functioning in order
to diagnose an illness or determine the
best course of treatment.”
There are several technologies that
can give your doctor this information.
Here’s a guide to four scans you’re
likely to hear about.
1. CT scan
For a computed tomography (CT)
scan, you lie on a table that slides
into the CT scanner. A device rotates
around you, emitting X-rays. Your different body tissue absorbs the X-rays,
and the scanner detects the radiation
that passes through your body. With
the use of a high-powered computer,
this information becomes crosssectional pictures, or “slices.” These
slices can be stacked to form a threedimensional image.
“Doctors use CT scans to examine blood vessels and organs, look for
tumors, diagnose injuries, and locate
the right site for a biopsy,” says Dr.
Flynn. “CT scans provide clearer pictures of more types of tissue than traditional X-rays do. We work closely with
cardiologists with the most advanced
technologies to screen for and diagnose
risks for cardiovascular disease.”
2. MRI scan
For magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), you also slide into a scanner
while you lie on a table. “Magnets in
the machine make hydrogen atoms
in your body align in a certain way.
Then the machine emits radio waves,
which bounce off different tissues
differently. “The machine creates twoand three-dimensional images from
the returning signals,” says Dr. Flynn.
Doctors often use MRIs for the
same reasons as CT scans — for
example, to detect tumors. However,
MRIs are better at creating detailed
images of soft tissue, such as at knee
or shoulder joints.
3. PET scan
A positron emission tomography
(PET) scan begins with a small
amount of radioactive tracer that is
injected into your vein. Then you lie
on a table that slides into the scanner. The scanner detects positrons,
tiny particles emitted by the tracer. A
computer converts these signals into a
three-dimensional image.
“A PET scan shows the size, shape,
and position of tissues,” says Dr. Flynn.
“It also tells doctors how they’re functioning. It’s used to look for activity
that indicates disease, such as growth
of a tumor or impaired blood flow to
the heart. We also combine PET/CT in
cases to leverage both technologies to
precisely diagnose disease.”
4. Bone density scan
Also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), this scan measures
how much energy your bones absorb
from low-dose X-rays. From this information, your doctor can tell how dense
your bones are.
about the doctor
Dan Flynn, M.D.
Board certified in Diagnostic and
Interventional Radiology
Neptune | 732-776-4698
Adds Dr. Flynn, “This scan helps
monitor bone loss, detect osteoporosis, and assess fracture risk.”
In the most common type, you
lie on a table and the machine scans
your low back and hips. A small,
portable scanner can also check your
wrist, fingers, or heel. n
Assess Your Health!
Meridian Health’s new online Wellness Center offers a risk
assessment for osteoporosis. Visit WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.
com/InteractiveTools and click on “Risk Assessments.”
13
&
wise&well health news and information for the active adult
Self-Care Tips for Cancer Treatment Side Effects
F
inding out your cancer is treatable is a huge
relief. But will chemotherapy and radiation
make you feel worse than the disease does?
“Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer by targeting
cells that reproduce quickly,” explains Girish Amin,
M.D., a hematologist and medical oncologist at
Ocean Medical Center. “But these drugs travel
throughout the body and can hurt healthy cells,
too.” For example, chemotherapy may damage hair
follicles, causing hair loss all over the body.
Dr. Amin notes that radiation’s side effects
depend on the body part that’s being treated.
“Radiation on cancer cells in the abdomen, for
example, may affect surrounding tissue and lead to
diarrhea,” he says.
It’s difficult to say who will have specific side
effects. The type of cancer, the chemotherapy drug
or amount of radiation, and your health all play a
part. Before you begin treatment, ask your health
care team what to watch for and how you can
cope. Then incorporate the self-care tips below.
Fatigue
“Many cancer patients experience fatigue,” says
Dr. Amin. “It’s one of the most common side
effects.” Try to:
n Prioritize. Don’t fret if you can’t get to less
important tasks on your to-do list.
nA
sk friends and family to help with
chores and errands.
n Get plenty of rest.
nS
et an alarm for daytime naps if you
have trouble sleeping at night.
n Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo
it. Ask your doctor about appropriate activities.
Hair Loss
With chemotherapy, your hair may thin or fall out.
Radiation tends to cause hair loss only in the targeted area. Hair usually grows back, but it may not
be the same texture or color. If you are concerned,
consider the following:
n As your hair thins, maximize fullness with a
shorter cut.
n Purchase hats, scarves, or wigs.
n If you are going hatless outdoors, apply sunscreen on your scalp, too.
Nausea
This classic chemotherapy side effect also can
happen with radiation. Here’s how to cope:
n Take prescription antinausea medication as
directed. If it isn’t working, tell your doctor.
There may be other options.
n Sip clear liquids such as apple juice, tea, or flat
ginger ale.
n Have smaller meals more frequently.
n Eat foods cold or at room temperature. The
aromas won’t be as strong.
“Always keep your health care team
informed about your side effects,”
advises Dr. Amin. “Your doctor may
be able to adjust your treatment or
prescribe medication to help you
feel better.” n
about the doctor
Girish S. Amin, M.D.
Medicine, Hematology,
and Medical Oncology
Brick | 732-840-8880
STOP cancer in its tracks
Join us for dinner and a symposium about preventing and surviving colorectal cancer.
See page 20 for more details on this event, which will be held on March 11.
14
Ask the Health Experts:
Become a Savvy Health Care Consumer
Q: Sometimes new medical
studies contradict other
health advice I’ve heard.
How can I make sense of
medical studies?
A:
News about medical studies
can be confusing. “When you
come across a new finding, pay attention to the details,” advises Joseph G.
Boak Jr., M.D., of Riverview Medical
Center. “Not all studies are alike. For
example, research involving people,
rather than animals, is typically more
relevant to you.” You also should note:
n How many people took part in
the study
n The characteristics of the people in
the study, such as gender or ethnicity
n Where the study was published
“The more people studied and
the more they are like you, the more
meaningful the results are to you,”
explains Dr. Boak. “Also look into
who paid for the study and who is
reporting it.” For example, if it’s a
study about the benefits of a certain
medication and the medicine’s manufacturer funded the study, be wary.
If you are considering changing a
health habit based on a study, check
with your doctor first.
Joseph G. Boak Jr., M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine
Tinton Falls | 732-741-3600
❯
Q: I’m thinking about
participating in a clinical
trial. What should I know
about them?
A:
“Clinical trials are research
studies that test how well new
medical treatments or interventions
work, or try to identify an improvement in therapy,” says William A.
Lerner, M.D., of Ocean Medical Center.
“You may want to participate in a
clinical trial to learn more about a new
treatment that’s not widely available yet,
or to help researchers.”
Clinical trials have guidelines about
who can participate. Age, gender, and
medical history are all factors. Learn
as much as possible about the study
before participating. Dr. Lerner suggests asking these questions:
n What is the purpose of the study?
n What are the risks and benefits of
the treatment or intervention?
n How long will it last?
n How will the trial affect your daily life?
All three Meridian Health hospitals offer access to clinical trials to
help advance the care we bring to
New Jersey. For more information on
participating in a clinical trial, visit
WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com.
Q: My doctor suggested I
see a specialist. I noticed that
some are board certified.
What does this mean? Is it
important?
A:
All doctors attend medical
school, complete a residency
training program, and pass exams
in order to qualify for their license
to practice medicine in a particular state.
“To attain board certification after
residency, doctors take additional
exams,” explains Alan Zaccaria, M.D.,
medical staff president and chief
of Plastic Surgery for Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. “They
also may take a second board certification exam after they receive extra
training in a specialty, such as geriatrics or cardiology.”
Doctors generally are not required
to be board certified, but board certification is now a requirement to be on
staff at Jersey Shore. “When they are
certified,” says Dr. Zaccaria, “it means
they have taken extra steps to stay
abreast of the latest advances in their
specialty and they have the expertise
to provide exceptional patient care.”
William A. Lerner, M.D.
Medicine, Hospice and
Palliative Medicine, and
Hematology-Oncology
Manasquan | 732-528-0760
Alan Zaccaria, M.D., FACS
Board certified in Plastic Surgery
and Surgery
Little Silver | 732-530-8565
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a general health question?
MeridianHealth, Attn.: Maura McBride
You’re probably not the only one. The best health questions
1350 Campus Parkway
come from you — and by asking them you will be helping all our
Neptune, NJ 07753
readers. Send us your question, and it may appear in an upcom-
Please include your full name and mailing address, so we can
ing issue of HealthViews, answered by one of the experts at
send you your prize. We will use only your first name and city
Meridian Health.* Simply for submitting your question, you will
of residence in the publication.
receive a FREE copy of our brochure, Being Active for Life.
*If you need personal advice, please consult your own
Submit your question to:
general practitioner, consultant, or nurse.
A Growing Problem
for Many Women
Minimally invasive procedure
offers women an alternate way
to reduce uterine fibroids —
and their symptoms.
“Although it was a scary time
for me, Dr. Shah and his
team put me at ease
throughout the ordeal.“
Leslie Scott
about the doctor
Pranav N. Shah, M.D.
Board certified in Vascular
and Interventional Radiology,
and Radiology
Red Bank | 732-747-1429
M
ore than 30 percent of women in
the U.S. are living with uterine
fibroids, noncancerous growths
that develop in the muscular wall of the
uterus. Some women can live for years
without any symptoms. However, the size
and location can lead to pain, a feeling of
fullness, heavy bleeding, frequent urination, and painful intercourse.
For years hysterectomy has been the
most effective method of treatment. Now
there is another option. Uterine artery
embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that may help patients
avoid the risks and side effects associated
with hysterectomy.
UAE involves placing a small catheter
into an artery in the groin and directing it to
the blood supply of the fibroids. Little plugs
are injected through the catheter to block
these arteries, causing the fibroids to shrink.
Leslie Scott (left), pictured with fellow teacher
Lisa Lombardi, gives high marks to Riverview
Medical Center for treating her uterine fibroids
without hysterectomy.
Leslie Scott of Little Silver can speak
to the merits of UAE. In 2006, Leslie was
ready to begin her new career as a math
teacher at Middletown High School North.
While her gynecologist had mentioned
she had fibroids years earlier, she had never
had any symptoms or discomfort. But on her
first day of teaching she realized the problem had become more serious. “I was experiencing heavy bleeding, and I was weak
and dizzy,” explains Leslie. “I never made it
past the nurse’s office that morning!”
Riverview Medical Center–affiliated
gynecologist Kelly Hammond, M.D.,
evaluated Leslie and immediately knew
the fibroids had changed. Calling ahead to
the hospital, she asked Leslie to meet with
Pranav Shah, M.D., a vascular and interventional radiologist affiliated with Riverview.
Dr. Shah said she was a good candidate for
UAE, which most of the time is a same-day
procedure. Most important, it often allows
women to avoid a surgical hysterectomy.
“Results are usually felt within days,”
explains Dr. Shah. “Short-term benefits
include a reduction in bleeding and
cramping. Within six months of the procedure, fibroids and the uterus can shrink
up to 30 percent to 50 percent in volume,
resulting in improvement in pressure, back
pain, and urinary tract symptoms.”
On average, 85 percent to 90 percent
of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief from heavy
bleeding and pain.
Leslie was back to work in a week.
“Since I was starting a new job, there was
no way I could take time off to recover
from a hysterectomy. I was thrilled to hear
there was another option that had a quicker
recovery time,” Leslie says. “Although it
was a scary time for me, Dr. Shah and his
team put me at ease throughout the ordeal.
This was two years ago, and I haven’t experienced any abnormal bleeding since.” n
— Sara Scipioni
Get Well Soon
For more information on uterine artery embolization, please
visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com or call 1-800-DOCTORS.
16
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Jersey Shore Helps in a Pinch
E
lectrician Peter Lubrano, 69, of Toms
River, has always been dedicated to
his work. In fact, he can’t remember
the last time he called in sick.
Things changed in early 2008. Peter
noticed that the simple wiring he was
working on was becoming more difficult —
his thumb and pointer finger would shake
uncontrollably. “At first I didn’t think anything about it,” says Peter. “I thought I was
just getting older.”
But on March 17, Peter was performing
electrical work at Ocean County Mall when
his legs began to feel extremely heavy, his
arms became very tired, and his fingers
went numb. “Out of nowhere I collapsed,”
he recalls. “I thought I was going to die.”
After speaking with his wife and consulting numerous physicians, it became
apparent he needed to see a neurosurgeon. He scheduled a visit with Simon A.
Salerno, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center. The diagnosis: cervical stenosis with myelopathy.
Spinal Sensations
Cervical stenosis is a condition in which
the spinal canal becomes too small for
the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can
cause damage to the spinal cord, a condition called myelopathy, which means the
spinal cord is pinched in the spinal canal.
While some people are born with this
narrowing, most cases of cervical stenosis
occur in people older than age 50 as a
result of wear and tear on the spine.
“Symptoms can include neck pain,
pain in one or both arms, trouble walking or balancing, an electrical sensation
shooting down the back, and numbness of
the arms,” says Dr. Salerno.
As the condition progresses, as it
did with Peter, weakness of the arms,
hands, legs, and feet can cause loss
of coordination.
“Patients who have surgery typically can
get out of bed the same day surgery is performed. With a few days of inpatient rehabilitation activity, Peter was discharged.”
“Since the surgery in early July, I
have not had a single spasm,” adds Peter.
“This was a very emotional process for my
wife and me, but from the first moment
that I walked into Dr. Salerno’s office, I
knew that I was in great hands.” n
— Robert Cavanaugh
The Surgical Option
Many cases of cervical stenosis are treated
successfully with nonsurgical techniques
such as pain and anti-inflammatory medications. “If nonsurgical measures do not work,
or if there is extreme spinal cord compression as in Mr. Lubrano’s case, surgical techniques can be used,” says Dr. Salerno.
Because Peter was in such pain and
had spinal cord dysfunction, Dr. Salerno
recommended surgery. “The goal of this
particular surgical decompression treatment was to widen Peter’s spinal canal
and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord
by removing what was causing the compression,” he says.
While on an electrical job, Peter
Lubrano’s fingers began to shake
uncontrollably. His symptoms
gradually worsened, until he
collapsed. The cause? Cervical
stenosis, a condition often
caused by wear and tear on
the spine over years.
about the doctor
Simon A. Salerno, M.D.
Neurosurgery
Wall | 732-974-0003
Add ‘Good Health’ to Your 2009 Resolutions
Kick off the new year by becoming your own personal health advocate. Meridian Health is offering a
wellness fair and health screenings in January. See page 22 for event details.
17
ocean medical center
Total Knee Replacement:
A Mother-Daughter Affair
I
t had been some time since Sally Bates and her mother, Dorothy
Haver, lived under the same roof. But in January 2008, Sally, married
with grown children of her own, was bunking down the hall from
Dorothy. She was also recovering from the same knee surgery.
“Because people are living longer, it’s become increasingly common
to see older adults and their grown children having joint replacement
surgery to maintain functioning and a good quality of life,” says Joseph
Bogdan, M.D., the orthopedic surgeon who operated on both Sally and
Dorothy at Ocean Medical Center.
Trying to Cope
For years, Dorothy, 84, had suffered from pain in both knees caused by
osteoarthritis. Everyday activities such as getting in and out of a car had
become extremely difficult. Dorothy began using a wheelchair and staying home more, even declining invitations to family gatherings.
Then Sally began having knee problems, also caused by osteoarthritis. “The pain in my left knee would not go away,” she says. “I limped.
It affected every facet of my life, and it was extremely upsetting.”
In June 2007, on the recommendation of Dorothy’s physician, Sally
took Dorothy to consult with Dr. Bogdan. He recommended a knee
replacement on Dorothy’s right knee and successfully performed the
surgery in September at Ocean Medical Center. It went so well that
Dr. Bogdan recommended Dorothy have surgery on her left knee. Sally
also consulted with Dr. Bogdan on her own knee. He scheduled a knee
replacement for her as well.
“We both had a total knee replacement within two weeks of each
other,” recalls Sally. She spent a week at an area rehab center with her
mother. Dorothy spent six weeks there.
Dorothy Haver and daughter Sally Bates now can walk together
without pain. Both had successful knee replacement surgery at Ocean.
Sally continues to work out with a personal trainer at Meridian Life
Fitness, while Dorothy is back to water aerobics and bingo.
about the doctor
Joseph P. Bogdan, M.D.
Board certified in
Orthopedic Surgery
Brick | 732-840-7500
Back on Track
Joint replacement isn’t for everyone, Dr. Bogdan says, but for the right
candidates the procedure can have dramatic results. “If conservative
treatments have failed, and if our patients are healthy enough for joint
replacement surgery, it may be the best treatment for them,” he says.
For Sally and Dorothy, it was just what the doctor ordered. Sally,
now 52, and her husband are once again enjoying leisurely walks on
the beach together. She plans to take golf lessons. Dorothy is back
playing bingo and exercising in the pool.
“I was a little hesitant about the surgery because of my age, but I’m
just so glad Dr. Bogdan suggested I have it,” Dorothy says. “I’m getting
around so much better, and I’m feeling great.” n
targeted treatment options available at orthopedic and joint replacement center
The Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Center at Ocean Medical Center offers a full range of specialized services,
including shoulder, knee, and hip replacement; sports medicine programs; and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and fitness services. The center also offers minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery and a
quicker return to normal activities. For a physician referral, please call 1-800-DOCTORS.
18
calendar of EVENTS
january and february 2009
Featured Events from Meridian Health
Call 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) to register. Or, register online at MeridianHealth.com.
28 Days to a Healthier Heart
Celebrate American Heart Month this February by participating in this special series from
Meridian Health designed to help you improve your heart health and prevent heart disease.
Check MeridianHealth.com throughout the month for heart-healthy tips and recipes.
Meridian Healthy Heart Expo
When it comes to maintaining a healthy
heart, Meridian’s Healthy Heart Expo
is your one-stop resource for the latest
heart tips and healthy lifestyle techniques. Our experts will provide free
health screenings, educate you on heart
health, and demonstrate how to prepare
heart-healthy meals through our Cooking
with Heart program.
February 3
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Jumping Brook Country Club
Neptune
Heart and Soul Gospel
Extravaganza
Ladies’ Night Out:
The Red Dress Event
To mark Black History Month and
American Heart Month, Meridian Health
invites you to its second annual Heart
and Soul Gospel Extravaganza. The event
will feature Meridian physicians who will
discuss cardiovascular and stroke-related
issues among the African-American
community, as well as performances by
local talent.
February 6
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Casino, Georgian Court University
Lakewood
Plan a night out with the girls and view
several dresses fresh off the runway from
New York’s 2009 Fashion Week as The
Heart Truth campaign’s Red Dress Collection hits Red Bank! Enjoy cocktails, hors
d’oeuvres, door prizes, and giveaways. Most
important, learn how you can be hearthealthy. Reserve your spot now, as limited
tickets are available. Tickets are $50, and
a portion of the proceeds will benefit
Meridian Health. Call 1-800-DOCTORS
for registration information.
February 26
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuscan Room
Buona Sera Restaurant and Bar
Red Bank
19
meridian health | january and february 2009 | calendar of events
Meridian Health–sponsored events are free unless noted
otherwise. Please register to reserve a space as classes
and seminars can fill up quickly. To register for any event
or for more information, please call 1-800-DOCTORS
(1-800-362-8677). Register online at MeridianHealth.com.
Cancer Services
Colorectal Cancer: The
Preventable Cancer
Join Meridian Health for a
symposium on surviving
colorectal cancer. Thomas R.
Lake III, M.D., a colorectal
surgeon affiliated with Ocean
Medical Center, will discuss the
latest developments in treatment
and surgery. Dinner included.
Registration required.
March 11
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Rooms A and B
Cardiac Services
Heart Health Through
Exercise and Diet
Learn ways to prevent cardiac
disease through exercise and diet.
February 5
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness,
Point Pleasant
Childbirth/
Maternity Services
Childbirth Education Series
Meridian Health offers a full
range of educational classes and
seminars for both first-time and
experienced parents who want to
learn more about specific topics
and familiarize themselves with
their delivery hospital before the
birth. Topics include:
• Baby Care
• Baby Makes Three: New Parent
Education
• Breastfeeding
• Childbirth Series and Childbirth Refresher
• Maternity Tour and Tiny
Tots Tour
• Sibling Class
• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
(VBAC)
Please register before your
third trimester. Sessions and
class details vary among our
three hospitals, but all are scheduled on the basis of expected
delivery date.
February 10
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Wall
Counseling and
Behavioral Health
Maintaining a
Healthy Heart
This children’s support group
addresses issues associated with
coping with chronic illness. Children between the ages of 8 and 16
only. Contact the Children’s Day
Program at Meridian Behavioral
Health at 732-869-2790, ext. 2,
for registration, scheduling/
appointment details, insurance
information, and fees. Registration required.
Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Meridian Behavioral Health
402 Highway 35 N, Neptune
Are you at risk for cardiac
disease? Learn the latest in
heart disease prevention and
treatment options. FREE.
February 19
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Room B
Support Group for Children
with Chronic Illness
Children’s Art Therapy
Program
This multisession program is
exclusively for youngsters
(ages 4½ to 13) who have
experienced a loss or are
dealing with a chronically or
terminally ill loved one. Participants are interviewed prior to
attendance. Call 732-530-2382
to register.
Children’s Group
Counseling
Meridian Health offers intensive
therapy through three different
programs at two hospitals for
children who are experiencing
all types of emotional and/or
behavioral difficulties:
• Adolescent Intensive Program
(ages 13 to 18)
• Children’s After-School
Program (ages 7 to 13)
• Children’s Therapeutic Nursery
Group (ages 3 to 6)
Age-specific groups address
such issues as coping techniques,
anger management, and social
skills. Call for registration,
scheduling/appointment
details, insurance information,
and fees.
Diabetes and Exercise
Join Meridian Life Fitness to
learn how exercise affects diabetes. FREE. Registration required.
Call 732-776-4485 to register.
February 20
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Neptune
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition Counseling
Consult with a registered dietitian to design a food plan that
will help you meet your weight
management and medical nutrition needs. Offered by Meridian
Life Fitness. Call 732-776-4485
for fee and registration.
Lose for Life
Are you interested in learning
how to lose weight and keep it
off? Come to our seminar or call
any of our four locations for oneon-one information to learn if
Lose for Life is the right program
for you. Registration required.
Call 732-776-4485 to register or
1-800-DOCTORS for a Meridian
Life Fitness location near you.
January 27
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Neptune
Diabetes Services
General Fitness
and Wellness
Meridian offers educational
and support programs for those
with diabetes on an individual
or group basis. Learn more
about this disease and how
to manage it. Physician referral
required. Call 1-800-DOCTORS
for applicable dates, times,
and fees.
Children’s
Programs
Comprehensive Diabetes
Management
20
Children’s Yoga
This five-week yoga class, designed for children ages 8 to 13,
teaches proper yoga positioning,
increases flexibility, and develops
core muscle stabilization. Registration required. Fee: $50. Call
732-776-4485 to register.
services | events | lectures | screenings | 1-800-doctors
Fridays
3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness
Neptune
FREE Children’s
Yoga Demo
One-day demonstration class.
Registration required. FREE. Call
732-776-4485 to register.
January 26
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness
Neptune
Fit Kids
Kids ages 2½ to 6 years can
learn the importance of good
health during this lively fitness
and tumbling program offered
by Meridian Life Fitness.
Call 732-280-8118 for fee
and registration.
Preadolescent Exercise
Program
This five-week series of exercise
classes promotes healthy weight
loss and an active lifestyle in preadolescent children with cardiovascular activities, weight training, and nutritional education.
Offered by Meridian Life Fitness
in Neptune. Medical clearance
from a pediatrician and registration required. Call 732-776-4485
for fee and registration.
Adult Programs
Fibromyalgia and Chronic
Pain Life Enhancement
This two-step program, designed
and administered by physical
therapists and exercise specialists,
is aimed at helping individuals
whose pain is limiting their
daily functions. Sponsored by
Meridian Life Fitness in Point
Pleasant. Call 732-295-1778
for registration.
this new service. Free. Registration required. Call 732-312-1800
to register.
January 21
3:30 p.m. Registration
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Presentation
Meridian Subacute
Rehabilitation at Wall
1725 Meridian Trail
Memory Loss: What’s
Normal, What’s Not
Join Kenneth Kronhaus, M.D.,
in an interactive discussion on
memory loss.
February 12
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Room A
From Snake Oil to
Penicillin: Finding
Reliable Consumer Health
Information on the Internet
Join medical librarian Amy
Edwards for a FREE, hands-on
class to explore the National
Library of Medicine’s database,
MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus has
extensive information about
drugs and supplements, an
illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials,
and the latest health news. Let’s
work together to accomplish two
valuable goals: introducing you
to high-quality online health
information and teaching you to
evaluate the quality of Web sites.
Registration required. To register,
call 1-800-DOCTORS.
February 17
10:00 a.m. – noon
Milton A. Mausner, Esq.
Conference Room
(next to cafeteria)
Parkinson’s Life
Enrichment
This two-step program designed
and administered by physical
therapists and exercise specialists
at Meridian Life Fitness in Brick
helps people with Parkinson’s
disease improve their flexibility,
balance, and strength, enabling
them to perform everyday
activities with greater ease. Call
732-295-1778 (Pt. Pleasant) or
732-836-4007 (Brick) for fee
and registration.
Miscellaneous
Medication Therapy
Management — Are You
At Risk?
If you or a loved one takes
multiple medications, you are at
increased risk for drug interactions and side effects. Learn how
to decrease your risk through the
Pharmacology Institute at Ocean
Medical Center. Our consultant
pharmacist can help detect and
eliminate potentially unnecessary
drugs, minimize medication side
effects, and educate you on the
proper use of medications. Come
and find out how you can access
Booker Library
Home Delivery
The Booker Health Sciences
Library at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center accepts inquiries
and requests for materials from
anyone looking to learn more
about a medical topic and/or
a specific disease or condition.
Consumer health information
materials can be requested via
telephone, fax, or e-mail. In response, the library sends a packet
of credible, reliable information
directly to the individual, at no
cost. Contact the library at:
Phone: 732-776-4265
Fax: 732-776-4530
E-mail: jsumclibrary@
meridianhealth.com
CPR Training
All Meridian hospitals are
American Heart Association
(AHA) CPR Training Centers.
The AHA strongly promotes
knowledge and proficiency
in CPR and has developed
instructional materials for
this purpose. Dates, times,
and locations for the classes
vary. For further information,
please call 1-800-DOCTORS.
• Adult HeartSaver AED
• Health Care Provider CPR
• Health Care Provider CPR
Renewal
• HeartSaver First Aid
• Pediatric CPR for Friends
and Family
• Pediatric HeartSaver CPR
Orthopedics and
Sports Medicine
Preoperative Orthopedic
Surgery Session
For all patients undergoing
orthopedic surgery, Meridian
offers an orientation session
that provides an overview of
your complete hospital stay
through rehabilitation and
nursing. Topics covered include
functional status, mobility, pain
management, and exercise.
Any program may be canceled as late as an hour before the program’s start time if there are severe weather conditions. Please call
1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) or the hospital’s information desk (after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends) for confirmation.
21
meridian health | january and february 2009 | calendar of events
Meridian Health–sponsored events are free unless noted
otherwise. Please register to reserve a space as classes
and seminars can fill up quickly. To register for any event
or for more information, please call 1-800-DOCTORS
(1-800-362-8677). Register online at MeridianHealth.com.
SCREENINGS
New Year, New You:
Wellness Fair and
Health Screenings
Make a resolution to maintain
good health in 2009! Start the
year off with health screenings
to check your blood pressure,
cholesterol, body fat, and bone
density. Take advantage of nutrition and fitness demonstrations
and more. FREE. Registration
required.
January 3
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University
Medical Center
Lance Auditorium
January 17
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
East Wing
Conference Center
Rooms A, B, and C
January 31
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Blaisdell Auditorium
February 28
9:00 a.m. – noon
Blaisdell Lobby
Women’s Health Screenings
Senior Services/
Wise & Well
Leave the kids at home, invite
your mom or bring your best
friend to celebrate American
Heart Month with special health
screenings just for women. We’ll
check your blood pressure, cholesterol, body composition, and
bone density numbers. Registration required.
February 7
9:00 a.m. – noon
Jersey Shore University
Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104 and 105
February 21
9:00 a.m. – noon
Community Room
Don’t peek! See page 26 for our heart-themed crossword puzzle!
AARP Defensive Driving
This two-day course — a
classroom presentation with
no behind-the-wheel driving
— can reduce your car insurance
costs! Dates, times, and locations
vary. Call for registration and fee.
Ocean County FREE
Cholesterol and Blood
Pressure Screenings for
Low-Income Seniors
The Ocean County Board of
Chosen Freeholders has provided
Ocean Medical Center with a
grant to perform a once-a-year
cholesterol and glucose screening
for qualified residents of Ocean
County who are older than 60.
Call 1-800-DOCTORS for dates
and locations.
Support Groups
Meridian offers a variety of support groups addressing concerns
such as bereavement, anorexia
and bulimia, cancer, Alzheimer’s
disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, and many
other medical conditions. For
information, dates, and times,
please call 1-800-DOCTORS
or log on to Meridian’s Web site
at MeridianHealth.com for a
complete listing.
Volunteer
Opportunities
Get Up, Get Out, and
Volunteer!
Meridian Health always welcomes
enthusiastic volunteers at any of
our hospitals and facilities. Please
call us to explore how both you
and others can benefit from your
generous donation of time. Flexible hours and a wide variety of
positions are available, including hospice volunteers, who are
specifically equipped to provide
invaluable companionship and
support for terminally ill patients,
as well as respite for family
members. Training is required
for some volunteer positions.
Women’s Health and
Family Services
Pediatric Preoperative Tour
Help your child (ages 1 to 12) prepare for hospital admission to Jersey
Shore by accompanying him or her
on a free tour, which runs every
Tuesday. Registration required.
When Do I Call 1-800-DOCTORS?
Call 1-800-DOCTORS to register for any of the
classes listed on this page.
We look forward to hearing from you!
22
K. Hovnanian Children’s hospital
Childhood Obesity
Today May Mean Heart Disease Tomorrow
M
ost health care professionals
agree that adults who are
obese are at increased risk for
heart disease. But now researchers are
finding that this same risk holds true for
children who are obese. “Because obesity
among children has been rising steadily in
recent years, there is great cause for concern,” says Paul Schwartzberg, D.O., of
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
A Growing Problem
Not too long ago, children got plenty of
physical activity and ate a fairly healthy
diet. Today, more and more children
spend hours in front of a television or
computer screen, and they often consume
too many high-calorie, high-fat foods.
“Together these habits can add up to a
whole lot of trouble,” says Dr. Schwartzberg.
“And that’s one reason why childhood
obesity has become such a problem.”
To determine if a child is overweight,
health care providers typically use body
mass index, or BMI, which is a calculation
of weight in relation to height. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
says a child is obese if his or her BMI is at or
above the 95th percentile for his or her age.
According to the American Heart
Association, the prevalence of childhood
obesity in the U.S. tripled between 1980
and 2000. Today, between 17 percent
and 19 percent of children ages 6 to 19
are overweight. And according to a study
reported in the New England Journal of
Medicine, a higher BMI during childhood
is associated with an increased risk for
heart disease in adulthood. For example,
boys who were overweight by 25 pounds
at age 13 had a 33 percent higher risk for
heart disease in adulthood than those at a
normal weight at that age.
What Can Be Done?
The good news about childhood obesity is
that we know what causes it and how to
help prevent or reverse it. “Parents and other
caregivers can help their children maintain
a healthy weight and perhaps avoid future
heart disease,” says Dr. Schwartzberg.
about the doctor
Paul Schwartzberg, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Neptune | 732-776-4267
That’s the central focus of the LIFT
program — Let’s Improve Fitness Together.
LIFT is an educational program for children
ages 10 and older that Dr. Schwartzberg
directs through The Family Health Center
located behind Jersey Shore University
Medical Center.
These tips can help:
n Limit TV, video game, and computer time.
n Encourage regular physical activity.
n Don’t reward children with food.
n Eat dinner together.
n Teach children healthy eating habits. n
meet our newest doctor!
Doctor Bernard (shown at right) and
the Pawsitive Action Team are here
to make sure you stay healthy and
“treat yourself right!” Visit the Online
Clubhouse at DoctorBernard.com.
23
Doctor
Bernard Says …
There are plenty of ways
to stay active and
healthy this winter.
Here are just a few ideas!
n Learn to ski downhill
or cross country.
n Build a snowman or
snow fort.
n Celebrate a winter
birthday with a family trip to ice
skate, toboggan, or snowboard.
Don’t forget helmets and wrist guards
for snowboarders.
n When you watch TV, lead your family in
push-ups or jumping jacks during the
commercials. Or try stretching or lifting
free weights.
n For family exercise time, plug in an
exercise tape or DVD.
n For indoor exercise, buy a jump
rope and take turns jumping for five
minutes at a time. Or have a contest
to see who can keep a hula hoop spinning the longest.
n Put on some lively music and invite
your family to dance.
meridian health
Keep Your Heart
Healthy Through the Years
Your heart pumps life-giving blood to all
the other organs in your body. Women can
do a lot to take care of their hearts throughout their lives. And when they do, they will
help protect themselves against America’s
number one killer — heart disease.
H
“
eart-smart fundamentals hold
at every age,” says Caryn M.
Giacona, M.D., family practice
physician, Riverview Medical Center.
“These include eating right, exercising,
maintaining a healthy weight, and not
smoking. It’s also important to control
blood pressure and cholesterol, which can
build up in arteries and block blood flow.”
Adds Dr. Giacona, “As you age, your
heart and arteries work differently, and
you may face additional pressures and
risks each day.”
Follow our guide to treat your heart
right throughout life, and encourage loved
ones to do the same.
about the doctors
Mitchel B. Alpert, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
and Pediatric Cardiology
Brick | 732-458-9666
Caryn M. Giacona
Board certified in
Family Practice
Middletown | 732-671-0860
Ginja Massey, M.D.
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Freehold | 732-577-1199
Sandip K. Parikh, M.D.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine
Brick | 732-262-0222
Children &
Teens
“It’s never too
early to build a strong heart,” says
Mitchel Alpert, M.D., director of the
Division of Pediatric Cardiology at
n Breastfeed if you can; it’s better for your
baby’s heart.
n Instill an exercise habit. Kids ages 3 and
older should get 30 to 60 minutes a day.
n Consider testing your kids’ cholesterol if
there is any history of high cholesterol or
heart disease in the family. Narrowing of
the arteries can start young.
n Feed your family heart-healthy foods,
such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables,
and low-fat dairy products. If kids don’t
like them at first, try again.
n Beginning at age 3, check children’s
blood pressure yearly. It’s important to
detect and treat high numbers early.
n Teach teens to say no to cigarettes.
Smoking significantly increases heart
disease risk.
20s
As you enter adulthood, be
sure to make your health a priority. Ginja
Massey, M.D., OB/GYN in Freehold and
on staff at Jersey Shore University Medical
Center, recommends the following:
n Starting at age 20, get your blood pressure checked at every doctor visit and
your cholesterol screened at least every
five years. Your doctor may recommend
more frequent tests based on risk.
n Get a thorough physical exam. Ask the
doctor to assess your heart disease risk.
24
24
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com
nC
heck with your parents and other
relatives to see if there’s a family
history of heart disease.
n In your 20s, you may be living on your
own for the first time — and cooking
for yourself. Start heart-healthy habits.
Bake, roast, or broil instead of frying.
Choose lean cuts of meat and trim
excess fat.
n If you have a heart condition or risk
factors for heart disease, talk with your
doctor before you get pregnant.
30s
In your 30s, you may be
starting a family, a new career, or simply
facing a different set of choices than when
you were younger. These tips can help,
says Dr. Massey.
n Drink alcohol only in moderation: no
more than one a day for women.
n Manage stress. Avoid overeating or
drinking in response. Try deep breathing
or yoga instead.
n Watch for the development of new heart
abnormalities during pregnancy, including heart murmurs, irregular heartbeats,
and high blood pressure. These conditions are more common among pregnant
women 35 and older.
n If you take birth control pills, keep an eye
on your blood pressure and don’t smoke.
The pill may boost your chances of heart
attack or stroke, especially after age 35.
n Quit smoking before you turn 40. You
will add nine years to your life, and your
risk for heart attack drops quickly.
meridian health
Taking Steps to Keep Heart Disease at Bay
40s
“Remember to
always take care of your wellbeing, no matter how busy life gets,”
says Sandip Parikh, M.D., of Ocean
Medical Center.
n Diabetes dramatically raises heart
risks. Consider getting your blood
glucose tested at age 45. Your doctor
may recommend you have this test
every three years.
n You may be caring for both aging parents
and young children in your 40s. Squeeze
exercise into a busy schedule by making
small changes. Take the stairs instead of
the elevator and park farther from the
office or store.
n Don’t fret about the past. Studies show
people who adopt healthy habits in
midlife and beyond still can prevent
heart disease and live longer.
n Ask your doctor about aspirin. It might
help the hearts of men ages 40 and
older, postmenopausal women, or people with high heart risks.
Each year Meridian Health team members participate in the American Heart
Association’s Start! Shoreline Heart Walk to raise funds in support of heart
disease and stroke education and research.
“The Start! program is a natural complement to Meridian’s mission to
improve the health and well-being of our communities,” says Peter Daniels,
president of Ocean Medical Center and cochair of the 2008 walk. “The walk
is a call to arms to become more physically active so we can all live longer,
stronger lives.”
Women of all ages from across the state turn out for the event to demonstrate their concern over the impact of heart disease.
Rebecca Lynn Turner, 20
“At a young age, many people ignore heart health,
but it’s important at every age. It affects the rest of
your life.”
Carolyn Cannon, 39
“It’s important to be educated about the risks
for heart disease, especially if you are AfricanAmerican. Heart disease is the number one killer
of African-American women.”
50s & up
Marcia Joseph, 43
“Age actively,
never passively,” Dr. Parikh says.
n Maintain your fitness habit. Physical
activity fights the stiffening of the arteries that occurs as you age — even if you
don’t start exercising until age 60 or 70.
n It’s not too late to quit smoking if you
haven’t yet. You can still cut your heart
disease risk by as much as half.
n Reduce your sodium intake to 1,500
milligrams per day or less to protect
aging arteries.
n Control diabetes, if you have it. Keeping
blood sugar low may help prevent cardiovascular damage.
n Your doctor may prescribe medications
to treat or prevent high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, or other heart-related
conditions. Take them as directed. n
“My mother’s heart disease motivates me to exercise
daily to lose weight so I won’t suffer from it, too.”
Kathy O’Connell, 50
“There’s heart disease in my family, so I watch my
diet and exercise by walking my dog a half-hour
every day.”
Carla Jones, 68
“My father died of heart disease when he was just
36 years old. I learned you have to consider heart
disease at an early age when I had my first heart
attack at age 53!
25
meridian health
Heart-Healthy Crossword Puzzle
See page 22 for crossword puzzle solution.
Across
1. This is America’s number one killer.
4. Quitting _______ before age 40 can
add nine years to your life.
8. Since diabetes raises risks for heart
conditions, get a _______ ________ test
every three years starting at age 45.
10.Along with 13 Across and 6 Down,
it is important to feed your family
heart-healthy foods, such as ________.
11. These can help maintain openings in
arteries during and after angioplasty.
12. This over-the-counter medicine may
help men older than age 40, postmenopausal women, and people with
a high risk for heart conditions. Ask
your doctor.
13. See 10 Across.
15. Check your child’s ______ _______
once a year, starting at age 3.
16. Deep breathing and ____ are two
things you can do to help manage
stress.
15
16
© 2008 PuzzleJunction.com
Black Bean, Pasta, and Artichoke Heart Medley
Preparation Time: 30 minutes • Serves 12
Down
2. This procedure is done to open
up a blocked artery and improve
blood flow.
3. ____________ is better for a baby’s
heart than bottle-feeding.
5. This has been shown to lower stress
levels and blood pressure after heart
surgery.
6. See 10 Across.
7. _______ can build up in arteries and
block blood flow.
9. Cardiac _________ is a procedure used
to help diagnose and treat some heart
conditions.
14. Reduce your _______ intake to 1,500
milligrams per day or less to help
protect aging arteries.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup green onions, sliced
½ tsp. oregano
½ tsp. basil
¼ tsp. salt
¹⁄8 tsp. black pepper
¹⁄8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 14½ oz. cans noadded-salt whole tomatoes,
undrained and chopped
15 oz. can black beans,
rinsed and drained
4 cups hot cooked pasta
(any shape)
14 oz. can artichoke hearts,
drained and quartered
Directions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add green
onions and sauté five minutes.
Add oregano, basil, salt, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes; cover
and simmer 10 minutes. Add
beans; cover and simmer an
additional five minutes. Combine
bean mixture, hot cooked pasta,
and artichoke hearts in a large
bowl. Toss well. Serve warm or at
room temperature.
Per Serving: Calories 120;
Total fat 2 g; Saturated fat 0 g;
Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 330
mg; Total carbohydrate 21 g;
Dietary fiber 3 g; Sugars 2 g;
Protein 5 g
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Fruits and Veggies: More Matters”
26
HV_RMC_JDPower2008_7.375x9.875:MH 11/14/08 3:07 PM Page 1
TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
So Few Hold this Distinction...
Yet So Many Benefit from What it Means.
Currently less than one percent of the hospitals in the country hold this distinction.
Riverview Medical Center is now three-times distinguished by J.D. Power and
Associates, twice for Inpatient Service Excellence and now for Emergency Service
Excellence. Our patients were surveyed by J.D. Power and Associates and
each time Riverview exceeded the benchmark for excellence.
Last year, more than 38,000 members of the community visited the
Alton A. Hovnanian Emergency Care Center at Riverview where we work
very hard to provide “An Outstanding Patient Experience.” So it’s nice
to be recognized and appreciated by those we served.
We’re honored to know that we’ve served so many, so well.
To learn more about the exceptional physicians and services affiliated with
Riverview Medical Center, call 800.560.9990 or visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Meridian
Health
One Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE
President
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Steven G. Littleson, FACHE
President
Visit us on the Web at MeridianHealth.com
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com
Caring for Our Kids – by Tim Hogan, President
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Steven G. Littleson, FACHE
President
425 Jack Martin Blvd.
Brick, NJ 08724
W. Peter Daniels, FACHE
President
This free bimonthly magazine is prepared by the Communications Team
of Meridian Health. Please call 1-800DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) with any
questions or comments. Inquiries or
ideas can also be addressed in writing to:
Maura McBride
Publications Manager
Meridian Health
1350 Campus Parkway
Neptune, NJ 07753
Tim Hogan, President of Riverview Medical Center
F
Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., Chairman
John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President
Alvis R. Swinney, Senior Vice President
Communications and Marketing
Chrisie Scott, Director
Communications and Marketing
Elliot Frank, M.D., Medical Advisor
Photography: Chris Gahler, McKay
Imaging, Russ Seuffert, and Tom VanDyke
© 2009 Meridian Health
The material provided in this newsletter
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.
Printed on Recyclable Paper
6116M-A
or close to 80 years, Riverview Medical
Center has maintained a legacy of quality
care and service to the communities of
northern and central Monmouth County. And
as a health care leader in New Jersey, we also
work to continually analyze and improve our
services to best meet the growing and evolving
needs of the families we proudly serve.
Because of this commitment, we are
proud to share our plans for the new Pediatric
Care Center at Riverview — an affiliate of
In February 2009, we will enhance our
pediatric services by offering a comprehensive continuum of care here at Riverview and
throughout the larger Meridian Health family.
Our current inpatient pediatric services will be
transformed into a new center with specialized
care for children in a state-of-the-art, child- and
family-friendly environment.
The Pediatric Care Center at
Riverview will include an emergency
care area just for children, and private observation rooms with sleeping
accommodations for parents. At the
center, each child will be seen by a
team of dedicated pediatric care clinicians, including:
n In-house, board certified
pediatricians
n Certified pediatric nurses
n Nurse practitioners trained in
emergency care
n Emergency medicine physicians
As health care evolves, so do the
needs of our patients. At Riverview,
we care for more than 7,000 children
annually — more than 90 percent of whom
are treated and released within 24 hours for
common ailments and injuries such as dehydration, asthma and allergies, viruses, and broken
bones. The new center is designed to meet the
needs of local families and provide care for
children that is effective and efficient.
In cases that require more acute and
advanced care, Riverview Medical Center provides a direct bridge to our partner hospital,
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, through a
dedicated pediatric transport team. K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital in Neptune is the first statedesignated children’s hospital in Monmouth and
Ocean counties, home to the area’s most comprehensive range of pediatric subspecialty services with board certified pediatric subspecialists
in more than 20 disciplines.
Look for additional information on our pediatric services in the next issue of HealthViews.

the January/February 2009 issue

Transcription

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