May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center
May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center
healthviews May/June 2013 a health publication from Jersey Shore University Medical Center Battling a Brain Tumor Takes Teamwork Woman Helps Fight Breast Cancer Keep High Cholesterol at Bay Restoring a Young Patient’s Confidence visit us online at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com
- Page 2 and 3: A Message to the Community As the w
- Page 4 and 5: Eat Well After a Heart Attack Healt
- Page 6 and 7: Ocean Medical Center Brain Surgery
- Page 8 and 9: Jersey Shore University Medical Cen
- Page 10 and 11: Mammogram Catches Cancer Early Rive
- Page 12 and 13: Southern Ocean Medical Center Livin
- Page 14 and 15: Jersey Shore University Medical Cen
- Page 16 and 17: Ocean Medical Center When a stubbor
- Page 18 and 19: Riverview Medical Center On the Roa
- Page 20 and 21: Playground Aide Returns to School w
- Page 22 and 23: MERIDIAN CANCER CARE Improve Your q
- Page 24 and 25: Weight-Loss Surgery WEIGHT-LOSS SUR
- Page 26 and 27: General Wellness STRIVE TO THRIVE W
- Page 28 and 29: Stroke Prevention and Treatment: Wh
- Page 30 and 31: My Health Views On … Island Heigh
- Page 32: Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID M
healthviews<br />
<strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
a health publication from <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Battling a Brain<br />
Tumor Takes<br />
Teamwork<br />
Woman Helps Fight<br />
Breast Cancer<br />
Keep High<br />
Cholesterol at Bay<br />
Restoring a Young<br />
Patient’s Confidence<br />
visit us online at <strong>Jersey</strong><strong>Shore</strong>University<strong>Medical</strong><strong>Center</strong>.com
A Message<br />
to the Community<br />
As the weather continues to warm up, excitement grows<br />
for another summer on the <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong>. This summer<br />
will be especially meaningful for many families, as it is the<br />
first following Hurricane Sandy and the rebuilding efforts<br />
that followed. We have no doubt that this summer will<br />
showcase how resilient our community has been during this<br />
difficult time and will allow many opportunities to celebrate<br />
how far we have already come in restoring our hometowns.<br />
While <strong>May</strong> is the kickoff to the summer, it is also<br />
National Stroke Awareness Month, so it is a wonderful time<br />
to stop and take a moment to think about your overall<br />
health. That’s why we offer MeridianNeuroscience.com,<br />
which connects you to the neuroscience experts found<br />
throughout Meridian Health. You can also watch videos of<br />
patients telling their stories of the neurological conditions<br />
they faced — everything from stroke to brain tumors to<br />
migraines and herniated discs — and how Meridian helped<br />
them back to a healthy, comfortable life.<br />
Our commitment to good health extends beyond our<br />
hospital walls. As part of our continued effort to promote<br />
health and wellness throughout our community, Meridian<br />
has developed a program with Townsquare Media radio<br />
stations. Sign up with your favorite Townsquare radio<br />
station and visit their listener-loyalty page for an array of<br />
health content, as well as a host of games, quizzes, and<br />
surveys. When you participate, you’ll automatically earn<br />
points that can be traded in for a<br />
chance at fun Townsquare prizes.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
4<br />
6<br />
8<br />
10<br />
12<br />
13<br />
14<br />
15<br />
16<br />
Health Briefs<br />
Brain Surgery Helps<br />
Diagnose Lung Cancer<br />
Doing Her Part to Help<br />
Fight Breast Cancer<br />
Mammogram Catches<br />
Cancer Early<br />
Living Life to the Fullest<br />
Bariatric Surgery Gives<br />
Patient a New Life<br />
Battling a Tough Brain<br />
Tumor Takes Teamwork<br />
When Every Minute Counts<br />
<strong>Center</strong> for Wound Healing<br />
Saves Limbs, Lives<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS®<br />
2<br />
John K. Lloyd, FACHE<br />
President, Meridian Health<br />
This free bimonthly magazine is prepared by the Marketing and<br />
Communications Team of Meridian Health. Please call 732-751-7530<br />
with any questions or comments. Inquiries or ideas can be addressed<br />
to healthviews@meridianhealth.com.<br />
Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., Chairman<br />
John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President<br />
Chrisie Scott, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications<br />
Elliot Frank, M.D., <strong>Medical</strong> Advisor<br />
HealthViews production team: Michael McCauley, Gabriella Heizler,<br />
Jacki Kronstedt<br />
© <strong>2013</strong> Meridian Health<br />
The material provided in this magazine is intended to be used as<br />
general information only and should not replace the advice of your<br />
physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.<br />
Interact with us!<br />
Download the Meridian HealthViews app for<br />
free from the App Store on iTunes. Simply go to<br />
the store and search “HealthViews” to download<br />
the app.<br />
What do you know about migraine headaches?<br />
Find out by taking our Migraine Quiz, available on<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7 at www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ.<br />
Meridian Health tweets hot health-related<br />
headlines and local news pieces regularly at<br />
www.twitter.com/MeridianNJ.<br />
Stroke can affect anyone, anywhere. Learn<br />
how to recognize the signs of stroke at<br />
www.youtube.com/MeridianHealthNJ.<br />
Sign up for free e-newsletters on<br />
cardiovascular and pediatric health topics at<br />
www.MeridianHealth.com/enewsletters.
10<br />
15<br />
13<br />
17<br />
18<br />
Surgical Expertise<br />
Offers Life-Changing<br />
Results<br />
On the Road to Recovery<br />
from Vascular Surgery<br />
19 Playing for Pink 20<br />
healthviews<br />
<strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
a health publication from <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Battling a Brain<br />
Tumor Takes<br />
Teamwork<br />
Woman Helps Fight<br />
Breast Cancer<br />
Keep High<br />
Cholesterol at Bay<br />
visit us online at <strong>Jersey</strong><strong>Shore</strong>University<strong>Medical</strong><strong>Center</strong>.com<br />
Restoring a Young<br />
Patient’s Confidence<br />
21<br />
New Hip Gives New<br />
Energy<br />
Community Health<br />
Programs<br />
27 Cholesterol:<br />
Down with the Bad,<br />
Up with the Good<br />
cover story<br />
17<br />
Stroke Prevention and<br />
28 Treatment<br />
30 My Health Views<br />
David Jones was not alone in battling his brain tumor. Thanks to his doctors<br />
at <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, throughout his treatment David<br />
has always felt part of a winning team. Read more on page 14.<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
3
Eat Well After<br />
a Heart Attack<br />
Health Briefs<br />
Beta-blockers, aspirin, and statins.<br />
These are the typical prescriptions you’ll receive after<br />
a heart attack or stroke. Soon, your doctor may write<br />
you an Rx for spinach, brown rice, and salmon, too.<br />
People who eat a heart-healthy diet after a heart<br />
attack or stroke are 15 percent to 20 percent<br />
less likely to die as a result of another one, a<br />
new study finds. And they’re 35 percent<br />
less likely to die of a heart problem. The<br />
findings were published in the journal<br />
Circulation.<br />
So how should you fill your grocery<br />
cart? “The healthiest diets contain more fruits,<br />
vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, and less<br />
meat and eggs,” says Maurice Weiss, M.D., of<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Are you familiar with the risk factors, signs, and<br />
symptoms of heart disease and what steps you can<br />
take to prevent it? Learn all this and more at our June<br />
10 event at <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Turn to page 23 to learn more.<br />
More Kids Than Ever <strong>May</strong> Develop Diabetes<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
Health experts have looked into our children’s future — and<br />
it’s alarming. By 2050, the number of kids with diabetes may triple for type 1<br />
and quadruple for type 2.<br />
This mirrors the nation’s skyrocketing childhood obesity rate, now close<br />
to one in five. “Methods of preventing type 1 diabetes are unclear, but lack<br />
of exercise and poor nutrition likely play a role in both the obesity and type 2<br />
diabetes epidemics,” says Michael Bleiman, M.D., of Southern Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
It’s not too late to change your child’s fate. Start by encouraging<br />
physical activity and cutting back on soda, sodium, and saturated<br />
fat. Watch for diabetes warning signs, including frequent<br />
urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss.<br />
Whether you have diabetes or know someone who does,<br />
the 12th Annual Diabetes Health Fair is the event for you.<br />
Experts in diabetes management and nutrition will be<br />
available for consultation at this <strong>May</strong> 18 event. See page 21<br />
for more details.<br />
4
Take a Stand for<br />
Your Health<br />
Your daily workout won’t save<br />
you from the health risks of being sedentary.<br />
Even women who exercise the recommended 150<br />
minutes per week spend about 64 hours per week<br />
sitting, new research shows. That’s about nine<br />
hours per day — more than most people sleep.<br />
“Sitting this much increases your risk of<br />
developing and dying of heart disease and other<br />
conditions,” says Diane Verga, M.D., of Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>. Protect your health by moving<br />
throughout the day, not just at the gym.<br />
Take walk breaks every 30 minutes<br />
at work, lift weights during TV<br />
commercials at home, and<br />
fidget all day long. Chewing<br />
gum, jiggling your feet, and<br />
other small movements may<br />
amount to 2.5 fewer hours of<br />
sedentary time daily.<br />
It’s time to lace<br />
up those sneakers for<br />
our Heart & Sole Cup! This<br />
5K event kicks off at Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
on June 9 and at<br />
Bayshore Community<br />
Hospital on June 29!<br />
See page 21 for<br />
details.<br />
Many Americans Take<br />
Supplements — But<br />
Few Know Why<br />
Four in 10 Americans<br />
have taken a dietary supplement<br />
in the past two years, and one in<br />
seven does so regularly. But the<br />
reasons they do so are vague, a<br />
national survey suggests.<br />
About 40 percent of people<br />
say they take supplements to<br />
“feel better” or to have more energy.<br />
These reasons aren’t specific health goals<br />
that can be measured, nor are they backed by<br />
medical evidence, the researchers point out.<br />
Some supplements are helpful for certain<br />
people. “In many cases, it’s best to get all the<br />
nutrients you need from a healthy diet,” says<br />
Shaun Altneu, D.O., of Bayshore Community<br />
Hospital. “Talk with your doctor about whether<br />
supplements are right for you.”<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
5
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brain Surgery<br />
Helps Diagnose<br />
Lung Cancer Patient<br />
For weeks, Noreen Way tried to fight<br />
off dull headaches that never seemed<br />
to go away. Suspecting she had sinus<br />
troubles, the 68-year-old resident of<br />
Manahawkin visited her primary care<br />
physician. But when prescription sinus<br />
medication didn’t control the problem,<br />
Noreen was referred to a neurologist<br />
at Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> for<br />
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).<br />
There, she learned the devastating<br />
cause of her headaches.<br />
“My neurologist, Dr. [Tommasina]<br />
Papa-Rugino, explained that I had a<br />
brain tumor. It had metastasized from<br />
somewhere else,” Noreen says.<br />
A second, full-body MRI showed<br />
that the cancerous tumor on Noreen’s<br />
Aasim Kazmi, M.D.<br />
Wall • 732-974-0003<br />
cerebellum, the area of the brain at<br />
the back of the head, had spread<br />
from her lungs. She was diagnosed<br />
with stage 4 lung cancer.<br />
“I was in shock. My only symptom<br />
was a slight shortness of breath,<br />
which I thought was due to my<br />
asthma,” Noreen recalls. “My husband<br />
and I had just come back from Europe<br />
where we traveled all over without<br />
problems. I had no idea I<br />
had cancer.”<br />
Noreen Way enjoys cooking at home<br />
and tending to her garden and koi<br />
pond. She and her husband George<br />
will celebrate their 49th wedding<br />
anniversary in June.<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
6
Multi-Disciplinary Approach<br />
Noreen was referred immediately to<br />
Aasim Kazmi, M.D., section chief of<br />
neurosurgery at Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
and part of Meridian Neuroscience.<br />
After conferring with Noreen’s cancer<br />
team, Dr. Kazmi recommended surgery<br />
to remove the tumor.<br />
“The tumor was causing swelling<br />
that irritated the brain cells, leading<br />
to Noreen’s headaches. By removing<br />
the tumor, the headaches would<br />
be relieved,” Dr. Kazmi explains.<br />
“However, the primary purpose of the<br />
surgery was to biopsy the tumor so<br />
that the source of the cancer could be<br />
treated appropriately.”<br />
To treat lung cancer with the most<br />
effective chemotherapy possible, it’s<br />
necessary to understand the type<br />
of cancer. This is identified through<br />
a tissue biopsy. Since the lung<br />
cancer had spread to Noreen’s brain,<br />
removing and performing a biopsy<br />
on the tumor would provide this vital<br />
treatment information.<br />
“Although brain surgery always<br />
carries risks, it was safer for us to<br />
remove the tumor in Noreen’s brain<br />
than to conduct a lung biopsy due to<br />
potential breathing complications,”<br />
Dr. Kazmi explains.<br />
Before surgery, Dr. Kazmi sat<br />
down and thoroughly explained the<br />
procedure to Noreen and her family.<br />
He listened to their concerns and<br />
answered all their questions.<br />
“Dr. Kazmi discussed everything<br />
with me — the good and the bad. I<br />
needed to know as much as I could<br />
and not have anything hidden from<br />
me,” Noreen says. “I’m glad I found a<br />
doctor who is willing to communicate<br />
openly. It made me feel much more<br />
comfortable.”<br />
Innovative Technology<br />
In October 2012, Dr. Kazmi performed<br />
surgery to remove Noreen’s brain<br />
tumor at Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
During the four-hour operation,<br />
Dr. Kazmi used the <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>’s<br />
advanced Brainlab technology.<br />
“Brainlab technology is like an<br />
intraoperative GPS,” Dr. Kazmi explains.<br />
“It uses an advanced computerized<br />
camera system to pinpoint tumor<br />
locations in real time within the body.<br />
Ocean has one of the most advanced<br />
systems in the area. It’s a tremendous<br />
benefit to our patient community.”<br />
In the past, removing a brain tumor<br />
would require the surgeon to expose<br />
as much of the brain as possible to<br />
clearly visualize the area and ensure<br />
the cancerous tissue was removed. This<br />
typically required making a large bone<br />
opening and even larger incision. With<br />
Brainlab technology, surgeons have<br />
accurate details on where the tumor<br />
is positioned. As a result, much smaller<br />
openings are needed to access the brain<br />
in the immediate area of the tumor.<br />
“This technology reduces the risk<br />
of surgery complications and results<br />
in a much faster recovery time,” Dr.<br />
Kazmi says. “It allowed us to safely<br />
and effectively remove and biopsy<br />
Noreen’s tumor.”<br />
Life After Surgery<br />
Noreen’s surgery was a success.<br />
Dr. Kazmi completely removed<br />
the cancerous tissue using minimal<br />
incisions. The tumor was then<br />
biopsied to help plan Noreen’s<br />
chemotherapy, which she began<br />
in November. By December 2012,<br />
Noreen also began radiation therapy<br />
for other small cancerous spots that<br />
developed on her brain.<br />
“I know there is no cure for my<br />
cancer. I refuse to let it get me<br />
down. I have a wonderful support<br />
system. My husband is with me at<br />
every appointment, and the visitors,<br />
cards, and prayers I’ve received are<br />
countless,” Noreen says. “I put one<br />
foot in front of the other and focus<br />
on positive thoughts.”<br />
As a school bus aide for<br />
special-needs children prior to her<br />
diagnosis, Noreen is preparing to<br />
work again as a substitute. She also<br />
plans to continue traveling.<br />
“My chemotherapy will continue<br />
indefinitely. But my doctors are<br />
wonderful and are more concerned<br />
about my quality of life. They told<br />
me they would plan my treatment<br />
around my schedule. If I want to<br />
travel, we’ll travel,” Noreen says. “I’m<br />
going to live a pretty good life.”<br />
Meet a Patient Beating MS<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
With the help of her daily<br />
therapy at <strong>Shore</strong> Rehabilitation<br />
Institute at Ocean <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong>, Colleen O’Dell Multer is winning<br />
her battle against multiple sclerosis.<br />
Visit MeridianNeuroscience.com<br />
to learn more about Colleen’s story.<br />
Becoming vice president of a major bank.<br />
Changing careers to pursue her dream of being a chef.<br />
Graduating from culinary school…seven months after spine surgery.<br />
Just nine credits away from graduating, Georgette Thomas was diagnosed with spinal stenosis — a condition<br />
that put her spine at risk of snapping. At Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>…part of Meridian Neuroscience, Georgette<br />
found an amazing neurosurgeon who recognized the severity of her case and performed spinal fusion<br />
surgery three days later. Within weeks, Georgette was back at culinary school. Seven months later, she<br />
graduated and was ready to cook up a bright new future.<br />
A MOMENT CHANGES EVERYTHING<br />
Taking Care of<br />
New <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
Meridian Neuroscience<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Meridian Partner Companies<br />
Meridian Team of Physicians<br />
© 2012 Meridian Health<br />
Take a moment to learn more. Visit MeridianNeuroscience.com. For a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS.
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Doing Her Part<br />
to Help Fight Breast Cancer<br />
The care and treatment of cancer<br />
has improved dramatically in the<br />
past decade due, in large part, to<br />
significant advances in research.<br />
Meridian Cancer Care is actively<br />
furthering this research, helping<br />
prevent, identify, and treat cancer<br />
in new and better ways. One clinical<br />
trial currently open to participants<br />
is focused on investigating genetic<br />
markers that may be linked to the<br />
development of breast cancer.<br />
An Opportunity to Help Others<br />
Suzy West, 46, was part of this<br />
clinical trial. The Howell resident<br />
was diagnosed with stage 3 breast<br />
cancer in June 2012 after finding a<br />
lump in her breast. Suzy had a double<br />
mastectomy and then underwent<br />
chemotherapy and radiation at<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong>. During treatment, she gave a<br />
blood sample for the study, which is<br />
just one of 250 ongoing clinical trials<br />
at Meridian Health.<br />
“It didn’t take any time at all,<br />
but was something I could do to<br />
potentially help others. I have two<br />
children and anything that can further<br />
the detection and treatment of the<br />
disease, I’m going to do it,” Suzy says.<br />
Meridian Health is partnering<br />
with the Cancer Institute of New<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> on this critical study. “The<br />
purpose [of the study] is to learn<br />
how slight differences in genes called<br />
polymorphisms can influence the<br />
risk of developing breast cancer and<br />
the patient’s response to therapy,”<br />
Kenneth D. Nahum, D.O.<br />
Board certified in Hematology,<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> Oncology and Internal<br />
Medicine<br />
Howell • 732-367-1535<br />
explains Kenneth Nahum, D.O.,<br />
oncologist and principal investigator<br />
for the study. “In the end, studies like<br />
this will help us to diagnose cancer<br />
earlier in some people and better<br />
target treatments in others.”<br />
Genetic Clues to Breast Cancer<br />
Researchers hope to enroll 10,000<br />
people in this study, who will be<br />
split into two groups: those<br />
diagnosed with breast<br />
cancer and those<br />
who are healthy.<br />
To be part of<br />
the study,<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
8<br />
Clinical Trials:<br />
What You Should Know<br />
The purpose of clinical research, or clinical trials, is to find a better way to<br />
detect, prevent, control, or cure a disease or disorder. Some trials test the<br />
effects of treatment on disease, some aim to prevent disease; others study<br />
the effect of the disease itself on quality of life, costs, and comfort.<br />
Participating in a clinical trial is a big decision. Before making a<br />
commitment, you’ll want to get the answers to these critical questions.<br />
• What is the purpose of the study?<br />
• Who is going to be in the study?<br />
• Have other clinical trials been done using this study’s treatment method<br />
and, if so, what were the results?<br />
• Why do researchers believe the new treatment being tested may be<br />
effective? Has it been tested before?<br />
• What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?<br />
• How do the possible risks, side effects, and benefits in the study<br />
compare with my current treatment?<br />
• How might this trial affect my daily life?<br />
• How long will the trial last?<br />
• Will hospitalization be required?<br />
• Will my insurance cover the costs of participating in the study?<br />
• How long do I have to decide about enrolling in this trial?<br />
Suzy West<br />
participated in a<br />
clinical trial as a way to help<br />
others and in hopes of finding<br />
some answers for herself.
participants need provide only<br />
a blood sample, answer some<br />
questions, and be willing to have<br />
some follow-up phone calls in the<br />
future, as Suzy West did.<br />
“Meridian has a leading clinical<br />
research program in New <strong>Jersey</strong>,”<br />
says Ernest Richards, Ph.D., corporate<br />
director of Research Services for<br />
Meridian Health. “Clinical research is a<br />
critical component of the continuum<br />
of health care because that is where<br />
the newest, most innovative tools<br />
and treatments are discovered.”<br />
There is no history of breast cancer<br />
in Suzy’s family, so one of the main<br />
reasons she participated in the study<br />
was to find answers. “I went for yearly<br />
mammograms without fail. Hopefully,<br />
research will someday explain why,”<br />
Understanding Clinical Trials<br />
Suzy says. “But I didn’t let cancer<br />
get me down or angry. I focused on<br />
ways to stay positive through my<br />
cancer experience. This study is just<br />
one example.”<br />
If you are a man or woman age 18 or older and have been<br />
diagnosed with breast cancer or are a healthy individual<br />
who wants to become involved in the research study, call<br />
732-776-2953 or e-mail Clinicaltrials@meridianhealth.com.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Meridian HealthViews •<strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
9
Mammogram Catches Cancer Early<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
10<br />
The time after a cancer diagnosis<br />
can be frightening and filled with<br />
uncertainty. Keeping positive and<br />
having hope can be difficult, but when<br />
Anna Rodriguez, 51, of Shrewsbury was<br />
faced with a breast cancer diagnosis in<br />
January 2011, she was determined not<br />
to let it get her down.<br />
Knowing the importance of<br />
mammography, Anna always kept<br />
her appointments with the Women’s<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
At an appointment in early 2011, Leny<br />
Rada-Banat, M.D., a fellowship-trained<br />
breast imager at the <strong>Center</strong> and part<br />
of Meridian Cancer Care, read Anna’s<br />
films and identified a subtle change<br />
compared to prior mammograms.<br />
After a diagnostic workup and<br />
breast biopsy, a breast cancer diagnosis<br />
was made.<br />
“I have a lot of faith, so while I was<br />
nervous about my diagnosis, I also<br />
knew it wasn’t a death sentence,”<br />
Anna says. “I knew I was going to be in<br />
good hands with the physicians and<br />
staff at Riverview and was confident<br />
everything was going to be OK.”<br />
Next, Anna met with Phillipa<br />
Woodriffe, M.D., a surgeon on staff<br />
at Riverview, to discuss her treatment<br />
options. Because her cancer was<br />
found at an early stage, Anna was a<br />
candidate for a lumpectomy followed<br />
by radiation therapy.<br />
According to Dr. Woodriffe, a<br />
lumpectomy is often the preferred<br />
treatment option for women with<br />
early stages of breast cancer. “A<br />
lumpectomy allows the surgeon<br />
to remove the cancer while still<br />
maintaining the appearance of the<br />
breast. It is minimally invasive; only a<br />
small section of tissue is removed,”<br />
Dr. Woodriffe says. “Radiation<br />
therapy is sometimes paired with<br />
a lumpectomy to get rid of<br />
any remaining cancer cells<br />
Anna Rodriguez shares her<br />
story and the importance<br />
of mammograms every<br />
chance she can. She also<br />
loves to cook, especially<br />
Salvadoran foods.<br />
You’re Important<br />
Phillipa G. Woodriffe, M.D.<br />
Tinton Falls • 732-542-4228<br />
Bokran Won, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Radiology<br />
Red Bank • 732-530-2305<br />
following the procedure, and to lower<br />
the chance of the cancer returning.”<br />
In March, Anna began her treatments.<br />
During her recovery period, Anna never<br />
lost her faith in her recovery. “I like to<br />
walk a lot, and since I live so close to<br />
the hospital, when the weather was nice<br />
I walked to my appointments,” Anna<br />
says. “Walking helped me overcome my<br />
fear and reminded me that my faith was<br />
going to help me through it.”<br />
After Anna completed her<br />
treatment, she faithfully adhered to the<br />
recommended six-month follow-up<br />
mammogram appointments. Dr. Rada-<br />
Banat has closely monitored her test<br />
results for two years and today, Anna<br />
remains healthy.<br />
Anna continues to champion the<br />
importance of annual mammography,<br />
encouraging all women to make sure<br />
they schedule their appointments.“ A<br />
mammogram is really important to see<br />
everything that is happening. If cancer<br />
is detected early, you get treated early,”<br />
Anna says. “I am lucky to have Riverview<br />
and Dr. Rada-Banat so close to my<br />
home, because I know I will be treated<br />
kindly and will be in the best hands.<br />
Dr. Rada-Banat has been a blessing.”<br />
Women in Monmouth County have access to<br />
complete health care at the Women’s <strong>Center</strong>s<br />
of Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and Bayshore<br />
Community Hospital. Led by Bokran Won, M.D., both<br />
centers offer fully digital mammography under the<br />
direction of a team of fellowship-trained breast radiologists.<br />
Learn more about the experiences our <strong>Center</strong>s have to<br />
offer at BayshoreHospital.org/Womens<strong>Center</strong> or<br />
Riverview<strong>Medical</strong><strong>Center</strong>.com/Womens<strong>Center</strong>.
I’m Important<br />
Anna isn’t the only woman<br />
who makes time for her annual<br />
mammogram. Just ask Camille<br />
Castiello, 50, of Hazlet.<br />
A New York native, Camille<br />
moved to Hazlet 14 years ago, and<br />
has turned to Bayshore Community<br />
Hospital for her and her family’s<br />
health needs — from colonoscopies,<br />
to a variety of diagnostic tests, to the<br />
occasional emergency department<br />
visit. So when it came time for Camille<br />
to begin having mammograms, it was<br />
only natural to turn to the Women’s<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Bayshore.<br />
“I like how the Women’s <strong>Center</strong><br />
team makes it so easy,” Camille says.<br />
“All the years I have been going<br />
there everyone has been so nice<br />
and efficient. They make it almost<br />
effortless.”<br />
In March 2010, Camille scheduled<br />
her screening, and her appointment<br />
went as usual. That night when she<br />
got home, however, she received a<br />
call from the Women’s <strong>Center</strong> asking<br />
her to come back for an ultrasoundguided<br />
biopsy to follow up on a<br />
suspicious lump identified in the<br />
mammogram. “I was surprised by how<br />
quickly everything happened. The<br />
next day I was back at the <strong>Center</strong> for<br />
the procedure,” Camille says. “I was a<br />
little scared, but the team once again<br />
came to my side with compassion and<br />
kindness. The technologist held my<br />
hand through the whole thing.”<br />
According to Bokran Won, M.D.,<br />
medical director of both the Women’s<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Riverview and Bayshore,<br />
in the case of an abnormal finding<br />
in a patient’s mammogram or breast<br />
ultrasound, they are called back for<br />
a needle biopsy examination to<br />
determine if the abnormality is<br />
breast cancer.<br />
“This is often a very anxious<br />
time for the patient,” Dr. Won<br />
says. “The entire team at the<br />
Women’s <strong>Center</strong> works to allay<br />
the patient’s stress by providing<br />
a comfortable and empathetic<br />
environment while maintaining<br />
the highest degree of medical<br />
professionalism.” After two of<br />
Camille’s mammograms came<br />
back normal, she was soon cleared<br />
to return to annual testing.<br />
“I was very lucky my issue turned<br />
out to be nothing,” Camille says.<br />
“But for some women their results<br />
do come back cancerous. Annual<br />
mammography is so important not<br />
just physically, but to reassure<br />
yourself mentally that<br />
everything is good, and I<br />
would recommend the<br />
Women’s <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
Bayshore to any<br />
woman.”<br />
– Caitlin Coyle<br />
Hazlet resident Camille Castiello loves to<br />
ride motorcycles and cook, hobbies she<br />
can enjoy again now that she is feeling<br />
confident about her health.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Little Things.<br />
An Evening with Giuliana and Bill Rancic<br />
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, or any life-changing event, it is often the “little things” that we treasure.<br />
A cup of coffee with a best friend, a spontaneous hug from your child, a walk on a sunny day, or side-splitting<br />
laughter, are all little things that mean a lot.<br />
A mammogram may seem like a little thing, but it can be a life-saver. It was for Giuliana Rancic. Which is why<br />
she has been a tireless advocate for annual mammography and supports the mission of Paint the Town Pink.<br />
Join us as Giuliana and Bill share how a mammogram forever changed their<br />
lives, opened them up to a new future of amazing moments—including<br />
the joy of welcoming their son—and created a future of many little things<br />
to treasure. Call 1-855-PINK411 or visit PaintTheTownPink.com<br />
to learn more about Paint the Town Pink.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 4, <strong>2013</strong><br />
Visit PaintTheTownPink.com for Event Details<br />
Taking Care of<br />
New <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
11
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Living Life to the Fullest<br />
Proactive Care Helps<br />
Woman with Parkinson’s<br />
As an active woman in her 40s, Rosalia<br />
Passaro was shocked to learn that the<br />
tremors she had been experiencing in<br />
her right hand were early symptoms<br />
of Parkinson’s disease. “No one in my<br />
family had ever really had a significant<br />
illness,” says the Toms River resident.<br />
Attention to Detail<br />
“Rosalia was just 46 when we made<br />
the diagnosis,” says Tommasina<br />
Papa-Rugino, M.D., a neurologist<br />
affiliated with Southern Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and part of Meridian<br />
Neuroscience. “Usually, this disease<br />
presents in people in their 60s. The<br />
early signs are not always obvious,<br />
and diagnostic testing is limited.<br />
There is now a new scan, however, the<br />
DaTscan, that serves to differentiate<br />
Parkinson’s disease and a disease with<br />
similar symptoms.”<br />
According to Dr. Papa-Rugino, symptoms<br />
can include motor signs, such as<br />
difficulty with movements — especially<br />
walking — and resting tremors or<br />
rigidity and stiffness. Other nonmotor<br />
symptoms may include sleep issues,<br />
depression or anxiety, and pain. “It is<br />
important to listen to your patient<br />
and be proactive in treating the<br />
nonmotor symptoms, as they can have<br />
a significant effect on quality of life if<br />
left untreated,” Dr. Papa-Rugino says.<br />
“I recently turned 50, and my care<br />
is going well. I have a challenging sales<br />
job in the computer industry, and I<br />
love to travel,” Rosalia says. “So far, I<br />
am able to keep up with everything,<br />
although sometimes I need to slow<br />
down a little due to fatigue. I live a<br />
normal life, and I don’t let this disease<br />
control my life or define who I am.”<br />
Having a physician she trusts helps<br />
Rosalia maintain her positive attitude.<br />
“I am so glad I have Dr. Papa-Rugino<br />
following me through this,” Rosalia<br />
says. “She explains everything to me.<br />
I know she tries to be conservative<br />
in the treatments because I am so<br />
young and this disease is progressive.<br />
She wants the treatments to be as<br />
effective as possible for the longest<br />
time possible before we move on to<br />
other treatments.”<br />
Dr. Papa-Rugino recognizes<br />
that a treatment plan<br />
must be tailored to each<br />
patient. “There are<br />
just a few new<br />
medications that<br />
can help treat<br />
the variations of<br />
motor symptoms<br />
of the disease. And<br />
for those patients<br />
whose symptoms<br />
no longer respond<br />
Tommasina Papa-Rugino, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Neurology<br />
Manahawkin • 609-978-8870<br />
to medications or whose symptoms<br />
fluctuate with medication, there<br />
is a technique called deep brain<br />
stimulation, a neurosurgical<br />
procedure, that has been found to be<br />
effective,” Dr. Papa-Rugino explains.<br />
Finding the Right Doctor<br />
“I have a very good relationship<br />
with Dr. Papa-Rugino,” says Rosalia.<br />
“I appreciate everything she has<br />
done for me regarding treatment<br />
and education about my condition.<br />
I feel confident that as my disease<br />
progresses, she will provide the best<br />
treatment. Her office has moved a<br />
couple of times — but I just follow<br />
her wherever she goes.”<br />
– Joyce McFadden<br />
Rosalia Passaro hasn’t let<br />
Parkinson’s disease stand<br />
in her way of pursuing a<br />
successful career and<br />
her love of travel. She<br />
is able to maintain a<br />
healthy lifestyle and<br />
feels optimistic<br />
about her future.<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
12<br />
A Strategic Approach<br />
to Treatment<br />
Dr. Papa-Rugino notes Rosalia’s active<br />
lifestyle is important. Parkinson’s<br />
patients benefit from remaining<br />
active, getting exercise, and having<br />
physical therapy.<br />
Hear from Our Experts<br />
Listen to Tommasina Papa-Rugino, M.D., talk about<br />
cutting-edge treatments available through Meridian<br />
Neuroscience, such as the use of Botox to treat<br />
migraines. View Dr. Papa-Rugino’s videos on this and other<br />
topics at MeridianNeuroscience.com/directory.
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Bariatric Surgery Gives Patient<br />
an Energetic New Life<br />
India Reid, 39, battled weight problems<br />
most of her life. At 315 pounds, she<br />
tried every diet and exercise program<br />
imaginable. Nothing seemed to work.<br />
Discouraged, the Little Egg Harbor<br />
resident researched weight-loss<br />
surgery programs. She found the<br />
Bariatric <strong>Center</strong> at Southern Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and scheduled a<br />
consultation with Jonathan Reich, M.D.,<br />
bariatric surgeon. For the first time,<br />
India felt there was a light at the end<br />
of the tunnel.<br />
“I needed to be healthy for my family<br />
and myself,” says India, a mother of<br />
three. “Dr. Reich explained everything<br />
to me. I was so encouraged that I<br />
was a candidate for surgery and my<br />
insurance would cover the procedure.”<br />
Weight-Loss Surgery 101<br />
Learn the facts about<br />
weight-loss surgery<br />
from Jonathan<br />
Reich, M.D., on <strong>May</strong> 8 and<br />
June 12 at Southern Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>. See page 24<br />
for information about other<br />
Meridian weight-loss surgery<br />
education events.<br />
Choosing Success<br />
The Bariatric <strong>Center</strong> at Southern<br />
Ocean offers three types of weightloss<br />
surgery: gastric bypass, gastric<br />
band, and sleeve gastrectomy.<br />
All three procedures help obese<br />
patients lose weight by reducing<br />
the size of the stomach in different<br />
ways. Patients are educated on each<br />
procedure and encouraged to choose<br />
the option that is right for them<br />
based on personal preferences and<br />
medical history. India chose to have<br />
sleeve gastrectomy, which involves<br />
removing 80 percent of the stomach.<br />
“The sleeve procedure, like all<br />
bariatric surgery we perform, is<br />
minimally invasive. As a result, it<br />
offers an easier recovery for patients.<br />
It’s also a very effective tool that<br />
gives patients an advantage in their<br />
efforts to lose weight,” Dr. Reich says.<br />
Dr. Reich explains that the sleeve<br />
procedure works in three ways to<br />
help patients lose weight. It reduces<br />
the volume of the stomach, so<br />
patients feel full faster with a smaller<br />
amount of food. It causes the<br />
stomach to contract more slowly,<br />
helping patients feel full longer.<br />
And it removes many stomach cells<br />
that secrete ghrelin, a hormone that<br />
Since her surgery and<br />
80-pound weight loss,<br />
India Reid (left) is able<br />
to spend more time with<br />
friends and family, including<br />
daughter <strong>May</strong>a (middle) and<br />
best friend Ruby Whitaker (right).<br />
Jonathan M. Reich, M.D.<br />
Board certified in General<br />
Surgery<br />
Manahawkin • 609-978-3325<br />
regulates hunger. This decreases the<br />
patient’s appetite.<br />
Taking Steps to a Healthier Life<br />
India met extensively with a<br />
nutritionist at the <strong>Center</strong> to prepare<br />
for the surgery and learn how to make<br />
healthier food choices. Dr. Reich then<br />
performed the sleeve procedure on<br />
India in <strong>May</strong> 2012. She was up and<br />
walking the same day.<br />
“The procedure itself was easy,<br />
and the staff was so encouraging. But<br />
having the procedure has changed<br />
my mind-set and my life,” India says.<br />
“I know my surgery is only a tool to<br />
help me lose weight — not an end<br />
solution.”<br />
Just seven months after the<br />
procedure, India has lost more than<br />
80 pounds. And she feels better than<br />
ever before.<br />
“I’m now off asthma medication<br />
and have so much more energy,” India<br />
says. “Even my job is easier. I work<br />
with people with disabilities and can<br />
do so much more with them. Instead<br />
of sitting on the sidelines, I’m up and<br />
active right alongside them.”<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
13
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
14<br />
Battling a Tough<br />
Brain Tumor<br />
Takes Teamwork<br />
David Jones usually does the driving<br />
in his family. So he was surprised<br />
when, after a family event in<br />
Pennsylvania last <strong>May</strong>, his wife, Alice,<br />
reached for the car keys and said,<br />
“‘I’m driving, and we’re going to the<br />
emergency room,’” the 68-yearold<br />
retired telecommunications<br />
executive recalls.<br />
No one else — not even<br />
David — recognized anything was<br />
wrong. But Alice noticed her husband<br />
was increasingly unaware of his<br />
surroundings. She took him to <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
<strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, near<br />
their Spring Lake home, where an MRI<br />
scan revealed a 6-centimeter mass on<br />
the right side of his brain.<br />
It was a glioblastoma multiforme,<br />
an aggressive and life-threatening<br />
primary brain tumor that typically<br />
causes symptoms such as headaches,<br />
weakness, and personality shifts,<br />
says Joseph Landolfi, D.O.,<br />
medical director<br />
of neurooncology<br />
for Meridian<br />
Health.<br />
A Collaborative Approach<br />
Fortunately, Dr. Landolfi has treated<br />
many patients with these tumors<br />
and became an integral part of<br />
David’s “dream team” — including<br />
experts from oncology, radiology,<br />
pathology, and neurosurgery at<br />
Meridian Neuroscience and Meridian<br />
Cancer Care — who came together to<br />
recommend an inclusive and multidisciplinary<br />
approach.<br />
“I feel accepted as part of the<br />
team by the professionals, and that’s<br />
made a huge difference to me,” David<br />
says. “Together, we’ve focused on<br />
figuring out a plan, not just accepting<br />
the inevitable.”<br />
Cutting-Edge Treatment<br />
David’s treatment began with two<br />
surgeries in <strong>May</strong> to remove as much<br />
of the tumor as possible. <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
<strong>Shore</strong> has the most advanced<br />
technology available in the operating<br />
room, says Aasim Kazmi, M.D., staff<br />
neurosurgeon at <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong>, using<br />
a navigation system to map out the<br />
operation to avoid critical<br />
areas of the brain. Then, an<br />
Throughout his treatment for<br />
glioblastoma multiforme, David<br />
Jones’ doctors have remained in<br />
constant communication, and made<br />
him feel part of the team. David<br />
enjoys golf, the beach, and spending<br />
time with his family.<br />
Patient Story: Awake Brain Surgery<br />
Maggie Santos had a brain tumor<br />
located near key functions of<br />
speech, movement, and vision.<br />
Using awake brain surgery, William Maggio,<br />
M.D., was able to remove her tumor with<br />
pinpoint accuracy. To hear Maggie’s story,<br />
go to MeridianNeuroscience.com.<br />
Joseph C. Landolfi, D.O.<br />
Board certified in Neurology<br />
Neptune • 732-321-7010<br />
ultrasonic tool destroys and removes<br />
the tumor without harming healthy<br />
brain tissue.<br />
David then began six weeks<br />
of chemotherapy and radiation,<br />
followed by about a year of monthly<br />
chemotherapy. Through Meridian<br />
Neuroscience, he also participated in<br />
a promising clinical trial that uses a<br />
vaccine made from his own blood to<br />
further attack the tumor.<br />
Open Communication<br />
David’s doctors continue to be in<br />
close communication. “We have<br />
regular meetings and are always in<br />
touch by text or phone,” Dr. Landolfi<br />
says. And the entire Meridian staff<br />
worked to make David feel cared for<br />
and comfortable. “I never felt alone.<br />
Everyone treated me and my family<br />
with respect and compassion,” he says.<br />
Now, David is doing well with only a<br />
few symptoms, and although his brain<br />
scans have shown an area of concern,<br />
he continues his battle with an<br />
innovative gene therapy trial.<br />
“My goal from day one was<br />
to be a part of a team that<br />
could beat the odds — and<br />
I think that’s where we’re<br />
at,” David says.
Just four days after Peter Roesner<br />
(left) suffered a stroke, he and<br />
partner Ron Tedeschi were<br />
relieved to learn he was well<br />
enough to move to Riverview’s<br />
rehabilitation center to<br />
begin his recovery.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
When Every Minute Counts<br />
It was three days after the hurricane,<br />
and with the power out at home, Peter<br />
Roesner and Ron Tedeschi went to their<br />
retail business on West Front Street to<br />
stay warm and work. When Peter, 75,<br />
climbed the stairs, Ron immediately<br />
knew something was wrong.<br />
“Peter had a dazed look and the<br />
left side of his face was drooping,” Ron<br />
recalls. “He couldn’t talk or respond to<br />
me. I thought, ‘He’s having a stroke.’”<br />
Ron rushed Peter to nearby<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, home to<br />
a designated Primary Stroke <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Peter was quickly assessed by the<br />
stroke team. Tests showed he suffered<br />
a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs<br />
when a blood vessel in the brain bursts,<br />
spilling blood into surrounding tissues.<br />
Fast Care, Better Outcomes<br />
“Time lost is brain lost when it<br />
comes to a stroke, which makes<br />
rapid assessment critical in order to<br />
determine appropriate treatment<br />
quickly,” says Stephen Bruno, M.D., an<br />
internal medicine physician at Riverview<br />
who first evaluated Peter.<br />
According to Dr. Bruno, treatment<br />
for a hemorrhagic stroke focuses on<br />
controlling bleeding and reducing<br />
pressure in the brain.<br />
Once the bleeding stopped,<br />
neurologist Joshua Mendelson, M.D.,<br />
part of Meridian Neuroscience, met<br />
Peter to discuss his care plan.<br />
“Treatment following a stroke<br />
requires care from a multi-disciplinary<br />
team,” Dr. Mendelson says. “The goal<br />
is to help patients regain strength<br />
and function as much as possible so<br />
they may return to their routine.”<br />
Peter’s primary care physician Jeanne<br />
Tomaino, M.D., and cardiologist Julie<br />
Master, D.O., also played a significant<br />
role in Peter’s recovery plan.<br />
Four days later, Peter began<br />
inpatient rehabilitation at Riverview<br />
Rehabilitation <strong>Center</strong>. There, Jorge<br />
Corzo, M.D., medical director of<br />
rehabilitation services at Riverview,<br />
worked with Peter and his<br />
therapists to develop a personalized<br />
rehabilitation plan.<br />
“Rehabilitation plans are tailored<br />
to each patient, based on age, overall<br />
health, and the severity of the stroke<br />
damage,” Dr. Corzo says. “In Peter’s<br />
case, his care included speech,<br />
occupational, and physical therapy.”<br />
According to Dr. Corzo, some<br />
stroke patients require additional<br />
support upon leaving the hospital.<br />
“We work closely with home care<br />
agencies and outpatient facilities<br />
within Meridian Health to ensure<br />
patients have a smooth transition<br />
home and the follow-up care they<br />
need to keep healthy.”<br />
Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from a Stroke<br />
Stephen F. Bruno, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Internal<br />
Medicine<br />
Red Bank • 732-530-2204<br />
Jorge F. Corzo, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Physical<br />
Medicine and Rehabilitation<br />
Tinton Falls • 732-264-1132<br />
Joshua T. Mendelson, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Neurology<br />
West Long Branch • 732-935-1850<br />
The Path to Wellness<br />
Three days after Christmas, Peter<br />
returned home. He is talking again,<br />
slowly gaining strength, and walking<br />
with a cane. The partners are taking<br />
Peter’s recovery slowly. Both are<br />
grateful for the exceptional care<br />
Peter received.<br />
“The hospital provides the kind of<br />
services you find in the bigger cities,<br />
but you don’t get lost in the shuffle.<br />
There’s a real sense of community and<br />
cohesiveness,” Ron says.<br />
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn<br />
what to do if someone is having a stroke at the Stroke: Are You<br />
at Risk? event on <strong>May</strong> 15. Turn to page 23 for details.<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
15
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
When a stubborn wound on Joe<br />
Whelan’s foot wouldn’t heal, his<br />
doctor prescribed hyperbaric oxygen<br />
therapy at Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>’s<br />
<strong>Center</strong> for Wound Healing. Thanks to<br />
the treatment, Joe is back on his feet and<br />
back to playing golf, a hobby he loves.<br />
Saving Limbs, Lives<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
16<br />
For 20 years, Toms River resident Joe<br />
Whelan successfully managed his<br />
diabetes. As part of his routine, he<br />
regularly inspected his feet for sores.<br />
He noticed a spot on one of his toes<br />
that wasn’t healing, so the 70-year-old<br />
sought treatment. Thankfully, Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>’s <strong>Center</strong> for Wound<br />
Healing opened in 2012, offering<br />
advanced therapies close to home.<br />
Joe learned from his podiatrist,<br />
Frederick Rothberg, DPM, that<br />
his wound was infected. Joe was<br />
admitted to Ocean for intravenous<br />
antibiotics, but these didn’t heal the<br />
infection, which had spread to the<br />
bone. Dr. Rothberg referred him for<br />
hyperbaric oxygen therapy.<br />
“It was very important we<br />
treated Joe’s wound aggressively,”<br />
A Healing Place<br />
A podiatrist will discuss<br />
how to care for your feet and<br />
explain how a wound care center<br />
can help foot and other sores on <strong>May</strong><br />
24. See page 26 for details. Or, call<br />
1-800-DOCTORS ® to find a Meridian<br />
wound care center near you.<br />
Dr. Rothberg says. “Without effective<br />
treatment, the infection would have<br />
progressively gotten worse and<br />
potentially lead to amputation.”<br />
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals<br />
hard-to-treat wounds by boosting<br />
the body’s natural healing abilities.<br />
The treatment involves breathing<br />
100 percent oxygen while in a pressurized<br />
chamber. Under pressure, oxygen is<br />
better absorbed into the body.<br />
“Because bone does not have<br />
blood supply, it’s difficult to get<br />
antibiotics to the infection. As<br />
a result, chronic bone infections<br />
like Joe’s are very difficult to heal,”<br />
explains Kenneth Kronhaus, M.D.,<br />
a physician at the Wound Care<br />
<strong>Center</strong>. “However, increasing oxygen<br />
levels in the body with this therapy<br />
helps destroy bad bacteria<br />
that thrive in low-oxygen<br />
environments like bone.”<br />
In addition, the therapy<br />
works to heal wounds by<br />
increasing the growth of<br />
blood vessels that circulate to<br />
the area.<br />
Joe began hyperbaric<br />
oxygen therapy in<br />
November 2012.<br />
Kenneth E. Kronhaus, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Family<br />
Medicine<br />
Brick • 732-458-8000<br />
Frederick J. Rothberg, DPM<br />
Board certified in Podiatric<br />
Surgery<br />
Toms River • 732-840-5196<br />
“The therapy felt a little like I<br />
was going down in a submarine or<br />
taking off in an airplane, but didn’t<br />
bother me a bit,” says Joe, who<br />
attended the two-hour therapy once<br />
a day. “The chamber is like a capsule<br />
with Plexiglas at the top, so it’s not<br />
confining at all. It also has a built-in<br />
TV, so I brought DVDs of my favorite<br />
shows to watch. Some people used<br />
the time to nap.”<br />
Before Joe’s prescribed sessions<br />
were complete, his wound and<br />
infection had healed completely.<br />
“Statistics show that if people<br />
lose a limb, they have decreased<br />
quality of life and tend to die earlier,”<br />
Dr. Rothberg says. “However, the<br />
healing rate with hyperbaric oxygen<br />
therapy is more than 90 percent. Not<br />
only does this therapy preserve limbs,<br />
it preserves life.”
Surgical Expertise Offers<br />
Life-Changing Results<br />
As a young boy living in Sea Girt,<br />
Charlie Thoma was used to spending<br />
time at the beach. But around<br />
age 9, his parents began noticing<br />
visible signs that his chest was not<br />
developing normally. And Charlie was<br />
beginning to become self-conscious<br />
about it.<br />
Charlie’s family made an<br />
appointment with Saad Saad, M.D.,<br />
pediatric surgeon-in-chief at K.<br />
Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong> and a part of Meridian<br />
Pediatric Network.<br />
Dr. Saad diagnosed Charlie with a<br />
rare congenital defect called pectus<br />
carinatum — an excessive growth<br />
of cartilage that causes the sternum<br />
to protrude.<br />
“At the beginning, Charlie’s<br />
condition was subtle and we decided<br />
to wait until he was completely<br />
ready for surgery to treat it,” explains<br />
Charlie’s mother, Laura Thoma.<br />
“But by the time Charlie was 14,<br />
his condition had become very<br />
pronounced. One side of his chest<br />
was sticking out much farther than<br />
the other.”<br />
Not only did Charlie no longer<br />
take off his shirt to play at the beach,<br />
he was beginning to experience<br />
physical side effects of the condition.<br />
“Children with pectus carinatum<br />
often experience shortness<br />
of breath and decreased stamina.<br />
They may also have pain around the<br />
breast bone,” Dr. Saad explains.<br />
Surgical Excellence<br />
Although apprehensive, Charlie<br />
decided to move forward with the<br />
surgery in December 2012. Dr. Saad<br />
performed the four-hour procedure<br />
at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital,<br />
meticulously removing diseased<br />
cartilage and reshaping his breast bone.<br />
“The surgery is just as much an<br />
art as a science,” says Dr. Saad. “And<br />
although it is a difficult surgery,<br />
the rewards are great. It makes a<br />
tremendous difference in a child’s life.”<br />
Dr. Saad is the only surgeon in the<br />
area who treats pectus carinatum,<br />
performing one to two corrective<br />
surgeries for the defect about every<br />
month. However, he credits a multidisciplinary<br />
team for surgical success.<br />
“From the anesthesiologists to<br />
the staff in the operating room, the<br />
Intensive Care Unit, and the pediatric<br />
floor, the teams ensure each child<br />
gets the very best comfort and<br />
care,” he says.<br />
Saad A. Saad, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Pediatric<br />
Surgery<br />
Eatontown • 732-935-0407<br />
A New Beginning<br />
Four days after surgery, Charlie was<br />
back at home recovering, and proud<br />
to flaunt his new physique.<br />
“The surgery has given Charlie so<br />
much self-confidence. We’re really<br />
proud of him and how strong he’s<br />
been through recovery,” says Laura.<br />
“We couldn’t be happier with Dr. Saad<br />
and his staff. Our hospital stay and<br />
experience went very smoothly.”<br />
Dr. Saad was equally pleased with<br />
Charlie’s results. “I watched Charlie<br />
get his photo taken in the hospital<br />
just days after surgery. He was so<br />
happy, outspoken, and relaxed,” says<br />
Dr. Saad. “It brings me joy to help<br />
children like Charlie. I love to see<br />
him smile.”<br />
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital<br />
In Good Hands<br />
No matter your age, surgery can be<br />
scary. You can rest easy knowing that<br />
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital offers<br />
pediatric specialists who provide round-the-clock<br />
surgical services. Hear more patient stories at<br />
MeridianPediatricNetwork.com.<br />
Fourteen-year-old Charlie<br />
Thoma, diagnosed with a rare<br />
congenital defect, underwent<br />
surgery to repair his breast bone. The<br />
successful procedure also went a long way<br />
to restoring Charlie’s confidence.<br />
Meridian Health Views • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
17
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
On the Road to Recovery:<br />
Vascular Surgery Restores Man to a Healthier Life<br />
For years following an accident at<br />
work, John Bolsch, 56, of Hazlet<br />
had limited range of motion and<br />
pain in his foot. So when his leg<br />
began bothering him in July 2012,<br />
he attributed it to his earlier injury.<br />
As the pain became more intense,<br />
however, he went to see a doctor.<br />
“I started with my orthopedist<br />
since I figured the pain had something<br />
to do with my injury,” John says. “He<br />
instructed me to try using a walker<br />
for a while to relieve my ankle to see<br />
if that helped.”<br />
Much to John’s dismay, the walker<br />
did not help, and soon walking even<br />
three blocks was unbearably painful.<br />
Finding the Root of the Problem<br />
John was referred to Lon Weiner,<br />
M.D., a foot specialist affiliated<br />
with Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>,<br />
who sensed his pain was actually a<br />
symptom of a vascular problem. He<br />
sent John to see Joseph Cauda, M.D., a<br />
vascular surgeon on staff at Riverview<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and a part of<br />
Meridian CardioVascular Network.<br />
“Dr. Cauda ran a series of tests on<br />
me that revealed peripheral artery<br />
disease and the blockage of 95<br />
percent of my right leg,” John says.<br />
According to Dr. Cauda, peripheral<br />
artery disease (PAD) occurs when the<br />
leg is not receiving enough blood or<br />
oxygen. If left untreated, it could lead<br />
to heart attack, stroke, or amputation.<br />
In December 2012, John underwent an<br />
atherectomy.<br />
“Atherectomy removes the buildup<br />
of plaque in the arteries, therefore<br />
improving the downstream healing of<br />
the leg to reduce the pain,” Dr. Cauda<br />
says. “Thanks to the minimally invasive<br />
nature of the procedure, the treatment<br />
provides a number of advantages<br />
to patients, including a shorter<br />
procedure time, faster recovery, and<br />
no insertion of any foreign objects<br />
(such as wire or mesh) into the body.”<br />
Reassuring Results<br />
When John woke up in the recovery<br />
room, he immediately knew the<br />
procedure was successful.<br />
He could once again<br />
feel warmth in<br />
his leg. He<br />
returned home<br />
that day.<br />
Joseph F. Cauda, M.D.<br />
Board certified in General Surgery<br />
Shrewsbury • 732-747-4744<br />
Although John did not need any formal<br />
rehabilitation, he slowly began exercising<br />
again. For the next few weeks, he found<br />
himself walking longer distances and<br />
even began jogging with his son as he did<br />
before his injury. The biggest reward of<br />
all, though, was when he was able to<br />
get back to riding his motorcycle.<br />
“My entire experience at Riverview<br />
was nothing but positive,” John says.<br />
“Surgery is never a happy experience,<br />
but the staff and Dr. Cauda were<br />
phenomenal from the time I checked in<br />
for preoperative testing through surgery<br />
and my return home. It was a real<br />
wake-up call for me to take better care<br />
of my health, and thanks to the entire<br />
Riverview staff, I have done just that.”<br />
– Caitlin Coyle<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
18<br />
Comprehensive Services<br />
When John Bolsch’s leg pain<br />
turned out to be the result<br />
of vascular disease, he turned<br />
to the expertise of Meridian<br />
CardioVascular Network and<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>. Now,<br />
he’s able to get back to his<br />
favorite hobby,<br />
riding his motorcycle.<br />
Heart and vascular disease can become<br />
apparent through various, sometimes<br />
subtle symptoms. To learn more<br />
about the range of heart and vascular services<br />
Meridian CardioVascular Network offers, go to<br />
MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com.
Lora Campbell was determined to increase<br />
breast cancer awareness by giving her son’s<br />
lacrosse team pink jerseys to wear at games<br />
and asking them to encourage their<br />
moms to get mammograms.<br />
Lora enjoys oil painting and<br />
her art hangs in her home.<br />
Meridian Health<br />
Playing<br />
for Pink<br />
When Lora Campbell was diagnosed<br />
with and treated for breast cancer in<br />
2009, she knew she wanted to help<br />
increase breast cancer awareness.<br />
“While going through treatment, I<br />
noticed the entire town of Fair Haven<br />
had embraced the Paint the Town<br />
Pink campaign, but Rumson wasn’t<br />
involved at all,” Lora says.<br />
Paint the Town Pink (Pink) is a<br />
campaign to raise awareness of the<br />
importance of annual mammograms<br />
and to raise money for women who<br />
cannot afford them. Lora knows the<br />
importance of this message firsthand.<br />
“There’s no question my mammogram<br />
saved my life,” Lora says.<br />
Getting the Word Out<br />
Lora, who has two sons who were<br />
students at Rumson-Fair Haven High<br />
School at the time, had an idea. “My<br />
younger son was on the lacrosse team,<br />
and I thought how great would it be if<br />
we could get pink pinnies for them to<br />
wear before the games?” Lora says.<br />
As soon as she suggested the<br />
idea to Dale Oehler, president<br />
of the Rumson-Fair Haven Youth<br />
Lacrosse program,<br />
he immediately ran<br />
with it. Shortly after,<br />
Lora was handing out<br />
70 pink pinnies — or<br />
sleeveless jerseys — to the<br />
teenage lacrosse players.<br />
“I shared the mission of Pink<br />
with them and asked they do me a<br />
favor: Go home and ask your moms<br />
if they’ve had a mammogram this<br />
year,” Lora says. The feedback she<br />
received was tremendous. Women<br />
thanked her for opening the dialogue<br />
between them and their sons. One<br />
mom said she had the order for her<br />
mammogram in her purse for nearly<br />
a year, but once her son asked her to<br />
go, she made the appointment.<br />
Paint New <strong>Jersey</strong> Pink<br />
The team donned the pink pinnies<br />
before every game throughout their<br />
successful 19-1 season and will be<br />
sporting them again this year.<br />
“The kids took such pride in their<br />
pinnies,” Lora says. “Those pinnies<br />
traveled with them throughout the<br />
state of New <strong>Jersey</strong>. Thanks to the<br />
players, the Pink message reached so<br />
many more people than I ever could<br />
have imagined.”<br />
We Need Your Support! Attend a Pink Event!<br />
The Rumson-Fair Haven lacrosse<br />
team and the community proudly<br />
support Paint the Town Pink.<br />
Paint the Town Pink’s goal is to raise awareness about the<br />
importance of annual mammography. Meridian Health is<br />
pleased to bring this community-wide effort to more than<br />
20 towns in Monmouth and Ocean counties! To learn more about<br />
upcoming events and how to support Paint the Town Pink, go to<br />
PaintTheTownPink.com.<br />
Meridian Health Views • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
19
Playground Aide Returns to School with<br />
New Hip and New Energy<br />
Meridian Health<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
20<br />
When Ocean Township resident Gail<br />
Caruso visited a friend recovering<br />
from a hip replacement at Meridian<br />
Nursing & Rehabilitation at<br />
Shrewsbury, she was impressed by the<br />
beautiful facility and the quality of<br />
care her friend received. So two years<br />
later, when Gail herself had a hip<br />
replaced and needed rehabilitation,<br />
she knew just where to go.<br />
“My friend raved about the<br />
physical therapy at Meridian Nursing &<br />
Rehabilitation at Shrewsbury,” says Gail,<br />
69. “After my surgery, I thought, ‘Gee,<br />
I’d like to go there — it’s not that far.’<br />
It’s about a 20-minute drive from my<br />
home and only 10 if there’s no traffic.<br />
“There are closer facilities — there<br />
is one about five minutes away,”<br />
she adds. “But I couldn’t have been<br />
happier with my decision.”<br />
Road to Wellness<br />
Anthony Costa, M.D., an orthopedic<br />
surgeon on staff at Riverview <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong>, replaced Gail’s left hip on<br />
August 10, 2012. Three days later, she<br />
checked into Meridian Nursing &<br />
Rehabilitation at Shrewsbury. With<br />
both the hospital and rehab facility<br />
part of Meridian Health, Gail enjoyed<br />
a seamless coordination of care after<br />
her surgery.<br />
“Gail was pretty sick the first<br />
four days with a lot of nausea and<br />
vomiting,” recalls Stacey Curtis,<br />
Gail’s physical therapist. “Doctors<br />
quickly discovered her medications<br />
needed to be changed. After that,<br />
she returned to the rehab facility and<br />
then aced through her therapy.”<br />
Gail worked diligently with Stacey<br />
and occupational therapist Melynda<br />
Eastman to strengthen her hip<br />
joint, increase her range of motion,<br />
and improve her balance, gradually<br />
regaining daily living skills. “Like all hip<br />
replacement patients, Gail once<br />
again had to learn everything<br />
from how to get in and out of<br />
the shower safely and dressing<br />
independently to walking<br />
normally and climbing stairs,”<br />
Melynda says.<br />
Since her hip replacement<br />
two years ago, Gail Caruso is<br />
able to keep up with the kids<br />
she works with as an aide at a<br />
nearby elementary school.<br />
Anthony J. Costa, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Orthopedic<br />
Surgery<br />
Red Bank • 732-741-2313<br />
Safe and Secure<br />
Gail says the trust she had in her<br />
therapists made a big difference in<br />
her recovery. “Both Melynda and<br />
Stacey are so caring and committed<br />
to all their patients,” Gail says. “They<br />
watched us so closely and were<br />
always so encouraging, and it really<br />
helped make me feel secure.”<br />
Gail returned home 19 days later.<br />
She then continued with outpatient<br />
physical therapy for two months at<br />
a facility in Little Silver. In November<br />
2012, strong and sure on her feet, she<br />
returned to her job as a playground<br />
aide at Ocean Township Elementary<br />
School.<br />
Lasting Relationship<br />
The family continues its relationship<br />
with Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation<br />
at Shrewsbury. When Gail’s 95-yearold<br />
mother-in-law fell during<br />
Hurricane Sandy and needed nursing<br />
care, the family chose the same<br />
facility that has served them so well.<br />
“In my job, I need to be on my feet<br />
at least three hours a day, walking<br />
and guiding children,” Gail says.<br />
“Thanks to the great care I received at<br />
Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation at<br />
Shrewsbury, I’m able to keep up with<br />
the kids and get back to a normal<br />
lifestyle.”<br />
A Home Away from Home<br />
In a comfortable setting, Meridian<br />
Health’s subacute rehabilitation<br />
and skilled nursing facilities offer<br />
long-term care, short-term rehabilitation,<br />
and much more. To learn more about our<br />
nursing and rehabilitation centers, visit<br />
www.MeridianHealth.com/subacute.
Meridian<br />
Community Health Programs<br />
<strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Reserve your spot by calling 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) or<br />
1-800-560-9990 or by visiting MeridianHealth.com. In cases of severe weather, a program may be canceled as late<br />
as an hour before the start time. Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to confirm.<br />
CELEBRATE<br />
Life<br />
Meridian Neuroscience invites stroke<br />
survivors and their families to join us to<br />
celebrate life. Hear from Meridian experts on how to<br />
maximize the quality of life after having a stroke. Meet<br />
other survivors and share your stories, challenges, and<br />
inspirations. Refreshments will be provided. Seating is<br />
limited and registration is required.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 18, 10:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Jumping Brook Country Club<br />
210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune<br />
12th Annual Diabetes Health Fair<br />
If you have diabetes or know someone who does, this event<br />
is for you. Experts in diabetes management and nutrition will<br />
be available for consultation. Screenings for cholesterol, blood<br />
glucose, and blood pressure will be provided. Vendors will display<br />
the latest information and technology and be available to assist<br />
with diabetes supplies and related questions. Light refreshments<br />
will be served.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 18, 10:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> Lobby<br />
Run or Walk Toward<br />
a Healthier Heart!<br />
Whether you are a competitive runner, walking for a cause, or just<br />
like to take a leisurely stroll, don’t miss out on taking part in the<br />
Meridian Health Heart & Sole Cup. To learn more about prizes and<br />
to register visit www.MeridianHealth.com/HeartandSoleCup.<br />
June 9, 8:30 a.m. 5K, Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
June 29, 8:30 a.m. 5K, 10:00 a.m. Community Day<br />
Bayshore Community Hospital<br />
September 15, 10:00 a.m. 5K and Community Day<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
AngioScreen®:<br />
What You Learn<br />
Can Save Your Life<br />
Vascular screening to learn your risk for<br />
heart attack and stroke includes carotid<br />
artery ultrasound screening, heart rhythm<br />
screening (atrial fibrillation), blood pressure,<br />
abdominal aortic aneurysm screening,<br />
peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening,<br />
and body mass index. Participants<br />
receive an instant color report of the<br />
findings, educational material, and private<br />
consultation with a registered nurse. Fee:<br />
$74.95. Registration required.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
East Wing, Conference Room A<br />
<strong>May</strong> 14, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Navesink River Conference Suite<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Geisinger Gold Headquarters<br />
550 Route 530, Suite 20, Whiting<br />
<strong>May</strong> 30, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan Rooms 104/105<br />
June 4, 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
June 6, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Room 1<br />
June 12, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
East Wing, Conference Room A<br />
June 27, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan Rooms 104/105<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.<br />
21
MERIDIAN CANCER CARE<br />
Improve Your quality of life<br />
Develop strategies to cope with the<br />
impact of a cancer diagnosis using<br />
integrative medicine. This program is for<br />
patients suffering with cancer or other<br />
chronic illnesses and for caregivers. To<br />
register, call 609-978-8900, ext. 2708.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 1, 10:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Beach Plum Conference Room<br />
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis<br />
Hypnotherapy is effective in alleviating<br />
unwanted habits and developing<br />
positive behaviors and lifestyle changes.<br />
The fee is $30.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 13 and June 10, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness<br />
at Hazlet<br />
BREAST CANCER UPDATE<br />
Evan Naylor, M.D., will provide the most<br />
up-to-date information on prevention<br />
and treatment of breast cancer. The<br />
lecture will be followed by a questionand-answer<br />
period.<br />
June 11, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
Look Good, Feel Better<br />
The American Cancer Society offers<br />
this program to individuals being<br />
treated for cancer. Learn makeup and<br />
hair tricks to help make you look and<br />
feel better.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 21, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Beach Plum Conference Room<br />
June 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.<br />
Bayshore Community Hospital,<br />
Infusion Suite, 4th Floor<br />
SURVIVORSHIP GARDEN — ANNUAL<br />
CEREMONIAL PLANTING<br />
In honor of National Cancer Survivors<br />
Day, survivors, friends, and family are<br />
invited to garden with representatives<br />
from the Kaleidoscope of Hope.<br />
June 1, 10:00 a.m. – noon<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Amdur Pavilion<br />
NOVEL CHEMOTHERAPIES FOR<br />
PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC DISEASE<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> oncologist Peter Mencel, M.D.,<br />
discusses the latest information about<br />
chemotherapy for metastatic cancer of<br />
the thyroid.<br />
June 3, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
<strong>Medical</strong> Staff Board Room<br />
FATHER’S DAY: MEN’S HEALTH SPECIAL<br />
Bring that special man in your life and<br />
join Rama Sambandan, M.D., as he<br />
discusses prostate and colon health as<br />
well as other men’s health issues. Each<br />
attendee will receive a free guest pass<br />
to the Fitness <strong>Center</strong>. A free colonrectal<br />
screening kit will be provided.<br />
June 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
COLON-RECTAL CANCER: Preventive<br />
Measures You Can Take<br />
Howard Ross, M.D., will discuss risks,<br />
prevention, and the latest treatment<br />
options. A free colon-rectal screening<br />
kit will be provided.<br />
June 25, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Navesink River Conference Room<br />
CHILDREN’S ART THERAPY<br />
Meridian Cancer Care offers art therapy<br />
for children ages 4½ to 13 who have<br />
experienced a loss or are dealing with<br />
a chronically or terminally ill loved one.<br />
Registration required. Call 732-530-2382.<br />
Childbirth/Maternity<br />
MERIDIAN Pediatric NETWORK<br />
SAFE SITTER<br />
Meridian offers babysitting training<br />
for boys and girls ages 11 to 14. This<br />
class will review safety for both the<br />
babysitters and children left in their<br />
care in a fun learning environment. The<br />
class includes handling emergencies,<br />
first aid, and CPR. The fee is $40.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 4, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Room A<br />
<strong>May</strong> 18 and June 8, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
June 28, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECK<br />
Sponsored by the New <strong>Jersey</strong> State<br />
Police and the Trauma <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong>. No registration necessary.<br />
First Tuesday of each month<br />
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong><br />
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION SERIES<br />
Meridian Health offers classes<br />
and seminars for first-time and<br />
experienced parents, as well as<br />
tours, classes for siblings, and<br />
more! Registration required.<br />
Please register before your third<br />
trimester. To learn more about our<br />
fun and informative classes, visit<br />
MeridianMomtourage.com.<br />
STRIKE A POSE: YOGA FOR MOMS<br />
AND MOMS-TO-BE<br />
Classes focus on gentle postures,<br />
breathing techniques, and overall<br />
relaxation to prepare for childbirth<br />
or recover after childbirth. Call<br />
Meridian Life Fitness in Point<br />
Pleasant at 732-295-1778 for fees<br />
and to register.<br />
22<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
MERIDIAN CARDIOVASCULAR NETWORK<br />
Meridian Women’s Heart<br />
Connection<br />
❤ Joyful Heart Tea<br />
Learn the latest heart health<br />
information while enjoying tea and<br />
heart-healthy delights! Registration<br />
required.<br />
June 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.<br />
Neptune Library<br />
25 Neptune Blvd., Neptune<br />
❤ Women and Heart Disease<br />
Netrali Patel, M.D., will discuss risk<br />
factors, signs, and symptoms as well<br />
as lifestyle changes to help prevent<br />
heart disease.<br />
June 4, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, Navesink<br />
River Conference Suite<br />
MERIDIAN Neuroscience<br />
STROKE: ARE YOU AT RISK?<br />
Learn the risk factors, signs, and<br />
symptoms, as well as what you should<br />
do if someone is having a stroke.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 3, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
Speaker: Tommasina Papa-Rugino, M.D.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
Speaker: Shirley Shook, R.N.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 15, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, Two River<br />
Conference Suite<br />
A light lunch will be served.<br />
Speaker: Noah Gilson, M.D.<br />
PARKINSON’S DISEASE UPDATE<br />
Alan Deutsch, M.D., will discuss early<br />
detection as well as treatment options<br />
to maintain strength and function.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Room A<br />
ALZHEIMER’S: IS IT IN YOUR GENES?<br />
John Fitzpatrick, M.D., will discuss the<br />
stages of Alzheimer’s, signs, symptoms,<br />
and its connection to genetics.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan 104/105<br />
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS<br />
Owano Pennycooke, M.D., will<br />
discuss the signs, symptoms, and<br />
causes of deep vein thrombosis<br />
(DVT).<br />
<strong>May</strong> 1, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Two River Conference Suite<br />
HEART HEALTY EATING<br />
Jeanne Jacobus, R.N., will<br />
discuss how to eat smart for a<br />
healthy heart.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 2, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Room A<br />
TROUBLE KEEPING YOUR BALANCE?<br />
Learn the causes of balance issues and<br />
solutions.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 20, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean Club,<br />
Stafford Township<br />
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT<br />
OF CONCUSSIONS<br />
Kristine Keane, PsyD, will discuss prevention<br />
and treatment options for concussions.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 21, 7:00-8:00 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, Conference Room A<br />
PARKINSON’S disease:<br />
IMPROVING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE<br />
In partnership with the Parkinson’s Disease<br />
Foundation, this program is for people living<br />
with Parkinson’s and their family members<br />
and will focus on exercise, nutrition, and<br />
medication. Lunch will be served. To<br />
register, call Carol Schulte at 908-461-5339.<br />
June 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Tower Hill Church<br />
255 Harding Road, Red Bank<br />
LIVING WITH HEADACHES?<br />
Join Anthony Bruno, M.D., as he discusses<br />
causes and the latest treatment options for<br />
headaches.<br />
June 5, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, Two River<br />
Conference Suite<br />
HYPERTENSION AND YOU<br />
Jeanne Jacobus, R.N., will discuss how to<br />
manage hypertension, including tips on<br />
weight loss, quitting smoking, dietary<br />
changes, and more.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan 104/105<br />
HEART DISEASE PREVENTION<br />
Taking care of your heart can have<br />
lifelong benefits. Learn the risk factors,<br />
signs, symptoms, and steps you can<br />
take to prevent heart disease.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, Conference<br />
Room C<br />
Speaker: Aari Patel, M.D.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 22, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
Speaker: Nagdy Nasra, M.D.<br />
June 10, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan 104/105<br />
LIVING WITH CONGESTIVE HEART<br />
FAILURE<br />
Praveen Uppal, M.D., will discuss risk<br />
factors, signs and symptoms, and how<br />
to manage heart failure.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
EXERCISE FOR CARDIAC AND STROKE<br />
PATIENTS<br />
Learn how exercise can make a positive<br />
impact on those who have had a stroke<br />
or been diagnosed with cardiovascular<br />
disease.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 23, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Community Room<br />
CONTROLLING YOUR CHOLESTEROL<br />
Do you know what your cholesterol<br />
level is and what it means? Find out<br />
about good and bad cholesterol and<br />
treatment options.<br />
June 7, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.<br />
23
Weight-Loss Surgery<br />
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY: THE FACTS<br />
Karl Strom, M.D., medical director<br />
of the Bariatric <strong>Center</strong> of Excellence<br />
at Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
and Bayshore Community Hospital,<br />
and surgeons Jonathan Reich, M.D.,<br />
and Silvia Fresco, M.D., will host<br />
educational programs on the benefits<br />
of weight-loss surgery.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7; <strong>May</strong> 23; and June 20<br />
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
<strong>May</strong> 9, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Bayshore Community Hospital<br />
Ground Floor Conference Room<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7 and June 11, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Ramada Inn, 2373 U.S. 9, Toms River<br />
<strong>May</strong> 8 and June 12, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16, 10:30 a.m. – noon<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Rooms 1 and 2<br />
<strong>May</strong> 13 and June 18, 7:00-8:30 p.m.<br />
Ocean County Library – Lacey<br />
10 East Lacey Road<br />
<strong>May</strong> 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m.<br />
Ocean County Library – Brick<br />
301 Chambersbridge Road<br />
OPTIONS FOR WEIGHT-LOSS<br />
SURGERY<br />
Seth Kipnis, M.D., discusses the<br />
benefits of weight-loss surgery.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 1 and June 5, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan Rooms 104/105<br />
Orthopedics and sports medicine<br />
SHOULDER DYSFUNCTION<br />
Learn the most common shoulder<br />
dysfunctions and how to prevent<br />
them.<br />
June 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Point<br />
Pleasant<br />
COMMON FOOT AILMENTS<br />
Podiatrist Ian Hersh, DPM, discusses<br />
bunions, corns, and other foot<br />
ailments. Foot screening to follow.<br />
June 19, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness<br />
at Hazlet<br />
Screenings<br />
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING<br />
First and third Wednesday of the<br />
month, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the<br />
Ocean Club<br />
BALANCE SCREENING<br />
Call 732-206-8263 to register.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Brick<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
June 6, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness,<br />
Point Pleasant<br />
DIABETES FOOT SCREENING<br />
Call the Wound <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
609-978-3077.<br />
First Wednesday of each month<br />
Noon – 1:00 p.m.<br />
SKIN CANCER SCREENING<br />
<strong>May</strong> 21, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Hazlet<br />
June 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong>, Outpatient Infusion Suite<br />
ACHILLES TENDINITIS<br />
Matthew Wolenski, M.D., will<br />
discuss tips on prevention and<br />
treatment.<br />
June 12, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the<br />
Ocean Club, Stafford Township<br />
Fitness<br />
SELF-DEFENSE EXERCISES<br />
Learn how to use balance and<br />
leverage over strength to help defend<br />
yourself. $3 per class.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 2 and 16, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.<br />
June 6 and 20, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
TRAIN FOR A 5K<br />
Learn everything you need to know<br />
to train for a 5K.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 6, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant<br />
AQUATIC DEMO FOR THOSE WITH<br />
ARTHRITIS<br />
Find out whether this specialty<br />
class may be right for you! <strong>Medical</strong><br />
clearance may be required. Call<br />
732-206-8263 for more details and to<br />
register.<br />
June 6, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant<br />
YOGA FOR ARTHRITIS<br />
Find out whether this specialty<br />
yoga class may be right for you. Call<br />
732-206-8263 for more details and to<br />
register.<br />
June 10, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Counseling and Behavioral HeaLth<br />
Addiction Recovery Services<br />
For adult family members of addicted individuals. Call for information.<br />
Children’s Counseling<br />
Meridian’s Behavioral Health offers age-specific group therapy, a<br />
therapeutic after-school program for children ages 7 to 13, as well as<br />
traditional individual and family therapy. Call 732-869-2784, ext. 2,<br />
for registration, schedules, and fees.<br />
DIABETES<br />
Individual or group educational and<br />
support programs. To register, call<br />
Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> at 732-530-2555,<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong> at 732-897-3980, and<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
609-978-3400.<br />
24<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
NUTRITION<br />
EATING FOR ENERGY — HOW TO<br />
FEEL YOUR BEST<br />
Maria Choy, M.D., will discuss how<br />
you can change your eating style to<br />
increase your total health and feel<br />
your best.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 20, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
WEIGHT-LOSS STRATEGIES FOR THE<br />
SUMMER<br />
Healthy strategies to achieving weight<br />
loss this summer.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Community Room<br />
WEIGHT LOSS WITH HYPNOSIS<br />
Jaime Pitner, R.N., will lead a session<br />
to help you lose weight with<br />
hypnotherapy. Fee: $30<br />
June 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
HEALTHY FATS FOR YOUR HEART<br />
Liz Amisson, R.D., will discuss healthy<br />
and nonhealthy fats.<br />
June 20, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
NUTRITION COUNSELING<br />
Consult a registered dietician to<br />
design a food plan that meets<br />
your weight management and<br />
medical nutrition needs. To register,<br />
call Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> at<br />
732-530-2555, Meridian Life Fitness<br />
at 732-206-8263, or Southern Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> at 609-978-3400.<br />
WEIGHT-LOSS AND WELLNESS<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
Meridian Life Fitness offers a variety<br />
of weight-loss and wellness programs<br />
to suit your lifestyle, including the<br />
ability to meet with a wellness<br />
adviser. Call 732-206-8263 for<br />
information, fees, and registration.<br />
Senior Programs<br />
AARP DRIVING SAFETY PROGRAM<br />
Driving program for adults 50 and<br />
older who want to develop safe<br />
defensive driving techniques. The fee<br />
is $12 for AARP members and $14 for<br />
nonmembers. Please make checks<br />
payable to AARP. Call for dates.<br />
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE<br />
Meridian Geisinger Gold’s Medicare<br />
GPS is an educational seminar<br />
designed to provide clear, simple,<br />
unbiased information to help you<br />
choose the best route when it comes<br />
to Medicare. The most up-to-date<br />
information from the <strong>Center</strong>s for<br />
Medicare and Medicaid Services’<br />
National Medicare Training Program<br />
will be provided.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 2, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
<strong>May</strong> 14, 10:00– 11:00 a.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Hazlet<br />
June 5, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
June 19, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Geisinger Gold Headquarters<br />
4900 Route 33, Suite 200, 2nd Floor,<br />
Neptune<br />
June 12, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
June 26, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Geisinger Gold Headquarters<br />
550 Route 530, Suite 20, Whiting<br />
GENEALOGY<br />
Interested in tracing your family<br />
history?<br />
<strong>May</strong> 7 and June 11, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
iPAD, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER<br />
See an iPad demonstration and learn<br />
how to set up Facebook and Twitter<br />
in this two-day class. Fee: $10<br />
<strong>May</strong> 13 and <strong>May</strong> 15, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
CAREGIVER LUNCHEON<br />
Join us for this informative luncheon<br />
and find out what community<br />
resources are available to help you<br />
and your loved one.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 14, noon – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
THE POWER OF AGING<br />
Geriatrician William Power, M.D., will<br />
discuss the landmark moments in time<br />
regarding aging and the treatments<br />
that can help us age successfully.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
FALL PREVENTION EXERCISE DEMO<br />
Learn how to improve your balance<br />
through exercise.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 17, noon – 12:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant<br />
TAI CHI FOR SENIORS<br />
Learn more about Tai Chi and the<br />
many health benefits of this exercise.<br />
June 10, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant<br />
BALANCE SOLUTIONS<br />
Treatment options for balance<br />
and dizziness.<br />
June 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
East Wing, Conference Room B<br />
LIVING WILLS<br />
The state of New <strong>Jersey</strong> recognizes<br />
living wills and encourages you to<br />
have one. This workshop will show<br />
you how to complete a living will.<br />
June 17, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
HEALTH FAIR<br />
Free health screenings: blood<br />
pressure, cholesterol, glucose, BMI,<br />
stroke risk assessments; health<br />
information and more.<br />
June 21, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.<br />
Brick Senior <strong>Center</strong><br />
373 Adamston Road<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.<br />
25
General Wellness<br />
STRIVE TO THRIVE WITH DIABETES<br />
Experts from Meridian, ShopRite, and<br />
Geisinger Gold will discuss how to control<br />
your diabetes with medication and diet,<br />
and how to manage out-of-pocket costs<br />
associated with diabetes. Free health<br />
screenings will be provided.<br />
April 30, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.<br />
ShopRite, 668 Route 70, Brick<br />
<strong>May</strong> 18, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.<br />
ShopRite, 2 Route 37, Toms River<br />
TAKE CONTROL: LIVING WELL WITH<br />
CHRONIC CONDITIONS<br />
Six-week program for people living with<br />
chronic health conditions and their<br />
caregivers to help manage symptoms<br />
and daily challenges.<br />
Starting <strong>May</strong> 8, 9:30 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
Starting <strong>May</strong> 23, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
VARICOSE VEINS: CAUSES AND<br />
TREATMENT OPTIONS<br />
Lawrence Mueller, M.D., will discuss<br />
varicose veins, their causes, and the<br />
latest treatment options.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 23<br />
Lecture: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.<br />
Screenings: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan Rooms 104/105<br />
A Step Toward Wound Healing<br />
Podiatrist RoseAnn Caruso, DPM,<br />
will discuss proper foot care. Learn<br />
how wound care and hyperbaric<br />
treatment can help heal wounds. A<br />
continental breakfast will be served.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 24, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> Conference<br />
Rooms A and B<br />
ALL ABOUT HERNIAS<br />
Surgeon Lauren Fischer, M.D., will<br />
discuss diagnosis and treatment<br />
options.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 29, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness<br />
<strong>Center</strong> at Hazlet<br />
PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION AND<br />
PILATES DEMO<br />
Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to<br />
incontinence, and Pilates or physical<br />
therapy can help.<br />
<strong>May</strong> 30, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.<br />
Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Conference Room A<br />
SUMMER SKIN SAFETY<br />
Join Kavita Beri, M.D., and learn tips<br />
on maintaining healthy skin.<br />
June 4, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong><br />
<strong>Center</strong><br />
Brennan 104/105<br />
LYMPHEDEMA UPDATE<br />
Stacey Reese, P.T. will share the latest<br />
physical therapy treatments and basic<br />
care guidelines.<br />
June 11, 11:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
NATIONAL SAFETY DEFENSIVE<br />
DRIVING<br />
Open to anyone who wants to<br />
develop safe, defensive driving<br />
techniques and save on car insurance.<br />
Call for fees and to register.<br />
June 19, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
BROWN BAG YOUR MEDICATIONS<br />
Have your medication and supplements<br />
reviewed by a registered pharmacist<br />
who will discuss medication<br />
interactions. Registration is required.<br />
June 26, 10:00 a.m. – noon<br />
Meridian Fitness and Wellness <strong>Center</strong><br />
at Hazlet<br />
FOCUS ON OSTEOPOROSIS<br />
Gynecologist Alma Bustamante, M.D.,<br />
will discuss the latest research on<br />
medication, vitamins, diet, and exercise.<br />
June 26, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Family Resource <strong>Center</strong> at the Ocean<br />
Club, Stafford Township<br />
Meridian Programs and services<br />
Booker Health Sciences Library<br />
Home Delivery<br />
Looking to learn more about a<br />
medical topic, disease, or condition?<br />
The library sends a packet of reliable<br />
information to you at no cost.<br />
Phone: 732-776-4265<br />
Fax: 732-776-4530<br />
E-mail: jsumclibrary@meridianhealth.com<br />
Clinical Trials<br />
To learn more about current clinical<br />
trials available at Meridian Health,<br />
please visit us at MeridianHealth.com,<br />
call 732-776-2953, or e-mail us at<br />
clinicaltrials@meridianhealth.com.<br />
CPR Training<br />
All Meridian hospitals are American<br />
Heart Association CPR training<br />
centers. Call for dates, times,<br />
locations, and classes.<br />
Infectious Disease Clinic<br />
Located at <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>. Call 732-774-0151<br />
to schedule a free, confidential<br />
appointment.<br />
Support Groups<br />
Meridian offers support groups for<br />
bereavement; caregivers; diabetes;<br />
anorexia and bulimia; breast,<br />
lung, prostate, thyroid, and other<br />
cancers; Alzheimer’s disease; stroke;<br />
Parkinson’s disease; sleep disorders;<br />
celiac disease; heart disease; weight<br />
loss; and more. Call for more<br />
information, dates, and times.<br />
26<br />
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
Cholesterol:<br />
Down with the Bad,<br />
Up with the Good<br />
Talk about a love-hate relationship.<br />
Your body needs cholesterol to<br />
make essential hormones, cell<br />
membranes, and brain and nerve<br />
tissues. To transport this fat through<br />
your bloodstream, your body<br />
turns cholesterol into high-density,<br />
or “good,” lipoprotein (HDL) and<br />
low-density, or “bad,” lipoprotein<br />
(LDL). HDL cholesterol gets rid<br />
of excess cholesterol, and LDL<br />
cholesterol promotes fatty buildup<br />
in your arteries.<br />
Even so, your liver manufactures<br />
all the cholesterol your body needs.<br />
The cholesterol from your diet<br />
is all excess. High blood levels of<br />
cholesterol can clog blood vessels<br />
and cause heart disease, one of<br />
America’s top killers.<br />
Your cholesterol profile results<br />
partly from heredity and age. But<br />
physical activity counts, too. And so<br />
does diet. Here’s how to lower your<br />
total cholesterol and LDL levels, and<br />
raise your HDL levels.<br />
Tico Stuffed Peppers<br />
• Compare labels<br />
to choose foods<br />
with less cholesterol<br />
and saturated fat.<br />
Saturated fat is an even<br />
worse culprit than dietary<br />
cholesterol in raising blood<br />
cholesterol levels. Less than 10<br />
percent of your daily calories<br />
should be from saturated fat.<br />
• If you are overweight, your diet<br />
should consist mainly of fruits,<br />
vegetables, beans, and whole<br />
grains. Choose lean cuts of meat<br />
with the fat trimmed. If you are<br />
not overweight, you may add<br />
monounsaturated fats, such as<br />
olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and<br />
nuts, to your diet.<br />
• Choose a tub margarine with<br />
liquid vegetable oil as the first<br />
ingredient in place of butter or<br />
stick margarine. High levels of<br />
trans-fatty acids in hydrogenated<br />
oils — found in stick margarine,<br />
baked goods, fried foods, and<br />
snack foods — lower healthy<br />
HDL levels.<br />
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess<br />
weight can increase your LDL levels<br />
and lower your HDL levels.<br />
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes on<br />
most days of the week. A recent<br />
study showed that exercising<br />
longer boosted HDL levels more<br />
than exercising harder did.<br />
ABCs of HDL: Online Quiz<br />
Healthy Highlights<br />
Did you know that excess<br />
cholesterol in the arteries<br />
can block blood flow to vital<br />
organs? Take our cholesterol quiz at<br />
Wellness<strong>Center</strong>.MeridianHealth.com.<br />
4 large, square bell peppers — red, yellow, or green<br />
1 tbsp. olive oil<br />
1 large clove garlic, minced<br />
2 tbsp. minced onion<br />
2 dried red chilies<br />
½ cup diced tomatoes, peeled and seeded<br />
1 15.5-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
2 cups cooked brown rice<br />
½ cup water<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash peppers and<br />
cut off tops a quarter-inch to half-inch down. Remove<br />
seeds; set tops aside. Put peppers in a baking<br />
dish. Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and onion<br />
with dried red chilies until onion is soft, about five<br />
minutes. Add tomatoes, beans, and brown rice. Mix<br />
thoroughly. Spoon mixture into prepared peppers<br />
and put tops back on. Add water to pan. Cover and<br />
bake until peppers are soft, about 45 minutes to an<br />
hour. Makes four servings.<br />
One Serving Contains<br />
Approximately:<br />
Calories ....... 289<br />
Fat ...........5 g<br />
Calories from fat 16%<br />
Cholesterol .....0 mg<br />
Sodium .......8 mg<br />
Carbohydrates ..53 g<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
27
Stroke Prevention and Treatment:<br />
What You Need to Know<br />
Meridian Health<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
28<br />
There are about 6 million stroke<br />
survivors alive today. Even so,<br />
stroke — a blood clot that blocks<br />
an artery or a blood vessel to the<br />
brain — remains the fourth leading<br />
cause of death in the U.S. Both<br />
women and men are at risk for<br />
stroke, so it’s important to know<br />
the symptoms and what you can do<br />
to protect against stroke, as well as<br />
treatment and rehabilitation options<br />
if you suffer a stroke.<br />
Lower Your Risk<br />
There are some well-established risk<br />
factors for stroke, including smoking,<br />
high blood pressure, heart disease,<br />
and diabetes.<br />
In addition to these risk factors, for<br />
men with a body mass index (BMI) of<br />
30 or higher, their risk of suffering a<br />
stroke doubles compared with those<br />
who are at a healthy weight. Other<br />
research has explored the association<br />
between obesity and stroke risk in<br />
women. Some studies have found a<br />
potential connection, while others<br />
have not.<br />
There are some strategies you can<br />
incorporate into your lifestyle today<br />
that can help protect against stroke.<br />
These include:<br />
• Maintaining a healthy weight<br />
• Following your doctor’s<br />
recommendations for managing<br />
chronic diseases<br />
• Not smoking<br />
• Limiting alcohol to one drink a day<br />
• Exercising at a moderate pace for<br />
at least 30 minutes on most days<br />
of the week<br />
• Choosing whole grains<br />
• Aiming for at least five to six servings<br />
of fruits and vegetables a day<br />
• Getting at least 600 mg of calcium<br />
daily from dairy products. “Some<br />
studies suggest women who<br />
consume adequate amounts<br />
of calcium have a lower risk for<br />
stroke,” says Robert Terranova,<br />
D.O., board certified in neurology,<br />
Southern Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
“Calcium also has the added<br />
benefit of improving bone density.”<br />
Recognizing, Acting on<br />
Stroke Symptoms<br />
One of the ways a transient ischemic<br />
attack (TIA) — sometimes called<br />
a ministroke — differs from a<br />
stroke in that it usually doesn’t<br />
cause permanent brain damage.<br />
A TIA occurs when blood flow<br />
is interrupted by a blood clot or<br />
cholesterol embolus to a portion<br />
of the brain, arising from the heart,<br />
carotid, or intracranial vessel to vessel.<br />
Also known as “warning strokes,”<br />
TIAs often predict the occurrence of<br />
a major stroke, so it’s critical to pay<br />
attention to the signs.<br />
Symptoms of a TIA or stroke can<br />
include:<br />
• Numbness in your face, arms, or<br />
legs — especially on one side of<br />
the body<br />
• Dizziness or loss of coordination<br />
• Loss of vision or double vision<br />
• Confusion or language difficulties<br />
“These signs can be difficult to<br />
recognize, because they come on<br />
Get in the Game: Read Harry Carson’s Blog<br />
As the spokesperson for Meridian Neuroscience, Harry<br />
Carson, pro football Hall of Famer and former captain of the<br />
New York Giants, is an advocate for concussion and stroke<br />
awareness. In his “Get in the Game” blog, he talks about physical and<br />
emotional wellness, and loving yourself. To learn more about Harry’s<br />
experiences with sports injuries and living a healthy life, go to<br />
www.MeridianHealth.com/HarryCarson.<br />
suddenly and usually last a short<br />
period of time,” says Paul Gilson, M.D.,<br />
of Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>. If<br />
you experience any of these<br />
symptoms — even if they last only<br />
a few minutes — it’s critical to seek<br />
emergency medical help right away.<br />
By doing so, you may be able to<br />
prevent a devastating stroke.<br />
Treating Stroke<br />
Although there is no cure for stroke,<br />
advanced medical and surgical<br />
treatments are now available, giving<br />
many stroke victims hope for optimal<br />
recovery. “Stroke treatment is most<br />
effective when started immediately,”<br />
says Stephen Martino, M.D., medical<br />
director of the Stroke Program for<br />
Meridian Neuroscience at <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
<strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
“Emergency treatment following a<br />
stroke may include medications to<br />
dissolve blood clots; medications and<br />
therapy to reduce or control brain<br />
swelling; and medications that help<br />
protect the brain from damage and<br />
lack of oxygen.” There are also life<br />
support measures, such as ventilators<br />
and intravenous fluids, that can be<br />
used as needed.<br />
Numerous medications are<br />
available to help with recovery<br />
following a stroke or help prevent<br />
a stroke from occurring. These<br />
medications are given to help prevent<br />
additional blood clots from forming,<br />
for example, or to treat existing<br />
medical conditions, such as diabetes,<br />
heart, or blood pressure problems.<br />
In some cases, surgery will be an<br />
option to prevent a stroke, such as<br />
a carotid endarterectomy, which<br />
removes plaque and clots from<br />
arteries located in the neck. Specific<br />
treatments for stroke are determined<br />
by your doctor based on several<br />
factors, such as your age, overall<br />
health, and medical history; severity<br />
of the stroke; and the location and<br />
cause of the stroke.
Steps Toward Rehabilitation<br />
Participating in stroke rehabilitation<br />
can help people regain their<br />
independence and relearn skills lost<br />
when a stroke damages part of the<br />
brain. Rehab can involve physical and<br />
occupational therapy and exercises to<br />
help the person control movements<br />
and relearn how to walk, eat, and<br />
dress. After a stroke, many people<br />
may experience problems speaking,<br />
listening, writing, or comprehending<br />
speech, so rehab could entail therapy<br />
for communication disorders.<br />
Speech-language pathologists also<br />
help stroke survivors improve their<br />
ability to swallow.<br />
Rehab can also involve physical<br />
therapy. Therapists can help improve<br />
strength and function in strokeimpaired<br />
limbs, as well as coordination<br />
and balance. Range-of-motion<br />
exercises help patients regain mobility,<br />
but early rehab is essential to recovery.<br />
An occupational therapist can<br />
help stroke survivors relearn everyday<br />
activities, such as eating, going to<br />
Paul J. Gilson, M.D.<br />
Brick • 732-840-4666<br />
Robert J. Terranova, D.O.<br />
Board certified in Neurology<br />
Manahawkin • 609-978-8870<br />
the bathroom, and getting dressed.<br />
And rehabilitation can include<br />
psychological therapy. Depression is<br />
common after a stroke. Talking with a<br />
counselor and participating in support<br />
groups can help.<br />
Keys to Recovery<br />
If you have suffered a stroke, the<br />
degree of recovery varies widely<br />
from person to person, depending<br />
on the amount of damage the stroke<br />
caused and to which part of the<br />
brain. It also depends on the skill<br />
of the rehabilitation team and the<br />
cooperation of friends and family.<br />
“The most important element in<br />
Stephen J. Martino, M.D.<br />
Board certified in<br />
Neurology<br />
Neptune • 732-774-8282<br />
Glenn Forman, M.D.<br />
Board certified in Physical<br />
Medicine and Rehabilitation<br />
Red Bank • 732-741-2313<br />
a stroke rehabilitation program is<br />
focused, repetitive practice that is<br />
carefully directed by a therapist or<br />
therapists,” says Glenn Forman, M.D.,<br />
of Riverview <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Caregivers can best help<br />
stroke patients by meeting them<br />
halfway — allowing them to do as<br />
much as they can on their own before<br />
stepping in. It’s imperative for a<br />
person to work toward independence,<br />
and the only way to relearn the tasks<br />
of daily living is to try to do them.<br />
Grady’s love for bowling — and a<br />
remarkable care team — helped<br />
him fight his way back to<br />
the lanes after a stroke.<br />
Know the Warning<br />
Signs of Stroke<br />
• Sudden numbness or weakness of<br />
the face, arm or leg, especially on<br />
one side of the body<br />
• Sudden confusion, trouble<br />
speaking or understanding<br />
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or<br />
both eyes<br />
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness,<br />
loss of balance or coordination<br />
• Sudden severe headache with no<br />
known cause<br />
To hear more from our experts, go to<br />
MeridianNeuroscience.com.<br />
Meridian HealthViews • <strong>May</strong>/June <strong>2013</strong><br />
29
My Health Views On …<br />
Island Heights resident Greg Heizler is a successful attorney, husband,<br />
and father of a boy and girl — both younger than age 3. But he doesn’t<br />
let his schedule get in the way of fitness. Here’s how Greg does it.<br />
… making fitness fun.<br />
Working out is the easiest thing to let go of when you’re busy. But it’s easier<br />
to stay active if you find your passion. I play on two hockey leagues and surf<br />
year-round — sometimes two or three times a day. For my 45th birthday, I<br />
tackled my first Tough Mudder event, which involved 12 miles of mud and<br />
25 obstacles. Having a goal keeps me going, and I’m crazy enough to be<br />
thinking about the next one.<br />
… finding motivation.<br />
Both of my parents passed away at a young age. And I decided a long<br />
time ago to take care of myself. I don’t go to the extreme. I just try to stay<br />
active, eat healthy foods, and enjoy life. I may never have washboard<br />
abs, but at age 45 I can do a lot more than many 30-year-olds.<br />
… keeping perspective.<br />
Sometimes people have an “all or nothing” attitude about<br />
fitness. But I don’t let little upsets get me down. I’m<br />
not perfect — I still eat doughnuts now and<br />
again. It’s the overall goal that matters.<br />
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS<br />
30<br />
Greg Heizler maintains his fitness while<br />
keeping his goals in perspective. He stays<br />
active by playing hockey, surfing, and he<br />
also enjoys spending time<br />
at the beach.<br />
Picture This!<br />
Are you part of a father/son or mother/<br />
daughter workout team? E-mail your story<br />
to healthviews@meridianhealth.com or post<br />
it at www.facebook.com MeridianHealthNJ.<br />
Everyone who submits a story will receive a FREE<br />
cookbook full of healthy recipes!
Sunday, June 9 – Ocean <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> 5k, Brick – 8:30 a.m.<br />
Saturday, June 29 – Bayshore Community Hospital 5k, Holmdel – 8:30 a.m.<br />
Sunday, September 15 – <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong> 5k, Neptune – 10:00 a.m.<br />
Run or Walk towards a healthier heart!<br />
This year’s Meridian Heart & Sole Cup consists of a series of 5k Run/Walks at Ocean<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, <strong>Jersey</strong> <strong>Shore</strong> University <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>, and Bayshore Community Hospital.<br />
Whether you are a competitive runner, walking for a cause, or would like to just enjoy a stroll,<br />
don’t miss these events to keep your heart healthy with Meridian CardioVascular Network.<br />
Awards:<br />
• $12,000 in prize money (overall and age group prize money at each race)<br />
• Series points awarded to overall and age groups<br />
• Special gift for those who complete all three races<br />
• Free Kids’ Races<br />
To learn more about the 5k/walk or to register,<br />
visit www.MeridianHealth.com/HeartandSoleCup
Non-Profit Org.<br />
U.S. Postage<br />
PAID<br />
Meridian<br />
Health<br />
1945 Route 33<br />
Neptune, NJ 07753<br />
Steven G. Littleson, FACHE<br />
President<br />
Suzy West was determined<br />
to help others through<br />
her cancer experience.<br />
Read Suzy’s story<br />
on page 8.<br />
425 Jack Martin Blvd.<br />
Brick, NJ 08724<br />
Dean Q. Lin, MHA, MBA, FACHE<br />
President<br />
HV-MT2H-5.8x7.5-13_Layout 1 3/14/13 9:10 PM Page 1<br />
Meridian<br />
wants you to<br />
stay tuned to<br />
good health.<br />
<strong>Jersey</strong><strong>Shore</strong>University<strong>Medical</strong><strong>Center</strong>.com<br />
Receive 1000<br />
bonus points. Enter<br />
HealthViews<br />
One Riverview Plaza<br />
Red Bank, NJ 07701<br />
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE<br />
Regional President<br />
727 North Beers Street<br />
Holmdel, NJ 07733<br />
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE<br />
Regional President<br />
Meridian Health has developed a program with your favorite local radio stations to<br />
introduce a new way for you to stay healthy and win some prizes along the way. The<br />
more you take control of your health, the more points you earn, and the greater your<br />
chances of winning prizes — from gift cards to electronics and even concert tickets,<br />
courtesy of Townsquare Media.<br />
A sweet sounding way to get healthy and stay healthy don’t you think?!<br />
Sign-up by visiting any of the radio station Web sites listed below.<br />
Take control of your health, earn points, win prizes.<br />
1140 Route 72 West<br />
Manahawkin, NJ 08050<br />
Joe Coyle<br />
President<br />
Taking Care of<br />
New <strong>Jersey</strong><br />
Printed on Recyclable Paper<br />
6116C