JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 HACKENSACKMERIDIANHEALTH.ORG HEALTHVIEWS

Bouncing Back Double hip replacement gets a Point Pleasant woman back on her feet. PLUS Screening Detects Man’s Heart Risks in the Nick of Time Weight Loss Surgery Transforms a Life INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT Hackensack Meridian Health’s It’s Not Too Late to multifaceted cardiovascular program fights back against Fight the Flu heart disease. See page 20 Message to the Community

HEALTHVIEWS Gordon N. Litwin, Esq. CO-CHAIRMAN Joseph Simunovich CO-CHAIRMAN Robert C. Garrett, FACHE CO-CEO John K. Lloyd, FACHE CO-CEO Steven G. Littleson, FACHE PRESIDENT, HOSPITAL SERVICES DIVISION AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Elliot Frank, M.D. MEDICAL ADVISOR Michael McCauley, Gabriella Heizler, Jacki Kronstedt HEALTHVIEWS PRODUCTION TEAM

L to R: Robert Garrett and John Lloyd

This free magazine is prepared by the Marketing and Communications Team of Hackensack Meridian Health. Please With this issue, our innovation call 848-888-4700 with any questions or comments. Inquiries or ideas can comes to the forefront. be addressed to HealthViews@ HackensackMeridian.org. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we Hackensack Meridian Health is built take pride in our status as innovators on collaboration, creativity and discovery, © 2017 Hackensack Meridian Health in health care. With this issue of always with your well-being at the center The material provided in this magazine is intended to be used as general HealthViews, that innovation comes to of our actions. With HealthViews, we information only and should not the forefront. hope to inform and inspire you so that replace the advice of your physician. As you browse these pages, you will you can lead a healthy, happy life. Always consult your physician for individual care. notice that we have adopted a bold new As we kick off a new year, we look that aligns with our commitment to encourage you to attend one of our classes forward-thinking, patient-focused health or other events, many of which are care. In addition to the inspirational offered at low or no cost; see pages 22–25. patient success stories that have long been a hallmark of this publication, you We welcome your feedback on will now find features on wellness and what you’d like to read in future tips to keep families healthy, information issues and urge you to share your about our innovation in health care and A Whole New ideas by emailing Statehealthviews@ of Health Care our partnerships, and more. hackensackmeridian.org. To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe. A Whole New The Hackensack Meridian State of Health Care HealthViews app is available for free download from the To learn more: App Store on iTunes. Once Like. Follow. Subscribe.@HackensackMeridianHealth you’re in the store, simply A Whole New search “HealthViews” to John K. Lloyd,State FACHE, of Health Co-CEO Care Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Co-CEO download the app. To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe. @HackensackMeridianHealth @HMHNewJersey

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2 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 @HMHNewJersey @HMHNewJersey Hackensack Meridian Health

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HMH-Social-HealthViews.indd 1 3/2/17 3:30 PM Contents

Snapshots Get the latest health news on a wide range of topics — everything from hip An untreated replacement to health screenings to case of strep throat led to a nutrition ...... 4 lifelong heart condition for Lakewood teen Success Stories Erick Jacobo. Nick of Time...... 6 Heartfelt Care ...... 8 Know the Options for Knee Pain ...... 10 Sore Throat Leads to Heart Problem...... 11 11 A Solution for Sinus Troubles...... 12 Breathing Easier...... 14 Innovative Care, Remarkable Results.... 15 Getting Her Life Back ...... 16 Soaring High ...... 18 Learning New Tricks ...... 19 Bouncing Back ...... 31 A Whole New State of Health Care Events Calendar To learn more: Community health programs, fun events and support groups around the A Whole New Like. Follow. Subscribe. region for adults and children ...... 22 State of Health Care To learn more: Innovation Health Like. Follow. Subscribe. @HackensackMeridianHealth Attacking Heart Disease ...... 20 Humanizing Health Care ...... 26

@HackensackMeridianHealth @HMHNewJersey Health and Wellness What Does Your Blood Pressure Reading Really Mean? ...... 28 It’s Not Too Late to Prevent the Flu ...... 30 @HMHNewJersey @HMHNewJersey20

@HMHNewJersey Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Meridian Health Health Hackensack Meridian Meridian Health Health Or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org

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HMH-Social-HealthViews.indd 1 3/2/17 3:30 PM Snapsh ts

Your best fitness pal as you age?

Having a dog may offer seniors a fun way to stay in shape, according to a recent British study published in the journal BMC Public Health. The study examined the habits of 86 people ages 65 and older in England over the course of three weeks. Half of the participants were dog owners, and the other half were not. Researchers found that the dog owners walked an extra 20 minutes a day and took 2,700 more steps on average than those without a dog. The participants with a dog also had fewer periods of prolonged sitting, though overall sitting times in both groups were about the same. “We know that physical activity has a positive effect on your health as you age,” says internist and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine Sameer Shetty, M.D., of Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge. “Over the course of a week, the extra time spent walking a dog can give you the 150 minutes of activity suggested for all adults.” GET FIT FOR FREE! Add something new to your exercise routine with a FREE introductory yoga demonstration. See page 23 for details.

4 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 BMI at time of weight loss surgery is key

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you may not want to wait until you’re heavier, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The retrospective study looked at 27,320 adults who underwent bariatric surgery for weight loss. One year after the surgery, those CONSIDERING who had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 40 before the SURGERY? surgery were more likely to have achieved a BMI of 30 or less than We offer a those with a BMI of 40 or more. The study also found that those number of who had a permanent procedure to reduce stomach size — such as educational a gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or duodenal switch — were events for people more likely to reach a BMI of less than 30 than those who had a who are reversible procedure, such as gastric banding. considering “This finding is important because we know those who achieve a weight loss BMI of less than 30 after surgery are more likely to reduce the surgery. Learn health risks that come with being obese, including type 2 diabetes, more on page 25. heart disease and stroke,” says Jonathan Reich, M.D., of Southern Ocean Medical Center.

Want to reduce stroke risk? Cut back your long workweek

A recent study found that putting in long hours at work can take a toll on more than just your lifestyle. The British study, published in the European Heart Journal, discovered a link between a long workweek and the risk for atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm that can lead to stroke or heart failure. The researchers tracked about 85,500 men and women from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland and Denmark over a period of 10 years. Those who logged 55 or more hours a week at work were 40 percent more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those who worked 35 to 40 hours weekly. “The good news is that this is potentially another stroke risk you can control,” says Rafiya Khakoo, M.D., of Bayshore Medical Center. “If you’re regularly putting in long hours, do what you can to rein it in.”

STRIKE OUT STROKE RISK Skipping exercise can increase your risk for stroke. Get fit on the go with 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 5 Jersey Shore University Medical Center NICK OF TIME A Brick man with no symptoms and an active lifestyle found he was at risk for a heart attack.

N MAY 2015, DOUG JANTZ, now 62, felt great. The retired firefighter regularly worked out at the gym, rode his bike I and went for walks with his wife, Glenda. It had been over a decade since he had seen a cardiologist, so he made an appointment with Brett Sealove, M.D. Board certified in Brett Sealove, M.D., FACC, RPVI, who is affiliated Vascular Medicine and with Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Cardiology Eatontown 1-800-560-9990 UNEXPECTED NEWS Doug had risk factors for heart disease that concerned Dr. Sealove, such as a family history of cardiovascular disease, borderline high blood pressure and previously being a smoker. He decided to screen Doug with an exercise treadmill stress test, during which Doug was hooked up to monitors while walking on a treadmill. Doug felt fine during David Johnson, M.D. the test, but his heart activity was highly abnormal. Board certified in Dr. Sealove ordered a computed tomography (CT) Cardiothoracic Surgery angiogram to get a better idea of what was happening. Neptune 1-800-560-9990 An angiogram uses X-rays to create detailed images of the blood vessels in the heart. The test showed that Doug’s heart had several blockages. To find out exactly where the blockages were located and how serious they were, Dr. Sealove referred Doug to his partner, Jason Litsky, D.O., an interventional cardiologist affiliated with Jersey Shore, who performed a cardiac catheterization. During the procedure, Dr. Litsky threaded a catheter from a blood vessel in Doug’s arm up to his heart. He then injected special contrast dye through the catheter. The dye appears on an X-ray and shows which arteries are blocked. The catheterization found that Doug had five major blockages, which could have caused a heart attack. “I was quite surprised,” Doug says. “I exercised and ate properly. I didn’t have any chest pain or shortness of breath.”

RESTORING BLOOD FLOW “While we try to use less invasive approaches when possible, due to the extent of disease and the fact that it occurred in many different arteries, the best approach for a long-term solution was to do bypass

6 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 ON THE ROAD Doug Jantz and his wife, Glenda, love riding his surgery on each of them,” says David Johnson, M.D., a motorcycle and meeting cardiothoracic surgeon at Jersey Shore. new people during Dr. Johnson performed coronary artery bypass surgery their travels. on Doug in July 2016. He took healthy blood vessels from other parts of Doug’s body, such as the leg and chest wall, and attached them above and below each of the blocked coronary arteries so that blood could flow normally to the heart muscle. Doug stayed in the hospital for five nights, then received outpatient cardiac rehabilitation at Ocean Medical Center three times per week for 12 weeks to help him recover and regain his strength.

TEAMWORK BUILDS SUCCESS Dr. Sealove says Doug’s experience underscores the importance of preventing heart disease with a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation, plus regular cardiovascular wellness examinations, which may lead to screenings that can detect a problem even when no major symptoms are present. Once Doug was diagnosed with heart disease, Dr. Sealove placed him on medications in conjunction with a secondary wellness program to reduce his risk for future cardiovascular events. Following Dr. Sealove’s advice, Doug cleaned up his diet — reducing fats and simple carbohydrates — and keeps his daily calorie intake in check. He also increased his physical activity and usually exercises in the gym or rides his bike outside most days of the week. “His particular case highlights the fact that we utilize every resource needed and do things systematically in order to make an accurate diagnosis and treat problems in an efficient manner,” Dr. Sealove says. “We also take steps to coordinate patients’ care as they move through the diagnosis and treatment process, and we’re always in constant communication with one another to collaborate on the best course for treating each individual patient.” Today, Doug is active and feels terrific. He credits Dr. Sealove for detecting the issue and pointing him toward the treatment he needed, which may have saved his life. “If someone needed to have heart surgery, I couldn’t recommend the team at Jersey Shore more,” Doug says. “I received phenomenal care every step of the way.”

CELEBRATE NATIONAL HEART MONTH Join us in February for a heart-healthy cooking demonstration. See page 22 for details.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 7 Hackensack University Medical Center HEARTFELT CARE Mitral valve repair enables Montclair

woman to return to her garden with gusto. GARDENER EXTRAORDINAIRE Montclair resident Emer Featherstone loves the serenity of her backyard garden. ARLY ONE MORNING LAST JUNE, Emer Featherstone felt uncharacteristically E lethargic and short of breath. An active 81-year-old gardener extraordinaire who operates her own accounting business, Emer thought she was just tired and rested on her couch. Soon after, a friend of Emer’s stopped by, took one look at her and called 911. An ambulance took her to Mountainside Medical Center, part of Hackensack Meridian Health. Emer was examined by the Emergency Department team and then admitted to the hospital, where she was examined by cardiologists Ankitkumar Patel, M.D., MPH, FACC, and Dusan Knezevic, M.D., FACC. She underwent cardiac catheterization completely through her arm (radial artery and brachial vein approach) and transesophageal echocardiography. Test results showed that her mitral valve, which ensures that blood flows valve. The surgery enabled Emer’s heart to pump blood through the heart, was in need of repair. more efficiently almost immediately. “I had no heart problems prior to this episode, but the “With major advances in minimally invasive surgery, doctors said that my mitral valve was damaged and I was we can repair or even replace the mitral valve with less getting only about half as much oxygen as I needed,” she says. blood, less trauma and reduced recovery time than in Emer had surgery scheduled for the following week. traditional open surgery,” says Dr. Anderson. Emer recovered in the Intensive Care Unit for two SURGICAL INTERVENTION NEEDED FAST days before being transferred to a cardiac unit for a few All was well until Emer experienced difficulty breathing more days of observation. She was struck by the again a few days later. She returned to Mountainside, where efficiency and compassion of the cardiac staff. Drs. Knezevic and Patel determined that her mitral valve “The care was consistently amazing,” says Emer. had deteriorated further and had her urgently transferred to “I was astonished at how well-trained the staff was Hackensack University Medical Center for specialty and so impressed with the level of attention from every surgical care. one of them.” The next day, cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Anderson, M.D., FACS, a nationally recognized expert in minimally BACK TO HER REGULAR ROUTINE invasive heart surgery, delicately repaired Emer’s mitral Emer returned to her home with her daughter’s valve. First, he made several small holes in her chest, where assistance. Three weeks after her surgery, she felt well he inserted catheters. He then threaded a tiny camera and enough to delve back into her accounting business. slender surgical tools through to reach and repair her mitral “I believe that I recovered quickly because of how

8 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Mark Anderson, M.D. Board certified in Thoracic Surgery Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355)

Ankitkumar Patel, M.D. Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology and Peripheral Interventions Glen Ridge and Verona 1-855-424-WELL (9355)

A HEARTBEAT AWAY To learn about the full range of Hackensack Meridian Health cardiac services, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ Cardiovascular.

well I was treated at Hackensack,” Emer says. “Before surgery, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and associate director of family and friends encouraged me to go to New York City for the Structural and Congenital Heart Center at Hackensack. treatment, but I did my research and chose Hackensack “Ensuring a smooth flow of services is important to patients because it came very highly recommended.” like Emer, who want the latest advances and convenience as Emer’s follow-up care is orchestrated by Drs. Patel and well as medical expertise.” Knezevic. Her mitral valve function is assessed regularly, and With her mitral valve repaired and her heart working she visits Mountainside for cardiac rehabilitation to keep her splendidly, Emer was glad to get back to feeling like herself heart in shape. again, tending to her prize-winning garden. “Coordination of care is part of our multidisciplinary “I am beholden to Hackensack for everything they did for approach at Hackensack Meridian Health’s network of me,” Emer says. “They got me back to my life and my garden, hospitals,” says Dr. Patel, medical director of Mountainside’s and for that, I am very grateful.”

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 9 Southern Ocean Medical Center

RECIPE FOR HEALTH KNOW THE Now recovered, Mary Bellini enjoys cooking dishes such OPTIONS as her famous FOR KNEE eggplant Parmesan. PAIN IF YOU SUFFER CONSTANT KNEE PAIN from a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, injury- related arthritis or osteoarthritis, you know it can interfere with your life and mobility. When your knee is badly damaged, an artificial knee replacement may offer relief. “During knee replacement, plastic and metal parts are used to replace your joint surfaces,” explains Samuel Epstein, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon at Southern Ocean Medical Center. “Today, many knee replacements are WHEN SURGERY performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques.” IS THE SOLUTION However, knee replacement is not the only option for everyone. There OR MARY BELLINI, 82, she continued Samuel E. Epstein, D.O. are steps you can take to prevent or nonsurgical solutions for with outpatient Board certified in delay the need for surgery. the arthritis pain in her physical therapy for Orthopedic Surgery Manahawkin F left knee weren’t enough. three months. 1-800-560-9990 MEDICAL OPTIONS The Manahawkin resident Today, most of Injections are one nonsurgical way to had tried exercise, physical therapy, Mary’s knee pain is relieve pain. Corticosteroids reduce steroid injections and joint-lubricating gone. She credits her surgeon, nurses and inflammation, while hyaluronic acid gel injections, but nothing helped for dedicated rehab team at Southern Ocean with substitutes replace lubricant in long. Finally, she was ready for knee making her joint replacement experience as damaged joints. Stem cell injections replacement. smooth as possible. also show promise; research shows Mary knew she was in good hands with “It’s not easy being in any hospital, but the they can relieve knee pain and help her team at Southern Ocean Medical nurses all had exceptional attitudes, and the damaged knee joint cartilage heal. Center. “Our joint replacement program is physical therapy department is marvelous,” Assistive devices such as shoe focused on making patients feel supported Mary says. “They push you to do as much as orthotics, canes and braces can also at every step,” says Samuel Epstein, D.O., you can do, and they don’t let up on you until ease pain and help you get around. an orthopedic surgeon at Southern Ocean. you succeed.” “Patients who are educated can participate MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES more fully in their recovery, and that can Lifestyle changes can also help you improve outcomes.” protect your knees and avoid surgery. Before surgery, Mary attended a GET EDUCATED Added pounds put pressure on your preoperative education class at Southern Considering knees, so losing weight can stop joint Ocean — a key component of the Joint knee or hip damage from getting worse while Health Center’s joint replacement replacement? Attend our easing pain. Aim to reach and program that teaches patients what to total joint replacement maintain a healthy weight. Also keep expect before, during and after surgery. class to learn more about moving. Regular activity can improve Mary had knee replacement in March treatment options. Visit joint mobility, reduce pain and make 2017 and was walking the next day. After HackensackMeridianHealth daily activities easier to do. two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, .org/Events to enroll.

10 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER SORE THROAT After a week in the PICU, Erick had an echocardiogram and blood work that showed the medication was working. The inflammation and the fluid buildup in his heart had decreased. LEADS TO Although his valves were still showing slight leakage and he needed monitoring, he was able to go home. HEART PROBLEM “From the moment we entered the Emergency Department Lakewood teen is on the road to a healthier heart after to the time we left the PICU, everyone was so informative and developing cardiac condition from strep throat. thorough,” says Panuncio. “They kept my wife and me calm and reassured us that they would take good care of Erick, and they certainly did.” By Kaylin Harper

OR MOST KIDS, a bout of strep throat is painful but quickly forgotten after F a round of antibiotics. For 14-year-old Erick Jacobo, it led to a life-changing cardiac condition. In April 2016, chest pain, shortness of ENJOYING THE breath, a sore throat and a fever lasting OUTDOORS more than a month sent Erick to the Erick Jacobo 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department loves spending at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at time in the park, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. especially to watch After several laboratory tests and fireworks. echocardiograms, Erick was diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can cause swelling in organs, including the brain, joints, heart or skin.

TESTING CONFIRMS CARDIAC CONDITION Rheumatic fever, which is uncommon ON THE ROAD TO A HEALTHY HEART in the U.S., is a complication of Although Erick is feeling and breathing better, his valve disease untreated strep throat or scarlet fever. could worsen if he gets another strep infection, and his condition Erick showed evidence of an untreated will need to be monitored for the rest of his life. He has regular case of strep that was causing his checkups with Dr. Chin and takes penicillin as a preventive persistent chest pain, cough and sore measure every four weeks at his pediatrician’s office, which he throat. During Erick’s visit to the Stephanie E. Chin, M.D. will need until he reaches adulthood. Board certified in Pediatric Emergency Department, Pediatrics and Pediatric Today, Erick is back to being a normal teenager and focusing pediatric cardiologist Stephanie Chin, Cardiology on his schoolwork. “Erick is doing so well. I’m happy that his Brick M.D., affiliated with The Children’s 1-800-560-9990 valve disease is minimal now, which is much improved from Hospital and Jersey Shore, discovered when he first presented. He is cleared to play sports and just be that he had inflammation of the valves in a normal teenager,” Dr. Chin says. his heart and significant valve leakage. “We were terrified,” says Erick’s father, Panuncio. “When Dr. Chin told us that he had a cardiac condition, we didn’t HELPING HEARTS AND MORE know what to do.” Erick was Our family-focused care includes immediately moved to the Pediatric advanced surgical interventions for infants, Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where children and adolescents. Learn more at Dr. Chin put him on steroids to reduce HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Pediatrics. the fluid that had built up around his heart due to inflammation. HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 11 Ocean Medical Center

What Is a Deviated Septum? Thomas Brandeisky, D.O. A SOLUTION FOR Board certified in A wall of cartilage called the Otolaryngology – nasal septum divides the nose Head & Neck Surgery into two separate chambers. A SINUS TROUBLES Brick 1-800-560-9990 deviated septum occurs when Minimally invasive surgery gets this wall is shifted away from the midline. You may be born Brick resident back to her busy lifestyle. with a deviated septum, or it can result from injury or RISTEN HAHN, sinus symptoms can be caused by damage from past treatments. 32, suffered from allergies, immune disorders, reflux ongoing sinus disease, neurological disorders, past facial Trouble breathing through the problems. In one trauma, dental problems and much more. nose, or one side of the nose, K year, she had five “Often, we are able to treat sinus issues is the most common sinus infections due without surgery by addressing the symptom. You may also have to chronic sinusitis, underlying cause,” says Dr. Brandeisky. stuffiness, congestion or a which caused her sinuses and nasal “For patients with chronic sinusitis who feeling of fullness. A deviated passages to become inflamed and have symptoms for more than 12 weeks, septum can also impair swollen. And her deviated septum — the don’t respond to other treatments and are normal drainage from the crooked bone and cartilage that separated not found to have a specific disorder, sinuses, leading to recurrent her nasal cavity — caused breathing surgery is often the best treatment.” sinus infections. problems. The busy working mother of two needed relief. BREATHING BETTER WITH Diagnosis of a deviated “My problems got so bad, it was SURGERY septum may include use of a difficult for me to work out at the gym,” To help Kristen breathe easier, nasal speculum, otoscope, explains Kristen. “I wanted to run on the Dr. Brandeisky performed a septoplasty nasal endoscopy or a treadmill but couldn’t breathe.” to correct her deviated septum. He also computed tomography (CT) After trying many treatments, opened the sinus passages with a scan of the nose. Severe including antibiotics and saline rinsing, minimally invasive procedure, removing cases may be treated with Kristen’s primary care physician, Alonzo blockages to sinus drainage. septoplasty, a reconstructive Lorena-Chafart, D.O., affiliated with The minimally invasive surgery was surgical procedure in which Ocean Medical Center, referred Kristen performed through the nose using a parts of the septum may be to Thomas Brandeisky, D.O., an ear, nose thin, lighted tool called an endoscope. removed or readjusted and and throat (ENT) physician and plastic Computed tomography (CT) scans also reinserted into the nose. Many surgeon with Ocean. helped Dr. Brandeisky carefully plan people who have septoplasty the surgery. recover within a few days. COMPLEXITY OF SINUS PROBLEMS “Years ago, sinus surgery was For Dr. Brandeisky, Kristen’s case was fairly performed as open surgery, which straightforward. She needed her deviated involved making incisions in the face. septum repaired and sinus passages opened Today, we treat sinus disease much to improve breathing and ease sinus more effectively and less invasively,” says pressure. But many of Dr. Brandeisky’s Dr. Brandeisky. patients have more complex needs. Kristen couldn’t be happier since “We do an extensive evaluation on undergoing her outpatient surgery four every patient to identify the cause of months ago. Today, she is back to her busy sinus problems. Patients may have the lifestyle without any breathing issues and same symptoms, but their problems can has had fewer sinus infections. stem from different reasons,” explains “It’s like I have a new nose,” says Dr. Brandeisky. For example, nasal and Kristen. “I feel amazing.”

12 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 TAKING IN THE AIR Kristen Hahn loves to visit Bay Head Beach with her kids.

DON’T KEEP SUFFERING Talk with your doctor about chronic health problems. To find a physician, call 1-800-560-9990.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 13 KEEPING ACTIVE Bayshore Medical Center Feeling better thanks to infusion therapy, Richard Walnock enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors with his wife, Wendy. pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation levels are monitored to ensure everything is going well. He’s been able to do much more than he could before, including going fishing. Wendy brought a photo of him on the beach to the hospital, and the staff clapped — even though he didn’t catch a fish. “They’re so caring to him,” Wendy says. “They all BREATHING EASIER stop what they’re Infusion therapy relieves Manchester man’s rheumatoid arthritis. “He already takes doing and greet him; 18 pills a day and is it’s like going to an limited in what he can old friend’s.” VERY THURSDAY, Richard do physically, so to add A year into infusion Walnock makes a 60-mile round-trip on spending a day therapy, Richard is trek to Bayshore Medical Center, getting an infusion glad he committed to E where he spends upward of four every week was it. “It helps me hours getting infusion treatment to daunting,” says breathe easier, move make it easier for his lungs to work properly. Richard’s wife, Wendy. easier,” he says. “I’m Elie Mansour, M.D. “It took him a while to not 100 percent, but Holmdel DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATION agree to the infusion, I’m not 50 percent, 1-800-560-9990 For more than two decades, Richard, 68, has but Dr. Mansour was either. It seems to be struggled with rheumatoid arthritis. Injectable persistent.” working quite well treatments helped, but they lowered his immune for me.” system so much that he started to get pneumonia A NEW ROUTINE Dr. Mansour is often — and, as a schoolteacher around kids, he was When he arrives at happy he’s been able especially susceptible. That led to pulmonary Bayshore, Richard is to help. “Richard’s hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to carefully weighed, and condition is not very the lungs) and rheumatoid lung disease, which his medication is mixed common, so you makes breathing difficult. on the basis of his exact don’t get the chance “Over the years, his respiratory condition kept weight that day. Later, to see it that often,” getting worse, requiring more medication,” says an IV is inserted for he says. “It’s very Richard’s longtime pulmonologist at Bayshore, about two hours to rewarding to see the Elie Mansour, M.D. “He needed steroids to keep his deliver the medicine. improvement in breathing under control, his hospital admissions Throughout the someone’s life right in were getting more frequent and he was mostly process, his blood front of your eyes.” becoming homebound.” In investigating why Richard was having these problems, Dr. Mansour sent him for a test that looks for a deficiency in the enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin, a HEALTHY RESOURCES protein that protects the lungs. Sure enough, Richard Learn more about the lacked this enzyme, which made him a good effects of arthritis by candidate for infusion therapy. At first, Richard searching our digital health library at wasn’t so sure. HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Library.

14 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Jersey Shore University Medical Center

the feeder vein with heat to prevent Doug’s varicose INNOVATIVE CARE, veins from returning. “After surgery, I said to Dr. Mueller, ‘I don’t feel any pain — did you really do something?’” REMARKABLE RESULTS Doug says. “He told me it was all over, and I said, For a Howell man, severe varicose veins are ‘That’s like magic,’ because the absence of pain now a thing of the past. seemed illogical.” Not only was the surgery painless, it left no scars. “I had legs like this only when I was a teenager,” WENTY-ONE YEARS AGO, Doug says Doug, now 61. “I’m proof Dr. Mueller really is a Richardson underwent a procedure miracle worker.” to remove severe varicose veins in T both legs, only to watch in disappointment as the bulging, ropey veins reappeared over time. The Howell resident SHARE YOUR SUCCESS hadn’t thought about pursuing treatment again Lawrence P. Have you had treatment at until he developed an ulcer on his right ankle. Mueller, M.D. Hackensack Meridian Health Doug made an appointment with his primary Board certified in and want to share your story? Visit care physician, who referred him to Evan Adler, General Surgery Neptune HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Share. D.P.M., a podiatrist affiliated with Jersey Shore 1-800-560-9990 University Medical Center. Dr. Adler treated the wound and, suspecting that the problem was related to Doug’s varicose veins and poor blood circulation, referred him to Lawrence Mueller, M.D., FACS, a vascular surgeon and vein specialist affiliated with Jersey Shore.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM “In the legs, veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing from the body back toward the heart. When these valves are weakened or damaged, blood may flow backward with gravity and collect in the veins,” Dr. Mueller explains. “When the veins balloon and become visible, they’re called varicose. Treatment isn’t always necessary for varicose veins, but in Doug’s case, his poor blood circulation led to a concerning skin ulcer. Skin ulcers are very difficult to heal unless you fix the cause.” Dr. Mueller performed a comprehensive ultrasound exam of Doug’s legs. Ultrasound provides Dr. Mueller with a detailed picture of his patients’ anatomy and identifies abnormally functioning veins as well as the “feeder” vein that supplies blood to the varicose veins. Ultrasound can also confirm that other deep veins can adequately take over circulation if the varicose veins are removed. CLIMBING HIGH On the basis of his observations, Dr. Mueller selects Former teacher the best treatment for the individual patient, with the Doug Richardson goal of optimal results with no pain or scarring. has returned to his more recent job as SOPHISTICATED TECHNIQUES a contractor. In February 2017, Dr. Mueller removed Doug’s varicose veins through a series of 1⁄8 -inch incisions. He used a tiny hook to dislodge the veins and sealed

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 15 Riverview Medical Center GET TING HER LIFE BACK Hazlet woman finds freedom from pain and worry after hip replacement surgery.

By Kelly Raymond

16 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 ROLLING ON Thanks to surgery, Sue Kelley is back to hobbies such as biking and gardening. READY FOR THE NEXT STEP Dr. Costa removed the rod and screws from Sue’s femur surgery and replaced her Anthony J. Costa, M.D. Board certified in right hip. Orthopedic Surgery “In Sue’s case, a fracture Red Bank 1-800-560-9990 stalled but did not ruin a great result,” says Dr. Costa. “After she healed from her leg surgery, the next step was to provide a minimally invasive anterior hip replacement to USAN (SUE) KELLEY, 66, permanently stop her pain. The path was more worried that her chronic groin complicated, but Riverview has an advanced pain meant there was a serious accreditation for hip and knee replacement and problem with her hips. as such is prepared for all contingencies.” S As an operating room inventory coordinator at ROAD TO RECOVERY Riverview Medical Center, After a four-day stay at Riverview to recover Sue was constantly on her feet and didn’t want the from surgery and a walking regimen prescribed nagging hip popping and pain to slow her down. by Dr. Costa after leaving the hospital, Sue is She met with Anthony Costa, M.D., an orthopedic feeling great. Today, she is pain-free and living surgeon at Riverview, who diagnosed her with life to its fullest. osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and outlined a plan to After 30 years at her job, Sue retired in October manage the pain in both of her hips using minimally 2017. To celebrate, she and her husband are taking invasive methods. a three-month road trip to enjoy several U.S. National Parks and visit family on the West Coast. MANAGING WITHOUT SURGERY “It is like nothing was ever wrong with my hip or Sue was pleased that Dr. Costa’s immediate leg. I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon,” Sue treatment plan did not include surgery, although it says. “I hugged Dr. Costa for giving me back my life. would be needed at some point. Dr. Costa prescribed I can do everything I did before all of this started: I injections every few months and recommended can ride my bike again, climb stairs and walk physical therapy to increase Sue’s mobility in order to distances without sitting down every five minutes. postpone surgery for as long as possible. I can enjoy myself without worrying about needing “I liked that Dr. Costa took a different approach to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.” my care,” the Hazlet resident says. “We tried as many options as possible before jumping right into surgery.” With treatment from Dr. Costa, Sue was able to manage her symptoms for three years. Then a fall interfered with her progress. Sue slipped on a patch of TAILOR-MADE black ice and fractured her femur in nine places. PAIN RELIEF Because the fracture occurred just below her pelvis, Surgery isn’t the this injury aggravated the pain in her hip even further. only answer. Our specialists Dr. Costa repaired her broken femur by inserting a work together to find the best rod spanning from her femur to her knee to keep the treatments for you. Learn more at fractured area stable. Screws were inserted to keep HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ the rod in place. After a year of recovery, she was Orthopedics. finally ready for hip replacement surgery.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 17 Raritan Bay Medical Center

“Bariatric Dr. Adeyeri and his team surgery isn’t continue caring for patients after SOARING HIGH a quick fix. surgery, even after they have Bariatric surgery helps South River woman Patients have achieved their goal weights. shed pounds and transform her life. to commit Through follow-up appointments, to making bariatric support groups and more, Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D. long-term the Institute for Weight Loss Board certified in OR SHERRI LUTZ, 34, General Surgery significant partners with patients for the rest summertime means riding roller Holmdel changes, of their lives. 1-800-560-9990 coasters at Six Flags Great which begin F Adventure. Last year, however, she even before the operation,” says LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS watched her family ride while she Dr. Adeyeri. At her heaviest, Sherri weighed stood on the sidelines. Months before her weight loss 275 pounds. Just five months after “I’d reached my highest weight and couldn’t fit in surgery, Sherri also met with surgery, she weighed 165 pounds. the roller coaster car,” she says. Around the same Lori Skube, RD, a dietitian with “I often have ‘aha’ moments where time, she heard a radio DJ talk about the bariatric the Institute for Weight Loss, to I notice how much the surgery has surgery he had, called a gastric sleeve, which helped discuss her new nutrition plan. changed my life,” she says. One of him lose more than 100 pounds. “It really got my “Working with Lori before the those was sliding into the roller wheels turning,” Sherri says. surgery made me feel well coaster seat next to her kids this prepared for all the changes summer. “I’m so happy with the GETTING THE FACTS afterward,” Sherri says. results,” she says. “I can’t believe I In November 2016, Sherri attended a seminar at the didn’t do it sooner.” Institute for Weight Loss at Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge. “I’ve been a nurse for 14 years and still learned so much,” she says. A WALK IN THE PARK That same week, she had her first consultation Today, Sherri Lutz stays active, walking at Kennedy Park in with Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D., FASMBS, board Sayreville three times a week. certified and fellowship trained bariatric surgeon and medical director of the Institute for Weight Loss. During the consultation, they discussed the risks and benefits of each procedure, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and gastric banding. “I take many different patient factors into account, such as body mass index, medical conditions, dietary habits and overall lifestyle, to identify the procedure that will offer the best results,” Dr. Adeyeri says.

SUPPORTIVE, LIFELONG CARE On March 1, Dr. Adeyeri performed a gastric sleeve procedure on Sherri, removing a portion of her stomach so that she feels full on less food. The part of the stomach that he removed also plays a role in appetite-related hormones so that Sherri feels less hungry. She went home the following evening.

THINKING ABOUT BARIATRIC SURGERY? For more information about the Institute for Weight Loss or to attend a free bariatric surgery seminar, call 1-855-TIME-4-ME.

18 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Hackensack Meridian Health SERVING THE COMMUNITY James Falco, commissioner of the Keansburg Fire Department, has served with Keansburg Fire LEARNING Company No. 1 for nearly 40 years. NEW TRICKS

An endocrinologist and a nutritionist team up to teach Belford man how to control his diabetes decades after diagnosis.

By Jennifer Netzband

ORMER KEANSBURG fire chief James Falco, 56, is used to being in F control — except when it comes to his diabetes. Having had type 2 diabetes since he was 25, James saw his blood sugar levels go into a tailspin after he turned 50. An exercise enthusiast all his life, James now struggled to find the energy to stay active. Concerned and confused, James sought out a Hackensack Meridian Health specialist to help him get back on track.

IN THE NICK OF TIME Jennifer Zaitz, D.O., an endocrinologist at “While that’s a fine breakfast for people without Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group in diabetes, people with diabetes can’t eat a meal solely Holmdel and a member of Hackensack Meridian comprised of carbohydrates. Together, James and I Health Partners, a clinically integrated network of figured out how to include protein in his morning meal.” health care providers, immediately realized James With guidance from Elizabeth and Dr. Zaitz, needed help. James reimagined his meals and began properly “His hemoglobin A1c was 12.3 — more than twice Jennifer Zaitz, D.O. taking his medication. Board certified in the normal limit — signaling that his glucose levels Endocrinology and were uncontrolled,” says Dr. Zaitz. Internal Medicine BACK IN CONTROL Dr. Zaitz adjusted James’ medications and Holmdel Today, James’ blood sugars are controlled and his 1-800-560-9990 explained how to properly take his new hemoglobin A1c is 5.9 — below the diabetic level. prescriptions. Dr. Zaitz also set up a meeting with “Diabetes is a disease you have to manage every day,” the practice’s certified diabetes educator, Elizabeth says James. “If you’re struggling with diabetes, don’t Ebner, M.S., RD, to ensure James had extra support get discouraged. There are people available to help you in managing his disease. overcome the hurdles you’re facing.” Instead of falling asleep on the couch at night, James EYE-OPENER now has the energy to work out and give back, serving During their one-on-one diabetes classes, Elizabeth as commissioner of the Keansburg Fire Department taught James the various ways he could manage and volunteering on a variety of local committees. his disease. “I’ve had diabetes for 30 years, but Elizabeth was the first person to teach me how to properly eat, take my medication and understand my sugar levels,” says James. “It was an eye-opener.” MANAGEMENT IS KEY As it turned out, James’ attempts to eat healthy We offer educational and support programs for were negatively affecting his blood sugar levels. people with diabetes at several locations. See “James would start his day with a bowl of page 23 for registration information. seemingly healthy cereal,” explains Elizabeth.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 19 Hackensack Meridian Health

ACKENSACK MERIDIAN Health is a proud leader in cardiovascular services. Our nationally recognized hospitals offer a complete, one-stop destination for exceptional cardiac care. Our cardiac program includes Hprevention and diagnostic procedures, urgent surgical interventions performed by nationally renowned cardiac surgeons, cutting-edge technology, rehabilitation, and the latest medical advances available through clinical trials and our academic teaching hospitals.

GREAT CARE STARTS BEFORE PROBLEMS DO Heart health begins with prevention. That’s why our community outreach team provides more than 20,000 screenings for heart disease each year, including AngioScreen®, a 15-minute noninvasive heart and vascular screening. Our online risk assessments and community education programs also help ATTACKING raise awareness of disease risks and teach steps to combat them.

AHEAD OF THE CURVE HEART When problems do occur, you can rely on our network of more than 450 heart and vascular specialists. DISEASE They diagnose and treat virtually all cardiovascular conditions, from Hackensack Meridian Health is fi ghting the simplest to the most complex. cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death Our hospitals offer noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostic testing in the U.S., with its multifaceted program. for those who have one or more risk factors or indications that more invasive testing is needed. Catheterization, another U.S. News & World Report named Hackensack University procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, as Medical Center the No. 1 and Jersey Shore University well as angioplasty (when a Medical Center the No. 4 hospital in New Jersey. Both are catheter is inserted to clear a recognized as high-performing in heart bypass surgery. blocked artery), is offered at many of our hospitals.

20 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 GIFT OF LIFE Mark Pinelli’s daughters Tina Hackensack University (left) and Nicole Medical Center and Jersey (right), pictured Shore University Medical with Mark, called Center offer full-service 911 and performed cardiac programs, including CPR when Mark collapsed in his electrophysiology and Spring Lake minimally invasive heart and Heights home last valve procedures such as Father’s Day. If it transcatheter aortic valve weren’t for their replacement (TAVR) and intervention, he ™ would not be alive the Watchman device. today, says his These procedures improve cardiovascular heart performance in surgeon, Brook patients with severe heart DeJene, M.D. disease. In 2016 alone, our team performed over 1,600 open heart surgeries. With nine cardiac rehabilitation centers, Hackensack Meridian Health is also committed to patients’ recovery after they leave the hospital. Rehabilitation helps cardiovascular medicine. them build cardiovascular Hackensack is a teaching site Coordinated Action Saves Lives strength and learn how to for students, residents and lead a healthy lifestyle. fellows in interventional When Mark Pinelli (pictured above), 63, collapsed at cardiology, structural and home, his daughters called 911 and began CPR. Mark SHAPING THE FUTURE congenital heart disease, and went into cardiac arrest, so upon arrival, first responder Not only do we follow advanced heart failure. Andy O’Neil shocked his heart with a defibrillator the highest standards of Additionally, Jersey Shore before emergency personnel rushed him to Jersey treatment, but we are helping received accreditation for its Shore University Medical Center. In the Cardiac to set them. In fact, U.S. new Cardiology Fellowship Catheterization Lab, cardiologist Peter Hines, M.D., News & World Report rated Program, which provides made a quick diagnosis of a completely blocked left Hackensack “High Performing comprehensive training in main cardiac artery — a potentially deadly situation. in Heart Bypass Surgery and clinical cardiology and in-depth Heart Failure” (2017–2018) exposure to cardiovascular Dr. Hines stabilized Mark, then cardiovascular surgeon and Consumer Reports (May subspecialties and research. Brook DeJene, M.D., performed triple bypass surgery 2017) named Jersey Shore Throughout New Jersey, to restore blood flow to Mark’s heart. Because Mark had one of the nation’s best state-of-the-art cardiovascular been without blood flow to the brain after his collapse, hospitals for cardiac surgery. care is just a heartbeat away. Dr. DeJene also began therapeutic hypothermia. This Currently we participate in Through our commitment unique therapy involves sedating the patient and more than 65 clinical trials, to patient-centered care, carefully lowering body temperature to help reduce giving patients access to world-class education and damage to the brain after loss of oxygen. “Hackensack the latest technologies and tomorrow’s research, we look Meridian Health offers the most innovative cardiac medical therapies. to an even healthier future. treatment options,” explains Dr. DeJene. “We work We’re also educating the together to care for the most complex cardiovascular next generation of leaders in patients on an everyday basis.”

Today, Mark attends Jersey Shore’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program three days a week. He’s back to TAKE 5 FOR YOUR HEART work and activities like walking on the beach. And he suffered no brain damage. “I’m glad the right For American Heart Month, take people were there to care for me,” he says. five minutes to complete the heart disease health risk assessment at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/HeartRisk.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 21 32-776-42

All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. To reserve your spot, call 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) or 1-800-560-9990, or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events. In cases of severe weather, a program may be canceled as late as an hour before the start time. Call 1-800-DOCTORS or Events 1-800-560-9990 to confi rm. calendar Heart Month Special Events Cancer Care Fresh Start Smoking Cervical Cancer: Women and Heart Matters of the Heart Cessation Preventable, Treatable Disease Learn about chronic heart This four-session smoking and Beatable Learn how heart disease failure, how self-care can cessation program is offered Join our expert physicians as affects women differently save lives, medication by the American Cancer they discuss important steps than men, including signs, strategies and more. Light Society. Success in the women should take to prevent symptoms, treatment and lunch will be served. To program requires attendance cervical cancer. Learn about prevention. register, call 1-888-612-2156. at all four sessions. new treatment options and JANUARY 18, 11:00 A.M. – NOON FEBRUARY 7, NOON – 1:30 P.M. JANUARY 8, 10, 15 AND 17 other services available. Light Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hackensack Meridian Health Brick Village, Jackson Conference 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. dinner will be served. JANUARY 24, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Center Ocean Medical Center JANUARY 25, 5:30 – 7:00 P.M. East Wing, Conference Room B Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hackensack Meridian Health Manahawkin Joyful Heart Tea JANUARY 15, 19, 29 AND Village, Jackson Conference FEBRUARY 2, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Center FEBRUARY 2, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Join Christina Lusk-Caceres, FEBRUARY 12, 16, 26 AND SPEAKERS: KARIM ELSAHWI, M.D., AND Meridian Fitness and Wellness D.O., as she discusses how to MARCH 2, 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. REBECCA CIPRIANO, M.D. Hazlet keep your heart healthy while Riverview Medical Center FEBRUARY 16, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. enjoying heart-healthy Rechnitz Conference Center Tips for Cancer Hackensack Meridian Health delights, tea tasting and Prevention Village, Jackson Conference demonstration by David’s Tea. Center Stop Smoking with Our panel of experts will FEBRUARY 19, NOON – 1:00 P.M. Hypnosis discuss the importance of Cooking with Heart Meridian Community Hypnotherapy is effective in regular screenings and lifestyle Resource Center at Freehold alleviating unwanted habits and In celebration of American Raceway Mall choices as well as provide Heart Month, Hackensack developing positive behaviors information on available and lifestyle changes. Fee: $30. Meridian Health is kicking off a The Rhythm resources and the latest in series of fun and engaging of Your Heart Group session. treatment options. cooking events providing Riple Hansalia, M.D., will JANUARY 8 AND FEBRUARY 12 FEBRUARY 8, 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. expert advice, healthy tips, discuss the different signs 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Ocean Medical Center Meridian Fitness & Wellness Community Room cooking demo and samples, and symptoms of heart Hazlet SPEAKERS: JENNIFER L. SULLIVAN, M.D., and the latest recipes to keep rhythm disorders and JANUARY 10, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. YOLANDA TAMMARO, M.D., AND DAVID you heart-healthy all year long. treatment options available. Meridian Fitness & Wellness GREENBERG, M.D. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register. FEBRUARY 21, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Manahawkin FEBRUARY 7, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Riverview Medical Center JANUARY 15, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Look Good, Feel Better Ocean Medical Center Navesink River Conference Meridian Community The American Cancer Society East Wing Conference Center Suite Resource Center at Freehold offers this program to FEBRUARY 15, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Raceway Mall ® individuals being treated for Riverview Medical Center AngioScreen : Vascular Booker Community Room Screening Defeat Cancer Fatigue cancer. Learn makeup and hair FEBRUARY 22, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. See page 23 for more Physical therapists will tricks to help you look and feel better. To register, call Jersey Shore University information. discuss the measures you can Medical Center take to minimize the adverse 1-800-227-2345. Lance Auditorium FEBRUARY 12, 10:00 A.M. – NOON impact of cancer fatigue and FEBRUARY 28, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. how to boost your energy. Riverview Medical Center Meridian Fitness & Wellness Cancer Community Room JANUARY 24, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. Hazlet Ocean Medical Center Community Room

22 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Cardiovascular Counseling and Take Control of Your Health for Diabetes Behavioral Health oScre ® Get a Leg Up on Join us for this six-week Angi en Varicose Veins Overcoming Stress program and learn practical Learn the causes and latest Learn coping strategies that skills and strategies for treatment options. Screenings can help you through your day. managing diabetes Learn your risk for heart attack provided. FEBRUARY 8, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. symptoms, setting goals, and stroke. Includes carotid artery JANUARY 23, 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. Jersey Shore University meal planning and more. ultrasound, heart rhythm, blood Meridian Fitness & Wellness Medical Center, Brennan STARTING JANUARY 17 pressure and screening for Manahawkin Rooms 104/105 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. abdominal aortic aneurysm and SPEAKER: JEFFREY HAGER, D.O. FEBRUARY 12, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Heart Month Special Events JANUARY 29, 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Brick peripheral artery disease. Receive Meridian Community Manahawkin STARTING JANUARY 18 a color fi ndings report, educational Resource Center at Freehold 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. material and a consultation with a Raceway Mall Depression During the 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 101 registered nurse. SPEAKER: JARROD KAUFMAN, M.D. Golden Years Raritan Bay Medical Center– Special Rate: $49.95 FEBRUARY 14, 10:00 A.M. – NOON Learn signs and symptoms, Old Bridge Registration is required. Hackensack Meridian Health common problems that cause Village, Jackson Conference Center or mimic depression, and Comprehensive JANUARY 4, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. SPEAKER: LAWRENCE MUELLER, M.D. ways to cope. Diabetes Management FEBRUARY 8, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 20, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 14, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Individual or group educational Meridian Fitness & Wellness, Brick Jersey Shore University Raritan Bay Medical Center– and support programs. To Medical Center, Brennan Perth Amboy, Centennial Hall register, call Bayshore Medical JANUARY 9, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. Room A Rooms 104/105 Center at 732-888-7362, FEBRUARY 12, 10:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 21, 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. SPEAKER: LAWRENCE MUELLER, M.D. Riverview Medical Center at Meridian Community Resource Old Bridge Public Library 732-530-2555, Jersey Shore Center at Freehold Raceway Mall Cholesterol: Know Your 1 Old Bridge Plaza University Medical Center at Numbers 732-897-3980, Southern Ocean JANUARY 11, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. Addiction and Learn the difference between Medical Center at 609-978-3491 Bayshore Medical Center Recovery Services good and bad cholesterol, risk or Raritan Bay Medical Center– Conference Room A For adult family members of factors, treatment options Old Bridge at 732-360-4070. and strategies for getting your addicted individuals. Call for JANUARY 15, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. numbers under control to information. FEBRUARY 19, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. decrease your risk for heart Fitness Riverview Medical Center Children’s Counseling disease. The Power of Yoga Rechnitz Conference Center Behavioral Health offers a JANUARY 31, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. FREE introductory yoga variety of counseling services. Jersey Shore University demonstration. JANUARY 18, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Medical Center, Brennan We offer age-specifi c group JANUARY 17 AND FEBRUARY 27 FEBRUARY 22, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. Rooms 104/105 therapy, a therapeutic 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Jersey Shore University Medical FEBRUARY 22, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. afterschool program for Meridian Community Center, Brennan Rooms 104/105 Meridian Fitness & Wellness children ages 7 to 13, and Resource Center at Freehold Manahawkin traditional individual and family Raceway Mall JANUARY 23, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. Carotid Artery Disease therapy. Call 732-869-2784, Raritan Bay Medical Center– ext. 2, for registration, Old Bridge, Auxiliary Hall B and C Owano Pennycooke, M.D., will schedules and fees. General Wellness discuss vascular disease and JANUARY 25, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. how your carotid and AARP Smart Driver Call for dates and times. Southern Ocean Medical Center peripheral arteries affect your Diabetes Conference Rooms 1 and 2 overall health. Diabetes Complications FEBRUARY 21, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Weight Loss with Join Sajjad Hussain, M.D., as JANUARY 30, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hypnosis he discusses complications Fee: $30. Group session. Hackensack Meridian Health Hazlet Village, Jackson Conference that can arise from diabetes. JANUARY 10, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Center JANUARY 4, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Childbirth/Maternity Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hazlet FEBRUARY 6, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Childbirth Manahawkin FEBRUARY 14, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Meridian Fitness & Wellness Education Series ABCs of Diabetes Manahawkin Hazlet We offer classes and Learn to better manage your seminars for fi rst-time and diabetes to reduce risks and Thyroid Disease FEBRUARY 26, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. experienced parents, as well other complications. Monica Bais, M.D., will discuss Raritan Bay Medical Center– as tours, classes for siblings the signs, symptoms and Perth Amboy, Centennial Hall FEBRUARY 7, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Rooms A and B and more! Registration is Meridian Community treatment options for thyroid required. Please register Resource Center at Freehold disease. before your third trimester. Raceway Mall JANUARY 17, 11:00 A.M. – NOON FEBRUARY 28, 1:00 – 7:30 P.M. To learn more about our fun Riverview Medical Center Meridian Fitness & Wellness and informative classes, visit Shrewsbury River Conference Manahawkin MeridianMomtourage.com. Suite

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 23 Take Control Are You Getting a Good of Your Health Integrative Health Night’s Sleep? Join us for this six-week and Medicine Lack of sleep can affect you in program to help you handle Mindfulness-Based many ways. Learn about sleep ongoing health conditions, Stress Reduction disorders and tips on how to including symptoms and New Year, Eight-week evidence-based get a better night’s sleep. how to design your own New You course to help you practice JANUARY 30, 11:00 A.M. – NOON self-management program. mindfulness, make positive Riverview Medical Center Shrewsbury River Conference STARTING JANUARY 22 Start the year off right. behavior changes, reverse 1:00 – 3:30 P.M. Our experts will teach Suite stress-related health SPEAKER: ADRIAN PRISTAS, M.D. Bay Avenue Community you how to set problems and improve your FEBRUARY 7, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Center, 775 East Bay Avenue attainable fi tness and Stafford Township quality of life. Fee: $400. Raritan Bay Medical Center– nutrition goals. Free JANUARY 8, 22 AND 29 Perth Amboy Centennial Hall, All About Hernias health screenings FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 AND 26 AND Room A provided. Lauren Fischer, M.D., will MARCH 5 AND 26, 9:30 A.M. – NOON RETREAT, MARCH 3 Understanding discuss hernias and the latest JANUARY 9, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Memory Loss minimally invasive surgical Meridian Fitness & 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 420 Learn the difference between techniques. Wellness, Hazlet Raritan Bay Medical normal and abnormal JANUARY 24, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Center–Old Bridge memory loss as you age and Meridian Fitness & Wellness JANUARY 17 Hazlet ways to keep your mind 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. To learn about other sharp. Memory screenings Meridian Fitness & programs on mindfulness, will be provided. Rheumatoid Arthritis Wellness, Manahawkin Answers tai chi, qi gong, nutrition, FEBRUARY 13, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. acupuncture, stress Jersey Shore University Join Deborah Alpert, M.D., as JANUARY 18, 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. she discusses the latest management and Medical Center, Brennan Meridian Community more, visit Rooms 104/105 research, treatment options Resource Center at FEBRUARY 21, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. and medications for Freehold Raceway Mall HackensackMeridianHealth .org/IntegrativeMedicine. Meridian Fitness & Wellness rheumatoid arthritis. Light Manahawkin refreshments served. JANUARY 25, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. JANUARY 25, 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Raritan Bay Area YMCA Neuroscience Jersey Shore University 365 New Brunswick Nutrition Avenue, Perth Amboy Stroke: Are You Medical Center, Brennan Healthy Eating Rooms 104/105 At Risk? Join us and learn how healthy FEBRUARY 7, 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. Learn the signs, symptoms eating doesn’t have to be NJ State Safety Council Meridian Fitness & and risk factors for strokes bland or boring. Cooking demo. Defensive Driving Class Wellness, Brick and what you should do if FEBRUARY 7, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. Develop safe, defensive someone is having a stroke. FEBRUARY 7, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. Joslin Diabetes Center driving techniques and save Screenings will be provided. Joslin Diabetes Center 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 420 JANUARY 23, 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. on your insurance. 2 Hospital Plaza Raritan Bay Medical Center– Certifi cates awarded. Fee: $8 Raritan Bay Medical Meridian Community Old Bridge (additional $10 fee for point Center–Old Bridge Resource Center at reduction). Freehold Raceway Mall JANUARY 26, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Nutrition JANUARY 31, 8:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Meridian Fitness & Wellness Managing Menopause Counseling Wellness, Brick Manahawkin Rebecca Barnett, M.D., will Consult a registered dietitian discuss the symptoms and LOUD to design a food plan that Take a Deep Breath: treatment options of Physical therapy program meets your weight COPD Facts menopause. to improve voice and management and medical Learn the causes, symptoms FEBRUARY 8, 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. speech in individuals living nutrition needs. For more and treatment options of Meridian Community chronic obstructive Resource Center at Freehold with Parkinson’s disease. information, registration JANUARY 24, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. pulmonary disease. Raceway Mall or fees, call Riverview Hackensack Meridian FEBRUARY 2, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Medical Center at Understanding Health Village, Jackson 732-530-2555, Meridian 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 404 Conference Center Raritan Bay Medical Center– Hearing Loss Outpatient Rehabilitation at Old Bridge Learn the common reasons Brick at 732-206-8263, Southern why you experience hearing Ocean Medical Center at Sinus Problems? loss and treatment options. 609-978-3491, or Raritan Join John Roche, M.D., as he FEBRUARY 26, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Bay Medical Center–Old discusses symptoms and how Meridian Community Bridge and Perth Amboy at to prevent and treat chronic Resource Center at Freehold 1-855-TIME-4-ME. sinus infections. Raceway Mall FEBRUARY 7, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hazlet

24 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Orthopedics Oh, My Achy Back! Weight Loss Surgery: Weight Loss Surgery: Howard Eisenbrock, D.O., The Facts Explore Your Options All About Your Feet will discuss common causes Karl Strom, M.D., medical Anil Pahuja, M.D., medical Learn about common foot of back pain as well as director of the Bariatric director of the Bariatric ailments and how you can prevention, diagnosis and Center of Excellence at Center at Ocean Medical keep your feet healthy. Foot treatment options. Southern Ocean Medical Center, and James screenings provided. FEBRUARY 15, 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Center and Bayshore Medical Pasquariello, M.D. JANUARY 11, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Jersey Shore University Center, with surgeons JANUARY 11 AND FEBRUARY 8 Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Brennan Jonathan Reich, M.D., and 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Rooms 104/105 Medical Center, Brennan Silvia Fresco, M.D. Hackensack Meridian Health Rooms 104/105 JANUARY 4, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Village, Jackson Conference SPEAKER: CATHERINE Center Pediatrics Bayshore Medical Center CHURCHILL, D.P.M. Conference Rooms A and B JANUARY 16 AND FEBRUARY 20 ® JANUARY 19, 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Safe Sitter JANUARY 9 AND FEBRUARY 22 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Babysitter training for boys 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Ocean Medical Center Manahawkin Conference Room B and girls ages 11 to 14. The Raritan Bay Medical Center– SPEAKER: ERIC BEIGHTS, D.P.M. class includes handling Perth Amboy, Centennial JANUARY 25, 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. emergencies, fi rst aid and Hall A Hackensack Meridian Fitness & Wellness CPR. Fee: $40. JANUARY 9 AND FEBRUARY 13 Hazlet 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Meridian Health SPEAKER: GINA LAGNESE, D.P.M. JANUARY 15, 10:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Programs and Meridian Community Ramada Inn, 2373 Route 9 Resource Center at Freehold Toms River Services Solutions to Balance Raceway Mall JANUARY 10 AND FEBRUARY 7 Problems FEBRUARY 19, 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Booker Health Sciences Learn causes of balance Meridian Fitness & Wellness Southern Ocean Medical Library Home Delivery problems and what you can Brick Center, Conference Rooms Looking to learn more about a do to help prevent falls. 1 and 2 medical topic, disease or JANUARY 16, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. JANUARY 16 AND FEBRUARY 22 condition? The library sends a 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Screenings packet of reliable information Meridian Fitness & Wellness Manahawkin Blood Pressure to you at no cost. JANUARY 18, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Hazlet Free blood pressure screenings. JANUARY 23 AND FEBRUARY 20 Phone: 732-776-4265 Meridian Fitness & Wellness Call for dates and locations. Fax: 732-776-4530 Hazlet 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Email: jsumclibrary@ JANUARY 23, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. The Center for Bariatrics, 355 Lakehurst Road, Toms River hackensackmeridian.org Riverview Medical Center Balance Screenings Navesink River Conference Registration is required. JANUARY 25 AND FEBRUARY 6 Suite FEBRUARY 15, 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Clinical Trials FEBRUARY 12, 2:30 – 3:30 P.M. Meridian Fitness & Wellness Medical Pavilion at To learn about our Meridian Fitness & Wellness Brick – Outpatient Woodbridge, 740 Route 1 clinical trials, visit North, Iselin Brick Rehabilitation HackensackMeridianHealth.org, FEBRUARY 1, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. call 732-776-2953 or Living with Arthritis Riverview Medical Center Weight Loss Surgery FEBRUARY 13, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. email clinicaltrials@ Learn causes, symptoms, and hackensackmeridian.org. diagnosis and treatment Is Weight Loss Surgery Meridian Community Right for Me? Resource Center at Freehold options for arthritis. Raceway Mall CPR Training JANUARY 23, 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D., Call for dates, times and Hackensack Meridian Health medical director of the Options for Weight locations of classes offered. Village, Jackson Conference Institute for Weight Loss, and Center Loss Surgery Bennet Togbe, M.D. Seth Kipnis, M.D., medical Infectious Disease JANUARY 8 AND 10 AND director of the Center for Clinic Total Joint FEBRUARY 7 AND 12 Located at Jersey Shore Replacement 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Weight Loss Surgery at Jersey University Medical Center. Call Learn the latest in diagnosis JANUARY 24 AND FEBRUARY 28 Shore University Medical and treatment options for hip 7:30 – 8:30 P.M. Center, and Dena Arumugam, 732-774-0151 to schedule a free, and knee replacement. Institute for Weight Loss M.D., discuss the benefi ts of confi dential appointment. JANUARY 31, 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. 3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 404 weight loss surgery. Ocean Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center– JANUARY 10 AND 30 AND Support Groups Southwest Pavilion, 3rd Floor Old Bridge FEBRUARY 21 AND 27 SPEAKER: WILLIAM GALLAGHER, M.D. 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. We offer support groups for a FEBRUARY 20, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Jersey Shore University variety of health topics and Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Center, Medical Staff Boardroom diseases. Call for more Village, Jackson Conference information, dates and times. Center SPEAKER: KARL BLUM, M.D.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 25 Hackensack Meridian Health HUMANIZING HEALTH CARE New Seton Hall–Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine will help patients in New Jersey and beyond.

By Gabriella Heizler

MAGINE A FUTURE IN WHICH EVERYONE, irrespective of his or her socioeconomic status, race or geographic location, is able to receive I excellent clinical care and achieve optimal health. At first glance, this might seem like a lofty goal. But for the new Seton Hall–Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, it’s a vision that is not taken lightly.

ENTERING THE HUMAN DIMENSION “Health and wellness begins “Health and wellness begins in our communities, and every physician, regardless of their specialty, in our communities, and must understand the unique health needs of the every physician must communities they are serving,” explains Bonita Stanton, M.D., the founding dean of the new School understand the unique health of Medicine, which Dr. Stanton and her team hope will receive Preliminary Accreditation in time for a needs of the communities July 2018 opening. they are serving.” “Our curriculum, including a three-year longitudinal course called the Human Dimension, —Bonita Stanton, M.D., founding dean, Seton will arm them with the ability to better tailor Hall–Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prevention programs, diagnoses and treatment plans than we have been able to do in the past. Our graduates will be equipped to design and implement The colocation of the College of Nursing and School of Health disease prevention and treatment plans that work as and Medical Sciences with the new School of Medicine allows for integrated parts of people’s everyday experiences.” a team-based approach that will train students from medicine, The Seton Hall and Hackensack Meridian Health nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and other related partnership will establish the School of Medicine in fields together to improve patient care. The campus will also serve the state, located on the former Hoffmann-La Roche as a major site for health science research and discovery activities. biomedical campus in Nutley and Clifton. The new The accreditation process of a new school of medicine is a Interprofessional Health Sciences campus will lengthy and — appropriately! — very rigorous process. To open include the new School of Medicine, as well as its doors to accept its first class, a school must first be awarded Seton Hall’s College of Nursing and School of Preliminary Accreditation. The School of Medicine has now Health and Medical Sciences, which will be moving completed most of the steps and expects to learn in February from their present location in South Orange. 2018 whether it will receive Preliminary Accreditation.

26 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 HUMANIZING HEALTH CARE

TOMORROW’S TALENT Bonita Stanton, M.D., (far left) hopes the new School of Medicine will create a pipeline of future health care professionals.

If Preliminary Accreditation is awarded, the School will open its doors to the first class of students in July 2018.

PREPARING FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS It is anticipated that the new School of Medicine will help address a critical need for both the state and the country. By 2020, it is estimated there will be a shortage of upwards of For Dr. Stanton, the future looks bright for not only the 3,000 physicians in New Jersey alone. school but also the communities it will serve. “What does “This venture will provide key educational, research and success look like? I would love nothing more than to peer career opportunities to incentivize the next generation to ahead into history and see that we have realized equity in pursue a career in medicine,” says Dr. Stanton. A three-year health care outcomes. That would be utterly spectacular.” core curriculum is being developed, and Hackensack Meridian Health’s hospitals will serve as the primary clinical teaching sites for Seton Hall and its affiliated graduate education FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS! programs, creating a pipeline of future health professionals. This will be complemented in the fourth year by a highly Follow the Seton Hall–Hackensack individualized medical school experience in which graduates Meridian School of Medicine along its will be able to complete their residencies in New Jersey and journey at SHU.edu/medicine. through Hackensack Meridian Health.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 27 Hackensack Meridian Health A TALE

Ziad A. Abbud, M.D. OF TWO Board certified in Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine Neptune NUMBERS 1-800-560-9990 What does your blood pressure reading really mean?

OU MIGHT KNOW what your blood pressure BY THE NUMBERS numbers were the last time they were checked. Blood pressure is written as two numbers; for But do you know what each number represents? example, 115/75 mmHg (pronounced “115 over 75”). James J. Turro, M.D. Board certified in Here’s the scoop: Blood carries oxygen and Here’s what each of those numbers means: Internal Medicine nutrients around your body. Your tissues and • Systolic pressure is represented by the first Toms River organs require a healthy supply of blood to number. It’s the force exerted when your heart 1-800-560-9990 Ysurvive. The flow of blood is channeled through beats, pumping blood out of your heart. an extensive network of blood vessels, large • Diastolic pressure is represented by the second and small. number. It’s the force exerted while your heart “Your heart acts as the pump that propels rests as it refills with blood between beats. blood along its way,” says Ziad Abbud, M.D., a cardiologist affiliated with Jersey Shore The “mmHg” following your blood pressure University Medical Center. “Blood pressure is numbers stands for “millimeters of mercury.” Jean A. Otrakji, M.D. the force of the blood as it pushes against blood James Turro, M.D., of Ocean Medical Center, Board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology vessel walls.” explains, “As with older thermometers, the first Holmdel accurate blood pressure gauges contained 1-800-560-9990 mercury. Although modern blood pressure devices no longer contain mercury, mmHg remains the standard unit of measurement.”

UP AND DOWN PRESSURES Your blood pressure numbers normally fluctuate a bit throughout the day. They are affected by Laura Tavarez, M.D. Forked River 1-800-560-9990

John Covalesky, D.O. Board certified in Internal Medicine Old Bridge 1-800-560-9990

28 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews || JANUARY | FEBRUARY 20182018 A TALE OF TWO

KNOW YOUR RISKS AngioScreen® assesses your NUMBERS heart and vascular health. Learn more about this valuable screening at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ AngioScreen.

As of press time, the American College of Cardiology updated their hypertension guidelines. The information outlined in this article represents the guidelines from before this change occurred on November 13. Visit ACC.org for current guidelines. many things, including higher), diastolic pressure physical activity, foods, (90 mmHg or higher) or both. stress and sleep. When everything is WHICH NUMBER working well, your blood MATTERS MOST? vessels are constantly “Each of the numbers adapting to these changing in a blood pressure greater effect on the risk for demands. “Blood vessels can measurement is significant,” abdominal aortic aneurysms widen or narrow as needed,” says Laura Tavarez, M.D., at (bulging in a major artery). says Jean Otrakji, M.D., at Southern Ocean Medical blood pressure. You’re Bayshore Medical Center. Center, “but systolic KNOW YOUR BLOOD at increased risk if you “This helps keep blood pressure is a good indicator PRESSURE are overweight or flowing freely, so any of heart health risks for “To find out whether you obese, are African- increases in blood pressure people older than age 50. In have high blood pressure, American or have aren’t too large or most people, this number you should have your blood slightly above-normal long-lasting.” creeps up with age.” pressure checked in a blood pressure (systolic If the system stops A large study showed that doctor’s office regularly,” pressure of 120 to working normally, however, raised systolic pressure had a says John Covalesky, D.O., 139 mmHg or diastolic your blood pressure may stay bigger impact on the risk for of Raritan Bay Medical pressure of 80 to too high for too long. This is heart attacks, angina (chest Center–Old Bridge. At a 89 mmHg). known as high blood pain) and peripheral artery minimum, that means: • Every three to five pressure. It can be indicated disease (narrowing of leg • Every year, if you’re age years, if you’re ages by a high number for systolic arteries). In contrast, raised 40 or older or at 18 to 39 and not at pressure (140 mmHg or diastolic pressure had a increased risk for high increased risk

HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org | |1-800-560-9990 1-800-560-9990 29 Healthy habits

It’s Not Too Late to Prevent the Flu NOW THAT WINTER IS HERE, WHO’S AT HIGH RISK? AVOID PASSING are you wondering whether the The vaccine is especially important THE FLU time to get a flu shot has passed? for people at high risk, those who live The seasonal flu The Centers for Disease Control with them and those who care for spreads from person to and Prevention (CDC) recommends them. In particular, those who care person through Michael Carson, M.D. Board certified in everyone older than age 6 months for children younger than age coughing or sneezing. Internal Medicine get an annual flu vaccination. And 6 months should get the vaccine. Dr. Carson Neptune 1-800-560-9990 although the CDC recommends Michael Carson, M.D., vice chair recommends taking getting vaccinated by the end of of Research/Outcomes, Department these steps to avoid passing the flu: October, that is not a rigid deadline. of Medicine at Jersey Shore • Wash your hands often with soap The flu season can extend until University Medical Center, says, and water, or use an alcohol-based May, so getting the flu shot later — “People at high risk for flu hand sanitizer. even beyond January— can still complications include young • Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then be beneficial. children; pregnant women; people throw the tissue away. Depending on which vaccine with chronic health conditions such • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and you receive, a flu shot will protect as asthma, diabetes, or heart and mouth. Germs spread this way. you against three or four viruses. lung disease; and people ages 65 and • See your doctor quickly if you get For the 2017–2018 flu season, the older.” Dr. Carson is an internal the flu. Antiviral drugs treat the CDC recommends the inactivated medicine physician who is flu, but they work best within two influenza vaccine and the specifically trained in managing days of getting sick. recombinant influenza vaccine. medical disorders during pregnancy. The nasal spray flu vaccine should Dr. Carson adds, “It’s important for IF YOU GET THE FLU not be used. pregnant women to get vaccinated • Stay home and rest until your fever because they are more prone to has been gone for at least 24 hours. catching the flu, and if they do get it, • Drink lots of fluids. they are more likely to develop a • Take over-the-counter medications severe illness. The other benefit is to relieve fever, aches, pains, that when a pregnant woman gets congestion and coughing. the flu shot, it offers several months of protection against the flu to her If you have a fever higher than newborn.” 102 degrees, persistent vomiting or very swollen glands in your neck or jaw, it’s time to see a doctor. You should also call your doctor if any of these flu symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse instead of better: fever, sore throat, headache, chills, cough, body aches, fatigue and diarrhea.

A SHOT AT HEALTH Flu shots and other immunizations are available at our urgent care centers and local retail clinics. For hours and locations, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ ConvenientCare.

30 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 MAKING WAVES Hackensack Meridian Health Linda Zimmerman is happy to be back to work detailing boats. BOUNCING BACK Double hip replacement gets a Point Pleasant woman back on her feet.

N MAY 2016, LINDA ZIMMERMAN, 63, suddenly I developed severe pain in her right leg and groin. The Point Pleasant resident made an appointment with Frank Almeida, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Dr. Almeida sent Linda for an X-ray and referred her to David Rodricks, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Ocean Medical Center. The X-ray showed that Linda had a rare but serious condition called avascular necrosis.

TAKING THE ONLY OPTION “With avascular necrosis, the blood supply to the head of the femur gets cut off and the bone starts to die,” Dr. Rodricks says. “Once the bone dies, it’s gone. There’s no treatment except for replacing the joint.” including those for orthopedic care, joint The condition affected both of Linda’s legs, replacement, cardiac rehabilitation and more. so she needed to have both hip joints replaced. “The care was outstanding,” Linda says. “It GETTING Dr. Rodricks offered Linda an option she didn’t was so convenient having the therapist come YOU IN know about — having both hips replaced to my home since I couldn’t drive yet.” MOTION during the same surgery. “Not every patient is “Thanks to the excellent quality of home Our rehabilitation a candidate, but Linda was otherwise healthy health care available from Hackensack services support your and active, so it was an option for her,” Meridian Health At Home, patients are often healing. Learn more at Dr. Rodricks says. able to return home and to their activities of HackensackMeridianHealth daily life more quickly,” Dr. Rodricks says. .org/Rehab. HELP WITH HEALING AT HOME In July 2017, Dr. Rodricks performed Linda’s A NEW BEGINNING double hip replacement at Ocean. She spent Linda’s double hip replacement was about four days in the hospital and another four days more than getting rid of her pain — it was at Shore Rehabilitation Institute, an acute about getting her life back. rehabilitation facility located at Ocean. “Before the surgery, I was in pain 24 hours a Once home, a physical therapist with day. It was all I could think about,” she says. Hackensack Meridian Health At Home visited “Within six weeks of my surgery, I was every other day for two weeks and provided mowing my lawn and riding my bike pain- physical therapy in the comfort of Linda’s home. free. I’m a very active person, and the fact that David Rodricks, M.D. Hackensack Meridian Health At Home I was able to have both of my hips done at the Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery provides a wide range of home health care and same time meant I only had to go through the Bricktown rehabilitation services, depending on patients’ surgery and recovery once and could get back 1-800-560-9990 needs. Specialized programs are also available, to my life for good.”

HackensackMeridianHealth.org | 1-800-560-9990 31 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Hackensack University Medical PAID Center and Joseph M. Sanzari Hackensack Meridian Children’s Hospital Health 30 Prospect Avenue Hackensack, NJ 07601 IHOR S. SAWCZUK, M.D., FACS President

Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital 1945 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753 KENNETH N. SABLE, M.D., MBA, FACEP President

Ocean Medical Center 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Brick, NJ 08724 DEAN Q. LIN, MHA, MBA, FACHE Regional President

Riverview Medical Center One Riverview Plaza Red Bank, NJ 07701 TIMOTHY J. HOGAN, FACHE President

Palisades Medical Center 7600 River Road North Bergen, NJ 07047 ANTHONY PASSANNANTE, M.D. President

Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy 530 New Brunswick Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 MICHAEL R. D’AGNES, FACHE President

Southern Ocean Medical Center 1140 Route 72 West Manahawkin, NJ 08050 ROBERT H. ADAMS JR., FACHE President

Bayshore Medical Center 727 North Beers Street Holmdel, NJ 07733 TIMOTHY J. HOGAN, FACHE President The most hospitals in Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge One Hospital Plaza Old Bridge, NJ 08857 the top 10 in New Jersey MICHAEL R. D’AGNES, FACHE President #1 Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack Meridian Health 343 Thornall Street #4 Jersey Shore University Medical Center Edison, NJ 08837 JOSEPH LEMAIRE President, Diversified Health Ventures Division #8 Ocean Medical Center #8 Riverview Medical Center For a complete listing of our hospitals and services, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org. To learn about our rankings visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/USNews

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