JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 HACKENSACKMERIDIANHEALTH.ORG HEALTHVIEWS Heartfelt Care Surgery enables Montclair woman to return to her garden with gusto.

PLUS 4 Tips to Enjoy the Holiday Season Humanizing Health Care What Does Your Blood Pressure Reading Really Mean? INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

Hackensack Meridian Health’s multifaceted cardiovascular program fights back against heart disease. See page 16

WELCOME READERS! HERE’S A MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. 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 Sharad Sahu, 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 call 848-888-4700 with any questions Welcome to Hackensack Meridian or comments. Inquiries or ideas can be addressed to HealthViews@ HealthViews magazine! HackensackMeridian.org. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we take Through HealthViews, we hope to

© 2017 Hackensack Meridian Health pride in the innovative, patient-centered inform and inspire you so that you can The material provided in this health care we provide. Our depth and lead a healthy, happy life. In each issue, magazine is intended to be used as breadth of care translates into 13 you’ll find: general information only and should not replace the advice of your hospitals, including two academic • Inspiring stories from neighbors in physician. Always consult your medical centers, two children’s hospitals your community who turned to the physician for individual care. and nine community hospitals. remarkable doctors, nurses and In fact, four of our hospitals are rated caregivers of Hackensack Meridian in the top 10 in the state by U.S. News & Health for answers when life brought World Report, including Hackensack them a health challenge University Medical Center, which is • Health and wellness articles and tips ranked the number 1 hospital in for your family New Jersey. • FREE community events, classes Share Our physical location spans New and programs Jersey from the top of the state down to a Patient Atlantic County, but our reach continues Enjoy this issue of HealthViews and the Story to surrounding states and around the ones to follow. We welcome yourA Whole New country for some of our highly feedback on what you’d like Stateto read of in Health Care specialized services. One of our key future issues, and urge you to share your Do you have a health success priorities is infusing humanity into the ideas by emailing HealthViews@To learn more: story to share? Submit it at Like. Follow. Subscribe. HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ practice of medicine. We’re supporting HackensackMeridian.orgA Whole New . ShareaStory. It may be featured every patient who receives care from State of Health Care in a future issue of HealthViews! our network along the journey of life. To learn more: A Whole New Like. Follow. Subscribe.@HackensackMeridianHealth State of Health Care Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Co-CEO John K. Lloyd, FACHE, Co-CEO To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe. @HackensackMeridianHealth @HMHNewJersey

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HMH-Social-HealthViews.indd 1 3/2/17 3:30 PM Officer Fred Arnold makes a miraculous Contents recovery after suffering a heart attack while on duty.

Snapshots Get the latest health news on a wide range of topics — everything from hip replacement to health screenings to nutrition ...... 4 Success Stories Heartfelt Care...... 6 Returning Her Childhood ...... 8 A Tennis Titan ...... 9 More Than a Decade of Trusted Care....10 14 Paying It Forward...... 12 Full Steam Ahead...... 13 Back to Life...... 14 A Surprising Stroke ...... 18 Sailing Through Surgery ...... 19 Nick of Time ...... 20 Learning New Tricks ...... 30 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...... 16 Humanizing Health Care...... 26

@HackensackMeridianHealth @HMHNewJersey Health and Wellness What Does Your Blood Pressure Reading Really Mean? ...... 28 8 Ways to Soothe Your Dry Skin This Winter ...... 31 @HMHNewJersey @HMHNewJersey16

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4 tips to enjoy the holiday season Between trying to cram a year’s worth of memories into a few days and juggling multiple visits with different w sides of the family, the holiday season may often feel more chaotic than festive. But things don’t have to be that way. These tips from Diego Coira, M.D., the moment — not something that FAPA, chairman of the Department of happened 10 years ago. Notice and Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine and accept any feelings that come up, but medical director of Integrative try to withhold judgment for now. Medicine at Hackensack University 3. Express your appreciation. Medical Center, can help you enjoy the This is also an ideal time to let others holidays with your family without know how much you appreciate the feeling drained. support they’ve shown you throughout 1. Have realistic expectations. Focus on the year. Research shows that having a meaningful holiday together expressing gratitude can lower your Start the Year rather than a Facebook-ready one. It’s own stress level. OK if the kids — or the grown-ups — Off Right 4. Share fun family activities. aren’t always on their best behavior. Your family could take a walk, go ice At our New Year, New Embrace the imperfections that give skating, play a board game, make You event, our experts your family its unique personality. decorations, visit a children’s museum will teach you how to 2. Be mindful of your feelings. or catch a family-friendly show. Make a set fitness and nutrition If you’ll be around people who push point of repeating some favorite goals for yourself, your buttons, approach the situation activities year after year. These kinds of plus offer free health with an attitude of mindfulness. Focus family traditions are the glue that helps screenings. See page your attention on what’s happening at bond family members together. 24 for event details.

4 Hackensack Meridian HealthViewsHealthviews || JANUARYJANUARY | |FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2018 2018 Keep eating your fruits and veggies for Walk for healthy legs a better Researchers have already brain associated fruit and vegetable consumption with a lower risk Want to improve brain function? A increase blood flow, with running for heart disease and stroke, recent small study found that walking having the biggest effect. but a new study found eating might be as beneficial for your brain as “Although this is just a small study, it these foods may also decrease it is for the rest of your body. underscores that being active benefits the risk for peripheral artery The researchers studied blood flow in all parts of the body,” says Paul Woroch, disease (PAD). the brains of healthy young adults, both M.D., an Internal Medicine physician PAD causes a narrowing of while walking and at rest. They found affiliated with Mountainside Medical the arteries in certain parts of that the impact of the foot during Center. “If you’re not already active, talk the body, especially the legs. walking increased blood flow to the with your doctor about starting an The study looked at the brain. Running and cycling also exercise plan.” diets of more than 3.5 million Americans, with an average age of 64. The researchers found those who ate three or more servings of vegetables Extra protection against whooping cough or fruits every day had an 18 percent lower risk of Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, developing PAD than those can be especially dangerous for newborns who ate fewer servings. and infants. The respiratory infection can w “This study highlights that cause breathing problems and lead to something as simple as adding hospitalization. more fruits and vegetables can But a recent study published in the help improve your heart and journal Pediatrics found that women can artery health, even as you age,” boost their babies’ protection against the says Jesus Alfonso, M.D., section disease by getting a Tdap vaccine during chief of Internal Medicine at pregnancy. Women who had this vaccine Palisades Medical Center. during pregnancy reduced their baby’s risk for whooping cough by 91 percent in the first two months of life. The protection continued throughout the babies’ first year, reducing whooping cough risk by 69 percent. It did not reduce the effectiveness of the DTaP vaccine that babies receive, but seemed to add to the protection. “The good news is that a simple vaccine in pregnancy can help reduce young babies’ risk for this serious illness,” says Nagaeda Jean, M.D., of Pascack Valley Medical Center.

TIP:SHARE GET THE FIT PICTURE ON THE GO!OF GOOD HEALTH YouHave can you think cooked of our a meal Get Fitthat On is the not Go only series healthy as tips but to beautiful, blend healthy too? Share actions and into tag your a photo everyday of your life. delicious This month,and colorful try walking omelet, every veggie day stir-fry to improve or favorite your chickenhealth. Setrecipe a regular at Instagram.com/HMHNewJersey. walking date with a friend to stay on track.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 5 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

6 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 7 Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital

at Hackensack, the only center of its kind in New Jersey. The procedure RETURNING took six weeks, and Juliette, then 1½ years old, recovered well, with the HER CHILDHOOD exception of a mild, easily treated case of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Breakthrough treatment helps young girl “GVHD is a common side effect of Alfred Gillio, M.D. transplantation,” Dr. Gillio says. Board certified return to a healthy, happy childhood. in Pediatric Hematology- Unfortunately, a year later, Juliette Oncology developed the chronic severe form of Hackensack N THE FOUR YEARS SINCE SHE WAS the disease. While the acute form can 1-855-424-WELL (9355) born, Juliette Valdez had endured a degree of cause a rash, the chronic form suffering that most people don’t experience in a progressively tightens and thickens I lifetime, and yet today, this bright-eyed little girl the skin. Within months, Juliette’s skin had become so taut hasn’t a care in the world, thanks to the skill and and thick that she could hardly move. At the same time, the experience of the medical team at the Joseph M. Sanzari steroids that are the first line of treatment for chronic GVHD Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. led to bone degeneration and, eventually, a broken leg. It became clear to Dr. Gillio that despite the steroids, Juliette’s A RARE CONDITION condition was worsening. “She had reached the point where It’s been a journey. When Juliette was 1, she developed a rare she could no longer be a little girl,” Juliette’s mother, Mallelin inherited disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, Mendoza, says. or HLH. “In HLH, the immune system is hypervigilant,” says Dr. Gillio decided to put Juliette on photopheresis, a Alfred Gillio, M.D., a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at the technique that has recently been adapted for children. During Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. HLH attacks patients’ this procedure, a portion of the child’s blood is drawn and the own tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, the liver white blood cells are separated, treated with an activating and the brain. A bone marrow transplant is the only cure. agent and exposed to ultraviolet light. The treated blood is After finding a matched donor, Dr. Gillio admitted Juliette returned to the patient. Initially, Juliette underwent the to the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program photopheresis several times a week. “Juliette had a fantastic response,” Dr. Gillio says. “During the year we’ve treated her, she went from being in a wheelchair to running around the clinic. We’ve also been able to eliminate the steroids.”

DANCING AN AMAZING RECOVERY QUEEN Juliette recently completed two years of treatment. For a full Juliette Valdez year, Juliette was coming in for treatments as frequently as loves to dance twice a week. Dr. Gillio says Juliette is cured and doing great! every chance She is running around, playing and now attending school for she gets. the first time. Life in the Mendoza household is buzzing with activity. “Throughout it all, Dr. Gillio and the nurses treated Juliette like a princess,” Mallelin says. “And they were very helpful to us.” Dr. Gillio is beyond pleased knowing Juliette is having a healthy, normal childhood. “She’s an amazing kid,” he says.

THE VERY BEST The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center ranks 45 in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report 2017–2018 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/USNWR.

8 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Hackensack University Medical Center A TENNIS TITAN Successful knee surgeries have kept a Long Island native tennis star atop the rankings.

CTOGENARIAN AND highly decorated senior tennis star King Van O Nostrand attributes his lasting tennis career to Michael Kelly, M.D., chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Kelly and his team A SUCCESSFUL have implanted not one, but two sets CAREER of knee replacements so that King can King Van Nostrand continue his extremely successful is one of the most tennis career. decorated senior players in tennis “Dr. Kelly is wonderful!” says King. history. “Tennis has always been my life, but I was ready to hang up my racket back in the 1990s. Dr. Kelly saved my tennis career by replacing both of my knees.”

SOLVING A SETBACK King hails from Long Island, New York, where his entire family played tennis. After serving as a tennis pro and coach, King was ready to jump into a senior career touring the globe in 1997. After #1 IN NEW JERSEY struggling with severe arthritis in his Hackensack University Medical Center is ranked the knees, he sought out Dr. Kelly and was number one hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World able to have both knees replaced Report. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Awards. successfully in what’s called a simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement. “A lot of people feel sorry for me technology had changed, and the implants were a new, because they feel like I have a handicap heavy-duty model that fit even better. “In the old days, there with my knee replacements. But I feel were only four sizes, and we would fit the person’s knee to the fantastic! I’m running around like I did knee replacement,” Dr. Kelly explains. “Today we can fit the 30 years ago,” King says. knee replacement to the knee within 1 or 2 millimeters.” King was recently honored in Paris by the International NEW TECHNOLOGY MEANS Tennis Federation (ITF) with the presentation of the third ITF Michael Kelly, M.D. BETTER KNEES Seniors Award for Outstanding Achievement. He is one of the Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Kelly, who says it’s a “tremendous most decorated senior players in tennis history and has won 10 Hackensack feeling” to play such an important role World Individual Singles titles, 10 World Individual Doubles 1-800-560-9990 in King’s career, warned that overuse titles and 16 World Team Championships representing the U.S. of the implants would result in wear “A lot of people think when you get a knee replacement, it’s the and tear. Sure enough, in 2011, King beginning of the end,” Dr. Kelly says. “It’s quite the opposite — it’s

Photo credit: Ray Giubilo Photo credit: Ray had to have them revised. This time, a means to a beginning, and King is the epitome of that.”

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 9 Palisades Medical Center MORE THAN A DECADE OF TRUSTED CARE Weehawken woman finds surgical success and ongoing care that feels like home.

HELPING HER HOMETOWN A Weehawken councilwoman for more than 15 years, Carmela Ehret has helped preserve the Weehawken River.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS At Hackensack Meridian Health, patients of all ages can put their trust in our experienced, board-certified surgeons and specially trained nurses. Find doctors, locations and surgery FAQs at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Surgery.

10 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Carmela’s colon resection surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Kline removed 18 inches of Carmela’s colon to eliminate the cancer. She also removed Carmela’s ovaries as a preventive measure. The surgery was a success MORE THAN A DECADE OF and Carmela did not require chemotherapy or radiation. More than a year after surgery, Dr. Sciarra urged Carmela to get another follow-up colonoscopy to ensure there were no other TRUSTED CARE ARMELA EHRET, 65, is signs of cancer. As a busy executive working in used to taking matters into New York’s twin towers, it was difficult for C her own hands. A successful Carmela to take time for the procedure. But she businesswoman in respected Dr. Sciarra’s opinion and scheduled the Manhattan, she has also appointment. On September 11, 2001, Carmela served on the Weehawken Township stayed home from work to have the test, avoiding Michael Council for more than 15 years and held Sciarra, D.O. the day’s disasters. other elected positions. So when her Board certified in Internal “I always call Dr. Sciarra my guardian angel. He’s mother was diagnosed with colon cancer Medicine and saved my life in more ways than one,” she says. Gastroenterology 18 years ago, Carmela acted on the advice Secaucus of her trusted physician Michael Sciarra, 201-854-5213 ONGOING TREATMENT D.O., primary care physician and In the following years, Carmela experienced gastroenterologist affiliated with Palisades several hernias that required surgery. Again, she Medical Center. relied on the expertise of Palisades. “Dr. Sciarra was adamant that I get “My body healed so fast from colon surgery that tested for colon cancer,” says Carmela. “I it created scar tissue, which left me susceptible to was 47 years old at the time and never had a hernias and fistulas,” says Carmela, who also colonoscopy, but he felt it was important. It’s manages other health conditions, like chronic great to have a doctor who is so diligent.” Maurizio obstructive pulmonary disease and high blood Miglietta, D.O. pressure, which can compromise healing. Board certified in EARLY TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS General Surgery and Carmela’s general surgeon, Maurizio Miglietta, While her mother was still undergoing Critical Care Surgery D.O., explains, “Carmela needed multistaged North Bergen chemotherapy, Carmela had her first 201-854-5213 surgeries to repair her hernias and reconstruct colonoscopy with Dr. Sciarra. His suspicions her abdominal wall. Thankfully, she was a very were correct. Carmela was diagnosed with involved and informed patient. I told her to stay colon cancer. strong and we would get through it together.” “Many people are hesitant to have a During one of her first surgeries, Carmela had colonoscopy, but it truly saves lives. In an unexpected reaction to the anesthesia. Carmela’s case, we caught the cancer at a Alexander Portugal, M.D., anesthesiologist at very early stage and she had an excellent Palisades, worked closely with Carmela to identify prognosis,” explains Dr. Sciarra, who also an alternative anesthesia. He also cared for her serves as director of the GI Fellowship at during each subsequent surgery because he Hackensack Meridian Health. “I always treat understood her needs so well. patients on a case-by-case basis and had a “All my doctors at Palisades were relentless in feeling something wasn’t right. It’s worth it getting me better,” says Carmela. to have the procedure to know for sure.” Today, Carmela is fully healed. She is back to Carmela continues, “I didn’t have any her life of work and volunteering and enjoying symptoms. But my oncologist said that if I her husband and three grandchildren. She is also had waited another year to get tested, the planning a knee replacement surgery to deal with cancer could have traveled to my lymph longstanding arthritis pain. Her hospital choice? nodes and not been reversible.” “I feel like Palisades is my home away from home. Everyone knows me and is so friendly and GUARDIAN ANGEL caring,” says Carmela. “I couldn’t be more Dr. Sciarra referred Carmela to surgeon thankful for the concern and compassion of my Roxana Kline, M.D., who performed doctors. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 11 Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation

PAYING IT FORWARD Physician’s 30-year legacy of donating and fundraising has helped patients and employees flourish.

By Amy Massimo

MEMBER OF THE Hackensack University Medical Center family for more than A 30 years, Mark Schlesinger, M.D., shares his clinical expertise as chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology — and gives of his time, talent and treasure, raising and donating funds for Hackensack. “When I turned 60, it dawned on me how deeply involved I had been with the Foundation over my time here,” Dr. Schlesinger reflects. “It struck me that I had given a lot incrementally, but maybe it CITY LIVING was time to consolidate my commitment into A native of Union, New something lasting.” Jersey, Mark Schlesinger, M.D., enjoys the views and BUILDING A BOND convenience of his current A native of Union, New Jersey, Dr. Schlesinger home in New York City. studied chemistry and biochemistry at Bowdoin College in Maine before choosing Rutgers as his medical school. “I wanted to be closer to home, and after my residency at NYU, I looked for a good WHERE MEDICINE MEETS INNOVATION hospital in New Jersey,” he continues. “I came to Thanks to generous donors, our campus is Hackensack, loved it, and there were former constantly changing as we strive to meet the classmates here, so it felt good.” health care needs of our community and region. To view It was the start of a relationship that has seen the facilities that donations have helped to fund, visit both the individual and institution flourish. “I was HackensackMeridianHealth.org/FoundationFacilities. lucky enough to work with the Foundation board at a relatively young age,” Dr. Schlesinger recalls. “I realized that, to raise more funds, we needed to INSPIRED BY TRUST rethink where we looked for gifts and how we Regarding his own gifts, he is characteristically modest. “Over the years, I attracted them. For me, it was about upping our haven’t seen it necessary to restrict money I’ve given. I trust that it’s used game: We had to bring more sophisticated where it’s needed and hope I can help the most people possible — doctors, standards to our hospital’s idea of fundraising.” patients, employees — for the greatest impact.” To achieve that, Dr. Schlesinger chairs Trust is a recurring theme with Dr. Schlesinger. It anchors the growth Special Events in addition to deepening the donor of the hospital and the Foundation. pool to secure gifts. He gets great pleasure from Trust also underlies his desire to pass on his perspective to the next being involved in planning events. “‘Never repeat generation of physicians and leaders. “What I’ve learned is that yourself’ is the motto, so every year we try to push institutional memory is something you need and need to trust — the envelope!” otherwise, we’re just a company rather than a hospital.”

12 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Pascack Valley Medical Center

The Joint Replacement Institute at Pascack Valley FULL STEAM includes a nurse navigator who works with patients throughout their surgery, beginning with Joint Camp all the way through to postsurgery therapy. The team AHEAD is comprised of nurses and therapists who specialize Hackensack woman is fully participating in in the care of joint patients. The award-winning Joint Replacement Institute has been certified by the Joint Robert Kayal, M.D. life again after knee replacement surgeries. Board certified in Commission for Orthopedics in Hip and Knee. Orthopedic Surgery By Lauren Zaccardi-Samman Pascack Valley in Westwood offers exceptional Westwood 1-877-848-WELL (9355) medical care with four-star amenities, including all HERESA WHITAKER’S KNEE private rooms at no extra charge. Postsurgery, pain was getting in the way of her Theresa found the hospital staff to be kind and life. After years of suffering and thorough in making sure she received excellent care. T trying to cope through pain medications, weight loss and A NEW ZEST FOR LIFE supervised exercise, she’d made up her mind. Theresa was back to work at her rigorous sales job “It was time to take action for a better quality of life. three months after surgery. She credits her medical Edward Gold, M.D. Fifty-three years old was way too young for me to team for making it easy to schedule appointments Board certified in give up my successful sales career and retire to a Internal Medicine, and helping her coordinate the paperwork needed for rocking chair. That’s just not my style,” says Theresa. Hematology & Oncology insurance and disability coverage. In opting for total Emerson 1-877-848-WELL (9355) knee replacement at Pascack Valley, Theresa was FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION able to regain her ability to fully participate in life. From her first visit with Robert Kayal, M.D., FA AO S , orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Pascack Valley Medical Center, Theresa knew she JOIN US FOR JOINT CAMP was in the right place. “Our team began with a conservative approach, but tests revealed that Our Joint Camp gives you a full overview of what to expect Theresa’s knees were bone-on-bone. Together, we from surgery. Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) to register. made a plan to replace one knee and then the second, two weeks later.” says Dr. Kayal. Theresa eagerly embraced the tasks ahead. First on the list: Attend Joint Camp at Pascack Valley, where the surgery would be performed. In a two-hour session, patients meet the staff, tour the facility, and gain a better understanding of the importance of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Theresa credits Joint Camp with giving her the knowledge to stay motivated after surgery and recognize the milestones achieved as her recovery progressed.

THE PASCACK VALLEY APPROACH Dr. Kayal utilizes high-tech MRI imaging, proprietary computer software and 3-D printing A WALK IN technology to perform customized, patient-specific THE PARK total knee replacement surgery that’s tailor-made Hackensack resident for each patient’s unique bone anatomy. This Theresa Whitaker unwinds in the park customized approach coupled with the coordinated whenever she can. care team at Pascack Valley Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Group offered Theresa a successful experience. “In conjunction with Dr. Kayal, Pascack Valley Medical Group offered comprehensive postoperative medical management for Theresa,” says Edward Gold, M.D., medical director of Pascack Valley Medical Group. “Her surgery was performed by our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and the postoperative care was fully coordinated to ensure a successful outcome.” HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org 13 Mountainside Medical Center

Dr. Amato installed two stents to open up the vessel and maintain blood flow. “When he was in cardiac arrest, the brain didn’t receive oxygen, so Fred remained unresponsive,” Dr. Amato says. BACK “Sergeant Arnold was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where a cooling device was used to lower his body temperature and reduce further brain damage.” TO LIFE QUALITY, COMPASSIONATE CARE Caldwell police sergeant suffers heart attack One week later, Fred woke up and had no recollection of what had happened to him. “I was while on duty and makes a miraculous recovery. dazed at first, but the staff in the ICU really helped me get my bearings,” he says. “They treated me like By Megan Voytus a rock star.” Fred recounts how they even brought him a larger bed to make him more comfortable — a standard ERGEANT FRED ARNOLD, 48, hospital-sized bed is a bit small for his 6-foot-4-inch will never forget Thursday, June 5, frame. He also appreciates the way the hospital 2014. His day began with a weapons team members supported his wife, Julie. “She could qualification training in the not say enough about how wonderful everyone was S morning — standard review for to her,” he says. Fred spent three weeks in the all Caldwell Police Department hospital and a week in inpatient rehabilitation at officers. Fred, who is also an Domenic Mountainside’s Transitional Care Unit. Mariano, D.O. army combat veteran, recalls smoking a cigarette Board certified in From there, he entered another facility for with some coworkers before heading back to Cardiovascular Disease months of physical, cardiac, occupational, speech Glen Ridge headquarters in his police vehicle. While behind 1-888-973-4MSH (4674) and cognitive therapies. “It was determined that in the wheel, he suffered a heart attack. addition to my cardiac episode, I also suffered from a traumatic brain injury as a result of the lack of QUICK ACTION oxygen. I had some memory loss — common words Luckily, a local resident who was driving behind his and phrases escaped me and friends that I knew cruiser quickly called 911. Police from both Caldwell from my childhood, I could not remember.” Despite and West Caldwell quickly arrived. these setbacks, his progress was so remarkable that “I was told that my patrol car jerked to the left, by November 1, Fred was back to work. James crossed over the double line, jumped the curb and Amato Jr., M.D. hit a telephone pole. I was completely unconscious Board certified in A NEW BEGINNING with no pulse. That’s when they began lifesaving Internal Medicine, Today, Fred has made significant lifestyle changes, measures on me,” Fred recalls. Paramedics and Cardiovascular Disease including quitting smoking, eating healthy and and Interventional officers used a defibrillator, or AED device, at the Cardiology continuing with his cardiac exercise three to five scene, along with CPR — a total of 13 rounds before Glen Ridge times per week. “I was always strong but never fit,” 1-888-973-4MSH (4674) they were able to transport him to Mountainside he observes. “I worked out through weight lifting Medical Center. but I never understood the importance of cardio Upon arrival, Fred’s condition was grim. “He had workouts. Now I do the treadmill, elliptical machine no pulse and his heart was in a potentially lethal and stationary bike.” abnormal rhythm,” says Domenic Mariano, D.O., Fred enjoys spending quality time with Julie and a cardiologist at Mountainside. Fred was suffering their three children near their home in Randolph from what is known as the “widow maker” — a and tries to limit the amount of stress in his life. complete blockage of one of the major arteries to As for his job, Fred enjoys serving as the his heart. Dr. Mariano ordered an EKG to confirm community D.A.R.E. officer and can be seen the diagnosis and immediately notified the patrolling the Caldwells in his police car. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory team and “Dr. Mariano, Dr. Amato and the entire team at James Amato Jr., M.D., an interventional Mountainside gave me the greatest gift anyone can cardiologist at Mountainside. give: life,” he says.

14 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 ROLE MODEL Officer Fred Arnold works with local youth and leads the D.A.R.E. program to prevent drug use and violence.

WATCH FRED’S STORY Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ MiraclesHappen to watch Fred tell his story in his own words.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 15 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.

16 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 17 Raritan Bay Medical Center

A WATERFRONT VIEW Tania Torres of Perth A SURPRISING Amboy loves living on the STROKE water near Raritan Bay. Quick action kept a Perth Amboy woman from suffering more damage.

OR A TERRIFYING 90 SECONDS this past July, Tania Torres lost her vision while at work. As it slowly F came back, she figured it was a side A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE effect of a new medication she was Tania received the tPA, and within about 90 minutes, she was feeling taking, so she called her doctor’s office. Her doctor better. She was able to speak clearly again, and her facial drooping told her he believed she had a mild stroke and was minimal. She stayed at Raritan Bay for eight days before moving to a should get to a hospital as soon as possible. rehabilitation facility. After the initial teleneurology consultation, on-site “I thought, ‘No, I’m 41 years old,’” Tania says. neurologist Peter Roblejo, M.D., managed her care, aided by many staff “I felt fine, but a coworker took me to the hospital members. “The nurses were really on top of things,” she says. “Mirian as a precaution.” answered all my questions. It was amazing to have someone who cared.” When she arrived at Raritan Bay Medical Center– Perth Amboy, staff noticed she had a facial droop, and she began to have weakness in her left arm and leg. That’s when they activated a code stroke, which SPOT STROKE SYMPTOMS alerts team members to quickly spring into action. Every year, 55,000 more women than men have a stroke, according to the National Stroke IMPRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY Association. And it can happen at any age. “It’s not The code stroke is also when the teleneurologist is just a senior citizen’s disease anymore,” says Mirian notified. This allows a neurologist to consult with a Medina, RN, stroke center coordinator at Raritan Bay. patient virtually within 15 to 20 minutes. It’s In honor of National Heart Month in February, use the possible through the use of sophisticated technology acronym BE FAST to help you spot the signs of a stroke: that includes a camera so advanced it can beam into a patient’s eyes. After collecting the background = Balance loss = Face drooping information and talking with the patient, the B F teleneurologist then makes a recommendation = Eye problems = Arm weakness about whether to administer tissue plasminogen E A activator (tPA). “If tPA is quickly added to a patient’s bloodstream, = Speech difficulty you can reduce the amount of brain damage,” says S Mirian Medina, RN, stroke center coordinator at = Time to call 911 Raritan Bay, which is a state-designated primary T stroke center.

18 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Raritan Bay Medical Center SAILING THROUGH SURGERY

A SCENIC LOOKOUT Bob Caputo lives near the Old Bridge Waterfront Park, overlooking Raritan Bay in Laurence Harbor.

Laurence Harbor patient finds empowering care at the Human Motion Institute.

OB CAPUTO, 61, HAD BEEN “Our philosophy is to treat the whole patient — living with bad knees for years. Fed mind, body and spirit. We empower patients to up with the pain, he underwent tap into their own body’s ability to heal,” says B arthroscopic surgery on one knee, Paula O’Neill, MS, RN-BC, clinical program but it wasn’t a positive experience. manager of Integrative Health & Medicine at That’s why he sought treatment with Cristobal Raritan Bay. Cristobal Beiro, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Human Integrative Health & Medicine offers free therapy Beiro, M.D. Board certified in Motion Institute at Raritan Bay Medical Center– to all patients staying in the hospital. Therapies Orthopedic Surgery Old Bridge. Dr. Beiro successfully performed include breathing exercises, hand and foot massage, Woodbridge 1-800-560-9990 arthroscopic surgery on Bob’s other knee. But when and many more. “Research shows that these Bob needed a total knee replacement a few years therapies can lower anxiety, improve sleep, and later, his past fears of surgery resurfaced. reduce pain and nausea,” says Paula. “Patients who Bob scheduled the surgery with Dr. Beiro at the approach a medical procedure in a more relaxed Human Motion Institute. “As a high-anxiety person, state do better overall.” the thought of surgery was difficult. But I believed “Integrative Health & Medicine is a standard part in Dr. Beiro and was so relieved from the moment I of our care protocol for joint surgery patients,” says attended the joint replacement class,” says Bob. Dr. Beiro. “Joint replacement surgery continues to Clare Schuld, RN, nurse navigator at the Human evolve, and with the introduction of these therapies, Motion Institute, facilitates the preoperative joint patient outcomes have improved.” replacement class, which prepares patients for Bob scheduled a Reiki therapy session for the surgery and recovery. An associate from Hackensack day after his surgery. He also brought home a Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine then guided imagery CD called Sail into Surgery, which explains how patients can benefit from their services. Integrative Health & Medicine created to help patients relax and mentally prepare for surgery. “I felt so much calmer going into surgery because HEALING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT I felt prepared,” says Bob. “And the Reiki therapy session was so relaxing and enjoyable. I didn’t feel Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine abandoned after surgery.” offers therapies to enhance the well-being of patients. Bob’s surgery was a success and he continues Outpatient services and educational events are offered for recovering with the help of physical therapy. “The a fee. For a schedule of events, call 732-324-5257. people who cared for me were wonderful. It really made a difference,” he says.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 19 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

20 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 21 Registration required for all events unless otherwise indicated. Registration Events information attached to each event. calendar All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. To reserve your spot, call the phone number below each event.

Cancer Care Art Class for Cancer Life Support Training Patients Join us for classes to learn JANUARY 4, 11, 18 AND 25 AND Family and Friends CPR and FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15 AND 22 Heartsaver AED CPR. Heart Month 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. JANUARY 8, 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center Special Events 4th Floor Conference Room JANUARY 15, 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. 92 Second Street, Hackensack FEBRUARY 5, 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. Call 201-679-8200 to register. FEBRUARY 12, 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. Hackensack University Cooking for Health Cooking with Heart Fresh Start Smoking Medical Center, Hekemian and Wellness: In celebration of American Cessation Conference Center The Dash Diet Heart Month, Hackensack This four-session smoking- 30 Prospect Ave. Join Sylva Takvorian, M.D., Meridian Health is kicking cessation program is offered Call 551-996-2401 to register. and learn tips on how to off a series of fun and by the American Cancer cook to keep your heart engaging cooking events Society. Success in the AHA CPR Anytime healthy. providing expert advice, program requires attendance Learn the skills of hands-only CPR and why early heart and JANUARY 9 AND FEBRUARY 6 healthy tips, cooking demo at all four sessions. 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. and samples, and the latest Registration is required. stroke care is so important. JANUARY 19 AND FEBRUARY 16 recipes to keep you heart- HackensackUMC Fitness This program does not provide NOON – 1:00 P.M. healthy all year long. & Wellness, Powered by a course completion card. the Giants, 87 Route 17 North HackensackUMC Fitness & Registration is required. FEBRUARY 3, 9:00 A.M. – NOON Maywood Wellness, Powered by the JANUARY 12 AND FEBRUARY 9 Mountainside Medical Center Call 551-996-2038 or email Giants, 87 Route 17 North Bayberry 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Maywood [email protected] Speaker: Ankitkumar Patel, M.D. to register. HackensackUMC Fitness Call 551-996-2038 or email & Wellness, Powered by the [email protected] Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/events to Giants, 87 Route 17 North to register. Smoking Cessation Maywood, Community register. Behavioral Program Education Room Heart Healthy FEBRUARY 14, NOON – 1:00 P.M. Breath & Lung Institute Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ Women Series HackensackUMC Fitness & Hackensack University hackensackmeridian.org to register. Wellness, Powered by the Medical Center Women and Heart Disease Giants, 87 Route 17 North 30 Prospect Avenue Learn how heart disease Maywood Call 551-996-2211 to register. Childbirth/Maternity affects women differently Call 551-996-2038 or email than men, including signs, [email protected] Childbirth symptoms, treatment and to register. Cardiovascular Education Series Classes and seminars are prevention. Heartsaver AED CPR Keeping Up the Beat offered for fi rst-time and FEBRUARY 1, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Learn CPR and the use of the Learn the effect of high blood experienced parents, as well Speaker: William Salerno, M.D. AED for adults, children and pressure and cholesterol on as tours, classes for siblings Stress Management 101 infants. A course completion heart disease. This program and more. Registration is FEBRUARY 16, 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. card is issued upon also helps people identify required before your third The Heart Healthy Women successful completion. series of programs will be lifestyle changes and explains trimester. JANUARY 8 AND 15 held at YMCA of Bergen the importance of prevention. Call 551-996-2189 to register for AND FEBRUARY 5 AND 12 County, 112 Oak Street FEBRUARY 28, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Hackensack University Medical 6:00 – 10:00 P.M. Ridgewood Fort Lee Library Center. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit Call 551-996-2038 or email 320 Main Street Hackensack University MountainsideHosp.com/events Medical Center, Hekemian [email protected] Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ to register for Mountainside Conference Center Medical Center. to register. hackensackmeridian.org to register. 30 Prospect Ave. Call 551-996-2401 to register.

22 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Happiest Baby Preventing Type 2 on the Block Diabetes This class teaches expectant The Prevent T2 Lifestyle parents how to soothe fussy Change Program is a infants and help their babies yearlong program designed sleep longer. for people with prediabetes What to Expect JANUARY 23, 7:30 – 9:30 P.M. and those who are at high When You Are Hackensack University risk for type 2 diabetes. Medical Center, Hekemian BEGINNING JANUARY 8 Having a Baby Conference Center 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. 30 Prospect Ave. Join Vanessa Parisi, M.D., and George and Peter HackensackUMC Fitness & Call 551-996-2189 to register. Woroch, M.D., and learn what to expect when you are Wellness, Powered by the having a baby. Birth Center tours are included. Giants, 87 Route 17 North Newborn Care Maywood, Community JANUARY 13, 10:00 A.M. – NOON A hands-on class for soon-to- Education Room Mountainside Medical Center, Bayberry be parents or caregivers Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/events hackensackmeridian.org to register. to register. covering the basics of newborn care and appearance through the fi rst month after Diabetes: birth. Topics include comfort Know Your Risk techniques, swaddling, Learn about prediabetes, Childbirth Breastfeeding 101 diapering, bathing and more. diabetes, their risk factors, causes, treatments and Preparation Class Breastfeeding is the best JANUARY 25 AND 26 AND prevention. This class covers the birthing source of infant nutrition, and FEBRUARY 22 AND 23, 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. process, comfort techniques it provides remarkable health Pascack Valley Medical Center JANUARY 26, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. for labor, the role of the labor benefi ts to mothers as well as Community Conference Room Tenafl y Senior Center support person and more. babies. This class is taught by Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) or visit 20 South Summit Street HackensackUMCPV.com/bewell to Call 201-569-2159 to register. JANUARY 4, 5, 11 AND 12 AND our lactation consultant and register. FEBRUARY 1, 2, 8 AND 9 we focus on practical 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.; TWO-PART CLASS information and tips to General Wellness Pascack Valley Medical promote successful Counseling and Take Control Center, Community breastfeeding. Conference Room Behavioral Health of Your Health JANUARY 6 AND 7 AND Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) or visit Learn practical skills and FEBRUARY 4 AND 11 Depression During the HackensackUMCPV.com/bewell to strategies for managing 9:30 – 11:30 A.M. Golden Years register. symptoms, working with Hackensack University Learn signs and symptoms, JANUARY 7 AND 14 Medical Center, Hekemian common problems that cause health care professionals, OR FEBRUARY 11 AND 18 Conference Center or mimic depression, and setting weekly goals, problem- 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. 30 Prospect Ave. ways to cope. solving, eating well and Call 551-996-2189 to register. exercising. Six-week program. JANUARY 8, 15, 22 AND 29 FEBRUARY 14, 11:00 A.M. – NOON OR FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 AND 26 Registration required. JANUARY 18 AND 19 Raritan Bay Medical 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. AND FEBRUARY 15 AND 16 Center–Perth Amboy JANUARY 11 THROUGH HackensackUMC Fitness & 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. Centennial Hall, Room A FEBRUARY 15, 1:00 – 3:30 P.M. Wellness, Powered by the Pascack Valley Medical FEBRUARY 21, 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. HackensackUMC Fitness & Giants, 87 Route 17 North Center, Community Wellness, Powered by the Maywood Conference Room Old Bridge Public Library One Old Bridge Plaza Giants, 87 Route 17 North Call 551-996-2189 to register. Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) or visit Maywood Community HackensackUMCPV.com/bewell to Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit Education Room Infant Care register. HackensackMeridianHealth.org to Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ and Safety Class register. hackensackmeridian.org to register. This class prepares expectant Sibling Class parents for the care, safety, Designed to help prepare Diabetes Take Control of Your and growth and development young children, ages 3 to 7, for Health – Diabetes Comprehensive of their new babies. a new baby in the family. Diabetes Management JANUARY 18 THROUGH FEBRUARY 22 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. JANUARY 5, 19 AND 25 AND JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 4 Individual or group 2 Hospital Drive, Suite 101 FEBRUARY 8 AND 17 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. educational and support 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. Hackensack University Raritan Bay Medical programs. Center–Old Bridge FEBRUARY 2, 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Medical Center David and Alice Jurist Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit Hackensack University Research Lecture Hall To register, call MOLLY Diabetes HackensackMeridianHealth.org to Medical Center, Hekemian Call 551-996-2189 to register. Education/Management Center for register. Conference Center Adults and Children, 201-968-0585; 30 Prospect Ave. HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Call 551-996-2189 to register. Maywood, 551-996-3010; or Joslin Diabetes Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge, 732-360-4070.

HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org 23 New Year, New You Neuroscience Food Tips and Start the year off right. Our Time Savers experts will teach you how to Late-Stage Alzheimer’s: Join us as we share simple, set attainable fi tness and An Intensive for time-saving, no-fad tips to nutrition goals for yourself. Caregivers create a healthy plate. Free health screenings, This program offers JANUARY 17, NOON – 1:00 P.M. including blood pressure, information about providing HackensackUMC Fitness & cholesterol, glucose and care in the late stage, Wellness, Powered by the stroke risk assessments, will including communication Giants, 87 Route 17 North be provided. Registration strategies, end-of-life Maywood Hip and required. considerations and support Call 551-996-2038 or visit HARP@ hackensackmeridian.org to register. Knee Pain JANUARY 25, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. resources. Raritan Bay Area YMCA PART 1: JANUARY 16 Change Your Salty Ways Is your hip and knee 365 New Brunswick Ave. NOON – 2:00 P.M. pain prohibiting you Perth Amboy Learn how to follow the Pascack Valley Medical American Heart Association’s from doing the things FEBRUARY 7, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. Center, Basement 21-day plan to decrease the you love? Learn the Joslin Diabetes Center Conference Room salt in your diet. Learn about causes of joint pain and 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 420 PART 2: JANUARY 23 common foods that may be treatment options. Raritan Bay Medical NOON – 2:00 P.M. Center–Old Bridge loaded with excess sodium and JANUARY 17 AND Pascack Valley Medical FEBRUARY 21 Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit Center, Basement how to track your salt intake. 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. HackensackMeridianHealth.org Conference Room FEBRUARY 9, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Pascack Valley Medical to register. Call 1-888-280-6055 to register. Tenafl y Senior Center Center, Community 20 South Summit Street Conference Room HPV Vaccine: Get the Are You Getting a Call 201-569-2159 to register. Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) Answers Good Night’s Sleep? or visit HackensackUMCPV Join Sam H. Hessami, M.D., as Lack of sleep can affect Salty Six for Kids .com/bewell to register. he discusses the HPV vaccine. you in many ways. Learn FEBRUARY 9, NOON – 1:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 7, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. about sleep disorders and HackensackUMC Fitness & North Bergen Public Library tips on how to get a better Wellness, Powered by the Reiki Circle Group 8400 Bergenline Avenue night’s sleep. Giants, 87 Route 17 North Join us in a Reiki circle for the Community Room Maywood mind, body and spirit. Call 201-854-5702 to register. FEBRUARY 7, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ Raritan Bay Medical hackensackmeridian.org to register. JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 15 Center–Perth Amboy 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Centennial Hall, Room A Integrative Health Salty Six of John Theurer Cancer Center and Medicine Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit 4th Floor Waiting Area HackensackMeridianHealth.org Korean Cuisine 92 Second Street, Hackensack Matter of Balance: to register. FEBRUARY 21, NOON – 1:00 P.M. Call 551-996-5861 to register. Managing Concerns HackensackUMC Fitness & About Falls Wellness, Powered by the Managing Medications Nutrition Giants, 87 Route 17 North Join us for an eight-week fall Learn how to manage all Maywood prevention program to help Healthy Eating your medications and take Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ reduce the fear of falling and Learn how healthy eating them safely. hackensackmeridian.org to register. increase your activity level. doesn’t have to be bland or JANUARY 24, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. STARTING JANUARY 3 boring. Free cooking demos. Los Seis Salados: Salty Fort Lee Library JANUARY 5, 12, 19 AND 26 AND 320 Main Street 10:00 A.M. – NOON Six of Spanish Cuisine FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16 AND 23 Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ Senior Source FEBRUARY 28, NOON – 1:00 P.M. The Shops at Riverside NOON – 1:30 P.M. hackensackmeridian.org to register. 310 Riverside Square Mall HackensackUMC Fitness & The Cooking Studio at Wellness, Powered by the Hackensack John Theurer Cancer Center Take a Deep Breath: Giants, 87 Route 17 North Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ 1st Floor behind Fresh City Maywood COPD Facts hackensackmeridian.org to register. Café, 92 Second Street Hackensack Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ Learn the causes, symptoms STARTING JANUARY 4 Call 551-996-5073 to register. hackensackmeridian.org to register. and treatment options of 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. chronic obstructive Debra Simon Center for FEBRUARY 7, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. pulmonary disease. Integrative Medicine Joslin Diabetes Center Screenings FEBRUARY 2, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. HackensackUMC Fitness & 2 Hospital Drive, Suite 420 Wellness, Powered by the Raritan Bay Medical Blood Pressure 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 404 Giants, 87 Route 17 North Center–Old Bridge No appointment necessary. Raritan Bay Medical Maywood Center–Old Bridge Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit JANUARY 3 AND FEBRUARY 7 Call 551-996-2038 or email HARP@ HackensackMeridianHealth.org Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit 9:00 – 11:30 A.M. hackensackmeridian.org to register. to register. HackensackMeridianHealth.org West Caldwell Shop Rite to register. 540 Passaic Avenue West Caldwell JANUARY 13 AND FEBRUARY 15 10:00 A.M. – NOON Brookdale Shop Rite 1409 Broad Street, Bloomfi eld 24 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Women’s Health Multiple Myeloma Support Groups Support Group Support Group Weight Loss Surgery Build friendships, gain others’ JANUARY 9 AND FEBRUARY 13 JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 15 Weight Loss Surgery support and learn about 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. 10:30 A.M. – NOON Join Hans J. Schmidt, M.D., available resources. John Theurer Cancer Center John Theurer Cancer Center director of the Bariatric 4th Floor Conference Room 2 4th Floor Conference Room Surgery Center at Hackensack Living with Cancer 92 Second Street, Hackensack 92 Second Street, Hackensack University Medical Center, as Support Group For more information or to register, For more information or to register, he discusses the benefi ts of call 551-996-5861 or 5864. call 551-996-8704. JANUARY 2 AND FEBRUARY 6 weight loss surgery. NOON – 1:00 P.M. Registration is required. Breast Cancer Pulmonary John Theurer Cancer Center JANUARY 3, 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. 3rd Floor Conference Room Survivorship Support Group Support Group Palisades Medical Center 92 Second Street, Hackensack JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 15 Auditorium For more information or to register, JANUARY 10 AND FEBRUARY 14 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Call 201-646-1121 to register. call 551-996-5827. 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the John Theurer Cancer Center Is Weight Loss Surgery Breastfeeding 4th Floor Conference Room Giants, 87 Route 17 North Right for Me? Support Group 92 Second Street, Hackensack Maywood, Community Education Room Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D., Bring you and your baby to For more information or to register, For more information or to register, medical director of the this special group to share call 551-996-5858 or 5529. call 551-996-2038. Institute for Weight Loss and and learn in a friendly, Bennet Togbe, M.D., will supportive atmosphere. Laryngectomy Life After Transplant discuss the benefi ts of weight Discussions are facilitated by Support Group Support Group loss surgery. lactation consultants. JANUARY 17 AND FEBRUARY 14 JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 15 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. JANUARY 8 AND 10 AND JANUARY 4 AND 18 AND 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 7 AND 12, 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 1 AND 15, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the John Theurer Cancer Center Pascack Valley Medical JANUARY 24 AND FEBRUARY 28 Giants, 87 Route 17 North 3rd Floor Conference Room Center, Mother Baby Lounge 92 Second Street, Hackensack 7:30 – 8:30 P.M. Maywood, Community Institute for Weight Loss Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) or visit Education Room For more information or to register, HackensackUMCPV.com/bewell to call 551-996-8290 or 5529. 3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 404 Raritan Bay Medical Center– register. Prostate Cancer Old Bridge Support Group Mended Hearts Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit Diabetes JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 15 HackensackMeridianHealth.org Support Group JANUARY 17 AND FEBRUARY 21 10:00 A.M. – NOON 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. to register. HackensackUMC Fitness & John Theurer Cancer Center Hackensack University Wellness, Powered by the Medical Center Weight Loss Surgery: Giants, 87 Route 17 North 1st Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street, Hackensack 30 Prospect Avenue The Facts Maywood, Community For more information or to register, Education Room For more information or to register, Join Karl Strom, M.D., call 201-265-9296. For more information or to register, call 551-996-5836. director of Bariatric call 551-996-3010. Center of Excellence at Head and Neck Cancer Mountainside Medical Center, New Mommy Support Group and learn the benefi ts of Support Group JANUARY 17 AND FEBRUARY 21 weight loss surgery. Join us and bring your baby 4:00 – 5:30 P.M. JANUARY 9 AND FEBRUARY 22 from birth to age 6 months to John Theurer Cancer Center 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. learn about postpartum 1st Floor Conference Room Raritan Bay Medical adjustment, feeding, burping, 92 Second Street, Hackensack Center–Perth Amboy sleeping, gas and colic, For more information or to register, Centennial Hall A normal newborn behavior, call 551-996-2599. Call 1-800-560-9990 or visit soothing fussy babies and so HackensackMeridianHealth.org much more! to register. JANUARY 4 AND 18 AND JANUARY 24 AND FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 1 AND 15, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Pascack Valley Medical Mountainside Medical Center, Community Health Fair Center, Bayberry Conference Room Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit Call 1-877-848-WELL (9355) or visit and Blood Drive MountainsideHosp.com/events HackensackUMCPV.com/bewell to register. Palisades Medical Center, American Red Cross and to register. Walgreens have partnered together for a health fair and blood drive. JANUARY 28, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Walgreens Pharmacy 7401 River Road, North Bergen Call 201-854-5702 to register.

HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org 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 27 Hackensack Meridian Health A TALE

Rakesh K. Passi, M.D. Board certified in Cardiology and OF TWO Interventional Cardiology East Brunswick NUMBERS 1-800-560-9990 What does your blood pressure reading really mean?

OU MIGHT KNOW WHAT YOUR BLOOD BY THE NUMBERS Lucy Safi, D.O. pressure numbers were the last time they were Blood pressure is written as two numbers; for Board certified in checked. But do you know what each number example, 115/75 mmHg (pronounced “115 over 75”). Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine and represents? Here’s what each of those numbers means: Echocardiography Here’s the scoop: Blood carries oxygen and • Systolic pressure is represented by the first number. Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355) nutrients around your body. Your tissues and organs It’s the force exerted when your heart beats, Yrequire a healthy supply of blood to survive. The pumping blood out of your heart. flow of blood is channeled through an extensive • Diastolic pressure is represented by the second network of blood vessels, large and small. number. It’s the force exerted while your heart rests “Your heart acts as the pump that propels blood as it refills with blood between beats. along its way,” says Lucy Safi, D.O., a cardiologist affiliated with Hackensack University Medical The “mmHg” following your blood pressure numbers Center. “Blood pressure is the force of the blood stands for “millimeters of mercury.” Mark Gabelman, Mark Gabelman, M.D. Board certified in Internal as it pushes against blood vessel walls.” M.D., FACC, of Palisades Medical Center explains, Medicine, Critical Care “As with older thermometers, the first accurate blood MarkMedicine, Cardiovascular pressure gauges contained mercury. Although Gabelman,Disease, Echocardiography M.D. Boardand Nuclear certified Medicine in modern blood pressure devices no longer contain North Bergen Echocardiography, mercury, mmHg remains the standard unit of 201-854-5213 Nuclear Cardiology, measurement.” Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Cardiovascular Disease UP AND DOWN PRESSURES North Bergen Your blood pressure numbers normally fluctuate a bit 1-855-424-WELL (9355) throughout the day. They are affected by many things, including physical activity, foods, stress and sleep.

Paul Woroch, M.D. Glen Ridge 1-888-973-4MSH (4674)

Esther Hoffman, D.O. Board certified in Internal Medicine Dumont 1-877-848-WELL (9355)

28 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews || JANUARYJANUARY| | FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 20182018 A TALE OF TWO COOK WITH HEART Celebrate American Heart Month this February with our series of fun, engaging cooking NUMBERS events to help you stay heart-healthy all year long. Flip to page 22 for dates and registration details.

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 When everything is November 13. Visit ACC.org for current guidelines. working well, your blood WHICH NUMBER vessels are constantly MATTERS MOST? adapting to these changing Paul Woroch, M.D., of demands. “Blood vessels can Mountainside Medical widen or narrow as needed,” Center, says, “Each of the says Esther Hoffman, D.O., numbers in a blood pressure at Pascack Valley Medical measurement is significant, Center. “This helps keep but systolic pressure is a KNOW YOUR BLOOD blood pressure — you’re blood flowing freely. It is good indicator of heart PRESSURE at increased risk if you important that any health risks for people older “To find out whether you are overweight or obese, fluctuations from the normal than age 50. In most people, have high blood pressure, are African-American blood pressure aren’t too this number creeps up you should have your blood or have slightly above- large or long-lasting.” with age.” pressure checked in a normal blood pressure If the system stops A large study showed that doctor’s office regularly,” (systolic pressure of 120 working normally, however, raised systolic pressure had a says Rakesh Passi, M.D., to 139 mmHg or diastolic your blood pressure may bigger impact on the risk for medical director of the pressure of 80 to 89 stay too high for too long. heart attacks, angina (chest Cardiac Catheterization mmHg) This is known as high pain) and peripheral artery Laboratory at Raritan Bay • Every three to five years, blood pressure. It can be disease (narrowing of leg Medical Center–Perth if you’re age 18 to 39 and indicated by a high number arteries). In contrast, raised Amboy. At a minimum, not at increased risk. for systolic pressure (140 diastolic pressure had a that means getting tested: mmHg or higher), diastolic greater effect on the risk for • Every year, if you’re pressure (90 mmHg or abdominal aortic aneurysms age 40 or older, or at higher), or both. (bulging in a major artery). increased risk for high

HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org 29 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.

30 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 Healthy habits

8 Ways to Soothe Your Dry Skin This Winter

DRY SKIN IN THE WINTER CAN 5. Drink plenty of water and POSE a special problem for infants, other fluids. older people and frequent hand washers. 6. Keep the temperature cool at Dry skin often happens in the winter home, and moisten indoor air with because cold air outside and heated air a humidifier. inside steal moisture from the air. But 7. Wash clothes, towels and sheets according to the American Academy of with a mild detergent that doesn’t Sunscreen Still Dermatology, lengthy hot baths or contain perfume. Smart Under the showers can be blamed, too. “They can 8. Avoid dryer sheets and softener, Winter Sun steal the natural skin oils that seal in which can irritate dry skin. If you packed your sunscreen moisture,” explains Melissa Serravallo, away with your bathing suits M.D., a dermatologist affiliated with and tank tops, dig it out. Hackensack University Medical Center. Protecting skin is important in If you’re an easy target for dry skin, winter, too, even on cloudy here are eight everyday things you can days. You may not feel the do to prevent dry skin or soothe it: heat, but the sun’s ultraviolet 1. Use lukewarm water for bathing, and (UV) rays can still do damage, limit your shower or bath to 10 minutes especially when reflected maximum. off snow. 2. Use a mild soap or gentle cleanser “Year-round sunscreen without fragrance. use can defend against 3. After bathing, pat — rather than skin cancer, age spots and rub — your skin almost dry. wrinkles,” says Dr. Serravallo. 4. Smooth on a moisturizer “Choose a broad-spectrum right after bathing to trap product with an SPF of at least water in your skin. A cream 30. Be sure it blocks both UVA is better than a lotion for very and UVB rays.” dry skin. You also can use About 30 minutes before petroleum jelly on dry skin. heading outside, apply Reapply cream as necessary. sunscreen to your face, neck, You might want to wait and scalp and ears, as well as the apply greasy ointments backs of your hands and other before bed. places likely to be exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.

LIVE COMFORTABLY IN YOUR OWN SKIN Our dermatology services include treating conditions such as skin infections and psoriasis, to performing Melissa procedures such as laser therapy. Serravallo, M.D. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ Board certified in Dermatology Dermatology for a full list of what we treat. Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355)

HackensackMeridianHealth.orgHackensackMeridianHealth.org 31 PRSRT STD Hackensack University U.S. Postage Medical Center and Joseph PAID Hackensack Meridian M. Sanzari Children’s Health Hospital 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

Mountainside Medical Center One Bay Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 JOHN FROMHOLD President and CEO

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 The most hospitals in ROBERT H. ADAMS JR., FACHE President Bayshore Medical Center the top 10 in New Jersey 727 North Beers Street Holmdel, NJ 07733 TIMOTHY J. HOGAN, FACHE President #1 Hackensack University Medical Center

Raritan Bay Medical #4 Jersey Shore University Medical Center Center–Old Bridge #8 Ocean Medical Center One Hospital Plaza Old Bridge, NJ 08857 Riverview Medical Center MICHAEL R. D’AGNES, FACHE #8 President To learn about our rankings visit Pascack Valley Medical Center HackensackMeridianHealth.org/USNews 250 Old Hook Road Westwood, NJ 07675 EMILY HOLLIMAN CEO

Hackensack Meridian Health 343 Thornall Street Edison, NJ 08837 JOSEPH LEMAIRE President, Diversified Health Ventures Division

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