A Publication of WINTER 2019 MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER SOUTHERN CAMPUS healthytogether
EXPERT CARE FOR SENIORS SCREENING LUNGS, SAVING LIVES WINNING THE WAR ON SEPSIS
EAT LIKE AN MVP! NJ DEVILS STAR TAYLOR HALL TELLS HOW
MMCSC_Cover_Winter19_final.indd 1 12/18/18 4:33 PM A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP HEALTH NEWS We’re Focused on Community ENHANCED FACILITIES The new year promises new enhancements at oretta Scott King once said that the greatness of a community is best measured Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus by the compassionate actions of its members. At RWJBarnabas Health, we (MMCSC). Our surgical suites are being modernized, share King’s belief in the power of compassionate action. including our Cystoscopy Procedure Room, offering C surgeons access to the latest advances in operating- Each of our hospitals is actively engaged in making a difference on critical community issues, including housing, employment, food security and economic room equipment and offering patients increased quality and comfort. empowerment. That includes everything from hiring locally to finding ways to make fresh, affordable produce widely available. System-wide, we’ve added RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed, a telemedicine service that improves access to care for people with transportation or scheduling challenges. PLUGGED IN To expand our community reach, we partner with other organizations, like the New MMCSC was named to the Annual Jersey Devils, to bring about positive change. One example: Collaborating with the staff Health Care’s Most Wired® survey’s of the Barnabas Health Hockey House at Newark’s Prudential Center, our specialty list of Most Wired Hospitals. physicians and nutrition experts have developed a youth hockey program that promotes Published annually by Health optimal performance and good health while building confidence, sportsmanship & Hospitals Networks (H&HN), the survey is a leading industry and life skills. It’s now available at ice-hockey rinks throughout the state. The Devils barometer measuring information technology use and organization and players, including NHL MVP Taylor Hall, also work closely with us to adoption among hospitals nationwide. bring encouragement and moments of joy to hospitalized children At Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, we are always developing new ways to serve as a resource and promote the health of our community members at all stages of life. Our Better Health program offers community members age 55 and No Reservations older access to social events, educational seminars and preventive screenings, such The as vascular disease and lung cancer screenings. Additionally, our mobile phlebotomy American Medical service extends into our senior communities to make sure that they receive potentially Association lifesaving laboratory testing. To help keep all children safe, we partner with Safe reports that Kids Monmouth/Ocean to help raise awareness and educate children and adults on the more injury prevention. Through our partnership with the Cancer Support Community, an people international non-profit organization, we provide free programs to address the physical cook and prepare and emotional concerns of individuals, friends, family members and caregivers affected their meals by cancer. at home, the less likely they are to become obese or At RWJBarnabas Health, we believe in the greatness of the New Jersey community develop type 2 diabetes. The reason? Commercially and are glad to help improve quality of life for everyone who, like us, calls the Garden prepared meals tend to be loaded with many more State home. calories than home-cooked fare. Cooking at home has decreased by 25 percent in the last 40 years. Yours in good health,
BARRY H. OSTROWSKY FRANK J. VOZOS, MD, FACS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER SOUTHERN CAMPUS 600 River Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, RWJBARNABAS HEALTH 732.363.1900 | rwjbh.org/MonmouthSouth
CONNECT WITH US ON @MonmouthSouthernCampus @RWJBarnabas RWJBarnabas Health
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.rwjbh.org/monmouthsouth. MMCSC cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame al 732.363.1900. MMCSC konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfimite oswa sèks. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 732.363.1900.
Healthy Together | 2 | Winter 2019
MMCSC_Memo_Winter19_final.indd 2 12/18/18 4:34 PM healthytogether contents WINTER 2019 18
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2. WELCOME LETTER. 12. GOOD FOOD FOR EVERY 17. WINNING THE WAR A community update 10 BODY. The Wellness ON SEPSIS. MMCSC from our CEOs. on Wheels team takes is leading the charge healthy cooking and on this life-threatening 4. THE FIGHT OF HER LIFE. nutrition tips on the road complication. A Forked River woman in a very special van. defies her ovarian 18. A HEART-HELPING cancer diagnosis. 13. GETTING 0LDER, GETTING PROGRAM. Getting BETTER. Geriatric cardiac patients back on 6. FINDING HEARING LOSS psychiatry can help their feet. EARLY. Detecting hearing adults thrive as they age. issues in babies and 20. HELPING SENIORS STAY children is crucial to 9. THE DOCTOR IS 14. LIVING WELL WITH HEART HEALTHY. Customized healthy development. IN ONLINE. With FAILURE. It’s possible to care for older adults. RWJBarnabas Health feel good and stay active, 7. LUNG CANCER: SCREENING TeleMed, a doctor is on even with a diagnosis of 22. SAD: MORE THAN MERE SAVES LIVES. Low-dose call 24/7 through your heart failure. BLUES. What you need CT scanning can safely personal devices. to know about Seasonal detect lung cancer in time 16. WORKING THROUGH THE Affective Disorder. for effective treatment. 10. ‘HOW I STAY ON TOP OF PAIN. A brave young MY GAME.’ NJ Devils star woman gets her life 23. COMMUNITY CALENDAR. 8. GIVING FOR GOOD HEALTH. Taylor Hall reveals how back with the help of Education, screening Friends and neighbors to eat and stay fit like Children’s Specialized and support programs. support MMCSC. an MVP. Hospital.
PB | Healthy Together | Fall 2018 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 3
MMCSC_TOC_Winter19_REV1.indd 3 12/19/18 12:01 PM THE FIGHT OF HER LIFE WITH MMCSC’S ONCOLOGY TEAM BY HER SIDE AT EVERY TURN, BARBARA FIEDLER HAS BOLDLY (AND SUCCESSFULLY) DEFIED HER DIAGNOSIS.
RWJBarnabas Health in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—brings a world-class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and t takes a strong woman like Barbara lower abdomen. Her primary care doctor clinical trials. Fiedler to stare down a disease like suspected an infection and prescribed Iovarian cancer. But thanks to her resolve an antibiotic, which was ineffective. She to live, the support of her family and friends then saw her gynecologist, who found a and the caring and expertise of her treatment tumor in one of her ovaries. “When I was If you or a loved one are team, Barbara is still intent on living life to first diagnosed it was a shock, because I’ve the fullest. “No matter what the consequences been a healthy person all my life,” Barbara struggling with a cancer are, you deal with it,” says Barbara, 75, of recalls. “But I got mad and I said, ‘We are diagnosis and need answers Forked River. “You don’t just lay down and going to conquer this.’” and support, visit rwjbh.org/ die. You never give up.” Barbara’s odds at that point were both BeatCancer. Barbara’s ordeal started two years ago, scary and uncertain. The Ovarian Cancer when she felt cramping and bloating in her Research Alliance reports that fewer than
Healthy Together | 4 | Winter 2019
MMCSC_OvarianCancer_Winter19_final.indd 4 12/18/18 4:36 PM Above left: Barbara Fiedler spends some time with the new friends she has made on her MMCSC treatment team. Above right: Barbara and her husband, Bill, are enjoying life once again.
half of women diagnosed with ovarian care as Barbara fought through early side but they were in emotional pain because of cancer (46.5 percent) survive after five effects. “We have really fantastic nurses in what I was going through. But we had to do years. That survival rate, however, jumps to our infusion rooms who are not only good this fight together, because it’s your family 94 percent if the cancer is detected early, at giving patient care, but at caring for the that gives you courage.” the American Cancer Society says. patient as a whole,” Dr. Cohen says. Barbara’s existing circle of friends According to Barbara’s lead After chemotherapy, Barbara started was also incredibly supportive, she says. oncologist, faithfully following treatment getting favorable reports. Then, in January But along her treatment journey, she also recommendations also is crucial. “The key 2018, a computed tomography (CT) scan found new friends: the infusion nurses at to Barbara getting better was working with uncovered a small tumor near her bile duct. both Monmouth Medical Centers. “This me and putting her trust in my expertise,” She underwent a stent implant to prevent may sound corny, but there aren’t any says Seth Cohen, MD, Regional Medical bile duct blockage, which would have better human beings on this earth than the Director of Oncology-Clinical Research caused jaundice. Dr. Cohen then ordered infusion nurses,” Barbara says. “Going for at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) three more chemotherapy treatments, treatment there is like visiting your family. and Monmouth Medical Center Southern which Barbara completed in June. You get to know the nurses, find Campus (MMCSC) and a member of Since then, Barbara has been in out how their kids are doing, Barnabas Health Medical Group. remission; she says her last blood and you spend some time By November 2016, several small tumors test and CT scan in October were chatting. It’s a beautiful and cancer cells were spotted on both the “clean.” As a precaution, though, she is experience.” inside and outside of Barbara’s ovaries. receiving targeted therapy every three She underwent a total hysterectomy at weeks at MMCSC to prevent cancer Community Medical Center that month, cells from developing. Barbara’s road to followed by optimal debulking, a process remission has had its bumps, including two WHAT TO LOOK FOR to remove tissue surrounding the cancerous brief hospitalizations for dehydration and There is no definitive test for area that could become cancerous. electrolyte loss. “Barbara is one of the more ovarian cancer, but prompt Dr. Cohen then ordered six chemotherapy unique people,” Dr. Cohen notes. “She’s attention to symptoms can lead treatments at vibrant and has a great sense of what needs to early diagnosis and may MMC in case to be done. She’s a real fighter.” improve the chances for survival. undetected But even the strongest and most Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full cancer cells were vibrant of patients gets choked up when quickly, frequent urination and still present. reflecting on what is at stake and what urinary urgency are all potential Throughout her is truly important. Barbara becomes early warning signs. “If you feel five-month course emotional when discussing how her family, anything abnormal going on with of treatment, the especially her husband, Bill, supported her your body, don’t think it’s nothing infusion staff and motivated her to keep fighting. “The and let it go,” says hematologist/ delivered both hardest thing for me these past two years oncologist Seth Cohen, MD. effective and was watching my loved ones,” Barbara says. “Address it as soon as possible.” SETH COHEN, MD compassionate “They were not in physical pain like I was,
Healthy Together | 4 | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 5
MMCSC_OvarianCancer_Winter19_final.indd 5 12/18/18 4:36 PM FINDING HEARING LOSS EARLY TO ENSURE HEALTHY SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, IT’S CRUCIAL TO DETECT HEARING LOSS IN BABIES AND CHILDREN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
xperts now know that the first up testing for newborns who may have three years of life are the most failed their initial hearing screening. Eintense time for brain development “The testing includes high-frequency in terms of processing speech and sounds, tympanometry, Otoacoustic emissions WARNING SIGNS learning to talk and gaining language (dpOAEs) and auditory brainstem skills. “It’s imperative to identify children response studies (ABR),” says Dr. Boyer. According to the American Hearing Health Foundation, your child may who have hearing loss early—by three “Such testing provides invaluable have hearing loss if he or she: months of age—and to treat the hearing information on the status of an infant’s loss within the first six months,” says middle ear, cochlea and auditory pathway • seems to hear fine some of the Sue Ellen Boyer, AuD, audiologist at from the ear to the brain stem.” time and then not respond at other times. Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC). “When we can SCREENING • wants the TV volume louder than accomplish this goal, a healthy baby’s OLDER CHILDREN other members of the family. cognitive, language, social and emotional Many pediatricians and school nurses do • says, “What?” more often than development can be comparable to peers annual hearing screenings of school-aged other children. with normal hearing.” children. However, this isn’t mandated. • moves one ear forward when Including New Jersey, 43 states Because hearing is a critical part of so listening or complains they can (plus Washington, many areas of development, it’s essential only hear out of their “good ear.” D.C. and to have hearing assessed while children • has a teacher who notes that your Puerto Rico) are school-aged. “Typically, if there’s a child doesn’t seem to hear or have mandated delay in speech development, parental respond as well in the classroom newborn or educational concern or a history of as other children. Falling grades hearing- chronic ear infections, an audiological can be another sign. screening evaluation is warranted,” explains Dr. • frequently says they didn’t hear programs. Boyer. This testing, which is tailored to you. This may seem obvious, but MMCSC the child’s age and developmental level, parents might assume that their provides includes an assessment of middle ear and children aren’t paying attention SUE ELLEN BOYER, AUD complete follow- inner ear function, as well as the hearing when in fact there may be an sensitivity across different frequencies and unidentified hearing loss. how well the child understands speech. • |ooks at you intensely when “Parents are often the first to suspect you speak to him or her, as if To have your child’s hearing hearing loss in their child,” says Dr. Boyer. concentrating. The child may evaluated by MMCSC’s “Do not ignore this concern. Testing is be depending more than usual Audiology Department, easy and painless, and, most importantly, on visual cues for interpreting call 732.942.5921. can get your child the help he or she needs speech. to succeed.”
Healthy Together | 6 | Winter 2019
MMCSC_Audiology_Winter19_final.indd 6 12/18/18 4:38 PM LUNG CANCER: SCREENING SAVES LIVES LOW-DOSE CT SCANNING CAN SAFELY DETECT LUNG
CANCER EARLY ENOUGH FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT. RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only ung cancer is the leading cause of its Comprehensive NCI-designated Comprehensive cancer death among men and women Lung Cancer Cancer Center—bring a world- WHO Lin the U.S. In part, this is because Program. class team of researchers and SHOULD BE it usually causes no symptoms until it has The centerpiece specialists to fight alongside you, SCREENED? reached an advanced stage when treatment of MMCSC’s providing close-to-home access options are limited and prognosis is poor. innovative program to the latest treatment and The cost of lung The good news: When lung cancer is is its low-dose CT clinical trials. cancer screenings is now covered by diagnosed and treated at an early stage, it scans (LDCT). The latest Medicare and Medicaid for becomes a highly curable disease, with a in diagnostic technology, these individuals at high risk for lung survival rate exceeding 70 percent. But the scans use about one-fifth the radiation of cancer who meet the following only way to treat it early is to find it early. conventional CT scans. In addition, the criteria: Unfortunately, not enough people are Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program • Age 55 to 80 years old being screened, or they’re not being screened offers a dedicated Advanced Practice soon enough. Some aren’t aware that there’s Nurse (APN) who provides individualized • A tobacco smoking history of a screening available for lung cancer. Others care and efficient care coordination; at least 30 pack years (pack shy away from screening, fearful that the centralized scheduling and intake process years = packs per day x years smoked) radiation involved is hazardous—unaware and insurance preauthorization support; that a safer option exists. In partnership and smoking cessation services. If needed, • A current smoker or former with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New the Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program smoker who has quit within the Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth serves as a gateway to MMCSC’s extensive last 15 years, has no symptoms of lung cancer and has not had Medical Center Southern Campus cancer-care services, including minimally a chest CT scan within the past (MMCSC) have committed to changing invasive thoracic surgery, radiation therapy, 12 months beliefs, raising awareness and promoting chemotherapy, immunotherapy and even the early detection of lung cancer through clinical trials for eligible patients.
If you are 55–80 years old with at least a 20-year pack history, you also may be eligible. Criteria for lung cancer screenings vary among commercial insurance companies. Pre-authorization may be required for the test. For more information or to schedule a screening, contact MMCSC’s Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program at 732.923.7966.
Healthy Together | PB | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 7
MMCSC_Low Dose CT_Winter19_final.indd 7 12/18/18 4:39 PM Above left: Lots of great choices for a great cause at the 2018 Flavors of the Jersey Shore Food & Wine Tasting. Above center: OceanFirst Foundation presents its generous gift. Above right: GIVING FOR MMCSC staffers had fun Running with the Devils.
troop in a complete remodel—including new counters and pegboard displays—of GOOD HEALTH the shop using all donated materials. The MMCSC Foundation’s thrift shops are run hroughout the year, generous Shore. The event, held in honor of Breast solely by volunteers, and all donated goods friends and neighbors donate time Cancer Awareness Month, supported raise funds that go directly to supporting T and money to help Monmouth Cancer Services at MMCSC. hospital programs and services. Interested Medical Center Southern Campus provide in volunteering or have donations? Please the most advanced medical treatments and THE DEVILS ARE IN contact one of our three thrift shops: Lots compassionate care. Pictured here are just a THE DETAILS for Little in Lakewood (732-364-6312), few highlights from this year. Join us! RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Kimball Closet in Jackson (732-886-5972) and Devils teamed up to support the health Treasure Chest in Lakehurst (732-657-2590). A HELPING HAND of New Jersey with the Running with the We thank OceanFirst Foundation for their Devils 5K Run & Family Fun Walk on 2018 support! Gifts from the OceanFirst November 3, 2018, in West Orange. The SAVE THE DATE Foundation will fund community programs MMCSC Foundation came in second place and services offered through the Better in the southern region for participation MMCSC FOUNDATION Health Program at Monmouth Medical and exceeded its fundraising goal for the Center Southern Campus. Presenting event. Proceeds will benefit the Cancer 2019 EVENTS the check to Denice Gaffney, Vice Support Community at MMCSC, which JUN 1, 2019 President, MMCSC Foundation, is Kathy provides free services and empowers Humanitarian Gala Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst cancer patients and their families through Eagle Oaks Country Club, Foundation. emotional, physical and spiritual support. Farmingdale, NJ
A TASTEFUL EVENT A THRIFTY PROJECT AUG 5, 2019 Hosted and chaired by MMCSC Thanks to longtime volunteer Virginia 17th Annual Golf Classic Foundation Board Chairman Rob Sickel Gates, her grandson, Andrew Gates, Eagle Oaks Country Club, of Pine Belt Enterprises, the 2018 Flavors and Boy Scout Troop 94 of Little Egg Farmingdale, NJ of the Jersey Shore Food & Wine Tasting Harbor, the front counter at Lots for took place on October 11, 2018, and was Little Thrift Shop got a makeover just OCT 24, 2019 attended by 400 guests who sampled in time for the holidays. As a part of Flavors of the Jersey Shore Food & Wine Tasting tastings from more than 45 top restaurants the Eagle Scout Service Project, Andrew Pine Belt Chrysler Jeep and beverage vendors from the Jersey Gates, age 17, led fellow members of his Dodge Ram Showroom Lakewood, NJ
DON’T MISS OUT! RESERVE TICKETS For more information on the Monmouth Medical Center Southern TODAY BY CALLING THE MMCSC Campus Foundation, visit monmouthsouthgiving.org or call 732.886.4438. FOUNDATION AT 732.886.4438.
Healthy Together | 8 | Winter 2019
MMCSC_Foundation_Winer19_final.indd 8 12/18/18 4:39 PM THE DOCTOR IS IN ONLINE WITH RWJBARNABAS HEALTH TELEMED, A DOCTOR CAN BE AVAILABLE 24/7.
ealth needs have a way of Mansue says. “But we also know that people’s her primary care doctor, “we do know that happening at inconvenient times. lives are increasingly time-pressed, and that there are people who don’t have access H You’re on a business trip and we’re in a world of one-click expectations to primary care, or don’t go routinely,” forgot a prescription. It is after hours and when it comes to service. Mansue says. “This is a way to connect your doctor’s office is closed. Your family is “Our job is to find ways to get people them with healthcare.” on vacation and you have a sick child. Or access to the services they need, at the right Older patients may find telemedicine you’re simply too sick to get out of bed. level of care, at the time they need it.” easier to adopt because long-distance For those situations and more, healthcare has become common for chronic RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed now HOW IT WORKS conditions, such as checking pacemakers offers telemedicine—medical care Once enrolled, patients can log in at any or heart monitors over the phone. Younger available through a smartphone, tablet or time of night or day for a videoconference patients, on the other hand, may actually computer—for urgent needs, or for people with one of the on-call, U.S. board-certified prefer telemedicine to the in-person kind. who feel they just don’t have time to visit physicians. There’s a flat fee of $45, payable “One study showed that 70 percent of a doctor. by credit card at the time of service. (Many people under age 35 had accessed medical “At RWJBarnabas Health, we’ve private insurance plans cover telemedicine, care through telemedicine,” Mansue says. been doing telemedicine for a long time and in New Jersey, state-funded health “They do everything through their phones— in specific specialty services,” says Amy insurance plans are required to, as long as create relationships, order pizza—so it feels Mansue, President, Southern Region, certain standards are met.) RWJBarnabas natural to do healthcare that way as well.” RWJBH. “For example, when very fragile Health TeleMed is secure and compliant Ultimately, the goal for RWJBarnabas babies are sent home, telemedicine lets with HIPAA, a federal law that sets Health TeleMed is for physicians to be doctors and nurses see a baby in real time if standards for, among other things, the able to access, with patient permission, a parents have a concern.” privacy of health information. patient’s entire medical record in order to The rollout of the broader RWJBarnabas The doctor at the other end of the help make better diagnoses. Health TeleMed program to the general camera can assess symptoms, look at the “That’s an aspirational goal right now, public follows a area in question and make a judgment as because electronic medical record systems successful pilot to whether follow-up tests are needed. don’t communicate between themselves program with Though telemedicine is not meant to as well as they need to yet,” Mansue says. the system’s replace a patient’s relationship with his or “But the technology improves every year.” 30,000 employees. “We know that telemedicine is not a one- To enroll or learn more about RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed, size-fits-all powered by American Well, visit www.rwjbh.org/telemed, or solution for every download the app at the App Store or Google Play. AMY MANSUE demographic,”
Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2018 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 9
System_Telemedicine_Winter19_FINAL.indd 9 12/18/18 11:54 AM ‘HOW I STAY ON TOP OF MY GAME’ NJ DEVILS STAR TAYLOR HALL REVEALS HOW TO EAT AND STAY FIT LIKE AN MVP. PHOTO CREDIT © JERSEY DEVILS/ANDY MARLIN
Healthy Together | 10 | Winter 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG 11
System_NJDevils_Winter19_REV1.indd 10 12/19/18 11:13 AM HELPING KIDS GET aylor Hall’s healthy eating habits started young. “I can remember HEALTHIER, TOGETHER being at tournaments with my RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) and the T New Jersey Devils have built a robust parents. All the other kids would be having Slurpees and chocolate bars after the game, partnership focused on promoting health but my parents had oranges and granola and good, clean hockey fun. bars ready for me,” the 26-year-old New RWJBH is the official healthcare provider Jersey Devils left wing recalled during a for the Devils and their home base, post-practice interview at RWJBarnabas the Prudential Center, where healthy Health Hockey House in Newark. “Eating snacks are available at all events. With the help of its specialty physicians and well was instilled in me at an early age and experts in nutrition and wellness, RWJBH it’s something I take pride in, for sure.” collaborates with the Devils to benefit pro Those healthy habits—along with hard players, young athletes and children in work and amazing talent—have paid off, need. Some examples: for Hall’s career as well as for his team. • A rink affiliate program brings youth Last year, he scored a career-high 93 points hockey clinics and wellness and and led the Devils to the Stanley Cup nutrition education to players and playoffs for the first time in five years. He coaches at ice hockey rinks statewide. also became the first-ever Devils player to • The two organizations partner each win the Hart Trophy as the league’s most year on the Running With the Devils valuable player. 5K Run and Walk, with proceeds What’s his secret for staying at peak benefiting RWJBH hospitals. fitness? It turns out that Hall’s regimen, • Devils players visit RWJBH hospitals to while serious, is also simple, with principles participate in special events for children. that can be followed by athletes at any level. “That’s a huge part of being a hockey player,” says Devils star Taylor Hall. “We EATING TO WIN have a platform to give back, whether Ask Hall to name a favorite food, and you From top: practicing shots in the Little with a smile or simple encouragement. Devils zone; membership is free for ages won’t hear anything about ice cream or And not only is it great for the patients, 12 and under; healthy snack options for all cake. “I tend to avoid sugar,” he says. “I’m it’s also good for us.” Devils fans. lucky that I don’t often have a craving for it. But with the calories we expend, it’s very important for me to digest healthy carbohydrates and lots of protein. He starts each day with two 500-milliliter to me, I seem to play my best,” he says. “I keep my diet pretty simple. Protein, bottles of water as soon as he wakes up, to get carbohydrates and then as much roughage his metabolism going. “All day, I drink a ton A WORD TO YOUNG ATHLETES as I can—a side dish like asparagus or sweet of water, and during games, as many fluids Perhaps surprisingly, Hall’s advice potatoes, and always a salad with dinner. with electrolytes as possible.” to aspiring young hockey stars is not Gluten-free pasta, rice and quinoa—those necessarily to work harder, but to take a are really good for people like me who BODY AND MIND step back. “Some parents have their kids expend a lot of energy.” During the 82-game season, players expend in hockey year-round,” he says. “You see Hall sticks to snacks that are low in energy where it counts—on the ice. After these kids who are amazing hockey players, carbohydrates and high in fat, like nuts, or the season, Hall takes up to a month off but they just don’t seem to have a passion high in protein, like Greek yogurt. “That from any physical activity, to give his body for it. I would say that you have to try out kind of snack is not going to give you a big a rest. From then on, he works out and different things and have some free time. burst of energy before bedtime, so it will skates three times a day, five days a week. “You have to really love whatever you allow you to rest properly,” he says. His advice for other athletes is to focus do,” he says. “The thing that you have the Less nutritionally worthy foods are their workouts on what their weaknesses most passion for in life is what you’re going limited, but not eliminated. “My cheat are. “Some athletes might already have a to be successful at.” foods are cheeseburgers and pizza,” Hall very strong core, but need to work on their says. “Maybe once a week you have yourself foot speed,” he says. “Overall, don’t worry a night where you have those things. about what you’re good at. Just try and To learn more about the Certainly, you’ve got to live your life.” correct stuff that might be hampering you Getting enough fluid takes on special a little bit.” RWJBarnabas Health/New urgency for professional athletes. “Staying as To prepare mentally, Hall uses meditation Jersey Devils partnership, visit well-hydrated as possible is huge. You don’t and relaxation techniques. “When I have www.rwjbh.org/devils.
PHOTO CREDIT © JERSEY DEVILS/ANDY MARLIN want cramps during the game,” Hall says. a calm brain and everything seems easy
Healthy Together | 10 | Winter 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG 11
System_NJDevils_Winter19_REV1.indd 11 12/19/18 11:46 AM The Wellness on Wheels van is rolling to communities throughout the state.
demonstrated a simple, healthy recipe. Says Mintz, “We partner with local food banks and farmers markets to distribute healthy foods at our events.” Simple, culturally appropriate recipes are also provided to further support the mission of helping good health begin at home. GOOD FOOD FOR EATING WELL CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALSA EVERY BODY We can get protein from plants as WELLNESS ON WHEELS MOBILE EDUCATION VAN PROVIDES A well as animals. Corn and black bean salsa makes a protein-packed HANDS-ON APPROACH TO HEALTHY EATING. after-school snack, or the perfect side dish with dinner. hen the big green van pulls up, hands-on activities is an overarching goal: to the kids say “Wow!”—and that’s help communities get healthier. • 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed just the reaction RWJBarnabas “At RWJBarnabas Health, we embrace and drained W • 1 cup low-sodium black beans, Health healthcare providers and their the concept of bringing health and wellness partners are looking for. to communities by teaching people in drained and rinsed The 35-foot vehicle, decorated with places where they live, work, earn and • 1 tomato, diced bright fruits and vegetables, is the hub of learn,” says Barbara Mintz, Senior Vice • ½ red bell pepper, diced the Wellness on Wheels mobile education President, Healthy Living and Community • ¼ red onion, diced initiative, which launched in the fall of 2018. Engagement. “We want to make sure that • ½ jalapeño pepper, minced Equipped with a hydroponic and earth-box people in underserved communities have a (optional) greenhouse and a full kitchen, the van travels level playing field when it comes to being • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley to places like preschools, senior homes and healthy.” (or 1 tablespoon dried) houses of worship in areas where affordable, • zest and juice of 1 lime healthy food is hard to come by. HELP FOR HUNGER It’s fun to see More than 900,000 New Jersey residents • 1 tablespoon olive oil young kids marvel face hunger every day, according to the • 1/8 teaspoon salt at what an herb’s Community Food Bank of New Jersey. • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper root looks like, Unemployment, low wages and high In a large bowl, combine all the run their fingers housing costs contribute to the problem. So ingredients and stir. Set salsa aside through soil, sort does the prevalence of “food deserts,” areas to allow flavors to come together. plastic fruits and where residents live more than one mile Serve with tortilla chips or on top of vegetables or smile from a supermarket and, without a car, your favorite Latin-inspired dishes. as they taste-test must depend on public transportation to healthy recipes. get there. Too often, those residents resort BARBARA MINTZ Behind those to unhealthy packaged or fast foods. Wellness on Wheels aims to change those patterns and, to increase its impact, partners with local community groups. At a To see a video of the Wellness on recent event at a New Brunswick preschool, Wheels inaugural outing and to hosted in conjunction with the Puerto learn more, visit www.rwjbh.org/ Rican Action Board, a dietitian fluent in WellnessWheels. conversational Spanish showed children how to fill a plate with colorful food and
Healthy Together | 12 | Winter 2019
System_WellnessWheels_Winter19_REV2.indd 12 12/19/18 10:43 AM GETTING OLDER, GETTING BETTER GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY CAN HELP ADULTS NAVIGATE ALL THE TRANSITIONS THAT COME WITH AGING.
mproving with Age” is the title of a presentation that “I Lina Shihabuddin, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health Network at RWJBarnabas Health Dr. Shihabuddin says. “One, they may be “Medications have more side effects for (RWJBH), likes to give. dealing with very normal life adjustments geriatric patients, and take longer to get “A lot of things do get better with that come with aging, which may include out of the system. In treating geriatric age,” says Dr. Shihabuddin, who is board- retirement, loss of a partner or distance patients, you have to start at very low certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry from family. dosages and slowly increase the dose if as well as hospice and palliative “A second level of the issue is the start needed.” medicine. “Growing older should not of memory problems, erratic behavior, be thought of as a bad thing, but as a possibly unsafe driving,” Dr. Shihabuddin TAKING THE FIRST STEP transition to a different phase of life.” says. “Is this the beginning of dementia, or Dr. Shihabuddin urges older adults (or That’s a call not just to think positive, a reversible medical problem? That’s where their loved ones) to speak with their but also to think about aging and health the intersection of primary care, neurology primary care provider as soon as signs of in a new way. It’s the approach healthcare and geriatric psychiatry really comes depression or anxiety appear. “The earlier practitioners like those in the RWJBH into play.” Anxiety, depression and other you detect and treat a disorder, the Behavioral Health Network are taking issues can be triggered by a wide range of better off you are,” she says. when they proactively screen for depression conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, Getting older gets a bad rap, Dr. and anxiety in primary care settings. vascular problems, obesity or untreated Shihabuddin believes. “Yes, as the body “It’s no longer ‘I have a disease, so I diabetes. ages, the neurons in the brain cells get need to see a doctor,’” Dr. Shihabuddin Once the problem is diagnosed, less flexible, so it may be harder to learn explains. “It’s ‘I need to be well.’ Screening healthcare providers can come up with new things,” she says. “On the other and early intervention helps patients of a treatment plan, which may include hand, the mind is more mature, giving every age stay ahead of the game.” anything from treating a disease, to older people the ability to look more creating a safer environment at home, to analytically at situations and take them ISSUES OF AGING finding ways to be sure the patient has in stride. That’s what we call wisdom. Geriatric activity during the day, to teaching family “People think about aging and they psychiatry, members how to minimize conflict. tend to think about things falling apart,” also known as “The last resort, for us, is to offer Dr. Shihabuddin says. “If we do enough geropsychiatry, medications,” such as antidepressants early detection and prevention, it does refers to mental or sleep aids, Dr. Shihabuddin says. not have to be like that.” health care of a person 65 years or older. “People seek out geriatric To learn more about geriatric psychiatry services in the psychiatry for RWJBarnabas Health system, visit www.rwjbh.org/geriatricpsych. LINA SHIHABUDDIN, MD two reasons,”
Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2018 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 13
System_Geropsychiatry_Winter19_REV1.indd 13 12/19/18 10:54 AM EVALUATING HEART FAILURE Determining the degree of a patient’s heart failure allows doctors to make the best recommendations for preventing, delaying or treating the condition. Cardiologists put heart failure into one of four classes, starting with symptoms. Here is the New York Heart Association Classification: • CLASS I: Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue or shortness of breath • CLASS II: Comfortable at rest, excessive physical activity results in fatigue and shortness of breath • CLASS III: Symptoms with non- excessive physical activity • CLASS IV: Symptoms at rest The cardiologist will then do an objective assessment of the degree of heart failure based on observations as well as tests such as a blood test, X-ray, electrocardiogram, stress test and echocardiogram. LIVING WELL WITH HEART FAILURE
Healthy Together | 14 | Winter 2019
System_Heart_Winter19_final.indd 14 12/18/18 12:01 PM IT’S POSSIBLE TO FEEL GOOD AND STAY ACTIVE, EVEN WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF HEART FAILURE.
he term “heart failure” means sometimes get confused when they hear that this vital organ is damaged ‘heart failure,’ and ask, ‘Am I going to T in some way. Despite the dire- have a heart attack?’” Dr. Rogal says. “The sounding nature of the term, however, reality is that they’re two different types a diagnosis of heart failure is far from a of pathologies.” death sentence. Heart failure does not lead to a heart “Care for heart failure patients has attack, he explains. Also, heart failure improved so dramatically that, although develops gradually, but a heart attack this is a chronic problem, patients who happens suddenly, when blood flow to an have it can live long and productive lives,” artery leading to the heart is blocked. says Gary Rogal, MD, Chief of Cardiology In either case, patients will receive for RWJBarnabas Health and a member of similar advice for a heart-healthy lifestyle. TWO SIDES OF Barnabas Health Medical Group. HEART FAILURE The key to this positive outcome is GETTING TO GOOD HABITS WITH LEFT-SIDED HEART FAILURE, simple—but not necessarily easy. The Those recommendations likely come as the muscle in the left side of heart failure patient must take medicine no surprise: Take medication as directed. the heart weakens so that the as directed and make the recommended Exercise. Eat a healthy, low-salt diet. Stop heart can’t pump enough blood lifestyle changes. smoking. Get enough sleep. Manage stress. properly (systolic dysfunction), “The patient who listens to the things Still, many patients don’t follow doctors’ or stiffens (diastolic dysfunction) their doctor recommends they do will do orders, Dr. Rogal says. “People’s lives are so that the pressure in the heart better in the long term,” Dr. Rogal says. “I so busy, and this tends to be a problem goes up. Either case can result in fluid in the lungs and reduced always tell my patients, ‘50 percent of your that’s not an immediate issue staring them heart output, resulting in marked outcome is based on what I do, and 50 in the face,” he says. “They think they can reduction in exercise capacity, percent is based on what you do.’” pay attention to it tomorrow.” breathing difficulty and fatigue. At the first sign of weakening or IN RIGHT-SIDED, OR RIGHT UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS abnormality of the heart muscle, “I tell VENTRICULAR (RV) HEART About 5.7 million U.S. adults have heart patients they need to start medications FAILURE, the right side of the failure, according to the Centers for to help their heart muscle and begin to heart loses pumping power, Disease Control and Prevention. exercise,” Dr. Rogal says. “Walking is the leading to a backup of blood in “‘Heart failure’ is a generic, umbrella easiest way to begin. And over the years, the veins that results in swelling term that covers many different disease the pharmacology for heart failure has and congestion. entities,” Dr. Rogal says. “In the simplest dramatically improved, so that we have a terms, the heart is a pump, and it is failing broad spectrum of medicines we can use.” as a pump.” The Dr. Rogal also recommends that failure can fall patients with heart failure stop drinking. can remain sexually active,” Dr. Rogal into two different “Alcohol is a direct toxin to the heart says. “But be sure to discuss this with your categories that muscle,” he says. “It can also lead to other doctor to ensure there are no limitations.” often exist issues, such as excessive sodium intake Heart failure patients will find that together: left- and dietary indiscretion. In my view, once the benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle sided and right- you’ve started to develop any sign of heart far outweigh the effort required to create sided dysfunction. muscle impairment, it’s time to hang up new habits. Says Dr. Rogal, “You can live (See sidebar at the alcohol.” a very productive and positive life with right.) The same caution does not hold true heart failure—as long as you follow the “People for sexual activity. “In most cases, patients guidelines shared by your doctor.” GARY ROGAL, MD
YOUR HEART DOESN’T BEAT JUST FOR YOU. GET IT CHECKED. The cardiac specialists at RWJBarnabas Health care for approximately 20,000 heart failure patients in New Jersey each year. RWJBH provides cardiac care for patients of every age and every condition, from wellness programs to heart transplants. To schedule a checkup or to learn more about world-class heart care near you, visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
Healthy Together | 14 | Winter 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG 15
System_Heart_Winter19_REV1.indd 15 12/19/18 11:16 AM Harley (third from right) came back to Children’s Specialized Hospital for a visit with friends and fellow alumni of the Chronic Pain Management Program.
WORKING THROUGH HOW A BRAVE YOUNG WOMAN GOT HER THE PAIN LIFE BACK, WITH THE HELP OF CHILDREN’S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL
hen Katherine Bentley, MD, meet her, and she had to know what she weaned off her pain meds, and had hours Director of the Pain Program at would be getting into if she came back for of therapy every day, six days a week,” Dr. W Children’s Specialized Hospital, the program,” Dr. Bentley says. “It’s a huge Bentley says. The goal of therapy is to re- first met Harley Bourgeois, the 20-year-old commitment. But she was ready for it.” train the brain to decrease sensitivity to had been confined to a wheelchair for more pain. Patients can take advantage of aqua than a year. UNEXPLAINED ACHES therapy in the hospital’s pool, as well as Harley had traveled with her mother Harley’s problem started when, as a healthy cutting-edge technology like the ZeroG, a from their North Carolina home to New middle-schooler, she had an X-ray for dynamic support harness that helps people Brunswick so that the young woman a minor injury that caught a suspicious walk without using their full body weight. could be evaluated for the hospital’s abnormality on her right femur. An The program also emphasizes mental Chronic Pain Management Program. It oncologist removed the lump, and all preparation for reentering the normal life had been six years since Harley had been seemed well—but the aching in Harley’s that so many have lost. A typical day would diagnosed with complex regional pain right leg never went away. include meditation, individual and group syndrome (CRPS), a chronic condition One day, the horse she was riding bucked, psychology sessions, peer mentoring and that is thought shooting her into the air. She landed on evening recreation. to be caused by the same aching femur. For many months Over the course of eight demanding an injury to the thereafter, she and her parents traveled from weeks, Harley made progress: mastering the nervous system, doctor to doctor as the pain escalated. By parallel bars, walking up a stair, walking and that grows the time Harley got to Children’s Specialized with a walker and the ZeroG harness. more excruciating Hospital, the slightest touch—even a breeze— Finally, one day when her mother visited, over time. sent pain shooting through her body. Harley surprised her by walking to her “It was a long “CRPS is a hard diagnosis because it’s a without assistance, and giving her a big hug. way to come just diagnosis of exclusion. You rule out everything That was in March 2018. Harley is to be evaluated, else, test by test,” Dr. Bentley says. “While now a student at North Carolina State KATHERINE BENTLEY, MD but we had to we don’t know everything about why a University, fulfilling her dream of studying youngster might be experiencing this chronic livestock and poultry management. She still pain, we know that intensive therapies and makes time to visit her friends and former To learn more about the Chronic multidisciplinary treatment plans can help therapists at Children’s Specialized. them.” Harley worked with a dedicated team “The takeaway of this story is, ‘never Pain Management Program of physical therapists, occupational therapists, give up hope,’” Dr. Bentley says. “Harley had and other services at Children’s psychologists, child life specialists and been in such pain and dysfunction for a long Specialized Hospital, visit physician/advanced practice nurses. time, but she kept looking for a way to get www.childrens-specialized.org. The Chronic Pain Management Program better. And thanks to her perseverance and is not for the faint of heart. “Harley was commitment, she did.”
Healthy Together | 16 | Winter 2019
System_ChildrensSpecialized_Winter19_REV1.indd 16 12/19/18 10:46 AM WINNING THE WAR ON SEPSIS
CATCHING SEPSIS IN T.I.M.E. According to the Sepsis Alliance, mortality from sepsis increases by as much as 8 percent for every hour that treatment is delayed. Keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sepsis, call 911 or go with severe sepsis do not survive and up MMCSC IS LEADING THE CHARGE to the emergency department to 50 percent of the survivors develop immediately. ON BATTLING THIS LIFE- what’s called post-sepsis syndrome, which keeps the body in a weakened state and TEMPERATURE—higher or lower THREATENING COMPLICATION. than normal highly susceptible to new infections. This ne of the most common reasons is why sepsis has one of the highest re- INFECTION —may have signs and for coming to the emergency admission rates of any diagnosis.” symptoms of an infection Odepartment and being admitted More than one million Americans are MENTAL DECLINE—confused, to the hospital is also one of the least diagnosed with sepsis each year. Contrary sleepy, difficult to rouse understood: Sepsis. Unfortunately, it’s to popular belief, sepsis is not merely EXTREMELY ILL—“I feel like also the leading cause of death in U.S. “an old people’s problem.” People of all I might die,” severe pain or hospitals. ages are at risk, particularly those with discomfort compromised immune systems, be it from WHAT IS SEPSIS? cancer treatments, diabetes, HIV or other Simply put, sepsis is the body’s conditions. because treating this condition is literally overwhelming response to a serious, Sepsis exacts a serious financial toll, a race against time. If treatment doesn’t untreated infection. The body reacts as well. “Sepsis is the most expensive begin in the first three hours from onset, to the infection by going into a state inpatient cost to American hospitals the patient’s prognosis is drastically of overdrive, producing an extreme as of 2014,” says Brownlee. “Between its poorer.” inflammatory response. This systemic high mortality rate and the financial inflammation can produce blood clots, burden it places on the healthcare GOING ON THE OFFENSIVE leaking blood vessels and subsequent system, combating sepsis has become an Led by Emergency Medicine Pharmacist, organ damage. Left unchecked, sepsis can increasing priority.” Andrew Vassallo, PharmD, at progress to septic shock, where blood It’s a battle that’s being successfully Community Medical Center, another pressure drops, organs fail and whole waged at MMCSC. A recent review by the RWJBarnabas hospital located in Toms systems begin to shut down. New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) River, the Pharmacy team at MMCSC “Your immune system works to of MMCSC’s medical records showed that has set its sights on even better results fight, germs, bacteria, viruses, whatever MMCSC has a “sepsis bundle” compliance and is conducting clinical trials on is invading the body. At some point rate of 80.1 percent, far higher than an experimental treatment protocol. your body becomes overwhelmed while the state average of 56 percent. “This “In the initial study, it helped more trying to fight the infection, at which percentage shows how often patients who patients survive sepsis and reverse their point sepsis takes hold,” explains Marie were ultimately found to have sepsis were organ damage,” says Dr. Vassallo. The Brownlee, RN, Quality Coordinator for properly diagnosed, had the appropriate trial should conclude by early spring, Monmouth Medical Center Southern treatment and were treated in the right potentially giving doctors and nurses Campus (MMCSC). “Approximately 30 time frame,” says Brownlee. “With sepsis, information that will help them fine tune percent of patients that are diagnosed early diagnosis and intervention is key sepsis care for even better results.
Healthy Together | PB | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 17
MMCSC_Sepsis_Winter18_REV1.indd 17 12/19/18 9:40 AM A HEART-HELPING CARDIAC REHABILITATION GETS PROGRAM PATIENTS BACK ON THEIR FEET. ometimes a routine health exam can Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, also closely supervised exercise along with uncover a serious issue—as Glenn an RWJBarnabas Health facility, to relieve risk factor modification to boost the SHarrison of Lakewood knows all the obstructions. Afterward, Dr. Gupta cardiovascular health and general well-being too well. In early 2017, prior to Glenn suggested Glenn of patients with heart disease. undergoing minor hernia surgery, his take another step For Glenn, the decision to entrust his primary physician sent him for check- to protect his continuing care to MMCSC was an easy one. ups to get a clean bill of health. Instead, heart by attending He has a particular loyalty to the hospital— the 63-year-old attorney got unexpected the Cardiac “I was born there,” he explains. Glenn signed news: The cardiologist his doctor Rehabilitation up for 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, covered referred him to, Avinash Gupta, MD, at program at by his insurance. The program comprises Monmouth Medical Center Southern MMCSC. The three phases: a Phase I inpatient program, a Campus (MMCSC), discovered he had two program offers Phase II monitored outpatient program and blockages in his arteries. medically a Phase III unmonitored program. Glenn underwent a procedure at AVINASH GUPTA, MD prescribed and Immediately, Glenn, who was
Healthy Together | 18 | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 19
MMCSC_Cardiac_Winter19_REV1.indd 18 12/19/18 9:44 AM considered a Phase II outpatient, was impressed by the well-equipped facility and the care with which he was supervised. “They start you out slowly,” he says. “I work with a treadmill, then I go to a machine that works the arms, then the elliptical machine, then a machine like a recumbent bicycle. When I first started, the cardiac rehab nurses would connect me to a cardiac monitor several times throughout my visit and take my blood pressure and pulse ox [a test used to monitor blood’s oxygen saturation level].” Nowadays, Glenn is considered a Phase III patient. As such, he’s no longer hooked up to the cardiac monitor as he exercises. The nurses take his blood pressure at the start and end of the exercise session, and Glenn monitors his own pulse ox via a small device clipped to his finger, recording his vitals on a form he fills out at each visit. In addition to exercising, he’s learned about healthy lifestyle changes and stress management techniques via the nurses. Glenn has found cardiac rehab so effective that he’s continued at the center, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, beyond the 36 sessions his insurance initially covered. “I’ve been going for 10 months now, and think I’ll keep going indefinitely because it’s right by my office and very affordable,” he says. “I once tried a gym that was five miles away from me and I was like ‘Ugh, I’m not going.’ But here, I’m at the center by seven o’clock in the morning and at the office by eight.” With the help of MMCSC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team, Glenn Harrison worked his way back to health one step at a time. There’s a social element to the center, too, Glenn adds, which makes it enjoyable. “Two people I met there, I already it easier for Dr. Gupta to do his job, he my eyes and ears.” knew. I met my high school history teacher adds. “If a patient starts exercising on Glenn feels good about having a there, and there’s another person there their own, we don’t know if they’ll be regular exercise regimen. “You know what who always goes when I do.” safe as far as their heart is concerned,” he it’s like when you get up and finally get Dr. Gupta is pleased with Glenn’s cautions. But at the center, when patients to the gym—you feel better,” he explains. devotion to the center. “Basically, if are hooked up to the cardiac monitor, “You’re getting the heart going and there’s anybody has had a heart attack or a stent “if they have any irregular heartbeat the an emotional and psychological benefit or bypass, it has been shown that they nurses will see it and report it to me,” he to it, knowing that you’re forestalling any benefit from a cardiac rehab program. It says. “And if a patient experiences any artery clogging.” His message to others: can help prevent future blockages and the chest pain they’ll stop the test. It’s like “Any exercise is beneficial. If your doctor need for further stents,” he explains. The me seeing my patients three times a week recommends it, it’s prudent to do what he supervision the patients receive makes with the nurses’ eyes. The cardiac rehab is tells you to do.”
While Glenn has experienced first-rate cardiac rehab through MMCSC, the hospital is a community resource for other top-quality rehabilitative services, as well. These include occupational therapy, speech and language rehabilitation, oncology rehabilitation and physical therapy. For more information on these services and cardiac rehabilitation, call 732.942.5921. To learn more about the full range of cardiac services at MMCSC, visit rwjbh.org/heart.
Healthy Together | 18 | Fall 2018 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 19
MMCSC_Cardiac_Winter19_final.indd 19 12/18/18 4:41 PM Renee Menasse of Manchester sits with her care team at the James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute along with Jessica Israel, MD, Corporate KEEPING SENIORS Chair of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at RWJBarnabas Health. Standing (left to right): Kathy Holahan, MSW, LCSW, Geriatrics Caregivers Education HEALTHY and Support; Melanie Vernacchia, MSN, APN, OCN, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Care; Carol Paganelli, AND HAPPY Coordinator; Kris Ruscil, RN, MMCSC’S GERIATRICS INSTITUTE PROVIDES SPECIALIZED HEALTHCARE BSN, CHPN, RN Coordinator; Michael Skloff, Director, SERVICES—AND MORE—IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT. Geriatrics Institute.
Healthy Together | 20 | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 21
MMCSC_Geriatric_Winter19_final.indd 20 12/18/18 4:45 PM MEET THE STAFF… PRICELESS FRIENDSHIP ABHIJIT CHATTERJEE, MD, NYU fellowship-trained Renee Menasse of Manchester spends some time with the new friends she and double board- has made on her treatment team at MMCSC’s Geriatrics Institute. “You can’t certified in geriatrics pick your family, only your friends,” says Renee. “I’m so lucky I have both and internal medicine, a wonderful family and great friends, including everyone at the Geriatrics joined the Institute as Institute.” Renee continues to be treated as an outpatient at the Institute, a full-time geriatrician in addition to participating in the Institute’s Caregivers Support Group. “We on Nov. 1. Dr. Chatterjee share a common bond of taking care of loved ones.” brings to the Institute more than 22 years of experience in various clinical settings in the s we age, our healthcare needs of spacious single-patient rooms for geriatric arena. “I believe that grow and change. This can present patients 65 and older who need to be a geriatrician can help seniors physical, financial and emotional hospitalized. This wing is separated maintain their functionality and A independence till a very ripe age challenges, especially if you have to travel from the rest of the hospital to provide by timely and age-appropriate to multiple providers and facilities (and a quiet, restful environment. Much like health interventions,” says on a regular basis). That’s why the James the GEM Unit, the ACE Unit is designed Dr. Chatterjee, who is very and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute with the needs of older adults in mind, passionate about healthy aging at Monmouth Medical Center Southern featuring environmental safety elements and preventive care. “The Campus has become such a valued resource coupled with warm colors, soft lighting aging process is unavoidable, for area seniors. Think of it as “one- and other touches, like bedside recliners but the manner in which you stop shopping” for your medical needs. and dedicated family gathering spaces, to choose to age will affect the Whether you need emergency treatment, maximize comfort for both patients and quality of the rest of your life. a primary care visit, a consultation their families. It’s not uncommon nowadays to with a specialist, a cognitive evaluation, see 80- and 90-year-olds lead hospitalization, outpatient diagnostic tests BETTER HEALTH productive and fulfilling lives.” Dr. Chatterjee also believes that or rehabilitation services, your care can be PROGRAM the multidisciplinary approach coordinated under one roof—and provided To improve the health and well-being to senior care that the Institute by experts specially trained in the needs of of local seniors, the Institute offers a offers is an added bonus. aging adults. free membership program called Better Here’s a look at some of what the Health. All members are entitled to As a nurse practitioner, Institute offers: the following privileges: MELANIE VERNACCHIA, , serves as • VIP access to health education MSN, APN, OCN a second pair of clinical GERIATRIC EMERGENCY seminars led by experts from eyes to oversee and MEDICINE UNIT MMCSC coordinate all aspects of When you need immediate medical care • Free preventive screenings the Institute’s operations. for a serious, acute problem or need • Exercise classes, including Tai “I’m very hands-on with care after hours, the Institute’s Geriatric Chi and yoga patient care, which I love, Emergency Medicine (GEM) Unit provides • Social activities, ranging from and very involved on the ‘front specialized emergency medical care concerts to luncheons end’ of everything that goes on,” for older adults in a safe and calming • Preferred physician scheduling: says Vernacchia, who explains atmosphere. Every member of the unit’s Appointments are guaranteed within that the Institute’s approach to interdisciplinary team of caregivers is 48 hours of your request patient care is holistic. “We focus on the whole person and feel that specially trained in geriatric medicine— • Preferred parking at MMCSC’s the patient-provider relationship and the team includes a clinical pharmacist Outpatient Pavilion should be one of mutual respect to review all of your current medications. • Easy access to pre-register for and collaboration,” she says. “We The Unit’s eight treatment rooms feature upcoming services (simply call believe in treating each person as non-skid floors, easier-to-access beds, 888.726.2362) a unique individual with specific easier-to-read signage, soft lighting and • A 10% discount at the hospital’s healthcare needs.” larger TVs. They’re also acoustically gift shop designed to minimize ambient noise.
ACUTE CARE FOR ELDERS (ACE) UNIT To join the Institute’s Better Health program, call 888.726.2362 or The Institute’s Acute Care for Elders visit rwjbh.org/betterhealth. After registering, you’ll receive a Welcome Kit (ACE) Unit provides a dedicated wing in the mail, including a membership card and a hospital parking permit.
Healthy Together | 20 | Winter 2019 Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH | 21
MMCSC_Geriatric_Winter19_final.indd 21 12/18/18 4:45 PM SAD: MORE THAN MERE BLUES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER.
t’s normal to feel a twinge of regret as • Feelings of agitation, or conversely, lethargy • Restlessness the trees lose their leaves and the warm • Loss of energy • Agitation Iweather gives way to icy blasts. But if this • Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable • Violent behavioral episodes yearly shift tends to leave you in a persistent activities “Certain people have an elevated risk funk, you may suffer from Seasonal Affective • Changes in weight or appetite for SAD,” explains Arnold Williams, MD, Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that • Sleeping problems Director of the Psychiatric Emergency comes and goes with the seasons. • Problems with concentration Screening Services (PESS) Unit at MMCSC. Typically, SAD starts in late fall and • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or “Women, for instance, are diagnosed with it early winter, then retreats in the spring and worthlessness four times more often than men. Living far summer. SAD can also strike as winter turns • Persistent thoughts of death or even suicide from the equator can increase your odds of to spring, or spring becomes early summer, having this condition, as can a family history but it’s much less common at those times. DISTINCTIVE SYMPTOMS OF of SAD. In addition, younger people and Could you have SAD? For a diagnosis, WINTER SAD those with depression or bipolar disorder patients must meet the criteria for major • Low energy are especially vulnerable.” depression, pegged to specific seasons (winter • Excessive sleeping or sleepiness Though SAD’s causes aren’t known, or summer) for a minimum of two years. If • Overeating researchers have found some clues. They the patient has non-seasonal depression as • Weight gain theorize that sufferers may have trouble with well, episodes must be much less frequent • Carbohydrate cravings regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter than seasonal ones. • Withdrawal from social activities involved in mood, or may overproduce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. SYMPTOMS OF MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF SUMMER SAD Vitamin D insufficiency may play a role in DEPRESSION • Loss of appetite/weight loss the condition as well. • A feeling of depression that lasts nearly all • Insomnia If you suspect you have SAD, there’s day long, almost daily • Anxiety no need to suffer in silence. Speak with your physician: Several types of treatment are available, including medication, light therapy, psychotherapy and vitamin D MMCSC offers expert help for those suffering from SAD. For more supplementation. Separately or in information, please call 800.300.0628 or visit rwjbh.org/behavioralhealth. combination, they may give you some much- needed relief.
Healthy Together | 22 | Winter 2019
MMCS_SAD_Winter19_final.indd 22 12/19/18 10:10 AM COMMUNITY CALENDAR 23
| 12/19/18 10:42 AM RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTHSOUTH |
Bereavement Support Group. This MMCSC is announcing the addition of a therapeutic support group is designed for those suffering from the death of a GROUP loved one in the past year. The group loved one in the past year. will be held weekly and facilitated by Kathleen Holahan, LCSW, a licensed Kathleen Holahan, LCSW, NEW SUPPORT NEW SUPPORT clinical social worker. Pre-registration is clinical social worker. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free, held at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (600 River Avenue, Lakewood) and require advance registration by calling 888.724.7123. required. To pre-register, call 732.730.9112. call 732.730.9112. pre-register, required. To 3rd Floor Geriatrics Conference Room. SCREENINGS Screenings Lung and Vascular has joinedMonmouth Medical Center Southern Campus offering andMonmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in part of thepromoting low-dose CT scan lung screening as in partnershipMMC/MMCSC Lung Cancer Screening Program The Additionally, with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. convenient, noninvasive Institute at MMCSC offers Vascular women overself-pay vascular screenings to at-risk men and to your primaryage 55. Results from both screenings are sent willcare physician. Both the lung and vascular screenings support community health needs through education, early detection and prevention. For more information on the Lung schedule a Cancer Screening Program, call 732.923.7966. To vascular screening, call 888.724.7123. Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus West Africa on the Africa on the West East Coast 1 p.m. Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to Tue, Explore the cultural tapestry Africa through of West centuries of art from within its 18 present-day countries. Included will be sculpture, beadwork, metalwork and ivories from local museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Princeton University Art Museum and the Newark Museum. Conference Room ABC. Community Education Resolutions Your Sticking to Mon, Jan. 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Does your list of resolutions for 2019 look oddly similar to the list that you made for 2018 and for 2017? Join us as we encourage one another and discuss making and setting realistic health goals for 2019, as well as how to stay motivated throughout the year! A light lunch will be served. 3rd Floor Conference Room. Healthy New Year! Healthy New Year! A Mini-Conference Thu, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. make health and Let’s wellness a priority in 2019! Join us for an afternoon of inspiring lectures from a variety of presenters including organizing humorist, Jaime Novak, author of “Keep This Toss to Life That: Unclutter Your Money Space and Save Time, Sanity”; owner and operator of Coastline Pilates, Renee Millemann; and MMCSC’s Abhijit Chatterjee, MD, from the Geriatrics Institute. Light bites will be served. 3rd Floor Conference Room. Thursdays, through Jan. 31, 1 to 2 p.m. Get a head start on your with Tai “Healthy New Year” Chi! Free for Better Health Members who are new to Tai Chi. Led by expert instructor Chi can improve Kit Lau, Tai balance, coordination and lower body strength. 3rd Floor Conference Room. Tai Chi for Beginners Tai MMCSC_Calendar_Winter2019_REV1.indd 23 Fall 2018 |
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Healthy Together Healthy NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lebanon Junction, KY PERMIT #799 600 River Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701
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101851 RWJBH MMCSC Winter Healthy Together 8.375x7.29_m1.indd 1 12/4/18 4:50 PM MMCSC_BackCover_Winter19_final.indd 24 12/19/18 11:18 AM