together healthy A Publication of
WINTER 2020
COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER
HIGH-TECH CARDIAC CARE
RANDOM ACTS OF CARING NEW DECADE, BETTER HEALTH
CRITICAL CARE
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A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
SAVING LIVES IS OUR
LIFE’S WORK
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t arnabas ealth, we take the trust people place in us to heart. t s the bedrock of our commitment to your care, from preventive services to life-saving emergency treatment. or urgent situations, we have two world-class trauma centers, one in ersey ity and one in ew runswick, as well as the only burn center in the state, located in ivingston. n addition, we have expanded our emergency response capabilities and have acquired an advanced emergency helicopter, call sign ife light, equipped and sta ed to provide critical care while transporting badly in ured patients. To help people stay healthy and safe, we reach out with education and prevention programs for people of all ages. e ve also invested in creating the new secure and convenient arnabas ealth onnect app, available at your app store. ealth onnect lets you access your records, store your insurance information, search for doctors, and make real-time appointments that are automatically added to your phone calendar. ealth onnect, along with the arnabas ealth Tele ed app, which o ers online access for a physician visit, are integral parts of e orts to create a truly tech-forward healthcare organi ation. ese e orts led to all arnabas ealth hospitals earning the “ ost ired designation from the ollege of ealthcare nformation anagement Executives this year. ommunity edical enter continually invests in cutting-edge technology, including our newest cardiac catheteri ation lab, -D mammography, two da inci surgical robots, a ako robot for oint replacement surgery and teleneurology for stroke care, to name ust a few. ese investments, combined with the expertise of our physicians and sta , mean patients experience a better recovery and outcome, with a faster return to normal activities. hether you face an emergency or have an everyday health question, we re committed to providing convenient access to the highest-quality care whenever and wherever you need it. ours in good health,
BARRY H. OSTROWSKY
PATRICK AHEARN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH NEWS AN A FOR PATIENT SAFETY Community Medical Center (CMC) was recently awarded an A Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, an independent, national nonprofit group run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital rating focused exclusively on hospital safety. The A, B, C, D and F letter grades are an easy way for consumers to choose the safest hospital and have quickly become the gold standard measure of patient safety. “This is the ninth A score for Community Medical Center,” says Patrick Ahearn, CEO of CMC. “It demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to provide safe, high-quality patient care. It was accomplished through the rigorous efforts of the medical staff, nurses, staff and leadership to ensure that patients have the safest possible hospital experience.”
EXCELLENCE IN WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY Community Medical Center’s (CMC) Center for Bariatrics has been certified as an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Center of Excellence. The Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of exceptional patient outcomes in bariatric surgery. CMC has received the designation for the maximum three-year term, which is reserved for applicants who exceed the requirements for full approval. To earn this designation, CMC underwent a site inspection, during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. According to the ASMBS, centers are given the designation if they “demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence in the care of bariatric surgical patients at the highest levels of the medical staff.” The Center for Bariatrics holds information sessions on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. To register or for further information, please call 732.557.8966.
99 Highway 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755 732.557.8000
CONNECT WITH US ON @CommunityMedical RWJBarnabas Health
Community Medical Center 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/community. Community Medical Center 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 732.557.8000. Community Medical Center 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 732.557.8000.
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together healthy contents WINTER 2020
2. WELCOME LETTER. A community update from our CEOs. 4. EXPERT CARE WITH HEART. A multidisciplinary program and new catheterization lab are improving the quality of life for cardiac patients.
13. LEARNING TO CRAWL AGAIN. A baby rebounds from a traumatic brain injury.
9. HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. Is it a heart attack or cardiac arrest—and what can a bystander do?
6. RANDOM ACTS OF CARING. Community Medical Center staff go the extra mile to bring cheer and comfort to patients.
10. TRAUMA WITHOUT DRAMA. Top RWJBarnabas Health trauma and burn centers stand ready to save severely injured patients.
8. GET BACK ON YOUR FEET! A podiatrist explains common foot conditions and when to see a physician.
12. MAKING MATERNITY SAFER. A strong focus on women’s health before, during and after pregnancy aims to save lives.
14. A STRANGER’S GIFT. A blood stem cell donation—and a powerful medical partnership— saved the life of a Toms River woman. 16. YOU CAN BEAT THE WINTER BLUES. Seasonal depression is a struggle, but help is available. 17. A LEGACY OF SERVICE. Fathers and sons who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring the community has access to top-tier medical care.
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18. WHEN A DOCTOR BECOMES A PATIENT. Why a neurosurgeon chose to have his cancer surgery at Community Medical Center. 20. 2020 CHECKUP. Six steps to a healthier, happier you in the new decade. 21. MAKING EVERY DAY SPECIAL. How volunteers brighten patients’ stays. 22. CATCHING A SILENT KILLER. Regular screening is the best defense against colorectal cancer.
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MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARDIAC CARE CMC has launched a program called Healthy Lives, which offers both inpatient and outpatient care and is staffed by a team of cardiologists, primary care physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, cardiology nurses, social workers and other medical professionals. They aim to improve the quality of life for those living with heart failure. “We’re here to help patients monitor their symptoms, stick with their daily medication regimens and eat healthfully,” says Wendy Stratton, a nurse practitioner and heart failure care coordinator. Registered dietitians provide counseling to help patients understand how their diets affect their heart health. Patients learn how to make better food choices to manage their cholesterol and blood pressure.
EXPERT CARE WITH
HEART
A NEW PROGRAM AND STATE-OF-THE-ART CATHETERIZATION LAB ARE IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CARDIAC PATIENTS.
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To reach a Community Medical Center cardiac specialist, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart. For information about the Healthy Lives program, call 732.557.2812.
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WARNING SIGNS OF HEART FAILURE February is Heart Month, and it’s a good reminder to be aware of the signs of heart failure. Although heart failure is thought to affect men and women in roughly equal numbers, symptoms in women tend to be subtler. Women may mistake shortness of breath as a sign of aging, according to the American Heart Association. If you have any of the following symptoms, see your physician: • shortness of breath • fatigue (after a routine activity, such as climbing stairs) • swelling in the neck veins, abdomen, legs, feet and ankles due to fluid buildup • frequent urination caused by fluid buildup • weight gain • a cough that worsens at night or when lying down
A new, state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab enables physicians to evaluate and treat patients.
a new cardiac catheterization lab. CMC’s highly skilled interventional and medical cardiologists, cardiac nurses and technologists provide personalized care using the most advanced technologies.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
H
eart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and physicians at Community Medical Center (CMC) see their fair share of it. CMC physicians treat more patients with heart disease than other hospitals in the region, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked CMC as “high performing” in heart failure care. Some 2,000 cardiac catheterizations—procedures for diagnosing and treating heart problems—are performed at CMC each year, and the hospital recently opened
Heart failure is a serious condition that affects about 5.7 million people in the U.S. It occurs when the heart muscle weakens and is unable to pump enough blood for the body’s needs. While there’s no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help people live longer and better. Until recently, CMC had three cardiac catheterization labs, which are equipped with advanced digital technology for evaluating heart function. To accommodate the increasing demand for these services, CMC opened a fourth lab. “It’s state-of-the-art,” says Jay Stone, MD, Medical Director of the Catheterization Lab and a member of arnabas Health medical group. “It features brand-new equipment that will give us better views of patients’ anatomy.” Thanks to a generous bequest from longtime volunteer JAY STONE, MD
Ann Wurster, the CMC Foundation was able to provide $2 million in funding to support the construction of the new lab. At the lab, Dr. Stone and a team of cardiologists are performing diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures, says tephanie ron, , , Director of Cardiology Services. For instance, patients can undergo both emergency and elective angioplasty, which involves opening clogged arteries and restoring blood flow to the heart. Patients can also have a pacemaker implanted. Also available at the new lab are peripheral interventions, which involve treating peripheral artery disease P D a narrowing of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the extremities, such as the legs and arms—in less invasive ways. ne example rteries in the legs are opened to improve blood flow. The team is performing endovascular aneurysm repairs—minimally invasive procedures for life-threatening aortic aneurysms, which occur in the chest or abdomen. With this condition, there are weakened or bulging areas in the aorta, the artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. A covered stent is placed in the aorta, preventing blood from entering the aneurysm. “ m excited about the lab because we’re able to see more patients and treat them in minimally invasive ways,” says Cron.
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RANDOM ACTS OF AT COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER, STAFF GO THE EXTRA MILE TO BRING CHEER AND COMFORT TO PATIENTS.
T
he moment a patient settles into a labor and delivery room at ommunity edical enter , Donnamaria deli i-Dia , , springs into action. “ pop into her room and say, i, m Purpledonna and ll be your server today, the -year-old labor and delivery nurse says with a giggle. “The patient needs to know right off the bat that m not her typical nurse. That she isn t. deli i-Dia , known informally as “Purpledonna, has been caring for and calming the nerves of patients in the ritical are and aternity units since 9 9. “ ack in those days, nurses wore white short white Healthy Together
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dresses, white stockings, white shoes, white hats, she recalls. “ ut was young and rebellious. d tie a purple ribbon in my hair or throw on a purple sweater. hen nurses started wearing scrubs in the 9 s, Purpledonna dyed hers purple on Easter unday. Today, Purpledonna doesn t always wear purple, but she does swoop around the maternity unit with her lavender oil, which she sprays in labor and delivery rooms. “ e unit is a busy place with a lot of excitement, and ve found that the lavender oil calms everyone, she says. “ e minute the doctors and nurses step into the room, they relax somewhat and all of their energy becomes
focused on my girl. e lavender has a similar e ect on anxious patients ey relax and turn their attention to delivering their babies. Purpledonna also o ers to play ocean sounds or eiki music, which evokes relaxation, to ease childbirth-related anxiety. ver the years, Purpledonna has forged connections with many patients. he can still recall the young single mother with preeclampsia she cared for throughout her last trimester of pregnancy and delivery. The patient needed a stress test every week during her last trimester, and she was very nervous during the birth, which went smoothly. “ or the longest time, she came to the hospital
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Far left: The Radiation Oncology Department in the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center is decked out in a 1950s theme for Halloween. Left: Labor and delivery nurse “Purpledonna” sprays lavender oil and plays meditative music in patients’ rooms to ease childbirth-related anxiety. Below: Every year, Radiation Oncology patients can enjoy Halloween—even if they don’t feel well enough to decorate.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PATIENTS’ LIVES
every year to see me with her baby, says Purpledonna. he also remembers the fearful expectant mother she soothed during urricane andy. ometimes, in her hometown of Point Pleasant each, a woman will come up to her on the street and say, “ ou re Purpledonna ou delivered my baby hile Purpledonna has been deluged with grateful letters from new moms over the years, she says she feels grateful, too. “Every birth is a miracle, she says. “ feel privileged every time m allowed into a patient s room.
A M CH AD
D HA
The adiation ncology Department in the . Phillip itta egional ancer enter also goes above and beyond for patients. Every alloween, the department is transformed into another world, whether it be ancient Egypt or The Wizard of Oz. “ e want to make patients forget, at least for a day, why they are here, says radiation therapist arilyn layton, who, along with her colleague aureen Engle, is responsible for the alloween d cor. n , when patients walked into the waiting room, they were greeted by a scene straight out of ancient Egypt, complete with oor-to-ceiling cardboard pyramids, camels and even a sarcophagus. e front desk receptionists sparkled in Egyptian harem girl nery, while other sta members and physicians dressed
At Community Medical Center (CMC), staff members are focused on delivering not only top-notch medical care but also improving patients’ well-being. “Every day, we try to make a difference in patients’ lives,” says Fatima Alves, MHA, CPXP, Director of Patient Experience. Here’s what patients can expect: • BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS. Patients receive a balloon, puzzle book and a card signed by Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer of CMC. If they don’t have any dietary restrictions, they are served a cupcake at dinner.
as Pharaohs, Egyptian princesses and, yes, mummies. hile layton and Engle begin cra ing their masterpieces at home as early as eptember, all hands are on deck the night before ll allows Eve. “ e entire sta helps us put everything together, says layton. “ e know our e orts have paid o when we see the looks of awe on patients faces as they come in on alloween morning. adiation ncology staff members and physicians have been dressing up since , but they didn t start decorating the space until .“ e saw how much patients loved it, and we decided to take it up a notch, says layton. That year, the department was transformed into The Wizard of Oz. The following year, the d cor was piratethemed, followed by atman and otham ity and the enaissance era. n 9, the theme was the 95 s. The alloween fest lifts everyone s spirits. “The entire hospital staff drops by to see what we ve done, says Engle.
• VETERAN APPRECIATION. Patients who identify themselves as veterans are given a hand-knitted red, white and blue blanket made by CMC volunteers, a star from a retired flag with a poem, an American flag in a stand and a framed certificate of appreciation. • ANNIVERSARIES AND WEDDINGS. No request is ever too much for CMC staff members. They have acknowledged patients’ anniversaries and even hosted a wedding ceremony at the hospital.
“ e have patients who finished treatment years ago and pop in to take a quick tour. ut the highlight of my day is when talk to a patient who s thrilled to be able to participate in alloween even if he or she didn t feel well enough to decorate. or one day, they come here and they re not thinking about cancer. They re ust having fun.
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Q&A
ASK THE DOCTOR
GET BACK ON
VINCENT MIGLIORI, DPM
YOUR FEET!
A PODIATRIST EXPLAINS COMMON FOOT CONDITIONS AND WHEN TO SEE A PHYSICIAN.
E
very day, the average American takes 4,774 steps, according to a Stanford University study. Over time, all of that walking can take a toll on your feet. At Community Medical Center (CMC), more than 750 foot surgeries for a variety of conditions were performed in 2018. Vincent Migliori, DPM, Chair of the Department of Podiatry at CMC, discusses common foot problems and their treatments.
What types of foot problems do you treat most often? CMC’s 33 podiatrists treat patients ranging from infants to the elderly for a wide range of conditions—everything from heel pain and improper gait to arthritis requiring reconstructive surgery and chronic wounds. We care for the lower leg, so we manage so tissue in uries, broken bones, nerve and circulatory problems, joint pain, foot problems related to diabetes, and nail and skin issues.
What types of surgeries do you perform? We perform elective and non-elective procedures for hammertoes, bunions, chronic ingrown toenails, benign nerve
tumors, conditions that affect the ball of the foot and plantar fasciitis. We also perform joint replacement and ankle reconstruction repair fractures, flatfeet and rearfoot; care for wounds; and save limbs. Some surgeries can be done in the office or on an outpatient basis, while others require hospitali ation.
How can people take better care of their feet? Choosing footwear with good support— and paying attention to any foot pain or discomfort—can protect your feet. If you have diabetes, be sure to have an annual foot exam. If a foot wound isn’t healing or is causing discomfort, see a podiatrist for an exam and treatment. He or she can help prevent the condition from worsening.
HELP FOR HARD-TOHEAL WOUNDS The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine provides multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic foot and lower leg wounds that haven’t improved in four weeks or healed completely in eight weeks. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be treated by a podiatrist who specializes in wound care, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, wound-care nurses, infectious disease specialists, and general and plastic surgeons. Treatment can involve hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in which patients breathe pure oxygen while lying inside a pressurized chamber. The Center’s staff members can help patients avoid amputation for crush injuries, bone infections, radiation injuries and ulcers resulting from diabetes or poor circulation, according to Vincent Migliori, DPM, Chair of the Department of Podiatry at Community Medical Center. For more information, call 732.557.2121.
For more information or a referral to a podiatrist, call 888.724.7123.
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HOW TO SAVE A LIFE IS IT A HEART ATTACK OR CARDIAC ARREST—AND WHAT SHOULD A BYSTANDER DO?
“H
eart attack” and “cardiac arrest” may sound like similar conditions, but they’re not the same—and one is potentially much more life-threatening. “With a heart attack, an artery is clo ed, and the ma ority of patients have 100 percent closure of an artery,” explains Jay H. Stone, MD, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Lab at Community Medical Center in Toms River and a member of the arnabas ealth medical group. “ n a cardiac arrest, the heart stops completely and no blood at all is circulating.” Death can be instantaneous. e two things that determine survival, Dr. Stone explains, are the underlying pathology and the ow of blood to the brain. “If someone passes out in front of you, take action immediately,” he urges. “ e patient can t a ord to lose the time that it may take for professional medical help to arrive. uick action can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance for JAY H. STONE, MD survival.
GET IT
CHECKED
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To make an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
HEART ATTACK
CARDIAC ARREST (CA)
WHAT IT IS
WHAT IT IS
circulation problem. lood ow stops because of a blockage in an artery. e part of the heart muscle that is deprived of oxygen-rich blood begins to die.
Usually, an electrical problem that causes the heart to stop pumping. can be tri ered by a heart attack but can have other causes, such as an undiagnosed heart abnormality or cocaine or amphetamine use.
SYMPTOMS ese may begin hours, days or weeks in advance. • Chest pain or feeling of pressure in the chest, possibly spreading to arms, neck, aw, back or stomach. eeling sick, sweaty or short of breath. e person having a heart attack will usually remain conscious.
WHAT TO DO If you are having these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or call 911. If someone you are with appears to be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. it the person down and keep them calm while you wait for help.
SYMPTOMS • Possibly racing heart or dizziness, but may occur without warning. person su ering will become unconscious and will not breathe normally, or breathe at all.
WHAT TO DO • Immediately call 911, or have someone else make the call while you perform the steps below. • If an AED (automated external de brillator is available, begin use, following the prompts. • Do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation . f you don t know conventional CPR, do hands-only P see below .
HANDS-ONLY CPR Hands-only CPR can be done successfully even by someone who’s not a professional. The idea is to push hard and fast in the center of the victim’s chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. Think of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees to help keep compressions in a regular rhythm. If disco doesn’t do it for you, push along to one of these: • “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé • “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira • “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
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TRAUMA
WITHOUT DRAMA TOP RWJBARNABAS HEALTH TRAUMA AND BURN CENTERS STAND AT THE READY TO DO WHAT’S NEEDED FOR THE MOST SEVERELY INJURED PATIENTS.
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aramedics are running through the Emergency Department ED entrance. lood is all over. Doctors are shouting, “ et me a clamp stat nd cut End scene. at chaotic scenario, a staple of medical shows, happens on T show sets but not in real life, trauma experts say. “ n a true trauma situation, we have quiet, controlled conditions, says critical
RAJAN GUPTA, MD
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care surgeon Rajan Gupta, MD, Director of the Level I Trauma Center and Pediatric Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson niversity ospital in ew runswick. “ e more we mitigate chaos, the safer the environment, and the better the patient will do. Another common misconception, says Dr. upta, is that trauma treatment ends a er the critical rst to minutes of care. “ n fact, our system spans the entire gamut of care—emergency services, acute care centers, rehab facilities, radiology, blood banks, clinical labs, data registry and more, explains BRUNO MOLINO, MD Dr. upta. “ trauma
center’s job is to bring all these aspects together to help prioritize decisions and get the best possible long-term outcome for the patient. Together, experts at the Trauma enter at , the evel Trauma enter at ersey ity edical enter and e urn enter at aint arnabas edical enter in ivingston each an arnabas ealth facility provide a critical safety net for thousands of ew ersey residents.
TRAUMA OR ED? ospital EDs take care of emergencies, of course, like heart attacks and breathing problems. EDs also deal with a broad range of noncritical conditions, such as the u or broken bones. trauma center, however, has a larger scope than an ED. irst responders or ED
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From left, flight paramedic Michael Brown, FP–C; flight nurse Robert Maiullo, CFRN; and lead pilot Joe Gilbert with the RWJBarnabas Health Airbus 135 helicopter.
situations: falls by elderly people, bluntforce assault or penetrating wounds such as gunshots , and motor-vehicle crashes, says Dr. upta. “ ur cars are getting much safer, so traumatic injuries from crashes are decreasing, he explains. “ eanwhile, for the elderly, even a minor fall can result in devastating in uries. s the population ages, this has become an ever-growing issue for health systems. Trauma centers also routinely drill to be prepared for mass casualties in a disaster situation. is training includes close coordination with other trauma centers in case backup is needed. ere are statecerti ed trauma centers in ew ersey.
HELP FOR SEVERE BURNS
physicians make the decision as to whether a patient needs the services of a trauma center. “ trauma center is designed to immediately treat critically injured patients who have life- or limb-threatening in uries, explains acute care surgeon runo olino, D, Trauma Director at and a member of arnabas ealth medical group. “ hen seconds count to make the di erence between life and death, a whole team is waiting around a stretcher even before the patient arrives. “To be certi ed as a trauma center, a facility must have extensive resources available to care for severely injured patients at all times, says Dr. olino. “ eurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery—all these specialties and more have to be there at our disposal. e most common types of in uries seen in trauma centers come from three
Trauma centers across the state coordinate closely with e urn enter at , ew ersey s only state-certi ed burntreatment facility. n addition to burns from home accidents, industrial incidents and motor-vehicle crashes, one of the most common in uries the center sees up to percent of cases—is scalding in children under age who have been splashed accidentally by a hot liquid. pecialists including burn technicians, nurses and respiratory therapists, as well as the most advanced technology, are available at the center at all times. “ f someone comes in with a surface burn, for example, we re able to immediately treat them with hydrotherapy water piped through special spigots that removes dead skin and bacteria to minimi e the chance of infection, explains ichael arano, D, edical Director of e urn enter. e center has intensive care beds for the most critically injured patients and an -bed recovery unit. t also runs e utpatient enter for ound and urn ealing, which works with more than ,5 patients each year.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION In the hope of minimizing the need for their services, the trauma and burn centers put considerable resources into community education, covering the age spectrum from infants and car seats to geriatric fall prevention, as well as pedestrian safety,
THE NEED FOR SPEED “In trauma care, timing is everything,” says Jim Smith, Vice President, Mobile Health Services and Patient Transport at RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH). “The gold standard is to have no more than 60 minutes from the time a patient has a traumatic emergency to the time he or she is in the OR.” Depending on location and time of day, a trip that takes 45 minutes by road could be done by helicopter in 20 minutes. That’s why RWJBH has partnered with Med-Trans aviation to provide a state-of-the-art Airbus 135 helicopter and two dispatch centers for live satellite tracking. Known as LifeFlight, the service includes on-scene and in-air emergency treatment and transportation to the closest appropriate state-certified trauma center. The crew includes RWJBH Emergency Medical Services flight nurses and paramedics who have had extensive training in emergency, air medical and trauma protocols. In addition to providing time-critical transportation from emergency events, the LifeFlight system transports patients as needed among RWJBH’s 11 hospitals (and other health systems as appropriate). “The service assists with continuity of care within the same network,” Smith says. “And although it can seem dramatic and scary for patients to hear they are being transported by helicopter, sometimes the issue is not so much medical acuity as it is timing and traffic.” In either case, he says, “It’s important for New Jersey residents to know that, barring any weather issues, air medical services in the state are robust and coordinate closely with ground providers. Very few states have the availability of resources and capabilities that we do.”
bicycle safety, sports safety, yard-work safety and distracted driving education. “ tell my Injury Prevention Coordinator that it s her ob to put me out of business, says Dr. upta. nevitably, accidents will happen. hen they do, ew ersey residents are in the fortunate position of having a nearby trauma center ready and able to serve.
To learn more about safety education and training at RWJBarnabas Health hospitals, visit www rw bh org cpr
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TE E A FOCUS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY AIMS TO SAVE LIVES.
“I
don’t feel well,” said Tara Hansen, 9, of anamassa, shortly a er giving birth to her son in . ut her healthcare providers considered her a healthy postpartum patient, and sent her home. ix days later, she died from an infection that occurred during the birth. Pregnancy-related deaths are relatively rare about occur each year in the . . but are on the rise. o is the rate of delivery-related “severe maternal morbidity, which is defined as significant short- or long-term effects to a woman s health. “ n ew ersey, healthcare systems, community-based organi ations and government agencies are tackling this issue head-on, says u anne pernal, ice President of omen s ervices
T for arnabas ealth . “ e re collectively looking at the entire continuum of healthcare to see what women want and need to be healthy before, during and a er pregnancy.
EMPOWERING WOMEN Providing education is a priority. “ e ma ority of maternal adverse events don t happen on the day a woman gives birth, pernal says. “ ey occur in the days and weeks that follow the birth, when mom is back at home and the warning signs of a serious complication may not be immediately recogni ed. To increase awareness, Taras husband, yan, partnered with utgers obert ood ohnson edical chool and obert ood ohnson niversity ospital, an facility, to create the Tara ansen oundation s “ top. ook. isten program. is initiative empowers women to voice any concerns they have and reminds providers to pay close attention, rather than assuming a symptom is a typical complaint of pregnancy or the postpartum period. e program has been embraced by facilities throughout .
ALERT IN THE ED Emergency Departments EDs have created a system to ensure that any woman coming to an ED who has given birth within the previous days is identi ed, and a note made in her electronic health record. “ are management for certain conditions can be quite di erent for a woman who has recently given birth compared to a woman in the general population, pernal says. “ is alert system quickly identi es postpartum women and when minutes matter it can save lives. ther aspects of s comprehensive approach to maternal health include Promoting equality in healthcare to improve pregnancy outcomes. “ ur hospitals are exploring the speci c needs and challenges of women in their unique communities, pernal says. Providing reproductive planning so women, particularly those with medical conditions, can plan safer pregnancies. Co-designing initiatives with community groups that address issues such as housing, domestic violence, obesity, diabetes and substance abuse, all of which can negatively a ect pregnancy outcomes. Focusing on maternal mental health. onmouth edical enter, an facility, has the state s only perinatal mood and anxiety disorder program. Participating in Maternal Health Awareness Day, this year on anuary . “This is new attention to maternity care that is so long overdue, pernal says. “ ealthcare providers, policy advocates, women s advocates together, we re really going to change the landscape over the next few years.
To nd world class aternit care near ou, call 888.724.7123 or visit www rw bh org aternit
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E
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CRAWL AGAIN A BABY REBOUNDS FROM A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY WITH THE HELP OF CHILDREN’S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL.
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n the a ernoon of anuary , 9, livia opes got a frightening phone call er mother, nephew and -month-old son had been in an accident. hile the three were walking home from her nephew s school, a vehicle had umped the curb and struck them from behind. livia s mother and nephew suffered multiple fractures. nfant , who had been in his car seat in a wagon being pulled by his grandmother, suffered the most extensive in uries as the car seat became dislodged and soared feet away. “ hen we finally got in to see , he was on life support, livia recalls. “ e had multiple skull fractures, orbital fractures, severe brain trauma and a broken leg, and was having difficulty moving his right arm. spent days in a Pediatric ntensive are nit before being transferred to the rain n ury Program at hildren s peciali ed ospital
An RWJBarnabas Health facility in ew runswick. There, a team of specialists developed a customi ed rehabilitation program to address his medical, physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs. ithin a week, however, his family and team reali ed something wasn t right with . e was transferred to the Emergency Department at obert ood ohnson niversity ospital in ew runswick, where a T scan led to a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. ith this condition, excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles cavities of the brain and increases pressure within the head, causing head enlargement, headaches, impaired vision, cognitive difficulties and loss of coordination. shunt was surgically inserted into a ventricle to drain the excess fluid.
From left to right, LJ Lopes in the playroom at Children’s Specialized Hospital; snuggling with his cousin Auggie; getting a boost from visiting Rutgers University football players.
SKILLS REGAINED returned to on ebruary to continue his rehabilitation ourney. e quickly bonded with his inpatient team, particularly en oying aquatic therapy. “ nce they got into the pool, there was no stopping him, says livia. “ e loved it, and the resistance of the water forced him to start using his right arm more. spent another two months at hildren s peciali ed working with physical, occupational, speech-language and recreational therapists. “ e progress he made at hildren s peciali ed was ama ing, says livia. “ er the accident, he lost all of his muscle memory. e team worked with him day in and day out, helping him to learn how to roll, crawl, stand and walk. went home on pril . e is now attending outpatient therapy sessions three days a week at the location in amilton, working hard to build strength in his right arm and learn how to suck and swallow properly. “ e still keep in touch with the remarkable therapists and care team at hildren s peciali ed, updating them on s progress, livia says. “ e re forever grateful for the care that hildren s peciali ed provided to our son. To learn more about hildren s peciali ed ospital, call 888.244.5373 or visit www.childrens-specialized.org.
At Children’s Specialized Hospital, we provide world-class care for children and young adults who face special health challenges across the state of New Jersey and beyond. Our locations in Bayonne, Clifton, East Brunswick, Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton, Jersey City, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Newark, Toms River and Warren treat everything from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health.
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A STRANGER’S
GIFT
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t’s a gorgeous day on the boardwalk in Bradley Beach and to look at the two smiling women, you would never guess that they had met in person for the very first time ust three days before. They exhibit a strong physical and emotional connection—a bond worth life itself. “I feel as if I’m with my daughter or my niece,” Lael McGrath, 68, admits. She owes her life to Wiebke Rudolph, a 21-year-old recent college graduate from Kassel, Germany. Wiebke donated her stem cells anonymously to Lael after the retired second-grade teacher from Toms River was diagnosed with lifethreatening acute myeloid leukemia in 2016. Both had looked forward to this meeting for more than two years.
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A BLOOD STEM CELL DONATION— AND A POWERFUL MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP—SAVE THE LIFE OF A TOMS RIVER WOMAN.
“To have a donor and patient together like this is truly remarkable,” says Vimal Patel, MD, a hematologist/oncologist in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson niversity ospital ew Brunswick. “This is the reason I went into my field to see moments like this.
AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS In August 2016, Lael was not well. She had been a runner for more than 40 years, but that summer she couldn’t run more than a block without having to stop to walk. She had fevers, night sweats and a rash on her back. “A friend was diagnosed with Lyme disease and her symptoms sounded like mine, so I
made an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, and his phlebotomist took blood samples,” she recalls. Within 24 hours, the doctor called back to explain that he had sent the blood test results to a hematologist who wanted her in his office that day. “ think you have leukemia,” the hematologist told her. “And I think you need to go to Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Today.” Lael’s immune system was so suppressed that she was in a lifethreatening situation. Within three days she would be admitted to , where she would spend the next seven weeks undergoing chemotherapy. Dr. Patel has been by her side since then, along with a vast team of specialists from both
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Opposite page, top, Lael and Wiebke with Vimal Patel, MD; this page, with members of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Four thousand miles away in Germany, Wiebke was notified that she matched a patient in dire need. “Not that many people in Germany do this and certainly no one in my family or among my friends,” she says. “ ut when first heard about this, I said yes, I’m going to do it. I was determined.” Wiebke underwent peripheral blood stem cell donation, a procedure called SEARCHING FOR A DONOR apheresis, in which blood is removed In a bone marrow transplant, cells can be through a needle in one arm and passed used from your own body, known as an through a machine that collects only autologous transplant. When cells are taken blood-forming cells. (The remaining blood from a donor, the transplant is called is returned to the donor through a needle allogeneic. “In this procedure, the patient’s in the other arm. The procedure took diseased marrow is replaced with a donor’s six hours. All the logistics of harvesting blood stem cells,” says Dr. Patel. “It allows Wiebke’s stem cells and then transporting for normal blood formation and provides them to the U.S. were handled by a new immune system to help eliminate NMDP. Meanwhile, Lael’s repeat blood the leukemia. It also has the potential for transfusions were made possible by the a cure.” lood ervices team. t , bone marrow transplant Lael spent weeks in the hospital coordinator Mary Kate McGrath, MSN, during the fall and winter of 2016, waiting RN, APN, BMTCN, OCN (no relation for the transplant and being closely to ael , ran the results of ael s D monitored by her healthcare team. testing through the National Finally, in December 2016, Marrow Donor Program she was notified that her DP registry. RWJBarnabas Health and transplant was imminent. “Within two months Robert Wood Johnson University “On December 16th, it of Lael’s diagnosis, Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers happened,” she recalls. we identified three Cancer Institute of New Jersey— “A team walked in potential matches the state’s only NCI-Designated carrying a small on the registry— Comprehensive Cancer Center— cooler and within an but Wiebke turned provide close-to-home access to the hour, the transfusion out to be the most advanced treatment options. Call was over. All I actually perfect match,” she 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer. knew was that the donor explains. and utgers ancer nstitute. In the hospital, Lael’s treatment involved the use of combination chemotherapy designed to get her into remission. “ owever, the specific mutations that we identified in her leukemia were high-risk in nature, so we knew that chemotherapy alone would not keep her in remission,” says Dr. Patel. “We needed immune therapy in the form of an allogeneic stem cell transplant.”
NOT ALL DONORS AND PATIENTS MEET. BUT THERE WAS NEVER ANY DOUBT FOR EITHER OF THESE TWO WOMEN. IN FACT, THE PAIR STARTED EMAILING, TEXTING AND THEN TALKING TO EACH OTHER ON FACETIME RIGHT AFTER BEING GIVEN EACH OTHER’S CONTACT INFORMATION.
was female and 19 years old.” Lael did so well post-transplant that she was able to go home on New Year’s Day 2017. Over in Germany, Wiebke was told that the transplant had gone well. Protocol and confidentiality policies don’t permit donors and patients to have direct contact with each other until at least one year has passed. In this case, the wait lasted more than two years, until test results showed that Lael’s blood cells were 100 percent “donor.” Not all donors and patients meet. But there was never any doubt for either of these two women. In fact, the pair started emailing, texting and then talking to each other on FaceTime right after being given each other’s contact information. Recently, at a celebration hosted by , both women held bouquets of owers and stood happily alongside one another. “If it weren’t for Wiebke, I don’t know what would have happened,” Lael says. With the breeze blowing off the Atlantic Ocean, these two women look knowingly at one another, smile and agree, “It was a miracle.” RWJBarnabas Health
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sunlight tends to boost serotonin. A lack of light causes the brain to release less serotonin, which can lead to depression. “We’re not sure what makes some people vulnerable to SAD while others aren’t greatly affected by less exposure to sunlight,” says Dr. Kaplan. “The theory is that people with SAD may have some form of imbalance in the regulation of these two hormones. Genetic factors may play a role in this.”
WHAT TO DO
YOU CAN BEAT THE
TE
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SEASONAL DEPRESSION IS A STRUGGLE, BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE.
I
n winter, the short hours of daylight can lead to dark moods. It’s a common syndrome—thought to affect up to 10 million people in the U.S—known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. “SAD is a kind of depression that happens at a specific time of year, usually in the winter,” explains psychiatrist Gabriel Kaplan, MD, Chief edical fficer of the arnabas ealth ehavioral Health Network. Symptoms of SAD are similar to those of clinical GABRIEL KAPLAN, MD depression, such
as feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and problems with appetite. “A couple of symptoms seem to be more common with SAD, however,” says Dr. Kaplan. “People with SAD often crave sweets more, and are more tired and sleep more.” As with regular depression, there is help for those who suffer from SAD.
WHY WINTER? While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, two hormones are implicated: melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and serotonin, a key hormone for mood stabilization. “Melatonin tends to be produced when there’s no sunlight,” explains Dr. Kaplan. “More melatonin means people feel sleepier.” Conversely,
“If you think you may have SAD, consult with a professional to determine whether your condition relates to that or to something else,” advises Dr. Kaplan. “Depression can be due to many different things, so it’s better not to selfdiagnose and possibly waste time on the wrong treatments.” Having a healthy diet and regular exercise have been shown to improve symptoms of depression. Other possible treatments for SAD include: Light therapy. e patient sits or works near a device called a light therapy box, which gives o a bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. “For some people, this treatment is very e ective, but it s best to consult your physician about the type of device to use,” says Dr. Kaplan. Cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” focuses on changing inaccurate or negative thinking in order to create new behaviors. Antidepressant medication. “Generally speaking, antidepressants don’t start working for four to six weeks,” says Dr. Kaplan. “If your depression is seasonal, you may choose to take them for several months and then go off them when winter is over, or continue to take them for the rest of the year to prevent the reappearance of depression. It’s the combined job of the doctor and patient to decide the best course.”
To learn about options for getting help for depression, call the RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Network Access line at 800.300.0628.
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Longtime CMC Foundation Board and CMC Board members, from left: David Rosen, Zev Rosen, Bill Hourigan and Tom Hourigan.
A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
F
or these Toms River business owners, supporting Community Medical Center (CMC) is a given. Here’s why they’re proud of their commitment:
BILL AND TOM HOURIGAN
BILL: former member of the CMC Foundation and CMC boards TOM: member of the CMC Foundation Board since 2004 and member of the CMC Board since 2006. He has served as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the CMC Board. Bill Hourigan, a former insurance company executive who lives in Toms River, actively supported CMC for about 25 years—from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was a time of tremendous growth for the county and medical center. “We had moved to Toms River from northern New Jersey, and I wanted to help make Toms River a better place,” he says. Bill enjoyed attending meetings and participating in events, and his wife co-chaired the
OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS, THESE FATHERS AND SONS HAVE DEDICATED COUNTLESS HOURS OF THEIR TIME TO COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER.
hospital gala for 15 years. He is proud of his son, Tom, who is carrying on his legacy of community service. Tom was born at CMC, when it was a small facility called Community Memorial Hospital. As Operating Company President of USI Insurance Services in Toms River, he brings business expertise to the CMC Board. “It’s a complex organization, and I try to help bring people together and find common ground, he says. Tom is proud of CMC’s Jay and Linda Grunin Neuroscience Center, which was established with the support of the Foundation. He’s currently working with fellow Board members to transition CMC to an accredited teaching hospital. “This has the potential to transform the institution,” he says.
ZEV AND DAVID ROSEN
ZEV: former Chair, CMC Foundation Board and member of the CMC Board
DAVID: Vice Chair of the CMC Board and member of the Foundation Board since 2009. He has served as Chair of the Finance Committee, Vice Chair of the Board Quality Committee, Secretary and Treasurer of the CMC Board. Zev Rosen, a Toms River native and former president of Good Friend Electric, an electrical and lighting distributor, began to raise funds for CMC back in 1959—before the hospital even opened. e became one of the first members of the Foundation Board. Not long afterward, he was asked to be Chair of the Board. “We raised a lot of money for the hospital and added new members to the Board,” he recalls. One of his most memorable accomplishments was starting an organization of 150 community leaders—including clergypeople, law enforcement officials and politicians to create a plan for the future of healthcare in Ocean County. This initiative played a key role in the quality care patients receive at CMC today, says Zev. Zev’s son, David, the current president of Good Friend Electric, considers himself an ambassador for CMC. He introduces new members of the community to the hospital so they’re familiar with what it has to offer. “The hospital is a touchpoint for everyone at some time in their lives—whether you’re sick, hurt or welcoming a new baby,” he says. David is active on the Finance Committee and has volunteered at many fundraising events. “When I’m out and about and someone tells me they’ve had a great experience at CMC, it makes me proud,” he says. “Toms River is a giving community, and the Hourigans and Rosens truly embody this,” says Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive cer of . “ e are extremely grateful for their commitment to CMC.”
To support the CMC Foundation, visit www.cmcgiving.org or call 732.557.8131.
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WHEN A DOCTOR BECOMES A
PATIENT WHY A WELL-RESPECTED NEUROSURGEON CHOSE TO HAVE HIS PROSTATE CANCER SURGERY AT COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER. Healthy Together
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ohn Sarris, MD, a neurosurgeon at Community Medical Center (CMC), is all too familiar with illness. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, particularly in the hands—in 2010. As a result of the diagnosis, Dr. Sarris had to give up operating, but he was determined to stay in practice. He
decided to focus on neurocritical care, which involves managing patients with life-threatening neurological diseases like stroke, brain tumors and brain injury. Dr. Sarris also has a family history of prostate cancer—his father died from the disease—so he started screening in 2015. He underwent annual PSA testing, in which blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a marker of prostate cancer, are measured. PSA levels are often elevated in men with prostate cancer. When the results came back elevated in December 2018, he had a biopsy, which
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Dr. Sarris. “I knew I wouldn’t get better care anywhere else.” Dr. Sarris had heard great things about Victor Ferlise, MD, a urologist on staff at CMC who specializes in robotic prostate surgery. Upon meeting RWJBarnabas Health and him, he says, “I instinctively trusted Dr. Community Medical Center, in erlise. e was confident and took partnership with Rutgers Cancer the time to listen to my concerns. He Institute of New Jersey—the state’s was also very up-front about the risks only NCI-Designated Comprehensive of surgery, including complications, Cancer Center—provide closewhich I respected as a surgeon.” to-home access to the most Dr. Sarris also felt comfortable advanced treatment options. Call 844.CANCERNJ or visit with Dr. Ferlise because of his extensive www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer. expertise in robotic surgery. In open prostate surgery, the walnut-sized gland, which produces fluid that carries sperm, is removed through a large incision in the lower abdomen. But robotic surgery only requires an incision the si e of a keyhole and doesn’t disrupt the abdominal muscles. As a result, patients have a shorter hospital stay (typically overnight instead of three to five days , less blood loss and pain, fewer complications and a faster recovery. “With robotic surgery, there’s much better visualization of the area, which makes it easier to perform the procedure,” says Dr. Ferlise. It also enables surgeons to avoid nerves in the area, reducing the chances of complications, such as problems with sexual functioning.
A Thanks to expert care by urologist Victor Ferlise, MD, left, patient John Sarris, MD, is back to seeing patients at Community Medical Center and spending time with his family.
revealed cancer. “Tests showed that it was low-grade, but both my father and fatherin-law died horrible deaths from prostate cancer, so I knew right away that I wanted my prostate out,” says Dr. Sarris.
FINDING THE RIGHT SURGEON Almost immediately, Dr. Sarris’s colleagues began texting him names of urologists and prostate cancer specialists at New York City cancer centers. But Dr. Sarris didn’t give them a second look. “I’ve worked at CMC for 26 years,” says
C
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Dr. Sarris spent one night in the hospital. “The nurses were very attentive,” he says. “I had so little pain that I didn’t need much more than over-the-counter medication.” When Dr. Sarris returned home, he was feeling so good that he returned to his usual routine a little too rapidly. A few days after the operation, he was outside power washing his deck when he realized he was pushing himself too hard. He knew he needed to take more time to heal. Dr. Ferlise says he was pleasantly surprised by how cooperative Dr. Sarris was. “Sometimes it can be challenging to treat other physicians because they’ll call you with 5 questions and refuse to follow your directions,” says Dr. Ferlise.
EXCELLENCE IN ROBOTIC SURGERY In 2018, Community Medical Center (CMC) achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation. This means CMC has met nationally recognized standards in safety and quality of care. “Receiving this designation is a testament to the highly skilled surgeons who perform robotic surgery at CMC,” says Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer. The hospital’s robotics program is staffed by highly skilled surgeons with more than a decade of experience in robotic surgery.
“Dr. Sarris was well-informed and a pleasure to care for.” Today, Dr. Sarris is seeing patients and spending time with his wife and family (he has four children who range in age from 29 to 16). He doesn’t have any signs of cancer, and he’s experienced minimal side effects from the surgery. “I’m so glad I was treated at CMC,” he says. “Throughout the process, I trusted all of the hospital staff members I came in contact with— my surgeon, my anesthesiologist and the nurses who tended to me before, during and after my operation. I don’t think there’s anywhere in the country I could have gotten better care.”
To receive a referral to a urologist or to learn more about robotic surgery at CMC, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/community.
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instructed otherwise by your physician). Tell your primary care physician if you have a family history of cancer. If a close relative has had the disease, you may need to start screening earlier.
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT IN CHECK.
2020 CHECKUP SIX STEPS TO A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER YOU IN THE NEW DECADE.
W
ith the start of a new decade, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your health and consider lifestyle changes that will help improve your longevity and well-being, says Karambir S. Dalal, MD, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Community Medical Center . ere s his best advice
SEE A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN REGULARLY. Adults should have a physical once a year, says Dr. Dalal. ose who have chronic health problems may need to see their physician more frequently. “ our primary care physician may pick up a condition that doesn’t have any signs or symptoms, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which we call silent killers,” he says.
For a referral to a primary care physician, visit www.rwjbh.org/community or call 888.724.7123. Healthy Together
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KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. At your checkup, you will learn important health-related numbers, such as your blood pressure, which should be 135/85 or lower, and fasting blood glucose level, which should be 100 mg/dL or less. Knowing these numbers will allow you to track any unusual increases. Another number to keep an eye on is , or body mass index, which can indicate whether you’re overweight or obese. arrying extra pounds is linked to health problems such as heart disease and cancer, says Dr. Dalal. An ideal is between and 5.
STAY ON TOP OF SCREENINGS. Schedule screening tests, such as those for breast and colorectal cancers, at appropriate intervals. Women ages and older should have an annual mammogram, and adults ages 50 and older should have a colonoscopy every KARAMBIR S. DALAL, MD 10 years (unless
Start with baby steps: Cut back on calories by eating smaller portions and increase your activity level by 10 percent daily. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. (For a 150-pound person, that’s 75 ounces of water.) Drinking more water helps to quell hunger, increase energy levels and keep your kidneys healthy.
IF YOU SMOKE, KICK THE HABIT. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and is a risk factor for cancer, as well as heart and lung diseases. uitting will improve your health and longevity. arnabas ealth s nstitute for Prevention and Recovery’s Nicotine and Tobacco Recovery Program can help you overcome nicotine addiction. The program offers individual and group support and free nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler and nasal spray. For more information, call . 95. T or visit www.rwjbh.org/nicotinerecovery.
GET MOVING. e sure to exercise on a regular basis. It’s the best way to have a healthy body and mind. It also helps to ease chronic pain. e government s recently updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend getting at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity—such as brisk walking, dancing and household chores—each week. at translates into about to minutes per day. e uidelines also recommend strength training, such as li ing weights, two days per week.
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MAKING EVERY DAY SPECIAL
TWO DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS BRIGHTEN PATIENTS’ STAYS AT CMC. Volunteers at Community Medical Center (CMC) are critical to ensuring the best patient care. There are more than 400 of them, and they “make every day special,” says Cherrell Smalls, Supervisor, Volunteer Resource Center and Pastoral Care. Here’s how two volunteers leave a lasting impression on CMC patients:
JUDY PACKEN:
CUDDLER EXTRAORDINAIRE
MICHAEL OVERTON:
“HAVE A SPECTACULAR DAY!”
Judy Packen, RN, of Toms River, started Michael Overton, a Toms River resident, has been volunteering volunteering as a candy striper at CMC in 1969. In at CMC for eight years. Every Monday through Thursday (and 1978, she was hired as a nurse and spent the next some Fridays), he comes to CMC to pick up mail and assist 40 years working in the Emergency Department, with discharges. He has an uncanny ability to remember every Medical/Surgical Floors and high-tech Intravenous employee’s name and always greets them. His signature expression Therapy. After retiring in July 2018, Judy took a few when he says goodbye to employees and patients alike? “Have a months off but found she missed the hospital. In spectacular day!” January 2019, she returned to CMC as a volunteer. When Michael is in the patient waiting areas, he wishes surgical Today, Judy can be found in the nursery cuddling and physical therapy patients a good hospital stay. “He’s so positive, babies who need to be comforted. In some cases, this and he takes the time to talk to everyone,” says Smalls. “Patients allows the infant’s mom to take a nap. In others, the love it because they’re not expecting it.” babies are experiencing substance-use withdrawal. Although Michael is a volunteer, he’s like a CMC employee These babies remain in the hospital for continued because he works from about 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. “When he monitoring, and cuddling helps to minimize arrives in the morning, he makes coffee for everyone, and when he withdrawal symptoms and lessen irritability. goes on vacation, everyone misses him,” says Smalls. The hospital The nurses assign Judy to certain babies, and she staff celebrates Michael’s unique contribution to CMC at the holds them for about an hour each. “The human quarterly “I Make a Difference” luncheon with the Chief Executive touch calms them down,” says Judy. “It’s extremely Officer. Michael has been recognized every single quarter. “When rewarding.” Judy has three children and eight his name is announced, everyone screams and claps,” says Smalls. grandchildren, so she knows babies well. “The moms Michael is so memorable that former CMC patients recognize and nurses are so appreciative,” she says. him. He was recently volunteering in Radiation Oncology when a Judy, who also makes up cribs and stocks supplies patient came up to him. “She gave me a thank-you card for making in the nursery, volunteers once a week from 8:30 a.m. her feel good,” he says. “The patient’s family member said, ‘Thank until 12 p.m. “Volunteering makes me feel needed, you for touching our lives.’” and I know I’m doing a good thing for the babies, nurses and moms,” she says. “I’m To learn how you can become a volunteer at Community Medical so glad I ended up in the nursery.”
Center, visit www.rwjbh.org/cmcvolunteer or call 732.557.8129.
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CATCHING A SILENT KILLER REGULAR SCREENING IS THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST COLORECTAL CANCER.
RWJBarnabas Health and Community Medical Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCIDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide closeto-home access to the most advanced treatment options. Call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.
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n recent years, Omar Tamimi, MD, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology at Community Medical Center (CMC), has noticed a disturbing trend: A growing number of his colorectal cancer patients are young adults in their 30s and 40s. His observation is consistent with national statistics: In 2004, 10 percent of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were younger than age 50, and in 2015, 12 percent fell into that age group, according to a 2019 study published in the journal Cancer. What’s more, the study found that younger adults tended to have more advanced (Stage III and Stage IV) cancers when they were diagnosed. Scientists don’t know why the disease is striking younger people, but it’s often linked to family history. “While the majority of colorectal cancers don’t have genetic causes, recent studies have shown that among people in their 40s, a higher percentage of cases—perhaps 20 to 30 percent—are genetic,” says Dr. Tamimi.
SCREENING OPTIONS Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people at average OMAR TAMIMI, MD
risk for the disease begin screening at age 50. Those who have a higher-than-average risk due to inflammatory bowel disease or a family history should be screened earlier. “People who have a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling or child) with colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 40 or 10 years earlier than the age at which their relative was diagnosed,” says Dr. Tamimi. The “gold standard” screening test for colorectal cancer is colonoscopy, in which a flexible, lighted tube is used to examine the entire colon and rectum. During the exam, which is performed while a patient is sedated, the physician can remove any abnormal growths, or polyps. This test, which requires a laxative preparation and is about 95 percent accurate, is repeated every 10 years in those with normal results. If polyps or other abnormalities are found, colonoscopy is typically repeated one to five years later. Other screening tests are stool-based exams, such as the fecal immunochemical test and stool DNA test. Both check for small amounts of blood in stool (colorectal cancers and polyps can bleed). The stool DNA test also detects genetic markers that are present in colorectal cancers and precancers. Each test requires taking a stool sample at home and mailing it to a lab for evaluation. These tests aren’t as accurate as colonoscopy and must be performed once a year or every few years. “Fortunately, there are many screening options,” says Dr. Tamimi. “The more people are aware of their choices and want to be screened, the better.”
COLORECTAL CANCER MYTHS DEBUNKED There are many misconceptions about colorectal cancer. Community Medical Center gastroenterologist Omar Tamimi, MD, frequently encounters the following in his practice: • “Cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t need to worry about it.” Only about 5 percent of colorectal cases in adults over 50 can be traced to a genetic cause, says Dr. Tamimi. • “I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t need to be screened.” Symptoms often occur only when the disease is advanced, says Dr. Tamimi. • “Colorectal cancer isn’t that common.” Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAMS Community Medical Center offers many community education programs throughout the year, including ones on the importance of cancer screenings. Check the events calendar at www.rwjbh.org/community or like us on Facebook for updates. For a referral to a gastroenterologist, call 888.742.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/community.
THE BEST PREVENTION In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed in March, consider taking the following steps to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer: • Be active. Moderate and vigorous levels of exercise appear to be protective. Take a brisk walk or go for a jog on as many days of the week as you can. • Eat healthy. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains may help to lower your risk. Limit your consumption of red and processed meats, which appear to increase risk. • Stay slim. Aim for a healthy weight and pay attention to your waistline (extra belly fat may increase your risk of developing the disease). • Drink in moderation. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may increase your risk. • Kick the habit. Smoking may raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer. SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
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Community Medical Center: Best in the U.S. for the 9th time Achieving a Leapfrog A for the 9th time underscores Community Medical Center’s commitment as a High Reliability Organization. Through the concerted effort of Community Medical Center’s physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and leadership, patients and families benefit from the highest level of quality care and the safest possible hospital experience.
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