together healthy A Publication of
WINTER 2020
ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOMERSET
AN AMAZING
RECOVERY
TOP SECRETS TO
SLIMMING DOWN
HOW TO PREPARE FOR PREGNANCY
CRITICAL CARE
WHEN EVERY MOMENT COUNTS
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
HEALTH NEWS
SAVING LIVES IS OUR
A TOP HOSPITAL IN NJ
A
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset has once again been rated among the top hospitals in New Jersey in the annual hospital rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital ranked 9th in the state overall and 22nd in the New York Metro region. It was also recognized as “high performing” in orthopedics, hip replacement, colon cancer surgery and congestive heart failure. U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” is considered the nation’s most prestigious hospital ranking system.
LIFE’S WORK t RWJ arnabas Health, we take the trust people place in us to heart. It’s the bedrock of our commitment to your care, from preventive services to life-saving emergency treatment. For urgent situations, we have two world-class trauma centers, one in Jersey City and one in New runswick, as well as the only burn center in the state, located in ivingston. In addition, we have expanded our emergency response capabilities and have acquired an advanced emergency helicopter, call sign ife Flight, equipped and staffed to provide critical care while transporting badly injured patients. To help people stay healthy and safe, we reach out with education and prevention programs for people of all ages. We’ve also invested in creating the new secure and convenient RWJ arnabas Health Connect app, available at your app store. Health Connect 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. Health Connect, along with the RWJ arnabas Health TeleMed app, which offers online access for a physician visit, are integral parts of efforts to create a truly tech-forward healthcare organization. These efforts led to all RWJ arnabas Health hospitals earning the “Most Wired” designation from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives this year. t Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Emergency Department, patients have immediate access to specialists through our telepediatric and teleneurology programs. oard-certified physicians are available 2 through videoconferencing to confer with Emergency Department physicians and help quickly assess and diagnose patients. For minor emergencies, from cuts and sprains to colds and u, the hospital’s Urgent Care Center in Hillsborough provides walk-in care seven days a week, including on-site -ray and lab testing. Whether 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. Yours in good health,
AN A FOR PATIENT SAFETY RWJUH Somerset earned an A Hospital Safety Grade—the highest patient safety rating—from The Leapfrog Group in their fall Hospital Safety Grades. It’s the hospital’s third consecutive A rating and ninth overall. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. Sustaining the A rating reflects RWJUH Somerset’s continued commitment to achieving the highest quality of care.
SCREENING FOR TRANSGENDER PATIENTS Annual mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40 for transgender women who’ve taken feminizing hormones for at least five years and for transgender men who haven’t had their breasts removed or reduced. RWJUH Somerset recently expanded its LGBTQ+ services to offer mammograms for transgender patients. To schedule a mammogram at the Sanofi US Breast Care Program, call 908.704.3740.
ANTHONY CAVA
BARRY H. OSTROWSKY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOMERSET 110 Rehill Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876 | 908.685.2200
CONNECT WITH US ON @RWJSomerset @RWJSomerset RWJBarnabas Health RWJUH Somerset 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 rwjbh.org/somerset. RWJUH Somerset 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 908.685.2200. RWJUH Somerset 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 908.685.2200.
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together healthy contents WINTER 2020
2. WELCOME LETTER. A community update from our CEOs. 4. A LIFE SAVED. Robotic surgery, combined with an experimental therapy, stopped one patient’s aggressive cancer in its tracks. 6. THE BIKE RIDE OF A LIFETIME. Just one year after suffering a nearfatal cardiac arrest, a patient cycled 75 miles for a fundraising event. 8. PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY. An obstetrician explains how to boost the odds of having a healthy baby.
9. HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. Is it a heart attack or cardiac arrest—and what can a bystander do?
13. LEARNING TO CRAWL AGAIN. A baby rebounds from a traumatic brain injury.
18. SECRETS TO SLIMMING DOWN. How to eat for successful weight loss and better health.
14. A STRANGER’S GIFT. A blood stem cell donation—and a powerful medical partnership—saved the life of a Toms River woman.
20. HIGH-TECH HELP FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED. New technology is assisting patients and visitors with sight loss.
10. TRAUMA WITHOUT DRAMA. Top RWJBarnabas Health trauma and burn centers stand ready to save severely injured patients.
16. YOU CAN BEAT THE WINTER BLUES. Seasonal depression is a struggle, but help is available.
12. MAKING MATERNITY SAFER. A strong focus on women’s health before, during and after pregnancy aims to save lives.
17. A PLACE FOR HEALING. A newly renovated eating disorders unit will emphasize natural light and fresh air.
21. HONORING AN LGBTQ ADVOCATE. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset pays tribute to a transgender healthcare activist. 22. COMMUNITY CALENDAR. A roundup of health education and support programs.
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RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCIDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to-home access to the most advanced treatment options. Call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.
A LIFE SAVED Healthy Together
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Two-and-a-half years after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, David Chandler is disease-free.
ROBOTIC SURGERY, COMBINED WITH AN EXPERIMENTAL THERAPY, STOPPED ONE PATIENT’S AGGRESSIVE CANCER IN ITS TRACKS.
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he lab report was in: David Chandler had prostate cancer. What’s more, tests indicated that David had an aggressive form of the disease. That was in 2016. Today, tests detect no sign of cancer in David, 65, of Bound Brook, thanks to specialists at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s Steeplechase Cancer Center.
A FAST MO ING DISEASE David’s primary care physician irst became concerned when she noticed that his prostate—a walnut-sized gland that produces luid that carries sperm—was enlarged and irm. Then a blood test showed that his level of PSA, or prostate speci ic antigen—a marker of prostate cancer—was 103 ng/dL. A normal level for a man his age is less than 4 ng/dL. A biopsy, in which tissue samples are extracted from the prostate and tested in a lab, found cancerous cells. Taken together, these signs indicated that David had a fast-moving disease that may have already begun to spread outside the prostate gland, says Dhiren Dave, MD, a urologist at RWJPE Somerset Urological Associates in Somerville. David, who has his own home-repair business, was stoic in the face of worrisome news. “It is what it is,” he recalls thinking. His family wasn’t so sanguine. “It was scary,” says his oldest daughter, Ashley Salmon, 2, o Wall Township, who accompanied David to his appointments along with her sister, Lexie, 30. “But Dr. Dave was great. He was optimistic but realistic. We felt like we were in really good hands.”
M LTIDISCI LINARY CARE Dr. Dave knew that treating David would be complex. “When someone has what we call high-risk prostate cancer, he requires multiple modes of treatment,” says Dr. Dave. “David needed care from a multidisciplinary team.” His team included Jonathan Rosenbluth, MD, a medical oncologist, and Joel Braver, MD, DHIREN DAVE, MD a radiation oncologist.
Prior to David’s treatment, his case was reviewed at the team’s monthly Urologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Conference, during which various specialists meet to create a personalized care plan. The primary goal was to remove David’s prostate, but irst he started receiving hormone therapy to reduce his natural levels of testosterone. “That takes the fuel away from the cancer,” says Dr. Dave. In addition, he was given a chemotherapy drug, which is normally administered after a man’s prostate has been removed. This experimental use of the drug was possible because Dr. Dave and his colleagues at the Steeplechase Cancer Center are co-investigators, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, in a larger clinical trial designed to determine if combining hormone therapy with the chemotherapy drug improves the results of surgery. While David was not included in the trial, he was eligible to receive the experimental drug combination. After completing the chemo regimen (and continuing on hormone therapy), David underwent surgery to remove the prostate. The procedure, known as radical prostatectomy, is traditionally performed in an “open” manner, meaning it requires an incision above the navel that can be up to four inches long. However, some surgeons perform radical prostatectomies using small laparoscopic tools, which require only a few tiny incisions, most a half-inch or smaller. Smaller incisions mean less post-op pain and a shorter recovery period. To remove David’s diseased tissue, Dr. Dave performed a robotic prostatectomy, which takes the laparoscopic approach a leap forward. During this procedure— which Dr. Dave has performed more than 500 times—he sits at a console and views the patient’s internal tissues on a monitor. This highly magni ied, three-dimensional view allows for precise dissection of tissue, which dramatically reduces bleeding during surgery. Using controls, Dr. Dave manipulates the camera and other delicate robotic instruments. Unlike the rigid instruments used in laparoscopy, robotic tools have “wrists,” allowing them to bend in different directions. But unlike human hands, “robotic instruments don’t shake— they’re steady,” says Dr. Dave.
KNOW YOUR NUMBER
30%
Studies indicate that early detection of prostate cancer with the PSA test saves lives. A 2017 analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that men who undergo PSA screening reduce their risk of dying from prostate cancer by about 30 percent.
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The PSA test can spot prostate cancer at an early stage, says Dhiren Dave, MD, a urologist at RWJPE Somerset Urological Associates in Somerville. “The earlier we pick it up, the better the patient’s prognosis,” he says. The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends that men at average risk begin screening at age 55 after a discussion with their physician. For those who are at high risk, the AUA recommends screening starting at age 40.
After the surgery, David spent one night in the hospital (open procedures require two or three nights) before going home. “I didn’t feel much pain at all,” he recalls.
S CCESSF L TREATMENT Tests indicated that David’s pelvic lymph nodes contained prostate cancer cells. To eliminate them, David underwent a course of radiation treatments. Today, two-and-a half years after his diagnosis, David’s treatments are complete and his PSA has dropped to 0 ng/dL. “It’s been a long journey, but right now, David shows no evidence of disease,” says Dr. Dave. David, who is regaining strength and some of the weight he lost, says, “The medical team did a great job.” His family agrees. “We’re thrilled,” says Ashley. “I’m grateful my father was treated at a hospital that offers the most progressive treatment possible.”
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THE BIKE RIDE OF A LIFETIME JUST ONE YEAR AFTER SUFFERING A NEARFATAL CARDIAC ARREST, A PATIENT CYCLED 75 MILES FOR A FUNDRAISING EVENT.
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t was six days before the ike MS: City to Shore Ride—a fundraising event that bene its the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—in September 201 , and Michael Chenkin was training. t the start of his third consecutive day of training rides, he felt tired and not as strong. “I’d had to stop a few times and take some puffs from my inhaler, but I assumed my exercise-induced asthma was acting up,” recalls the 5-year-old social worker from ridgewater. Over the next two days, he worried about his fatigue and low JOE AHN, MD energy and was Healthy Together
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seen by his primary care physician on September 24. Then, shortly before midnight the same day, Michael’s wife, Stefanie, was reading in bed next to her sleeping husband when his right arm suddenly jerked upward and he convulsed. She saw that Michael was blue in the face and foaming at the mouth. Stefanie and the couple’s 20-year-old son, Nathan, took turns giving Michael CPR while their 2 -year-old daughter, Jennie, called 11. He was brought to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, where physicians determined that Michael had experienced a cardiac arrest. He underwent cardiac catheterization and an emergency angioplasty, during which three stents were placed in a blocked artery to restore blood ow. Then he was transferred to the Critical Care Unit.
FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE The attending cardiologist explained the team’s game plan: Michael would be treated using therapeutic hypothermia, in which his body temperature would be lowered to around degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. “This procedure seems to reduce brain damage, possibly because it lessens in ammation in the brain,” says Joe hn, MD, Director of Echocardiography. It’s particularly useful for cardiac patients who don’t regain consciousness. “ owering body temperature increases the chances that a person will recover from a cardiac arrest,” he says. On Michael’s eighth night in the unit, he went into cardiac arrest again, requiring CPR and defibrillation. It happened two more times that evening. “I was in awe watching the staff hear the words Code
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Clockwise, from left to right: Patient Michael Chenkin and his wife, Stefanie, bring breakfast to the Critical Care Unit team to thank them for saving his life; Michael completes the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride; Michael’s children, Nathan and Jennie, with him at the event; and Michael shows off his event T-shirt, which he asked the Critical Care Unit nurses to sign.
lue,’ rush into Michael’s room, work on him until he regained a pulse and then calmly return to their other patients,” says Stefanie. She refused to leave Michael’s side, arriving early and staying late or overnight to actively participate in his care. The nurses brought her pizza and, when she fell asleep with her head resting on Michael’s bed rail, the respiratory therapist propped her head up with a pillow and put a blanket over her shoulders. Two days later, Michael began to show signs of consciousness. “Within minutes of my telling the staff, his entire medical team was in Michael’s room to see for themselves,” says Stefanie. s Michael gradually became more alert, he was able to communicate with the staff. lthough he was still intubated, the morning rounds meeting moved from the hospital hallway into his room so that he could write his questions on a whiteboard. Once he could talk, he would speak to the staff at length about his condition and his care. “It was a strange time,” recalls Michael. “ month before, I could bike 200 miles or more a week, and now it was a
struggle to walk. The sta ’s encouragement and support were essential to my recovery.”
AN AMAZING RECOVERY In mid-October, three weeks a er he was admitted, Michael was discharged from RWJUH Somerset. ut his journey was far from over. He needed an internal defibrillator, triple bypass surgery and weeks of cardiac rehabilitation therapy. Finally, on March 2 , 201 , Michael’s hard work and perseverance paid off. He was able to hop on his bike again and ride 25 miles—exactly six months to the day he had experienced his cardiac arrest. “For this, I give thanks to everyone who cared for me and prayed for me at RWJUH Somerset last September,” he says. In September 201 , Michael completed the 5-mile ike MS: City to Shore Ride. “It was harder than I expected, but I was so happy to be able to do it,” says Michael. “What carried me through was the thought that if people with MS struggle for life, I could struggle for a few hours to inish the ride.” It’s this positive spirit and
determination that fueled Michael throughout most of his recovery. “Not many cardiac arrest patients make this sort of recovery, and I believe a large part of Michael’s success was due to the fact that he had so much love and support from his family, as well as a strong sense of optimism,” says Dr. hn. “ lot of cardiac patients become depressed and give up during the recovery process, but Michael was determined to make it every step of the way.” For Michael, there’s a special place in his heart for RWJUH Somerset. “My wife and I still remember the name of every single staff member from the Critical Care Unit team,” he says. On October , he and Stefanie returned to RWJUH Somerset to bring breakfast to the staff. “It was the anniversary of my reawakening—the day I came out of the coma,” says Michael. He presented staff members with a collage that had two photos: one of Michael while he was still in the coma and one of him at the MS bike event finish line. “I wanted them to see how far I’d come, and how key they were to making sure I got there,” he says.
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To reach a Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset cardiac specialist, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
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Q&A
ASK THE DOCTOR
PREPARING FOR
PREGNANCY
AMANDA FRANCIS, DO
AN OBSTETRICIAN EXPLAINS WHAT WOMEN CAN DO TO INCREASE THE ODDS OF HAVING A HEALTHY BABY.
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growing number of women are having their irst child later in life: etween 2000 and 201 , the proportion of irst births to women ages 5 and older rose by 2 percent, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. bout percent of women have their irst child at age 5 or older. While this is considered “advanced maternal age,” it’s very possible to have a healthy baby. manda Francis, DO, an obstetrician gynecologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset and the RWJ arnabas Health Medical roup’s Roseland Ob yn, explains how to prepare for pregnancy.
What can a woman do to increase her odds of getting pregnant? The quality of a woman’s eggs starts to decline between the ages of 5 and 0—and markedly after 0—but it’s still possible to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Older maternal age increases the risks for the pregnancy and mother. The best way to mitigate any anxiety or concerns is to schedule a preconception visit. During this appointment, you and your ob gyn can discuss any medical conditions you have and what you can do to prepare for pregnancy.
How can you get in the best possible shape for pregnancy? Pregnancy is a time to optimize your health. This can be done through lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, staying up to date on recommended vaccines and having regular dental cleanings. In addition, it’s important to have annual gynecologic checkups and take prenatal vitamins. Since many women don’t ind out they’re pregnant until they’re seven or eight weeks along, it’s important to take prenatal vitamins when you start trying to conceive. The most important component of these vitamins is folic acid, which can help prevent certain birth defects when taken in the irst 1 weeks of pregnancy ( irst trimester).
Once you’re pregnant, how can you prepare for childbirth? While women who are 5 or older are at increased risk for health problems during pregnancy, good prenatal care can help identify many of those risks and possibly decrease some of the associated problems. When you see your ob gyn, mention any physical and emotional changes—from nausea and cravings to changes in mood and energy. lso, come to your appointments with questions.
Write them down or put them in your smartphone. birth plan is a great way to begin a discussion about labor and delivery. While pregnancy and childbirth are unpredictable by nature, a plan can address issues such as pain management so that you feel in control of the process as much as possible.
What is unique about the maternity services at RWJUH Somerset? We provide personalized, high-quality care. Our anesthesiologists and neonatologists are on-call 2 , and we have a evel II nursery, which can care for premature babies born as early as 2 weeks. Our nursing staff provides breastfeeding support and can offer access to lactational consultants when necessary. Our staff is knowledgeable and ready to help. In addition, all of the rooms in the labor and postpartum units are private.
To learn more about maternity services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, visit www.rwjbh.org/ so erset To nd an ob g n, 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 clogged, and the majority 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 RWJ arnabas Health medical group. “In a cardiac arrest, the heart stops completely and no blood at all is circulating.” Death can be instantaneous. The 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. “The patient can’t afford 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. The 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. C can be triggered by a heart attack but can have other causes, such as an undiagnosed heart abnormality or cocaine or amphetamine use.
SYMPTOMS These may begin hours, days or weeks in advance. • Chest pain or feeling of pressure in the chest, possibly spreading to arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Feeling sick, sweaty or short of breath. The 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. Sit the person down and keep them calm while you wait for help.
SYMPTOMS • Possibly racing heart or dizziness, but C may occur without warning. person suffering C 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 defibrillator) is available, begin use, following the prompts. • Do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). If you don’t know conventional CPR, do hands-only CPR (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. That chaotic scenario, a staple of medical shows, happens on T show sets but not in real life, trauma experts say. “In 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 University Hospital (RWJUH) in New runswick. “The 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 first 0 to 0 minutes of care. “In 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 Center at RWJUH, the evel II Trauma Center at Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) and The urn Center at Saint arnabas Medical Center (S MC) in ivingston—each an RWJ arnabas Health facility—provide a critical safety net for thousands of New Jersey residents.
TRAUMA OR ED? Hospital 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. First 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. “Our cars are getting much safer, so traumatic injuries from crashes are decreasing,” he explains. “Meanwhile, for the elderly, even a minor fall can result in devastating injuries. 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. This training includes close coordination with other trauma centers in case backup is needed. There are 10 statecertified trauma centers in New Jersey.
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 injuries,” explains acute care surgeon runo Molino, MD, Trauma Director at JCMC and a member of RWJ arnabas Health medical group. “When seconds count to make the difference between life and death, a whole team is waiting around a stretcher even before the patient arrives. “To be certified as a trauma center, a facility must have extensive resources available to care for severely injured patients at all times,” says Dr. Molino. “Neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery—all these specialties and more have to be there at our disposal.” The most common types of injuries seen in trauma centers come from three
Trauma centers across the state coordinate closely with The urn Center at S MC, New Jersey’s only state-certified burntreatment facility. In addition to burns from home accidents, industrial incidents and motor-vehicle crashes, one of the most common injuries the center sees—up to 0 percent of cases—is scalding in children under age 2 who have been splashed accidentally by a hot liquid. Specialists including burn technicians, nurses and respiratory therapists, as well as the most advanced technology, are available at the center at all times. “If 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 minimize the chance of infection,” explains Michael Marano, MD, Medical Director o The urn Center. The center has 12 intensive care beds for the most critically injured patients and an 1 -bed recovery unit. It also runs The Outpatient Center for Wound and urn Healing, which works with more than ,500 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. “I tell my Injury Prevention Coordinator that it’s her job to put me out of business,” says Dr. upta. Inevitably, accidents will happen. When they do, New Jersey 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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M IN M TERNITY S FER A FOCUS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY AIMS TO SAVE LIVES.
“I
don’t feel well,” said Tara Hansen, 2 , o Wanamassa, shortly a er giving birth to her son in 2011. ut her healthcare providers considered her a healthy postpartum patient, and sent her home. Six days later, she died from an infection that occurred during the birth. Pregnancy-related deaths are relatively rare—about 00 occur each year in the U.S.—but are on the rise. So is the rate of delivery-related “severe maternal morbidity,” which is de ined as signi icant short- or long-term effects to a woman’s health. “In New Jersey, healthcare systems, community-based organizations and government agencies are tackling this issue head-on,” says Suzanne Spernal, ice President o Women’s Services
for RWJ arnabas Health (RWJ H). “We’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. “The majority of maternal adverse events don’t happen on the day a woman gives birth,” Spernal says. “They 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 recognized.” To increase awareness, Tara’s husband, Ryan, partnered with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, an RWJ H facility, to create the Tara Hansen Foundation’s “Stop. ook. isten ” program. This 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. The program has been embraced by facilities throughout RWJ H.
ALERT IN THE ED RWJ H Emergency Departments (EDs) have created a system to ensure that any woman coming to an ED who has given birth within the previous 2 days is identified, and a note made in her electronic health record. “Care management for certain conditions can be quite different for a woman who has recently given birth compared to a woman in the general population,” Spernal says. “This alert system quickly identifies postpartum women and when minutes matter it can save lives.” Other aspects of RWJ H’s comprehensive approach to maternal health include: to improve pregnancy outcomes. “Our hospitals are exploring the specific needs and challenges of women in their unique communities,” Spernal says. so women, particularly those with medical conditions, can plan safer pregnancies. C that address issues such as housing, domestic violence, obesity, diabetes and substance abuse, all of which can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. F Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJ H facility, has the state’s only perinatal mood and anxiety disorder program. M H A D , this year on January 2 . “This is new attention to maternity care that is so long overdue,” Spernal says. “Healthcare 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 RNIN TO
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 January , 201 , Olivia opes got a frightening phone call: Her mother, nephew and -month-old son had been in an accident. While the three were walking home from her nephew’s school, a vehicle had jumped the curb and struck them from behind. Olivia’s mother and nephew suffered multiple fractures. Infant J, who had been in his car seat in a wagon being pulled by his grandmother, suffered the most extensive injuries as the car seat became dislodged and soared 0 feet away. “When we inally got in to see J, he was on life support,” Olivia recalls. “He had multiple skull fractures, orbital fractures, severe brain trauma and a broken leg, and was having di iculty moving his right arm.” J spent 21 days in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before being transferred to the rain Injury Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital
An RWJBarnabas Health facility (CSH) in New runswick. There, a team of specialists developed a customized rehabilitation program to address his medical, physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs. Within a week, however, his family and team realized something wasn’t right with J. He was transferred to the Emergency Department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New runswick, where a C T scan led to a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. With this condition, excess cerebrospinal luid builds up in the ventricles (cavities) of the brain and increases pressure within the head, causing head enlargement, headaches, impaired vision, cognitive di iculties and loss of coordination. shunt was surgically inserted into a ventricle to drain the excess luid.
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 J returned to CSH on February 11 to continue his rehabilitation journey. He quickly bonded with his inpatient team, particularly enjoying aquatic therapy. “Once they got J into the pool, there was no stopping him,” says Olivia. “He loved it, and the resistance of the water forced him to start using his right arm more.” J spent another two months at Children’s Specialized working with physical, occupational, speech-language and recreational therapists. “The progress he made at Children’s Specialized was amazing,” says Olivia. “ er the accident, he lost all of his muscle memory. The team worked with him day in and day out, helping him to learn how to roll, crawl, stand and walk.” J went home on pril . He is now attending outpatient therapy sessions three days a week at the CSH location in Hamilton, working hard to build strength in his right arm and learn how to suck and swallow properly. “We still keep in touch with the remarkable therapists and care team at Children’s Specialized, updating them on J’s progress,” Olivia says. “We’re forever grateful for the care that Children’s Specialized provided to our son.” To learn more about Children’s Specialized Hospital, 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 irst time just 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 University Hospital (RWJUH) New Brunswick. “This is the reason I went into my ield: 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 o ice that day. “I 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 RWJUH, 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 noti ied 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 I irst 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.” RWJUH lood Services team. t RWJUH, 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 DN monitored by her healthcare team. testing through the National Finally, in December 2016, Marrow Donor Program she was noti ied that her (NMDP) 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 identi ied 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. RWJUH and Rutgers Cancer Institute. In the hospital, Lael’s treatment involved the use of combination chemotherapy designed to get her into remission. “However, the speci ic mutations that we identi ied 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 con identiality 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 RWJUH, 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
WINTER
UES
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 speci ic time of year, usually in the winter,” explains psychiatrist Gabriel Kaplan, MD, Chief Medical O icer of the RWJ arnabas Health 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. The patient sits or works near a device called a light therapy box, which gives off a bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. “For some people, this treatment is very effective, 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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Shilin Pandya, DO, Medical Director of the Eating Disorders Unit, counsels a patient.
A PLACE FOR HE
IN
A NEWLY RENOVATED EATING DISORDERS UNIT WILL EMPHASIZE NATURAL LIGHT AND FRESH AIR.
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n estimated 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Eating Disorders ssociation. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset offers one of only two inpatient programs in New Jersey. In addition to inpatient care, the hospital provides partial hospitalization (five hours per day, five days per week) and intensive outpatient services for patients ages 1 and older. multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, licensed clinical social workers, registered dietitians, occupational therapists, physical therapists and teachers works together to address patients’ medical problems, including physical and emotional concerns. The hospital recently began a complete transformation of the Eating Disorders Unit. The new space will be warm and comfortable, and it will maximize natural light and fresh air. y moving outpatient care to a different building on the hospital
campus, the inpatient unit will have 20 beds, up from 1 . “The ambiance will be one of healing,” says Shirley Rajan, MD, a psychiatrist in the Eating Disorders Unit. “It will promote self-re ection.”
MEETING THE NEEDS OF INPATIENTS The million renovation will include a healing garden, which blends nature and fresh air. This is important for patients because it can motivate them to continue treatment, says Dr. Rajan. “Nature has a healing power,” she says. Patients will be able to plant a garden, watch it grow and learn about good nutrition, says ysa Israel, ice President of the Somerset Health Care Foundation. There will also be quiet areas for small group therapy sessions and activities like yoga and meditation. “Patients with eating disorders o en have other behavioral health problems, and research shows that meditation and medication are the most beneficial therapies,” says Dr. Rajan. The new space will also accommodate family
members, who are an integral part of the treatment team. dolescent and adult patients over the age of 1 will be placed in separate healing environments. “While both groups need nature and quiet time, their needs are different,” says Dr. Rajan. “ dults are dealing with work and life events, while adolescents are in school and may be coping with issues like bullying.” The unit’s ambient lighting will re ect circadian rhythms, helping to promote sleep, which is important for healing. They will be at their lowest levels at night. The renovations are expected to be complete by the end of this year. “The space will feel homey and comfortable,” says Israel. The Foundation, which has already raised 1 million for the renovation, is aiming to raise million more. “This will give us the ability to furnish the space and create the outdoor space,” says Israel. Dr. Rajan is most excited about the healing garden. “ reenery brings about peace within us,” she says.
For more information on how to support Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Eating Disorders Program, call the Somerset Health Care Foundation at 908.685.2885.
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SECRETS TO HEART-HEALTHY EATING On February 25, Jaclyn London, MS, RD, head of nutrition and wellness at Weight Watchers and former nutrition director at Good Housekeeping magazine, will discuss the importance of a healthy diet in preventing heart disease and how to prepare nutritious meals at home and order them at restaurants. Participants will receive a copy of London’s book, Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11 Science-Based Ways to Eat More, Stress Less, and Feel Great About Your Body. In addition, Rachana Kulkarni, MD, a cardiologist at RWJUH Somerset, will discuss heart disease risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please see page 22.
SLIMMING DOWN HOW TO EAT FOR SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS AND BETTER HEALTH.
To schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian who can provide nutritional counseling to improve eating habits, call 908.704.3765. Healthy Together
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osing weight and eating healthier are among the most popular New Year’s resolutions, but many of us wonder: What’s the best diet for weight loss? Talk to friends, and it’s likely that they have different approaches to dieting. Here, Tia Hagins, RD, Community Nutritionist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, explains the pros and cons of popular diets and offers advice on how to eat for a healthier, thinner you.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET This heart-healthy diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, such as olive oil. People who adhere to it consume plenty of seafood, beans, poultry and eggs and limit red meat. They also eat whole wheat breads, cereals and pastas and substitute olive oil for butter. Dairy intake is moderate (just two to three servings per day). PROS: “You can eat a variety of foods, and it’s filling,” says Hagins. Plus, it’s a healthy way of eating: The Mediterranean diet helps to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. CONS: If you have a sweet tooth, it can be challenging to stick with this way of eating because you have to cut out butter and solid fats. If you want to try the Mediterranean diet, make gradual changes. “If you’re used to drinking whole milk, try 2 percent milk first,” says Hagins. “Once you’re used to it, mix it with 1 percent milk. Eventually, you’ll get used to the lower fat variety.”
KETOGENIC (“KETO”) DIET This diet emphasizes foods high in fat and protein. Carb intake is restricted to less than 20 grams per day (one slice of bread is equivalent to about 15 grams of carbs). The premise is that your body will burn fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy. Fat contains more calories than carbohydrates. “This diet may help you lose body fat as well as weight,” says Hagins. PROS: “The keto diet regulates appetite so that you feel full for longer,” says Hagins. “It leads to weight loss.” CONS: While the TIA HAGINS, RD
keto diet may be safe for healthy adults who want to lose weight quickly, it’s not sustainable because it’s so restrictive, says Hagins. “You have to limit your carb and dairy intake drastically,” she says. What’s more, people shouldn’t be on this diet without being monitored by their physician, says Hagins. “The body can go into ketosis—in which you use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates—and it can affect the kidneys,” she explains. “People with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease shouldn’t follow this diet.”
WEIGHT WATCHERS FREESTYLE This diet emphasizes low-fat foods and lean protein, as well as healthy lifestyle changes. “You can eat what you want,” says Hagins. Foods are assigned points, and you are given a certain number for each day based on your weight-loss goal. More than 200 foods—including beans, eggs and fish—have no points. Dieters are encouraged to track their food choices and follow them online. “Tracking food choices is a proven strategy for weight loss,” says Hagins. PROS: It works. “This is one of the most well-researched diets,” says Hagins. The emphasis on nutritious, low-calorie foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease. In addition, Weight Watchers encourages physical activity and social support through meetings. No foods are forbidden, and you don’t need to buy prepackaged foods. CONS: Membership isn’t free, and if you overeat a food with zero points, then you might consume too many calories.
7 KEY LIFESTYLE CHANGES Diets often lead to weight loss and gain (known as yo-yo dieting), which is unhealthy because it can strain your heart. “To lose weight and keep it off over the long term, you need to make lifestyle changes,” says Tia Hagins, RD, Community Nutritionist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset. Consider the following strategies for healthy weight loss: 1. Eat three meals per day with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for a personalized diet based on your age, sex, height, weight and activity level. 2. Include a lean source of protein at every meal to keep hunger in check. 3. Choose low-fat foods and limit added fats. Consume 1 percent or fat-free milk and dairy products. If you must add fats to foods, keep portion size in mind: 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of salad dressing, for instance. 4. Decrease or eliminate drinks that contain sugar. Aim to drink 64 ounces of water daily instead. 5. Avoid eating large amounts of food late in the day. Ideally, 30 percent of calories should come from breakfast, lunch and dinner each, and 10 percent should come from snacks. 6. Don’t skip meals because you’ll overeat later. 7. Avoid eating after 8 p.m.
HEALTHY SNACKING The following snacks are low in fat and calories: • 5 whole grain crackers and 1 ounce of low-fat cheese (135 calories, 4 grams of fat) • 2 four-inch rice cakes with 2 teaspoons peanut butter (125 calories, 6 grams of fat) • 3 cups low-fat popcorn and 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (135 calories, 3-5 grams of fat) • ¾ cup low-fat, plain yogurt, ½ cup fruit (150 calories, 0-2 grams of fat) • 1 apple and 1 ounce non-fat string cheese (125 calories, 3-5 grams of fat)
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John Donohue, a visually impaired volunteer at RWJUH Somerset, is using a new app that helps him find his way around the hospital.
HIGH-TECH HELP FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED RWJUH SOMERSET IS OFFERING A NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST PATIENTS AND VISITORS WITH SIGHT LOSS.
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ast summer, John Donohue, who has myopic degeneration—an eye condition that leads to vision loss—attended a conference for blind people in South Carolina, where he learned how to use a cane. During the meeting, the Somerville resident discovered a new technology called Aira, an app-based service that connects people with sight loss with remotely located agents who provide visual guidance. “I’d never heard of it,” says John, who worked in inance for 0 years and now volunteers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset twice a week. “I thought ‘IRA’ was a retirement account.”
IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE er John returned from the conference, he learned that RWJUH Somerset had become the first hospital in the nation to adopt the technology, which has been used by airports, grocery stores, parks and other businesses throughout the country. Through the camera on a smartphone, Aira agents can see a person’s surroundings and direct him or her to a particular destination. The service is available free of charge for patients and visitors at RWJUH Somerset. “We’re committed to eliminating barriers to healthcare and improving access for all members of our community,” says Anthony Cava, President and Chief Executive O cer
Patients and visitors must download the Aira app on their own phones. To learn more about how Aira works, visit www.aira.io.
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of RWJUH Somerset. “We are proud to be ira’s first hospital partner, ensuring that blind and low-vision members of our community can safely access our facility to get the care they need.” John was the first person to use the Aira technology at the hospital. “I use Siri to bring up the app on my phone, then I show the agent where I am and where I want to go,” he says. John’s role as a volunteer involves giving directions to patients who are looking for the hospital’s cafeteria, coffee shop or a classroom. “I save people time,” he says. When John first started volunteering at the hospital 10 years ago, his vision was better, so he had no trouble guiding patients. Now he hopes to continue doing so with the Aira technology. “I liken it to motorized wheelchairs for paraplegics,” he says. “It gives people with sight loss more freedom and independence.”
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HONORIN N T D OC TE A RWJUH SOMERSET PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE PAYS TRIBUTE TO A TRANSGENDER ACTIVIST.
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obert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s PROUD Center has a lot to be proud of. The center, which opened in 201 , is the irst provider of specialized primary care services for the T community in New Jersey. It offers hormone therapy and monitoring, HI care, referrals for specialty services and health education and counseling. Now it has another claim to fame: In October, it was renamed the abs Siperstein PROUD Center in memory of transgender activist arbra “ abs” Casbar Siperstein. “ s a trailblazer in the area of T health, we are excited to carry the name of another trailblazer,” says nthony Cava, President and Chief Executive O icer of RWJUH Somerset. “We will continue
abs’ legacy by providing a safe space where everyone can get the healthcare they need and is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
STANDING UP FOR TRANSGENDER RIGHTS Siperstein, who was well-known in New Jersey and nationally, supported a ban on conversion therapy (the attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity) and ending discrimination in healthcare. In 201 , shortly before her death, New Jersey passed legislation in her name allowing residents to change their gender on their birth certi icate without providing proof
From left to right: Barbra “Babs” Casbar Siperstein; Anthony Cava, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJUH Somerset, Babs’ partner, Dorothy Crouch, her daughter, Jan Siperstein-Szucs, and grandson help unveil the plaque dedicating the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center; and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Barry Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, and Cava.
of gender-con irming surgery. Siperstein was also the irst openly transgender member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). She served on the DNC’s executive committee from 2011 to 201 and was a superdelegate for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in 201 . Her in luence in the T community earned her the top ranking in Insider NJ’s OUT 100 Power ist in 201 . s the former vice president of arden State Equality and former political director for the ender Rights dvocacy ssociation of New Jersey, Siperstein led efforts to include transgender rights in legislation concerning anti-bullying, bias crimes, employment and housing. The Center’s renaming was celebrated on October 0 at the Palace at Somerset Park. New Jersey overnor Phil Murphy attended, as well as Siperstein’s family. The event was presented by arden State Equality, Sano i and Horizon lue Cross lue Shield of New Jersey.
The Babs Siperstein PROUD Center offers appointments Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 855.776.8334. For more information about the Center, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.
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Community Education
COMMUNITY C A L E N D A R
HealthHike Walking Program: Know Your Heart Numbers
Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes…A Bittersweet Reality
Understand ejection fraction, blood pressure and cholesterol; conditions linked to elevated numbers; diagnostic tools, such as an EKG, and when they’re appropriate; treatment options and strategies for lowering numbers. Alpesh A. Patel, MD, cardiologist Wednesday, February 5 10 to 11 a.m. AMC Theatres at Bridgewater Commons
Breakfast With the Cardiologist: Atrial Fibrillation and Arrhythmias…The Beat Goes On
Discover the difference between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and arrhythmia, signs and symptoms, causes, triggers for paroxysmal AFib, diagnostic tools and stateof-the-art treatments. A hearthealthy breakfast will be served. Oxana Ovakimyan, MD, cardiologist Tuesday, February 11 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bridgewater Marriott
Family & Friends CPR
The American Heart Association’s classroom course is intended for anyone who wants to learn CPR and prefers an instructor-led or facilitated group environment. This course is for those who don’t need a course completion card for a job or other requirements. Tuesday, February 18 10 to 11:30 a.m. Computer Training Room To register or for more information, please go to https://bit.ly/2Pg8W5N.
Understand peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes, including risk factors. Also covered: other diabetic complications, symptoms of silent heart attacks in patients with diabetes, causes, diagnostic procedures, treatment options and prevention strategies. A light breakfast will be served. Ankur Sethi, MD, cardiologist Rachana Singh, RD, CDE, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Wednesday, February 19 10 to 11:30 a.m. Somerville Elks
HealthHike Walking Program: Night Owls Hoot About Health Ailments
Discover the causes of sleeplessness; sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder; the risk factors associated with other medical and psychiatric disorders, such as hypertension, obesity and depression; diagnostic tools; treatments and strategies for getting a good night’s rest. A sleep assessment will be offered. Samer Gerges, RPSGT, CCSH (Certificate in Sleep Health), Supervisor of the Sleep Center Karen De Russo, BS, RPSGT, Manager of the Sleep Center Wednesday, March 4 10 to 11 a.m. AMC Theatres at Bridgewater Commons
Ongoing Programs Diabetes or Osteoporosis Exercise Programs
Call 908.203.5972 or visit www.somersetsportsperformance. com for more information or to register.
Maternal Child Health Classes
To register for Maternal Child Health Classes, please go to www.rwjbh.org/somerset/events or call 908.704.3766.
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Unless otherwise indicated, events are free and registration is required. To register or for more information, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/Somerset/events. Cancellations within two weeks of the program are nonrefundable under any circumstances.
Aerobics for the Mind: Medicating Memory... Pharmaceutical Considerations
A number of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can affect cognition. Understand which medications improve memory and which ones impair it; multiple-use drug combinations that affect memory; side effects of substances; the benefits and consequences of long-term use; and alternative remedies. Staff members will lead memorystrengthening activities. Andrew Tsai, pharmacist Oumou Diawara, pharmacist Thursday, March 19 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Somerville Elks, $10
Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training (BLAST!) This course provides children ages 11 and up with everything they need to know to care for younger kids, including tips on safety and first aid. Each student receives a two-year certification in Child and Babysitting Safety and a two-year certification in
Heartsaver AED (Adult Child Infant CPR, AED and First Aid). Saturday, March 21 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Computer Training Room, $65 (includes material and lunch) To register or for more information, visit https://bit. ly/2Pg8W5N.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Children face many stressors, from bullying and peer pressure to vaping and substance use. Understand how to help your children or youth. You’ll receive a five-step action plan for how to help young people struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, disruptive behavior disorders and eating disorders. Catherine Hoben, Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor Jamie Sutton, MA, SAC, NCC, School Counselor/Student Assistance Counselor Saturday, March 21 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fuld Auditorium Offered in collaboration with EmPoWER Somerset.
EAT YOUR HEART OUT WITH DRESSING ON THE SIDE: AN EVENING CELEBRATING CARDIAC WELLNESS
During this special evening to celebrate heart health, discover the risk factors for heart disease, causes, heart attack symptoms in women, diagnosis, treatments and behavior modifications, such as smoking cessation. Jaclyn London, MS, RD, head of nutrition and wellness at Weight Watchers and former nutrition director at Good Housekeeping magazine, will discuss the importance of a healthy diet in preventing heart disease and the steps you can take for better heart health. Participants will receive a copy of London’s book, Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11 Science-Based Ways to Eat More, Stress Less, and Feel Great About Your Body. A book signing will follow. Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, head of nutrition and wellness at Weight Watchers and best-selling nutritional author. Rachana Kulkarni, MD, cardiologist Tuesday, February 25, 5:30 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Bridgewater Manor, $20 (includes dinner and copy of her book)
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Belly Bloaters and Bottom Basics…Do Warning Signs of CRC Mimic IBS?
Understand the correlation between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer (CRC); signs and symptoms; risk factors; triggers; the best diet to minimize flare-ups; diagnostic tools and treatments. A high-fiber lunch will follow. Alan Gingold, MD, gastroenterologist Miral Sadaria Grandhi, MD, FACS, surgical oncologist Karen Connelly, RD, oncologic registered nutritionist Tuesday, March 24 12 to 2 p.m. Somerville Elks
HealthHike Walking Program: A Better Bladder… A Wee Bit of Wellness Understand the urinary tract’s function; common conditions, such as incontinence, overactive bladder, BPH and kidney stones; prevention tips; diagnostic tools and treatment options. Mary McHugh, MD, urologist Wednesday, April 1 10 to 11 a.m. AMC Theatres at Bridgewater Commons
AARP Driver Safety Program
Participants will learn techniques for preventing accidents and/or tickets. Certificates, which are awarded to participants, will entitle you to a reduction in your insurance
CARDIAC ATHLETIC SCREENING
A free cardiac screening is being offered to young athletes ages 14 to 18. This screening can help to identify kids who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Somerset Family Practice, free For an appointment, please call 908-685-2414.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
Wednesday, February 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tarantino Promenade at RWJ Somerset, free Pre-registration is not required.
BLOOD GLUCOSE AND CHOLESTEROL SCREENING
Includes total cholesterol, HDL, the ratio and glucose. Wednesday, February 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tarantino Promenade at RWJ Somerset, $15 Pre-registration is not required.
ORTHOPEDIC SCREENING
RWJUH Somerset orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and certified athletic trainers will be on hand to assess bone/joint pain, test strength and range of motion, and provide appropriate education and exercise recommendations. Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater Pre-registration is required. Call 908.685.2814.
THE “BE HEALTHY TOGETHER” FASHION SHOW: CELEBRATING WEIGHT LOSS AND WELLNESS
Enjoy a special evening celebrating people who lost significant weight through nonsurgical and surgical options and gained a healthier physique. To show off their new bodies, they will model the latest fashions from Macy’s Bridgewater. Learn about healthy weight, strategies for maintaining it, such as diet and exercise, and the health benefits. The first 100 registered participants will receive gift bags, which include coupons to mall vendors. They will also enjoy appetizers from local restaurants. David Ward, MD, bariatric surgeon Friday, April 24 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bridgewater Commons Mall Lower Level Court
premium. Breakfast and lunch will be included. Monday, April 20 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunrise Senior Living of Basking Ridge, $24 (non-members) and $20 (members)
On the Hinge of a Total Ankle Replacement… Understand the injuries that affect the ankle; strategies for
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY SEMINAR
Have you been unsuccessful at keeping the weight off? Weight-loss surgery may be the right choice for you. How do you know if you qualify and which procedure is your best option? Join bariatric surgeons at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset for free seminars to learn about your weight-loss surgery options, including detailed information about gastric banding, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures.
Webinars
a healthy joint; the role arthritis plays in joint deterioration; diagnostic tools and the latest treatments for joint pain, such as arthroplasty and total ankle replacement. A light lunch will be offered. Justin Fleming, DPM, podiatrist Thursday, April 23 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Somerville Elks
• Tuesdays: March 17 (Ajay Goyal, MD), 6:30 to 8 p.m., Steeplechase Cancer Center, First Floor Conference Room • Thursdays: February 20 and April 16 (David Ward, MD), 6:30 to 8 p.m., Somerset Bariatric Metabolic Center, Bridgewater For more information or to register, please call 888.724.7123.
BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
For anyone considering bariatric surgery, pre-op and post-op. Tuesdays: February 25, March 24 and April 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Steeplechase Cancer Center
Offered in collaboration with Friends’ Health Connection.
CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS…CLOSE TO ONE’S HEART?
ENDOMETRIOSIS: UNCOVERING A WOMAN’S UNDERLYING ISSUES
PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A CHANGE OF HEART OR LUNG?
THE INDIAN MEDICAL PROGRAM: MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE ASIAN COMMUNITY
Discover the four types of cardiovascular disease, behaviors that increase risks, symptoms, the causes of each cardiac condition, the difference between heart and cardiovascular disease, the correlation with stroke, diagnostic tools, advanced treatments and strategies for improving health. Prevention strategies will be discussed. Ranjita Sengupta, MD, cardiologist Friday, February 7, 12 to 12:30 p.m. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/y467ot3c.
Understand the link between your heart and lungs, pulmonary hypertension (PH), the types of PH, the normal pulmonary artery pressure range, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments and prevention strategies. George Poiani, MD, pulmonologist Monday, February 10, 12 to 12:30 p.m. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/y4g8jwlh.
Understand endometriosis, your risks, the signs, where it occurs, causes, levels of progression, the ability to conceive with the condition, diagnosis and treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Margaret Andrin, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist Wednesday, March 11, 12 to 12:30 p.m. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/y5vmt62m.
Understand health disparities in the Asian community, how their needs differ from those of other patients, barriers to care and services this new medical program provides. Shisha Patel, Program Coordinator Wednesday, April 15, 12 to 12:30 p.m. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/y69hpyl6.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
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COMMUNITY C A L E N D A R
Community Health Screenings
Offered in collaboration with the Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Morris/Somerset Counties.
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NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lebanon Junction, KY
PERMIT #799
110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Ranked one of the Top Hospitals in New Jersey and the New York Metro Region Rated “High Performing” in Orthopedics, Congestive Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Hip Replacement
rwjbh.org/somerset
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