A New Future - Bitly

JULY | AUGUST 2018 HACKENSACKMERIDIANHEALTH.ORG

HEALTHVIEWS A New Future Revolutionary treatment is life-changing for New Milford woman and her family.

PLUS Thanks to Robotic Surgery, Metuchen Man Beats Cancer Set Your ‘Gameplan’ for Orthopedic Health 8 Ways for Women to Live Healthier Lives

I N N O VAT I O N S P O T L I G H T Innovation is a hot buzzword in health care. But what does it mean when you’re choosing where to get care? See page 18.

WELCOME READERS! HERE’S A MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

Message to the Community

HEALTHVIEWS Gordon N. Litwin, Esq. CO-CHAIR

Joseph Simunovich CO-CHAIR

Robert C. Garrett, FACHE CO-CEO

John K. Lloyd, FACHE CO-CEO

Cathy Ainora INTERIM PRESIDENT HOSPITAL SERVICES DIVISION

Sharad Sahu, M.D. MEDICAL ADVISOR

Michael McCauley, Marisa Tranchina, Jacki Kronstedt HEALTHVIEWS PRODUCTION TEAM

This free magazine is prepared by the Marketing and Communications Team of Hackensack Meridian Health. Please call 848-888-4700 with any questions or comments. Inquiries or ideas can be addressed to healthviews@ hackensackmeridian.org.

© 2018 Hackensack Meridian Health The material provided in this magazine is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

COOP GET THE S s you

ng eNews bri My Health pics to e th s on health new d monthly e, delivere you choos p at u box. Sign rg/ to your in nHealth.o ia d ckMeri Hackensa eNews. MyHealth

We’re training the physicians of tomorrow. On May 30, we celebrated the opening of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Phil Murphy and other elected officials. This event marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Hackensack Meridian Health, and the incoming medical students. Under the leadership of Dean Bonita Stanton, M.D., the school, which is the only private medical school in New Jersey, will train physicians to deliver the highest-quality care to all patients. The overarching goal is to improve outcomes and reduce

A Whole New State of Health Care Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Co-CEO

disparities, improving health care — and quality of life — for our state. More than 2,000 prospective students applied, and we are thrilled to welcome the 60 who were selected as they begin classes in July. Together, we will work toward the school’s bold vision and create the future of health care.

A Whole New State of Health Care Learn more about the Hackensack Meridian School To learn more: of Medicine at Seton Hall University Like. Follow. Subscribe. Whole New atA SHU.edu/Medicine. State of Health Care

GET EDUCATED

To learn more: @HackensackMeridianHealth Like. Follow. Subscribe. John K. Lloyd, FACHE, Co-CEO

To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe. @HackensackMeridianHealth @HMHNewJersey

SYNCED UP WITH YOUR LIFE Follow us on social media to find health tips, physician blog posts, recipe videos and much more!

2

@HackensackMeridianHealth @HackensackMeridianHealth

@HMHNewJersey @HMHNewJersey

@HMHNewJersey @HMHNewJersey

Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JULY | AUGUST 2018

@HMHNewJersey

@HMHNewJersey Hackensack Meridian Health

Metuchen resident Joseph Molinaro beats prostate cancer, thanks to robot-assisted surgery.

Contents Snapshots

Get the latest health news on a wide range of topics — everything from hip replacement to health screenings to nutrition........................................................ 4

Success Stories

12

A Whole New State of Health Care A Whole New State of Health Care To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe.

To learn more: Like. Follow. Subscribe.

Life-Changing Medicine...............................6 Ready for Anything........................................8 Beating Botulism.............................................9 Living a Full, Active Life.............................10 A Game Changer........................................... 12 Best of the Best............................................... 14 Exercise Is Medicine..................................... 16 Reaching Success........................................... 17 Against All Odds.......................................... 20 The Joy of Giving.......................................... 30

Events Calendar

Community health programs, fun events and support groups around the region for adults and children ................. 22

Innovation Health @HackensackMeridianHealth

Leaders in Innovation: Constantly Striving to Advance Patient Care............18

Health and Wellness

@HackensackMeridianHealth

@HMHNewJersey

We’re helping the best golfers in the world stay healthy. Learn how our Gameplan for @HMHNewJersey Health can help you!

@HMHNewJersey

26

@HMHNewJersey

Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack MeridianHealth Health Hackensack Meridian

HackensackMeridian MeridianHealth Health Hackensack


Or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org

Set Your ‘Gameplan’ for Orthopedic Health........................................26 8 Ways for Women to Live Healthier Lives.....................................28 6 Ways to Eat Well on Vacation................31

Or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org

HackensackMeridianHealth.org

3

Snapsh ts Climb stairs to lower blood pressure and increase muscle strength Looking for an exercise you can do almost anywhere? Not only is stair-climbing accessible, it can also lower blood pressure and increase muscle strength, according to a new study. The study, published in Menopause, followed postmenopausal women who had high blood pressure. The women were divided into two groups: Half participated in a 12-week stair-climbing regimen and half did not exercise. Those in the exercise group climbed 192 stairs two to five times a day, four days a week. After 12 weeks, those in the stairclimbing group had decreased blood pressure and increased leg strength, while those in the nonexercise group saw no changes. “This study underscores the importance of getting exercise to reduce blood pressure and increase strength at all stages of life,” says board certified cardiologist Mahmood Alam, M.D., with Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy.

Healthy Hearts Learn signs and symptoms of heart disease and lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk. Find event details on page 22! 4


High-intensity exercise may benefit those with Parkinson’s

Hits to the head, not just concussions, may cause CTE Athletes and others who sustain repeated blows to the head, even without concussion, may be at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a new study. CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause cognitive problems, personality changes and the death of brain cells. Published in the journal Brain, the study looked at the postmortem brains of teenage athletes who had experienced recent head injuries. Researchers also performed mouse studies that recreated the types of hits sustained during sports-related injuries. They found that CTE could develop after repeated hits to the head, without the presence of concussion. “This study shows that we need to look at reducing overall head impact, rather than just focusing on concussions,” says child neurologist and concussion expert Felicia Gliksman, D.O., MPH, a pediatric neurologist at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, and The Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center.

A new study found that a high-intensity workout four times a week may prevent Parkinson’s disease symptoms from worsening. The study involved 128 men and women with early-stage Parkinson’s. None of the participants were taking medication for their disease. One group was assigned to a high-intensity treadmill regimen four times a week, while another group exercised at moderate intensity. A third group did not exercise. After six months, those in the high-intensity group had less progression of symptoms than those in the two other groups. “This study shows that exercise may be one way to reduce the progression of Parkinson’s, but more studies are needed to learn what type of exercise offers the most benefit,” says Roger Rossi, D.O., professor of physiatry and director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders programs at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

JOIN US TO FIGHT PARKINSON’S! Join the Parkinson’s Foundation and presenting sponsor JFK Medical Center at the inaugural Moving Day® New Jersey on Saturday, September 29. Learn about joining a team, donating or becoming a sponsor at MovingDayNewJersey.org.

Breastfeeding may reduce high blood pressure risk Breastfeeding more children for longer amounts of time may help reduce a woman’s risk for high blood pressure after menopause, according to a recent study. The study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, looked at the health records of more than 3,100 nonsmoking Korean women ages 50 and older. Investigators found that the women who breastfed between five and 11 children

had about a 50 percent lower risk for high blood pressure than those who breastfed no children or one child. For each child breastfed, there was a 10 percent reduction in high blood pressure risk and a 4 percent reduction for each additional year of breastfeeding. “These findings show that breastfeeding has health benefits for mothers as well as for babies,” says Karishma Anik, D.O., a board certified OB/GYN at Palisades Medical Center.

HAVE A BERRY DELICIOUS SUMMER! Get Fit on the Go this summer by reaping all the nutritional benefits of fresh summer berries. Berries are brimming with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate and antioxidants. They can be tossed into salads, piled onto oatmeal, blended into smoothies or snacked on straight from the fridge.


5

Hackensack University Medical Center

LIFE-CHANGING MEDICINE

Revolutionary approach to fibroid treatment transforms the future of a New Milford woman and her family.

A

BUSY MOTHER OF THREE, MaryBeth Stancato, 36, didn’t think much about it when she began experiencing frequent, long and heavy periods. She brushed off the symptoms, attributing them to changing hormones or fatigue. But the problem continued to get worse, until, one night, unable to stop the bleeding, MaryBeth collapsed in the shower from blood loss. “I was so embarrassed. I had to wear both a pad and super tampon during my period. I was always worried that I might have an accident and have to change my clothes,” recalls MaryBeth. “Women talk about so many things, but we rarely talk about these kinds of problems. I just didn’t realize that what I was going through was so abnormal.” MaryBeth’s husband called 911, and she was rushed to the Emergency Department at Hackensack University Medical Center. After receiving a blood transfusion, MaryBeth learned she had a large benign tumor called a fibroid growing on her cervix. Cervical fibroids are known to cause excessive vaginal bleeding and infertility problems, including miscarriage and blockage of the birth canal. Without treatment, the bleeding from MaryBeth’s fibroid could have been life-threatening. SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS MaryBeth was referred by the Emergency Department to her OB/GYN, Robin Levat, M.D., who is affiliated with Hackensack. Dr. Levat explained that cervical fibroids like MaryBeth’s are extremely rare, constituting about 5 percent of all fibroids. Typically, fibroids grow in the body of the uterus, where they are more easily treated. Cervical fibroids are notoriously difficult to treat conservatively, and, in some cases, a total hysterectomy is necessary to treat a bleeding cervical fibroid. However, a total hysterectomy is associated with fertility loss. “The news that I would possibly need a hysterectomy was absolutely crushing. We already had three beautiful children but weren’t sure if our family was complete. To have that decision taken away was something I couldn’t imagine,” recalls MaryBeth. Dr. Levat referred MaryBeth to John DeMeritt, M.D., an interventional radiologist with Hackensack and an expert in vascular embolization procedures. “Because of its location, there is limited surgical access to a cervical fibroid with a significant risk of injuring surrounding structures, such as the bladder, rectum or ureters,” explains Dr. DeMeritt. “Traditional uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for women with uterine fibroids. However, it almost never works for cervical fibroids.”

6


UAE helps shrink uterine fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. This is achieved by threading a small catheter into the main uterine artery from the leg and placing specially designed medical particles or beads directly into the feeding artery. GROUNDBREAKING TREATMENT With careful planning, Dr. DeMeritt developed an innovative approach to treat MaryBeth’s fibroid. He worked with a

MINIMALLY INVASIVE OPTIONS To learn more about what happens during an interventional radiology procedure, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ Radiology.

microcatheter and significantly smaller particles or beads than are traditionally used for UAE. He also used cone beam CT imaging to safely ensure that the particles would be delivered just to the cervix. The goal of the procedure was to selectively block blood supply to the cervical fibroid while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, including the remainder of the uterus and the vagina. “The procedure was devised based on my expertise with microcatheter techniques used for a relatively new procedure called prostate artery embolization, used to shrink enlarged prostates in men,” says Dr. DeMeritt. “By applying this experience, we selectively catheterized and blocked the very small arteries that directly supply the cervix with tiny particles. In essence, we tailored the treatment to MaryBeth’s unique needs.” The procedure Dr. DeMeritt performed on MaryBeth at Hackensack was only the second of its kind reported in the worldwide

John DeMeritt, M.D. Board certified in Diagnostic Radiology

Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355)

ENJOYING QUIET TIME

MaryBeth and Joseph Stancato enjoy some time with their 1-year-old, Francesco, before his three older siblings roll in with their activities and homework.

medical literature, and the first with a subsequent conception and successful pregnancy. MaryBeth’s bleeding stopped immediately after the procedure, and she went home after one night in the hospital. MRI imaging of the fibroid three months later showed it had shrunk a whopping 91 percent — a clear success. A NEW BEGINNING Not only did the treatment stop MaryBeth’s symptoms and prevent blood loss, it also preserved her fertility. About three months after surgery, MaryBeth learned she was pregnant with her fourth child. And after an uncomplicated pregnancy, she delivered a healthy baby boy vaginally. “I have great respect for Dr. DeMeritt and the Hackensack staff for their dedication to providing innovative care to their patients and helping improve their quality of life,” says MaryBeth. “Without Dr. DeMeritt and his expertise, we wouldn’t have our son, and for that I’m forever grateful.”


7

Hackensack University Medical Center

READY FOR ANYTHING Advanced approach to hip replacement keeps Secaucus woman moving. EBRA MEDINA, 62, WAS always on the move. For the past 35 years, she worked in the city, walked miles each day and enjoyed hiking in her free time. So when Debra developed knee pain, physical therapy kept her from slowing down at first. But the problem continued to get worse. Walking with a limp and in constant pain, Debra sought extra help and learned the source of the problem was her hip. “I had severe arthritis. The hip joint was completely worn of cartilage,” says Debra. “I knew I needed a hip replacement but didn’t want the long recovery of surgery.” Debra searched the internet for the latest techniques in hip replacement and learned about the anterior approach. This advanced technique involves approaching surgery from the front of the hip instead of the back, which results in a host of patient benefits. The approach isn’t new, but it is somewhat rare due to the complexity and technical difficulty of the surgery.

D

Curtis Campbell, M.D. Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery


HOME STYLE

In addition to taking long daily walks, Debra Medina loves to rearrange and redecorate the rooms of her Secaucus home.

LESS INVASIVE SURGERY Through her search, Debra was happy to find Curtis Campbell, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Hackensack University Medical Center who has performed hundreds of hip replacement surgeries using the anterior approach. “The anterior approach is a muscle-sparing technique that is less invasive and easier on the patient,” explains Dr. Campbell. “Instead of cutting muscle, which is necessary in traditional surgery, I’m able to work between muscles in the front of the hip, using the natural plane of the body. The result is a more stable hip with less risk of dislocation.” Patients who have anterior hip replacement also have less pain and fewer limitations after surgery, which leads to a quicker recovery. ACCURACY MATTERS Dr. Campbell performs total hip replacements using a special table that helps position the hip for an anterior approach. He also uses intraoperative X-ray imaging. “The ability to take X-rays during this type of surgery allows me to identify and make small adjustments throughout the operation,” says Dr. Campbell. “This leads to a more precise fit, which means less wear and tear on the joint, improved patient comfort and increased stability.” NOT LOOKING BACK Debra underwent anterior hip replacement surgery with Dr. Campbell at Hackensack last year. She was home two days later, never took pain medication and, after just four at-home visits with Hackensack physical therapists, was walking a mile daily without assistance. Today, Debra is as active as ever. She no longer has a limp. And in addition to walking, her fitness routine includes light weights and 75 squats each day. “Dr. Campbell put me at such ease and did an amazing job,” says Debra. “Since surgery, I’m sleeping well, no longer in pain and have no limitations. Soon after surgery, I was wearing a bikini on vacation and dancing with my husband. I would recommend Dr. Campbell to anyone.”

EXPERTS IN JOINT REPLACEMENT Our orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, and specially trained registered nurses and therapists provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in joint care. To see what our team specializes in, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/JointCare.

8


Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital

ON THE HUDSON

Hatice Ucar and Murat Mutlu enjoy living near the water and taking their daughter, Ala, for walks in her stroller.

According to Dr. Percy, if treatment is delayed, it can possibly lead to paralysis and the need to be placed on a ventilator.

BEATING BOTULISM Quick treatment restores the health of Jersey City infant. By Brianna McCabe FTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH THE FLU by her pediatrician, 6½-month-old Ala was progressively falling more ill. Ala’s stalled bowel movements, dehydration, poor eating, sporadic vomiting and lack of energy spurred her parents, Hatice Kubra Ucar and Murat Mutlu, to rush her to the Pediatric Emergency Department at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. Stephen Percy, M.D., interim chair of The Children’s Hospital, saw that Ala was failing to breathe comfortably, open her eyes or keep her head up without leaning to the side. He transferred her to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for closer monitoring. “It was as if Ala was losing control of her muscles,” says Murat. “First she couldn’t swallow, then she couldn’t move her arms and then she lost movement in her legs. It was frightening.” After ordering multiple tests and assessing the baby’s symptoms over the two days that followed, Dr. Percy diagnosed Ala with infant botulism.

A

A RARE ILLNESS Botulism affects about 100 infants a year in the U.S. and is developed when Clostridium botulinum spores, which are found in soil or honey products, are ingested and produce toxins within the body. Botulism blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles. “Essentially, it is like a telephone system: If a wire goes down, a person’s phone will work, but calls just won’t come through,” Dr. Percy says. “In Ala’s case, her brain was sending signals, but her muscles weren’t responding.”

Stephen Percy, M.D. SEAMLESS CARE Board certified in In the PICU, Rachel Lewis, Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine M.D., a board certified Hackensack pediatrician specializing in 1-855-424-WELL (9355) critical care, proceeded with Ala’s treatment. “I requested antitoxin be immediately delivered to the hospital in order to begin treatment as soon as possible,” explains Dr. Lewis. Rachel Lewis, M.D. Within 24 hours, the drug was received and administered Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric intravenously. Over the next Critical Care Medicine few days, the care team noticed Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355) significant improvements in Ala’s ability to use her muscles. “The expert team approach at Hackensack Meridian Health allowed me to work with skilled neurologists, pediatricians, critical care specialists and infectious disease specialists to develop a comprehensive care plan, obtain out-of-state medication and help Ala fully recover,” says Dr. Lewis. “There truly weren’t any roadblocks.” After spending 15 days at the hospital and undergoing 10 days of inpatient physical therapy at a facility in New Brunswick, Ala was finally able to return home. “We felt extremely comfortable at the hospital,” says Hatice. “We were able to be there for Ala throughout her entire stay.” “The staff really paid attention to our daughter,” reflects Murat. “There were a lot of resources available, which allowed Ala to regain her health and recover.”

CRITICAL CARE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital treats children from the newborn period up to age 22 in a family-centered care setting. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/PICU to learn more.


9

GIVING BACK

Ana Galan, 71, enjoys helping the community. She has served with the Amor y Verdad Rebekah Lodge for 26 years and is pictured here holding an award she received for her outstanding term as Noble Grande.

10 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JULY | AUGUST 2018

Palisades Medical Center

LIVING A FULL, ACTIVE LIFE

After beating kidney cancer, one Union City woman is grateful to receive thorough and compassionate ongoing care. N 2013, ANA GALAN, NOW 71, started noticing some unusual symptoms. The Union City resident wasn’t able to urinate during the day but was going frequently at night. Her primary care physician at the time sent her for a CT scan, which detected a cyst on her right kidney. He told her not to worry about it and to do a repeat scan in six months. “My son wasn’t happy with the physician’s recommendation and urged me to see his doctor,” she says. So Ana made an appointment with Francisco Gonzalez, M.D., a primary care physician at Palisades Medical Center. Dr. Gonzalez reviewed the scans. “I didn’t like the appearance of the cyst, so I wanted to make sure we took a closer look,” he says. Dr. Gonzalez referred Ana to John Kerns, M.D., a urologist at Palisades. Dr. Kerns ordered another CT scan, which enabled them to visualize the lesion in more detail. The results showed the cyst was suspicious for cancer, so he recommended Ana undergo a biopsy. The biopsy revealed she had cancer. “I was shocked,” she says. “I never expected to hear the words You have cancer.” Ultimately, Ana underwent a complete nephrectomy, having her right kidney removed. The cancer hadn’t spread beyond the kidney, so she didn’t require any additional treatment.

I

ONGOING CARE TO STAY WELL Since 2013, Ana has received ongoing care from Dr. Gonzalez and Stephen Thomsen, M.D., a nephrologist at Palisades. She visits Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Thomsen every three months, and the physicians are in close communication about Ana’s care. “For a patient like Ana, close follow-up is essential,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “Given the fact that she has only one kidney, we want to do everything we can to prevent further deterioration of her kidney function.” Dr. Gonzalez works closely with Ana to provide

preventive care. He makes sure her blood pressure and cholesterol levels are well-controlled and that she doesn’t develop diabetes, which can damage her kidney. In addition, whenever Ana needs to take a new medication, she always discusses it with Dr. Gonzalez first. For example, she has to take medicine to treat severe knee osteoarthritis, but the dose she takes is limited because she has only one kidney to filter it. Dr. Gonzalez always safely guides Ana through managing her medications and routinely checks her kidney function to ensure she stays well.

Francisco Gonzalez, M.D. Union City 201-854-5213

‘I WOULDN’T GO ANYWHERE ELSE’ Thanks to the care that Dr. Gonzalez and other physicians have provided along the way, Ana is able to lead a busy and active life. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, is very involved in her community and travels. “No words can adequately describe the gratitude I feel for Dr. Gonzalez or his kindness or compassion,” Ana says. “I’m also so grateful for the care and attention I’ve received at Palisades. They treat me like family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

STORIES OF SURVIVAL Learn about our superior clinical care and personalized cancer services, and find more inspirational stories at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Cancer.

HackensackMeridianHealth.org 11

JFK Medical Center

A GAME CHANGER A Metuchen man beats prostate cancer, thanks to robot-assisted surgery.

W

HEN JOSEPH MOLINARO turned 65, the cost of his life insurance increased. It had been getting more expensive over the years as he got older, so he started shopping around for a different insurance company. In testing him for a policy, his new company discovered that he had high PSA levels. They asked him to get retested and see a urologist if the results were still high. He didn’t know exactly what a “PSA level” meant, but the results were indeed still high. PSA — prostate-specific antigen — is a protein created by the prostate gland. Levels are often elevated in men with prostate cancer. To find out whether his PSA test results were a cause for concern, Joseph met with Michael Lasser, M.D., a urologist and the medical director of Robotic Surgery at JFK Medical Center. After a rectal exam and biopsy, Dr. Lasser confirmed that Joseph had prostate cancer. SELECTING SURGERY Even though prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men, it is still commonly misunderstood. The prostate is a male reproductive organ between the bladder and penis. It also surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. “I didn’t think too much of getting up two or three times during the night to urinate,” Joseph says. “I just figured my problems were from age.” There are usually a number of treatment options for prostate cancer. They can include active surveillance (monitoring closely to see what happens), radiation and surgery. Joseph considered radiation but ultimately decided on surgery — he didn’t want to look back in 10 years’ time and regret not having it done when he was younger. Joseph decided on robotic surgery, and his procedure was performed by Dr. Lasser in April 2016 at JFK.


Michael S. Lasser, M.D. Board certified in Urology Edison 1-888-453-5362

William Oser, M.D., J.D. Board certified in Internal Medicine Edison 1-888-453-5362

“Robotic technology allows surgeons to manipulate stitches and instruments as if we’re using our own hands — but through very small incisions,” Dr. Lasser says. “Robotic surgery helps us perform more complex procedures with a potential for patients to have less pain, smaller incisions, less blood loss, improved outcomes and a shorter time to get back to normal, which is something patients appreciate.” After surgery, Joseph spent one night in the hospital before returning home. THE NEXT GENERATION “Thanks to robotics, I had five little incisions that have almost disappeared,” Joseph says. “You can hardly see them.” When some people think of robot-assisted surgery, they might worry that technology has taken over. That’s not the case, though. “We control the robot completely,” Dr. Lasser says. “It does nothing unless the surgeon tells it to do something.” Nationwide, the continence rate — that is, the ability to control urine flow — is approximately 95 percent a year after prostate surgery. At JFK, the rates are even better, with continence often occurring much sooner than a year after surgery. “We’ve had great experience with robotic surgery for prostate surgery,” Dr. Lasser says. “In general, it’s very well-tolerated.” “The robot represents the next generation,” says William Oser, M.D., J.D.,

DOWNTIME

Joseph Molinaro likes relaxing, working on his hot rods and spending time with his family.

chief medical officer and senior vice president for Medical Affairs at JFK. “It presents the ability to perform very delicate procedures with less cutting. It’s not the answer for everything, but for some procedures, it’s been a game changer in terms of the patient’s experience, recovery time and time spent in the hospital.” Besides prostate surgery, robotic surgery is used in treating multiple urologic diseases and in gynecologic surgery, general surgery, colon and rectal surgeries, certain lung procedures, and weight loss surgeries. Previously, many men in New Jersey with prostate cancer left the state to get treatment. Today, that’s no longer the case, thanks to robots — a fact that Dr. Oser is particularly proud of. “You don’t have to go far to get care,” he says.

“You can stay in your community and get cutting-edge surgical care right in your own backyard.” That was certainly the case for Joseph. “I made a wise move by choosing Dr. Lasser for surgery,” he says. “I had complete confidence with him, and that’s what you need.”

HIGH-TECH OPTIONS CLOSE TO HOME To find out more about robotic surgery, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Robotic.


John Theurer Cancer Center

BEST OF THE BEST A team of experts helps Bergen County man overcome late-stage esophageal cancer.

AMES TRAVISANO DIDN’T FEEL ILL, but the 58-year-old knew something wasn’t right when he dropped 80 pounds from his 300-pound frame in less than two months. During that time, James couldn’t keep down certain foods. “I didn’t have any symptoms or pain, but something was off,” recalls James. “I’m fortunate that I didn’t wait any longer to see a doctor.” James saw a gastroenterologist who referred him to Rosario Ligresti, M.D., chief of Gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr. Ligresti performed an endoscopic ultrasound to examine James’ digestive tract. The test revealed that he had stage 3 esophageal cancer. “Only about 17,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with esophageal cancer each year, most with stage 4 cancer,” explains Nabil Rizk, M.D., chief of Thoracic Surgery at Hackensack and co-director of Thoracic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Hackensack. “Cancer of the esophagus is difficult to detect because there are no screening tests. Patients typically don’t know there’s a problem until late stages, when they begin experiencing symptoms like difficulty swallowing.”

J

ORCHESTRATED CANCER CARE James was referred to Andrew Jennis, M.D., a medical oncologist and co-chief of Gastroenterology Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center. Dr. Jennis coordinated James’ care, bringing together a team of experts in esophageal cancer. “As the largest and most comprehensive cancer program in New Jersey, we offer highly specialized care,” explains Dr. Jennis. “Effectively treating esophageal cancer requires a well-orchestrated, well-timed and wellexecuted plan. Our team consists of true experts in esophageal cancer, and we worked together to provide James just that.” Dr. Jennis worked with Dr. Rizk and Anthony Ingenito, M.D., chief of Radiation Oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center, to collaborate on James’ care. They planned to shrink James’ tumor with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation and then remove the diseased portion of the esophagus. “James’ cancer was unusually complex because of the size and location of the tumor,” explains Dr. Jennis. “The tumor was large and located high in the esophagus, close to the airway. For the best outcomes, it was important to reduce the cancer before surgery.” 14 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JULY | AUGUST 2018

Nabil Rizk, M.D. Board certified in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery


Andrew Jennis, M.D. Board certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology


PROVIDING THE BEST PATIENT OUTCOMES MAN’S BEST FRIEND

James Travisano’s dog, Kingley, is always by his side. He credits both his wife and his dog for saving his life.

John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Hackensack University Medical Center, offers the most current and state-of-the-art treatment options for every patient who comes to us with a diagnosis of cancer. Watch a video to see Dr. Rizk explain what thoracic surgeons do at HackensackUMC.org/ ThoracicSurgery.

For five weeks, James received chemotherapy from Dr. Jennis once a week. He also had radiation therapy five days a week with Dr. Ingenito. When treatment was complete, imaging tests revealed the size of the tumor had shrunk considerably and evidence of the cancer affecting surrounding tissues was lower. UNMATCHED EXPERTISE Following radiation and chemotherapy, James had surgery with Dr. Rizk at Hackensack. Surgical treatment for esophageal cancer — called an esophagectomy — involves removing the diseased portion of the esophagus and connecting the stomach to the remaining esophagus. Because James’ tumor was located so high, Dr. Rizk needed to remove most of his esophagus. “A few thousand esophagectomies are performed in the U.S. each year. It is a very challenging surgery, and James’ case was particularly complicated,” explains Dr. Rizk. “I had to use about 80 percent of James’ stomach and rebuild it into a tube to act as his esophagus.” Thankfully, Dr. Rizk is among the most experienced surgeons in the U.S. in treating esophageal cancer and has led numerous research studies to advance treatment of the cancer. “Each surgery is unique and tailored to the specific aspects of each tumor,” says Dr. Rizk. NEW HOPE Today, two years after treatment, James sleeps in an elevated position and eats smaller meals to account for his changed anatomy. But he is able to do anything he could do before his diagnosis. James has no trouble swallowing or talking. He goes to work each day. And most important, he doesn’t have any signs of cancer. “I thank God I survived. I’m so fortunate to have found an experienced team of doctors,” says James. “Throughout everything, they focused on giving me the best quality of life. I feel great.” HackensackMeridianHealth.org 15

JFK Medical Center

EXERCISE IS MEDICINE Plainfield man with Parkinson’s disease is thriving today thanks to exercise, Rock Steady Boxing and his care team. IX YEARS AGO, AT AGE 63, John Kolaya, a member of the JFK Health Board of Directors, noticed a slight shaking in his left hand and slowly began losing his ability to write or print clearly. John met with movement disorders specialist Philip Hanna, M.D., a neurologist at the JFK Neuroscience Institute, who diagnosed him with early Parkinson’s disease (PD). A DaTscan of the brain performed at JFK corroborated the findings of parkinsonism. Dr. Hanna is part of a team that treats all forms of movement disorders, and deep brain stimulation is one of the therapies the team uses. Medication helped John, and he learned that intense exercise could actually slow down the natural progression of PD. John ramped up his kayaking, weight training, spinning, yoga and Pilates, keeping his symptoms in check for more than three years. Then, new symptoms began to surface. His speech became softer, and he began to struggle with memory and word retrieval.

S

THROWN A CURVEBALL Nothing could have prepared John for what happened next. “My wife of 44 years was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and given two years to live,” John continues. “I fell apart emotionally and physically, and retired to take care of her.” Shortly after he lost his wife, John’s mother passed away as well. He knew it was time to start exercising again and caring for himself. He began Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) classes and discovered he could exert power over his diagnosis. He started taking the class a few times a week, added Pilates and engaged in physical therapy at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute for three months with physical therapist Jennifer Lazaro, PT, DPT. His strength, balance and flexibility dramatically improved. REMARKABLE PROGRESS “In my case, improvement is an understatement,” says John. “In less than four months, I have experienced more than a 20 percent increase in my motor functions.” 16 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JULY | AUGUST 2018

“John, who was on medication, has now been off all medication for PD due to his excellent response to his current exercise regimen, including Rock Steady Boxing,” explains Dr. Hanna. “John is a great inspiration and serves as a role model for patients by demonstrating great fortitude and untiring determination to improve the quality of life for those with PD.” Noncontact RSB empowers people of any age with PD to focus on overall fitness, strength, reaction time and balance. The result is usually improvement in a disease medically known as progressively degenerative. John earned his RSB Training Certification, along with Lauren Karpinski, an exercise physiologist, and Dana Abel, PT, DPT, at JFK Johnson. Lauren and Dana both lead the newly formed RSB classes at the JFK for Life Health & Fitness Center. “Turning a negative into a positive is a critical part of learning how to deal with what life throws our way,” says John. “Rock Steady Boxing has transformed my life from that of a frightened patient to a confident coach and boxer, where I have the opportunity to teach my current mantra, ‘Exercise is my medicine,’ to others in our Parkinson’s community. I am rock steady!”

ROCK STEADY

John Kolaya pictured with Dana Abel, PT, DPT, one of the coaches of the newly formed Rock Steady Boxing Program at the JFK for Life Health & Fitness Center.

Philip Hanna, M.D. Board certified in Neurology Edison 1-888-453-5362

SAVE THE DATE! Join the Parkinson’s Foundation and presenting sponsor JFK Medical Center at the inaugural Moving Day® New Jersey, Saturday, September 29. Learn more about joining a team, donating or becoming a sponsor at MovingDayNewJersey.org.

Raritan Bay Medical Center

REACHING SUCCESS Shoulder replacement surgery makes life better and easier for a Woodbridge woman. ONNIE PLASNER’S SHOULDER arthritis had gotten so bad that she couldn’t lift her arms above her waist. That made just about everything hard. “Dressing was extremely difficult. I couldn’t do my hair, and I had to stop wearing makeup,” says the Woodbridge resident. “I couldn’t lift things out of the oven, so I used the toaster or microwave.”

R

DOING HER HOMEWORK Ronnie researched orthopedic programs online and was looking into a medical center 30 miles away when her internist, Lauren Maza, M.D., affiliated with Raritan Bay Medical Center, recommended Michael Lu, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon who is part of the Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay. Dr. Lu is fellowship trained in shoulder and elbow surgery. Ronnie was impressed by Dr. Lu’s credentials and made an appointment to see him. Dr. Lu prescribed physical therapy and tried cortisone injections to relieve Ronnie’s shoulder pain and inflammation, but these treatments weren’t enough for Ronnie’s severe arthritis. Dr. Lu then recommended shoulder replacement surgery. “Dr. Lu was very forthcoming,” Ronnie says. “He answered all my questions, and he explained things with models of the shoulder joint. He told me exactly what to expect with the surgery and recovery. I liked everything about him.” Ronnie knew that ultimately she needed both shoulders replaced. Because she is right-handed, she asked Dr. Lu to replace her right shoulder first. “I knew it would be a more challenging recovery, but I figured that once I healed and could use that arm again, I’d at least be able to function.”

Michael T. Lu, M.D. Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery Woodbridge 1-800-560-9990

surgery at a rehabilitation center, JFK Hartwyck at Edison Estates. She was able to remove her sling four weeks after her surgery, and she continued with outpatient therapy for a year. ‘A GOOD FEELING’ Ronnie was thrilled with her results and getting her life back on track. Dr. Lu and Ronnie plan to replace her other shoulder this summer. “The first time I was able to reach high up while grocery shopping was such a huge thing because I hadn’t been able to do that for so long,” Ronnie says. “Knowing that I’m starting to live a normal life again is a good feeling. And when I fully recover from my second shoulder replacement, I’m looking forward to giving big hugs to my eight young grandchildren.”

GET BACK TO LIFE

NATURE LOVER

Ronnie Plasner, pictured at Holmdel Park, loves being outside in the nice weather.

From spine care to sports medicine, the Human Motion Institute has one goal: return patients with musculoskeletal injuries to normal function as quickly and safely as possible. Call our nurse navigator at 1-855-5-MOTION to make an appointment with a specialist.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE Dr. Lu performed Ronnie’s surgery in October 2016 at Raritan Bay–Perth Amboy. She spent one night in the hospital. “I keep patients in the hospital overnight to make sure their pain is well-controlled, and then we start physical therapy the day after surgery,” Dr. Lu says. “It’s not strenuous — the physical therapist helps move their shoulder because we want to minimize stiffness.” Because the arthritis in both of Ronnie’s shoulders was so bad, she spent a week after HackensackMeridianHealth.org 17


LEADERS IN INNOVATI

W

HEN YOU OR SOMEONE you love needs medical treatment, you want to make sure you’re receiving the very best care available. Choosing a health care network that is known for being innovative may not be top of mind — but perhaps it should be. Innovation is a hot buzzword in health care right now, but what does it mean for patients? Being innovative means going beyond delivering the standard of care. It means continuously moving forward so that patients have access to tomorrow’s treatments today. CREATING BETTER HEALTH CARE “In health care, like any other field, we believe that it can always be better,” says

Hackensack Meridian Health constantly strives to advance patient care.

Andrew Pecora, M.D., a hematologist/ oncologist and chief innovation officer at Hackensack Meridian Health. “We’re not waiting for someone else to do it better. Discoveries in medicine, technology and surgical procedures of the future are happening right here at Hackensack Meridian Health.” That innovation can take on many forms. For patients who need help for minor illnesses but cannot or would rather not leave home, it includes telemedicine — affordable 24/7/365 access to a doctor through a phone or a video consult. For patients with cancer, it may include access to clinical trials that give them the opportunity to receive treatments that aren’t yet

FDA-approved, but could have a profound impact on their outcomes. For many others, it could be the research taking place at the Center for Discovery and Innovation, which opened earlier this year. Located on the campus of ON3 in Nutley and Clifton, the Center houses three institutes dedicated to developing new procedures, protocols, treatments and therapies: the Multiple Myeloma Institute, the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and the Infectious Disease and Cancer Institute. A FOCUS ON PATIENTS “At the Center for Innovation and Discovery, all of the research and

INNOVATION AT WORK Hackensack Meridian Health is currently engaged in 1,183 clinical trials. They’ve had a profound impact on patients including: Jim Triano: After battling mantle cell lymphoma for years, the Wood-Ridge resident’s treatment stopped working. Facing an uncertain future, he turned to the John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Hackensack University Medical Center. Jim qualified for a clinical trial of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, considered the biggest breakthrough in cancer therapy for more than 30 years. The therapy harnesses the immune system’s ability to kill cancer cells. Jim underwent CAR T-cell therapy in March 2017, and today the 61-year-old is feeling good and back to an active lifestyle.


Addison: Like many other children with Down syndrome, 2-year-old Addison, from Carlstadt, was diagnosed with leukemia — in her case, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Children with Down syndrome historically do well on chemotherapy but may have significant side effects, including long-term effects on the heart. Addison’s parents enrolled her in a clinical trial investigating ways to decrease the standard doses of chemotherapy in children with Down syndrome. As the trial continues, Addison’s cancer prognosis is excellent.

ION innovation we do is for the benefit of our patients,” states Sandra Powell-Elliott, vice president of Life Sciences and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health. “How can we make new treatments and protocols available for patients sooner? How can we improve patients’ experience when they’re in our care? What can we do to help patients take better care of themselves?” Those are the questions at the heart of innovative health care, and the ones that drive Hackensack Meridian Health. “Innovation is part of our DNA,” PowellElliot says. “Through our commitment to innovation, we want to elevate the level of care that we provide for patients throughout the network.”

DRIVING PROGRESS

Board certified hematologist and oncologist Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., is an expert in blood and marrow stem cell transplantation, cellular medicine and immunology research. He spearheaded the development of John Theurer Cancer Center’s Adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program, and continues to spur medical advancements in his role as chief innovation officer at Hackensack Meridian Health.


Jersey Shore University Medical Center

AGAINST ALL ODDS Jackson Township student walks away from car accident — unknowingly with life-threatening injuries. TEVEN JENSEN, THEN 18, was driving to a friend’s house one evening when he hit a patch of black ice and crashed into a tree. Miraculously, Steven walked away from the accident. Shocked and not recognizing the severity of the incident, he refused medical care and went home. But his condition quickly got worse, and within a few hours, his parents rushed him to a local hospital. When imaging tests revealed multiple extensive injuries, Steven was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

S

A TEST OF EXPERTISE A designated Level II Trauma Center with a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, Jersey Shore offers 24-hour care and treatment for some of the most severe trauma patients. Even so, Steven’s case proved challenging. “Steven had multiple life-threatening injuries, including a ruptured aorta, a broken spine and a severed small intestine,” recalls Paul Bauer, M.D., trauma surgeon at Jersey Shore. Due to the rare location, severity and complexity of the injuries, “It was vital to carefully plan the sequence and timing of his treatment,” says Dr. Bauer. SEAMLESS COLLABORATION Dr. Bauer called on the expertise of Nasir Khan, M.D., vascular surgeon and section chief of Vascular Surgery at Jersey Shore, who rushed from his office to treat Steven. Together, the two worked through the night to save Steven’s life. Dr. Bauer first stopped the contamination and internal bleeding from Steven’s small intestine by surgically removing two damaged

sections and joining the healthy tissue. Using minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Khan then surgically placed a stent graft in Steven’s ruptured aorta, redirecting blood flow and preventing fatal blood loss. “Steven’s injury caused a false aortic aneurysm. Blood had seeped into the soft tissue surrounding the artery, creating an unstable capsule of blood,” explains Dr. Khan. “Without treatment, it was a matter of time until the aneurysm burst, which could have caused sudden death.” With Steven stabilized from his first two surgeries, Dr. Bauer then called on Michael Lospinuso, M.D., MBA, FACS, orthopedic surgeon and section chief of Spine Surgery at Jersey Shore. “Steven’s spine was completely broken. The top of his chest was separated from his lower back, and the spinal cord was exposed,” explains Dr. Lospinuso. “It was amazing he had survived this catastrophic event so far.” Dr. Lospinuso placed a series of rods and screws at strategic points to reconnect Steven’s spine. He then used a microscope to meticulously close Steven’s spinal cord. MIRACLE RECOVERY Steven woke up in the Intensive Care Unit on his 19th birthday. He had successfully undergone multiple surgeries and was recovering rapidly. In fact, Steven was well enough to return home after a little more than a week in the hospital. “When an emergency happens so quickly, you need blind faith that your child is in good hands,” says Steven’s mom, Carolyn. “We could not have asked for a better team of professionals.” Today, Steven is continuing to recover at home, is able to care for himself and is slowly getting stronger. He plans to go back to work soon to save money for a


Paul Bauer, M.D. Board certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Neptune 1-800-560-9990

Nasir Khan, M.D. Board certified in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery Neptune 1-800-560-9990

Michael F. Lospinuso, M.D. Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery Red Bank 1-800-560-9990

car and enroll in college classes again in the fall. “The accident changed my whole perspective on life. I focus on what really matters and make the most of every day. It has made me mentally stronger and gave me wisdom that I will carry with me throughout my life,” says Steven. He adds, “I am so immensely grateful to the professionals whose expertise helped me continue my journey through life and to everyone who took care of me through this traumatic event.”

COUNT ON US Jersey Shore’s Trauma Center is a Level II Regional Trauma Center as designated by the state of New Jersey and the American College of Surgeons. Find out more about our trauma services at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ Trauma-Services or by calling 732-776-4949. NATURE LOVER

Steven Jensen, pictured in his backyard in Jackson Township, loves being outdoors, especially fishing or spending time at a nearby park.


Events calendar

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

Chillin’ and Grillin’ Join our registered dietitians and learn some grilling tips for easy, breezy summer meals! Cooking demos and samples will be provided. JULY 18, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness Powered by the Giants 87 Route 17 North Maywood

Call 551-996-2038 or email [email protected] to register.

AUGUST 3, NOON – 1:00 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center Cooking Studio 92 Second Street Hackensack

AUGUST 30, 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. JFK Medical Center 5th Floor Conference Room

For more information, visit Facebook.com/ JTCancerCenter.

SEPTEMBER 6, 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Mountainside Medical Center

AUGUST 13, NOON – 1:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy Raritan Room

Call 732-321-7000, ext. 62203 to register.

Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.

Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Cancer Care Healthy Cooking Demos Healthy nutrition for cancer prevention and healthy habits for survivorship. JULY 13, 20, 27, AUGUST 3, 10, 17, 24 AND SEPTEMBER 7 NOON – 1:00 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center Cooking Studio 92 Second Street, Hackensack

For topics, visit Facebook.com/ JTCancerCenter.

Smoking Cessation Learn about your smoking cessation options. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood

Call 551-996-2038 or email harp@ hackensackmeridian.org to register.

Smoking Cessation Behavioral Program Breath & Lung Institute Hackensack University Medical Center 30 Prospect Avenue

Call 551-996-2211 for dates, times and to register.

Cardiovascular CPR for Family and Friends CPR and first aid for choking for adults, children and infants. JULY 9, AUGUST 6, 13, AND SEPTEMBER 10 6:30 – 9:30 P.M. Hackensack University Medical Center, Hekemian Conference Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack

Call 551-996-2401 for fees and to register.


Heartsaver AED CPR CPR and use of the AED for adults, children and infants. Completion card is issued upon successful completion. JULY 9, AUGUST 6, 13 AND SEPTEMBER 10, 6:00 – 10:00 P.M. Hackensack University Medical Center, Hekemian Conference Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack


AHA CPR Anytime Learn the skills of hands-only CPR. Does not provide a course completion card. JULY 20 AND AUGUST 17 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood


Healthy Hearts Learn signs and symptoms of heart disease, treatment options and lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk. AUGUST 2, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge Auxiliary Hall C


Childbirth/Maternity Tour the Birthing Center Tours of the Labor & Delivery, Postpartum and Nursery Units. JULY 12 AND AUGUST 2, 9 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Pascack Valley Medical Center

Call 877-848-WELL (9355) or visit HackensackUMCPV.com/BeWell to register. JULY 9, 23, AUGUST 6, 20 AND SEPTEMBER 10, 17, 24 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events for fees or to register. JULY 17 AND AUGUST 7 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy


Prepared Childbirth Class

Infant Care and Safety Class

Prepares the expectant mother and her support person for the birthing experience.

Prepares expectant parents for the care, safety, growth and development of infants.

JULY 15, 22, AUGUST 11, 18 AND SEPTEMBER 8, 15 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

AUGUST 20, 7:00 – 9:30 P.M. Palisades Medical Center

AUGUST 6, 13, 20, 27, SEPTEMBER 10 17, 24 AND OCTOBER 1 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood


JULY 14, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Call 201-295-4823 for fees or to register. JULY 18, AUGUST 15 AND SEPTEMBER 19 7:00 – 9:30 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events for fees or to register.

SEPTEMBER 8 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

JULY 20, 27 AND AUGUST 16, 30 7:00 – 10:00 P.M.

AUGUST 14 AND 21, 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

AUGUST 12 AND SEPTEMBER 9 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Hackensack University Medical Center, Hekemian Conference Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack

Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events for fees or to register. JULY 18 AND AUGUST 8 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy

Call 1-800-560-9990 to register. AUGUST 4 AND 11 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Palisades Medical Center

Call 201-295-4823 for fees or to register.

Breastfeeding Class Introduces expectant parents to the basics of breastfeeding. JULY 15, AUGUST 4, 5 AND SEPTEMBER 9 9:30 – 11:30 A.M. Hackensack University Medical Center Hekemian Conference Center 30 Prospect Avenue Hackensack


JULY 10 AND SEPTEMBER 11 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events for fees or to register. JULY 23, 7:00 – 9:30 P.M. AUGUST 25, 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Palisades Medical Center

Call 201-295-4823 for fees or to register.


Happiest Baby on the Block This class teaches the expectant parents how to soothe the fussy infant and help their babies sleep longer. JULY 16 AND AUGUST 14 7:30 – 9:30 P.M. Hackensack University Medical Center Hekemian Conference Center 30 Prospect Avenue Hackensack


Breastfeeding and Work Free panel discussion. Light dinner provided.

Diabetes Comprehensive Diabetes Management Individual or group support and educational programs. Call the Joslin Diabetes Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge at 732-360-4070 to register.

General Wellness COPD: What You Need to Know Learn what chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is and who is at risk. JULY 18, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Speaker: Juhayna Davis, M.D. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.

Health Fairs JULY 21 AND AUGUST 18 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Dvine Konektion 5516 Jefferson St. West New York AUGUST 18, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. North Hudson Community Action Corp, 5301 Broadway West New York AUGUST 26, 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. Anhelo Church 555 Palisades Avenue Cliffside Park

Zika Virus Learn about the Zika virus and ways to protect yourself and your family. JULY 26, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy Centennial Hall B

Take Control of Your Health Free six-week workshop for people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers to overcome daily challenges and maintain an active and fulfilling life. AUGUST 2, 1:00 – 3:30 P.M. Community Education Room Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness Powered by the Giants 87 Route 17 North, Maywood


What Is a Hernia? Early hernia detection and the latest minimally invasive procedure for hernia repair will be discussed. AUGUST 15, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Speaker: Harvey Rainville, M.D. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.

Fall Prevention Workshop Will include blood pressure and balance screening. AUGUST 21, 10:00 A.M. – NOON

Alzheimer’s Disease Workshop Will include blood pressure and memory screening. AUGUST 22, 10:00 A.M. – NOON North Bergen Senior Housing 6800 Columbia Avenue North Bergen


AUGUST 9, 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. Palisades Medical Center

Call 201-295-4823 to register.

Sibling Class Class designed for young children, ages 3 to 7, to prepare them for a new baby in the family. AUGUST 12 AND SEPTEMBER 9 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Hackensack University Medical Center, David and Alice Jurist Research Lecture Hall, 40 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack


Get to Know Raritan Bay Free health screenings, education, guided tours, entertainment, giveaways, refreshments, raffle and more. JULY 12, 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge



Thyroid Disorders

All About Honey

SEPTEMBER 10, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Our registered dietitians will share the wonders of honey.

Neuroscience

JULY 25, 3:00 – 4:30 P.M. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood

Speaker: Anjali Grover, M.D. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.

Are You Getting a Good Night’s Sleep? Learn about sleep disorders and tips on how to get a better night’s sleep. AUGUST 14, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy Centennial Hall B



Healthy Eating Learn how eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and bland. Cooking demo. AUGUST 1, 5:30 – 6:30 P.M. Joslin Diabetes Center Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 420

Nutrition


Teaching Kitchen: Cooking for Health and Wellness

Way to Go, Watermelon

The Dash Diet Cooking Series: Join Sylva Takvorian, M.D., and a registered dietitian to learn how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Meets each Wednesday for four weeks.

AUGUST 2, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood

SESSIONS START JULY 11 AND AUGUST 15, NOON – 1:30 P.M. Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood

Recipes celebrating National Watermelon Day.


Nutrition Counseling Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge



Healthy Futures Summer Program For children ages 8 to 12. Have fun while making friends and learning how to make healthier lifestyle choices. SESSION 1: JULY 16 – 27, SESSION 2: AUGUST 13 – 24 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North, Maywood

Call 1-855-GO FUTURES (1-855-463-8887) or email healthyfutures@ hackensackmeridian.org for fees and to register.

Orthopedics Healthy Feet, Happy Feet Learn the common causes of foot pain as well as treatment options. JULY 31, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge Auxiliary Hall C

Speaker: Ian R. Hersh, D.P.M. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register. AUGUST 31, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy Centennial Hall B

Speaker: Ujjwal K. Datta, D.P.M. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls Eight-week fall prevention program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults.

The Learning Garden Hands-on interactive session on container gardening. Bring your garden photos or plant samples for discussion. EACH TUESDAY IN JULY AND AUGUST, 12:30 – 1:30 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy



STARTING AUGUST 2 9:30 – 11:30 A.M. Community Education Room Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood


Wide Awake Hand Surgery Join Michael Pensak, M.D., and learn the new frontier for hand surgery procedures. AUGUST 23, 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge Auxiliary Hall Room C

Speaker: Michael J. Pensak, M.D. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Pediatrics Safe Sitter Babysitter Training Designed for young teens in grades 6 to 8 and covers safety, child care, first aid and rescue, and life and business skills. AUGUST 18, 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Hackensack University Medical Center David and Alice Jurist Research Lecture Hall 40 Prospect Avenue Hackensack


Support Groups Alzheimer’s AUGUST 6, 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. North Bergen Library 8411 Bergenline Avenue North Bergen

Head and Neck Cancer JULY 18, 4:30 – 5:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center, Ground Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street Hackensack

Call 201-721-6721 to register or for more information.

Call 551-996-2599 for more information.

Living with Cancer

Multiple Myeloma

AUGUST 7 AND SEPTEMBER 4 NOON – 1:00 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 3rd Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street, Hackensack


LifeGivers Network: Hope for Life Open to all patients and significant others. JULY 20, AUGUST 3, 17 AND SEPTEMBER 7 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 1st Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street, Hackensack


Cancer Bereavement Group For people who have lost family members. JULY 10, AUGUST 14 AND SEPTEMBER 11 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 1st Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street, Hackensack


Women’s Cancer Health JULY 10, AUGUST 14 AND SEPTEMBER 11 NOON – 1:00 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 4th Floor Conference Room 2 92 Second Street, Hackensack


Prostate Cancer Networking Group JULY 18, 10:00 A.M. – NOON John Theurer Cancer Center 1st Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street, Hackensack


JULY 19 AND AUGUST 16 10:30 A.M. – NOON John Theurer Cancer Center 1st Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street Hackensack

Mommy and Baby Care Group EACH THURSDAY, 11:00 A.M. – NOON Palisades Medical Center

Call 201-295 4823 to confirm the morning of class.

Diabetes Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants, 87 Route 17 North Maywood

Call 551-996-3010 for dates and times.


JULY 19 AND AUGUST 16 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 3rd Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street Hackensack


Breast Cancer Survivorship AUGUST 8 AND SEPTEMBER 12 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 4th Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street Hackensack

Call 551-996-5858 or 5529 for more information.

Learn the benefits of weight loss surgery. JULY 9, 11 AND AUGUST 8, 13 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. JULY 25 AND AUGUST 22 7:30 – 8:30 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge Institute for Weight Loss Suite 404

JULY 10 AND AUGUST 23 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy Centennial Hall A

Pulmonary

JULY 25, 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center, Ground Floor Conference Room 92 Second Street Hackensack

Weight Loss Surgery

Speaker: Karl Strom, M.D. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.


Primary Brain Tumor


JULY 10 AND AUGUST 21 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Clifton Public Library 292 Piaget Avenue, Clifton

Post-blood-and-marrow stem cell transplant.


EACH WEDNESDAY, 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Speakers: Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D. and Bennet Togbe, M.D. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Life After Transplant

JULY 19 AND AUGUST 16 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. Community Education Room, Debra Simon Center for Integrative Medicine, HackensackUMC Fitness & Wellness, Powered by the Giants 87 Route 17 North, Maywood

Breastfeeding

Speaker: Karl Strom, M.D. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Reiki Circle Group for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Reiki Circle for the mind, body and spirit. JULY 19 AND AUGUST 16 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. John Theurer Cancer Center 4th Floor Waiting Area 92 Second Street Hackensack

Call 551-996-5861 to register.

JULY 11 AND AUGUST 8 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. Pascack Valley Medical Center

Call 877-848-WELL (9355) or visit HackensackUMCPV.com/BeWell to register. JULY 11 AND AUGUST 22 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Mountainside Medical Center

Speaker: Karl Strom, M.D. Call 1-888-973-4674 or visit MountainsideHosp.com/Events to register.

JULY 18, AUGUST 15 AND SEPTEMBER 12 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. Hekemian Conference Center Hackensack University Medical Center 30 Prospect Avenue Hackensack

Speaker: Toghrul Talishinskiy, M.D. Call 551-996-2401 to register. JULY 26 AND AUGUST 7 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Medical Pavilion at Woodbridge 740 Route 1 North, Iselin

Speaker: Karl Strom, M.D. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.



KEEPING THE WORLD’S BEST GOLFERS HEALTHY

Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR

Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to be the Official Medical Services Provider for THE NORTHERN TRUST 2018, which kicks off the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup competition. World-class physicians from Hackensack Meridian Health will be providing best-in-class health care services to the players and the fans at the tournament, which will be held August 21–26, 2018, at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus and broadcast on the Golf Channel and CBS. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/PGA.

ROUND OUT YOUR WORKOUT WITH A ROUND OF GOLF ESIDES GETTING YOU OUTSIDE AND TEEING • Reduce elbow injuries by squeezing a you up for a great low-impact workout, there are even tennis ball for five minutes at a time. Michael A. Kelly, M.D. more reasons to keep playing golf. As a good form of “This helps build your forearms, which Board certified in moderate exercise, golf may help you control your protect your elbows,” explains Dr. Kelly. Orthopedic Surgery weight, prevent high blood pressure and bone loss, and • Take a lesson or two. Learning proper Hackensack 1-855-424-WELL (9355) reduce your risk for stroke and other diseases. swing technique can prevent injuries as If you can, walk the course with your clubs instead well as improve your game. of taking a golf cart. You’ll burn around 300 calories • Warm up for 10 minutes before you hit the green. It could cut an hour. Completing an 18-hole round is about the your injury risk in half. Dr. Kelly suggests these warm-ups: same as a 5-mile walk. • Leg stretch. Prop your left foot up on a bench. Keep your left Even though golf is a great low-impact exercise, it knee close to your body. Hold on to the back of your left thigh can still present a risk for injuries, especially to the and pull your chest down to it slowly. Hold for 10 seconds. lower back, wrist and elbow. Michael Kelly, M.D., Repeat on the other side. chair of the Orthopaedic Institute and Department • Upper body and core warm-up. Stand with your feet apart. of Physical Medicine and Rehab at Hackensack Grab a golf club with both hands and place it behind your University Medical Center, offers these tips to neck so that it forms a T with your body. Slowly turn your reduce injury. torso to the left, center and right. 26 Hackensack Meridian HealthViews | JULY | AUGUST 2018

A ROUGH PATCH

ABOVE: Lucas Glover’s swing on the 18th fairway. BELOW: Responders rush out to treat his knee injury.

Keeping Players in the Game During THE NORTHERN TRUST 2017, our physicians were on-site caring for the players throughout the tournament. Phillip Walden, M.D., and Kameno Bell, M.D., were on the scene to respond immediately to player Lucas Glover, who suffered a knee injury on the 18th fairway during his third round. Their critical assistance helped him play on and finish the round.

Photos by PGA TOUR

Tackle Kids Cancer and THE NORTHERN TRUST Tackle Kids Cancer, an initiative supporting the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health, raises funds to benefit the clinical care, unique support services and groundbreaking cancer research needed to find a cure. It’s also the Official Charity of the Tournament of THE NORTHERN TRUST. The PGA Tour helps raise money and awareness for Tackle Kids Cancer through the Birdies to Benefit Tackle Kids Cancer Program.

BIRDIES TO BENEFIT TACKLE KIDS CANCER

Fans and companies can support Tackle Kids Cancer by donating as little as one penny for each of the estimated 1,200 birdies the pros will make during the tournament. Learn more at TackleKidsCancer.org/Birdie.

EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC CARE Call 1-888-732-9355 to make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

What’s Your ‘Gameplan’ for Orthopedic Health?

Keeping your bones healthy is important no matter what game you play. Let the state’s largest, most comprehensive and integrated health network keep you in the game. Hackensack Meridian Health offers a Gameplan with easy steps to help you take charge of your health. To get started, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/PGA.

PROFESSIONAL HELPERS

Tackle Kids Cancer brings patients receiving treatment from the Children’s Cancer Institute to help the professional golfers and their caddies tend the flags. They get high fives and autographed golf balls along the way. Look for our kids on the 15th hole at Ridgewood in August. HackensackMeridianHealth.org 27


8 WAYS FOR WOMEN TO LIVE Adopt these healthy habits to promote your well-being and happiness.

HEALTH RE YOU SEARCHING FOR THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? The secret is as easy as living a healthy lifestyle. These eight steps can help you enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life: 1. Stay up-to-date on screenings and immunizations. Routine preventive care, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find problems early, when they’re often easier to treat. •B reast cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, women at average risk for breast cancer should have annual mammograms starting at age 45. At age 55, women may switch to having a mammogram every other year. “Women at high risk for breast cancer may need more frequent screening,” says Neeti Misra, M.D., a board certified OB/GYN at Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy. “You may be at high risk if you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer.” • Cervical cancer: All women should have a yearly pelvic exam, and women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test once every three years. “Women ages 30 to 65 should get a Pap test along with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every three to five years,” says Ami Vaidya, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center.


HIER LIVES Ami P. Vaidya, M.D. Board certified in Gynecologic Oncology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology

Maria Garcia, M.D. Board certified in Family Medicine Metuchen 1-888-453-5362

Inna Riva, D.O. Board certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Jersey City 201-854-5213

Neeti Misra, M.D. Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology Perth Amboy 1-800-560-9990


Women older than age 65 who have had normal screenings and do not have a high risk for cervical cancer do not need Pap tests. • Immunizations: Don’t forget to get all recommended vaccines, including flu shots. “Getting vaccinated for the flu every year is the single best way to keep the virus away, according to Inna Riva, D.O., of Palisades Medical Center. 2. Eat smart. A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is key. If you’re looking for superfoods that go above and beyond to keep you healthy, try chia seeds, quinoa, berries, oatmeal and pistachios. Our FREE nutrition program offers solutions to eat healthier, including recipes and meal ideas. Find details at HackensackMeridianHealth .org/ReshapeYourHealth.

3. Focus on fitness. Exercise has numerous health benefits. “Just 30 minutes of physical activity, accumulated over the course of each day, can improve the way you look and feel, both physically and mentally,” says Maria Garcia, M.D., of JFK Medical Center. 4. Don’t smoke. Smoking has a big impact on your health. In fact, it’s the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Smoking causes a variety of illnesses, including lung cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Need extra support? Try our four-session smoking cessation program. Find dates and times on page 22. 5. Bone up on calcium. For healthy bones, eat plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as milk and other dairy products, tofu, leafy green vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, and calcium-fortified juices or breads.

6. Take medicine wisely. Read the labels, follow the instructions carefully and remind your health care provider or pharmacist about any medicines or supplements — both prescription and over-the-counter — you might be taking that could interact with any new medications. 7. Play it safe. Take steps to avoid injuries and accidents. For instance, wear a seat belt when driving and a bike helmet when cycling. Make sure your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When outdoors, wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher, UV-blocking sunglasses, sun-protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat. 8. Make time for something fun. Who says becoming healthier has to be all work and no play? Set aside at least a few minutes every day to do something you enjoy. Pursue a hobby, read for pleasure or listen to your favorite music. Speaking of fun, save the date for Chillin’ and Grillin’! Join our registered dietitians and learn some grilling tips for easy, breezy summer meals. Cooking demos and samples will be provided. Find more info on page 22.

IN THE KNOW Visit our new Health Hub to find more health and wellness tips from our physicians. Take a look at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ HealthHub.


Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation

ENLIGHTENED ENTREPRENEUR

Bobby Williams has been running his own business for more than 43 years.

THE JOY OF GIVING Saddle River patient inspired by his own health care experience creates a research fund to support lifesaving medicine. OBERT (BOBBY) WILLIAMS HAS always been a health-conscious individual. He routinely sees his cardiologist as his primary doctor at least three or four times a year. He has been under the care of William Salerno, M.D., director of the Advanced Cardiovascular Assessment Program (ACAP) at Hackensack University Medical Center, for three years. Initially drawn to Dr. Salerno’s responsiveness, Bobby says he learned through experience to also appreciate Dr. Salerno’s comprehensive, thorough and advanced approach to health care.

R


Bobby was initially evaluated for high blood pressure. Dr. Salerno recommended a cardiac calcium scan, which revealed that Bobby was particularly susceptible to cardiac issues. Mindful of his family history, Bobby had already been aware of good health practices. He then developed an even more stringent diet and exercise routine. “I wanted to be more consistent with what I needed for my cardiovascular health,” he says. On a January day in 2017, after coming down a ski slope, Bobby felt a bit of chest pain. He first thought it was indigestion and then felt a slight variation during a gym workout the following day. Bobby went to see Dr. Salerno, who ran a stress test and determined an immediate angiogram was in order. The angiogram revealed that Bobby had two calcified blockages, and his condition required a complicated procedure. Dr. Salerno requested Pranaychandra Vaidya, M.D., an interventional cardiologist and chief of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Hackensack, to perform a cardiac catheterization. “During this complex procedure, Dr. Vaidya never wavered,” Bobby says. “I was struck by his level of knowledge and persistence that made the procedure successful.” Dr. Salerno was present for the procedure. He reassured Bobby’s wife, Carol, by explaining the details to her. Another blockage was revealed six months later, as part of a standard ACAP follow-up visit with Dr. Salerno. This led to another procedure. Again, Bobby was struck by the expertise and professionalism of the team. He and Carol were motivated by this experience to establish the Williams Family Heart Research Fund to support research projects at the Heart & Vascular Hospital at Hackensack. “I am grateful for the world-class health care I received from Dr. Salerno, Dr. Vaidya and the entire team at the Heart & Vascular Hospital,” explains Bobby. “Carol and I want to make a difference, and this is the area in which we have a strong connection. The fund we have created will help further cardiovascular advancements.” Bobby believes that progress happens when you act with intention. His intention is to support innovative medicine.

HOW TO GIVE BACK To learn more about the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, visit HackensackUMC.org/Donate.

6 WAYS TO EAT WELL WHILE ON Finally — you’re embarking on a longawaited vacation! Travel gives you an opportunity to sample new cuisine along with new locales. But it also presents countless dietary temptations. “Your diet doesn’t have to go on vacation just because you do,” says Jihade Rizk, RD, the chief of Nutrition Services at Palisades Medical Center. These simple strategies will help you savor your trip — while still eating healthy. 1. START YOUR DAY RIGHT. That gigantic breakfast buffet may be tempting, but opt for a healthy breakfast instead. “High-fiber cereal with fruit and milk or a bowl of oatmeal will give you sustained morning energy,” says Rizk. 2. WATCH YOUR DRINK CALORIES. It’s easy to go overboard with calorieladen drinks, especially on vacation.

VACATION Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages, and choose water whenever you can to stay hydrated.

FRESH START Hackensack Meridian Health is teaming up with local farmers markets throughout New Jersey to help shoppers learn about the food they’re buying and how to prepare it. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ FarmersMarkets.

3. BRING SNACK SUPPORT. Having snacks on hand can keep you from getting too hungry. Just make sure they are healthy. “Unsalted almonds, apples and whole wheat pretzels are good snacks to carry when traveling,” suggests Rizk. 4. PICK MORE PRODUCE. “Loading at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables is a simple way to eat better,” advises Rizk. Be sure to ask about locally grown produce when you order out — you may discover a new favorite you can enjoy at home as well. 5. MAKE GOOD CHOICES. Even while trying new restaurants, you can still eat healthy. Ask your server for suggestions for low-fat options or choose a baked, broiled or grilled food with lots of veggies on the side. “Another way to reduce calories

and fat is to order a smaller portion or split an entrée with someone,” suggests Rizk. 6. SPLURGE A LITTLE. Finally, be sure to allow yourself a few vacation indulgences. After a day of healthy choices, a small portion of a decadent dessert won’t derail your nutritious diet. Take time to savor your splurge, and you’ll be on your way to making plenty of happy — and healthy — memories.

Heart-Healthy Recipe

PEACH SALSA

(makes about 2½ cups) 4 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and diced ¼ red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 lime, juiced 1 medium tomato, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) Salt to taste Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, serve and enjoy! HackensackMeridianHealth.org 31

Hackensack University Medical Center and Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital 30 Prospect Avenue Hackensack, NJ 07601 IHOR S. SAWCZUK, M.D., FACS President

Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital 1945 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753

6

KENNETH N. SABLE, M.D., MBA, FACEP President

JFK Medical Center 65 James Street Edison, NJ 08820 RAYMOND FREDERICKS Regional President

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

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

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

Raritan Bay Medical Center–Perth Amboy 530 New Brunswick Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

Southern Ocean Medical Center

7.5

RAYMOND FREDERICKS Regional President

1140 Route 72 West Manahawkin, NJ 08050 DEAN Q. LIN, MHA, MBA, FACHE Regional President

Bayshore Medical Center 727 North Beers Street Holmdel, NJ 07733 TIMOTHY J. HOGAN, FACHE President

Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge One Hospital Plaza Old Bridge, NJ 08857 RAYMOND FREDERICKS Regional President

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

For a complete listing of our hospitals and services, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org.

Printed on Recyclable Paper 11076A Developed by StayWell

Around the world, patients are receiving cancer therapies that were pioneered by physicians at John Theurer Cancer Center. These highly specialized experts are the very same doctors managing your care. And as part of the #1 hospital in New Jersey, Hackensack University Medical Center, we’re not just at the forefront of cancer, we’re pioneering the possible. LEARN ABOUT PIONEERING THE POSSIBLE

Visit jtcancercenter.org or call to speak to a nurse at 551-996-5855