Download the January/February Issue - Jersey Shore Medical Center

healthviews
January/February 2013
a health publication from Jersey Shore University Medical Center
The Art and
Science of
Robotic
Surgery
Solving a Mysterious
Spine Condition
Groundbreaking Cancer
Surgery at Jersey Shore
What 4 Common Heart
Tests Can Tell You
visit us online at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com

A Message to the Community
Although it’s been almost two months since Hurricane Sandy
hit, we know that the effort to rebuild our beloved Jersey
Shore is far from over. Our thoughts and prayers continue to
go out to everyone affected by this devastating storm.
As we welcome 2013, Meridian Health is proud to offer the
community a wealth of free classes, screenings, and events
to help you take charge of your health. This winter, we invite
you to get involved. Explore new fitness demonstrations, join
a discussion about your health, learn what to expect as your
child enters the teen years, or jump-start your weight loss for
2013. No need to stay cooped up this winter; Meridian offers
something for everyone. Our community calendar starts on
page 21.
Of course, February is American Heart Month — the perfect
opportunity to take another look at your heart health. Turn
to the calendar for related events, such as a discount on
AngioScreen testing, a revolutionary new vascular screening
that gives you information about your circulation and risk for
heart attack and stroke. In this issue, you’ll also learn more
about top treatments for heart attacks and how your diet
can affect your heart.
At Meridian Health, we
couldn’t be more proud to
care for the Jersey Shore
community. We look to
the new year as a time of
rebuilding, revitalization, and,
as always, good health.
January/February 2013
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6
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10
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13
Health Briefs
Family First: Maternity Care
at Ocean Medical Center
Emphasizes Parent-Baby
Bonding
Jersey Shore Spine Experts
Solve Mystery Condition
Groundbreaking Cancer
Surgery Changes Lives for
the Better
First-of-its-kind surgery gave
Patricia Wilcox her life back
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Gives Local Men New Hope
Patient Recovers from
Paralyzing Infection
Woodworker Is Back to
Work Thanks to Physical
Therapy
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President, Meridian Health
Read us on the go! The Meridian HealthViews
app is now available for free download from the App
Store on iTunes. Once you’re in the store, simply search
“HealthViews” to download the app.
This free bimonthly magazine is prepared by the Marketing and Communications Team
of Meridian Health. Please call 732-751-7530 with any questions or comments. Inquiries
or ideas can be addressed to healthviews@meridianhealth.com.
Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., Chairman
John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President
Chrisie Scott, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Elliot Frank, M.D., Medical Advisor
HealthViews production team: Michael McCauley, Gabriella Heizler, Jacki Kronstedt
© 2012 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.
Connect with Us!
e
Winter means baking! Try a recipe for
healthy dark chocolate chip oat bars at
www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ.
Meridian Health tweets hot health-related
headlines and local news pieces regularly at
www.twitter.com/MeridianNJ.
When a daily walk ends in a heart attack:
View Barbara Sarno’s compelling story at
www.youtube.com/MeridianHealthNJ.
Receive free e-newsletters on cardiovascular
and pediatric health topics! Sign up at
www.MeridianHealth.com/enewsletters.

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15
14
15
16
EMT Chooses Bayshore for
Lifesaving Emergency Care
New Device Stops Back
Pain Before You Feel It
Now, Barbara Petersen is
finally pain-free
Robotic Technology Keeps
Patients in Mind
17
18
The Sensitive Touch:
Small Changes in Diet
and Lifestyle Make a
Big Difference
9
Rehab Helps College
Athlete Score a Comeback
from a Stroke
Physical therapy got Cory
Weissman back on the court
20
21
27
28
Stroke: When Minutes
Count, Count on Us
Community Health
Programs
Sugar Shock: Could Too
Much Harm Your Heart?
What 4 Common Heart
Tests Can Tell You
healthviews
January/February 2013
a health publication from Jersey Shore University Medical Center
19
When Time Matters:
Cardiac Cath Lab Treats
Heart Attacks
30
My Health Views
The Art and
Science of
Robotic
Surgery
Cover Stories
When a routine MRI led to a diagnosis of kidney cancer, Michael Mahon was
overwhelmed. But just days after he had robotic surgery, he was feeling great.
Read more about this advanced surgical technique on page 16.
Solving a Mysterious Groundbreaking Cancer What 4 Common Heart
Spine Condition Surgery at Jersey Shore Tests Can Tell You
visit us online at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com
Solving a Mysterious
Spine Condition
page 8
Groundbreaking Cancer
Surgery at Jersey Shore
page 9
What 4 Common Heart
Tests Can Tell You
page 28

Health Briefs
More Kids Head to
the Hospital with
Hypertension
Skinned knees. Broken
bones. Hypertension? It may
not make most parents’ lists of top health
concerns for children. But a new report finds
high blood pressure is making an increasing
number of children seriously ill.
An estimated 71,000 kids ages 18 and younger
went to the hospital with high blood pressure
between 1997 and 2006. Many had kidney disease
or a kidney transplant.
Between 1 and 3 percent of U.S. children have high
blood pressure. “Have your child’s numbers checked
regularly beginning at age 3,” says Mitchel Alpert,
M.D., of K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center. “Finding and treating
hypertension early can prevent complications, which
also include heart disease and eye problems.”
Living with congestive heart failure?
Attend our event on February 27 at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
A nurse practitioner will discuss the
latest research and smart tips for
managing this condition. Turn to
page 22 for details.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS®
Fight Off Colds with Mind and Body
Forget chicken soup. Scientists may have found two new ways
to battle the common cold: exercise and meditation.
Study participants performed moderate daily workouts or studied
mindfulness meditation for eight weeks. During cold and flu
season, they reported fewer illnesses than people who didn’t
exercise or meditate. And when they did get sick, they
described their symptoms as less severe and required fewer
days off work.
For best results, combine these new routines with other coldprevention
methods. “Wash your hands frequently and avoid sick
people,” recommends Diana Verga, M.D., of Ocean Medical Center.
Exercise can keep your heart healthy, too. Learn how at our class
on February 21 at the Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet. See page 24.
4

Could You Be Driving
Toward Heart Disease?
Your daily drive could cost you
more than gas money. People with long
commutes may be harming their heart,
researchers report.
Employees who commute more than
20 miles have a higher risk for high blood
pressure. Distances of more than
15 miles are linked to being unfit and
obese and packing on belly fat. In addition to
decreasing available exercise time, long drives
also increase stress and are linked to unhealthy
habits like hitting the drive-through.
You can balance your commute by building
activity into your day. “For example, park farther
away, and walk to your coworker’s office instead of
making a phone call,” says Eugenia Zilber, M.D., of
Bayshore Community Hospital.
Be smart about your heart.
The AngioScreen ® test gives
you information about
your circulation and risk for
heart attack and stroke. See
page 21 for all the details,
including where the screening
is offered around the region.
Choose the Right Fats
for Brain Health
When it comes to fat, what’s good for your
heart may also be better for your brain. That’s
according to a new study in the journal Annals of Neurology.
Women who ate more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
scored higher on thinking and learning tests as they aged.
Meanwhile, those who ate artery-clogging saturated fats had
more memory troubles. In fact, the difference was equivalent
to about six years of brain aging.
To stay sharp, swap out bad fats for good fats. “Cut
back on butter, sausage, bacon, and coconut or palm
oil,” advises Robert Terranova, D.O., of Southern Ocean
Medical Center. Instead, choose avocados, olive or
canola oil, nuts, and nut butters.
Our life-enrichment exercise class for people with
Parkinson’s, held in Brick, helps participants
improve flexibility and strength. Turn to page 23.
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
5

First:
Maternity Care at Ocean
Medical Center Emphasizes
Parent-Baby Bonding
Ocean Medical CenterFamily
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Few experiences are as special
as the birth of a baby, and
Jodie Ricciardi and her partner
wanted just the right setting to
welcome their first child. When they
toured the maternity unit at Ocean
Medical Center in January 2012, the
Brielle couple knew right away that
it was the perfect
place to start
their family.
“We really liked
it,” says Jodie, 35, a
physical education teacher
at Sharon Elementary School
in Robbinsville, N.J. “We
felt comfortable there.
The nurses were friendly,
the hospital was very
clean, and we really liked
the private rooms with our own
bathroom and shower. Plus, Ocean
Medical Center has very high-tech
security for the babies, which also
impressed us.”
All Together Now
On April 3, 2012, Jodie gave birth to
a boy, Patrick, weighing 9 pounds
and 2 ounces, by cesarean section.
Ocean Medical Center embraces
a style of maternity care known as
“Family-Centered Care,” so Patrick
was able to remain with his parents
all three days at the hospital,
returning to the nursery only when
necessary. Family-Centered Care
emphasizes keeping the family
together throughout the birthing
process — from admission through
discharge — encouraging parents
and infants to bond from the very
beginning.
Jodie Ricciardi and her partner welcomed their
son, Patrick, at Ocean Medical Center last April.
The proud parents report that his ear-to-ear smile
is contagious.
6

“We told the nurses up front that
we were newbies,” says Jodie, “and
they really watched over us. They
would come in and check on the
baby. We asked them questions like
‘Did we swaddle the baby right?’ and
‘Did he need his hat on?’ because he
seemed warm. They answered our
questions and made sure we knew
what we were doing. They always
had the bottles of formula ready
and showed us how to feed Patrick
and burp him.” At Ocean Medical
Center, whether parents choose to
breastfeed or use formula, nurses
provide the necessary information
and support.
“When we left Patrick in the
nursery at night, we didn’t worry,”
Jodie adds. “The nurses were just so
on top of everything.”
Caring, Inclusive
Environment
Alynn Alexander, M.D., the
OB/GYN who delivered Patrick,
agrees that one of Ocean Medical
Center’s greatest strengths is its
nationally recognized nursing
staff, dedicated to providing
compassionate care in a culturally
sensitive and inclusive environment.
“Our nurses have years of
experience caring for newborns, and
they’re warm and caring because
they love their jobs,” Dr. Alexander
says. “This is a close community, and
they love taking care of their friends
and neighbors. Our nurses are very
accommodating and generous with
their time, energy, and effort because
they want all our families to have a
positive experience.”
In addition, amenities such as
complimentary Concierge Care help
make families feel special and make
their hospital experience memorable,
Dr. Alexander says. Available to
all patients and guests of Ocean
Medical Center, Concierge Care can
assist with tasks such as arranging pet
care while families are at the hospital
and making hotel reservations for
visiting relatives.
Everything They Hoped For
After Patrick was born, Jodie and her
partner loved being able to share
their special event with relatives and
friends in their private room. Their
birth experience, Jodie says, was
everything the couple had hoped for.
“Dr. Alexander is great,” Jodie says.
“She knows her stuff, and we’ve
always had such confidence in her.
“And we knew we were in good
hands at Ocean Medical Center. You
Share, Learn, and Grow with Other Moms
Alynn B. Alexander, M.D., FACOG
Board certified in Obstetrics
and Gynecology
Manasquan • 732-528-6999
always hope your delivery is going
to go smoothly, but the ‘what ifs’ are
at the back of your mind. We felt
very reassured that the hospital has
a Level II Special Care Nursery, just in
case it was needed.”
The Right Start
Patrick, now 9 months old, is a
happy baby who loves going to the
boardwalk with his parents, watching
surfers ride the waves on the Jersey
shore, and attending minor league
baseball games. “He’s a busy boy
already,” Jodie says. She adds that if
she and her partner have a second
baby, there’s no question where
they’ll deliver.
“I highly recommend having a baby
at Ocean Medical Center,” Jodie says.
“If we have another, we’re definitely
going there.” •
Have you joined Meridian Momtourage? This interactive resource for
local expectant and experienced moms is full of useful tools, including
mobile apps that can help with everything from contraction timing to potty
training. Get connected today at MeridianMomtourage.com.
Explorer.
Barbara didn’t realize that one day her passion would
save her life.
To learn more about Barbara’s minimally invasive procedure, visit
MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com. For a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS ®
Research
& Education
Prevention
& Wellness
Diagnosis
Taking Care of
New Jersey
Meridian CardioVascular Network
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Ocean Medical Center
Riverview Medical Center
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Bayshore Community Hospital
Meridian Network of Physicians
Meridian At Home
Meridian Rehabilitation Centers
Meridian Life Fitness Centers
Treatment
Recovery
Home
© Meridian Health 2012

MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
8
Jersey Shore
Spine Experts
Solve Mystery Condition
In April 2012, Richard Weiss tripped
on the stairs of his Freehold
Township home and crashed to
the bottom. As his wife, Arlene, called
an ambulance, the 64-year-old lost
consciousness. Quickly, he was
rushed to Jersey Shore University
Medical Center.
There, doctors found that Richard’s
injuries were not typical of a fall.
In fact, the accident had left him
completely paralyzed. Richard, who
would remain unconscious for several
days, needed specialized trauma and
spine care.
Expert Diagnosis and
Spine Care
“The Meridian System is prepared
to handle the most complex spine
cases with expert staff and specialized
equipment,” explains Michael
Lospinuso, M.D., FACS, medical director
for the Spine Program at Meridian
Neuroscience. “Our spinal care is
second to none in the area. Our transfer
center from one Meridian campus to
another allows specialized care available
to all patients who need it.”
After a thorough examination
and several imaging tests, Dr.
Lospinuso diagnosed Richard with
a rare rheumatic condition called
ankylosing spondylitis. A form of
arthritis in the spine, the condition
usually strikes men between ages
20 and 40. Richard had unknowingly
lived with it for years while the
disease caused the vertebrae in his
spine to fuse together. Until his
accident, the hardened vertebrae had
shielded his spine. But when he fell,
this protective shell shattered and
part of the cracked vertebrae pierced
his spinal cord, paralyzing him.
“Correctly diagnosing Richard
Making Every Moment Count
Retired pharmacist Richard Weiss is enjoying life
after his spine surgery. He and his wife, Arlene, love
spending time with their grandson, Zachary. They
also enjoy visiting the beach and the boardwalk.
Michael F. Lospinuso,
M.D., FACS
Board certified in
Orthopedic Surgery
Red Bank • 732-359-5777
was important not only to his
spinal cord treatment, but also
to his long-term health,” says Dr.
Lospinuso. “Untreated, this rheumatic
condition can cause immune system
deficiencies and organ failure.”
Complex Spinal Surgery
Dr. Lospinuso and his team knew
Richard needed extensive spinecorrecting
surgery. They opened his
back from neck to hip and removed
the fractured vertebra from Richard’s
spinal cord, correcting his paralysis.
The team then completely realigned
Richard’s spine and built a permanent,
scaffolding-like structure with a rod
and screws to support each vertebra.
This corrected Richard’s deformity,
allowing him to stand up straight
where he could not before.
“When I woke up, I didn’t really
know what had happened. In fact, I
felt so good my wife had to tell me
I’d even had surgery,” says Richard, a
retired pharmacist.
To help in the recovery of the
procedure, Richard underwent therapy
at Jersey Shore. Less than three
months later, he was back home.
Although he’ll need regular monitoring
for adverse effects of his condition,
such as heart or kidney problems,
today he feels no signs from his fall.
He is walking without problems and
enjoying time with his family.
“I’m so thankful I was taken to
the right hospital and had the right
doctors,” Richard says. •
Read more inspiring stories at MeridianNeuroscience.com, such as
that of Peter Hetzler. He broke his neck and spine in a skiing accident
but is back on his feet after a complex procedure to rebuild his spine.

Groundbreaking Cancer Surgery
Changes Lives for the Better
In 2005, Patricia Wilcox of Brick
followed her doctor’s orders and
made an appointment for her
first colonoscopy. She’s glad she did
— the screening saved her life. But
the results left her with an agonizing
decision.
Patricia, then 64, was found to
have both colon and rectal cancer.
While surgery could treat it, the
disease was so low in her pelvis
that the procedure would damage
her sphincter muscle. Afterward,
Patricia would need a colostomy bag,
permanently attached to the outside
of her body, for voiding waste.
She dreaded that option. So when
her surgeon at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center mentioned a brandnew
surgery that could save her
Successful surgery for cancer has allowed 71-year-old
Patricia Wilcox to live her life fully. She’s a regular
golf player, and she loves spending time with her
mini dachshund, Ceara.
life — without a colostomy — she
wanted to hear more.
A New Solution
Her surgeon, Glenn Parker, M.D.,
chief of the Division of Colon and
Rectal Surgery and director of
Gastrointestinal Oncology at Jersey
Shore, part of Meridian Cancer Care,
understands how challenging it can
be to live with a colostomy. Besides
the hassle of regularly changing
the bag, a colostomy can have a
significant impact on a person’s selfesteem,
relationships, and quality of
life. That’s why Dr. Parker had spent
years designing and exhaustively
testing a new surgical instrument
that could treat rectal cancer while
avoiding a colostomy.
“The instrument is much narrower
than previous surgical tools and
allows us to go lower in the pelvis
with more accuracy and efficiency,”
he explains. “I knew we could use
the new instrument to
remove the cancer in Patricia’s
rectum without harming the
surrounding tissues.”
First-of-Its-Kind
Surgery
Dr. Parker asked Patricia if she
would be interested in being
the first person to undergo
surgery with the curved
Get the Facts at a Free Lecture
Glenn S. Parker, M.D.
Board certified in Colon and
Rectal Surgery
Oakhurst • 732-531-5445
stapling instrument. She said yes.
“I put myself in Dr. Parker’s hands,”
she says. “I had faith in him.”
Using the instrumentation he
helped create, Dr. Parker successfully
performed a low interior resection
surgery on Patricia at Jersey Shore
— the first surgery of its kind. The
procedure is now used throughout
the world as the gold standard in
rectal cancer surgery.
‘I’m One of the Lucky Ones’
Today, seven years after the
procedure, Patricia enjoys a healthy,
normal life. She plays golf, walks her
dog, works part time at a bank, and
spends time with her family — all
without the physical and emotional
weight of a colostomy bag.
“Half the battle in health
care is finding the right
doctors,” says Patricia.
“I’m one of the lucky
ones. I can’t say
enough about
Dr. Parker. He was
my strength.” •
One out of 25 Americans will develop colon-rectal cancer,
but with early detection, the survival rate can be as high
as 75 percent. Educate yourself at our free physician lecture,
and take home a simple test that could be lifesaving. The
event will be held January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ocean
Club in Stafford Township. Turn to page 22 for details.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
9Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013

Riverview Medical Center
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Gives Local Men
Howell Township resident Peter Travers never
expected his doctor to say he had prostate
cancer. Neither did Warren Beebe of Monmouth
Beach. But thanks to the advanced technology available at
Meridian CyberKnife® Center at Riverview Medical Center,
both men had a new option for attacking their disease —
one with shorter treatments and fewer side effects than
traditional methods.
Peter’s cancer journey began in August 2011. After
experiencing frequent urination, the 66-year-old made
an appointment with his primary care doctor, Anthony
DeLuca, M.D., who administered a prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) blood test. “My results came back rather
high, so he referred me to a urologist to undergo a second
PSA test and biopsy,” Peter recalls.
That’s when his prostate cancer was found.
Knowing that the sooner he began treatment, the
better his outcome could be, Peter wasted no time
researching his options. He began by seeking a second
opinion from a urologist, who recommended traditional
intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) — an
approach that can require up to 45 treatment sessions
over eight to nine weeks.
Peter followed the recommendation of friends and
contacted Adnan Danish, M.D., medical director of the
CyberKnife Center at Riverview and part of Meridian
Cancer Care. “With CyberKnife,” Dr. Danish explained,
“Peter would need only five treatment sessions over the
course of one week.” He was immediately on board.
When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Warren Beebe investigated
his options, talked with several doctors, and ultimately decided on
treatment with CyberKnife. In just five sessions, his treatment was done.
Only two weeks after first meeting with Dr. Danish,
Peter was at Riverview for his first treatment. “Although
I was a little nervous, Dr. Danish and the Riverview team
made me feel comfortable and confident in the treatment
I had chosen,” he says. His first session was over in just
45 minutes. “The remaining four treatments took even
less time. There was no cutting. I just laid there, and the
CyberKnife did its job.”
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
10
Fewer Sessions and Side Effects
CyberKnife uses imaging and robotics to deliver radiation
beams with extreme accuracy while avoiding nearby
healthy tissue. Customized molds are created to help
patients lie still during treatment, but the system will stop
treatment and adjust itself if any movement is detected.
For men, this precision drastically helps reduce the risk for
incontinence and sexual side effects, which are common
after traditional methods of treatment.
“The system’s submillimeter accuracy allows high doses
of radiation to treat the affected area while sparing the
surrounding healthy areas,” Dr. Danish explains. “CyberKnife
is performed on an outpatient basis with no incisions, no
pain, and no recovery time. Most people resume their daily
activities immediately following their treatments.”
Good Alternative to Surgery
Twenty-five miles up the road, Warren Beebe was relieved
to hear his prostate cancer could also be treated in short
sessions with minimal side effects. The 65-year-old’s
condition was found in March 2010, when high PSA test
results led him to a urologist, who performed a biopsy and
made the diagnosis. Like Peter, Warren immediately began
investigating his options.
“I did some research and sought a second opinion,” he says.
“I had narrowed it down to an eight-week IMRT radiation
therapy regimen or CyberKnife. I examined both options and
talked with several doctors for their medical opinions. Since
I have some significant lung compromise attributable to
scoliosis, the physicians felt that the eight-week option was
not in my best interest, and I opted to go with CyberKnife.”

Peter Travers opted to have his
prostate cancer treated at the Meridian
Cyberknife Center at Riverview Medical
Center. Today, he’s enjoying the same
lifestyle he did before his diagnosis,
including plenty of hunting, fishing,
and playing sports.
Soon after his consultation with Dr. Danish, Warren had
a CT scan to measure his anatomy and map out where the
radiation would be delivered. In just five sessions, Warren’s
treatments were complete, in March 2011.
“I cannot express how pleased I was with the entire
process at Riverview,” he says. “From the moment I was
introduced to the staff and Dr. Danish, I had a level
of comfort that is so important in facing this sort of
uncertain situation.”
Today both men are back to enjoying the same hobbies
and lifestyle they did prior to their cancer diagnoses. Peter
enjoys retirement by hunting, fishing, and playing sports on
the weekend, and he continues to visit his doctors regularly.
In Monmouth Beach, Warren is still hard at work as an
accountant and enjoys spending his weekends watching golf,
baseball, and football, and spending time with family and
friends. Warren continues to go for follow-up appointments
at Riverview and is pleased with his progress with each visit. •
Adnan F. Danish, M.D.
Board certified in Radiation Oncology
Red Bank • 732-530-2468
He, too, made an appointment to see Dr. Danish, who
once again went over every detail to ensure Warren was
confident in his decision.
“Choosing a cancer treatment can be challenging, and
I encourage my patients to do their research and ask
questions,” says Dr. Danish. “Today there are a number
of treatment options available to patients with cancer.
CyberKnife is a safe and effective alternative for many
people who, like Warren, may not be candidates for some
of the more traditional surgical techniques.”
Free Lecture on Men’s Urologic Health
At this lecture, a physician will discuss prostate health
and other men’s health issues. Don’t miss this chance
to get the facts. The event will be held on February 6 at
7:00 p.m. at the Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet. Turn to page 22 for registration information.
HV-CyberKnife8.375x3.pdf 1 10/22/12 1:20 PM
Thanks to CyberKnife, you can count your
prostate cancer treatments on one hand.
CyberKnife ® treats prostate cancer in 5 easy treatments.
Traditional radiation takes more than 40 treatments.
If it’s prostate cancer, be sure to examine your options. Traditional radiation takes more than 40 treatments
while CyberKnife typically requires just five treatments. Fortunately, the region’s most experienced team is close
by at Meridian CyberKnife Center at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. In fact
these experts have treated more than 1,100 patients in the last six years. CyberKnife
uses radiation beams to destroy tumors with pinpoint accuracy, so there is no pain
and no recovery time. Choose CyberKnife and get back to your life sooner.
To see if CyberKnife is right for you, call 1-800-554-7877.
Or learn more at MeridiahHealth.com/CyberKnife
©Meridian Health
Meridian Cancer Care
-Jersey Shore University Medical Center
-Ocean Medical Center
-Riverview Medical Center
-Southern Ocean Medical Center
-Meridian Partner Companies
-Meridian Team of Physicians

Southern Ocean Medical Center
After Richard Martin was treated for an infection,
Southern Ocean’s Transitional Care Unit helped
him regain his independence and health. Richard
progressed from being unable to feed himself or
move his legs to resuming his job as a meat cutter.
“I can’t say enough about the entire therapy team,”
he says. “They are family.”
Arvind Baliga, M.D.
Board certified in Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation
Northfield • 609-641-2581
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
from Paralyzing Infection
Richard Martin didn’t think
anything of the heel pain that
started in May 2011. But soon,
the active 62-year-old Barnegat
resident was unable to walk. In
constant agony, he developed lifethreatening
symptoms including
a dangerously fast heartbeat and
was admitted to Southern Ocean
Medical Center. The diagnosis? An
infection with flesh-eating bacteria.
“By that time, Richard couldn’t
move at all. He was slowly losing
his ability to speak clearly and was
drifting in and out of consciousness,”
remembers his wife, Susan. “We
weren’t sure he would survive.”
Thanks to surgery on his right
heel and calf to remove the
bacteria, Richard did survive. But his
ordeal was far from over.
After three weeks in critical care,
he was strong enough to leave the
hospital but too weak to return
home. Southern Ocean’s Transitional
Care Unit (TCU) helped Richard
regain his independence and health.
Hope Through Therapy
The TCU, which celebrated its 10th
anniversary in August, is an inpatient
subacute unit within Southern Ocean
Medical Center. Staffed by physicians,
nurses, therapists, and other experts,
it helps patients recover function and
independence after an illness or injury.
“When I first got there, I couldn’t
move my arms or legs, couldn’t
feed myself or touch my nose, and
required a mechanical lift to get in
and out of bed,” says Richard. “Even
so, the first thing my doctor said to
me was, ‘You’re going to walk again.’”
That doctor was Arvind Baliga,
M.D., a physical rehabilitation specialist
who oversaw Richard’s treatment.
“Richard’s disease caused his
nervous system to shut down,
paralyzing him,” Dr. Baliga explains.
“However, he had tremendous
motivation to improve, which is vital
to recovery. My job was to ensure he
had the right prescription of therapy
to account for his unique illness.”
Who Benefits from Transitional Care?
Staff Like Family
Twice a day, Richard received physical
therapy to help him regain the
use of his legs. He also worked on
strengthening his upper body and
relearning everyday tasks such as
feeding himself. Nurses and aides
encouraged him and celebrated
his progress.
“I can’t say enough about the
entire therapy team,” says Richard.
“They are family.”
In all, Richard spent three months
in the unit. Slowly, he regained the
use of his body and was able to walk
out of the TCU unassisted.
“Since the illness, I have a
different perspective and know
what’s important,” says Richard,
who is now back to work as a
meat cutter. “I’ve probably visited
the TCU staff at least five times to
say thanks.” •
The TCU is ideal for medically stable people who need short-term
skilled care, as well as those who are possible candidates for intensive
acute rehabilitation services. Learn more about transitional care and who it
helps at SouthernOceanMedicalCenter.com. Click on “Services.”
12

Woodworker Gets
Back to Work
Thanks to Physical Therapy
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Manahawkin resident Robert Skrable always has
a project on the go in his woodshop. But when
knee pain made it difficult for the 80-year-old
to stand at a saw — or even complete basic daily activities
like climbing stairs — he knew he had to make a change.
The first step, in May 2012, was two knee replacements,
performed at Southern Ocean Medical Center by
orthopedic surgeon W. Francis Kennard, M.D. The second,
equally important step was rehabilitation.
“With knee replacements, the physical rehabilitation
component is extremely important,” says Dr. Kennard.
“Successful surgery without physical therapy will not
result in a successful outcome. Rehabilitation is
necessary to strengthen the knees and develop
good range of motion.”
Robert Skrable and his wife, Ruth, met in grammar school and have been married
for 59 years. After two knee replacements and successful rehabilitation, Robert
has kept up with his exercises at home, using a bike and walking with weights. He’s
also back to doing what he loves in his woodworking shop.
W. Francis Kennard, M.D.
Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery
Manahawkin • 609-597-1556
Customized Care for Each Person
Rehab at Southern Ocean Medical Center is customized
to match each patient’s particular routine. “We focus
on each individual’s goals and lifestyle as we create their
treatment plan,” says Josie Douglas, P.T. “If they had been
enjoying a particular activity, we tailor our treatment
to ensure they can resume that activity with comfort
and confidence.”
For Robert, that meant focusing on his ability to walk
and stand for long periods. He started therapy while still
in the hospital, only a day after his surgeries. After two
weeks in the Transitional Care Unit, he progressed to
outpatient care through Southern Ocean Medical Center’s
Physical Therapy Department.
The whole time, he says, “I had top-notch people
treating me and coaching me as I regained my ability to
walk and stand. All my therapists were great. And I am
very grateful for the guidance and care I received there.”
Continued Exercise at Home
Robert was also taught routines he could do on his own
at home. To maintain his strength, he still spends an hour
each day using a bike, walking with weights, and performing
exercises for his legs and knees.
“You’ve got to keep it up,” says Robert. “And the results
are well worth it. Three months after the surgery and
physical rehabilitation, I could walk any distance and could
go up and down steps with no problems or pain.”
Most important, he could spend hours back in his shop.
“I’m back to collecting quality scrap wood for my
projects. I made 150 joker board games and 200 wooden
napkin holders that I give as gifts,” says Robert. “And I guess
my wife, Ruth, is happy now, too, because I’m back to
helping with chores!” • — Joyce McFadden
One-on-One Care Makes a Difference
Our team of skilled physical therapists establishes
personal goals for each patient. We develop carefully
planned treatment programs and maintain an ongoing
dialogue with the patient’s physician. Get more details,
including our list of 14 locations, at MeridianHealth.
com. Just search for “physical therapy.”
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
13

Bayshore Community Hospital
Jennifer McKay volunteers with the Hazlet First Aid &
Rescue Squad, with a long-term goal of becoming a
physician’s assistant. Quick surgical care saved her life
after a boating accident last June.
David Dupree, M.D.
General Surgery
Tinton Falls • 732-450-9700
bleeding. They immediately called
for surgeon David Dupree, M.D.
“I took one look at Jennifer and
saw she was a dying woman. Without
intervention, she probably had 15
minutes to live,” Dr. Dupree recalls.
Within minutes, he had her in the
operating room, where he found that
Jennifer had torn her spleen in two
and severed part of her pancreas.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
for Lifesaving Emergency Care
14
I believe in community hospitals and love
Bayshore. Because of their quick action,
I am thankful to be alive.”
–Jennifer McKay
Jennifer McKay was on her dad’s
boat docked in the Atlantic
Highlands Marina in June 2012
when the unexpected happened. The
21-year-old fell into an open engine
compartment, wedging a fiberglass
hatch against the left side of her
body. Although she had no visible
injuries, Jennifer knew immediately
that something was very wrong.
As a volunteer emergency medical
technician (EMT), Jennifer was used
to medical emergencies. And the
constant, growing pain in her belly was
a sign that she needed to get to the
emergency room fast. Although other
hospitals were much closer, Jennifer
instructed her dad to drive her straight
to Bayshore Community Hospital.
“As a local EMT, I know and trust
the doctors at Bayshore,” says the
Hazlet resident. “In my opinion, they
provide a higher level of care. It’s
where I knew I needed to be.”
Quick Action Needed
Jennifer arrived at Bayshore’s
Emergency Care Center in just 14
minutes, but her health had already
deteriorated. She was weak and
could barely talk, and her stomach
was distended. A team of doctors
and nurses led by Daniel Yu, M.D.,
quickly determined that Jennifer had a
ruptured spleen and extensive internal
Critical Care When It Matters Most
Surgical Harmony for Team
In surgery, Dr. Dupree was able to
stop Jennifer’s internal bleeding. He
then removed her spleen and part
of her pancreas, which were not
necessary for her to live a normal life.
“Without the spectacular work of
the ER and operating teams, Jennifer
wouldn’t be here today. From the
time her accident occurred to the
moment we stabilized her in surgery,
only 45 minutes had passed,”
Dr. Dupree says. “I have performed
a lot of trauma surgery at other,
larger medical centers. Nothing I’ve
experienced was as smooth as this.
The operating staff worked together
in complete surgical harmony.”
Today, Jennifer is healthy and
back to volunteer work on the
Hazlet First Aid & Rescue Squad.
She also takes classes at Brookdale
Community College.
“The care I received was amazing,”
she says. “I believe in community
hospitals and love Bayshore.
Because of their quick action, I am
thankful to be alive.” •
Bayshore offers area residents an expert emergency medicine team.
Plus, with its Fast Track Program, the Emergency Department is able to
quickly treat non-life-threatening conditions. We even offer a Pediatric Care
Center to treat our youngest patients. Learn more at BayshoreHospital.org.

Barbara Petersen’s severe back pain is now under
control, thanks to a revolutionary new implanted
device called the RestoreSensor. Pain-free, she’s
back to enjoying the things she loves, such as
spending time with her granddaughter.
Riverview Medical Center
New Device
Stops Back Pain —
Before You Feel It
In spring 1999, a car accident changed Barbara Petersen’s
life. The Middlesex County resident was violently rearended,
leaving her with severe back pain.
“My life was completely turned upside down,” says
Barbara, 57.
For three years, she tried physical therapy and surgery
to relieve her pain, but nothing helped. “I couldn’t even
walk down the sidewalk or sit up in bed without pain
shooting down my legs,” she recalls.
After seeing a pain management specialist, Barbara
was referred to Bruce Rosenblum, M.D., a neurosurgeon
affiliated with Riverview Medical Center and part of
Meridian Neuroscience. “From the moment I met Dr.
Rosenblum, I knew I was in capable hands,” Barbara says.
Easing Pain with Electric Currents
Dr. Rosenblum explained that Barbara’s pain was due to
lumbar radiculopathy. “This condition occurs when part of
a disk is forced through a weakened portion of the spinal
column, placing extreme pressure on nearby nerves,” he says.
He suggested treatment with a dorsal column stimulator,
an implant that stimulates the affected area with an electric
current. “Patients with chronic neck, back, arm, and leg pain
can benefit from this small device,” he says.
When Dr. Rosenblum implanted the stimulator in
Barbara’s back, her pain was significantly reduced.
“I was able to control the pulsating of the implant with
a handheld device,” she says. “Whenever my back hurt,
I could increase the current to soothe it.”
A Revolutionary New Device
For more than a decade, Barbara’s pain was under control,
but by 2012 the stimulator had reached the end of its life
Hear from the Experts
Bruce R. Rosenblum, M.D.
Board certified in Neurosurgery
Shrewsbury • 732-460-1522
cycle. Dr. Rosenblum recommended a new implant, called
a RestoreSensor, to replace it.
The RestoreSensor uses motion-sensing technology
that picks up the person’s movement, then adjusts its
stimulation accordingly. As a result, patients experience
maximum relief without the hassle of constantly
reprogramming a device.
“What’s unique is that the affected area is stimulated
before pain signals can reach your brain,” Dr. Rosenblum
says. “This means you never actually feel the pain.”
Plus, with no remote needed, the RestoreSensor is more
convenient, giving people the freedom to move with ease.
Barbara received her RestoreSensor at Riverview — she
was the first person in Monmouth and Ocean counties to
undergo the procedure — and has been pain-free
ever since.
“Thanks to Dr. Rosenblum and Riverview’s great staff,”
she says, “I can now get back to the things I love, like
walking on the beach and enjoying time with my five
grandchildren.” • —Tom Paolella
Visit MeridianNeuroscience.com to watch
videos of our physicians discussing topics such as
stroke symptoms, back surgery, and migraine treatment.
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
15

Jersey Shore University Medical Center
The Art and Science of Surgery:
Robotic Technology Keeps Patients in Mind
In August 2012, a back injury sent 39-year-old Michael
Mahon for a routine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). But
the results were life-changing. The imaging showed that
Michael had an unrelated growth on his kidney. After further
testing, the Avon-by-the-Sea resident was quickly referred to
Michael Lasser, M.D., urologist and medical director, Center
for Robotic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Dr. Lasser diagnosed the growth as kidney cancer.
“My cancer diagnosis came as a complete shock. I had
no symptoms,” Michael says. “It was overwhelming, but
Dr. Lasser sat down and explained everything to me in
great detail. I was confident in him.”
The Robotic Difference
Dr. Lasser performed surgery to remove the cancerous
part of Michael’s kidney using the da Vinci® Surgical
System — a robotic and minimally invasive surgical
technique. Dr. Lasser is one of only a few surgeons in the
state who successfully performs the procedure, called a
partial nephrectomy.
“Without robotic assistance, this procedure would
be more difficult and may have required open surgery.
Other minimally invasive surgical options do not
provide the level of precision necessary for the
intricate stitching required to reconstruct the kidney,”
Dr. Lasser says. “By using the robotic system, we can
perform the surgery without making a large incision.
It leads to less pain and bleeding and a faster recovery
for the patient.”
During robotic surgery, the surgeon controls the robotic
system at all times. Long, thin robotic tools work through
a few small cuts in the skin. A high-definition camera,
with up to 10x magnification, gives the surgeon a superior
three-dimensional view and added precision.
“The system provides a better view of the surgical site
than is possible with the naked eye. It also mimics the
human wrist, allowing for precise movements in a very
small space,” explains Dr. Lasser. “By using this system,
we were able to remove Michael’s cancer and save his
kidney. This provides the best outcomes with the fewest
complications.”
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
16
Michael Mahon’s diagnosis of kidney cancer came as a complete shock. Thankfully,
he was a candidate for robotic surgery, which left him feeling great just days after
the procedure. Today he’s back on the job at Avon-by-the-Sea Public Works.
Michael S. Lasser, M.D.
Fellowship trained in Robotic and Laparoscopic
Urologic Surgery and Endourology
Neptune • 732-775-8444
See the Future of Surgery — Now
Visit JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com
to watch Dr. Lasser and learn about innovative
surgical solutions and upcoming lectures.
A Focus on Patient Benefits
Robotic surgery is used throughout Jersey Shore
University Medical Center because of its tremendous
benefits to patients. Currently, robot-assisted surgery is
available for urology, gynecology, and general surgery, and
the program continues to grow.
“We have a very active robotic surgery program. We
continue to train and recruit more surgeons with expertise
in this state-of-the-art surgical approach,” says Dr. Lasser.
For many patients, including Michael, this means
excellent surgical outcomes with less pain and a
quicker recovery.
Michael reports that days after surgery, he was feeling
great. And a few weeks later, his tiny surgical scars had
almost disappeared. Today, Michael is back to his job at
Avon-by-the-Sea Public Works, which involves lifting
heavy materials.
“I’m so glad this is behind me,” says Michael. “I received
unbelievable care, from the nursing staff to the surgery
itself. And my family and friends were great support.
I never felt alone.” •

The Sensitive Touch
Small changes in diet and lifestyle make a big difference in Manasquan girl’s life
As an active 10-year-old, Christina Guinco has
always participated in all the fun activities the
shore has to offer. Whether it was maintaining
her excellent grades, swimming, playing soccer, or doing
arts and crafts, Christina was always on the go.
But in 2009, Christina began complaining of stomach
pain, sometimes causing her to miss swim practice.
Christina’s mom, Maggy, made some adjustments to
Christina’s diet, like limiting wheat and milk, with little
success. The pain continued to worsen.
“I initially thought she was just nervous about swim
practice, but it became obvious that her physical
symptoms were not going away and something else
was wrong,” Maggy says. Christina’s pediatrician, Lorette
Sciarappa, M.D., recommended that she visit pediatric
gastroenterologist Beth Loveridge Lenza, D.O., on staff at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center, part of Meridian Pediatric Network.
In January 2012, Dr. Lenza met with Christina.
“Christina’s initial symptoms suggested gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition that occurs
when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. But
medications offered only minimal relief, and this was a red
flag that something else was wrong,” Dr. Lenza says.
Dr. Lenza continued working to find the source of
Christina’s pain. “I then performed an endoscopy, a procedure
with a tiny camera attached to a scope that allowed me
to get a closer look at her stomach. This confirmed that
Christina had eosinophilic esophagitis, or EE, an allergic
inflammatory reaction of the esophagus, the muscular tube
that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
“EE is often caused by seasonal, environmental, or food
allergies, and it’s found in many allergic children,” Dr. Lenza
explains. “With Christina, additional tests revealed that she
had multiple food and animal allergies — including milk, eggs,
onions, chocolate, garlic, and cat and dog danders.”
Dr. Lenza prescribed a medication to reduce the
inflammation of Christina’s esophagus and also recommended
diet and lifestyle changes. These included avoiding certain
foods and not allowing her cat to lie on her bed.
Almost immediately, Christina’s condition improved.
Learning what was making Christina so uncomfortable
was a great relief to them both, Maggy says. “With
A Free Resource for Parents
Dr. Beth’s help, we discovered how we could help
manage Christina’s condition.”
While the changes take some effort on Christina’s part
— chocolate isn’t allowed, and holidays like Halloween
can be challenging — it’s all been worth it. Perhaps the
biggest change is Christina’s new enthusiasm for her
activities. “Thanks to Dr. Beth, I feel better and I’m able to
do all the things I love to do,” Christina says. •
Fourth-grader Christina Guinco
enjoys playing defense on her
soccer team as well as taking
gymnastics. She’s learned
to manage her eosinophilic
esophagitis, an allergic
inflammatory reaction of
the esophagus.
Beth Loveridge Lenza, D.O.
Board certified in Pediatrics and
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Neptune • 732-776-4860
We’re pleased to offer you Check Up!, a complete guide to children’s
health from Meridian Pediatric Network. For your copy, email us at
kidviews@meridianhealth.com. Please write “Check Up” in the subject line.
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
17

Shore Rehabilitation Institute
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Rehab Helps College Athlete
SCORE
More than 100,000 viewers
have watched the YouTube
footage of Cory Weissman
— Jackson native, Gettysburg College
basketball player, and stroke survivor
— scoring his only college point. But
few people know what it took to get
him that far.
Cory was 19 in March 2009 when his
head started to hurt and his left arm
went numb while he lifted weights.
After a stroke at age 19, athlete Cory Weissman
was paralyzed on his left side. Years of therapy
got him back on the court, and he now plans to
become an athletic trainer or physical therapist.
A
COMEBACK
from a Stroke
Doctors determined he’d had a stroke
caused by burst blood vessels in his
brain. They stopped the bleeding and
later performed surgery.
But Cory, a former star athlete
at Jackson Memorial High School,
was paralyzed on his left side.
He couldn’t walk, had short-term
memory loss, and suffered seizures.
It would take years of therapy — and
the dedication of his team at Shore
Rehabilitation Institute — before
Cory was back at the free-throw line
in front of a cheering crowd.
Team Approach and a
Passionate Coach
At Shore Rehabilitation Institute, an
acute rehabilitation facility located in
Brick and adjacent to Ocean Medical
Center, Cory worked with Priya
Sharad, P.T., who directs the outpatient
stroke program there, which is part
of Meridian Neuroscience. Although
Cory had already made substantial
progress after five weeks of inpatient
therapy, Sharad wasted no time getting
him to work. “She had me doing
one-legged squats the first
session,” Cory says. “It didn’t
take Priya long to start
kicking my behind.”
Sharad says she focused
on helping Cory stabilize
his trunk and realize how
much he was compensating for his
deficits. “He had to relearn how to
use both sides of his body,” she says.
“Recovering from stroke is a lifelong
process.”
“Priya’s an incredible therapist,”
says Cory, “but there’s also such
great teamwork at Shore Rehab.
The therapists are constantly
communicating with each other
about how to help their patients
do better.”
A Champion’s Heart,
a Dream Fulfilled
By fall 2009, Cory was ready to return
to college, where he spent three
years helping the basketball team.
Then, on February 11, 2012, with 52
seconds left in the season’s last
home game, his heroic moment
happened: His coach put him in, an
opposing player intentionally fouled
Cory, and he finally got a basket as a
college player.
While Cory remembers that day
fondly, he’s looking ahead. Although
he still walks with a slight limp, he can
run up to three miles. He graduated
from Gettysburg in December 2012
and plans to become an athletic
trainer or physical therapist.
“It’s not going to be easy,” he says.
“I have a little more trouble studying
and doing my work. But I never quit
anything in my life.” •
Restoring Your Life
Shore Rehab provides a broad spectrum of rehabilitation
services, bringing together the latest innovative equipment
with a newly opened Neuro-Rehab Technology Center. With the
expertise and care of our compassionate team, we’re committed
to restoring your life back to you. Call 732-836-4500 or visit
ShoreRehabilitationInstitute.com.
18

When Time Matters:
Cardiac Cath Lab Treats Heart Attacks
Early one July morning in 2012, Brick resident Neal
Metnick awoke suddenly with an intense, constricting
pain running down both arms. He knew right away
something was terribly wrong. Neal’s wife immediately called
911. Although the 64-year-old didn’t experience the typical
tightness or squeezing in the chest, Neal was having a serious
heart attack. Thankfully, he was rushed by ambulance to
nearby Ocean Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
“I had been regularly monitored by a cardiologist
because of issues with mild hypertension. However, it was
very much under control,” remembers Neal. “This truly
came without warning.”
Seamless Coordination
Neal’s cardiologist, Vincent Vivona, D.O., met him in the
Emergency Department and evaluated his condition.
Neil was diagnosed with an acute heart attack, which
required immediate treatment. Dr. Vivona coordinated
with Ocean Medical Center’s Emergency Department
staff, who called interventional cardiologist David
Pinnelas, M.D., to perform the cardiac catheterization.
“It was very important to get Neal into the cardiac cath lab
as quickly as possible to open any blocked arteries,” says Dr.
Vivona. “When it comes to heart issues, time really is muscle.
There is only a 90-minute window of opportunity after a
heart attack occurs before the heart muscle begins to die.”
Expert Heart Treatment
The catheterization lab is used routinely by Meridian
CardioVascular Network cardiologists to diagnose
and treat coronary artery disease. In the event of an
emergency, doctors can perform angioplasty and stenting
without the need of an on-site cardiac surgery program.
Quick treatment in the cardiac catheterization lab at Ocean Medical Center
saved Neil Metnick after he had a serious heart attack. Now he’s back to an
active schedule, including attending cardiac rehabilitation.
“Not every community hospital has the capability
to provide interventional treatment in the event of an
acute heart attack, which is the gold standard of care.
Rather, clot-busting medications are used, which are not
as effective,” explains Dr. Pinnelas. “Area residents can
rest assured that if a heart attack occurs, Ocean Medical
Center is equipped to take care of them. Our cardiac cath
lab is staffed by the same interventional cardiologists
who treat patients at Jersey Shore Medical Center.”
During the cardiac catheterization, Dr. Pinnelas found
that Neal’s left anterior descending coronary artery was
completely blocked. Dr. Pinnelas quickly performed an
angioplasty to open the blocked artery and placed a stent
to keep it open. They were a success, and Neal came out
of the procedures feeling “absolutely fine.”
Now, weeks after his heart attack, Neal is back to
an active schedule. In addition to attending cardiac
rehabilitation at Ocean Medical Center, the retired school
psychologist is involved in his synagogue. He’s also an
active volunteer at the hospital, serving as chairman
of the Community Advisory Committee and an Ocean
Medical Center Association trustee. He continues to
function as an educational consultant.
“Ocean Medical Center provides the whole continuum
of care for heart attack patients,” says Dr. Vivona.
“Patients in the community can expect exceptional care
and outcomes.” •
Vincent Vivona, D.O.
Board certified in Internal Medicine
Brick • 732-458-5744
David J. Pinnelas, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal
Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology
Brick • 732-262-4262
Cath Lab Gets to the Heart of the Problem
Learn how Ocean Medical Center’s Cardiac
Catheterization Laboratory can help you by calling
732-836-4347.
Ocean Medical Center
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
19

When Minutes Count,
Count on Us
Meridian Health
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
20
When a stroke strikes, every minute counts.
Getting emergency care within an hour of
the start of a stroke can prevent disability
and death. Unfortunately, many people don’t get help
quickly enough.
For stroke victims, the best chance for recovery lies in
the hands of people around them. When someone else is
alert to the problem, the stroke sufferer is more likely to
get to a hospital in time to stop the damage.
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
If a person suddenly has trouble speaking, smiling, or
moving an arm or leg on one side, it could be due to
stroke. Other signs include:
• Confusion or dizziness
• Trouble walking or seeing
• Sudden, severe headache
If you witness these signs in someone or experience them
yourself, call 911 right away.
Who’s At Risk?
Some factors that put you at risk for stroke are out of
your control. These include aging, family history of stroke,
and ethnicity. In Monmouth and Ocean counties, stroke
mortality is much higher among African-Americans when
compared with Caucasians and Hispanics. This is partly
because the African-American population has a higher
rate of high blood pressure.
But research shows you can control other risk
factors by choices you make every day, such as not
smoking, keeping blood pressure in check, maintaining
a healthy weight, and exercising moderately on most
days of the week.
Harry Carson knows that stroke is in his family. He encourages people to share
their family health histories with younger relatives so they can take action.
Exercising, limiting sodium, and not smoking can all help prevent stroke.
“Based on my father’s strokes and simply being a black
male, I know I’m at greater risk for stroke,” says Harry
Carson, former captain of the New York Giants, Hall of
Famer, and spokesperson for Meridian Neuroscience.
“But I make certain to do all I can to live a healthy
lifestyle, which includes exercising, eating a healthy diet,
and never skipping a yearly physical examination.”
Top-Quality Care Is Close By
Each year, almost 5 percent of the deaths in Monmouth
and Ocean counties are caused by stroke. And among
residents ages 65 and older, 6.4 percent have had a
stroke. So it’s reassuring to know that top-quality care
is just minutes away. Meridian Health is home to five
nationally accredited Primary Stroke Centers, each with
specialized teams of stroke experts who are poised to
stop the advance of stroke. Through Meridian, you’re also
connected to the region’s only Stroke Rescue Center, at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where nationally
renowned neurosurgeons perform groundbreaking —
and lifesaving — stroke rescue procedures. •
A Revolutionary New Screening
A comprehensive AngioScreen ® can give you
information about your circulation and risk for
stroke and heart attack. The test is offered at locations
around the region at a special discounted price of $49.95
in January and February. See page 21 for details.

Meridian January/February 2013
Community Health Programs
All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Reserve your spot by calling 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) or
1-800-560-9990 or by visiting MeridianHealth.com. In cases of severe weather, a program may be canceled as late
as an hour before the start time. Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to confirm.
Red Dress Event
Meridian Women’s Heart Connection presents The Heart Truth campaign’s Red Dress Collection.
View designer dresses fresh off the runway from New York’s Spring 2013 Fashion Week.
Enjoy a heart-healthy menu, door prizes, and giveaways. Most important, learn how to live a
heart-healthy lifestyle. Tickets are $50, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Meridian
CardioVascular Network.
Thursday, February 21
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Buona Sera
Red Bank, NJ
Registration is required; call 1-800-DOCTORS.
For more information, please visit www.365DaysofHeart.com.
Special
Heart Month
discount:
$49.95
AngioScreen ® : What You Learn Can Save Your Life
This revolutionary new vascular screening is designed to give you information about your circulation
and risk for heart attack and stroke. Screening checks your carotid artery, peak systolic velocity,
abdominal aortic aneurysm, ankle brachial index, blood pressure in both arms, body mass index,
and heart rhythm. Participants receive an instant color report of the findings, educational materials,
and consultation with a registered nurse. And to celebrate Heart Month, the screening is just $49.95!
Registration is required.
January 9, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Room A
January 16, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Riverview Medical Center
Joan and Robert Rechnitz
Conference Center
January 17, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
January 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Center for Health, Little Egg Harbor
February 9, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness at Hazlet
February 12, 2:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
February 20, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
February 26, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Room A
Find other Heart Month events on page 22.
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
21

Community Health Programs • Services • Events • Lectures • Screenings • 1-800-DOCTORS
MERIDIAN CANCER CARE
Look Good, Feel Better
Get hair and makeup tips to help you
look and feel better. The American Cancer
Society offers this program to individuals
being treated for cancer.
January 14, 10:00 a.m. – noon
Riverview Medical Center
Cancer Center Conference Room
February 25, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Fresh Start
This four-session smoking-cessation
program is offered by Meridian Cancer
Care and the American Cancer Society.
Participants must attend all four sessions.
January 15, 17, 22, and 24, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center, Conference Room C
Colon-Rectal Cancer
Screening and Lecture
One out of every 25 people in the United
States will develop colon-rectal cancer.
With early detection, the survival rate can
be as high as 75 percent. Even so, 60,000
people will die from this disease this year.
Vishal Jain, M.D., will review the risks, and
participants will take home a simple test
that could be lifesaving.
January 24, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Men’s Urologic Health
Join urologist Saad Antoun, M.D., as he
discusses prostate health and other men’s
health issues.
February 6, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy is effective in alleviating
unwanted habits and developing positive
behaviors and lifestyle changes. Fee is $30.
February 13, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Children’s Art Therapy
Meridian Cancer Care offers art therapy
for children ages 4½ to 13 who have
experienced a loss or are dealing with
a chronically or terminally ill loved one.
Registration required. Call 732-530-2382.
MERIDIAN
CARDIOVASCULAR
NETWORK
Exercise, Diet, and a
Healthy Heart
Join Meridian Life Fitness to learn how
exercise, food choices, and medications
play a role in keeping your heart healthy.
January 3, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean County Library, Point Pleasant
February 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Meridian Life Fitness: Point Pleasant Beach
Hypertension and You
Are you living with hypertension? Join
Vasantha Perkari, M.D., as she shares ways
to manage it through lifestyle changes.
January 10, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Preventing Heart Disease at
Any Age
Taking care of your heart now can have
lifelong benefits. Cardiologist Douglas
Chudzik, M.D., will discuss risk factors,
symptoms, and prevention of heart disease
at any age at this informative lecture.
February 7, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Meridian Women’s Heart
Connection
Women and Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of
American women. Prevention is the best
medicine. Come learn your risk for heart
disease and the different symptoms that
women may experience.
February 12, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Healthy Hearts and Massage
Start your evening off right with a relaxing
chair massage, then listen to cardiologist
Julie Master, D.O., as she provides an
informative talk on risk factors of heart
disease and the signs and symptoms that
women experience.
February 13
Chair massages: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Lecture: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Riverview Medical Center
Joan and Robert Rechnitz Conference and
Education Center
Understanding Your Risk
for Heart Disease
Heart disease remains the number
one cause of death. Join a health care
professional who will review your risk
for heart disease and what you can do
about it.
February 27, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a common
circulatory problem in which narrowed
arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
Join Owano Pennycooke, M.D., for an
informative lecture on causes, diagnosis,
and treatment options for this disease.
February 26, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Living with Congestive
Heart Failure
Nurse practitioner Kim McCourt will
discuss the latest research, risk factors,
symptoms, and how to live with congestive
heart failure.
February 27, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
Men’s Health Matters – Just for Men!
Start the year off right and join Jersey Shore University Medical Center and First
Presbyterian Church Men’s Ministry of Manasquan for a breakfast focusing on men’s
health issues. The morning will include lectures featuring Jersey Shore University
Medical Center physicians, free health screenings, and educational displays. A light
breakfast will be served. Registration is required.
February 2, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan
22
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

MERIDIAN NEUROSCIENCE
Headaches: What Are
the Causes?
Join Farag Mankarios, M.D., as he discusses
diagnosis, causes, and the latest treatments
for headaches.
January 9, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Improving Balance Through
Exercise and Balance
Screening
Join physical therapist Pam Eluri as she
discusses the importance of exercise to
maintain balance and how to minimize
your risk for episodes of dizziness. Free
balance screenings will be provided.
January 18
Lecture: 11:00 a.m. – noon
Screenings: noon to 1:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Memory Loss
If you or a loved one is experiencing
increased forgetfulness, trouble
concentrating, or difficulty performing
familiar tasks, you may benefit from one of
these informative lectures. Afterward, free
memory screenings will be offered.
January 28
Lecture with Richard Rhee, M.D.: 9:30 a.m.
Screenings: 10:00 a.m. – noon
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
Are You Getting a Good
Night’s Sleep?
Do you or does someone you love snore,
have sleep apnea, or suffer from insomnia?
Join pulmonologist Sam Bebawy, M.D.,
and learn what you can do to get a better
night’s sleep.
January 29, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Stroke: When Minutes Count
Join Shirley Shook, R.N., as she discusses
lifesaving information on risk factors,
prevention, and detection of stroke. A light
heart-healthy lunch will be served.
February 12, noon – 1:30 p.m.
Bayshore Community Hospital
Conference Rooms A and B
Parkinson’s Update
Parkinson’s disease, which causes tremors
and muscular rigidity, affects about 1 million
people in the United States. Southern Ocean
Medical Center neurologist Tommasina
Papa-Rugino, M.D., will speak on the latest
treatments for Parkinson’s.
February 15, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Caregiving for the Person
with Dementia: Things You
Need to Know
This program will focus on the major areas
of concern for families and caregivers of
those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
or related dementias. Cosponsored with
the Alzheimer’s Association. Continental
breakfast served.
February 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Express Yourself — Group
Speech Therapy
If you’ve had a head injury or stroke and
have already completed speech therapy,
this class may be for you. Continue to
work on your communication skills in
this program, held once a month for six
months. For pricing and registration, call
732-836-4007.
parkinson’s life-enrichment
exercise class
Designed and administered by physical
therapists and exercise specialists, this
program helps people with Parkinson’s
improve their flexibility, balance, and
strength, enabling them to perform
everyday activities with greater ease.
Call Meridian Life Fitness in Brick at
732-836-4007 for fees and to register.
MERIDIAN PEDIATRIC
NETWORK
Safe Sitter
Meridian offers training for babysitters
ages 11 to 14. In a fun learning environment,
this class will review safety for both
babysitters and the children left in their
care, including information on handling
emergencies, first aid, and CPR. The fee
is $40.
January 19, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
February 18, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center Conference Room A
February 23, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
What to Expect from
Adolescence to the
Teen Years
Join pediatrician Sharon Yuen, M.D., as
she discusses vaccines, sleep patterns,
attitudes, and body changes in your child
from adolescence to the teen years.
January 24, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
Car Seat Safety Check
Sponsored by the New Jersey State Police and
the Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center. No registration necessary.
February 5, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
CHILDBIRTH/MATERNITY
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION SERIES
Meridian Health offers classes and seminars
for first-time and experienced parents,
as well as tours, classes for siblings, and
more! Registration required. Please register
before your third trimester. To learn more
about our fun and informative classes, visit
MeridianMomtourage.com.
STRIKE A POSE: YOGA FOR
MOMS AND MOMS-TO-BE
Classes focus on gentle postures, breathing
techniques, and relaxation to prepare for
childbirth or recover after childbirth. Call
Meridian Life Fitness in Point Pleasant at
732-295-1778 for fees and to register.
COUNSELING AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Addiction Recovery Services
For adult family members of addicted
individuals. Call for information.
Children’s Counseling
Meridian Behavioral Health offers a variety
of counseling services at both our Neptune
and Shrewsbury locations. We offer
age-specific group therapy, a therapeutic
after-school program for children ages 7
to 13, and traditional individual and family
therapy. Call 732-869-2784, ext. 2, for
registration, schedules, and fees.
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
25 23

Community Health Programs • Services • Events • Lectures • Screenings • 1-800-DOCTORS
DIABETES
Controlling Your Diabetes
Are you having a hard time managing your
diabetes? Join Ammar Bazerbashi, M.D.,
and learn risk factors, latest treatments,
and how you can keep your diabetes under
control.
January 15, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Comprehensive Diabetes
Management and Education
The focus of diabetes education is on both
the person with diabetes and the family.
Meridian offers educational and support
programs at all our hospitals on
an individual or group basis for people
with diabetes. In Monmouth County, call
732-530-2555. In Ocean County, call
609-978-3400.
FITNESS
Self-Defense Exercises
Black belt instructor Walter Miller will
teach you how to use balance and leverage
to help defend yourself. Fee is $3 per class.
January 3 and 17, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
February 7 and 21, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Never Exercised Before and
Don’t Know Where to Start?
Join Meridian Life Fitness to learn the
benefits of exercise, what a basic exercise
routine consists of, and how to make sure
you’re doing what’s right for you.
January 10, noon – 1:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness: Point Pleasant Beach
Yoga for Golfers
Join Meridian Life Fitness for this demo
class and find out how doing yoga
can improve your flexibility and your
golf game.
January 12, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Meridian Life Fitness: Point Pleasant Beach
Exercise Can Keep Your
Heart Healthy
Join physical therapist James McCracken
and learn how you can start a safe exercise
program to help keep your heart healthy.
February 21, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Gentle Fitness Classes
Learn how exercise can improve your life. A
variety of classes that include a combination
of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular
exercises are offered: Arthritis Foundation
Classes (land, pool, and Tai Chi), Zumba®
Gold, Back Strengthening, Pre/Post Bariatric
Exercise Class, and Balance Training. Call
732-206-8263 for fees and locations.
NUTRITION
Weight Loss with Hypnosis
Jaime Pitner, MICP, RNC, will lead a session
to help you lose weight with hypnotherapy.
Hypnosis is effective in alleviating unwanted
habits and developing positive behaviors
and lifestyle changes. Fee: $30.
January 9, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
FREE Lecture: Jump-Start
Your Weight-Loss Goals
Join Meridian Life Fitness for this
informative discussion on weight loss
and what a healthy weight-loss program
consists of. Learn tips for success.
January 14, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center: Community Room
13 Keys to Improving Your
Health in 2013
It’s that time of year again when we all try
to make healthy changes. Liz Amisson, R.D.,
will discuss her top 13 tips to guide you in
improving your diet and exercise.
January 24, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Nutrition Counseling
Consult a registered dietician to design
a food plan that meets your weightmanagement
and medical-nutrition needs.
To register, call Riverview Medical Center
at 732-530-2555, Meridian Life Fitness at
732-295-1778, or Southern Ocean Medical
Center at 609-978-3400.
Weight-Loss and
Wellness Programs
Meridian Life Fitness offers a variety
of weight-loss, wellness, and nutrition
programs to suit your lifestyle, including
Lose for Life, a medical weight-loss
program, and the ability to meet with a
wellness advisor. Call 732-206-8263 for
more information or to register.
ORTHOPEDICS AND
SPORTS MEDICINE
My Achy Back
Approximately 80 percent of Americans
will suffer back pain at some point in their
lives. Learn what you can do to prevent it.
January 24, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean County Library, 834 Beaver Dam Road,
Point Pleasant
Analyze Your Gait to
Improve Your Run: Lecture
with Foot Screenings
Learn how the MotionXcellence Sports
Performance Lab can analyze your gait to
help improve your run. Learn what to look
for in footwear based on your type of foot.
Foot screenings available.
January 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness & Rehabilitation
Suffering from
Shoulder Pain?
Join orthopedic surgeon Michael
Cunningham, M.D., for an informative
discussion on the causes, latest treatment
options, and determining whether or not
you are a candidate for shoulder surgery.
January 31, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Putting Your Best
Foot Forward
Learn how faulty foot mechanics can lead to
many dysfunctions — not just in the foot,
but in the knee, hip, and back — and what is
the best footwear for your foot. FREE foot
screening is available following the lecture.
To register, call 732-206-8263.
February 7, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean County Library, 834 Beaver Dam Road,
Point Pleasant
Minimally Invasive
Joint Replacement
More than 300,000 knee and hip
replacement surgeries are done each year,
and the age for replacements is getting
younger. David Rodricks, M.D., will explain
who’s a candidate for knee replacement
and the latest in minimally invasive
techniques.
February 21, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
24
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

SCREENINGS
SENIOR PROGRAMS
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY
New Year, New You
Start the year off right. Join experts from
Meridian Health for an informative lecture
on good health, nutrition, and exercise.
Free health screenings will be provided.
Registration is required.
January 8
Lecture: 10:00 a.m.
Screenings: 10:30 a.m. – noon
Manchester Library
21 Colonial Drive
January 12
Lecture: 9:00 a.m.
Screenings: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Blood Pressure Screenings
First and third Wednesday of the month,
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
BALANCE SCREENING
Minimize your risk for falls or episodes of
dizziness. Call 732-206-8263 to register for
a free balance screening.
January 15, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Rehabilitation, Ocean Medical
Center
February 7, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Rehabilitation, Point Pleasant
Diabetes Foot Screening
For an appointment, call the Wound Center
at Southern Ocean Medical Center at
609-978-3077.
First Wednesday of each month
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Ocean County Cholesterol
and Blood Pressure
Screenings for
Low-Income Seniors
Funding provided by Ocean County Board
of Chosen Freeholders for qualified
residents ages 60 and older. Call for dates,
times, and locations.
AARP Driving
Safety Program
Driving program for adults ages 50 and
older who want to develop safe, defensive
driving techniques. Certificates awarded.
(This class is not recognized in the states of
Florida and New York.) Fee is $12 for AARP
members and $14 for nonmembers. Make
checks payable to AARP. Call for dates.
Fall Prevention
Do you know how to prevent falls in your
home and outside this winter? Come learn
tips on keeping yourself safe and active.
January 15, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Solutions to
Balance Problems
Join Meridian Life Rehabilitation to learn
how your vestibular system influences
your balance and what treatment options
are available for those with balance and
dizziness symptoms.
January 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Room A
Fall Prevention
Exercise Demo
Join Meridian Life Fitness for this demo
class to help improve your balance through
exercise.
January 25, noon – 12:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness: Point Pleasant Beach
Incontinence: Take Control
Do you or does a loved one suffer from
bladder control problems? Urologist
Deep Trivedi, M.D., will share the latest
treatments for bladder control and urinary
function. This seminar can help you reclaim
an active and healthy lifestyle.
January 29, 11 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Forever Fit Mature
Adult Fitness
Registration is not necessary for this
60-minute adult fitness program. Fee: $3.50
per session. Bring payment to class.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Stafford Community Center, Manahawkin
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY:
THE FACTS
Karl Strom, M.D., medical director of the
Bariatric Center of Excellence at Southern
Ocean Medical Center and Bayshore
Community Hospital, and surgeons
Jonathan Reich, M.D., and Silvia Fresco,
M.D., will host educational programs on the
benefits of weight-loss surgery.
January 8, February 12, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ocean County Library
100 Washington St., Toms River
January 9, February 13, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Southern Ocean Medical Center
January 10, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bayshore Community Hospital
Ground Floor Conference Room
January 17 and February 21, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Options for Weight-
Loss Surgery
Join Seth Kipnis, M.D., for this program on
the benefits of weight-loss surgery.
January 9, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 6, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
GENERAL WELLNESS
SURGERY TODAY: HERNIAS
AND GALLBLADDERS
Do you need your gallbladder? What are
hernias? Surgeon Emil Shakou, M.D., will
discuss how surgery has changed and
what the latest minimally invasive surgical
techniques are.
January 9, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
GENEALOGY BEYOND
THE BASICS
If you tried and failed to find those
branches of your family tree, come join us.
This class is designed for those who have
already started a family tree and have basic
computer skills.
January 15, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
25

Community Health Programs • Services • Events • Lectures • Screenings • 1-800-DOCTORS
CELIAC DISEASE
Celiac disease is characterized by poor
food absorption and intolerance to gluten.
Megan Linberry, PA-C, will discuss signs,
symptoms, and treatments.
January 22, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
VARICOSE VEINS: CAUSES AND
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Varicose veins are dilated veins in your
legs that may cause mild to severe pain.
Join Meridian experts as they discuss what
varicose veins are, their causes, and the
latest in treatment options.
January 22, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Speaker: Girija Surya, M.D.
January 31, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
Speaker: Lawrence Mueller, M.D.
Free leg screenings will be provided.
FOR WOMEN ONLY
As you age, your body goes through many
different changes. Join Adi Smolinsky, M.D.,
as she discusses women’s changes after the
age of 50: what to expect and things you
may be at risk for.
February 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
NATIONAL SAFETY DEFENSIVE
DRIVING CLASS
Open to anyone who wants to develop
safe, defensive driving techniques and
save on your insurance policy. Certificates
awarded. Fee: $18 (additional $10 fee for
point reduction).
February 11, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
GENEALOGY
Interested in tracing your family history?
Join us for a hands-on session in our
computer learning center. Class maximum
is 16 students.
February 12, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
LIVING WITH CHRONIC
OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY
DISEASE (COPD)
COPD is a combination of chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, and small-airway
disease. Come review the latest treatments
available and learn tips to keep your
lungs healthy.
February 13, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
INTRO TO IPAD, FACEBOOK,
AND TWITTER
Have you heard people using the words
“tweet,” “friend me,” and “iPad” and
wondered what they were talking about?
Come learn about the iPad and see a
demonstration firsthand. Learn how to set
up accounts for Facebook and Twitter, how
to send/receive messages using this social
networking technology, and more. Fee: $10.
February 18 and 20, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
MEET WITH A
WELLNESS ADVISOR
Consult with a Wellness Advisor at
Meridian Life Fitness to learn how our
Medical Fitness Membership or Wellness
Coaching can help you stay motivated to
manage symptoms of chronic conditions
such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, and many others.
Call 732-206-8263 to speak to a
Wellness Advisor.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a holistic form of healing
through applying pressure at designated
points on the body (most commonly the
feet) that benefits the entire mind-body
system. Reflexology is offered at Meridian
Life Fitness in Brick on Wednesday
mornings. Call for fees and to schedule an
appointment at 732-836-4007.
CPR TRAINING
All Meridian Health hospitals are
American Heart Association CPR
training centers. Call for dates, times,
locations, and classes offered.
MERIDIAN PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES
BOOKER HEALTH SCIENCES
LIBRARY HOME DELIVERY
The Booker Health Sciences Library at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
accepts requests from anyone looking to
learn more about a medical topic, disease,
or condition. The library sends a packet
of reliable information to you at no cost.
Contact the library by:
• Phone: 732-776-4265
• Fax: 732-776-4530
• Email: jsumclibrary@meridianhealth.com
CLINICAL TRIALS
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is
an important personal decision. To learn
more about current clinical trials available at
Meridian Health, visit us at MeridianHealth.
com, call 732-776-2953, or email us at
clinicaltrials@meridianhealth.com.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE CLINIC
Exams, testing, and treatment of sexually
transmitted and other infectious diseases are
available at this clinic, located at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. Call 732-774-0151
to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
PROGRAMS
The Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township, offers personal enrichment
programs, including computer classes,
genealogy, self-defense, and more. Call for
current class offerings, dates, and times.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Meridian Health is happy to arrange custom
health-education programs to meet the needs
of your community group, organization, or
school. Call 732-751-7590 to learn more.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Meridian offers support groups for
bereavement; caregivers; diabetes; anorexia
and bulimia; breast, lung, prostate, thyroid,
and other cancers; Alzheimer’s disease; stroke;
Parkinson’s disease; sleep disorders; celiac
disease; Mended Hearts; weight loss; and more.
Call for more information, dates, and times.
26 Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

Could Too Much
Harm Your Heart?
Roses are red, violets are
blue, sugar is sweet—and
you may be eating way too
much. It’s the newest diet warning:
Added sugars are taking a toll on
heart health.
The average American consumes
more than 22 teaspoons or 355
calories of added sugars per day. That
means sugars that are put into the
foods you eat, rather than those that
occur naturally in fruits, vegetables,
and other unprocessed products.
What’s so wrong with a sweet
treat? Sugar provides fuel but has
no other nutritional value. Eating
more sugar than we need has been
linked to:
• Higher triglyceride and lower
“good” HDL cholesterol levels
• Tooth decay
• Trouble controlling diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart disease
Most added sugars in our diets
come from soft drinks and other
beverages, candy, baked goods,
and ice cream. They also lurk
Sweet Tips for Healthier Desserts
where you wouldn’t expect them:
dairy products such as some
yogurt, canned fruits and fruit
drinks, and cereal.
Experts at the American Heart
Association recommend women
get no more than 100 calories a
day from added sugars and men
no more than 150 calories. To
spot sugars, check food labels
for amounts. Remember that
1 gram is about 4 calories. And
look for these red-flag words in
ingredient lists:
• Cane juice or syrup
• Corn sweetener or syrup
• Dextrose, fructose, or glucose
• Lactose or maltose
• Molasses
Buy sugar-free or low-calorie
beverages. Cut back on the
amount of sugar you add to items
like coffee and oatmeal. Baking?
Reduce the amount of sugar you
add by one-third to one-half.
Add flavor with almond or vanilla
extracts, or use spices such as
ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. •
Have a sweet tooth? Simple changes to your dessert
recipes can make them healthier — while keeping all the
flavor. For some sweet tips on lowering fat, cutting calories, and
limiting sugar, visit WellnessCenter.meridianhealth.com. Just
search for “light desserts.”
Chicken Gumbo
This warm, satisfying meal
will stick to your ribs — while
benefiting your heart.
Ingredients
1 tsp. vegetable oil
¼ cup flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ lb. chicken breast, skinless
and boneless, cut into 1-inch
strips
1 cup white potatoes, cubed
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
½ medium carrot, grated
¼ cup celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 stalks scallion, chopped
1 whole bay leaf
½ tsp. thyme
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup okra, sliced into ½-inch
pieces
To taste: jalapeño pepper
Directions
1. Add oil to a large pot and heat
over a medium flame.
2. Stir in the flour. Cook, stirring
constantly, until the flour
begins to turn golden brown.
3. Slowly stir in all the broth
using a wire whisk. Cook for
2 minutes. The mixture should
not be lumpy.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients
except the okra. Bring to a
boil, then reduce the heat
and let simmer for 20 to
30 minutes.
5. Add the okra and cook for
15 to 20 more minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf and
serve.
Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: ¾ cup
Each serving provides:
Calories: 165, Total fat: 4 g,
Saturated fat: 1 g, Cholesterol:
51 mg, Sodium: 81 mg, Fiber: 2 g,
Protein: 21 g, Carbohydrates:
11 g, Potassium: 349 mg
Healthy Highlights
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
27

What 4 Common Heart Tests
Can Tell You
Meridian Health
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
28
If your doctor lowers her
stethoscope and says you need
a cardiac test, take heart. Many
screenings and procedures are quick,
painless, and noninvasive. They give
your caregivers an accurate picture of
your heart health — and help ensure
that your ticker keeps on ticking.
Here are four common tests you may
need to have done.
1
Don’t Stress Over a
Stress Test
The “stress” in this test is nothing to
worry about. “It’s simply an indication
of how your heart responds to work,”
explains Tommy K. Ng, M.D., of
Southern Ocean Medical Center.
Also called a treadmill test or an
exercise test, it’s usually performed
while you walk on a treadmill.
Tiny wires connect your chest to
Dale E. Edlin, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular
Disease, Internal Medicine, and
Nuclear Cardiology
Shrewsbury • 732-542-7600
Thomas Komorowski, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular
Disease, Interventional Cardiology,
and Internal Medicine
Brick • 732-840-0600
Leonid Mandel, M.D.
Board certified in
Internal Medicine and
Cardiovascular Disease
Neptune • 732-776-8500
Tommy K. Ng, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular
Disease, Interventional Cardiology,
and Internal Medicine
Manahawkin • 609-978-2337
monitoring equipment that tracks
your heart while you move. After
exercising, you rest while your heart
and blood pressure are checked.
A stress test can:
• Reveal an inadequate blood supply
to your heart
• Help the doctor diagnose
symptoms such as chest pain,
light-headedness, or shortness
of breath
• Evaluate your response to
medications
• Suggest what type of exercise
you should do
“In some cases, the test is done on
a stationary bike or with medication
that temporarily speeds up your
heart rate,” Dr. Ng says. Other
options include a stress echo, which
is an ultrasound scan of your heart
at work, and a thallium stress test,
which uses a radioactive substance
and special photographs to show
how well blood flows into your heart
during and after exercise.
2
EKG: A Picture of Your
Heart Health
You’ve probably seen those graphs
that show a heartbeat as a series
of peaks and valleys. Those images
are called electrocardiograms —
abbreviated as EKGs or ECGs — and
they record the heart’s electrical
activity.
“EKG testing is fast, simple, and
painless,” says Leonid Mandel,
M.D., of Jersey Shore University
Medical Center. While you lie down,
electrodes are placed at specific
points on your chest, arms, and legs.
You won’t feel anything, but the
procedure will be tracing the activity
of your heart.
Abnormal tracings may indicate
problems such as:
• Heart damage
caused by a heart
attack or reduced
oxygen levels in
your heart
• An abnormal heart
rhythm, called an
arrhythmia
• A problem with
a heart valve
“EKGs are also
used to check how
well a pacemaker
is functioning or
determine whether heart medication
or other treatments have been
effective,” Dr. Mandel says.
3
Going Deeper with
Cardiac Cath
If a stress test or EKG suggests
you could have heart disease,
your doctor may need to perform
cardiac catheterization to arrive at
a diagnosis. “Also known as ‘cardiac
cath,’ the test is often done on an
outpatient basis,” notes Thomas
Komorowski, M.D., of Ocean
Medical Center.
During the procedure, a small,
hollow tube called a catheter is
inserted into a blood vessel in your
groin or arm and threaded up toward
your heart. Once it’s in place, your
doctor can perform tests and even
some treatment procedures.
“One common test is called
coronary angiography or
arteriography,” Dr. Komorowski says.
Dye is injected into the catheter so it
flows into your heart. Then, with the
use of a special type of X-ray called
fluoroscopy, any blockages in your
arteries will be visible.
Cardiac cath can help identify issues
such as coronary artery disease, heart
failure, and birth defects.

When Dotty Petrenko’s leg hurt
while walking, it turned out she had
a blockage in her femoral artery … a
serious condition that could lead to
amputation. Her doctor performed
angioplasty, inserting a stent that
opened her artery and saved her leg.
4 Echocardiography:
A Moving Image
To evaluate the heart’s structures as
well as its function, doctors often
turn to echocardiography, or “echo.”
“This painless, noninvasive test uses
high-frequency sound waves to
create a moving image of the heart,”
explains Dale Edlin, M.D., of Riverview
Medical Center and Bayshore
Community Hospital.
First, you’re connected to an EKG
monitor to create heart tracings that
can be compared with the images
produced by the echo. Then, the
examination room is darkened, warm
gel is rubbed across your chest,
and a wand called a transducer is
positioned over your heart. When
the transducer is held at certain
locations and angles, the sound
waves bounce or “echo” off the heart
structures. These waves are sent to a
computer to create moving images
of the heart walls and valves.
Echo images can help diagnose:
• Prior heart damage from artery
disease or viruses
• An enlarged heart
• Heart defects
• Congestive heart failure
• Aneurysms
• Malfunctioning heart valves
Top Care for Matters of the Heart
Chris Morano is a black belt
in karate, and his heart attack
caught him totally off guard. In
the cardiac catheterization lab,
doctors treated him with three
stents. “My life was saved that
day,” Chris says.
At the age of 48, Jane Drucker
didn’t realize how her stressful
job was affecting her health. Then
she suffered a heart attack. After
treatment including cardiac rehab,
she’s back to enjoying an active life.
• Tumors
• An inflammation or infection of the
sac surrounding the heart
“An echocardiogram may also be
performed to assess the heart’s overall
function and general structure,”
Dr. Edlin adds. •
Meridian CardioVascular Network offers a complete range of heart
and vascular services, from prevention to advanced surgery and
rehabilitation. View inspiring stories from our patients, including the
three pictured on this page, at MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com.
Meridian HealthViews • January/February 2013
29

Become our next featured community
member. See details below.
My
health views on …
When Red Bank resident Jennifer
Carbone turned 40 last year,
she realized that she had to put
a little more effort into staying
healthy and keeping pounds at
bay. Here’s what works for her.
… dancing it off
Most nights of the week, I come home from
work and do 20 to 40 minutes of the “Just
Dance” video game on my Wii. It’s so much
fun, I work up a sweat, and it’s easy to quickly
fit in before dinner. I actually look forward to it
because it feels more like just having fun than
working out.
… satisfying snack attacks
At work, I stock up on snacks like string cheese,
almonds, apples, and baby carrots. That way I
always have healthy, satisfying options available.
Plus, they keep me from giving in to office
treats like birthday cake and candy. Those
calories quickly add up!
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
30
… getting a move on
Whenever possible, I try to walk to colleagues’
desks instead of emailing them. I always have a
mug of water on my desk, so I frequently get
up to refill it. I try to build as much activity into
my workday to help break up the amount of
time I spend sitting.
Jennifer Carbone enjoys exercising with the game “Just Dance” on her Wii at
home. It’s easy to fit in after her workday. “It feels more like just having fun than
working out,” she says.
Picture This:
Your Photo and Story in Meridian HealthViews!
Are you part of a workout team? Do you exercise or play a sport with a friend, sibling, neighbor, or
coworker? We want to hear about it! Email your story to healthviews@meridianhealth.com or post it at
www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ. You could be featured in an upcoming issue! As a thank-you,
everyone who submits a story for consideration will receive a FREE cookbook full of healthy recipes!

Unstoppable.
With his health at a crossroad, Joseph kept going.
A bricklayer for 55 years, Howell resident Joseph Meaghan always found his life’s
work liberating. That was until a partially clogged artery threatened his independence
and his livelihood. Joseph turned to the experts of Meridian CardioVascular Network
with the most complete cardiac care in the region. There, his cardiovascular team
acted quickly and used a stent to open his artery and restore blood flow to his heart.
Today, Joseph has regained his balance, his breath, and his coveted spot on the crew.
The words “slow down” never did apply to Joseph Meaghan. To put it simply,
he never quits.
To learn more about Joseph’s relentless heart,
visit MeridianCardioVascularNetwork.com.
For a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS.
Our philosophy:
It’s not just the
ability to do a
single thing well,
but the unique
ability to do
everything better.
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& Education
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& Wellness
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Could too much
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