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healthviews
November/December 2012
a health publication from Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Young Athlete
Thrives After
Rare Tumor
Robotic Surgery Helps
Man Fight Two Cancers
High-Risk Pregnancy
Has Happy Ending
Cool Tips to Stay Fit
This Winter
visit us online at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com

A Message to the Community
The first moments of new parenthood are some of the most
memorable. At Meridian Health, we strive to provide new
families with a comfortable experience and the best care.
Complications during pregnancy can arise without warning,
which makes the choice of where to give birth an important
one. In this issue, you’ll read about some remarkable births at our
hospitals. Christine Quigley found herself facing a life-threatening
emergency. Tascha Krapf embarked on a pregnancy while
managing type 1 diabetes. Kristine Zellman’s complicated medical
history made her third pregnancy high risk. All of them received
expert care while delivering beautiful, healthy babies.
This fall also brings a focus on the seniors in our communities.
Meridian Health and Geisinger Health Plan have partnered
to bring Geisinger Gold — a provider-sponsored Medicare
Advantage product that is ranked as number six in the country
— to seniors in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Seniors will
now have access to a high-quality, cost-effective option for
Medicare coverage that’s not currently available in this region,
including better management of chronic conditions, better
health care outcomes, and better access to covered services.
The product was introduced in the fall, with plan benefits
becoming effective January 2013.
You can learn much more at
MeridianGeisingerGold.com.
No matter what your age or
stage, Meridian Health is here
for you.
November/December 2012
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6
8
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10
12
13
Health Briefs
Riverview Doctors Expect the
Unexpected to Save Mom
and Baby
Critical care during a
life-threatening situation
Young Athlete Thrives After
Rare Tumor
Robotic Surgery Helps Man
Fight Two Cancers
The newest technology means a
better experience for patients
A Veterans Day
Survival Story
One Appointment Changes
New Gretna Woman’s Life
Managing a High-Risk
Pregnancy Close to Home
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President, Meridian Health
14
Pregnancy Care Is Tailored
to Perfection
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.
Peter Wegener, 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
Looking for a healthy, tasty holiday brunch
treat? On October 24, find a recipe for
cranberry pumpkin muffins at
www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ.
Meridian Health tweets hot health-related
headlines and local news pieces regularly at
www.twitter.com/MeridianNJ.
Meridian Momtourage physicians discuss
women’s health in videos on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/MeridianHealthNJ.
Receive free e-newsletters on pediatric
and cardiovascular health topics! Sign up at
www.MeridianHealth.com/enewsletters.

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19
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Getting UFC’s ‘Jersey Devil’
Back in the Ring
Riverview Experts Save
Young Athlete’s Season
Weight-Loss Surgery
Changes Keansburg
Dad’s Life
healthviews
November/December 2012
a health publication from Jersey Shore University Medical Center
18
19
20
Specialized Pediatric Care
Saves Choking Toddler
Olympic Medalist Offers
Tips for Staying Fit
This Winter
Inside or out, there are ways to
keep up your routine
Gift Ensures Ocean Medical
Center Is Growing Together
with Our Community
21
27
28
30
Community Health Programs
Take a Closer Look at Your
Eye Health
Solve the Puzzle of Your Pills
My Health Views
Young Athlete
Thrives After
Rare Tumor
Cover Stories
Paige Truax was overwhelmed when she was diagnosed with a rare type of
cancer. Now, after a successful surgery and treatment, she’s moving forward
with a new outlook on life. Read her story on page 8.
High-Risk Pregnancy Robotic Surgery Helps Cool Tips to Stay Fit
Has Happy Ending Man Fight Two Cancers This Winter
visit us online at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com
Robotic Surgery Helps
Man Fight Two Cancers
page 9
High-Risk Pregnancy Has
Happy Ending
page 14
Cool Tips to Stay Fit
This Winter
page 19

Promising News for
People with Pre-Diabetes
56%
of those whose blood
sugar levels returned to
normal — even just once —
Health Briefs
What goes up must come down. That’s the
verdict of a new study on pre-diabetes.
Nearly 80 million Americans have pre-diabetes. “The condition
is characterized by high blood sugar and significantly raises the risk
for type 2 diabetes,” explains Cristina Ciorlian, M.D., of Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. However, according to results published in
had a lower risk of later
developing type 2
diabetes.
The Lancet, this diagnosis isn’t inevitable. In fact, getting blood sugar
levels back to normal — even just for a short time — could indicate a lower
risk of developing diabetes down the road.
Study researchers followed almost 2,000 adults with pre-diabetes for up
to six years. Those whose blood sugar levels returned to normal — even
just once — had a 56 percent lower risk of later developing type 2 diabetes.
Join us at a Diabetes Awareness Day Event on November 3 or 9.
Nutrition experts will be available for consultation, and a variety of
screenings will be offered as well. Turn to page 21 for all the details.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS®
Stand Up for Your Health
“The government suggests
getting 150 minutes of exercise a week,”
says Ladan Ilkhani, M.D., of Ocean Medical
Center. But Australian researchers have
found that what you do during the other
6,500 minutes that you’re awake each week
also matters.
For a study in Archives of Internal
Medicine, they asked more than 200,000
adults about their daily activity habits.
They then matched up survey results to
national death records. Over a three-year
period, people who sat for 11 hours or more
per day were 40 percent more likely to die
of any cause than those who logged less
than four hours of chair time.
How Much Physical Activity
Do You Need Each Day?
Don’t let the holidays sidetrack your weight-loss efforts. Join us on November 19 for an
informative discussion on sticking to your goals. See page 24 to learn more.
4

Low-Fat Milk
Does the
Brain Good
Milk does more than
build strong bones. New
research published in the
journal Stroke found it could
protect the brain.
For the study, almost
75,000 Swedish adults ages
45 to 83 completed dietary
questionnaires. They reported
on their consumption of dairy
foods, such as milk, yogurt,
and cheese. Researchers
then tracked the number
of strokes they had within
approximately the next 10
years. Participants who ate
the most low-fat dairy foods
had a 12 percent lower risk for
any type of stroke.
“This is consistent with
other research, which has
shown that low-fat dairy foods
reduce blood pressure, a
major stroke risk factor,”
notes Tommasina
Papa-Rugino, M.D.,
of Southern Ocean
Medical Center.
Tap into the
power of aging!
Turn to page 24
to learn about
our lecture with
a geriatrician
on aging
successfully.
Berries Might Keep Your
Mind Sharp
Concerned about memory loss as you age?
A new study in the Annals of Neurology has some “berry”
good news for you!
Researchers followed the diets of nearly 16,000
women. When participants were all age 70 or older,
researchers tested their thinking ability, memory, and
other mental factors. The women who ate blueberries
at least once a week and strawberries at least twice
a week appeared to delay cognitive decline by
up to two-and-a-half years. “Berries are high in
nutrients called flavonoids that are believed to
play a role in delaying age-related memory and
other cognitive problems,” says Matthew Davis,
M.D., of Riverview Medical Center.
If you or a loved one is experiencing increased
forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, you
may benefit from a memory screening. Plan
to attend our Memory Awareness Day in
November. Details are on page 21.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
5

Riverview Medical Center
The Quigley family relaxes at home in Holmdel, healthy and
happy after experiencing a life-threatening complication during
the birth of Connor (far left) last year.
Riverview Doctors Expect the Unexpected
to Save Mom and Baby
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Holmdel resident Christine
Quigley’s 4-year-old son,
Ryan, was born at Riverview
Medical Center, so it was the natural
choice for welcoming her second
child in July 2011. The 37-year-old’s
pregnancy had gone smoothly, so she
saw no reason to worry about her
scheduled induction. The night before,
she and her husband, Jim, headed to
Riverview, where they met Christine’s
OB/GYN, Adi Smolinsky, M.D.
But after Christine’s water broke,
the delivery accelerated at an
alarming rate. “It was zero to 60 in
minutes,” Christine says. “I was in
extraordinary pain very quickly.”
Her son Connor, born within
30 minutes of her induction at the
hospital, had trouble breathing.
As Christine panicked about his
condition, she didn’t know she
would soon need emergency surgery
herself for a postpartum hemorrhage.
Without the expertise and quick
thinking of Dr. Smolinsky and the
Riverview team, she might not
have survived.
A Critical Decision
Only 15 minutes after Connor was
taken to the Special Care Nursery for
evaluation of his breathing problems,
Christine had what felt like another
contraction, then began bleeding
uncontrollably.
“Her uterine muscle weakened
and wouldn’t contract — the most
common reason for bleeding after
delivery,” Dr. Smolinsky says. “We
tried every conservative method,
from manual massage to a special
balloonlike device that stops
bleeding with mechanical pressure.”
Despite these efforts, the bleeding
persisted, and the situation became
life threatening. Dr. Smolinsky knew
she had to ask Christine’s husband
for permission to possibly perform a
hysterectomy — the removal of her
uterus. “She said to Jim, ‘We need to
6

save your wife’s life,’” Christine says.
“Jim replied, ‘Do whatever you need
to do.’” Although it was his day off,
fellow Riverview OB/GYN Robert
Penney, M.D., came in to assist
Dr. Smolinsky with the surgery.
A Turn for the Better
In the operating room, there was
finally some good news. Instead of
a hysterectomy, Dr. Smolinsky was
able to perform a bilateral uterine
artery ligation with B-lynch uterine
compression sutures — a reversible
procedure. It clamped off the
blood flow and forced the uterus to
contract while preserving Christine’s
ability to have more children.
When Christine awoke later
that night, her first thought was of
Connor. After hearing he was fine,
she began to comprehend what she
had been through. “I’d only heard of
things like this in movies and on TV.
It’s not something you’d think could
happen to a healthy woman.”
The Road Ahead
Christine saw and held Connor the
next day, and they went home from
the hospital a week later. Slowly
but surely, they recovered, both
physically and mentally. Christine
returned to her human resources job
in December 2011.
Such complications can arise
without warning, making the choice
of birth location critically important,
Dr. Smolinsky says. “In Christine’s
delivery, nobody expected such a
dramatic labor, but sometimes we
cannot anticipate what life will bring
us. It’s important to be in the right
place — in this case, a hospital with
leading-edge treatment and the right
people there 24 hours a day.”
Christine agrees. “When I saw
Dr. Smolinsky for the first follow-up
appointment, I cried in her arms.
Every day, I kiss and hold my two
boys and think, ‘I’m so grateful they
still have their mommy.’” •
Adi Smolinsky, M.D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Atlantic Highlands • 732-291-5121
Experience the Best in
Birthing
The medical team at Jane H. Booker
Childbirth Center at Riverview
Medical Center practices expert care.
And they do so in an extraordinary
space, specially designed to keep
families safe, happy, and comfortable.
Put your mind at ease with fast
access to skilled obstetricians,
neonatologists, maternal-fetal
specialists, anesthesiologists, and 24-
hour in-house pediatricians who can
treat any situation during pregnancy
and childbirth. There’s also a level
II nursery for babies requiring
specialized care after birth.
Along with this expertise, we
provide a serene space that allows
you to enjoy your family’s first
moments together, featuring:
• Private, spa-like rooms that
overlook the Navesink River
• Concierge Care, offering bedside
access to everything from beauty
services to local cuisine and spa
services
• Bella Baby Photography, for
beautiful, artful photos of your
newborn
Baby on Board? We’ll Help You Be Ready
Meridian Health offers classes and seminars for first-time and
experienced parents, as well as tours, classes for siblings, and more!
Registration requested before your third trimester. To learn more about our
fun and informative classes, visit MeridianMomtourage.com.
If additional expertise is needed
with pediatric or neonatal intensive
care, seamless coordination through
Meridian Transfer Center allows
safe transport to K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
V-RMC_Birthday_8.375x3-12_Layout 1 9/5/12 2:35 PM Page 1
Riverview Moms expect the best and
our new Childbirth Center delivers.
Now expect more fun at Riverview Medical Center’s annual
Childbirth Center Birthday Party and Baby Fair!
First-time and seasoned mommies alike are invited to join us for an
afternoon dedicated to the health and wellness of you and your
growing family. Participate in a number of interactive activities from
local vendors, hear the latest news and tips for mommies of all walks
of life, get a sneak peak at our beautiful and recently renovated
Childbirth Center, and more! Light refreshments will be served
and all mommies will given a special birthday gift.
This event is FREE but registration is required.
To RSVP call 800.560.9990 or visit
www.RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/Birthday
Saturday
November 10, 2012
12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Joan and Robert Rechnitz
Conference and Education
Center at Riverview
Medical Center
Taking Care of
New Jersey

MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Young Athlete Thrives
After Rare Tumor
Twenty-year-old Paige Truax
has always maintained an
energetic, healthy lifestyle
through her love of sports, particularly
swimming. But while spending the
holidays in Howell after her first
semester of college, Paige felt tired,
and she noticed her stomach seemed
unusually large and swollen.
On December 10, 2011, she went
to Jersey Shore University Medical
Center, where ultrasound tests
revealed a large cyst on one of
her ovaries. Paige was immediately
admitted for emergency surgery, and
the cyst was successfully removed
using minimally invasive techniques.
Her journey didn’t end there,
however. A biopsy of the cyst
showed that it was an immature
teratoma, a rare type of cancer that
often occurs in young women.
Finding the Right Surgeon
Paige was overwhelmed by the
diagnosis, but Karim ElSahwi, M.D.,
a gynecologic oncologist affiliated
with Meridian Cancer Care, quickly
eased much of her anxiety.
“Dr. ElSahwi explained everything
in a positive way that made me feel
comfortable,” she says. “By the end
of our first meeting, he made me feel
confident that I was going to be fine.”
The next step was removing the
ovary and determining if Paige’s
cancer had spread. Dr. ElSahwi
determined that he could perform
the necessary surgical procedure using
the da Vinci® robotic surgical system,
a minimally invasive treatment option
with many advantages.
“The da Vinci robot enables surgeons
to perform complex procedures
through smaller incisions, resulting in
less pain and blood loss, minimal
scarring, a faster recovery
Karim ElSahwi, M.D.
Gynecologic Oncology
Neptune • 732-897-7944
time, and fewer complications,”
explains Dr. ElSahwi.
Advanced Techniques
Promote Healing
On the morning of January 5, Paige
was back at Jersey Shore. “The day of
the surgery, I wasn’t scared,” she says,
“especially since the team at Jersey
Shore took great care of me for my
first surgery.”
The surgery was a success, and Paige
remained in the recovery room for only
a few hours, feeling great and ready to
head home. Luckily, her cancer had not
spread beyond the ovary, and she then
began three cycles of chemotherapy
on an outpatient basis. “Chemotherapy
was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone
through,” she says.
“Paige was given a lot on her table,”
Dr. ElSahwi notes. “She and her family
handled everything exceptionally well.”
Today, Paige is excited to be
moving forward with school, and
she has a new outlook on life. “I’ve
realized that the most important
things are my health and my family’s
health.” • — Kris Tranquilino
After successful treatment for a rare type of cancer, Paige Truax
is moving forward with her life, including spending time with
friends and family on the beach in Avon.
Get the Facts About the Surgery of the Future
For more information about robotic surgery with Karim ElSahwi, M.D.,
visit JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com/robotics.
8

Robotic Surgery Helps Man
Fight Two Cancers
Point Pleasant resident
Clemence Redenski, 57,
knows what it takes to defeat
cancer — twice. Tumors in his
prostate and kidney are now history,
thanks to his doctors at the Center
for Robotic Surgery at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
“To cope with cancer, you have
to have a strong will and believe
you’re going to be all right, which
I did,” Clemence says. He also had
an expert surgeon: Jersey Shore
urologist Mark Perlmutter, M.D., who
removed both cancers using the
da Vinci® surgical robot.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
A Blessing in Disguise
Clemence’s cancer journey began in
July 2011. He sought care for a cough
caused by allergies — but his blood
tests revealed signs of prostate
cancer. A physical examination and
biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
“I said, you’ve got to be kidding
me. It’s cancer?” Clemence
remembers. He was referred to
Dr. Perlmutter, who recommended
a robotic radical prostatectomy to
completely remove the prostate.
“This surgery is one of the most
complex operations we do in urology,”
Dr. Perlmutter says. “Traditionally,
it’s an involved operation with large
amounts of blood loss — but not
with the surgical robot.”
With the da Vinci system,
Dr. Perlmutter sits at a console,
manipulating robotic arms that hold
tiny surgical instruments, including
a three-dimensional camera, which
allows him to see inside the patient
without large incisions. Because
the incisions are small, blood loss,
scarring, and pain are reduced.
Clemence had surgery on
December 21, 2011, and went home
on the 24th, feeling well enough to
attend Christmas Eve dinner with
family and friends.
With his cancer treatment behind him, Clemence Redenski enjoys fishing, crabbing, and watching
sports in his free time.
A Second Scare
While most patients would have
been glad to take it easy after this,
Clemence had to gear up for a
second challenge: Scans used to
plan his prostate surgery revealed
a suspicious mass on his kidney.
Follow-up studies suggested
kidney cancer. In April, Clemence,
Dr. Perlmutter, and the robot
were together in the operating
room again.
“The robotic system makes it
much easier to treat kidney cancer,”
Dr. Perlmutter says. “We can remove
only the diseased portion, rather
than the entire kidney. Studies show
this helps patients live longer.”
Less Pain, Faster Recovery
Mark A. Perlmutter, M.D.
Urology
Manasquan • 732-223-7877
The Right Place for Surgery
Today, Clemence’s cancers have not
returned, and he’s grateful for the care he
received at Jersey Shore. “Dr. Perlmutter
and the rest of the team were caring
and full of knowledge. They explained
everything completely,” he says.
“This is a great place to have
robotic surgery,” Dr. Perlmutter says.
“We have the newest technologies,
and we’re always trying to do things
better for our patients.” •
Robotic-assisted surgery is used at Jersey Shore to treat many
gynecologic and urologic conditions. Learn about its benefits at
JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com/robotics.
9Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012

Ocean Medical Center
from Two Conditions on Veterans Day
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
10
Veterans Day 2011 was one to remember for
Korean War vet Jerry Avergun, who lives in Toms
River. After being rushed to Ocean Medical
Center with a heart attack, tests revealed
that he had a dangerous ballooning of an
artery in his abdomen, which could be fatal. A
team of specialists who are part of Meridian
CardioVascular Network were able to perform
lifesaving procedures right at Jerry’s local
hospital, and within a few days, he was home
again. “This is truly an amazing case,” says
Rayson Yang, M.D.
As a Korean War veteran, Toms River resident Jerry Avergun has long
marked Veterans Day as a reminder of the time he served overseas.
But on Veterans Day last year, the holiday took on a new meaning.
Not only would it represent how the 83-year-old had fought for his country,
but also how he had fought for his life.
Jerry began November 11, 2011, by participating in a Veterans Day parade in his
community of Greenbriar Woodlands, a tradition for the past 18 years. Unlike
most years, however, Jerry wasn’t up for continuing the celebration afterward
with friends. He didn’t feel well and chose to go home.
There, he quickly deteriorated, losing his appetite, shivering uncontrollably,
and beginning to feel pain near his groin. His wife called their doctor and was
told to get Jerry to the Emergency Department.
At Ocean Medical Center, the medical team quickly recognized that Jerry
was having a heart attack. But the physician on duty had a feeling something
else was going on, too. Additional tests revealed that Jerry also had an iliac
artery aneurysm — a ballooning of an artery in his abdomen. If it burst, Jerry
could die. Specialists were called, and he was rushed to surgery.

A Dire Situation
A heart attack alone is life threatening for any patient. It
occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.
This results in a lack of oxygen, and the heart muscle is
damaged and can die. Paired up with the aneurysm, Jerry’s
situation was extremely dire.
Frank Sharp, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Ocean Medical
Center, explains that an aneurysm is a bulging section in the
wall of a blood vessel. “Imagine that your artery is a hose
that carries blood from your heart to your legs. Now picture
a section of the hose with a bulge that is filled with blood
and is ready to burst,” he continues. “Aneurysms are very
serious because they usually don’t show symptoms until
they rupture. Even if you get to a hospital, it’s about a
50/50 chance between life and death.”
Jerry had several things on his side that fateful day.
First, he was physically fit and in otherwise good health.
Second, an extraordinary team of specialists who are
part of Meridian CardioVascular Network were readily
available to perform lifesaving procedures right at Jerry’s
local hospital. And third, Ocean Medical Center has
the advanced technology of a state-of-the-art hybrid
endovascular suite that enabled the doctors to perform
two intricate procedures, back to back, all in one room.
Collaborating on an “Amazing” Case
Two teams of doctors took turns saving Jerry’s life. First,
interventional cardiologist Rayson Yang, M.D., performed
an emergency angioplasty to open Jerry’s arteries. Under a
local anesthetic, Jerry was in a relaxed state as the doctor
threaded a special device into his blocked artery and
restored the blood flow to his heart.
As soon as Jerry’s heart was stabilized, Dr. Sharp and his
vascular team traded places with Dr. Yang’s team and set
to work on the aneurysm repair. The teams spent several
hours in the endovascular suite, collaborating on one of
the most miraculous cases they had experienced in years.
“This is truly an amazing case,” says Dr. Yang. “It was
great to see Jerry sitting up and feeling pretty good
when I checked on him later that evening.” Within a few
Frank J. Sharp, M.D.
Board certified in Vascular and General Surgery
Brick • 732-202-1500
Rayson Yang, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional
Cardiology, and Internal Medicine
Neptune • 732-776-8500
days, Jerry was home again, resting and preparing for
Thanksgiving dinner with his family.
In retrospect, the doctors determined that the pain was
the result of the ruptured aneurysm, which precipitated
the heart attack. “This shows how far technology has
come,” notes Dr. Sharp. “If it were a few years ago, he
probably wouldn’t have survived these circumstances.”
“The doctors and nurses took great care of me and kept
my family informed throughout the entire ordeal,” says Jerry.
While his wife, Nancy, was by his side in the hospital and an
integral part of his recovery process, she passed away in the
spring. “Things have changed, but I’ve learned to adjust my
diet and keep active,” Jerry says. “I try to walk each day, play
golf, and also write two columns and proofread the Pine
Cone Press community newsletter.” • — Donna Sellmann
Cooking with Heart for the Holidays
We’re sharing the secrets for favorite holiday dishes
— with a healthy twist. Samples will be provided as a
cardiologist and nutritionist discuss medical, lifestyle, and
dietary options that will keep you on track during the season.
November 29
4:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Rooms A, B, and C
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 Meridian Network of Physicians
Ocean Medical Center
Meridian At Home
Riverview Medical Center
Meridian Rehabilitation Centers
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Meridian Life Fitness Centers
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Bayshore Community Hospital
© Meridian Health 2012
Treatment
Recovery
Home

Southern Ocean Medical Center
One Appointment
Changes New Gretna Woman’s Life
Christina Walker’s strange and unexplained
symptoms began at age 14. Stomach problems,
headaches, and seizures frequently kept her out of
school. She was told she’d have trouble getting pregnant,
without knowing why. Christina went from doctor to
doctor, searching for answers.
It wasn’t until she met Steven Koerner, D.O., a
gastroenterologist at Southern Ocean Medical Center,
that she finally received a diagnosis.
Finding Answers Fast
Dr. Koerner heard about Christina’s symptoms from
her mother, Bambi Walker, a registered nurse in the
Endoscopy Department at Southern Ocean. He suggested
Christina come in for a diagnostic procedure called an
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). During this test,
Dr. Koerner placed a long, thin scope down Christina’s
throat and saw telltale signs of intestinal damage.
Christina had celiac disease.
After learning to live well with celiac disease, Christina Walker was overjoyed
to welcome her first child, a baby girl named Sage.
When people with this immune disorder eat gluten — a
protein in wheat, rye, and barley — their bodies attack their
small intestines, causing the sort of damage Dr. Koerner saw
in Christina. The condition affects about one in 100 people.
Having type 1 diabetes or another immune disease puts
you at even higher risk. Along with the symptoms Christina
experienced, signs of celiac disease may include bloating,
gas, weight loss, anemia, or a painful, itchy rash.
“The signs aren’t specific, so it may take several
specialists and sometimes years before patients are
diagnosed properly,” Dr. Koerner says. “At Southern Ocean,
we have physicians who are well-versed in looking for and
treating this disease, as well as dieticians who can help
patients follow a gluten-free diet.”
Learning to Eat Again
Following a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for
celiac disease. It means avoiding bread, pasta, and pizza,
as well as many restaurant and processed foods. “It was
tricky at first, but I read labels and learned what foods I
could and couldn’t have,” Christina says.
Going gluten-free not only eases symptoms, but can also
prevent serious complications of celiac disease, which
include osteoporosis, infertility, thyroid disease, and
even cancer.
Now 25, Christina feels great and just welcomed her
first child, a baby girl named Sage, in June 2012. The New
Gretna resident was so pleased with her experience at
Southern Ocean, she chose to have Sage there.
“They found out what was going on with me when nobody
else could,” Christina says. “And the staff and doctors are
kind, compassionate, and care about you as a patient.
“After all this time, I finally know what’s wrong. Now, I
have relief.” •
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
12
Steven Koerner, D.O.
Board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine
Manahawkin • 609-597-6513
Could an EGD Help You?
Find out how an esophagogastroduodenoscopy
works by listening to our podcast. Visit
wellnesscenter.meridianhealth.com/MultimediaRoom
and click on “Podcasts,” then “Gastroenterology.”

Managing a
Pregnancy Close to Home
Michael Sze, M.D.
Board certified in Obstetrics
and Gynecology
Manahawkin • 609-978-9841
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Kristine Zellman calls her youngest son, Aiden, “a very strong little boy” who loves watching his older
brother, Philip, and older sister, Emily. Her obstetrical team at Southern Ocean Medical Center met its
goal of keeping her high-risk pregnancy “unremarkable.”
Kristine Zellman of Little Egg
Harbor already had two
healthy children — 9-year-old
Philip and 4-year-old Emily — when
she became pregnant again at age 31.
She also had a complicated medical
history, and she knew the next nine
months would be tough.
“I was nervous,” she recalls, “and
while it didn’t hold me back, the fact
that my pregnancy was high risk was
always in the back of my mind.”
Fortunately, Kristine was partnered
with a dedicated obstetrical team
at Southern Ocean Medical Center.
Her obstetrician, Michael Sze, M.D.,
monitored her closely throughout
her pregnancy.
Top-Notch Care That’s Convenient, Too
“Kristine had several health
factors, any of which could have
caused complications through her
pregnancy,” he explains. “She has
what is known as factor V Leiden
deficiency, which is a blood-clotting
disorder, and pregnancy makes
this condition worse. She also has
polycystic kidney disease, so we
had to carefully monitor her kidney
function. And she has chronic
hypertension, which can increase
the risk for preeclampsia, a dangerous
condition that can occur
during pregnancy.”
Combined, these conditions
raised Kristine’s risk of developing
other illnesses while pregnant, but
the experts at Southern Ocean
were prepared. “Dr. Sze was very
informative, reassuring, and positive
about things,” says Kristine. “There
was a lot of testing and a lot of
office visits. He often answered my
questions before I even asked them.
I can’t say enough about all the
support and the attentive care
I received from Dr. Sze and the
entire office staff.”
The team was ready on April 18,
2012, when Kristine gave birth to
Aiden, a healthy baby boy.
“It takes the coordination of our
whole team of physicians to ensure
a good outcome,” says Dr. Sze.
“Kristine was a model patient and
followed up with every visit and
every instruction. Our goal was
to keep her high-risk pregnancy
unremarkable, and we were
successful in that.”
Kristine was grateful for this
care — and grateful it was available
close to home. “I was thankful that I
did not have to travel or change my
family routine to get safely through
my pregnancy,” says Kristine. “I was
always close to home, close to my
husband, Tom, and able to care for
my kids. And I loved having my baby
in the Southern Ocean Maternity
Pavilion. The staff was unbelievable
and I couldn’t be happier with the
entire experience. Everything was
perfect.” • — Joyce McFadden
Southern Ocean Medical Center’s board certified obstetrical team offers expert care for women facing high-risk
pregnancies. You can stay close to home and have a healthy and safe pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
13

Jersey Shore University Medical Center
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Tailored to Perfection
A team of physicians helps a creative mom manage her high-risk pregnancy
As a talented seamstress who
creates beautifully tailored
clothes and upholstery,
Tascha Krapf knows that the best
handcrafted goods require expertise
and planning. She applied these same
principles when she and her husband,
Dan, decided to start a family. That’s
because Tascha, 32, has type 1 diabetes,
a condition that makes her pregnancies
high risk. To manage her health, as
well as that of her baby, she turned to
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Thanks to a team effort from her doctors, plus her
own preparedness, Tascha Krapf, who has type 1
diabetes, gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Join Us for a Weekend of Women’s Wellness!
“You have to be vigilant. You want
to do your best so that you don’t
harm yourself or your baby during the
pregnancy,” Tascha says.
Experts Work Together
The Manahawkin resident managed
her first high-risk pregnancy in 2009,
before her son Lucas was born, and in
2011 she prepared to follow the same
drill again. Step one was getting her
diabetes under control. Tascha, a native
of Denmark, has coped with diabetes
since 1996 and wears an insulin pump to
keep her blood sugar levels in check.
“Diabetes is all about three things:
insulin management, exercise, and
nutrition,” she explains. “You really
have to be on it. I test my blood sugar
up to nine times a day.”
When her diabetes was stable and
she became pregnant, Tascha visited
her OB/GYN, Steven Morgan, M.D., at
Jersey Shore. He recommended they
work together with two colleagues:
obstetric internist and primary care
physician Michael Carson, M.D.,
who specializes in medical disorders
during pregnancy and would monitor
Tascha’s diabetes, and maternal-fetal
medicine specialist Kolawole Oyelese,
M.D., who would focus on the baby’s
development.
“Tascha was a conscientious
patient who was aware of
the challenges associated
with a high-risk
pregnancy,” Dr. Morgan
says. “She prepared
herself well and was
receptive to the
team approach
that Dr. Carson,
Steven A. Morgan, M.D.
Board certified in Obstetrics
and Gynecology
Ocean • 732-531-1136
Dr. Oyelese, and I advocated. This
was a true team effort.”
Constant Monitoring
One key component of her care was
regular checkups and screenings.
Dr. Oyelese was particularly
concerned with the fetus’s heart
development, as babies born to
mothers with diabetes often have
heart defects. Tascha saw him every
four to six weeks. She also regularly
visited Drs. Morgan and Carson.
“As with all high-risk pregnancies,
Tascha required constant
monitoring,” Dr. Carson says.
This teamwork paid off on June 25,
2012, when Dr. Morgan helped Tascha
deliver Noah, a healthy baby boy.
“My experience with the team at
Jersey Shore was the best,” Tascha
says. “All the physicians worked
together, and I knew I was getting
the best care possible.” •
Meridian Health will once again sponsor the New Jersey Women’s Expo, held October 27
and 28 at Brookdale Community College. Join us for physician panels, health screenings, and
refreshments in the Meridian Momtourage lounge. For details, visit NJWomensExpo.com.
Michael Carson, M.D.
Board certified in Internal Medicine
Neptune • 732-897-3990
Kolawole Oyelese, M.D.
Board certified in Obstetrics
and Gynecology and Maternal
Fetal Medicine
Neptune • 732-776-4755
14

Getting UFC’s
Ocean Medical Center
Back in
the Ring
Brick resident Nick Catone
discovered his calling in life
at age 7, when he took up
wrestling. After competing through
high school and college, Nick, now
30, expanded his skills and became
accomplished in martial arts and
boxing. Today, he is an Ultimate
Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter,
nicknamed “The Jersey Devil,” with
an international following.
But that dedication came at a cost:
More than 20 years of training caused
wear and tear on Nick’s body. He
needed the help of Ocean Medical
Center to get back in fighting form.
Treatment Focused on
Performance
“A few years ago, I could tell that
my training was taking a toll on
my shoulder,” says Nick, who owns
Nick Catone’s Mixed Martial Arts
Academy in Brick and volunteers
with the wrestling program at his
former high school there. Needing
a sports medicine expert close to
home, he made an appointment
with Jason Nitche, M.D., an
orthopedic surgeon at Ocean who
focuses on sports medicine.
“When I first saw Nick in 2010,
he had chronic overuse injuries,
After several injuries, Ocean Medical Center helped get UFC fighter Nick Catone back in form. Nick owns a
training gym in Brick, where he teaches more than 300 students, including Ricky Badejas and Brian Decker.
including bone spurs, arthritis, and
tears in his shoulder,” explains
Dr. Nitche. “I treated Nick so that he
could get back to his sport.”
Dr. Nitche performed surgery to
remove the bone spur — a small
bony growth that formed on the
edge of Nick’s shoulder. He also
treated torn tissue in the joint at the
time of surgery.
Nick was once again in peak
condition until the following
September, when he ruptured his
Achilles tendon during training. The
painful injury required surgery, and
he wouldn’t have trusted anyone but
Dr. Nitche and Ocean’s experts to
perform it.
“I had no doubt that I would be
in good hands with Dr. Nitche,” Nick
recalls. “He understood what I did for
a living, and I knew he’d provide the
extra time and care to help me get
back to where I wanted to be.”
Back to Good Health
Jason A. Nitche, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Brick • 732-840-7500
Fighting Back
Dr. Nitche successfully performed
the procedure and started Nick on
a focused and aggressive physical
rehabilitation program.
“With a specialty in sports medicine,
I treat athletes with a different
perspective than general orthopedic
surgeons,” says Dr. Nitche. “Not only
do we correct the problem, we do so
in a way that helps the athlete get back
to a high level of performance.”
Thanks to this care, Nick was back
to UFC fighting in 10 months.
“I’m still as explosive as I used to
be,” he says. •
You may not be a UFC fighter, but chances are, at some point you’ll be
faced with back pain. Learn what you can do to prevent this common
health problem at a free seminar on November 13. The details are on page 24.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
15

Riverview Medical Center
Riverview Experts
Save Young Athlete’s Season
Logan Whelan, 12, can’t imagine his life without sports. He
loves baseball and lacrosse and was already looking ahead
to basketball season when a tackle during a football game
in fall 2011 threatened to put his athletic ambitions on hold. With
his shoulder in severe pain, Logan was taken by ambulance to
the Pediatric Care Center at Riverview Medical Center, part of
Meridian Pediatric Network.
There, Steven Lisser, M.D., a board certified orthopedic surgeon
and sports medicine physician, diagnosed Logan with a shoulder
fracture through the growth plate. This injury sometimes requires
surgery, making Logan anxious about his athletic future. “He was
in so much pain, but all he could think about was being healed
in time for basketball,” recalls his mother, Larson.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
16
Thanks to the expert care he received in the Emergency Department at
Riverview Medical Center, Logan, 12, of Little Silver was able to quickly
recover from a football injury in time for basketball season, helping his
team go undefeated and win the championship.
Steven P. Lisser, M.D.
Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery
and Sports Medicine
Red Bank • 732-741-2313
We Help Keep You Moving
From nonsurgical treatment to major joint
replacement, Riverview Medical Center is
home to a team of experts and technology that
can get you back on the tennis court, treadmill, or
just doing the things you love. Find out more at
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/RMC/services.
Easing Fears, Informing Family
“Growth plates are the cartilage, or soft part, at the end of
child’s bones where bone growth occurs,” explains Dr. Lisser.
“Shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints are at high risk for
injury at the growth plate because they are weaker, especially
during children’s growth spurts.”
Treatment of growth plate fractures depends on the
severity of the injury. In certain cases, casting or splinting
may be done to support and stabilize the fracture area, while
complex fractures may require surgery to provide the best
possibility for future bone growth. Logan was concerned
about needing surgery since that would delay his return to
sports. The Riverview team helped him cope.
“Everyone in the Emergency Department was phenomenal
in easing Logan’s fears and making him comfortable while
keeping me informed,” Larson says.
Quick Recovery
Dr. Lisser concluded that for Logan’s type of fracture, surgery
would not be necessary. Logan would need a conservative
plan of care, including a sling, close monitoring, and some rest.
“Not only was Dr. Lisser knowledgeable, I could tell he
cared about Logan,” says Larson. “He knew how important it
was to Logan to heal as quickly as possible. He didn’t want to
perform surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, but he was
careful to ensure that the bones were properly healed before
letting Logan play again.”
After only seven weeks, Logan began slowly using his arm.
By December 5, he was healthy enough to accomplish one of
his greatest goals: making his school basketball team, the Little
Silver Warriors.
“From the moment we arrived at Riverview, everyone bent over
backward for us,” Larson says. “They understood our concerns,
met our needs, and provided great care. I can’t thank them
enough for what they did for Logan and couldn’t have asked for
more as a parent.” • — Caitlin Coyle

Changes Keansburg Dad’s Life
Keansburg resident Alex Cabezas knew he was
overweight. But it wasn’t until the 40-year-old’s
scale showed 307 pounds — a number he never
thought he would see — that Alex realized he had to
make a change. He turned to the Center for Bariatrics at
Bayshore Community Hospital.
“I had put surgery on the back burner before, but
I was starting to feel unsafe,” says Alex, who also had
diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, a group of
conditions that put his heart in danger. “I knew I wanted
to have weight-loss surgery, but I wasn’t sure where to
start. Then I heard about a lecture at Bayshore.”
Bayshore Community Hospital
A Life-Changing Lecture
The lecture was presented by Karl Strom, M.D., medical
director of the Center for Bariatrics and a physician on
staff at Bayshore. Afterward, Alex was so impressed
he immediately scheduled his surgery. He opted for a
procedure called a sleeve gastrectomy, which works by
reducing the stomach’s volume so that it can’t hold as much.
“During the gastric sleeve procedure, the stomach is
narrowed into a thin sleeve, approximately the size and shape
of a banana,” explains Dr. Strom. “The smaller stomach helps
patients feel fuller with much smaller portions of food, while
allowing for normal digestion and absorption of nutrients.”
Alex underwent his surgery on February 3, 2012, with
Dr. Strom and Silvia Fresco, M.D., a bariatric surgeon also on
staff at Bayshore. Since then, Alex has lost nearly 100 pounds.
After bariatric surgery helped Alex Cabezas lose 92 pounds, the Keansburg
resident is more active than he’s been in 20 years. He maintains his healthy new
lifestyle by working out, playing softball, and visiting the beach with his 9-yearold
twin sons, Louis (left) and Alexander.
‘A New Person’
Alex attributes his success to the comprehensive program
the Center offers. Besides the surgery itself, Bayshore’s
experts provide education and a lifetime of follow-up
care and support to help patients keep the weight off.
“I feel like a new person,” says Alex. “From the moment
I attended the lecture through my follow-up appointments
and support group, I have felt like part of a family.
Everyone at Bayshore made me feel confident in my
decision and helped me overcome any barriers so that I
could concentrate on my surgery and getting well again.”
You Can Change Your Life, Too
Karl W. Strom, M.D.
Board certified in General Surgery
Holmdel • 732-739-5925
“Every day I have a new ‘ah-ha!’ moment,” says Alex.
“My greatest one was shortly after my surgery when my
son hugged me and said, ‘Daddy, this is the first time I
can put my arms around you.’ That was special. I think
anyone considering weight-loss surgery should attend a
lecture with Dr. Strom. It really did change my life.” •
— Caitlin Coyle
If you’re more than 100 pounds overweight and have been unsuccessful at losing weight with
traditional methods, surgery may be right for you. Visit BayshoreHospital.org to learn more about
the surgical options we offer, and see page 25 for the upcoming schedule of our free weekly seminars.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
17

K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Specialized
Pediatric Care
Saves
Choking
Toddler
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
18
Lakewood mom Adina Greenbaum knew something was seriously wrong with her baby, Mickey, when he
wouldn’t stop wheezing. Her local hospital couldn’t spot the problem, but an ENT expert in Meridian Pediatric
Network could. Now, Mickey’s back to normal life with his mom and dad.
It was a typical February afternoon
in Lakewood. Mickey Greenbaum,
age 11 months, was playing with
his older brothers while their mom,
Adina, made dinner.
Suddenly, Adina noticed that
something was wrong with Mickey.
“I could tell he was choking and
having difficulty breathing,” she says.
“I was in a panic.”
Like any parent in that situation,
she reacted quickly. She swooped
her finger into Mickey’s mouth and
felt something in his throat. But in
trying to get the object out, she
lodged it further into his windpipe.
She knew she had to call 911 to get an
ambulance there immediately.
Insisting on a Second
Opinion
At the local emergency department,
doctors couldn’t find the cause of
Mickey’s choking. “They took some
X-rays and told me they didn’t see
anything,” Adina says.
Meanwhile, Mickey was still
wheezing, and he could only breathe
if he was lying on his back. When
he sat up, the object obstructed his
breathing completely.
“I knew there was something in
his throat,” Adina says, “and I felt
very strongly about getting a more
extensive evaluation.”
Accessing a Team of Experts
That’s when the Greenbaum family
was transferred to K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
“When we arrived at The Children’s
Hospital, there was a whole team of
nurses waiting for us,” Adina recalls.
The family also met pediatric
specialist Samuel Engel, M.D., an
ear, nose, and throat physician
with Meridian Pediatric Network.
Dr. Engel explained that he would
perform a specialized procedure
called a bronchoscopy. Using a scope
and camera, he would examine
A Free Resource for Parents
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.
Samuel H. Engel, M.D.
Board certified in
Otolaryngology
Neptune • 732-280-7855
Mickey’s airway to look for foreign
objects. “If a foreign object is seen,
it can be removed at the same time
through the scope,” Dr. Engel says.
“This procedure is only performed by
highly trained pediatric specialists.”
With Mickey, the procedure was a
success, and Dr. Engel returned to the
boy’s parents within just 25 minutes.
He carried a small container holding
what had caused Mickey to choke:
the tip of a green crayon.
“We were very relieved that was
out of him,” Adina says.
Today, thanks to the responsive
care and expertise of nurses and
specialists at K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital, Mickey is back to playing
with his brothers and spending time
with his parents at the park. •
First Aid
Advice Inside!
Check Up!
Your guide to kids’ health from
Meridian Pediatric Network
Tips for Choosing
Your Child’s Doctor
Save This Helpful
Guide to Refer to
All Year Long!
Kid-Friendly Emergency
Centers Near You!

Offers Tips for Staying Fit This Winter
When the temperatures drop, don’t let your activity levels
drop off, too — especially if you normally spend the
holidays around the buffet table. Soccer player Christie
Rampone offers tips for staying fit this season.
“Living in a cold-weather state can be challenging in the
winter, but I try to do outdoor activities as much as possible,”
says Christie, an Olympic athlete, medal winner, working mom,
and spokesperson for K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center. “I try not to use the weather as
a reason not to exercise.”
Taking the dog for a walk is a great way to exercise outdoors,
Christie says. And so is sledding. “The longer and steeper the hill, the
farther and harder it becomes to walk back up, and the kids love it!”
Olympic athlete and working mom Christie Rampone doesn’t let
winter weather interrupt her family’s fitness routine. Indoors or
out, there are lots of ways to keep moving.
Meridian Health
Snow Day Safety Tips
When it’s cold out, keep in mind these tips for staying safe and
warm while working out:
• Warm up first. Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons are
more likely to get injured when cold.
• Dress in light layers. The innermost layer should be made
of breathable fabric that lets sweat pass through. Avoid
tightly woven fabrics or heavy cotton sweats. The outer
layer should protect you from the wind. “Technology has
allowed for better winter clothes,” Christie says. “They’re
lighter weight while still keeping you warm and dry.”
• Don’t forget your hat. Up to 50 percent of body heat lost
while outside comes from a bare head and neck.
• Drink plenty of fluids. It’s easy to get dehydrated without
realizing it in cold weather, so be sure to bring your water bottle.
When to Move It Inside
Another option is to move your favorite summer activity
inside. Walk at the mall, swim in an indoor pool, or shoot
hoops on an indoor court.
You might also consider a gym membership for your family.
“I attend the Training Room in Avon and Point Pleasant for kettlebell,
cardio, and yoga workouts,” says Christie. “For the kids, you can rent a
facility like Stainton Sports in Neptune for soccer or lacrosse.”
At home, a new fitness toy — such as a stability ball, hand
weights, an exercise DVD, or a fitness video game — can boost
your motivation.
“The hardest thing to do is get in shape after gaining weight
and avoiding activity, so don’t let the cold weather and holiday
time interrupt your routine,” Christie says. • — Gabriella Heizler
Keep Up with Christie!
Resident soccer star Christie Rampone offers more fitness
tips and insights into parenting in her blog on Meridian
Momtourage. Check it out today at MeridianMomtourage.com.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
19

Gift Ensures Ocean Medical Center Is
Meridian Health
Growing Together with
Our Community
Hirair and Anna Hovnanian
The Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center will more than triple the size of the existing
Emergency Department at Ocean Medical Center. It’s part of a transformational gift of $5 million made by
the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation Inc. to Ocean Medical Center in 2012.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Nearly 50 years ago, Armenian
immigrant and philanthropist
Hirair S. Hovnanian
purchased a parcel of land in Brick
and developed his first Holiday City
project. Since then, his company,
Hovsons Inc., has built tens of
thousands of homes and developed
thousands of acres of land, much of
it in Ocean County.
With such close ties to the
community, it’s not surprising that
the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian
Foundation Inc. decided to make a
transformational gift of $5 million to
Ocean Medical Center in April 2012 as
part of the Medical Center’s Master
Facility Plan, which includes a new
Emergency Department.
Originally designed to treat
17,000 patients, Ocean’s Emergency
Department now sees more than
51,400 patients annually. Ranked
among the best hospitals in the
nation by U.S. News & World Report,
Ocean is committed to upgrading its
service as the community’s premier
emergency care provider.
The Hirair and Anna Hovnanian
Emergency Care Center, named for
Hirair and his wife of 53 years, Anna,
will more than triple the size of the
existing department.
“My parents are deeply invested
in both the local community and
the Armenian community through
philanthropy,” says Edele Hovnanian,
vice president and director of
the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian
Foundation Inc., which also includes
her four siblings. “My father is forever
indebted to Ocean County for so
much of his success, and he has made
a conscious effort to ingrain in his
children the importance of giving
back to the community.”
The gift, one of the largest ever
given to an organization in Ocean
County, was presented as a Challenge
Gift. That means they will match,
dollar for dollar, all funds raised from
the community, up to $5 million.
“As a foundation, we feel strongly
that we should select projects that
will have a lasting impact on the
Help Us Invest in Ocean County’s Future
community,” explains Edele. “Health
care is constantly changing, and it is
important for providers to be ahead
of the curve and anticipate the future
health care needs of the community.
Ocean Medical Center is continuously
designing their services for tomorrow,
and we really respect that.”
This inspirational gift will transform
the way emergency care is provided.
“The miracle of healing, the science
of medicine, and the spirit of caring
are provided every day at Ocean
Medical Center. The generosity of
our donors is essential to continue
this important mission and to fund
clinical innovation,” says Dean Q. Lin,
president of Ocean Medical Center.
The new facility is anticipated to
open in February 2014. •
— Gabriella Heizler
The Growing Together Capital Campaign will fund emergency care
enhancements at Ocean Medical Center and its satellite Emergency
Department, the Ocean Care Center, in Point Pleasant. For more information
about giving, call 732-751-5116.
20

Meridian November/December 2012
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.
Diabetes Awareness Day Events
Whether you have diabetes or know someone who does, this
event is for you. Experts in diabetes management and nutrition
will be available for consultation. Screenings for cholesterol,
blood glucose, and blood pressure will be provided. Vendors will
display the latest information and technology and be available
to assist with diabetes supplies and related questions. Light
refreshments will be served.
November 3, 10:00 a.m. – noon
Southern Ocean Medical Center Lobby
Lecture by endocrinologist Sajjad Hussain, M.D.
November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Lance Auditorium
Free valet parking available
November 15, noon – 1:00 p.m. lecture
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. free screenings
Meridian Fitness and Wellness at Hazlet
Medicare GPS Information
Sessions
Meridian Health and Geisinger Health Plan have
partnered to bring Geisinger Gold – a providersponsored
Medicare Advantage product that is
ranked as number six in the country – to Medicare
beneficiaries in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
We know that choosing the right Medicare plan
can be confusing. So join Meridian and Geisinger
for “Medicare GPS,” an information session to
learn about Medicare, whether you’re new to the
program or you’ve been in it for years and would
like to know more.
Please see page 26 for dates, times, and locations.
Call 1-800-846-1583 to register.
Vasser Low-Vision
Awareness Day
Adults ages 40 and older are at the greatest risk for eye diseases,
including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and
diabetic retinopathy. These diseases are often treatable in the
early stages. Learn more about vision loss and the resources
available. At 11:00 a.m., Surekha Collur, M.D., will present a lecture
on common vision-stealing conditions, followed by glaucoma
and cataract screening from noon to 2:00 p.m. Registration is
required for screenings. Bring your unused eyeglasses to donate
to the Lions Club. Light refreshments will be served.
November 13, 11:00 a.m. – noon lecture
Noon – 2:00 p.m. screenings
Bayshore Community Hospital
Conference Rooms A and B
Memory Awareness Day
Meridian Health and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America are joining
forces to offer memory screenings during National Memory Screening Day.
If you or a loved one is experiencing increased forgetfulness or trouble
concentrating, performing familiar tasks, or recalling familiar words, you may
benefit from a memory screening. Registration is required.
November 13, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Neptune Library
25 Neptune Blvd.
November 13, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Stafford Library
129 North Main St.
November 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Manchester Library
21 Colonial Drive
November 14, noon – 3:00 p.m.
Middletown Public Library
55 New Monmouth Road
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
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
Knowing Your Family
History Can Save Your Life
Join Meridian’s board certified genetic
counselors as they discuss the importance
of knowing your family health history and
how this information can affect your health.
November 2, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
November 5, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
November 19, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
Freshstart Smoking
Cessation
This four-session smoking-cessation
program is offered by Meridian Cancer
Care and the American Cancer Society.
Participants must come to all four sessions.
November 6, November 8, November 13, and
November 15, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center, Conference Room C
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.
November 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy helps you eliminate unwanted
habits and develop positive behaviors and
lifestyle changes. The fee is $30.
November 14, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Can Food Fight Cancer?
Join us for this informative lecture that
teaches you how to choose the right
foods. You will learn the benefits of
antioxidants and what role vitamins play in
reducing your risk for cancer.
December 5, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
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
Hypertension: What You
Need to Know
Join Rama Sambandan, M.D., as he discusses
risk factors, symptoms, and steps you can
take to control your blood pressure.
November 1, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet
Heart Disease: ARE YOU
AT RISK?
Join cardiologist Shaddy Younan, M.D., as
he discusses how you can take charge of
your health by making positive lifestyle
changes to reduce your risk for heart
disease and stroke.
November 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Living with Congestive
Heart Failure
Meridian CardioVascular Network experts
will discuss the latest research, risk
factors, symptoms, and tips for living with
congestive heart failure.
November 8, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
With Kim McCourt, N.P.
December 12, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
With cardiologist Parveen Uppal, M.D.
UNDERSTANDING BLOOD CLOTS
IN YOUR LEGS
Join Meridian experts to learn about deep
vein thrombosis, including the causes, signs,
symptoms, and latest treatments.
November 28, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
With vascular surgeon Jeffrey Hager, D.O.
November 29, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
With surgeon Michael Kassouf, M.D.
COOKING WITH HEART FOR
THE HOLIDAYS
Move over, calories! We’re sharing the
secrets for some favorite holiday dishes
with a healthy twist. Food samples will be
provided as a cardiologist and nutritionist
discuss medical, lifestyle, and diet options
that will keep you on track during this
tempting holiday season.
November 29, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Rooms A, B, and C
HEART-HEALTHY HOLIDAY TEA
Take a break between the holidays and
join Tommy Ng, M.D., to learn how to keep
your heart healthy while enjoying tea and
healthy delights.
December 5, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Sea Oaks Country Club, Little Egg Harbor
MERIDIAN NEUROSCIENCE
Warning Signs of Stroke
Strokes are the third leading cause of death
and leading cause of disability in America.
Join stroke coordinator Shirley Shook, R.N.,
as she discusses risks, signs, and symptoms
and what to do in the event of a stroke.
November 20, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
Solutions to Balance
Problems
Join experts from Meridian Rehabilitation
as they discuss causes and treatment
options for people who experience
dizziness. Free screenings will be available
after the lecture. Registration required.
November 29, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Rehabilitation,
Point Pleasant Beach
December 6, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
Express Yourself — Group
Speech Therapy
If you suffered a head injury or stroke and
have already completed speech therapy,
this class may be for you. You can continue
to work on your communication skills in
this program, which is held once a month
for six months. For pricing and registration,
call 732-836-4007.
22
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

Parkinson’s 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.
Car Seat Safety Check
Sponsored by the New Jersey State Police
and the Trauma Center at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. No registration
necessary.
First Tuesday of each month
3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
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 PEDIATRIC
NETWORK
Safe Sitter
Meridian offers babysitting training for
boys and girls ages 11 to 14 that covers basic
child care, CPR, and behavior management.
The fee is $40. Registration is required.
November 8, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Red Bank First Aid
151 Spring St.
November 10, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Zumbatomic® Demo Class
Designed for children ages 4 to 7,
Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, highenergy
fitness parties packed with specially
choreographed, kid-friendly routines to
music that they love. Registration required.
November 12
Registration: 3:45 p.m.
Demo class: 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant Beach
Healthy Choices
This program is for girls in grades 7
and 8 and their moms to learn how to
make healthy life choices and increase
communication during these important
teen years. Dinner and door prizes
included. Registration required.
November 14, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sea Oaks Country Club, Little Egg Harbor
Children and Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential
for children. Pediatrician Vanda Bruner,
M.D., will host an informative lecture on
preventing obesity and weight-related
diseases such as diabetes in children.
December 19, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
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.
Annual Birthday Party
and Baby Fair
Expect more fun! Join Riverview
Medical Center for an afternoon
dedicated to the health and wellness
of you and your growing family at our
annual Birthday Party and Baby Fair.
Participate in a number of interactive
activities, hear the latest news and
tips for mommies at all walks of life,
and get a sneak peek at our beautiful,
recently renovated Childbirth Center.
Light refreshments will be served.
Registration is required.
November 10
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Joan and Robert Rechnitz Conference
and Education Center at
Riverview Medical Center
COUNSELING AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Addiction Recovery Services
For adult family members of addicted
individuals. Call for information.
DIABETES
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.
See Diabetes Month events on page 21.
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.
November 1 and 15, and December 6
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
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.
December 1, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant Beach
Soothing Strategies for a
Stressful World
Join Meridian Life Fitness for a lecture on
strategies for coping with stress. Learn
relaxation techniques that will help.
December 6, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean County Library, Point Pleasant Borough
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. Options include the
Arthritis Foundation Classes (land, pool, and
Tai Chi), Zumba® Gold, Back Strengthening,
and Balance Training. Call 732-206-8263 for
fees and class locations.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
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
NUTRITION
Mindful Eating During the
Holidays
A Meridian registered dietician will discuss
mindful eating tips and explain how following
your body’s signals can help you lose excess
pounds and then maintain a healthy weight.
November 14, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
November 28, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Weight-Loss Strategies for
the Holidays
Join Meridian Life Fitness and learn how to
stay focused on your weight-loss goals.
November 19, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean Medical Center, Community Room
Nutrition Counseling
Consult a registered dietician to design a food
plan that meets your weight-management
and medical nutrition needs. To register, call
Riverview Medical Center at 732-530-2555,
Meridian Life Fitness at 732-206-8263, or
Southern Ocean Medical Center at 609-978-
3400 for fees and more information.
Weight-Loss and Wellness
Programs
Meridian Life Fitness offers a variety of
weight-loss and wellness programs to suit
your lifestyle, including the ability to meet
with a wellness advisor. Call 732-206-8263
for information, fees, and registration.
ORTHOPEDICS AND
SPORTS MEDICINE
My Achy Back
Approximately 80 percent of Americans
will suffer from back pain at some point
in their lives. Learn what you can do to
prevent it.
November 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center, Community Room
Living with Knee Pain
Join orthopedic surgeon Michael
Cunningham, M.D., for this informative
lecture as he discusses the latest treatment
options for knee pain.
November 28, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
This Joint is Jumpin’!
Enjoy an afternoon of your favorite live
jazz and swing music, brunch buffet, dance
instructions from local studio experts,
and more exciting activities that are sure
to keep you moving! Information will be
available about the extensive services the
Total Joint Center at Riverview has to offer.
December 1, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Joan and Robert Rechnitz Conference and
Education Center at Riverview Medical Center
SCREENINGS
AngioScreen®: What You
Learn Can Save Your Life
This revolutionary new vascular
screening is designed to provide
you with information about your
circulation and risk for heart attack
and stroke. The 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.
Fee: $74.95. Registration required.
November 5, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
Conference Room B
November 15, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Riverview Medical Center
Joan and Robert Rechnitz Conference
and Education Center
November 19, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
December 4, 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at
Hazlet, 2nd Floor Conference Room
December 7, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean
Club, Stafford Township
Balance Screenings
Minimize your risk for falls or episodes of
dizziness. Call 732-206-8263 to register.
November 15, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Rehab at Ocean Medical Center
December 13, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Rehabilitation, Point Pleasant
Beach
Blood Pressure Screenings
First and third Wednesday of each month
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
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.
SENIOR PROGRAMS
Handling Holiday Stress for
Caregivers
Caregivers are already juggling many things.
Take some time for yourself and join us for
lunch. We’ll discuss skills that will help you
better balance family, caregiving, and the
holidays.
December 12, noon – 2:00 p.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
The Power of Aging
Geriatrician William Power, M.D., will discuss
the landmark moments in time regarding aging,
the strides that have been made, and the
treatments that can help us age successfully.
December 13, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
AARP Driving Safety
Program
This one-day classroom presentation
can reduce your car insurance costs! The
fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for
nonmembers. Registration required. Call for
dates, times, and locations.
24
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

Forever Fit: Fitness Classes
This fun fitness class is designed for mature
adults. Classes include a combination
of stretching, low-impact aerobics, and
strengthening exercises. Call Meridian Life
Fitness at 732-295-1778 for fees and details.
pressure screenings will also be provided.
November 7, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness at Hazlet
December 19, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Family Resource Center at the Ocean Club,
Stafford Township
Wellness Goals for 2013
Learn the steps to achieve your fitness and
weight-loss goals in the upcoming year.
December 10, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant Beach
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Stafford Community Center, Manahawkin
Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – noon
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Waretown
Mondays and Fridays, 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Barnegat Community Center, Barnegat
WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY
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.
November 1, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bayshore Community Hospital
Ground Floor Conference Room
November 13, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
December 11, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ramada Inn, 2373 U.S. 9, Toms River
November 14, December 12, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Southern Ocean Medical Center
November 15, December 20, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
November 20, December 18, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant
Options for Weight-Loss
Surgery
Join Seth Kipnis, M.D., for this program on
the benefits of weight-loss surgery.
November 14, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
December 5, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
GENERAL WELLNESS
Home Care Services: Need a
Little Extra Help?
Meridian At Home will be available to answer
questions, provide valuable information, and
demonstrate the latest home technologies,
medical equipment, and more. Free blood
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY
THANKSGIVING
Join registered dietician Tanya Werkman
and learn how to enjoy lighter versions of
traditional holiday favorites.
November 14, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center at Hazlet
BROWN BAG YOUR
MEDICATIONS
Bring in your medications and supplements
and have them reviewed by a registered
pharmacist, who will discuss medication
interactions and taking medications
properly, as well as the interaction of
supplements. Registration is required.
November 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Lance Auditorium
ALL ABOUT HERNIAS
Join surgeon Lauren Fischer, M.D., as
she discusses causes, prevention, and
treatment options for hernias.
November 27, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meridian Fitness and Wellness at Hazlet
Varicose Veins: Causes and
Treatment Options
Varicose veins are dilated veins in your leg
that may cause mild to severe pain. Come
hear vascular surgeon Lawrence Mueller,
M.D., explain what varicose veins are, their
causes, and the latest treatment options.
Free screenings will be provided.
November 29
Lecture: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Screenings: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
December 20
Lecture: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Screenings: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Brennan Rooms 104/105
GERD: Acid Reflux Disease
Are you suffering from heartburn or acid
reflux? Join David Hyppolite, M.D., and
learn the signs and symptoms and the
latest treatment options for GERD.
December 7, 11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Fitness and Wellness Center
at Hazlet
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, please visit us at
MeridianHealth.com, call 732-776-2953,
or email us at clinicaltrials@
meridianhealth.com.
CPR Training
All Meridian hospitals are American Heart
Association CPR training centers. Call for
dates, times, locations, and classes offered.
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.
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.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.
25

MEDICARE GPS INFORMATION SESSIONS
Meridian Health and Geisinger Health Plan have partnered to bring Geisinger Gold – a provider-sponsored Medicare Advantage
product that is ranked as number six in the country – to Medicare beneficiaries in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Seniors will now have access to a high-quality, cost-effective option for Medicare coverage that’s not currently available in this region,
including better management of chronic conditions, better health care outcomes, and better access to covered services.
You already know the doctors and nurses and trust the teams at Meridian Health and their commitment to high-quality care
right in your community. Now, you have more ways to receive the right care at the right time from the right place.
Join us for an upcoming Medicare GPS information session in your community.
Sessions are offered at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on each date except where indicated.
Community Health Programs • Services • Events • Lectures • Screenings • 1-800-DOCTORS
Ocean County
November 1:
November 7:
November 9:
November 13:
November 14:
November 16:
November 19:
November 20:
November 26:
November 30:
December 4:
December 5:
Whiting Retail Office, 550 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
10:00 a.m. only, Family Resource Center at The Ocean Club Fitness Center,
700 Route 9 South, Stafford Township, NJ
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ
Whiting Retail Office, 550 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
Family Resource Center at The Ocean Club Fitness Center, 700 Route 9 South,
Stafford Township, NJ
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ
Whiting Retail Office, 550 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
Family Resource Center at The Ocean Club Fitness Center, 700 Route 9 South,
Stafford Township, NJ
Whiting Retail Office, 550 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
(Both sessions are GPS, not enrollment meetings.)
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ
Whiting Retail Office, 550 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
10:00 a.m. only, Family Resource Center at The Ocean Club Fitness Center,
700 Route 9 South, Stafford Township, NJ
Monmouth County
November 2: Meridian Fitness and Wellness, 1420 Highway 36, Hazlet, NJ
November 8: Radisson Hotel, 50 Gibson Place, Freehold, NJ
November 9: Meridian Fitness and Wellness, 1420 Highway 36, Hazlet, NJ
November 13: Courtyard by Marriott, 1302 Campus Parkway, Wall Township, NJ
November 16: Meridian Fitness and Wellness, 1420 Highway 36, Hazlet, NJ
(Both sessions are GPS, not enrollment meetings.)
November 19: Radisson Hotel, 50 Gibson Place, Freehold, NJ
November 20: Courtyard by Marriott, 1302 Campus Parkway, Wall Township, NJ
November 27: Courtyard by Marriott, 1302 Campus Parkway, Wall Township, NJ
December 3: Courtyard by Marriott, 1302 Campus Parkway, Wall Township, NJ
December 5: Meridian Fitness and Wellness, 1420 Highway 36, Hazlet, NJ
Call 1-800-846-1583 to register.
26 Call 1-800-DOCTORS or 1-800-560-9990 to register for programs.

Take a Closer Look
at Your Eye Health
Diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and
age-related macular degeneration can rob you of your sight.
But you may not notice changes in your vision right away.
Thankfully, there are ways to detect these diseases early, when they’re
most treatable.
Eye Exam May See Problems Before You Do
“A dilated eye exam — in which the pupil is widened with drops to
allow a closer look at the eye — can help your eye doctor find disease
at an early stage,” says Walter Kahn, M.D., FACS, ophthalmologist with
Riverview Medical Center. If you’re younger than age 60, don’t have
any special risk factors, and aren’t having vision problems, see the eye
doctor for a thorough exam about every two to four years.
If you are age 60 or older, or are at risk for any of these causes of
blindness, you may need more frequent exams:
• Glaucoma can strike anyone, but African-Americans older than
40, anyone older than 60, and people with a family history of the
disease are most at risk. They should get the exam at least once
every two years.
• Diabetic eye disease can affect people with diabetes at any age.
Go for an exam once every year.
• Age-related macular degeneration is more common in people who
are older than 60. However, it can occur at any age. Women are at
higher risk than men, as are those who are Caucasian, are obese,
smoke, or have a family history of the disease. Anyone older than
60 should have the exam every two years.
Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Eyes
“In general, the healthier you are, the greater your odds of avoiding
eye problems,” says Dr. Kahn. These strategies can help:
• Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Examples include oranges and
strawberries (vitamin C), almonds (vitamin E), and carrots (vitamin A).
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Avoid smoking.
• Wear protective eyewear when working with strong chemicals such
as oven cleaner, operating motorized equipment, or playing sports
such as racquetball or basketball.
• Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing sunglasses
and a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun. Choose sunglasses that
block at least 99 percent of UV rays.
See More Clearly
Walter J. Kahn, M.D., FACS
Board certified in Ophthalmology
Red Bank • 732-741-0858
The Latest in LASIK
Technology
The Vision Correction Center
at Riverview Medical Center is
the only hospital in Monmouth
and Ocean counties to offer the
latest 100 percent blade-free
LASIK technology available,
the IntraLase iFS (femtosecond)
laser. The iFS laser is a highly
sophisticated way to prepare the
eye for LASIK, without a blade
ever touching it.
“The LASIK procedure has never
been safer or more precise,
thanks to the blade-free IntraLase
method,” says Walter Kahn,
M.D., FACS, ophthalmologist
with Riverview Medical Center.
“I’m proud to offer our patients
this advantage close to home at
Riverview.”
Considering LASIK? Learn more about the latest techniques offered at Riverview Medical Center.
Call the Vision Correction Center at 732-530-2295 or visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com.
Healthy Highlights
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
27

Solve the Puzzle of Your Pills
Meridian Health
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
Are you mystified by your
medicine cabinet?
Almost half of all Americans take at
least one prescription drug. While
these medications make our lives
healthier and easier, they can also
make it more complicated. Which pill
should you take with food? Which one
can’t you have with juice? How can you
keep everything straight? Meridian’s
experts help you solve the puzzle.
Take an Interest in
Interactions
Taking more than one medicine —
whether it’s a prescription drug, an
over-the-counter remedy such as
cough syrup, or a vitamin or herbal
supplement — raises your risk for an
interaction. “This occurs when one
medication affects how well another
works, or when the combination causes
side effects,” explains Susan Rodriguez-
Bostock, M.D., of Ocean Medical
Center. Some interactions are serious,
she notes. For example:
• Aspirin helps keep blood from
clotting, but taking aspirin while
you’re on a blood thinner can lead
to excessive bleeding
• Decongestants can raise your blood
pressure to dangerous levels if you
also take blood pressure medication.
• The herb ginkgo can cause
bleeding, and ginseng may alter
the amount of time it takes for
bleeding to stop, which could lead
to blood clotting if you’re taking a
blood thinner.
• Supplements, such as
multivitamins that have iron, may
keep tetracycline, a common
antibiotic, from working.
Doris MacDonald, age 88, is an avid seamstress
who also makes jewelry. She lives at Bella Terra,
a retirement community in Jackson. Doris uses
Meridian At Home’s medication management
program, MediSuite, to manage her medications so
she can stay healthy and remain independent.
28

You can help prevent interactions
by reading all your medication labels.
“Remember to tell your doctor about
everything you take as well,” says
Dr. Rodriguez-Bostock. “He or she
will rely on this information when
deciding what type of medication to
prescribe for you.”
An Rx for Organization
An easy way to keep track of all
your medications is to draw up
a schedule. Dalia Hanna, M.D., of
Bayshore Community Hospital,
recommends these tips:
• Write it down. For each medicine,
list the name, the dose, how often
you take it, and the time of day.
Also write down why you take
it, such as for “blood pressure,”
“breathing,” or “cholesterol.”
Include any over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal
medicines you take regularly, as
well as medication you take as
needed.
• Share your schedule with a family
member or friend. “Your loved one
can help you remember to take
your medicines on a daily basis or
while traveling,” says Dr. Hanna.
“Making sure someone else has
your schedule is also important
in case a health emergency leaves
you unable to communicate.”
• Post it. Keep your schedule on the
refrigerator or another place where
you’ll see it every day.
• Keep it current. Whenever your
medicines change, update the list
on your schedule and replace all
outdated lists.
• Give a copy to each doctor you
see. Your doctors need to know
about all your medicines to make
sure they can be safely taken
together.
• If you are admitted to the hospital
or need to call 911, bring a copy
with you. When you’re ready to go
home, have a nurse or pharmacist
review your schedule and add any
new medicines.
Be Vigilant After a
Hospital Visit
Keeping up with new prescriptions
after a hospitalization is especially
difficult. But taking steps before and
after leaving the hospital can help
you protect yourself.
“Take an active part in your
medical care. Find out as much as
possible about each medication
before taking it,” advises Angelo
Chinnici, M.D., of Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. He
suggests asking these questions of
doctors and nurses at the hospital,
your primary care doctor, or your
pharmacist:
• What is this medication for?
• Should I avoid certain prescription
and over-the-counter drugs, foods,
supplements, and activities while
taking this medicine?
• What side effects might occur?
What should I do if I experience
them? Can I do anything to lower
my risk for them?
• What should I do if I forget a dose?
• Should I take this medication
before, during, or after meals?
Make sure you understand the
answers and track the information
in your scheduling chart. “Don’t be
afraid to ask your doctor questions.
He or she knows you best,” adds
Dr. Chinnici.
Save Money with Generics
If you see a lot of medicines in
your scheduling chart, you may
start seeing something else: dollar
signs. In many cases, generic drugs
can help you save money on your
medications.
“Generic drugs are safe and
effective alternatives to brand-name
drugs,” notes William Power Jr., M.D.,
Making Sense of Your Medications
Dalia N. Hanna, M.D.
Board certified in Family Medicine
Matawan • 732-566-2363
William K. Power Jr., M.D.
Board certified in Internal
Medicine and Geriatric Medicine
Forked River • 609-693-9240
Susan Rodriguez-Bostock, M.D.
Board certified in Family Medicine
Jackson • 732-367-0166
Angelo Chinnici, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Asbury Park • 732-775-7978
of Southern Ocean Medical Center.
“They are identical to their
brand-name counterparts in terms
of active ingredients, dosage, and
quality.” And according to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, they
can be 30 percent to 80 percent
cheaper than the brand version.
Why are generics less expensive?
“When a drug is first made, it’s
covered by a patent, which protects
the company that developed it,” says
Dr. Power. “When the patent expires,
however, other companies can
start making and selling that drug,
without the expense of research and
development. Then, they pass those
savings on to the consumer.” •
At WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com, you’ll find a wealth
of online resources to help you manage your medications. Click on
“Library,” then “Drug Reference,” for a comprehensive listing of drugs and
a drug interaction checker.
Meridian HealthViews • November/December 2012
29

Become our next featured community
member. See details below.
My
health views on …
Forked River resident Dawn McIntyre,
R.N., is a self-described couch potato
who has worked hard to find ways to
enjoy exercising. Here’s how the
52-year-old does it.
… making every move count.
I used to see exercise as black or white: Either I went
to the gym or I didn’t. Now I look for ways to be
active throughout the day whether or not I work out.
I take the stairs instead of the elevator. I walk my dog
or clean the floors. It all adds up!
… sticking with it.
I became friends with some of the regulars at the
gym. One is an aerobics instructor who asked me to
come to her class. The first couple of times I went,
I’d go left while the rest of the class went right. But I
kept moving! Now I look forward to seeing my friends
when I go to the gym, which helps motivate me to go.
… de-stressing.
At least once a week I take a yoga/Pilates class. I’ve
learned so much about connecting with my breath,
and it has helped me to be so much calmer. Whenever
I feel stressed, I just take some deep breaths and
release it.
Dawn McIntyre enjoys some outdoor exercise on the boardwalk in Spring Lake. She
looks for ways to be active throughout the day, whether or not she fits in a workout.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
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!
30

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.
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© Meridian Health 2012

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page 21
Visit us on the Web at JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com.
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President
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President
Boogie boarder. Voice coach. Mom. Lynn Truex enjoys
life to its fullest. That’s why, when faced with ovarian
cancer, she turned to the Perricone Center for
Gynecologic Oncology at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center, part of Meridian Cancer Care.
At Jersey Shore, Lynn found the most comprehensive
gynecologic care in the region… including the latest
advancements in diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy
and radiation. She also found an amazing team that
helped her dive back into life.
One Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE
Regional President
To learn more about how we helped Lynn, visit
MeridianCancerCareNJ.com. To find a physician
who will offer you the same expert care,
call 1-800-DOCTORS.
727 North Beers Street
Holmdel, NJ 07733
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE
Regional President
Today, Lynn isn’t thinking about the advanced
technology we used to fight her ovarian cancer.
She’s just thinking it’s time to boogie.
1140 Route 72 West
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Joe Coyle
President
Taking Care of
New Jersey
Meridian Cancer Care
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