Download the March/April 2009 issue - Riverview Medical Center

healthviews
A HEALTH PUBLICATION FROM
Riverview Opens New
Pediatric Care
Center
page 8
A HEALTH PUBLICATION FROM
Riverview medical center
Expertise of Riverview
Surgeon Saves
Girl’s Thumb
page 18
FREE
Health Fair
Just for Kids!
page 19
Meet the Pawsitive
Action Team!
page 25
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com | March/April 2009
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TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
Women have a choice.
A hysterectomy is not your only option.
For many women fibroids, a non-cancerous growth in the
uterus, can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness, and heavy
bleeding. Now there is a new option for the treatment of
uterine fibroids at Riverview Medical Center: Uterine artery
embolization (UAE).
UAE is a minimally invasive procedure done under fluoroscopy
(a moving x-ray) by an interventional radiologist at the
Diagnostic Imaging Center at Riverview.
Our interventional radiologists diagnose and treat numerous
types of medical conditions, including fibroids, by using
imaging techniques to guide them as they thread narrow
tubes (catheters) and other very small instruments through
blood vessels and other pathways of the body to the site of a
problem. These procedures rarely require general anesthesia
or hospitalization and often involve less pain and smaller
incisions than traditional surgery.
Diagnostic Imaging Center at Riverview:
Comprehensive Procedures.
Convenient Hours.
• PET/CT
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Breast MRI • Computed Tomography (CT)
• Digital Mammography • Nuclear Medicine
• Nuclear Cardiology • Ultrasound
• General Radiology • Plain X-Ray /IVP
• Special Procedures • GI Series / Barium Enema
• Interventional Radiology
For more information about the Diagnostic
Imaging Center at Riverview, or to contact
our interventional radiologists, call
or visit RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/UAE
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inside this issue
March/April 2009
4-5
• Family Facing Rare Health
Challenges Finds Strength,
Hope at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital
• Precious Lungs Breathe Easier
• Three Steps to Helping Your
Child Take Daily Medication
6
• Physician Places His Life in
the Hands of Colleagues
• Minutes Matter During a
Heart Attack
7
• Emergency Department Visit
a Breeze for 5-Year-Old
8-9
• Building a Bridge to
Enhanced Pediatric Care
• Why Bring Your Child to
Riverview Medical Center?
10
• High-Tech Aids Help People
Stay Healthy and Stay Home
11
• Growing Up Fast:
Children’s Hospital Upgrades
Appeal to All Ages
12
• Keep Your Heart in Rhythm
and Pumping Strong
13
• Sinus Relief Is in Your Hands
• Nasal Lavage May Help
Relieve Sinus Pressure
14
• Keep a Healthy Love Life,
for Life
15
• Ask the Health Experts:
Keeping Grandchildren Safe
16
• Fast Treatment Reverses
Damage from Stroke
17
• Ocean Vascular Team Is There
for Patient
• Kick the Cola Habit to Protect
Your Family’s Kidneys
18
• A Child’s Frightening Injury,
Healed at Riverview
19-22
• Calendar of Events
23
• Jersey Shore ICU Saves Man
from Rare Lung Disease
24-25
• Help Doctor Bernard
Show Bullies the
‘Pawsitive’ Action Way
• Meet the Pawsitive
Action Team!
26
• Healthy Highlights
On the cover: Ayanna Velez once
again has full use of her thumb,
thanks to the expertise and
caring she and her family found
at Riverview Medical Center.
We all hope it never happens to us. But if the day
comes and your child is sick or hurt, you want your
little one to get expert medical care, fast.
That’s where Meridian Health comes in. No matter
the health concern, if you bring your child to any of our
four hospitals, you can rest assured that our dedicated
professionals will do all they can to make it better,
while treating your child as one of our own.
We want the same things that you want for your
children — that they remain happy, healthy, and at
home instead of in the hospital. That’s why we’re
pleased to introduce the newest member of our team —
Doctor Bernard.
A dog character in medical scrubs, Doctor Bernard
leads Meridian’s Pawsitive Action Team on a quest to
teach children and parents how to stay safe and healthy.
He’s out and about in the community, visiting schools
and attending events. Wherever he goes he explains the
best ways to stay healthy — whether it’s choosing the
right foods to eat or wearing the proper gear when riding
a bike.
You can learn more about Doctor Bernard and his
friends Picatso and Hopscotch by turning to page 25. Or,
visit DoctorBernard.com to find out where he’ll be next!
Sincerely,
John K. Lloyd, FACHE
President,
Meridian Health
A Message to the
Community
Welcome to the pediatrics issue!
Look for Doctor Bernard’s paw throughout the issue
to find pediatrics articles. Visit the Wellness Center for
more kids-related health information: WellnessCenter.
MeridianHealth.com/YourFamily/Children.
3
Meridian HealthViews March/April 2009
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K. HOvnanian cHildRen’S HOSPital
Family Facing Rare health Challenges Finds Strength,
Hope at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
With three of their children facing difficult
diagnoses, the Schuller family relies on the
caring people of K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital for their health needs. Clockwise from
top left: Corie, GeorgiaRee, MaryLou, Hudson,
Alexis, Wyatt, and Carson.
PrECious lungs
BrEAtHE EAsiEr
Advanced technology helps pediatric
specialists diagnose and treat children
with serious lung conditions like asthma
and cystic fibrosis, also known as cF.
At K. Hovnanian children’s Hospital,
patients have access to the region’s
only niOX machine. niOX measures
exhaled nitric oxide gas, which gauges
airway inflammation. “it helps us
safely wean children with asthma off
steroids,” says pulmonologist charles
Dadzie, m.D.
impulse oscillometry, which assesses
airway blockages with sound waves, is
also employed. “it helps us diagnose diseases
such as cF and asthma, and lets us
see how well medications are working,”
says Dr. Dadzie.
MaryLou Schuller and her husband,
Corie, already knew too
much about cystic fibrosis (CF).
In January 2007, they found out the youngest
of their five children, GeorgiaRee, had
the life-threatening genetic condition in
which thick mucus builds up, lining both
lungs and intestines.
They also knew plenty about neurofibromatosis,
a genetic condition that generates
noncancerous brain and nerve tumors. Their
then-2-year-old son Hudson had just been
diagnosed with the rare condition.
But nothing could have prepared the
Brick residents for the news they got that
same month: Their oldest child, Alexis,
then 9, also had CF. Besides having a
chronic cough since age 3, Alexis never
had been diagnosed with anything more
than potential allergies and asthma. She
had been considered healthy, like her
brothers Carson and Wyatt.
When MaryLou heard that Alexis’
low weight and persistent breathing
troubles were the result of CF, “everything
changed,” she says. “You completely
replan your life. Fortunately, I can bring all
my children to K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital for the care they need.”
a QuiCk-thinking physiCian
GeorgiaRee was diagnosed with CF when she
tested positive for a suspicious blood enzyme
through state-mandated newborn screening
not available when Alexis was born.
MaryLou insisted on K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital (KHCH) for her treatment.
She was already familiar with
KHCH: In Alexis’ infancy, pulmonologist
Charles Dadzie, M.D., had diagnosed
her sleep apnea, which had been causing
her to stop breathing while she slept.
Dr. Dadzie also diagnosed her gastroesophageal
reflux disease, or GERD.
When MaryLou brought GeorgiaRee in,
Dr. Dadzie asked her about the health of her
other children. She mentioned Alexis had a
chronic cough, continual stomach distress,
was underweight for her age, and was being
treated for asthma. “I thought, ‘Uh-oh,’”
says Dr. Dadzie, the hospital’s director of
Pediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care.
“Sometimes CF is misdiagnosed.”
Dr. Dadzie gave Alexis the sweat test, the
gold standard in CF testing, in which arm
patches record levels of sodium and chloride
in the sweat. Alexis was positive. Follow-up
genetic blood tests confirmed the condition.
team Care, teChnology improve
life eXpeCtanCy
Until the 1980s, most people with CF did
not survive their teenage years. They suffered
from breathing problems, digestive
difficulties, and frequent bacterial infections
that develop in the thick mucus.
Even today, there is no cure. But
improved diagnostic tests, treatment
advances, and the skilled care of physicians
like Dr. Dadzie are helping many CF
patients live well into adulthood.
A team approach to care is critical.
Because CF affects the intestines and
pancreas as well as the lungs, nutrition
is especially important. So Alexis and
GeorgiaRee’s KHCH–based care team
includes Ivan Darenkov, M.D., a pediatric
gastroenterologist, and Tracy Powers, a
dietitian with CF training. These specialists
4
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
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about the Doctors
Charles K. Dadzie, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics,
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine,
and Pediatric Pulmonology
Neptune | 732-776-4268
Richard I. Sultan, D.O.
Pediatric Neurology
Neptune | 732-775-2400
help make sure GeorgiaRee and Alexis get
adequate nutrients from their food.
Since her diagnosis, Alexis uses a special
vibrating vest and a series of inhaled medications
twice a day, every day. Inhalation
of an antibiotic, tobramycin, is added every
other month to clear her lungs of bacteria.
She must sit for at least 45 minutes morning
and evening, which isn’t always easy
for the 11-year-old, “who remembers being
normal,” says MaryLou. “I’m proud of her
for adjusting to the changes. Her father and
I think she’s amazing.”
Using this breathing regimen, along with
specialized digestive enzymes administered
under Dr. Darenkov’s watchful eye, Alexis
has gained 10 pounds. “She looks like a
completely different person,” MaryLou says.
Comprehensive Neurologic Care
for Her Son
Meanwhile, MaryLou also brings Hudson
to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital every
three months. Hudson visits neurologist
Richard Sultan, D.O., director of Inpatient
Pediatric Neurology, for regular review of
his neurofibromatosis.
Hudson was diagnosed through dark
patches on his skin called café au lait spots,
which appear after birth and are characteristic
of the disease. Café au lait spots can
appear in children without the disease, too.
But when several are present, physicians
typically check to see if neurofibromatosis is
the cause. The condition can be inherited,
but, Dr. Sultan explains, “as many as half of
all cases are caused by a sudden gene mutation
we don’t yet understand.”
When Hudson was diagnosed, Dr. Sultan
mapped the locations of his tumors to
watch whether or not they grow or spread.
Depending on their locations, neurofibromatosis
tumors can threaten sight, hearing,
and vital organs. An oncologist also may be
consulted in neurofibromatosis treatment,
particularly if tumor removal is required.
Santhosh Eapen, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist
at the Children’s Hospital, also
will follow Hudson’s case to help ensure he
grows normally in spite of his tumors.
An Office of Angels
Children like Hudson require routine
follow-up, but most go on to lead normal
lives. The Schuller girls require more
constant attention. But to have one family
facing both illnesses is nearly unheard of,
agree all three physicians.
MaryLou says that the diagnoses “still
break my heart every day.” But she says
KHCH staff, and Dr. Dadzie’s team in particular,
help the family navigate medical
and emotional challenges.
“Dr. Dadzie, his nurse Rosie, and secretary
Marilynn are angels,” MaryLou says.
“They return my calls immediately, because
they understand how important it is to get
answers when you have a child with CF.
“If I can only let one other parent know
help is available at K. Hovnanian Children’s
Hospital, I will. For all my children, I have
no reason to go anywhere else. I thank
each and every one of the physicians at
K. Hovnanian for the wonderful care they
give all my children.” •
three steps to helping Your
Child take Daily Medication
Keeping track of daily medications for a child
can be overwhelming. But it’s not uncommon.
According to a recent Department of Health
and Human Services survey, 10.2 million
children younger than 18 have special health
care needs. And of those children, 86 percent
need prescription medications.
These suggestions can help:
1
Make your child part of the process and
share responsibility. As your child gets
older, allow him or her to take on more
responsibility for taking medication.
2
Create a pill card or poster — a visual
way to show all the medicines your child
needs to take each day. Because a pill
card can be big and colorful, you can
easily involve your child in its creation.
Visit ahrq.gov/qual/pillcard/pillcard.htm
for examples and more information.
❯
the skills you need
Skilled medical management helps children with chronic conditions
like CF, asthma, and neurofibromatosis live healthier, more active lives.
For more on K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital pulmonology and neurology,
log onto KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com. Choose “Services,”
then “Pulmonology and Asthma” or “Neurology and Epilepsy.”
3
Use a weekly pillbox. Sold at most drugstores,
these boxes allow you to sort
medications by each day of the week.
Allow your child to help you sort them.
Meet the team!
See page 25 to find out more about Doctor Bernard
and the whole Pawsitive Action Team!
5
Meridian HealthViews March/April 2009
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Ocean medical centeR
physician places his
Life in the hands
of Colleagues
Richard Murachanian, M.D., is back to
enjoying golf after he received fast treatment
for a heart attack from his colleagues at
Ocean Medical Center.
aBout the DoCtor
santos O. gonzales, M.D.
emergency Medicine
Brick
MinutEs MAttEr during
A HEArt AttACk
if you think you are having a heart
attack, don’t wait before calling 911.
Treatments, including clot-busting
drugs, are most effective when given
within one hour after symptoms begin.
Know the symptoms so that you
know when to call:
• Discomfort or pain in the center of
the chest that lasts for several minutes
or comes and goes
• pain or discomfort in the jaw, arms,
back, stomach, or neck
• Some people — especially women —
may experience other symptoms,
such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness,
nausea, vomiting, or a
cold sweat
After practicing medicine
at ocean Medical Center
for the past 21 years,
richard Murachanian, M.d.,
suddenly found himself on
the other side, facing a
life-threatening problem.
Richard Murachanian, M.D.,
was playing golf when he started
to experience what felt like
indigestion, and then shortness of breath.
Thanks in part to his experience and
knowledge as an internal medicine
physician at Ocean Medical Center, he
knew something was seriously wrong. He
was experiencing signs of a heart attack,
even though he didn’t have a history of
heart problems. He asked his golf partner
to call 911 immediately.
Once paramedics arrived, they conducted
an EKG, which is a test that shows
One OF the Best
ocean Medical Center was recently rated top in ocean County for the
treatment of heart attack and congestive heart failure.
heart rhythm and any irregular beats. Dr.
Murachanian took one look at his EKG and
knew that there was an abnormality in a dangerous
area of his heart. It was critical that he
get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
The ambulance rushed him to Ocean,
an accredited Chest Pain Center. The ambulance
crew was in touch with the Emergency
Department while in transit, and the hospital’s
team of experts was ready to assess, diagnose,
and treat the patient as soon as he arrived.
“Time is everything when someone
is experiencing a heart attack,” says
Santos Gonzales, M.D., the emergency
physician who treated Dr. Murachanian
when he arrived at Ocean. “A patient’s
condition can worsen at any moment.
Going to an accredited Chest Pain Center
means that you have access to advanced,
specialized services that can save heart
muscle and open blocked blood vessels.”
Dr. Murachanian was in good hands. “I
had full confidence in the people caring
for me, having worked with them over the
years,” he notes. “Things moved quickly,
and I couldn’t have hoped for better care.
In a matter of hours, I had been seen in the
Emergency Department, went to the cardiac
catheterization lab where I had angioplasty
to insert a stent and open my arteries, and
was moved to a hospital room, feeling fine.”
His quick recovery allowed him to
get right back to work at his offices in
Point Pleasant and Brielle and continue
what he loves most — caring for others. •
— Donna Sellmann
Source: 2008 Hospital Performance Report, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
6
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
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have an unexpected
hospital and
department.
Emergency Department Visit a Breeze for 5-Year-Old
It was just another day at the local baseball
field for Rosemarie Hoos. When
her 5-year-old son, Spencer, hurt his
foot at the adjacent playground, she was
not alarmed. The mother of five boys is
used to their rough-and-tumble nature.
“Spencer was in a lot of pain, but
he got up and was running around and
seemed to be fine, so we finished the ball
game and went home,” says the Brielle
resident. About 20 minutes later, Spencer
started crawling and crying. “I realized
then it was more than just a little injury.”
Rosemarie promptly took Spencer to
the Emergency Department at Ocean
Medical Center. “We didn’t wait long to
be seen,” she says.
Staff immediately gave Spencer a warm
blanket and let his mom lie with him on
the bed. “He was very upset,” Rosemarie
says. “He’s typically a happy-go-lucky child
and we could tell he was in a lot of pain.”
Emergency medicine doctor Jose
Dugenio, M.D., examined Spencer. “I tried
to make him comfortable,” says Dr. Dugenio.
“You have to make sure you talk to young
patients as if they were your own child.”
Spencer needed X-rays, and he had to
be in the X-ray room alone. “There was a
wonderful nurse named Anne Lyon,” says
Rosemarie. “Anne kept talking to him and
reassuring him. She really calmed him down.”
Even though playground equipment led to a
hairline fracture in Spencer Hoos’ foot, he’s
back to his old self, playgrounds and all. Mom
Rosemarie says the great care he received at
Ocean Medical Center is a big reason why.
It turned out that Spencer had a hairline
fracture in his foot. Dr. Dugenio took
the time to show Rosemarie the enlarged
X-ray on a computer screen and explain
the situation.
Nurses gave Spencer pain medication
and placed a soft cast on his foot. Staff
gave Rosemarie the name of an orthopedic
surgeon with whom to follow up. “They
even sent over the films for me,” she says.
Rosemarie was pleasantly surprised
by her experience in the Emergency
Department. “By far, it exceeded my
expectations. With a small child you feel
so helpless, thinking you’ll have to wait
forever. The entire attending staff was
incredibly responsive and professional.
They tried to get Spencer’s mind off the
pain by asking him questions and praising
him. By the time we left, he was back to
his old self.” •
aBout the DoCtor
Be pRepAReD FOR An eMeRgenCy
our FRee guide to visiting the emergency department includes
Jose Dugenio, M.D.
emergency Medicine
tips on emergency prevention and even an emergency action plan.
HV_OMC_Imaging_7.375x2.75-09:Layout Brick
1 1/8/09 9:26 AM Page 1
supplies are limited. Call 1-800-DOCtORs ® today to get your copy!
How to Use the
Emergency
Room
Emergency Preparation
Emergency Basics
Emergency Action Plan
Smart Ambulance Use
Emergency Prevention
• Special Notes for Parents
Know Your Health Plan
Before an emergency occurs, make sure you know:
• Whether you need to ca l your health plan or your
doctor for approval before seeking emergency care.
• Who to ca l for advice and/or approval when your
doctor’s o fice is closed.
• Whether your health plan has a 24-hour information
line you can call for advice and/or approval regarding
emergency room use.
• Whether you have to pay part of your emergency room
bill out of your own pocket (ca led a co-payment or
deductible) and, if so, how much.
• Whether you need to go to an approved hospital and,
if so, the names and locations of those hospitals.
• Whether you (or someone acting for you) need to
ca l your plan or your doctor within a certain period
of time if you are admi ted to an emergency room.
• Whether you should go to an urgent care clinic for
conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.
Communicate with Your Doctor
One of the best ways to
prepare for an emergency
is to build a good
Emergency Preparation
Carry Important Info
In your purse or wa let carry:
• Your health plan identificatio
• The name and
telephone number
of your doctor.
• The name and
number of a person
to contact in case of
emergency.
• A list of any a lergies you may ha
• A list of any medical problems (lik
asthma) you may have.
• A list of the names and doses of an
medication you may take.
Keep Emergency Numbers
Keep a list of emergency numbers posted b
Your list should include numbers for:
• Your doctor.
• The poison
A Krames Publication
relationship with your
doctor. That way, if you
control center.
• The local
health problem, your
doctor wi l be able to give
you the advice you need.
ambulance
service.
• The police
Imaging Services Pavilion —
The latest technology in the hands of experts.
TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
At Ocean Medical Center we constantly look to enhance our services. We have a team of highly trained
and experienced imaging professionals, extended hours for convenience, and advanced technology.
• PET/CT
• 64-Slice CT for faster scan times and cardiac studies
• Open MRI and MRI with specialized coils for breast, prostate, and endorectal exams
• Women’s Imaging Pavilion with the full array of procedures — digital mammography, ultrasound, and bone density
° And a dedicated radiologist who specializes in breast imaging
• State-of-the-art nuclear camera in a newly renovated space
To schedule an appointment call 732.836.4025. For more
information call 732.836.4000 or visit OceanMedicalCenter.com
• The fire department.
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Riverview medical center
Building a Bridge to Enhanced Pediatric Care
Access to the best pediatric care is easy in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Here, families can
receive specialized care through two vibrant community hospitals, experienced pediatricians, and a
Little Andrew and his mom, Lynn Ann
Vuotto, know the value of integrated pediatric
care across hospitals. Andrew was
rushed to Riverview’s emergency center
after fracturing his skull. From there, it was
a smooth, easy transition to K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital for intensive care and
further testing.
dedicated children’s hospital.
There’s a very positive trend occurring
today in pediatric care. “I’ve
seen the landscape of pediatric care
change within the past 10 years,” notes
Joel Edman, M.D., chair of Pediatrics at
Riverview Medical Center. “Medical and
surgical advances have greatly impacted
the need for patients to spend less time in
the hospital, which is good for the parents
and great for the children.”
Today, children who were once hospitalized
for two days after a tonsillectomy
are able to go home after an outpatient
surgery and enjoy “therapeutic” ice cream
in their own bed. High fever and dehydration,
which once caused children to be
hospitalized, now often can be treated in
the emergency care center with a 24-hour
period of observation.
Getting Families Home Faster
This makes a child-friendly emergency
care center with a special area for short
stays just what the doctor ordered. That’s
why Riverview recently transitioned its
inpatient pediatric unit to a specialized
Pediatric Care Center, which includes
emergency care rooms and short-stay
rooms. It also has a dedicated pediatric
care team (see sidebar).
“We see more than 7,000 children
each year in our emergency care center,”
says Howard Rubinstein, M.D., chair of
Emergency Medicine at Riverview. “Of
those children, 98 percent are treated and
released, 1 percent are admitted for what
is usually a 24-hour stay, and 1 percent are
transferred to a children’s hospital for more
specialized care. With the design and
capabilities of this new dedicated Pediatric
Care Center, we’ll be able to do what
we’ve always done but better!”
8
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-DOCTORS
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QuiCk, smooth transitions
in Care
In the more serious cases of trauma or
chronic illness, specialized care is just
a quick transport away. As part of the
Meridian Health family, both Riverview
and Ocean Medical Center provide
families with seamless access to a higher
level of pediatric care at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital (KHCH) in Neptune.
Pediatric specialists increasingly
choose to work at tertiary care or specialized
children’s hospitals because it allows
them to do more of what they do best.
“Thankfully, there is not enough pediatric
volume for specialized care within
every hospital in a community. Specialists
practice where they can do a large number
of cases and consequently deliver the best
quality of care,” explains Bruce Grossman,
M.D., director of Pediatric Transport
Services and pediatric intensivist at KHCH.
Hazlet residents Lynn Ann and David
Vuotto benefited from this continuum of
care when their son Andrew fell out of a
shopping cart at the supermarket.
“At first Andrew seemed fine,” recalls
Lynn Ann. “But then he stopped speaking
and his eyes began to roll, so I took him to
the emergency care center at Riverview.”
At Riverview, Andrew was given a CT
scan. The CT scan revealed a fracture on
his skull. He was transferred by a pediatric
transport team to the Pediatric Intensive
Care Unit at KHCH, where “the nurses truly
helped to make an uncomfortable and scary
experience so much better,” says Lynn Ann.
After further testing he was released,
with no signs of cranial bleeding.
“Families like the Vuottos are fortunate
to have excellent pediatric care at their
community medical center backed by the
support of more than 80 pediatric specialists
in 25 specialties at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital,” says Dr. Grossman. •
— Tria Deibert
aBout the DoCtors
Joel B. edman, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Red Bank |732-741-9800
Bruce J. grossman, M.D.
Board certified in
Pediatrics and Pediatric
Critical Care Medicine
neptune |732-776-3890
howard A. Rubinstein, M.D.
Board certified in
emergency Medicine and
internal Medicine
Red Bank | 732-530-2551
kids: Join the Pawsitive Action team!
wHY Bring Your CHild to
rivErviEw MEdiCAl CEntEr?
The new pediatric care center at riverview
medical center offers your child enhanced
medical care in an environment specifically
designed to meet the unique medical needs of
children. plus, our specialized medical team,
skilled at caring for children, sees and treats
every child in a timely fashion.
While at the pediatric care center at
riverview, you’ll find:
• Dedicated emergency care beds
• private observation rooms/short-stay rooms
• 24-hour in-house pediatricians
• certified pediatric nurses
• Emergency medicine
physicians
if your child
requires more
acute care,
riverview
medical center
provides a direct
bridge to
K. Hovnanian
children’s
Hospital
through its
pediatric
transport
team.
HV_RMC_PedieFair_7.375x2.75-09:Layout Meet doctor Bernard and 1 his 1/8/09 furry 12:27 friends PM Page on page 1 25.
Riverview Kids Rock!
March 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Riverview Medical Center, Blaisdell Lobby
Mom and Dad, bring your kids to a truly fun and interactive health fair at Riverview Medical Center. The fair will
feature health education and activities such as:
• Music and Entertainment for all ages
• Wii tournament and Guitar Hero challenge
Doctor Bernard, from the Pawsitive Action Team at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, will even make a special
appearance to award the Guitar Hero champion! Bring out the inner rock star in your
child and don’t miss this unique opportunity to a make healthy habits a fun topic!
Call
or visit
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/KidsRock to register!
TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 9
1/26/09 11:14:57 AM

MERIDIAN AT HOME
High-Tech Aids Help People Stay Healthy and Stay Home
Home is where the heart is. Indeed,
nine out of 10 people ages
50 and older say they want to
remain at home as long as they can. But
about a third of older people live alone.
And about 7 million adults are located at
least an hour away from a parent they’re
taking care of.
COnneCting tO the heLp yOu neeD
healthy living-at-home solutions that could help.
HV_AtHome_09-Off_7.375x2.75:MH 12/30/08 8:48 AM Page 1
It’s especially challenging to stay home
alone safely if you or your loved one has a
health condition that requires monitoring.
It also can be difficult if a loved one is at
risk for falls or sometimes forgets to take
necessary medication. Happily, the same
technology that miniaturized phones,
cameras, and computers now is helping
to address all these problems.
“Technology continues to transform
how we interact with our
banks, schools, local stores,
families, and friends,” says
Sandra Elliott, director of
Consumer Technology
and Service Development
for Meridian Health. “It’s
only logical that technology
will transform how
patients, families,
Call 1-800-655-2555 or visit MeridianatHome.com to learn more about our
physicians, and other providers interact to
better care for themselves.”
Meridian At Home is helping bring this
technology to its patients, and along with
it, peace of mind to their loved ones. It
provides state-of-the-art remote monitoring
systems. These systems can detect falls or
allow caregivers to check on their loved
ones via cell phone or computer, no matter
where they are. A wireless door or window
sensor also can send an alert if triggered.
Your own medical challenge may be
managing a condition such as congestive
heart failure or diabetes. A home health
monitoring system can collect and send
various vital signs to a central station
where a registered nurse tracks changes
and coordinates care with your physician.
Sometimes it can be difficult to remember
to take medication — but it’s crucial
that you do. As many as 40 percent of
nursing home admissions happen after
someone stops being able to take medications
on his or her own. Automatic pill
dispensers light up and dispense the medicine
to help people maintain their medication
schedule.
Other medication reminders include
automated phone calls at pill time and a
simple once-a-day reminder device, such
as the glowCap sOLO , that’s perfect for
people on the go.
A small gadget or an easily installed
monitoring system could make all the
difference between staying at home and
needing nursing home care. •
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validation, criminal background checks and drug testing
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800.655.2555 or visit
MeridianAtHome.com
Affiliated with: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center
!
First
Month of
Live-In
Services
$
200Off
800.655.2555 or visit MeridianAtHome.com
This HealthViews coupon expires 12/31/2009
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 10
1/26/09 11:15:12 AM

FOUNDATION
e
growing up Fast:
Children’s Hospital Upgrades Appeal to All Ages
long-range plans emphasize kid-focused care, subspecialties
As part of Jersey Shore University
Medical Center’s ongoing
$300 million transformation,
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital has
received several upgrades. These upgrades
help illustrate the hospital’s commitment
to providing comprehensive pediatric care
for Monmouth and Ocean counties, says
Steven Kairys, M.D., chair of Pediatrics at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
“We’re working to make sure the existing
space accommodates the needs of children
and their families, and that we’re particularly
responsive to our 12- to 19-year-old
patients, who don’t always want to be near
the toddlers and babies,” he says.
Upgrades include a teen lounge, three
additional pediatric rooms, and a satellite
nursing station. Existing rooms
will have an aesthetic overhaul and
upgrades for more familyfriendly
features, such as flatscreen
televisions provided
by a generous donation from
the Hope for Children Foundation.
Other philanthropic support for the project
has come from the Ryan Andrew Kaiser
Memorial Foundation, whose gift will help
facilitate the renovation of the pediatric
playroom. The Children’s Hospital’s pediatric
unit now has 31 beds dedicated to children’s
aBout the DoCtors
steven Kairys, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
and Adolescent Medicine
neptune | 732-776-4267
saad A. saad, M.D.,
FACs, FAAp
Board certified in General
surgery and Pediatric surgery
eatontown | 732-935-0407
care, plus an additional dedicated, six-bed
pediatric intensive care unit.
immeDiate plans inCluDe
DeDiCateD peDiatriC eD
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is
planning to open a dedicated pediatric
Emergency Department (ED) next to the
Jersey Shore ED in July 2009. The new
space will have a separate entrance/triage
area and 10 to 12 pediatric beds.
Need for the ED space has grown
as more pediatric patients come to
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “We
already receive more than 600 pediatric
patient transports from other area centers
each year,” says Dr. Kairys. “With 80
pediatric subspecialists available and our
increased focus on pediatric surgery, we
expect that number to continue rising. The
new ED will help us provide easier access
to the expert care available in our region.”
groWing into the future
As pediatric admission numbers grow,
Saad A. Saad, M.D., FACS, FAAP, co-medical
director and surgeon-in-chief at K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital, envisions a children’s
hospital equal to any in the country.
“We already have the expertise. But
we’re running out of space due to our
rapid advancements in all subspecialties,”
says Dr. Saad.
While a dedicated K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital building is ideal, Dr. Saad
says further investigation into community
need and funding will be required. “We have
had such an amazing community response
throughout the expansion. We’ll need to find
additional people and foundations willing
to support the welfare of our children as we
continue to develop the highest quality services
and facilities in the region,” he says. •
you Can help
Philanthropic support helps make this vision a reality, and gifts of every size make a difference.
to learn more or make a gift in support of k. hovnanian Children’s hospital, please contact the
Jersey shore university Medical Center Foundation office at 732-751-5134.
11
Meridian HealthViews March/April 2009
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1/26/09 11:15:26 AM

& WISE&WELL
HEAltH nEws And inForMAtion For tHE ACtivE Adult
Keep your heart in Rhythm
and Pumping Strong
aBout the DoCtor
Ashish B. patel, M.D.
Board certified in
internal Medicine and
Cardiovascular diseases
Ocean | 732-663-0300
Your heart is a muscle, just like
the biceps in your arms. Over
time, coronary artery disease
(CAD) can weaken the heart’s pumping
power and lead to heart failure or
arrhythmias.
“These conditions can be dangerous
— even life-threatening,” says
Ashish B. Patel, M.D., a subspecialist
in cardiac electrophysiology in the
Division of Cardiology at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center. “But just
like you can lift weights to build
your biceps, you can take steps to
strengthen your heart and prevent
arrhythmias and heart failure.”
arrhythmias: not
Just Butterflies
In novels, it’s romantic when someone’s
heart skips a beat. But in real
life, a fluttering feeling in your chest
could be the sign of an arrhythmia —
a problem with your heart’s speed
or rhythm.
“Some arrhythmias are harmless,
and can even occur in young patients
with otherwise normal heart function,”
says Dr. Patel. “Others can
reduce your heart’s ability to pump
enough blood or stop your heartbeat
completely.” Fortunately, many
of these arrhythmias can be treated
with medications or with a procedure
called radiofrequency ablation.
looking to pump up your exercise routine?
Meridian Life Fitness offers three exercise programs, including an
aquatic program and tai Chi, developed by the arthritis Foundation.
see page 22 for details.
To stay safe, Dr. Patel recommends
the following tips:
• Know the symptoms and call your
physician or 911 if you experience
any of them for a prolonged period
of time. “Symptoms include a fast
or irregular heartbeat with anxiety,
sweating, dizziness, or chest pain,”
Dr. Patel says.
• If you experience palpitations or
skipped heartbeats, consult your
cardiologist. You may be a candidate
for medications or an ablation.
• Ask your doctor about medications
called statins. Besides lowering
cholesterol, they may help protect
against some types of arrhythmias
in patients with CAD.
heart failure: losing
pumping forCe
With congestive heart failure, your
heart can’t push enough blood
through your body. You might feel
tired and out of breath and your legs
and abdomen might swell. “Heart
failure can limit your daily activities
and shorten your life,” says Dr. Patel.
Dr. Patel says these steps can help
stave off heart failure:
• See your doctor regularly and make
sure you are aware of all the heart
medications you are prescribed.
• Consult with your cardiologist. You
may benefit from a device called
a biventricular defibrillator. This
device can protect you from dangerous
arrhythmias. It also can improve
your heart muscle strength.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand
smoke.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet full of
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly — for 30 minutes
on most, if not all, days of the week.
• Limit your alcohol intake. The
upper limit for men is two drinks a
day. For women, it’s one drink. •
12
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
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1/26/09 11:15:43 AM

sinus Relief is in your hands
You’ve had a cold for about a
week when you begin to feel
pain and pressure around your
nose, above your teeth, and along your
forehead. What started as a common
cold may have become a sinus infection,
or sinusitis.
What Causes sinus
infeCtions?
“Sinuses are air pockets within the
bones behind the cheeks, eyebrows,
and upper jaw,” explains Clifford
Chu, M.D., a board certified otolaryngologist
with Ocean Medical Center.
“They produce mucus, which drains
into the nose. When you have a cold,
the linings of the sinuses become
inflamed, trapping the mucus and making
the sinuses an ideal spot for bacteria
to grow.” This growth of bacteria is the
most common cause of sinusitis.
Symptoms of sinusitis include the
following:
• Pain or pressure in and around the
forehead, cheeks, and nose
• Congestion
• Headache
• Coughing
• Fever
• A toothache
• Nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip
Who is at risk?
Some people are more likely to get
sinusitis than others. “Your risk
is greater if you have a weakened
immune system, allergies that affect
the nose, or asthma,” says Dr. Chu.
“Tobacco use also can
increase risk.”
Sometimes your nose
is at fault. Having small
nasal passages or soft
growths called polyps
makes it easy for mucus
to become blocked.
People who have these
problems often suffer from
chronic sinusitis.
When to Call
the DoCtor
Because colds and sinusitis have similar
symptoms, it’s easy to confuse the
two. A cold, however, usually goes
away within about seven to 14 days.
Sinusitis often lasts longer.
If you think a cold actually may be
sinusitis, call your doctor. Treatment
can include antibiotics and, for chronic
cases, surgery.
There are also things you can
do at home to treat sinusitis. “Overthe-counter
nasal decongestants can
be helpful, but they should not be
used for more than three days,” says
Dr. Chu. “If used longer, they can
make symptoms worse.” He adds that
saltwater rinses also can be helpful
(see sidebar). When the air is dry in
the winter, a humidifier may help. •
aBout the DoCtor
Clifford t. Chu, M.D.
Board certified in otolaryngology
and head and Neck Plastic surgery
Brick | 732-458-8575
nAsAl lAvAgE MAY HElP
rEliEvE sinus PrEssurE
The traditional technique of flushing
the nose with warm salt water —
called nasal lavage or irrigation —
can be an effective treatment for
chronic sinus infections. “The saltwater
flush is thought to work by
helping remove allergens, mucus, and
bacteria from the nose and sinuses,”
explains Thomas Brandeisky, D.O.,
a board certified otolaryngologist
with Ocean medical center. “This
decreases congestion.”
You can make your own saline
wash or buy premixed kits. To make
your own, mix together 1 heaping
tablespoon of noniodized salt and
1 teaspoon of baking soda in a
resealable sandwich bag. Then, in a
small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of
the salt mixture with 1 cup of lukewarm
distilled or boiled water. (Save
the rest of the salt mixture for future
uses.) Using a rubber bulb syringe,
rinse one nostril at a time.
health information at your doorstep
Interested in learning more about sinusitis? the Booker Health
sciences Library at Jersey shore can help! the library can send
health information directly to you via phone, fax, or e-mail. see page
21 for details.
aBout the DoCtor
thomas e. Brandeisky, D.O.
Board certified in otolaryngology
and head and Neck Plastic surgery
Brick | 732-458-8575
13
Meridian HealthViews March/April 2009
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 13
1/26/09 11:15:58 AM

& WISE&WELL
HEAltH nEws And inForMAtion For tHE ACtivE Adult
Keep a healthy Love Life, for Life
Intimacy in the bedroom can help
a couple feel more committed and
content. And research suggests
that for older adults, sexual activity
is linked to better health.
“Many older adults consider sexual
activity to be a natural part of their
lives,” says Evelyn Minaya, M.D., a
gynecologist with Riverview Medical
Center. “Yet they may not experience
the level of closeness they desire.”
Break out of the rut
If your bedroom habits have become
somewhat stale, talk with your partner
about what you might do to spice
things up. Try these tips:
• Tell each other what you like — and
don’t like. For instance, you might
discuss the types of intimacy that you
enjoy. “Don’t assume you know everything
about your partner,” advises
Dr. Minaya. “Preferences change.”
• If you usually go to bed right after
the evening news, take a warm bath
before bedtime to relax. Or try cuddling
in the morning, when you have
more energy, rather than at night.
• Feeling a little out of practice? There
are many tasteful, informative books
and other resources for couples that
can help you refresh your skills.
• Try to maintain realistic expectations
about your love life. Every
couple has times when they are
more — and less — in sync. Stresses
of life can also influence your libido.
look at the Big piCture
If you’re unhappy with your sex
life, examine your partnership as a
whole. “Maybe there is another aspect
of your relationship that is tense,”
explains Dr. Minaya. “For example, if
you have grown unhappy with your
body, it can affect your sexual relationship.
Work on building your selfesteem
and it may ease the strain.”
Perhaps the problem goes beyond
the bedroom. Maybe you’re upset with
how your partner communicates with
you. Whatever the issue, acknowledge
that it has come between you two. A
simple and constructive conversation
is a good place to start.
finD fiXes for physiCal
proBlems
As you age, changes in your body can
affect your sex life. “It’s not uncommon
for older adults to feel their sex drive
slow down,” says Dr. Minaya. “Factors
like menopause in women, erectile difficulties
in men, medications, and even
depression can affect libido.”
But there are solutions:
aBout the DoCtor
evelyn Minaya, M.D.
Board certified in Gynecology
Red Bank | 732-530-5550
• A lubricant can help ease the vaginal
dryness that some women experience.
• Adhering to your medication schedule
could ward off the long-term
side effects of existing conditions.
• Drinking only in moderation can
help you avoid sexual difficulties,
such as erection problems, that are
caused by too much alcohol.
If you are concerned about your sexual
health, don’t hesitate to speak with
your doctor. He or she can help you
identify factors that may contribute to
sexual problems and offer solutions. •
are you doing all that you can to be physically fit?
Find out by taking the quiz at the Meridian Health Wellness Center. Visit
WellnessCenter.MeridianHealth.com/Interactivetools/Quizzes. Click
on “senior Fitness Quiz” to take the quiz.
14
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 14
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Ask the Health Experts:
Keeping Grandchildren Safe
Caring for your young grandchildren can be an absolute joy. But besides a lot of love, it also requires
preparation. Take steps to keep grandchildren safe under your watch. Our health experts can help.
Q: What should I do if my
toddler grandchild gets sick?
A:
Providing plenty of rest and
lots of fluids are still proven
cold and flu remedies. But be cautious
about medication. “If your
grandchild is younger than age 4, stay
away from cold or cough medicines,”
says Shrikrishna Mate, M.D., chairman
of the Department of Pediatrics
at Ocean Medical Center.
Both drug manufacturers and the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
agree that these medications are
safe and effective only for people
ages 4 and older. The labels of these
over-the-counter drugs are currently
changing to reflect this warning.
If you have any questions or concerns
about the care of a sick grandchild,
always consult a doctor, Dr.
Mate says. Also, call the pediatrician if
your grandchild has constant diarrhea
or vomiting, a fever that comes and
goes for a number of days, an earache,
or problems breathing.
Q: How can I make sure
my home is safe for my
grandchildren?
“To keep curious
A: grandchildren safe, walk
through your home and look for
potential hazards — especially
at their eye level,” says Riverview
Medical Center’s Jennifer D. Engel,
M.D., who is board certified in pediatrics.
“Then, take steps to remove
the risk.”
• Cover unused electrical outlets
with childproof plug protectors.
• Keep cords from curtains or
blinds up and out of reach.
• Store household cleaners in a
locked cabinet.
• Ensure medications are stored in
childproof containers.
• Remember to turn pot handles
toward the back of the stove
when cooking.
Q: My grandchild has
asthma. How can I make
sure the toys I buy are
asthma-friendly?
If you want to play it safe,
A: stick with nonfabric toys. Soft
toys collect dust mites, which are
common asthma triggers.
“If you want to give your grandchild
a teddy bear or other plush
toy, there are options,” says Charles
Dadzie, M.D., a pulmonologist at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
“Look for cuddle toys that carry
the Asthma and Allergy Foundation
of America ‘asthma-friendly’
certification.”
These toys, available at major
retailers, have a logo picturing a smiling
boy with clear lungs. The label
comes with specific instructions to
help keep the toy in top condition.
❯
We
Shrikrishna K. Mate, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Brick | 732-458-1177
want to hear from you!
Jennifer D. Engel, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics
Holmdel | 732-888-0010
Do you have a general health question?
You’re probably not the only one. The best health questions
come from you — and by asking them you will be helping all our
readers. Send us your question, and it may appear in an upcoming
issue of HealthViews, answered by one of the experts at
Meridian Health.* Simply for submitting your question, you will
receive a FREE copy of our brochure, Being Active for Life.
Submit your question to:
Charles K. Dadzie, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics,
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine,
and Pediatric Pulmonology
Neptune | 732-776-4268
Meridian Health, Attn.: Maura McBride
1350 Campus Parkway
Neptune, NJ 07753
Please include your full name and mailing address, so we can
send you your brochure. We will use only your first name and city
of residence in the publication.
*If you need personal advice, please consult your own
general practitioner, consultant, or nurse.
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 15
1/26/09 11:16:22 AM

JeRSeY SHORe UniveRSitY medical centeR
Fast Treatment Reverses Damage from Stroke
steve kulcsar of Belmar learned the hard way that anyone can have a stroke. luckily for him, it
happened while working as a carpenter at Jersey shore university Medical Center.
It started out as a typical morning for Steve Kulcsar, 43. He was
on site at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, working on the
$300 million Transformation project.
“I was framing exterior walls on the seventh floor of the expansion
when I broke out in a cold sweat and became very dizzy,”
says Steve. “I sat down out on the balcony, thinking I needed fresh
air.” After about five minutes, he tried to walk, but his legs wouldn’t
support him.
a QuiCk response
Two of his coworkers, one of whom is a volunteer emergency
medical technician (EMT), jumped into action. Right away they
alerted a foreman, who called 911. Steve was becoming less and
less responsive. Soon he could no longer sit or answer questions,
and the right side of his body was not responding.
In a few short minutes, EMTs arrived at the seventh floor and carefully
brought Steve down to an ambulance. He was rushed to the entrance
of the Jersey Shore Emergency Department for stroke treatment.
steve kulcsar of Belmar learned
the hard way that anyone can
have a stroke. luckily for him
it happened while working as
Construction worker Steve Kulcsar was in the right place at the right time
when he suffered a stroke. He was on a job site that happened to be at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center. That meant he got the fast
treatment and expert care that is crucial during a stroke.
the Best treatment
Jersey Shore is nationally certified as a Primary Stroke Center. It
was one of the first hospitals in the state to earn this certification
and the first in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The Stroke Center’s team was ready for Steve. He was quickly
assessed by a board certified neurologist. “After performing lab studies
and a CT of the brain, it was determined that Steve was suffering
an ischemic stroke,” says Alison Trembly, APN, nurse practitioner
for the Stroke Center at Jersey Shore. “This stroke was caused by a
blockage in the blood vessel that provides the blood flow to the left
side of the brain.”
Steve was immediately given t-PA, a clot-busting drug designed to
reverse the effects of the stroke. “T-PA can only be administered within
three hours of a stroke, so receiving medical help immediately is critical,”
explains Stroke Center Medical Director Stephen Martino, M.D.
“When someone suffers from a stroke, every second counts.”
After spending a few days recovering in the hospital, Steve was
feeling better. He was back at work one week after his stroke.
“I can’t thank the doctors, nurses, and the Jersey Shore team
enough for everything they did for me,” says Steve. “It is very comforting
to me and my family to know that these great services are
available so close to home.” • — Rob Cavanaugh
aBout the DoCtor
stephen J. Martino, M.D.
Board certified in Neurology
neptune | 732-774-8282
know the signs of stroke
Call 1-800-DOCtORs for a FRee bookmark you
can use to check for the signs of a stroke. supplies are limited.
16
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
6116M B OMC 2_09 p1.indd 16
1/26/09 11:16:32 AM

Ocean medical centeR
Ocean Vascular team Is There for Patient
Eleanor “Ellie” Wilson, 66, of Brick
loves to garden. While enjoying
her hobby in spring 2008, she
experienced excessive itchiness all over.
As the weather got warmer, the itchiness
increased and finally became unbearable.
Ellie went to the Ocean Care Center in
Point Pleasant. A blood test showed that
her kidneys were in extreme failure.
Itchiness is one initial symptom of
kidney failure. Other symptoms include
fatigue, frequent hiccups, headache, lethargy,
and unintentional weight loss.
Ellie required hemodialysis, a process
that removes the waste and excess fluids
from your body when your kidneys are not
capable of doing so. She was transferred to
Ocean Medical Center. There, a temporary
catheter was placed in her neck so she
could start hemodialysis immediately.
“With a state-of-the-art endovascular
lab adjacent to our office, we can quickly
treat patients,” explains Frank Sharp, M.D.,
a board certified vascular surgeon and
chief of surgery at Ocean Medical Center.
“Our team of vascular surgeons is available
24/7.”
Then, since Ellie would require ongoing
dialysis, a permanent vascular access — an
AV fistula — needed to be placed in her
Ellie Wilson has been impressed by the level of
service she’s received at Ocean Medical Center,
where the vascular and dialysis teams work
together to give her the help she needs.
forearm. An AV fistula, generally referred
to as a vascular access, connects the vein
directly to an artery to allow greater blood
flow through the vein. This also helps the
vein grow stronger so it can handle dialysis.
Dr. Sharp and the rest of the team
remained involved in Ellie’s care every step
of the way. Even when Ellie had a problem
with her vascular access one morning at
7:00 a.m., Dr. Sharp saw her immediately.
He cleared a blockage so she could receive
her dialysis later in the day. “Dr. Sharp is
very human — so caring,” says Ellie. “He is
very concerned about his patients.”
Dialysis patients at Ocean Medical Center
receive comprehensive care because the
vascular and dialysis teams work together.
“We have an open line of communication
with our dialysis team,” says Dr. Sharp.
When a patient has a problem with vascular
access, such as Ellie did, the dialysis
team can alert the vascular surgeons,
who then schedule the patient and clear
any blockages. The dialysis center also
uses technology that proactively screens
patients to identify potential problems with
their vascular access. A clear access helps
ensure optimal blood flow during dialysis.
Ellie continues her dialysis treatment
three times a week. She feels much more
like her old self again, has a great positive
attitude, and continues to enjoy her
gardening. • — Anne Marie Keevins
aBout the DoCtor
Frank J. sharp, M.D.
Board certified in General and
Vascular surgery
Brick | 732-202-1500
What’s New in dialysis?
kiCk tHE ColA HABit
to ProtECt Your
FAMilY’s kidnEYs
You may think bubbly, ice-cold
cola is a drink you and your kids
can share. But a recent study
shows that cola may increase your
risk for chronic kidney disease.
in the study, people who
drank two or more colas per
day — diet or regular — were
more than twice as likely to have
kidney disease than those who
didn’t. Soft drinks have been
linked to diabetes and high blood
pressure, which — along with
family history — are risk factors
for kidney disease.
plus, cola contains the mineral
phosphorus. Too much phosphorus
causes another important
mineral — calcium — to leak
from bones. Extra calcium can
harden into stones in your kidneys,
causing pain and boosting
your odds for kidney disease.
Find out at one of the three seminars being held in March
and April at ocean Medical Center. see page 21 for details.
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RiveRview medical centeR
A Child’s Frightening injury,
Healed at Riverview
Ayanna Velez’s family was worried that a deep
thumb cut would hurt her thumb’s movement.
Riverview made sure she got the care she needed.
She is pictured at left with mom Jasmine, brother
Joel Jr., and dad Joel.
aBout the DoCtor
Asaad samra, M.D.
Plastic surgery
holmdel | 732-739-2100
when a 4-year-old girl loses the use of her thumb, her
parents find hope in the expertise of a reconstructive surgeon
at riverview Medical Center.
What started as just another
playdate at Grandma’s house
in 2008 turned into a very
frightening day for 4-year-old Ayanna Velez
of Perth Amboy. Looking for a new toy,
Ayanna and her cousin grabbed two of her
grandma’s ceramic figurines and headed
into another room to play. Minutes later,
Ayanna’s mom, Jasmine Velez, heard her
daughter screaming in agony.
One of the figurines had broken, slicing
Ayanna’s hand severely. “I knew immediately
that this was more than your usual nick or
cut,” says Jasmine. She took Ayanna to a
local emergency care center where she was
stitched up without a surgical consultation.
The doctors were unable to establish if
the tendon had been cut, nor could they
decipher the long-term effects of the injury.
Jasmine took her daughter back home. In
the following days, Ayanna gradually lost
the use of her thumb.
Then Jasmine was referred to
Asaad Samra, M.D., a cosmetic, reconstructive,
and hand surgeon on staff at
Riverview Medical Center. “On our first
visit to Dr. Samra’s office, we were confident
in his ability to help our daughter,”
says Jasmine. “His demeanor and knowledge
made us feel like we had found that
doctor who could help restore her hand.”
Dr. Samra determined that surgery was
necessary. “To allow for the greatest chance
of a fully functioning thumb, we needed to
explore her wound to see if the tendon was
indeed lacerated,” he explains. “Recovery
rates are usually dependent on the time
lapsed between injury and treatment, but
Ayanna was a great candidate because children
heal much more quickly and typically
with better results than adults.”
On the day of the surgery, both mom
and daughter were apprehensive. But the
nurses and support staff at Riverview’s
Same-Day Surgery Unit were able to quell
their fears. “Before surgery the nurses had
Ayanna laughing, and they put me at ease
while I waited for her,” says Jasmine.
Surgery determined that the tendon was
cut, and Dr. Samra repaired it. Within just a
few weeks, Ayanna had regained full range
of motion and use of her thumb. “Thanks to
Dr. Samra and his team, it’s as though the
injury never happened,” says Jasmine. •
— Sara Scipioni
RiVeRVieW KiDs ROCK!
this event gives kids a chance to play interactive games while learning about bike safety
and much more. the event will be held March 28 and will include a special appearance by
doctor Bernard of the Pawsitive Action team. see page 19 for more details!
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CAleNdAR of eVeNts
MARCH AND APRIL 2009
Featured events from Meridian health
Call 1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) to register. Or, register online at MeridianHealth.com.
Riverview Kids Rock!
This fun, educational health fair will feature information
about nutrition, exercise, emergency care, bike safety, and
more. Includes interactive games, music acts for all ages, a
Wii TM tournament, and a Guitar Hero® challenge! Doctor
Bernard from the Pawsitive Action Team also will make a
special appearance. Registration required. FREE.
March 28
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Riverview Medical Center
Blaisdell Lobby
Trapped in the Web: Safeguarding Your Children
from Internet Addiction, Bullying, and Predators
Meridian Health and Prevention First are joining forces to
teach you about the perils of Internet addiction, bullying, and
predators. Learn how to safeguard children online. A panel of
experts and a parent who dealt with Internet addition will talk
about the issues. Registration required. FREE.
March 31
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Monmouth University
Anacon Hall
Alzheimer’s Disease: The Disease with Two Victims
This special program, cosponsored by the Mid Atlantic
Geriatric Association, will explain the differences between
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the stages of
Alzheimer’s disease, treatment options, legal and ethical concerns,
and more. Families, caregivers, and health care professionals
are welcome. FREE. Continental breakfast and lunch
will be served. Registration required by April 29.
May 1
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Lance Auditorium
Movin’ and Groovin’ Bone and Joint Health Fair
Don’t let those stiff and achy joints be a bone of contention. Join
us for this FREE interactive program that explores how to live an
active life with arthritis and osteoporosis. The day will include
fitness demonstrations, bone density screenings, samples of
healthy food choices, and physician and specialist lectures. Dress
comfortably if you would like to participate. Call 732-836-4007
for more information.
May 5
9:00 a.m. – noon
Ocean Medical Center
Lobby
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MERIDIAN HEALTH | mArcH AnD April 2009 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Meridian health–sponsored events are free unless noted
otherwise. Please register to reserve a space as classes
and seminars can fill up quickly. To register for any event
or for more information, please call 1-800-DOCtORs
(1-800-362-8677). Register online at Meridianhealth.com.
CANCER SERVICES
Colorectal Cancer:
The Preventable Cancer
Join Meridian Health for a symposium on
surviving colorectal cancer. Thomas R.
Lake III, M.D., a colorectal surgeon affiliated
with Ocean Medical Center, will discuss
the latest developments in treatment and
surgery. FREE. Dinner included. Registration
required.
March 11
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Rooms A and B
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Walk
Join Meridian Health team members in
this annual event to support colorectal
cancer awareness. Walk once around
Ocean Medical Center to pledge to
maintain your own good health, twice
to promise to encourage family members
to become healthy, and three times to
encourage friends to make healthy lifestyle
changes. FREE. Rain or shine. Registration
preferred.
March 29
Noon
Ocean Medical Center
Atrium Lobby
Exercise: The Little-Known ‘Medicine’
for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Join Meridian Health and our clinical experts
at this informative seminar on how to cope
with cancer-related fatigue. Registration
required. FREE.
April 1
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Rooms A and B
CARDIAC SERVICES
The Role of Exercise in Medicine
Meridian Health physicians and
clinicians will discuss the vital role exercise
plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and
improving health after illness or injury.
Topics will include exercising to maintain
a healthy heart and protecting your spine
during exercise, lifting, or activities of
daily living. There also will be Tai Chi
demonstrations. Lunch will be provided.
FREE. Registration required.
April 16
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Rooms A, B, and C
CHILDBIRTH/
MATERNITY SERVICES
Childbirth Education Series
Meridian Health offers a full range of
educational classes and seminars for
both first-time and experienced parents
who want to learn more about specific
topics and familiarize themselves with
their delivery hospital before the birth.
Topics include:
• Baby Care
• Baby Makes Three: New Parent Education
• Breastfeeding
• Childbirth Series and Childbirth Refresher
• Maternity Tour and Tiny Tots Tour
• Sibling Class
• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Please register before your third
trimester. Sessions and class details vary
among our three hospitals, but all are
scheduled on the basis of expected
delivery date.
COUNSELING AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Support Group for Children with
Chronic Illness
A support group for children ages 8 to
16 coping with a chronic illness. Call
the Children’s Day Program at Meridian
Behavioral Health at 732-869-2790, ext. 2, for
registration, appointment details, insurance
information, and fees. Registration required.
Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Meridian Behavioral Health
402 Highway 35 North, Neptune
Children’s Art Therapy Program
Exclusively for youngsters (ages 4½ to 13)
who have experienced a loss or are dealing
with a chronically or terminally ill loved one.
Interviews are required before attendance.
Call 732-530-2382 to register.
Children’s Group Counseling
Age-specific group counseling for children
with emotional or behavioral difficulties:
• Adolescent Intensive Program
(ages 13 to 18)
• Children’s After-School Program
(ages 7 to 13)
• Children’s Therapeutic Nursery Group
(ages 3 to 6)
Call for registration, appointment details,
insurance information, and fees.
Addiction Recovery Services
For adult family members of addicted
individuals.
DIABETES SERVICES
Comprehensive Diabetes Management
Meridian offers educational and support
programs for those with diabetes on an
individual or group basis. Learn more about
this disease and how to manage it, from the
basics to the more complex facets. Physician
referral required. Call 1-800-DOCTORS for
applicable dates, times, and fees.
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services | events | lectures | screenings | 1-800-doctors
Dialysis Education
New Options for Dialysis Patients
With new technology, there are new options
for the dialysis patient — some of which
include administering your treatment at home.
Health care professionals at Ocean Medical
Center and associated colleagues will discuss
these new trends in dialysis.
March 26, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
April 2, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
April 29, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Room A
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition Counseling
Consult with a registered dietitian to design a
food plan that will help you meet your weight
management and medical nutrition needs.
Offered by Meridian Life Fitness. Call
732-776-4485 for fee and registration.
General Fitness and
Wellness
Children’s Programs
Fit Kids
Kids ages 2½ to 6 years can learn the
importance of good health during this lively
fitness and tumbling program offered by
Meridian Life Fitness. Call 732-280-8118 for
fee and registration.
Preadolescent Exercise Program
This five-week series of exercise classes
promotes healthy weight loss and an active
lifestyle in preadolescent children with
cardiovascular activities, weight training, and
nutritional education. Offered by Meridian
Life Fitness (Neptune). Medical clearance
from a pediatrician and registration required.
Call 732-776-4485 for fee and registration.
Adult Programs
Exercise: The Prescription for Life
Learn how exercise can help you manage
common conditions and diagnoses, such
as fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s
disease, diabetes, and heart disease. FREE.
March 13
11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Life Fitness, Neptune
March 24
11:00 a.m. – noon
Meridian Life Fitness, Brick
March 30
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Wall
April 1
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Meridian Life Fitness, Point Pleasant
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
Life Enhancement
This two-step program, designed and
administered by physical therapists and
exercise specialists, is aimed at helping
individuals whose pain is limiting their daily
functions. Sponsored by Meridian Life Fitness
in Point Pleasant. Call 732-295-1778 for
registration.
MISCELLANEOUS
Booker Library Home Delivery
The Booker Health Sciences Library at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
accepts inquiries and requests for materials
from anyone looking to learn more about a
medical topic or a specific disease or condition.
Consumer health information materials can
be requested via telephone, fax, or e-mail. In
response, the library sends a packet of credible,
reliable information directly to the individual,
at no cost. Contact the library by:
Phone: 732-776-4265
Fax: 732-776-4530
E-mail: jsumclibrary@meridianhealth.com
CPR Training
All Meridian hospitals are American Heart
Association (AHA) CPR Training Centers.
The AHA strongly promotes knowledge
and proficiency in CPR and has developed
instructional materials for this purpose.
Dates, times, and locations for the classes
vary. For further information, please call
1-800-DOCTORS.
• Adult HeartSaver AED
• Health Care Provider CPR
• Health Care Provider CPR Renewal
• HeartSaver First Aid
• Pediatric CPR for Friends and Family
• Pediatric HeartSaver CPR
Your Health Is Our Top Priority
Meridian Health physicians, nurses, and
clinicians can provide presentations on
nearly any health topic at your business.
Call Laura Ahern, director, Meridian Health
Community Outreach, at 732-751-7590.
Orthopedics and
Sports Medicine
Preoperative Orthopedic
Surgery Session
For all patients undergoing orthopedic surgery,
Meridian offers an orientation session that
provides an overview of your complete hospital
stay through rehabilitation and nursing. Topics
covered include functional status, mobility, pain
management, and exercise. Registration required.
screenings
Health Screenings
Meridian Health offers screenings yearround,
including screenings for blood
pressure, cholesterol, body composition,
bone density, and stroke risk assessment.
Call 1-800-DOCTORS for more information.
Any program may be canceled as late as an hour before the program’s start time if there are severe weather conditions. Please call
1-800-DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) or the hospital’s information desk (after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends) for confirmation.
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MERIDIAN HEALTH | mArcH AnD April 2009 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SENIOR SERVICES/
WISE & WELL
Seniors At Risk: Medication Therapy
Management Seminar
If you or a loved one takes multiple
medi cations, you are at increased risk for
drug interactions and side effects. The
Pharmacology Institute at Ocean Medical
Center can help you safely manage your
medications, eliminate those medications that
are potentially unnecessary, minimize side
effects, and educate you on the proper use of
medications. FREE. Registration required.
March 10
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Manor by the Sea in Ocean Grove
Activities Room
Call 732-481-8300 to register.
March 16
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Rooms A and B
Call 732-312-1800 to register.
April 7
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation at Brick
First Floor Dining Room
Call 732-206-8000 to register.
April 22
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Ocean Medical Center
East Wing Conference Center
Conference Rooms A and B
Call 732-312-1800 to register.
AARP Defensive Driving
Taking this two-day course — a classroom
presentation with no behind-the-wheel
driving — can reduce your car insurance
costs! Dates, times, and locations vary. Call
for registration and fee.
Exercise Programs from the Arthritis
Foundation and Meridian Life Fitness
Meridian Life Fitness in Point Pleasant
proudly offers three exercise programs
developed by the Arthritis Foundation.
Dates and times vary. Call 732-295-1778 for
more information:
• Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
(AFAP) — This warm-water exercise class
can reduce pain and stiffness while helping
to increase range of motion.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
(AFEP) — Participants stand, sit, or use an
assistive device while practicing this gentle
program that will help increase strength,
range of motion, and flexibility.
• Tai Chi — Reduce pain and stiffness while
improving balance and flexibility. This class
uses higher stances, making it easy and
comfortable to learn.
Ocean County FREE Cholesterol &
Blood Pressure Screenings for
Low-Income Seniors
The Ocean County Board of Chosen
Freeholders has provided Ocean Medical
Center with a grant to perform a once-ayear
cholesterol and glucose screening for
qualified residents of Ocean County who are
older than 60. Call 1-800-DOCTORS for
dates and locations.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Get Up, Get Out, and Volunteer!
Meridian Health always welcomes
enthusiastic volunteers at any of our hospitals
and facilities. Please call us to explore how
both you and others can benefit from your
generous donation of time. Flexible hours
and a wide variety of positions are available,
including hospice volunteers, who are
specifically equipped to provide invaluable
companionship and support for terminally ill
patients, as well as respite for family members.
Training is required for some volunteer
positions. Registration required.
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND
FAMILY SERVICES
Pediatric Preoperative Tour
Help your child (ages 1 to 12) prepare
for hospital admission to K. Hovnanian
Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center by accompanying him or
her on a free tour, which runs every Tuesday.
Registration required.
Safe Sitter ®
Join Meridian Health and certified nurse
educators for this babysitting preparation
program designed for 11- to 13-year-olds.
This pediatrician-developed program covers
important safety topics, as well as how to
care for and manage the behavior of children
and infants. All students receive a Safe Sitter
Student Manual. Bring lunch and a snack
to this full-day class. Fee: $50. Registration
required. Call 1-800-DOCTORS for dates
and times.
Meridian health–sponsored events are free unless noted otherwise. Please register to reserve a space as classes and seminars
can fill up quickly. To register for any event or for more information, please call 1-800-DOCtORs (1-800-362-8677). Register
online at Meridianhealth.com.
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JeRSeY SHORe UniveRSitY medical centeR
Jersey shore iCu Saves Man from Rare Lung Disease
never again will tim Moynihan, 21, of tinton Falls, brush off cold symptoms. not after a recent
stay in the intensive care unit (iCu) at Jersey shore university Medical Center saved him from a
rare and deadly lung disease.
In summer 2008, Tim Moynihan developed
what felt like a cold. But in the
course of a few days, the symptoms
escalated, to a point where Tim’s breathing
became labored. Then he collapsed.
Tim’s parents called 911, and an ambulance
took him directly to Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
Once there, a series of tests and a
chest X-ray made it clear Tim needed to
be admitted to the ICU. Jersey Shore pulmonologists
— specialists who treat diseases
of the lung and respiratory
tract — quickly diagnosed him with acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
ARDS is a condition in which the lung’s
blood vessels leak fluid, which prevents
the lungs from filling with air and moving
oxygen into the bloodstream. Some factors
that can lead to ARDS are sepsis, pneumonia,
severe bleeding due to an injury, and
inhalation of harmful fumes or smoke.
“ARDS is a life-threatening disease that
can require round-the-clock care,” says
Eric Costanzo, D.O., Tim’s pulmonologist.
Tim’s mom, Kim Moynihan, was
shocked. “We didn’t comprehend how
serious things were at that point,” she says.
“When the doctors told us this was going
to get a lot worse before it got better, I was
so upset and scared — I kept thinking I
should have done something sooner.”
But most people wouldn’t think symptoms
such as congestion and weakness are
potentially life-threatening, nor are they
likely to have heard of ARDS. “ARDS is
rare, but it can impact anyone at any point
in life,” says Dr. Costanzo. “Luckily, very
few with common illnesses ever reach
such a severe state.”
Dr. Costanzo and Jeffrey A. Miskoff,
D.O., led the specially trained, interdisciplinary
team at Jersey Shore that treated
Tim. “When it comes to treating ARDS,
teamwork is paramount,” says Dr.
Costanzo. “In Jersey Shore’s ICU,
we value the input of everyone
in the process, from the
family and patient to the
nursing staff, house staff,
clinical pharmacologists,
nutritionists, and respiratory
therapists.”
aBout the DoCtor
eric Costanzo, D.O.
Board certified in internal
Medicine and Pulmonology
Manasquan | 732-528-5900
The team started aggressive
treatment immediately after Tim’s
diagnosis. Treatment for ARDS typically
involves strategies to protect the lungs
and maximize the flow of oxygen,
while treating the underlying cause of
ARDS, which differs from patient to
patient. Patients often require mechanical
ventilation to ensure the flow of oxygen
during treatment.
This was the case with Tim, who
remained in the ICU for nearly a month,
relying on a respirator to breathe. The ICU
team was there for him 24 hours a day,
working to keep his heart rate and body
temperature — it topped 105 degrees —
under control.
As his health improved, Tim was taken
off the respirator and his rehabilitation
began. He had lost nearly 25 pounds in
less than a month. Physical therapists
helped him regain the strength to get out
of bed and start walking again.
His immune system is still compromised,
so he needs to take any cold
symptom seriously. But now Tim is looking
forward to getting back to things he
loves this spring, like playing baseball. •
— Ryan Younger
Tim Moynihan is ready to
swing for the fences again,
after beating a life-threatening
respiratory disease with the help
of the experts at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center.
DiD yOu KnOW ...
... up to 2,300 gallons of air pass through your lungs
each day? Visit WellnessCenter.Meridianhealth.com
and search “how your lungs Work” for even more
interesting facts!
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MERIDIAN HEALTH
Help Doctor Bernard Show Bullies the
‘pawsitive’ Action Way
You might have heard that having
pets can be good for your health.
Well, there’s a new furry friend in
town — and he wants to help your kids
stay healthy, be safe, and develop good
character habits.
Doctor Bernard, a character in medical
scrubs, is the newest member of the
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital team.
He and his pals Picatso and Hopscotch
(see sidebar at right) teach kids to be
courteous and make the right choices.
Their messages take aim at one of
childhood’s biggest banes — bullying.
Parents can look to Doctor Bernard
and his positive approach to
help prevent their children from
becoming tormenters or victims.
pain BeyonD the
sChoolyarD
Bullied kids really can take
a beating — in many ways.
Studies show they are more
likely to have sleep troubles,
upset stomachs, depression,
and anxiety. They also don’t
perform as well at school.
And these days, bullying
has gone high-tech.
About one in three kids has
been bullied by peers on the
Internet. Electronic bullying
can mean sending cruel or
threatening text or pictures
via e-mail or instant messaging,
or posting embarrassing
aBout the DoCtor
Doctor Bernard
director of Fun and
Good health
information in chat rooms or on Web sites.
A cyberbully might pretend to be someone
else to make a peer look bad.
Cyberbullying, like its old-fashioned
counterpart, feeds anxiety and depression. It
can be even crueler than the old-fashioned
variety. Bullies can’t see their victims’ reactions
to tell when they’ve crossed the line
from teasing to torment. And cyberbullying
can occur anywhere and anytime, making
targets feel vulnerable day and night.
stop Bullies Before they
strike again
If your child has regular run-ins with mean
kids, these tips from Doctor Bernard can
help you provide support:
• Remain calm and remind your child
it’s not his or her fault.
• Ask him or her to describe what happened.
• If bullying happens at school, contact
the teacher and provide as many specifics
about the incident as possible.
Kids who are cyberbullied may hesitate
to tell their parents because they’re afraid
to lose their online privileges. Here’s how
to keep your youngsters from becoming
targets or bullies:
• Determine when and where your children
❯
doN’t
let youR Child Be A ViCtiM
Join us for a special seminar on protecting your
children from cyberbullies and online predators.
see page 19 for details.
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meridian health
can use the Internet and cell phones.
• Keep the computer in a room where you
can monitor your kids’ use.
• Send any materials a cyberbully has
posted to his or her parents.
• For teens, set rules so you can view their
interactive Internet site visits on pages
like Facebook.
• Call the police if a cyberbully
threatens violence.
In addition, discuss these rules with
your kids:
• Don’t send messages online that you
wouldn’t say in person.
• Avoid responding to hurtful messages.
Block the sender, remove friendship
links, and tell a trusted adult.
• If kids see someone being cyberbullied,
they should tell the bully to stop, help
the victim, or inform an adult.
Boost Self-Esteem to
Banish Bullying
Doctor Bernard may show up at your children’s
school soon with his message about
good health, including nutrition, safety,
fitness, and courteous behavior. His motto
to kids is “Treat yourself right!” He knows
that a positive self-image helps counter the
causes and effects of bullying.
To improve your children’s confidence
and teach them to treat themselves — and
others — right, try this advice:
• Encourage them to get involved in
sports, hobbies, and other activities.
• Celebrate their successes.
• Pay attention if your child uses a lot of
self-defeating statements. Negativity can
signal low self-esteem. But reciting positive
statements, such as “I can do anything
that I set my mind to,” may brighten one’s
outlook. In one study, students increased
their self-esteem by saying 15 affirmations
three times a day for two weeks.
• Avoid criticizing children too much.
When you do criticize, attack actions,
not people. Saying “I get upset when
you don’t get out of bed on time” is better
than “You’re lazy.” •
Meet the Pawsitive Action Team!
Doctor Bernard and his furry friends encourage kids to stay
healthy and safe — and have fun! Introduce your children to
the Pawsitive Action Team:
Doctor Bernard is the team leader.
He wants to help kids and their families
and friends learn how to em“bark” on
the path to a healthier lifestyle. He says,
“Together, let’s take pawsitive action!”
Picatso is a creative
cat who loves drawing and
writing. He’s always curious
about the best ways to stay
healthy. “Meowser!” is his
favorite phrase.
Hopscotch is an energetic bunny who
says “Let’s go!” to New Jersey kids. She loves
sports and games, and encourages children to
get outside and play.
Do you have children ages 10 and younger?
Help them join the Pawsitive Action Team!
Membership is free, and they’ll receive a kit
full of fun materials and activities that promote
good health. Visit DoctorBernard.com
with your kids today!
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HEALTHY highlights
A pOSiTiVE ATTiTUDE
CAN PUMP UP YOUR WORKOUT
Besides water and comfy shoes, another thing you should bring to the gym is the right
mind-set. “Research shows that how you feel about exercising may add to the effectiveness
of your workout,” says Dana Tarina, M.D., of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
In one study, women who believed they were getting a good workout during housekeeping
reaped more health benefits than women who did the same physical activity but
didn’t consider it exercise. “After four weeks, without increasing their amount of exercise,
the women who believed they exercised while cleaning lost more weight and had lower
blood pressure than the other women,” Dr. Tarina says.
Other studies have shown a link between attitude and exercise. People with upbeat
mind-sets about exercise are more motivated to work out. They also stick with workouts
over the long-term.
THE SUPER
ACAI BERRY
The juice from a tropical berry called
acai may be good for your health. Early
research shows that acai juice is full of
antioxidants.
“Acai juice could pack the same antioxidant
punch as cranberry juice or black
cherry juice,” says michael Franzone,
r.D., of riverview medical center.
look for acai juice in the refrigerated
or frozen juice section of your local health
food store.
LeARn tO eAt Right.
We can help create a food plan
designed with your weight goals in
mind. see “Nutrition Counseling” on
page 21 for more details.
aBout the DoCtor
Dana i. tarina, M.D.
Board certified in
internal Medicine
neptune | 732-897-3990
VItaMIN E: tHE KEY to aCtIVE aGING?
Eating foods with vitamin E could help you stay vital as you get older. According to
the Journal of the American Medical Association, older people with the lowest levels
of vitamin E were about 60 percent more likely to lose some ability to move freely as
they aged. “The researchers said the antioxidant vitamin E might protect against free
radicals,” says Julie Johnson, m.D., of Ocean medical center. “These substances can
damage cells in the nerves and muscles.”
You need 15 milligrams of vitamin E each day. Snack on 24 almonds and you’ll be
halfway there. Other foods with vitamin E:
• Two tablespoons of smooth peanut butter (4 mg)
• A quarter-cup of sunflower seeds (8 mg)
aBout the DoCtor
Julie Johnson, M.D.
Board certified in
Family Practice
Manasquan | 732-223-3533
26
Meridian Health | MeridianHealth.com | 1-800-doCtors
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TAKING CARE OF
NEW JERSEY
Introducing:
The Crohn’s and Colitis Management Center
At Riverview Medical Center
Our new Center serves as a comprehensive site for patients with Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis. Here, a team of surgeons, enterostomal therapists, nurses, dietitians,
radiologists, pathologists, pain management specialists, and gastroenterologists strives
to collaborate seamlessly with your health care team to offer:
• Laparoscopic and conventional surgery for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Care of complex anorectal disease
• Nutritional assessment and optimization
• Consultations on pain medication and wound and stoma care
• Second opinions and entry into research trials
For more information about the Center,
please call 732.530.2IBD (2423) or visit
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com/IBD
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Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Meridian
Health
One Riverview Plaza
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE
President
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Steven G. Littleson, FACHE
President
Visit us on the Web at MeridianHealth.com
RiverviewMedicalCenter.com
1945 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
Steven G. Littleson, FACHE
President
425 Jack Martin Blvd.
Brick, NJ 08724
W. Peter Daniels, FACHE
President
This free bimonthly magazine is prepared
by the Communications Team
of Meridian Health. Please call 1-800-
DOCTORS (1-800-362-8677) with any
questions or comments. Inquiries or
ideas can also be addressed in writing to:
Maura McBride
Publications Manager
Meridian Health
1350 Campus Parkway
Neptune, NJ 07753
Peter Wegener, Esq., Chairman
John K. Lloyd, FACHE, President
Alvis R. Swinney, Senior Vice President
Communications and Marketing
Chrisie Scott, Director
Communications and Marketing
Elliot Frank, M.D., Medical Advisor
Photography: Chris Gahler, Russ Seuffert,
and Tom VanDyke
© 2009 Meridian Health
The material provided in this newsletter
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.
Get Ready to Paint the Town Pink
– by Tim Hogan, President
Tim Hogan, President of Riverview Medical Center
The third annual Paint the Town Pink is
quickly approaching. Red Bank will be
transformed into “Pink Bank” during this
weeklong awareness and fundraising campaign
for breast cancer. The campaign, hosted by
Riverview Medical Center and RiverCenter, was
designed to raise awareness about the importance
of breast cancer prevention, detection,
and treatment.
This year, we’re growing bigger and “pinker”
with additional events and greater community
participation. We’re offering ways for residents
and civic organizations to get involved and do
their part to shed light on the issue, while raising
money to underwrite the cost of mammography
for the uninsured and underserved.
On Sunday, May 3, the community is
invited to our kickoff event at Riverview
Medical Center, with free entertainment and
activities for the whole family. Everyone is
encouraged to visit the businesses in town that
are showing their support by having
pink sales, pink menu specials, and
other creative promotions.
We have five special events
planned for the week of May 3 to
May 9:
• Paint Everything Pink, Riverview
Medical Center parking lot
(family event)
• “Pretty in Pink” screening at Count
Basie Theatre (ages 14 and older)
• Girls’ Night Out at The Downtown
(ages 21 and older)
• Band Together for Survival at
Count Basie Theatre (all ages)
• And, a very special event with
Dana Cowin, editor–in-chief of
Food & Wine magazine!
Visit www.pinkbank.org to register for these
special events and to learn more about our
Pink Partners’ special promotions. See you in
“Pink Bank”!
Riverview Welcomes the Newest
Members of the Medical Staff
• Kevin Anannab, M.D.
• Maria Agnes Dawis, M.D.
• Raven DeVincenzo, M.D.
• Raafat Ghobraiel, M.D.
• William Ippolito, PA-C
• Aleksey Kretov, M.D.
• Vance Moss, M.D.
• Alan Ng, M.D.
• Dakshesh Patel, M.D.
• Aruna Sahoo, M.D.
• Simon Salerno, M.D.
• Shilpan Shah, M.D.
• Stephen Spang, PA-C
Printed on Recyclable Paper
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