Ways to Heal - Atlantic Health System

Well Aware
H E A LT H N E W S A N D E V E N T S F R O M M O R R I S T O W N M E M O R I A L H O S P I TA L
VOL. 4 NO. 1
WINTER/SPRING 2009
Creative
Ways to Heal
Art Therapy
for the Young and Old
Baby Boomers
Keep Going Strong
Teaching Athletes
Into the Future
atlantichealth.org
from the CEO
Dear Friend,
As a health care system that continually
remains on the leading edge of technological
and medical advances, Atlantic Health
constantly develops new ways to provide the
best treatment for you. We understand that the
most innovative healing combines aspects of
your physical and mental health. That’s why we
offer programs such as art therapy and online
patient education.
Atlantic Health also places emphasis on
developing new programs to enhance athletic
performance. The opening of the Atlantic
Health Jets Training Center will bring with
it an advanced sports health program aimed
at everyone from child athletes to coaches.
Through this initiative, we hope to give athletes
of all ages the chance to enjoy exercising
through every stage of life.
Sincerely,
We Want Your
FEEDBACK!
Tell us how Well Aware is helping you make better
health care decisions, and you will be eligible to win a
$100 Target gift card.
Along with your name, address and phone number, indicate
which article made you want to share it with a friend or loved one
or prompted you to further research a topic to find the best care for
your needs. Email us at well.aware@atlantichealth.org or write to:
Atlantic Health, Attn: Well Aware
PO Box 1905
Morristown, NJ 07962
Must be 18 years or older to enter. Atlantic Health employees
and their immediate families are not eligible for the drawing. Send
your topic ideas in with your comments, and you may see them
in a future issue of Well Aware. (Atlantic Health reserves the right to
publish all correspondence, in part or whole.)
Congratulations to Chess Dragon of Madison for sending this
issue’s winning letter. For the thoughtful note (and the improved
health of Chess’ sister), Chess has won a $100 Target gift card.
Joseph a. trunfio
president and Ceo
atlantic HealtH
WINNER’S LETTER
Dear Well Aware:
My dear older sister had been putting on weight
and complaining that her blood pressure and
cholesterol readings had risen, but she ignored
my gentle suggestions regarding foods she could
introduce into her diet for more healthful living. When
I spotted the Heart Healthy Iron Chef event in your
Fall 2008 issue (V3N4), I knew it was the perfect way
to get my message across to her in an unemotional
way. Sure enough, the event was extremely wellexecuted and exciting, and the food the chefs made
was delicious AND nutritious, using many of the
ingredients I had suggested to her, such as berries,
squash, salmon, even chocolate! Having the registered
dietitian discuss these foods with the audience—
why they were so good for our heart and overall
health—lent even further credibility to the subject.
My sister called me last night and said she had
made some poached salmon for dinner and had had
a square of dark chocolate for dessert. She told me
it was her intention to make some dietary changes
and thanked me for my concern. So THANK YOU
Well Aware magazine (and the amazing Gagnon
Cardiovascular Institute) for bringing us these
wonderful ways to take care of our hearts!
Sincerely,
Chess dragon, Madison
*SPECIAL EVENT*
Join Us as We Open Our Hearts
YOU ARE INVITED to a weekend of events celebrating the opening of a new flagship facility, the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute.
S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 1 5 • 11 : 3 0 A M
G AG N O N 5K RU N/ WALK
GAGNON C ARDIOVASCUL AR INSTITUTE, MORRISTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
100 MADISON AVENUE, MORRISTOWN, NJ
DAVID BURKE, CELEBRITY chef, restaurateur and pioneer of
modern American cooking, hosts an interactive Iron Chef event
in Morristown’s very own “kitchen stadium.”
Six talented chefs, including Chef Thomas Ciszak of
Copeland, Morristown, NJ, and Chef Jason Samer of Hotel
Indigo in Basking Ridge, NJ, will compete to create the tastiest
heart-healthy dish of the day.
Join Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute as we taste, test and
vote for the most delectable recipe created with heart-healthy
guidelines.
“Eating healthfully is one of the best things we can do
to keep our hearts in the best shape possible,” says Mary
Finckenor, registered dietitian (RD), certified diabetes educator
(CDE) for Morristown Memorial Hospital. “This Iron Chef event
is a delicious way to promote a heart-healthy diet as well as
celebrate the opening of the most advanced cardiac facility in
the area.”
In addition to a friendly food competition, the weekend’s
festivities will include tours of Gagnon Cardiovascular
Institute, screenings, opportunities to speak with cardiac
specialists and education sessions to help you learn to better
care for yourself.
“This Iron Chef event is a delicious way to promote a heart-healthy diet as well
as celebrate the opening of the most advanced cardiac facility in the area.” —Mary
Finckenor, registered dietitian (RD), certified diabetes educator (CDE) for Morristown Memorial Hospital
Start off your heart-healthy diet with one of these heart-friendly foods:
-ground flaxseed
-oatmeal
-black or kidney beans -almonds
-salmon
-walnuts
-red wine
-tuna
-tofu
-brown rice
Parking will be near the heated event tent. Seating is limited, so register for your tickets now by calling
973-660-3171 or emailing events@atlantichealth.org.
Put Your Heart
in Our Hands
6 WELL AWARE
WAv3n4_H14012_10.indd 6-7
Page 6
2 well aware
S U N D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 6 • 9 : 0 0 A M
HE A R T HE ALTHY I RO N C HEF
GAGNON C ARDIOVASCUL AR INSTITUTE, MORRISTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
100 MADISON AVENUE, MORRISTOWN, NJ
Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, which
is named after Neil J. and Lois Gagnon of
Mendham Township, is slated to be the
area’s top cardiac center with state-ofthe-art equipment. The 250,000 squarefoot facility will have 146 private patient
rooms, four cardiac operating rooms—one
outfitted with robotic surgery—two
endovascular operating rooms and two
hybrid suites equipped with interventional
radiology technology.
Additionally, Gagnon Cardiovascular
Institute patients will benefit from:
• digital imaging available within patient rooms
• an expert medical staff
• a chest pain observation center
“The overarching goal is to take big
steps forward in diagnosis and treatment,”
says Grant Parr, MD, physician in chief for
Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. “The new
hospital will make much of this possible.”
THE STARTING POINT is Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute;
preregistration is encouraged online at atlantichealth.org.
Registration for the Gagnon 5K Run/Walk costs $6 for
Atlantic Health employees, $18 for USA Track & Field
members and $20 for non-members in advance. To register
for the Nov. 16 race, visit atlantichealth.org and click on
the logo shown below.
Day of registration starts at 7:00 am. Walk begins at 9:00 am.
Ready to Run
GAGNON
5k Run/Walk
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2008
The K in 5K stands
for kilometer, which
means participants are
walking or running
3.1 miles. To learn the
route of this race, go to
greenbookracing.com,
select “Gagnon 5K” and
click on “Run Map.”
Atlantic Health physical therapist and Mendham resident Laura Fucci
will be among the participants in the Gagnon 5K Run/Walk.
While there will be many runners taking to the course in November,
Fucci is racing as a survivor of major heart problems. Just three years
ago, she underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect and an
aortic aneurysm.
She won’t be running alone. Fucci is the founding member of a
three-year-old, Internet-based nationwide club called the Valve-OLenes, which is comprised of others who survived heart surgery.
These determined runners compete in annual races to celebrate their
recovery from heart surgery. This past May, the Valve-O-Lenes ran the
New Jersey Marathon while wearing team shirts donated by Gagnon
Cardiovascular Institute and Atlantic Sports Health, a Morristown
Memorial Hospital initiative.
“This is an amazing group of athletes,” says Trudie Milner, PhD,
practice manager for Atlantic Sports Health. “Most people wouldn’t
think about running after recovering from a cardiac condition or cardiac
surgery, but these athletes prove it can be done.”
Online registration is encouraged for Sunday’s event; visit
atlantichealth.org and click on the Gagnon 5K Run/Walk icon.
Day of registration starts at 7:00 am.
ALSO IN NOVEMBER
Join Us as We Continue
to Celebrate and Educate
Heart Health Is a Team Sport
Our special guest, former NFL football coach
and heart surgery patient, Dan Reeves, shares
his expertise on how to work with health
professionals to achieve and maintain your
heart health.
Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater
Morristown Memorial Hospital
To register, call 800-247-9580.
WELL AWARE 7
1/20/09 3:13:14 PM
Page 7
Filling a Primary
Need for Medical Care
When your knee aches, you likely head for an orthopedic specialist. If you have trouble with your eyes, the
ophthalmologist is your go-to physician. so, do you even need a primary care physician? the short answer is yes.
“patIeNts Need a medical provider to ensure they are going to
the right specialist for each condition they may have,” says William
Pond, MD, internal medicine physician and medical director of
clinical affairs for Morristown Memorial Hospital. “A primary care
physician will make sure you receive needed preventive health
screenings and keep track of all your medical records.”
Looking for a primary care physician?
Atlantic Health’s Physician Referral
Line can provide you with the
direction you need. For information
about doctors affiliated with our two
hospitals, call 1-800-247-9580. The
Referral Line is available from
8:30 am to 8:00 pm, Monday
through Thursday, and 8:30 am to
4:30 pm on Friday. You can also visit
us online at atlantichealth.org; click
“Find A Doctor.”
Finding the Right Fit
Choosing which physician is right for you is an
important process, so you want to take your time. Your
primary care physician needs to be—first and foremost—
someone you can talk to. Specialists are extremely
valuable for their expertise, but you will build a longterm relationship with your primary care physician,
enabling one physician to review your full health history.
In choosing a primary care physician, ask questions
important to you, such as what medical training and
experience he or she has, the average wait for an
appointment, if the doctor communicates by phone
or email between visits and offers services through
RelayHealth, and whether other physicians are available to see you
if your doctor is unavailable.
“The best way to determine if a physician is right for you is to
schedule an initial office visit to discuss your medical history
and any concerns you have,” says Susan Kaye, MD, family practice
physician and medical director of academic affairs for Atlantic
Health. “By the end of the visit, you should have a good idea if you
‘fit’ with the physician.”
Why Physicians Choose
Primary Care
The number of medical students
pursuing careers as primary care
physicians is dwindling. Many
students are attracted to the potential
paychecks associated with specialty
medicine, but for a select number
of dedicated healers, becoming a
primary care physician is a calling.
“I love seeing a variety of
conditions on a daily basis,” says
John Tabachnick, MD, family practice
physician for Overlook Hospital. “It’s
incredibly gratifying to care for a
patient through his or her life and
know that I’ve made a difference.”
To help reverse the trend of
dwindling primary care physicians,
Atlantic Health offers residency
training programs for physicians.
Medical students can choose
from a variety of specialties,
including family medicine,
internal medicine, pediatrics, and
obstetrics and gynecology.
well aware 3
The Future of Health
Operating
in the Green
green initiatives are becoming more important for
hospitals across the country.
dIsposaBILIty Has HeLped the medical field experience great
strides in healing. The use of disposable gloves and needles
controls infection, and certain disposable tools have aided
surgeons. However, this disposability also creates waste.
Hospitals in the United States produce approximately 6,600 tons
of waste per day, including medical waste and recyclable materials
such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and disposable surgical
equipment. At Morristown Memorial Hospital, physicians and staff
are looking for fun, safe ways to reduce waste—inside and outside
of the operating room.
“If we take care of the environment, we
are taking care of ourselves,” says Rolando
Morristown Memorial
Rolandelli, MD, chair of surgery for
Hospital hosts a
Morristown Memorial Hospital. “Currently,
monthly farmer’s
we are reducing the usage of disposable
market with help from
surgical instruments, and we recently began
the Geraldine R. Dodge
placing recycling bins in staff lounges.”
Foundation, featuring
Additionally, operating room personnel
locally grown produce.
are reducing the amount of paper medical
waste produced with surgeries, and green cleaning options are
being explored and implemented throughout the hospital. By
taking small and large steps that include green construction
materials on new facilities, Morristown Memorial is setting
environmentally sound standards for health care.
For example, Nancy Vardaro, RN, certified OR nurse, is part of a
green team that looks at ways to reduce waste in every part of the
hospital’s operation. This team discovered that disposable surgical
towels could be laundered and safely reused.
“The whole culture here is focused on health for the individual
and for our environment,” Vardaro says.
The new neonatal intensive care unit was designed to follow Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Traditional hospitals use
a tremendous amount of energy and, by becoming LEED certified, Atlantic
Health is taking steps to reduce its environmental demands.
4 well aware
Most adults know that the best medicine is
prevention. However, prevention is most effective
when it begins at a young age. the atlantic sports
Health Initiative is gearing up to teach young
athletes how to remain active and healthy into
adulthood, all while continuing to grow to meet
the demands of an active aging population.
“our goaL Is to reach the community to help everyone
live a healthier life,” says Joseph Rempson, MD, comedical director for Atlantic Neuroscience Institute’s
Concussion Center. “Sports injuries can seriously
impair quality of life if not properly treated, so we are
providing avenues and education to treat and prevent
some of the most common sports injuries.”
Once complete, the Initiative will offer performance
education and training for high school coaches and
athletes. Injury prevention and concussion management
also will be provided.
“Ultimately, many of these services will be housed
at the Atlantic Sports Health Institute, which will
be co-located on the same campus as the Atlantic
Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park,”
says Trudie F. Milner, PhD, administrator for the
Atlantic Sports Health Initiative. “The Sports Health
Initiative focuses on medical services, treatment and
rehabilitation, performance improvement, education
and injury prevention.”
Visit atlantichealth.org for Sports Health
Initiative updates.
“The Atlantic Health Jets Training Institute
should be completed by early 2010. This dynamic
facility will offer residents of the Tri-State Area a
single destination for leading care and education
programs, including total joint procedures and
rehabilitation services.”
—Paul Marmora, director of finance and operations for Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Saving Lives
With Breast MRI
Breast MRI is a tool used in breast cancer screening for
women at an increased risk of breast cancer, as well as those
with dense or fibrous breasts.
“Breast MRI uses a large magnet to
Carol W. and Julius A.
create
thousands of images of the inside of
Rippel Breast Center at
the
breast,”
says Paul Friedman, DO, boardMorristown Memorial
certified
radiologist
and medical director
Hospital offers a
for
the
Carol
W.
and
Julius A. Rippel
high-risk breast
Breast
Center
at
Morristown
Memorial
screening program for
Hospital.
“Images
are
taken
from
top to
women. The program
bottom
and
front
to
back
and
work
in
includes advanced
tandem
with
traditional
mammography
to
imaging, along with
give
us
the
most
comprehensive
look
at
the
educational materials
breast available.”
and evaluation by
genetic counselors,
nutritionists and other
medical providers.
A Patient’s Perspective
Jennifer Roberts* knows firsthand
the difference breast MRI can make.
In August 2007, Roberts had a breast MRI at the suggestion
of her physician, following a normal mammogram screening,
After seeing a suspicious spot on
your mammogram, your physician
recommends that you have magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) of the
breast. What is breast MRI and how
can it help?
“We wouldn’t have known I had breast cancer for years. The
mammogram hadn’t revealed anything, yet there was still
cancer present. Breast MRI was truly a lifesaver for me.”
—*Carol W. and Julius A. Rippel Breast Center at Morristown Memorial
Hospital patient
as she had a family history of breast cancer and dense
tissue. The MRI revealed ductal carcinoma in situ, a form of
breast cancer, in her left breast.
After undergoing a lumpectomy and radiation, she
returned for a follow-up MRI in February 2008. The MRI
found what was believed to be residual cancer in the same
area of her left breast, a diagnosis that led her to have a
bilateral mastectomy this past June.
“We wouldn’t have known I had breast cancer for years,”
Roberts says. “The mammogram hadn’t revealed anything,
yet there was still cancer present. Breast MRI was truly a
lifesaver for me.”
* The patient’s real name was not used.
Screen for Good Health
Cancer is more easily treated—and defeated—when
discovered early through regular screenings. Do you know which
tests are appropriate for you?
• breast cancer—Regular mammograms should begin at age 40 for women.
Men and women should examine their breasts monthly for suspicious changes.
• cervical cancer—Women should begin cervical cancer screening at age
21—before that if sexually active—and have regular Pap tests at least every
two years.
• colorectal cancer—Beginning at age 50, everyone should have a
colonoscopy every 10 years.
• prostate cancer—Men over the age of 50 should speak with their
physicians about whether a prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal
examination are appropriate.
These screening recommendations are suggested for healthy
adults. Those with a high risk of certain cancers should receive
screenings earlier.
For a referral to a Carol G. Simon Cancer Center breast specialist or to gain additional information about this
health topic and others, call 866-385-7405, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday, 8:30 am
to 4:30 pm, or visit us online at atlantichealth.org.
well aware 5
BOOM TIMES
for Orthopedics
“It’s IMportaNt to remain
active over the course of a
lifetime, but we’re seeing earlier
cases of arthritis as a result,” says
Paul Lombardi, MD, orthopedic
surgeon and chairman of the
joint replacement section for
Morristown Memorial Hospital.
“The average baby boomer,
however, is not willing to accept
being sidelined with an injury.”
One Woman’s Story
Mary Ellen Hnatiuk perfectly
exemplifies a baby boomer who
turned to orthopedics to get back
the active life she loved. The 60year-old piano teacher from South
Plainfield has been an avid runner
and speed walker for 25 years.
“For years, I never had any
trouble with my knees,” Hnatiuk
says. “However, starting in
2003, the wear and tear started
to manifest itself with a torn
meniscus in one knee.”
Hnatiuk continued her favorite
activities—and had a total of three
arthroscopic knee surgeries, as well
as physical therapy and cortisone
injections—but found no relief.
Hnatiuk’s physician, Eric Mirsky,
“Orthopedics is adapting. Over the next decade, the
specialty must be able to accommodate the increasing
number of baby boomers seeking care.”
—William Dowling, MD, orthopedic surgeon and chairman of the
department of orthopedics for Morristown Memorial Hospital
as the first generation of people to have
spent their entire lives exercising in the age
of home gyms and workout facilities, baby
boomers don’t take kindly to the idea of
slowing down. However, after years of physical
activity, their knees and hips are wearing out,
and they’re turning to orthopedists to help
them get back in the game of life.
MD, board-certified orthopedic
surgeon for Overlook Hospital,
told her they had exhausted all the
other options to alleviate pain and
suggested replacing both knees at
the same time.
Hnatiuk underwent the
procedure in January 2007, and
two years later, she’s experienced
quite a change in her quality of life.
“I’ve been able to do speed
walking and Pilates,” Hnatiuk
says. “Dr. Mirsky was wonderful,
and having bilateral knee
replacement was the best decision
I ever made.”
Something to
Talk About
Sometimes, there’s
nothing as effective at
spreading news than
old-fashioned word of
mouth, especially when
it comes to orthopedics
and baby boomers.
As more and more
of the 78 million baby
boomers move into
their 60s and beyond,
orthopedists’ waiting
rooms are filling up,
and these patients are
talking to their friends
and neighbors about
their experiences with
orthopedic surgery.
Case in point:
Mary Ellen Hnatiuk,
who had bilateral knee
replacement at Overlook
Hospital, heard about
her surgeon from a
neighbor who had
undergone the
same procedure.
For a referral to
an Atlantic Health
orthopedist or to
gain additional
information about
this health topic
and others, call
866-219-6307,
Monday through
Thursday, 8:30 am
to 8:00 pm, and
Friday, 8:30 am to
4:30 pm, or visit
atlantichealth.org.
6 well aware
g
n
i
ir n g
e
r
a
C
h
e
t
l
c
i
a
f
He ur Of
o
Y
to
B
Imagine the ease of getting a flu
shot or a check-up at your office. you
could get to the doctor on your lunch break
and still have time to eat. did you know that your
company could bring that care to you?
adVaNCes IN CoMMuNICatIoN are making
reaching physicians easier than ever. Your Atlantic
Health physicians have the ability to refill
prescriptions via e-mail, you can communicate
with office staff from your computer, and you can
even pay bills or estimate your health care costs
without picking up the phone. Aside from actual
appointments, you can essentially manage your
health care without having to leave your office.
Now, Atlantic Health is making it possible to
remain at work even for physicians’ appointments.
Through Atlantic Corporate Health, more than 50,000
employees in several hundred New Jersey-based
companies are receiving on-site health care.
Beyond Flu Shots
While many of today’s companies offer
employees services such as biannual massages
or annual flu shots that greatly boost employee
“We have a wide range of resources available,
all designed to make health care more accessible
to people at work. We are committed to ensuring
a healthy workforce, and our goal is to make
remaining healthy as stress-free as possible.”
—Jan Schwarz-Miller, MD, director for occupational medicine
for Atlantic Health
productivity and morale, this program gives them
the opportunity to do more. A board-certified
occupational medicine physician oversees each
program, which may include:
• on-site medical clinics staffed with physicians,
nurse practitioners and registered nurses who
provide occupational and primary care services
• TraVeL M.d.® to safeguard your workforce
against the possible health issues presented by
international travel
• health education lectures and early detection
screenings to encourage employees to understand
and manage their risks for certain diseases and
help identify medical problems before they become
too serious
• executive health and employee physicals
programs designed to meet business’ needs and
state, federal and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration requirements
• on-site flu vaccination clinics to safeguard staff
against the dangers of flu season
“Our programs are specialized from a broad
variety of services and delivered by board-certified
physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses,
health educators and clinical experts who are skilled
in offering high-quality care,” says Jim Smith,
manager for Atlantic Corporate Health. “Almost any
size business can benefit from health programs at
the worksite, and we tailor each program to fit the
needs of employees.”
Exercise for the
Desk Bound
Everyone knows that
maintaining optimal
health includes regular
exercise. However,
sometimes a fastapproaching deadline
or big project keeps you
stuck in your office chair
and far from the gym.
All exercise hope is
not lost. Here are some
quick fixes that will help
keep you moving on
even your busiest day.
• Whilereadingamemoor
projectreport,backup
againstawallandforma
seatedposition.Holdthe
wallsitfor60seconds,
releaseandrepeat.
• Takethestairsinsteadof
anelevator.
• Insteadofe-mailinga
questiontoyourcoworkerdownthehall,
getupandbrisklywalk
tohisorherofficefora
face-to-faceanswer.
To learn more about Atlantic Corporate
Health, call 866-221-7111 or visit
atlantichealth.org.
well aware 7
February 10 through April 28, 2009
Orientation about various weight-loss programs offered.
Tuesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 31 and April 14, 21
and 28, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, 95 Mount Kemble Avenue
Presenter: Kim Gately, RD
To register, call 973-971-4555
Alliance Center for Weight Management
For patients who have had laparoscopic gastric band surgery.
Second Tuesday of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Metabolic Medicine and Weight Control Center
95 Madison Avenue, Suite 304
To register, call 973-971-7166
Gastric Band Surgery Support Group
To register for the above Diabetes programs,
call 973-971-5524. Call your insurance provider
for pre-approval.
Learn more about Type 1 diabetes and the newly
available technologies.
Thursday, April 2, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Department of Medicine Conference Room, First Floor,
Morristown Memorial Hospital
Diabetes Type 1 Pump Support Group
Mondays, February 2, 16, March 2, 16 and April 6 and 20,
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd Floor Conference Room
To register, call 973-971-6166
Prepare for Chemotherapy
Learn about the da Vinci Prostatectomy and see if you may be a
candidate for this procedure.
Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd floor Conference Room
To register, call 877-666-1112
Fighting Prostate Cancer With Robotics
Diabetes Support Group
Learn about living with Type 2 diabetes.
Thursday, April 16, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Anderson Building B, Adult Diabetes Center, Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Wednesday, March 11, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road
Wednesday, March 18, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
West Morris Area YMCA, 14 Dover Chester Road, Randolph
Colorectal Cancer Education
This workshop will cover the delicate issues of sexuality with those
who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd Floor Conference Room
Presenters: Regina Kaplan, MD, and Jean Rosone, LCSW
Cancer and Sexuality
Women undergoing cancer treatment will learn how to look their
best and manage appearance-related side effects.
Monday, March 9, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd Floor Conference Room
Registration is required, call 800-ACS-2345
Look Good, Feel Better
This program will address many issues affecting cancer survivors.
Saturday, April 25, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater
Presenters: Kathleen Crowley, LCSW; Kristen Scarlett, LPC; MaryGiselle Ulbrich, MS, RD; Kathy Ryans, RPT; Irene Card; and Patricia
Robinson, MD
What Now? Symposium for Cancer Survivors
CANCER CARE
For the newly diagnosed person with diabetes.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Anderson Building B, Adult Diabetes Center, Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Diabetes Type 2 Education Class
Eating Adjustment After Weight-Loss Surgery
Learn to adjust to your new relationship with food.
Every Monday, 10:00 to 11:00 am
Metabolic Medicine and Weight Control Center
95 Madison Avenue, Suite 304
To register, call 973-971-7166
For those newly diagnosed gestational diabetes patients.
Thursdays, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Anderson Building B, Adult Diabetes Center, Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Gestational Diabetes Education Classes
Participants with diabetes or prediabetes will learn principles
of carb counting, receive a personalized meal plan and have
their health concerns addressed.
Appointments are available: Monday through Friday,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Anderson Building B, Adult Diabetes Center, Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Medical Nutritional Counseling
This one-on-one education program is for any person being
treated with insulin.
Appointments are available: Monday through Friday,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Anderson Building B, Adult Diabetes Center, Morristown
Memorial Hospital
Insulin Basics Education
Explore your weight-loss options.
Tuesdays, February 10, March 10 and April 14, 7:15 to 8:15 pm
Metabolic Medicine and Weight Control Center
95 Madison Avenue, Suite 304
To register, call 973-971-7166
Multidisciplinary Medical and Surgical
Approaches to Weight Loss
WEIGHT LOSS
Learn about the role of Cardiac CT Assessment in diagnosis
of coronary disease.
Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Bernardsville Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road
Presenter: Ogei Yar, MD
Healthy Heart
Overcome the desire to smoke through group hypnosis.
Wednesday, February 18 or April 22, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
95 Madison Avenue, Suite B-06
Fee: $70
Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
To register for any of the following programs or events or to obtain a referral to an Atlantic Health physician, call the Atlantic Health
Call Center at 1-800-247-9580, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or visit atlantichealth.org.
If another phone number is provided for a program, please use that number listed. If a fee is not provided within the listing, the
program is free of charge. | Registration is required for most programs.
MORRISTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Music and art helped Jeffrey find a measure of peace and
comfort while coping with his illness at Morristown’s Carol
G. Simon Cancer Center. In his memory, a music therapy
program was established in 2001. All proceeds go to the
Jeffery F. Wacks Music Therapy Program, Music in the Atrium.
The Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater, Morristown Memorial Hospital
Night Includes: wine bar and buffet dinner, followed by Cabaret,
hosted by Bob Egan. Tickets are $100. Please contact jfwmemfund@
optonline.net or 973-285-0963.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
5:30 to 9:00 pm
Sponsored by the Jeffrey Frank Wacks Memorial Fund
Benefiting Patients and Caregivers at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center
COME BACK TO OUR CABARET
SPECIAL INVITATION
Thursday, February 26, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Somerset County Library, 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
Monday, April 6, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Rockaway Seniors, 19 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway
Stroke
Wednesday, February 11, 9:00 to 11:30 am
Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road
Fee: $10
Thursday, February 12, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes
Fee: $10
Thursday, February 19, 10:00 am to Noon
West Morris YMCA, 14 Dover Chester Road, Randolph
Fee: $10
Cholesterol
Thursday, March 12, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Morris Center YMCA, 79 Horse Hill Road, Cedar Knolls
Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge
Diabetes
Friday, March 6, Noon to 3:00 pm
Parsippany Shop Rite, 808 Route 46
Friday, March 13, Noon to 3:00 pm
Succasunna Shop Rite, 281-031 Route 10 and Commerce
Boulevard
Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Friday, February 13, Noon to 3:00 pm
Succasunna Shop Rite, 281-031 Route 10 and
Commerce Boulevard
Blood Pressure
SCREENINGS
Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:15 pm
First Floor, Mind/Body Conference Room
Restorative Yoga
Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
First Floor, Mind/Body Conference Room
Gentle Yoga
Mondays, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
First Floor, Mind/Body Conference Room
Qigong/Tai Chi
The Cancer Care
Through Integrative
Medicine classes
are all held at
Morristown
Memorial Hospital,
Carol G. Simon
Cancer Center. For
more information,
call 973-971-6514.
Every Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, or Tuesday, Noon to 12:45 pm
First Floor, Meditation Room
Meditation
CANCER CARE THROUGH
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
For information on other support groups for cancer
patients and their families, call 973-971-6514.
First Monday of the month, Noon to 1:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
Women’s Center Conference Room
Gynecological
Second Monday of the month, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd floor Conference Room
Esophageal
Third Thursday of the month, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd floor Conference Room
Pancreatic
Fourth Thursday of the month, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
1st floor Mind/Body Conference Room
Metastatic
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd floor Conference Room
Lung
Third Wednesday of the month, 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Head and Neck
Third Wednesday of the month, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
1st Floor Radiation Oncology
Ostomy
Third Tuesday of the month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center,
3rd floor Conference Room
Breast
First Tuesday of the month, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater
Prostate: US TOO
SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS + THEIR FAMILIES
Get the latest health and wellness news by signing up for your free, personalized e-health newsletter at atlantichealth.org.
Thursday, March 2, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, 95 Mount Kemble Avenue,
First Floor Conference Room
To register, call 973-971-4434
Stroke
Wednesdays, March 4 and April 1. 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, 95 Mount Kemble Avenue,
Room 222
To register, call 973-971-4837
Fibromyalgia
Led by top cardiac physicians and allied health professionals
for heart disease patients or caregivers.
Sunday, February 22, 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Auditorium B, Morristown Memorial Hospital
Presenter: Emilie Rowan, LCSW, Coordinator, Cardiac
Integrative Medicine, Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute
Mended Hearts Chapter 56
Thursdays, February 19, March 19 and April 16,
10:30 am to Noon
Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road
Osteoporosis
SUPPORT GROUPS
Thursday, March 12, 7:00 to 9:30 pm
Fee: $60
NEW
Happiest Baby on the Block: The Missing Fourth
Trimester
– 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents: Disciplining That Works
– ABCs of Going Home With Your Baby
– Breastfeeding Your Baby
– Mornings at Morristown for New Moms and Babies
– Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers
Children and Parenting programs are held at
Morristown Memorial Hospital, 100 Madison Avenue.
To register for the classes listed below, or for more
information regarding dates and times, please call
973-971-5027 or visit the Parent Education page of
the Atlantic Health website. These classes all have a
minimal fee.
CHILDREN AND PARENTING
DIABETES WELLNESS
Reduce your weight through group hypnosis and proven
behavior modification techniques.
Tuesdays, February 10 or March 10 or Wednesday, April 15,
7:00 to 9:00 pm
95 Madison Avenue, B-06, Conference Room
Fee: $70
To register, call 800-247-9580
Hypnosis for Weight Reduction
e-Health
Preview Your Procedure
No matter how many questions you ask before a procedure, you still may be left with more. For instance, have
you ever wondered what steps your physician takes during your surgery? Now, the answer to that question is
available online.
WHeN searCHINg For answers to medical questions,
many people check the Internet before making a doctor
appointment. A variety of health sources are available online
24 hours a day to provide you with answers. Many are good;
however, not every site provides accurate information. Atlantic
Health has designed its website to enable you to get all the
information you need in one place.
Myatlantichealth.org provides patients with full
explanations of medical procedures through a patient
education program called Emmi™ Solutions. Emmi Solutions
is an educational tool that includes in-depth videos for
patients to help acquaint themselves with various procedures
so they have a better understanding about what will happen
before, during and after a procedure. Best of all, it’s free.
“No matter how much time physicians spend answering
patients’ questions, patients tend to get nervous and caught
up in the moment and, as a result, often forget to ask specific
questions,” says Paul Lombardi, MD, orthopedic surgeon
and chairman of the joint replacement section for
For a referral to an
Atlantic Health physician
who can provide you
with the necessary
access code to Emmi
Solutions or to gain
additional information
about this topic, call
866-228-2999, Monday
through Thursday,
8:30 am to 8:00 pm,
and Friday, 8:30 am
to 4:30 pm, or visit
myatlantichealth.org.
10 well aware
Morristown Memorial Hospital. “Patients must be mentally
and emotionally behind a surgery for it to succeed. Patient
education allows patients to access this educational tool
24 hours a day after getting log in information from their
physicians, which helps decrease their anxiety and increase
their chances of doing well postoperatively. No matter how
often a physician explains what will happen, sometimes it
is just easier to understand a concept such as surgery by
watching these animations.”
A Useful Sidekick
This education is designed as a supplement for
patients to enhance a discussion between a patient and
his or her surgeon.
“Patient education explains the basics and major needto-know components about the patient’s procedure and
care,” says James Houston, certified physician assistant,
manager of bariatrics and minimally invasive surgery for
Overlook Hospital. “However, this service is not meant to
replace the expertise of his or her surgeon or practitioner,
especially since some parts of the procedure may differ for
certain patients.”
Looking Toward the Future
Today, patient education covers a number of procedures,
including joint replacement and bariatic surgery.
“We hope to expand this program to other specialty
services offered at Morristown Memorial and Overlook
hospitals,” Houston says. “The first step toward good health
is education, and Emmi Solutions provides an added layer
of education for our patients.”
Determine Your Out-Of-Pocket Expense
Before Your Procedure
Cost is a factor for many of life’s events, including surgery. As such,
Morristown Memorial and Overlook hospitals offer “Estimate Your
Procedure Price,” which helps patients determine the amount they would
owe for a procedure or service after their insurance has been applied and
deducted from the bill.
“Estimate Your Procedure Price” is available at atlantichealth.org. After
you enter your information, a new screen should appear to show your
estimated cost.
Paint
Your Way
to Healing
Imagine a child
enraptured by vivid
greens, reds and purples; pushing
her fingers into cool, wet paint and then
smearing those colors onto paper and actually
creating what she sees in her mind’s eye. this child is
not just playing—she’s engaging in art therapy.
art tHerapy aLLoWs patients to
create art in order to express themselves,
improving physical, mental and
emotional health. While relatively new
as a formal practice, it originated in the
early 20th century, becoming a distinct
treatment method in the 1940s.
“Art therapy is, at the very least,
therapeutic and relaxing,” says Maria
Lupo, MFA, creative arts therapies
coordinator for Atlantic Integrative
Medicine and art therapist for Atlantic
Health. “These days, who doesn’t want to
cut down on stress?”
The benefits of art therapy extend
much further than stress relief, however.
Art therapy has been shown to promote
self-esteem, foster growth and facilitate
introspection.
Centering Young Minds
Art therapy can give children coping
with attention deficit disorder an
opportunity to focus.
“The great thing about an art project
is that it has a clear beginning, middle
and end,” Lupo says. “Once the children
have mastered the art project, they can
take the skills they’ve acquired and apply
them to other parts of their lives.”
Artwork is also an excellent opportunity
for a child to practice social skills and
experience concrete examples of the
results of impulsive actions. For instance,
when a child acts impulsively with an art
project, he can see right in front of him
that he’s put too much red paint in an
area, and he can’t take it back.
Energizing Aging Souls
Artwork also can give a voice to people
who have lost their verbal ability to
communicate. For elderly patients, an
art project can give them the power to
express their experience and share it
with other people.
“Especially for patients who are
suffering from dementia, the ability
to connect through images can be
profound,” says Joseph Jaworek,
art therapist for Overlook Hospital.
“Depression and dementia prey on elderly
patients and the experience can be so
isolating; art therapy allows someone to
Art therapy isn’t about the
end product, and there
is no right or wrong. The
innate ability to make
symbols is part of human
nature, and we all have
a natural need to
be creative.
reach out and make a mark on the world.”
Working within an art therapy group,
elderly patients can find a sense of
community, and they can work together
to connect with things from the past.
“Art therapy can truly reach
extraordinary depths,” Jaworek explains.
“For 5-year-olds, it can help them
communicate their first understanding
of the world they live in. For 85-yearolds, art can help them express their
reflections of the world and their place
in it.”
To gain additional information about
the art therapy programs we offer, call
866-230-4888.
well aware 11
Keeping Kids
Fit for Life
More than 20 million American children are considered overweight. Lack of fitness and health awareness are
contributing factors. Now, parents have help to downsize kids in an upsized world.
Today, a program is available to get
children active. The Community Health
Committee at Morristown Memorial
Hospital has teamed up with Project
Fit America (PFA), a national nonprofit
public charity, to fund outdoor fitness
equipment, indoor mobile fitness
equipment, curriculum and teacher
training at area schools.
“Through our partnership with PFA, we
are fulfilling our mission to improve the
overall health of our community,” says
Maryann Walsh, MPH, CHES, coordinator
of pediatric and adolescent health
education for Atlantic Health. “We are
truly dedicated to creating opportunities
for children to be active, fit and healthy.”
why they need PFA, how their school will
benefit, and their implementation plan
and community partners.
“These grant opportunities show the
commitment of the hospital to foster
school and community partnerships,”
says Vicki Hughes, RN, manager of
community health for Morristown
Memorial. “By providing schools and their
students with outreach programs such
as PFA, we are supporting programs for
teachers and children that encourage
development of good physical fitness.”
Project Fit 101
With educational programs and stateof-the-art equipment, PFA creates new
Getting Kids Moving
Since 2000, the Community Health
Committee at Morristown Memorial has
funded 20 projects for schools across
Morris, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
At the beginning of each year, schools
within the hospital’s service area are
invited to submit a narrative describing
Once a school receives the Project Fit America
equipment, it hosts a kick-off event. During
the event, town officials and Morristown
Memorial Hospital administrators speak on
the importance of the outreach program, and
physical education teachers demonstrate how
the equipment is used.
activities for children to be active, fit
and healthy as a part of the everyday
school experience.
The freestanding seven-station work
out area is specifically designed to
target upper and lower body, abdominal
strength, cardiovascular endurance
and flexibility, all areas in which many
children fail fitness tests.
In addition to the equipment, the
program includes a curriculum that
helps teachers show students how to take
responsibility for their overall health,
build self-esteem and provides lessons
on nutrition that can be incorporated in
health-related classes.
“Parents and teachers play a huge
role in shaping how children feel
about physical activity and nutrition,”
says Walter Rosenfeld, MD, chairman
of pediatrics for Goryeb Children’s
Hospital at Morristown Memorial. “By
making exercise and healthy living fun,
we are teaching children fitness and
health lessons that will stay with them
for life.”
For a referral to an Atlantic Health physician or to gain
additional information about this health topic and others,
call 866-385-7405, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to
8:00 pm, and Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or visit us online
at atlantichealth.org.
“Parents and teachers play a huge role in shaping how
children feel about physical activity and nutrition. By
making exercise and healthy living fun, we are teaching
children fitness and health lessons that will stay with them
for life.” —Walter Rosenfeld, MD, chairman of pediatrics for Goryeb
Children’s Hospital at Morristown Memorial
12 well aware
A Crowning Achievement
The Jawbone Is
Connected to the…Heart?
A bright, healthy smile can mean more than a friendly disposition.
It could save your life.
Our smiles say a lot about us. Yellowed teeth can mean a person is an
enthusiastic coffee drinker or perhaps a smoker. Commercials and magazine ads
market teeth whitening systems to rid one of these telltale signs, but there’s more
to a healthy smile than bright teeth.
Periodontal disease, which affects the gums and includes gingivitis and the
more severe periodontitis, can affect anyone and eventually may lead to tooth loss.
Tobacco use, diabetes and certain prescription drugs exacerbate the condition.
Clearly, periodontal disease is not conducive to a vibrant smile.
However, it may mean something worse, as the disease recently has been linked
to heart disease and stroke. While the exact reason is unclear, experts believe that
oral bacteria—the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease—may enter the
bloodstream, causing plaque formation in the arteries.
New technology–clear braces and home
teeth whitening kits for example—are placing
more emphasis on healthy-looking smiles.
These advances are great for appearances;
now technology is improving the smiles for
disabled patients.
When preventive measures, such as regular
brushing and flossing, fail, a person may be at risk
for a dental crown.
Your dentist may recommend a crown if:
• acid erosion or grinding has reduced the size of your tooth
• you have a large cavity and want to protect the tooth
• you’ve had a root canal and need to strengthen the tooth
Dental crowns protect teeth from further
damage; however, they generally require
two office visits, which proved difficult for
developmentally disabled patients. Rather than
encountering the risks associated with placing
these patients under anesthesia twice for crown
procedures, dentists often recommended tooth
extraction. Now, developmentally disabled
patients have a new option.
Through a grant from the Hyde and Watson
Foundation and the Provident Bank Foundation,
Morristown Memorial Hospital purchased the
Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic
Ceramic (CEREC) system, which creates a dental
crown in minutes.
“By using CEREC,” says Elizabeth Clemente,
DDS, chair of the department of dentistry for
Morristown Memorial, “we are treating patients
who are financially or medically compromised and
improving smiles in the process.”
Save Your Smile, Save Your Life
While chronic conditions such as diabetes increase a person’s risk of gum
disease, cavities and tooth loss, each person can take steps to combat these
conditions by following a dental routine that includes:
• brushing teeth at least twice a day and after eating
• flossing daily
• visiting a dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings
By following the steps for healthy teeth and gums, you may just be keeping
your heart safe, too.
Children should have their first visit to the
dentist at one year of age, according to the
American Dental Association. Older children
and teens should continue to have at least
yearly exams into adulthood. Adults should
consult with their dentists to determine the
intervals of their regular exams and cleanings
based on their current dental health.
well aware 13
Chocolate-Toffee
Meringues
Who says dessert has to be bad for you? Treat
yourself right with a sweet snack that gives you
the heart-healthy benefits of cocoa, such as
flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that help the
body defend against free radicals. Just remember:
all desserts should be consumed in moderation,
even those that provide health benefits.
INGREDIENTS
4
¹∕3
1
½
6
large egg whites
cup granulated sugar
cup sifted powdered sugar
cup unsweetened cocoa (such as Hershey’s)
tablespoons chocolate-covered toffee bits
(such as Heath English Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits)
cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beat egg whites in a large bowl with a mixer at
high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add
granulated sugar, beating until peaks stiffen.
In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar,
cocoa and candy bits and mix well. Fold half
of cocoa mixture into egg whites (egg whites
will deflate quickly). Fold in remaining cocoa
mixture until smooth. Drop the egg mixture by
rounded tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet
coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees
for 15 minutes (puffs will be soft in center).
Yield: Two dozen cookies
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving: 1 cookie
Calories: 52
Total Fat: 1.4g
Cholesterol: 1.7mg
Sodium: 19 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9.9g
Source: Cooking Light, December 2001. For
more heart-healthy recipes, visit atlantichealth.org
and click on “Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute.”
14 well aware
Take a Test
to Save Your Life
experts estimate that up to 30 million americans may be at risk for
vascular disease. simple screenings can help you identify your risk.
WHeN you Hear the term “clogged arteries,” you may likely think of a heart
condition. While this thinking is correct in that arteries carry blood from
the heart to the rest of the body, it isn’t the whole picture. Arteries are just
one component of the vascular system—a system of blood vessels—that also
includes veins and capillaries. If these circulatory channels become blocked,
it’s probably a sign of vascular disease.
Vascular disease encompasses a variety of conditions, including peripheral
arterial disease, carotid artery disease and aortic disease.
“It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of the population has
undiagnosed vascular disease,” says Stan Ort, manager of noninvasive
cardiology for Atlantic Health. “Some people might experience symptoms and
not realize they are tied to a vascular disease.”
Bruce Mintz, DO, vascular medicine specialist
If you want to stay on
and director of outreach for Gagnon Cardiovascular
top of your health by
Institute, suggests you speak to your physician about
attending a community
vascular disease if you experience:
screening, turn to
• legpainwhilewalkingthatsubsidesatrest
pages 8 and 9 for
• numbnessinthelegorfoot
the Atlantic Health
• stroke-likesymptoms
community calendar,
• unexplainedabdominalorbackpain
or call 800-247-9580.
Take the Right Test
If your doctor suspects vascular disease, several painless tests may be
utilized. These include ultrasound of the carotid arteries, ultrasound of
the abdomen, a test of circulation in the legs and measurements of the
differences between the blood pressure in the arms and legs.
“These tests identify hardening of the arteries while taking a more
in-depth look at the heart and even the kidneys,” says Gagnon’s Clifford
Sales, MD, vascular surgeon for Overlook Hospital. “We use these screenings
to detect vascular disease early, allowing patients to modify their lifestyles
for a longer life.”
For a referral to a Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute specialist or to
gain additional information about this health topic and others, call
866-230-6222, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, and
Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or visit us online at atlantichealth.org.
WEEKEND
WARRIOR
PARENTING
Weekends are generally meant as a break from the
fast-paced world of work, but when children are your
responsibility, weekends can be anything but restful.
WHeN It CoMes to kids, be prepared
for anything. Making sure your child eats
right and gets enough sleep are steps
one and two; knowing how to handle
emergency situations and where to turn
for help are imperative for every parent.
convenience store. Limit fast food and
prepare at least one sit-down homemade
meal. Remember, keeping a balance on
your children’s diet will teach them a
lifetime of healthy eating habits.
3. In Case of Emergency
1. Catching the Right Amount
of ZZZs
Sure, weekends are a time for fun, but
it’s important to keep your child on his
or her weekday sleep schedule. While
watching the latest thriller on Saturday
night might have sounded like fun at the
time, waking up at 2 a.m. Sunday with a
terrified child isn’t necessarily the best
way to wrap up your weekend.
To help your child’s sleep pattern stay
on track:
• Stayclosetohisorherweeknight
bedtime.
• Avoidhigh-energyactivityright
before bed.
• Keepyourkidsawayfromcaffeinated
drinks, especially after dinner.
If your child accidentally bumps
into something and experiences slight
swelling, treat it with a cold compress
to reduce the lump. You can handle
normal scrapes and small cuts at home.
However, any accident, like a major
bike crash or horseplay gone awry, that
results in deep wounds, head injuries,
high fevers and suspected broken
bones should be seen by an emergency
physician as soon as possible.
Even the most obedient child has slip
ups that can lead to bad injuries, such
as deep wounds. If a cut is severe, you
can do a few things while you wait for
help, including:
• Rinsethecutinthesinkfora
few seconds.
• Donotputsoapinthewound.
• Applyacleantowelorgauzetohelp
slow the bleeding.
“Call 911 if you need help immediately
or if weather or traffic will slow you
down,” says Mike Gerardi, MD, director
of the emergency department for Goryeb
Children’s Hospital at Morristown
Memorial Hospital. “In emergencies, lost
time can make a tremendous difference.”
When a Band-Aid Isn’t Enough
Every kid is prone to cuts and bruises, but how
do you know when an injury warrants a trip to
the emergency department?
Several conditions require immediate attention
from a doctor: animal bites, infected cuts or
injuries that bleed excessively.
“Anytime you think a serious illness or injury
is threatening your child’s life constitutes an
emergency,” says Kathleen G. Reichard, DO,
director of the pediatric emergency department
for Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Overlook
Hospital. “In any of these cases, a child should be
seen by an emergency physician immediately.”
2. Eating Right
Your kids may be on their weekend
clock, but that doesn’t mean they get to
overdose on cookies, chips, and whatever
other junk food they spy at the nearby
For a referral to Goryeb Children’s Hospital pediatrician or to gain
additional information about this health topic and others, please call
866-246-5725, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday,
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or visit atlantichealth.org.
well aware 15
Atlantic Health System
475 South Street
Morristown, NJ 07960-6459
This publication in no way seeks to
serve as a substitute for professional
medical care. Consult your physician
before undertaking any form of
medical treatment or adopting any
exercise program or dietary guidelines.
Fixing hearts. Transforming lives.
Making history.
Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. The largest cardiovascular
program in the state.
The Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Overlook Hospital
performs more heart surgeries than any other New Jersey hospital. With outcomes among the
best in the country. Our cardiac and vascular specialists are nationally recognized. We’re also
a leader in cardiovascular disease and research. We are true pioneers in bringing our patients
the latest, most advanced cardiac and vascular technology and treatments. More people
trust their hearts to us. And you should, too. For a referral to a cardiac or vascular specialist,
call 866-413-9457. For more information or to sign up for a free, personalized
e-newsletter visit atlantichealth.org.
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Organization
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