Healthytogether - CRITICAL CARE WHEN EVERY MOMENT COUNTS - RWJBarnabas Health
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healthy
A Publication of WINTER 2020
ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOMERSET
together
AN AMAZING
RECOVERY
TOP SECRETS TO
SLIMMING
DOWN
HOW TO PREPARE
FOR PREGNANCY
CRITICAL CARE
WHEN EVERY MOMENT COUNTS
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
HEALTH NEWS
SAVING LIVES IS OUR A TOP
HOSPITAL IN NJ
LIFE’S WORK Robert Wood Johnson University
A
Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset has
t RWJ arnabas Health, we take the trust people place in us to once again been rated among the top
heart. It’s the bedrock of our commitment to your care, from hospitals in New Jersey in the annual
preventive services to life-saving emergency treatment. hospital rankings released by U.S. News
For urgent situations, we have two world-class trauma centers, one & World Report. The hospital ranked 9th in the state overall
in Jersey City and one in New runswick, as well as the only burn center and 22nd in the New York Metro region. It was also recognized
as “high performing” in orthopedics, hip replacement, colon
in the state, located in ivingston. In addition, we have expanded our
cancer surgery and congestive heart failure. U.S. News &
emergency response capabilities and have acquired an advanced emergency World Report “Best Hospitals” is considered the nation’s most
helicopter, call sign ife Flight, equipped and staffed to provide critical care prestigious hospital ranking system.
while transporting badly injured patients.
To help people stay healthy and safe, we reach out with education and
prevention programs for people of all ages. We’ve also invested in creating
AN A FOR
the new secure and convenient RWJ arnabas Health Connect app, available PATIENT
at your app store. Health Connect lets you access your records, store your SAFETY
insurance information, search for doctors, and make real-time appointments RWJUH Somerset earned an
that are automatically added to your phone calendar. A Hospital Safety Grade—the
Health Connect, along with the RWJ arnabas Health TeleMed app, highest patient safety rating—from The Leapfrog Group in their
which offers online access for a physician visit, are integral parts of efforts to fall Hospital Safety Grades. It’s the hospital’s third consecutive
A rating and ninth overall. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
create a truly tech-forward healthcare organization. These efforts led to all uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data
RWJ arnabas Health hospitals earning the “Most Wired” designation from to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S.
the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives this year. hospitals twice per year. Sustaining the A rating reflects RWJUH
t Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Emergency Somerset’s continued commitment to achieving the highest
Department, patients have immediate access to specialists through our quality of care.
telepediatric and teleneurology programs. oard-certified physicians are available
2 through videoconferencing to confer with Emergency Department physicians
and help quickly assess and diagnose patients. For minor emergencies, from cuts SCREENING FOR
and sprains to colds and u, the hospital’s Urgent Care Center in Hillsborough TRANSGENDER PATIENTS
provides walk-in care seven days a week, including on-site -ray and lab testing.
Annual mammograms are recommended beginning at
Whether you face an emergency or have an everyday health question, age 40 for transgender women who’ve taken feminizing
we’re committed to providing convenient access to the highest-quality care— hormones for at least five years and for transgender
whenever and wherever you need it. men who haven’t had their breasts removed or reduced.
Yours in good health, RWJUH Somerset recently expanded its LGBTQ+
services to offer mammograms for transgender patients.
To schedule a mammogram at the Sanofi US Breast
Care Program, call 908.704.3740.
BARRY H. OSTROWSKY ANTHONY CAVA
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RWJBARNABAS HEALTH ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL SOMERSET
110 Rehill Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876 | 908.685.2200
CONNECT WITH US ON
@RWJSomerset
@RWJSomerset
RWJBarnabas Health
RWJUH Somerset complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For
more information, see link on our home page at rwjbh.org/somerset. RWJUH Somerset cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina
por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están
disponibles para usted. Llame al 908.685.2200. RWJUH Somerset konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil Federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi
orijin, laj, enfimite oswa sèks. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 908.685.2200.
Healthy Together | 2 | Winter 2020
Somerset_Memo_Winter20_final.indd 2 12/12/19 3:29 PM
healthy
together
contents WINTER 2020
2. WELCOME LETTER. 13. LEARNING TO CRAWL 18. SECRETS TO SLIMMING
A community update AGAIN. A baby DOWN. How to eat for
from our CEOs. rebounds from a successful weight loss
traumatic brain injury. and better health.
4. A LIFE SAVED. Robotic
surgery, combined 14. A STRANGER’S GIFT. 20. HIGH-TECH HELP
with an experimental A blood stem cell FOR THE VISUALLY
therapy, stopped one donation—and a IMPAIRED. New
patient’s aggressive 9. HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. Is it powerful medical technology is assisting
cancer in its tracks. a heart attack or cardiac partnership—saved patients and visitors
arrest—and what can a the life of a with sight loss.
6. THE BIKE RIDE OF A
bystander do? Toms River woman.
LIFETIME. Just one year
after suffering a near- 21. HONORING AN LGBTQ
10. TRAUMA WITHOUT DRAMA.
fatal cardiac arrest, a 16. YOU CAN BEAT THE ADVOCATE. Robert Wood
Top RWJBarnabas Health
patient cycled 75 miles WINTER BLUES. Seasonal Johnson University
trauma and burn centers
for a fundraising event. depression is a struggle, Hospital Somerset pays
stand ready to save severely
injured patients. but help is available. tribute to a transgender
8. PREPARING FOR healthcare activist.
PREGNANCY. An 12. MAKING MATERNITY SAFER. 17. A PLACE FOR HEALING.
obstetrician explains A strong focus on women’s A newly renovated 22. COMMUNITY CALENDAR.
how to boost the odds health before, during and eating disorders unit will A roundup of health
of having a healthy after pregnancy aims to emphasize natural light education and support
baby. save lives. and fresh air. programs.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | RWJBH.ORG/SOMERSET | 3
Somerset_TOC_Winter20_final.indd 3 12/12/19 3:35 PM
RWJBarnabas Health and
Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital Somerset, in partnership
with Rutgers Cancer Institute of
Two-and-a-half
New Jersey—the state’s only NCI- years after he was
Designated Comprehensive Cancer diagnosed with
Center—provide close-to-home prostate cancer,
access to the most advanced David Chandler is
treatment options. Call disease-free.
844.CANCERNJ or visit
www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.
A LIFE ROBOTIC SURGERY,
COMBINED WITH AN
SAVED
EXPERIMENTAL THERAPY,
STOPPED ONE PATIENT’S
AGGRESSIVE CANCER IN
ITS TRACKS.
Healthy Together | 4 | Winter 2020
Somerset_ProstateCa_Winter20_final.indd 4 12/12/19 3:41 PM
T KNOW YOUR NUMBER
he lab report was in: David Prior to David’s treatment, his case was
Chandler had prostate cancer. reviewed at the team’s monthly Urologic
30%
What’s more, tests indicated Oncology Multidisciplinary Conference,
that David had an aggressive form of during which various specialists meet to
the disease. That was in 2016. Today, create a personalized care plan.
tests detect no sign of cancer in The primary goal was to remove
David, 65, of Bound Brook, thanks to David’s prostate, but irst he started Studies indicate that early detection
specialists at Robert Wood Johnson receiving hormone therapy to reduce of prostate cancer with the PSA
University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s his natural levels of testosterone. “That test saves lives. A 2017 analysis
Steeplechase Cancer Center. takes the fuel away from the cancer,” published in the Annals of Internal
says Dr. Dave. In addition, he was given Medicine found that men who
A FAST MO ING DISEASE a chemotherapy drug, which is normally undergo PSA screening reduce their
risk of dying from prostate cancer
David’s primary care physician irst administered after a man’s prostate has
by about 30 percent.
became concerned when she noticed that been removed. This experimental use of
his prostate—a walnut-sized gland that the drug was possible because Dr. Dave
55
produces luid that carries sperm—was and his colleagues at the Steeplechase
enlarged and irm. Then a blood test Cancer Center are co-investigators, in
showed that his level of PSA, or prostate partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute
speci ic antigen—a marker of prostate of New Jersey, in a larger clinical trial
cancer—was 103 ng/dL. A normal level designed to determine if combining The PSA test can spot prostate
for a man his age is less than 4 ng/dL. hormone therapy with the chemotherapy cancer at an early stage, says
A biopsy, in which tissue samples are drug improves the results of surgery. Dhiren Dave, MD, a urologist
extracted from the prostate and tested in While David was not included in the trial, at RWJPE Somerset Urological
a lab, found cancerous cells. he was eligible to receive the experimental Associates in Somerville. “The
Taken together, these signs indicated drug combination. earlier we pick it up, the better the
that David had a fast-moving disease that After completing the chemo regimen patient’s prognosis,” he says. The
may have already begun to spread outside (and continuing on hormone therapy), American Urological Association
the prostate gland, says Dhiren Dave, David underwent surgery to remove (AUA) recommends that men at
average risk begin screening at
MD, a urologist at RWJPE Somerset the prostate. The procedure, known as
age 55 after a discussion with their
Urological Associates in Somerville. radical prostatectomy, is traditionally physician. For those who are at
David, who has his own home-repair performed in an “open” manner, meaning high risk, the AUA recommends
business, was stoic in the face of it requires an incision above the navel screening starting at age 40.
worrisome news. “It is what it is,” he that can be up to four inches long.
recalls thinking. However, some surgeons perform radical
His family wasn’t so sanguine. “It was prostatectomies using small laparoscopic
scary,” says his oldest daughter, Ashley tools, which require only a few tiny After the surgery, David spent one
Salmon, 2, o Wall Township, who incisions, most a half-inch or smaller. night in the hospital (open procedures
accompanied David to his appointments Smaller incisions mean less post-op pain require two or three nights) before going
along with her sister, Lexie, 30. “But Dr. and a shorter recovery period. home. “I didn’t feel much pain at all,” he
Dave was great. He was optimistic but To remove David’s diseased tissue, Dr. recalls.
realistic. We felt like we were in really Dave performed a robotic prostatectomy,
good hands.” which takes the laparoscopic approach S CCESSF L TREATMENT
a leap forward. During this procedure— Tests indicated that David’s pelvic lymph
M LTIDISCI LINARY CARE which Dr. Dave has performed more than nodes contained prostate cancer cells. To
Dr. Dave knew that treating David would 500 times—he sits at a console and views eliminate them, David underwent a course
be complex. “When someone has what we the patient’s internal tissues on a monitor. of radiation treatments. Today, two-and-a
call high-risk prostate cancer, he requires This highly magni ied, three-dimensional half years after his diagnosis, David’s
multiple modes of view allows for precise dissection of tissue, treatments are complete and his PSA
treatment,” says which dramatically reduces bleeding has dropped to 0 ng/dL. “It’s been a long
Dr. Dave. “David during surgery. journey, but right now, David shows no
needed care from a Using controls, Dr. Dave manipulates evidence of disease,” says Dr. Dave.
multidisciplinary the camera and other delicate robotic David, who is regaining strength and
team.” His team instruments. Unlike the rigid instruments some of the weight he lost, says, “The
included Jonathan used in laparoscopy, robotic tools have medical team did a great job.” His family
Rosenbluth, MD, a “wrists,” allowing them to bend in agrees. “We’re thrilled,” says Ashley.
medical oncologist, different directions. But unlike human “I’m grateful my father was treated at a
and Joel Braver, MD, hands, “robotic instruments don’t shake— hospital that offers the most progressive
DHIREN DAVE, MD a radiation oncologist. they’re steady,” says Dr. Dave. treatment possible.”
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | RWJBH.ORG/SOMERSET | 5
Somerset_ProstateCa_Winter20_final.indd 5 12/12/19 3:41 PM
THE BIKE
RIDE OF A
LIFETIME
JUST ONE YEAR AFTER SUFFERING A NEAR-
FATAL CARDIAC ARREST, A PATIENT CYCLED
75 MILES FOR A FUNDRAISING EVENT.
I
t was six days before the ike MS: seen by his primary care physician on FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE
City to Shore Ride—a fundraising September 24. The attending cardiologist explained the
event that bene its the National Then, shortly before midnight the same team’s game plan: Michael would be treated
Multiple Sclerosis Society—in September day, Michael’s wife, Stefanie, was reading using therapeutic hypothermia, in which
201 , and Michael Chenkin was training. in bed next to her sleeping husband when his body temperature would be lowered
t the start of his third consecutive day his right arm suddenly jerked upward and to around degrees Fahrenheit for 2
of training rides, he felt tired and not he convulsed. She saw that Michael was hours. “This procedure seems to reduce
as strong. “I’d had to stop a few times blue in the face and foaming at the mouth. brain damage, possibly because it lessens
and take some puffs from my inhaler, Stefanie and the couple’s 20-year-old son, in ammation in the brain,” says Joe hn,
but I assumed my Nathan, took turns giving Michael CPR MD, Director of Echocardiography. It’s
exercise-induced while their 2 -year-old daughter, Jennie, particularly useful for cardiac patients who
asthma was acting called 11. He was brought to Robert Wood don’t regain consciousness. “ owering body
up,” recalls the Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) temperature increases the chances that a
5-year-old social Somerset, where physicians determined that person will recover from a cardiac arrest,”
worker from Michael had experienced a cardiac arrest. He he says.
ridgewater. Over underwent cardiac catheterization and an On Michael’s eighth night in the unit,
the next two days, emergency angioplasty, during which three he went into cardiac arrest again, requiring
he worried about stents were placed in a blocked artery to CPR and defibrillation. It happened two
his fatigue and low restore blood ow. Then he was transferred more times that evening. “I was in awe
JOE AHN, MD energy and was to the Critical Care Unit. watching the staff hear the words Code
Healthy Together | 6 | Winter 2020
Somerset_Cardiac_Winter20_REV1.indd 6 12/16/19 11:17 AM
Clockwise, from left to right: Patient Michael Chenkin
and his wife, Stefanie, bring breakfast to the Critical
Care Unit team to thank them for saving his life;
Michael completes the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride;
Michael’s children, Nathan and Jennie, with him at the
event; and Michael shows off his event T-shirt, which
he asked the Critical Care Unit nurses to sign.
lue,’ rush into Michael’s room, work on struggle to walk. The sta ’s encouragement determination that fueled Michael
him until he regained a pulse and then and support were essential to my recovery.” throughout most of his recovery. “Not
calmly return to their other patients,” says many cardiac arrest patients make this
Stefanie. She refused to leave Michael’s AN AMAZING RECOVERY sort of recovery, and I believe a large part
side, arriving early and staying late or In mid-October, three weeks a er he of Michael’s success was due to the fact
overnight to actively participate in his care. was admitted, Michael was discharged that he had so much love and support
The nurses brought her pizza and, when from RWJUH Somerset. ut his journey from his family, as well as a strong sense
she fell asleep with her head resting on was far from over. He needed an internal of optimism,” says Dr. hn. “ lot of
Michael’s bed rail, the respiratory therapist defibrillator, triple bypass surgery and cardiac patients become depressed and
propped her head up with a pillow and put weeks of cardiac rehabilitation therapy. give up during the recovery process, but
a blanket over her shoulders. Finally, on March 2 , 201 , Michael’s hard Michael was determined to make it every
Two days later, Michael began to show work and perseverance paid off. He was step of the way.”
signs of consciousness. “Within minutes able to hop on his bike again and ride 25 For Michael, there’s a special place in
of my telling the staff, his entire medical miles—exactly six months to the day he had his heart for RWJUH Somerset. “My wife
team was in Michael’s room to see for experienced his cardiac arrest. “For this, I and I still remember the name of every
themselves,” says Stefanie. give thanks to everyone who cared for me single staff member from the Critical Care
s Michael gradually became more and prayed for me at RWJUH Somerset Unit team,” he says. On October , he and
alert, he was able to communicate with the last September,” he says. Stefanie returned to RWJUH Somerset
staff. lthough he was still intubated, the In September 201 , Michael completed to bring breakfast to the staff. “It was the
morning rounds meeting moved from the the 5-mile ike MS: City to Shore Ride. anniversary of my reawakening—the day
hospital hallway into his room so that he “It was harder than I expected, but I was I came out of the coma,” says Michael. He
could write his questions on a whiteboard. so happy to be able to do it,” says Michael. presented staff members with a collage that
Once he could talk, he would speak to the “What carried me through was the had two photos: one of Michael while he
staff at length about his condition and thought that if people with MS struggle was still in the coma and one of him at the
his care. “It was a strange time,” recalls for life, I could struggle for a few hours to MS bike event finish line. “I wanted them
Michael. “ month before, I could bike 200 inish the ride.” to see how far I’d come, and how key they
miles or more a week, and now it was a It’s this positive spirit and were to making sure I got there,” he says.
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To reach a Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital Somerset cardiac specialist, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | RWJBH.ORG/SOMERSET | 7
Somerset_Cardiac_Winter20_final.indd 7 12/12/19 3:42 PM
Q&A ASK THE DOCTOR
PREPARING FOR AMANDA FRANCIS, DO
PREGNANCY
AN OBSTETRICIAN EXPLAINS WHAT WOMEN CAN DO TO
INCREASE THE ODDS OF HAVING A HEALTHY BABY.
A
growing number of women How can you get in the best Write them down or put them in your
are having their irst child possible shape for pregnancy? smartphone. birth plan is a great way
later in life: etween 2000 Pregnancy is a time to optimize your to begin a discussion about labor and
and 201 , the proportion of irst births health. This can be done through lifestyle delivery. While pregnancy and childbirth
to women ages 5 and older rose by changes like eating a healthy diet, are unpredictable by nature, a plan can
2 percent, according to the National exercising regularly, staying up to date address issues such as pain management so
Center for Health Statistics. bout on recommended vaccines and having that you feel in control of the process as
percent of women have their irst regular dental cleanings. In addition, it’s much as possible.
child at age 5 or older. While this is important to have annual gynecologic
considered “advanced maternal age,” it’s checkups and take prenatal vitamins. What is unique about the maternity
very possible to have a healthy baby. Since many women don’t ind out services at RWJUH Somerset?
manda Francis, DO, an obstetrician they’re pregnant until they’re seven or We provide personalized, high-quality
gynecologist at Robert Wood Johnson eight weeks along, it’s important to take care. Our anesthesiologists and
University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset prenatal vitamins when you start trying to neonatologists are on-call 2 , and we
and the RWJ arnabas Health Medical conceive. The most important component have a evel II nursery, which can care
roup’s Roseland Ob yn, explains how of these vitamins is folic acid, which can for premature babies born as early as
to prepare for pregnancy. help prevent certain birth defects when 2 weeks. Our nursing staff provides
taken in the irst 1 weeks of pregnancy breastfeeding support and can offer
What can a woman do to increase ( irst trimester). access to lactational consultants when
her odds of getting pregnant? necessary. Our staff is knowledgeable
The quality of a woman’s eggs starts Once you’re pregnant, how can and ready to help. In addition, all of the
to decline between the ages of 5 and you prepare for childbirth? rooms in the labor and postpartum units
0—and markedly after 0—but it’s still While women who are 5 or older are are private.
possible to conceive and have a healthy at increased risk for health problems
pregnancy. Older maternal age increases during pregnancy, good prenatal care
the risks for the pregnancy and mother. can help identify many of those risks and
The best way to mitigate any anxiety or possibly decrease some of the associated
concerns is to schedule a preconception problems. When you see your ob gyn,
visit. During this appointment, you and mention any physical and emotional
your ob gyn can discuss any medical changes—from nausea and cravings to
conditions you have and what you can do changes in mood and energy. lso, come
to prepare for pregnancy. to your appointments with questions.
To learn more about maternity services at Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospital Somerset, visit www.rwjbh.org/
so erset To nd an ob g n, call 888.724.7123.
Healthy Together | 8 | Winter 2020
Somerset_Maternity_Winter20_final.indd 8 12/12/19 3:42 PM
HOW TO
SAVE A LIFE
IS IT A HEART ATTACK OR CARDIAC ARREST—AND WHAT SHOULD A BYSTANDER DO?
“H
eart attack” and “cardiac
arrest” may sound like similar HEART ATTACK CARDIAC ARREST (CA)
conditions, but they’re not
the same—and one is potentially much
more life-threatening. “With a heart attack, WHAT IT IS WHAT IT IS
an artery is clogged, and the majority circulation problem. lood ow Usually, an electrical problem that
of patients have 100 percent closure of stops because of a blockage in an causes the heart to stop pumping.
an artery,” explains Jay H. Stone, MD, artery. The part of the heart muscle C can be triggered by a heart attack
Director of the Cardiac Catheterization and that is deprived of oxygen-rich but can have other causes, such as an
Interventional Lab at Community Medical blood begins to die. undiagnosed heart abnormality or
Center in Toms River and a member of the SYMPTOMS cocaine or amphetamine use.
RWJ arnabas Health medical group. “In a These may begin hours, days or SYMPTOMS
cardiac arrest, the heart stops completely weeks in advance. • Possibly racing heart or dizziness,
and no blood at all is circulating.” Death can • Chest pain or feeling of pressure but C may occur without warning.
be instantaneous. in the chest, possibly spreading to person suffering C will become
The two things that determine survival, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. unconscious and will not breathe
Dr. Stone explains, are the underlying Feeling sick, sweaty or short of normally, or breathe at all.
pathology and the ow of blood to the brain. breath.
“If someone passes out in front of you, take WHAT TO DO
The person having a heart attack • Immediately call 911, or have
action immediately,” will usually remain conscious.
he urges. “The patient someone else make the call while
can’t afford to lose WHAT TO DO you perform the steps below.
the time that it may If you are having these symptoms, • If an AED (automated external
take for professional don’t hesitate to contact your defibrillator) is available, begin use,
medical help to doctor or call 911. If someone you following the prompts.
arrive.” uick action are with appears to be having a • Do CPR (cardiopulmonary
can double or even heart attack, call 911 immediately. resuscitation). If you don’t know
triple a cardiac arrest Sit the person down and keep them conventional CPR, do hands-only
victim’s chance for calm while you wait for help. CPR (see below).
JAY H. STONE, MD survival.
HANDS-ONLY CPR
GET IT Hands-only CPR can be done successfully even by someone
CHECKED who’s not a professional. The idea is to push hard and fast in the
center of the victim’s chest to the beat of a familiar song that has
Your heart doesn’t beat just for 100 to 120 beats per minute. Think of the song “Stayin’ Alive”
you. Get it checked. To make by the Bee Gees to help keep compressions in a regular rhythm.
an appointment with one of New If disco doesn’t do it for you, push along to one of these:
Jersey’s top cardiac specialists, • “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé
call 888.724.7123 or visit • “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira
www.rwjbh.org/heart. • “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 9
System_Cardiac_Winter20_final.indd 9 12/11/19 2:40 PM
TRAUMA
WITHOUT DRAMA
TOP RWJBARNABAS HEALTH TRAUMA AND BURN CENTERS STAND AT THE
READY TO DO WHAT’S NEEDED FOR THE MOST SEVERELY INJURED PATIENTS.
P
aramedics are running through care surgeon Rajan Gupta, MD, Director center’s job is to bring all these aspects
the Emergency Department (ED) of the Level I Trauma Center and Pediatric together to help prioritize decisions and get
entrance. lood is all over. Doctors Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson the best possible long-term outcome for the
are shouting, “ et me a clamp—stat ” University Hospital (RWJUH) in New patient.”
nd cut End scene. That chaotic runswick. “The more we mitigate chaos, Together, experts at the Trauma Center
scenario, a staple of medical shows, happens the safer the environment, and the better at RWJUH, the evel II Trauma Center at
on T show sets but not in real life, trauma the patient will do.” Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) and
experts say. Another common misconception, says The urn Center at Saint arnabas Medical
“In a true trauma situation, we have Dr. upta, is that trauma treatment ends Center (S MC) in ivingston—each an
quiet, controlled conditions,” says critical a er the critical first 0 to 0 minutes of RWJ arnabas Health facility—provide a
care. “In fact, our critical safety net for thousands of New
system spans the Jersey residents.
entire gamut of
care—emergency TRAUMA OR ED?
services, acute Hospital EDs take care of emergencies, of
care centers, rehab course, like heart attacks and breathing
facilities, radiology, problems. EDs also deal with a broad range
blood banks, clinical of noncritical conditions, such as the u or
labs, data registry broken bones.
and more,” explains trauma center, however, has a larger
RAJAN GUPTA, MD MICHAEL MARANO, MD BRUNO MOLINO, MD Dr. upta. “ trauma scope than an ED. First responders or ED
Healthy Together | 10 | Winter 2020
System_Trauma_Winter20_final.indd 10 12/11/19 2:50 PMFrom left, flight paramedic Michael Brown,
FP–C; flight nurse Robert Maiullo, CFRN; and situations: falls by elderly people, blunt- THE NEED
lead pilot Joe Gilbert with the RWJBarnabas force assault or penetrating wounds (such FOR SPEED
Health Airbus 135 helicopter. as gunshots), and motor-vehicle crashes, “In trauma care, timing is
says Dr. upta. “Our cars are getting much everything,” says Jim Smith, Vice
safer, so traumatic injuries from crashes are President, Mobile Health Services and
decreasing,” he explains. “Meanwhile, for Patient Transport at RWJBarnabas Health
the elderly, even a minor fall can result in (RWJBH). “The gold standard is to have
devastating injuries. s the population ages, no more than 60 minutes from the time a
this has become an ever-growing issue for patient has a traumatic emergency to the
health systems.” time he or she is in the OR.”
Trauma centers also routinely drill to Depending on location and time of day, a
be prepared for mass casualties in a disaster trip that takes 45 minutes by road could be
situation. This training includes close done by helicopter in 20 minutes. That’s
coordination with other trauma centers in why RWJBH has partnered with Med-Trans
aviation to provide a state-of-the-art Airbus
case backup is needed. There are 10 state-
135 helicopter and two dispatch centers for
certified trauma centers in New Jersey.
live satellite tracking. Known as LifeFlight,
the service includes on-scene and in-air
HELP FOR SEVERE BURNS emergency treatment and transportation
Trauma centers across the state coordinate to the closest appropriate state-certified
closely with The urn Center at S MC, trauma center. The crew includes RWJBH
New Jersey’s only state-certified burn- Emergency Medical Services flight nurses
treatment facility. In addition to burns and paramedics who have had extensive
from home accidents, industrial incidents training in emergency, air medical and
and motor-vehicle crashes, one of the most trauma protocols.
common injuries the center sees—up to 0 In addition to providing time-critical
percent of cases—is scalding in children transportation from emergency events,
under age 2 who have been splashed the LifeFlight system transports patients
accidentally by a hot liquid. as needed among RWJBH’s 11 hospitals
Specialists including burn technicians, (and other health systems as appropriate).
“The service assists with continuity of care
nurses and respiratory therapists, as well as
within the same network,” Smith says.
the most advanced technology, are available
“And although it can seem dramatic and
at the center at all times. “If someone scary for patients to hear they are being
comes in with a surface burn, for example, transported by helicopter, sometimes the
we’re able to immediately treat them with issue is not so much medical acuity as it is
hydrotherapy—water piped through special timing and traffic.”
spigots that removes dead skin and bacteria In either case, he says, “It’s important for
to minimize the chance of infection,” New Jersey residents to know that, barring
physicians make the decision as to whether a explains Michael Marano, MD, Medical any weather issues, air medical services in
patient needs the services of a trauma center. Director o The urn Center. the state are robust and coordinate closely
“ trauma center is designed to The center has 12 intensive care beds with ground providers. Very few states have
immediately treat critically injured patients for the most critically injured patients and the availability of resources and capabilities
who have life- or limb-threatening injuries,” an 1 -bed recovery unit. It also runs The that we do.”
explains acute care surgeon runo Molino, Outpatient Center for Wound and urn
MD, Trauma Director at JCMC and a Healing, which works with more than ,500
member of RWJ arnabas Health medical patients each year. bicycle safety, sports safety, yard-work
group. “When seconds count to make the safety and distracted driving education. “I
difference between life and death, a whole AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION tell my Injury Prevention Coordinator that
team is waiting around a stretcher even In the hope of minimizing the need for it’s her job to put me out of business,” says
before the patient arrives. their services, the trauma and burn centers Dr. upta.
“To be certified as a trauma center, put considerable resources into community Inevitably, accidents will happen.
a facility must have extensive resources education, covering the age spectrum When they do, New Jersey residents are in
available to care for severely injured patients from infants and car seats to geriatric fall the fortunate position of having a nearby
at all times,” says Dr. Molino. “Neurosurgery, prevention, as well as pedestrian safety, trauma center ready and able to serve.
maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery,
cardiac surgery—all these specialties and
more have to be there at our disposal.” To learn more about safety education and training at
The most common types of injuries RWJBarnabas Health hospitals, visit www rw bh org cpr
seen in trauma centers come from three
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 11
System_Trauma_Winter20_final.indd 11 12/11/19 2:50 PMM IN ALERT IN THE ED
M TERNITY
RWJ H Emergency Departments (EDs) have
created a system to ensure that any woman
coming to an ED who has given birth within
the previous 2 days is identified, and a
S FER
note made in her electronic health record.
“Care management for certain conditions
for RWJ arnabas Health (RWJ H). can be quite different for a woman who
“We’re collectively looking at the entire has recently given birth compared to a
continuum of healthcare to see what woman in the general population,” Spernal
women want and need to be healthy says. “This alert system quickly identifies
A FOCUS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH before, during and a er pregnancy.” postpartum women and when minutes
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER matter it can save lives.”
EMPOWERING WOMEN Other aspects of RWJ H’s
PREGNANCY AIMS TO SAVE LIVES. Providing education is a priority. “The comprehensive approach to maternal
majority of maternal adverse events don’t health include:
“I
don’t feel well,” said Tara Hansen, happen on the day a woman gives birth,”
2 , o Wanamassa, shortly a er Spernal says. “They occur in the days and to improve pregnancy outcomes. “Our
giving birth to her son in 2011. ut weeks that follow the birth, when mom is hospitals are exploring the specific needs
her healthcare providers considered her back at home and the warning signs of a and challenges of women in their unique
a healthy postpartum patient, and sent serious complication may not be immediately communities,” Spernal says.
her home. Six days later, she died from an recognized.” so
infection that occurred during the birth. To increase awareness, Tara’s husband, women, particularly those with medical
Pregnancy-related deaths are Ryan, partnered with Rutgers Robert conditions, can plan safer pregnancies.
relatively rare—about 00 occur each Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert C
year in the U.S.—but are on the rise. So Wood Johnson University Hospital, an that address issues such
is the rate of delivery-related “severe RWJ H facility, to create the Tara Hansen as housing, domestic violence, obesity,
maternal morbidity,” which is de ined as Foundation’s “Stop. ook. isten ” program. diabetes and substance abuse, all of which
signi icant short- or long-term effects to This initiative empowers women to voice can negatively affect pregnancy outcomes.
a woman’s health. any concerns they have and reminds F
“In New Jersey, healthcare systems, providers to pay close attention, rather than Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJ H
community-based organizations and assuming a symptom is a typical complaint facility, has the state’s only perinatal mood
government agencies are tackling this of pregnancy or the postpartum period. The and anxiety disorder program.
issue head-on,” says Suzanne Spernal, program has been embraced by facilities M H
ice President o Women’s Services throughout RWJ H. A D , this year on January 2 .
“This is new attention to maternity
care that is so long overdue,” Spernal says.
“Healthcare providers, policy advocates,
women’s advocates—together, we’re really
going to change the landscape over the
next few years.”
To nd world class aternit care near ou, call
888.724.7123 or visit www rw bh org aternit
Health Together | 12 | Winter 2020
System_Maternal_Winter20_final.indd 12 12/11/19 2:51 PME RNIN TO
From left to right, LJ Lopes in the playroom at
Children’s Specialized Hospital; snuggling with his
cousin Auggie; getting a boost from visiting Rutgers
University football players.
CRAWL AGAIN
A BABY REBOUNDS FROM A
SKILLS REGAINED
J returned to CSH on February 11 to
continue his rehabilitation journey. He
quickly bonded with his inpatient team,
particularly enjoying aquatic therapy. “Once
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY they got J into the pool, there was no
stopping him,” says Olivia. “He loved it, and
WITH THE HELP OF CHILDREN’S the resistance of the water forced him to
SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL. start using his right arm more.”
J spent another two months at
O
n the a ernoon of January , 201 , An RWJBarnabas Health facility Children’s Specialized working with
Olivia opes got a frightening physical, occupational, speech-language
phone call: Her mother, nephew and recreational therapists. “The progress
and -month-old son had been in an accident. (CSH) in New runswick. There, a team he made at Children’s Specialized was
While the three were walking home from her of specialists developed a customized amazing,” says Olivia. “ er the accident,
nephew’s school, a vehicle had jumped the rehabilitation program to address he lost all of his muscle memory. The team
curb and struck them from behind. his medical, physical, cognitive and worked with him day in and day out,
Olivia’s mother and nephew suffered psychosocial needs. helping him to learn how to roll, crawl,
multiple fractures. Infant J, who had Within a week, however, his family stand and walk.” J went home on pril .
been in his car seat in a wagon being and team realized something wasn’t He is now attending outpatient therapy
pulled by his grandmother, suffered the right with J. He was transferred to the sessions three days a week at the CSH
most extensive injuries as the car seat Emergency Department at Robert Wood location in Hamilton, working hard to
became dislodged and soared 0 feet Johnson University Hospital in New build strength in his right arm and learn
away. “When we inally got in to see J, runswick, where a C T scan led to a how to suck and swallow properly.
he was on life support,” Olivia recalls. diagnosis of hydrocephalus. With this “We still keep in touch with the
“He had multiple skull fractures, orbital condition, excess cerebrospinal luid remarkable therapists and care team at
fractures, severe brain trauma and a builds up in the ventricles (cavities) of Children’s Specialized, updating them on
broken leg, and was having di iculty the brain and increases pressure within J’s progress,” Olivia says. “We’re forever
moving his right arm.” the head, causing head enlargement, grateful for the care that Children’s
J spent 21 days in a Pediatric headaches, impaired vision, cognitive Specialized provided to our son.”
Intensive Care Unit before being di iculties and loss of coordination. To learn more about Children’s
transferred to the rain Injury Program shunt was surgically inserted into a Specialized Hospital, call 888.244.5373 or
at Children’s Specialized Hospital ventricle to drain the excess luid. visit www.childrens-specialized.org.
At Children’s Specialized Hospital, we provide world-class care for children and young adults who face special health challenges
across the state of New Jersey and beyond. Our locations in Bayonne, Clifton, East Brunswick, Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton,
Jersey City, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Newark, Toms River and Warren treat everything from chronic illnesses and complex
physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health.
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 13
System_CSH_Winter2020_final.indd 13 12/11/19 2:52 PMA STRANGER’S
GIFT
A BLOOD STEM CELL DONATION—
AND A POWERFUL MEDICAL
PARTNERSHIP—SAVE THE LIFE OF
A TOMS RIVER WOMAN.
I
t’s a gorgeous day on the boardwalk “To have a donor and patient together made an appointment with an infectious
in Bradley Beach and to look at like this is truly remarkable,” says Vimal disease specialist, and his phlebotomist
the two smiling women, you would Patel, MD, a hematologist/oncologist took blood samples,” she recalls.
never guess that they had met in person in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Within 24 hours, the doctor called
for the very irst time just three days Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of back to explain that he had sent the
before. They exhibit a strong physical New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson blood test results to a hematologist who
and emotional connection—a bond worth University Hospital (RWJUH) New wanted her in his o ice that day. “I think
life itself. Brunswick. “This is the reason I went you have leukemia,” the hematologist
“I feel as if I’m with my daughter or into my ield: to see moments like this.” told her. “And I think you need to go to
my niece,” Lael McGrath, 68, admits. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
She owes her life to Wiebke Rudolph, a AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS in New Brunswick. Today.”
21-year-old recent college graduate from In August 2016, Lael was not well. She Lael’s immune system was so
Kassel, Germany. Wiebke donated her had been a runner for more than 40 suppressed that she was in a life-
stem cells anonymously to Lael after years, but that summer she couldn’t threatening situation. Within three days
the retired second-grade teacher from run more than a block without having she would be admitted to RWJUH, where
Toms River was diagnosed with life- to stop to walk. She had fevers, night she would spend the next seven weeks
threatening acute myeloid leukemia in sweats and a rash on her back. “A friend undergoing chemotherapy. Dr. Patel has
2016. Both had looked forward to this was diagnosed with Lyme disease and been by her side since then, along with
meeting for more than two years. her symptoms sounded like mine, so I a vast team of specialists from both
Healthy Together | 14 | Winter 2020
System_BMTPatient_Winter20_final.indd 14 12/11/19 2:53 PMOpposite page, top, Lael and Wiebke with
Vimal Patel, MD; this page, with members of the
Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Rutgers
Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital.
NOT ALL DONORS AND PATIENTS
MEET. BUT THERE WAS NEVER
ANY DOUBT FOR
EITHER OF THESE
TWO WOMEN.
IN FACT, THE
PAIR STARTED
EMAILING,
RWJUH and Rutgers Cancer Institute. Four thousand
In the hospital, Lael’s treatment miles away in
TEXTING AND
involved the use of combination Germany, Wiebke THEN TALKING
chemotherapy designed to get her was noti ied that she
into remission. “However, the speci ic matched a patient in dire
TO EACH OTHER ON
mutations that we identi ied in her need. “Not that many people FACETIME RIGHT AFTER
leukemia were high-risk in nature, so we in Germany do this and certainly no
knew that chemotherapy alone would one in my family or among my friends,”
BEING GIVEN EACH OTHER’S
not keep her in remission,” says Dr. Patel. she says. “ ut when I irst heard about CONTACT INFORMATION.
“We needed immune therapy in the form this, I said yes, I’m going to do it. I was
of an allogeneic stem cell transplant.” determined.”
Wiebke underwent peripheral blood
SEARCHING FOR A DONOR stem cell donation, a procedure called was female and 19 years old.”
In a bone marrow transplant, cells can be apheresis, in which blood is removed Lael did so well post-transplant that
used from your own body, known as an through a needle in one arm and passed she was able to go home on New Year’s
autologous transplant. When cells are taken through a machine that collects only Day 2017. Over in Germany, Wiebke was
from a donor, the transplant is called blood-forming cells. (The remaining blood told that the transplant had gone well.
allogeneic. “In this procedure, the patient’s is returned to the donor through a needle Protocol and con identiality policies
diseased marrow is replaced with a donor’s in the other arm.) The procedure took don’t permit donors and patients to have
blood stem cells,” says Dr. Patel. “It allows six hours. All the logistics of harvesting direct contact with each other until at
for normal blood formation and provides Wiebke’s stem cells and then transporting least one year has passed. In this case, the
a new immune system to help eliminate them to the U.S. were handled by wait lasted more than two years, until
the leukemia. It also has the potential for NMDP. Meanwhile, Lael’s repeat blood test results showed that Lael’s blood cells
a cure.” transfusions were made possible by the were 100 percent “donor.”
t RWJUH, bone marrow transplant RWJUH lood Services team. Not all donors and patients meet.
coordinator Mary Kate McGrath, MSN, Lael spent weeks in the hospital But there was never any doubt for
RN, APN, BMTCN, OCN (no relation during the fall and winter of 2016, waiting either of these two women. In fact, the
to ael), ran the results of ael’s DN for the transplant and being closely pair started emailing, texting and then
testing through the National monitored by her healthcare team. talking to each other on FaceTime right
Marrow Donor Program Finally, in December 2016, after being given each other’s contact
(NMDP) registry. she was noti ied that her information.
“Within two months RWJBarnabas Health and transplant was imminent. Recently, at a celebration hosted by
of Lael’s diagnosis, Robert Wood Johnson University “On December 16th, it RWJUH, both women held bouquets of
we identi ied three Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers happened,” she recalls. owers and stood happily alongside one
Cancer Institute of New Jersey—
potential matches “A team walked in another. “If it weren’t for Wiebke, I don’t
the state’s only NCI-Designated
on the registry— Comprehensive Cancer Center—
carrying a small know what would have happened,” Lael says.
but Wiebke turned provide close-to-home access to the cooler and within an With the breeze blowing off the
out to be the most advanced treatment options. Call hour, the transfusion Atlantic Ocean, these two women look
perfect match,” she 844.CANCERNJ or visit was over. All I actually knowingly at one another, smile and
explains. www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer. knew was that the donor agree, “It was a miracle.”
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 15
System_BMTPatient_Winter20_final.indd 15 12/11/19 2:53 PMsunlight tends to boost
serotonin. A lack of light
causes the brain to release less
serotonin, which can lead to
depression.
“We’re not sure what makes
some people vulnerable to
SAD while others aren’t greatly
affected by less exposure to
sunlight,” says Dr. Kaplan.
“The theory is that people with
SAD may have some form of
imbalance in the regulation of
these two hormones. Genetic
factors may play a role in this.”
WHAT TO DO
“If you think you may
have SAD, consult with a
professional to determine
whether your condition relates
to that or to something else,”
advises Dr. Kaplan. “Depression
can be due to many different
things, so it’s better not to self-
YOU CAN BEAT THE
diagnose and possibly waste time on the
wrong treatments.”
Having a healthy diet and regular
WINTER UES
exercise have been shown to improve
symptoms of depression. Other possible
treatments for SAD include:
Light therapy. The patient sits or works
near a device called a light therapy box,
SEASONAL DEPRESSION IS A STRUGGLE, BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE. which gives off a bright light that mimics
natural outdoor light. “For some people,
I
n winter, the short hours of daylight as feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and this treatment is very effective, but it’s best
can lead to dark moods. It’s a problems with appetite. “A couple of to consult your physician about the type of
common syndrome—thought to affect symptoms seem to be more common with device to use,” says Dr. Kaplan.
up to 10 million people in the U.S—known SAD, however,” says Dr. Kaplan. “People Cognitive behavioral therapy. This
as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. with SAD often crave sweets more, and kind of psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,”
“SAD is a kind of depression that happens are more tired and sleep more.” focuses on changing inaccurate or negative
at a speci ic time of year, usually in the As with regular depression, there is thinking in order to create new behaviors.
winter,” explains help for those who suffer from SAD. Antidepressant medication. “Generally
psychiatrist Gabriel speaking, antidepressants don’t start
Kaplan, MD, Chief WHY WINTER? working for four to six weeks,” says Dr.
Medical O icer of While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, Kaplan. “If your depression is seasonal,
the RWJ arnabas two hormones are implicated: melatonin, you may choose to take them for several
Health ehavioral the hormone that regulates sleep, and months and then go off them when
Health Network. serotonin, a key hormone for mood winter is over, or continue to take them
Symptoms of stabilization. “Melatonin tends to be for the rest of the year to prevent the
SAD are similar produced when there’s no sunlight,” reappearance of depression. It’s the
to those of clinical explains Dr. Kaplan. “More melatonin combined job of the doctor and patient to
GABRIEL KAPLAN, MD depression, such means people feel sleepier.” Conversely, decide the best course.”
To learn about options for getting help for depression, call the RWJBarnabas
Health Behavioral Health Network Access line at 800.300.0628.
Healthy Together | 16 | Winter 2020
System_SAD_Winter20_final.indd 16 12/11/19 2:54 PMShilin Pandya, DO, Medical
Director of the Eating Disorders
Unit, counsels a patient.
A PLACE FOR HE IN
A NEWLY RENOVATED EATING DISORDERS UNIT WILL EMPHASIZE NATURAL LIGHT AND FRESH AIR.
A
n estimated 20 million women campus, the inpatient unit will have 20 members, who are an integral part of the
and 10 million men will suffer beds, up from 1 . “The ambiance will be treatment team.
from an eating disorder at some one of healing,” says Shirley Rajan, MD, a dolescent and adult patients over
point in their lives, according to the psychiatrist in the Eating Disorders Unit. the age of 1 will be placed in separate
National Eating Disorders ssociation. “It will promote self-re ection.” healing environments. “While both groups
Robert Wood Johnson University need nature and quiet time, their needs
Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset offers MEETING THE NEEDS are different,” says Dr. Rajan. “ dults are
one of only two inpatient programs in OF INPATIENTS dealing with work and life events, while
New Jersey. In addition to inpatient The million renovation will include a adolescents are in school and may be
care, the hospital provides partial healing garden, which blends nature and coping with issues like bullying.”
hospitalization (five hours per day, five fresh air. This is important for patients The unit’s ambient lighting will re ect
days per week) and intensive outpatient because it can motivate them to continue circadian rhythms, helping to promote
services for patients ages 1 and older. treatment, says Dr. Rajan. “Nature has a sleep, which is important for healing.
multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, healing power,” she says. Patients will be They will be at their lowest levels at night.
nurses, licensed clinical social workers, able to plant a garden, watch it grow and The renovations are expected to be
registered dietitians, occupational learn about good nutrition, says ysa Israel, complete by the end of this year. “The
therapists, physical therapists and ice President of the Somerset Health space will feel homey and comfortable,”
teachers works together to address Care Foundation. says Israel. The Foundation, which
patients’ medical problems, including There will also be quiet areas for small has already raised 1 million for the
physical and emotional concerns. group therapy sessions and activities like renovation, is aiming to raise million
The hospital recently began a complete yoga and meditation. “Patients with eating more. “This will give us the ability
transformation of the Eating Disorders disorders o en have other behavioral to furnish the space and create the
Unit. The new space will be warm and health problems, and research shows that outdoor space,” says Israel. Dr. Rajan is
comfortable, and it will maximize natural meditation and medication are the most most excited about the healing garden.
light and fresh air. y moving outpatient beneficial therapies,” says Dr. Rajan. The “ reenery brings about peace within
care to a different building on the hospital new space will also accommodate family us,” she says.
For more information on how to support Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s
Eating Disorders Program, call the Somerset Health Care Foundation at 908.685.2885.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | RWJBH.ORG/SOMERSET | 17
Somerset_Foundation_Winter20_final.indd 17 12/12/19 3:43 PMSECRETS TO
SLIMMING
HEART-HEALTHY
DOWN
HOW TO EAT FOR SUCCESSFUL
EATING
On February 25, Jaclyn London,
WEIGHT LOSS AND BETTER HEALTH.
MS, RD, head of nutrition and
wellness at Weight Watchers
and former nutrition director at
Good Housekeeping magazine,
will discuss the importance of a
healthy diet in preventing heart
disease and how to prepare
nutritious meals at home and order
them at restaurants. Participants
will receive a copy of London’s
book, Dressing on the Side (and
Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11
Science-Based Ways to Eat More,
Stress Less, and Feel Great About
Your Body. In addition, Rachana
Kulkarni, MD, a cardiologist at
RWJUH Somerset, will discuss
heart disease risk factors,
diagnosis and treatment. For more
information, please see page 22.
To schedule an appointment with a
registered dietitian who can provide
nutritional counseling to improve
eating habits, call 908.704.3765.
Healthy Together | 18 | Winter 2020
Somerset_Diets_Winter20_final.indd 18 12/12/19 3:44 PM7 KEY LIFESTYLE
L CHANGES
osing weight and eating healthier keto diet may be safe for healthy adults
are among the most popular New who want to lose weight quickly, it’s not Diets often lead to weight loss and
Year’s resolutions, but many of us sustainable because it’s so restrictive, gain (known as yo-yo dieting), which
wonder: What’s the best diet for weight loss? says Hagins. “You have to limit your carb is unhealthy because it can strain
Talk to friends, and it’s likely that they have and dairy intake drastically,” she says. your heart. “To lose weight and
different approaches to dieting. Here, Tia What’s more, people shouldn’t be on this keep it off over the long term, you
Hagins, RD, Community Nutritionist at diet without being monitored by their need to make lifestyle changes,”
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital physician, says Hagins. “The body can says Tia Hagins, RD, Community
(RWJUH) Somerset, explains the pros and go into ketosis—in which you use fat for Nutritionist at Robert Wood Johnson
cons of popular diets and offers advice on energy instead of carbohydrates—and University Hospital (RWJUH)
Somerset. Consider the following
how to eat for a healthier, thinner you. it can affect the kidneys,” she explains.
strategies for healthy weight loss:
“People with cardiovascular disease,
MEDITERRANEAN DIET diabetes and kidney disease shouldn’t 1. Eat three meals per day with
This heart-healthy diet focuses on follow this diet.” lean protein, fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and dairy products.
vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy
Visit www.choosemyplate.gov
fats, such as olive oil. People who adhere WEIGHT WATCHERS for a personalized diet based on
to it consume plenty of seafood, beans, FREESTYLE your age, sex, height, weight and
poultry and eggs and limit red meat. They This diet emphasizes low-fat foods and lean activity level.
also eat whole wheat breads, cereals and protein, as well as healthy lifestyle changes.
2. Include a lean source of protein
pastas and substitute olive oil for butter. “You can eat what you want,” says Hagins. at every meal to keep hunger in
Dairy intake is moderate (just two to three Foods are assigned points, and you are check.
servings per day). given a certain number for each day based
3. Choose low-fat foods and limit
PROS: “You can eat a variety of foods, and on your weight-loss goal. More than 200
added fats. Consume 1 percent
it’s filling,” says Hagins. Plus, it’s a healthy foods—including beans, eggs and fish—have or fat-free milk and dairy
way of eating: The Mediterranean diet no points. Dieters are encouraged to track products. If you must add fats to
helps to lower the risk of heart disease, their food choices and follow them online. foods, keep portion size in mind:
diabetes and cancer. “Tracking food choices is a proven strategy 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1
CONS: If you have a sweet tooth, it can for weight loss,” says Hagins. tablespoon of salad dressing, for
be challenging to stick with this way of PROS: It works. “This is one of the most instance.
eating because you have to cut out butter well-researched diets,” says Hagins. The 4. Decrease or eliminate drinks that
and solid fats. If you want to try the emphasis on nutritious, low-calorie foods contain sugar. Aim to drink 64
Mediterranean diet, make gradual changes. like vegetables, fruits and whole grains can ounces of water daily instead.
“If you’re used to drinking whole milk, try help lower blood pressure and reduce your 5. Avoid eating large amounts of
2 percent milk first,” says Hagins. “Once risk for heart disease. In addition, Weight food late in the day. Ideally, 30
you’re used to it, mix it with Watchers encourages physical activity and percent of calories should come
1 percent milk. Eventually, you’ll get used social support through meetings. No foods from breakfast, lunch and dinner
to the lower fat variety.” are forbidden, and you don’t need to buy each, and 10 percent should
prepackaged foods. come from snacks.
KETOGENIC (“KETO”) DIET CONS: Membership isn’t free, and if you 6. Don’t skip meals because you’ll
This diet emphasizes foods high in fat and overeat a food with zero points, then you overeat later.
protein. Carb intake is restricted to less might consume too many calories. 7. Avoid eating after 8 p.m.
than 20 grams per day (one slice of bread
is equivalent to about 15 grams of carbs).
The premise is that your body will burn fat,
rather than carbohydrates, for energy. Fat HEALTHY SNACKING
contains more calories than carbohydrates.
The following snacks are low in fat and calories:
“This diet may help
you lose body fat as • 5 whole grain crackers and 1 ounce of low-fat
well as weight,” says cheese (135 calories, 4 grams of fat)
Hagins. • 2 four-inch rice cakes with 2 teaspoons peanut butter
PROS: “The keto (125 calories, 6 grams of fat)
diet regulates • 3 cups low-fat popcorn and 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
appetite so that you (135 calories, 3-5 grams of fat)
feel full for longer,”
• ¾ cup low-fat, plain yogurt, ½ cup fruit (150 calories, 0-2 grams of fat)
says Hagins. “It
leads to weight loss.” • 1 apple and 1 ounce non-fat string cheese (125 calories, 3-5 grams of fat)
TIA HAGINS, RD CONS: While the
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | RWJBH.ORG/SOMERSET | 19
Somerset_Diets_Winter20_final.indd 19 12/12/19 3:44 PMYou can also read
