Healthy Aging: November 2015

A pUblIcATION fROm monmouth medical center, southern campus

HEALTHY AgiNg November 2015

lose weight,

bE HAppIER YOU DO NEED A FLU SHOT FREE HEARING TESTS GET THE BEST MAMMO

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WElcomE lEttEr More than 10 years ago I met a woman in her mid-80s on an inpatient unit at Monmouth Medical Center. I had been taking care of her husband, a gentle family patriarch with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

He was close to the end of his life; we could both see that.

She told me she wanted to bring him home for whatever time he had left. He was three times her size and unable to stand or get out of bed on his own. I couldn’t imagine how this tiny, almost bird-like woman would be able to care for him. So I said no. I told her it would simply be too hard for her—and that’s when she taught me one of the most important lessons I have learned in my career in medicine, which if I count medical school has spanned 24 years. I quote her to the best of my memory: “Nothing in life that is really worth something isn’t going to be hard sometimes. But it’s those things that are diffcult that are sometimes the most important.” With that she challenged me to look at things a little differently.

I ended up conceding, and I sent him home to her care. A week later she called me early in the morning to tell me he had died in her arms, in their bed, and to thank me.

I shared this story with the Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, staff, physicians and supporters at the dedication of the hospital’s new Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit (see page 3) because I think it has a lot to do with the work we will do on this amazing unit. I know each member of our team of professionals has a moment like mine that they can go to in their heads and hearts, when they have learned something from a patient that has changed how they practice.

While the dedication ceremony marked an exciting day for us here on the Southern Campus, it was just the beginning. The ACE unit is the frst step in building the Geriatrics Institute at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, which will debut a state-of-the-art geriatrics outpatient practice. The institute will be the only one of its kind in the United States, housing an outpatient and inpatient program with shared staff and services working to create seamless transitions for our patients and their families in a medically complicated world. It will be a destination for outstanding geriatric care.

DEbut of thE

nEW sInglE rooms

They’ll make for more saTisfied paTienTs, happier sTaffers— and beTTer care.

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s part of Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus’ $11 million renovation, three foors in the hospital’s H wing (Heritage Building) have been converted to all-single-room units. In September, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the ffth foor, the frst fully renovated all-single-room foor to open. The frst patients were admitted on Sept. 10.

“Single rooms provide a number of clinical benefts,” said Frank J. Vozos, M.D., president and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center. “Patients who convalesce in single rooms experience speedier recoveries due to better sleep, reduced levels of stress and more honest and frequent communications with physicians and nurses.”

There are 18 rooms per foor. Each room features a fat-screen television, lighting near the foor to provide better sight lines, a direct hookup to a telemetry monitoring system and other amenities. Patients will not incur additional charges for a single room.

“Our single-room units will not only result in happier patients, they will also result in happier nurses and employees,” said Judy Colorado, chief nursing offcer at the Southern Campus. “Our employees are thrilled about this project. And we all know that employees who are more satisfed with their jobs and work environment will provide an even better overall experience to our patients.”

Sincerely,

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Jessica l. Israel, m.D. Regional Director for Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus

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New private rooms at Monmouth Medical Center’s Southern Campus were dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September.

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WAITNG FOR PHOTO FOR SENIORS,

ACE IS THE PlACE The new AcuTe cAre for elders uniT is specificAlly designed for older pATienTs’ needs.

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aring for geriatric patients is different than for younger populations. Older patients often have multiple health problems, making treatment more complicated. They are more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment and functional decline, along with a lack of social or fnancial support. And hospitals are typically not well equipped to handle senior patients’ special needs, putting them more at risk for hospital-related complications such as infections or falls.

But recent studies have found that special areas called Acute Care for Elders (ACE) units can dramatically improve such care. And Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC) opens its brand new, 18-bed ACE unit this fall.

ACE units feature an interdisciplinary approach that integrates medical specialists to collaboratively develop the patient-centered care plan. The medical center’s ACE unit includes a geriatrician, a nurse coordinator, staff nurses, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and social

At the ribbon-cutting for the medical center’s new Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit were Jessica L. Israel, M.D., regional director for Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus; James Maida, chairman, Board of Trustees, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus Foundation; Frank J. Vozos, M.D., FACS, president & CEO, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus; Joan Wills, regional assistant vice president, Geriatrics, Palliative Care and Community Health Education, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus.

workers/care managers. The unit itself has been modifed to include color contrasts to help people with limited vision see their environment better; handrails in bathrooms, patient rooms and hallways; and furniture designed to ease transfers.

The unit is headed by Jessica Israel, M.D., who is boardcertifed in three specialties: internal medicine, geriatrics and palliative and hospice care. “She has a rich background in geriatric care and we feel blessed to be working with her,” says Joan Wills, regional assistant vice president of MMCSC. “The senior population around the country is growing,” says Wills. “Each day for the next 20 years, 10,000 people will turn 65. We are now better prepared to take care of those seniors here in Ocean County.”

Coming soon : The geriaTriC insTiTuTe Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus’ new ACE unit is the frst of several changes under way as the medical center creates its new Geriatric Institute. By early 2016, an outpatient facility will open down the hall from the inpatient ACE unit to house social workers, nutritionists, education programs and more.

The institute will not only help care for the patient, but will offer care for his or her home caregivers as well.

“Caring for an elderly person takes a lot of time and energy, and caregivers often stop caring for themselves,” says Joan Wills, the campus’ regional assistant vice president. “When the patient is here in the hospital, caregivers can get some respite. We want to be able to help them, too.”

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good circulation,

good health ImagIng now avaIlable In lakewood makes It easIer to catch cardIovascular dIsease early.

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n estimated 30 million americans are at risk for various forms of vascular disease, including stroke, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. Most such conditions can be treated effectively if they’re caught early. that’s why Monmouth Medical center’s comprehensive Vascular center provides a wide range of imaging services to fnd and treat problems early. and now those same services are available at Monmouth Medical center Southern campus. “diagnosing vascular disor-

ders requires advanced tools,” says Mark K. Hirko, M.d., chairman of the department of Surgery at Monmouth Medical center. “We now offer patients convenient access to a host of advanced outpatient diagnostic imaging and testing procedures.” these services include vascular duplex ultrasound (which uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries), pulse-volume recording (which measures blood fow) and tCPo2 (tissue capillary oxygen pressure) measurement. “Every image is taken by registered

vascular technologists and read and interpreted by Monmouth’s board-certifed health care providers,” dr. Hirko says.

Vascular screening is benefcial for those at increased risk for vascular disease, he explains. risk factors include age, a family history of cardiovascular disease or a personal history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking. “if you have at least one of these factors, you may beneft from screening,” he says. to learn more, call 732.923.5030.

Mark K. Hirko, M.D., FACS, chairman of surgery at Monmouth Medical Center and medical director of the Comprehensive Vascular Center at Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, and Geraldine Smith, administrative director of perioperative services at the Southern Campus.

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A WeIghT OFF YOUr MIND? In many cases, barIatrIc surgery can restore good health—and Improve one’s outlook too.

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here is plenty of data showing that obesity is a signifcant risk factor for such health problems as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and certain types of cancer. But being overweight has serious mental health consequences as well.

“Obese individuals have an increased risk of psychological distress, disordered eating and an impaired health-related quality of life,” says Thomas Massarelli, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus. “We know that extremely obese individuals are almost fve times more likely than other people to have suffered from a major depressive episode in the past year. This is seen more in women than in men.”

The good news is that, just as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery can improve or even eliminate some of those physical problems, it can also help patients achieve better psychological health. “Most studies have reported overall postoperative improvement in depressive symptoms, self-esteem, health-related quality of life and body image,” Dr. Massarelli says. “Patients feel a greater sense of control over their life, and a greater sense of accomplishment in that there are things they can do now that they weren’t able to do in the past.”

Behavioral issues are also often corrected by the surgery. For instance, eating behavior disorders are fairly common in the obese population, particularly binge eating disorder, which occurs in up to 15 percent of the patients who opt for surgery. “Yet most binge eating may be alleviated after surgery, which tends to lead to more normal eating patterns,” he says.

If you would like to learn more about this and other aspects of bariatric surgery, come to one of the bariatric surgery lectures now being offered at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, every month. Upcoming lectures are scheduled for November 11 and December 9. Parking is free. Preregistration is required. Call 888.724.7123 to register.

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MaMMograMs SAvE lIvES RegulaR imaging of this kind is the best means we know foR spotting bReast canceRs eaRly, making timely tReatment possible.

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ach October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us how vital it is that women get regular mammograms. “Mammography is the only imaging study proven to reduce mortality,” says Cynthia Ann Barone, D.O., a breast imager at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center, which has a satellite location at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus.

In fact, a 2010 study found that the death rate from breast cancer was 29 percent lower among women who got mammograms than among those who didn’t.

“Some patients get nervous because mammography uses radiation,” Dr. Barone says. “But the risk is extremely low. It is equivalent to a few hours in sunshine without sunscreen. People go to the beach all the time and don’t think about it, so they shouldn’t worry about mammograms.”

The Wilentz Center also offers breast tomosynthesis, a threedimensional mammogram that is better at detecting cancer and, just as important, better at ruling out suspicious fndings. “Its biggest plus is that patients don’t have to come back for additional imaging as often,” she says.

The center offers many other imaging technologies, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. “But these are meant as complementary to mammography; they are not meant to replace mammography,” says Dr. Barone. Many guidelines call for yearly mammography for all women beginning at age 40, or sooner for certain women at higher risk for the disease. Ask your doctor if you are due for a mammogram.

Breast imager Cynthia Ann Barone, D.O., reads a mammogram while Diane Ciricillo, director of the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, looks on.

Why breast centers are best The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center is what’s known as a comprehensive breast center. That means it offers multidisciplinary care from surgeons, oncologists, geneticists, social workers and patient navigators to help women throughout their treatment, says center Director Diane Ciricillo.

“We also have dedicated radiologists who focus on breastspecifc screening,” she says. And that’s important. “Many imaging centers offer mammography, but

patients should be savvy about who is reading the mammogram,” says breast imager Cynthia Ann Barone, D.O. “For optimal quality, radiologists should spend 70 percent or more of their time on mammograms and not other imaging studies. As with anything else, the more volume you do, the better you are at it.”

Appointments for screening mammograms are not required.

To learn more, call the bReast centeR at 732.923.7700 oR go online at baRnabashealth.oRg.

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FOUNDATIONFOCUS

From the left: Bill Boglioli; Frank Vozos, M.D., president and chief executive offcer of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus; Ben Harvey; and Bill Arnold, chief operating offcer of Monmouth Medical Center.

113 golfers make a

classic T

he monmouth medical center southern campus foundation’s annual Golf classic took place aug. 24 at metedeconk national Golf club. dominick servodio of Td Bank was the chairman of the event, which had 113 golfers in attendance. it was the foundation’s most successful Golf classic to date thanks to the sponsors and participants, including the event’s Tournament sponsor, pine Belt enterprises.

Dominick Servodio of TD Bank, chairman of the Golf Classic, and Denice Gaffney, vice president of the foundation at MMCSC.

many helped cook up a fine ‘flavors’

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onmouth medical center southern campus foundation’s “flavors of the Jersey shore” food & Wine festival took place oct. 22 at the pine Belt chevrolet showroom in lakewood. mary clarke of healthsouth of Toms river and rob sickel of pine Belt enterprises co-chaired the event, which drew more than 400 attendees. The vip preview food salon experience was hosted by celebrity chef Joe leone, and vip sponsors included falco’s catering, the event planning company nJ’s Best dJ’s and opici Wine. it was the foundation’s most successful food and wine tasting to date, thanks to the sponsors, supporters and more than 30 food and beverage vendors who participated. proceeds from this event went to help fund cancer services at monmouth medical center, southern campus, in observance of Breast cancer awareness month. Thanks and congratulations to all!

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Doctor

Ask the

Should you get a flu Shot?

A question for todd PhilliPs, M.d., chief MedicAl officer, MonMouth MedicAl center, southern cAMPus.

Y

es. And now is the time to do it.

Influenza (the flu) is caused by a highly contagious family of viruses that create epidemics of illness every year. A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those close to you from this dangerous infection.

The fu is not to be taken lightly, especially among older adults. As many as 49,000 people in the United States die each year from complications of infuenza, and hundreds of thousands are sent to the hospital because of it. Adults over age 65, those with weakened immune systems and those suffering from chronic

illnesses—such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes—are among the people most likely to develop severe and potentially fatal complications.

Flu shots have been proven to help your body’s chances of fighting off the flu—or to lessen its severity and duration in the unlikely case that you develop flu. They are widely available at many physician offices and pharmacies. The protection they offer against influenza will last all year. Fall is the best time to get one, to give your body time to build resistance to the viruses that usually appear in winter.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Here are some upcoming events that will be of interest to seniors. The location is the Center for Healthy Aging, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, unless otherwise noted.

NOVEMBER • 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesdays, 12–2 p.m.; Wednesdays, 12:15–2:15 p.m.

• 4, 11, 18, 25 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesdays, 12:15–2:15 p.m.

• 6, 13, 20 CHAIR YOGA

Fridays, 2–3 p.m. ($5 per class) •9

free ScreeningS,

YOU HEAR?

heAring tests At MonMouth MedicAl center’s southern cAMPus could be your key to A better quAlity of life.

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earing loss is one of the most common health problems affecting older adults. The National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 30 percent of adults 65–74 years old and 47 percent of adults 75 or older have a hearing impairment.

Hearing loss is more than just inconvenient or annoying. It can be dangerous. People with impaired hearing may have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings and detecting alarms. It can also greatly diminish quality of life, causing older people who can’t hear well to become depressed or withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed by a frequent failure to understand what is being said.

Hearing problems can be treated, but they need to be diagnosed frst. That’s why the Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, offers free hearing screenings at health fairs throughout the community. To fnd the dates and times of upcoming screenings, call the center at 732.575.0452. Or you can make an appointment for a full hearing evaluation at 732.942.5921.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER

1–3 p.m.

• 10 BRAIN HEALTH AS YOU AGE

10 a.m.–12 p.m., Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, 331 Georgia Tavern Rd., Howell. Register with the Monmouth County Park System, 732.842.4000, ext. 1.

• 10, 24 SELF-DEFENSE FOR OLDER ADULTS,

10–11 a.m.

• 17 BRAIN HEALTH AS YOU AGE

2 p.m., Manchester Library, 21 Colonial Dr., Manchester.

Register at 732.657.7600.

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