Hackensack Meridian Health https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org Creating a Whole New State of Healthcare Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:57:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.3 Socializing After the Vaccine: How to Do It Safely https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2021/11/02/socializing-after-the-vaccine-how-to-do-it-safely/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:57:12 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75262 Here are some steps you can take to feel comfortable and safe getting back out into the world after your COVID-19 vaccine.

The post Socializing After the Vaccine: How to Do It Safely appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
After a long stretch of shutdowns and quarantine, you may be feeling some anxiety about getting back into the world even if you are fully vaccinated—particularly when new virus variants surge and breakthrough cases emerge.

“It’s no surprise that many people are anxious about returning to ‘normal’ after living through a yearlong global pandemic that is still ongoing,” says Stacey Doumas, M.D., a psychiatrist with Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. “Leaving what has been your safe zone will be uncomfortable, and that’s OK. However, if your anxiety is negatively impacting your quality of life, that’s when you should consider reaching out to a mental health professional.”

Even if the transition back into society may be nerve-wracking, you might be ready to get back to spending time with your friends and family. Here are some steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable as you slowly but safely get back to life.

Set Boundaries: It’s OK to invite only fully vaccinated people into your home or only want to spend time with friends and family who have received their vaccine. Don’t be afraid to let people know that while you’re happy to see them, you’re still uncomfortable giving hugs and handshakes. While you’re out and about, continue to keep a safe social distance from strangers and mask when needed.

Continue to Wear a Mask When Indoors: Remember to follow state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines about mask-wearing. Masks continue to be an effective way to protect yourself and others from airborne bacteria and infections.

Keep Numbers Smaller: Rather than plan large gatherings, look for opportunities to spend time outdoors if possible—or indoors with masks—with smaller groups of family and friends.

Be Patient with Yourself: Ease your way back into social situations. There’s no need to fill your calendar up with plans; you can take your time. Also, don’t force yourself to go out if you’re truly not ready yet. The past year has been traumatic for everyone. Give yourself some grace— your friends and family will understand.

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post Socializing After the Vaccine: How to Do It Safely appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health: Affiliation Brings Advanced Rehabilitation Care To Northern New Jersey https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/press-releases/2021/11/02/st-josephs-health-and-hackensack-meridian-health-affiliation-brings-advanced-rehabilitation-care-to-northern-new-jersey/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 16:27:58 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75255 St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health are proud to announce a clinical affiliation that brings the expertise of the Hackensack Meridian Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) – offering the highest levels of rehabilitation medicine – to residents of Northern New Jersey.

The post St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health: Affiliation Brings Advanced Rehabilitation Care To Northern New Jersey appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health are proud to announce a clinical affiliation that brings the expertise of the Hackensack Meridian Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) – offering the highest levels of rehabilitation medicine – to residents of Northern New Jersey. Recognized as one of the nation’s top acute rehabilitation hospitals, with leading experts and specialty programs, JRI services will now be located on the St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center campus in Wayne.

“As our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health continues to evolve, that means enhanced rehab services for residents in the surrounding communities,” says Kevin. J. Slavin, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Health. “Our patients will benefit from the Johnson Rehabilitation Institute’s decades of exceptional treatment to rebuild shattered lives and restore independence.”

Two years ago, St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health announced a clinical and strategic partnership that deepens both organizations’ commitment to providing access and delivering the highest quality throughout the region. Expanding rehabilitation services is one such example of how the partnership is bringing additional expertise to the community.

“We are pleased to expand our nationally-recognized Johnson Rehabilitation team to North Jersey,” says Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Throughout the state, our experts have been improving lives through their vast expertise in healing and restoring quality of life after a traumatic episode.”

For more than 50 years, the nationally-acclaimed JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute has been a leader in the field, breaking ground in the areas of stroke rehabilitation, innovative orthopedic programs, cutting edge fitness, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Johnson Rehab specialists to St. Joseph’s to enhance an already strong program,” says Sara Cuccurullo, MD, Medical Director and Vice President of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “Our highly trained experts will advance the work in helping patients reach their highest levels of recovery.”

The JFK Johnson Rehab Institute is ranked 30th in the nation for acute rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report.

“When expert teams work together, our patients win,” says Priscilla Kaszubski, DO, Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine for St. Joseph’s Health. “The additional capabilities of the Johnson Rehabilitation physicians and staff means that patients who suffered from traumatic injuries or illness have an even better chance at restoring independence and regaining quality of life.”

“The partnership of our two organizations deepens our commitment to the communities we serve,” says Roger Rossi, DO, Medical Director, Acute Rehabilitation Unit at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center. “The ability to extend the already proven and experienced strengths and services of the Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to more individuals in New Jersey and beyond is a tremendous honor.”

Press Contacts:

Danielle Woodruffe
Hackensack Meridian Health
201-249-4838
Danielle.woodruffe@hmhn.org

Pam Garretson
St. Joseph’s Health
973-754-4500
garretsonp@sjhmc.org

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH

Founded in 1867, St. Joseph’s Health is a healing ministry of the Catholic Church and has proudly served the residents of New Jersey and the metropolitan area for over 152 years. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s is committed to providing high quality care to all those in need, with a special concern for the poor, vulnerable, and underserved. From 102 patients in the first year of operation to more than 1.6 million patient-visits in 2018, St. Joseph’s continues to evolve as the leading health resource in the community, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the largest providers of charity care in New Jersey.

The world-class healthcare network — supported by over 6,000 renowned physicians, nurses and care teams — is one of the leading clinical teaching and academic centers in the country and has been recognized for its innovative programs and cutting-edge services. The health system operates a full continuum of care, including a regional tertiary care medical center (St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson), an acute care medical center (St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, Wayne) a state-designated children’s hospital (St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Paterson), a rehabilitation and long-term care facility (St. Joseph’s Healthcare & Rehab Center, Cedar Grove), comprehensive home care (Visiting Health Services of New Jersey, Totowa) and over 36 ambulatory care centers located throughout northern New Jersey.

Among its awarding-winning specialties, St. Joseph’s is home to the nationally acclaimed Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO®) program; the first accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in New Jersey; a five-time recipient of the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence (the profession’s highest honor – an accomplishment reached by only 12 hospitals nationwide); and recognized by US News with a Top Nursing Home award and a five-star rating.

For additional information, please visit www.StJosephsHealth.org.

The post St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health: Affiliation Brings Advanced Rehabilitation Care To Northern New Jersey appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Medicine Department Receives State Health Grant to Address Health Equity for COVID Prevention https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/press-releases/2021/11/01/hackensack-university-medical-center-emergency-medicine-department-receives-state-health-grant-to-address-health-equity-for-covid-prevention/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:31:17 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75250 The Department of Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center has received a $352,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Health to address Health Equity for COVID Prevention.

The post Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Medicine Department Receives State Health Grant to Address Health Equity for COVID Prevention appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
The Department of Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center has received a $352,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Health to address Health Equity for COVID Prevention. The funding will support a pilot study focused on COVID risk factors in patients with chronic diseases and behavioral health concerns who come into Emergency Departments in six hospitals in the Hackensack Meridian Health network.

The initiative — led by Chinwe Ogedegbe, MD, MPH, FACEP, professor of Emergency Medicine, in collaboration with Ramon Solhkhah, MD, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore Medical Center, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine  — will facilitate the continuation of related work that has already been under way at Hackensack Meridian Health. The funding will enable patients to be linked to Tobacco Quit Centers, the state Tobacco Quitline, and relevant social services as well as to behavioral health and primary care providers. “This grant supports work that will have a significant impact on the care of the vulnerable populations and communities we serve through our Emergency Departments,” explained Joseph Underwood, MD, MHCDS chair of Emergency Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center, academic chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health School of Medicine.

“Emergency Medicine is a specialty that serves as a safety net in the healthcare system. This grant will facilitate our continued efforts not only to treat and prevent COVID, but to seek new ways to enhance the overall health of medically underserved populations who enter our system through our Emergency Departments,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president of Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health.

“This COVID Equity grant is a testament to our dedication and commitment to research addressing health equity issues in the Emergency Departments across our network,” added Ihor Sawczuk, MD, FACS, president, Northern Region, and chief research officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.

The post Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Medicine Department Receives State Health Grant to Address Health Equity for COVID Prevention appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
8 Workday Snacks That May Boost Your Immune System https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2021/11/01/8-workday-snacks-that-may-boost-your-immune-system/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:49:39 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75242 Changing the way that you think about snacking may help you eat more healthily and include more nutrients in your diet that may help to boost immunity.

The post 8 Workday Snacks That May Boost Your Immune System appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
When you’re hungry for a snack in the afternoon, do you instinctively reach for a cookie or a bag of chips? Changing the way that you think about snacking may help you eat more healthily and include more nutrients in your diet that may help to boost immunity.

These snacks are easy to bring to work, and they may help to boost your immune health because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients:

  • Berries. Blueberries and blackberries are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which has been shown to strengthen the immune system. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which may help to boost immunity.
  • Guacamole. Avocados contain healthy fats, and they’re rich in vitamin E and folate, which work to support the immune system. Guacamole comes in single-serve containers, and it pairs well with sliced vegetables like red pepper, broccoli and carrots, which are rich in antioxidants and also help to boost immunity.
  • Hummus. Chickpeas are one of the few plant-based foods containing zinc, which people often reach for in tablet form when they’re coming down with a cold. They’re also rich in vitamin B-6, which helps you stay healthy. Hummus made from chickpeas comes in single-serve containers, like guacamole does, and it also pairs nicely with fresh-cut veggies.
  • Peanut butter. This pantry staple is rich in vitamin E, which helps your body fight infection. Eat it on whole-grain crackers, or spread it on apple slices for a fruity, nutty snack.
  • Dark chocolate. Can chocolate help to improve your health? Research has shown that dark chocolate (not milk or white chocolate) is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that help the immune system fight inflammation. Choose chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao to help boost immunity, and only eat a small serving, because it’s high in fat.
  • Almonds. Like many nuts and seeds, almonds are high in immune-boosting vitamin E. Eat a small handful for a protein-packed snack.
  • Salmon. It’s not a traditional snack food, but salmon is rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which help to support your immune system. If you have leftovers from dinner, consider eating half a serving of salmon at snacktime, or spread canned salmon on whole-grain crackers.
  • Chicken soup. For generations, grandmothers have been offering family members chicken soup whenever they’re feeling rundown. It isn’t research-proven to boost the immune system, but the combination of ingredients – antioxidant-rich vegetables, plus chicken, which contains zinc – may help to keep you healthier. Microwaveable, single-serve containers are easy to pack for work.

Don’t expect dietary changes alone to boost your immune system. To stay healthy:

  • Eat healthy foods, including healthy snacks
  • Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night
  • Exercise at moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes a day
  • Take steps to reduce the amount of stress in your life
  • Quit smoking, if you’re a smoker
  • Wash your hands often

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post 8 Workday Snacks That May Boost Your Immune System appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
What is RSV? https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/2021/10/29/what-is-rsv/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:09:22 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75227 This contagious yet common virus causes cold-like symptoms and almost all children are exposed to the germ before the age of two.

The post What is RSV? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
By Kylie Stanger

At hospitals across the country, doctors are seeing an uptick in RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases, which usually happens in the fall/winter months.

This contagious yet common virus causes cold-like symptoms and almost all children are exposed to the germ before the age of two. For most healthy children, RSV can feel like a typical cold and they recover in about a week or two. However, some children can get very sick and may need hospitalization to help treat the virus.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days three through five of the illness. Symptoms of RSV include:

  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing

Who is at risk for RSV?

There’s a greater risk for severe illness or hospitalization from RSV for:

  • Premature infants
  • Very young infants (6 months and younger)
  • Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children who have neuromuscular disorders, inducing those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions

How is RSV treated? 

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. But some people with an RSV infection, such as older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.

“Our main focus is to help the child get better,” says Katharine Clouser, M.D., a pediatric hospitalist at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. “They are going to get some suctioning to help with the mucus, IV fluids to help with hydration and extra oxygen to help the child breathe.”

What are some steps we can take to relieve symptoms of RSV?

  • Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and pain (if older than 6 months). Always avoid aspirin and cough and cold medicines. Talk to your doctor before giving your child any medication.
  • Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Using a nasal aspirator on young children who have trouble blowing their nose.
  • Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus and allow easier breathing.
  • Talk to your health care provider for the right care plan for you.

“If you notice your child having a hard time breathing or eating, call your pediatrician,” says Dr. Clouser. “If you can’t get in right away, go to the emergency room. Especially with young kids or babies, you don’t want to risk it.”

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post What is RSV? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
What’s the Difference Between a Stroke and a Brain Aneurysm? https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2021/10/28/whats-the-difference-between-a-stroke-and-a-brain-aneurysm/ Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:21:25 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75201 Strokes and brain aneurysms are similar but not the same. Here are the differences.

The post What’s the Difference Between a Stroke and a Brain Aneurysm? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Strokes and brain aneurysms are similar but not the same, says neurosurgeon Yevgenia Shekhtman, M.D. They both can cause severe damage—even death.

What’s an Aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel. The weakness in the wall of a vessel leads to ballooning or bulging, which can eventually lead to a rupture of the wall. “When it ruptures,” Dr. Shekhtman says, “the blood comes out of the artery and damages whatever brain structures are near.” An aneurysm can lead to a stroke, but a stroke won’t lead to an aneurysm.

What’s a Stroke?

Strokes are medical emergencies that happen when blood flow is impeded. With a thrombotic stroke, a blood clot forms inside an artery, like a clogged pipe, and blocks the blood from getting to a portion of the brain. Another type of stroke, an ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that spasms and fully or partially closes down. An aneurysm can cause an ischemic stroke, because the blood coming out of the burst blood vessel can irritate the arteries, causing them to spasm.

Risks Factors for Both

Strokes and brain aneurysms have some risk factors in common, such as:

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Family history
  • Structural abnormalities, such as damaged heart valves (stroke) or blood vessels that are formed irregularly (aneurysm)

Symptoms to Look for

When you are having a stroke, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Your face drooping on one side
  • Weakness in the arm or leg on one side
  • Trouble speaking
  • Trouble walking

But with an aneurysm, “most times a person is asymptomatic until the vessel bursts and they have the worst headache of their life,” Dr. Shekhtman says.

Not only can you have a brain aneurysm and not know it, but it may never cause any problems for you. The majority of brain aneurysms never rupture, cause any symptoms or even impact your health. Depending on a variety of factors, no treatment may be needed for an unruptured aneurysm. A watch-and-wait strategy is often all that’s needed.

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post What’s the Difference Between a Stroke and a Brain Aneurysm? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Nationally Recognized Cardiac Expert Joins Hackensack University Medical Center as New Chief of Cardiac Catheterization Lab  https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/press-releases/2021/10/27/nationally-recognized-cardiac-expert-joins-hackensack-university-medical-center-as-new-chief-of-cardiac-catheterization-lab/ Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:18:06 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75178 Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center is proud to welcome Michael Joseph Lim, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, as chief of the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

The post Nationally Recognized Cardiac Expert Joins Hackensack University Medical Center as New Chief of Cardiac Catheterization Lab  appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center is proud to welcome Michael Joseph Lim, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, as chief of the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

As a seasoned cardiac expert with 20 years of experience, Dr. Lim has earned national recognition for his expertise in treating complex coronary patients, his excellent technical skills, his extensive research, publications and presentations at conferences nationally and internationally.

Dr. Lim most recently served as the Jack Ford Shelby Endowed Professor in Cardiology and Professor of Internal Medicine and an attending physician at SSM St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.  Heearned his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and completed his residency in internal medicine at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Lim completed a cardiology fellowship, followed by an interventional cardiology fellowship, at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“On behalf of the entire team at Hackensack University Medical Center, I warmly welcome Dr. Michael Lim and share in everyone’s excitement of having him as a leader in our Heart and Vascular Hospital,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president of Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Dr. Lim’s experience and fellowship training will allow him to serve in a leadership role and perform advanced interventional cardiology procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab that will be invaluable to, not only our fellow practitioners, but our patients as well.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Lim, who will complement and expand our capability to treat the most complex, challenging coronary artery disease patients with cutting-edge techniques and technology,” said Joseph E. Parrillo, MD, chair of the Heart and Vascular Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Dr. Lim has served as a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials for conditions including mitral valve disease, cardiogenic shock and coronary artery disease. Since 1990, he has contributed more than 100 publications to medical literature, including more than 30 book chapters.  He has also served as an invited faculty member at numerous national conferences.

“We are proud to have Dr. Lim as a member of our leadership team and look forward to his contributions to patient care and cardiovascular clinical research,” said Lisa Tank, MD, chief medical officer, Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center.

A member of several professional societies, including the American Heart Association, Dr. Lim has been recognized as a “Best Doctor in America” annually since 2014, and has earned the annual “Best Doctors Distinction” for the St. Louis region since 2005.

“I am pleased to join the nationally recognized cardiovascular care team at Hackensack University Medical Center and provide the highest-quality cardiac care to members of the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Lim.

The post Nationally Recognized Cardiac Expert Joins Hackensack University Medical Center as New Chief of Cardiac Catheterization Lab  appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Names Landolfi as Chief Medical Officer https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/press-releases/2021/10/27/hackensack-meridian-jfk-university-medical-center-names-landolfi-as-chief-medical-officer/ Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:36:58 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75075

JFK University Medical Center has named Joseph C. Landolfi, D.O., CPE as the Chief Medical Officer of JFK University Medical Center.

The post Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Names Landolfi as Chief Medical Officer appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>

JFK University Medical Center has named Joseph C. Landolfi, D.O., CPE as the Chief Medical Officer of JFK University Medical Center. Dr. Landolfi currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the JFK Neuroscience Institute and Medical Director of Oncology at JFK University Medical Center. He is also the Interim Assistant Chief Medical Officer; Corporate Medical Director of HMH JFK Cancer Care; Section Chief, Neuro-oncology and Radiosurgery at the JFK Brain Tumor Treatment and Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Landolfi is also a professor of Neurology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Volunteer Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

“After a lengthy selection process, we are proud to have Joe Landolfi as only our third Chief Medical Officer in JFK’s 54-year history,” said Amie Thornton, President and Chief Hospital Executive, JFK University Medical Center. “Dr. Landolfi already brings 23 years of dedicated service to JFK in which he has provided invaluable clinical and administrative leadership to our entire team.”

Dr. Landolfi currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the JFK Neuroscience Institute and Medical Director of Oncology at JFK University Medical Center. He is also the Interim Assistant Chief Medical Officer; Corporate Medical Director of HMH JFK Cancer Care; Section Chief, Neuro-oncology and Radiosurgery at the JFK Brain Tumor Treatment and Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Landolfi is also a professor of Neurology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Volunteer Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

He has been honored with the 2015 Gary Lichtenstein Humanitarian Award awarded by Voices Against Brain Cancer; the NJ BIZ Healthcare Heroes Physician of the Year award, and Teacher of the Year twice by the JFK Neurology Residents.

“With Dr. Landolfi’s clinical and academic excellence along with his natural willingness to lead the medical staff, it makes him a perfect fit for the Chief Medical Officer post at JFK University Medical Center, the academic medical center hub of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Central Region,” said M. Todd Way, Regional President, Central Market, Hackensack Meridian Health.

Dr. Landolfi graduated from Seton Hall University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to attend the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) School of Osteopathic Medicine. His postgraduate training included Internal Medicine residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and Neurology residency at UMDNJ-University Hospital, where was the Neurology Chief Resident. He was a research fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York in Neuro-oncology.

He also served his country until 2003 as a member of the United States Naval Reserves as a Lt. Commander.

Certified by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons in Neurology, Dr. Landolfi is also a certified Physician Executive by the certifying Commission in Medical Management and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

The post Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Names Landolfi as Chief Medical Officer appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Who Should Get Screened for Breast Cancer? https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2021/10/27/who-should-get-screened-for-breast-cancer/ Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:37:55 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75164 Routine breast cancer screening is important for all women. Here’s when to start, which test to get and how frequently to continue.

The post Who Should Get Screened for Breast Cancer? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Breast cancer screening with a mammogram is one of the most effective ways to find breast cancer in a person before they experience any symptoms.

“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in America,” says Gail Starr, M.D., diagnostic radiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center. “An early breast cancer diagnosis is your best hope for a cure. In addition, the treatment options can be less aggressive and better tolerated when cancer is detected early, so having regular mammograms is crucial.”

While there is no concrete way to prevent breast cancer, annual mammograms have reduced the mortality rate by 40 percent. “Routine breast cancer screening is important for all women, because it is common and most women who get breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer or other risk factors” says Harriet Borofsky, M.D., breast imaging specialist at Bayshore Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center.

 

When to Get Screened Chart

Source: American College of Radiology

“In addition to these general guidelines, women of color have the highest breast cancer mortality rate and are more likely to receive an advanced-stage diagnosis,” says Rebecca Gamss, M.D., diagnostic radiologist at Hackensack. “All women should have a risk assessment before age 30, so those at higher risk can be identified—especially women of color and of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.”

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post Who Should Get Screened for Breast Cancer? appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
Safety Tips for Soccer Season https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2021/10/26/safety-tips-for-soccer-season/ Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:16:13 +0000 https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/?p=75119 For advice on how to keep young soccer players on the field throughout the season, we reached out to David Porter, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine.

The post Safety Tips for Soccer Season appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>
With the return of youth sports comes the return of sports injuries, from common bumps and bruises to more serious issues which may require treatment from a qualified sports medicine physician.

For advice on how to keep young soccer players on the field throughout the season, we reached out to David Porter, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. A keen athlete himself, Dr. Porter has spent the last three years working with local high school athletes, and a number of young soccer players are among his patients.

“On top of the general bump injuries due to the physical nature of the sport, the most common injuries I see among young soccer players are ACL injuries,” Dr. Porter explains.

“If athletes practice a few guidelines to get themselves ready for the season, they’re much less likely to get injured. My overall advice to parents and players is to focus on injury prevention, especially prevention of ACL injuries – plus ankle sprains and meniscus tears, which are the two other common injuries I see.”

Tips to Prevent Injuries

  • Stretching: Stretching and warm-ups are extremely important. Soccer requires players to aggressively twist and pivot, so failing to warm up appropriately increases the risk that these in-game maneuvers will end up causing an injury.
  • Strengthening supporting muscles: Increasing the strength of the supporting muscles that surround the knee will help prevent injuries. Functional core strength is also extremely important, especially with multidirectional athletes.
  • Work on improving balance: Core exercises help boost an athlete’s balance, and improve their overall health, fitness and athletic performance.

Don’t Ignore Signs & Symptoms

  • Changes in mobility. If an injury results in difficulty walking, it’s a red flag and should be evaluated by a physician.
  • Look for bruises and discoloration. If significant bruising or discoloration occurs at the site of the injury, it’s another red flag which indicates you should have the injury examined and treated by a physician.
  • Better safe than sorry. While many minor sports injuries resolve in a short time with rest and icing, an expert opinion is sometimes beneficial. Injuries that last more than 3-5 days, get gradually worse, or repeat injuries of the same location should be evaluated by a physician.

General Tips for Soccer Season

  • R.I.C.E. can help: When you experience an injury, practice R.I.C.E., which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.These are standard methods used to treat most sports injuries.
  • Physical therapy aids recovery: Physical therapy is proven to help speed up recovery, and can improve strength and range of motion after an accident. When faced with sports injuries, don’t ignore recommendations to seek physical therapy.
  • Eat and sleep like an athlete: Getting a good eight hours of sleep, in addition to eating a well-balanced diet with essential vitamins and nutrients, will help prevent some sports injuries, and can help speed up recovery.

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

The post Safety Tips for Soccer Season appeared first on Hackensack Meridian Health.

]]>