Healthy Aging: May 2016

HEALTHY AGINGmAy 2016

A PublicAtion from monmouth medical center, southern campus

learningself-defense

mammograms after 65

the joy oftai chi

stAysAfe!

HOLISTICheALINGmethODs

HealthyAging.0416.10.indd 1 4/19/16 9:21 AM

WElcomE lEttEr

To our community:

This is the beginning of an exciting new era for health care in New Jersey as Barnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson Health System have united to create the most comprehen-sive health system in the state, RWJBarnabas Health. We are bring-ing the best of academic medicine, research and teaching and community providers together to create healthier communities.

For our patients this means greater, more convenient access to high-quality care, the development of advanced new services and the expansion of, and ac-cess to, cutting-edge clinical trials. Our systems contributed a combined total of over $550 million a year in community ben-eft services. These investments go toward outreach and engagement programs, pro-grams with schools and religious groups to keep people healthy. Together we will be able to accomplish even more.

As one, we are positioned to better com-bat disease and promote wellness in our region—truly making our communities healthier while also making health care more affordable. Thank you for trusting RWJBarnabas Health as your healthcare partner. We look forward to serving you for generations to come.

Best regards,Frank J. Vozos, m.D., FAcS

Executive Vice President, Barnabas HealthChief Executive, Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus

2

The Affordable Care Act has put patient

satisfaction at the top of the list of goals for all health care providers, and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Cam-pus (MMCSC) recently hired a new Director of Patient Care to oversee that mission. Since start-ing at MMCSC this past October, Suji Thomas, M.S.N., M.B.A.–HCM, R.N., along with her as-sistant clinical nurse directors, has made great strides in improving patient sat-isfaction ratings. Her efforts and those of her team have resulted in dramatically increased patient satisfaction scores for the past two quarters—specifcally in communication with nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff and pain management.

Thomas has monthly staff meetings along with daily hud-dles, where she utilizes an evidence-based approach on educating the multidisciplinary team to strive for improve-ment in patient satisfaction and patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience. “During the daily huddles we focus on quality of care and patient satisfaction data,” Thomas says. “We point out where a good job has been done and where we see a need for improvement.” Awareness is the key to suc-cess. Investing this time and effort into her team’s education on current trends in health care is crucial as it presents a greater understanding of HCAHPS Hospital Survey and value- based purchasing (VBP); this awareness of the front-line staff brings forth high patient satisfaction and quality clini-cal outcomes. The front-line staff members are oftentimes the individuals who make the most impact on patients, which is why it is imperative that they are exhibiting best practices.

Thomas has based much of her practice around Jean Wat-son’s Caring Theory. Watson, an American nurse theorist and nursing professor who is best known for her theory of human caring, believes that to improve self-care and the care of others both staff morale and satisfaction need to be at the forefront of our minds. Thomas, in collaboration with other disciplines in the hospital, is in the process of developing a “caring trolley” for this reason. The “caring trolley” will deliver coffee and refreshments daily to front-line staff on inpatient foors by senior leadership. “This will demonstrate a genuine act of caring and concern for the health and well-being of staff by hospital leaders,” she says.

WORkINg FOR PATIENT

SATISFACTION


3

Do older women still need mam-

mograms? Many such women

mistakenly think that, after a cer-

tain age, these imaging tests are

no longer important. But that’s

not true; in fact, aging is one of

the primary risk factors for breast

cancer. Now Monmouth Medi-

cal Center, Southern Campus, has

secured a Healthy Living Grant

for Cancer Prevention from the

American Medical Association

Foundation to fund education-

al outreach in order to stress the

importance of continuing breast

health screening for women 65

and older.

“Our team of nurse practitioners,

breast surgeons, genetic counsel-

ors and oncology nurse navigators

will go out into the community

to lecture groups of women in

Ocean and Monmouth counties,”

says Laura Gallo, special projects

manager for cancer services. The

educators will appear at various lo-

cations including hospitals, senior

and community centers, libraries,

houses of worship, worksites and

shopping malls.

During education events, which

feature both a lecture and a Q&A

session, the team will address all

the issues and myths related to

breast health, including the fear

some women feel about mammo-

grams. The breast health educators

will conduct risk assessments, dis-

cuss risk factors, help patients to

make convenient appointments

based on their own schedules and

even help arrange transportation to

and from the hospital.

Mammography is proven to fnd

cancers early, when they are most

easily treated and cured, yet many

women have never had a mammo-

gram, while others have stopped

their regular screenings.

“Ultimately, the program will

result in more early detection,

more hope and more survivors,”

Gallo says. “If you are interested

in having us speak to you—it can

be for an organization or just a

group of friends—we are willing to

come out.”

To better serve patients, the

Monmouth Medical Center, South-

ern Campus Jacqueline M. Wilentz

Breast Center was permanently

relocated to the main hospital last

month. Services will now include

breast screening mammography,

diagnostic mammography, breast

surgery consultation and high-risk

cancer assessment.

To fnd the location of future

events, or to schedule an event for

your group, contact Laura Gallo

at [email protected] or

732.923.6509. Or to schedule a

mammogram, call 732.923.7700.

MAMMOGrAMSKeep up the habit of

Older wOmen still need this screening, as an Outreach team explains.

HealthyAging.0416.9.indd 3 4/18/16 4:19 PM

4

Meditative movesTai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art, is some-

times called “moving meditation.” Practitioners move their bodies slowly and gently through postures while focusing on breathing and relaxation. The movements can be adapted or practiced while walking, standing or sitting, making tai chi an excellent exercise for older adults and those with chronic health concerns.

And it provides more than exercise. Scientifc research has found that practicing tai chi may improve balance and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s, which can help reduce the risk of suffering a harmful fall. Studies also show that tai chi may ease pain from knee osteoar-thritis, help people cope with fbromyalgia and back pain and promote quality of life and mood in people with heart failure and cancer. It also offers psychological benefts, such as reducing anxiety.

For all these reasons, the Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus is offer-ing tai chi classes for Better Health members. Classes are available for both those experienced at tai chi and those who are not.

Instructor Kit Lau, who has been teaching tai chi for more than 10 years, will instruct Better Health members in the fne art of tai chi from both standing and sitting positions. “We feel that tai chi is wonderful opportunity for members to improve their balance and to also socialize

and meet new people,” says Kelly DeLeon, health coach.Classes will be offered throughout the year and begin-

ers are welcome. All seniors age 55 and older are invited to participate, regardless of medical conditions. The cost is $5 for one class or $40 for eight sessions, all held at the Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. Space is limited and registration is required;

call the Barnabas Health LINK at 888.724.7123.

Tai chi for seniors offers beTTer healTh and balance—and fun.

A tai chi class can be good exercise,

spiritual centering and social fun.


5

You don’t want to mess withWalter Miller. He has a black

belt in three martial arts: judo, self- defense and jiu-jitsu. He teaches these techniques to men and women of all ages—which is remarkable, because Miller is in his 80s.

“Walter understands the needs of older adults,” says Kelly DeLeon, a health coach with Monmouth Medi-cal Center, Southern Campus. He is offering two classes in self-defense—one specifcally for adults 60 and older and one for all ages—to help people learn to protect themselves from personal assaults, street at-

tacks and abductions. The classes also promote physical activity and social-ization along with safety, DeLeon says.

Miller teaches participants how to use leverage and balance, rather than brute strength, to fend off would-be assailants. He says he is happy to provide this class because it teaches people “how to stay safe using hands-on techniques for protect-ing themselves during attacks. Older women and young girls are the big-gest targets of crimes.”

You do not need any prior experience in self-defense to attend the classes, DeLeon says. There is no protective

gear needed, and the classes are safe and designed to meet the age-appro-priate needs and physical abilities of participants. Be sure to wear comfort-able, loose-ftting clothing to class.

The classes are held the second and fourth Tuesday and Thursday of every month, and open enroll-ment means you can start at any time. They are held at the Center for Healthy Living at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood. The cost is $15 for fve one-hour classes.

Space is limited and registration

is required. Call 888.724.7123 to

register or fnd out more.

Don’t be a viCtim

Techniques for self-protection taught

by Walter Miller, right, can increase the

confdence of seniors—or anyone else.

an octogenarian teaches

the art of self-defense.


6

I n the past few decades, Western

medicine has caught up to what

Eastern health care practitioners

have known for centuries: healing

sometimes works best with both the

expertise of medically profcient phy-

sicians and holistic modalities that

soothe the mind and spirit as well

as the body. “Monmouth Medical

Center, Southern Campus [MMCSC]

wants to be moving with current

trends in healthcare to ensure that

our staff and community receive

what is helpful in addition to what

conventional medicine has to offer,”

explains Donna Cetroni, board certi-

fed holistic nurse and performance

improvement coordinator.

“There is ample research support-

ing the benefts of the integration of

holistic modalities to improve out-

comes and honor each person as an

individual,” she continues. “Our goal

is to provide evidence-based scientifc

methods for holistic healing to our pa-

tients, their caregivers and our staff.”

These evidence-based methods of

complementary and integrative holis-

tic care are defned by the American

Holistic Nurses Association as an

all-nursing practice that has healing

the whole person as its central goal.

These modalities serve to enhance

the person’s experience and en-

rich healing potential. They include

healing arts such as yoga therapy,

massage therapy, aromatherapy and

the healing touch amongst others.

The hospital has opened a Tran-

quility Room that is available for staff

to use to reenergize in a peaceful set-

ting. The Healing Garden is also part

of the facility and it is available to

patients, families and staff to refect

and restore in a natural setting with a

calming and soothing atmosphere.

MMCSC is embodying a Barn-

abas Health Corporate approach in

the development of standardizing a

special outlet to support staff mem-

bers facing emotional and spiritual

challenges with what is called Code

Lavender. The purpose is to initiate

and provide a formal setting for emo-

tional support for an employee who

was exposed to a critical incident in

the acute care setting of the hospital.

It provides an immediate vehicle for

healthcare providers to express them-

selves amongst colleagues, to share

their emotions and relieve stress.

In addition, the Monmouth Medi-

cal Center, Southern Campus

Holistic Council wants to provide

bedside nurses with tools for self-

care so they are balanced and

mindfully present to provide the fn-

est care for their patients. “We are

committed to providing skilled care,

empathy and compassion as this is

what our staff and community de-

serve,” Cetroni says.

A HOLISTIC AppROACH to heAlth

the medical center offers spiritual

healing to patients and staff.

Suji Thomas, director, Patient Care; Donna Cetroni, coordinator,

Performance Improvement; Geraldine Smith, administrative

director, Surgical Services; Wendy Mahne, critical care nurse;

Jennifer Lees, assistant director, Patient Care; Rosalina

Manongdo, assistant vice president, Patient Care; Judy Colorado,

chief nursing ofcer; Chela Rajakumar, staf nurse, Med-Surg.


7


DoctorAsk the

Can ExErCisE HElp my

pEripHEral artErial DisEasE?

T he short answer: YES! Periph-

eral arterial disease (PAD) is a

condition that usually affects lower-

extremity blood vessels. Fatty mate-

rial (plaque) causes the hardening

and narrowing of arteries, result-

ing in lessened blood flow, which in

turn may produce weakness as well

as pain and other abnormal sensory

symptoms of legs and feet.

These symptoms first appear

with long walks and then recede

with rest, but over time they occur

when walking even short distances.

Legs may become cool to the touch

or feel numb at rest. When PAD be-

comes severe, one may experience

nighttime leg cramps and/or con-

stant pain or tingling of the feet,

which may become hypersensitive

to even the lightest touch. Calf mus-

cles may atrophy and shrink as well.

In addition, feet may appear pale or

bluish with toenails thickening, and

non-healing skin sores may develop.

Treatment for PAD may include

medication, dietary changes (in-

cluding weight loss if indicated),

avoidance of smoking and vascular

surgery if necessary.

Exercise is a proactive way to

help control PAD, while at the same

time contributing to a healthier, more

active lifestyle. Symptom reduction

by exercising, including distance im-

provement while walking, has been

established by medical research. A

balance program involves supervised

leg exercises and walking (with or

without a treadmill) to the point of

pain, followed by rest periods. Your

circulation may improve over time, as

small new (collateral) blood vessels

form in response to the exercise.

Always consult with your doctor

before starting an exercise program.

The Comprehensive Vascular Center

at Monmouth Medical Center, South-

ern Campus, stands ready to assist

you and your primary physician.

For a referral to a primary care

physician, call 888.724.7123. To learn

more about The Comprehensive

Vascular Center, call 732.923.5030.

A question for ChArles MArkowitz, M.D., PhysiCAl MeDiCine AnD rehAbilitAtion sPeCiAlist, MonMouth MeDiCAl Center, southern CAMPus.

LunCh & Learn: undersTanding

MediCare and your opTions For

CoMprehensiVe CoVerage

Wednesday, April 20, 11:30 a.m.

Center for Healthy Living

Register by calling 888.724.7123

LunCh & Learn: under pressure—

heaLing probLeMaTiC Wounds

WiTh oxygen

presenTed by Johnny Larsen, d.o.

Friday, April 29, 11:30 a.m.



gLuCose sCreening

Tuesday, May 10, 9–10 a.m.



audioLogy prograM

WiTh dr. boyer

Wednesday, May 11, 12:45 p.m.

Jackson Twp. Senior Center

45 Don Connor Blvd., Jackson

Register with Jackson Senior Center at

732.928.1323

skin CanCer sCreening

WiTh dr. TarLoW

Thursday, May 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m.


Register by calling 888.724.7123; by

appointment only for people aged 60

and older.

aging eyes WiTh dr. paTeL

Tuesday, May 24, 11 a.m.–noon

Howell Senior Center,

251 Preventorium Rd., Howell

Register with Howell Senior Center

at 732.938.4500

CoMMuniTy CaLendar Here are some upcoming events that

will be of interest to seniors.

apriL

May

8

reCurring groups

bereaVeMenT supporT group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays (April 12 & 26;

May 10 & 24)

2:15–3:30 p.m.


For more information, call 732.730.9112

CaregiVers supporT group

Every Tuesday

12:15–2:15 p.m.



diabeTes seLF-ManageMenT

eduCaTion

Every Thursday

10 a.m.–noon



grandparenTs raising

grandChiLdren supporT group

Every Wednesday

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m,




Documents

Healthy Aging: May 2016