Hunterdon Regional Community Health's News Feed

Give Blood at Hunterdon Medical Center and Get Rita's

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:41:11 EDT

Give Blood at Hunterdon Medical Center and Get Rita's

Everyday, lives are saved by blood donors in our community.

Hunterdon Medical Center depends heavily on regular volunteer blood donors to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply. During the month of September, The Blood Bank at Hunterdon Medical Center will give all blood donors a coupon for a free Italian ice from Rita's in Flemington as a thank you for their support.

"Giving blood is the most generous act of kindness that one human being can do for another. When you give blood, you save lives. Blood is used for accident victims, newborn babies and their mothers who need a transfusion, people undergoing surgery, patients receiving treatment for cancer and other diseases," stated Cathy Conroy, Blood Donor Recruiter at Hunterdon Medical Center.

To be eligible to donate blood a person must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old need a note from parents for consent), be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

To schedule an appointment or for more information call Hunterdon Medical Center at 908-788-6405.

For more information, contact:

Hunterdon Healthcare Welcomes New Urologist

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:40:03 EDT

Brian Sperling, D.O. and James Choi, M.D. at Adult and Pediatric Urology of Hunterdon.

Hunterdon Healthcare Welcomes New Urologist

Hunterdon Medical Center is pleased to announce a new urologic surgeon Brian Sperling, D.O. Dr. Sperling is working with James Choi, M.D. at Adult and Pediatric Urology of Hunterdon. The practice provides a full range of urological care for pediatric and adults patients (infant to senior years).

Dr. Sperling received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine/Albert Einstein Medical

Center. He is a member of the American Urologic Association and

American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

Dr. Sperling has expertise in treating a wide range of urological issues and offers minimally invasive procedures for treating, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

Adult and Pediatric Urology of Hunterdon recently moved from the Hunterdon Doctor's Office Building to 5 Walter Foran Blvd, Ste. 4001 in Flemington.

The office accepts most managed care plans and is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. To learn more about the practice visit www.hunterdonurology.com or call the office at 908-751-5939.

For more information, contact:

Hunterdon Medical Center Adds New Neurosurgical Equipment

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:38:30 EDT

A composite of Mark R. McLaughlin, M.D., F.A.C.S., neurosurgeon and spine surgeon on staff at Hunterdon Medical Center and Medical Director of Princeton Brain & Spine Care, with the new LEICA intraoperative microscope recently purchased by the Hunterdon M

Hunterdon Medical Center Adds New Neurosurgical Equipment

When it comes to surgery, less is often more. New minimally invasive techniques translate to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, smaller incisions and less blood loss. Hunterdon Medical Center has recently invested in advanced technology for brain and spine procedures.

The LEICA intraoperative microscope is the newest addition to Hunterdon Medical Center's operating room expansion. Basic neurosurgical and spine procedures have been performed at Hunterdon Medical Center for many years.

However, more complex brain and spine disorders and minimally invasive procedures previously had been transferred out of hospital to other facilities because Hunterdon Medical Center did not have the equipment. The addition of the microscope to the operating room now enables neurosurgeons to provide these newer and more complex procedures at the hospital.

The intraoperative microscope allows Mark McLaughlin, M.D., F.A.C.S., Neurosurgeon, to perform minimally invasive diskectomies for herniated disks in the spine through a small working port the size of a quarter.

Utilizing traditional surgical goals, but through a smaller incision, patients have excellent surgical results with less post operative pain.

"It's sort of like the movie The Incredible Journey," explains Dr.

McLaughlin. "Imagine yourself shrinking down to miniature size and getting into a patient's body to fix the problem.

That's what the surgical microscope allows us to do. The microscope gives us better visualization and illumination of the surgical area, and allows us to go through smaller passageways to get to the problem."

Use of the microscope also allows the surgeons to perform more complex brain operations including brain tumor surgery.

The increased magnification helps surgeons more clearly dissect and remove abnormal tissue while protecting the normal tissue.

The microscope can also be used for other surgical procedures, including ENT and plastic surgery. It allows surgeons to better repair tissue and sew nerves, tendons, and arteries together.

Pre-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help detect a tumor or tissue abnormalities, but during surgery the targeted tissue is not as visible to the naked eye. The BrainLAB BrainSuiteR system that Hunterdon Medical Center purchased can digitally integrate an MRI and pinpoint a tumor so the surgeon can identify functional areas and pathways within the brain and ensure that the tumor is completely removed. This new technology helps the surgeon to view the tumor in 3D and high definition and helps provide a higher level of accuracy, making surgery more precise and safer for the patient. The BrainSuiteR system also integrates CT scans with surgical planning.

Another new operating technique combines Image-Guided Surgery (IGS) with the Vector Vision navigation system from BrainLAB. Vector Vision navigation system helps avoid damage to muscles and ligaments in total knee replacement and reduces the size of the incision by 50 percent.

The patient benefits by regaining the ability to walk and bend the leg as early as the first day after the operation.

In the Fall, Hunterdon Medical Center will begin renovations and expand the surgical suite. The surgical suite will include two new operating rooms, a family waiting room and pre-operative patient area and renovation to employee locker areas and an education and training room.

The new operating rooms will be equipped with the latest technology including boom-mounted flat-screen monitors, endoscopic towers, and video integration (touch-screen controls) which are all in easy reach of the operating team.

The project encompasses new construction of 2,018 square feet and renovation to existing space of 3,052 square feet. The expansion of surgical services at Hunterdon Medical Center will benefit over 130,000 residents. This construction project is part of Hunterdon Healthcare's 'Investing in a New Generation of Care' Capital Campaign. The Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation is seeking to raise

$15 million over the next two to three years. To date, $9 million has been raised.

To learn more about surgical services at Hunterdon Medical Center or the 'Investing in a New Generation of Care' Capital Campaign visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

Pictured: A composite of Mark R. McLaughlin, M.D., F.A.C.S., neurosurgeon and spine surgeon on staff at Hunterdon Medical Center and Medical Director of Princeton Brain & Spine Care, with the new LEICA intraoperative microscope recently purchased by the Hunterdon Medical Center and the BrainLAB system.

For more information, contact:

Hunterdon Lifeline Launches New AutoAlert Service

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:22:56 EDT

(right) Vickie Sloss, Hunterdon Lifeline Technician, demonstrates the new Lifeline AutoAlert system to Ruth McBride of Clinton Township. Ms. McBride just turned 90 on July 6th and recently had the new Lifeline system installed.

Every year in the U.S., one out of three people age 65 and over will fall.

Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, as well as injury-related deaths.

Seniors are living longer and remaining in their own homes; however, falls have become an epidemic problem that jeopardizes seniors'

chances to live independently. Hunterdon Lifeline recently introduced Lifeline with AutoAlert, which incorporates advanced technology into a pendant style help button that can automatically place a call for help when a fall is detected.

Ruth McBride of Clinton Township was the first person in Hunterdon County to get the new Lifeline AutoAlert system.

"I just celebrated my 90th birthday and my children wanted me to get Lifeline because of my age and because I live alone.

I go up and down about 25 steps a day, so the good part is if I fall, I will have help right away," stated Ms.

McBride.

Lifeline with AutoAlert is designed to help reduce the risk of long lie times. Pamela Stewart, Hunterdon Lifeline Program Coordinator explained, "If a fall victim receives help more quickly, that may reduce emotional distress and potential costs of extended treatment, rehabilitation and supported living. With AutoAlert, if a fall is detected, the individual will still have the opportunity to receive quick access to assistance even in situations where they can't push their button, for example, if they lose consciousness, become immobilized, forget to push their button or won't push their button because they feel they can manage the situation independently."

Lifeline is the only medical alert service that offers the auto alert option.

Today, Ms. McBride is telling all her friends about her new Lifeline button.

" I didn't want it, but I feel safer having it and I hope to convince my friends to get one too."

For more information call Pamela Stewart, Hunterdon Lifeline Program Coordinator at 908-237-5425.

For more information, contact:

FRENCHTOWN MARKET IGA SHOPPER WINS IGA HOMETOWN HEALTHYCHALLENGE NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:25:41 EDT

IGA Picture

FRENCHTOWN MARKET IGA SHOPPER WINS

IGA HOMETOWN HEALTHY CHALLENGE NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES $5,000 Donated to Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center in Clinton

Frenchtown, N.J. - Frenchtown Market IGA today announced Holly McNutt, a Frenchtown Market IGA shopper and Alpha resident, has won a national grand prize package in the IGA Hometown Healthy Challenge sweepstakes.

McNutt entered the sweepstakes at Frenchtown Market IGA during the Hometown Healthy Challenge, an event held (Feb. 14 - March 13) in participating IGA stores nationwide to help shoppers make healthier lifestyle choices involving food and exercise. As a grand prize winner, McNutt receives a $1,000 cash prize, and the opportunity to designate a community organization that will receive $5,000 toward health-and-wellness programming on behalf of Frenchtown Market IGA. The Clinton N.J.-based Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center, the beneficiary chosen by McNutt, received the $5,000 donation at the Frenchtown Market IGA location, 28 Sixth Street in Frenchtown on May 26th.

The Clinton-based Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center is a premier fitness facility where patients and members can access Hunterdon Healthcare clinicians and staff for guidance in attaining optimum health and rehabilitation. The Clinton campus approach focuses on the overall wellness of its members by integrating fitness, disease prevention and health enhancement.

Tamra Campanella, administrative director of the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center, said the Center is planning to use the funds from the donation to develop fitness programming, including therapeutic and medical-related fitness classes linked with Hunterdon Medical Center.

"We're so thankful to Holly McNutt and to IGA for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to bring additional quality fitness programs to the community we serve," Campanella said. "We're really looking forward to putting the money to good use in a way where we can measure the benefit for our patients and members."

"Health and wellness is a growing concern all across America, and we at Frenchtown Market IGA were so pleased to have the opportunity to bring healthier lifestyle resources to our community through the IGA Hometown Healthy Challenge," Ken Traub, owner of Frenchtown Market IGA, said. "Having a winner from our store is an added bonus. We're thrilled that Clinton's Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center has been selected to receive the $5,000 donation, and we're already looking forward to the next national event!"

About IGA:

IGA is the world's largest voluntary supermarket network with aggregate worldwide retail sales of more than $21 billion per year. The Alliance includes nearly 4,000 Hometown Proud Supermarkets worldwide, supported by 36 distribution companies and more than 55 major manufacturers, vendors and suppliers encompassing everything from grocery to equipment items. IGA has operations in 46 of the United States and more than 40 countries, commonwealths and territories on all six inhabited continents.

About the IGA Hometown Healthy Challenge:

IGA teamed with USDA to bring the month-long IGA Hometown Healthy Challenge event to participating IGA stores across the nation.

Throughout the event, IGA shoppers were encouraged to recognize and experience USDA's MyPyramid's guidelines through educational in-store signage, Web resources found on www.iga.com, informative bag-stuffers, and participation in the national consumer sweepstakes.

Three IGA shoppers nationwide have been named as grand prize winners, meaning in total, $15,000 will be donated to community organizations for fitness programming on behalf of three IGA stores.

Pictured left to right: Ken Traub, owner of Frenchtown Market IGA, presents Holly McNutt (center) of Alpha with a check for $1000. Ms.

McNutt presented the $5,000 check to Tamra Campanella, administrative director, Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers in Clinton and Whitehouse Station. The Clinton facility will benefit from this generous donation.

Press Contact:

Kathleen Seelig, MA

Director of Public Relations

Hunterdon Healthcare

Hunterdon Medical Center

2100 Wescott Drive

Flemington, NJ 08822

Phone: 908-788-6515

Fax: 908-788-6526

www.hunterdonhealthcare.org ( http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/ )

For more information, contact:

A Tri-Umphant Finish for Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center’s Triathlon Team

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:57:26 EDT

Joanne on her bike

A Tri-Umphant Finish for Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center's Triathlon Team

A team of local triathletes, all participants in the Hunterdon Healthcare Health and Wellness Center's 20-week triathlon training program, successfully went the distance at the Jerseyman Sprint and Half Ironman triathlons last Sunday, May 23, at Spruce Run Reservoir in Clinton Township. The 21-person team, many competing in their first triathlon, began the sprint race with a .6 mile loop swim followed by a

19.5 mile bike ride a 3.1 mile run through towns and farmlands surrounding the Clinton and Frenchtown areas.

Winning relay and individual performances among the team included, the relay team of Annette Marsh of Whitehouse Station and Elise Kaczynski of Glen Gardner, 16-years-old, placing third; Sharon Levin of Washington, placing first in Athena (women over 150 lbs.), and Eileen Papson of Glen Gardner, placing third in her age group. Another fine performance was turned in by team member, Nisim Parylian of Hampton, who successfully completed his first Half Ironman, a more challenging event consisting of

1.2 mile swim, a 56.6 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile ride.

To compete in a Sprint or Half Ironman triathlon, you don't have to be an elite athlete or an accomplished swimmer, biker or runner. Just ask Joanne Colangelo of Glen Gardner, a 47-year-old nurse at Hunterdon Medical Center, and a newbie to triathlons.

After learning to swim last fall, Colangelo became motivated to attempt her first sprint triathlon. She says the triathlon training program "brought out my inner athlete" and gave her the confidence to accomplish an once-in-a-lifetime experience. "I was glad to have workouts that simulated race day such as the open water swim practices and 'bricks' -

transitions from the swim to the bike to the run. I felt fully prepared on race day." Besides the physical benefits, Colangelo said she enjoyed the camaraderie and new friendships with teammates. She and her husband Mike, who also competed in the Jerseyman, are already thinking about their next race.

The triathlon training program at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center (HHWC) offers hands-on coaching and individualized training plans for multi-sport enthusiasts.

It integrates the newest sports techniques such as Total Immersion and Chi Running, both methods that utilize core muscle strength and improve fitness and performance.

Program coordinator and swim coach, Beverly Peterson, recommends the training program for anyone wanting to compete whether they are beginning or experienced triathletes. "Our program emphasizes form and technique which ultimately leads to the best performance. It is a balanced and structured approach to training that helps the athlete prepare for the physical and mental challenges associated with a triathlon."

Peterson also notes the social rewards of training with and supporting others. "Training with others helps to foster an environment that is fun, challenging and rewarding. In the long run, a team environment can improve confidence and lead to a better overall performance."

People looking to be part of a team and train with a group can learn more about HHWC's training program at www.hunterdonhealthcare.org or call 908-735-6884.

Pictured: Joanne Colangelo of Glen Gardner gets ready for the 19.5 mile bike ride which was part of the Jerseyman Sprint and Half Ironman triathlons held at Spruce Run in Clinton Township.

Press Contact:

Kathleen Seelig, MA

Director of Public Relations

Hunterdon Healthcare

Hunterdon Medical Center

2100 Wescott Drive

Flemington, NJ 08822

Phone: 908-788-6515

Fax: 908-788-6526

www.hunterdonhealthcare.org ( http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/ )

For more information, contact:

Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers Open their Doors for AFree Workout

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:04:18 EDT

Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers Open their Doors for AFree Workout

For more information, contact:

Hunterdon Hospice Will Offer Volunteer Training

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:01:44 EST

Are you a good listener, compassionate and empathetic towards others and want to help people in your community? Then you may want to consider becoming a volunteer for Hunterdon Hospice. Hospice offers a special kind of care designed to support and comfort people living with a terminal illness.

Hospice volunteers receive training, which prepares them to provide assistance to patients and their families in Hunterdon County. Hunterdon Hospice is now accepting applications for its training program.

Volunteers provide valuable emotional support to both patients and families and help keep families connected to the community. At times they may assist with the patient's personal care, help with household tasks and errands, or provide respite to caregivers and family members.

We would love to find people who have skills as hairdressers because many times our patients cannot get out too get a haircut, and they miss this so much. Volunteers usually work between 2-4 hours a week when they have a patient assignment. When families are in need it is the little things in life that are important. Volunteers form relationships with their patients and the patient's loved ones which transcend their role as a volunteer.They provide whatever support is needed to enable the family to continue to function, explains Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator for Hunterdon Hospice. When asked if this work is very sad or depressing Stump stated, I continuously hear from our volunteers that this is life-affirming work. They experience moments of laughter and friendship. Patients teach them about life and how to live ones life with courage, dignity and always hope. Our volunteers go home at the end of the day knowing they have helped make a difference in someone's life.

The training program is comprehensive and in-depth and helps the prospective volunteer learn about hospice care and its mission and philosophy. The training will help prepare the person to be with patients and their families.

Hunterdon Hospice is a Medicare-certified, non-profit organization, which coordinates home-based supportive services in the homes of its patients. The training will take place at the Hospice Office located at

215 Route 31 South in Flemington.

To arrange for an interview contact Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator at

908-788-2573 or e-mail her at stump.joy@hunterdonhealthcare.org. To learn more about Hunterdon Hospice visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

For more information, contact:

HMC Employee Receive Diabetes Educator Certification

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:58:50 EST

(Left to Right): Michelle Moder, MS, RD, CDE, Community Nutritionist at the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management.

The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) announced that Michelle Moder, MS, RD, CDE, Community Nutritionist, Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management has received the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE R) status by successfully completing the education and exam.

Candidates must meet rigorous credential and professional practice experience requirements to be eligible for certification. Achieving the CDE credential demonstrates to patients and employers that the health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for patients with diabetes. There are currently more than 16,000 diabetes educators who hold the CDE credential.

Ms. Moder received her undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Connecticut and her Masters of Science in Allied Health and Health Promotion from the University of Connecticut. She currently resides in Yardley, PA, but is formerly from Glen Gardner, NJ.

For more information, contact:

A Smarter Pillbox For Your Home

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:36:35 EST

A Smarter Pillbox For Your Home

Taking medication on time and at the right dosage just got easier.

Hunterdon Medical Center now offers the Philips Medication Dispenser through its Hunterdon Lifeline program. The service provides clients with a machine that dispenses out the proper dose of medication at the right time, reducing the risk of missed or double doses.

Todays caregivers are often looking after their own families as well as their parents, in addition to full-time jobs. This system helps older adults take their medication properly, even when they are home alone, stated Pamela Stewart, Community Liaison and Lifeline Coordinator for Hunterdon Regional Community Health. Stewart explained, The medication dispenser helps to reduce the risk of medical complications, unplanned re-hospitalization and can potentially reduce the risk of falls.

Its no secret that medications are getting more complicated. Studies have shown that 10 percent of all hospital admissions involving seniors are the result of improper medication.

A caregiver-be it a family member or professional-loads the machine with up to 40 days worth of pills, metered out in plastic portion cups.

Voice and visual reminders alert the patient when they need to take medicine and also give specialized instructions, such as take the medicine with food.

A 24-hour monitoring service gives clients and families peace of mind.

The device is connected via a phone line to the Philips call center. The center immediately notifies a caregiver if a dosage is missed. Backup battery systems ensure the device works during power outages, and an online service lets caregivers track medications in real time.

For more information about this and other Lifeline services offered by Hunterdon Healthcare, visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org or call 908-788-6550.

Pictured: Steve Dhein, Volunteer Technician for Hunterdon Lifeline demonstrates the new Philips Medication Dispenser.

For more information, contact: