10
CONNECTIONS NEWS AND HEALTH INFORMATION FROM SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP summitmedicalgroup.com healthy SPRING 2018 Educating Patients on Diabetes Colorecta l Cancer Screenings Save Lives page 4 New Women’s Heart Disease Program

SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    3

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

CONNECTIONSNEWS AND HEALTH INFORMATION FROM SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP summitmedicalgroup.com

healthySPRING 2018

Educating Patients on

Diabetes

Colorectal Cancer Screenings Save Lives

page 4

New Women’s Heart Disease Program

Page 2: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

2 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2018

Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health

news, new physicians, new services, events, videos, and more from

Summit Medical Group.

Should You Keep Expired Medication?

FREE monthly healthy e-Newsletter. Sign up at summitmedicalgroup.com.

twitter.com/summitmedicalnj

plus.google.com/+summitmedicalgroup

facebook.com/summitmedicalnj

youtube.com/smgnj

pinterest.com/summitmedicalnj

slideshare.net/smgnj

instagram.com/summitmedicalnj

Before you grab a dose of pain relievers from the cabinet, check whether it’s expired. “Patients wonder-

ing about using medications past the expi-ration date should consult their pharma-cist,” says Laura Balsamini, PharmD, BCPS, National Director of Pharmacy Services, Summit Medical Group. “The answer might depend on a variety of factors,

W ith the start of spring, I look forward to getting outside more and walking my dogs to take in

the physical and mental health benefits of being active in nature. There are many ways to enjoy the season as a springboard for wellness—mind, body, and soul.

What’s springing up at Summit Medical Group (SMG)? We’re continuously expanding our multidisciplinary integrated care model for you, our patient. We are very excited about the opening of Summit Medical Group MD Anderson Cancer Center in Florham Park later this year to provide leading, multi-disciplinary oncology services. It’s all about driving high-quality care for our patients, and lowering the cost of care.

At SMG, our registered dietitians and nutritionists partner with cardiologists, en-docrinologists, and other specialists to ensure every individual receives patient-centered, comprehensive care. See page 3 to learn more

about our approach to help patients manage diabetes and live healthy, vibrant lives.

Now is the time to call your doctor if you’ve been putting off that physical or screening. If you’re 50 or older, it’s especially important to talk with your doctor about get-ting screened for colorectal cancer (page 4). If detected early, lives can be saved.

Early intervention is also critical to pre-vent heart disease and cardiac emergencies—a poignant reminder for women who may need to put their heart health first (page 7).

From all of us at SMG, we wish you a happy, healthy spring!

A Message to Our Co mmunity

Yours in good health,

Jeffrey Le Benger, MD Chairman of the Board and CEO Summit Medical Group

Laura Balsamini, PharmD, BCPS

including how the drug was stored, how it was handled, how far past the expira-tion it is, and any additional informa-tion that’s available on the stability of the drug past the expiration date from the manufacturer or other references.”

For instance, outdated drugs might not give you 100 percent of the benefits, even pain relievers. However, consuming expired medications that treat chronic or life-threatening illnesses, such as heart conditions or diabetes, can be dangerous because they aren’t as strong and won’t work as well.

Other medications that should not be taken when expired include:• Oral nitroglycerin (NTG) • Insulin • Eyedrops• Antibiotics

Safe StorageFollow all specific storage instructions from medication labels, such as refrig-eration needs. Most medications should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as

a kitchen cabinet away from heat, or a closet shelf, and out of reach of children.

Proper DisposalThe FDA has specific recommenda-tions for proper medication disposal. For exact instructions on how to safely dispose of your medications, visit www.fda.gov, and type “medication disposal” in the search bar.

Page 3: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

Supporting Patients Every

Step of the Way

W hen you or someone you love is diagnosed with diabetes, your entire world changes.

Diabetes requires constant monitoring, treatment with oral medications and/or insulin, and major lifestyle changes. To help make the experience of living with diabetes easier and more successful, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) with Summit Medical Group provide support and guidance for patients with diabetes.

Ongoing Diabetes Care “At Summit Medical Group, the CDEs are registered dietitians who’ve undergone additional training and earned a spe-cial certification to become CDEs,” says Mildred Bentler, RD, a CDE at the Berkeley Heights and Morristown locations of Sum-mit Medical Group. CDEs work one-on-one with patients and their families to help them better understand their diagnoses

DIABETESCARE

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 3

and treatment plans and guide them in making key lifestyle changes, such as start-ing exercise programs and creating healthy meal plans.

CDEs can also play a role in prevent-ing diabetes. When a patient’s blood sugar rises to a level that’s above nor-mal, but is not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, the condition is known as prediabetes. “We work with patients to adjust their diets and activity levels and lose weight, if needed, to bring their blood sugar back down within a healthier range and prevent or delay dia-betes from developing,” Bentler says.

There are six CDEs at Summit Medical Group. They’re on staff at many locations, including Clifton, Berkeley Heights, Mor-ristown, Clark, Westfield, and Warren, with plans to expand to more offices soon.

Mildred Bentler, MA, RD, CSP, CDE

Marie Nevin, MD, FACE

Team Up fo r Better HealthAt Summit Medical Group, our registered dietitians and nutritionists can

develop a nutritional plan that’s tailored to meet your unique health needs. They partner with Summit Medical Group cardiologists, endocrinologists,

obstetricians, and expert staff in our Diabetes Live Well Program to ensure you receive thoughtful, comprehensive care. To learn more, visit

summitmedicalgroup.com/service/Diabetes-Live-Well-Program or call 973-814-3334.

Live a Healthy Life with Diabetes Endocrinologists, cardiologists, and other health professionals with Summit Medi-cal Group work hand in hand with CDEs to provide patients with comprehensive, coordinated care. “CDEs are an integral part of diabetes management,” says Marie Nevin, MD, an endocrinologist at Sum-mit Medical Group. “They help translate our medical goals for patients into real life. For example, they can help patients understand what they can eat at home and at restaurants. They teach them how to test their blood sugar, count carbo-hydrates, take their medicine, or use an insulin pump.”

Ultimately, CDEs empower patients with the tools they need to better control their diabetes in order to live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.

Page 4: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

CANCERCARE

4 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2018

Tamir Ben-Menachem, MD

T here is an encouraging trend regarding colorectal cancer: Fewer people have been dying from the

disease over recent decades. This is due, in part, to more effective treatments than ever before. It’s also largely due to the fact that screening for colorectal cancer can detect polyps—growths that can become cancerous. The doctor can remove them during the procedure before they have a chance to develop into cancer.

Still, colorectal cancer remains a serious threat. It’s the third most common type

of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men and women. That’s why it’s so important to talk with your doctor about your risk and getting screened for colorectal cancer.

Unfortunately, too few adults in the United States get colorectal cancer screen-ings. In northern New Jersey, Summit Medical Group is supporting a nationwide campaign “80 by 2018,” which is led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, and other organizations. The initiative aims to get 80 percent of adults ages 50 and older regularly tested for colon cancer by 2018.

You Have Options There are several screening techniques avail-able for colorectal cancer. Stool-based tests for blood or molecular markers of cancer are good at detecting cancer at an early stage and need to be repeated every one to three years. Colonoscopy for screening can prevent cancer by identifying and removing colon polyps before cancer develops. Thus,

colonoscopy is the preferred method for colorectal cancer screening. None-

theless, “Some type of screening is better than none,” says Tamir Ben-Menachem, MD, Chairman of the Gastroenterology Department and Associate Professor of Medi-cine at Summit Medical Group and a member of the surgical

Screenings Save Lives

Screenings Save Lives

Colorectal Cancer

Page 5: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

Leaders in Cancer CareSummit Medical Group patients have access to enhanced,

state-of-the-art cancer care as part of our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center. Contact Summit Medical

Group MD Anderson Cancer Center at 908-277-8990 for more information.

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 5

oncology team at Summit Medical Group MD Anderson Cancer Center. “We encour-age everyone to undergo screening for colon cancer.”

The American Cancer Society rec-ommends that men and women with an average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 50. If you have a normal colonoscopy, you only need to repeat the exam every 10 years. “It’s im-portant to make time to talk with your doctor about the procedure and make sure your questions are answered. There are many myths and misconceptions about a procedure that offers many benefits,” Dr. Ben-Menachem says.

For example, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the exam. The goal is to have your colon as empty and clean as possible, so that your doctor can detect all polyps during the exam. The prep is gentler and more palatable than it used to be, Dr. Ben-Menachem says. During the colonoscopy, you’ll be given a sedative. You’ll, there-fore, feel more relaxed and won’t feel any pain during the test. The procedure takes only 20 to 30 minutes. You can go home shortly after it’s finished and the sedative has worn off.

Other screening tests are in develop-ment, but some are not yet covered by insurance. “If these tests find abnormali-ties that could indicate cancer, patients will then need to undergo a colonoscopy,” Dr. Ben-Menachem says. “We see a lot of patients referred to us from all over New Jersey and surrounding states with very large colon polyps. We’re often able to remove these large polyps with special techniques during colonoscopy, instead of surgery.”

Advanced Cancer Care Is HereIf a screening test finds colorectal cancer, Summit Medical Group provides the most sophisticated treatments available. Sum-mit Medical Group offers a full range of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, thanks to its partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the nation’s leading cancer center. “Treatment is customized for each patient. It varies according to a number of factors, includ-ing the size and location of the cancer,” Dr. Ben-Menachem says.

In New Jersey, more people get colorec-tal cancer screening exams than the national average, but the number needs to improve. Dr. Ben-Menachem says, “At Summit Medical Group, we’re dedicated to providing potentially lifesaving screenings in a timely fashion to our community.”

Schedule a Colorectal Cancer Screening TodayIf you are 50 or older and are due for colon cancer screening, call to make an appoint-ment with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon at Summit Medical Group. If you have questions or would like more informa-tion, please log on to the Summit Medical Group Gastroenterology website. There, you will find in-depth information and links to helpful videos. Healthy, age-appro-priate patients can schedule a colonoscopy online without a preprocedure office visit through the Direct Access Colonoscopy program. Simply visit summitmedical-group.com/Direct-Access-Colonosco-py, fill out the online form, and make your appointment.

Screenings Save Lives Colorectal Cancer

Page 6: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

Summit Medical Group Welcomes 26 New Doctors

OUR DOCTORS

Looking fo r a Physician?Check out our Physician Finder online at www.summitmedicalgroup.com and scroll to “Find a Practitioner.”

David Arbit, MDRheumatologyFair Lawn 201-796-2255

Patricia Hutchinson, MDAllergy/ImmunologyBerkeley Heights908-603-8496Florham Park 973-404-9960

Brett Pettee, MDInternal MedicineBerkeley Heights 908-277-8683

Karen Balonze, MDInternal MedicineFair Lawn201-796-2255

Andrew Hutter, MDOrthopedic Surgery West Orange973-669-5600

Gregory Pinkowsky, MDOrthopedic SurgerySports Medicine West Orange 973-669-5600

Christopher Batchelor, MDInternal MedicineFair Lawn201-796-2255Westfield908-389-6400

David Loya, MDOrthopedic Surgery West Orange 973-669-5600

Jonathan Resnick, MDGastroenterology Fair Lawn 201-796-2255

Jack Cappitelli, MDInternal MedicineFair Lawn 201-796-2255

Chirag Mehta, MDPulmonologyMillburn 973-763-6800

Cynthia Sagullo, MDGynecologyFair Lawn 201-254-0085

Jeffrey Danzig, MDGastroenterologyRidgewood 201-414-5477

Cecilia Minano, MDGastroenterologyGlen Ridge 973-429-8800

Himanshu Shah, MDPulmonology Millburn 973-763-6800

Shoshana Feiner, MDInternal MedicineFair Lawn 201-796-2255

Thomas Molloy, MDCardiology Fair Lawn 201-796-2255

Smita Shah, MDPulmonology Millburn 973-763-6800

Cristobal Goa, MDCardiologyFair Lawn 201-796-2255

Subroto Paul, MD (Independent Contractor)Thoracic Surgery Livingston 973-436-1530

Jennifer Sherman, DOAllergy/Immunology Fair Lawn 201-414-5095

Dominic Smith, MDHospitalist Medicine Berkeley Heights908-273-4300

Neelam Todi, MDOncology/Hematology Fair Lawn 201-796-2255

Derrick Wallace, MDEar, Nose, and Throat (ENT)Berkeley Heights908-277-8681Nutley973-235-0090

Sonya Youngren, MDObstetrics/GynecologyLivingston973-436-1410

Matthew Zornitzer, MDHand Surgery West Orange973-669-5600Westfield908-389-6294

6 healthy connections ◆ Spring 2018

Page 7: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

Reservations required unless otherwise noted: 908-277-8889 or summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

Calendar of Events

Free LecturesAprilDiabetes PreventionWednesday, April 4, 7 p.m.Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road Conference Room C1-100Mildred Bentler, MA, RD, CSP, CDE

Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m.Clifton, 6 Brighton Road, Boardroom Jennifer Llewellyn, RD, CDE

Wednesday, April 25, 12 p.m. Caldwell, Lakeland Bank 49 Bloomfield Ave. Simone Gampel, RD, CDE Learn lifestyle modification techniques to reduce your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Our diabetes educators will discuss tips for eating healthier and improving nutrition, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity.

Understanding Medicare Advantage and Your Medicare OptionsThursday, April 19, 7 p.m. Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference Center Presented by United HealthcareAre you recently retired or approaching retirement and reviewing changes to your health benefits? Learn more about your Medicare coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage, and how to enroll, when to act, and strategies for maximizing your benefits. Representatives from Aetna, Horizon BCBSNJ, United Healthcare, and SMG Billing Office will also be present.

Healthy Happy Feet Monday, April 30, 7 p.m. Bernardsville Public Library 1 Anderson Hill RoadMarco Ucciferri, DPM, FACFASHealthy feet are happy feet. Learn about foot and nail care, including ankle injuries, caring for infections, laser treatments for nail fungus, and treatments for heel and foot pain.

MayHow to Live Longer and Stay HealthyTuesday, May 22, 6 p.m. Montclair Public Library 50 S. Fullerton Ave.Kenneth S. Bannerman, MD, FACCSimone Gampel, RD, CDEHear from our specialists about the importance of lifestyle over diet. Topics will include how much exercise you really need; principles of good nutrition; modifying risk factors to improve health; recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack in men and women, and what to do when someone is having a heart attack. This talk will be interactive and audience participation will be encouraged.

Understanding Hearing Loss Thursday, May 24, 7 p.m. Livingston Public Library 10 Robert Harp DriveJed Kwartler, MDMarykate Vaughn, AuD, CCC/APeople of all ages experience gradual hearing loss, often due to the natural aging process, long exposure to loud noise, or other medical conditions. Learn about ear anatomy, how the hearing sense works, and the most advanced surgical practices and technology for treating hearing loss.

JuneMindfulness Approach to StressWednesday, June 6, 7 p.m. Livingston Public Library 10 Robert Harp DriveNicole Swain, LPC, NCC, ACS, ACTMindfulness helps us become more aware of habitual reactions to stressful situations. Learn how a mindfulness approach can help you identify this cycle and create new ways to address daily and persistent stressors.

Support GroupsBariatric Surgery Support GroupRobert Bell, MD, Bariatric SurgeonBerkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Café Mondays, April 2, May 7, June 4, 5:30 p.m.

Considering Weight-Loss Surgery? Learn how weight-loss surgery can help you improve your health, feel better, and get your life back. Join us for a review of the surgical options and lifestyle changes to keep you on track with a healthy weight after weight-loss surgery. To register, please call 908-277-8889 or visit summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

Robert Bell, MD, Bariatric SurgeonBerkeley Heights Campus, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Lawrence Pavilion, Conference CenterMondays, April 9, May 14, June 11, 7 p.m.Florham Park, 140 Park Ave., Conference RoomWednesdays, April 18, May 16, June 20, 7 p.m.Clark, 67 Walnut Ave., Suite 202Saturdays, April 21, May 19, June 16, 10 a.m.

Patrick LeMasters, MD, Bariatric SurgeonLivingston Campus, 75 E. Northfield Road, CaféMondays, April 9, May 7, June 4, 7 p.m.Saturdays, April 21, May 19, June 16, 10 a.m.Clifton, 6 Brighton Road, BoardroomTuesdays, April 10, May 8, June 12, 7 p.m.

Summit Medical Group MD Anderson Cancer Center Lecture Series and Events The Bottom Line: Colon Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Warning SignsWednesday, March 21, 7 p.m.Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road Conference Room C1-100Tamir Ben-Menachem, MD, Chairman of GastroenterologyColon cancer screening is essential for prevention and early detection for more effective treatment. Learn who is at risk, why screening is key, and the warning signs of colon cancer.

Spring 2018

SAVE & POST

Page 8: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Breast Center Waiting Room (Bensley Pavilion, Ground Floor)

Erin Groover, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health TherapistWednesdays, April 11, May 9, June 13, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Location of the Morristown group is relocating to Florham Park this spring. Please confirm location with Erin Groover when calling to register.Open to all patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer. For the Berkeley Heights group, call Meredith Shufeld at 908-988-2329 to register.For the Morristown group, please call Erin Groover at 973-841-4120 to register.

Survivorship Support GroupMeredith Shufeld, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health TherapistErin Groover, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist Wednesdays, April 25, May 30, June 27, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Florham Park, 140 Park Ave., 3rd Floor Conference Room #3175Open to all patients who have completed active cancer treatment and have no evidence of disease. Berkeley Heights patients, call Meredith Shufeld at 908-988-2329 to register. Morristown patients, call Erin Groover at 973-841-4120 to register.

Breast Cancer Support ProgramsAll Summit Medical Group patients are welcome to participate.

Breast Cancer Support Group for Newly Diagnosed Patients (within one year of diagnosis)  Mondays, April 9, May 14, June 11, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Breast Center Waiting Area Carol Boyer, RN, MSN, APN, CN-BP, AOCNS, Nurse Navigator Meredith Shufeld, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist

Patrick LeMasters, MD, Bariatric SurgeonLivingston, 75 E. Northfield Road, Café Mondays, April 9, May 7, June 4, 6 p.m.Share concerns, setbacks, and triumphs with weight-loss surgery in a safe, supportive, compassionate environment. Join this support group to explore effective strategies that can help you achieve long-term success with weight loss. Call 908-277-8950 to learn more.

Caregiver Support GroupMeredith Shufeld, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist Mondays, April 16, May 21, June 18, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Cardiac Conference Room (Bensley Pavilion, 2nd Floor) Open to anyone who has a loved one who is currently coping with cancer. Call Meredith Shufeld at 908-988-2329 to register.

General Cancer Support GroupMeredith Shufeld, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist Tuesdays, April 3, May 1, June 5, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Cardiac Conference Room (Bensley Pavilion, 2nd Floor)

Erin Groover, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health TherapistThursdays, April 12, May 3, June 7, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Location of the Morristown group is relocating to Florham Park this spring. Please confirm location with Erin Groover when calling to register.Open to all patients in active cancer treatment. A safe place to share your experiences, feelings, and resources with others impacted by cancer.For the Berkeley Heights group, please call Meredith Shufeld at 908-988-2329 to register.For the Morristown group, please call Erin Groover at 973-841-4120 to register.

Living with Advanced Cancer Support GroupMeredith Shufeld, MSW, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist Thursdays, April 19, May 17, June 21,

This program is for those who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients can share concerns and advice about their experiences with breast cancer treatments and more.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Group for Patients Who Are a Year or More Post-DiagnosisMondays, April 23, May 21, June 25, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Breast Center Waiting Area Carol Boyer, RN, MSN, APN, CN-BP, AOCNS, Nurse NavigatorElizabeth Nikol, DBH, LCSW, ACT, Behavioral Health Therapist This group is for people who have had breast cancer and would like support from others with similar experiences. The group will allow participants to share information about managing common concerns for breast cancer survivors.No registration required.  For questions, call our nurse navigation team at 908-277-8670.

Breast Cancer Support GroupTuesdays, April 10, May 15, June 12, 12 p.m.Florham Park, 140 Park Ave., Room 1706 (near Café) Karen Loewen, RN, BSN, Breast Nurse NavigatorMargaret S. Clarke, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, ACT, Behavioral Health TherapistThis group is for all breast cancer patients—both newly diagnosed and survivors. Registration is not necessary. For additional information, call 908-277-8670.

Look Good, Feel Better (Sponsored by the American Cancer Society)Monday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.Berkeley Heights, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Private Dining Room Monday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Florham Park, 140 Park Ave., Room 1706 (near Café) An American Cancer Society-sponsored program for women undergoing cancer treatment. Our program teaches beauty techniques to help with appearance-related side effects. To register at our Summit Medical Group locations, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-277-2345. For more information about this program, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

Support Groups cont’d.

Page 9: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

908-273-4300 ◆ summitmedicalgroup.com 7

PREVENTIVECARE

Take Charge of Your

Heart Health

Just a Call AwayFor cardiology requests, including appointments,

prescriptions, and test results, call 973-404-9900.

Know Your RiskPatients who are identified as having low to moderate risk factors for heart disease by a primary care physician or OB-GYN are encouraged to make an appointment. “Summit Medical Group has a large group of cardiovascular specialists who provide the full spectrum of care for women at every stage of heart disease,” says Dr. Cohen. “This includes individuals who are at risk, those who need surgery, and patients who are recovering and want to prevent future attacks.”

Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing heart disease. Beyond family history and age, which can’t be changed, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight or obese can be managed with lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

D espite growing awareness that heart disease is the leading killer of women in the U.S. today,

women are still not getting the treatment they need.

The Gender Care GapThere continues to be a misconception that heart disease only affects women older than age 55. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible due to estrogen loss, but every year more than 30,000 women younger than the age of 40 die of heart disease. “The medical community still underestimates the disease in women,” says Liliana Cohen, MD, a cardiologist at Summit Medical Group (SMG). “Women are also less likely to come to a physician with symptoms or into the emergency room when they have an attack.”

Another part of the treatment barrier stems from differing symptoms in men and women. While chest pain and pressure are most common for both, women may also experience shortness of breath,

light-headedness, indigestion, jaw pain, or fatigue. “I always tell women to take any potential sign seriously,” Dr. Cohen cautions. “You know what feels normal. If something feels unusual, come in and have it evaluated.”

Care for Every StageEarly intervention is critical to prevent future heart attacks and treat cardiac emergencies. In response, SMG now offers a new Women’s Heart Disease Program, located in West Orange. “This new program is a lifesaving opportunity to identify at-risk women, intervene with medication, and make heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can halt the progression of the disease and prevent attacks from occurring later in life,” explains Dr. Cohen.

For women who are recovering from a heart attack, Dr. Cohen recommends cardiac rehabilitation programs. “Cardiac rehab has been found to be as beneficial for the heart as taking an aspirin a day,” explains Dr. Cohen. “It gives patients the confidence they need to transition back into a healthy lifestyle.”

Liliana Cohen, MD

Page 10: SPRING 2018 CONNECTIONS - Summit Medical Group...2 healthy connections Spring 2018 Connect with Us! Keep up with breaking health news, new physicians, new services, events, videos,

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDSummit

Medical Group

Summit Medical Group1 Diamond Hill RoadBerkeley Heights, NJ 07922

HEALTHY CONNECTIONS Jeffrey Le Benger, MD, chairman and CEO of Summit Medical Group. Healthy Connections is published by Summit Medical Group. The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To add or remove your name from our mailing list, please visit www.summitmedicalgroup.com/site/unsubscribe or call 908-977-9505.

Postmaster: Please deliver within March 12 to 16

816M

The SMG Approach to Weight Management

ClassesBasic YogaWednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.Chair YogaMondays, 11 a.m. to noon

Dina Leyden, PT, teaches both Basic and Chair YogaLocated in the Berkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Ground Floor, Exercise Room. A 10-class card ($100) is good at either class. To register for either class, call 908-277-8936.

Tai ChiThursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.Risa Silverstein, MS, LAC, MSWLocated in the Berkeley Heights Campus, Lawrence Pavilion, Ground Floor, Exercise Room. The cost for 10 classes is $80. To register, call 908-277-8936.

Summit Medical Group (SMG) recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that contributes to the onset and worsening of vari-ous medical conditions. Losing weight and maintaining weight loss are challenging for individu-als who struggle with obesity. Our comprehensive, multidis-ciplinary, and evidence-based weight management program provides individuals with essen-tial tools and a customized care plan to help incorporate lifestyle changes that will lead to an over-all improved state of health.

Lifestyle ClassesLifestyle classes are part of our comprehensive approach to weight management. Our specially trained and experienced

weight management team has de-signed these classes to provide the appropriate support, engagement, and education for individuals going through the weight management journey. Every Monday, for 24 weeks, individuals learn skills that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Topics include mindful eating, por-tion distortion, fitness strategies, stress and eating, dining in and out, and more. For more information, call 973-210-4962.

Summit Medical GroupFlorham Park, 140 Park Ave. Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

SAVE THE DATEMAY 12, 2018

6 P.M.

Join us for our 5th Annual Gala & Auction honoring Dr. Michael Wax,

Dr. Kenneth Adler, and Investors Bank.

For advance table, ticket, or tribute journal ad sales, call 908-277-8788, email [email protected], or visit

SMG-Foundation.org.