September/October Events from Hunterdon Healthcare
- Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program
- Hunterdon Medical Center Offers Free Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening at Health Fair
- HMC Foundation Sponsors ‘A Culinary Affair’ to Benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and Supportive Services
- Hunterdon Hospice Will Offer Training for New Volunteers
- Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center Presents: Hoda Kotb: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee
Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center To Hold Colorectal Screening Program
The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 4,430 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in New Jersey during 2010. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women. The death rate from this cancer has decreased significantly over the past two decades due in part to improvements in early detection and treatment. The Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED) program will be hosting a community education program to discuss the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) option for colorectal screening on September 15th from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.
The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age; more than 90% of all cases are diagnosed in individuals who are 50 or older. Individuals who have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at a higher risk for developing this cancer due to a possible gene mutation. There are several behavioral risk factors that can be modified such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red and processed meats, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50 both men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screening. Screening can result in the identification and removal of suspicious polyps before they become cancerous in addition to the detection of cancer at an early stage. Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer offer a variety of options depending upon your health status. It is important that you discuss with your health care provider which option is the most appropriate. Screening options include doing one of the following:
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- A colonoscopy every 10 years
- A guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
If you are concerned about not having insurance coverage for these important screening tests, coverage may be available through the (CEED) grant at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Please call Marge Vellotti at (908) 237-5409 to see if you qualify for this program.
To register for this evening presentation on FIT screening, please call (908)237-5409.
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Hunterdon Medical Center Offers Free Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening at Health Fair
Approximately 9 million Americans have Peripheral Arterial Disease
(P.A.D.), a common and dangerous vascular disease that can be associated
with a heart attack, stroke, amputation and death. September is P.A.D.
Awareness Month, and Hunterdon Medical Center is joining forces with the
P.A.D. Coalition, the Society for Vascular Nursing, ev3 Endovascular,
Inc. and BioMedix, Inc. to inform residents about the risk factors,
warning signs and consequences of P.A.D. Hunterdon Medical Center will
host a Vascular Health Fair and conduct a free screening for peripheral
arterial disease on Saturday, September 18th from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Andrey Espinoza, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist and
Medical Director for the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Hunterdon
Medical Center explained, “P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs
become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to
the legs. This can result in leg muscle pain when walking, disability,
a poor quality of life and possibly amputation of affected limb.
Blocked arteries found in people with P.A.D. can be a red flag that
other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may also be
blocked – increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.”
The screening test for P.A.D. is called the ankle-brachial index, a
painless, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the
ankles with the blood pressure in the arms. This specialized test will
be read by a cardiologist and results will be discussed after the
completion of the test.
Who Should be Tested for P.A.D.?
National medical guidelines recommend that certain individuals be
tested for P.A.D.
- People under 50 years of age, and have diabetes and at least one
other risk factor:
? History of smoking
? Abnormal cholesterol
? High blood pressure
- People 50 years or older and have diabetes.
- People 50 years or older and are a former or current smoker.
- People 70 years or older.
- People who have one or more symptoms of P.A.D.
o Fatigue, heaviness, tiredness or cramping in the leg muscles
(calf, thigh or buttocks) that occurs during activity such as walking
and goes away with rest.
o Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs sleep
o Skin wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes that are slow to heal
(or that do not heal for 8 to 12 weeks).
In addition to the P.A.D. screening, free foot screenings will be
provided by Muriel Quinn, DPM, Podiatrist at Hunterdon Medical Center.
A Cardiovascular Risk Assessment – Know Your Numbers, Know Your Risk,
will determine a persons ten year risk for having a heart attack or
stroke and will include, blood pressure, body mass index and a risk
factor analysis for heart disease and stroke. A fasting lipid and
glucose test will also be available and the fee for the lab test is
$25.
The festivities will be kicked off with a one mile walk at Hunterdon
Medical Center at 8:00 a.m. led by Joetta Clark Diggs, New Jersey’s
1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympian. Joetta Clark Diggs has been
America’s premier middle distance runner for over three decades.
President, of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC
(www.joettasportsandbeyond.com) and the Executive Director of the
Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, Inc., Joetta spends her time
delivering high-energy motivational seminars to athletic programs,
businesses, and other organizations across the country. Joetta will
provide fitness tips and offer ideas from her first book titled:
Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success: Life Lessons Learned from
Track & Field.
At 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Dr. Espinoza will present The ABC’s of
P.A.D. At noon, fitness staff from the Hunterdon Health and Wellness
Centers will lead a one mile walk. Attendees will also enjoy
educational displays on cardiovascular health, nutrition, wound healing,
fitness and more.
“P.A.D. is a devastating disease that is often undiagnosed,” stated
Dr. Espinoza. “By teaming up with the P.A.D. Coalition, Hunterdon
Medical Center is working to increase awareness of P.A.D. and improve
our community’s vascular health.”
To register for the P.A.D screening call Maria Feo, RNC, Heart and
Vascular Care Coordinator at 908-237-5440. To register for the lipid
glucose test call Kathleen Seelig, Director of Public Relations at
908-788-6515.
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HMC Foundation Sponsors ‘A Culinary Affair’ to Benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and Supportive Services
On Monday, September 20th, Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation will
hold ‘A Culinary Affair’ at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse from 6:00 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m. Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is located at 88 Rte. 173 West
in Hampton (between exits 11 & 12 off Rte. 78). The event will feature
a sampling of fine food and wines from local establishments, which will
include: 55 Main, Baker’s Treat, Blue Fish Grill, California Grill,
Harry & David, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Maddalena’s Cheesecake and
Catering, Matt’s Red Rooster Grill, Market Roost Fine Catering,
Restaurant and Gift Gallery, Max’s 31 – A Trattoria, Metropolitan
Seafood Co., Ol’ West BBQ, Shaker Café, Shop-Rite of Hunterdon County,
The Garden Gourmet, The Perryville Inn, The Ship Inn, Triumph Brewery
Company of New Hope, Unionville Vineyards, Wonderful World of Wines and
Yi En Asian Cuisine. This event is being co-sponsored by Flemington Car
& Truck Country and Cust, Dori & Benick, C.P.A. In addition, guests
will be able to browse through and bid on a bountiful collection of
auction items, and listen to live music performed by local favorite, 78
West.
Proceeds will benefit Hunterdon Hospice and Visiting Health and
Supportive Services. For more than 30 years Hunterdon Hospice has been
providing physical, spiritual, psychosocial and bereavement support for
people with a life-threatening illness and their families. Visiting
Health and Supportive Services has been providing certified home health
aides to care for chronically ill patients, sick children, and the
homebound elderly in the comfort of their own home for over 50 years.
Tickets to ‘A Culinary Affair’ are $75 per person if purchased
before August 15th, or $80 after August 15th. For tickets, visit
www.aculinaryaffair.kintera.org or call the Hunterdon Medical Center
Foundation at (908) 788-6141.
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Hunterdon Hospice Will Offer Training for New Volunteers
Hunterdon Hospice has been providing care to families in this community for over thirty years. Hospice is a special kind of care designed to support and comfort people living with a terminal illness. When a family receives hospice services a whole team of people are assigned to see that they receive the most complete and comprehensive care possible; and an incredibly important member of that team is the Hospice Volunteer. Hospice volunteers receive training, which teaches them about what hospice care is and it prepares them to provide care to patients and their families. Hospice volunteers are not all direct patient care volunteers. “Many of our volunteers work in our office, some help with our fundraisers, and some volunteers help us deliver medicine and supplies when patients need that. All volunteers are equally important,” stated Joy Stump, Volunteer Coordinator at Hunterdon Hospice. Hunterdon Hospice is now accepting applications for its training program, which begins on September 22nd.
Volunteers provide valuable emotional support to both patients and families and keep families connected to the community. They fill many of the gaps and help wherever needed, such as providing respite to caregivers and family members, running errands, being a companion to the patient, and helping with household tasks. “Our volunteers are such amazing people and are always willing to help out however needed. Volunteers form relationships with their patients and the patients’ loved ones. They provide whatever support is needed to enable the family to continue to function,” explains Ms. Stump. Stump added, “I continuously hear from our volunteers about how helping out with Hunterdon Hospice helps them keep life in perspective. They always tell me how surprised they are by how much joy and happiness doing this work brings them. They experience moments of laughter and friendship.
Patients teach them about life and how to live your 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 covers all aspects of volunteering so the volunteer is prepared 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. Training classes meet from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm on Wednesdays starting September 22 and will go through October 27th. The classes will be held 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 or call 908-788-6600.
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Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center Presents: Hoda Kotb: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hunterdon Regional
Cancer Center presents: Hoda Kotb: How I survived War Zones, Bad Hair,
Cancer and Kathie Lee on Thursday October 14th at Hunterdon Central
Regional High School (84 Route 31, Flemington). Doors will open at 6:00
p.m. and the program will start 7:00 p.m.
Hoda Kotb is the co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show. She
began hosting the 10 a.m. hour when it debuted in 2007, which she
currently hosts alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Ms. Kotb has been a
correspondent for Dateline NBC. She has covered a variety of domestic
and international stories for NBC News, including Hurricane Katrina.
A two-year breast cancer survivor, Ms. Kotb has been part of several
initiatives to raise awareness about the disease. During this program
Ms. Kotb will talk about her tight-knit family, her career in
journalism, Hurricane Katrina, Kathie Lee and the double whammy that
took her breast and broke her heart. She describes cancer survival and
Hurricane Katrina as two life transforming events.
Admission is $35 per person and includes a copy of Hoda’s new book,
HODA: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee. A
health fair before the program will give attendees the opportunity to
talk to professionals about cancer, mammograms, nutrition, exercise and
more. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to the event to recognize
breast cancer awareness. Hoda Kotb was scheduled through Friends’
Health Connection. To register online visit:
www.friendshealthconnection.org or call 1-800-483-7436.
Pictured: Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC’s Today Show and a breast cancer
survivor will speak at an event sponsored by Hunterdon Regional Cancer
Center.
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Hunterdon Healthcare exists to prevent disease, illness and injury; to seek cures; relieve pain; give comfort; and inspire a healthy way of living. Hunterdon Medical Center, the flagship hospital, is acknowledged as a leader in developing comprehensive medical and health care services. Hunterdon Medical Center treats over 8,600 inpatients annually, with 33,000 Emergency Department visits and over 292,000 outpatient visits per year. The 178-bed hospital provides a full range of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic inpatient and outpatient hospital and community health services.
The Hunterdon Medical Center is also a teaching institution and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The Family Practice Residency Program is one of the first in the nation for the training of specialists in family medicine.
Hunterdon Medical Center is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health, and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
For more information call or visit our website.
- phone: 908-788-6100
- web: www.hunterdonhealthcare.org
