WELCOME LETTER. A

Stronger Together

The past year has been one of unprecedented challenges for our communities and for our healthcare system. The onset and spread of COVID-19 tested our hearts and minds as never before, all against a backdrop of national social, political and economic turmoil.

Each day, we’ve learned more about this new virus and how to treat it. We’ve also learned that the pandemic’s impact is falling drastically harder on communities already struggling against economic and social disadvantages.

Throughout this crisis, our medical professionals and staff have been compassionate and expert while caring for patients inside our walls, and innovative in creating ways to provide virtual care. They’ve risen magnificently to the challenge of keeping our facilities safe and sanitized. And many throughout our system have been working hard in a wide range of programs to help our communities stay healthier and to eliminate healthcare disparities.

At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, our “Farm to Family” program addressed food insecurity in our community, which has worsened during the pandemic. The partnership between RWJUH Hamilton community health educators, Snipes Farm and the CYO/Bromley Center helps children and families experiencing significant financial distress by providing weekly shares of fresh produce. Community Education programming continues in the virtual space with robust offerings of health and wellness programs for all ages, which can be enjoyed online and on the phone. RWJUH Hamilton remains committed to your health and wellness.

At RWJBarnabas Health, we’ve learned something else this year: how strong and encouraging the communities we serve are. We can never thank you enough for your ongoing generosity.

While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic together, we want you to be as healthy and strong as you can, and we pledge to do everything possible to help you achieve that goal.

Yours in good health,

TOP-NOTCH JOINT CARE

Renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Michael R. Duch, MD, has joined Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton. Dr. Duch, who has more than 20 years of experience, specializes in knee, hip and shoulder replacement surgery as well as surgical and nonsurgical fracture care. He collaborates with physical therapists, occupational therapists and pain management providers to offer nonsurgical treatment options to enhance patients’ healing and recovery. He will be seeing patients at Primary Care Express, located at 3100 Quakerbridge Road, and RWJUH Hamilton. To schedule an appointment, call 609.689.7031 or visit www.rwjbh.org/ortho.

AN UNSUNG HERO

Ang Low, Supervisor of Respiratory Care at RWJUH Hamilton, was recently named an “ROI Influencer: Health Care 2020 Unsung Hero” by ROI-NJ, a publisher of local business news. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Low, who has been a respiratory therapist for more than two decades, brought stability, clarity and confidence to the team during a time when large numbers of patients required respiratory support and expertise. Respiratory therapists have played a critical role in helping patients combat the virus.

PHYSICAL THERAPY CLOSE TO HOME

In November, a new RWJUH Hamilton physical therapy location opened in East Windsor. RWJBH Rehab, located at 572 Route 130 South, provides comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, functional movement screens, balance and neuro rehabilitation, and sports enhancement and injury prevention. Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, then experts collaborate to develop a personalized treatment plan. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 609.632.2129.

BARRY H. OSTROWSKY

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH

RICHARD FREEMAN

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HAMILTON

1 Hamilton Health Pl., Hamilton Township, NJ 08690 609.586.7900

CONNECT WITH US ON

@RWJHamilton @RWJHamilton RWJBarnabas Health www.linkedin.com/company/290186/admin

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.rwjbh.org/hamilton. RWJUH Hamilton cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame al 609.586.7900. RWJUH Hamilton konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil Federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfimite oswa sèks. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 609.586.7900.

healthytogether contents

WINTER 2021

22

17

18 8 20

2. WELCOME

LETTER. A community update from our CEOs.

4. COMMUNITY

CALENDAR.

A roundup of health education and support programs.

8. A HEART-

HEALTHY

EATING PLAN. A dietitian explains how simple tweaks can slash your risk of heart disease.

10

9. FAST FACTS ABOUT CARDIAC

STRESS TESTS. Monitoring your heart while you exercise gives doctors important information.

10. CANCER SURGERY:

PART OF A PLAN. What to consider when you’re deciding where to be treated.

12. WHAT A HOSPITALIST CAN

DO FOR YOU. This doctor’s specialized skills can get you feeling better faster and home sooner.

14. THE TRUTH ABOUT

DEPRESSION AND OLDER

ADULTS. Symptoms to watch for, and how to get help.

16. ONE STEP AT A TIME.

Intensive physical therapy allows a little boy to overcome a rare condition. 17. A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. A family movie night raised funds for the Cancer

Center.

18. A TALE OF THREE SPINE

SURGERIES. How one couple overcame debilitating back and neck pain.

20. A COMMITMENT TO SAFETY.

At RWJUH Hamilton, healthcare providers are focused on reducing the risk of infection.

22. A CALMING WAY TO COPE

WITH CANCER. How holistic therapy helped one patient sail through radiation treatment.