Heartbeats: Teaming up to fight colorectal cancer

• ProCure Proton Therapy Center in the Somerset section of Franklin Township recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital recently hosted the Annual Tackle Sickle Cell Blood Drive.
• Old Bridge Public Library offering health-related programs.
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Community Health Department offering a free diabetes prevention program for African American adults.

Atlantic Health System (AHS) recently announced the organization's commitment to increase colorectal cancer screening in New Jersey by joining "80% by 2018" — a national effort of the American Cancer Society in the fight against the disease.

"This announcement marks Atlantic Health System's commitment to achieve an 80 percent screening rate for colorectal cancer by 2018," said Brian Gragnolati, president and CEO of Atlantic Health System, in a news release. "New Jersey ranks 30th out of 50 states for screening rates. Our role in this initiative and collaboration with community partners will increase screenings and ultimately, save lives."

Upcoming events include:

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 29, "Preventing Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know About Diet, Environment and Personalized Screening" with Razvan Arsenescu, Morristown Medical Center; Lawrence Harrison, Morristown Medical Center; and Thangamani Seenivasan, Somerset Medical Center at the Bernards Towship Health Department, 262 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township. For information or to register, call 908-204-2520 or email health@bernards.org.

Center celebrates anniversary

ProCure Proton Therapy Center in the Somerset section of Franklin Township recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that destroys cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and growing. Unlike standard X-ray radiation, it uses protons — positively charged sub-atomic particles — which precisely target tumors. Proton therapy reduces the risk of damage to healthy tissue and organs near the tumor, and potentially allows patients to receive higher, more effective doses of radiation, but with fewer side effects.

If you or someone you love is considering proton therapy for cancer, call 1-877-967-7628 or go to www.procure.com/nj.

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Free oral cancer screenings offered

To help promote the early detection of oral cancer, the Union County Office of Health Management through the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties has partnered with the Clark Township Health Department, Clark ShopRite and Dr. Kurt M. Krause, D.M.D. from Krause Dental Care in Cranford, to provide free oral cancer screenings.

In Union County, the oral cancer screenings will take place at the Clark ShopRite, 76 Central Ave. in Clark, from 10 a.m. to noon on April 8. All attendees will qualify to enter a drawing for a door price courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

For more information about oral cancer screening call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

Annual blood drive a success

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital recently hosted the Annual Tackle Sickle Cell Blood Drive in partnership with current NFL and former Rutgers University Rutgers Football stars Devin and Jason McCourty’s Tackle Sickle Cell Campaign and the Embrace Kids *Official* Foundation.

A record 280 donors came out to the hospital's Courtyard for the annual Blood Drive. RWJ Blood Services collected 96 units of whole blood, from which 77 units of plasma were manufactured. Seven single donor platelets, three packed red cells and five units of plasma were collected on the Trima Accel Automated Blood Collection System as well.

Health programs at library

Here are some health-related programs being offered at the Old Bridge Public Library:

• The library will present a two-part series entitled, "South Asian Stroke Awareness," from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on March 30, and April 6. This interactive series is geared specifically for the South Asian communit. It will be taught by a nurse practitioner and registered dietitian. Participants must attend both sessions and participants will receive a blood pressure monitor, waist measuring tape and other handouts in a complimentary tote bag. A healthful lunch will be served. This program is presented by the South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI) and funded by the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, NJDOH. Registration is required by calling 732-721-5600 ext. 5033 or going to www.oldbridgelibrary.org.
• There will be a "Medicare and You" session at 7 p.m. on March 30. This workshop, hosted by Bankers Life and Casualty, will provide information about Medicare choices. Attendees will learn about the enrollment period and what choices must be made for Medicare parts A, B, C and D.  The program will also examine what Medicare pays for in a Skilled Nursing Facility and in a private home.

The Old Bridge Public Library is at 1 Old Bridge Plaza, at Route 516 and Cottrell Road in the Municipal Center. Visit www.oldbridgelibrary.org or call 732-721-5600, ext. 5033.

Diabetes prevention program for African American adults

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s Community Health Department is once again offering a free diabetes prevention program for African American adults.

Individuals of African and Caribbean descent are invited to attend “The Power Over Diabetes: Empowering Our Brothers and Sisters.” The free program will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, from April 6, through June 8, at First Baptist Church, 132 West High St. in Somerville. Participants must be 18 years or older. Registration is required.

To register for the program, call Nour Abrahim at 908-595-2606. Visit www.rwjuh.edu.

Rutgers names new public health dean

Perry N. Halkitis, senior associate dean of New York University's College of Global Public Health, has been named dean of the School of Public Health at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He is expected to join Rutgers in August 2017.

Halkitis is also professor of global public health, applied psychology and medicine and director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies at NYU, where he has focused a significant amount of his research on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse as well as the impact of psychiatric and psychosocial factors on mental health. His book, The AIDS Generation: Stories of Survival and Resilience, published in 2013, received the Distinguished Book Award in the field of LGBT psychology from the American Psychological Association and was a Lamda Literary Award nominee.

Hunterdon Healthcare, VNA of Somerset Hills announce collaboration

Hunterdon Healthcare and Visiting Nursing Association of Somerset Hills announced a new alliance to provide better care coordination to the patients of Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties.

In 2016, Hunterdon Healthcare opened the Somerset Medical Office Building which currently houses offices that specialize in cardiology, urology, breast surgery, gastroenterology, endocrinology and physical therapy. In addition, Hunterdon Healthcare opened an Urgent Care in Raritan and Hunterdon Family Medicine in Bridgewater.

“We collaborated with the VNA of Somerset Hills so we could improve the quality of care for patients who need services in Somerset County where we have expanded our primary and specialty practices,” said Robert Wise, president and CEO, Hunterdon Healthcare, in a news release. “Hunterdon Medical Center’s Home Health services are only licensed by the state to provide care in Hunterdon County, so our collaboration with the VNA of Somerset Hills will insure the same high quality home health care offered by Hunterdon Medical Center’s home care services."

Visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org or www.visitingnurse.org. 

'Get The Skinny On Weight Loss'

East Brunswick Public Library’s (2 Jean Walling Civic Center) “Just For The Health Of It” program will host the program, “Get The Skinny On Weight Loss” at 7 p.m. on April 6.

Topics covered include why some people seem to lose weight effortlessly, and others struggle to be successful. The program will discuss some of the key factors that can sabotage a person's best efforts to lose weight. It will be led by Ken Freedman, director of Freedman Chiropractic Center, LLC, and president of the East Brunswick Advisory Health Council. Freedman is also the host of EBTV's Wellness Spotlight. Healthful refreshments will be provided.

To register for the program, visit www.ebpl.org or call 732-390-6767. Registration is advised, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.wellinks.org.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens and the Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association’s Local #4 donate $11,250 to Children’s Specialized Hospital, the nation’s largest provider of pediatric rehabilitation services, and its 10 sites throughout New Jersey. The money was raised during the 6th Annual Jingle Bell Run 5K, where more than 300 runners — decked out in Santa hats and jingle-belled shoes — participated in the holiday-themed USATF-certified race around The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth on Dec. 11. (From left to right): Marina Cicalese, marketing administrator, The Mills at Jersey Gardens; Denise Palazzo, general manager, The Mills at Jersey Gardens; PBA President Officer Orlando Barros, Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association #4; Officer Ina Perez, Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association #4; Detective Paul Pasternak, Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association #4; Alexis D’Anton, community engagement coordinator, Children’s Specialized Hospital; Detective Joe McDonogh, Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association #4 and Crystal Fresco, director of marketing and business development, The Mills at Jersey Gardens. (Photo: ~Courtesy of The Mills at Jersey Gardens)

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