Lourdes Health Talk: Recent Episodes
RadioMD
Dr. Jenice Baker offers up things you can do to be an empowered patient or visitor in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Alfred Sacchetti discusses the important risk factors we all should know about stroke, the acronym F.A.S.T for symptom recognition and what to do if you or someone you love seems to be experiencing a stroke.
March is Nutrition Month, so it's the perfect time to talk about nutrition and maintaining a healthy diet. Clinical Nutrition Manager Kelly A. Murray breaks down the basics of healthy eating.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, a designated comprehensive stroke center, recently performed its first procedures using a device to close a hole between the chambers of the heart. The hole, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is a congenital heart defect and can cause ischemic strokes.
Ibrahim Moussa, D.O.,F.A.C.C.,FSCAI, discusses a device that Lourdes interventional cardiologists are using is called a GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder to permanently close the hole. It is made of fabric similar to that found in durable waterproof clothing.
Although the 2017-18 flu vaccine was only 36 percent effective at protecting against the flu, it doesn't mean you should skip the shot this year. That's because each year people die from flu, and some protection is better than none.
Dr. Jason Moraleda covers what we can expect for this years flu season and how vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your family and the community from a nasty flu outbreak.
Before surgery, technicians unwrap sterilized instruments from a sheet of plastic material that cannot be recycled, and these sheets end up in the trash bin. Lourdes surgical technician Dana Scarangelli and nurse anesthetist Laura Faust have started sewing these sheets together to create mats, blankets, sleeping bags and tote bags for the homeless.
Sharps injuries are typically the result of using hazardous equipment in a fast-paced and stressful environment. Lourdes Medical Center is among the top five teaching hospitals with the lowest sharps injury rates.
Peg Johnson, Employee Health Clinician, discusses best practices for sharps injuries and how their team remains focused on safety, training and a goal of zero injuries as the way that Lourdes Medical Center achieved this distinction.
Tracy Lanoza, DNP, APN, FNP discusses which patient populations are at greatest risk of readmission, post acute care management (including working with nursing homes) to prevent patients from being readmitted to the hospital and how receiving quality home health care can help keep a patient from being readmitted to the hospital.
We all have stress from time to time. However, when your stress begins to affect your quality of life, it might be time to consider trying a form of stress relief that does not involve medication. T'ai Chi Chih's gentle movements release stress by relaxing and rejuvenating the body while refreshing the mind.
Michelle Carlino, E-RYT 500 YACEP , and Sheila Finamore, CTRS, discuss Tai Chi Chih for Stress Relief and the ways in which this gentle moving meditation balances and circulates the Chi, the intrinsic energy inherent in all life.
Staying watchful for health issues related to the breast, and taking the optimal and most timely care steps in breast health, is important for a woman and can mean the difference in a woman's health. Just as important as understanding the latest age-related recommendations for preventive breast x-rays and other screening steps is finding a center for imaging that maintains advanced digital equipment and provides a service with the highest quality standards.
Kathleen Greatrex, MD, discusses the latest breast cancer screening guidelines and clears up the confusion for women wondering whether to have an annual mammogram.
For those frequently experiencing stomach pain, sensitivity or irritation, a food allergy or intolerance may be at the root of the problem.
Dr. Rober Shmuts, a gastroenterologist at Lourdes Medical Center, discusses celiac disease, and other food-related sensitivities or allergies and what treatment options might be available at Lourdes Health System.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease. While new therapies are helping more people survive cancer, they also can cause heart problems.
A new medical specialty called cardio-oncology is working to solve this dilemma. At Lourdes, cardiologists work closely with oncologists to help prevent heart disease in people before, during and after cancer therapy.
Dr. Jay Rubenstone discusses the very specialized field of cardio-oncology and how to keep your heart healthy while you are going through cancer treatments.
With the excitement of a new baby, focus often shifts to baby’s needs. Meanwhile, new mothers can experience physical, mental and hormonal changes that can make adjusting to a new life challenging.
Dr. Rachel Shmuts, a psychiatrist at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, discusses postpartum depression, signs to watch for and when to seek help.
A large portion of the population experiences acid reflux in the esophagus either occasionally or chronically. Those who suffer from it regularly have gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common of GI conditions. While GERD is not uncommon, it is often misunderstood.
Dr. Linda Miller, Gastroenterologist at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, discusses GERD treatments, and clears up some common misunderstandings and myths.
Pressure ulcers are skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure. Commonly known as bedsores, these abrasions result from staying in one position for too long. They often appear on body parts where the skin is close to the flesh, like ankles, hips, heels and the tailbone.
Eight months ago, Lourdes hospitals began using a unique monitoring device called the Leaf Patient Monitoring System with a goal of reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers, sometimes called bed sores, that occur at hospitals.
Since that time, Lourdes has had a hospital-wide average of 90 percent patient-turn (repositioning of the patient) compliance, among the best of the hospitals working with Leaf Healthcare.
Maria Brennan, DNP, RN, discusses how to prevent pressure ulcers, improve patient comfort and reduce hospital stays exacerbated by this condition.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Psychiatric illness and depression are complex. The emotional pain and hopelessness can lead a person down an irreversible path.
Dr. Rachel Shmuts, psychiatrist at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, discusses warning signs and help that is available to those who need it.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. All calls are confidential.
You can also text TALK to 741741. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Most health experts agree that if you eat a balanced, healthy diet and exercise, it can help you to keep a healthy heart, but what exactly does that mean?
Vivek Sailam, MD,cardiologist, with Lourdes Cardiology, offers his best advice for how you can use food and fitness to keep a healthy heart.
Cancer of colon or rectum is one of the most common forms of cancer. Risk of the cancer increase once a person reaches late 40s and beyond. Gastroenterologists are usually the first to detect this problem, as a result of a colonoscopy. With better screening and earlier treatment, the death rate from this disease has continued to decline.
Donald Petroski, MD, discusses colonoscopy, how easy and painless this procedure is and how it is the very best way to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. About 100,000 Americans are thought to be living with sickle cell disease, and every year another 1,000 babies are born with the disease. Worldwide it is thought to affect more than 500,000 babies a year.
Joseph Tropea, DO, discusses everything you need to know about sickle cell disease and the new infusion unit at Lourdes.
Recently the American Heart Association updated their blood pressure guidelines with five categories. Knowing which category your numbers fall in can help you take the necessary steps to keep it under control.
Hafeza Shaikh, DO shares the five blood pressure categories and why it's important to know your numbers in order to live a healthier lifestyle.
Nearly 15 million Americans have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and it is the third most common cause of death in the U.S.
Although there's no cure, there are many things you can do to slow the progression, including learning more about it. Candace Bromley discusses what you need to know about COPD.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that flu activity is now widespread across the United States. CDC officials say they cannot be certain how severe this season will be, but reports of severe illness and hospitalizations have been received.
Emergency Department physicians at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center say there has been an influx of patients seeking relief from influenza symptoms.
In this very important podcast, Dr. Jenice Forde-Baker, Assistant Director, Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, explains that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine and reiterates the importance of using some common-sense precautions to help prevent the flu.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is among a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for raising organ and tissue donation awareness in a national campaign sponsored by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Lourdes was awarded the campaign's highest tier—Platinum Level.
In recognition of organ donor awareness and to honor all organ donors, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center will light the hospital's iconic 30-foot, 15-ton statue of the Blessed Mother green each time a patient is having an organ transplant at the hospital.
In this inspiring segment, Christine Palms joins the show to sort through the myths and misconceptions about organ, eye, and tissue donation that might prevent someone from signing up. If everyone knew the true facts about donation, so many more lives might be saved.
Regenerative medicine is fast becoming an area of medicine with the potential to help heal damaged tissues and organs. It can also possibly offer solutions and hope today for people who have conditions that many thought before were beyond repair.
Amniotic placental tissue injection is a treatment to help resolve acute tendon injuries, and is showing promise for regenerative effects on injured, painful joints, and back pain without the need for drugs or surgery.
Here to discuss Placenta Allograft for regeneration of tissue, is Thomas Plut, DO. He is a sports medicine specialist with the Orthopedic program at Lourdes Health System.
Deciding to have Bariatric Surgery is a major life decision. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery. Bariatric surgery has evolved and improved over recent years making important strides toward even better results with each advance.
Experience is critical when considering any type of surgery. That is why it is important to know that Lourdes Health System is one of the largest providers of bariatric surgery in southern New Jersey. Our surgeons are experienced with all minimally invasive approaches including gastric sleeve and will work with you to provide the best solution possible for your needs.
In this informative segment Harish Kakkilaya, MD, surgeon with the Bariatric Surgery program at Lourdes, discusses how at Lourdes, we will take steps together to help determine if surgery is the right treatment for you.
A woman’s health depends on a lot of factors.
Every woman should make time for healthy habits; regular exercise, stress management, eating the right foods, and she should also be scheduling routine health screenings so potential problems can be spotted early.
In this informative segment Sherrilyn Parrish, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, shares the five most important health screenings every women should have, and that regular health screenings can make keeping tabs on your health much more simple.
Sudden cardiac arrest may not always be so sudden, heart experts say.
A recent study has found that cardiac arrest symptoms in men can appear at least a month ahead of time. Signs can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or palpitations.
Sudden cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack. Cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, causing the heart to stop beating. A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart is blocked.
Joining the show to discuss early heart attack symptoms, sudden cardiac arrest, and what you can do to prevent this from happening, is John J. Finley IV, MD, FACC, FSCAI. He is an interventional cardiologist with Lourdes Cardiology.
The life work balance for is tough enough for any parent however, when you are a physician it may seem even more difficult. You have patients to care for that need your expertise, but your children need your time and guidance. How can a parent that is also a doctor find that delicate balance between their patients needs and their family?
Here to speak with us about the incredible challenges a parent / physician faces raising a family and having a demanding career, is Dr. Heather Crawford, DO. She is an Obstetrician / Gynecologist at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.
According to the Institute on Aging, more than 40 million Americans are age 65+. By 2030, as the last Baby Boomers turn 65, older adults are expected to reach 20 percent of the population.
Seniors often prefer to live at home and remain independent, but healthcare needs can sometimes make that difficult. LIFE at Lourdes can help. The LIFE model honors what many seniors want; to stay in familiar surroundings, maintain autonomy and maintain their maximum level of physical, social and cognitive function.
In this segment, Curtis Caldwell, Enrollment Specialist for LIFE at Lourdes discusses the five things to know about LIFE at Lourdes.
Each year more than six million Americans are diagnosed with a neurological disorder. In fact, more than 144 million Americans are, or will experience a neurological disorder, and this number is expected to rise as our population ages.
At Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, neurologists are available to diagnose and treat a wide variety of neurologic conditions.
Here to help us with some signs it may be time to see a neurologist is Sean Hubbard, DO. He is a neurologist and neuro-hospitalist at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.
Minor foot problems, such as blisters or cuts, can cause complications if left attended, and even more so in people with diabetes. Good foot health is essential as your feet serve as the foundation for the rest of your body structure. If your feet are painful or not mechanically sound, this can effect the knees, hips and even the lower back. It is important to take good care of your feet.
The good news is that you can prevent many foot complications with some simple everyday foot care.
Listen in as Joseph V. Donnelly, DPM explains conditions and injuries that can affect the foot, and the importance of taking extra care with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
About 5 million people are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year, according to the American Heart Association. The cardiovascular team at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is successfully performing mitral valve repairs using the innovative MitraClip® procedure—a minimally invasive treatment option for people with a severe leak in the mitral valve.
The MitraClip® NT system is the world’s first transcatheter mitral valve repair therapy. It provides a proven treatment option for select patients with significant degenerative MR who are too high-risk for open-heart surgery and do not have other treatment options available to them.
In this fascinating segment, Dr. Atiq Rehman discusses The MitraClip® procedure and how Lourdes Medical Center is leading the way in advancements for valve repair.
It’s estimated that 78 people a day die from overuse of opioids. Use of these drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl, has skyrocketed in recent years, fueled by pharmaceutical companies and doctors eager to treat patients’ chronic pain and by addicts obtaining them illegally. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, more people die of heart and breathing problems caused by opioid use than accidental overdoses.
In this segment, Lourdes cardiologist Jason Smith, DO, explains how opiates can be effective for short-term pain relief, but over time, when used improperly or in high doses, opiates can cause dangerous cardiac manifestations, such as irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.
On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, a leading provider for advanced stroke care, was recently designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the New Jersey Department of Health. Lourdes is only one of 13 comprehensive stroke centers in the state to receive this designation.
Listen in as Debbie Gillen MSN, explains how comprehensive stroke centers offer the highest level of care, with proven state-of-the-art technology, specialized testing, highly technical procedures and other interventions.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center has been a pioneer in providing the highest-quality care to high-risk mothers and their babies. Our Lady of Lourdes has among the lowest Cesarean delivery (C-section) rates for first-time mothers in New Jersey.
Listen is as Heather Crawford, DO , discusses the best tips for a healthy pregnancy and delivery and how at Our Lady of Lourdes, mothers come to us-many of them time and again-for a simple reason, they know that on their special day, there are just a few people surrounding them who will make the difference between a trip to the hospital… and an experience to cherish forever.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 40,000 adults will be diagnosed with primary liver cancer this year. More commonly, cancer will metastasize to the liver from another part of the body, such as the colon. It's estimated that more than 135,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017. Roughly 50 percent of people with colorectal cancer will develop liver metastases.
A minimally invasive radiation treatment for liver tumors is now available at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.
Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization targets cancer by injecting special beads into the blood vessels feeding the tumor. The beads, called microspheres, deliver a high dose of short-range radiation to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
In this segment, Dr. Joseph Broudy discusses this promising new treatment for liver tumors and the treatment options available at Lourdes Health System.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is now one of a few select hospitals in the region to offer a new dime-sized pacemaker that is implanted directly in the heart.
Normally, the pacemaker leads are inserted through a vein in the shoulder and placed in the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. But by placing the leads on an area of the heart called the His-bundle, it can utilize the heart’s natural electrical pathways and create better synchronization between the bottom chambers of the heart.
Listen as Dr. Devender Akula, an electrophysiologist at Lourdes, discusses that through new placement, and new technology, it is an exciting time to be at the forefront of innovation.
A new Post Anesthetic Care Unit and hybrid operating suite recently established at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is enhancing Lourdes' neurosurgical and cardiovascular surgery capabilities. The new facility combines the advanced imaging capabilities of a cardiac catheterization laboratory with the environment of a traditional operating room.
Listen as Dr Erol Veznedaroglu, internationally renowned neurosurgeon, discusses how this New Hybrid Lab at Lourdes enhances surgical capabilities to better serve the community.
Whether you’re just someone who is keeping fit to stay healthy or you’re an athlete looking to improve for your sport, personal training can take your fitness game to the next level.
Getting back into the gym can seem daunting if you don’t know where to start, but it’s a lot easier than you might think.
Listen as Tina Ermert Bortner, BA, ACE, Community Health Educator & Work Site Wellness Coordinator at Lourdes Health System, shares easy-to-follow fitness tips, tools and tech from leading experts.
The aging process can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of unique mental health needs that older adults sometimes face. Lourdes’ Senior Behavioral Health Program helps older adults and their families understand and learn to manage these challenges.
Patients benefit from customized treatment plans developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrist, medical physicians, social workers, nurses and occupational and recreational therapists. The program provides medical assessment and intensive psychiatric and physiological therapeutic intervention in a safe, structured and supportive environment
Listen in as Amy Brennan and Esther Ammon discuss how the new senior behavioral health program at Lourdes can benefit an elderly loved one.
If you have joint pain, or an acute injury, you want to know whats causing that pain without having to go through many tests and procedures to find out.
Lourdes Health System is now offering a new imaging device that can give patients realt time answers for joint injuries right in the comfort of the doctors office.
The innovative device uses a needle with an integrated camera and light source to perform a diagnostic arthroscopy in the doctor's office—enabling patients to learn the cause of their orthopedic pain immediately rather than having to wait for the results of an MRI. Lourdes is first in New Jersey to offer the device.
In this segment, Dr. Sean McMillan, chair of Orthopedics at Lourdes Health System, discusses the mi-eye™ system for faster results on the cause of your pain.
Coronary artery disease — blockage of the small vessels on the outside of the heart that provide blood to the muscle of the heart wall — is one of the most prevalent, serious progressive conditions in the population. It is the basis for many heart attacks and heart disease.
In this segment, Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Adam Levine discusses Coronary Artery disease and the lifestyle modifications you can take to to help lower your risk for heart attack or worsening heart disease.
More than 3.5 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C (HCV), but many live with the disease unaware that they are infected. People can live for decades without symptoms. Since approximately 75 percent of those infected with HCV were born from 1945-1965, the CDC recommends that everyone born during this time, often called baby boomers, get tested for hepatitis C.
A diagnosis of hepatitis should always be taken seriously. Chronic, untreated hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or death. The "Lourdes Hepatitis C Clinic" is dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for patients with all phases of hepatitis C infection.
In this segment, Hisham ElGenaidi, M.D., Associate Director of Transplant Hepatology, explains how they evaluate, treat medically and, where appropriate, list patients with severe cirrhosis for liver transplant, and how the staff provides education and compassionate support, as the treatment for hepatitis C can be rigorous.
When you have an loved one growing older, it can be a challenging process to figure out what’s best for their living situation, and who will help take care of them.
LIFE (Living Independently For Elders) at Lourdes is the newest healthcare choice for elders living in Southern New Jersey.
Lourdes offers Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a unique program that can assist elders to live safely at home while being helped by a team of healthcare experts.
Listen in as the Medical Director of Life Saint Francis, Dr. Pam Fenstemacher shares the services that are provided as well as who is eligible, the goal of the program, and why PACE is a great option for your loved one.
When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, often times it is the caregivers that need a little extra help. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one full time, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you.
Listen as G. Peter Gliebus, MD discusses coping strategies for caregivers so that they can get the support that they need.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease which causes high blood glucose (blood sugar) either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both.
An estimated 29 million Americans have diabetes and 382 million people have it worldwide. Diabetes has become one the nation's top chronic health conditions.
Listen as Dr. Parveen Verma explains the latest advances in Diabetes care.
Each year more than six million Americans are diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Many of these with be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. This number is expected to rise as our population ages.
Listen as Dr. G Peter Gliebus, Neurologist with Lourdes Health System, discusses the most important information to be aware of if your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
According to the CDC, approximately five million adults in the United States suffer from heart failure. Lourdes new program in LVADs offers hope for patients with severely debilitated hearts.
LVADs are implantable mechanical pumps that enhance the output of the heart. LVADs help to extend the lives of end-stage heart disease patients, temporarily supplement the pumping capacity of hearts recovering from surgery or support the patient waiting for heart transplantation.
Listen as Robert Mohapatra, MD explains how Lourdes new program in LVADs offers hope for patients with severely debilitated hearts.
Each year more than six million Americans are diagnosed with a neurological disorder. In fact more than 144 million Americans will experience a neurological disorder, and this number is expected to rise as our population ages.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex disorder of the brain. PD is primarily diagnosed clinically, which means your doctor figures out if you have Parkinson’s by watching you move and asking you about your experience.
Listen as Dr. Jill Giordano Farmer, neurologist with Lourdes Health System as well as Drexel Neurosciences Institute, where she is director of Drexel's Movement Disorder and Parkinson's Disease Program, discusses what to know if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's.
The “Patient’s Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health. However, if you do not understand the terminology you see on your paperwork, you might be missing out on a chance to audit your own medical bills.
Healthcare terminology can be complex, that’s why Robin Stockton , Director of the Center for Family Services, a community partner and special guest of Lourdes Health System, is here to explain the terminology and why it is an important part of your health advocacy.
Whether you are looking to prevent heart disease or are trying to prevent any further damage following a heart attack, your cholesterol levels play an important role in your health and the ability of your body to help fight disease.
Listen as Dr. Vivek Sailam, Cardiologist with Lourdes Health System, explains what your cholesterol numbers mean and how you can lower bad cholesterol to help prevent heart disease.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects 15 million people in the United States and remains a leading cause of death worldwide despite decades of therapeutic advances. The Absorb device is a major advance in the treatment of CAD.
At Lourdes Health System, we are proud to offer this first-of-its-kind technology to patients. We are committed to providing patients with leading-edge treatments. Bioresorbable stents represent the future of treating heart disease.
Listen is as Dr. Vijay Verma describes the latest advances in stent procedures including the world’s first FDA-approved dissolving heart stent.
Dialysis and kidney transplantation offer patients with end-stage kidney disease treatment options that can give them an improved quality of life. Lourdes has been providing exceptional care for chronic kidney disease patients throughout southern NJ for nearly 50 years.
Arijit Chakravarty, MD joins the show to discuss end stage kidney disease options for patients that might need dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Since it took effect in 2010, the health reform law, otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act or ACA, has made important changes to the way health care coverage works for children and families.
It may seem confusing, and it is. The ACA has many moving parts and pieces that make up the Act as a whole. But you can make sense of it with a little help.
Listen in as Robin E. Stockton, M.Ed., comes on to share with you a comprehensive list of key things you should know about this open enrollment option, and what it means for you and your loved ones.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, almost 1 million joint replacements are done each year in the United States. When is it time to consider a joint replacement? Do you have to wait until the pain is unbearable?
Listen in as Efrain Paz, DO explains that when knee or hip pain severely limits your ability to walk, work or perform even simple activities, it might be time to consider knee or hip replacement.
Kidney function is essential for life and health. Without it, blood and all its critical contents don't get purged, refreshed, balanced and restored. According to the National Kidney foundation up to 26 million American adults have chronic kidney disease and millions of others are at increased risk. Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Nephrologists at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center are skilled at helping patients with all types of kidney disorders, including persons who are in need of dialysis. Using the latest medical guidelines, Lourdes nephrologists are working hard to help keep at-risk individuals from needing dialysis. This proactive approach allows patients to gain control of medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which contribute to kidney disease (also known as kidney insufficiency).
Arijit Chakravarty, MD is here to explain how patients with chronic kidney disease can get the help they need from Lourdes Health System to manage their condition and live a fuller healthier life.
The Liver Disease Program at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is staffed by hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons and interventional radiologists, who work collaboratively in a comprehensive program. As part of The Center for Organ Transplantation, these specialists are focused on diagnosing and treating all kinds of liver disease.
Listen in as Dr. El Genaidi strongly urges those at-risk for liver disease to get tested for the hepatitis C virus, and to practice a healthy lifestyle to keep a healthy liver.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has become the next major stage of advancement for a range of operations. The field of surgery has long worked to improve skills and tools to minimize the invasiveness of operations and to overcome the limitations of human surgical dexterity and access.
It has done so while dealing with the challenges of visualizing internal structures and controlling the variability inherent in even the best human hand-eye-brain decisions and coordination. Robotic surgery is helping to surmount these factors.
Listen in as Dr. Louis Fares explains that since launching its robotics program, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center has gained a depth of experience in delivering robotic surgery.
Lourdes Health System is committed to bringing patients the best in conventional and complementary medicine. This combination of services is called integrative medicine which has been offered at Lourdes since 1979 when the Lourdes Wellness Center opened in Collingswod, New Jersey.
This was something that few health facilities offered at the time and therefore, Lourdes was well ahead of its peers in the healthcare field in recognizing the importance of preventive health and the benefits of non-traditional forms of therapy.
Acupuncture serves as an established mode of treatment in modern healthcare worldwide,and is usually best used as an addition to conventional medical treatment, so that it serves as a complement to other standard care.
Accomplished Lourdes Wellness Center acupuncture practitioner Sheri McLellan-Kraus, LAc, MAc, explains the critical roles for these ancient forms of care, as well as the ways in which these therapys illustrate the tenants of traditional Chinese medicine.
When you or a loved one has to go to the hospital you want to it to be a comfortable experience. If it's your first time staying overnight at a hospital you may not know what to expect.
When you choose Lourdes Health System hospitals, be assured that our mission is to ensure you have the safest and most comfortable experience possible. When you arrive, you should receive a copy of our patient handbook that will guide you and your loved ones around our hospitals, and familiarize you with all of our services.
Listen in as Fran Hogan, RN explains that respect and dignity are values of utmost importance to all of us here at Lourdes.
Every year your family might face its share of colds, sore throats and viruses. When you go to the doctor for these illnesses, do you automatically expect a prescription for antibiotics? But your doctor could be doing you and your family a favor by not reaching for the prescription pad. Antibiotic resistance is a widespread problem. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are calling it a widespread health problem.
Listen in as Kenneth Szwak, PA-C explains that doctors understand that you want to get better, but in most cases routine viral illnesses will clear up on their own without much more than rest, some extra fluids and time.
At the Lourdes Regional Cancer Center and our Radiation Oncology Department, the cancer care team is very aware of the many emotions and feelings that a person encounters when diagnosed with cancer.
The many recent advances in radiation therapy are making it possible to provide more targeted treatment to better the outcome from radiation therapy.
Listen in as Alexis Harvey, MD discusses the latest advances in radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Lourdes Sports Medicine offers complete, timely and caring sports medicine treatment. Our physicians specialize in the care of professional and amateur athletes as well as "weekend warriors." They aim to help patients attain their highest level of performance while minimizing their risk of re-injury. Our focus is on providing non-operative musculoskeletal sports medicine services.
Listen in as Craig Kimmel, MD, nationally recognized authority on Sports Medicine at Lourdes Health System, discusses prevention and treatment for Tennis Elbow.
Many years ago experts discovered a relationship between infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. Since then, these experts have learned much more about how HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
Women and their healthcare providers have increasingly won the battle against cervical cancer in recent decades. Cervical cancer is the most common health problem linked to HPV in women. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Listen in as Howard M. Saul, DO explains that with early detection and HPV Vaccines, we have made great strides in the fight against Cervical cancer.
Stroke strikes about 700, 000 Americans each year, and if help is given in a very timely manner, many people will survive a stroke. The Lourdes Stroke Center is here to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art care to patients with symptoms of stroke.
Listen in as Dr. Mandy Binning discusses who is at risk for stroke, how important time is to brain, and that acting FAST can reduce the damage a stroke can do.
The Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance® system is one of the only robotic guidance products in the United States used for implanting devices during spine surgery. The Mazor Robotics system allows the surgeon to use the images from a CT scan that is taken before surgery to create a blueprint for each surgical care.
The CT scan information is loaded into a computerized 3D planning system which allows to the surgeon to plan the surgical procedure with a high degree of precision before ever entering the operating room.
Listen on as Jeffrey R. Gleimer, DO explains this breakthrough procedure and how it helps to insure better accuracy during spine surgery.
If you or someone you love is facing a surgical procedure it can be scary and the period right after after surgery can be a very challenging time. However, there are certain things you can do to help yourself prepare to have surgery and make recovery less stressful.
One of the best ways to help the recovery process (if possible) is getting your body in condition before the surgery. The better shape you're in, the lower your risk of surgical complications and the faster your recovery time.
Listen in as Matthew J. Finnegan, MD explains that Lourdes uses only highly trained surgeons, anesthesiologists and nursing staff to provide every patient with safe, high quality, comprehensive healthcare in a dignified and compassionate environment.
In February, the World Health Organization (WHO) took the rare step of declaring an international public health emergency in connection with the spread of the Zika virus. Over the last year, the mosquito-borne illness has become endemic throughout the Caribbean and in many parts of Latin America. The Zika virus which is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.
Dr. Matthew J. Gettings, DO, is here today to discuss the Zika virus and what you need to know about your risk and to prevent the spread of this virus.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1999 to 2010, a total of 7,415 deaths in the United States – an average of 618 per year – were associated with exposure to excessive heat. There are three main types of heat emergencies: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The three conditions are closely related; failure to recognize and treat heat cramps can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and ultimately, heat stroke.
Jenice Forde-Baker, MD is here to explain the importance of receiving immediate medical attention if you've been exposed to excessive heat.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a difficult condition deserving the utmost attention because of the potential severity of its symptoms, because it can be a chronic condition and tends to affect younger people.
Lourdes experienced clinicians can identify this sometimes difficult-to-diagnose condition based on history, symptoms, physical examination and testing. Lourdes GI specialists take an aggressive, proactive approach to IBD to try to minimize the amount the disease interferes with a patient’s life.
Andrew R Conn, MD is here to discuss the approach Lourdes take to help each patient on an individual basis.
As many as 226,000 Americans could be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
At Lourdes Health System (a partner with 21st Century Oncology), while you may have the same type of cancer as another patient, your particular situation — including your overall health, your medical history, even your work and family responsibilities — make your case unique. That is why we develop an individualized cancer treatment plan for every patient; taking not only their disease but also their overall well-being into account.
David Horvick, MD, is here talk about radiation therapy options, and how they offer new ways to manage lung cancer while maintaining quality of life.
What causes heart disease in young adults?
Throughout adulthood, the same factors increase risk for heart disease, including age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco use, lack of physical activity and family medical history.
However, it is likely that heart disease in young adults is strongly related to genetic factors that are harder to modify. That’s why it’s important to identify cardiovascular risk factors early in life to help address risk factors and reduce risk of developing heart disease.
Vivek V. Sailam, MD, is here to explain why it's so important, if you have genetic heart issues, that you seek treatment, even as a young adult.
Testosterone treatment may help some older men regain sexual desire, but it won’t give them more energy. That’s the conclusion of a recent that looked at how well this treatment worked.
Although sometimes difficult to acknowledge or discuss, sexual complaints such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are common and increasingly easy to address through consultation or medical or surgical care.
Dr. Adam Perzin, Urologist at Lourdes Health System, is here to discuss men's health issues to help you better understand your options and to help make it easier for you to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
The vast majority of breast cancer patients undergo some form of surgery, which serves as the core treatment step sequenced often with other important modalities of treatment.
The breast surgeon helps to define, refine and schedule this care, often working with the medical oncologists and radiation therapists.
The team may support the effectiveness of operative procedures with other treatments that take place before or after surgery.
Malini Iyer, MD is here to discuss all your breast cancer surgical options.
Overweight and obese patients face worse side effects and survival odds than others with the same cancer.
There are nearly 14 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and for many cancers, studies indicate more than two-thirds of those diagnosed are overweight or obese.
Obesity correlates with some cancer types more than others. And the increased risk can be substantial.
Dr. Edward Fernandez is here to help you better understand how obesity can effect cancer survival rates.
Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured.
High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you can’t recall the last time you had your blood pressure checked, you may want to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider now.
Dr. Hafeza Shaikh, a Cardiologist at Lourdes Cardiology, is here to explain the importance of keeping your blood pressure under control.
The Tenex Health Technique is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that effectively treats tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and other issues leading to chronic joint and tendon pain.
Ultrasound technology guides a probe that removes diseased tissue from tendons.
The benefits are many: The procedure can be done in the doctor’s office, healing times are much shorter than traditional surgical techniques, no scarring and long-lasting results.
Listen in as Dr. Thomas Plut is here as one of the first doctors in the region to offer this technique.
Transplantation of the liver has become more common within the last two decades.
This successful and effective surgery is a major, lifesaving operation typically done in the hands of an experienced liver transplant team.
After patients complete the evaluation and the team places them on the organ waiting list, they have the opportunity to meet with their surgeon to review the surgical procedure, including the risks and benefits of the operation and of transplant medications.
Dr. Manish Thapar is here to help answer questions about liver health and liver transplant.
Lourdes Sports Medicine offers complete, timely and caring sports medicine treatment.
Our physicians specialize in the care of professional and amateur athletes as well as “weekend warriors.”
Spring sports season is right around the corner.
That also can mean a variety of aches and pains.
Athletes of all ages and abilities frequently complain of injuries due to overuse.
Dr. Kristen Herbst is here to address women and sports injuries.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR, is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure currently recommended for individuals who are considered too sick to undergo traditional surgical aortic valve replacement.
A significant portion of patients who need a valve replacement for a narrowed aortic valve (stenosis) would be at excessively high risk if undergoing conventional open-heart surgery, due to their advanced age, frailty or other medical conditions.
Dr. Steven Kernis is here to explain how TAVR has emerged as a procedure that that provides the same life-extending benefits to these patients that open surgical aortic valve replacement would—and Lourdes has helped lead the way in providing TAVR to patients.
Weight loss surgery is an option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
People seeking weight loss surgery may suffer from serious obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and problems with sleep.
There are three main types of weight loss surgery: Restrictive, Malabsorptive and a Combination of both.
Mark Salcone, D.O. is here to answer questions about Lourdes Medical bariatric/weight loss surgery and the choices available to you.
Are women more at risk for Heart Disease than Men?
There are some risk factors specific to women in regards to heart disease.
There are steps women can do to reduce their risk.
What are some important signs of heart problems specific to women?
Dr. Rozy Dunham is here to give some great tips for diet and Heart disease prevention that women should know.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure–or hypertension– is called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms but can lead to heart attack, heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss and memory loss, among other problems.
Unfortunately, one in every four American adults has hypertension, often related to obesity, diabetes or other conditions.
Heart disease is one of the most serious health problems of modern times.
The nation’s leading cause of death, heart disease claims the lives of nearly 1 million Americans each year.
Dr. Troy Randle is here to discuss hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
No matter what the emergency, the staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County are here to help.
Sometimes you might think "is this bad enough to use emergency services?"
Dr. Alfred Sacchetti is here to to explain Lourdes emergency room services so you can feel comfortable using your local Lourdes emergency room.
Millions of Americans have vascular disease, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.
Alternatively, many people with the disease may experience no warning signs.
Because vascular diseases are so variable and complex, the Lourdes team provides a unique multidisciplinary approach to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Dr. Anthony Smeglin, Interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist with Lourdes Health System is here to help bettter understand vascular disease.
Lourdes orthopedic and sports medicine programs are determined to keep their patients rolling.
They seek to help each individual to understand the natural course of their condition, to guide healing, and to fix or renew structures and tissue as needed with minimal disruption and the fullest, promptest possible return to health and activity.
Listen in as Dr. Sean McMillan discusses the latest techniques for shoulder repair.
A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam is a non-invasive diagnostic examination that uses magnetic fields to capture multiple images of the breast tissue to create detailed, computer-generated pictures of your breasts.
A breast MRI sometimes is used to diagnose and evaluate breast tumors. Under some circumstances, this test may better identify a small mass within a woman’s breast than a mammogram or ultrasound, particularly for women with very dense (non-fatty) breast tissue and can be very beneficial to detect early cancer in high risk patients.
Breast MRI’s are also used as an assessment tool to evaluate the extent of breast cancer.
Breast MRI is also very useful in the evaluation of breast implants.
Dr. Kathleen Greatrex is here to discuss all the latest breast cancer technologies.