Heartbeats: School's students, families making difference

• Students and staff at Clinton have donated a variety of items to give to patients staying at Goryeb Children’s Center in Morristown.
• The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012, when New Jersey experienced Sandy.
• Hunterdon Healthcare and The Paint Party Studio in Flemington will present "Stress Less," an evening of painting and education.
• Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge and Perth Amboy has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award.

Students and families at Clinton Elementary School in Plainfield are making a difference in the lives of children and young adults who are suffering from various types of disease, cancer, and unknown illnesses.

Students and staff at Clinton have donated a variety of items to give to patients staying at Goryeb Children’s Center in Morristown. Items collected range from stuffed animals to coloring books.

Students in Clinton teacher Stephanie Ryan’s fourth-grade class led the special collection to benefit and brighten the day for children their age who are currently spending their days in a hospital instead of a classroom. The students are in charge of putting together "Bags of Smiles" as a way to cheer the hospital’s patients up and put smiles on their faces.

“One of the core character values we strive to instill in our students is the importance of community and helping one another. Ms. Ryan’s fourth-graders promoted and led this initiative with enthusiasm and the student body quickly responded and eagerly contributed,” said Dion Roach, principal, Clinton Elementary School, in a news release. “As always, the generosity of the Clinton families and staff never ceases to amaze me.”

READ/WATCH: Why Hurricane Irene fizzled as it neared New Jersey in 2011

READ: Summer Olympics approach, Zika virus concern persists

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READ: Honoring nurses at Rutgers Cancer Institute

Be prepared for hurricanes

The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012, when New Jersey experienced Sandy.

With hurricane season just beginning, the March of Dimes urges pregnant women and parents of new babies to be prepared for future emergencies, long term power outages or the need to evacuate from their homes. Pregnant women evacuating their homes in advance of an emergency should be sure to bring their medication, including their prenatal vitamins, as well as their medical records and their health care providers’ emergency contact number.

“A hurricane or other natural disaster is stressful for everyone, but pregnant women and new parents have special concerns that can be addressed through proper preparation,” said Laurie Navin, Maternal & Child Health director, New Jersey, March of Dimes, in a news release. “Being prepared and having a plan in place will save precious time in an emergency and reduce stress.”

Pregnant women should discuss any concerns and their delivery plans with their obstetrician or other perinatal care provider. Families should follow hurricane readiness guidelines and put together an emergency bag in the event they may need to evacuate quickly.

The March of Dimes chapters and its website (www.marchofdimes.org) are good sources of information for pregnant women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) also offers important information about preparing for a hurricane. Additional resources can be found at www.state.nj.us/njoem/.

While pregnant women should follow the general hurricane preparedness recommendations, they and new mothers also should take special precautions for themselves and their children. Having a copy of your medical records and knowing how to contact your health care provider can help if a pregnant woman must visit another provider during the evacuation period. Wear comfortable shoes and remember that maternity clothes may not be available if you evacuate. Pack extra clothes.

Also, have bottled water and nonperishable food supplies on hand. Try to stock food that is high in protein and low in fat.

New parents who may need to stay in a shelter should consider bringing a safe place for their baby to sleep, such as a portable crib, as well as extra diapers and other basic medical supplies. They also should take special steps to ensure they have food for their infants. The stress of a hurricane may affect lactating women’s milk supply, although breastfeeding can be calming for both mother and baby.

Here are March of Dimes emergency preparedness tips for pregnant women and new parents:

Pregnant women should know the signs labor and if they experience any of these symptoms, should NOT wait for them to just go away.  They should seek immediate medical care. Preterm labor is any labor before 37 weeks gestation. The signs of labor are:

• Contractions (the abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often.
• Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina).
• Pelvic pressure — the feeling that the baby is pushing down.
• Low, dull backache.
• Cramps that feel like a period.
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea.

Pregnant women should pack prenatal vitamins (or a supply of over-the-counter vitamins), a copy of prenatal medical records including medical provider contact information, and extra maternity clothes.​

Fill prescription medications in advance.

Have bottled water and nonperishable food supplies on hand. Try to stock food that is high in protein and low in fat.

New parents who may need to stay in a shelter should consider bringing a safe place for their baby to sleep, such as a portable crib, as well as extra diapers and other basic medical supplies.

New parents also should take special steps to ensure they have food for their infants. The stress of a disaster or emergency may affect lactating women’s milk supply, although breastfeeding can be calming for both mother and baby.

In the rare instance it becomes impossible to continue to breastfeed, mothers may consider weaning their baby. If they choose to switch to formula, parents should use pre-prepared formula because there may be concerns about the quality of the water supply. Do not use water treated with iodine or chlorine tablets to prepare powdered formula.

Pregnant women should do their best to eat regularly and nutritiously and drink plenty of water. They also should do their best to get enough sleep and to rest quietly (lying down with feet up) for a few minutes several times a day.

For the latest resources and information from the March of Dimes, visit www.marchofdimes.org or www.nacersano.org.

Foundation receives donation

Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation in Mountainside received a $271,160 donation from Kohl’s to support the Kohl’s Autism Awareness Program through Children’s Specialized Hospital.

During the donation presentation, Tiffany Patti shared her personal story about her son who was screened at one of the free developmental screening clinics offered by Children’s Specialized Hospital. Since 2001, Kohl’s has donated  nearly $5.4 million to Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.

This year, Kohl’s Autism Awareness program will offer more than 30 free developmental screening clinics. New Jersey has the highest incidence of autism in the country with one in 49 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Children’s Specialized Hospital has more than 120 years of experience caring for children with special needs and is the state’s leader in autism diagnosis, treatment and research. The hospital serves children affected by brain injury, spinal cord injury, premature birth, autism, developmental delays and life-changing illnesses. Children’s Specialized Hospital has 12 sites in New Jersey and treats 20,000 children each year, making it the largest pediatric rehabilitation system in the country.

Kohl’s commitment to Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys, with 100 percent of net profit benefiting children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. Kohl’s has raised nearly $300 million through this merchandise program. For more information, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares.

Children’s Specialized Hospital is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to age 21 facing special health challenges — from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. At 13 different New Jersey locations, their pediatric specialists partner with families to make their many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective.  

To help, or find more information: call 888-CHILDRENS; visit www.childrens-specialized.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/childrensspecialized; Twitter: www.twitter.com/childrensspecnj; YouTube: www.youtube.com/cshnj; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/children's-specialized-hospital.

'Stress Less'

Hunterdon Healthcare and The Paint Party Studio in Flemington will present "Stress Less," an evening of painting and education.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington.

Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Some people may cope with stress more effectively or recover from stressful events quicker than others. It's important to know your limits when it comes to stress to avoid more serious health effects. Christine Skotzko, M.D., medical director of Psychiatry at Hunterdon Medical Center will speak about how to handle everyday stress and then attendees will de-stress by enjoying the evening painting an ocean scene.

Hunterdon Behavioral Health experts will also be available with information on their services and support they offer the community.

The event will be held outside under a large tent at Hunterdon Medical Center, directly behind the Doctor’s Office Building, 1100 Wescott Drive. 

The fee to attend is $25 and The Paint Party Studio is donating a portion of the proceeds to Hunterdon Behavioral Health. To register, visit www.thepaintpartystudio.com, then go to calendar and select the June 30 Hunterdon Healthcare event.

Raritan Bay receives award

Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge and Perth Amboy has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

However, a significant number of STEMI patients don't receive this prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Its EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.  

Raritan Bay, a member of the Meridian Health family, has been recognized with the Gold Award after demonstrating at least 75 percent compliance for each required measure over a two year span. “We are happy to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients,” said Director of Operations and MICU, Alert Ambulance Service Inc. and Raritan Bay Medical Center Scott Powers in a news release. “The Mission: Lifeline program is helping us achieve our goal of making our services among the best in the country.”

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. These correct tools,  training, and practices allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said James Jollis, M.D., chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group, in the news release. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals. We applaud Raritan Bay Medical Center for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

For more information about Raritan Bay Medical Center, visit www.rbmc.org. For a free physician referral, call 1-800-DOCTORS.

Physicians named 'Top Doctors'

A number of physicians at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick have been named as a ‘Top Doctor for Cancer Care’ by Inside Jersey.

Each year, the magazine releases a list of the state’s top physicians for cancer care in conjunction with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., which publishes America’s Top Doctors. Based on peer surveys, attributes such as board certification, clinical skills, training, years in practice, administrative posts, achievements and other criteria are reviewed and assessed by a physician-led research team assembled by Castle Connolly. 

“As the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is engaged in the latest research, clinical trials and cutting-edge clinical care across the full breadth of oncology, including novel areas such as precision medicine and immunotherapy. Along with advanced surgical and radiation technologies, this work by our multidisciplinary team of physician-scientists and clinical experts results in novel treatment options for our patients that they may not have had access to elsewhere. We are honored that our peers recognize our efforts to deliver the highest quality of care for our patients,” said Rutgers Cancer Institute Interim Director Bruce G. Haffty, MD, in a news release. Haffty is also named to this year’s list.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey physicians on this year’s list are also faculty members at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and practice at Rutgers Cancer Institute’s flagship hospital Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Those named to the 2016 list are:

• Joseph Aisner, MD, co-director, Lung Cancer/Thoracic Oncology Program; specialty: lung cancer.
• David A. August, MD, section chief, Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology; specialty: gastrointestinal malignancies.
• Joel K. Braver, MD, radiation oncologist; specialty: prostate, breast and lung cancers.
• Richard Drachtman, MD, section chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; specialty: pediatric cancers and blood disorders.
• Bruce G. Haffty, MD, interim director, Rutgers Cancer Institute; chair, Radiation Oncology; specialty: breast cancer.
• Howard L. Kaufman, MD, FACS, associate director for Clinical Science and Chief Surgical Officer; specialty: melanoma and immunotherapy.
• Pauline Lerma, MD, medical oncologist; specialty: breast cancer, solid tumors.
• Michael G. McKenna, MD, radiation oncologist; specialty: prostate IMRT, breast cancer, and head and neck cancers.
• Lorna Rodriguez, MD, PhD, director, Precision Medicine; specialty: gynecologic cancers.
• Roger Strair, MD, PhD, chief, Hematologic Malignancies and Blood and Marrow Transplantation; specialty: leukemia and lymphoma.
• Deborah L. Toppmeyer, MD, chief medical officer, and director, Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center and the LIFE Center; specialty: breast cancer.
• Robert E. Weiss, MD, urologic oncologist; specialty: urologic cancers.

A full listing of ‘Top Doctors’ can be found at www.castleconnolly.com/doctors/index.cfm?source=ijtdfc. Full profiles of Cancer Institute doctors named to the list can also be found at www.cinj.org/physician/index.php.

For more information about Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, visit www.cinj.org. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

Zika virus prevention

Mayor Wilda Diaz and the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission have partnered to bring awareness about Zika virus prevention to the residents of Perth Amboy during the summer months of travel, outdoor activities and for expecting mothers.

“It’s extremely important to get this information to our families. We are being aggressive about the outreach, as summer is just around the corner and we know that many of our families travel to the Caribbean and other areas that have unfortunately been impacted by the Zika virus,” said Diaz in a news release.

According to the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission, currently there are 16 travel-related and zero locally acquired Zika cases in New Jersey. The Commission does not expect widespread outbreaks, however isolated cases of travel and locally acquired cases is possible due to some infected people returning from areas with Zika virus outbreaks such as Puerto Rico and South American countries.

“Fortunately, the primary mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) that spread Zika, is not present in New Jersey. However local transmission can come from the Asian tiger mosquito, an aggressive daytime biter that is commonly seen occurring in residential backyards and businesses in the county,” said Superintendent Dr. Deepak Matadha in the news release. “The Asian tiger mosquito breeds in a wide range of man-made containers that hold water for more than seven days. It is found in all neighborhoods, from the poorest to the most affluent. For effective control of this species, we urge the residents to practice good water sanitation on their properties. Once every week, eliminate or manage all sources of standing water to discourage mosquito breeding.”

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside; use EPA registered insect repellents according to label. To stop the spread of Zika, travelers diagnosed with Zika should avoid mosquito bites for three weeks and use condoms when having sex.

The Mosquito Commission is proactive in their surveillance and control efforts with regards to the Asian tiger mosquito in the Perth Amboy community. They are conducting city-wide monitoring for the Asian tiger mosquito population, treatments for mosquito larvae control in all catch basins and other habitats, spraying for adult mosquitoes and source reduction through scrap tire abatement in the city.

Zika prevention information will be distributed to the public and is currently published on the city’s website. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will be aired in the upcoming weeks. Many organizations have partnered in Zika prevention efforts in the county, including the NJ Health Department, Raritan Bay Medical Center, NJID, MC Mosquito Commission, the MC Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

For additional information about the City of Perth Amboy, visit www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us.

Blood donation opportunities

he American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though — every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

“Donating blood helps save lives and can affect people you know and work alongside every day,” said Scott Nethery, whose 7-year-old daughter Audrey requires frequent transfusions. Audrey was born with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare condition where her body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. “I am so appreciative of the individuals whose blood is within my daughter at this very moment. Without blood, my little angel would not be with us today.”

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1 to 5, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities locally:

• Basking Ridge: July 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. James R.C. Church, 184 S. Finley Ave.
• Flemington: July 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., YMCA Hunterdon, 144 W. Woodschurch Road
• Iselin: July 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dunkin' Donuts, 801 Green St.
• Raritan Borough: July 7, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and July 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.-Raritan Campus-Janssen, 1000 Route 202 South, OMP Building
• Skillman: July 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and July 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Johnson & Johnson North, 199 Grandview Ave.

For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.

Heartbeats is compiled by Community Content Specialist Bradley W. Wadlow. Email items for Heartbeats to Bradley W. Wadlow at health@MyCentralJersey. You can also reach him at 908-243-6604. Interact with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brad.wadlow.1 and follow him on Twitter @BradWadlowMyCJ.​