Englewood Health Foundation Receives Historic Corporate Pledge from ZT Systems

Posted on by John Williams

April 23, 2021 — The Englewood Health Foundation is the recipient of a historic philanthropic pledge from ZT Systems, an international leader in the IT sector with headquarters in Secaucus, NJ. The $4 million pledge is the largest corporate pledge in the Englewood Health Foundation’s history. In recognition of the pledge, the newly planned outpatient center in Jersey City will be named the Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at Jersey City.

“Englewood Health is resolute in its commitment to ensuring access to high-quality, compassionate care for patients throughout our region,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Thanks to ZT Systems’ commitment and leadership-level support, we will dramatically extend our reach and bring care to our patients’ doorstep—where and how they need it.”

Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at Jersey City will serve as a centralized medical hub for the health system in Hudson County. The three-floor, 73,000+ square-foot medical facility, slated to open later in 2021, will provide increased access to medical expertise, services and screenings for the community.

“We are very thankful for the hard work and dedication that Englewood Hospital has shown in the community,” said Frank Zhang, President and CEO, ZT Systems. “The daily sacrifices of frontline workers during this pandemic have been both eye opening and admirable. We value our partnership with Englewood Health and this pledge is our way of showing our continued support to the Foundation and its dedication to the community.”

With more than 1,300 people working at ZT Systems facilities in New Jersey and New York, ZT Systems designs, builds, and services computer hardware that is central to hyperscale data centers. Hyperscale data centers make possible the cloud computing services that underpin many aspects of critical infrastructure and enable people to work, learn, and keep in touch remotely. The company’s commitment to philanthropy reflects their strong tradition of caring for and connecting with neighbors.

“ZT Systems’ pledge is an incredible vote of confidence for our team,” said Michael Gutter, chairman of the board of the Englewood Health Foundation. “Their generosity will open the door to a new era of care for patients in Hudson County and help write an exciting new chapter for Englewood Health.”

Among Englewood Health’s strategic priorities over the next decade is expanding care to meet the needs of traditionally underserved populations by engaging and empowering patients. This includes improved access to care and value-based community services that are convenient and patient-centered.

“Now, more than ever, health care is delivered beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Richard Lerner, chairman of the boards of Englewood Health and Englewood Hospital. “By prioritizing access, Englewood Health is reducing barriers to care that may have prevented patients from living fuller, healthier lives. This most recent addition to our health system will place special emphasis not just on treating disease but also welcoming patients as active participants in the healthcare journey.”

To learn more about the Englewood Health Foundation and how philanthropy creates impact on patient care, visit englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease May Bring Years of Relief

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative central nervous system disorder whose cause may be genetic or environmental and which usually afflicts those aged 60 or older, although 4% of sufferers are younger than 50 years of age. Symptoms usually gradually, rather than suddenly, appear.

For Parkinson’s disease, treatment can be divided into three modalities: nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic and device/surgical.

“We often give advice about nonpharmacologic therapy, such as regular aerobic exercise and simply taking better care of yourself,” said Gary Alweiss, MD, the chief of neurology at Englewood Health.

Brisk walking, swimming, water aerobics, boxing, dance therapy, and physical therapy can all be helpful for Parkinson’s, according to Dr. Alweiss, who noted that the disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.

Most Parkinson’s patients seen by neurologists are referred by primary care physicians. After nonpharmacologic interventions are tried, medication is typically the next step.

“The decision to start symptomatic pharmacologic medicine is determined by how much the symptoms interfere with the person or impair their quality of life,” Dr. Alweiss said. “However, if the person presents with symptoms that are consistent with Parkinson’s, but the symptoms are very mild and not bothersome at all, then medications are not mandatory.”

For symptoms that become disturbing to the patient, the first medicine prescribed is carbidopa/levodopa, which replaces the dopamine in the body. “This is the gold standard of treatment,” Dr. Alweiss said. “It is the most effective and well tolerated. In fact, in some cases, when the doctor is not even certain that the person has Parkinson’s, a response to carbidopa/levodopa is further evidence that the person does have the disease.”

This oral medication is taken three times a day. It is also not uncommon for Dr. Alweiss to add more drugs over varying time intervals. For instance, the patient might start carbidopa-levodopa, with escalating doses as the disease worsens, or the patient might begin with a different medication, such as amantadine or rasagiline, and then add carbidopa-levodopa.

Gary Alweiss, MD

“About 85% of patients do very nicely on either solo or combination therapy. Most of the time, a person can enjoy at least several years of relief from medication, although responses vary widely.”

Gary Alweiss, MD

“Surgery does not generally help cognitive abnormalities or the person who walks slowly or freezes,” Dr. Alweiss said. Instead, surgery is limited to selected individuals with abnormal motor movements.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most frequently performed device procedure, whereby electrodes are implanted into nuclei of the brain. “DBS can improve the dyskinesia, yet the patient still needs to continue medication,” Dr. Alweiss said.

Genetic testing and molecular biology may allow for identifying the protein and initial genesis of Parkinson’s, which is rarely caused by a known genetic abnormality. “The disease is well localized—we know what parts of the brain are involved,” Dr. Alweiss said.

Stimulating nerve regeneration with neurotrophic factors is also promising. A recent review (J Parkinsons Dis 2018;8[2]:195-215) of clinical trials noted, “Future clinical trials with neurotrophic factors clearly deserve to be conducted, considering the still enticing goal of actually slowing the disease process of Parkinson’s disease.”

Posted April 19, 2021

Latest MRI Technology Enables Faster, More Accurate Results

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

The latest imaging technology is changing clinical care at Englewood Health, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders.

While traditional MRI scanners use magnetic fields measuring 1.5 tesla, the 3-tesla MRIs at Englewood Health use magnets with twice the power to create more highly detailed images. This enhanced resolution enables referring physicians to make diagnoses that may have been missed with conventional imaging.

As Mark Shapiro, MD, the chief of radiology at Englewood Health explained, with conventional MRI scanners, a small portion of patient anatomy is difficult to see due to limited sensitivity and resolution of the scanner. In contrast, the scanners at Englewood Health offer up greater resolution, giving referring physicians and orthopedic surgeons far more confidence in the diagnosis.

“The greatest advantage is in the smaller joints like the wrist, hand, foot or ankle,” Dr. Shapiro said. “The higher strength magnets enable us to see these tiny structures with enough detail that we can diagnose most abnormalities when they appear.”

The machines are fast, too—up to 25% faster than the previous generation of MRI scanners. A quicker examination is not only easier for patients, who might be asked to hold an awkward position for 30 minutes or longer, but the speed also increases accuracy.

“Motion is your enemy in the MRI,” Dr. Shapiro said. “By utilizing increased speed, we’re eliminating motion artifacts that are very common.”

Mark Shapiro, MD

“Motion is your enemy in the MRI,” Dr. Shapiro said. “By utilizing increased speed, we’re eliminating motion artifacts that are very common.”

Mark Shapiro, MD

Although 90% of musculoskeletal imaging is geared toward use of MRI, Dr. Shapiro and his radiology team, composed of subspecialty fellowship-trained radiologists, also employ ultrasound imaging for nonsurgical procedures, such as anesthetic and corticosteroid joint injections, applied directly to damaged joint tissue.

“Ultrasound imaging is easier for patients, and we’re able to perform therapeutic procedures without exposing them to radiation,” said Dr. Shapiro, who noted that fluoroscopy was previously used to guide the needle into the joint.

Ultrasound is also used for the diagnosis of tendon or ligament tears and the characterization of mass lesions in patients who cannot undergo MRI (e.g., because of a pacemaker, claustrophobia or body habitus).

April 14, 2021

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Michael Demyen: Schedule Your Screening – March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Anthony Figueroa

Michael F. Demyen, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Park Medical Group and a member of the Englewood Health Physician Network. Englewood Health offers safe and convenient access to colonoscopy at locations throughout northern New Jersey. 

Did you know that colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable in its early stages? Gastroenterologist Michael Demyen, MD, explains why having a colonoscopy is essential to your health—and why the procedure is easier to undergo now than it was in the past. 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is on the rise in younger people. Most patients who develop colorectal cancer have no family history of the disease. Black Americans are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, but it affects people of all races and ethnicities. 

Why is screening for colorectal cancer important? 

Dr. Demyen: Early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms, and the disease is not detected in routine lab tests or during physical exams. Screening for colorectal cancer allows doctors to find cancers when they are in the early stages and, therefore, more treatable. 

Who should be screened? 

Dr. Demyen: The American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years until age 75. A family history of colorectal cancer and certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), increase a person’s risk. Those at high risk of developing colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about beginning colonoscopy screening prior to age 45 and about undergoing more frequent testing. 

Can having a colonoscopy help prevent colon cancer? 

Dr. Demyen: A colonoscopy is both a screening test and a prevention tool. During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists may find cancers in early stages, as well as find and remove precancerous polyps. 

What if I’ve had an unpleasant experience with the colonoscopy  procedure in the past? 

Dr. Demyen: Today’s methods of colonoscopy preparation are easier and more tolerable than those of the past, and they cause less bloating and gas. 

How does a colonoscopy work? 

Dr. Demyen: Following laxative preparation, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and a tiny video camera at the end of the tube is used to visualize the entire colon. 

Is there an alternative if I can’t tolerate a colonoscopy? 

Dr. Demyen: A colonoscopy is the most sensitive screening test, and allows for the removal of abnormal tissue during the procedure. Noninvasive stool tests, such as FIT (fecal immunohistochemical test) and FIT-DNA testing, can be performed at home and sent to a lab to be analyzed. Another option is a virtual colonoscopy, which uses a CT scan to capture images of the colon. These tests are typically performed every year or at three-year intervals. Ask your doctor if one of these tests is right for you. 

Can I wait until after the pandemic for colon cancer screening? 

Dr. Demyen: Patients should not delay their cancer screening tests. In 2020 we saw too many patients experience delays in detecting treatable disease, especially in the most vulnerable communities, due to the pandemic. That delay has unfortunately led to deaths that could have been prevented. Englewood Health has put measures in place to ensure screening and procedures can be performed safely and efficiently. 

Posted March 24, 2021

Englewood Health Awarded Re-Certification from Joint Commission for Total Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Spinal Fusion Surgery

Posted on by John Williams

Orthopedic and neurosurgery teams earn “Gold Seal of Approval”

March 24, 2021 — Englewood Health has once again received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement certification and the Gold Seal of Approval for Spinal Fusion certification. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. This is the fourth time since 2012 that Englewood Health has received the spinal fusion certification; it has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for Total Joint Replacement-Hip and Total Joint Replacement-Knee continuously since 2008.

“The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for hip and knee replacement is an important recognition of the safe, high-quality orthopedic care provided at Englewood Health,” says Asit K. Shah, MD, PhD, chief of orthopedic surgery and co-founder of the Joint Replacement Center at Englewood Health. “It reflects the dedication of everyone involved in hip and knee replacement, from orthopedic surgery through rehabilitation. My congratulations to the entire joint replacement program for their commitment to providing outstanding patient care.”

“At Englewood Health, we offer multi-specialty treatment for spine disease that includes both neurosurgical and orthopedic specialists,” says neurosurgeon Omar Syed, MD. “This national quality rating for spinal fusion surgery provides external validation of our safety and quality, which patients can rely on when choosing a hospital for spine surgery. Our team is providing top-notch spine care, day in and day out, and every member of the team is to be commended on this achievement.”

Englewood Health underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in November 2020 for all three programs in which Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards, as well as assessed clinical practice guidelines and performance measures. The review process included surveys that studied patient outcomes, patient and team member interviews, and policy reviews.

“Certification recognizes health organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer for accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing executive at The Joint Commission. “We commend Englewood Health for using certification to reduce variations in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for joint replacement and spinal fusion patients.”

“Achieving this level of certification in spinal fusion, total hip replacement, and knee replacement surgery is a reflection of the tireless efforts of our doctors, nurses, and other clinical and non-clinical staff, who are committed to assuring quality and safety every day for our patients,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “We congratulate our teams on this recognition of our quality and safety by The Joint Commission and we thank each member for their dedication to our community.”

Ask the Doctor: Early Detection and Screening for Lung Cancer with Dr. Christos Stavropoulos

Posted on by John Williams

Christos I. Stavropoulos, MD, is the director of thoracic oncology at Englewood Health. Here he answers some questions regarding lung cancer, and shares steps individuals can take to keep their lungs healthy.

Do I qualify for a lung cancer screening?

Dr. Stavropoulos: You may qualify for a low-dose CT scan to help detect signs of lung cancer before symptoms present, when it’s at an early and treatable stage. Lung cancer screening eligibility guidelines* include people between 55 and 80 years of age who:

  • have a 30 pack-year smoking history (one pack a day for 30 years or 2 packs a day for 15 years), or
  • are current smokers or former smokers who have quit within the last 15 years.

Are early-stage lung cancers curable?

Dr. Stavropoulos: Screening is aimed at detecting lung cancer early on, when doctors can intervene and potentially provide a cure for the patient. Ten to 15 years ago—even five years ago—saying the words “lung cancer” and “cure” in the same sentence was rare. Today there have been many advancements in lung cancer treatment that have greatly impacted survival rates. If we catch lung cancer early, we can potentially cure it. That is the number one reason why screening is so important. Early detection saves lives.

Dr. Stavropoulos shares these three tips for preventing lung cancer:

  • Quit smoking or, better yet, never start.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Have a heavy smoking history? Get screened! With annual lowdose CT screening, the goal is to detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and to prevent late-stage lung cancers.

How can I get screened for lung cancer?

Dr. Stavropoulos: Patients are often referred for lung cancer screening by their primary care physicians. However, you can (and should) be your own advocate. If you meet the eligibility requirements, tell your doctor and ask about being screened for lung cancer. Englewood Health offers low-dose CT lung cancer screening, which is covered by most insurance plans, for eligible patients who are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.

I’m scared of what the results might show. Should I be?

Dr. Stavropoulos: Annual screening can make a difference in your long-term health. I encourage patients not to fear what might be found in screening. The majority of findings are changes that can be followed over time and may not require any intervention. But you’ll have peace of mind knowing we checked and, if there is an indication of lung cancer, we may be able to intervene early on, when the cancer has a better response to treatment.

Posted March 22, 2021

*The eligibility has changed to qualify people between 50 and 80 years of age who have a 20 pack-year smoking history. Call your insurance provider to see if it is covered.

Managing Spinal Conditions in Athletes

Posted on by John Williams

The main concern when athletes have spinal issues that make them stop exercising is they become deconditioned and start losing muscle tone and muscle memory, according to Frank Moore, MD, a neurosurgeon at Englewood Health.

“If you golf and you stop for several months, you forget how to do your swing properly, for example,” Dr. Moore said. “We focus on early and personalized treatment. The idea is to get patients back on track as quickly as possible.”

Englewood Health has access to a variety of surgical options, according to Dr. Moore. “Some of these include minimally invasive surgery where we can preserve the musculature of the spine, which allows patients to start rehab a lot sooner. Other surgeries allow us to do disc replacements.”

Cervical disc arthroplasty is often the treatment of choice when there is a problem between two vertebrae. “The aim is usually to decompress the disc. Until recently, what we have done is a fusion, where we link the two vertebrae, so there is no more motion at that segment,” Dr. Moore said. “Now, if we can replace that disc by a structure that allows movement, we can preserve mobility at that vertebral level.”

Frank Moore, MD

“We focus on early and personalized treatment. The idea is to get patients back on track as quickly as possible.”

Frank Moore, MD, neurological surgery

In the neck, disc arthroplasty has the advantage of allowing increased mobility and possibly less wear and tear at adjacent levels. Damage to a disc can happen in any sport as a result of direct trauma or repeated movements. If a patient is a tennis player, their disc may be injured from repeated serves. A football player may hit someone head-on and herniate a disc. “Disc arthroplasty has been done for 10 years, but there is just now a body of literature that proves it is safe and something that can be done routinely,” Dr. Moore said. “Postoperatively, patients start physical therapy sooner rather than later, to prevent deconditioning.”

Disc arthroplasty is not appropriate for all patients, however. “It is important to personalize treatment in relationship to the patient,” Dr. Moore said. “If you have a boxer who has a neck injury and we know that he wants to go back to boxing, that patient will probably get a cervical fusion. If a boxer is going to withstand repeated blows, then the fusion is going to be stronger to hold everything in place. If you have someone who is a dancer and they have an injury in the neck, they will probably get an arthroplasty.”

Dr. Moore has a particular professional interest in athletes because he is one himself. “Because I do a lot of sports, including Ironman triathlons, I have a good idea of what athletes want and need. Like any athlete, I’ve been injured.”

Posted March 11, 2021

State-of-the-Art Musculoskeletal Care, Close to Home at Englewood Health

Posted on by John Williams

A letter from Marc Arginteanu, MD, and Asit K. Shah, MD, PhD

Englewood Health continues to assemble an impressive team of orthopedists and spinal specialists that rivals any in the entire tristate area. This group of physicians, aided by dedicated nursing staff and other medical professionals, works together to provide the highest level of care that, conveniently, is available right in your patients’ neighborhood.

The core innovation is communication. Teamwork is the guiding principle at Englewood Health. Physicians working in orthopedics and neurosurgery actively collaborate and welcome nursing suggestions for improving patient care. Clinical expertise is abundant here, and teamwork compounds its power to create successful outcomes.

At Englewood Health, the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic medical technology is available within our state-of-the-art facilities, all of which are designed to improve the patient experience, from admission to discharge. And perioperative care often goes beyond the date of discharge as the clinical team follows the trajectory of a patient’s recovery at home.

Englewood Health offers the latest therapeutic orthopedic and spinal techniques. In addition, many of the physicians here are engaged in research to help formulate more advanced approaches for the benefit of future patients. Innovating the future of medicine is a core competency here at Englewood Health.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic put many elective surgeries on hold, but those procedures are once again taking place within Englewood Health. The highest levels of infection control are available, and, as noted in the sidebar on page 3, a stringent protocol is in place for all patients attending appointments on campus. The pandemic is no longer a reason for you or your patients to put off an important elective procedure.

Englewood Health orthopedists and spinal specialists work closely with all referring physicians to ensure continuity and excellence of care, and we invite you to collaborate with us should the need arise.

Marc Arginteanu, MD

Marc Arginteanu, MD

Neurological Surgery | Full profile

Asit K. Shah, MD PhD

Asit K. Shah, MD PhD

Orthopedic Surgery | Full profile

Posted March 11, 2021

New Surgical Technologies Improve Rotator Cuff Repair

Posted on by John Williams
Rotator cuff x-ray

Rotator cuff tears can be difficult to treat because healing can be problematic, especially as patients increase in age, according to Manesha Lankachandra, MD, a hand and upper extremity surgeon with Englewood Orthopedic Associates, part of the Englewood Health Physician Network.

“The initial treatment for most rotator cuff tears is trying nonoperative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections,” Dr. Lankachandra said. “But if those methodologies aren’t effective or stop working, then your next option is an arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn cuff.”

Manesha Lankachandra, MD

“The body has a really hard time healing that bone-to-tendon interface.”

Manesha Lankachandra, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon

Fortunately, a collection of new technologies is emerging that could improve the recovery process and help patients regain function.

Repair site injections of platelet-rich plasma, an autologous blood product with an enriched platelet concentration, and mesenchymal stem cells collected from the patient’s bone marrow are two approaches being studied for their ability to support postsurgical recovery at the bone-to-tendon interface of the rotator cuff, a juncture that has a notoriously difficult healing rate.

“The body has a really hard time healing that bone-to-tendon interface,” Dr. Lankachandra explained. “The goal of these treatments is to deliver growth factors and other enzymes that are going to encourage the tendon to repair back to the bone.”

Other developing strategies to aid repair and recovery include supportive scaffolding and allografts, Dr. Lankachandra said. “In the past several years, surgeons have started using allograft tissue to augment repairs, and even using allograft in place of the rotator cuff tendon itself for tears that are too big to repair normally.”

Dr. Lankachandra, who co-authored a recent review on augmenting rotator cuff repair (Orthop Clin North Am 2019;50[1]:103-108), noted that although these emerging technologies are exciting, they remain in the early stages of development for rotator cuff repair, and more research is needed to understand how best to incorporate them into practice.

“Randomized controlled studies that show that any of these technologies are more effective than just plain repair have been pretty limited in humans,” she said. “I don’t use them that much for primary rotator cuff repair. I think their utility is more in revision cases, or in patients who have very large tears where you have a pretty good idea from the start that their rotator cuff tear will not be repairable through a standard approach.”

Posted March 11, 2021

Marion’s Story – Cardiac Care

Posted on by John Williams

Conditions that affect the heart can run the gamut. Marion, an active 85-year-old, developed a blocked mitral valve that led to a scary moment that required open-heart surgery. She’s now giving thanks to the team who saved her and got her back to treasured time with her family.

Posted March 3, 2021