Latino Springfest and Health Fair – Saturday, June 20
The public is invited to visit the Latino Springfest and Health Fair, Lakewood Town Square, Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, Saturday June 20, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Latino Springfest and Health Fair, coordinated by Monica Guerrero, the owner of the Latino Community Connection, 111 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is an event designed to support the Spanish community of Ocean County. Exhibitors include Ocean County agencies, organizations, local churches, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.
The Health Fair will feature free health screenings and information, demonstrations, entertainment, sand art, face painting, and more. The sponsors and what they are providing are Amerigroup – a sugar drink nutritional demonstration; Meridian Health – cholesterol, glucose, BMI, and stroke risk assessments; United Health Care Community Plan – medication demonstration; the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department – photo IDs for children; Dental Associates of Lakewood – dental screening for children; the Ocean County Health Department – testing for lead poisoning and osteoporosis; Horizon NJ Health – dermo scans; the Lakewood Police Department – bike registration; and OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives) – blood pressure and glucose screenings.
For information contact the Latino Community Connection at 732-415-8368 or visit www.latinocommunityconnection.com
Health Symposium at CareOne at Jackson
CareOne at Jackson and Right at Home Homecare, Brick, are sponsoring a Health Symposium and complimentary continental breakfast, open to the public, at CareOne at Jackson, 11 History Lane, Jackson, N.J., Tuesday, June 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the dining room of CareOne.
Health experts will discuss such topics as osteoporosis, total knee replacement, POLST (Practitioner Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms, estate planning before a crisis hits, and navigating through the world of home care. A question and answer session will follow.
Members of the symposium include internist and geriatrician Dr. Nivedita Sharma, My MD Group, Jackson; Psychometrician Mira Ahuja, PhD; Dr. James Cozzarelli, orthopedic surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Freehold; Robert Brogan, elder law attorney at the Brogan Law Group, Point Pleasant; Bernie Branz, director of RightCare, Brick; and Jennifer Marsalis, N.J. Ombudsman Office.
Samaris Tassinaro, regional director of business development at CareOne, said, “Hearing directly from experts will keep attendees informed of the latest health information and help them make informed decisions.”
Seating is limited. Please register the latest Monday, June 22, 2015. Call 732-367-6600 or stassinaro@care-one.com to register or contact Samaris Tassinaro at 201-410-7709.
OHI to Participate in Latino Community Springfest and Health Fair
The public is invited to visit OHI’s tent during Latino Community Springfest and Health Fair, Lakewood Town Square, Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, Saturday June 20, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to get free blood pressure screenings and information about OHI’s medical services for uninsured and underinsured families in Ocean County.
The Latino Community Springfest and Health Fair is an event designed to support the Spanish community of Ocean County. Other exhibitors include Ocean County agencies, organizations, local churches, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. The Health Fair will feature health information, and include food, prizes, and entertainment.
For information about OHI, call 732-363-6655 or visit www.ohinj.org. For questions, contact Kimberly Tozzi, Community Relations Liaison at 732-719-9016.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70 Lakehurst; a health center within the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit.
OHI provides comprehensive preventative and primary health and dental care to Ocean County’s insured, uninsured and underinsured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, behavioral health, dental, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, podiatry and social services.
OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.
Lakewood Township Band and Wrestling Summer Camps Set to Begin
Lakewood residents are invited to participate in Township summer recreation programs. The Lakewood Band and Wrestling day camps will begin this June at Lakewood Middle School.
The three-week instructional Lakewood Band Camp, designed for students in grades 4 through 12, will meet June 24 through July 10, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Lakewood Middle School.
Band Camp features group rehearsals and sectionals for all wind, string, percussion instruments, and beginners’ lessons for those who would like to start a new instrument.
The fee for Lakewood Band Camp is $5.00 for a Lakewood resident; $100 for the first non-resident child and $50 for each additional non-resident child. Music videos and lunches are included. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Lakewood Recreation office at 732-905-3405, Ext. 6017 or Wilbur Wittemann at www.lakewoodjazz.com.
Attendees of Lakewood’s Wrestling Day Camp will learn proper techniques or fine tune their skills by working with coaches and area scholastic wrestlers. Wrestling camp is scheduled June 29 through July 3, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Lakewood Middle School gym.
The fee is $10.00 for a Lakewood resident; $50 for non-resident child and $25 for each additional non-resident child. The fee includes free lunches and participation in matches and tournaments.
For further information, call the Lakewood Recreation office at 732-905-3405, Ext. 6017 or visit www.lakewoodnj.gov.
CHEMED Holds Immunization Awareness Event
Adults are not too thrilled to get them. Children often cry or scream when they get theirs, but getting immunized protects children, entire families, and the community at large from getting sick and from spreading illness.
As a way to promote the value of immunizations and the importance of avoiding germs, LRRC (Lakewood Resource and Referral Center) and CHEMED (The Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry), a federally qualified health care center, 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health’s immunization program, recently held an educational Immunization Awareness Day with several fun-filled and educational activities for Ella G. Clarke Street School third graders.
Leah Schnall, LRRC immunization grant coordinator and social service case manager, who organized the event, said, “The main purpose of this evert was to emphasize staying active and healthy, taking good care of your body and yourself, and getting vaccinated.”
On their way to CHEMED’s educational center, the public school children saw the pictures they had drawn, depicting why being immunized is important, showcased in a corridor where CHEMED visitors can see them. Three students received first, second, and third place for their art work and many runners-up received hula hoops.
Children saw “Immunity and Vaccines Explained,” a short video about how vaccines help cells from getting sick. They learned important information from Dr. Joanna Beizem about how shots protect people from getting sick and the importance of brushing their teeth to keep germs out of their bodies from dental hygienist Batsheva Kagan. The children and were amazed with James the Magician from Carnival Parties who magically made “germs” appear and disappear when the children shouted the magic word, “Immunizations!”
Every child received a goodie bag filled with activity books to reinforce the value of immunizations, information for parents, and small prizes and snacks.
Dr. Dovid Friedman, the CEO of CHEMED, said, “We are giving them information to take home to get out a positive message and making sure everyone is immunized so we protect all our children in the community. We are planning a few other events throughout the year. One goal we had was to get 600 children immunized through outreach to our patient base, trying to make sure everyone was on time and compliant with immunizations. We actually achieved it by the end of May!”
The concept for a fun educational immunization awareness event was developed though Dr. Friedman, Leah Schnall, and Lakewood Township Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller. The Department of Health was represented at the immunization awareness event by Louis Delgadillo, B.S.W.
About CHEMED: CHEMED provides comprehensive health and medical services, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, and dentistry, among other fields, all in one building. Uninsured patients will be seen on a sliding-fee scale. To make an appointment, call 732-364-6666.
CHEMED Mission Statement: To provide a comprehensive, integrated system of health care to optimize the physical and mental well-being of individuals and families in our community by delivering outstanding health education, preventative, and treatment services.
OHI to Participate in Stafford Township Founders Day
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives), a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with offices in Lakewood, Toms River, Lakehurst and Manahawkin, will be joining Stafford Township residents to celebrate Stafford Township Founders Day at Manahawkin Lake Park, Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The public is invited to visit OHI’s tent during Founders Day to get free blood pressure screenings and information about OHI’s medical services for uninsured and underinsured families in Ocean County.
Festivities following a parade include opening ceremonies, craft and food vendors, local businesses, and entertainment.
For information about OHI, call 732-363-6655 or visit www.ohinj.org. For questions, contact Kimberly Tozzi, Community Relations Liaison at 732-719-9016.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70 Lakehurst; a health center within the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit.
OHI provides comprehensive preventative and primary health and dental care to Ocean County’s insured, uninsured and underinsured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, behavioral health, dental, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, podiatry and social services.
OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.
Pediatric PT Specialist at Hands On Publishes Book on Special Needs Children
Kerry L. Walsh, PT MS*, Toms River, who has worked at Hands On Physical Therapy, 780 Route 37 West, Toms River, since 2009, specializes in treating children with such special needs as Torticollis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Disorders, developmental delay, and neurological and orthopedic conditions, among others.
Walsh, herself, a parent of a child with autism and a senior pediatric physical therapist at Hands On, knows first-hand what can help parents and children with special needs. She recently co-authored the book STARS Social Skills Training and Readiness Skills, a multidisciplinary approach for children with special needs, ages 3 to 21.
At work, Walsh uses both clinical expertise and her extensive course work in NDT, (Neuro-Developmental Treatment, a hands on technique for central nervous system pathophysiology, such as cerebral palsy and adults with cerebral vascular accidents) and MFR (Myofascial Release), Craniosacral Therapy and Sensory Integration to provide manual care.
Walsh can be reached at the Toms River Hands On Physical Therapy office (732-736-7007) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Walsh received her M.S. in Physical Therapy in 1995 from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass. She has more than 20 years of pediatric experience, with a concentration in the 0-3 population. Walsh has practiced in pediatric settings, including NICU, acute care, home-based early intervention, and outpatient and long-term care rehabilitation. She served as the outpatient physical therapy supervisor at a Level II Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, and was an integral member of the Infant Toddler Assessment Program for high risk infant follow up. Walsh also worked at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River, N.J., and served as a co-facilitator of their Autism Support Group.
Walsh has been the guest speaker at several conferences for early childhood educators and most recently was a co-presenter for “Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Autism” at the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference.
She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Pediatrics Section of APTA, and the New Jersey Physical Therapy Association.
Walsh, who is active in her community, served as the assistant director of Maternal Wings Charity for Expectant Mothers from its inception in 2007 through 2013. In addition she utilizes her experience as the parent of a child with autism to assist other parents, providing resource information about various educational and recreational opportunities for children with special needs. She also volunteers as an assistant coach for the Brick Stars Challenger Hockey Team.
STARS Social Skills Training and Readiness Skills by Walsh, Lynn M. O’Dell-Pateman, and Jaime E. Meyer-McHale is available at Amazon. For more information, contact Kerry Walsh at 732-604-5215.
*PT – Physical Therapist MS – Master’s Science in Physical Therapy
About Hands On Physical Therapy: Hands On Physical Therapy, founded in 2003, offers orthopedic physical therapy, aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy consisting of early intervention, sensory integration, and autism spectrum disorders, treatment of peripheral neuropathy, personal training, and nutrition consultation. Clinics at 224 Jack Martin Boulevard, Unit E4, in Ocean Medical Park, Brick; and 780 Route 37 West, Suite 210, Toms River N.J., are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Aquatic Therapy is held two times a week.
Hands On offers free transportation to and from appointments. The clinics accept many health insurances and Medicare. For more information visit www.HandsOnNJ.com or call the Toms River clinic at 732-736-7007 or the Brick clinic at 732-746-3933.
Ryan English Earns the Above and Way Beyond Award
It’s nice to know that when you just don’t have the strength, someone is willing to help you even when he doesn’t have to! Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHCC), a company that provides medical services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania with headquarters in Eatontown, recently championed a client in Kenilworth, N.J., who has a diagnosis of ALS and requires 24-hour skilled nursing care.
The client had been paying another home health care agency privately for services. When Monica Bukowski, clinical supervisor at Preferred, opened the case, she found out that the client did not have insurance. The client said she had tried to get the insurance to cover the PDN (Private Duty Nursing) benefit but was told she did not have the benefit and that PDN services were not covered.
Ryan English, a Forked River resident and branch manager of Preferred, North Brunswick, could easily have accepted the fact that the client did not have coverage and bill the 100 percent of out-of-pocket fee; however, he decided to check all the facts with the hope that he could help the client. English called the insurance company and working with them, he found out that the client did, in fact, have the benefit.
English said, “When you are in this situation, it is easy to get beaten down and almost give up. Preferred felt that the needs of this family had progressed, and we were not willing to give up on getting them approved. With the effort of our office staff, our clinicians and the family’s primary physician, we put together updated information and presented it to the insurance company. I am proud to say that this family is now approved for 16 hours a day of PDN. The money saved can now go to other pressing family needs and has allowed the family to take one worry off their plate so they can concentrate on their loved one.”
Jonathan Herman, COO of PHHC, said, “It would have been easier just to focus on the next client, but Ryan went above and beyond his job description to help another human being, a core philosophy at Preferred. Had it not been for Ryan’s hard work and concern for our client, the family would still be paying 100 percent privately. Kudos to Ryan!”
Ann La Patta RN, corporate director of nursing at PHHC, said, “Talk about going above and beyond for a client. FANTASTIC! In my opinion, this is the type of action that makes Preferred special and stand out.”
The North Brunswick branch of PHHC employs close to 300 nurses and aides, and services 160 families with various medical needs. Ryan, a 10-year employee of Preferred, said, “My office services Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties, which is a source of great to pride to me because it is where I grew up and continue to have many bonds.
“Although I have not experienced first-hand the need for ongoing medical care in my immediate family, I am very sensitive to the financial and emotional strains these needs can place on a family. My grandmother and both uncles on my mother’s side passed away in their 40s due to health issues so I fully understand the emotional tolls a family endures during health struggles.”
Ryan said, “I love my job, I love helping people and I love being a part of such a dedicated organization. I now volunteer and coach youth sports in my town. Being an influential and a positive role model to others has become something I search for. I try to teach my family not to be bystanders, rather to always be part of the solution.”
For more information, contact Lisa Gallicchio, PHHC Director of Community Relations.
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services:
Since 1987, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), 45 Main Street, Eatontown, N.J., has provided a wide range of medical and non-medical home health care services from pediatric to geriatric care throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PHHC is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program), an accrediting organization for the home health care industry.
Preferred works collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and facilities to ensure a smooth transition to one’s home. In-house services include skilled nursing care for infants, children, adults, and seniors; personal care services, including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, etc.; private duty nursing services; and at-home physical therapy, among others. All of the care can be provided in-house and is coordinated by registered nurses, with clinical supervision available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
Trenton Police Honor Nurse for Her Quick Thinking in Saving a Life
The Trenton Police Department recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation to civilian Esther Wentz, Williamstown, N.J., at an awards ceremony honoring several officers and civilians at the Masonic Temple, 100 Barracks Street, Trenton, N.J.
While making her rounds visiting clients, Esther Wentz, an RN at Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC)*, Mount Laurel, noticed a pedestrian had fallen to the ground while crossing the street. She jumped from her car, realized the man was not breathing, and administered CPR until EMTs arrived.
When Police Officer Steven Austin arrived at the scene, he found an unresponsive man with a laceration on his face from the fall. Wentz and Joshua Levy, a firefighter, had already begun to help the man. Wentz administered chest compressions while Levy and Officer Austin assisted in giving first aid. The man was later transported to St. Francis Medical Center where he recovered.
Cynthia Spencer, client services manager at PHHC, Mt. Laurel, said, “We at Preferred congratulate one of our Mount Laurel team members Esther Wentz for receiving a Commendation Award from the City of Trenton Police Department for her quick thinking and nursing skills. We are so proud of our Esther.”
Wentz, who attended Temple University, graduated from Penn State, Abington, Pennsylvania, with an A.A. in Arts and Science. She received her RN from Frankford Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia, in 1999 and worked in the home care industry and hospitals until 2013 when she joined PHHC in Mount Laurel.
*About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services:
Since 1987, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), 45 Main Street, Eatontown, N.J., has provided a wide range of medical and non-medical home health care services from pediatric to geriatric care throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PHHC is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program), an accrediting organization for the home health care industry.
Preferred works collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and facilities to ensure a smooth transition to one’s home. In-house services include skilled nursing care for infants, children, adults, and seniors; personal care services, including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, etc.; private duty nursing services; and at-home physical therapy, among others. All of the care can be provided in-house and is coordinated by registered nurses, with clinical supervision available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
Are Health Care Costs Rising in Your Company? — June JSAHR Meeting
If your company is faced with ever increasing health insurance costs, attend the monthly meeting of JSAHR (The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
Karen Smith, the director of Population Health Management for USI, an insurance and consulting firm, will discuss a progressive approach to health care cost issues, including the evolution of wellness programs and national health trends.
Attendees will learn the key drivers of health care costs, how to create and sustain a culture of work place health, and how to use data to make informed cost management decisions that will deliver savings to their benefits programs.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $40.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. To register, email jsahr.shrm@gmail.com or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator, at 732-701-7155.
JSAHR is a Gold Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). USI, an insurance and consulting firm, is sponsoring June’s JSAHR meeting.
This program has been approved for 1.0 credit hour toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, visit www.hrci.org.
About Karen Smith:
Karen Smith is the Director of Population Health Management for USI Northeast. Smith has more than eight years of experience in worksite health promotion and population risk management. She works with the USI team to assist clients in the creation of sustainable workforce wellness solutions that address the modifiable health care costs and trends impacting an organization’s bottom line. Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience in marketing communications, project and vendor management, and sales support