Monmouth Medical Center e-Newsletter

May 2011

JuneMasthead

Pediatric Endocrinology Program Earns Prestigious Quality Recognition

   

The prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program was recently awarded to the pediatric endocrinology program of The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center.

 

"The association's recognition assures that our program meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management," says Monmouth Medical Center's chief of pediatric endocrinology Mike Barrows, D.O., who is board certified in general pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology and who leads the Center for Disorders of Insulin and Metabolism at Monmouth. "The ADA is the nations leading non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research and advocacy for health professionals, patients and the public. Recognition helps patients to identify quality diabetes programs."

 

Dr. Barrows notes that programs apply for ADA recognition voluntarily and those that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide patients with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

 

 The process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide," he says. "And of course, it assures patients that they will receive high-quality service."

 


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May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
  
Peanut allergy cases are on the rise, tripling from1997 to 2008, according to a Mt. Sinai School of Medicine study. 

There are an estimated 15,000 emergency room visits each year and nearly 100 deaths related to reactions to peanuts. From a pediatrician who has suffered from peanut allergies all his life, here are some tips for parents to navigate this peanut-riddled world.

 1. Always ask. It's YOUR responsibility. Not just typical peanut-filled foods like desserts, candy, salads and Asian cuisine like Thai food, but any food item you are unsure of. Also have the waiter ask the chef directly if you have any additional doubts, especially if the menu is not labeled with common allergies. 
2. Make sure to ask the manager to avoid cross-contamination with cooking pans, dishes, and utensils.
3. Always carry an Epipen, an emergent device used to administer epinephrine during severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis.
4. Go to the Emergency Department immediately if your child starts to have a rash, feels itchy, or has trouble breathing.
5. If you suspect your child has a peanut allergy or any allergy, they can be easily tested by an allergist.To learn more about food allergies, visit the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network web site at www.foodallergy.org. For a referral to a Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center pediatric allergist, call 888-SHBS-123.

 

Rajsekar Rajaraman, M.D.

Pediatric Resident

The Children's Hospital at

Monmouth Medical Center

 

Care Pages - Helping You Keep in Touch 
carepages logoDiscover an innovative way for patients and families to stay connected. Create or visit a patient web page. Monmouth Medical Center and CarePages.com have teamed up to help patients use the Internet to communicate with friends and loved ones while they are in the hospital!

>> Learn more about using Care Pages at Monmouth
Quick Links 
Teen Raises Funds
and Awareness of Brain Tumors
 CheckPresentation

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Skylar Steinberg, a freshman student at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, presented a check to Monmouth Medical Center officials during the hospital's recent ceremony to dedicate the Gamma Knife Center.  Skylar's father passed away from brain cancer, so she helped raise money in support of Monmouth's cancer programs by designing T-shirts and selling them.  Her mother and family members were on hand as she explained her thoughts and reasoning for her fund-raising efforts.  "I will never forget all that you did for my family, and I wanted to do something to help other families in need," said Skylar.  She presented a check for $1,300 to Sumul Raval, M.D., her  father's neuro-oncologist, and Frank J. Vozos, M.D., executive director of Monmouth Medical Center.  
To learn more about Gamma Knife treatment or the Gamma Knife Center at Monmouth Medical Center, call 732-923-6562 or visit www.monmouthgammaknife.com. To learn more about giving opportunities in support of Monmouth Medical Center, call 732-923-6886. 
 

Community Calendar & Upcoming Events  

 

PEDIATRIC PRE-OPERATIVE TOUR


Thursdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 or 30 from 3 to 4 pm


Tours for pediatric patients preparing to have a surgical procedure in the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center at Monmouth.  Tours are designed to reduce anxiety giving children a hands-on experience with medical equipment and visitation to areas they will encounter on the day of their surgery. This program will be held at Monmouth Medical Center in the Pediatric Playroom of the Cranmer Ambulatory Surgery Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch.  Call 732-923-6525 to register.  Free.

  


NEW BABIES, NEW EMOTIONS SUPPORT GROUP


Monday, June 6 from 11 am - 12 pm and


(En Espanol) on Friday, June 10 from 3 to 4 pm


This support group is for new Moms with postpartum-related depression and/or baby blues.  Sponsored by the Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth/Ocean Counties.  The June 6 support group will be held at Monmouth Medical Center located at 300 2nd Avenue, Long Branch.  The June 10 support group, presented in Spanish, will be held at the Monmouth Family Health Center located at 80 Pavilion Avenue, Long Branch. To register or for information, please call 732-363-5400, ext. 22. Free.

  


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