Interactive Content From
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick
SPRING | 2019
healthy
together
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HEART- HEALTHy EXERCISE
Aging well
Fighting cancer
CAR T-CELL THERAPY
There’s more to know about the topics highlighted in our print magazine. Click away in any order you choose for fresh insights into your health and news about healthcare innovations in our community.
Take Charge of Your Health!
EASY Heart- Healthy EXERCISE
CLICK EACH TOPIC TO READ MORE
AGING WELL
FIGHTING CANCER
Find a Doctor
RWJUH New Brunswick Cardiac Services
Your Heart Doesn’t Beat Just for You. Get It Checked.
Whether you're looking for insights about keeping your heart healthy or you need treatment and care for a heart condition, specialists at RWJBarnabas Health can help. Click any of the links on this page to learn more.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
CLICK EACH LINK TO LEARN MORE
The Lowdown on Cardio vs. Resistance
Cardio exercise is great for the heart and circulation. Resistance training builds muscles and burns calories. Why choose?
GET STARTED
Try this 5-minute body-weight workout—no equipment needed!
Exercise with a friend.
Find your best exercise time.
Have workout gear ready.
Set realistic goals.
Find an activity you like.
Track your success.
6 TIPS FOR STAYING ON TRACK
Your heart health improves with just 30 minutes of exercise on most days. You can break it up into two 15-minute segments of exercise or three 10-minute segments. Most of us find that starting a fitness routine isn’t the problem—sticking with it is! Try these tips to keep yourself motivated.
click each tip to learn more
Working out with someone is enjoyable, keeps you accountable and on a schedule—and may supply some healthy competition.
Everyone has a best time of day for exercising. Some folks like the morning because they can get it out of the way before the day’s activities begin or something unexpected happens. Others prefer the end of the day. Find what works best for your lifestyle and your energy level—and keep it on your calendar.
If you work out in the morning, make sure your workout wear is laid out the night before. If you plan to go to the gym after work, keep your gym clothes in the car so you don’t have to go home first to change.
Set goals that you know you can achieve. Most of us go beyond our set goals for the feeling of achievement that comes from beating our personal best.
Exercise can be anything that you like to do that keeps you moving— jogging, cycling, dancing or simply taking a walk with your family or dog. Ideally, your weekly activity should include cardiovascular work three to five days for a minimum of 30 minutes, and strength training on three days.
Keep a weekly exercise diary to track your progress and motivate yourself by providing a record of how much you’ve been able to accomplish. Take the long view. Remember, it takes one step at a time to climb a mountain.
reduces hypertension
lowers blood Sugar
relieves stress
increases blood flow
improves cholesterol
click buttons to learn more
Exercise and the heart
You know that exercising is good for your heart. But do you know exactly how exercise affects the cardiovascular system? Click on the buttons below to learn how physical activity helps reduce your risk of heart disease.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means that the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is too high. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, so it doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood. As a result, the force of blood on the arteries is reduced, bringing blood pressure down.
When you do exercise that's of at least moderate intensity, your muscles take up more sugar from the blood to use as energy. The American Diabetes Association suggests that people with high blood sugar become familiar with how exercise affects their blood glucose levels by checking them more often before and after exercise.
Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins— chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. According to the American Heart Association, research is ongoing to measure the effect of stress on factors that increase heart disease risk, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating.
During exercise, blood flow increases everywhere in the body, spreading more energy and oxygen. This improved blood flow benefits muscles and promotes cell growth and organ function. The brain also receives more oxygen, which makes it perform better. (That's why you think more clearly after you get up from your desk and take a walk.)
Moderate-intensity physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the type of cholesterol that's linked to heart disease, from the bloodstream.
easy Heart-Healthy Exercise
The human heart pumps nutrient-rich blood and oxygen throughout the body, 24/7. Regular physical activity keeps this vital organ strong and improves overall quality of life. Best of all, starting with even small steps can give heart-healthy benefits. Here's what happens to the cardiovascular system during exercise, how to get going—and how to stick with it.
exercise and the heart
How often should i work out?
A minimum of 150 minutes at moderate intensity each week is the goal—and there are many ways to get there.
heart-healthy Exercise MAIN
6 tips for staying on track
your next steps
Learn More About Geriatric Behavioral Health Services Across NJ
Learn More About Industry-Leading Senior Health Services
The best geriatric care isn’t just about treating an illness. It involves a team of experts helping people live their lives to the fullest. Here’s how RWJBarnabas Health can help you or a loved one do just that.
WATCH VIDEO
Age-Friendly Healthcare:
Setting the Standard
Age-Friendly Healthcare: Setting the Standard
Jessica Israel, MD, Corporate Chair of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, tells how RWJBarnabas Health is a one-stop destination for senior health.
Better Health for Seniors
To improve the health and well-being of local seniors, RWJBarnabas Health is expanding the successful Better Health program, first offered at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, system-wide. Better Health is now available at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, with more locations to come.
Check out some of the many benefits of being a member.
VIP access to health education seminars led by medical experts
Free preventive screenings
Exercise classes, such as Tai Chi and yoga
Social activities, ranging from concerts to luncheons
What Matters
Medications
Mentation
Mobility
Ten thousand U.S. citizens turn 65 every day. RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) is at the forefront of a national drive to provide compassionate care tailored to their needs. Among other initiatives, RWJBH facilities are following the elements of the 4M Model for Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems, a practical approach to improving care for older adults.
What Is Age-Friendly Healthcare?
The 4M Model for Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems was developed by the American Hospital Association’s Health Research & Educational Trust, the Institute for Health Care Improvement and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, with support and leadership from the John A. Hartford Foundation.
CLICK EACH ICON TO LEARN MORE
“It’s about treating the person in front of you.”
Jessica Israel, MD, Corporate Chair of Geriatrics and Palliative Care
“It’s About Treating the Person in Front of You.”
Jessica Israel, MD, Corporate Chair of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, explains the RWJBarnabas Health approach to age-friendly care.
Know and act on each older adult’s specific health outcome goals and care preferences across settings.
What atters
M
If medications are necessary, use age-friendly medications that do not interfere with what matters, mentation or mobility.
edications
Identify and manage depression, dementia and delirium across care settings.
entation
Ensure that older adults at home and in every setting of care move safely every day in order to maintain function and to do what matters.
obility
Aging Well
Older adults and their loved ones must learn how to navigate the challenges—and savor the joys—of a new stage of life. RWJBarnabas Health is here to help with clinical expertise, research, education and age-friendly care.
Best-in-class maternity care close to home.
Aging Well MAIN
CLICK to request an appointment with a top cancer specialist at your preferred location.
Let’s Beat Cancer Together
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and RWJBarnabas Health, the most comprehensive healthcare system in New Jersey, have a unique partnership. Patient care can be seamlessly transferred between the Rutgers Cancer Institute and experts at any of 11 RWJBarnabas Health facilities. Together, the two entities bring world-class cancer care close to home for residents of New Jersey.
A Partnership for Patients
COLLABORATING WITH PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
LEARN MORE
Saving Grace
How a young girl was successfully treated with care coordinated by a team of leading specialists.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has a longstanding partnership with Princeton University as a National Cancer Institute-approved consortium partner. This partnership provides continued opportunities for scientific collaboration and cooperative use of state-of-the-art shared resources. As a result of this relationship, scientific advances in the areas of cancer metabolism, metastasis and genomics have contributed to impactful clinical progress in areas such as precision medicine and immunotherapy. We continue to advance scientific discoveries that serve as the foundation for tomorrow’s innovative cancer therapies. RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute are committed to providing integrated, cutting-edge cancer care to those in New Jersey and the region.
SAVING GRACE
How a young girl was successfully treated with care coordinated by a team of leading specialists at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick and Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Find a Clinical Trial at the Rutgers Cancer Institute
Clinical Trials: The Cutting Edge
Clinical trials are research studies in which patients may volunteer to take part. Those patients will get the best treatment for their cancer, and may also get a new type of medicine that is only available to people who join the trial. All of today’s successful treatments for cancer are based on results of past clinical trials. As an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey can provide access to clinical trials not available at other healthcare institutions.
Understanding Cancer Clinical Trials
Howard Hochster, MD, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Director of Oncology Research, RWJBarnabas Health, talks about breakthroughs.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?
Steven K. Libutti, MD, Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health and Director, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, explains the benefits for patients.
Howard Hochster, MD, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Director of Oncology Research, RWJBarnabas Health, tells how breakthroughs are made.
To bring a world-class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, RWJBarnabas Health partners with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. What does that designation mean, and why does it matter? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center: Why It Matters
Q
What is the National Cancer Institute (NCI)? What is an NCI Cancer Center designation? How is an institution designated an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center? How does being treated at an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center benefit patients?
CLICK EACH question to read the answer
What the NCI Designation Means
Steven K. Libutti, MD, Senior Vice President of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health and Director, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, explains.
A
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), based in Bethesda, Maryland, was established in 1937 as the federal government’s primary agency to address research and training needs for the cause, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It leads, conducts and supports cancer research around the country, funding scientific priorities to prevent more cancers and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
What is the National Cancer Institute?
Any institution or group can call itself a “cancer center” or a “comprehensive cancer center,” but those terms do not have the specific meaning of a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. NCI has designated 71 U.S. institutions as Cancer Centers. They fall into three categories: • Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers (7), which conduct only laboratory research. • Cancer Centers (14), which are recognized for their scientific leadership, resources and the depth and breadth of their research in basic, clinical and/or population science. • Comprehensive Cancer Centers (50), which must demonstrate an added depth and breadth of research, as well as substantial transdisciplinary research that bridges basic, clinical and population science. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What is an NCI Cancer Center designation?
To gain the designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest ranking given by the NCI, an institution must undergo a competitive application process. The institution must meet rigorous standards for transdisciplinary, state-of-the-art research programs focused on developing new and better approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It must also demonstrate its ability to leverage additional resources for cancer research, education and care.
How is an institution designated an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center?
• CLINICAL TRIALS: As one of the NCI’s designated cancer centers, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is able to provide access to clinical trials not available at other hospitals, clinics or doctor offices, as well as access to some of the most advanced, targeted treatments and medicines available. • COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE: A Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborates with other NCI-designated centers. Patients get the benefit of their collective knowledge, clinical trials and research. • COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH: A Comprehensive Cancer Center takes a broad approach that not only involves cancer treatment, but also prevention, screening, surveillance and survivorship.
How does being treated at an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center benefit patients?
NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center: Why It Matters Clinical Trials: The Cutting Edge A Partnership for Patients
Fighting Cancer
Together, the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—and RWJBarnabas Health are on a mission to help patients fight cancer. Their tools: precision medicine, clinical trials and comprehensive, compassionate care.
FIGHTING CANCER MAIN
When cancer treatment fails, patients often have few options. Fortunately, that’s beginning to change for adults and children with certain blood cancers. A new type of treatment called CAR T-cell therapy is now available for adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common cancer in children.
YOUR Next Steps
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
WHY CAR T-CELL THERAPY?
CAR T-Cell Therapy
Learn how this revolutionary cancer treatment is helping patients live longer.
CAR T-Cell Therapy MAIN
click each icon to learn more
Who Can Benefit?
For certain cancer patients, CAR T-cell therapy can be lifesaving. Here’s what you should know about the types of cancers it may be able to treat effectively.
Cancer Specialists at RWJUH New Brunswick
Learn More About Car T-Cell Therapy
If you or a loved one has cancer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) New Brunswick and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey can help. The Hematologic Malignancies Program is the only one in New Jersey at a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center to offer CAR T-cell therapy.
To schedule a consultation to find out whether CAR T-cell therapy might be an option for you, call 732.235.8515.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which makes blood cells. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 6,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year. Symptoms include shortages of normal blood cells, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats, abdominal swelling and enlarged lymph nodes. While it can affect both children and adults, it’s the most common cancer in children. Fortunately, 90 percent of children with ALL are cured with conventional therapy. In those who are not cured, about 80 percent achieve a complete remission with CAR T-cells, most of which appear to be long-lasting.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in white blood cells, which are part of the immune system. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 74,000 people will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma this year. Symptoms include a lump in the groin, armpit or neck, fever, night sweats, weight loss and shortness of breath or cough. In a recent study, half of the patients who were treated with CAR T-cell therapy responded to it. All signs of the cancer disappeared in one-third of the patients.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Our Experts Explain CAR T-cell Therapy
Why this new form of treatment is a game changer for certain cancer patients.
CANCER CARE
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR
RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials.
Who is a good candidate for CAR T-cell therapy?
5
What are possible side effects?
4
What are the advantages over other therapies?
3
How does it work?
2
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
1
Why CAR T-Cell Therapy?
Answers to five important questions
Learn about a new treatment that’s benefiting cancer patients with certain types of blood cancer who haven’t responded to standard therapies. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, in conjunction with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, is one of only two certified programs in the state to offer this form of immunotherapy.
click Questions to learn more
Candidates include children and young adults with advanced leukemia and adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas who have not responded to or have relapsed after at least two other types of treatment. Learn more on the next screen.
Possible side effects include flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, fatigue and body aches, which typically begin the second or third day after the infusion. Medication can be given to reverse these symptoms. Patients may also become confused and disoriented, but these side effects can also usually be reversed.
Chemotherapy kills cells that grow fast—both healthy and cancerous ones, which is why it can cause hair loss and infections. CAR T-cell therapy, on the other hand, targets cancer cells. Also, unlike other cancer drugs, the cells remain in the patient’s body for months, even years. Because the cells continue fighting cancer, CAR T-cell therapy is considered a “living drug.”
A patient’s blood is removed in a procedure similar to dialysis. T-cells—which protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer—are modified in a laboratory so they will recognize a target on cancer cells but not normal cells. The patient undergoes a mild chemotherapy regimen, and the modified cells are given to the patient through an infusion. These new cells seek out and destroy the cancer cells.
It’s a new form of immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that involves directing the immune system to fight the disease.
Giving For Good Health
FIND A DOCTOR
New rutgers partnership
Where you get your healthcare matters. At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, we partner with other local organizations and residents to create healthier communities. We hope you’ve found this information useful. Be part of our better health movement by using the links below to share this interactive digest with friends and family.
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