CentraState - Healthy Directions

Dear Mr. Gribbin, I am 73 years old and have had severe degenerative spine issues for the past 25 years. In March 2013, my condition became so severe that I couldn't walk more than a few steps without having to lie down for relief of the pain. I saw two orthopedic surgeons, a neurologist, acupuncturist, and two physical therapists in the past year in an attempt to get relief from my pain. On February 7 of this year, I found Mark Werneke, a physical therapist at CentraState. He started me on a special personalized program. Within two weeks, I started feeling some relief. He carefully explained what he wanted me to do with each exercise, and stayed with me to make sure I was doing it correctly. I had never had one-on-one sessions with other therapists before Mark. Other therapists show you an exercise once, and then attend to multiple other patients at the same time. After 10 sessions, I have gotten my life back, thanks to Mark. I now have very little pain and can actually walk a third of a mile, and I am gradually increasing the distance over time. Mark gave me exercises to do at home each day and emphasized how important it was to do them faithfully, forever. He truly knows his physical therapy and is a miracle worker, in my opinion. I am writing this to you so that you are aware of such a wonderful asset in your organization. Also, I want to thank you for allowing your therapists to devote the time and personal attention to each patient utilizing physical therapy. Sincerely, Delores L. Marlboro John T. Gribbin, FACHE President and CEO President's Message… Healthy Directions is produced by CentraState Healthcare System, Freehold, New Jersey. Summer 2014 Editorial Advisors Joseph R. Iantosca Chair, Board of Trustees John T. Gribbin, FACHE President and CEO Jack H. Dworkin, MD, FACC Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Linda W. Geisler, RN, MNEd, NEA-BC, FACHE Vice President, Patient Care Services Kim A. Kelly, RN, MS, NEA-BC, FACHE Vice President, Clinical Services Rich Mackesy Vice President, Strategic Planning & Business Development Jay Solomon, MPA, LNHA Vice President, Senior Services Abbey M. Luterick Director, Public Relations and Communications Please note that physicians on staff are private practitioners and not employed by CentraState. We hope you enjoy this issue of Healthy Directions. Comments about the publication can be directed to the Public Relations and Marketing Department, CentraState Healthcare System, 901 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ, 07728. (732) 294-7080. Healthy Directions is published by CentraState Healthcare System to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a health care provider. Community Voices… According to the National Cancer Institute, about 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2014, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with cancer of the breast during their lifetime. It is strongly encouraged that every woman over age 40 (as well as younger women with a family history of breast cancer) receives annual mammography screenings, because early detection is the best defense against this disease, with a 98.6 percent 5-year survival rate for women when Stage 1 breast cancer is detected early. At CentraState, we strive to offer the best care and technology for our breast cancer patients. The Comprehensive Breast Care Program at CentraState offers state-of-the-art services, expertise, and technology for detecting, diagnosing, treating and helping patients recover from breast cancer. In addition, The Star and Barry Tobias Women's Health Center at CentraState, which was the first in the area to be designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, offers technical expertise, customized health education and counseling services from an all- female staff, and provides a breast health specialist who is a public educator on breast diseases and cancer detection. In this issue we feature the remarkable story of Kausar Anver, a native of Pakistan who traveled all the way to Freehold to receive treatment for breast cancer at CentraState. Kausar's treating physician is board-certified breast surgeon Mary T. Martucci, DO, FACOS, FSSO, who is the medical director of the CentraState's Comprehensive Breast Care Program. Dr. Martucci specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and other diseases of the breast. As breast cancer is a bit of a taboo subject in Pakistan, it can be difficult to get the best care there. We're very proud that Kausar was able to find the crucial treatment she needs right here in our very own hospital. We believe we are the best choice for the treatment of cancer for members of our local community, and to be sought out as a cancer-care resource by a patient from halfway around the world is humbling. Editor–CentraState Brian Johnson Writers Jane DeTullio Stephanie Duncan Chris N. Johnson Sharon Verbeten Photographers Peter Chollick Rich Schaub Kevin Birch Designer Sherri Thornton Mark Werneke, PT

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