News

New Year, New You

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb

Bariatric Surgery Changes Woman’s Life for the Better

Rachel Dolahan, a New Jersey music teacher, experienced a great life change whenever she decided to visit Dr. Karl Strom, bariatric surgeon with Mountainside Medical Center. Prior to this visit, she had an initial bariatric surgery that was not successful.

“When I first saw Dr. Strom, he discovered that my lap band had failed,” said Rachel. “He recommended that I have the sleeve surgery, which I underwent in September of 2014. With that surgery, I lost 100 pounds. It’s really been the best experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never felt healthier.”

Tragedy Leads New Jersey Man to Find Great Purpose

Dan Sarnowski and Betsy Niles met on an online dating website in 2001. Although never married, the couple shared a great life and many wonderful memories together.

“Betsy and I were together for 10 years,” said Sarnowski. “In March of 2011, she was struck by a man driving a van which led to massive brain damage. Shortly after the accident, she was declared brain dead and became an organ donor.”

Managing Bladder Health

Millions of Americans are affected by bladder issues. From urinary incontinence to overactive bladder, these types of issues can hinder your quality of life, but with the proper treatment plan in place can be easily managed. Nyarai Mushonga, urogynecologist with Mountainside Medical Center, is giving us insight into her specialty and the methods in which she treats bladder issues. 

Eight Ways to Reduce Financial Anxiety Around the Holidays

The most wonderful time of the year can also become the most anxious time of the year. Between purchasing gifts, buying a new outfit for each holiday party, and the increased electricity bills from the decorations, the holidays can become financially stressful. There is a lot of pressure to find a unique gift for each person while also being a dedicated host for the ultimate Christmas party. Pressure comes in all forms, from baking the best desserts, setting up the grandest Christmas lights show in the neighborhood, to the form of a gift disguised as how much you value an individual.

How to Manage Diabetes During the Holidays

Indulgence is the name of the game during the holiday season. When living with diabetes, this can be a harmful to your health. As we head into the holidays, it’s important to be mindful of what you are eating, especially if you are a diabetic, while still being able to enjoy the season with loved ones. We spoke with Dr. Anjali Grover, endocrinologist with Mountainside Medical Center, to learn more about how diabetics can safely maneuver the holidays without feeling deprived.

Give the Gift of Life

From October to April, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center is participating in a nationwide campaign to promote awareness around the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation. Together with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Mountainside Medical Center hopes to encourage community members to register to become organ and tissue donors.

Breathe In, Breathe Out: How to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Healthy Lung Month is recognized in October as a time to encourage all to avoid smoking cigarettes and stay physically active to keep your lungs healthy. To learn more about the importance of these topics as well as lung cancer screenings, we spoke with Mountainside Medical Center’s Dr. Juhayna Davis.

How badly can smoking affect the lungs?

Tobacco kills. People who use tobacco products have a higher chance to suffer from respiratory symptoms, develop diseases and die at a younger age.

Neurosurgery Awareness Month: Dr. Heary

While many neurosurgeons are known for their cerebral work, Dr. Heary focuses heavily on spinal surgery. “I think many times, people presume neurosurgery is just cerebral aneurysms and brain tumors, whereas in fact, the field is much broader”, Dr. Heary, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery at Mountainside Medical Center says when asked about the importance of Neurosurgery Awareness Month. “I am very involved in spinal surgery myself, as are many neurosurgeons.

From the Ground Up: Building Mountainside Medical Center’s Lactation Program

Laurie Barbalinardo and Tish Buggeln are two very recognizable faces around the town of Montclair, New Jersey, whether they’re at the grocery store or walking to work. Laurie and Tish started Mountainside Medical Center’s breastfeeding lactation program over twenty years ago, in October of 1998.