News

Hearts of Hope

With only essential staff being able to come into the hospital, Sydney Topf, a junior volunteer at Mountainside Medical Center, wasn’t able to work in the Transitional Care Unit. With time on her hands and looking for a way to give back, Sydney learned about the organization Hearts of Hope.

“I am very passionate about working within my community”, said Sydney. “Even though we couldn’t be together physically, I knew there was a way I could make a difference while including members of my community and beyond to come together for an amazing cause.”

Feel Safe in Our Care

To Our Mountainside Medical Center Community,

For the last two months, as we increased our efforts to treat COVID-19 patients, we also took numerous steps to provide continuity of care to all patients. We have continued to safely deliver babies and treat patients with urgent and emergent illnesses. As we have passed the peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations in our area, and the Governor of New Jersey has eased restrictions, we are well prepared to welcome patients back for most services.

Wound Care Awareness Week 2020

June 1-5 is the 7^th Annual Wound Care Awareness Week.  Each year 14.5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries experience a wound.  Wound Care Awareness was established by Healogics in 2014 to bring attention to the chronic wound epidemic and the 6.7 million Americans who are currently living with non-healing wounds.

FACTS

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY

To our valued patients, friends, partners and community members:

From all of us at Mountainside Medical Center, we want to share a heartfelt thank you for the significant outpouring of support you have shown to our entire staff as they have worked hard caring for patients during this challenging time. From kind messages of support, to meals and supplies delivered to our team members, your thoughtfulness has made a difference in the lives of our healthcare heroes.

Recovered COVID-19 Patient Grateful for Care at Mountainside Medical Center

On March 28, 2020, Anthony Idone, Jr. of Belleville, New Jersey started to feel very tired, weak, and was coughing incessantly. His wife said to call the doctor, who prescribed him a medication. Two days later, Anthony still felt terrible. They decided to go to an urgent care in Cedar Grove, N.J., where the doctor tested him for COVID-19 and noticed Anthony’s oxygen was very low. The doctor ordered an ambulance to transport him to a nearby emergency department, but nearby hospitals were diverting patients to due lack of capacity.

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center to Begin Collecting Convalescent Plasma from Recovered COVID-19 Patients

MONTCLAIR, NJ [April 23, 2020] – Blood Donation Network, Vitalant and Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center are partnering to begin collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help those currently suffering from the coronavirus. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma—known as convalescent plasma—that can attack the virus and be used as treatment for patients with life-threatening symptoms.

Encouraging Use of Technology During COVID-19 Pandemic

Technology is critically important for society, more so than ever before. Technology gives us the ability to connect with others during the coronavirus pandemic. By keeping our distance from others, we can ultimately save lives and help to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

During this time, we are encouraging patients and all community members to find other ways to connect with their loved ones using phones, tablets and other technology. Here are some ways you can connect with others virtually.

•                FaceTime

•                Facebook Messenger

What to Know About Snacking

Nourishing our bodies by snacking with healthy foods can keep us energized throughout the day, prevent overeating at meals and help us avoid the nutrient-poor foods that tend to be around like cake and donuts.

A nutrient-rich snack can boost energy between meals and keep our minds sharp!

When we go too long without eating, our blood sugars drop which can lead to overeating or selecting convenience foods which may be low in fiber and vitamins/minerals and high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month shines a spotlight on nutrition in everything we eat, big and small. After all, every bite counts!

What’s a unique way to eat more vegetables?

A unique way to eat more veggies would be the way you like best. This can be dipping carrot or celery sticks in hummus, blending spinach with a smoothie, cooking veggies with your favorite dishes, and even

Is there a wrong way to prepare vegetables?

Why is staying hydrated so important?

Water is the most important nutrient we can put into our body, as staying hydrated is vital to so many body functions. Ideally you should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

Staying Hydrated Creates a Healthy Body

Remember, you are not drinking water just to quench your thirst. Being fully hydrated plays a role in crucial body functions, including:

> Regulating our body temperature

> Maintaining a healthy blood level

> Keeping our joints and cartilage lubricated