Category: Sponsored

Since its establishment almost 50 years ago, CareOne has grown by providing career opportunities, a high-quality work environment, and work-life balance to its 11,000+ team members who provide high-quality care and life-enriching services to the residents of CareOne’s 30 communities across the Garden State and at communities in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland.

The last two years have shown just how important the caring professions are, and just how important it is for people in the caring professions to take care of themselves, attending to their own well-being while pursuing career growth.

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic made those facts evident to all, they served as guiding principles for CareOne, the largest privately owned assisted living and health care provider in New Jersey. Since its establishment almost 50 years ago, CareOne has grown by providing career opportunities, a high-quality work environment, and work-life balance to its 11,000+ team members who provide high-quality care and life-enriching services to the residents of CareOne’s 30 communities across the Garden State and at communities in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland.
Two of those team members recently shared their stories to encourage others to explore current employment opportunities and join them on the CareOne team.

‘If you’re driven and committed to the work you’re doing, the sky’s the limit at CareOne and there are many wonderful opportunities here,’ says speech pathologist Liana Romano, MS, left.

How CareOne Speaks This Speech Pathologist’s Language

Speech pathologist Liana Romano, MS, joined CareOne in 2014, working with residents of the organization’s communities in Paramus and Ridgewood. Opportunities for advancement came quickly. “I developed into a lead therapist and helped mentor graduate students and clinical fellows in speech pathology,” Romano said of her career progression. “CareOne was developing leadership roles for people working with residents affected by dementia, so I started that educational process in 2018, and eventually transitioned into my current role as a dementia care specialist at CareOne Paramus.”

When asked what she likes about working at CareOne, Romano listed several attractive features, including:

• flexibility to explore different roles
• training and support needed to excel in a new role
• team approach to care
• commitment to residents and their families
• recognition that team members have personal lives as well as professional lives
• opportunity to advance within a large and growing organization

“While my current role as a dementia care specialist wasn’t on my radar when CareOne approached me about it, they gave me a mentor who I was able to observe working in a memory care community in East Brunswick and who later came to my community to help me get organized and set goals,” Romano said. “CareOne supports the Positive Care Approach, and the administrators are excellent — they are very approachable and give clear direction.”

Romano added, “Everyone works together here, and they have your back. We’re hard workers and always have our residents in mind, no matter what we do,” she said. “It’s a dynamic and inclusive environment where everyone’s opinion matters. It’s also a very family-oriented environment, and the residents and families are wonderful and very appreciative. While it can be challenging to ‘discover’ our residents beneath their memory impairments, we’re very interested in getting to know them as people so that we can honor and cater to their individuality. It’s so rewarding when their whole personality comes out and you get to see that spark.”

When asked to cite the key traits needed for career advancement within CareOne, Romano said, “You have to be ambitious, kind and willing to be a leader in any role. But if you’re driven and committed to the work you’re doing, the sky’s the limit at CareOne.”

Mary Beth Rose, RN, shown at right, dementia care specialist at the CareOne communities in Livingston and Parsippany, meets with a resident.

From Hospital-based Acute Care Nursing to Dementia Care

“I’ve been practicing nursing for 40 years, and it was quite a transition to go from acute care nursing to assisted living, but the memory care community at CareOne in Paramus fell under my jurisdiction, and I love working with dementia residents. Even though our residents may be living with dementia and can’t tell you details about themselves, I truly enjoy working with this population because I feel vs. know that everybody deserves to be loved and treated with dignity. Everyone’s life should have a purpose,” said Rose, who currently is a dementia care specialist at the CareOne communities in Livingston and Parsippany.

“When CareOne recognizes someone’s interest in and talent for a position, they’ll give you the support you need — whether it’s training, a mentor, or just the opportunity to advance into something different and change your entire career, even after 40 years,” Rose said of the new direction CareOne helped her take as a dementia care specialist.

The veteran nurse explained, “I truly feel like I’m a new graduate who has found her passion because CareOne recognized my interests and abilities and invested in having me participate in their Dementia Care Specialist program. CareOne continues to send me for the training and education I need to support our residents, families and staff.

“As a dementia care specialist, my role is to assess the level of cognition of someone living with dementia and develop a plan of care that’s unique to them and focused on keeping them as independent as possible,” she noted. “I love working closely with our residents’ families, helping to create a warm, inviting and loving home for each resident, and ensuring that their life is meaningful at any stage of dementia.”

Rose added that CareOne recognizes and supports its employees’ work-life balance. “They know that their employees need to take care of themselves and their families in order to take care of others, and they give you the tools you need to do your job. They’re truly focused on my safety and well-being.”

She concluded, “I love the community and team of colleagues and residents I work with. It’s a privilege to care for our residents and to work for CareOne, and I never want to leave.”

Open CareOne positions encompass both those for people with specific training, degrees or credentials and for people who have a desire to work in the caring professions but do not yet have direct experience or specific training in the field.

 Exploring Current Opportunities

CareOne has several employment opportunities for people interested in a variety of positions. Open positions encompass both those for people with specific training, degrees or credentials and for people who have a desire to work in the caring professions but do not yet have direct experience or specific training in the field.

To learn more about stating on a career path at CareOne, call 877-992-2731 or visit care-one.com/careers.

When considering an outpatient or residential/inpatient treatment program, ask if the program is accredited by a national health care quality assurance agency, such as The Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, HIPAA Compliancy Group, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), or Association for Addiction Professionals.

If you or a loved one has taken that first step to seek treatment for a substance abuse disorder (SUD), your mind will be crowded with questions. You’ll first wonder, “What will substance abuse treatment be like?” Then you’ll ask, “How can I be sure the program will work?,” “How soon can treatment begin?” and “Can I afford treatment/will it be covered?”

Two clinical professionals at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus share their insights on choosing an inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment program that will give you or your loved one the best chance of recovery.

Seven Questions to Ask

When considering an outpatient or residential/inpatient treatment program, ask about these seven attributes:

1. Is the Facility Accredited?
Ask if the program is accredited by a national health care quality assurance agency, such as The Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, HIPAA Compliancy Group, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), or Association for Addiction Professionals. These organizations accredit substance abuse treatment centers that meet stringent accreditation criteria.

“Accreditation is a signal to a patient that the facility is held to a higher standard,” said Gian Varbaro, MD, chief medical officer at Bergen New Bridge.

Another tip: The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator posts a searchable database of accredited substance abuse treatment programs by address, city and ZIP code. Only facilities that are accredited by state or national quality assurance agencies are listed.

2. Is the Staff Licensed in Addiction Medicine?
If the doctors and counselors you’ll be working with are “board-certified,” rest assured you or your loved one will be in good hands.

Doctors who are licensed to specialize in addiction medicine receive certification from the ASAM, American Board of Preventive Medicine and American Board of Addiction Medicine. Counselors who are certified in addiction treatment bear the degree of CADC (certified alcohol and drug counselor) or LCADC (licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor).

To receive any of these certifications, Dr. Varbaro says, a doctor or counselor must have at least three years of experience in addiction medicine and must undergo a rigorous training and certification process.

3. How Soon Can Treatment Begin?
A new patient may land on a waiting list at some substance abuse treatment facilities – for several weeks in some cases — usually because of insurance issues or lack of available beds, according to the Partnership to End Addiction. Given that drug overdoses account for more than 70,000 deaths annually in the United States (per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), any delay in treatment could endanger the prospective patient, the Partnership notes.

“Immediate SUD treatment is critical, especially when you consider how many people are dying of opioid overdoses,” said Michael J. Paolello, MA, LCADC, chief clinical officer, addictions treatment at Bergen New Bridge.

So ask the center you are considering if it has a waiting list and, if so, how long the wait for admission would be. “You don’t want to tell patients to come back in two weeks,” Paolello said.

Encouragement and reinforcement are important treatment tools, Bergen New Bridge Medical experts note, and substance abuse treatment specialists use clinical scales and questionnaires throughout the course of treatment to measure a patient’s self-esteem and motivation.

4. Will My Insurance Cover Treatment, and If So, To What Extent?
Some substance abuse treatment programs accept all third-party insurance carriers, from commercial to Medicare to Medicaid. Many other programs, however, accept only commercial insurance. “That’s a barrier to treatment right there,” Paolello said.

So before treatment begins, call your insurer to see if there are restrictions on coverage or if a co-payment is required, Dr. Varbaro suggested. Also find out if the facility needs approval from the insurer before treatment can begin (a process called prior authorization).

5. Will the Program Be Effective?
Ask for metrics that point to a program’s ability to motivate patients toward recovery, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro suggest. For example, ask what percentage of patients are regularly attending meetings — and how often they are attending.

6. How Do You Keep Patients Motivated?
The long road to recovery starts at “rock bottom.”

“When patients come in to begin treatment, they are often at their lowest point,” said Paolello, adding that patients typically feel a sense of failure at the start of SUD treatment.

Because of this, building a patient’s self-esteem during recovery is critical to treatment success, Paolello said. Encouragement and reinforcement are important treatment tools, experts note, and substance abuse treatment specialists use clinical scales and questionnaires throughout the course of treatment to measure a patient’s self-esteem and motivation.

“As patients begin working the program, they see they are making progress and celebrate the little milestones along the way,” Dr. Varbaro added. “They become more motivated and their self-esteem increases.”

So when considering a program, ask how the staff measures motivation and entices patient engagement.

7. Does the Facility Offer the Program You/Your Loved One Needs? 

Many substance abuse treatment centers specialize in specific inpatient or outpatient programs, but do not offer the full breadth of treatment options. Also, many hospitals and medically assisted treatment centers are equipped to treat withdrawal of some substances, but not others.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs including:

• Inpatient acute medical detoxification for patients with all alcohol- and drug-related SUDs, as well as outgoing treatment programs to help patients overcome lingering withdrawal symptoms, or “cravings.”
• Short-term inpatient treatment that helps patients begin their recovery journey in a supported environment.
• Intensive and minimally restrictive outpatient treatment programs.

The center is staffed with both physicians and counselors who are certified in substance abuse treatment. The center also boasts a favorable counselor-to-patient ratio, with one licensed counselor for every six patients who need substance abuse treatment, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro note.

As a Joint Commission-accredited hospital with a complete medical facility, a behavioral health unit and around-the-clock nursing at its disposal, the Bergen New Bridge substance abuse treatment team also can adeptly treat patients with a co-occurring behavioral disorder.

Bergen New Bridge is a state-designated not-for-profit safety net hospital, so all patients in greater Bergen County are accepted for treatment regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro note. Each year, they add, the center’s substance abuse program treats an estimated 500 patients.

If you or a family member are struggling with substance abuse issues, call the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center outpatient line at 201-967-4188. Callers are immediately referred to a licensed substance abuse counselor, who directs the caller toward a substance abuse treatment program based on the patient’s need.

The doctors at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center know that selecting a specialist is an important decision.

While the annual onset of cooler temperatures increases people’s participation in a range of popular cold-weather sports (including soccer and football in the fall and skiing and snowboarding in the winter), this seasonal ritual is also invariably accompanied by a rise in sports injuries.  Whether the result of accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective gear, or insufficient stretching/warm-up exercise, common cold-weather sports injuries include everything from sprains and strains to fractures, dislocations, and more and can end up sidelining participants from the activities they love.

For nearly four decades, the expert teams at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center in Edison, have offered both sound preventative advice as well as successful treatment for a full range of sports injuries, including those impacting the foot, ankle, shoulder, hip, spine, knee and hand/wrist.

Following, four seasoned surgeons at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center discuss some of the most common cold-weather sports injuries they address and top tips for both treating and preventing them.

Edison Metuchen Orthopedic Group and Edison Spine Center are located at 10 Parsonage Road.

Back Injuries

“Cervical and lumbar sprains and strains are the most commonly-seen winter sports injuries affecting the back, along with vertebral compression fractures, disc herniations and pinched nerves,” said James E. Patti, MD, spine surgery specialist at Edison Spine Center. “Good overall physical and cardio fitness is essential to avoiding injury during winter sporting activities, as is a good pre-activity warm up and stretching regimen.”

According to Dr. Patti, patients who suffer a sports-related injury will undergo a thorough assessment and be prescribed the most appropriate medical management or surgical approach.  “We offer the most advanced diagnostic tools available, including digital imaging, MRI and ultrasound technology,” he said of his practice’s protocol. “Treatments offered include the entire panoply of surgical and non-surgical interventions, including physical therapies, prosthetics and orthotics, injection therapies such as corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and advanced surgical techniques for cervical, thoracic and lumbar injuries.”

Knee, Shoulder, and Elbow Injuries

“The most common knee injuries I see from soccer and football are ACL, MCL and meniscus tears, and similar injuries are also seen with skiing and snowboarding,” said Mohnish N. Ramani, MD, general orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group. “Among soccer players, I see patellar tendonitis and knee bursitis, which are often overuse injuries driven by running and kicking-related activities. Common shoulder injuries include shoulder dislocation, acromioclavicular joint separation and clavicle fractures, while common elbow injuries include ligament sprains, elbow dislocation and fractures around the elbow.”

According to Dr. Ramani, athletes can prevent these injuries by engaging in proper sport-specific training and conditioning and consistently incorporating strength training and stretching. “To prevent knee injuries and improve performance, it’s important to strengthen the hips, thighs, and core and engage in balance and proprioception training; similarly, shoulder injuries can be prevented by focusing on rotator cuff and scapula stability exercises along with proper stretching to maintain a normal range of motion,” he said.  “Athletes are advised to maintain a conditioning program throughout the summer to be optimally ready for fall and winter sports and to warm up properly and hydrate adequately to prevent cramps and maintain health,” Dr. Ramani said. “It’s crucial to learn proper techniques and body mechanics for each sport to prevent overuse and traumatic injuries and to always use appropriate equipment, proper clothing and protective gear.”

Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center have become two of the most respected and well-established orthopaedic practices in the tri-state area.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

“Foot and ankle-related sports injuries usually seen in the fall and winter include a variety of ligament injuries and tendon injuries, such as Achilles, peroneal and posterior tibial tendon injuries, cartilage injuries, Lisfranc injuries and fractures of the foot and ankle,” said Nilesh J. Patel, MD, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group. “Sports enthusiasts can reduce the risk of injury by using proper protective gear, doing appropriate warm-ups and stretching, and by participating in cross-training exercises in the off-season.”

“After their initial evaluation in the office, primary treatments for most patients are geared towards reducing pain, offloading, local modalities, physical therapy, and medications and/or injections when appropriate,” Dr. Patel said. “Surgical repair may be appropriate and/or required for some injuries depending on the type of injury and the patient’s response to non-surgical measures.”

A Powerful Protocol

When addressing a sports injury, Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group’s mission is to continually deliver the latest and most effective orthopaedic treatment available, restore functionality, and help people lead active lives.

“When a patient presents to Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group with a sports injury, they’ll be seen by one of our sports medicine Fellowship-trained physicians,” said Todd C. Ryan, DO, arthroscopic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “We’ll take a history, examine the patient, review any available imaging, perform X-rays if appropriate, and then review our findings with the patient and determine a treatment plan. This could involve medications, bracing, physical therapy, injections, additional imaging and surgery if needed.”

Dr. Ryan noted that the Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group team is highly experienced in arthroscopic procedures, which offer patients great advantages in terms of outcomes, recovery time and other factors. “The arthroscopic surgeries performed by our experts include procedures of the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow and hip as well as tendon repairs or treatment of fractures. These surgeries will help athletes return to their previous level of activity,” he said. “Physical therapy is generally needed to maximize their recovery. This can require anywhere from one to eight months of therapy and is dependent on the extent of surgery and return-to-sport requirements.”

Getting Patients on the Road to Recovery

The doctors at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center — all of whom are board-certified in specific aspects of orthopaedic health — know that selecting a specialist is an important decision. Thanks to their team’s long-standing leadership in the field of orthopaedic surgery and physiatry, Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group and Edison Spine Center have become two of the most respected and well-established orthopaedic practices in the tri-state area.

Both practices offer same-day appointments for emergencies, are equipped with onsite digital X-ray equipment, and convenient access to an ambulatory surgery center, and a state-of-the-art physical therapy center in the same building. They take pride in providing their patients with top-quality care from start to finish and getting them on the road to recovery.

Founded in 1984, Edison Metuchen Orthopedic Group has been helping people lead active lives — whether through treating a sports injury, work-related injury, or fracture, replacing a joint, or relieving chronic or acute pain — for nearly four decades. Edison Metuchen Orthopedic Group and Edison Spine Center are located at 10 Parsonage Road, 5th floor, Suite 500 in Edison, and can be reached by calling 732-494-6226 (EMOG), 732-839-1948 (ESC) or by visiting www.emog.net or EdisonSpineCenter.com.

—Susan Bloom

University Reproductive Associates has been helping patients complete their journey to a joyful pregnancy for over three decades.

One in eight couples in America struggles with infertility, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Affecting roughly 10% of couples in the U.S., infertility can stem from a variety of causes involving both genders, from age and lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, alcohol and substance use to co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, disorders of the reproductive system or combinations of any of the above.

“Because there are so many contributing factors, infertility treatment should be similarly personalized to each patient and their unique situation,” said Michael M. Cho, MD, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Hasbrouck Heights-based University Reproductive Associates and clinical associate professor of Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School.

Dr. Michael M. Cho, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at University Reproductive Associates.

A Unique Challenge

When assessing the primary causes of a patient or couple’s infertility, “one-third of the time it’s driven by the male (low sperm count or motility, etc.); one third of the time it’s driven by the female (e.g., related to an anomaly of the ovaries or uterus, etc.); 20% to 25% of the time it involves a combination of both the male and female partners; and 10% to 15% of the time the infertility is initially unexplained with basic testing,” said Dr. Cho, a clinical associate professor at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School and  a former president of The New York Obstetrical Society.

Regardless of the cause, a diagnosis of infertility can take a physical and emotional toll on both partners, said Dr. Cho, who is fluent in English and Chinese.

“When couples are having difficulty getting pregnant, the act of sexual intercourse can become ‘work’ because the focus is on baby making instead of intimacy and fun,” he said. “The need to be tied to the woman’s cycle and to constantly check her ovulation status can take the spontaneity out of what would otherwise be a fun and natural experience, which can be very frustrating, especially for younger couples. Add to that already stressful situation the fact that the woman’s fertility clock is ticking, especially if the couple delays coming to us for treatment,” he said. “Couples can also become frustrated if we try treatments that don’t go anywhere; after three to six months without success, they can get anxious and depressed and the male can sometimes be unable to perform.

“At the same time, many people being treated for infertility don’t necessarily want to share that fact with family and friends or how they ultimately got pregnant because they feel there’s a stigma,” Dr. Cho added. “They work hard to keep it a secret, which in and of itself can be exhausting and wear away at them.”

While much attention is often placed on the toll infertility can take on women, an infertility diagnosis can be equally hard on male partners. “Men often equate their sperm count with masculinity,” Dr. Cho said, “and if it’s low and they’re unable to get their wife or partner pregnant, they feel that they’re failing their partner and are inadequate.” He noted, however, that the cause can sometimes be related to an underlying medical problem that’s gone untreated or been improperly managed.

“In these cases, we work to get men healthier and sometimes end up providing a protocol that will help save their life, such as by getting their diabetes under control, helping them cut back on or quit smoking, or assisting them in losing weight,” he said. “High sugar levels from diabetes oxidize sperm and impair their function, smoking reduces the quality of sperm, and obesity lowers testosterone levels, but when we help males get these conditions and behaviors under control and they begin to see improvement in their fertility, overall health and functionality, they get motivated to continue.”

Partners in the Journey

For all of the aforementioned reasons, Dr. Cho said that personalized fertility medicine is critical and confirmed that patients will have a compassionate and highly customized experience at University Reproductive Associates.

“Beyond a basic medical history and physical, we take time to get to know our patients — from their school and work background to their lifestyle, goals and priorities,” he said. “We get a feel for how aggressive they want to be with their treatment and walk them through the journey of treatment. We’ll work through the diagnostics and share their treatment options, from a simpler and more natural approach for a woman who isn’t ovulating to a faster and/or more aggressive treatment for an older patient, based on the outcome of their tests.

“At URA, we’re flexible, take a whole-person approach to each patient, and understand that one size doesn’t fit all,” Dr. Cho said. “We review each person’s broader history and match their condition and needs to the protocols we have, optimizing the treatment plan to their specific situation and preferences.”

Overall, Dr. Cho confirmed that there’s much to be hopeful about. “Women and couples dealing with infertility need to know that it’s not their fault and there’s nothing to be ashamed of; we take pride in guiding patients through their journey and persistence often pays off,” he said. “Ultimately, the better we know our patients, the faster we can help them achieve their goal and the sooner couples see us and get started on their personal journey, the better the outcome.”

With locations in Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken and Wayne, University Reproductive Associates has been helping patients complete their journey to a joyful pregnancy for over three decades. For more information, call 201-288-6330 or visit uranj.com.

Family members usually are shocked when they discover a loved one is abusing alcohol or drugs, because too often they only find out after a crisis.

A family member’s substance use disorder (SUD) puts the entire family on edge. The patient feels misunderstood, the family feels betrayed, and everyone feels guilty and confused.

“When families come in, they may be angry but more often feel guilty that somehow they could have done more to help.” said Michael J. Paolello, MA, LCADC, chief clinical officer, addictions treatment at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. “They think they did something wrong.”

But if you or a loved one are struggling with an SUD, the medical center’s substance abuse treatment team wants you to know: It’s not your fault. Scientific advances over the past 20 years have shown that drug addiction is a chronic disease and, more often than not, it affects the entire family.

Addiction is a Disease

The American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and other clinical organizations have long recognized alcohol and drug addiction as treatable, curable diseases. And thanks to much research and many treatment advances over decades, substance abuse treatment has evolved into a subspecialty that encompasses physicians and counselors who are rigorously trained — and highly experienced ­— in helping patients recover.

Yet the stigma that has forever accompanied SUD persists. At the start of SUD treatment, many patients feel they have “hit bottom,” and that they have been a total failure to themselves and their families, Paolello said. Addiction is progressive, and many of these patients never thought they would need treatment because they had always believed that hitting “rock bottom happens to the other person,” he said.

“Nobody ever said when they were younger, ‘I want to check out that detox center when I get older,’ Paolello said. “When you’re 18, you have no idea that you’ll need a detox center at 24.”

Family members also struggle with a loved one’s SUD, alternatively feeling betrayed and angry over their loved one’s substance use, and guilty that they didn’t do enough to prevent it.

Part of the problem is that many people, even patients, view alcohol or drug addiction as a moral failing. “We need to start thinking of substance use disorders as medical illnesses, which they are,” said Gian Varbaro, MD, chief medical officer at Bergen New Bridge. “Families also need to see substance abuse this way.”

A Learning Process

To counteract the stigma and misconceptions that surround substance abuse, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro urge family members to learn as much as they can about their loved one’s SUD.

The first step in that educational process is to attend a self-help support group for family members of patients with an SUD, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, Dr. Varbaro said. These worldwide organizations, partially patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous, host local meetings that allow people struggling with a loved one’s SUD to interact and share their experiences.

By attending Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, Dr. Varbaro adds, family members learn more about the loved one’s SUD and how to confront it. In the process, he said, family members will feel more supported and less alone.

As part of the medical center’s overall SUD treatment plan, Bergen New Bridge offers weekly family group sessions led by a licensed substance abuse counselor, during which family members can share their challenges and get answers. The medical center partners with Integrity House, another leading provider of substance use disorder treatment, to enhance resources available for those in need of care.

In addition, the medical center’s Recovery Center, which is targeted toward patients considering addiction therapy, is also open to families who know or suspect a loved one has a problem.

One important note: While family involvement can be integral to SUD recovery, it should not be forced upon the patient, Dr. Varbaro said. Often, a patient may not want to involve family members early in SUD treatment, but might want to include them later in treatment. “It’s important to always respect the patient’s wishes,” he said.

For Families: Recovery Dos and Don’ts

By attending Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings, family members learn how to — and how not to — help a family member recover, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro note.

For families who are just beginning the recovery journey with a loved one, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro offer these “dos and don’ts:”

Do be ready for change. Life with a recovering family member may require adjustments to reduce the risk of relapse, such as keeping alcoholic beverages out of the household and not serving them at family gatherings, Paolello said.

Do attend meetings. Encourage regular attendance at meetings — Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous for the patient, Al-Anon/Nar-Anon for family members.

“Don’t accept excuses for non-attendance,” said Paolello, adding that Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous sessions offer a critical aftercare environment for the patient, while continued Al-Anon/Nar-Anon attendance are a source of education, networking and support for the family. “These meetings are known to work,” he said.

Don’t be cruel. Family members at times will have difficulty muffling their frustration over a loved one’s SUD, but making snide comments like “It’s about time you did something about your problem” can derail his or her recovery efforts.

That’s because building a patient’s self-esteem is critical to motivating the patient toward recovery. “When patients begin treatment, they are typically at their lowest point,” Paolello said. “They feel as though they’ve failed themselves and their family.” From that point, he adds, physicians and counselors work on “building the patient up” through praise and positive reinforcement.

Do be encouraging. So instead, tell your loved one, “You’re taking the right steps,” “We’re so proud of you for doing this,” and “I know this won’t be easy, but we’re behind you all the way,” Dr. Varbaro suggested.

Do take care of yourself. Al-Anon’s core principles are designed to encourage family members to take care of themselves — both emotionally and spiritually. In other words, don’t neglect your own needs while supporting your loved one’s recovery, Dr. Varbaro urged.

How to Get Help

If you or your loved one needs help, you need to know where to turn.

Family members usually are shocked when they discover a loved one is abusing alcohol or drugs, because too often they only find out after a crisis. The warning signs that could have alerted family members to a problem sooner typically are missed. (See sidebar below).

As a not-for-profit safety net facility offering comprehensive substance abuse treatment services throughout the greater Bergen County area, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center offers immediate help to families in crisis, Paolello and Dr. Varbaro said.

New patients and family members who call the medical center’s outpatient number (201-967-4188) are immediately transferred to a trained substance abuse counselor, The counselor listens patiently to the caller’s concerns and then directs the caller toward the first steps of treatment.

“The most important advice we can offer is to call for help immediately,” Paolello said. “As soon as you think something is wrong, stop pretending everything is OK.”

Is It a Substance Abuse Problem? Watch For These Warning Signs

Sometimes the early warning signs of a substance use disorder (SUD) can be subtle and easily missed, or they can be blatant signs that family members attribute to another cause.

Michael J. Paolello, MA, LCADC, and Gian Varbaro, MD, of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, say a loved one could be abusing drugs or alcohol if he or she is:

Telling lies more often.

• Neglecting responsibilities at home.
• Associating with different friends and going to different places.
• Getting into legal trouble, such as for disorderly conduct, reckless driving or driving under the influence.
• Struggling with attendance and performance at school.
• More fearful and anxious than usual.
• Showing sudden mood swings and personality changes, such as angry outbursts or periods of “spaciness.”

Also watch for sudden changes in appetite and sleep habits; physical signs such as bloodshot eyes or impaired coordination; and unusual smells on breath, body or clothing.

Money or missing items in the household are another possible sign of addiction, as a family member could be stealing to support a drug habit. “Your loved one is not a liar or a thief,” Paolello said. “It’s just that he or she is caught up in the vicious cycle of addiction. They are more often very good people in the grips of a very bad disease.”

Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein, right, specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric spinal deformity, including scoliosis, kyphosis and spondylolisthesis.

Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein is a board-certified, fellowship trained, adult and pediatric spine and scoliosis surgeon. He is the chief of Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Surgery at Morristown Medical Center, and is the medical director of the Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Center for the Atlantic Health System. Dr. Lowenstein has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor; honored by New York magazine and Inside Jersey magazine as a Top Doctor; voted Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly magazine; and received the NJ’s Favorite Kids Doc Award by New Jersey Family magazine.

Dr. Lowenstein believes in exploring all avenues of treatment for patients with spinal disorders, and will formulate an individualized plan for each patient, which may include observation, bracing, physical therapy including Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises, and potentially surgery.

Dr. Lowenstein has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor; honored by New York magazine and Inside Jersey magazine as a Top Doctor; voted Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly magazine; and received the NJ’s Favorite Kids Doc Award by New Jersey Family magazine.

Dr. Lowenstein specializes in the treatment of spinal deformity, including scoliosis, kyphosis and spondylolisthesis. He believes in exploring all avenues of treatment for patients with spinal disorders, and will formulate an individualized plan for each patient, which may include observation, bracing, physical therapy including Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises, and potentially surgery. When planning for surgical intervention, he utilizes the latest and most advanced surgical techniques for treatment, including vertebral body tethering (VBT) for minimally invasive, flexible scoliosis correction. “I choose the least invasive approach whenever possible,” he said. “Using the latest technology, including 3D imaged-guided intraoperative navigation, we are able to offer minimally invasive options for even some of our most complicated and challenging cases. This allows for faster recovery times for our patients and overall better outcomes.”

Dr. Lowenstein has significant experience in treating disc herniations and stenosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

He specializes in complex revision surgery for patients who have had previous spine surgery and have associated failed-back syndrome and is a regional referral source for patients who have had spine surgery and require re-operation. He has a particular interest in spinal motion preservation and will perform artificial disc replacement and posterior cervical laminoplasty to maintain motion when clinically indicated. Dr. Lowenstein also has expertise in the treatment of spinal trauma and fractures, as well as tumors of the spine.

Office Locations

• 160 E. Hanover Ave., Suite 201, Morristown
• 720 Routes 202/206N, Bridgewater
• 579 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick
• 333 Mt Hope Ave., Suite 140, Rockaway

973-538-0900

jasonlowensteinmd.com

theadvancedspinecenter.com

Hospital Networks

• Morristown Medical Center
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center
• Overlook Medical Center

Affliations

• Scoliosis Research Society
• North American Spine Society
• Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Education

• Emory University Hospital
• Fellowship in Spine and Scoliosis Surgery
• Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania

With four offices and affiliations with Goryeb Children’s Hospital and New York University Langone Medical Center, the physicians at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center can provide excellent care locally and at a world-class center for pediatric orthopaedics for more complex cases.

Mark A. Rieger, MD, FAAOS

Drs. Mark Rieger, David Lin, Joshua Strassberg and Tamir Bloom continue to set the gold standard for adolescent and pediatric orthopaedics. The team of physicians treat bone and muscle problems including sports injuries, fractures, scoliosis, hip dysplasia and clubfoot; always using the most innovative, nonoperative, minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgical techniques available to restore their patients’ health and get them back to the activities they enjoy.

Known throughout the state as the “go-to” doctors for all aspects of pediatric and adolescent orthopaedics, Drs. Rieger, Lin, Strassberg, Bloom and their partners have the bedside manner that patients want. “I enjoy having the opportunity to relate to kids and help make them feel at ease,” said Dr. Strassberg. The team at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center knows how to make young children, who are often in pain and frightened, feel comfortable with their lighthearted demeanors and compassionate bedside manners.

David Y. Lin, MD, FAAOS

The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is also the first practice to introduce several advanced treatments to New Jersey, including hip ultrasound to diagnose hip disorders, growth plate sparing ACL knee reconstructions, Ponseti nonoperative treatment of clubfoot and minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, and they continue to explore ways to bring the latest and best treatments to the children they treat. “It’s exciting to work with children; they definitely keep me young at heart and I love their resilience, Dr. Lin said.

On the cutting edge of medical technology, The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is the only practice in northern New Jersey to have the EOS low-dose X-ray machine, which uses 10 to 50 times less radiation and can create extensive 3D images of the spine and lower extremities. This enhances the diagnosis and treatment of patients with scoliosis and limb issues. “It obtains more information with less radiation, vastly improving our evaluation and clinical decisions, thus improving patient care,” Dr. Rieger said.

Tamir Bloom, MD, FAAOS

With four offices and affiliations with Goryeb Children’s Hospital and New York University Langone Medical Center, the physicians at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center can provide excellent care locally and at a world-class center for pediatric orthopaedics for more complex cases. It is this combination of personalized local care and access to world-class orthopaedic care that sets The Pediatric Orthopedic Center apart from all other orthopaedic practices in the tri-state area.

It is a privilege to be able to take care of children of all ages from newborns to young adults,” Dr. Rieger said. “My philosophy is to treat my patients as I would want my family treated.”

Joshua A. Strassberg, MD, FAAOS

“I approach each patient as a unique individual, taking the time to understand them and their family’s needs.” Dr. Bloom said. “My goal is to provide high-quality care and get them back into the action, safely, as soon as possible. As a two-time Olympian who competed with an injury, I can empathize with the unique mental and physical challenges of sports-related injuries.”

When asked how they earned their stellar reputation, Dr. Rieger said that his mentor, the world-renowned pediatric orthopaedist, Dr. John Hall, taught him: “Treat your patients like family and make sure you are the most knowledgeable in your field, and you won’t have to seek a reputation — your reputation will find you.”

The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is also the first practice to introduce several advanced treatments to New Jersey, and continues to explore ways to bring the latest and best treatments to its young patients.

Office Locations

• 218 Ridgedale Ave., Suite 101, Cedar Knolls
• 609 Morris Ave., 2nd fl., Springfield
• 246 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 304, Wayne
• 377 Jersey Ave., Suite 280A, Jersey City

973-538-7700

pediatricorthopedics.com

Hospitals

• Morristown Medical Center/Goryeb Children’s Hospital
• Saint Barnabas Medical Center
• NYU Langone Medical Center
• Overlook Medical Center
• Short Hills Surgery Center

Expertise

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Fractures
• Scoliosis
• Complex Hip Disorders
• Clubfoot

Affiliations

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
• Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America
• Scoliosis Research Society
• American Medical Association
• The Orthopedic Research Society
• The New Jersey Orthopedic Society
• Medical Society of New Jersey

Education

• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Alfred I. DuPont Children’s Hospital
• Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• Campbell Clinic Orthopaedic Institution
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• New York Medical College
• University of Connecticut School of Medicine
• Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center