Category: Sponsored

Tackle Kids Cancer is committed to treating the whole child and family by investing in critical psychosocial programs.

There are more than 500,000 childhood cancer survivors in the United States. As researchers continuously work to increase survivorship rates, care and support services that improve the health and well-being of patients and their families — throughout pediatric cancer treatment and beyond — have become more vital than ever.

Established in 2015, Tackle Kids Cancer is a philanthropic initiative that raises money for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack) and Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune).

“During treatment — and after treatment ends — childhood cancer has a lasting impact on children and families,” said Amy Glazer, executive director for Children’s Health at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “Tackle Kids Cancer is with families every step of the way. Our funding helps to provide a range of services to better meet our patients’ and their families’ needs today, tomorrow and long into the future.”

For example, the Cure and Beyond program confronts the lasting health, emotional and social issues that affect pediatric cancer survivors. Two-thirds of pediatric cancer survivors have at least one lifelong medical issue related to their treatment; one-third of those survivors experience two or three long-lasting health issues.

“As the first survivorship program in the state, Cure and Beyond was — and still is — both groundbreaking and essential to the future of cancer care,” Glazer said. “Through funds raised by Tackle Kids Cancer, and a generous grant from The Sohn Conference Foundation, we provide lifelong care for pediatric cancer survivors beginning two years post-cancer therapy.”

Cure and Beyond has a dedicated staff of expert physicians, nurses, social workers and educators offering an array of services for survivors. The program is housed in a separate facility from the hospital, fostering a home-like environment for patients to receive the personalized care they need.

Tackle Kids Cancer funding also has supported the establishment of a Fertility Preservation program, which includes a pediatric oncologist, advanced practice nurse and a dedicated nurse navigator. This team consults both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients at risk for impaired fertility. Based on the clinical situation and preferences of the patient and family, the team coordinates referrals for fertility preservation options.

A full 100% of the funds donated to Tackle Kids Cancer, supported since its outset in 2015 by Eli Manning and the New York Giants, stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs, and care and support for patients and their families.

Psychosocial Care and Support 

Tackle Kids Cancer is committed to treating the whole child and family by investing in critical psychosocial programs. These important care and support services include:

Social Work and Child Life. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the social and emotional needs of the entire family are tremendous. A robust team of child life therapists and social workers provides vital psychosocial support to patients and their families.

Sibling Support. When one child undergoes a challenging medical emergency or illness, it has a profound impact on siblings. Child life specialists work with healthy siblings, providing them with emotional support and therapeutic programming, including one-on-one and group therapy, bereavement groups and organized recreational outings.

‘Donate to Celebrate’ This Holiday Season

Every donation to Tackle Kids Cancer calls for a celebration: 100% of Tackle Kids Cancer funds stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs and care and support for patients and their families. Meanwhile, the organization’s funded research extends globally — making a positive difference for children around the world.

How can you help? This holiday season, Tackle Kids Cancer supporters can “Donate to Celebrate” — and participating in this campaign could not be easier:

• Donate to Tackle Kids Cancer at tacklekidscancer.org
• Share your donation and “celebration dance” with Tackle Kids Cancer on social media. Just post your celebration online (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) and be sure to tag the post #DonatetoCelebrateTKC
• Show your enthusiasm — and commitment — by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and classmates to make their own donations

Each week until the end of the year, Tackle Kids Cancer will share the “Celebration of the Week” on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

A full 100% of the funds donated to Tackle Kids Cancer, supported since its outset in 2015 by Eli Manning and the New York Giants, stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs, and care and support for patients and their families

​​A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a child and his or her family — but there is cause for hope. Research has transformed survival for children and young people with cancer: In the last 40 years, the overall survival rate for childhood cancer has increased from 10% to more than 85% today. But for many more rare childhood cancers, the survival rate remains much lower.

Established in 2015, Tackle Kids Cancer is a philanthropic initiative that raises money for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack) and Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune).

“Tackle Kids Cancer is committed to finding new answers that will help every child and family affected by cancer,” said Derek Hanson, section chief, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “The research Tackle Kids Cancer is supporting impacts treatment, improves survival rates and reduces long-term side effects that many young survivors experience.”

Tackle Kids Cancer’s quest to discover cures for pediatric cancer begins in the lab. Here, scientists and researchers investigate at a cellular level the causes and treatments of various pediatric cancers. Tackle Kids Cancer is unique in that many of its researchers also are physicians; their work, funded by Tackle Kids Cancer, takes place at Hackensack Meridian Health’s acclaimed Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI). With their breadth of experience and knowledge, Tackle Kids Cancer researchers and physicians have the opportunity to provide true “bench to bedside” research — where they can investigate causations and treatments in the lab, and develop a clinical usage for patients in the hospital.

Established as a philanthropic initiative that raises money for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs, Tackle Kids Cancer is unique in that many of its researchers also are physicians.

Cancer Research Impact 

Tackle Kids Cancer’s investment in life-saving research is making a significant impact.

Recent examples include:

The Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital provides expert care to children with brain and spinal cord tumors; 12 clinical trials are offered, aided by funds raised through Tackle Kids Cancer. In 2020, Tackle Kids Cancer also supported the opening of a lab focused on pediatric neuro-oncology at CDI. This lab, led by Dr. Hanson and surgeon-scientist Dr. Timothy Vogel, meets the clinical and research needs of children with central nervous system tumors. Specifically furthering the much-needed research in Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes, an aggressive brain tumor with a less than 10% survival rate.

Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital recently was selected to join the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC), the premiere research group for pediatric brain tumors. As a member of the PNOC, the hospital is participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial studying the treatment of high-grade glioma (HGG), an aggressive, fast-growing type of brain tumor.

“Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is one of only 12 hospitals in the country to offer this trial — and the only center in the New York metropolitan area. Tackle Kids Cancer supporters’ investment in our research helped lead us to becoming a PNOC hospital, which allows us to offer important clinical trials like this one,” Dr. Hanson said.

‘Donate to Celebrate’ This Holiday Season

Every donation to Tackle Kids Cancer calls for a celebration: 100% of Tackle Kids Cancer funds stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs, and care and support for patients and their families. Meanwhile, the organization’s funded research extends globally — making a positive difference for children around the world.

How can you help? This holiday season, Tackle Kids Cancer supporters can “Donate to Celebrate” — and participating in this campaign could not be easier:

• Donate to Tackle Kids Cancer at tacklekidscancer.org.
• Share your donation and “celebration dance” with Tackle Kids Cancer on social media. Just post your celebration online (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) and be sure to tag the post #DonatetoCelebrateTKC.
• Show your enthusiasm — and commitment — by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and classmates to make their own donations.

Each week until the end of the year, Tackle Kids Cancer will share the “Celebration of the Week” on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Starting in 2023, even more New Jerseyans will be able to access Braven Health’s vast network and robust benefit offering, because Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) will be the only Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Medicare Advantage PPO plan available in every New Jersey county, from Warren to Cape May.

Braven Health is one of the fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey. What’s behind this explosive growth?

It starts with offering more options for members, increased services, greater simplicity and better value through the power of partnership.

• The benefits you need
• The doctors you trust
• The extras you expect from a Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® plan

The Braven Health+ Smart Card offers a flexible way to use your extra benefits.

The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2022. To learn more about the various Braven Health plans, visit BravenHealth.com or call 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711).

Braven Health Medicare Advantage: Coverage for all of New Jersey

What matters most when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan? Access to a wide network of providers and specialists? A trusted organization with decades of health management experience that you can trust?

These are among the reasons why Braven Health is the Garden State’s fastest-growing Medicare Advantage provider. The company, which since 2021 has been offering low- or zero-premium HMO and PPO plans to beneficiaries in eight New Jersey counties, is expanding its reach to all of New Jersey for 2023.

You’re Never Far from the Care You Need

Braven Health is owned jointly by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, one of the state’s most trusted and largest health insurers, and two of the state’s leading health care systems, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health. This partnership built the foundation for Braven Health’s large network of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, but it’s even bigger than that. The result is a Medicare Advantage plan with PPO options that give you access to every hospital in New Jersey* and Medicare doctors across the state and nationwide. PPO members have an extended nationwide network in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.**

“Our trusted partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health highlights our focus on supporting the delivery of high-quality care to our members,” said Braven Health Chief Operating Officer Audrey Mahoney. “Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey recognize the value of our benefit packages and ease of access to getting care. We’re excited to continue growing and serving our membership.”

With the collective reputation and backing of Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health, Braven Health’s provider network is as expert as it is expansive.

Statewide Access to Great Benefits and High-quality, Affordable Care

Starting in 2023, even more New Jerseyans will be able to access Braven Health’s vast network and robust benefit offerings. That’s because Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) will be the only Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® Medicare Advantage PPO plan available in every New Jersey county, from Warren to Cape May.

“Braven Health’s continued growth allows even more Medicare beneficiaries to access great benefits and high-quality care at an affordable price,” Mahoney said.

“Expansion into the remaining 13 counties will give Medicare beneficiaries in those counties access to our plan, which has a zero-dollar premium, no medical deductible and significant enhancements beyond traditional Medicare,” added Braven Health Chief Clinical Officer Michael Sheehan, MD.

Braven Health is offering its Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan for all beneficiaries throughout New Jersey for 2023.

Braven Health is offering its Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan for all beneficiaries throughout New Jersey for 2023. Members pay a $0 monthly premium while getting $0 in-network primary care doctor visits, prescription copays starting at $0 and out-of-state network access. Also included in the Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan is up to $1,300 annually in health-related extras. (More on that below.)

Braven Health will continue to offer the Braven Medicare Plus (HMO) in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union counties.

In addition to an expansive network of medical providers and facilities, Braven Health members also get access to $0 in-network dental, vision and hearing benefits.

Starting in 2023, members will receive the new Braven Health+ Smart Card, a debit card that will be loaded with up to $1,300 in benefit allowances.​

A ‘Smart’ Additional Benefit

But there’s even more in store for Braven Health members. Starting in 2023, members will receive the new Braven Health+ Smart Card, a debit card that members can use to access up to $1,300 in benefit allowances. This card gives members easy access to many of their benefits, like an over-the-counter allowance and flex benefit allowance where they can purchase a range of eligible health related products and services. Members also  can earn rewards and incentives for getting certain preventive services and those rewards will also be available on the Braven Health+ Smart Card. (See “Braven Health’s new Smart Card: what you’ll get” for details on the benefit allowances.)

“The card can be used just like any other debit card to purchase many items and services covered under our plans, such as over-the-counter items, fitness memberships, glasses and contacts, rides to the doctor, and much more,” Mahoney said. “Depending on the type of purchase, members can choose to order items online or over the phone, or they can make payments in person at participating locations. Having an all-in-one card and the ability to make purchases at a variety of locations makes it easy for our members to use their extra benefits.”

The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2022. To learn more about the various Braven Health plans, visit BravenHealth.com or call 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711).

4-star Rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

With the collective reputation and backing of Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health, Braven Health’s provider network is as expert as it is expansive. Braven Health’s commitment to high-quality care is evidenced by the 4-star rating its 2023 PPO plans received from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which annually evaluates health plans and facilities.

“Braven Health maintains an active provider council that allows Braven Health and our network providers to have an open and transparent dialogue,” Dr. Sheehan said. “Physicians can share with the plan what they feel is most critical for the patients. Quality of care and member satisfaction are of paramount importance to Braven Health, and listening to the voice of our providers allows us to best meet our members’ needs.”

To get the word out about its 2023 plan offerings during the current Medicare enrollment period, Braven Health is hosting in-person informational meetings throughout New Jersey, as well as virtual sessions. Prospective members who come to an in-person session will receive a $15 gift card just for attending.

Prospective members can visit bravenhealth.com to learn more about Braven Health’s plan offerings, search for in-network providers, get answers to basic questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, or enroll online. Or call Braven Health at 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711) to speak with an agent.

Braven Health’s New Smart Card: What You’ll Get

Starting in 2023, Braven Health Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans will come with a pre-loaded Braven Health+ Smart Card, which can be used to conveniently tap into the following plan extras:

• Quarterly $70 over-the-counter allowance ($90 quarterly allowance for Braven Medicare Freedom (PPO) members). This allowance can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and everyday health-related items, such as toothpaste and vitamins. More than 90,000 items are eligible for purchase.
• Annual $275 Flex Benefit Allowance, which can be used for health-related services such as acupuncture, transportation to a doctor or medical facility, weight-management programs, in-home support hours and more.
• Annual $200 Fitness Benefit Allowance, which can help pay for a gym membership, fitness classes, eligible gym equipment and more.
• Up to a $350 annual Healthy Rewards allowance for completing eligible screenings and training.
• Up to a $200 Eyewear Allowance every two years to use toward eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• $75 quarterly grocery allowance for eligible members with qualifying chronic conditions¹ to purchase healthy food and produce.

Source: Braven Health

^{*Based on data as of 08/01/2022. Access to every hospital is limited to PPO plans only ,with some hospitals covered through a PPO Plan’s out-of-network benefits.}

^{**The MA PPO networks are only available in portions of some states. Wyoming and Alaska do not participate.}

^{1 The benefits mentioned are a part of special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Available to members with diabetes, cardiovascular disorders or congestive heart failure, in case management.}

^{$15 Gift Card is being provided to you with no obligation to enroll with Braven Health. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. The Braven Health+ Smart Card Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A. Member FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard International. Stride Bank is an independent company offering debit card services and is solely responsible for its products. Other providers are available in the network. Braven Health has a Medicare contract to offer HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plans, including group Medicare Advantage and group Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plans. Enrollment in Braven Health’s products depends on contract renewal. Products are provided by Braven Health, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.}

^{The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Braven HealthSM name and symbols are service marks of Braven Health. ©2022 Braven Health. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, N.J. 07105. | Braven Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate against nor does it exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.}

Spanish (Español): Para ayuda en español, llame al 1-833-272-8360 (TTY 711).
Chinese (中文)：如需中文協助，請致電 1-833-272-8360 (TTY 711).

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University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA) place an emphasis on diagnosing medical conditions and offering conservative solutions when appropriate, providing the best in innovative and evidence-based care.

At University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA), our mission is to provide our patients with innovative and evidence-based care. Our physicians are leaders in their fields who propel innovation to improve patient outcomes and bring evidence-based solutions to treatments that matter most.

At UOA, we place an emphasis on diagnosing medical conditions and offering conservative solutions when appropriate. Physiatry is an approach used to focus on nonsurgical interventions, ranging from physical therapy to medical injections for pain management.

Our physiatrist collaborates closely with our orthopaedic surgeons and uses techniques and tools to determine the cause of the patient’s physical discomfort. Then, we employ a variety of treatments to get them back to feeling their best, including corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy and more.

In some cases, surgery is the best solution, however, our surgeons always use a minimally invasive approach when possible. Our spine surgeons have also been at the forefront of motion-sparing (non-fusion) surgery. They perform disc replacement surgery in both the cervical and lumbar spine, which means quicker recovery time, increased range of motion postoperatively and decreased risk of future adjacent disc degeneration.

Additionally, our spine surgeons were lead developers in bringing 3D-printed technology to spinal implants. These devices allow for more patient-specific implants to improve surgical success and decrease complications.

University Orthopaedic Associates spine surgeons were lead developers in bringing 3D-printed technology to spinal implants.

UOA spine surgeons also use computer navigation and robotic technology when appropriate, allowing for less pain, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.

UOA is using state-of-the-art treatments and technologies in other ways, too.

The surgeons at UOA always use a minimally invasive approach when possible.

Our sports medicine specialists can treat elbow tendonitis and mild knee arthritis with biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma. Additionally, we can treat bony impingement of the hip and labral tears with minimally invasive hip arthroscopy with proven outcomes and success rates. We continue to lead the area with our ability to repair meniscus tears rather than taking out the damaged tissue.

Furthermore, we can treat cartilage defects with cartilage transplantation to prevent deterioration and knee arthritis.

Our trauma specialists tackle injuries ranging from simple isolated fractures to multiple extremity fractures associated with life-threatening accidents. They can correct fracture malunions and nonunions using the most up-to-date technologies, such as spatial frame reconstructions, to enable fractures to heal properly.

Whenever possible, our upper extremity specialists avoid using general anesthesia, saving patients from potential side effects and complications. Our shoulder and elbow specialists augment rotator-cuff repairs with biologic patches to improve healing rates and reduce re-tear rates. They have also been using patient-specific imaging and instrumentation to shorten operative time and achieve a better fit shoulder replacements for the patient. In addition, they are using an absorbable balloon to treat massive rotator cuff tears, requiring less recovery time than a traditional rotator cuff repair.

The joint replacement team at UOA is the most experienced in the region, performing hundreds of anterior hip replacements a year. Their innovative approach causes less muscle damage, results in a quicker recovery and reduced dislocation rates. Frequently patients can have their anterior hip replacements as outpatients and return home the same day.

Surgeons at UOA helped to develop a fibular nailing system that allows ankle fractures to be treated through smaller incisions. The surgeons are also skilled in treating Achilles tendon ruptures and bunion deformities through small incisions, decreasing postoperative pain and accelerating recovery.

​UOA foot and ankle surgeons are skilled in a number of minimally invasive procedures. Our surgeons helped to develop a fibular nailing system that allows ankle fractures to be treated through smaller incisions. Our surgeons are also skilled in treating Achilles tendon ruptures and bunion deformities through small incisions, decreasing postoperative pain and accelerating recovery. The UOA foot and ankle team also offers expertise with the latest reconstructive procedures including total ankle replacement and deformity corrections of the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot (such as bunions and hammertoes).

UOA is a team of medical professionals and support staff whose goal is to care for you as if you were a family member. With you at the center, we offer a hands-on approach that we are confident will leave you satisfied. If you are in search of orthopaedic care, visit uoanj.com

The CONCERTO study is actively seeking candidates with late-stage Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) for the SING IMT, who can participate from sites across the United States, including two in New Jersey.

New Jersey-based Samsara Vision, a medical device company that focuses on improving vision loss, is seeking participants with late-stage Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) for a clinical study of an investigational device called the SING IMT (Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope) at sites in Eatontown and Whippany. What is the SING IMT? In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a novel device from Samsara Vision (formerly VisionCare, Inc.) called the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT). This device magnifies what a person living with AMD is seeing in “straight-ahead” central vision and projects this image onto undamaged sections of the retina, enabling that person to recognize or identify people or objects that could not otherwise be seen. Some patients are able to recognize the faces of friends and family and resume activities that they once enjoyed, like watching TV and reading.

Now, an investigational, new version of the IMT, called the SING IMT, is being evaluated for improvements in visual acuity and safety of the device in people living with late-stage AMD as part of the CONCERTO study, a U.S.-based Food and Drug Administration-regulated study. Already approved in Europe, the SING IMT design differs from the original device since it can be folded and inserted through a device delivery system that allows for a smaller incision and less complicated surgery.

Already approved in Europe, the SING IMT design differs from the original device since it can be folded and inserted through a device delivery system that allows for a smaller incision and less complicated surgery.

The CONCERTO study is actively seeking candidates for the SING IMT, who can participate from sites across the United States, including two in New Jersey. Here’s what to know:

• The study will last about 12-15 months, and the implanted eye will be examined in five visits over 12–15 months with a study care provider.
• The SING IMT will be implanted during an outpatient procedure into one eye
• Participants must be at least 65 years old and must have decreased vision associated with late-stage AMD.
• Participants cannot have had previous cataract surgery in the study eye.
• There will be separately scheduled visits with a low vision occupational therapist, who will help train the SING IMT recipient on using the new implant. (Up to 10 vision rehabilitation visits scheduled over 12 months to learn how to best use the implanted device as well as daily at-home exercises.)

Are you or someone you know a candidate for the SING IMT? The study will take place at sites across the country and is currently enrolling in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Learn more about joining the study at concertostudy.com.

The SING IMT is not a cure for late-stage AMD. It will not return vision to the level a patient had before AMD, nor will it completely make up for vision loss. The most common risks of the SING IMT surgery include inflammatory deposits or precipitates on the device and increased intraocular pressure. Significant adverse events include corneal edema, vision-impairing corneal edema and decrease in visual acuity. There is a risk that having the telescope implantation surgery could worsen your vision rather than improve it and can damage the eye structures surrounding the device. Some patients also had further surgery to treat complications or to remove the device. The SING IMT device is expected to lead to loss of the peripheral vision in the surgical eye and the ability to ambulate (walk around) after receiving the SING IMT will be almost entirely dependent on the peripheral vision in the nonsurgical eye. Individual results may vary. Message sponsored by Samsara Vision.