Healthy Programming Q&A




		Other Questions Return to Current Questions

	Head & Neck Cancer A diagnosis of head and neck cancer can be devastating because of the extensive surgery that may be needed to remove the tumor. Tell us about some of the advances in head and neck surgery that are being used to treat these types of cancer at The Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. What are some of the symptoms of head and neck cancers? What can be done to prevent head and neck cancers?
	Survival rates in cardiac surgery What do you mean by survival rates in cardiac surgery? In terms a lay person can understand, what are risk-adjusted survival rates?
	Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program Even though it can be frightful to know you are at risk, what are the benefits to knowing? Are there any other benefits?
	Anesthesia Are there any dangers associated with anesthesia? Can I “be aware” under anesthesia?
	The Children's Hospital Why should children be evaluated and treated at a Children’s Hospital? Why is Hackensack University Medical Center building a Children’s Hospital?
	Anticoagulation Service What is the Anticoagulation Service at Hackensack University Medical Center?
	Cancer Vaccine Research Dr. Pecora, you recently were a featured speaker at a major international gene therapy seminar in Japan, where you discussed your cancer vaccine research. Tell us about this research. How is PV701 treatment given? Your presence at the seminar in Japan confirms your status as one of the world’s leading researchers in gene therapy, cellular therapy, and immunotherapy. What other clinical research studies are you pursuing at The Cancer Center?
	Ellen H. Lazar Shoppe on Fifth Can you tell us about the medical center’s Ellen H. Lazar Shoppe on Fifth?
	The Center for Facial Nerve Disorders and Facial Reanimation The Center for Facial Nerve Disorders and Facial Reanimation offers a unique program of comprehensive care for patients who experience facial paralysis, either from injury, surgical complications, stroke, virus, or other causes. Why did Hackensack University Medical Center decide to open this center? What special medical expertise is needed to treat patients with facial nerve disorders? What services are available?
	Neuro-Oncology You practice neuro-oncologic surgery, a specialization that is available at only a handful of hospitals in New Jersey. What does this mean for patients to have your expertise available in their community? What are some of these advanced diagnostic and treatment options?
	Pediatric Otolaryngology Why should parents seek out a physician that specializes in pediatric otolaryngology? Describe some of the work you will be doing as director of the medical center’s new Cochlear Implant Center?
	New Jersey’s largest cancer center Dr. Pecora, you are chair man and director of New Jersey’s largest cancer center. Why should a patient come here instead of going to one of the big names in New York City? Tell us about the infrastructure that you’ve built and some of these investments. How do you sum up your goals for The Cancer Center in the next five years?
	The Cancer Center How important is clinical research to The Cancer Center and its patients? Why has the National Cancer Institute trusted HUMC to test new treatments? Tell us about some of the promising new treatments that you are testing
	Urologic Oncology’s Approach to Cancer Care Tell us about the Division of Urologic Oncology’s approach to cancer care? How important is early detection in uncovering urologic cancers? What types of treatment are available if a person is diagnosed with urologic cancers?
	Vertebroplasty What is vertebroplasty and how does this procedure relieve the pain of spinal compression fractures? What can a patient expect during a vertebroplasty?
	Pediatric Otolaryngology Why should parents seek out a physician that specializes in pediatric otolaryngology? Describe some of the work you will be doing as director of the medical center’s new Cochlear Implant Center?
	Cryoablation I recently heard about a treatment that HUMC offers for prostate cancer called “cryoablation.” Can you tell me about this treatment and how it can help prostate cancer sufferers? Can cryoablation be used to treat other types of cancers?
	The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House I heard that Hackensack University Medical Center is home to ?The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House.? Can you tell me about the house? What should someone do if they suspect that a child is being abused or neglected?
	Doctor's Expertise You are board-certified in obstetrics/gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and general surgery. How does this expertise benefit your patients? You are new to The Cancer Center. What are some of your future goals for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology?
	Fitness Club I’ve decided to join a fitness club, but don’t know what to look for when selecting a club. Where do I start? How do I go about selecting a group exercise class?
	Donating Blood How important is it for people to donate blood, especially during this summer’s emergency blood donor season? How does one get involved in becoming a blood donor?
	Most Common Sports Injuries What are the most common sports injuries? When should I see a doctor for a sprain?
	Chairman of Plastic Surgery You have a successful 20-year practice in New York City. What made you decide to come to Hackensack University Medical Center? What advice would you give someone who is thinking about having some type of facial rejuvenation?
	The Division of Urologic Oncology’s Approach to Cancer Care Tell us about the Division of Urologic Oncology’s approach to cancer care? How important is early detection in uncovering urologic cancers? What types of treatment are available if a person is diagnosed with urologic cancers?
	Lifeline What is Lifeline?
	Summer Exercise Program Why did Hackensack University Medical Center add chiropractic services at The Center for Health and Healing? I’d like to start an exercise program now that the summer is here. Do you have any ideas to get me started? I want to look great in my swimsuit this summer, but don’t really need to lose any weight. How can I tone up my body without dropping any pounds?
	Pediatric Art Therapy What is Pediatric Art Therapy? How is Art Therapy used within The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital?
	Chiropractic services at The Center for Health and Healing Why did Hackensack University Medical Center add chiropractic services at The Center for Health and Healing? What are some of the common conditions for which people seek chiropractic care?
	The decline of breast cancer during the 1990s According to the American Cancer Society, deaths from breast cancer declined significantly during the 1990s. To what do you attribute these encouraging statistics? Hackensack University Medical Center offers comprehensive breast care through its Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care and The Cancer Center. What advantages does this offer women?
	Elders maximizing function and quality of life In keeping with the very objectives of healthcare, what should elders be doing to maximize function and quality of life for as long as possible?
	Minimally-Invasive Prostate Removal Technique What is robotic laparoscopic retro-peritoneal radical prostatectomy? What is unique about this procedure? What are some of the benefits of robotic laparoscopic retro-peritoneal radical prostatectomy?
	What to look for in a cancer center You oversee one of the nation’s largest cancer centers. What should a patient look for in a cancer center? Tell us more about The Cancer Center’s specialized divisions. Why is this approach so effective? Hackensack University Medical Center is an academic medical center. Why is that important for cancer patients?
	Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program I’ve heard that the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program at Hackensack University Medical Center is the only nationally accredited bloodless program in New Jersey. What does that mean? What patient benefits do I receive with my treatment through the Bloodless Program at Hackensack University Medical Center?
	Prevention of Medical Errors How can hospital patients take an active role with their healthcare providers in the prevention of medical errors?
	Postpartum Depression I’ve been reading about “postpartum depression” in the news recently. What is this condition? How is it diagnosed? Is it treatable?
	Battle Against Smoking Winning the battle against smoking isn’t easy. What approach is SUCCESS (Start To Understand What Changes Can Be Made To Effectively Stop Smoking) taking that makes it different? How successful has SUCCESS been?
	Most Common Sports Injuries What are the most common sports injuries? When should I see a doctor for a sprain?
	Advances at HUMC’s Adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program Over the past decade, Hackensack University Medical Center’s Adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program has grown so that it is now among the top 10 in the world to offer this life- saving treatment for leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer. What are the latest advances you are using? Tell us about your new Benito and Carmen Lopez Stem Cell Transplant Center.
	Suffering a Trauma How do I know if I’ve suffered a trauma? What kind of help can I expect at The Center for Trauma Recovery?
	Same Day Surgery at a Hospital Why should I have my same day surgery at a hospital?
	Sustaining the Weight Loss While many people can lose weight, what makes sustaining the weight loss so difficult?
	House Calls for Elders Could you tell us about the House Calls for Elders program? What lead the Geriatric Department at Hackensack University Medical Center to initiate such a program?
	Autumn Fitness Program Why is autumn such a great time to begin a fitness program? What tips do you have for those who want to begin by walking?
	$1 Million Kresge Grant Why is the receipt of the $1 million challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation so significant? What will the $1 million Kresge challenge support?
	Children's Injuries How can I help my child from being injured this Fall?
	Urinary Incontinence What is urinary incontinence and can it be treated?
	Leukemia What is leukemia? Can it be treated? What about the “Leukemia Pill”? What are the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)?
	Bladder Cancer What is the most common form of bladder cancer and how can it be diagnosed and treated?
	Virtual Colonoscopy How does virtual colonoscopy work?
	SIDS What is SIDS and what causes it? How can SIDS be prevented?
	Breast Cancer Screening What are the current recommendations for breast cancer screening? Why do I have to bring my old films?
	Driving Safety Why is driving safety so important?
	Postpartum Depression I’ve been reading about “postpartum depression” in the news recently. What is this condition? How is it diagnosed? Is it treatable?
	Prevent diseases with early diagnosis. What new methods have been implemented to prevent diseases with early diagnosis?
	The Center for Occupational Medicine What is The Center for Occupational Medicine?
	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
	Warm Weather Activities How should I prepare for warmer weather activities? I hate jogging. What can I do besides that for exercise
	Heart Failure Patients What new method is the medical center using to better serve heart failure patients?
	Safety of Medication How does the pharmacy department continue to ensure the safety of medication at the medical center?
	BOTOX Treatment What is BOTOX and how is it useful in the treatment of wrinkles? How effective are lasers in the removal of vascular and pigmentedlesions of the skin?
	Prostate Cancer What can be done to make people more aware of prostate cancer?
	Celiac Disease What is celiac disease and what are its symptoms? How do you diagnose and treat celiac disease?
	Cornea and Laser Eye Institute I am considering laser eye surgery but someone told me there are new techniques being developed. Should I wait?
	Thoracic Oncology Division The Cancer Center recently established a comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Division to fight lung cancer, the “number one” cancer killer in the nation. Tell us about some of the services. Why is it crucial to have every element of lung cancer care integrated into one division?
	Bloodless Medicine What is the bloodless medicine and surgery option? How does the bloodless surgery option affect me as a patient?
	Complementary or Integrative Medicine Are complementary or integrative medicine methods appropriate for children?
	The Premier Services Award What is the Premier Services Award?
	Bladder Cancer What is the most common form of bladder cancer and how can it be diagnosed and treated?
	Colon Cancer Who is at risk for colon cancer? Why is it so important to get a colonoscopy? Where can I get screened?
	The Cancer Center You oversee one of the nation’s largest cancer centers. What should a patient look for in a cancer center? Tell us more about The Cancer Center’s specialized divisions. Why is this approach so effective?
	Urinary Incontinence What is urinary incontinence and can it be treated?
	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
	The DaVinci™ Program How can the daVinci™ program benefit cardiac patients?
	Driving Safety Why is driving safety so important?
	Pursuing Perfection" Initiative What is the "Pursuing Perfection" Initiative?
	Cosmetic Dermatology What is BOTOX and how is it useful in the treatment of wrinkles? How effective are lasers in the removal of vascular and pigmented lesions of the skin?
	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Since the World Trade Center tragedy, I have been hearing about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What is this and can it be treated?
	The Executive Health Program What is the Executive Health Program at Hackensack University Medical Center? Are there any other special services offered?
	Nursing Shortage Nursing Shortage - Fact or Fiction? And if there is a shortage, what are the reasons?
	Diabetes Who should be tested for diabetes? What is Type 1 diabetes and how does it differ from Type 2 diabetes? How are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes managed?
	Maintaining a Healthy Diet How do I find out how many calories are needed to maintain a current weight in a moderately active person? Are there any supplements which should be a part of the healthy diet?
	Licensed Clinical Social Workers & Diabetes Why are licensed clinical social workers important to the family coping with the diagnosis and daily management of Type I and Type II diabetes? What services are offered by licensed clinical social workers at The Molly Center for Children with Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders at The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center?
	Congestive Heart Failure What new methods are being used to detect congestive heart failure?
	Physical Therapy What are the factors that have contributed to the tremendous increase in the public's need for physical therapy treatment? What new treatment approaches have recently been developed in the physical therapy field?
	Tobacco Dependence What services are provided by the SUCCESS program offered by the Health Awareness Regional Program (HARP)?
	Literacy What is the Reach Out and Read program and how does it integrate literacy into pediatric healthcare? In what other ways does the Reach Out and Read Program help to promote literacy?
	Laser Vision Correction What are the safety considerations in laser vision correction (LASIK)? What do we know about the long term results and safety of laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK)?
	Patients Rights Why do hospitals have libraries Can I use the Internet for medical information?
	Grieving How do I cope with grief? What grief services are available?
	Pastoral Care What is the role of Pastoral Care? Is illness only physical?
	Heel Pain Before I consider surgery, is there any new therapy for the treatment of heel pain? What is the latest surgical development in the treatment of chronic heel pain?
	Foundation Gala How does a glamorous special event help a hospital such as Hackensack University Medical Center? What do the funds raised sponsoring an event go toward? How can I purchase tickets to the concert at Radio City Music Hall on September 22?
	Cardiac Rehabilitation What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? Who can benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation and what is the process?
	Patient Rights Is there a Patient Bill of Rights and responsibilities in New Jersey to protect patients? Who in the hospital can I speak to about my patient rights?
	Donating Blood How important is it to donate blood? What is a unit of blood and how will my donation be used? Is donating safe? Who is eligible to donate?
	Good Eating Habits What is the connection between good eating habits and a successful school year? Should my child have an after-school snack?
	Childhood Leukemia What is the current treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia in children? What challenges with this disease should be addressed in the future?
	Lightning Safety Stories about thunderstorms and lightning have been in the news lately. What are some of the safety rules? If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Avoid standing in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
	Lyme Disease What is Lyme Disease and how does one contract it? How is Lyme Disease treated and prevented?
	Heart Failure What is heart failure? What is the new Heart Failure Program at Hackensack University Medical Center?
	Mad Cow Disease What are the chances of a person living in our region getting Mad Cow Disease? What should area residents do about Mad Cow Disease right now?
	Abdominal Fitness What’s the best way to go about reducing my abdominal area? How do I go about beginning a strength-training program?
	Anesthesia for Seniors As a senior citizen, does anesthesia pose a greater risk because of my age? Why are doctors who specialize in pain management often anesthesiologists?