Bayonne Mayor Robert Kubert presents a proclamation for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month:  Mayor Kubert presented the proclamation to Colleen and Roy Feeley, the parents of Shannon Feeley, who died in 2007 from an unexplained cause. Members of the extended family gathered in the Office of the Mayor, where Mayor Kubert read the proclamation aloud to the group. Pictured left to right: Caitlin Feeley, Megan Feeley, Colleen Feeley, Roy Feeley, Mayor Robert Kubert, Gina Nowak, Victoria Nowak, John Nowak, and Jake Nowak.

Bayonne Mayor Robert Kubert has issued a proclamation declaring March Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month. SUDC is the unexpected death of a child over the age of 12 months, which remains unresolved after an investigation is conducted, including a full and thorough review by a medical examiner.

Mayor Kubert presented the proclamation to Bayonne residents Roy and Colleen Feeley, the parents of the late Shannon Feeley, who passed away suddenly at the age of three-and-a-half in 2007 from an unknown cause.  Several members of the Feeleys’ extended family joined them for the presentation of the proclamation. Mayor Kubert read the proclamation to the family members in the Office of the Mayor. In their daughter’s case, as with all SUDC cases, the medical examiner could not determine a cause of death. 

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The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation Works to Fill the Gap and Grant Wishes to Cancer Patients Between the Ages of 18-24 Who Have Aged Out of Other Childhood Cancer Wish Programs

 As National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is upon us this September, The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation is continuing its mission to raise awareness for an underserved and sometimes overlooked population of cancer patients, 18–24 year-olds. This age group is still considered by many to be kids – many of whom attend college or are just starting their careers and independent lives.

Nikolas Ritschel was one of these young adults, who at 17 years old was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma and passed a few years later at the young age of 21. While Nik personally experienced and saw this age group’s struggles and loneliness, he also experienced moments of hope and joy. One of those times was when he applied for and was granted a wish from a foundation during his battle with cancer. However, it was when Nik met a young man by the name of Nate whose wish was denied because he was diagnosed one month after his 18th birthday that Nik decided to start The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation. He wanted to help other 18-24-year cancer patients experience the hope and joy he did by having wishes granted too.

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Free “Lunch & Learn Series” Focuses on Healthy Nutrition to help Senior Citizens Live Longer, Healthier Lives

March is National Nutrition Month and CarePoint Health is teaming up with AngelaCARES Inc. and Inserra ShopRite to help educate over 100 local senior citizens about steps they can take to improve their health through better nutrition to lead longer, healthier lives through a free seminar as part of its Lunch & Learn Series at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 23 at The Bethune Center at 140 MLK Drive.

 The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will include a healthy lunch provided by CarePoint Health and Inserra ShopRite nutritionist Lynette Hem-Lee will discuss such topics as how to eat and live healthy, reduce cholesterol, manage diabetes, boost energy and strengthen the immune system, improve skin conditions and think more clearly.

“March is National Nutrition Month and we wanted to find a way to bring valuable nutrition tips to the seniors in our community,” said Angela McKnight, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization AngelaCARES Inc. “This seminar will help over 100 seniors better understand how nutrition can help ease some of their health conditions and some of the simple things they can do to live a healthier and longer life.  We are thankful to CarePoint Health and Inserra ShopRite for donating their time and services to make this event a success.”

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

Lynette Hem-Lee, RDN, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Inserra ShopRite, will feature the Lunch & Learn workshop around “Slowing the Aging Process,” which will focus on important nutrients and their role in metabolism.  This information which will be presented in an easy fun filled format with examples and participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of a variety of healthier food options to promote long life, or manage certain illnesses.

“CarePoint Health through our Lunch & Learn Series works to connect community members with valuable heath education tools on a wide variety of topics,” said Randy Minniear, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at CarePoint Health.  “While we often hold these events at one of our three hospitals in Bayonne, Hoboken and Jersey City, through partnerships with organizations like AngelaCARES we are able to bring health education directly to the community.”
Any senior citizens wishing to attend the free Lunch & Learn seminar should contact AngelaCARES Inc. at 201-685-7273.

About CarePoint Health

CarePoint Health brings quality, patient-focused health care to Hudson County. Combining the resources of three area hospitals, Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and Hoboken University Medical Center, CarePoint Health provides a new approach to deliver health care that puts the patient front and center. CarePoint leverages a network of top doctors, nurses and other medical professionals whose expertise and attentiveness work together to provide complete coordination of care, from the doctorâ€s office to the hospital to the home. Patients benefit from the expertise and capabilities of a broad network of leading specialists and specialized technology. And at CarePoint Health, all medical professionals emphasize preventive medicine and focus on educating patients to make healthy life choices. For more information on its facilities, partners and services, visitwww.carepointhealth.org.

 About AngelaCARES Inc.

AngelaCARES, Inc. (ACI) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization incorporated on October 20, 2011. Our motto is “A Passion to Care. The Ability to Help.” Our vision is to encourage a caring and helpful world. Our mission is to serve as an advocate and support system for senior citizens, a support system for senior caregivers and a mentor to the youth by educating and empowering them to volunteer. We are committed to strengthening communities by enhancing the quality of life through empowering our seniors, their caregivers, and the youth. Since inception, AngelaCARES has provided services to 2000+ seniors from the diverse communities of Jersey City and Bayonne (African American, Asians, Caucasians, Indians, Filipinos and Latinos), facilitated over 100 events/activities, and has collaborated/partnered with 50 organizations that service the community.

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Paint fest-  Saturday, February 3^rd from 8:00am-1:00pm at Jersey City Medical Center cafeteria and Conference room 5/6 come join us for Paint fest. A time to relax, de stress and paint! In order to reserve a spot, you must RSVP, email jwzipangu2@yahoo.com. For further information please contact Josh Remland: 201 309 2739.

Free Job Training Support Group– On Monday, February 5^th at 350 Montgomery St. from 3:00PM-4:00PM join Jersey City Medical Center staff for a free job training support group. This is designed to prepare individuals for the workplace. Classes will include resume building, mock interviews and job readiness. For further information contact: Kenneth King 201-273-1847

Diabetes Support Group- On Tuesday, February 6^th from 2:30pm to 4:00pm a diabetes support group will be help at Jersey City Medical Center Conference room5. For more information contact Sandy Moreau at 201.915.2000 ext. 3923

Heart & Crafts Heart Health: Presented by Dr. Praganesh Gadhvi- On Wednesday, February 7^th, from 10am-11am. Please join this free informational and health screening at Jersey City Medical Center at Greenville, 1825 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ. Contact Kimberly Dawson for further information: 201-388-6000.

Free Health Screening- JCMC will offer a free health screening on Thursday, February 8^th at Gloria B Robinson, 322 Duncan Avenue, Jersey City.  Contact Sharnia Williams at 201-984-1298 or email SharniaWilliams@RWJBH.org.

Jersey City Medical Centerâ€s Breast Cancer Support Group– On Thursday, February 8 from 5pm-6pm at Jersey City Medical Center Conference Rooms 5/6.  JCMCâ€s breast cancer support group is for people who are living with a cancer diagnoses and are interested in connecting with other cancer patients for shared support, understanding and resources. For more information please contact Katie Fromm: 201-915-2073

Free Health Screening– Jersey City Medical Center will offer a free health screening on Tuesday, February 13^th at the North Bergen Senior Nutrition Center from 9:30am-11am at 1441 45^th Street, North Bergan, NJ 07047. For more information contact Sharnia Williams: 201-984-1298 or email Sharnia.Williams@RWJBH.org

Jersey City Medical Center ‘s Community Connections group- Please join us on Tuesday, February 13^th from 3:00pm-4:00pm at 350 Montgomery St. Jersey City for a Community Connections Support Group. This group is designed to advocate for community members, linking them to social services and empowering them with the knowledge of community resources. For more information contact Kimberly Dawson: 201-388-6000.

Health Screening- On Thursday, February 15^th  Jersey City Medical Center will offer FREE Health Screening at Grace Church, 39 Erie Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 from 10:00am-12:00pm. For more information contact Sharnia Williams: 201-984-1298 or email SharniaWilliams@RWJBH.org

On Tuesday, February 20^th  JCMC  will offer free health screening at Gloria B. Robinson from 2:00-4:00PM, 322 Duncan Ave Jersey City, NJ 07304. For further information contact Sharnia Williams at 201-984-1298 or email Sharnia.Williams@RWJBH.org

JCMC Cancer Support Group– On Wednesday, February 21^st a cancer support group will be held at Jersey City Medical Center portside conference room. For more information contact Katherine Fromm: 201-915-2073

Jersey City Medical Center‘s Letâ€s Talk Nutrition- From 3:00pm-4:00pm on Wednesday, February 21^st  at 350 Montgomery St.  Please join a guided grocery virtual tour to help families buy healthy, affordable foods on a budget. For further information contact Candice Pimentel: 201-984-1591

Heart Check- There will be a FREE hearts & crafts heart health presentation by Dr. Pragnesh Gadhvi on Thursday, February 22^nd from 4:00pm-6:00pm held in Jersey City Medical Center, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City . Conference Rooms 5/6. This is a social activity night offering fun, informative, therapeutic activities. For more information contact Kimberly Dawson: 201-388-6000.

JCMC FREE Health Screening–  Tuesday, February 27^th from 9:30am-11:00am at North Bergen Senior Nutrition Center, 1441 45^th Street, North Bergen, NJ 07047. For further information contact Sharnia Williams: 201-984-1298 or email Sharnia.Williams@RWJBH.org

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 By Sally Deering

 Photo by  Diana Zuluaga/@dmz75  

After blowing out her knee in freshman year of college, ballet dancer Melissa Morin-Stewart turned pirouettes into Pilates. Owner and founder of Clarity Fitness in Union City, Morin-Stewart offers her years of athletic prowess in ballet, her Bachelor of Science  and Masterâ€s degrees in fitness and nutrition; and her expertise designing fitness programs for corporate America, to her new role as owner of Clarity Fitness, Morin-Stewartâ€s new health & wellness studio in Union City.

Offering choices beyond the gym, and just a few blocks north of the Lincoln Tunnel, Morin-Stewartâ€s Clarity Fitness is a storefront studio on a somewhat gloomy strip of Park Avenue. But that shouldnâ€t deter visitors from venturing in to take a class. Once inside the open space, visitors will find refuge from the wear and tear of city life, a calm and Zen-like atmosphere to stretch, sweat and get in touch with your inner self and outer flab.

Morin-Stewart brings a trifecta of experience and knowhow to her studio and each of her classes – Fusion, Barre, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Zumba® offer a total body workout. And she knows her stuff. Morin-Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Rutgers University and a Masterâ€s in Exercise Physiology from the University of Rhode Island.  After 15 years managing and teaching fitness programs in New York City, Morin-Stewart decided to bring her  expertise  to Union City where she resides with her husband Teno Stewart who helps her run the studio.

Morin-Stewartâ€s Fusion class is the studioâ€s signature workout, a mix of yoga and Pilates with strength and flexibility movements.  Barre class incorporates core training with traditional Barre choreography to help people achieve a long, lean, sculpted look. HIIT uses “minimal equipment to maximize the use of body weight and functional movements,” and Zumba® blends exercise with dance. Morin-Stewart offers solo classes at $15 a pop; and for $99 a month, you go as often as you like.

On a recent Thursday morning, Morin-Stewart was preparing to teach Barre when she took a moment to share a little about her experiences transitioning from dancer to fitness instructor and opening her first studio in Union City.

RVO: Hot did you get into fitness and nutrition?

MMS: Iâ€m a classically-trained ballet dancer. That was my extra-curricular. I danced from 3 till I graduated from high school. When I went to Rutgers, I tried out for the dance team. During the audition I hurt my knee badly — I couldnâ€t walk and was on crutches. Once I recovered and was able to function, I realized dancing wasnâ€t going to be my career. For rehab, I had to go to the gym. I walked in and didnâ€t know what I was doing, but I kept going, I asked people at the gym what exercises I should do. It became a weekly routine. It was through that I started to feel better, keep off a little weight. Thatâ€s how I got into health and wellness and declared my major in nutrition.  

RVO: Why did you choose to teach this group of classes at Clarity?

MMS: I have been managing group exercise programs in Manhattan and as the years evolve new classes are introduced in the industry, People in New York City love Barre classes. Thereâ€s no question about it.  Strengthening, yoga, body training and Pilates are popular, too.  For the Fusion class, I wanted to fuse all that together, so that people sweat, get a bit of yoga, mind and body strengthening and have an experience.

RVO: In your opinion, why is it important to exercise?

MMS: The stronger you are the better you are protecting your organs, decreasing your risks for injury, and decreasing your stress. We live in the most stressful area in the world. Exercise does decrease stress and increase serotonin and make us happier. The more we can participate in activities like this, we‘re better setting ourselves up for the future.

RVO: How do you choose your staff at your studio?

MMS: I teach most of the classes. The reason is Iâ€m a small business owner. I do have two Zumba instructors, and I let them take the wheel for Zumba.  I have another Barre instructor who lives in Hoboken. That was one of the things that was important to me, to use local instructors.

 RVO:  Why did you choose Union City and not some trendy town to open Clarity Fitness?

MMS:  I wanted to keep it local and get away from the drama from New York City fitness studios.  Itâ€s very competitive in New York, and it can be over-sexualized. In New York City itâ€s all about what you look like, how many clients you can draw. Thatâ€s what I love about this neighborhood and the space. Nobodyâ€s competing and everybody just wants to feel good and have fun. One of the things I wanted to create is not just, a place to work out, but a place to have an experience.

RVO: What is your fitness/health philosophy?

MMS: Itâ€s not all about how you look, itâ€s about how you feel. Thatâ€s the great thing about the studio. We attract a clientele who are trying something new. We have all shapes and sizes, male and female, and everybody starts at the same place and now theyâ€re getting more fit and feeling better about themselves.

If you go:

Clarity Fitness Studio

3515 Park Ave

Union City

(201) 293-2786

www.clarityfitnessnj.com

ClarityFitness@gmail.com

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Investment of approximately $1,000,000 results in significant  Improvements to facilities Results in faster, more efficient delivery of medical services and patient care

Bayonne, New Jersey (November 6, 2014) –  CarePoint Health CEO Dennis Kelly, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis and other elected officials cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Centerâ€s renovated Emergency Department. With an investment of close to one million dollars, the Emergency Department has created a facility designed to decrease wait times, handle increased patient volume and provide the highest quality care in a state-of-the-art environment.

“When CarePoint Health first acquired Bayonne Medical Center, the financials were upside-down, the facility was in need of repair and the reputation left a lot to be desired,” said Dennis Kelly, CEO of CarePoint Health. “Today, CarePoint Health has invested tens of millions of dollars in the physical plant; the financials have gotten better, but most importantly, the care has improved dramatically. These improvements to the Emergency Department come as the latest step to better serve the entire Bayonne community.” This nearly million dollar upgrade will ensure that CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center Emergency Department is ready to deal with whatever comes through their doors.

This expansion is designed to serve the entire community, including care for the uninsured and Medicaid population. “In 2013, 58% of the individuals who arrived in the emergency department were uninsured or had Medicaid,” said Dennis Kelly, CEO of CarePoint Health. “This formula has put many health care intuitions across the country out of business. Here at CarePoint Health, we accept and embrace this duty to provide care to this segment of our population.”  This renovation will allow CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center to continue to meet the needs of the residents of Bayonne.

Highlights of the Emergency Department upgrade include:

• State-of-the-art isolation areas
• A new Fast Track area to address more routine, outpatient needs; Rapid diagnosis and care will allow patients to avoid unnecessary wait times in the main ED area
• For patients with possible cardiac conditions, a rapid response area with faster access to EKG and Telemetry
• Surge capacity for mass casualty incidents
• Monitored patient bays linked to the displays at the nurses†stations
• Wall mounted computers in patient rooms for faster documentation
• Extra seating, mobile work stations and cordless language phones for easier communication with patients/family members
• Renovated patient bathrooms and the addition of a new handicap accessible bathroom
• New storage areas to organize and store materials and equipment in a secured and safe environment
• A psychiatric evaluation room dedicated to psychiatric emergencies
• Patient bays equipped with TVs
• Improved reception area

“We at CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center work every day and every night to make sure that we are providing superior care to every individual that comes through our door,” said Mark Spektor, President and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center. “As the City of Bayonne continues to grow, we want to make sure that we are ready to grow with it.” With hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on facilities, technology and training, this Emergency Department, and our partners at McCabe Ambulance look forward to many years of service to the City of Bayonne.

About CarePoint Health

CarePoint Health brings quality, patient-focused health care to Hudson County. Combining the resources of three area hospitals – CarePoint Health – Bayonne Medical Center, CarePoint Health – Christ Hospital, and CarePoint Health – Hoboken University Medical Center and its affiliated medical practices– as well as McCabe Ambulance, CarePoint Health provides a new approach to delivering health care that puts the patient front and center. We leverage a network of top doctors, nurses, EMTs and other medical professionals whose expertise and attentiveness work together to provide complete coordination of care, from the doctorâ€s office to the hospital to the home. Patients benefit from the expertise and capabilities of a broad network of leading specialists and specialized technology. And at CarePoint Health, all of our medical professionals emphasize preventive medicine and focus on educating patients to make healthy life choices. For more information on our facilities, partners and services, visit our website, www.carepointhealth.org.

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Child Birth Classes – Cost is $125 per couple if delivering at PMC; $150 if delivering elsewhere. The more you understand about the process of labor, the better prepared you and your support partner will feel.  Classes include: understanding the labor process, breathing and relaxation techniques to work with your body, the role of the support person, options for pain medications and medical interventions, Caesarean birth, understand your changing body after birth, newborn appearance and procedures after birth.

January 12, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

February 9, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

March 9, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newborn Baby Care Classes – Cost is $25 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere.  The basics of newborn care, starting with the appearance and characteristics of a newborn.  Other topics include: bonding, understanding cues, crying, colic, safety measures, health and development, sponge bathing and bathing.  We practice swaddling, dressing, and diapering.

January 16, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

February 13, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

March 13, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Keys To Successful Breastfeeding – Cost is $35 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere.  Topics include: the importance of skin-to-skin contact, latching techniques, supply and demand as it relates to breastfeeding, positioning for breastfeeding, indications for breast pumps, including a demo, Dadâ€s role in the breastfeeding relationship, and community resources available post delivery for breastfeeding assistance. Dads are encouraged to attend.

January 14, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

February 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

March 11, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Mommy and Baby Care Group – No registration is required and the group meets every Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  New mothers with babies ages 2-16 weeks can get information and support in this group.  Discussion topics include caring for baby, understanding changes in motherâ€s body and powerful hormones during the postpartum period.  The Mommy and Baby Care Group is led by a board certified lactation consultant to offer breastfeeding support.

Sibling Preparation for Birth Class and Pizza Party – Cost is $10.  This is a fun and effective way to teach soon to be siblings (ages 3+) all about babies. Your young ones will learn the exciting parts of being a big brother or sister while we explain safety issues like holding a baby properly.

February 8, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

About Palisades Medical Center

Palisades Medical Center is located at 7600 River Road in North Bergen, NJ, and serves a population of 400,000 in Hudson and Southern Bergen Counties.  The non-profit Medical Center is affiliated with the Hackensack University Health Network, and it features a 202-bed hospital and The Harborage, a 245-bed nursing home and rehabilitation center.  Palisades is the largest employer in its service area with more than 1,300 employees and it has an annual operating budget of approximately $150 million.  The State of New Jerseyâ€s annual healthcare report card ranked Palisades as one of the top hospitals in the state and #1 in Hudson County. Palisades was also one of only two hospitals in New Jersey to receive a perfect 100% score in treating heart attack patients. The Stateâ€s annual evaluation showed that The Harborage at Palisades has “Zero Deficiencies” for the third consecutive year.  For more information, please call (201) 854-5000 or visit www.palisadesmedical.org.

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Felecia Bell Schafer, a native of Bayonne and owner of Walk i Heath, a holistic nutrition and health restoration practice, will be hosting a free heath workshop open to the public on Thursday, October 25th at 7 p.m. at 734 Broadway (at 33rd Street.)

The topic of discussion will be the chemical detoxification of your home and learning what you can do to clean up your home environment. A brief question and answer session will follow Schafer’s talk.

Schafer has been empowering the citizens of Bayonne for several years with her vast knowledge from the health and wellness arena. She is a board certified holistic nutritionist with a master of science. She attended Carnegie Mellon University, University of California, and Point Park University. She also graduated cum laude with a degree in fine arts. Schafer certified  in advanced  clinical  training and holds a certification in basic iridology, nutrition.

Upon completion of the workshop, refreshments will be available. Seating is limited, so call now to reserve your seat for this life changing event.

To reserve a seat, call Alexis at 201-858-4049

Http://www.walkinhealth.com

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