Saint Peter's launches a new concussion program led by Dr. Arlene Goodman. The program aims to educate about concussions which can occur from everyday play, not just sports, and provides treatment and recovery guidance. Dr. Goodman notes that while most high school athletes recover within 3 weeks, 20% take over a month and may need vestibular therapy or medication if symptoms persist beyond a month with headaches or vision issues. The program also provides information on recognizing danger signs that require immediate medical attention.

1. COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saint Peter’s Launches
New Concussion Program
Concussions are
common among
student athletes in
sports, particularly football
and soccer. The recent
deaths of three high
school athletes from
around the country
have raised concerns
again about the dangers
of sports injuries. But
you don’t have to be a
student athlete to suffer a
concussion. School-aged
individuals (ages 6-21)
can suffer a concussion
during every day play at
home or in gym class.
A mild traumatic brain
injury caused by a blow
to the head or to the body
with an “impulsive” force
transmitted to the head,
this “invisible” injury disrupts the brain’s normal
physiology which can affect mental endurance
and function, causing the brain to work harder
and longer to complete even simple tasks.
Cognitive and physical rest are essential to
recovery.
A patient should see a concussion specialist
if they are still symptomatic at three weeks
or have the following risk factors for delayed
recovery: history of ADHD or a learning
disability, depression, anxiety, history of
multiple concussions, migraines, symptoms
lasting two to three weeks.
Arlene Goodman, MD, pediatric sports
medicine specialist at Saint
Peter’s Sports Medicine
Institute and head of the
concussion program launched
this fall, answers your most
frequently asked questions
about concussions.
Arlene Goodman, MD
What are the signs and symptoms?
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Vision changes
• Balance problems
• Personality changes
• Anterograde amnesia, difficulty remembering
events after the injury
• Retrograde amnesia, difficulty remembering
events before the injury
Other signs that people may observe in the
athlete include appearing dazed or stunned;
answering questions slowly; confusion about
assignments or position played; forgetting
instructions; and moving clumsily.
Must you have a loss of consciousness to
have suffered a concussion?
No, loss of consciousness occurs in only 10
percent of concussions.
How are concussions diagnosed?
A concussion is diagnosed based on history
and a physical exam. You cannot see a
concussion on imaging such as CT or MRI
scans.
How are concussions treated?
Initial treatment for a concussion is both
cognitive and physical rest. Patients under
cognitive rest cannot take part in demanding
activities such as going to school, homework,
reading, using a computer, watching TV or
playing video games, texting, or listening to
loud music.
How long does it take to recover from a
concussion?
Eighty percent of high school athletes will
recover in three weeks. However, 20 percent
will take more than a month to recover.
What interventions should be undertaken
if symptoms do not resolve in one month?
If an athlete has not recovered in a month and
is complaining of headaches, eye strain, blurry
vision, dizziness, or balance problems, a doctor
will prescribe vestibular ocular rehabilitation
with a physical therapist trained in concussion
rehab. If the headaches are severe, a doctor
will recommend that the patient see a
NOVEMBER 2014
neurologist for medication
management.
What are the danger
signs?
Monitor for worsening
symptoms and if the child
shows the following, he
or she should be taken
to a hospital Emergency
Department by
ambulance:
• Unequal pupils
• Convulsions
• Severe or increased
headache
• Unusual/increased
drowsiness
• Projectile or repeated
vomiting
• Severe personality
changes
• Weakness in either arm(s) or leg(s)
• Numbness in the face/extremities
• Bleeding/clear fluid from the ear/nose
• Unusual stiffness in the neck area
When should a student return to play?
An individual should not return to play until
he/she can perform a full workload at school
without accommodations while being symptom-free
and he/she has completed the gradual
return to play protocol as recommended by a
doctor.
How can you help prevent student
athletes from getting a concussion?
There are a few things that can be done to
decrease the likelihood that student athletes
will suffer a concussion.
• Encourage and teach good sportsmanship
and instill in athletes the need to follow the
rules
• Teach good playing technique
• Ensure that athletes wear proper-fitting
equipment. The equipment should be
checked and maintained regularly.
Dr. Arlene Goodman is seeing patients
at the Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine
Institute, 562 Easton Avenue,
Somerset. For more information
about the Concussion Program at
Saint Peter’s call 732-565-5455 or visit
www.saintpetershcs.com/
SportsMed/ConcussionFAQ.
A LISTING OF PROGRAMS OFFERED THIS MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
need a doctor? To find a Saint peter’s physician, call 1-855-sp-my-doc (1-855-776-9362).

2. Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group JULY 13, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center
CANCER
SERVICES
Breast Cancer Support Group
NOVEMBER 3 & 17, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Guest speaker and open discussion.
Registration required.
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW • 732-235-7011
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
NOVEMBER 11, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cancer Institute of New Jersey • 732-235-6792
Latina Women with Cancer
Support Group
NOVEMBER 8, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center
Light lunch will be served. Free, but registration
requested. Sessions conducted in Spanish.
Call 908-658-5400 for more information.
Living with Cancer Support Group
NOVEMBER 12, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Barbara Hale, LCSW • 732-235-7557
SUPPORT
GROUPS
Autism Family Support Group
NOVEMBER 9, 3:00 pM – 5:00 pM
877-886-9462
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers
Support Group
NOVEMBER 11, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center
200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township
Rachel Kallish, CSW • 609-655-6853
Bariatric Surgery Support Group
NOVEMBER 13, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lisa Lapinski, RD • 732-745-8600, x8159
Bereavement Support Group
NOVEMBER 6 & 20, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
732-745-8565
Caregivers Support Group/Monroe
NOVEMBER 13, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center
200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township
Stephanie Fitzsimmons-Sexton, RN, NP
609-655-2220
SHARE Support Group
(for those who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth
or neonatal death)
NOVEMBER 13, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Irina Mariano-Brown, MSW, LCSW
732-745-8522
DIABETES
EDUCATION
Children’s Insulin Pump Group
NOVEMBER 11, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Donna Dziedzic, RN, MSN, CDE
732-745-8600, x8751
Diabetes Self-Management Education
HELD MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS
Registration and doctor’s prescription required.
732-745-6667
Gestational Diabetes
Self-Management Class
HELD WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Registration and a doctor’s prescription required.
732-745-6667
COMMUNITY
MOBILE HEALTH
Services
For more information about
screenings and educational
programs, please call 732-745-8600, x8903.
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings
NOVEMBER 14, 9:30 AM – 10:30 aM
New Brunswick Senior Center, New Brunswick
NOVEMBER 14, 11:00 AM – 12:30 pM
Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, New Brunswick
NOVEMBER 19, 10:30 AM – noon
Sterling Pointe @ Franklin, Somerset
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar/
Cholesterol Screenings
NOVEMBER 14, 9:00 AM – noon
SS White Technologies, Piscataway
Employees only.
Health Fair
NOVEMBER 5, 11:00 AM – 2:00 pM
Senior Health Fair
Neptune Senior Center, Neptune Township
NOVEMBER 2, 11:30 aM – 1:30 pM
St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Piscataway
free community
lectures
Breast Health and Cancer Information
NOVEMBER 5, 11:00 am
Presenter: Donna Makris, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Neptune Senior Center, Neptune Township
ABCs of Medicare
NOVEMBER 5, 1:00 PM
Presenter: Pramila Veeraswamy, MD, internist
Stonebridge Adult Community, Monroe Township
A Brief Overview of Hip and Knee
Replacement Surgery
NOVEMBER 10, 2:00 PM
Presenter: V. Karthik Jonna, MD, orthopedist
The Ponds Adult Community, Monroe Township
Preventing a Fall
NOVEMBER 11, 1:30 PM
Presenter: Erinn Beagin, MD, geriatrician
Concordia Adult Community, Monroe Township
Nutrition
NOVEMBER 13, noon - 1:00 PM
Presenter: Teresa Grasso, RD, CDE
Manville Senior Center, Manville
Back Pain in the Elderly
NOVEMBER 18, 3:00 PM
Presenter: Didier Demesmin, MD, pain specialist
Clearbrook Adult Community, Monroe Township
PARENT
EDUCATION
For information, fees and registration, call Parent
Education at 732-745-8579, unless otherwise indicated.
Baby Care
NOVEMBER 8, 9:00 aM – 1:00 PM
NOVEMBER 3 & 10, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Breastfeeding Class
NOVEMBER 22, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Breastfeeding Support Group
NOVEMBER 7, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
732-745-8600, x8820
Grandparents Class
NOVEMBER 6, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Infant Massage
NOVEMBER 4, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Marvelous Multiples
NOVEMBER 3, 10 & 17, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
New Mom Support Group
NOVEMBER 7, Noon – 1:00 PM
Light lunch will be served at noon.
Registration required.
Postnatal Yoga and Exercise Class
(four-week sessions)
FRIDAYS, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Registration required.
Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Class
(four-week sessions)
WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Registration required.
Prepared Childbirth Classes
MONDAYS, THURSDAYS, or ALL-DAY
SESSIONS SECOND AND FOURTH
WEEKENDS
Registration required.
Sibling Class
NOVEMBER 22, 12:30 pM – 1:30 pM
This calendar is for information only. Do not rely on it to make healthcare decisions on your own; instead, talk with your healthcare provider for advice and treatment. Do not ignore medical advice or delay
seeking it because of something you read here. We do not suggest or endorse that you have any tests, use products, or use other information in this document without advice from your healthcare provider.
Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen | State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center
Major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences | Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
november 2014
All programs are designed for community members and are held at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, unless otherwise noted.
For more information or to register for a program, call the contact number listed or visit saintpetershcs.com/newsandevents.
for men only
Men’s health awareness event
wednesday, november 5
5:00 pm - 7:30 PM
Presenter: Peter Fish, MD
A night of fun featuring health education,
refreshments and raffles. Community Mobile
Health Services staff will provide blood pressure
and blood sugar screenings, and body mass
index measurement. Call 732-745-8600,
ext. 6415, for more information.
bariatric WEIGHT LOSS
SEMINAR
THURSday, NOVEMBER 13
7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
For more information, and to register, call Lisa
Lapinski, RD, at 732-745-8600, x8159.
EMS Education Series
thursday, NOVEMBER 20 • 7:00 pm
topic: pharmacology review
Free; refreshments served. CEU credits.
Call 908-238-3254 to register.
stroke screenings
Life Line Screening has partnered with
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System to provide health
screenings throughout Central Jersey. Stroke
screenings will be available at the following
locations. Pre-registration is required. All
screenings begin at 9:00 AM. For more
details about the screening and cost for
screening, call 1-866-964-5850.
tuesday, NOVEMBER 4
United Reformed Church, Somerville
wednesday, NOVEMBER 5
Sayreville Senior Center, Sayreville
monday, NOVEMBER 17
Manville Senior Center, Manville
wednesday, NOVEMBER 26
First United Methodist Church, Westfield
ANNUAL DIABETES HEAD TO
TOE CONFERENCE
saturday, decEMBER 6
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
604 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway
Busch Student Center
Call 732-469-7979 for more information.
diabetes education
support group/Monroe
thursday, decEMBER 9
11:00 AM - NOON
Saint Peter’s Physician Associates
Clearbrook Commons Medical and
Professional Park
294 Applegarth Road, Monroe Township
Call 732-745-8600, ext. 8105, for more
information.
diabetes education
support group/
New Brunswick
thursday, decEMBER 10
10:30 AM - 11:30 Am
Center for Ambulatory Resources (CARES)
240 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick
Call 732-745-8600, ext. 5795, for more
information.
254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 732-745-8600 | 800-269-7508 | www.saintpetershcs.com
Top Performer on
Joint Commission
Key Quality
Measures™
2012
SPECIAL EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE
treating diabetes and hypertension
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has launched a “patient-centered medical
home” for uninsured and underinsured adults with diabetes mellitus and
hypertension who reside in central New Jersey. This highly targeted effort
takes direct aim at two of the most serious but often preventable diseases.
Patients will be referred to the new Saint Peter’s program through outpatient
services, the emergency department, inpatient services, same-day services,
and community health screenings conducted by Saint Peter’s clinical staff.
Services will be provided at Saint Peter’s Family Health Center, 123 How Lane,
New Brunswick. The program will provide preventive care, education, lifestyle
modification, nutrition consultation, and medication management.