Just over one year ago, Garnet Health’s award-winning Peter Frommer, M.D. Heart Center announced the opening of their new open-heart surgery program, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. It’s the first program of its kind in Orange County, and the service has exceeded expectations. Garnet Health provides lifesaving complex cardiothoracic procedures locally, so Hudson Valley residents can receive expert heart-surgery care without the stress of traveling to New York City and being away from their loved ones.

As we look to a new year and approach American Heart Month in February, let’s take a moment to remember the American Heart Association’s Essential 8 ways we can take care of our heart and step into a healthier lifestyle in 2024:

• Eat better. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a healthy diet that includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts and seeds, as well as cooking with nontropical oils like olive and canola.
• Get active. Adults should get 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, like walking, taking a bike ride, doing water aerobics or gardening, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous activity, like running, spinning or swimming laps. Or do a combination of both!
• Quit smoking. The AHA offers many resources to help, starting with their Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
• Get healthy sleep. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. According to the AHA, adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases. Garnet Health offers sleep studies to help diagnose and treat a wide variety of sleep disorders. 
• Manage your weight. Understanding your BMI, journaling your food intake and learning portion control are just a few tips. If you require more specialized help, the bariatric specialists at Garnet Health can discuss weight loss options with you.
• Manage your blood sugar. Knowing and understanding your blood sugar levels is important to maintaining good health and preventing the risk of diabetes, which can lead to heart disease or stroke. Garnet Health’s free diabetes prevention program , for qualified participants, can help evaluate your risk. They also offer a diabetes treatment center for those who require diabetes care. 
• Manage your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure at a normal range can keep you healthier longer! 
• Control your cholesterol. High levels of “bad” cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. 

Garnet Health offers the Know Your Numbers Program, a free mobile screening service that determines your risk of heart disease or stroke. If you’re interested in learning more, call 845-333-2632.

Unfortunately, heart disease is still a leading cause of death in both Orange and Sullivan counties. Knowing this, we should all understand how to identify a cardiac arrest and a heart attack, which—despite the terms being used interchangeably—are not the same thing.

Cardiac Arrest

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. This malfunction causes the blood to stop flowing to the rest of the body. Signs of cardiac arrest include:

• Collapsing suddenly and passing out
• Not breathing; gasping for air
• Not responding to shouting or shaking
• Not having a pulse

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, and fast action can save lives. Call 9-1-1 immediately and start CPR right away.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. The more time that passes without treatment, the more damage to the heart. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can differ for men and women, but the CDC describes these as major symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Feeling weak or lightheaded, or fainting. You may also break out into a cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath. 

Tiredness, nausea, and vomiting can also occur, although these symptoms are more common in women.

In some cases, a heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest. If you experience any of these symptoms yourself or notice them in a loved one, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Despite our best efforts, some things like our genetics, age and ethnicity increase the risk of heart disease. In an effort to further improve and expand our care for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, Garnet Health recently cut the ribbon on a new hybrid surgical suite located at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. They now have two state-of-the-art cardiac OR suites. Combined with the expert surgeons from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Garnet Health now offers the most advanced technology and expertise to perform even more lifesaving open-heart surgeries as well as critical non-invasive cardiac procedures. 

Should you need to see a specialist about a heart condition, Garnet Health offers Sullivan County residents the very best in heart care. Throughout our health system, we have comprehensive heart care services—from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation—and we’re proud to be a cardiovascular health leader in the region.

For more information on Garnet Health’s cardiac services, visit garnethealth.org/heartcare or call (845) 333-8909 to make an appointment with a cardiologist. To schedule a visit with a primary care provider, call (845) 333-6500. 
 

Download the PDF of the December 2023 Issue

Written By: Janet L. Klein, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES
Bariatric Surgery & Obesity Medicine Program Director

As we step into the new year, our bariatric surgery support group and support group blog is here to guide you on a path of positive change.  In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies for setting realistic resolutions and goals, focusing on incorporating healthier habits into your daily routine.

1. Reflect on Progress

Begin by reflecting on the progress you’ve made since your bariatric surgery.  Acknowledge your achievements and use them as a foundation for the goals you set for the upcoming year.

2. Set Realistic Resolutions

Instead of overwhelming yourself with ambitious resolutions, set achievable and realistic goals.  Consider factors like your current lifestyle, work commitments, and personal preferences when defining your objectives for the year.

3. Build Healthy Habits

Identify specific habits that align with your health goals.  Whether it’s incorporating more vegetables into your meals, increasing physical activity, better sleep patterns or practicing mindful eating or scheduling time for daily meditation, focus on gradual and sustainable changes.

4. Create a Supportive Environment

Surround yourself with a supportive community that understands the challenges and triumphs of the bariatric journey.  Share your goals with our support group, and let the collective encouragement fuel your motivation.

5. Planning and Organization

Develop a plan for integrating healthier habits into your daily routine.  Create a schedule for meals, workouts, and self-care activities.  Planning ahead can help you stay on track and manage potential obstacles.

6. Mindful Eating Practices

Explore the concept of mindful eating, emphasizing the importance of savoring each bite and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.  This mindful approach can lead to a healthier relationship with food.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way.  Whether it’s trying a new healthy recipe, completing a workout, or overcoming a challenge, each achievement contributes to your overall success.

As we embrace the new year, let’s focus on cultivating habits that nourish our bodies and minds.  By setting realistic resolutions, building healthy habits, and fostering a supportive community, we can make 2024 a year of positive transformation.  

Remember, it’s the small changes that lead to lasting success.     
 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Dec. 8, 2023) — Garnet Health is pleased to announce that both Garnet Health Medical Center and Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills have earned the 2023 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Digital Health Most Wired recognition for a seventh time. The achievement was received in the “acute” survey selection.
 
The Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities.
 
“Healthcare systems, like so many other industries, are working nonstop to keep up with ever-evolving digital technology,” said Craig Filippini, Chief Information Officer at Garnet Health. “The call for revolutionizing healthcare through technology is moving forward at a rapid pace, and our organization strives to be at the forefront of digital health excellence. The Most Wired survey program confirms our commitment to being among the changemakers reinventing healthcare for a new century, while always delivering the highest levels of safe and quality care to our patients.”
 
Among the more than 55,000 facilities represented, Garnet Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all phases of development, from early stages to industry leading.
 
To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org.

About Garnet Health 

Garnet Health is a New York State, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org. 

About CHIME

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 5,000 members in 58 countries plus two U.S. territories and over 190 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME and its three associations provide a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.
 

Download the PDF of the November 2023 Issue

Written By: Janet L. Klein, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES

Welcome back to Garnet Health’s Bariatric Surgery Support Group blog!  Today, we’re focusing on the key to a successful bariatric journey by discussing common mistakes that patients often make.  By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of achieving long-term success after undergoing bariatric surgery.

1. Neglecting Follow-up Appointments:
   One common mistake is skipping or neglecting follow-up appointments.  Regular check-ins with your healthcare team are crucial for monitoring your progress, addressing concerns, and ensuring you’re on the right track. You will receive follow-up phone calls from your bariatric dietitian educator post-operatively at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 8 months, and 18 months following your bariatric surgery.  These telehealth visits are scheduled between the times of your follow-up visits in the bariatric office with your bariatric surgeon which are 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months to 1 year, and once per year thereafter.  Consistency is key to a successful bariatric journey.  
2. Poor Compliance with Dietary Guidelines:
   Success post-bariatric surgery heavily depends on adhering to dietary guidelines.  Skipping meals, indulging in high-calorie foods, or neglecting proper hydration can impede your weight loss and potentially lead to complications.  Stay committed to your nutrition plan for lasting results.  Make sure to follow the diet plan provided to you by your bariatric surgery team.  All of the information provided for your use which is printed for the bariatric surgery support group blog are prepared only by licensed healthcare professionals.  This is a trusted and reliable source to utilize all throughout your journey to a healthier you.  Be very cautious of the information you receive from the internet/Facebook and other social media conducted online support groups as the facilitators may not be  licensed healthcare professionals.
3. Lack of Physical Activity:
   Underestimating the importance of regular exercise is another pitfall.  Incorporating physical activity into your schedule not only aids in weight loss but also contributes to your overall well-being.  Set exercise goals that are specific and measurable each week to help guide you and keep you on track.  Incorporate both cardio and light resistance training into your exercise routines. Find activities that you enjoy to make fitness a sustainable part of your lifestyle so you can lose weight to a healthy range and keep it there for the rest of  your life.  
4. Ignoring Emotional Health:
   Bariatric surgery is not just a physical transformation; it’s an emotional one too.  Neglecting your mental and emotional well-being can hinder your success.  Seek support from friends, family, mental health professionals and be sure to attend Garnet Health’s bariatric surgery support group meetings regularly to help you to navigate the emotional aspects of your journey.
5. Overeating or Grazing:
   Overeating, even in small amounts throughout the day (grazing), can hinder weight loss and potentially lead to complications.  Practice mindful eating, listen to your body’s signals, and focus on nutrient-dense foods to support your health goals.  Remember, of the three macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat), protein is the number one “go to” before the others, followed by non-starchy vegetables.
6. Comparing Your Journey to Others:
   Every bariatric journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others can be counterproductive.  Focus on your progress, celebrate small victories, and understand that everyone’s path is different.
7. Neglecting Hydration:
   Maintaining proper hydration is crucial after bariatric surgery.  Dehydration can lead to various complications and hinder your progress.  Make it a habit to sip water throughout the day and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you pave the way for a successful and sustainable bariatric journey.  Remember, patience and consistency are key, and the support of our community is here for you every step of the way.

Here’s to your health and success!
 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Nov. 28, 2023) — On January 1, Garnet Health’s award-winning Peter Frommer, M.D. Heart Center announced the opening of its new open-heart surgery program, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The first program of its kind in Orange County, it has exceeded expectations. By providing lifesaving complex cardiothoracic procedures locally, it allows patients to receive expert heart-surgery care without the stress of traveling to New York City and being far from their loved ones.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in both Orange and Sullivan counties. In an effort to further improve and expand the care of patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, Garnet Health recently cut the ribbon on a new hybrid surgical suite located at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, New York. This state-of-the-art OR suite is equipped with the most advanced medical imaging technology, which allows surgeons and interventional cardiologists greater flexibility to orchestrate and perform open, minimally invasive and catheter-based cardiac procedures. 

“Our newest cardiothoracic surgical suite can handle every conceivable surgical approach and even ‘hybrid’ combinations of different approaches,” said Michael Argenziano, MD, FACS, Garnet Health’s cardiothoracic lead surgeon and Medical Director, who also serves as Professor and Associate Chief of the Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “This allows for the safest, least invasive and most effective surgical procedures—leading to the best outcomes for patients.”

The opening of a second operating room for cardiothoracic procedures offers more capacity to care for our patients. “The hybrid operating room takes us to the next level in providing the most advanced care available anywhere,” said Rose Baczewski, Garnet Health’s Chief Clinical Officer. “We know hearts heal better at home and near family, and now more Orange and Sullivan County residents in need of lifechanging and lifesaving cardiothoracic procedures can receive the care they need right here.”
With the addition of the new OR suite, Garnet Health’s highly skilled and expertly trained clinical team can now treat patients less invasively by combining catheter-based and surgical procedures, thereby shortening a patient’s time in the operating room and improving their experience. 

Cardiothoracic surgery procedures performed include: 

• Coronary artery bypass grafting 
• Aortic valve replacement 
• Mitral valve replacement 
• Mitral valve repair 
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair 
• Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation 
• Left atrial appendage ligation 
• Heart tumor resection
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Transcatheter treatment of arterial and venous disorders

If you are concerned about your heart health, see your cardiologist. If you do not have a cardiologist, call (845) 333-7575 or visit garnethealth.org to make an appointment with a Garnet Health Doctors cardiologist. 

Learn more about Garnet Health’s open-heart surgery program by visiting garnethealth.org/heartsurgery.
 

About Garnet Health

Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to over 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health employs more than 4,000 professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Nov. 13, 2023) — Garnet Health Doctors is proud to be represented in Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in the Hudson Valley list for 2023. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills. 
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer nominated and thoroughly vetted by a physician-led research team. 
 
Garnet Health Doctors congratulates:

• Joseph Chavez Carey, MD, Family Medicine
• Samer El Zarif, MD, Pulmonary Disease
• Raghuram Gorti, MD, Vascular Surgery
• Shantie Harkisoon, MD, Family Medicine
• Eric Martin, MD, Orthopedic Surgery
• Emmanuel Nketiah, MD, Cardiovascular Disease

 
“This esteemed recognition exemplifies the expertise, compassion and dedication of our physicians in several specialties at Garnet Health Doctors,” said Izabela Nowosielski, MD, FHM, President and Chief Medical Officer, Garnet Health Doctors. “We are proud of the work they do every day, delivering high-quality care to patients in the communities we proudly serve.”
 
With over 850,000 practicing doctors in the United States, Castle Connolly carefully curated the 2023 list of 63,000-plus board-certified U.S. physicians, across all 50 states and all major specialties. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Castle Connolly Top Doctors.
 
Garnet Health Doctors has locations throughout Orange and Sullivan counties, offering primary care, urgent care and specialty services. To make an appointment in Orange County, call (845) 333-7575. For an appointment in Sullivan County, call (845) 333-8909. Visit garnethealth.org for more information. 
 

About Garnet Health 

Garnet Health is a New York State, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org. 
 

Written By: Janet L. Klein, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, indulgent feasts.  For those on the journey of bariatric surgery, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during this time can be challenging.  In this support group blog post, we’ll discuss practical tips and strategies to help you stay on track with your nutrition during the holidays.

Tips:

1. Plan Ahead:  Start your holiday season with a well thought out plan.  Consider speaking to your Bariatric Dietitian Educator or your Bariatric Surgeon for personalized guidance.  Having a plan can help you stay focused on your nutritional goals.  
2. Portion Control:  The key to staying on track is portion control.  While it’s tempting to load up your plate, opt for smaller portions of your favorite holiday dishes.  
3. Prioritize Protein:  Protein is crucial for both pre and post-bariatric surgery patients.  If you are pre-op, while following your pre-op diet you want to eat protein first because it will help you achieve satiety (a feeling of fullness) sooner which will help you achieve #2 above (portion control.)  If you are post-op, you want to prioritize protein first because it will aid with wound healing, while simultaneously preventing you from becoming malnourished.  Make sure to include lean protein sources in your holiday meal, such as turkey, chicken, or tofu.  Eat protein first, then non-starchy vegetables second, and save just tastes of starch for last.
4. Stay Hydrated:  Don’t forget to stay well hydrated during the festivities.  Sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can lead to overeating.
5. Mindful Eating:  Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite.  Chew your food thoroughly and engage in conversation between bites.  This can help you recognize when you’re full and avoid overeating.
6. Healthy Swaps:  Consider making healthier substitutions in your holiday recipes.  For example, use low fat Greek yogurt (lower in fat and higher in protein) in place of sour cream, or cauliflower mash (lower in carbohydrate) instead of traditional mashed potatoes.
7. Bring your Own Dish:  If you’re attending a holiday gathering, bring a nutritious dish that you can enjoy without guilt.  This ensures you have at least one safe option to eat.
8. Don’t Skip Early Meals:  Don’t save your calories for a large meal or to enable room to consume  “goodies” later in the day on a Holiday.  Stick to your usual routine with breakfast and lunch, opt for small portions of the main meal served later in the day, and just tastes of dessert (if you have room left.)   
9. Support System:  Lean on your Bariatric Surgery Support Group during the holidays.  Share your concerns and successes with those who understand your journey.  They can offer advice and encouragement.
10. Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks:  Alcohol and sugary beverages can be empty calories.  Limit your intake, and opt for water or sugar-free alternatives to be consumed in between meals only.
11. Self-Compassion:  Remember that the holiday season is about more than just food.  Be kind to yourself and don’t feel guilty if you indulge a little.   Pat yourself on the back even if you maintain your weight without losing anything during the holiday season.  What’s important is getting back on track afterwards to continue your successful weight loss journey.

Staying on track with your nutrition during the holidays may be challenging, but with planning, portion control, and a supportive community, it’s definitely achievable.  Remember that your health and well-being are worth the effort, and you’ve got the strength to make it through this festive season with your bariatric surgery goals intact.  Enjoy the holidays while also staying mindful of your nutrition choices.  Keep on top of your weekly measurable goals, even during this time for optimal success.  

Note:  For additional tips and information on Nutrition:  Staying on Track During the Holidays, see previous bariatric surgery support group blog posts:

Note:  For additional tips and information on exercise and plastic surgery after bariatric surgery see previous blog posts:

• 11/01/22:  “Staying on Track During the Holidays.”
• 11/05/21:  “How to Handle Holiday Meals and Celebrations.”
• 11/09/20:  “Navigating the Holidays Before & After Weight Loss Surgery.”
• 11/04/19:  “Navigating Thanksgiving While on Your Weight Loss Journey.”

Download the PDF of the October 2023 Issue