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Create Your Weight Program--For Kids!


Battling Childhood Obesity

JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center Offer Pediatric Weight Management Program

Edison, NJ—Solaris Health System is joining the fight against childhood obesity by offering "Create Your Weight," a Sodexho pediatric weight management program, at JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center this fall.According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese. For adolescents (ages 12 to 19), 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese.

"Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic," says Ragini Raghuveer, MS, RD of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center. "It is vital to teach our children how to make better choices with their food and exercise routine to help ensure a healthy lifestyle."

Create Your Weight is an 11 week family program that covers basic nutrition, meal planning, activities, eating out and building self esteem.

"The program is designed to work, no matter what a family’s cultural needs require," Raghuveer continues. "Even if your child is a ‘picky-eater,’ this program can still educate them on making better choices. It also teaches parents how to make the home healthier."

Obesity is linked with several health-related issues including asthma, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and certain cancers. Overweight children often suffer from self esteem issues which can lead to poor performance in school and trouble creating and maintaining friendships. A free information session is being offered at both medical centers to explain the program, discuss fees and answer any questions.

JFK Medical Center
Conference Center
70 James Street
Edison, NJ 08820
Wednesday, September 12th, 6 pm

Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Centennial Hall
Park Avenue & Randolph Road
Plainfield, NJ 07060
Thursday, September 13th, 6 pm

To learn more about the Create Your Weight pediatric or adult program, please call Ragini Raghuveer, MS, RD at 908.668.2170 or Jessica Aleman, RD at 908.668.2102.



Muhelnberg Recongized for Cancer Excellence


Both JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center’s cancer programs have received the highest level of approval for its comprehensive and excellent cancer care for the community by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) by receiving a Three-Year with Commendation approval.

This approval is awarded to a program that complies with all standards set forth by the Commission and receives a commendation rating for one or more of the eligible standards.

"This approval shows our hospitals’ dedication and commitment to providing quality care and superior treatment for our patients," states John P. McGee, President & Chief Executive Officer of Solaris Health System, parent company of JFK and Muhlenberg.

JFK has been approved as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer program while Muhlenberg has received approval as a Community Hospital Cancer Program. Both facilities use cutting edge technology in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  

"Our team recognizes that cancer affects not only the patient, but families, friends and the community at large," states Jean Withers, Director of the Oncology Service Line for Solaris Health System. "Our cancer programs reach far beyond treating just the cancer itself. We include community education programs and screenings, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, hospice and support groups for patients and family members, in addition to the best cancer treatment available."
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 1.4 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2007, over 49,000 of which will be in NJ alone. As an approved cancer program by the CoC, central NJ has a local resource to access to the best cancer care available.

The CoC-approved cancer programs at JFK and Muhlenberg ensures that a patient will have access to:
    • Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the art services and equipment
    • A multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
    • Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
    • Access to cancer-related information, education and support
    • A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
    • Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
    • Quality care close to home.
JFK Medical Center is an affiliate of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Both JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

For more information on the cancer programs available at JFK and Muhlenberg, please use the following: For more information about the Commission on Cancer, please visit www.facs.org/cancer/index.html(.).