You’re not alone if you’ve ever pondered when and why it is necessary to visit the Emergency Department. When faced with some events, such as heart attack, stroke and severe illness, every minute counts. Life-saving interventions may be needed to improve the chances of recovery.

As an easy reference, here are the top reasons to seek immediate care and visit the Emergency Department.

• Signs of heart or lung problems (including difficulty breathing, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, and pain in the arm or jaw)
• Signs of stroke (including weak or drooping on one side of the body, slurred speech, or inability to speak)
• Severe upper respiratory infection
• Sharp abdominal pain
• Broken bones and sprains
• Trauma and injuries (including head trauma, eye injuries, deep cuts, severe bleeding, and serious burns)
• Sudden, severe headache
• Animal bites
• Back pain
• Skin infections

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. If you unsure a condition warrants emergency care, always call 911.

Taking Extra Precautions to Provide Safe Care in the ER

Patient and employee safety has always been a distinct part of our culture, and we’re taking further steps to keep you and your loved ones protected to limit exposure to COVID-19. These safety precautions include thorough disinfection and cleaning, mandatory masking, careful social distancing, and stringent screening.

We’re Here 24/7

At Redeemer Health, we’ve been providing quality, compassionate care to our community for more than 40 years. If you or a loved one needs emergency care, it’s important to not delay the vital care you need. Our Emergency Department is here for you 24/7, and our team is ready to provide a fast diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comforting experience.

At home colon screening tests have become more widely available. While a colonoscopy is still the most reliable way of preventing and detecting colorectal disease, an at-home screening test is an option for those who are not experiencing any symptoms and are considered a low risk for colon disease. While they’re not as precise and don’t allow for immediate treatment, they are better than skipping a screening altogether.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has determined that at-home fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are effective for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. A FIT detects blood in the stool that can be a red flag for several conditions, including hemorrhoids, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis), and colon and rectal cancer.

“There are some very good home screening tests out now that can detect DNA in the stool, suggestive of a cancer” explains Steven A. Fassler, MD, a surgeon with Colon and Rectal Associates, “But while the tests are reliable, the gold standard is still the colonoscopy. Additionally if the DNA is positive you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy”

What to expect

The tests must be ordered by your doctor, who will also receive the results.  You collect a small amount of fecal matter with a swab and mail it to a lab, where it will be analyzed for blood (a common indicator of colon cancer or precancerous polyps) as well as for any DNA changes in the cells. Results are usually sent out within two weeks.  If something is detected by the test your doctor will contact you or if you have question about the results, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.  In many cases insurance will cover most, if not all, of the cost of an at-home test for those who meet the age requirement. Check with your individual insurance plan.

Is it right for you?

Ask your physician, based on other factors, family history, genetics or symptoms, they will be able to tell you if an at-home screening is appropriate for you. “The best defense against colon cancer is to get regular screenings,” said Dr. Fassler, “With diagnostic tools like in-home screening and regular colonoscopies, we can catch cancer early, when it is easier to treat.” While there’s nothing that definitively prevents colon cancer, a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a diet with limited red meat and processed foods, as well as regular screenings, can be helpful in reducing your risk.

Ready to get scanned? Talk to your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for in-home screening or if you need a referral for a colon and rectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist call the Redeemer Health information and referral line at 800-818-4747 .

Easily Dispose of Old Electronics

Holy Redeemer Lafayette, a Redeemer Health Life Care community, will host a free e-waste recycling event on Saturday, April 17, 10am –1pm, in its large, outdoor parking lot.

During the event, The Junkluggers, an eco-friendly company that provides sustainable disposal services, will accept small appliances, printers, computers, laptops, VCRs, miscellaneous wire, random metal items, and other electronic items with a plug except TVs or monitors.

During the event, visitors will also be invited to tour Holy Redeemer Lafayette, a senior living community that offers maintenance-free living and features stylish apartments with all-inclusive services. In additional to tours, sales counselors will be available to answer questions, as well as provide information on services, amenities, floorplans, and move-in specials.

Holy Redeemer Lafayette is located at 8580 Verree Road in Northeast Philadelphia. The community, which sits amid scenic Pennypack Park, is easily accessible to residents throughout the Great Northeast and many suburbs including Abington, Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Huntingdon Valley, and Bryn Athyn.

For more information about Holy Redeemer Lafayette visit holyredeemer.com/lafayetteliving or call 215-214-2877.

Rising floodwaters, a torrential downpour, and winds that topped 60 mph couldn’t stop one dedicated home care nurse from delivering patient care.

While wrapping up one patient visit and readying to drive to the next, Deb Miller, a Redeemer Health Home Care Nurse Case Manager, faced down severe weather conditions to save the day. The frightening torrent of wind and water might have unnerved and sidetracked many people, but Deb, a nimble problem solver, held tight as water brushed against her knees and surrounded her in all directions.

Despite the massive flooding, Deb managed to get her car to a higher area and waited to see if the bay would recede. It didn’t. After the state police said they couldn’t physically get to her, she was stranded.

When her adrenaline kicked in, Deb’s quick-thinking revealed another way. Knowing there are higher parts of town that may not be flooded as badly, Deb called a friend and asked, “If I can get to the center of town, can you pick me up?” She abandoned her car and made her way to the beach.

"My thought process was if the bay is in, the ocean is out, and I should have enough sand to walk on,” Deb said. And walk she did, although she describes it as being blown down the beach. It required her scrambling over high dunes to get to the beach and anchoring herself against the high winds, all the while getting pelted with rain and sleet.

After 22 blocks, a soaking Deb safely reached the center of town and her waiting friend, who drove her 25 miles so she could reach home.

But the story doesn’t end there. Without a second thought, Deb changed into dry clothes and headed out so she could attend to a patient who required wound care in North Cape May.

Deb proved herself an unsinkable hero. While amazed at the conditions that Deb surmounted, Veronica Schuck, Deb’s supervisor, wasn’t surprised by her tenacity. “That’s what it’s all about. We have a dedicated team always there for their patients to make sure they are safe and well cared for. They go above and beyond to embody our mission to Care, Comfort, and Heal.”

In a four-story, 90-year-old stone building in North Philadelphia, the staff at Drueding Center, Redeemer Health’s transitional housing program for young families experiencing homelessness, are quietly changing lives.

The top three floors house 30 families who need support to heal from trauma, restore hope, and end homelessness. Each is assigned a Family Advocate, who provides intensive case management and works with families to develop goals around housing, education, employment, health, and life skills.  

Drueding Center is unique among organizations of its kind in that it offers a licensed, NAEYC accredited childcare on site and provides After Care services to families for up to seven years after they move into permanent housing.

Resourceful Solutions Combat COVID-19 Challenges 
Programming for residents is a critical part of continuing their healing process. It is an essential part of Drueding Center’s residential program, not only for sharing information, but as a way for staff to get to know their clients and each other.

Prior to the pandemic, most programming activities took place in the Center’s multipurpose room. COVID-19 changed everything. “In March, things came to a screeching halt. By summer, we realized we needed to figure what to do and went through all of our programming to see what could be offered either in person, in small groups, or virtually,” says Anne Marie Collins, Drueding Center’s Executive Director.

The Age of “Zooming” Begins
The first challenge was installing WIFI throughout the residential building.  “We’d had to put this off due to cost but now, with children trying to go to school online and some parents working remotely, we moved ahead and invested over $60,000 to get the building wired.”

Next was acquiring the necessary technology. Zoom accounts were set up for meetings, then quickly applied to programming. Director of Community Services Ron Allen is spearheading the effort to acquire the additional technology that all program areas will need to be successful.

“As the pandemic spread, we were adjusting from day to day. Meeting size went from 12 people to six to no one showing up,” says Ron. “We wanted to continue established programs that our families looked forward to, and it was a bit of a scramble to learn the equipment and then help them adjust as well.”

New Neighbors, Drueding’s permanent supportive housing program, was the first test of the new virtual experiences and a definite success story. “We learned we’d need to work with each family to make sure they could navigate the technology and came up with some incentives to participate,” says Ron. “We knew we couldn’t just be talking heads for an hour, so we had to make things both brief and fun.”

Adding a game show element has been extremely popular—and competitive. As participants grew more comfortable and started spreading the word, New Neighbors participation grew steadily every month, from four or five families at the beginning to 11 in January.

New Ways to Engage Residents
All Drueding activities are voluntary, and when programs were in person Assistant Director of Education Cheree Webster-Jones could usually generate interest by providing a meal.

Before the pandemic, Cheree had arranged Family Fun Days, field trips to the zoo, and other attractions, but those are now on hold. The key she says, is to keep everything as interactive as possible and to ask participants for feedback and suggestions.

“I always assumed young people would love doing stuff virtually because they’re always on their phones, but I learned programs don’t tend to generate the same excitement as social media.”

Yet, despite this challenge, Cheree has succeeded in finding creative pathways to keep residents engaged—such as introducing new foods via monthly virtual cooking classes held in collaboration with Greener Partners and during Halloween, launching Pumpkinpalooza, a fun family activity made possible by 30 pumpkins donated from Carversville Farms.

Looking Toward the Future
Despite the hurdles—technical glitches, Zoom fatigue, scheduling, and program development that syncs with the “new normal” of the pandemic —Drueding’s virtual programming has the potential to reach a much larger audience than pre-pandemic, especially once its YouTube Channel is up and running. YouTube would allow for programs to be available on demand, eliminating the former complications of scheduling.

Additionally, Drueding hopes to improve its programming by obtaining tablets for its residents, investigating additional virtual platforms, and developing new partnerships.

Nothing Hinders Drueding’s Dedication to Families
Drueding Center is a tangible expression of Redeemer Health’s commitment to families and an embodiment of its mission to care, comfort, and heal. 

Anne Marie Collins, Vice President and Executive Director of Drueding Center, is very thankful for her staff, who she says has gone above and beyond this past year. For instance, Drueding’s Green Light food pantry has remained open without volunteers because employees have pitched in to schedule appointments, assemble bags, and get the food out the door to those who need it.

Working at Drueding Center is not like most other jobs. Cheree enjoys teaching residents new life skills. “Sometimes our clients have never had anyone teach them how to interact with other people, so we’re the first successful relationship that they’ve had,” she says.

Ron appreciates that the support he provides has real impact. “Being part of a solution or a success story for someone is rewarding,” he says. “Yes, there are times when you’re subjected to some very sad circumstances, but I don’t think if I was an accountant and saved my company some dollars that it would feel the same as helping someone in dire need.”

Anne Marie concurs with Ron. “We might not get to see the eventual success of everything we do, but we’re giving young families the opportunity to stop, take a breath, recognize some of the traumas they’ve endured, and give them the skills to address those traumas and realize that they can have a future.”

Cooper University Health Care and Redeemer Health today announced a new partnership creating an integrated cancer program at Holy Redeemer Hospital that will be overseen by MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

In September 2013, Cooper partnered with MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, to create MD Anderson at Cooper. Through this partnership, MD Anderson at Cooper patients have access to the same cancer treatment plans delivered at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, as well as access to innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical research.

“MD Anderson at Cooper offers patients advanced cancer care close to home, and we are proud to partner with Redeemer Health to extend these services to the residents of southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care.

“This partnership fulfills Redeemer Health’s commitment to create affiliations that add value to the communities we serve,” said Michael Laign, President and CEO of Redeemer Health. “Cooper, through MD Anderson at Cooper, is transforming cancer care in the region. Now more patients will have access to advanced cancer treatment, combined with the warm, personal, and patient-centered approach Redeemer Health is known for.”

The partnership between Cooper and Redeemer Health expands the advanced cancer care provided by MD Anderson at Cooper to Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. Local residents can stay close to home and have convenient access to proven cancer treatment protocols, cancer experts, clinical research, and patient support and education resources through MD Anderson at Cooper.

“MD Anderson at Cooper continues to grow and transform cancer care for patients in the region by providing advanced quality care close to home, and this new partnership with Redeemer Health will add another convenient location for local cancer patients,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-CEO of Cooper.

“With access to groundbreaking research and leading cancer experts, we can now tailor our patient’s treatment to their unique needs and diagnosis,” said William Scarlett, DO, Executive Director of the Redeemer Cancer Center and the Director of Surgical Services at Redeemer Health.

Several MD Anderson at Cooper physicians are already based at Redeemer Cancer Center and are working in collaboration with Redeemer’s talented cancer physicians to develop a new multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, focusing on breast, lung, gynecological, and colorectal cancers. Additional Hematology/Oncology physicians are actively being recruited to join the program. The program offers comprehensive cancer care including hematology/oncology, radiation therapy, surgery and other treatments and services.

For more information about the cancer program at Redeemer Health or to make an appointment, call 215-938-3555.

About Redeemer Health

With an emphasis on providing a continuum of care, Redeemer Health remains true to the mission to care, comfort and heal that its Founders, the Sisters of the Redeemer, began in our region in 1924 – to provide high quality, compassionate care. A Catholic healthcare provider, Redeemer offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, three skilled nursing facilities, personal care, a retirement community, low-income housing, an independent living community, and a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. With corporate offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Redeemer Health serves southeastern Pennsylvania and 12 counties in New Jersey, from Union County south to Cape May County.

About Cooper University Health Care

Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system and the only state-designated Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey. Cooper’s mission is to serve, to heal, and to educate. Annually, nearly two million patients visit Cooper’s 700-plus physicians practicing in 75 specialty areas at more than 100 convenient medical offices and three urgent care centers. The Cooper Health Sciences campus is home to Cooper University Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.

About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is South Jersey’s leading cancer center. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center – a world-renowned cancer center – our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials.

MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year about 140,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “The best defense against colon cancer is to get regular screenings,” explains Soo Kim, MD, Surgeon, with Colon and Rectal Associates. “With diagnostic tools like a regular colonoscopy, we can catch cancer early, when it is easier to treat.”

When should you get screened?
More than 90% of colon cancer cases occur after the age of 50. Current guidelines recommend men and women at average risk of colorectal cancer should get a screening colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45. African American men and women should begin regular screening colonoscopies at age 40. But check with your physician, based on other factors, family history, genetics or symptoms, they may recommend starting screenings earlier.

Dr. Kim cautions, “If you are experiencing any symptoms of bowel disease –including blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, or feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely – don’t wait for a screening, you should see your physician.”

How a colonoscopy works
This exam detects changes or abnormalities in your rectum and large intestine, which is also known as the colon. Any of those changes or abnormalities could indicate colon cancer. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum; a very small video camera is attached at the tip of this tube, which allows the doctor to view your colon up close and look for abnormal tissue. As complicated as this may sound, it usually only takes a few minutes, and you’ll most likely be sedated during the painless procedure.

What to expect
Your colon needs to be empty and free of debris for your doctor to examine it properly. This requires fasting and a dose of laxatives (if doctor recommended) before the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to best prepare for your colonoscopy.

Arrange for someone to go with you to the procedure. That person should be able to drive you home afterward, as you may feel a bit groggy and disoriented. You’ll need some additional time that day to rest up and feel back to normal.

Although the preparation and procedure can be a bit of a nuisance, a colonoscopy is the best way to catch cancer and other intestinal disease or conditions before they can get serious. For a referral for a colon and rectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist call the Redeemer Health information and referral line at 800-818-4747.

Holy Redeemer Health System, now known as Redeemer Health, has announced a rebrand, including an updated name and new logo.

“This rebrand is part of broader strategic initiatives to grow and expand the system to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” said Mike Laign, President and CEO of Redeemer Health. “Retaining the richness of our legacy, with a fresh, contemporary approach, the name and logo make a renewed promise that all members of our community can relate to,” he said.

The new name continues the system’s strong connection to its Founders, The Sisters of the Redeemer. “Almost 100 years ago, our Sisters stepped onto American soil to answer a calling to care, comfort and heal,” said Sr. Ellen Marvel, CSR, Province Leader, Sisters of the Redeemer. “The beliefs that compelled the Sisters back then continue to inspire and guide the organization forward today,” she said.

“Redeemer Health is known for the compassionate care it delivers across all generations through its services in health care, home care and residential care,” said William Sasso, Esquire, Chairman of the Board, Redeemer Health Board of Trustees. “This is a distinction that will not change, but instead is amplified by the new name and logo,” he said.

The rebranded name and logo will be rolled-out across the system throughout the year, beginning first with an internal launch that celebrates the resilience and dedication of the Redeemer family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read our FAQs

About Redeemer Health

With an emphasis on providing a continuum of care, Redeemer Health remains true to the mission to care, comfort and heal that its Founders, the Sisters of the Redeemer, began in our region in 1924 – to provide high quality, compassionate care. Today, Redeemer Health offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, three skilled nursing facilities, personal care, a retirement community, low-income housing, an independent living community, and a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. With corporate offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Redeemer Health is a Catholic healthcare provider, serving southeastern Pennsylvania and 12 counties in New Jersey, from Union County south to Cape May County.

Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease, but making small lifestyle changes can improve your overall health and your heart health.

Follow these healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart.

• Be more physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Reduce stress.
• Get quality sleep.

Here are some healthy and fun suggestions to get heart healthy.

• Find an exercise buddy - Ask a friend to take a virtual walk with you on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both get out for a walk. Sign up for the same online exercise class, or schedule a regular dance party with your kids.
• Aim for a healthy weight – Plan out your meals. Add more color to your plate; veggies are delicious and low-calorie. Find a friend who also wants to reach or maintain a healthy weight and share low-calorie, low-sodium recipes.
• Quit smoking – ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does as well. Join a Smoking Cessation class or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to reach a quit smoking hotline.
• Manage stress - Do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation. Physical activity also helps reduce stress. If you need more support, talk to a qualified mental health provider or someone else you trust.
• Improve sleep - Sleeping 7–8 hours a night helps to improve heart health. De-stressing will help you sleep, as does getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. Remember to turn off the screen and stick to a regular bedtime.
• Track your success - Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track.
• Don’t do it alone - Achieving a healthy lifestyle will be easier and more successful if you have the support of your friends and family.  Feeling connected with others benefits our overall health and having people share in your goal helps keep you motivated and engaged.

If you have a family history of heart disease or any of the risk factors be sure to discuss your heart health with your family physician. Holy Redeemer Cardiovascular Center provides diagnostics, treatments and ongoing therapies for the cardiovascular system. For more information, visit Heart Care.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people felt scared, worried, and unsure of the future. As the world continues to combat the pandemic, it is important to remember the importance of practicing self-care. Dr. Daniel Hartman, VP of Outpatient Behavioral Health, Holy Redeemer Health System, describes some key considerations to think about when practicing self-care.

Recognize and process your emotions.
Feeling melancholy and irritable is common when you experience high levels of stress. “After nine months of living through the pandemic, many people feel fatigued and tapped out emotionally,” says Dr. Hartman. “When we enter periods of high stress, our bodies activate the nervous system–which can lead to tense feelings, higher blood pressure and higher heart rate.”

When you feel rundown, there is a greater likelihood you will make poor decisions, as you are not thinking clearly. If you do not address these feelings, they will not go away. Make a promise to yourself that you will pay attention to your body. Take time to recognize, respect and process your emotions to enhance your day-to-day outlook on life. When you choose to address these emotions, you are choosing a healthier emotional outcome.

Prioritize physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care each day.
The next step in the self-care journey is prioritizing self-care across the spectrum. “Each day, prioritize physical, emotional and spiritual self-care,” says Dr. Hartman. “Exercising is one of the most powerful activities in terms of preventing burnout. Whether you go for a 10-mile run or a brisk 10-minute walk, these physical activities will help your body to process some of the emotions you are feeling.”

Similar to physical self-care, emotional self-care can take many forms. You might find some release in something as simple as keeping a daily journal to track your feelings and reflect on areas you want to work on. Actively listing out your emotions helps to ensure you are taking time to respect and process what you feel in real time. This journal might even help to reduce anxiety, given you are tracking your progression in bettering yourself.

Finally, spiritual self-care can span across participation in many activities, such as breathing meditation, yoga, or prayer. These activities can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing your heart rate and blood pressure down and encouraging feelings of relaxation.

Take time to rest, reset, and recharge.
One of the ‘hidden’ positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic is that so many people were forced to slow down. The loss of a daily commute to the office, social activities, and other commitments led to many people having more time on their hands.

As our society prepares to enter back into the routine of a daily grind, do not lose sight of the importance of resting, resetting, and recharging every day. When we value mindfulness, we increase the likelihood that those around us will consider doing the same thing.

“Create an environment where you have time to solely relax—avoid excess exposure to the news, limit social media usage, and form healthy habits,” says Dr. Hartman. “Cook a new recipe, take time to call your loved ones, tell each other stories and laugh.”

Be sure to continue to connect with others. We are social creatures by nature, so it’s important to reach out to your loved ones and remember your personal support network of family, friends, and even co-workers.

Recognizing and processing your emotions, prioritizing self-care, and taking time to rest, reset and recharge will support your overall well-being. Control what you can and let go of what you can’t. Moreover, if you or a loved one need emotional support by a professionally trained therapist, Holy Redeemer Behavioral Health offers a safe place to talk and is prepared to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 215-914-4190 or visit Behavioral Health