The discomfort can be, and usually is, exhausting. Unable to take a deep breath through your

nose, you breathe through your mouth, which often keeps you from resting when you sleep because your slumber is interrupted by dry mouth. And when you are awake, you seem to have a headache. You sound perpetually nasal, especially at this time of the year when allergies irritate the sinus passages. These are just some of the symptoms of sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus lining of the nose.

The inflammation can be caused by bacteria, a virus or by a blockage in the nasal passage. Pressure from congestion causes the headache and that nasal sound in your voice. Other symptoms include facial discomfort, nasal discharge, fatigue, and possibly eye infections. You just can’t breathe normally, which means you are not taking in as much oxygen as you would if you weren’t stuffed up.

New technology available at the CARES Surgicenter, part of the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, makes it possible to open sinus passages much in the same way arteries in the heart or in the body’s peripheral vascular system are opened. Instead of using endoscopic instruments such as microdebriders which require cutting away at tissue, the procedure, called sinuplasty, uses balloons to open and drain the sinus passages. The technique is similar to the one used during angioplasty, when balloon technology is used to open blocked blood vessels. Sinuplasty is performed by an otolaryngologist, a physician specializing in the ear, nose and throat.

When inflated, the balloon widens the sinus cavities by squeezing the bones and tissues out of the way, allowing the sinus to drain properly and clear any infection, explains John Hanna, D.O., an

otolaryngologist in practice in East Brunswick and a member of the Saint Peter’s University Hospital medical staff.

“It’s tougher than the cardiac balloon because it needs to move bone and firmer tissues,” he says explaining the procedure. During the surgery, in which the patient is under general anesthesia, the balloon is inflated for only a couple of seconds. A thin tube with a light and a video camera called an endoscope makes it possible to see the results in real time.

The advantages of this type of surgery include faster recovery. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty requires no cutting and no removal of bones and tissue. This maintains the natural structure of the sinus cavity and reduces pain, blood loss and risk of complications. Most people can go home the same day.

What is sinusitis?

Statistics show that approximately 37 million people a year suffer from sinusitis, making it one of the most common medical problems in the U.S. The sinuses are spaces behind the bones of the upper face, between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose and cheeks. They are covered with a mucus layer and cells that contain little hairs on their surfaces called cilia that help trap and push out bacteria and pollutants. Each sinus has an opening that allows mucous to drain, which is necessary if your sinuses and you are to remain healthy. When your sinuses do not drain well, a buildup of mucus usually occurs causing mild to severe inflammation and its uncomfortable symptoms.

Most cases of sinusitis are acute, coming on suddenly following a cold, an allergy attack or an irritation caused by an environmental pollutant. It lasts for a few days. However, if symptoms do not go away for several weeks, chronic sinusitis could be the problem.

The majority of chronic sinusitis sufferers can be treated with balloon sinuplasty alone, Dr. Hanna says.

Patients with multiple growths in the sinuses or blockages in hard-to-reach areas may need a combination of the balloon and traditional surgeries. Sinuplasty can be repeated if blockages return.

“Research has shown convincing long-term success rates,” Dr. Hanna says. “Patients are very happy with the results.”

For more information about the CARES Surgicenter, visit www.saintpetershcs. com/caressurgicenter. To find an otolaryngologist affiliated with Saint Peter’s, visit www.saintpetershcs.com/findaphysician.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2012

A LISTING OF PROGRAMS OFFERED THIS MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE.

SINUS SURGERY MINUS THE CUTSNew Technology Relieves Sinusitis

John Hanna, D.O.

Juy

SUPPORT GROUPSAutism Family Support GroupSEPTEMBER 9, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM877-886-9462

Bariatric Support GroupSEPTEMBER 13, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Lisa Lapinski, RD 732-745-8600, x8159

Bereavement Support GroupSEPTEMBER 6 & 20, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM732-745-8565

NEW Bereavement Support GroupSEPTEMBER 4 & 18, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMFor spouses and significant others 55 and older. Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipLisa Sparaco, MSW 609-409-1363

Caregivers Support Group/MonroeSEPTEMBER 13, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PMSaint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipStephanie Fitzsimmons-Sexton, RN, NP1-800-269-7508 or 609-655-2220

Alzheimer’s Support Group/Monroe SEPTEMBER 11, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMSEPTEMBER 24, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMSaint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipRachel Kallish, CSW 609-655-6853 Craniofacial Boys & Girls Support Group(boys and girls ages 11 to 17 meet separately)MEETS SUNDAYS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR Helene Knee, LCSW 732-745-7943

Jump Start Autism New Parent Support GroupSEPTEMBER 20, 11:30 AM 877-886-9462

Pregnancy after Loss Support Group(for pregnant women who have previously experienced a loss)Registration required. Dawn Brady, MSW732-745-8600, x5214

SHARE Support Group(pregnancy and infant loss support group)SEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM732-745-8600, x8522

CANCER SERVICES The American Cancer Society offers daily information and support to cancer patients and their families. Call 1-800-227-2345 to talk to a cancer information specialist 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit us online at www.cancer.org.

Breast Cancer Support GroupSEPTEMBER 17, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMOpen DiscussionRegistration required.Cancer Institute of New Jersey Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW732-235-7011

Gynecologic Cancer Support GroupSEPTEMBER 11, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMCancer Institute of New Jersey732-235-6792

Living with Cancer Support GroupSEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMCancer Institute of New JerseyBarbara Hale, LCSW732-235-7557

COMMUNITY MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES For more information about screenings and educational programs, or the CMHS corporate flu shot program, please call 732-745-8600, x8903. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings SEPTEMBER 7, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Elijah’s Promise, New Brunswick SEPTEMBER 26, NOON - 1:30 PM Ships 1 Soup Kitchen St. John’s Episcopal Church, Somerville

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings/Body Mass Index Measurement/Nutrition Counseling SEPTEMBER 18, 10:00 AM - NOON South Brunswick Social Services Monmouth Junction

SEPTEMBER 25, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM St. George’s Anglican Church, Helmetta

Blood Pressure/Osteoporosis Screenings SEPTEMBER 7, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM New Brunswick Seniors 18 Nielson Street, New Brunswick

Community Flu Shots SEPTEMBER 11, 9:00 AM - NOON South Brunswick Department of Health Must have appointment. Residents only. www.sbtnj.net

Health Fairs SEPTEMBER 13, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Affinity Credit Union, Basking Ridge Employees only.

SEPTEMBER 16, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM St. Peter the Apostle Church, New Brunswick

SEPTEMBER 29, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Princeton Manor, Kendall Park Residents only.

PARENT EDUCATIONFor information, fees and registration, call Parent Education at 732-745-8579, unless otherwise indicated.

Baby Care SEPTEMBER 4 & 10, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 8, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Breastfeeding ClassSEPTEMBER 8, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Breastfeeding Support GroupSEPTEMBER 6, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM732-745-8600, x8820

Infant Massage Class SEPTEMBER 5, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Marvelous Multiples Class SEPTEMBER 10, 17 & 24, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

New Moms Support GroupSEPTEMBER 7, NOON – 1:00 PMLight lunch will be served at noon. Registration required.

Postnatal Yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)HELD FRIDAYS, 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Registration required.

Prenatal Nutrition Class and TourSEPTEMBER 11, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMRegistration required. Linda Hudak, MS, RD732-745-7930

Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)HELD WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Registration required.

Prepared Childbirth ClassesMONDAYS, THURSDAYS, OR ALL-DAY SESSIONS SECOND AND FOURTH WEEKENDSRegistration required.

Sibling Class SEPTEMBER 8, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

DIABETES EDUCATIONChildren’s Insulin Pump GroupSEPTEMBER 11, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Donna Dziedzic, RN, MSN, CDE 732-745-8600, x8751

Diabetes Self-Management Education HELD MONDAYS AND TUESDAYSRegistration and doctor’s prescription required.732-745-6667

Gestational Diabetes Self-Management ClassHELD WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYSRegistration and a doctor’s prescription required. 732-745-6667

254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 732-745-8600 | 800-269-7508 | www.saintpetershcs.com

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen | State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center

Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine | Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

SEPTEMBER 2012

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 our Web site at www.saintpetershcs.com/newsandevents/

JOIN EMPLOYEES OF THE SAINT PETER’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR UPCOMING WALKS AND RUNS

SPOTSWOOD 5K RUN SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 158:30 AM - 11:00 PM Spotswood High School, Spotswood 732-251-0700, ext. 834

MIDDLESEX COUNTY SENIOR HEALTH FITNESS WALK WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19Gathering: 9:00 AM; Start: 10:00 AM Roosevelt Park, Edison 732-745-4305

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or www.komencsnj.org)

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY HEART WALK AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21Johnson Park, Piscataway Activities begin at 8:30 AM Walk begins at 10:00 AM Call 1-800-242-8721

FOURTH ANNUAL WALK FOR DIANE FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick Registration and Breakfast: 8:00 AMStart: 9:00 AM www.theamyfoundation.org

CENTRAL JERSEY STEP OUT WALK TO STOP DIABETES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27In cooperation with our partner, the American Diabetes Association TD Bank Ballpark, BridgewaterRegistration: 2:00 PM; Walk: 3:30 PM 1-888-DIABETES

FREE PROSTATE SCREENINGS KNOW YOUR STATS Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Community Mobile Health Services is offering free prostate screenings:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 Appointments from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PMSaint Peter’s University HospitalCenter for Radiation Oncology254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Appointments from 3:45 PM – 5:45 PMComprehensive Care Group at Monroe294 Applegarth Road, Monroe Township

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Appointments from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaint Peter’s Family Health Center123 How Lane, New Brunswick

Free parking available at all sites. To schedule an appointment, call Community Mobile Health Services at 732-745-8600, ext. 8903.

SAVE THE DATE

WALK WITH US

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.

SPECIAL EVENTS

HEALTH SCREENINGS AND EDUCATIONSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM NAACP Conference Hilton Hotel, East Brunswick Community Mobile Health Services staff will provide free health screenings and education.

FREE COMMUNITY LECTUREURINARY INCONTINENCEWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 4:30 PM Presenter: Manish Gopal, MD, urogynecologist Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center, 200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township, 609-655-6853

WEIGHT LOSS SEMINARTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM For more information and to preregister, call Lisa Lapinski at 732-745-8600, x8159.

OPEN HOUSECOMPREHENSIVE CARE GROUP AT PISCATAWAYFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1410:00 AM - 1:00 PM Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, body mass index measurements, and nutrition counseling. 30 Wills Way, Piscataway, 732-565-5432.

HEALTH FAIRFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 221:00 PM - 5:00 PM Buccleuch Park. Co-sponsored by the North American Telugu Association (NATA)Community Mobile Health Services staff will provide free health screenings and education.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24Free makeovers for women undergoing treatment for cancer. Free, but please call 800-227-2345 to register.

MEN’S HEALTH KNOW YOUR STATS: PSA TESTING AND PROSTATE CANCER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 194:30 PM - 5:30 PM Presenter: Marc Feder, MD, Genitourinary Surgeons of New JerseySaint Peter’s Adult Day Center, 200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipTo register, call 609-655-6853.