Local Health

As high school graduation and other celebratory events approach us, please take the time to speak to your teen(s)

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 7, 2025. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Underage drinking can have serious consequences for teens and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 6 youth under 21 die every day from non-driving alcohol-related causes (such as drowning and suicide). Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by adolescents results in brain damage (possibly permanent) and impairs intellectual development. When drinking is delayed until age 21, a child’s risk of serious alcohol problems decreases by 70%. Underage drinking is against the law, and it is also against the law for adults to serve or provide alcohol...

Overlook Medical Center Emergency Services, Summit Campus Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Nursing

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on August 1, 2024. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

The emergency department at Overlook Medical Center’s main campus in Summit has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award® for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance. The Lantern Award showcases the Overlook Medical Center Emergency Services, Summit Campus’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, EDs are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to patient care, as well as the well-being of nursing...

Overlook Medical Center Earns Honors

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on July 2, 2024. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Overlook Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, again honored standout team members at the hospital’s annual Excellence Awards. The event, which has been held annually for more than two decades, was celebrated this year at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union on June 11. More than two dozen individual and team honorees were recognized thanks to glowing testimonials provided by their peers for going above and beyond their duties in delivering high quality care at Overlook. The awards were presented by members of Overlook’s senior leadership team, with opening remarks delivered by Stephanie...

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on June 2, 2024. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Morristown Medical Center’s Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute’s structural heart program reached a significant milestone of performing over 5,000 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, the first in New Jersey and among the first to accomplish this in the United States. Morristown Medical Center has the largest TAVR program in New Jersey and is among the top programs in the nation. Every year, approximately 300,000 cardiac patients in the United States are diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, with only 28% receiving a TAVR, leaving the majority untreated. There are more than...

The Dr. is in! What is SAD?

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on March 4, 2024. Posted in Local Health, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Winter, a season often filled with cozy blankets, warm beverages and holiday festivities, can be joyful in many ways. While for many it’s a time of comfort and celebration, for others, the winter months can bring about a different experience—one marked by the persistent cloud of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly known as seasonal depression. By Kathryn Malone, LCSW To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources. Lukin Center Driven by Science. Led by Compassion As the days...

The Dr. is in! February – National Eating Disorder Awareness

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on February 5, 2024. Posted in Local Health, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

During the week of February 20th to 26th, we recognize National Eating Disorder Awareness. by Samantha Renfree LPC CCTP To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources. Lukin Center Driven by Science. Led by Compassion What is an eating disorder? Eating disorders are a category of mental illnesses in which there are multiple types. As a whole, eating disorders involve a persistent challenge of eating or behaviors related to eating that impact the individual’s ability to consume food...

The Dr. is in! January Issue – Mental Wellness Month

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on January 1, 2024. Posted in Local Health, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

January is identified as Mental Wellness Month. There’s no better time than the beginning of a new year to take stock of your mental health and learn new ways to improve your overall well-being. by JAmIE SCARNATY, LSW Licensed Psychotherapist To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources. Lukin Center Driven by Science. Led by Compassion What Is mental wellness? Mental wellness refers to a state of emotional, psychological and social well-being where individuals feel a sense of purpose,...

The Dr. is in! How to Handle Holiday Stress

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on November 30, 2023. Posted in Local Health, WESTFIELD LOCAL. Leave a Comment

December is the much-anticipated time of each year as the holidays continue to come alive. The traditional aspects and the joyous pace of what occurs during this festive time typically is where families spend much time together. The time of year is a good source to bring up the topic of Family Therapy. by Jeremy Furham, LPC To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources. Lukin Center Driven by Science. Led by Compassion The holiday season is upon us again! Holidays can bring great joy,...

The Dr. is in! November – Holiday Season Begins

Written by Local Media NJ Staff on November 2, 2023. Posted in Local Health, SUMMIT+CHATHAM LOCAL. Leave a Comment

Meet Samantha Renfree, Samantha Renfree is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in eating disorders, trauma, substance use, body image concerns and anxiety disorders. Samantha is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Samantha is Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned and uses an Intuitive Eating approach in her work with clients to help individuals in all bodies along their journey of healing. Lukin Center- Westfield Office 128 S Euclid Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090 (908) 509-8336 November is the much-anticipated...