Authored by Michael Rachshtut, MD, Hematologist and Medical Oncologist, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

When it comes to lung cancer, there's a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. Misinformation can create unnecessary fear and confusion. Let's clear the air by tackling some of the most common myths and uncovering the facts.

Myth 1: Only smokers get lung cancer. 

This is the most widespread myth, but it's not true. While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, many people who are diagnosed have never smoked. In fact, about 10%-20% of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers. Other significant risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas (a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes), asbestos, and air pollution. Genetics also play a role—if you have a family history of lung cancer, your risk may be higher.

Myth 2: Life as you know it is over after a lung cancer diagnosis.

A lung cancer diagnosis today is very different from what it was decades ago. Thanks to major medical advances, there are more effective treatments available than ever before. Early detection is key, and modern treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized care. These therapies are designed to target cancer cells more precisely, often with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Many people go on to live full, active lives for years after their diagnosis. It’s important to remember that every person’s journey is unique, and with the right care and support, there is hope.

Myth 3: There's no point in quitting smoking if the damage is done. 

It's never too late to quit smoking. Your body starts to repair itself almost immediately after your last cigarette. For someone diagnosed with lung cancer, quitting can make treatments work better and improve the body's ability to heal. It also significantly lowers your risk of developing other cancers and health issues, improving your overall quality of life. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health—no matter your age or circumstances.

While lung cancer is a serious disease, it's worth noting that survival rates have improved significantly in recent years—especially when the disease is caught early. 

Hope Through Early Screening and Advanced Care 

Regular screenings, like low-dose CT scans, can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. Even for advanced cases, new therapies are helping patients live longer and better lives. The key is to stay informed, seek medical advice, and explore all available options.

Your Doctor is Your Best Resource

The most important step you can take for your health is to talk openly with your doctor. They know your personal health history and can provide advice specific to your situation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or bring up things you’ve read online—your doctor is there to help you separate fact from fiction.

Knowledge is Power

Lung cancer is surrounded by myths, but the truth is empowering. With the right information, you can take charge of your own health or offer meaningful support for a loved one. 

Whether it's quitting smoking, scheduling a screening, or simply having an open conversation with your doctor, every step you take matters.

To learn more about the lung cancer screening options available at Redeemer Health, visit RedeemerHealth.org/Lung-Cancer-Screening or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).

Dr. Michael Rachshtut, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for lung cancer patients. Affectionately known as "Dr. Mickey," he combines clinical expertise with a personal approach, helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options. With access to a comprehensive cancer team delivering advanced cancer care, close to home, Dr. Rachshtut ensures his patients receive seamless, individualized care every step of the way. Dr. Rachshtut is board certified in medical oncology and hematology. He is fluent in English, Hebrew and Russian.

Advanced Cancer Care, Close to Home

Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper takes a multidisciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more call 215-938-3555 or visit RedeemerHealth.org/MDAndersonatCooper.

Meadowbrook, PA, Oct. 21, 2025 – Puja Patel, MD, joined Kramer OB/GYN and Associates, a Redeemer Health practice with locations in Northeast Philadelphia and Huntingdon Valley. Dr. Patel offers a full continuum of obstetric and gynecologic care to support patients from adolescence through menopause, including wellness exams, reproductive health counseling, prenatal care, menopause management, treatment of gynecologic conditions, and minimally invasive pelvic surgery.

Dr. Patel earned a medical degree from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, and completed a residency at Hackensack University Medical Center. She served as administrative chief during her residency, she received the Resident Award in Excellence in Family Planning in 2023, and volunteers at the Camden Library.

“In OB/GYN I can truly make a difference in women’s lives,” said Dr. Patel. “It allows me to form lasting relationships with my patients while supporting them through significant life events, from adolescence to pregnancy to menopause. The relationships I build with my patients are what I value most. Helping them through both joyful and difficult times is a privilege I never take for granted.”

To learn more about Dr. Patel, visit her physician directory profile here. Call 215-543-0060 to make an appointment at either Kramer OB/GYN’s Northeast Philadelphia or Huntingdon Valley location.

MEADOWBROOK, PA – Oct, 8, 2025 — The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recognized Holy Redeemer Hospital’s top performance in patient safety this week. HAP identifies top-performing hospitals using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

To be included in HAP’s annual Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition, hospitals must be top performers in three health care-associated infection measures. 2025 honorees were formally announced during a patient safety symposium.

“The patient care team at Holy Redeemer Hospital insists on top performance when it comes to patient safety,” said hospital Chief Administrative Officer, Peter Adamo. “It’s non-negotiable at Holy Redeemer Hospital, reflecting a culture of safety that our team lives up to year after year.”

The three infection measures used by HAP are central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and occurrences of Clostridioides difficile. “The recognition validates our bi-annual success in patient safety as measured by The Leapfrog Group,” said Krzysztof Stypulkowski, Holy Redeemer Hospital’s Patient Safety Officer. “This level of high performance is evidence of the focus and responsiveness we see from everyone during every patient encounter.” Stypulkowski noted that Holy Redeemer Hospital scored 12 straight A-grades in a row in Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade.

HAP is a statewide member service organization that advocates on behalf of Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems to advance high-quality, accessible, and financially sustainable health care. HAP’s more than 235 members include the majority of hospitals across the commonwealth. 

Pictured: Accepting the 2025 Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition are Holy Redeemer Hospital’s AVP of Quality, Susan Radick, MSN, RN (left), and Krzysztof Stypulkowski, DNP, MBA, RN, Associate Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Patient Safety Officer (right).

Meadowbrook, PA, September 2025 – Redeemer Health’s orthopedics program achieved Blue Distinction+ status for its knee and hip replacement services.

The Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program is a national designation recognizing health care centers and providers that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality specialty care — safely, effectively and efficiently. The goal of the program is to help members and their primary care physicians identify both highly qualified specialists and centers that are recognized for overall better outcomes, lower complication rates, fewer hospital readmissions, and lower member out-of-pocket costs.

“Congratulations to our orthopedic surgeons, our peri-op and surgical teams, our unit nurses and our rehab teammates,” said Brenda Buzydlowski, DO, Redeemer Health’s Chief Medical Officer. “Accreditation achievements like this are a testimony to objectively measured performance, as well as the team’s passion for excellence.”

Blue Distinction Center+ providers are acknowledged not only for excellence in treatment and outcomes, but also for their affordability. This distinction is only awarded to providers meeting nationally established cost measures.

Call 215-745-4050 or visit here for more information about knee- or hip-replacement at Redeemer Health.

Ocean View, NJ — Sept. 2, 2025...Redeemer Health is excited to announce that the new location of its Jersey Shore food pantry is opening on Sept. 15. The Redeemer Health Food Pantry’s Swainton, NJ, location closed in late June. The new location is at 458 Woodbine-Ocean View Rd., in Ocean View, NJ.

Redeemer Health Food Pantry is a lifeline for individuals and families challenged by food insecurity. “Not everyone can access or afford high quality, nutritious food, so we provide fruit, vegetables, bread, eggs, frozen food and more, to help reduce this burden in our community,” said Veronica Schuck, Redeemer Health Food Pantry Coordinator. Schuck explained that the food pantry is a member of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization in the state, leveraging partnerships and a community of donors.

The food pantry was founded by Sr. Mary Anne McDonagh, CSR, in 1989 and has grown into a community pillar in southern New Jersey shore towns. Sr. Mary Anne was a nurse who spent her life caring for poor and disadvantaged individuals and families. She helped open Holy Redeemer Home Care in Swainton, NJ, in the early 1980s, followed by the food pantry in 1989, having witnessed the need in the community while visiting home care patients, who often had little to no food. She expanded the pantry's clientele to include anyone in need. The food pantry was dedicated to Sister Mary Anne in 2013.

Schuck has been central to the food pantry’s operations since 2023. She was a nurse at Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice for 20 years, having earned her nursing degree from Holy Family University and a master’s degree in health care administration from St. Joseph University. “Continuing my service to Redeemer Health’s mission has been a privilege, especially now when food insecurity is becoming a more prevalent challenge,” she said. 

“The rising cost of living, home prices, joblessness and homelessness are all contributing to the growing need for food pantries like ours. Now that we’ve found a new facility, we’re open again to serve the Shore communities. Thank you all for your patience while we worked through our transition.”

Redeemer Health Food Pantry’s hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon. 

To donate food:
Stop in with donations during open hours. Call 609-675-6314 to arrange for a pick-up. Bring donations to collection bins at St. Brendan the Navigator Church in Stone Harbor, or the Avalon Library.

To donate funds:
Call 215-914-4000 to talk about our needs. Visit redeemerhealth.org/foodpantries.
 

Authored by Rakesh Shah, MD, Redeemer Health Cardiology—Meadowbrook

Taking charge of your heart health doesn't require drastic overhauls. Small, consistent changes can make a significant impact. This guide offers practical, evidence-based tips to help you build a stronger heart and a healthier you.

Fueling Your Heart: Eat Smarter

What you eat plays a crucial role in your cardiovascular well-being. Focus on nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods while limiting those that can harm your heart.

• Embrace Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains: These are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Aim for a colorful variety on your plate. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread provide sustained energy and help manage cholesterol.
• Cut Back on Sodium: Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Read food labels carefully and choose low-sodium options. Season your food with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt.
• Limit Unhealthy Fats: Saturated and trans fats can raise your "bad" cholesterol (LDL). These are often found in processed foods, fried items, and fatty meats. Opt for lean proteins, healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, and choose baked or grilled options.
• Smart Snacking: Instead of reaching for chips or cookies, choose heart-healthy snacks like a handful of almonds, an apple with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt.

Move Your Body: Exercise for Every Level—Use It or Lose It

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of heart health. It strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, helps manage weight, and reduces stress. Don't worry if you're not an athlete; every bit of movement counts!

• Start Simple: If you're new to exercise, begin with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Even 10-minute bursts of activity throughout the day can add up.  Something as simple as walking in place or walking 5 minutes every hour goes a long way.
• Find What You Enjoy: Whether it's brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, or gardening, choose activities you genuinely like. This makes it easier to stick with them.
• Mix It Up: Incorporate a combination of aerobic exercises (like walking or cycling) to get your heart rate up, and strength training (using weights or bodyweight) to build muscle.  Ideally a combination of both, aerobic and strength training.
• Aim for Consistency: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, plus two days of moderate-to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity.

Calm Your Mind: Manage Stress

• Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, Tia Chi, Yoga and deep breathing can help you stay present and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can make a difference.
• Effective Time Management: Feeling constantly rushed can be a significant source of stress. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and learn to say no when you need to.
• Prioritize Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for your body's recovery and stress regulation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Connect with Others: Nurturing strong social connections and spending time with loved ones can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Engage in Hobbies: Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or pursuing a creative outlet.

Empowering yourself with these simple, actionable steps can lead to a healthier heart and a more vibrant life. 

What small change will you make today to begin your journey to a stronger you?

About the Author

Dr. Rakesh Shah provides care for patients with cardiac, vascular, cardiometabolic conditions and advanced heart failure in the outpatient setting. A pioneer in minimally invasive heart procedures in Bucks County, he focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs and educating them to improve their health and that of their loved ones. Dr. Shah sees patients at Redeemer Health Cardiology in the Medical Office Building at 1650 Huntingdon Pike, Suite 305. Call 215-436-1420 for an appointment.

Redeemer Health Fitness Center 

To learn more about the Health & Fitness Center at Redeemer Health, click here or call 215-938-5710. You can also view the fitness class schedule here.

Meadowbrook, PA — August 2025. Two Redeemer Health practices specializing in health care for women merged on Aug. 1, 2025, and are now known as Redeemer Health OB/GYN. 

Formerly Deeney & Associates and Redeemer Health Women’s Care, the combined practice gives patients the opportunity to choose from a more comprehensive team of physicians in more practice locations than before. 

The following providers are available at Redeemer Health OB/GYN: 

• Vahideh Ameri, MD
• Laura Borthwick, MD
• Lisa Diasio, CRNP
• Natalie Dogal Gardner, MD
• Marc Duhaime, DO
• Kristin Kean, MD
• Jessica Kroes, MD
• Tracy McGorry, CRNP
• Maria Murphy, CRN 

Redeemer Health OB/GYN sees patients at the following locations:

•    Redeemer Health OB/GYN at Meadowbrook, at 1650 Huntingdon Pike, Suite 118.
•    Redeemer Health OB/GYN at Bensalem, at 3300 Tillman Dr.
•    Redeemer Health OB/GYN at Willow Grove, at 735 Fitzwatertown Rd.

Call 800-818-4747 to connect with a scheduler at Redeemer Health OB/GYN, or visit our website directory here to see a full list of our OB/GYN providers and book appointments online.

Authored by Yehuda “Yudi” Kerbel, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health

Stepping Into Recovery—What to Expect After Surgery 

Each year, thousands of people reclaim pain-free movement through hip or knee replacement surgery. Recovery plays a crucial role in this journey, requiring time, patience, and the right guidance. Whether you’re about to have surgery or just starting recovery, knowing what to expect can help you get moving again and enjoying life to the fullest.

Recovery Timelines: Steps to a Stronger You

Recovering is a step-by-step process, with each milestone bringing you closer to confidence, mobility, and a pain-free future. At Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health, we use the most cutting-edge research to design the smoothest, easiest recovery protocol after your joint replacement. 

Here’s what the timeline typically looks like:

• First 4 Weeks: You’re able to get up and walk right away, but we spend the initial period after surgery focusing on reducing swelling and inflammation, getting your range of motion back, and keeping pain well controlled. For this period, you’ll spend most of your time taking it easy—in fact, we limit how much activity you can do each day to help keep your pain low! This is different than most other joint replacement practices, but it’s based on the latest evidence and makes the recovery much easier for you as a patient.
• Weeks 4-8: Now we start getting you back to more activities and working on your strength. This is when recovery really starts to take off—you’ll be amazed at how much you’re already back to doing by this point.
• Weeks 8-12: At this stage, you should be back to doing most things you enjoy and starting to return to normal. Building full strength and mobility can take 3-6 months or longer, depending on individual progress. 

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy plays a critical role in helping you regain strength, mobility, and balance after joint replacement surgery. It often begins within the first 24 hours with gentle exercises that you do on your own at home to ease stiffness and improve range of motion. Gradually, you'll move on to more advanced exercises that build endurance and prepare you for daily activities. For the first few weeks, you’ll be doing this by yourself at home. We’ll create a personalized therapy plan with exercises that are safe, effective, and fit your long-term goals for staying active.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery Journey

Recovering smoothly from joint replacement surgery starts with managing pain. Use tools like ice packs, prescribed medications, and proper rest to stay comfortable. Make your home recovery-friendly by adding grab bars, clearing walkways, and keeping essentials within easy reach.

Recovery Tips to Remember on Your Journey

Recovering from joint surgery takes time, effort, and the right support. With the right recovery plan, practical guidance, and a caring support system, you’re on your way to regaining strength and independence. Take each step with patience and determination and celebrate each win along the way. Your active, pain-free future is closer than you think!

Dr. Yudi Kerbel specializes in comprehensive hip and knee arthritis care, offering non-surgical treatments, full and partial hip and knee replacements, second opinions, and complex revision procedures. He also performs general orthopedic surgeries, including knee arthroscopy and fracture repair. Dr. Kerbel believes in creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals, ensuring a truly customized approach to care and helping patients get back to the life they love. Dr. Kerbel sees patients at Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates at Redeemer Health, with offices in Rockledge and Abington.

Learn More—Take the Next Step 

If you are experiencing hip or knee pain, you should see your doctor or consider an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or joint specialist. Call 215-745-4050 or visit osraorthopedics.com to find an orthopedic specialist near you.

One of Redeemer Health’s spiritual leaders, and the author of our weekly reflection, “Everyday Redeeming Love,” was recruited to participate in a conversation published in the Summer 2025 edition of Health Progress, the journal of the Catholic Health Association. Fr. Joseph J. Driscoll, DMin, affectionately known at Redeemer Health as Fr. Joe, was one of five panelists.

Health Progress prefaced the conversation: “While there is a lot of focus on the importance of building resilience and avoiding burnout in Catholic health care settings, Health Progress wanted to share some of the ways people attend to and strengthen their spiritual lives. … We asked several people to share aspects of their prayer and spiritual practice in hope that others may find it illuminating.” 

To respond to the query, Fr. Joe shared that journaling is at the heart of his daily prayer practice, writing about 45 minutes every morning.

“The practice is rooted in the unknown,” Fr. Joe explained. “I intentionally try to do this first in my prayer, so that my unconscious, particularly, has the freedom to express the deeper conversations of the dreaming night, for example. Rooted in the unknown, the fruit is a surprise, more often than not. It is seldom dramatic but consistently revealing. Lots of emotion can, at times, stop my pen. God's word, specifically familiar scriptures, will be spoken back to me. I capitalize them when writing, as they just come.”

The Health Progress article can be found here: Portals of Prayer: Tending to the Spirit.

In one of last year’s editions of Health Progress, Fr. Joe penned, “The Eucharist, Imagined and Real,” which was recently recognized with a Catholic Media Award. Said the judges, “This piece opens up the power of the incarnation into every aspect of human life.” The article can be found here.

Fr. Joe has been part of the Redeemer Health ministry, and a theologian for the Sisters of the Redeemer, since Nov. 2019. He came to us after 14 years at Bon Secours Health System. He was also president and CEO of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains for 11 years, faculty at Harvard Medical School’s Body/Mind Institute for 18 years, and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Palliative Medicine for four years.

Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr., CHA

Meadowbrook, PA, June 2025 - Redeemer Health announced the addition of two new cardiologists to its physician network. Rakesh Shah, MD, MBA, and Ronald Fields, MD, will both see patients in Redeemer Health’s medical office building at Suite 305, 1650 Huntingdon Pike in Meadowbrook, Pa.

Dr. Shah provides care for patients with cardiac, vascular, cardiometabolic conditions and advanced heart failure in the outpatient setting. He is a skilled clinician who was responsible for performing the first of several types of minimally invasive heart procedures in Bucks County.

He notes that heart disease affects everyone either directly or indirectly. He seeks to understand each patient’s everyday needs and challenges, then crafts a solution around his findings. This includes educating patients to promote the best possible outcome and enable them to share information that may positively affect the health of their loved ones.

Dr. Shah is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine. He earned his medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital, where he also received fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Dr. Shah obtained an MBA from the University of Oxford to further his commitment to achieving better outcomes in health care administration, practice management, and access to cardiovascular care. He participated in more than 50 clinical research trials. 

Dr. Fields provides preventive cardiology care, diagnostic testing, interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, cardiac rehabilitation, and ongoing management of chronic heart conditions. He works with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. He empowers patients to take control of their own health by educating them about their conditions and involving them in the decision-making process. 

He earned his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine. He served his residency in internal medicine at the Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio of San Francisco, before completing a fellowship in cardiology at Letterman. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. 

Dr. Fields served seven years with the Army Medical Corps, earning the rank of major. He has led or been involved in dozens of clinical research trials. 

Redeemer Health Cardiology combines sophisticated diagnostics, innovative treatments and ongoing therapies to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Call 215-436-1420 for an appointment.