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.

- by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper 

Cancer survivorship is a testament to human strength, resilience, and hope. It’s not just about living with courage through cancer, but about celebrating life every step of the way. 

Every survivor’s story is unique, showcasing extraordinary strength and hope. This blog honors the journeys of survivors, celebrates milestones, and acknowledges the supportive communities that uplift them along the way. 

How Survivors Celebrate Their Journey

Survivors find heartfelt ways to mark their journeys, from remission anniversaries to small, everyday joys like sharing a meal or watching a sunrise. Many join awareness events, engage in art, or simply savor moments of gratitude and reflection. These traditions symbolize celebration and inspire hope, strength, and beauty.

The Role of Loved Ones in Survivorship

Friends and family play an important role in a survivor’s life. Whether offering a hug, lending an ear, or helping with daily tasks, their care and support create a foundation of strength and reassurance. Small acts of love can make a big difference. 

Finding Joy in Celebration 

Celebrations, big or small, offer survivors a chance to reflect and connect. Through shared stories, laughter, and milestones, these moments honor the challenges overcome and inspire hope for the future.  

Whether a Survivor, Loved One or Supporter—Join the Celebration

Survivorship shows how strong and resilient people can be, not just in June when it’s celebrated, but every day. By sharing stories and challenges, we build a supportive community filled with strength and hope. Together, we can create a united community rooted in strength and hope that lasts a lifetime. 

What does survivorship mean to you? Every story matters—share yours and join the conversation!

Advanced Cancer Care, Close to Home

Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper takes a multi-disciplinary 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     

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.

Meadowbrook, PA, March 2025 – Yehuda “Yudi” Kerbel, MD, joined the orthopedic surgery department at Redeemer Health in June 2025. Dr. Kerbel specializes in the full spectrum of care for hip and knee arthritis — from therapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments, to partial and full hip and knee replacements. He also provides complex revision surgeries for patients who’ve had a prior joint replacement, and performs general orthopedic procedures, including knee arthroscopy for meniscus tears and fracture surgeries to repair broken bones. 

Dr. Kerbel studied pre-med at La Salle University, and earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed residencies in orthopedic surgery at Drexel and at Penn Medicine, and a fellowship in adult reconstruction joint replacement at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

When Dr. Kerbel began exploring medicine as a hands-on way to help people, orthopedics made sense to him, not just for the variety of patients and conditions to treat, but for its ability to restore people’s quality of life. With comprehensive knowledge and experience, he customizes every patient’s treatment plan and surgery to fit their needs, ensuring they receive an individualized approach. 

He sees patients in Redeemer Health’s Rockledge and Abington orthopedics offices. Call 215-745-4050 to make an appointment. Visit Dr. Kerbel's profile page here.

The Lafayette, St. Joseph Manor, and Little Flower Manor, part of the Redeemer Senior Living family, have received an overall 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This recognition, awarded through the CMS Nursing Home Compare program, reflects the highest standards in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care among Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.

The overall 5-star rating evaluates critical factors such as compliance with health and safety regulations, staffing levels, and resident outcomes. It serves as a trusted guide for families seeking care solutions, with relatively few facilities nationwide achieving an overall 5-star distinction.

Redeemer Senior Living communities provide short-term rehabilitation aimed at helping individuals recover strength, mobility, and independence following a hospital stay. Through personalized care plans developed in collaboration with each patient’s medical team, patients receive targeted therapy to support their recovery goals. For those in need of continuous assistance, the communities offer long-term care designed to support individuals who can no longer live independently, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care needed for their well-being.

About Redeemer Senior Living
Redeemer Senior Living is part of Redeemer Health, an integrated health care system that has delivered compassionate care in the region since 1924. Dedicated to its mission to care, comfort, and heal, Redeemer Senior Living provides a continuum of services tailored to older adults, from short-term rehabilitation to long-term residential care. For more information visit redeemerseniorliving.org/health-services.