The English philosopher Francis Bacon once said, “Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.”

Now, researchers the world over can actually put science behind Bacon’s words uttered five centuries ago. Modern studies continue to find that gardening improves mood and self-esteem, fosters fellowship, and offers a respite from stress.

The recreation teams that organize leisure programs in the Redeemer Health Life Care communities of St. Joseph Manor and Lafayette, truly understand the essence of Bacon’s words and the validity of contemporary studies. Time and again, they see the priceless joy and connection that gardening brings to their residents. 

At St. Joseph Manor, residents can exercise their green thumb in a full-size, residential greenhouse that is attached to the community, as well as container gardens that adorn St. Joseph Manor’s beautiful courtyard. “It is lovely to see our residents tend to the plants and several of our gardens while enjoying the exercise that comes with gardening,” says Luljeta Muskaj, an activities coordinator at St. Joseph Manor.

While friendship and laughter blossoms in the greenhouse, so also does a cornucopia of good, wholesome food. “Residents have planted and grown eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, basil, parsley, and more. Once the vegetables grow, the residents get to enjoy the fruits of their labor by cooking the vegetables in dishes. In fact, they recently made eggplant parmesan,” enthusiastically declares Luljeta.

At Lafayette, residents cherish a thriving community garden that sits on the beautiful grounds of the community, which is surrounded by Pennypack Park. “Gardening, whether planting or just enjoying the atmosphere, cultivates a sense of community. The experience reminds a lot of our residents of fond gardening memories when they lived in their own homes, connecting their past to their present,” says Jillian Lockton, Manager of Wellness and Recreation at Lafayette.

Gardening is just one of the many life-enriching activities that Redeemer Life Care communities make available for residents. For more information about our Life Care communities, visit RedeemerHealth.org/lifecare.

As a registered nurse and leader of Redeemer Health Home Care, and as a child of parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia, Monica Castaño acutely understands how difficult it can be for underserved populations to access critical services and resources, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Nursing has always been my true calling, specifically in making a difference in underserved communities due to my own experience as an immigrant born to deaf parents,” says Monica. During the pandemic, her determination to help protect vulnerable populations led her to join forces with the NJ Medical Reserve Corps, a network of volunteers that provides critical support and services when a public health emergency occurs.

As a member of the Corps, Monica has been able to bring incredible peace of mind to people who otherwise may give up on vaccination due to inadequate childcare, lack of transportation, or competing time commitments. “With the tremendous pain and hurt caused by the pandemic, I was moved to see the outpouring of interest of those looking to be vaccinated in Trenton and how I have been able to help vaccinate the Hispanic population” she says.

Monica’s calling to help at-risk populations is truly an inspiration to her team. But it is not only they who recognize her kindness and compassion. Recently, Thomas Edison State University, where she is currently pursuing a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), honored Monica with a full-length feature about her humanitarianism and accomplished scholarship in its magazine, Invention.

Through it all, Monica remains humbled and appreciative. The well-being of her patients and the dedication of her team are never far from her heart. “What inspires me most is seeing the level of commitment my fellow Redeemer Health Home Care and Hospice colleagues have to delivering quality, safe care to our patients and members of our communities.”

For more information about Redeemer Health Home Care, visit RedeemerHealth.org.

Ed Barr, Redeemer Health’s Director of Environmental Services, and Maggie Riveria, Director of Redeemer Health’s Child Care Center, have joined together to inspire a small, but mighty, squad—the children of the Redeemer Health Child Care Center—to nurture the earth and adopt environmentally friendly habits.

Through a special program, Ed and Maggie teach each pint-sized environmentalist to identify which materials are recyclable and make their own recycling box. The children engage in single stream recycling, a method in which materials are placed in one bin that can then be effectively sorted at a waste center. “It is so important to educate the next generation and give them the tools to protect the planet we live on,” says Ed.

“Raising children to be conscious about the environment will normalize this beneficial behavior into their adulthood,” says Maggie. “Implementing this program is such a simple yet impactful way to change the world. We want to show the children that change starts here at Redeemer Health Child Care Center.”

The recycling program has indeed become a beloved part of the children’s curriculum, so much so that according to Ed and Maggie plans are in motion to roll it out into the wider community. “We want to see change, and we want to be part of that change,” says Ed. “Reduce, reuse, recycle has been the anthem for protecting our environment, and we want that to live on for as long as possible.”

The Holy Redeemer Child Care Center is certified as an Eco Healthy Child Care Facility through the Children Environmental Health Network. Additionally, it is distinguished by a STAR 4 rating from the Keystone STARS early learning quality initiative, a continuous quality improvement learning initiative for early learning programs. If you are a Redeemer Health employee interested in enrolling your child, call 215-938-3382 for an application.

Screening mammography allows for early detection of breast cancer – before it can be physically felt – providing valuable time to start treatment. Many women have delayed routine screening mammography due to the COVID pandemic. A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated, “The delay in diagnosis will likely lead to presentation at more advanced stages and poorer clinical outcomes.”

“Even during this unusual time, yearly mammogram screenings remain a critical piece of early detection of breast cancer,” says Dr. Stacy L. Krisher, Director of the Breast Health program at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. “When breast cancer is detected early, there is a better chance to achieve better clinical outcomes and increase survival rates.”

Although some women may have fears about going to a health facility during the COVID pandemic, at Redeemer Health we are taking comprehensive precautions to ensure patient safety. We have implemented extra protocols in all of our facilities, including time between appointments to allow for additional cleaning and social distancing in our waiting area.

Mammography and the COVID Vaccine

The COVID vaccine is an important resource to rid our community of the COVID virus. We encourage everyone to consider receiving the vaccine when they have the opportunity. However, please be aware of timing recommendations for scheduling your screening mammography and receiving the COVID vaccine.

Vaccines of all types can result in a temporary swelling in the lymph nodes, as your body’s immune system produces antibodies as intended. If you receive your vaccine too close to the date of your screening, this may result in a false read of lymph node enlargement.

If your screening mammogram is due now, please either schedule it prior to receiving the COVID vaccine, or delay 4-6 weeks after the final dose of the vaccine is administered. Please do not delay longer than the 4-6 weeks after the vaccine if you are due. However, if you are having an active breast issue that is concerning you or your doctor, then please proceed with any and all recommended imaging as soon as possible rather than delaying for the COVID vaccine.

If it is not possible to reschedule your screening mammogram or your COVID vaccine, then please inform the facility and the staff at the radiology center that you have been recently vaccinated.

Is it time for your mammogram?

Don’t delay your annual mammogram. Talk about your personal risk factors with your doctor to decide when to start and how often to get mammograms. Redeemer Health has five screening centers conveniently located in Bensalem, Feasterville, Huntingdon Valley, Northeast Philadelphia, and Southampton. To schedule your mammogram call 215-938-5700 or request an appointment online.

Not surprisingly, the pandemic has left many people feeling empty, stagnate, or foggy—a state of being otherwise known as languishing. Patricia Gonzalez, LPC, MT-BC, Director of Redeemer Health’s Behavioral Health Operations, explains that languishing is a common condition that falls somewhere in the middle of the emotional spectrum between flourishing (commonly thought of as “living the good life”) and depression (feelings of low self-worth or guilt and a reduced ability to enjoy life).

So what happens when we experience this thing called “languish”? According to Patricia, it becomes difficult to focus, be productive, and perform at maximum capacity. But, she says, there are things a person can do that can help them regain their energy and improve their outlook. “When you are in the moments of languish, start with taking it one day at a time. It’s OK to not want to look so far in the future. There’s solace in simply creating small goals and celebrating small achievements,” she says.

Patricia also points out that it's energizing to become fully immersed in a new activity. “Losing yourself in something new leads to a state commonly known as being ‘in the zone,’ and when that happens a renewed sense of optimism may not be far behind.”

Finally, it’s really important to set boundaries by giving yourself permission to take time for yourself. “This can help a person reset, focus, and reclaim their zest for life. I recommend scheduling regular, uninterrupted time for self-care—be it painting, music, gardening, fishing, nature walks, meditation, or whatever activity leads to inner peace,” says Patricia.

Ultimately, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. “Often, people can diffuse the charge that occurs when in a state of languishing when they are able to name it. By doing so, people can make choices that help them move through the experience, maintain a sense of who they are, and promote a sense of feeling grounded during challenging times,” says Patricia.

The experienced and compassionate therapists and social workers in Redeemer Health’s Counseling Center can help you or a loved one strengthen well-being and overcome emotional obstacles. For more information or to make an appointment call 215-914-4190.

Redeemer Health Home Care teams in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania often go above and beyond the call of duty to nurture patients and their families. And now that many vulnerable home care patients eagerly seek vaccination against COVID-19, our home care teams are once again saving the day by bringing the vaccine to home care patients who cannot easily visit a vaccination site in the community.

“There are so many home-bound patients who want to be vaccinated,” says Kim Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Support at Home at Redeemer Health in Pennsylvania.

So, without hesitation, Redeemer Health Home Care rolled up its sleeves and got working. “This is a way to meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations. There is no way for these patients to register for and drive to receive the vaccine,” says Alicia Campbell, Vice President of Redeemer Health Home Care and Hospice Jersey Shore.

Along with bringing the vaccine to the homes of these patients, the home care teams are also bringing immeasurable peace of mind. "It is important to help ease the worries of our patients and vaccinate them in their homes where they are comfortable,” says Kim.

Even more, our home care teams in southeastern Pennsylvania can also provide the COVID-19 vaccine for family members or caregivers who share the same household as their patients.

The Redeemer Health Home Care team stands ready to help in all kinds of situations and has not let their patients and families down throughout the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic. “At all times,” says Alicia, “it is our mission to Care, Comfort, and Heal in the communities we serve.”

Redeemer Health Home Care provides compassionate care for patients and their families throughout New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. From short-term recovery to comfort during advanced illness, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients and their caregivers through comprehensive health care programs and hospice services in the home.

If you would like more information about Redeemer Home Care, please visit RedeemerHealth.org or call 1-888-678-8678.

For more than three decades, Drueding Center, a community service of Redeemer Health, has worked to restore hope to vulnerable families by helping them to build skills to heal from trauma and break the cycle of homelessness. Recently, two mothers, Angenette and Charisma, discussed with us the extraordinary impact that Drueding Center has had on their lives.

In 2020, Drueding Center helped to improve the lives of more than 500 people through its comprehensive range of programs that include transitional housing with intensive case management, housing assistance, counseling, life skills, early childhood education, after school and summer programs, permanent supportive housing, community case management, and distribution of nutritious and wholesome food through the Center’s Green Light Food Pantry.

It is because of the generosity and kindness of many partners and friends that Drueding Center is able to continue its calling to partner with Charisma, Angenette, and hundreds of other families on their journey of hope. To learn how you can support the journey or partner with us, please visit www.druedingcenter.org.

On April 16th, St. Joseph Manor had the privilege to celebrate the 100th birthday of Reverend Francis J. Cornely, who had been a resident at St. Joseph Manor for the last several years and at the time of his birthday was the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Ordained in 1948, Father Cornely actively served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia until 1996, with his last assignment as Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Essington, PA.

The wonderful team at St. Joseph Manor arranged for Father Cornely to celebrate his special day with a Mass presided over by the Manor’s chaplain priests Father Timothy Judge and Father Ed Brady. After Mass, Father Cornely was lovingly honored by his St. Joseph Manor family who brought birthday cake, balloons, flowers, and smiles.

To everyone’s deep sorrow, Father Cornely passed away several days after he celebrated his 100th birthday. His St. Joseph Manor family will deeply miss him but feel especially honored they were able to share in the joyous occasion of his very special centennial birthday.

To best accommodate patients whose first language isn’t English or who have limited English proficiency, Redeemer Health provides FREE interpretation services that help non-English speakers confidently communicate with doctors, nurses, and other staff.

“Language barriers can hurt a patient’s healthcare journey,” says Nadiya Miklosh, a Redeemer Health Certified Medical Interpreter. Fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, Nadiya joined Redeemer Health to facilitate communication for patients who speak these languages.

“I can help make these patients feel comfortable and emotionally supported because I understand their cultural context and differences, which allows them to feel confident in the healthcare decisions they make,” says Nadiya.

Redeemer Health makes available in-person or over-the-phone translation. To initiate these services, patients or their families are invited to call 215-947-3000 and request to be connected to Redeemer Health’s free language assistance line.

We spotlight our hospital workers during National Hospital Week, May 9 – 15, to showcase those who keep our hospital safe, provide exceptional care, and carry out our Mission to Care, Comfort, and Heal.

View Gallery