BC Health, Beauty & Fitness - Fall 2014

Fall 2014

18 WAYS TO

DE-STRESS

Roger

Levitt

Overcoming Parkinson’s Disease

Eye Health See What You’re Missing

Get Up and

Get Moving

The Magic of Morning Exercise

THE MOST ADVANCED CANCER-FIGHTING TOOLS, IN THE MOST EXPERIENCED HANDS. TrueBeam

Gamma Knife

TomoTherapy

The John Theurer Cancer Center is ranked #1 cancer center in New Jersey and our highly experienced Radiation Oncology Department shows why: • We have offered the benefits of TrueBeam Technology for more than 4 years, longer than any New Jersey hospital • More than 400 patients have benefited from our Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Program, offering a precise, non-invasive technology that treats conditions previously considered inaccessible or inoperable in an outpatient setting • Our center is the most experienced program in New Jersey to offer TomoTherapy to treat prostate, lung and head and neck cancer Our innovative and expert Radiation Therapy team is committed to optimal patient outcomes through personalized care.

Discover our center, one of the nation’s most trusted names in cancer care, by visiting JTCancerCenter.org or calling 551.996.5900.

© 2014 John Theurer Cancer Center

Fall 2014 Publishers Sharon and Steven Goldstein

FOR WHATEVER MOVES YOU‌

Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein

again.

Editor Justin Henry Davidson Design Director Evan Eagleson EIGHTY6

i mage

Marketing & Sales Linda Barba Amy Schwartz vector A NEW PRACTICE OF JULIE KELLER, M.D. AND STEPHEN LINDHOLM, M.D. Advanced techniques in fracture care, sports medicine, and joint replacement.

113 W. Essex St., Maywood, NJ p 201 226 0145 www.restorationortho.com

John N. Kallis, DMD oral and maxillofacial surgeon NJ Specialty #3656

Patricia R. Marrone, DMD, MS periodontist NJ Specialty #5018

Contributing Writers Daria Amato Christopher Blake Audra Bursae Barbara Davis Ben Greenfield Ginny Grimsley Pasha Gurevich Marissa Haight Jacqueline Hope Jennifer Jacobson Rachel Lewis Dr. John D. Petkanas Heidi Raker Edward Rifkin Cecilia Rivera Rachel Rondon Barbara Stanton Martin Strauss BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published four times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to: 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649. Or email materials to: steven@bcthemag.com

617 East Palisade Avenue Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 tel: 201-567-7500 fax: 201-567-7505 4

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

For advertising and information, call 201-694-5197 or 201-694-5196.

For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Our mission is to set the standard for excellence in oral and maxillofacial surgery with respectful and compassionate care.

Copyright 2014. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

WELCOME TO THE ALLENDALE COMMUNITY FOR SENIOR LIVING

Welcome. It’s more than a word. It’s a feeling. Since 1967, The Allendale Community for Senior Living has been family-owned and physician-operated, providing a comfortable, caring community dedicated to a continuum of specialized care that meets each individual’s changing wants and needs. Come visit our luxurious, 12-acre campus and see the many ways people feel welcome, including: • Social, hotel-like assisted living in our Atrium community • Fun, engaging daily activities in our Senior Social Club • Short-Term Respite Care accommodations For more information and to schedule a tour V i s i t w w w. a l l e n d a l e c o m m u n i t y. c o m Call: 201-825-0660 T H E AT R I U M

CARLTON C O U RT

NURSING HOME & R E H A B I L I TAT I O N C E N T E R

Visit us at 65 Route 17 South, Ramsey NJ Mail us at 85 Harreton Road, Allendale NJ 07401 w w w. a l l e n d a l e c o m m u n i t y. c o m 201-825-0660

Publisher’s Letter

S

ummer is over and sweater season is in full swing. This can only mean one thing: It’s time to ditch the beach body and fatten up for our six-month hibernation.

We’re not squirrels or bears, so unfortunately we can’t just eat everything we want and live an unhealthy and sedentary life. Instead, let’s make an effort to continue our healthy streak that allowed us to strut our stuff in bikinis and swim trunks all summer long. We might not be as motivated to get that beach body, but we all should maintain that same level of fitness and confidence as the delights of the holidays try to knock us off our wellness wagons.

So get up and get moving! In our opinion, the best time to exercise is during the early hours of the morning. Of course, it cuts into our sleep, and as the morning sun peeks through our windows later and later, it becomes a challenge. Stay disciplined and commit to a strong routine. You will conquer the day—right from the start.

Part of the problem with health in America is that we have become reactive instead of proactive.

We need to become aware of health issues so we can reduce the risk of problems before they ever come to fruition. This is part of what we hope to help you accomplish with Health, Beauty & Fitness.

We aren’t here to tell you how to live your life. In these pages, you will find some small suggestions backed by the best physicians and medical research teams in the country that will help you make informative decisions. Ultimately, we want you to spend more time doing what you love, and less time in doctor’s offices.

We often neglect the small things. For instance, as the leaves begin to fall, our noses start to run more and more. Teaching your children how to blow their noses is crucial to reducing your chance of catching every cold they bring home from school.

Another big issue nowadays is the sales pitches of pharmaceutical companies. Many TV shows will tell you that “Product A” is the newest health trend with HUGE weight-loss benefits. Deciphering the facts properly can benefit you tremendously. Of course, we aren’t all naïve, but it’s good to know the facts when you’re choosing the right supplement for you.

Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s time to start preparing for America’s most fattening holiday.

Let’s keep our summer mindsets going strong. Even though we might feel as big as a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade f loat, we won’t look like one!

Happy and Healthy,

Brandon Goldstein

ACTIVE ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIZED CARE FROM SPECIALIZED PHYSICIANS WHERE YOU GO FOR TREATMENT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE At Active, we strongly believe in the team concept of care.

We work closely together sharing knowledge, expertise and state-of-the-art medical technologies, so that every patient receives the full benefit of our shared resources.

Our full-service, multi-specialty practice features board certified and fellowship trained physicians who are all recognized as being tops in their fields.

THE MOST IMPORTANT TEAM IN ORTHOPEDICS A. Ylenia Giuffrida, MD James C. Natalicchio, MD Specialty: Hand & Elbow Specialty: Back & Neck Oscar Vazquez, MD Richard D. Rhim, MD Specialty: Sports Medicine Specialty: Spine Surgery Ira Esformes, MD Thomas K. John, MD Specialty: General Orthopedics Specialty: Joint Replacement Steven Weinfeld, MD Michael T. Benke, MD Specialty: Sports Medicine Specialty: Foot & Ankle Michael L. Gross, MD Specialty: Sports Medicine Knees & Shoulders

THE MOST IMPORTANT TEAM IN ORTHOPEDICS

EMERSON, NJ • HACKENSACK, NJ • MONTCLAIR, NJ • 1-844-ACTIVE-ORTHO www.activeorthopedic.com

Fall 2014

Contents

28

Life Changer

38

With the help of MRI-guided Deep Brain Stimulation and some incredible doctors, Roger Levitt is winning the battle against Parkinson’s disease

D.I.Y. Relaxation

56

58

Driving in the Dark How to safely navigate the night

10 Ask Audra

Audra Bursae explains what foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure, and offers her insights on picky eaters and managing hot flashes

18 Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

You don’t have to stop practicing yoga when you find out you are expecting. In fact, yoga can be very beneficial for pregnant women

22 Tips for Mastering the Art of Nose Blowing

Teach your toddler the proper technique

18 ways to de-stress

Share Your Health History

60

Dave Ratzker

36 What is Ultherapy?

70 Power Punch

This procedure may be the simple solution for those of you ready to wear V-neck blouses again without the risk of revealing your real age

44 Core Misconceptions

Simply understanding the purpose and function of your abs will help you determine the best way to train them

51 See What You’re Missing The road to better eye health

54 Headache? Earache?

Neck Pain?

Your jaw joint could be the culprit

32 Combat the Disease of

68 Uncovering the Truth

Five exercises for a solid strength training regime

Exercise in the morning before your day becomes too hectic

Changing the way we hear

64 Beauty Basics

Aging by Building Muscle

Get Up and Get Moving

Take the time to learn your family’s health history when you’re together this fall and holiday season

24 Investing in Our Future

The impact of early childhood education

42

A guide for looking your best

Behind Nutrition Studies What should you believe?

69 Fill Your Plate

How much protein do you need?

71 Unscrambling the

Mystery of Egg Production Where did you omelet come from?

72 Hot Sauce: Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient

Spicy insights from Bergen County native and hot sauce aficionado Chef Johnny McLaughlin

76 Smart Drugs

Nootropic supplements that boost your brain

80 Green Coffee Extract Can it help you lose weight?

82 It’s Breast Cancer

Awareness Month

Are you overdue for your mammogram?

with Superfoods

Add some nutrition and flavor to your favorite dishes Disclaimer: This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material provided in this publication is provided for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition before undertaking any diet, exercise, other health program, or other procedure set out in this publication.

Protecting women’s health for generations.

When breast cancer runs in the family, early detection is crucial for all women. That’s why so many turn to the breast care specialists at Englewood Hospital.

Designated by Congress as a national model for breast cancer diagnosis and management, we have the region’s premier breast care center. We detect more early-stage breast cancer than most other NJ hospitals, delivering rapid, highly accurate diagnoses – often without surgery. Our groundbreaking 3D imaging technology is especially useful with dense or nodular breast tissue. For increased-risk patients, our High Risk Breast Cancer Program provides genetic counseling, testing, risk assessment and emotional support, while our Certified Breast Patient Navigator is there to guide you through every step, from diagnosis through treatment.

Schedule your mammogram appointment today at 201-894-3202 or online at englewoodhospital.com.

Patient portrayal.

Ask Audra

A

udra Bursae is the founder of Nourish Mind + Body, a holistic wellness center in Cresskill. Audra and her staff offer nutritional counseling and naturopathic care, private yoga and small group yoga classes, and private Pilates sessions.

Audra holds a doctorate in Naturopathy and Holistic Nutrition, and received her Health Counseling Certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Audra is also trained and certified as a Pilates instructor through True Pilates NYC and is an advanced RYT-500+ yoga teacher, certified through Yoga Synthesis.

In her Ask Audra column, Audra will offer her insights on nutrition and fitness. Readers are encouraged to submit any questions they may have and she will personally answer them by email or by addressing them in her column if she believes the topic would be beneficial to share with our readers.

You can contact Audra at audra@ nourishmindandbody.com or visit her website at www.nourishmindandbody.com.

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

The more you know, the better you live.

Valley Health System has joined a national network of more than 100 leading hospitals to present Spirit of WomenŽ, a program dedicated to helping women make positive changes for improving the health and wellness of themselves and their families. Valley Health System is northern New Jersey’s exclusive Spirit of Women health system.

Education is the most effective way to prevent disease and it is your best path to a healthy, energized life.

Join our Spirit of Women network to get free health information, learn about exciting events, and receive wellness and prevention tips for your whole family.

Membership is FREE.

Join today by submitting the online form at:

www.ValleyHealth.com/SpiritOfWomen

Ask Audra

I Was Just Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure. What Foods Should I Avoid?

A

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 31% of adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can exist in the body for years without any physical symptoms. Many people go years without knowing they have hypertension, and of those that know they have it, only about half have it under control.

It is important to have your blood pressure tested to find out where you are on the blood pressure scale. Typically, 120/80 or lower is considered normal.

Foods that are high in sodium are detrimental to your blood pressure.

Scientists believe that when we consume a high-sodium diet, the body’s mineral balance gets disrupted. This causes water retention and swelling of the blood vessels with excess fluid, leading to an increase in the pressure in the blood vessels. Some foods that are particularly high in sodium include pickles, canned soups, fast foods, bacon, hot dogs, meat jerkies, cold cuts and cured meats, frozen dinners, frozen pizzas, Chinese food, canned tomato products, potato chips, french fries, soy sauce, and ramen noodles. It is a good idea to eat foods that are lower in sodium if you want to keep your blood pressure under control.

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Avoid These Foods

In addition to avoiding high-sodium foods, I would suggest eliminating the following from your diet as well.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

A 2013 study found that drinking more than one sugar-sweetened beverage per day increased the risk of high blood pressure. Researchers analyzed the diets of about 2,700 people aged 40 to 59 and found that those drinking more than one soda per day had higher blood pressure readings. The high sugar content alone is a good enough reason to avoid these drinks.

Margarine

Many stick margarines contain a high level of dangerous trans fats, which damage blood vessels and lower good cholesterol. Replace with a small amount of coconut oil, or try spreading a bit of avocado or almond butter on your toast.

Bagels

Even the “whole wheat” varieties are typically made with refined wheat that has been stripped of its nutrients. What you’re left with is a high calorie, high carbohydrate, nutrient-deficient food that spikes blood sugar levels and reduces heart health.

Pasta

Refined pasta spikes your blood sugar, and it is important to avoid it when eating out at restaurants. The sauces used on pastas are typically high in sodium.

Sometimes you can devour more than an entire day’s worth of salt with just one dish.

Salt Substitutes

For many years, salt substitutes were seen as a healthy alternative for those reducing sodium in their diets. We have now learned that they are highly processed and contain high levels of other minerals that can cause other health problems. A better option is to use real spices such as dried oregano, garlic

powder, rosemary, or curry powder.

MSG

Research published in 2011 found that MSG intake was associated with a significant increase in blood pressure, and that women were especially affected. Worse, those regularly taking medications to lower blood pressure showed a strong association between MSG intake and an increase in blood pressure. An earlier 2010 study found that MSG elevated systolic blood pressure. Be aware that MSG is often masked in ingredient lists under different names. Some of the names that are associated with MSG include yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast extract, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

Start playing again.

Watch on TV.

You play hard, we get that. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or professional athlete, sometimes a serious sports injury may occur. And that’s when you’ll need a top sports orthopaedic specialist and surgeon who won’t play around with your desire to get back on the court. That’s what Dr. Stephen Silver is all about. You’ll find him and nearly every top surgeon in the area in a variety of subspecialties at the ultra new Vanguard Surgical Center. It’s where doctors send their relatives.

Canned Fish

Unfortunately, most canned fish varieties contain a tremendously high amount of sodium. Look for low-sodium varieties instead.

113 W. Essex St., Maywood, NJ 07607 p 201 291 9100 www.vanguardsurgicalcenter.com www.drstephensilver.com p 212 434 4316

Sauerkraut

Although the high amounts of probiotics make it healthy, sauerkraut is also high in sodium. Anyone with hypertension should avoid it.

Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce

Leading with Experience

®

These condiments contain lots of salt and sugar. Look for low-sodium alternatives.

Organic brands often contain less salt.

Miso Soup

Its sodium content is too high for someone suffering from hypertension. Also, if you’re going out for sushi, avoid soy sauce, or at least try to minimize how much you use.

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Believe it or not, but it’s usually very high in salt. Try a plain sheep’s milk yogurt instead.

Alaskan King Crab

Just three ounces will get you nearly a day’s worth of sodium. Try baked salmon or flounder as an alternative.

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Join In: Find us at facebook.com/OtterstedtInsurance Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

13

Ask Audra

My Kids Are Incredibly Picky Eaters.

They Won’t Eat Anything Besides Chicken Nuggets, Pizza and French Fries. What Should I Do?

I

come across this problem a lot in my practice. Parents come to me feeling completely overwhelmed and defeated regarding their children’s nourishment and food choices. They feel hopeless, and worry that their child will never like fruits or vegetables. Don’t worry! There is much that can be done to make healthy eating more palatable for children and adults alike!

When it comes to young children, remember that you, the parent, control what food is consumed in your home. A child cannot go to the store and buy potato chips and candy bars. Parents often cave in to unhealthy food choices because they fear their child will not eat anything else. It’s frustrating and emotionally draining to fight your child at every meal. Sometimes it seems easier to allow them to eat what they want.

This cycle often sets an unhealthy dynamic in motion because a child quickly realizes that by acting out they will get what they want and won’t need to try healthy foods.

In a perfect world, we avoid this problem from the start by not caving every time a child wants a treat. Try to set up this dynamic and give these simple steps a try.

Children are very intelligent and will often adapt if given the right tools. If none of these tips help, I would advise sitting down with a professional to see if there is something else underlying the pickiness that needs to be addressed.

1. Replace Unhealthy Foods with Better Versions of the Same Foods This makes for a much easier transition.

For instance, if a child’s favorite food is

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

pizza, you could purchase sprouted grain english muffins or tortillas and make mini pizzas at home. Use organic marinara sauce and fresh buffalo mozzarella. Try to sneak a vegetable or two on top! This often works beautifully with children, especially if you allow them to help you make them.

2. Get Your Kids Involved!

Children are much more excited about eating something healthy if they participated in the process. I love leading family sessions with clients where we get the kids more involved. This is an exciting time for everyone. I have seen children who refuse to eat anything other than chicken nuggets gobble up a chocolate pudding that we made together from avocados. Get creative and have fun!

3. Think Outside the Box

Steamed cauliflower is not nearly as flavorful as roasting it, or trying something else out. Creating more intense flavor profiles can make a bland food taste delicious. Try using black beans in brownies. Trust me, the beans are completely undetectable!

Using avocado in pudding makes for a super silky product. Throw a handful of spinach into a smoothie. It turns the shake green, but it doesn’t taste green at all.

4. Bring Your Children to the Grocery Store

Tell your kids to pick out a new kind of produce that they promise to try. This is a great way to allow your children to make their own decisions. It also reinforces the respect you have for them, and opens a door to new foods for the entire family.

ancerSurgery_McCain_3746472_Layout 1 9/24/14 10:35 AM Page 1

DONALD A. MCCAIN, M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S. SPECIALIST IN TUMORS OF THE LIVER, GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, PANCREAS, SARCOMAS, MELANOMA & BREAST EXPERIENCE with MELANOMA: We have the largest single practice performance of sentinel lymph node biopsies and dissections-over 1,000 in the past 10 years.

EXPERTISE with LIVER CANCER: We have the highest volume practice of liver resections for metastatic colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results have been published from our data base of over 600 patients in ASCO-GI Malignancies Symposium 2009.

EXCELLENCE with GI MALIGNANCIES: We perform a high volume of resections for cancers of the stomach, pancreas, small bowel, colon, rectum and retroperitoneum, many with unusual pathologic diagnoses.

Open, laparoscopic and/or robotic approaches are applied depending on the diagnosis, complexity and overall medical status of the patient.

“Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award” 2014 New York Metro Area “America’s Top Surgeon Award” 2014 Acting Co-Chairman, Dept. of Surgery Hackensack University Medical Center Vice Chairman of the John Theurer Cancer Center Chief-Division of Surgical Oncology Hackensack University Medical Center Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery– UMDNJ Hackensack University Medical Center Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery Surgical Oncologist Board Certified Fellowship–Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center PhD in Molecular Biophysics Albert Einstein College of Medicine Member American Society of Clinical Oncology

20 Prospect Avenue, Suite 603 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201.342.1010 DRDONALDMCCAIN.COM

American Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association, Society of Surgical Oncology

Ask Audra

How Can I Manage My

H

Hot Flashes?

ot flashes are one of the most common symptoms a woman experiences during menopause. While they aren’t inherently dangerous, they can be incredibly uncomfortable and debilitating. Hot flashes cause an intense feeling of heat that can affect the entire body and face. Heart palpitations and perspiration are often present as well, and if you experience them at night, they can lead to insomnia.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Don’t fret! There is hope! There are plenty of steps you can take to lessen the severity of hot flashes. I have successfully helped many women manage their symptoms. Each woman is different, and often an individualized protocol is the most effective approach to the problem. Below are a few suggestions to help reduce the severity and amount of hot flashes experienced.

Please note that it’s always a good idea to consult your health care professional before making any changes. If your hot flashes and other symptoms are still out of control after trying these suggestions, sit down with a knowledgeable professional and come up with a protocol specific to you and your needs.

1. What You Eat Matters!

As menopause approaches, the food choices we make can have a huge impact on overall symptoms. Refined carbohydrates, processed and hydrogenated fats, fried foods, and a high sugar diet can raise your estrogen to as much as twice the normal level. This is a major contributing factor to menopausal symptoms. Focus the diet on real food.

Eat lots of organic vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts, beans, wild fish, pasture-raised eggs, and if you must, organic lean meats and poultry. It’s important to note that avoiding all poultry, meat, and cow’s milk dairy can drastically reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Eating natural phytoestrogens (plant-estrogens) before menopause can help maintain day-to-day estrogen levels. These are found in plants like licorice, fermented organic soybeans (not processed soy, including soy protein isolate, soy milk, soy chips, etc.),

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Fall 2014

and alfalfa. When menopause arrives, the estrogen drop is much less severe.

2. Stress Matters!

High levels of stress have been shown to make the symptoms of menopause much more severe. Learning different ways to cope with stressors can help you reduce overall symptoms. Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques can be incredibly effective at reducing stress.

3. Incorporate Ground Flaxseeds Into Your Daily Routine

Consuming two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily can drastically reduce the amount of hot flashes a woman experiences. Sprouted ground flax is even better! It’s important to note that flaxseeds should be kept in the refrigerator due to their delicate nature.

Some easy ways to get flax into your diet include throwing them into a shake, smoothie, or oatmeal.

You can also sprinkle some flaxseeds over your salad.

Great rhinoplasty starts with honesty.

Realistic expectations. A skilled plastic surgeon who will tell it to your straight. More importantly, give you the nose best suited to your anatomical face structure. Not the picture of the movie star. That’s what Dr. Rick Winters is all about. You’ll find him and nearly every top surgeon in the area in a variety of subspecialties at the ultra new Vanguard Surgical Center. It’s where doctors send their relatives.

4. Hydrate!

Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces daily. This means that a 130-pound woman should drink at least 65 ounces of water every single day.

Hot flashes tend to be more extreme when a woman is dehydrated. Drink up!

5. Natural Supplements Can Make a World of Difference

113 W. Essex St., Maywood, NJ 07607 p 201 291 9100 www.vanguardsurgicalcenter.com www.cohenwintersplasticsurgery.com p 201 487 3400

Salon Salon

Black cohosh, evening primrose oil, vitamin E, and the essential fatty acids found in coconut oil, avocado, fish oil, seeds and nuts have been shown to effectively reduce the severity of hot flashes.

6. Get moving!

Exercising regularly can help to optimize insulin levels and balance estrogen levels. Find something that you love to do and stick with it. Exercise can have a positive emotional impact as well.

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201.670.0110 Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

17

Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond You don’t have to stop practicing yoga when you find out you are expecting. In fact, yoga can be very beneficial for pregnant women.

By Cecilia Rivera

Y

Continued on pg. 20

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Continued from pg. 18

Non-Invasive Body Contouring Cellulite Reduction Wrinkle Reduction Circumferential Reduction Skin Tightening Stretch Mark Reduction

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find us on facebook

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

Current healthcare mandates do very little to distinguish between physicians. No cookie cutters here. Just the top guns.

The Vanguard Surgical Center is a state of the art multi-specialty surgical facility located in Maywood, NJ. In response to our rapidly changing healthcare landscape and the Affordable Care Act, several prominent subspecialty surgeons envisioned a place where innovative surgical care could be delivered by an outstanding cadre of surgical specialists alongside hand-picked anethesiologists, nurses and support staff.

We are doctor owned and operated and only the most highly skilled surgeons with impeccable judgment can obtain surgical priviledges to operate at Vanguard. We invite you to become part of a level of surgical care which is indeed transformative and will serve as the model in an area of healthcare reform. Â

p 201 291 9100 113 W. Essex St., Maywood, NJ 07607 www.VanguardSurgicalCenter.com

Tips for Mastering the Art of Nose Blowing Teach your toddler the proper technique

W

LOOK GOOD. FEEL GOOD. BE HEALTHY.

Helping You Feel Great Every Step Of The Way

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

23

Investing in Our

Future

The impact of early childhood education

By Barbara Stanton

B Continued on pg. 26

Continued from pg. 24

ACTIVITIES TO STIMULATE YOUNG MINDS

Research shows that daily physical activity helps children perform better academically, and there are several ways to foster these skills with your own children. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education’s “Active Start” book offers age-appropriate tips to keep children moving while powering up their brains. The key components of Primrose Schools’ Thumbs Up! program are derived from these principles. Here are some activities you can try at home:

Infants

Play simple games like peek-a-boo that encourage small movements, crawling and cooing.

Toddlers

Allow walking and running in open areas to improve balance.

Preschoolers

Introduce activities that elevate heart rates, such as dancing, biking or jumping rope.

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A state of the art multi-disciplinary medical plaza home to:

Services offered include preventative cardiology vascular disease screening and therapy leading edge treatment for varicose and spider veins minimally invasive procedures for peripheral arterial disease lipidology, nutritional and wellness counseling. To learn more about the services offered at the Heart and Vascular Institute or to schedule an appointment, please call 201-996-9244 or visit www.heartandvascularinstitutenj.com.

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Life Changer With the help of MRI-guided Deep Brain Stimulation and some incredible doctors, Roger Levitt is winning the battle against Parkinson’s disease

By Marissa Haight

W

28

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Continued on pg. 30 Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

29

Continued from pg. 29

“If you met Roger, you wouldn’t necessarily know that he has Parkinson’s disease.”

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“I can’t make 55 look 25… but how about 40?”

- Renowned plastic surgeon Stephanie Cohen, M.D.

Plastic surgery is not the Dark Arts, nor is it magic. Reversing age is a by-product of a person’s overall health, good genes and a skilled surgeon. One who truly cares about their own reputation, the end result and most importantly, your happiness. That’s what Dr. Stephanie Cohen is all about. You’ll find her and nearly every top surgeon in the area in a variety of subspecialties at the ultra new Vanguard Surgical Center.

It’s where doctors send their relatives.

113 W. Essex St., Maywood, NJ 07607 p 201 291 9100 www.vanguardsurgicalcenter.com www.cohenwintersplasticsurgery.com p 201 487 3400

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Health, Beauty & Fitness

Fall 2014

31

Combat the Disease of Aging by

Building Muscle Five exercises for a solid strength training regime

By Ginny Grimsley

I

f you want good health, a long life, and to feel your best well into old age, then strength training is one of the most important things you can do, according to Dr. Brett Osborn, author of “Get Serious: A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness.”

“Our ability to fight off disease resides in our muscles,” said Dr. Osborn.

Muscle is all protein, which is very good for the body. Fat, however, is an endocrine organ, meaning it releases hormones and other chemicals. When a person has excess fat, he or she also has a disrupted flow of excess biochemicals. This can increase insulin resistance and boost risk factors for stroke and high blood pressure, among other problems.

“Increased cytokines, an immune system chemical, for example, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Osborn said. “You’re only as old as your arteries.”

Strength training has health benefits for everyone—no matter their size. Just because you’re thin doesn’t mean you’re not carrying around some of the wrong kinds of fat.

“Some fat is visceral fat—it’s stored around the organs and it’s even more dangerous than the fat you can see,” Dr. Osborn said.

Increase your longevity and get back to basics with these five exercises that Dr. Osborn recommends. Always remember to practice proper form so you avoid injury.

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1. The Squat This full-body exercise is the basic movement around which all training should be centered. Heavy squats generate a robust hormonal response as numerous muscular structures are traumatized during the movement—even your biceps. Standing erect with a heavy load on your back and then repeatedly squatting down will stress your body inordinately—in a good way—forcing it to grow more muscle.

2. The Overhead Press This exercise primarily activates the shoulders, arm extenders and chest. Lower body musculature is also activated as it counters the downward force of the dumbbell supported by the trainee.

Force is transmitted through the skeletal system from the planted feet into the hands, and is stabilized by numerous muscular structures, most importantly the lower back.

Continued on pg. 34

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3. The Deadlift Deadlifts are considered by some to be the most complete training exercise. This lift centers on the hamstrings, buttocks, lumbar extensors and quadriceps—essentially the large muscles of your backside and the front of your thighs. As power is transferred from the lower body into the bar through the upper body conduit, upper back muscles are also stressed, contrasting with the squat, which is supported by the hands.

4. The Bench Press Trainees push the barbell off the lower chest until the arms are straight. The bench press is very simple, and it mostly targets the chest, shoulders and triceps. This motion stresses not only the entire upper body, but also the lower body, which serves a stabilizing function. This provides a big hormonal response and plenty of bang for your buck.

5. The Pull-Up/Chin-Up A pull-up is done when hands are gripping over the bar; a chin-up is where hands are gripping under the bar. This stresses upper body musculature into the body. Nine out of 10 people cannot do this exercise because most simply haven’t put in the effort. Dr. Osborn said that it has been called a “man’s exercise, which is nonsense.” There are no genderspecific exercises.

Dr. Brett Osborn is a New York University-trained, board-certified neurological surgeon with a secondary certification in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. To find out more about him, visit www.drbrettosborn.com.

What is Ultherapy?

This procedure may be the simple solution for those of you ready to wear V-neck blouses again without the risk of revealing your real age.

By Barbara Davis

A

woman’s hands and face can be telltale signs that the years are creeping by.

However, there is another area of the body that is often overlooked that can be one of the best indicators of a woman’s true age: her décolletage.

The chest is one of the most exposed and neglected areas of the body. Sun damage and time conspire to thin the skin and create wrinkles, sunspots and a paperlike texture. Even sleeping on your side, which chronically compresses the skin, contributes to vertical wrinkling patterns on the chest.

There are a number of products that target this area. Some options include topical skin care creams and serums, as well as structural devices that side sleepers can wear on their chests. Still, the options are relatively limited. The currently available options require ongoing use, offer only a preventive focus, and are limited in their ability to repair damage.

Those looking to find a cure in a bottle can pick from a number of creams at local department stores, pharmacies and salons. However, these over-the-counter treatments are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and offer potentially false hope to consumers.

Lasers can be effective, but must be used at low levels over several treatments, and the patient must avoid any sun exposure throughout the multi-month treatment regimen.

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Recently, the FDA approved a fresh approach to this problem. There is now an option specifically indicated to noninvasively treat the chest to improve lines and wrinkles of the décolletage. The Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment utilizes imaging and micro-focused ultrasound therapy capabilities. Ultherapy only takes about 30 minutes to administer, and boasts no downtime after the procedure.

Unlike lasers, radio frequency, surgery and other technologies, non-surgical Ultherapy bypasses superficial skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right depths and the right temperature. This energy triggers a natural response under the skin, jumpstarting the regenerative process that strengthens weak collagen and produces fresh, new collagen. The treatment also uses traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial. If you want to look younger, Ultherapy is a great option for you.

To find a doctor near you, visit NewUltherapy.com.

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E

Continued on pg. 40

D.I.Y. Relaxation 18 Ways to De-Stress Continued from pg. 39

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U.S.News

& WORLD REPORT

Get Up and Get Moving!

Exercise in the morning before your day becomes too hectic

By Daria Amato

F

all is a great time to wake up early and hit the streets for a walk, run, bike ride or other form of physical activity. Start by committing to one week, and plan ahead by having your workout gear laid out the night before.

Adhere to a “no excuses policy” and wake up about an hour earlier than your normal time. A morning workout requires dedication, determination and discipline. Be strong, and remember that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

It’s hard to find the time to exercise.

Doing so at the start of the day ensures that you get it done; there are no scheduling conflicts if you plan ahead and wake up early. Exercising in the morning increases our productivity and mental clarity. It gives us an extra energy boost by increasing blood flow throughout our body that helps deliver more oxygen to our brain while elevating serotonin levels.

If you want to begin a morning exercise routine, begin by realizing your purpose.

Perhaps you want to look better, lose weight, rid your body of those aches and pains, or simply feel better. Maybe your goal is to prevent disease and age gracefully. Whatever the reason might be, define it. If you know why you’re doing it, you will be more likely to stick with it.

After this, create your intention. Your 42

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intention is your call to action. It directs your choices and your energy. Your thoughts precede every action, and the action determines the results. Your intention should feel authentic, achievable and believable.

Be positive, empowering, clear and concise.

Instead of saying “I’d like to lose 5 pounds,” be declarative, and tell yourself “I will lose 5 pounds by waking up early to go for 3 mile walks every day, and I will pre-plan all of my meals with lots of fresh vegetables for the next 4 weeks.” Once you’ve created your intention, write it down. Put it on a calendar, hang notes everywhere, download an app or find an accountability partner to help you stay focused on your goals and intentions.

Find a solution that works for you.

You should embrace the idea of intuitive exercise. Get in the habit of listening to your body. This will help you stick to an exercise routine, prevent injury, and avoid workout burnout. If you don’t like a particular exercise, don’t do it! Find something that you enjoy, and stick with it. The whole process will become much more enjoyable and sustainable. You will learn to love waking up every morning.

My mother always told me, “You have one life to live; you better be living the one you want!” It’s time to rise and shine!

For more information on healthy living from Daria, visit www.transformativelivin.com.

A morning exercise routine will do the following: Improve sleep patterns and quality of sleep Foster relationships with friends and family through working out together Relieve stress and anxiety Fight depression by raising serotonin levels and producing a relaxation response Slow age-related decline by building strong bones and muscles Improve flexibility and balance Help slow or prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass Reduce aches and pains by strengthening the muscles and joints Boost performance, endurance and self-confidence Enhance smart food choices

CORE MISCONCEPTIONS

Simply understanding the purpose and function of your abs will help you determine the best way to train them WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER BLAKE As seen in Talk of the Town magazine

C

To the left: Looks like Max forgot to squeeze his abs and brace. To the right: Max learned from his painful mistake and now knows to squeeze hard and prepare for impact.

The classic crunch position seen in gyms across the country. Forcefully pulling on your cervical spine is a great way to injure your back. Don’t do this.

Continued on pg. 46

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45

CORE MISCONCEPTIONS Continued from pg. 45

To the left: During a properly performed overhead press, the role of the abs is to help maintain Jill’s normal spinal curvature. To the right: When the abs fail to do their job, her spine falls into overextension.

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See What You’re Missing The Road to Better Eye Health

By Martin Strauss

I

f you’re like many Americans, you may only pay attention to your eye health when something goes wrong. This is a mistake.

You should make preventive and routine eye care a top priority.

“Too many people fail to grasp the value of routine vision care, only seeking treatment for eye-related problems after they occur,” said Stephen Shawler, president of Essilor Vision Foundation. “Although 80 percent of vision problems are preventable, we still have significant work to do to prevent vision problems before they start.”

Clear vision is a crucial tool to experience life to its fullest potential. However, according to Essilor, an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide see poorly and don’t possess adequate access to vision correction.

From an economic perspective, the Vision Impact Institute (VII) estimates that as much as $745 million is lost in productivity every single day as a result of uncorrected vision problems in 33 percent of the world’s working population.

Extensive social consequences are also a risk. According to the VII, some 30 percent of the world’s children experience vision problems that have a significant

impact on their long-term health, school performance and emotional and social development. Given that 80 percent of children’s learning is through visual information processing, poor vision can hinder not only their academic performance, but also how they interact with peers and integrate into society.

Beyond the economic and social consequences, ignoring eye health can also have disastrous outcomes in other areas.

For example, elderly individuals with poor vision are seven times more at risk for falls and hip fractures, and poor sight is linked to 59 percent of road accidents.

Continued on pg. 52

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Continued from pg. 51

Eye Health by the

Numbers

From a medical standpoint, eye exams do more than correct vision problems. They also can help detect conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, multiple sclerosis, strokes, hypertension and eye tumors. To minimize the risks associated with poor vision, experts recommend knowing the numbers that add up to healthy eyes.

1 Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every year. For kids, don’t settle for the vision screenings at school; schedule a comprehensive annual eye exam with an eye doctor.

20

3 If you wear contact lenses, prevent the risk of bacteria and infection by replacing your lens storage case once every three months.

25 Age-related macular degeneration is a serious eye condition that affects the elderly, causing visual impairment, damage to the retina, and even blindness. Taking high levels of zinc in addition to antioxidant vitamins can reduce your risk by up to 25 percent.

Staring at a computer monitor for too long can fatigue the eyes, leading to painful side effects like dry eyes and even headaches. Every 20 minutes, look away for about 20 seconds at a space 20 feet away from you. This simple trick can reduce eye strain and help you refocus safely.

90 When selecting sunglasses, find a pair that blocks out invisible ultraviolet light, and up to 90 percent of visible light.

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Headache?

Earache?

Neck Pain?

Your jaw joint could be the culprit

By John D. Petkanas, D.D.S.

I

t starts with pain up in front of your ears, or around them. The pain may radiate up into the temples, or behind your eyes. You may have difficulty chewing certain foods. Your jaw may click, “pop,” or even feel like it’s about to lock when you yawn or open wide. Your ears may feel stuffy or clogged, almost like they have bathwater in them. Sometimes the pain even stretches all the way down into your neck. What is going on? Do you have a headache? Ear infection? Neck

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pain? Maybe so, but you would be amazed to find out how often the culprit is actually your jaw joint.

That’s correct: your jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the “TMJ,” is about the size of a quarter, and it sits just in front of your ear on either side of your face. It’s where your jaw connects with the base of your skull, and with all the work it has to do, it’s no wonder this joint can frequently lead to problems that go undiagnosed and untreated—often leading to needless suffering.

Patients who suffer from TMJ disorders have symptoms that will often overlap or mimic those of other injuries. Headache is the number one complaint of these patients (95% of the time), but there are other ailments as well. These include eye pain that is focused in, around, or behind the eye (85% of the time), tinnitus, or “ringing” in the ears (85% of the time), otalgia, or ear pain (85% of the time), and last but not least, neck pain (80% of the time).

Problems arising within the TMJ can involve an inflammation of the joint’s lining, referred to as synovitis. While anti-

inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are helpful in managing the pain, a dislocated disc is frequently the cause of this problem. In case you didn’t know, there is a disc of cartilage that typically sits between the base of your skull and the top of your lower jaw. When this disc slips out of place, the joint will be damaged and cause pain when you open widely or chew anything besides softer foods. You may actually even hear clicking or popping noises when you chew.

In these cases, splint therapy is often quite helpful. Splints are devices that are fitted over your teeth or dental work that aid in correcting the problem. They can be soft or hard, depending on the nature of the problem, and are custom fabricated and adjusted as needed until we get the result we desire. We typically fit our patients with lower splints for added comfort and convenience.

Many times, the pain may be in your jaw muscles, or the muscles of the cheek or temple, which you would feel near the

eyes and around the ears. If this is the case, there are several treatment options, depending on the specific case. For example, in cases that fail to respond to other therapies, many of our patients benefit greatly from using Botox to treat these muscles.

Often, ear pain will be a chief complaint that patients may present to their physician or ear, nose and throat specialist. When asked, these patients typically have difficulty localizing the pain, which may be made worse by sudden neck movements, chewing or yawning. The pain may also radiate up into the temples, or down into the neck. Adequate assessment is key to diagnosing the problem, and rendering effective treatment.

Occasionally, patients complain of severe facial pain that arises from a problem with either the facial or trigeminal nerves. The former is commonly referred to as Bell’s Palsy. The latter is called trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux.

Bell’s Palsy typically results in a drooping of one side of the face, and should be as-

sessed immediately to rule out anything more serious, such as a stroke. Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful disorder that typically affects one side of the face, and while there is typically no drooping associated with it, the condition can come and go. It can be triggered by a gentle touch to a given area of the face, and can be unbearably painful. After proper assessment and testing, treatment can effectively manage these disorders.

The best treatment for these conditions is often best accomplished via a multi-modality approach. This may entail specialty referral, or even an MRI. With proper care and follow-up, the results are usually excellent. The first step is getting to someone who can help. We’re here for you.

Dr. Petkanas has been treating patients suffering from oro-facial and TMJ-related pain for over 20 years. His office is located in Saddle Brook. Call (201) 703-0100 to schedule a consultation. For more information, visit www.oro-facialpaindoc.com.

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Driving in the Dark How to safely navigate the night

By Brandon Goldstein

W

e often assume that a lack of confidence while driving at night is most commonly associated with older drivers. However, drivers as young as 40 feel uncomfortable driving in dark, nighttime conditions. When darkness arrives earlier around this time of year, there

is more low-light driving time for drivers of all ages. It’s important to understand the factors that contribute to this discomfort, including one surprising culprit: your nutrition.

Night driving is characterized by lowlight conditions and glare from oncoming headlights that impact a driver’s vision.

These factors can have serious safety implications. Results from a survey conducted by Toluna and EyePromise reinforce the importance of quality vision. Nearly one in four respondents reported that if they could see better, then they would feel safer driving at night.

This is a problem with real conse-

quences. Concerns about driving safely at night and in low-light conditions are valid. According to the National Safety Council, traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. However, for many people, driving at night is not a choice. In the Toluna and EyePromise survey, one in five respondents said that despite feeling anxious, they continue to drive at night out of necessity.

It’s time to protect yourself behind the wheel. The first step toward safer night driving is becoming aware of the issues that may disrupt a driver’s confidence behind the wheel. The vision issues related to night driving can be organized into three categories: low-light conditions, which affect contrast and the ability to gauge distance; glare, which may cause a period of blind driving; and reaction time, which is reduced when visibility is hampered.

You can also enhance your safety behind the wheel by adopting smart driving behaviors such as driving slower at night and watching the white line on the road.

The National Safety Council recommends that drivers clean their headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows (inside and out) at least once a week. This is something people hardly ever do! It’s time to fix that.

Protecting your vision quality at its source can be beneficial as well. Scientific studies indicate that the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein can have a significant impact on visual performance. Zeaxanthin and lutein are carotenoids that make up the macular pigment—the area of the eye responsible for protecting vision.

Trace amounts can be found in foods like leafy greens, corn, eggs, and red, orange and yellow peppers. Optometrists recommend a nutritional supplement in order to get the necessary levels of these nutrients.

Common Night

Driving Pitfalls Let’s take a closer look at some of the obstacles associated with night driving

Low-Light Conditions Low-light conditions make it harder for the eyes to see contrast and thus identify objects and gauge their distance. It is much more difficult for a person to make out an object or person in the street. In these scenarios, it also becomes harder to accurately measure how fast objects are moving.

Glare Disability and Recovery Glare and blinding light from an oncoming car’s headlights not only disable vision in the moment, but also leave people temporarily blind for a brief period of time before the eyes recover. In fact, glare is one of the most common night driving vision issues. One out of four respondents in the aforementioned survey reported that they feel unsafe driving at night due to glare.

Reaction Time Reaction time is slower at night. The National Safety Council reports that 90 percent of a driver’s reaction depends on vision, which is limited at night, so a person’s ability to spot danger and react is compromised. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety claims that a typical driver makes 20 decisions per mile and has less than half a second to act to avoid a collision. It’s clear that hampered night vision poses serious danger.

Three Quick Tips • Make sure the windshield and headlights are clean • Leave more distance between cars • Use “night” setting on your interior rearview mirror

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Share Your Health History Take the time to learn your family’s health history when you’re together this fall and holiday season

By Edward Rifkin

T

he fall and winter months provide many reasons to get together with your loved ones. The whole extended family gathering around the dinner table is a great opportunity to reconnect and turn relationships into strong, eternal ties.

After a few glasses of wine, grandpa starts to recall his tales of saving all of Europe during World War II—a story that he embellishes more and more every year. Everyone is laughing and smiling, but part of the reason we all cherish these moments so much is because we never know how many of them are left.

Passing down family health history can be more important than sharing your great grandmother’s heirloom recipe. Though marked with stories and laughter, family reunions are also a perfect time to talk about important matters that affect the health of your family members. Many health conditions run in the family, so knowing the health history can help you and your loved ones take the right steps to staying healthy. Sharing a health history means having an open conversation about your health conditions or those experienced by another family member.

These conversations can transform a simple update about a loved one’s well-being into a piece of prevention. In addition to becoming informed about issues such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer, be aware of other major health conditions as well.

These conversations can be somewhat uncomfortable, but it is important to be proactive about them. Learning what health risks to watch out for at an early stage in your life will give you a greater advantage to stopping any serious risks that may be lurking in your family’s medical history.

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Five Tips for Starting the Conversation Talking about health history at family reunions can be challenging. Having a strategy for difficult conversations can help guide the discussion and make it a meaningful and productive experience. Here are some tips for getting a one-on-one conversation started at your next family reunion.

1. Ask permission to have the conversation and try to choose a convenient time and comfortable environment. Look for a quiet, private place that is free from distractions.

2. Acknowledge that it is not always easy to face personal health problems. Try to be supportive of your family members and listen to their concerns.

3. Include personal stories in your health discussion. Try sharing your story on how you manage diabetes or high blood pressure to help put them at ease.

4. Offer to go with family members to their health care provider and encourage them to bring information about kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure to appointments.

5. Follow up with family members in ways that work for them. Some relatives may prefer a phone call to an email or text message.

Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

Conquest Classic

Dave

Ratzker

Changing the Way We Hear

By Rachel Rondon

D 60

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Continued on pg. 62

Common Causes of

Hearing Loss Exposure to excessive loud noise over a period of time.

Ear infections, trauma, or ear disease.

Harm of the inner ear and eardrum from contact with foreign objects such as cotton swabs.

Illness or certain medications.

Deteriorating hearing due to the normal aging process.

Zounds Hearing in Westfield has ongoing campaigns to benefit the community. Programs include: Free hearing screenings by appointment.

Hearing aids are offered at 75 percent to veterans who suffered hearing damage during combat operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. This program includes an auditory screening

by Dr. Lipp, custom-programming of the hearing aids for the individual, and ongoing adjustments as needed.

Through a partnership with the Westfield and Mountainside Lions Club, Zounds supplies refurbished hearing aids to those in need. Every used hearing aid customers turn in when purchasing new devices will go to the Lions Club, and is eligible for a store credit of up to $1,000.

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Continued from pg. 61

What to Know About Hearing Loss and Prevention Adults over the age of 60 are advised to have hearing screenings once a year.

More than 60% of older adults have hearing loss. However, only one in five who need a hearing aid wear one and they usually wait five to seven years before seeing a specialist.

Untreated hearing loss can affect your ability to understand speech and can negatively impact your social, emotional and physical well-being.

A recent study by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging found a correlation between untreated hearing loss and a loss of cognitive function, noting a higher risk of developing forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.

Auditory deprivation, which is what happens when the brain no longer receives appropriate auditory stimulation, leads to diminished cognitive function.

Auditory stimulation is critical in maintaining healthy brain function.

Baby Boomers are developing hearing loss at a faster rate and younger age than previous generations. This is being caused by personal listening devices that utilize headphones and earpieces, and increased noise pollution.

Many issues experienced due to untreated hearing loss can be halted, and in some cases, reversed when the individual is fitted with bilateral hearing aids.

Signs That You May Have Hearing Loss Difficulty hearing people talk in noisy environments such as a restaurant, shopping mall, in a car, or at the movie theater.

People seem to “mumble” all the time.

Family, friends, or colleagues often have to repeat themselves when speaking with you.

You have trouble hearing people when they are not facing you or are in another room.

You have trouble following conversations.

You have ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears.

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BEAUTY BASICS

Tips for Perfectly Pretty Nails Nails have become the ultimate form of self-expression. Classic French manicures, gel finishes, elaborate designs and bold neons all reflect your unique style. This season, enhance your overall appearance by making sure your tips are healthy and polished to perfection. By maintaining your nails properly, you’ll set the tone for your beautiful appearance.

Polish Your Look Whether you want a pop of color to match a new outfit or a subdued nude overlay, a perfect polish is the final step needed to complete your look. Brighten up any day or night with brilliant color. Give your nails personality with the beautiful shades from the Revlon ColorStay collection. These bubbly and trendy hues are nice and flirty. The Sittin’ Pretty and Vices Versa shades by Essie are worth checking out as well. Small, chic updates to your look don’t require spending a fortune. There are hundreds of shades to match up with your personal style. To choose the right shade for you, visit a store that has a wide color selection of nail polish and pick out a few that you will love.

Take Care of Your Cuticles Located above the nail bed, the cuticle also requires proper moisture. Be sure to apply a special cuticle formula or your favorite lotion to this area. If you have brittle nails, invest in a strengthening base coat before you begin to polish.

Make Moisturizing a Habit Before you break out the polish, be sure to pay proper attention to your hands. Invest in a deeply hydrating hand cream or body lotion and apply it to your hands throughout the day. You should do this every day. Some key ingredients to look for include retinol, vitamin B and alpha-hydroxy acids. These ingredients work together to provide smooth, supple skin from the fingertips to the palms.

Maintain Your Manicure

Innovate at Home While many women rush to their local salon for professional gel procedures, new at-home products provide the same look, feel and durability. Some manufacturers even offer gel products that don’t require an LED light for application. Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy will provide you with flawless color and brilliant shine in just two steps.

The signs of healthy nails include a strong, smooth surface, free of dents and dings, with a consistent, uniform color throughout. Invest in quality nail care supplies to keep them looking their best. A complete kit should include a fingernail clipper, cuticle stick, emery board and a buffer. While the rate at which nails grow can vary from person to person, filing them about once a week is a good way to keep up with maintenance. Of course, filing is a good idea any time chips, breakage or rough edges appear. For the best results, cut and file right after bathing when your nails are soft.

Protect and Conquer Busy women know that a daily beauty regimen requires time and effort. A healthy look can have a significant payoff as well. This fall, check out these tips that will protect your skin without breaking the bank. Your healthy appearance and beauty will inspire confidence in everyone around you.

Slow Down the Skin Abuse Process Poor diet, sun exposure and smoking are just a few of the factors that can lead to the fine lines and wrinkles many women work hard to prevent.

People think the sun somehow disappears in the fall, but that is far from the truth. Yes, you’re less likely to be strutting around in your bikini, but the sun’s rays can still wreak havoc on your skin. Covering your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and keeping its damaging ultraviolet rays at bay helps ward off premature aging and helps to preserve the skin. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, your best defense is to apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Do this all year long! Invest in a quality night cream that works to restore the skin’s appearance as you sleep. Some products offer multiple benefits that firm, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Look After Your Lips!

Like any other part of your skin, lips can become dry and flaky, particularly when exposed to harsh weather conditions or extreme settings. Give them proper nourishment and care to keep them smooth, supple, and free of cracks and irritation. To exfoliate rough patches and remove dead skin, use natural ingredients right from your kitchen. Simply place a small dab of honey and sugar on your lips and gently rub them together. This procedure works best right before bedtime. Follow it up with a thick coating of lip balm. This will penetrate and renew your lips as you sleep and you will wake up to plump, smooth and beautiful lips.

To maintain lip moisture, invest in a quality lip balm, especially those that pull double-duty by offering protection from the sun.

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BEAUTY BASICS

Hot New Trends Beauty trendsetters are forecasting an increase in bold, expressive looks—especially around the eyes.

Give your beauty a boost with these fashion-forward beauty ideas.

Make a Statement with Your Lashes Complete your extreme eye look with the new lash plumping innovations in mascara. Try L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Waterproof Mascara in Black for gorgeous results.

Perfect the Cat Eye Inspired by ’60s mod fashion, boldly-lined lids are gracing the covers of fashion magazines worldwide. Choose a dark gray or black for the best statement. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Liquid Eyeliner in Black is a great option.

Try Out an Orange Pout Give your lips a citrusy glow with the many shades of orange that are sweeping the runways. To add the juicy allure of orange to your lips, try Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Rendezvous or Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lip Balm in Audacious.

Go Ahead and Glow This season, the best skin coverage products provide a natural, fresh glow. To give your skin a gentle, sun-kissed vibe even in the colder months, try Rimmel Natural Bronzer.

This great product uses natural minerals to help you get than tan look.

Get the Blues Dramatic eyes are all the rage. Try out the CoverGirl Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Sapphire Flare. It’s a great way to go bold.

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Uncovering the Truth Behind

Nutrition Studies What Should You Believe?

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By Jacqueline Hope

o you often feel confused by the many sensational nutrition studies in the media? When it comes to feeding your family, breaking down the scientific research process is essential to making informed nutrition choices.

It’s only natural to remain skeptical of nutrition studies mentioned in headlines. One moment a study recommends eating fish or butter, and not long after that, another study contradicts the very thing we just added to our grocery cart.

“As consumers hungry for good health, it’s easy to get caught up in and sometimes discouraged by studies that promise the newest improve-your-health food,” said Carolyn O’Neil, a registered dietitian for Best Food Facts. “Who among us doesn’t want to feel and look better as a result of eating? With headlines promising miracle results, and then those promises don’t work out, it’s easy to get discouraged.”

Rather that doubting yourself, O’Neil suggests understanding the research process behind the headlines. The next time you read about a study that touts the next food trend, you’ll be able to decipher whether it’s a good option for your family.

“Just because you read it in the paper doesn’t mean you should change your eating habits overnight, because that’s not the way we in science typically operate,” explained Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia.

These are the three main steps for conducting thorough research. Along 68

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with being peer reviewed and published, research that fits within these categories is recognized as the gold standard.

1. Transparency

Reliable research includes communication that’s honest, open and easy to understand.

2. Reproducibility

Different scientific researchers participate in studies that come to the same conclusion.

3. Meta-Analysis

There is an ability to contrast and combine results from different studies to look for differences or agreement.

If these three steps cannot be successfully completed, testing will continue until multiple scientists determine the same result. Unfortunately, this kind of process promises no immediate results. This is yet another

reason why it’s important to take those inyour-face nutritional studies with a grain of salt until further studies are completed.

Once a study successfully meets the steps of transparency and reproducibility, the research is turned over to scientists who were not involved in the initial research for an independent evaluation.

These scientists perform a meta-analysis, contrasting and combining results from different studies and looking for differences or agreement. Only after going through this process can research be considered scientifically verified.

If you don’t have time to dig deeper into the research, O’Neil recommends visiting www.BestFoodFacts.org, a website featuring information from more than 170 university-based food system experts with blogs, infographics and videos on all things food.

Fill Your Plate with

Superfoods Add some nutrition and flavor to your favorite dishes

S

uperfoods, by definition, are calorie sparse and nutrient dense.

They are superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients— nutrients we need but cannot make ourselves. You should incorporate more of them into your daily diet. Superfoods taste great too!

Omega-3s, Please!

Edible skin and soft bones give Alaska canned pink salmon four times the Omega-3s EPA and DHA, and twelve times the vitamin D as many popular canned meats and fish. In addition, by adding this to your diet, you will get 25 percent of your recommended dietary allowance for calcium, and nearly the daily reference amount for selenium. Buy any brand, but look for Alaska on the lid or label.

High Quality Plant-Based Protein Having a simple but nutritious on-the-go snack can sure come in handy. Allnatural and certified gluten-free, SOYJOY snack bars are baked with pieces of real fruit and non-genetically modified ground whole soybeans. The protein in soybeans provides all nine essential amino acids, making them a source of high quality, complete protein.

Creamy and Calcium Rich With a rich creamy taste and a wide variety of uses, almond milk is a superfood staple in kitchens everywhere. Almond milk, such as Almond Breeze, can be enjoyed alone, over cereal, in smoothies and in cooked dishes. It is as versatile as it is delicious. Almond milk is low in calories and high in calcium, and it’s also gluten and cholesterol-free.

Packed with Potassium Not only are potatoes delicious and versatile, but they also pack a nutritional punch. One medium potato has only 110 calories and is free of fat, sodium, cholesterol and gluten. Potatoes provide more potassium than bananas and almost half of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as B6, iron, and fiber which can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol.

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Power Punch How much protein do you need?

By Rachel Lewis

T

here is no question that protein is essential to keeping your body in top physical form. Lugging around heavy grocery bags? Chasing after kids? Training for your first half marathon? Protein increases strength by rebuilding damaged muscle tissue, and helps promote stamina since it takes longer to digest. It has certainly earned its reputation as the workhorse for your body.

Protein can be found in a wide range of foods, including meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, soy, nuts and seeds. Foods like these help slow digestion, control appetite, and keep you feeling full for a longer period of time.

Choosing lean proteins and making sure you are getting a variety of protein-filled foods are two ways to get the most from your nutrition plan.

It is important to remember that how

much protein you need depends on your activity level. For example, a 140-pound woman who has a primarily sedentary lifestyle needs 56 grams per day, while a 140-pound woman who participates in regular, high-impact exercise may need as much as 119 grams of protein per day.

Remember that a pre- or post-workout snack with vitamins and nutrients is especially important to help you power through your sweat session.

Looking to boost your protein intake?

Try these protein-rich snacks: • Celery sticks, carrots, or apple slices with nut butter • Hard-boiled egg with salt and pepper on whole wheat bread • 1 protein-rich bar, such as a LUNA Protein Bar • Plain Greek yogurt topped with seasonal fruit • Low sodium turkey meat rolled up with lettuce, low fat cheese, mustard and veggies of your choice

Unscrambling the Mystery of Egg Production Where did your omelet come from?

By Jacqueline Hope

E

gg cartons display various terms regarding how egg-laying hens are housed, but what do these terms mean? These expressions simply confuse shoppers and raise more questions than they answer about how eggs are produced.

The Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply, a group of scientists, research institutions, food manufacturers, foodservice companies and egg producers, conducts research with the purpose of educating us about the terms involved in raising hens. There are three distinct housing systems we should know about: conventional cages, enriched cages, and cage-free.

Indoor hen housing systems were first introduced in the 1950s. These systems sheltered the hens from the outdoors, and offered them protection from weather, predators and disease.

As a result of this new technology, sanitation improved drastically. “Our eggs used to be produced by smaller flocks that were outside. However, growers found that if we could move hens to cages inside a building we could better monitor and regulate their environment to keep them safe and comfortable,� said Dr. Darrin Karcher, a professor at Michigan State University who is involved with the research.

The Coalition’s research indicates pros and cons to each system. Understanding these three terms will make you a more informed consumer, allowing you to choose the best eggs for your family.

Conventional Cage Systems Approximately 95 percent of eggs are produced in what is known as a conventional cage system. In this system, each cage houses six to nine hens. In general, this system has good indoor air quality and relatively few hen health issues. Production costs are the lowest of the three systems, ensuring affordable eggs for consumers. However, hens are unable to perform behaviors such as dust bathing, foraging, nesting and roosting. Caged hens also have poorer skeletal health due to lack of exercise.

Enriched Cage Systems This type of hen housing system provides more space for the hens. Perches, nesting areas, and flooring surfaces facilitate foraging and dust bathing behaviors. Hens are better able to express natural behaviors such as nesting and perching, and perches improve bone strength. However, foraging behavior and dust bathing are not expressed as easily as in cage-free systems. Mortality and production costs are higher than in conventional cage systems.

Cage-Free Systems In this housing environment, hens roam through defined sectors of their barn with open floor space and multiple levels so they can exhibit natural behaviors. Hen mortality is the highest in this system, due in part to the number of hens in a section. This leads to competition and excessive pecking. The remaining flock is unable to produce as many eggs as flocks in other systems.

Labor costs are higher; the cost of the eggs produced here is the highest of the three systems. Also, cage-free systems have increased levels of ammonia and dust due to litter and manure on the floor.

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Hot Sauce Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient Spicy insights from Bergen County native and hot sauce aficionado Chef Johnny McLaughlin WRITTEN BY

HEIDI RAKER

J

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Hot Sauce Health Elixir, Masculine Tonic & Essential Ingredient

Chef Johnny suggests hot sauce as an essential ingredient in expanding food and drink flavors.

Here are some of his suggestions.

Continued from pg. 73

Need a side sauce? Soften up some onion and garlic, and reduce with a fruit-based hot sauce. Finish it off with fresh cilantro and drizzle over dish.

Combine 542 Chocolate Habanero Sauce with crème fraiche. Polish with some melted New York sharp cheddar and pickle for an awesome dip.

Kick back than with Electric Lemonade. Add Heartbreaking Dawns’ pear and apple-based Ghost Sauce to bring out delicious bursts of flavor. Muddle in fresh cilantro for a finishing touch.

Leave out the vermouth next time you mix a martini. Instead, film the martini glass with a sweet, fruit-based hot sauce.

xx

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Heidi Raker, a Bergen-based food blogger and publicist, can be found at www. redheadwithafork.com. For more on Chef Johnny and Heartbreaking Dawns, visit www.heartbreakingdawns.com.

Protecting our environment.

Serving our community.

Today and tomorrow. We know the two go hand in hand.

That’s why everything we do is focused on what you need today while we plan and prepare for what the world might need tomorrow. Clean water. A healthy Earth. For your small corner of the world and for the global community.

Every day we’re your vital resource, providing stewardship of our most vital natural resources.

For more information, visit www.unitedwater.com

Smart Drugs Nootropic supplements that boost your brain

By Ben Greenfield

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Continued from pg. 77

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Green Coffee Extract Can it help you lose weight?

By Pasha Gurevich

T

he weight-loss industry has seen its fair share of shortcut-laden fads that promise results after minimal effort. These marketing tactics often work. For example, raspberry ketone product sales grew by triple digits in 2013, a year after they first received national attention on television.

These health-centric shortcuts are welcome news to consumers; after all, why test willpower, expend extra effort, and waste time for minimal gains when you could spend your time doing something else? The appeal is evident. A solid scientific basis on which these claims are made, however, is often not. To that point, raspberry ketones still lack conclusive scientific evidence of any weight-loss benefits.

What about Green Coffee Extract (GCE), a coffee bean-based supplement that has also recently garnered consumer attention for its weight-loss claims?

An Introduction

Typically, the seeds (beans) of the Coffea fruit are roasted to become the source of our coveted morning ritual. However, while exposure to the high heat of roasting gives coffee beans their unmistakable flavors and scents, it also chemically 80

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reduces a compound called chlorogenic acid—the active ingredient suggested to be responsible for most of GCE’s health claims. It is generally thought that chlorogenic acid content is the primary chemical difference between roasted and raw varieties of coffee beans.

Claims

GCE has enjoyed the spotlight in recent years primarily due to claims that it is a highly effective weight-loss aid. Popular on-screen personality Dr. Oz has said that GCE is “one of the most important discoveries we’ve made to help you burn fat faster.” Let’s take a closer look at that statement.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence Supporting GCE’s Claims?

A 2006 study of mice pre-fed with olive oil assessed the effects of GCE on both fat absorption and triglyceride metabolism—measures used to describe fat accumulation and body-weight gain. The results indicated that GCE reduced visceral fat content (a subclass of fats that envelopes organs and are thought to be particularly detrimental to human health), as well as overall body weight.

Researchers concluded that GCE was “possibly effective” against weight-gain by both inhibiting fat absorption and priming the liver for fat metabolism. The weight-loss properties of GCE were a team effort; the study suggested that caffeine was responsible for suppressing fat

absorption, chlorogenic acid reduced triglyceride accumulation in the liver, and a metabolite of chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid increased the liver’s metabolic activity.

Although animal studies do not definitively predict human response, they do lend legitimacy to the possibility of similar effects in humans. Despite the popularity of GCE as a weight-loss supplement, few human trials have been conducted. According to a 2011 metaanalysis, only five trials using GCE have been conducted, three of which used weight as their primary objective. However, study authors note that these trials were short-term and may have been subject to bias and a high degree of heterogeneity, diminishing the validity of their claims. Furthermore, two of them were associated with for-profit organizations, which is a clear conflict of interest.

In one of the higher quality clinical studies, researchers found that chlorogenic acid-enriched instant coffee was able to significantly reduce the absorption of glucose compared to controls.

The researchers also conducted a second, randomized, double-blind study to assess the effects of chlorogenic acid on body mass. In this 12-week study of 30 overweight individuals, researchers found that those in the chlorogenic acidenriched coffee group lost an average of 5.4 kg, while those consuming regular instant coffee lost only 1.7 kg. Authors concluded that chlorogenic acid “ap-

pears to have a significant effect on the absorption and utilization of glucose.”

Final Thoughts and Considerations

In the limited number of studies available, the science suggests that GCE may support minor weight loss, but only in overweight subjects. No studies have been conducted yet in lean individuals.

Furthermore, the majority of available studies are tainted by lackluster experiment design and conflicts of interest.

Also, remember that GCE still comes from the coffee plant, so it may have high levels of caffeine. If you’re used to drinking a few cups of coffee every day, taking GCE may add to your tally. Excess caffeine has been linked to irritability, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia, among other issues.

Overall, while the research is promising, it is by no means definitive. Larger, higher quality trials will be needed to accurately assess the effects of GCE on weight loss. With that said, any claimed quick and easy fixes to what we know to be hard, long-term self-improvement projects are probably not worth your cash—at least, until more conclusive data comes rolling in.

Pasha Gurevich is a medical expert for LabDoor, a web and mobile app that provides research and insight for a variety of medical topics. Find out more at labdoor.com.

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It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Are You Overdue for Your Mammogram?

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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and if you are overdue for your mammogram, this serves as the perfect reminder to make an appointment today. We sat down with breast surgeon Dr. Laura Klein, Medical Director of The Valley Hospital Breast Center, to discuss the importance of regular breast cancer screening.

Q: A: Q: A:

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Why is regular screening for breast cancer so important?

It’s been shown time and time again that regular screening for breast cancer with a mammogram and a breast self-exam reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer by catching the cancer early, when it is more easily and successfully treated.

What exactly is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of the breast used to detect and evaluate changes in the breast, such as calcification, masses, and distortion. Women who undergo mammograms at The Valley Hospital Breast Center have the latest generation of diagnostic technology available to them—digital mammography, which allows high-resolution images of the breast to be viewed by radiologists, a significant improvement over the limitations of conventional, two-dimensional X-ray film.

Valley also offers 3D breast tomosynthesis for breast cancer detection. Also known as 3D mammography, this technology has the potential to improve cancer detection and reduce false-positive findings by providing physicians a clearer look through the overlapping structures of breast tissue.

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are the current recommendaQ: What tions for breast cancer screening?

A:

The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) recommendations for breast cancer screening in women without breast symptoms are as follows: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of their health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. Starting at age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional every year.

Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.

Women age 40 and older who are not considered at high risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should be considered for additional imaging, such as the combination of yearly MRI and mammography.The ACS suggests that women at high risk should consult with their doctors about the best age at which to begin screening for breast cancer, based on their personal medical history. Women at high risk for breast cancer include women who: Have a family history of breast cancer, for example, one firstdegree relative (a parent or sibling) who had breast cancer; Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years; Have a known BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 gene mutation; or Have a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) with a BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves.

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram at The Valley Hospital Breast Center, please call 201-447-8200.

The Blumenthal Cancer Center

LAURA KLEIN, M.D.

[ We will ]

TIHESHA WILSON, M.D.

FIND A

BETTER WAY. You can beat breast cancer. You’re looking at two reasons why: Laura Klein, M.D. and Tihesha Wilson, M.D. As breast surgeons, Drs. Klein and Wilson focus exclusively on treating breast tumors with the latest advances in medicine. Drs. Klein and Wilson lead in the use of novel treatment approaches like oncoplastics, striving to preserve the breast with reconstructive techniques that offer patients a better cosmetic outcome. Whatever they can do to fight cancer, they will.

For more information, call 201-634-5707 or visit ValleyFightsCancer.com.

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