Health, Beauty & Fitness Summer '22

Summer 2022

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Louis S. Heart Attack Survivor

LOUIS’ HEART STOPPED, THEN THE WORLD STOPPED. But with us, his recovery never did.

February 1, 2020. Louis flatlined 3 times in the ER of Holy Name, and we brought him back. But that massive heart attack left him feeling scared and broken. He hadn’t even opened up to his wife and daughters about how he felt.

Yet, when he started cardiac rehabilitation, his nurse Vijay met him and just knew.

So when the pandemic hit and our cardiac rehab center had to shut down, Vijay never stopped motivating Louis.

At a time when Louis was so scared of losing progress and falling back, Vijay made sure Louis knew exactly what steps to take and how to move forward—not just physically but emotionally, too.

Read Louis’ story at ThisPlaceIsDifferent.org

718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Copyright © 2022 Holy Name. All rights reserved.

T H I S

P L A C E

I S

D I F F E R E N T

summer 2022 Publishers Sharon & Steven Goldstein Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein Editorial Director Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo Art Director BMG Marketing Contributing Writers Sarah Elspeth Marilyn Katzman Merilee Kern, MBA Megan Montemarano Richelle Payne Stacie Rose Audrey Zona St. Joseph’s Health BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published

by BC The Mag. Find us at www.BCtheMag.com

Bergen County The Magazine is published six 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.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Copyright 2022. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

Follow us at @bcthemag

A letter from the Editor We often hear that if we could all be a little more attuned to each other’s needs, the world would be a much better place. But a conversation with a friend the other day left me questioning that notion.

“All my life I’ve been described as selfless,” my friend shared with me. “But I’m starting to realize selflessness isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

My friend, a fellow mom of two school-aged children, went on to share that by being selfless, she’s often busy taking care of others as her needs fall to the wayside. Looking back, she’s not so sure that that’s a healthy strategy anymore.

The conversation, mainly because I’ve often been described as selfless by others and myself, made me question how well we do or don’t take care of ourselves. Is it selflessness or self-sabotaging?

Can you recall a time in your life when you truly cared about others as much or more as you cared about yourself? How about a time you literally felt pain, shared in another’s struggle and went out of your way to be a positive force in his/her life?

It’s rewarding to be someone’s person, but it’s also exhausting, right? And that exhaustion can leave us feeling wrungout and resentful.

The saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” rings true here.

But Peloton yoga instructor Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts’ mantra of “Drink as you pour” seems much more fitting.

Adopted from the late spiritual teacher Ma, Roberts shared it means that “you want to do whatever it is that fills you up in order to pour back out into the world... It’s about taking care of yourself so you don’t burn out. You’re worthy to pause, to restore, to recover. Work hard; rest hard.”

In order to “work hard” as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, editorial director, etc., I’ve started to institute daily pauses – 5 minutes here and there as I see fit. During my pause, I ask myself what I need. Do I need a glass of water; to read a chapter of my book; to feel the sun on my skin; to listen to an upbeat song?

Is that selfish of me? Perhaps. Does it allow me to “drink as I pour?” Absolutely. I invite you to get your drinks ready.

Cheers!

Sending you love, health and virtual hugs,

Jessica HumpHrey-cintineo

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Table of Contents

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48

56

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Defying All Odds REED Foundation Paves The Way For Education and Independence

48

Live Your Best Summer Life

52

Dining Al Fresco Quick and Easy Dishes For An Outdoor Meal

14

Putting An End To Acid Reflux

56

A Splendid Summer Sweet

20

Negative Nancy Four Ways Your Brain Is Hardwired To Think Negative Thoughts

60

Do Less Why Less Is More When It Comes To Summer Wellness

28

Six Powerful Ways To Control Your Weight After 40

64

UPCOMING HEALTH EVENTS

66

Calling All Women: Have You Heard of Urogynecology?

34

Aging In Place Old Housing, New Needs

42

‘Rehydration’ Red Flags 5 Things To Know About Your Favorite Sports Drinks

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

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Nonprofit spotlight

DEFYING ALL ODDS REED Foundation Paves The Way For Education and Independence

By Megan Montemarano

A

ll it takes is one small idea and a whole lot of passion to achieve something great. When it comes to parents and their children, this passion knows no bounds. The Bergen County community experienced this first-hand back in 2003, when a small group of parents came together to create opportunities for their children, all of whom were recently diagnosed with autism. In response to the lack of appropriate educational facilities available, they created a small private school for autistic kids known as REED Academy.

Established in 2016, the REED Foundation for Autism strives to provide resources and support to people with autism throughout their entire lifetime. Under the leadership of current CEO Chantelle Walker, the foundation consistently pushes beyond what must be done to explore what they believe can be done. One in 54 Americans are diagnosed with autism each year, with rates continuing to rise. Therefore, the need to relentlessly pursue innovative solutions to help autistic children on their journey to adulthood has never been more urgent.

Now educating over 40 students in a one-on-one setting, the private, non-profit facility in Oakland utilizes applied behavior analysis by dedicated teachers, clinical professionals, and board-certified behavior analysts. Education at REED Academy, for students ages three to 21, is funded through the department of education. But it doesn’t end there. To keep the momentum going beyond school years, this idea soon expanded into REED Foundation for Autism, which now serves as the fundraising arm and active incubator for new ideas and programs.

Acknowledging this reality, the REED Foundation launched the next phase of their organization with a program called REED Next Day. This is designed for adults with autism over the age of 21, helping them to achieve greater independence and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Closely following, the foundation opened its first residential home in 2019, welcoming four adults with autism into a warm and supervised setting. There are currently two homes and one apartment in operation under the REED Next Residence program. Although all of this was a tremendous accomplishment, the “work” aspect of REED’s “learn,

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live, work and thrive” mission was still missing — where would they find appropriate paid employment for these individuals?

One of the leading issues for adults with autism is the lack of employment opportunities. In fact, nearly half of all 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. Greens Do Good, an indoor hydroponic vertical farm in Hackensack, offers the opportunity to work alongside farmers, allowing autistic individuals to develop essential skills, achieve greater independence, and gain purposeful work experience that positively impacts the community. This program is supported by a grant from the NJ Department of Health and through the sales of produce to restaurants, grocery stores, country clubs, and home delivery.

“The daily structure and personal fulfillment of a job well done is an integral part of life — one that is just as essential for people with autism as it is for any other adult,” comments Lisa Goldstein, vice president of development for the foundation and sales director for Greens Do Good, New Jersey’s first vertical farm that grows produce for the greater good.

Goldstein was introduced to the REED foundation over ten years ago, when she assisted with a fall event. She started working at REED the very next day and hasn’t looked back since.

Continued on Page 12

“About one year later, there was another open position and I had the perfect candidate. I called my dear friend, Jen Faust, who has the same work ethic and passion as I do, and the rest is history,” explains Goldstein. “Friends helping friends. We have been working together ever since. It’s all about amazing people wanting to give back.”

“The value he contributed to our team doubled,” says Faust.

After months of hard work and continued learning, they happily gave him a much-deserved promotion to Assistant Coordinator for Workforce Development, at which point he returned home to his parents, brother, and sisters and proudly announced that he was the first in the family to ever receive a promotion.

Faust serves as the communications director for the foundation and operations director for Greens Do Good.

“Creating opportunities to empower teens and young adults with autism, helping them realize a sense of pride for the value they contribute, is what we strive for every day.”

The work of Goldstein, Faust and all the other dedicated colleagues and members of this unique organization certainly does not go unnoticed. No matter how small it may seem, the impact is substantial for every person who walks through Reed’s doors.

Clearly, what started as a simple idea has quickly turned into a life-changing endeavor and unparalleled success for countless Bergen County residents.

With the generosity of the community, grants, and donations, the group continues to move the needle forward and is committed to providing people with autism the resources and help they need throughout their lifetime.

“Each day brings new opportunities to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and their families,” adds Faust.

One special moment that summarizes this impact nicely recently occurred when a REED Academy graduate joined the Greens Do Good Workforce Development Program. This young adult soon discovered a love of farming and showed an aptitude for hydroponics. Deservingly, he was offered a paid position as farm technician.

“The reward of helping individuals with autism, as well as their families and communities, keeps me moving forward,” comments Goldstein. “My position is constantly evolving and there are always new and exciting challenges with every added project.

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“I am extremely proud of our work and what we have accomplished at REED and Greens Do Good. We are continuing to collaborate on new projects that will enhance the lives of those we serve.”

Up next, Reed Foundation for Autism is partnering with Concordia, an architecture, planning and community engagement company to co-design a truly inclusive residential community where members can live, work, thrive and defy all odds.

Interested in learning more and supporting REED Foundation for Autism? There are many ways to get involved, including an annual bike event that is open to the public for participation (this year’s event was held on June 5). Additionally, the “One Big Canvas” children book series seeks to share positive and engaging stories to promote acceptance, understanding and kindness for all. “The Masterpiece” and “Molding Clay” can be purchased on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting the REED Foundation’s family programs.

For more information or tours, visit www.reedfoundationforautism.org.

PUTTING AN END TO ACID REFLUX

H

Contributed By St. Joseph’s Health

eartburn is a very common condition that most people experience from time-to-time, but for those who suffer on a regular basis, it may be time to speak with a doctor. It has been reported that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn (or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) at least once a month, but most are able to control it with over-the-counter medications and simple lifestyle changes.

“However, for many, GERD can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, significantly affecting quality of life, day-to-day activities, food choices and even social activities,” says Toghrul Talishinskiy, MD, director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery and surgical director of the Heartburn Center at St. Joseph’s Health.

Continued on Page 16

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“It is also important to realize that untreated prolonged GERD can cause significant damage to the esophagus, cavities in your teeth and may increase chances of esophageal cancer.”

the affect it has on your sleep. Be sure to discuss any medications with your doctor as well.

About the St. Joseph’s Health Heartburn Center The St. Joseph’s Heartburn Center is made up of a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists and surgeons specifically trained in diagnosing and treating heartburn and all associated conditions. Physicians have access to the latest technology and tests, such as upper endoscopy, swallow study and esophageal manometry study, to determine if the esophagus is working properly. EndoFlip devices can also be used to measures the area across the inside of the esophagus and the pressure inside it. This procedure is typically performed while a patient is already sedated for an endoscopy.

The most common symptom of reflux disease is heartburn, but reflux disease can produce a wide variety of symptoms, including hoarseness, sore throat, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, asthma and regurgitation. The good news is there are several treatment options available.

According to Dr. Talishinskiy, for individuals who suffer from occasional heartburn, the following tips can be useful: 1. Maintain a healthy weight. Eating healthy and exercising are instrumental in reducing painful heartburn symptoms. Incorporate more whole foods in your diet, along with 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Most of the time, heartburn is treated with conservative measures, such as avoiding trigger foods, weight loss and maybe some medications. However, there can be certain anatomical causes, such as hernias or masses, manifesting itself as GERD. Certain medications, smoking and even weight gain can also cause symptoms of heartburn.

2. Avoid fried, spicy and citrus foods along with coffee, tea and soda. Foods such as pizza and other fast food should also be avoided. These items are high in acidity and often the root cause of heartburn.

“Underlying causes of the heartburn will determine appropriate treatment modalities and a tailored approach to each patient which is what sets the St. Joseph’s Health Heartburn Center apart,” says Dr. Talishinskiy.

3. Stop smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes can interfere with your digestive system, which can lead to acid reflux.

4. Elevate your head. If your symptoms tend to occur when you are sleeping, try sleeping with two pillows so that your esophagus is above your stomach.

The expert team at St. Joseph’s Health provides all the necessary diagnostic lab and imaging tests in the shortest possible time to provide a treatment that is right for each patient.

5. The quantity and timing of your meals is also important. Avoiding large portions and eating late in the evening may be beneficial.

Minimally Invasive Treatments If nothing seems to be working, including overthe-counter or prescribed acid reflux medications, experts at St. Joseph’s Health provide a wide array of outpatient minimally invasive treatments, such as Laparoscopic Fundoplication, Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication and the LINX® Magnetic System.

Dr. Talishinskiy urges everyone to take GERD seriously by initiating a discussion with their primary doctor first. Most physicians will begin by asking general questions regarding how long you have been experiencing GERD, how certain meals affect you and

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Laparoscopic Fundoplication is standard treatment for GERD with excellent track record of safety and effectiveness.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an endoscopic procedure that restores the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and the stomach) by wrapping the stomach around the esophagus.

The LINX Reflux Management system is another treatment option and involves the implementation of a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores designed to restore the body’s natural barrier to reflux in patients with GERD. After treatment with LINX, 99 percent of patients no longer experienced regurgitation and over 85 percent were free of heartburn, and no longer needed daily reflux medication.

The procedure is performed minimally invasively using small incisions on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about one hour, and patients can go home the same day. Usually, patients can resume their normal diet shortly after and can resume normal activities that does not require heavy lifting after surgery.

After any procedure, physicians, along with a dietician, work closely with each patient to come up with an appropriate diet plan to further aid patients in their recovery.

If you suffer from frequent episodes of heartburn or acid reflux, please consult with your physician. If you would like to learn more about the Heartburn Center, call 973-720-6766.

Social

HOLY NAME FOUNDERS BALL Holy Name held their annual Founders Ball at The Glasshouse in NYC. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.

Diane Maron, John and Lisa Amoratis

Dr. Binita Prajapati, Dr. Aaron and Lyndsley Capuano

Amanda Johnson, Jimmy Giannetti

Jennifer and John Aldana

Mary and Kevin Rigby

Jeanette and Joshua Henne Bob and Beth Gale, Angela Bo Yang, Dr. Jacqueline and Nicholas Case Brunetti, Angelica Berrie, Dr. Hee Yang

Dr. Theresa Impeduglia, Rocco Diverita

Drs. Payal, Pritesh and Leena Shah

Mike Maron, Bishop Paul Bootkoski, Diane Maron

Tina and Joe Coccaro, Dorothy and Richard DeLuca, Mary and Stephen Fuhro

Cathy Davey, Bishop Paul Kristina Kucherova, Kyle, Bootkoski, Michael Maron Brendan and Shannon Maron

Lisa and Jeff Sach

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Rich Taylor, Josh Groban, Aleta Taylor

Social

HOLY NAME FOUNDERS BALL Holy Name held their annual Founders Ball at The Glasshouse in NYC. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.

Steve and Christina Varvar

Kim and Jerry Artz

Jean and Rhakeem Stennett

Erin Foley, Jason Puch

Liz and Samantha Bonet, Gabriella Lamprecht

Alan and Daniella Barsamian

Monica and Shelli Rigolosi, Pat DiPaolo, Ellie Rigolosi

Casey and Jerry LaRosa, Russ and Doreen DeFilippis

Ashley and Conor Fitzpatrick, Barbara Jean Carnevale

Kelly Ortiz, Michele Albino

Jenna Gutmann, David Wild

Dr. Jorge and Lourdes Verea, Elizabeth and Mauricio Velasco

Karen Henderson, Larry Brown

Dan Leber, Tracy Vidakovich, Jacqueline Leber, Paul Soames

Brad, Nicole, Diane and Michael Chessin

Jack Geraghty Sr., Andrea Nenzel, Dr. Reina Benabou, Angelica Berrie, Michael Maron, Cathy Davey

NEGATIVE NANCY Four Ways Your Brain Is Hardwired To Think Negative Thoughts

By Richelle Payne

W

e’re all wired to want to grow toward the highest version of ourselves. There are many components involved in moving your life forward. Growing toward our goals is much like driving a car. There are seemingly infinite moving parts involved in keeping your car on the road. Well, negative thought patterns are like the pesky check engine light that alerts you to a problem but doesn’t help you fix it. Or maybe you don’t notice – or try to ignore – the light, until the car sputters or, worse, stalls.

We readily accept that we can’t drive a car without oil or gas, or even a driver’s license, registration and insurance. It’s the same when we expect something from ourselves that doesn’t exist, or when we undervalue the truth that we know about ourselves. When we disconnect and begin sputtering through life, we impede our ability to achieve our goals.

We cannot always immediately pinpoint why we feel disconnected. But there is a solution – if you’re willing to do the work. There is a proven way to create meaningful, lasting, transformative change, and it starts with resolving unresolved childhood memories, unlearning early learning patterns and reprogramming the thinking and behaviors we’ve picked up along the road of life.

Where Our Beliefs Begin

As children, we are told bedtime stories of people performing great feats of supernatural strength, knights in shining armor riding horseback, pumpkins turning into carriages and talking frogs. They are stories of good versus evil to remind us of the rewards of beneficial behavior. We tell stories to make sense of the world. Since there is no escape from life’s negative or painful experiences, we form certain curious beliefs about ourselves to help understand what’s happening Continued on Page 22

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around us and how to get our needs met. So much of what happens in our early years is unconscious and involuntary, so we as humans have developed a set of survival skills to fill in the gaps that our parents or primary caregivers couldn’t, or didn’t, explain to us.

“The soul is a recorder of all memories,” said Transformational Guide Jaime B. Haas, known for her methods to silence the inner critical voice so you can finally break free from negative thoughts and limiting beliefs. “The subconscious mind holds on to messages that were told to you as a child that you not only held on to but created a belief system that you shaped your life around to make sense of the world.”

According to Haas, much of our early learning patterns are layered with assumptions and messages that have been reinforced over time.

“The key to personal growth is to stop placing our well-being on external factors and deal with the core wounds that inform our limiting, negative, fear-based beliefs,” she says. “It’s critical to find the painful, harmful thought patterns and behaviors from years of programming and painful experiences. It is in the process of identifying exactly what you are thinking and doing and deciding to take action that the greatest change and healing starts to happen in your life.”

The Great Transformation

Each of us is presented with invitations to keep growing. The battle is if we choose to accept them. We are constantly being presented with situations that we don’t want or don’t make us feel good or whole. We either turn it against ourselves, against others or we awaken to the opportunity to change.

Anxiety and fear of the unknown are manifestations of the way we are hardwired to perpetuate the taskand-reward system that we learned as children. We want to make someone else the bad guy – or at least the reason for our discontent – or worse, we turn on ourselves and create more problems. Bottom line: We’re uncomfortable with the silence that accompanies reflection that leads to change, so we don’t take the brave, solitary journey inward.

Growth, or the great transformation, happens when the desire to change becomes greater than the fear of change. In other words, it’s when you are so uncomfortable and unhappy with the way things are or that they are trending that the fear of change no longer has a grip on you. You are willing to do what it takes to make the necessary changes, even if we don’t know what to do first.

The Power of Pattern Work

According to Haas, there are at least four reasons why you can’t stop thinking negative thoughts about who you are, your ability to get what you want out of life and how capable you are at achieving your goals.

Haas’s proven approach is like taking your car through a multi-point inspection. You’ll need to address all the reasons why you are trapped by your negative thoughts.

“We know we have to do more than buy shiny new hubcaps, or get a new paint job, or go through the car wash to keep a car running safely on the road toward a destination,” Haas said. “We also know these actions don’t fix the car and they certainly can’t help get you to your desired destination.”

It’s important to address all four reasons because if you arbitrarily eliminate one or two, you won’t have the scaffolding to support your new framework. One or more of the old habits will creep back into your thoughts, conversations and behaviors.

“These four reasons are just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “But the things you learn when you address them become the building blocks to achieving the quality of life you desire.”

1. FEARS OR LIMITING BELIEFS Fears or limiting beliefs keep you stuck. To kick off the work, you will need to identify and then reprogram any existing negative belief patterns by replacing them with positive and affirming thoughts and actions. You’ll also be challenged to stop listening to the voices in your head telling you the lies about yourself and leading to your misperception of the world. It is about reprogramming your mind for the better by thinking and

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behaving in ways that create a more positive, loving way of seeing yourself and the world. In other words, do you build yourself up, or beat yourself up? When you detach from negative thoughts, you will be able to cultivate more joy, envision more, or greater, possibilities for your life and be more present. It all starts with making small changes, such as in the way you talk to yourself and what you were taught to believe.

2. NEGATIVE MANIFESTATION COMPULSION (NMC) Do you constantly criticize or judge yourself, or others? If you were raised in a household where finding fault was common behavior, your brain was likely programmed to interpret your negative thoughts as literal truths. When you begin to question the source of these false “truths,” you begin to engage in rituals, behaviors and actions to create a different experience.

“The transformation begins when you take positive action to stop living in old, critical belief systems,” Haas said. “My method helps you address the reasons why you might be holding on to negative thoughts.

You will learn how to unpack them, which involves choosing to replace them with new, positive thoughts, reciting affirmations that resonate with your new experience and showing up differently in your life.”

3. YOUR PERCEPTION OF SELF If you are very harsh on yourself and focus on all your missed opportunities, weaknesses and perceived flaws, you’re not alone. Research shows that struggling with, arguing with, trying to drown out or push away negative thoughts about yourself only amplifies the problems and makes it worse. The dilemma is not that we have negative thoughts, it comes when we begin to believe those thoughts and cannot evolve. It’s about building self-love from within.

“It’s a multi-faceted process that involves finding your feelings, affirming the good about yourself, practicing meditation and self-care, showing up present, authentic and honest in your life and doing more things that bring you joy,” Haas said. “There is no quick-fix or magic bullet. It is a holistic set of actions.”

Continued on Page 24

4. FOCUSING ON THE OUTSIDE TO FIX THE INSIDE

The work is about discovering, nurturing and excavating our wellbeing from within. In order to do that effectively, we must find a connection with an infinite power source so we are content, no matter what happens in, to and around us externally.

“You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on,” Haas said. “But if you’ve done everything to change the outside from pursuing a degree, changing jobs and relocating to a new city; to fixing your body or changing your wardrobe, and you still haven’t gotten what you want in life, that means it’s time to look inward.”

According to Haas, many self-help “gurus” suggest there’s just one thing you should focus on.

When we seek external sources to validate our sense of self, we empower that thing or person outside to be the source of our identity and well-being.

“When we give all our power to other people to make us feel better about ourselves, we will never feel OK on our own,” Haas said. “We begin to crave that hit to fix us, or that crumb of love, attention or affection to actually feed us, but it’s just a temporary fix. It’s never enough or it never feels right, so we go back out on the hunt for the next hit, repeating patterns of behavior or thinking that don’t serve us.”

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“They tell us that positivity or meditation, for example, are the key to solving our problems, when they are just parts of the solution,” she said. “The most helpful, beneficial practice is one that is holistic, dynamic and prescriptive. The objective is to identify and address the root causes or triggers of your negative thinking, so you can fundamentally change the relationship you have with your thoughts, yourself and the world. It’s uncomfortable to relive the dynamics surrounding our core wounds. Most people get stuck on autopilot to avoid the discomfort and they stay there. We get stuck on autopilot and don’t even know it, despite feeling the discomfort and drowning in the unwanted results. We don’t even recognize it because

these feelings are familiar and there is comfort in the “The grounding that accompanies pattern work helps familiar. It is when we take a completely different you manage the moments when you feel defeated,” approach that we will truly have a� new experience.” Haas said. “You� need to address these foundational truths to help you move forward because this transforThe process of change may feel scary and uncomfort- mation will take commitment and work.”

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“If you are comfortable, then you are not changing,” we end patterns Latour (BYOB) Rt. 4W, Hackensack, Chinese/Korean/ 793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park, Eclectic Contemporary 6 East Ridgewood she Korean said. BBQ “It is when we201-646-1565 push ourselves beyond our Ave., Ridgewood, 201-886-8626 Bibi’z Restaurant and Lounge 201-445-5056 Ma Wyckoff comfort zone, doing things differently, feel Dong Chun Hong commit to T.S. 284 Center Ave.,Westwood, Cuban Le Jardin Wyckoff Ave.,Wyckoff, Main St., Fort Lee, 201-722-8600 the 144 fear but do it anyway,637 that’s the great awakening.

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201-224-9898 171 Schraalenburgh Rd., Closter, Life becomes a lot better than the stories we tell about Richelle Payne is an award-winning brand Continental Cuisine Golden Dynasty 59 The Promenade, Edgewater, 201-660-7977 Madeleine’s Petite Paris She covers topics related to living an intentional it. Our brains to keep us ‘safe’ and avoid and creative 825 Franklin Lakes Rd.,are Franklinhardwired Lakes, 201-313-3889 Al Di La 416 Tappan Rd., Northvale, Casual Habana Cafe (BYOB) 201-891-7866 harm, but you 1should perceived what’s life, leading125cross-functional teams and managing Hoboken Rd., Eastnever Rutherford, confuse201-767-0063 45 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood,organizaMain St., Hackensack, 295 Kinderkamack Rd., Hillsdale, 201-939-1128 201-569-6267 201-880-9844 ‘safe’ with what’s best for you. We all want to stay safeInn (BYOB)tional change, building inclusive cultures and social justice and Saddle River 201-358-8685 Fountainview Restaurant Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 2 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River, Mambo Tea House (BYOB) but Kimchi playing it safe is not actually changing.” intersectionality in the 158 workplace.

Mama Sheraton Crossroads, 201-612-5688

Restaurant Guide

7-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, One201-703-2905 thing is sure,

1 International Blvd.

17N.),no Mahwah, there(Rt.is straight 201-529-1313

201-825-4016

Continental/Italian line to healAndrea’s Ristorante Italiano (BYOB) Kimchi Smoke BBQ ing.301When you engage inRudy’s this pattern of work, 20 E. Haas Prospect St.,Waldwick, Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-670-0275, warns, sometimes you will that you’re going back201-497-6333 107 feel Anderson Ave., Hackensack, 201-670-7958 Mr. Wok & Sushi (BYOB)might not201-489-4831 ward, and you want to stay the course as a Davia 1 Highwood Ave. 2nd Floor, Tenafly, Continental/American result.

It’s important to pinpoint the exact thinking 6-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-569-3969 W’s Grill you stuck in repetitive 201-797-6767 andMyung behaviors that are keeping Ga Won 20 Elm St., Oakland, Sage (BYOB)to 72 Piermont Road,Tenafly, experiences.

When you do, you’ll have the insights 201-651-0005 17-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn, 201-500-1111 change your life.

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98 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-1262

Mis Raices 1214 Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-530-7233 Rebecca’s Restaurant (BYOB) 236 Old River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-8808 Rumba Cubana 1807 45th St., North Bergen, 201-553-9100

Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995 G.W. Grill 2139 Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, 201-947-2440 Port of Call (POC) (BYOB) 450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, 201-488-0888

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CARL INSERRA LEUKEMIA FUND GOLF OUTING The Carl Inserra Leukemia Fund Golf Outing held their annual VIP Cocktail Reception at Hackensack Country Club. For more information, visit www.carlinserraleukemiafund.org.

Tony Pillari, Tom Alvarez

Chris and Dawn Rotio

Nick Cangialosi, Larry Inserra, Joe Pedone

Frank Siclari, Marie Inserra, Theresa Larsen, Kyle Dupont, Larry Inserra

Mary and Ron Onarato, Vera Kovalski

Richard Chamberlain Jr., Pat Sullivan

Richard Chamberlain, Anthony and Jenifer Calandra

Peter and Linda Hanson, Nick Cangialosi

Ericka Lawton, Kledi Jano, Eric Lawton

Lawrence and Larry Inserra

Jim Dorey, Carl Inserra, Walter Wargacki

Dave Wolf, Marie Inserra

Eileen Sinatra, Theresa Verdone, Janice Mitchell, Sally Ramroop

Ron Onarato, Larry Inserra

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Joe Coccaro, Marty Kafafian, Mark Sparta

L I M I T E D -T I M E O F F E R

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Purchase a qualifying Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance package and receive three additional years of protection or a $1,000 rebate. For details, visit subzero-wolf.com/promotion.

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SIX POWERFUL WAYS TO CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT AFTER 40

By Sarah Elspeth

P

oof. You turned 40. Do you feel like you instantly packed on the pounds? Does it seem like you are doing everything right, yet your body is working against you? Controlling weight gain after 40 can be a challenge.

The body changes after 40; you can blame it on hormone fluctuations, menopause, health issues or stress.

It can feel like it’s super easy to gain and tough to lose. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up. You could achieve your best body yet by implementing some fantastic tools into your life. Let’s look at six practices that can help you control your weight after 40 and help you feel and look your best.

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Sleep

There is nothing better in life than having a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, many women over 40 have trouble falling and staying asleep. This can be for various reasons, including stress, low estrogen, night sweats, hot flashes or migraines. It sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it? It’s a raw deal that poor sleep leads to increased hunger and weight gain due to the “feed me” hormone ghrelin. Establishing good sleep patterns will help you keep the weight off and help with leptin production. This hormone has the opposite effect of ghrelin by indicating that you’re full and satiated to your brain. A few simple changes can help you enhance the quality of your sleep and, in turn, keep the pounds off.

Water

Portions

One of the easiest and most effective techniques for keeping weight off after 40 is portion control. It is easy to feel the pressure to finish everything on your plate when your husband serves up a meal or at a restaurant where there are usually huge portions. If you eat more calories than you need, your body stores it as fat.

Portion control will help you make sure you’re eating only what your body needs, which will help you reduce your overall caloric intake. By learning portion control, you can influence how much your food is stored as fat.

Essentially you can assume responsibility for your own body and weight.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation (MM) is a powerful tool in helping to halt stress and emotional eating. MM helps you become aware of your own emotions and thoughts, and as a result, you can become more mindful regarding how your moods correlate to overeating. It is also beneficial in helping you have more patience and tolerance with yourself when changing your eating habits.

Through Mindfulness Meditation, you will learn how to have more forgiveness for yourself so that when you do reach for the potato chips, it’s not as hard to get back up and recommit to your goals.

What your drink during the day is one of the essential aspects of weight loss after 40. Research shows that those who stay hydrated by drinking lots of water consume fewer calories than those who skip the aqua.

For women over 40, drinking more water can have some pretty incredible benefits on many aspects of your health, and weight loss is right at the top. To stay well hydrated, you should double the amount of water you’re drinking now. An easy way to manage this is to buy a pretty bottle and keep it filled throughout the day. You’d be surprised how easy getting your water intake up is when sipping throughout the day. Water gives you natural energy, so not only will you notice A daily walk is a powerful way to shed weight and keep the weight melting off, but you’ll also have an extra the weight off. Walking assists you in burning calories skip in your step.

Continued on Page 30

Walking

and decreases your risk of injury and osteoporosis.

By keeping your weight down because of a brisk daily walk, you’ll put less strain on your joints, minimizing your risk of physical wear and tear.

Walking outside is also excellent for your mental health. The more time outdoors, the happier you’ll be, translating to less emotional eating. Throw on some comfy shoes and get out into the fresh air; your body will thank you.

Get Creative

Figuring out a creative hobby you’re passionate about can do wonders for weight loss. When the mind has nothing engaging to focus on, the first thought it goes to is food. By keeping your hands and mind busy, you won’t be reaching for that tasty junk food. Another fantastic benefit of getting creative is way less TV. One of the fastest ways to gain weight is to sit around in front of the tube. It is too easy to reach for your favorite snack while watching a show. By keeping yourself busy with a fun activity, you won’t be thinking about TV or that sugary treat you have hidden in the cupboard.

Ready To Make Some Changes?

Mid-life can be some of your fittest and healthiest years if you are willing to take control and live in the healthiest way possible. Weight loss after 40 is entirely possible, and you may even exceed your expectations. With a few simple changes to your daily routine by implementing these exceptional habits and tools, you’ll have no problem shedding and maintaining your weight.

Sarah Elspeth is a Ph.D. student, registered counselor, health coach, yoga teacher and freelance health writer.

Her passion is to help women heal and find their best health yet. Sarah believes that women need to slow down and make themselves a priority. By addressing underlying issues and teaching them life-changing tools, they can connect to joy, balance and optimal health.

Contact Sarah – https://sarahelspeth.com/book-consult/ – for your free discovery call today.

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GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL SPRING BALL Good Samaritan Hospital held their 35th annual Spring Ball at Edgewood Country Club.

For more information, visit www.goodsamhosp.org.

Gayle and Dr. Cary Hirsch

Dr. Mary Leahy and Dr. James Vela

Tamer and Amra Sabic El-Rayess

Dr. Renee Garrick, Eric Queen

Dr. Michael Schwartz and Dr. Jessica Mitchell

Dr. Sunandan and Mita Pandya

Dr. Dean Miller, Jeanne Coffey

Tamer El-Rayess, Irene Dr. Scott and Julie Luchs, Tsetsekos, Joe Allen, Amra Dr. Ken Austin Sabic El-Rayess

A.Y. and Shira Levenshteyn, Dr. Mary Leahy, Mona Montal, Avi and Abigail Kahan

Dr. Cary Hirsch, Dr. Mary Kaitlyn, Shannon, Stephen Leahy, Dr. James Vela, and Madison Albanese Gayle Hirsch

Sophie Rosso, Michele Muldoon, Sharlyn Serwatien, Jeanne Coffey, Paul Rosso 32

Drs. Neena and Perminder Grewal

Dr. Alexandra Mazur, Inrahim Dincer, Dr. Jeffrey and Meredith Oppenheim

AGING IN PLACE Old Housing, New Needs

By Marilyn Katzman

L

inda Chinman Pollock had a career in construction and real estate that evolved into staging and renovating homes. As she interacted with clients seeking advice on presenting their homes for sale, she found that many people needed help with adaptations that would allow them to remain in their homes as they aged, or perhaps following an accident or surgery that changed their daily lives.

One client she was working with fell in a home that only had a powder room on the first floor. With a broken pelvis, the client was unable to go up the stairs to bathe and was asking her daughter to constantly come over for a sponge bath. Pollock was able to modify that bathroom, adding a walk-in shower with grab bars.

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She soon found herself making needed modifications to her 85-year-old mother’s home. As she realized that many people had similar challenges such as widening a bathroom door to accommodate a wheelchair, she changed her focus, creating “Setting the Stage LLC,” a Tenafly-based company focused on accessibility and safety for people who want to remain in their homes.

Pollock was right to recognize the need and the opportunity. A 2021 AARP survey found that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term, a number that has been consistent for more than a decade. The U.S. Census Bureau identified 52 million people who are age 65 or over, a demographic projected to almost double in size by 2060. The Bureau also found that only 10 percent of U.S. homes have aging-accessible features. The topic has also been addressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability.”

In addition to doing newsletters and presentations to community groups, Pollock began networking with geriatric professionals. She engaged in training and became a “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” by the National Association of Home Builders. Additional training led to certification as a “Living in Place Specialist” by the Living in Place Institute. One educational session, for example, had participants prepare a meal using stuffed rubber gloves to mimic the feelings of arthritis in the hands. The students then had to eat with modified eyeglasses to feel what a visually impaired person might experience.

“These simulations bring out a new level of understanding of what some people are going through,” she said.

As a member of the Geriatric Advisory Council’s New Jersey Chapter, Pollock accesses other local businesses and non-profit organizations that assist seniors and their caregivers with educational resources and referrals.

Continued on Page 36

“Beyond making changes to retrofit homes, there can be questions regarding long term care options, such as assisted living, a retirement community or a nursing home,” said council member Seymour Semaya.

Older adults may face limited mobility and dexterity, difficulty with memory and cognition, and the risk of social isolation. As a result, they may face even bigger life changes if they’re forced to move into another living situation.

“Many people don’t know where to start,” said Seymour, who explained that a care management professional helps spouses and children identify legal, financial and medical needs that may or may not involve moving.

“Perhaps a spouse died, and the surviving spouse doesn’t know how to drive or even where things in the house were kept,” he noted. “The Council offers resources, referring residents to elder attorneys, geriatric physicians, home lab or ultrasound services or home health care aides.”

The Council also provides referrals for residents in need of short, or long, term assistance with accessibility issues such as ramps and stair lifts. Englewood’s AmRamp Northern NJ offers purchase or rental modifications following evaluations that can even lead to a pool life or portable shower.

“An assessment of staircases and hallways in someone’s home may find that there is only a need for multiple handrails,” said Manager Jamie Higley.

“Inquiries often originate when an aging parent is moving to a child’s home or someone has experienced an injury and has difficulty accessing the outdoors.”

Pollock said beyond physical adaptations, new smart home technology can help aging adults live longer safely in their homes.

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“With new innovations, there are powerful ways to help people who are living alone to feel, and be, connected,” she said.

Many technology-based solutions such as assistive devices, medical alert systems and mobile apps can help keep people with changing health needs. Monitoring devices that allow lights to be turned on an off can also send alerts via smartphones, helping ensure long distance family members about the safety of their loved ones, especially if an aging adult is living alone. Cameras in multiple rooms can show if someone is active. Properly placed sensors can see how well someone is sleeping, track when someone is opening the refrigerator or track movement and changes in gait.

While some new homes are being built with accessibility in mind, adapting existing homes for seniors is a growing trend to consider, making homes safe and accessible that can facilitate living independently.

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FASHION WITH COMPASSION St. Joseph’s Health Foundation held their annual Fashion with Compassion fundraiser at The Rockleigh.

For more information, visit www.givetostjosephs.org.

Soneca Guadara, John Cioletti, Donna DeCandido

Lexi, Donna and Rich DeCandido

Alexandra Lakhman, Isabella Galan

John Cioletti, Stephanie and Robert Budelman

Maryanne Puccio and ToniMarie DiPietro

Lauren Cheff, Stephanie Scarmazzo, Pam Upadya

Alexa Dellatorre, Cindy Kyparissis

Lexi DeCandido, Gianna Puccio

Alexandra and Nanc Zanki

Caswell and Johnnalynn Samms

Emily Bratten, Stephanie and Robert Budelman

Danielle Langer, Dorothy DeLuca

Ro Sorce, Kevin and Wendy Slavin

Alyssa, Maryanne and Gianna Puccio

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Robyn Krumrei, Christa Paolillo, Dawn Parrino, Josephine Phillipy, Jennifer Pena

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THE VALLEY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY VEGAS NIGHT The Valley Hospital Auxiliary held a Vegas Night fundraiser at Indian Trail Club.

For more information, visit www.valleyhealth.com.

Donnalee Corrieri, Rose Mary Klie

Denise Downey, Margaret Scantarello, Nancy Davidson

Roe Wellman, Seamus McMurray

Amy Hesse, Andrea Visser

Linda Leeder, Elaine Heimberger

Brian Konikoff, Denise Downey

Stan Heimberger, Apaarna Vidayan, Robert Elfers

Diana Frankel, Nancy Laracy

Margaret Scancarello, Rose Marie Ranuro, Judy Guma

Sue and Bob Wogisch

Peggy Becher, Sandy Carapezza, Bonnie Dalal

Marci Ober, Dawn Cascio

Kevin Brendlen, Anthony Elia, Bob Van Dyk, Pam Tomarczuk, Christine Sanchez

Janis Ing Strauss, Heidi Fink, Karen Sheehy

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Dana and Roger Van Voorhis

‘REHYDRATION’ RED FLAGS

5 things to know about your favorite sports drinks

By Merilee Kern, MBA

I

t’s a brave new beverage world out there, and consumers are being romanced by a deluge of “healthy” drink solutions promising to keep them rehydrated, energized and performing at a high level. However, in truth, much of what’s being merchandised in this category is far more focused and adept at hype than hydration.

So, what’s a would-be consumer to do who’s thirsty for a truly viable rehydration, sports or performance-enhancing beverage solution, but doesn’t want to be duped by their drink of choice?

To answer this question and a plethora of other confusing issues rampant in the sports and rehydration drink industry, I connected with field expert James Mayo, co-founder of SOS Hydration, a company that’s developed a new, cutting-edge and healthy electrolyte replacement rehydration beverage engineered for those with active lifestyles. So impactful is his company’s solution, it proffers rehydration comparable to an I.V. drip to help people avoid and reverse mild to moderate dehydration.

Mayo doesn’t just talk the talk, he’s walked the walk...literally! As a former pro athlete of a caliber sponsored by a sports drink company, he still suffered dehydration and performance issues in relation.

His brother, who is also a competitive athlete and with whom he co-founded the company, also suffered debilitating hydration – an actual collapse – that caused him to not make it onto a world championship team he’d set his sights on.

This led the pair to begin formulating the most optimal, medical and science-driven formula on the market.

Mayo’s military service in hot climates also factored into his passion for creating a best-in-class rehydration solution. Mayo personally experienced dehydration during deployments and saw other soldiers suffer the same.

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In fact, Mayo says dehydration is the number one non-combat casualty – a result of soldiers working in extreme climates at the edge of human performance, having to carry heavy gear and equipment and often marching for hours even before participating in actual combat. A recipe leaving soldiers exhausted and severely dehydrated, from Mayo’s first-person accounts.

For those on the playing field, battlefield or just seeking to improve their performance in their personal or professional lives, below are a few of Mayo’s myth-debunking “buyer beware” truths that’ll help shoppers steer clear of ineffective – or even harmful – rehydration and sports beverages in favor of those spurred by sound science.

SUGAR IS NOT AN ELECTROLYTE. Why pay extra money for excess sugar when what you really need are electrolytes. In truth, only a very small amount of sugar is required to help transport electrolytes and water into the cells as part of the sodium glucose co-transport system. In fact, this system is most effective when it utilizes one molecule of sugar and one molecule of sodium in combination, which helps create the fastest and most effective way to transport water into the cells for hydration. Even water rehydration and other drinks that do actually claim to utilize the sodium glucose co-transport system have been shown to contain excess sugar to enhance taste, apparently discounting the fact that that this added sugar commensurately increases calorie count and actually undermines cellular H2O absorption.

For clarity, sugar is a fuel and it’s a proven fact that it is not an electrolyte, so consumers seeking a maximized rehydration beverage should seek those with the minimum amount of sugar to help the body best absorb electrolytes and water. A glut of rehydration beverage brands on the market add excess sugar, don’t optimize the sodium-glucose co-transport system to make the drink sweeter, or both.

EXCESS SUGAR DEHYDRATES AND UNDERMINES ENERGY. Beyond the above-stated concerns, too much sugar also leeches sodium and water from the body cells, which can cause dehydration. If there is excess sugar in a drink, even one engineered as a rehydration solution, then you can trigger reverse osmosis. The body’s reverse osmosis process occurs when there is an incorrect balance of sugar to sodium.

Continued on Page 44

Sodium always follows sugar and water always follows sodium. In a drink that is correctly balanced (utilizing the sodium glucose co-transport system) then the water and electrolytes optimally flow into the cells.

In high sugar drinks there is too much sugar for the quantity of sodium and, as such, sodium and then water is actually leeched from the cells and passed out of the body as urine. This can lead to dehydration – the opposite effect for a rehydration beverage one has spent their hard-earned dollars to purchase.

Also, while it’s commendable that that major sports drinks manufacturers are finally attempting to tackle the excess sugar epidemic, but their “zero sugar” marketing strategy is creating other problems amid the sports and rehydration beverage category. Not the least of which is the fact that artificial sweeteners, then needed to make the beverage palatable, can contribute significantly to obesity – even more than plain sugar – coupled with the reality that zero sugar actually reduces the H2O absorption.

Not to be underestimated, dehydration is a physical state that, at any level, can undermine performance and physical outlay by significant percent – and also cause other unpleasant symptoms like headaches and tiredness. Hydration delivered through a correctly calibrated rehydration beverage regulates the bodies’ electrolyte and water balance, allowing it to maintain optimum performance levels and avoid the energy drops associated with energy and sports drinks.

TABLET-BASED ELECTROLYTE DRINKS DELIVER SUB-OPTIMAL RESULTS. Tablets dissolve via fizz or other breakdown method, leaving residue on the bottle in which it was inserted.

That begs the question: what will it be doing to your body? Tablets are made from powder that has been fused together under pressure, requiring excess ingredients within them to activate the breakdown process when water is added. These added ingredients tend to be fizzy to create effervescence. As such, these tablets can lead to gastrointestinal distress that is directly correlated to the ingredients used in the tablet. So, with these, consumers are imbibing more than just the electrolytes they desire. Plus, users will also drink in some of those extra ingredients that leave a residue on the side of the bottle.

ZERO SUGAR IS A BAD THING. Drinks that only contain sodium do not absorb H2O as fast as drinks that contain a small amount of sugar.

As mentioned above, the sodium glucose co-transport system relies on a specific ration of one molecule of sugar and one molecule of sodium to transport electrolytes and water effectively into the cells. Drinks that do not contain any sugar then need to rely on collecting glucose (sugar) throughout their journey within the gut. The salt-only drink will eventually get absorbed, but much slower than one that is perfectly balanced.

Moreover, tablets are often touted as being easily portable, but they tend to come in packs of 10 that need to be transported altogether rather than individually, per tablet. And, if any get wet while being carried, they all dissolve either partially or completely. In fact, in hot and humid environments these tablets frequently absorb atmospheric moisture and end up in ruin – money wasted.

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ELECTROLYTE DRINKS OFTEN MISS THE MARK. There is a current trend around electrolyte waters.

However, if you look at the ingredients, these kinds of beverages contain “trace” elements of said electrolytes.

And, they tend to be the kind of electrolytes found naturally in some springs, or that have been added.

Trace minerals means that they are barely measurable and, thus, do not provide enough in any quantity to be useful in the body by nutritional supplement standards. It’s also imperative to understand that drinking only water can cause a body to over-hydrate, flushing out the system and reducing the blood’s sodium concentration to dangerously low levels. This is called hyponatremia that, in extreme cases, can lead to death.

If you’re reading this narrative, you ostensibly care about what you put into your body and have an interest in gaining the positive effects of rehydration beverages, specifically. So why settle for drinking excess sugar or beverages with artificial sweetness and flavors? The fewer and more natural ingredients you put into a drink, and in the correct ratios, the easier it will be for the body to absorb it and give you the health and performance gains you desire.

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist. As a wellness industry veteran and health advocate, she’s also author of the award-winning, illustrated fictional children’s book, “Making Healthy Choices – A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids” (Amazon). Merilee spotlights noteworthy industry innovators, change makers, movers and shakers: experts, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com.

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THE WILDERMAN FUND FOR MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH The Wilderman Fund held a benefit for the Center for Maternal Mental Health at Hackensack University Medical Center. For more information, visit www.wildermanfund.org.

Dr. Michael and Aurielle Wilderman

Drs. Carla and Greg Simonian

Adam and Natalya Michaels, Melody and David Finkelstein

Mark Sparta, Aurielle and Dr. Michael Wilderman

Brian Jacob, Emily Gutter

Melinda Ball, Anjali Ratnathicam, Judy Singer

Julie and Herb Karlitz

Jodi Piekny, Michael Gutter

Elaine Wilderman, Crista Carr Shatz

Adriana Phan, Ryan and Lauren Murphy

Allison Breitstein, Blair Schwartz

Harlan and Meagan Hollander

Bryan and Noa Rudolph

Mitchell and Olya Schorr

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Dr. Michael Wikderman, Dr. Lisa Tank, Lauren Murphy, Aurielle Wilderman

SUNDAYS | 9A M–2PM M AY 22 – NOVEMBER 20

Featuring food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids, a car show, and more!

Parking Lot between Macy’s & Route 17 WES T F I E L D.CO M

Live Your Best Summer Life

By Audrey Zona

T

he days are longer and warmer, there are tons of fresh fruits and veggies in the market, the schedule is a little more relaxed and, best of all, it’s prime travel season – gosh, I love summer! But for those of us who are on a lifetime fitness and health journey, being out of our comfort zones (and kitchens) can lead to confusion and bad decisions. A little knowledge goes a long way though, and there are many products and strategies that can help us live our best summer life, no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

The last thing we want to do during the summer is follow a rigid schedule or plan.

So, don’t! But remember that a tiny bit of planning before you head out for vacation, a weekend away or even a day at the pool will ensure that you don’t find yourself at a snack bar window or fast-food drive-thru ordering food you know you don’t really want to eat. Turkey and lettuce wraps, pre-portioned packages of nuts, jerky or packages of almond butter with rice cakes will help your savory cravings. Protein bars, plant-based, keto cookies or a square of dark chocolate will cover you when you need a little hit of something sweet. All of these options can be easily tucked into your carry-on luggage for quick snacking in airports and on planes but are also portable snacks to eat on the beach or in the day camp carpool line.

Food isn’t the only thing to consider before 48

you pack your suitcase or beach bag. Selfcare is important every day of the year but especially now when the slower pace means you can take more time for yourself. Indulge in a bath with essential oils scented with lavender for relaxation and better sleep.

Supplement the Vitamin D you’re getting from the sun with, what else? A Vitamin D supplement. And of course, you know how important staying hydrated is, but can it ever be said too much? Don’t forget that green tea or water infused with fruit or cucumber are great substitutes if you’re not a fan of plain water.

Summer is also a time to say “yes” to trying new things. If you’re traveling, make it a point to stop by the local farmer’s market and sample whatever’s fresh, maybe buy a few fruits or veggies to save for snacks later.

You can also say yes to a new work out.

Swim laps rather than taking that indoor spin class. Or, try stand up paddle boarding or kayaking one morning instead of following your regular walking route. If you decide to say “yes” to that offer of a backyard potluck picnic, try my Avocado, Jicama and Mango Salad that will have everyone begging for seconds (and the recipe).

Since you’re going to be saying yes to all those social invitations, it’s time to get your skin looking great too. You know the drill.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Hats and umbrellas too. The other secret to younger looking skin is collagen. You can find it in all kinds of topical serums and creams but guess what? Foods like fatty fish, red, dark green or orange vegetables, berries, flax or hemp seeds, avocado and seaweed will all promote your body’s production of collagen.

Probiotics, maybe the biggest beauty secret for clear glowing skin, can be found in foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, Kombucha or miso.

No matter what you do this summer, make a point to try and do it with intention. Trav-

eling? Soak up every second. Staying home? Embrace the peace and calm that come with being in a place you know so well.

Pay attention to how your body is feeling and nourish it with nutritious foods, exercise that feels good and restorative sleep.

Make sure to spend time outside and breathe deeply. Savor this time with friends and family. Summer is finally here. Let’s make the most of it!

Avocado, Jicama and Mango Salad Ingredients

• • • •

1 head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced, about 8 cups 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1/2 medium jicama, julienned or cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1 mango, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2 inch cubes Dressing

• • • • • • • •

1 1/2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 1/2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 Tablespoon raw honey 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste) freshly ground black pepper to taste 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (lightly packed) 1/2 cup unrefined, cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil Instructions

1.

In a blender combine lime and lemon juices, honey, salt, pepper and cumin. Add the cilantro and blend. With the motor running, pour in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream and blend until emulsified.

2.

Arrange the lettuce on a large platter and drizzle enough dressing to coat lightly. Place avocado in a bowl and gently toss with enough dressing to coat lightly. Arrange avocado on top of lettuce. Repeat with the jicama and mango.

Optional: Add a bag of shredded “coleslaw” to the avocado and jicama to create more of a salad side dish.

Social

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY The Homes, Hearts and Habitat Bergen 2022 Gala was held at Seasons.

For more information, visit www.habitatbergen.org.

Nikki and John Kano

Jessica Crown, Carrie and Jamie Nielsen, Jennifer Lucido

Sue Bloom, Wendy Zweig

Teri Capparelli, Tricia McInerney Jansen

Elizabeth Lopez, Nina Loungo, Lana Molina, Roxanne Camego

Beth Dell, Roseanne Bicocchi

Sharon Hopper, Anita Dasilva, Michele Brown

Joe and Sue Senos

Taylor Smith, Matt Langer, Monica Rivera

Kisorys Castillo, Will Alfaro, Maria Gesualdi

Javonne Scialpi, Lee Daniel

Kristie Veri, Cat Garruto

The “Grayheads” with Teri Tricia and Rick Sutton, Capparelli Jessica Horvath, Michael Adams

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Ralph Cinque, Teri Capparelli, Allie Graff, Lindsey Cinque, Frank Capparelli

Dining Al Fresco

QUICK AND EASY DISHES FOR AN OUTDOOR MEAL

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armer weather is often welcome for a variety of reasons and dining outdoors can help take that appreciation to the next level. Keeping ingredients lists short and prep time minimal also allows you to spend more time enjoying the sunshine and blue skies al fresco with the ones you love.

Even when you’re short on time, you can take mealtime from the dining room to the deck with an ingredient like Minute Rice Cups. Available in 13 varieties, including White and Brown rice, the convenient, single-serving, BPA-free cups are ready in just 90 seconds or less. Perfect for taking to the office for lunch or as an on-the-go snack, the cups can also be used as a quick and easy base for nearly any meal occasion.

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Fiesta Rice

Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 1 minute Servings: 1 1 1 1/2 1 1 1

Minute White Rice Cup diced tomato diced avocado sliced green onion Tablespoon chopped cilantro teaspoon lime juice salt, to taste black pepper, to taste

Heat rice according to package directions. Set aside.

In bowl, combine tomato, avocado, onion and cilantro.

Add lime juice and salt and pepper, to taste.

Fish with Bok Choy

Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes Servings: 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1

Minute Brown Rice Cup salt, to taste pepper, to taste white fish fillet Tablespoon butter teaspoon sesame oil teaspoon grated ginger baby bok choy, quartered teaspoon soy sauce

Heat rice according to package directions. Set aside.

Add salt and pepper to both sides of fish, to taste.

In medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Cook fish 2 minutes on each side. Remove fish from pan and keep warm.

In same pan, add sesame oil and ginger. Cook 1 minute.

Add bok choy to pan and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add soy sauce; stir to incorporate. Top rice with fish and serve with bok choy.

Social

NORTH JERSEY FRIENDSHIP HOUSE The NJ Friendship House held their 12th Anniversary Gala Celebration at The Venetian.

For more information, visit www.njfriendshiphouse.org.

Jack Campanella, Bernie Holst, Dinorah D’Auria, Carmine Marchionda

Monica Rivera, Jose Orellano, Matt Langer, Taylor Smith

David Sneath, Melissa Clipper

Mabel Estremera, Connie Spivack

Christine, Jack and Kathy DeSavino

Pia McNabola, Tav Jinivizian

Vicky Urrea, Nicole Milisci, Clara Kinny

Benny, Odalys and Ben Cabrera

Megan Callea, Fran Padovan

Carli Crinion, Joyce Stefanacci

Lisa, Julianna and Jessica Lavitol

Jerry and Gerald Paz, Michelle Crowe-Paz

Vicki Cupo, Lisa Minervini, Mary Milone, Martha Setteducati

Samantha Jenkins, Nick Minervini

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Kate and Amy Davidson, Cathy Cheney

A Splendid Summer Sweet

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ometimes food can be presented so beautifully, it’s hard to take that first bite. However, once you dig your spoon into the bowl, there is no going back.

for a perfect addition to nearly any poolside event.

This ice cream features the rich tartness of frozen fruit and a sweet creaminess from the coconut milk. The two flavors of ice cream create a unique combination that’s out-of-this-world delicious.

Imagine a bite that is chilled, sweet and creamy all at the same time. It’s luscious, fruity and absolutely divine. It’s a summertime ice cream recipe you’ll cherish and make again and again throughout the season.

To make the Berry Ice Cream, blend 2 pounds of frozen berries, sweetened condensed milk, honey and salt until smooth then freeze for four hours.

This delicious Very Berry and Creamy Coconut Ice Cream was created with summertime relaxation in mind. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when it’s made with fresh ingredients right at home

To make the Coconut Ice Cream, beat 2 cups of whipping cream in a mixer until stiff peaks form. In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut 56

Very Berry and Creamy Coconut Ice Cream Yield: 11 cups

Berry Ice Cream: 2 pounds frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries) 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 Tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon salt Coconut Ice Cream: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup coconut milk 1/2 teaspoon salt mint leaves, for garnish (optional) To make berry ice cream: In blender, pulse frozen berries, sweetened condensed milk, honey and salt until smooth, scraping down sides.

Pour mixture into 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.

To make coconut ice cream: In large mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

milk, salt and 1 cup of the whipped cream. Whisk then add remaining whipped cream and whisk until combined. Place in a dish and freeze for four hours.

Once properly chilled, both ice creams are ready to scoop and serve. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra pop of color, if desired.

Enjoy a delightful treat with your loved ones as you make memories that will last a lifetime. Out in the heat or indoors cooling off, it’s a spoonful of summertime that’s hard to skip.

Find more sweet treats for summer at Culinary.net.

In medium bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, salt and 1 cup whipped cream until combined. Add remaining whipped cream and whisk until combined.

Pour into 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Freeze uncovered 4 hours, or until set.

Scoop desired amount of each ice cream into bowls to serve. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Social

UPPER SADDLE RIVER EDUCATION FOUNDATION The USREF held their annual Town Night Out Gala at the Edgewood Country Club.

For more information, visit www.usref.org.

Edi and John Cronin

Chris and Lorraine Reichert, Dr. David Verducci, Bill O’Neill

Steven and Brooke Young, Nicky and Eric Tedd

Sahar Batla, Jamie Rosenkrantz, Mariam Dawoud

Joy Wenberg, Karen Mueller, Jen Altman

Young and Tommy Lee

Jason and Ranita Fooks, Dustin and Blair Gordon

Marie Sconzo, Liliya Burshteyn

Frances and Robert Andtbacka

Jordan and Lauren Wright, Eva and Mark Petrone

Jordan and Lauren Wright Michael and Stacey Tolpa

Daniel and Leandra Galasso

Giovanni and Yalissa Arranz, Gil and Juilia Ozir

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Lawrence and Jill Deluise, Danielle and Jason Messinger

DO LESS

Why Less Is More When It Comes To Summer Wellness

By Stacie Rose

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armer weather seems to conjure a collective feeling of easy breeziness that is always welcome. The long-awaited summer sunshine can unlock our most primordial senses. And that Vitamin D rush we crave, along with those intoxicatingly lovely sights and sounds of summer, usher in a feeling of deep calm. It’s blues skies ahead and time to rejoice and get outside!

It’s also a good time to lighten up and release extra baggage. That could mean taking a less is more approach to wellness… inside and out.

There has been a lot of buzz about simplifying, and for a good reason.

Summer may be your season! Your state of mind, body and spirit could depend on your willingness to create smart, streamlined, sustainable habits that serve your life right now.

It’s uplifting to work towards creating the lifestyle you imagine for yourself.

One day? Or Day One? You decide.

Summer Nutrition

Summer nutrition is a great place to begin. When approaching food for vitality and wellness, it’s a great idea to think fresh, local and organic. Find out what’s in season near you. Frequenting farmer’s markets is an excellent way to get outside, be social and support local farmers. Find more nutrient-rich foods that are 60

less likely to be sitting on a supermarket shelf. The less your food must travel, the less chance of contamination. Going with organics is a safe way to avoid chemical sprays and pesticides. If you are partaking in dairy or meats, there are also ways to simplify. Look for options free of antibiotics and growth hormones.

You’ll be doing your body a favor and protecting your family.

Another way to work the summer food circuit is to fire up the grill. It’s an excellent option for cooking in a leaner way. Simple soups like gazpacho can be so satisfying and pack a powerful punch of nutrition. Salads are easy to toss together and help keep summer dining fuss-free. Fashion a large salad and add in different types of protein like beans, tofu, or grilled chicken throughout the week for a variety of beautifully wholesome meals.

Fruit can be a bit high in sugar, but summer offers some super options for satisfying a sweet tooth. Tart cherries and tantalizing berries are so high in antioxidants. They can help stave off cravings for items high in salt and sugar that could cause bloating during the hotter months.

Hydration

When it comes to staying hydrated, you really can’t beat H20. If you need to punch it up with a little something zingy, drop some frozen fruit in your

water bottle. A squeeze of lemon or twist of orange is an instant mood booster. Crushed watermelon or pineapple will make you feel like a vacation is on the horizon. Staying hydrated is a simple way to avoid cramps and headaches and keep your skin glowing all summer long, so don’t skimp on your water intake.

Sun Protection

Protecting skin from the summer rays takes some work, but you don’t have to get fancy or spent a lot. A good sunscreen in the morning is a must, even when it’s cloudy! You need not go for complicated. A good SPF 30+ without unnecessary chemicals is the way to go. Keep it simple. Ask yourself if you would put the product in question on a child? You won’t want to be feeding your face or body with harmful chemicals.

Wearing sunscreen should not make you compromise safety. If you are unsure, there are sites you can consult, such as Environmental Working Group. EWG puts out a list of the safest sunscreens every summer.

Most are affordable, wear well and smell divine.

Summer Fitness

Staying fit all summer long should be joyful. Whether you are biking, hitting the beach, running or opting for yoga or anything in between, choose movement that feels good and gets you outside. The cooler months send many of us underground and into hiding. Find-

ing ways to soak up the good weather can be the mood enhancer you need and an opportunity for more social engagement. Even gardening can be an excellent way to break a sweat and breathe in nature. Plus, the rewards are enormous! Whether you are looking to tone up or wind down, make it a goal to stay present.

That’s where the good stuff happens.

Continued on Page 62

8-10 for treatments, although many of Shedding any kind. the complete underlying frame- condition productswithin formulated warmer weather and essential The Once Extra Weight chronic injuries respond quickly to acupuncture. work of the injury is understood, an acupuncture oils and scents that spark joy.

Tidying up, lightening Shedding weight does not necessarily have to do with which, prognosis for complete treatment plan mass. can be to address your load an andaccurate brightening the palette in yourresoliving diet or body It’sdevised about your state of both being.the Why After lution of the problem can be given. main symptoms and their causes.

This may include space can be a breath of fresh air and help curb feelnot clear out your closet? If it doesn’t fit and it doesn’t acupuncture treatments, herbal formulas, make you happy, give it Chinese away or toss it. The same goes ings of stress. Think in terms of creating your sense sports medicine are ideal teammates. stretches and exercises, diet modifications and the Acupuncture of serenity.and Cultivating a windowsill herb garden and for fermenting creams, perfumes, old supplements Many acute sports injuries result in pain caused useand of liniments or balms.

Corrective exercises can storing heavy blankets or items that make youbyfeel melted makeup. You don’t want to put stuff on and can swelling. is the be your provided with a physical therapist weighted down be fastAcupuncture and easy to give youpera lift. hair in or conjunction skin that’s expired or past its prime. It inflammation or never athleticfeels trainer.

Again, traditional western medifect modality for treatment without risk of harmful good to wear clothes that just don’t fit. effects. When surgery is necessary, acupuncture cineSummer is used is side by side withgood acupuncture. a time to feel in your skin, so take sideBreathe reducetaking pain, aincrease healing and reduce down good care of it. Simple is best. A quality cleanser and canWhen less is more approach, a good jumptime.

For chronic injuries, acupuncture can not only Acupuncturists classify chronic sports injuries as gentle exfoliant will keep your skin soft and healthy. ing off point and excellent place to come back to is canIt’saideasy. in the deficient Deficiency refers weak-per- reduce Chooseconditions. products wisely that are free to of aharsh your symptoms, breath. It’sbut free.

It’s resolution quick, andofyou the underlying causes.

By increasing strength, flexiness or lack.

Over time, unresolved sports injuries fumes and dyes, and always moisturize and remember will undoubtably feel lighter in moments. Five deep, and range of motion, performance is ultimately leadthe to SPF areasiflosing strength, you are headed flexibility outdoors. and stability. bility intentional breaths can make all the difference. Add Instead of focusing on removing excesses, acupunc- improved. a few minutes of meditation, and you could have a tureHome forEdit chronic conditions focuses on invigorating whole new perspective. Never underestimate the power Michael L. Gross, MD is theactions founderlike of Active Orthopedic andTaking strengthening specific parts of the body.

This is meaningful a walk, bicycle ride, a little time to evaluate your home, sleep space of simple, and Sports Medicine in Hackensack.

He is the section of done while also decreasing the pain that commonly self-care. and cut the clutter can be meaningful and therapeu- bath, call to a good friend or a few minutes ofchief medicine at Hackensack/Meridian Medical accompanies most chronic injuries.will help you sports A few gentle adjustments in yourUniversity day-to-day routine tic. Summarizing your sports surroundings Center and an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian could help you feel like your best self all summer long. embrace the season with ease and grace: summer School of Medicine.

It isplants. more Embrace difficult tosummer generalize the length of treatbooks, summer skincare ment for chronic conditions. Even so, a person should notice a positive change in his/her specific

UPCOMING HEALTH EVENTS Here, you’ll see the return of some in-person health events as well as virtual events hosted by Bergen County’s area hospitals. Make sure to register for in-person and/or virtual events.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proactive measures are being taken.

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rumming is wonderful way to take care of yourself, as well as lessen feelings of burnout and fatigue. Come and explore a new/old way of having fun while reducing stress. Bring your own drum or instruments. This adult-only drumming circle is scheduled for every second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at The Valley Center For Health and Wellness, located at 1400 MacArthur Boulevard in Mahwah. To register or for more information, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/Events.

Please note: In-person attendees must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

he Paramus Health Department is pleased to bring you an educational program on how you can protect your skin this summer, check your skin at home and how you can best prevent skin cancer via Zoom. The program will be held on June 15 from 12-1 p.m. Register here: www.valleyhealth.com/events/ taking-care-your-skin-summer.

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oin Monte Pellmar, M.D. on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and learn the causes, symptoms and treatment options of different types of headaches and migraines, as well as how to manage both and when you should see your doctor. This webinar is approximately 45 minutes and will include a Q&A at the end of the program. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have for the speaker during registration.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc53r9r6.

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n Wednesdays from 9:15-10 a.m. join Danielle Fabrizio, MS, CHES for the Mommy & Me Walking Group. Walk as a community of moms connecting and supporting each other at Westvale Park, Westwood. For additional information and questions, email Thrive@valleyhealth.com.

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estwood’s Dad Dash will be held on June 19.

The Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Memorial Foundation is dedicated to honoring Chris’ legacy by helping to support graduating high school seniors who embody Chris’ dedication to community and service.

On Jan. 14, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Chris was tragically killed when he stepped on an IED. He was serving his fourth tour of duty. Chris was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his part in saving the life of a fellow Marine, just weeks before his death.

Like Chris, the scholarship applicants will have made a commitment to further their education in pursuit of a career involving service to others. This mostly flat 5K run through shaded park pathways and residential roads is held in memory of U.S. Marine Sgt. Hrbek.

Amenities include T-shirt, water stops, refreshments, DJ and kid activities. The in-person event is being held on Father’s Day, June 19. There will also be a virtual element of this event beginning Sunday, June 12 and ending on June 19. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3kxw3xez.

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f you have atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems and need an alternative to blood thinners, you will want to learn more about WATCHMAN™ and AMULET™, one-time procedures that may reduce stroke risk for a lifetime. Learn more on June 14 from 4-5 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 201-447-8078 or emailing Mae Tenido-Ng (jtenido@ valleyhealth.com) or Maria Horvath (mhorvat@valleyhealth.com.

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trial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common irregular or abnormal heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 3 million Americans. Thankfully, more options to treat AFib are available than ever before.

Learn about AFib and the latest treatment options available virtually on June 14, July 12 and/or Aug. 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To register or for more information, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/ Events.

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osing weight is difficult, but the weight loss surgery team at Pascack Valley Medical Center is here to help. Join them from the comfort of your own home through their online webinar now offered on weekends. Learn about options for safe, reliable weight control from our supportive team of bariatric healthcare professionals who understand your struggle and will be there beside you long term. Attend their free seminar and let this day be the one that changes your life and health for the better. Please note that the information presented at this event is specific to the hospital and participating surgeons. The program will be held on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mrynf6zj.

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ome who have had COVID-19 continue to experience cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, chest pain and shortness of breath. Join a Valley cardiologist on June 22 from 2-3 p.m. to discuss how the coronavirus may have affected your heart health and how you and your physician can manage these issues.

The program will take place at The Valley Center for Health and Wellness, 1400 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah. Due to social distancing, space is limited for this in-person class. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required. All participants will be required to wear a mask within the building. Register here: www. valleyhealth.com/events/covid-heart-person.

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editation can help decrease stress and anxiety and is known as an effective means of improving resilience. This session, scheduled for June 29 from 7-8 p.m., will provide benefits of meditation and how

to begin incorporating mindfulness practices into your everyday life. Participants will experience a guided meditation and enjoy a mindful pause to gain a sense of renewal, peace and balance. For more information and to register, visit https://theatlanticclub.formstack. com/forms/hmh_mental_wellness_series.

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5K Run and Kids Fun Run through the beautiful streets of Glen Rock will take place on July 4. Athletes will enjoy running this community event on the Fourth of July prior to the start of the parade and then get to stick around to enjoy the parade itself.

Proceeds go to benefit G.R.A.C.E., an organization set up after 911 to provide assistance to family members of those who died in the terrorist attacks. Today, G.R.A.C.E. continues its hard work by maintaining the 911 Memorial in town and providing scholarship funds to High School Seniors in memory of Glen Rock’s eleven victims. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvyra64z.

f you are like most people, there are occasions when you find yourself rummaging through the kitchen looking for something to satisfy a food craving. Find out ways to better manage these urges, avoid unnecessary snacking and conquer your cravings on July 14 from 2-3 p.m. at The Valley Center for Health and Wellness, 1400 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah.

Due to social distancing, space is limited for this in-person class. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required. All participants will be required to wear a mask within the building. Register here: www.valleyhealth.com/events/conquering-your-cravings-person.

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CALLING ALL WOMEN:

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Have You Heard of Urogynecology?

here is a female-focused field of medicine that you may not have heard of and it’s called urogynecology. We recently had a conversation with Cristina Saiz, MD, and Patrick Culligan, MD, the Co-Medical Directors of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology) for Valley Medical Group, about the field of urogynecology and the important role that urogynecologists play in helping women to maintain their health and quality of life.

Q. WHAT IS UROGYNECOLOGY? A. Dr. Saiz: Urogynecology, which is also known as Female Pelvic

that worsens by the end of the day or during bowel movements — many women describe the feeling as if they are “sitting on a ball.”

Urinary frequency or the sensation of being unable to empty the bladder; difficulty starting to urinate; the need to lift up the bulging vagina or uterus to start urination; and urinary incontinence (leaking) could be present as well.

Q. WHAT IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE?

Q. ARE THERE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR THESE DISORDERS?

Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is the medical subspecialty exclusively dedicated to the treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders. To become a urogynecologist, we must complete a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology and then undergo an additional three-year fellowship training pro- Q. DO THESE DISORDERS IMPACT A WOMAN’S QUALITY OF LIFE? gram where we learn to manage pelvic floor disorders. Once our training is complete, we take a comprehensive exam in order to A. Dr. Culligan: Unfortunately, these disorders can impact a woman become board certified in urogynecology. in many different ways. Many women who have pelvic floor problems are reluctant to discuss them with anyone, or are embarrassed to acknowledge that they have a problem, even to themselves.

Q. WHAT ARE PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS? But the truth of the matter is that these problems can have a A. Dr. Culligan: The pelvic floor is a term we use to describe the very significant impact on your quality of life. We know that it muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that provide support can undermine your sense of well-being and self-worth and your for a woman’s internal organs (including the bowel, bladder, ability to live your life the way you want. After experiencing these uterus, vagina, and rectum). Not only does the pelvic floor pre- problems, women may begin to stop exercising or participating in vent these organs from falling down or out, but it also plays a physical or social activities, which can further reduce health and very important role in making the organs function properly. quality of life. Work activities, travel, and intimacy also may suffer When a woman’s pelvic muscles are weakened or she develops as a result. This is because, despite it being a common condition, tears in the pelvic connective tissues, she is considered to have women often don’t feel comfortable talking about it. It’s still a big “taboo.” a pelvic floor disorder.

A. Dr. Saiz: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when there is weakness A. Dr. Saiz: Yes, there are a variety of non-surgical and surgical or damage to the normal support of the pelvic floor, which results in a herniation of the vaginal wall. In these situations, the vaginal walls can no longer support the pelvic organs and a protrusion through the vaginal opening develops. The pelvic organs include the bladder, cervix, uterus, bowel, and rectum.

Women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse describe symptoms such as a heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area and a noticeable bulge protruding beyond the opening of the vagina.

Q. HOW COMMON IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE AND WHAT CAUSES IT? A. Dr. Culligan: It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some form of prolapse. Things that put women at risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse include multiple and/or difficult vaginal deliveries; morbid obesity; heavy lifting over time; and certain genetic factors.

Q. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE? A. Dr. Saiz: Common complaints associated with the condition include a bulging, pressure or heavy sensation in the vagina

treatment options available to patients. In our practice, we take a very individualized approach to caring for our patients. We believe it’s crucial to take a patient’s personal preferences into account when making any treatment decisions. As such, when a patient comes to see us, we discuss the treatment options that are best suited to that patient’s specific needs — both clinically and personally.

For more information about urogynecology at Valley, or to make an appointment, please visit ValleyHealth.com/Urogynecology or call 201-221-0504.

Respect.

Inclusion.

Compassion.

Valley is Proud to be an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader Valley Health System is honored to be a designated LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

This recognition is a reflection of Valley’s efforts to implement policies and practices in LGBTQ+ care – from compassionate providers to services that meet our patients’ individual needs.

At Valley, it is our priority and our privilege to offer world-class care in a supportive healing environment that is open to all. We are proud to respectfully care for everyone in our community.

To make an appointment or for a second opinion, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391).

Care Like No Other ValleyHealth.com/LGBTQ

®

HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

SAFE, QUALITY CARE FROM NJ’S #1 HOSPITAL Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the state’s #1 adult and children’s hospitals, and receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, is a reflection of our commitment to quality care. These recognitions come with the responsibility to uphold such standards. They also come with the expectation to deliver the same level of care that it took to earn these distinctions, consistently and under any circumstances.

Hackensack University Medical Center continues to provide exceptional care - from cardiac procedures to diagnostic screenings, surgeries and emergencies, cancer treatment, and childbirth -all in a safe and healing environment.

To learn how you can safely return for care visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org or call 844-HMH-WELL.