Healthy Aging: March 2018

A PUBLICATION FROM MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN CAMPUS

HEALTHY AGING MARCH 2018

HERE’S TO ‘BETTER HEALTH’

FILM FEST: BOOST YOUR MOOD GET MOVING OUTDOORS MINDFUL EATING

MEET MMCSC’S CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST HealthyAging.0318.1.indd 1

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MEET THE PHYSICIAN:

SUE ELLEN BOYER CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST BRINGS MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE TO MMCSC.

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“My role as an audiologist is to serve and educate our patients with the highest quality of care while demonstrating respect for their personal and medical needs. In doing so, I feel my patients leave the office having a better understanding of their hearing and balance issues than when they arrived.”

ue Ellen Boyer, AuD, brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as a clinical audiologist at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus.

Dr. Boyer specializes in providing audiology services for children and adults of all ages and developmental levels. She has a particular interest in the area of vestibular (balance) disorders and their diagnostic evaluations. Additionally, she has many years of advanced training and experience with pediatric patients.

Dr. Boyer’s areas of expertise include the electrophysiological assessment of auditory and vestibular system (ABR and VNG), the management of industrial hearing-conservation programs, and toxicity monitoring of pharmaceutical studies.

She earned a clinical doctorate degree in audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Audiology and Optometry and a Master of Arts degree from The College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College. In 2016, Dr. Boyer was honored with the Healthcare Provider of the Year award from The Arc, Ocean County Chapter.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyer, call 732.942.5921.

—Sue Ellen Boyer, AuD, clinical audiologist, MMCSC

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SEE YOU

AT THE MOVIES

BETTER HEALTH MEMBERS CAN GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL.

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f you like movies—and you’re enrolled in the Better Health Senior Membership Program at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus—you’re in luck. Better Health members can get $5 off their online purchase of tickets for individual films, day and weekend passes and the Opening Night Gala at the upcoming Garden State Film Festival, March 22–25.

The festival will welcome celebrities, filmmakers and fans back to its original home in Asbury Park—after several years in Atlantic City—at many local venues for its 16th Anniversary Celebration. The event celebrates the best in international and local cinema and will feature more than 220 films. It was named winner of the 2017 Global Excellence Awards “Best Independent Film Festival—East Coast”

by TMT News.

The films are a great way for seniors to get out and socialize, one of Better Health’s three pillars of healthy aging, along with increased physical activity and proper nutrition. Films screened at the festival are chosen for uplifting, emotional and thought-provoking stories.

And afterward, there will be a question-and-answer session to discuss the film.

This year’s participating venues include the historic Paramount Theatre, Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Asbury, House of Independents, Jersey Shore Arts Center, the Asbury Park Senior Center and City Council Chambers inside City Hall. Free jitney service will be offered throughout the weekend.

“This year, we are so excited to be home in Asbury Park,” says the festival’s executive director, Lauren Concar. “We’re planning a lot more fun, and we’ll once again showcase amazing films by independent filmmakers from around the world. Plus, the festival is a fabulous learning opportunity, where industry leaders share their knowledge and skills at our workshops and events.”

Individual film tickets are $10 for members who purchase them online, or $15 at the door. Weekend passes for the festival are available at $45 online/$50 at the door and include all events and film screenings except the awards banquet on Sunday evening.

Day passes ($25/$30 Saturday, $20/$25 Sunday) are also available to attend the festival’s many workshops and special events, including a hands-on animation workshop presented by Academy Award-nominated LAIKA Studios, several professional panel discussions and a live reading of the screenplay competition winner. Tickets for the Friday night Gala Cocktail Party & Screening are $25/$30.

To order discounted tickets, go to gsff.org/buy-tickets-now and enter the promotion code BHSM. For more information on the Better Health Program or to become a member, call 1.888.724.2362.

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EXERCISING OUTDOORS BEATS THE GYM BY A MILE 4 HealthyAging.0318.1.indd 4

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ure, a climate-controlled gym with amazing amenities can be a pleasant place to work out, especially in winter, but science suggests there are powerful advantages to leading an active lifestyle in the great outdoors.

When the weather permits, get back to nature for a variety of benefits to body, mind and soul.

BOOST ENERGY AND REDUCE TENSION For example, a team from England’s Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry analyzed 11 trials that included more than 800 adults. They found that, when compared with indoor exercise, outdoor activity was associated with increased energy and

counterparts, and said exposure to sunlight improved their mood. In addition, people who walked outside completed an average of 30 minutes more exercise per week than those who exercised indoors.

So, which outdoor activities provide the greatest benefit? Walking is at the top of the list. It boosts cardio, is gentle on the joints, strengthens bones, can be done almost anywhere and is free. From a mental-health standpoint, it can reduce stress, improve mood and spark creativity.

Gardening is another favorite outdoor activity for many. It promotes tranquility and relaxation, and has many physical benefits as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, moderate activity, such as active gardening, for as little as two-and-a-half hours each week can reduce risk of obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and depression.

START GRANDKIDS EARLY revitalization, as well as decreased confusion, anger, depression and tension.

Outdoor exercisers also reported enjoying their workouts more, and were more likely to say they planned to repeat them than those who were holed up inside a gym. Many also had lower levels of cortisol (a hormone produced in response to stress) than their indoor

If you’re watching your grandchildren, introduce them to outdoor fun at an early age.

They’ll be more likely to carry your example into their teen and adult years, when stress-busting and health-enhancing activities become even more vital.

Being active outdoors lets you improve your fitness, while enjoying nature and relieving daily stress in the process. Now that’s what we call effective multitasking.

DON’T LET ALLERGIES KEEP YOU INDOORS Do you love exercising outdoors but fear an allergy attack? Three key strategies will help you stay comfortable: 1. Prep your system. During days or seasons when your allergies are at their worst, use an over-the-counter antihistamine before you exercise. This will help stave off the allergens’ effects and may prevent an attack before it starts.

2. Pick your time. If you have a pollen allergy, exercise early morning or late evening when pollen counts are lowest. If you’re allergic to mold, avoid exercising right after a rain shower, when molds are at their peak. Check the weather for the local pollen count.

3. Keep allergens outside.

After exercising, shower, wash your hair and change your clothes. You might also wish to rinse out nasal cavities using a Neti Pot filled with a saline solution—allergens tend to accumulate in nasal cavities after exercise.

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NUTRITION MONTH

MINDFUL EATING DOCUMENT YOUR DIET DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH AND REFLECT ON THE GOOD CHOICES YOU’VE MADE.

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any qualified people give advice on healthy eating.

But advice can be easy to forget—or to rationalize away. But take note: This is National Nutrition Month, after all. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, a registered dietitian and nutrition educator who has lectured throughout the state, says you should enjoy your food, not dread it. “Notice the different tastes, textures and portions of the food your body needs,” she says. “A once-boring fruit can be transformed into a delicious frozen yogurt treat, or a vegetable into a delectable snack.” To get on track, she suggests keeping a diary of the foods you eat (as well as when and why you ate those foods) so you can reflect on the good choices you made and identify areas that need improvement.

Here’s a page from her own food diary.

DINNER

BAKED SALMON n 1 to 3 oz. baked salmon in

teriyaki sauce n 1 cup steamed broccolini with a drizzle of olive oil, crushed garlic clove and pinch of salt n 1 cup baked sweet potato chips n 1 glass cucumber-lemon sparkling water n 1 to 4 oz. chardonnay

Baked salmon is not only succulent and tender, but it’s also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain, joint and heart function.

Broccolini is a popular vegetable because it transforms with a simple olive oil drizzle, garlic and salt. And it’s full of cancer-fighting phytonutrients.

Baked sweet potato chips do not significantly raise glucose levels because of their high fiber content. These fat-free chips are rich in vitamin A, so they are not only good for digestion but also for eyesight.

AFTER-DINNER SNACK A

FROZEN YOGURT MANGO TREAT F Ingredients n ½ cup frozen mango chunks n ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt n 1 date

n ½ scoop whey

protein n 1 Tbs. psyllium n ½ cup ice cubes n Water as needed

Directions Place ingredients in a blender or smoothie machine and blend until mixture is smooth but still semisolid. Scoop into your preferred mold and freeze until serving time.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR The following groups and programs hold ongoing meetings that will be of interest to seniors.

STRESS MANAGEMENT AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Monday, March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Avenue, Lakewood Let’s destress together! Join us for a discussion on the causes of stress, the impact that it may potentially have on your health and ways to combat it with practical and proven relaxation techniques including guided imagery, deep breathing and adult coloring. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required by calling RWJBarnabas Health at 1.888.724.7123.

OPEN HEALTH SCREENINGS

Wednesday, March 14 from 9 to 10 a.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Avenue, Lakewood Come out and have your glucose, blood pressure, bone density and body mass index (BMI) tested for free. In addition, hearing screenings will be provided by Sue Ellen Boyer, AuD, FAAA. Afterward, enjoy a hearthealthy treat! Registration is required by calling RWJBarnabas Health at 1.888.724.7123.

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COOKING AND EATING FOR HEALTHY LIVING—BETTER HEALTH MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT

Tuesday, March 20 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, 600 River Avenue, Lakewood March is National Nutrition Month!

The food choices you make today— and everyday—affect your health.

Research shows that you can lower your risk for the most serious diseases by following a healthy diet. Healthy eating can reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes and help ward off hypertension, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer. We will explore simple, healthy no-cook meals as well as dishes that can be prepared for one or two people.

Presented by Lauren Dorman, MS, registered dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator. Registration is required by calling RWJBarnabas Health at 1.888.726.2362.

KEEPING YOUR GRANDKIDS SAFE AND HAPPY WHILE IN YOUR CARE

Monday, March 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Avenue, Lakewood During this program, we will discuss the current trends in child safety in the home, outdoors and on the road!

Presented by Safe Kids Monmouth/ Ocean County. Registration is required by calling RWJBarnabas Health at 1.888.724.7123.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Every Wednesday from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Avenue, Lakewood This free weekly support group is open to anyone caring for a person living in Ocean County who is 60 years or older. The group is facilitated by a licensed social worker who will offer support and education for caregivers to develop strategies for maintaining balance in their lives while caring for loved ones. For more information or to register, call 732.730.9112.

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Every gift is one step closer to a win for your community.

8 gifts of $75

5 gifts of $30

1 Lunch and Learn session for Better Health, a program providing beneficial information and healthy activities for local seniors

3 radiology readings for our lung cancer screening program

20 gifts of $20 2 mammograms, promoting early detection and prevention of breast cancer

Each gift of $45 provides one “feel good” item for an oncology patient having a tough day through the Bling Project Have an immediate impact on the health of your community by making a gift today at monmouthsouthgiving.org.

Give now.

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

3 Thrift Shops

Lots for Little on Route 9 in Lakewood (732) 364-6312

The Treasure Chest on Route 70 in Manchester (732) 657-2590

Kimball Closet

on New Prospect Road in Jackson (732) 886-5972

All donations at the shops raise funds that go directly to supporting

Important Projects and Initiatives at the Medical Center

RUN SOLELY BY VOLUNTEERS We are accepting applications for new volunteers

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Lots for Little

The Treasure Chest

2/20/18 12:19 PM