Healthy Aging: Winter 2018

A PUBLICATION FROM MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, SOUTHERN CAMPUS

HEALTHY AGING WINTER 2018

LIFELONG CARE

HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS PROSTATE BIOPSY PRECISION VOLUNTEER PAYS IT FORWARD

ACTIVITIES, SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ALL HealthyAging.1217.2.indd 1

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HOLIDAYS NEED NOT GO TO WAIST

FOLLOW THESE 5 WAYS TO SAY “NO THANKS” TO SEASONAL WEIGHT GAIN.

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ou can tell from the nip in the air and the carols on the airwaves: Most of us will soon be celebrating with family, friends—and fattening food. From Thanksgiving pumpkin pie to eggnog on New Year’s Eve, this sumptuous season is the calendar’s biggest threat to your trim waistline. And while a New England Journal of Medicine study a few years ago had some good news (we don’t pack on as many pounds as we fear), it brought a warning too: The weight we do add during this season tends to stay on. But Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, has a few tips to help you have happy and healthy holidays.

1. PLAN. Mentally prepare for events that might cause stress, such hosting or going out for a big Christmas dinner.

Restaurant meals are easy because most eateries now post their menus online. Decide what to order in advance so you won’t be tempted while sitting at the table. Also, never leave home very hungry because you’re likely to gobble every bite in sight! Your best bet: Prep for an evening fête by eating a sensible lunch, followed by a light snack two hours before you leave home for the social event.

2. DE-STRESS. Stress typically leads people to overeat and overdrink. Work on keeping pressure levels down by sticking to your regular routine as much as possible.

Does shopping in a teeming mall make you want to tear your hair out? Try buying presents online or from a catalog.

And remember: It’s not necessary to get the absolute perfect gift for every single person you know.

When all else fails, just take a break. If you’re at a party, excuse yourself and step outside for a breath of air.

keeping active will help you burn excess calories and thus stay trim.

But it goes beyond the digital “calories burned” display.

Exercise also boosts confidence and helps lower anxiety.

4. BE FIRM. If a hostess offers you a second helping of her famous—and fattening—chocolate caramel cream pie, all you have to do is say, “No thank you.” Remember, you need to take care of you. You can always compliment a spread without picking up a piece (and extra calories).

5. KEEP MOVING. If you’re truly tempted by a favorite treat, enjoy it and then move on. Otherwise you’re likely to overeat the rest of the week, unconsciously trying to get a taste of that delicacy you really wanted.

3. SWEAT. Yes, we know—during this busy time it’s easier than ever to let your exercise routine slip. Don’t! Even if it means breaking up workout sessions, with 15 minutes on the treadmill in the morning and a 20-minute walk at the end of the day,

DINING TIP: Fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables, including salad, and eat them first. The fiber will help fill you up and leave less room for those dangerous, highercalorie foods.

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ON THE CUTTING EDGE PATIENTS TURN TO MMCSC FOR THE MOST PRECISE PROSTATE BIOPSIES.

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n advanced technology to more accurately diagnose prostate cancer has been introduced at Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus (MMCSC).

MRI ultrasound fusion biopsy is a new method to test suspected prostate tumors by fusing MRI images of the prostate with ultrasound images. This approach offers a direct, guided approach to suspicious lesions on the prostate, resulting in more accurate results.

“Combining MRI and ultrasound technology allows physicians to better determine the stages of prostate cancer and whether a certain case is high or low-risk,” says Mukaram Gazi, M.D., FACS, chief of urology at MMCSC. “Having access to such clear-cut data yields better treatment options for patients since physicians can be more certain whether a case will call for a watch-and-wait approach, surgical intervention, or radiation therapy.”

In the past, finding the exact location of cancer in the prostate has been challenging, according to Dr. Gazi, who says that while the traditional approach involved ultrasound, it was without the enhanced visualization offered by the MRI fusion technology. This technology offers cutting-edge visualization and prostate cancer detection, he says.

“I find the easiest way to explain this approach is to compare it to using a GPS rather than road signs,” Dr. Gazi says.

“Both options are going to get you to your destination but the GPS will get you there quicker and more efficiently. In the past, specific lesions weren’t always captured by ultrasound alone. Now, being able to overlay the MRI image with the ultrasound, we’ll know exactly what we’re looking for and where to find it.”

The ideal patients for an MRI fusion biopsy at MMCSC would be men with elevated or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or those who have a clinical concern for

prostate cancer, says Kiritkumar Pandya, M.D., urologist and president of the MMCSC medical staff. This includes men who may have had a previous negative biopsy result, an abnormal rectal exam, or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer but have been given a watch-and-wait treatment plan.

“We are proud to introduce this state-of-the-art technology to Ocean County,” says Frank J. Vozos, MD, FACS, executive vice oresident, RWJBarnabas Health and chief executive, MMCSC. “Men in our community now have access to the newest innovation in prostate cancer detection through our team of urologists at Monmouth South, proving that you don’t have to travel far to receive the most advanced prostate cancer care.”

The two-step procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients must first be evaluated by an urologist to determine if they are a candidate for this type of biopsy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an MMCSC urologist, call 888.724.7123.

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A GRATEFUL PATIENT:

OLGA ZAYAS-ORTIZ TOUCHED BY THE CARE MMCSC GAVE HER MOTHER, THIS SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST IS PAYING IT FORWARD AS A VOLUNTEER AT THE HOSPITAL.

“Every member of the hospital staff that we came in contact with was patient, sweet and understanding.”

—Olga Zayas-Ortiz

Olga Zayas-Ortiz, a full-time school psychologist and mother of two, has been volunteering at the Lots for Little Thrift Shop in Lakewood for more than a decade.

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he thing most important to Olga Zayas-Ortiz is her family. The youngest of 10 siblings and the mother of two, she has always been a caregiver at her core and easily recognizes those who are true caregivers as well. Toward the end of her life, Olga’s mother was sick often and hospitalized several times at what is now Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus (MMCSC).

“Every member of the hospital staff that we came in contact with was patient, sweet and understanding,” says Olga. “My mother was very reserved, so they went out of their way to always ask her if she needed anything. She was truly treated as if she were a precious family member.”

Due to the compassionate care her mother received, Olga knew she wanted to be able to give back to the hospital in some way eventually. Time was a precious commodity for her as she was not only a full-time mom but also a school psychologist of 47 years. The opportunity to volunteer presented itself when her youngest started high school.

“I visited the Lots for Little Thrift Shop in Lakewood with a friend over a decade ago and was able to use my Spanish language skills to help a customer make a purchase,” Olga recalls. “The supervisor at the shop asked me to volunteer on the spot, and I was excited for the opportunity to help the hospital that helped someone I love.”

More than 12 years later, Olga is still volunteering every Saturday, helping to raise funds to support the outstanding programs and services at MMCSC. “I love it and I think my mother would be proud,” says Olga. “I am honoring those who lovingly cared for her while helping the whole community.”

If you are interested in volunteering at one of the thrift shops, call 732.886.4802.

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Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

3S SThriftS S Shops SS SS

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

SS SS

The Treasure Chest

Kimball Closet

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

on Route 70 in Manchester (732) 657-2590

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

Lots for Little

The Treasure Chest

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HOW SWEET IT IS VITAMIN-PACKED SWEET POTATOES LEAVE WHITE SPUDS IN THE DIRT. A primary source of nourishment for native Americans, early European colonists and soldiers during both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, sweet potatoes later were relegated to holiday tables, served as a complement to Thanksgiving turkey or holiday roast.

Today, sweet potatoes are making a comeback: orange-fleshed mashes, fries and tots are commonly found on restaurant menus and in the frozen-food aisle at grocery stores. Though fried potatoes of any color should be eaten sparingly, baked or boiled sweet potatoes offer exceptional health benefits.

POWER UP Considered one of the healthiest vegetables of all, sweet potatoes are the root of a tropical vine in the morning-glory family. Brimming with beta-carotene, fiber and vitamins A (five times the recommended daily intake), C and E, they’re a good choice when it comes to adding cancer-fighting nutrients to your diet and improving digestive health. Compared to white (also called Irish) potatoes, they have more vitamins, more fiber, fewer calories and fewer total carbs—despite having more sugar. They’re also fat-free.

50%

of U.S. sweet potatoes are grown in North Carolina

2X

Sweet potatoes have twice the fiber of a white (Irish) potato

BUY | STORE | SERVE When shopping, choose sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth, without bruises or discoloration. Store them unwashed in a cool, dry place and use within three to five weeks. Sweetness increases during storage. Don’t refrigerate—the cold turns the potato’s natural sugars to starch. Like white potatoes, sweet potatoes can be baked, grilled, boiled or microwaved.

Lightly season with salt and pepper or highlight their sweet side by sprinkling with brown sugar and cinnamon. For healthy potato chips, slice thinly, brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees (or until lightly browned and crisp).

Try adding thinly sliced, cooked sweet potato to your sandwich, or pop sweet-potato slices on the grill until browned to your liking, then drizzle with lime juice.

And of course, you can mash them. You can even try them raw by shredding onto a salad.

DID YOU KNOW? Sweet potatoes and yams are two different vegetables, with sweet potatoes offering more nutritional benefits and being more widely available in the U.S.

1

U.S. president who was a sweet-potato farmer (George Washington)

2,700+ Years humans have been cultivating sweet potatoes

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

GENTLE YOGA

Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m.

Cancer Support Community, 199 Prospect St., Lakewood The proven benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, range of motion, energy and relaxation. Free gentle yoga classes are offered to men and women of all ages who are affected by cancer. Registration required; call 732.923.6090.

EXERCISE FOR STRENGTH

Mondays, 3 to 4 p.m.

Cancer Support Community, 199 Prospect St., Lakewood Individuals who have been affected by cancer can participate in this free interactive workout group. Sessions are designed to improve energy as well as increase endurance and flexibility. Due to the physical nature of the program, sneakers and medical clearance are required.

Registration required; call 732.923.6090.

GUIDED RELAXATION

Mondays from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Cancer Support Community, 199 Prospect St., Lakewood Those who attend this free group will be provided ways to balance their energy and increase self-care techniques,

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as well as methods to better focus and relax. Medical clearance is required for those currently undergoing active cancer treatment. Registration required; call 732.923.6090.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesdays, noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesdays, 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Ave., Lakewood This free weekly support group is open to anyone who is caring for a person age 60 or older and living in Ocean County. The group will offer support and education for caregivers to enhance their coping skills and develop strategies for maintaining balance in their lives.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

3rd Floor Conference Room, MMCSC, 600 River Ave., Lakewood Are you a grandparent in the Ocean/Monmouth area? This free weekly support group helps address many challenges faced by “grandfamilies,” including financial and relational issues. Monthly “family dinners” will provide support and educational programs for grandparents and children under their care.

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Emergencies happen fast.

We treat them the same way.

Fast and efficient ER treatment At Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus we relieve the pain of waiting. From minor to complex medical and surgical emergencies, to broken arms and more, we’re here to care for you quickly and effectively. And with special units dedicated to pediatric and geriatric care, we’re equipped to treat all age groups.

Speed, dedication, superior service and access to the entire RWJBarnabas Health network, it all adds up to an Emergency Department that achieves high patient satisfaction rates and great outcomes. For more information, please visit rwjbh.org/monmouthsouth

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