Morris Essex Health and Life: December 2020

DEC 2020/JAN 2021 | $3.95 | MSXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM | VOLUME 19 ISSUE 6

HEALTH & LIFE

HEALTH & LIFE

THE WINTER ISSUE

2021 A NEW YOU 52 WAYS TO BETTER HEALTH & HAPPINESS!

VOLUME 19 ISSUE 6 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

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CONTENTS

52 WAYS TO BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN 2021 Every week in the coming year offers a new opportunity to change your life.

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Features A Warning for Women | 22

Welcome to The Family | 26

Don’t let fear of COVID-19 make you neglect your annual physical exam and regular screenings, says an internist.

Keeping Your Family Safe This Season | 24

With coronavirus cases spiking, we must all stay vigilant to protect ourselves and our loved ones over the holidays and through the winter.

SBMC welcomes Short Hills resident and community member Cori Wilf to its Board of Trustees.

Breathe Easy | 27

The Medical Center’s brand-new lung nodule program helps identify nodules in low-risk patients that could develop into lung cancer.

Fireside Festivities | 46

An outdoor picnic on a winter’s day can warm the spirit if you plan it just right.

IN EVERY ISSUE

True Blue | 38

A small Montclair kitchen gets a big makeover in the client’s chosen hue.

Result? An award winner!

MSXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

Good and Red-Y | 40

Get decked out in the color of the season and pair it with anything from basic black to purple, camel and more.

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6 Editor’s Note 21 Health News 68 Where to Eat

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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CONTENTS

Departments Morris/Essex Buzz | 14 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the counties.

For Men Only | 16

You’ll love the pattern play in these updated wardrobe staples.

Style Watch | 18

Any level-headed lady knows these off-kilter duds are a must for the season.

Jewelry Box | 19

It’s obvious that you need to make one or more of these glittering stones your go-to accessory this season.

Home Front | 20

These gold and silver pieces are like jewelry for your home—they add a little sparkle and show off your personal taste.

Escapes | 50

Ski trip canceled? Try a new outdoor activity that will banish cabin fever and keep you moving.

Tastes | 52

Finish off your holiday meal with these French-inspired confections. Fewer guests this year means more for you!

52 50

Power Food | 66

When the glamour foods are gone and we crave pure nutrition, it’s the lowly turnip’s turn.

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Spirits | 67

It’s been a tough year, but this sweet cranberry sip will help you celebrate the season.

Gatherings | 70

Morris/Essex residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors— especially during a pandemic.

A Morris/Essex Moment | 100

A businessman who makes dance photography his hobby perfectly captures the movements of his ballerina pal at Morristown’s Speedwell Lake.

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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R W J BARNABAS HEALTH PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH BARRY H. OS TROWS KY

SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER S TEPHEN P. ZI ENI EWI CZ, FAC HE SENIOR DIRECTOR STRATEGIC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER S AL LY MAL ECH, MPH, RD ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER S AMANTHA ANTON

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MAKE 2021 ALL ABOUT YOUR HEALTH We are all looking forward to the beginning of a new year, and that is especially true during the pandemic. In 2020, many of us may have put our health on the back burner while dealing with financial stress, family matters or general anxieties surrounding the coronavirus. But make 2021 a fresh start to your health. As you probably know, it’s really important to take care of yourself and not put off your physical (and emotional) well-being. This includes scheduling your preventive screenings, getting the proper immunizations for yourself and your family and making appointments with any specialists whom you see regularly.

In this issue of Morris/Essex Health & Life, we learn more about the importance of preventive health, especially for women. In a Q&A, one of our Saint Barnabas Medical Center internists answers questions about tests and screenings that are imperative for women of all ages, the importance of both calcium and vitamin D as we age and more. Read the article on page 22.

This issue also introduces our brand-new lung nodule program, which helps identify nodules in low-risk patients that are found incidentally on scans. This program serves as a “safety check” for non-smokers, and is in addition to our longstanding lung screening program, which offers free scans for those who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. Page 27 has more information.

As you think about your plans for the holidays, flip to page 24. An infectious disease specialist at the Medical Center explains how to keep your family safe throughout the holiday season and the winter—and what is and is not recommended with COVID cases on the rise.

Finally, get to know Cori Wilf, the newest member of our Board of Trustees, on page 26.

We hope that despite this year’s unusual circumstances, you and your family have a happy, and most importantly, healthy, holiday season and 2021.

Regards,

94 Old Shor t Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039 973.322.5000 or 1.888.724.7123 For more infor mation about Saint Bar nabas facilities and ser vices, please visit r wjbh.org/sbmc.

BARRY H. OSTROWSKY President and Chief Executive Officer RWJBARNABAS HEALTH

PUBLISHED BY

WAINSCOT MEDIA

STEPHEN P. ZIENIEWICZ, FACHE President and Chief Executive Officer SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER

FOR A DDITIONAL INFORM ATION ABOUT SA INT BA R NABAS MEDICAL CENTER, V ISIT OU R W EBSITE AT RWJBH.ORG/ SBMC.

Your family has no history of breast cancer.

You still need a mammogram.

It’s curious how healthy habits can become go-to excuses. But don’t excuse yourself from getting a mammogram. At RWJBarnabas Health, we offer the latest in comprehensive breast health services including mammograms, 3D mammograms, genetic testing, breast surgery and more — like peace of mind.

And with breast health centers conveniently located throughout New Jersey, finding us is simple, too.

Making excuses is easy. Making an appointment is easier. Schedule your visit at rwjbh.org/mammo

Let’s beat breast cancer together.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. So if you’ve put off cancer care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

{ EDITOR’S NOTE }

Find Joy Beautiful, Healthy Smiles For Your Family!

Since 1987, Aesthetic Smiles of New Jersey has improved the appearance of patients by providing highly personalized combinations of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. With a smile makeover, you can fix broken or chipped teeth, stained or discolored teeth; crooked teeth, and other aesthetic issues important to you.

Aesthetic Smiles of New Jersey offers dentistry for the whole family, from the young to the young at heart. So whether you're thinking of finally having that sensational smile, improving your oral health, or remedying any dental issue; call our office today to learn more. Our world-class dentists and team are looking forward to providing the treatment you deserve.

Winter is upon us and with it usually comes the warmth of the season. Of course, this warmth is accompanied by the bitter cold of plunging temperatures. But before you curse the frigid air and the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus, consider how good you’ve become at making the best of this new reality. In that spirit, let’s consider some of winter’s unique joys.

For the gourmet among us, winter’s chill often inspires a flurry of baking. The three French-inspired desserts featured in “Crowd Pleasers” are easy to make and will bring warmth to your body and soul. See the recipes on page 52.

For those who love to entertain, the holidays are prime time to showcase your creativity. And what better way to safely show off your imagination than taking the party outside. When you bundle up with buddies by an outdoor firepit, your décor can boost everyone’s spirit. Flip to “Fireside Festivities” on page 46 to see how it’s done.

For the fashionista, the season is the perfect time to showcase garments and accessories in one of my favorite colors: red. Get decked out for your socially distant holiday party in one of the looks featured in “Good and Red-y,” starting on page 40.

For the fresh-air aficionado, the cold offers a wealth of opportunity for outdoor fun—even if it’s close to home. You don’t have to zip down a mountain in subzero temps to enjoy the simple pleasures of winter activities. In “Winter Fun, 5 Ways” on page 50, we offer a handful of exciting winter pastimes that don’t require slopes, sleds or a trip across the country.

Finally, for those who simply want to cocoon in their home and love nothing more than curling up in a blanket with a little reading, we present this issue of Morris/Essex Health & Life, which is packed with great content. We hope it mirrors the joys of the season.

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

Beautiful, Healthy Smiles For Your Family!

www.asnj.com | 973.285.5480

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HEALTH & LIFE

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Morris/Essex Health & Life is published 6 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 19, Issue 5. © 2020 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Morris and Essex counties: $14 for one year. Single copies: $3.95.

Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTIES.

RUFF LIFE

TIME TO VOTE—AGAIN This time there are no lines—we promise! Morris/Essex Health & Life ’s annual Readers’ Choice Poll is a go for 2021 despite the pandemic, and if you haven’t voted in past years, this is a great way to support local businesses.

Visit msxhealthandlife.com/ readerschoice2021 beginning Jan. 11 to help bring glory to your favorite local spots, from restaurants to retail shops, brunch hangouts to barbers. And stay tuned to find out the winners, who will be revealed in our annual “Best of” issue in September.

There are kennels...and then there is The Barker Lounge. Two dog-loving brothers, Mike and Robert Gonnello of Millburn, opened the Livingston franchise of TBL this fall, giving pet owners what their area previously lacked: a year-round doggy daycare, overnight boarding and grooming center for dogs of all ages and breeds.

With 11,000 square feet of indoor play space and another 4,000 outside—plus dog-crazy staff who entertain the pups all day—just be warned that after your furry friend’s first visit, he may not want to come home.

• The Barker Lounge, 81 Dorsa Ave., Livingston, 862.707.BARK; thebarkerlounge. com/livingston/

WANT SAFE STREETS?

ALL HAIL HER MAJESTY Northern New Jersey has lately become a mini-Hollywood, with upcoming films The Many Saints of Newark and the new West Side Story having both filmed partly on location in Newark. Now Newark native Queen Latifah, who throughout her career has shown love to the Garden State, has returned. Latifah was spotted in November in her old stamping grounds of Jersey City filming her new CBS series, The Equalizer, a reboot of the ’80s original. In this thriller, the media mogul plays an ex-CIA agent and single mom in New York City. Catch Latifah (and the streets of Jersey City) Friday nights on CBS. MSXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

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We’re accustomed to thinking of “safety” in COVID-19 terms these days, but AdvisorSmith, an online “business insurance resource,” hasn’t forgotten crime. Recently it released a list of New Jersey’s safest communities (ranked by small, mid-sized and large), and a handful of the safest are here in Morris and Essex counties. The study used data from FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Dataset to compare low crime levels, and these towns ranked impressively: • Mid-sized: Chatham (#3), Verona (#7) • Large: Parsippany (#2), Bloomfield (#6)

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

KUDOS:

YOUR PHONE’S A VIRUS FIGHTER

A PHO YOU SHOULD KNOW Why stop by Saigon Café in Millburn? Well, patrons love its “outstanding” variations on the Vietnamese noodle soup called pho—it offers chicken, veggie, beef, tofu, seafood and even “make your own” versions, as well as homemade broth and dumplings. (If you’d still rather not dine indoors during the pandemic, there’s takeout via Doordash.) When the restaurant review site Yelp ranked eateries based on volume and ratings of reviews that mentioned the dish, Saigon Café was rated New Jersey’s best pho restaurant. So don’t settle for a foe’s faux pho!

• Saigon Café Millburn, 286 Essex St., Millburn, 973.376.6061; saigon-café.biz

All of us who work in media have had to adapt our workflow to the restrictions of the pandemic, and that’s a special challenge for high school journalists just learning the ropes. But staffers on the student newspaper at Columbia High School in Maplewood stepped up. The Columbian was one of 106 “first place” honorees nationally for the 2019–20 academic year in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual school newspaper competition. It was the sixth year in a row the paper had been so honored.

The students were judged on the newspaper’s journalistic content, journalistic decisionmaking, visual layout and design, photography, illustration and overall editing.

Unveiled this fall, the state Department of Health’s COVID app offers useful info such as reopening updates, coronavirus metrics and a symptom-tracking tool. It’s also able—if you enable the feature—to alert you if other users in your proximity have tested positive for COVID-19, and vice versa. The state says names and exact locations are never disclosed. COVID Alert NJ is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Find out more at covid19.nj.gov/pages/app.

PUPPY LOVE Dog: Stanley, 5-year-old Maltipoo Owners: The Palladino family of Florham Park When the Palladino family met a dog from Xanadu Maltipoos breeder in Flemington, they knew they wanted to get their new family member from there too. “We were very impressed with the size, temperament and fit for our family,” says dog dad Anthony. And Stanley fits right in. Though the pup weighs just about 8 pounds, his owner says he thinks he’s a lot larger than that. “He stands up for himself and protects his family,” Anthony says. “As long as he’s not napping. Or eating. Or a little too tired. Or off duty.” Stan also loves snuggling, eating fresh mozzarella and chicken cutlets, boat rides and visits to The Home Depot and Morris County Dog Park.

And he’s a pup who wears his heart on his figurative sleeve. “He is very communicative, and everyone knows how he feels at all times,” Anthony says. “He makes some of the funniest growls, barks, snorts, chortles and grunts I think ever uttered by a canine.” Follow Stanley on Instagram @stanley_the_maltipoo. To see your puppy or kitten featured in Morris/Essex Health & Life, email editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

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OUTDOOR DINING WITH A TWIST Customers at a Morristown restaurant will be dining in a winter wonderland this year. Fig & Lily Garden, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened in 2018, last year installed personal enclosed igloos in the courtyard to make outdoor dining doable in the winter.

Little did they know how handy these igloos would become in 2020 during COVID. Each snow globe comfortably fits six to eight guests and is heated to ensure that your meal is bearable even during the coldest of evenings. Of course, the igloos are also the perfect way to socially distance, and they’re sanitized thoroughly after each party.

• Fig & Lily Garden, 2 Cattano Ave., Morristown, 973.539.3999; figandlilygarden.com

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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St. Francis is a nonprofit community committed to providing a supportive, nurturing environment. We are focused on serving the needs of our residents. From safe living to medication management, our goal is to improve your quality of life.

Our unique approach enables us to offer more fair and reasonable fees than you will find elsewhere.

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DO YOU WANT YOUR WORK TO BE FEATURED IN OUR REGIONAL MAGAZINES? Actively seeking professional freelance photographers and writers for Advertising Department’s Special Sections

If interested please contact Jacquelynn Fischer Jacquelynn.Fischer@wainscotmedia.com

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DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

POSER EDIE SEXY ASYMMETRICAL HEELS fluevog.com

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Crystal Clear

ETTIKA CRYSTAL FRINGE EARRINGS Nordstrom, Short Hills, 973.467.1500

It’s obvious that you need to make one or more of these glittering stones your go-to accessory this season.

ELORA GEMS VITRAIL RING Tess Morgan, Livingston, 973.992.2400

BURGUNDYBLUE CRYSTAL CHANDELIER EARRINGS earringsgalore.com

SWAROVSKI BLUE TIGRIS RING Swarovski, Short Hills, 973.379.4318

GIVENCHY CRYSTAL BANGLE COLLECTION Macy’s, Livingston, 973.994.2000

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{ HOME FRONT }

KARTELL MASTERS PRECIOUS DINING CHAIR, SET OF TWO Bloomingdale’s, Short Hills, 973.548.2200

STRATTON HOME DÉCOR METALLIC RINGS WALL ART Bed Bath & Beyond, East Hanover, 973.884.4287 CONTEMPORARY HOME LIVING BEIGE AND SILVER TABLE LAMPS, SET OF TWO amazon.com

Precious Metals

JONATHAN ADLER HOLLYWOOD FLOOR LAMP Macy’s, Livingston, 973.994.2000

These gold and silver pieces are like jewelry for your home—they add a little sparkle and show off your personal taste.

CORTESI HOME APOLLO CUBE OTTOMAN houzz.com

HAMMERED METAL CALA COFFEE TABLE Cost Plus World Market, Livingston, 973.533.7439

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{ HEALTH NEWS }

60

OPEN WINDOWS TO STAY ALERT

The percentage of people willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available.

Fresh air can boost your ability to focus. A recent study showed that better ventilation in dorm rooms overnight improved alertness among college students the following day. Fresh air flushes out a room’s carbon dioxide.

—Cleveland

—International Journal of

Clinic

Indoor Environment and Health

SNOOZE FOR BONE HEALTH

Postmenopausal women who clocked five hours of sleep or less had lower bone density compared with those who slept for at least seven hours.

Researchers note that much bone repair takes place at night, and skimping on sleep can disrupt the process.

OM FOR EYES

Meditation can improve eye health. A recent study showed that 75 percent of participants practicing mindfulness meditation lowered intraocular pressure, which contributes to glaucoma, by 25 percent.

—Journal of Glaucoma

THE BUZZ IN CANCER NEWS

—University at Buffalo

Researchers in Australia found that honeybee venom killed the cells of triplenegative breast cancer in mice. Similar studies have yet to been conducted on humans.

THINK POSITIVE, BE HAPPY

Study participants were asked to record four positive events that might likely happen to them the next day. At the end of two weeks, this group was much happier than those asked to record negative or neutral possible events.

—Journal of Positive Psychology

—Nature Precision Oncology

88

A GOOD SOAK

The percentage of people who admit to staying up past their usual bedtime to binge-watch TV. Experts say it’s fine unless you make a habit of it, as lack of sleep has been linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a higher level of anxiety.

A daily hot bath has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers suggest it’s because the effect of mild heat exposure on the body is similar to that of exercise.

—Heart

—American Academy of Sleep Medicine MSXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

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—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

A WARNING FOR WOMEN

Don’t let fear of COVID-19 make you neglect your annual physical exam and regular screenings, says an internist.

We hate to generalize. But even in normal times, women are famous for putting their own health care concerns on the back burner while tending to other family members. Add to that dish a dollop of pandemic procrastination, and you’ve got a stew of trouble.

Don’t take our word for it. Listen to board-certified internist Kristen J. Schwall, M.D. Affiliated with Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC), she’s a member of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group.

Dr. Schwall recommends annual routine physicals for women and stresses that the vital role of preventive care goes on no matter what’s in the headlines. In a recent interview, she filled Morris/ Essex Health & Life in on the whys and wherefores:

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{ IN GOOD HEALTH } reaches out to the patient and gets the test that I ordered scheduled, so there is no delay.”

What do you say to patients who are nervous about visiting their doctor in the office due to COVID-19?

“I emphasize not ignoring health symptoms during this crisis because of a fear of getting COVID. At my office and at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, we are using the utmost precautions to ensure our patients’ safety. Don’t neglect an acute medical condition—or a regular physical or screening—out of fear of contracting the virus!”

What vitamins and supplements do you advise female patients to take and why?

“Both calcium and vitamin D are recommended for skeletal homeostasis. The general recommendation for calcium is 1000 milligrams a day for premenopausal women and 1200 milligrams for postmenopausal women—the supplement dosing changes with every patient. The idea is to reach your calcium goal with diet, if you can, by consuming dairy products and dark, leafy greens. It’s a balancing act: Too much calcium can cause plaque in the arteries, your heart and your peripheral vascular system and trigger kidney stones, while too little calcium can lead to fractures, bone loss and osteoporosis, a common disease marked by low bone mass and skeleton fragility.”

What are you looking for during a physical exam?

“We do a cardiovascular risk assessment (checking blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) and a general exam in which we look for abnormalities such as a heart murmur, an abnormal mole on the skin, a lump in the breast or anything else that might trigger the need for me to do further evaluation. We also go over lifestyle and behaviors such as exercise and healthy eating; psychological health is a part of the visit as well, especially during this crazy time. Rarely does someone come in who is not expressing anxiety, fear or some sort of depressed mood with this pandemic. Offering support and psychological help is a big part of being a primary care doctor.”

Osteoporosis is increasingly common in women as they age. What’s the key to preventing it?

“First is a healthy lifestyle starting in adolescence, when the bones are still forming, coupled with proper nutrition, weightbearing exercises, calcium and vitamin D intake and avoiding smoking and alcohol use. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women over age 65 have a bone density test.

We have a bone density center in our ambulatory care center.“

What preventive cancer screenings do you perform for women, and at what age is each recommended?

“In addition to a complete physical exam and age-appropriate lab work, the bulk of cancer prevention for women covers breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer How can we know if we’re consuming and skin cancer. Breast cancer screening includes a the right amount of calcium? breast exam by a clinician and age-appropriate im“Follow the recommendations. Many food labels won’t aging. It’s recommended that people with average tell you how many milligrams you’re eating: They tell risk factors start screening at age 40. For cervical only the percentage of the daily recommended value cancer, average risk women ages 21-29 should get (DRV). But, starting with the daily recommendation of a pap every three years; ages 30-65 should get a pap 1000 milligrams, you can take that percentage of daily every three years or have pap/HPV co-testing every value they give you and add a zero. So, if your yogurt five years. And the recommendation for over age 65 is is 30 percent of DRV, add a zero and you get 300 milthat if there has been adequate negative screening for Kristen J. Schwall, M.D. ligrams.” years, no further paps are needed.

“No ovarian cancer screenings, other than pelvic What about vitamin D supplements? exams, are recommended for asymptomatic, average-risk women “Vitamin D works together with calcium: Generally, we want an who are not known to have a high-risk hereditary cancer synaverage of 600 individual units (IUs) per day. But most people are drome. Colorectal screening for average-risk patients is for those vitamin D-deficient, so I check a female patient’s level at least 50 and over. Finally, for skin cancer, high-risk people and those once. The recommended dose of a supplement will change based with a family history of melanoma need a full-body exam by a on what the patient’s vitamin D level is. Whole milk and some clinician with full expertise.” orange juices contain vitamin D, but few foods are natural sources of it. Even dermatologists are having to counsel on vitamin D defiHow do you work in tandem with ciency, because sunblock prevents the production of the vitamin. specialists at SBMC to follow up on Generally speaking, we don’t get as much vitamin D from the sun patients who have abnormal as past generations did, so for many people, supplementation is screenings or scans? imperative.”

“We have an array of excellent physicians to whom we can refer these What else should otherwise healthy female patients. There’s a gastroenterology patients keep in mind? and colorectal team for colon cancer “Immunizations are important. People ages 6 months and over screenings, and several gynecoloshould get their annual flu shot, those over 65 should get the gists for cervical cancer. We work pneumonia vaccines, and there is a new shingles vaccine for age with The Breast Center here to 50 and over. Seeing your doctor for your annual wellness visit is get people assistance rapidly. vital for catching things early. Early treatment and early And I and other internists prevention are keys to longevity.” have a liaison who helps us with scheduling; he or she

To schedule an appointment with Kristen J. Schwall, M.D. at Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center, call 973.322.0220 or go to rwjbh.org/medgroupprimarycare.

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{ IN GOOD HEALTH }

COVID-19: KEEPING YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS SEASON With virus cases spiking, we must all stay vigilant to protect ourselves and our loved ones over the holidays and through the winter.

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As with everything else during 2020, the holidays are going to be different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And public health experts have warned all summer that the virus is spreading rapidly now that colder weather is forcing us indoors and kids are back at school. With no vaccine yet available, infectious disease experts, like Lincoln P. Miller, M.D., co-chief of infectious disease at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, are telling everyone to err on the side of caution this holiday season and throughout the duration of the cold weather.

“Now that we are moving from outside

• Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.

• Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.

The best way to minimize risk, Dr. Miller says, is to follow the “bubble” concept employed by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League

to a restaurant that is faithfully observing capacity and distancing restrictions.

Even then, “keep your mask on all the time–when ordering, getting food from the server, moving around–and take it off only when you are actually eating,” he advises.

Another high-risk area is a movie theater. “I am not an advocate [of going to the movies] at this point,” he says. Indeed, almost any indoor activity should be avoided. Dr. Miller says exercise is very important, but only go to a gym that has superior ventilation and is not over-crowd-

“I wouldn’t advocate large get-togethers, like at work. We all have to overcome our natural need to make contact, but at this time it is a necessary thing to do.”

—Lincoln P. Miller, M.D., co-chief of infectious disease, Saint Barnabas Medical Center to indoors, we have to be extra-vigilant about exposures to other people,” Dr. Miller says. He is “absolutely” concerned about holiday gatherings occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve; “It’s really important to recalibrate and reconsider get-togethers,” he says, “particularly with older family members who are more vulnerable to the disease.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that people should follow these Guiding Principles when considering a gathering of any kind: • The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and it spreading.

• The higher the incidence of positive coronavirus testing results in the area that the gathering is being held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during a gathering.

• The size of an event or gathering should be determined based on state and local safety laws and regulations.

The CDC ranks risk from lowest to highest: • Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events and gatherings.

• More risk: Smaller outdoor and inperson gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects and come from the same local community, town, city or county.

ed to allow for constant social distancing.

(NHL): Keep everyone in one place, and And always wear your mask and wash don’t interact with anyone outside your your hands frequently. Better yet, exercise family bubble. “That model works, but it’s outdoors. Walk or run, cross-country ski or not practical for a large part of the populasnowshoe or ride your bike as long as the tion,” he admits. The next best model is weather allows it. to think of your family as a solar system.

Dr. Miller also stresses the need “Know who you have contact with, to maintain your overall health limit the people in your world, during the winter. Along with including your family, moniexercise, be sure to watch tor who you all socialize with what you eat, get enough and who they are socializing sleep, don’t overindulge in alwith,” he says. “Keep track of cohol and stay away from recall your ‘worlds.’” reational drugs, he says. Keep That, sadly, means limited up with your regular doctor holiday gatherings and parvisits to control any chronic ties. “I wouldn’t advocate large conditions you may have, and get-togethers, like at work,” Lincoln P. Miller, M.D. get your flu shot if you haven’t he says. “We all have to overdone so already. come our natural need to make Mental health will be a concern for contact, but at this time it is a necessary many, given the restrictive winter we are thing to do.” It also means re-thinking facing. “Stay in touch with loved ones,” vacations or family trips over the holiday Dr. Miller says, by whatever means you break. The CDC says that traveling inprefer. “I favor verbal communication, creases the chance of getting and spreadthe telephone, but not everybody agrees ing COVID-19. “Staying home is the best with that,” he laughs, including his own way to protect yourself and others,” it children who prefer texting and video advises. calls. For those who experience seasonal Unfortunately, these considerations affective disorder (SAD), consider getting carry over into this winter. Normal life is a light that mimics the sun’s rays and has just not in the cards if we want to probeen shown to improve mood. And if the tect our health and stop the disease from stress of the pandemic becomes unbearspreading. “An area I find particularly able, find professional help. “There is risky is restaurants,” Dr. Miller says. absolutely a role for therapy,” he says. “If “People don’t mask, and we are seeing infections arising from restaurants around you have access to that and feel it could benefit you, that’s a helpful thing to do.” the country.” He says he would only go

For additional COVID-19 safety precautions, resources and education, visit rwjbh.org/welcomeback.

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{ IN GOOD HEALTH }

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

SBMC welcomes Short Hills resident and community member Cori Wilf to its Board of Trustees.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new member to its Board of Trustees, Cori Wilf, a Short Hills resident and participating family member in the Wilf Family Foundations.

“Cori is joining at a historic time as we navigate the pandemic while continuing to deliver world-class care to the community,” says Bruce Schonbraun, chairman, Board of Trustees at SBMC. “She is a passionate healthcare advocate and brings great insights to our Board. We are looking forward to her active involvement.”

When asked what she is excited to bring to the Board, Wilf mentions her previous experience in major gift fundraising for UJA-Federation of New York, in addition to her involvement with Wilf Family Foundations. “I can see charitable giving from both the giving and receiving ends,” she says. “This enables me to bring a perspective that not many people have.”

Previously, Wilf had also volunteered for both Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone in their hematology and oncology departments.

The mother of three young kids—ages 6, 4 and 1—adds that she is passionate about helping those who are less fortunate, as well as ensuring the wellbeing and welfare of children. She was heavily involved with the fundraising efforts for New York-based Sunrise Association, which provides free summer camp experiences for children with cancer and their siblings, and its in-hospital program, Sunrise on Wheels. And, she says, she respects how much “the community benefits from an institution like Saint Barnabas Medical Center.”

The 36-year-old is especially honored to join the Medical Center’s Board given that she is both young and female. “Being young and being a woman brings a different energy to the Board,” she concludes. “It’s important to have diversity, and it’s great that SBMC invited someone like me.”

“Mrs. Wilf is a great complement to our dynamic and supportive Board of Trustees. I welcome and thank her for choosing Saint Barnabas Medical Center as a place to devote her time and talent.”

—Stephen P. Zieniewicz, FACHE, President and CEO of SBMC

For more information about Saint Barnabas Medical Center, go to rwjbh.org/sbmc.

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BREATHE EASY

The Medical Center’s brand-new lung nodule program helps identify nodules in low-risk patients that could develop into lung cancer.

Since 2012, The Lung Cancer Institute at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC) has been participating in the national I-ELCAP (International Early Lung Cancer Program), offering free screenings and testing for individuals who are high-risk for lung cancer. To complement the program, SBMC has also introduced a new lung nodule program, where a multidisciplinary team of doctors monitors nodules that are found incidentally during routine scans of other body parts, such as the abdomen, in individuals who are of average risk.

“The whole point of doing this is to pick up early stage cancer and not just play catch up once it has already spread,” says Killol Patel, M.D, medical director of the Lung Nodule Program at SBMC. “The only way to ‘cure’ it is if we catch it at an early stage.” How the process works is once a nodule is identified on a CAT scan, both the patient and his or her primary care physician receive a letter (or a phone call, depending on the severity of the mass). After taking into consideration the size of the nodule and the patient’s risk factors, the pulmonary team assesses it to determine the likelihood of it being cancerous and then informs the patient. Even those who don’t smoke can develop lung cancer.

“We have identified about 94 nodules from Oct. 5 to Nov. 4, 2020,” says Dr. Patel. “About 18 to 20 of these were referred to my office for pulmonary evaluation to see if they need follow-up.”

If the patient is diagnosed with lung cancer after a biopsy and/or a bronchoscopy, he or she is then referred to an SBMC thoracic surgeon. “We get involved when people are diagnosed with a very serious lung cancer: We treat the patients by removing and resecting the cancer with minimally invasive means, whether robotic or video-assisted [surgery],” says Subroto Paul, M.D, thoracic surgeon at SBMC. Both doctors, each a member of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, agree that this program provides a great service to the community, especially during the pandemic. “Because of COVID, there is a heightened awareness of lung health,” says Dr. Paul. “This is a great safety check for people who come into the hospital for an unrelated reason, and not because they were a smoker who’s at high-risk of lung cancer.”

This nodule program is in addition to the Medical Center’s longstanding lung screening program for those who are high risk; between the ages of 55 and 74, currently smoking one pack a day for at least 30 years or who quit no more than 15 years ago. Those who meet the criteria are given three CAT scans over the course of three years. The lung screening program also offers free smoking cessation counseling for people who want coaching on how to quit.

“Smoking tobacco is what makes you high risk,” Dr. Patel concludes.

“We can keep on doing CAT scans, but if they keep on smoking, they’ll always be high risk.”

Killol Patel, M.D.

Subroto Paul, M.D.

“Treating lung cancer is a multidisciplinary effort at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. It’s not just a surgeon, a pulmonologist and an oncologist—it’s a team of all three, plus review from a multidisciplinary tumor board.”

— Subroto Paul, M.D., thoracic surgeon at Saint Barnabas Medical Center

For more information on The Lung Cancer Institute at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, call 973.322.6644 or visit rwjbh.org/sbmclung.

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52

{ BETTER & BETTER }

WAYS

TO BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN 2021 Every week in the coming year offers a new opportunity to change your life. By Leslie Garisto Pfaff All in all, it’s been a challenging year, and few of us are rooting for a repeat of 2020.

But whatever life throws at you, there are still plenty of strategies, large and small, to help you find peace, love, happiness and good health.

Continued...

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1 STOP AND SMELL THE LAVENDER.

A slew of studies have found that indulging in lavender—taking a lavender bath, slathering it on in the form of skin cream or just diffusing it into the air—can significantly reduce stress.

“Lavender helps regulate the levels of serotonin, a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter, in our brains,” says Kaity Rodriguez, LCSW of Serenity Wellness & Therapy in Montclair. “I keep lavender scented candles in my office to create a sense of calm for my clients and personally use lavender oil and lavender-scented magnesium flakes for stress-reduction baths.” One study even discovered that it can make antidepressant medications more effective.

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{ BETTER & BETTER }

2

Make a resolution you’re likely to keep.

More often than not, New Year’s resolutions are about the tough stuff, like losing weight and running a marathon. Nothing wrong there, but why not resolve to do something easy, like indulging in a weekly bubble bath or allowing yourself a 15-minute goof-off break every day?

3

Indulge in forest-bathing.

The eco-therapy the Japanese call shinrinyoku alleviates stress by reconnecting us with nature. Instead of hiking through the woods, forest-bathers walk slowly, stopping often to take in the sights, smells and sounds of nature. Practice shinrin-yoku in Lewis Morris County Park in Morris Township, Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange or a wooded tract in your own neighborhood.

4

Do your D diligence.

This workhorse of a vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and muscles, and studies indicate it may protect against breast and other cancers, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and dementia. New research shows it might also lessen the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. A simple blood test can reveal whether you’re deficient (up to 75 percent of us are), but a daily supplement of 1,000–4,000 international units of D3 should correct most deficiencies.

5

Press away pain.

A recent study from the University of Michigan revealed that self-administered acupressure can alleviate chronic lower back pain. You can learn the technique at websites like howtocure.com/ acupressure-for-backpain/.

6

Walk smart.

Walking can exercise more than your body; research reveals that it can also help your brain digest and retain new information. To get the most out of your stroll, plug in to a tutorial on something you’ve been longing to learn, from beginner’s Italian to presidential history.

7

Plan a trip.

This may not be the year you take that dream vacation to Portugal or Pago Pago, but there’s nothing to stop you from planning it. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, most of us get at least as much pleasure, if not more, from our vacation plans as we do from the vacation itself. Start a dream trips journal or use a travel-planning app such as Triposo.

8

Walk like a Scandinavian.

Nordic walking, which enhances your walking workout with the use of ski-type poles, combines cardiovascular and full-body fitness. By adding the poles, you activate not only lower-body muscles but upper-body muscles as well, resulting in more calories burned and a higher heart rate.

9

Embrace friluftsliv.

You don’t have to know how to pronounce it to reap the benefits of friluftsliv, the Norwegian art of open-air living and this year’s complement to the Danish concept of coziness known as hygge. To cope with their long winters, Norwegians bundle up and head outside, to do everything from working out to enjoying cocktails around the firepit. That hit of fresh air may be just what your mind and body need after a night of binge-watching Netflix from the recliner.

(OK, it’s “frill-ifts-liv.”)

10

Join a CSA. There’s nothing more farm-to-table than CSA (community-supported agriculture), a program that gets you the weekly harvest in a box. You never know what you’re going to receive—it could be snap peas and spinach one week and corn and cucumbers the next— but that’s part of the fun. Local farms such as Ort Farms in Long Valley and Farm & Fork Society in Maplewood run their CSAs from spring to fall, but check out localharvest.org to find more year-round options.

11

Reconsider carob.

Long touted as a healthier alternative to chocolate, carob is making a big comeback as a source of hydroxyproline, an amino acid that helps the body produce collagen. “Carob powder is a rich source of fiber and polyphenols, which are micronutrients that are found in plantbased foods and beverages,” says Heather Shasa, registered dietitian and owner of Welding Wellness in Rockaway. She suggests “adding it to overnight oats, enjoy it in a smoothie or mix with nuts and seeds to create carob bark for a sweet, satisfying treat.”

12

Become a climatarian.

Climatarians eat with the planet—and climate change—in mind, choosing the most sustainable foods. That means doing your best to eat locally sourced produce, ditch beef and lamb in favor of chicken and (sustainable) fish and buy veggies in season. The diet isn’t just good for the earth, it’s healthier for you as well. For more, see climatarian.com.

13

Grow veggies year-round.

With a soupçon of imagination (and a little bit of water), you can have your own fresh-picked greens and super-ripe tomatoes long after the backyard garden has gone to seed. Hydroponic kits—such as the Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System, available on amazon.com—allow you to grow vegetables in water instead of soil and can deliver more than twice the harvest you’d get in a traditional garden.

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14 TAKE IN A PODCAST.

The best podcasts offer a mini-escape into people, places and things most of us never stop to consider during the hurly-burly of everyday life. If you’re casting about for something to fire up your imagination, consider Everything Is Alive (“interviews” with everyday objects), Ologies (deep dives into the study of all things from circadian rhythms (chronobiology) to crow funerals (corvid thanatology), or Spectacular Failures (which will make you feel much better about your own).

{ BETTER & BETTER }

15

Get (tele)healthy.

COVID-19 lockdowns had at least one positive consequence: They spurred the rise of telehealth, or virtual doctor’s visits, which are now covered by many insurance plans. If you’re reluctant to visit your doctor in person, or if the office is located at an inconvenient distance, ask if a televisit could work for you.

16

Find joy in a paint can (or a throw pillow).

The color geniuses at Pantone recommend raising your spirits with Illuminating, a hue they describe as “an optimistic yellow.” Or you can tweak your mood with Marigold, for its “sunny, warming presence.” Need to soothe your soul? Try Cerulean, the soft blue of a perfect early-summer sky. To find out more about the science of color, go to pantone.com.

17

Give your earbuds a rest.

When you’re working, that is.

A study from England’s Lancaster University showed that listening to music at work can actually impair creative thinking. But keep the buds handy— listening to your favorite tunes is a great way to banish stress after a hard day at the office (or your home office).

18

Super-charge your yoga.

It sounds like an oxymoron, but so-called cardio yoga ramps up the traditional poses of yoga to offer a workout that helps stretch your body while strengthening your heart. For workouts to try, go to healthline.com/ nutrition/cardio-yoga#2.

19

Add vitamin C to your workout.

Trying to stay pumped? A study from England’s University of East Anglia showed that diets high in vitamin C helped people retain muscle mass as they aged. For lifelong strength, consider boosting your intake of C-rich foods such as yellow bell peppers (C increases as the peppers ripen) and cruciferous vegetables (including kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts).

21 BE GOOD

22

TO YOUR GUMS.

Research at the University of Toronto discovered that gum disease—which afflicts more than half of all Americans over 30—can fire up immune cells known as neutrophils, which can then go on to cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to heart disease and cancer.

“Maintaining good periodontal (gum) health is critical toward maintaining your overall health,” says Paul Feldman, DMD, of Suburban Essex Dental in West Orange. “See a dentist regularly for periodic X-rays, exams and cleanings, and make sure your dentist explains how to maintain your dental health in between visits.”

23

Know your fiber max.

A new study from the University of Otegin in New Zealand reviewed 40 years’ research on fiber and determined that the optimal amount per day for most of us is between 25 and 29 grams.

You’ll find that in 2½ ounces of chia seeds, ¼ cup of popcorn or 2 cups of cooked black beans.

24

Get intense about working out.

Studies show that 15 to 20 minutes of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, can deliver the benefits of a much longer workout and, in fact, may be even better for you in terms of heart health, weight loss and mental well-being. The concept is simple: Alternate short intervals (anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes) of intense cardiovascular exercise (running, walking, swimming, elliptical training etc.) with intervals of the same activity and duration at a more moderate speed.

25

Find beauty.

Researchers at Italy’s University of Turin found that taking time to appreciate beauty had the power to rekindle feelings of joy and curiosity, not just in the moment but over a longer period. Take time throughout the day to experience the beauty that’s hiding in plain sight all around you, whether in a painting, in everyday objects or in nature.

26

Drop the lid.

When you flush the toilet, you release a plume of particles— potentially containing bacteria and viruses—3 feet into the air, and a recent study published in the journal Physics of Fluids showed that flushing can spread COVID-19. An easy fix: Before you flush, just close the lid.

20

Rise to challenges after your coffee break.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas found that 200 milligrams of caffeine—the amount in a strong cup of coffee—boosted problem-solving ability.

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Get your vitamin Zzzz.

Lack of sleep can increase feelings of anger and negativity, according to two studies out of Iowa State University and Italy’s University of L’Aquila. But some gentle stretching before bed can improve sleep—brightening your day, and your outlook.

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27 MOISTURIZE WITH THE “BIG THREE.�

A study from the University of California at San Francisco showed that a moisturizer containing cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides reduced inflammation within the body, which is associated with disease and premature aging.

The moisturizer also improved skin hydration and pH levels and helped to repair the so-called permeability barrier that keeps infection from penetrating the skin.

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28 GET SMART ABOUT TEA.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore recently discovered that teadrinking—specifically, at least four cups weekly of green, oolong or black tea—can enhance brain health over a lifetime. “My ancient Chinese ancestors used tea as a daily health drink,” says Feng Xiao Liu, owner of Sinofilia Tea Shop in Boonton. But, she suggests, if you really want to see the benefits of tea, “the spiritual Cha Dao tea ceremony (the way of making/drinking tea) is a great way to find inner peace.”

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{ BETTER & BETTER }

29

Perfect your posture.

Take years off your silhouette—and reduce pain and your risk of injury—by standing and sitting right. Posturecorrection apps like Posture Trainer and Lumo Back make it easier than ever to slip out of the slouch.

30

Conquer clutter.

Research has shown that living and working in a cluttered environment can depress your mood and hamper your efficiency. Try starting small by decluttering a single room or piece of furniture (such as your desk or kitchen counter).

31

Get up, stand up.

You’ve probably heard that long stretches of sitting can negatively affect your cardiovascular health, but did you know that sitting can also harm your urinary health? In fact, those of us who sit too much are more likely to suffer from such bladder woes as having to go too frequently (and in the middle of the night) and an inability to fully empty the bladder—more reason to take a break from your chair every 20 to 30 minutes or spend part of your workday standing up.

32

Shake a little less.

Research indicates it’s OK to add some salt to food, but a study from the Bloomberg School of Public Health found that excess salt could contribute to bloating, a condition experienced by one in 10 Americans on a regular basis.

33

Restock your medicine cabinet.

To deal with life’s little slings and arrows, there are certain items you should always have on hand. They include antacids, antidiarrheals, antihistamines (oral and topical), laxatives, cold and cough medications, pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, a saline eye wash, Band-Aids, gauze pads, medical tape and a fever thermometer.

34

Learn how to stop a bleed.

Bleeding is the No. 1 cause of death after injury, so controlling a bleed is an essential skill we should all master. To learn how, go to stopthebleed.org.

35 CHANGE

YOUR SHOES.

Wearing the same pair, or the same type of shoe, all the time can lead to foot pain, experts say. For healthier feet and ankles, mix it up: flat shoes one day, low heels or sneakers the next and some time spent barefoot. “Unless you’re a diabetic, going barefoot around the house, especially as a kid, has some advantages,” says Patricia Berran, DPM, a podiatric surgery specialist in West Orange affiliated with Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

“Walking barefoot strengthens muscles in your feet and legs and increases your proprioception.

In other words, it trains your brain to know where your feet are, preventing you from ‘tripping over your feet!’”

36

Take 10 to relax.

New research on the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s built-in stress-reducer, also called PSN—revealed that even brief, 10-minute relaxation breaks can relieve physical and psychological stress. To destress your day, stop for an occasional relaxation interlude: resting with your head down on a table, giving yourself a scalp massage (or getting one from your partner), or listening to soft music or the sounds of nature.

37

Apply sunscreen—to your hair.

UV light can damage your hair’s protective keratin layer (and fade your hair color). To maintain healthy hair, choose a shampoo and/or conditioner formulated to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, such as Gemstone Color Shampoo, or a product applied before going out into the sun, like Banana Boat’s Scalp Spray.

38

Keep in touch.

These days, it’s easy to lose track of friends, but according to a recent University of British Columbia study, social isolation—especially in women—can spark an unhealthy rise in blood pressure. To stay healthy— and happy—consider making weekly phone, FaceTime or Zoom dates with friends and family you can’t see in person.

39

For better sleep, see blue.

Forget looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.

You’ll do better if the lenses are blue, according to Indiana University researchers. Wearing glasses with blue lenses—available online or through your optician— before bed can improve sleep and workday productivity, especially if you’re logging lots of pre-sleep screen time.

40

Get a shot of nature, indoors.

Lots of research has shown how being in nature can benefit us: lowering blood pressure, boosting creativity, banishing stress and chronic pain. Now two studies, from England’s University of Exeter and the University of California at Berkeley, indicate that “virtual” nature has a similar effect. If you’re into virtual reality, find the great outdoors when you’re indoors via VR videos like “Back to Nature—Rainforest.”

Or watch one of dozens of online nature videos designed to delight and soothe.

{ BETTER & BETTER }

42

Travel the world.

The world around you, that is.

Make a “go-to” list of all the nearby treasures you’ve never visited (or haven’t seen in years) and make an outing of it. Spots to consider in our counties: The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, Morristown National Historic Park, Whippany Railway Museum and Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair.

43

Get functionally fit.

Functional fitness strengthens the muscles that allow you to painlessly perform everyday activities, like raking the lawn and picking up a toddler. “It trains your muscles to work together and prepares them for daily tasks by simulating common movements such as squatting, reaching, pulling and lifting that you might do at home, at work or in sports,” says Todd Crispino, owner of F45 in Millburn. “It helps to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle strength and agility.”

You can find a personal trainer (or a gym like F45) that specializes in the technique, or check out online lessons (go to webmd.com, for instance, and search “functional fitness”).

44

41 GARDEN ON YOUR WALL.

Wall planters elevate your interior with a touch of Zen—one of this year’s big home design trends—and prefab kits make them easy to install. “Wall pockets and brackets are a terrific way to incorporate house plants on walls for added dimension and interest,” says Jules Duffy, owner of Jules Duffy Designs in Madison. “With all the time we’ll be spending inside these winter months, bring some of the outdoors in— greenery can add happiness to any room!”

To disinfect surfaces, read the label.

Most recommend letting the product sit for a period of time—anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes— before wiping. That spray-and-swipe technique you’ve been using may leave you with shiny counters, but it could also be leaving behind some nasty microbes.

45

Join the resistance.

Like fiber, so-called resistant starch is indigestible and may reduce dangerous inflammation, aid in digestion and help you lose weight by making you feel full.

Find it in legumes and seeds, raw fruits and vegetables and starches, such as potatoes and rice, that have cooled after cooking.

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46

Volunteer from home.

Face-to-face apps like FaceTime and Zoom have made it easier than ever to volunteer from the safety and comfort of your sofa or kitchen counter. To find the right fit for you—from buying gifts for those in need to volunteering at a call center—go to unitedwaynnj.org.

47

Practice Zoom etiquette.

Whether you’re using the app (or a similar one) for business or friendly conversation, a few ground rules make for a better virtual gettogether: Keep background noise to a minimum. Turn off notifications.

And please don’t multitask!

48

Chew a stick (of gum) after dinner.

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research indicated it could be helpful in diluting the stomach acid that causes indigestion. But stay away from peppermint: It can relax the opening between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing more acid to bubble up.

49

Learn something new—online.

It’s never been easier to expand your mind. Check out the online offerings at Montclair State University—you can earn a graduate’s certificate virtually in subjects such as digital marketing, project management, business analytics and more.

50

Start a gratitude journal.

Taking note of what you’re grateful for can keep you feeling positive. And now a University of Central Florida study shows that it can also boost civility in the workplace.

Researchers surmise that feel-good journaling also makes you feel good about the folks around you.

51

Cultivate optimism.

You’re likely to live longer if you do, according to a University of California at San Francisco study.

Instead of asking “Why me?” about a bit of ill fortune, pose the question “What if?” about something you value—as in “What if I hadn’t gotten my college degree?” or “What if I’d never known my daughter?”

52 SAY “WHY NOT?” TO WALLPAPER.

It’s back in style in a big way, but you don’t need to go big to get outsized results. “I love to use wallpaper in small foyers and powder rooms,” says Uma Stewart, design director of her eponymous firm in South Orange. “For less impact, you can do the top or bottom half of a wall divided by a chair rail, the insides of closets or even backsplash areas in a kitchen or butler’s pantry.”

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{ PERSONAL SPACE }

TRUE BLUE

A small Montclair kitchen gets a big makeover in the client’s chosen hue. Result? An award winner!

By Haley Longman

Design by Tracey Stephens

Photos by Wing Wong/MemoriesTTL

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The owners of this classic Montclair central hall colonial had lived there since the ’90s, when their now-adult kids were little. But in 2018, it was time to redo their kitchen, as it needed a smarter layout and more functionality. The couple hired Tracey Stephens of the eponymous Montclair firm after they liked the work she’d done on their across-the-street neighbor’s kitchen, and Stephens got right to work improving the room’s overall flow.

“The traffic pattern was through the middle of the kitchen, and the two work areas were separated by a walkway,” she says, adding that the fridge was on the back staircase landing to the basement. The new layout widened the opening from the dining room to the kitchen, created L-shaped countertops and brightened the entire space by relocating the sink under an enlarged window on the back wall. “Now there is lots of space to spread out on either side for prep,” Stephens says. “Two people can work and not interfere with each other.”

The blue palette was the couple’s decision—it is one of their favorite colors and echoes the blue-green leaves on the preexisting dining room wallpaper, which you see when entering the kitchen from the dining room. The traditional cast-iron double Kohler Riverby sink was also the owners’ preference, but Stephens gave it a nod to the contemporary with the Grohe Minta Touch touch-sensor faucet. Other notable transitional elements include coastal gray quartz countertops by Caesarstone and porcelain floor tiles

by Wayne Tile Company, both on the more modern end, while Shaker-style white cabinets and traditional 3-inch-by-6-inch subway tiles, in Mayan blue instead of standard white, veer toward the classic.

Speaking of tiles, the backsplash and tile were a meticulous and synergic decision. “Above the range are tiles from Motawi Tileworks—they’re handmade, handglazed and made to the exact size of the pattern so there are no cuts involved,” the designer says. “Each slab is consistent with the others but has a unique look.”

Stephens says that this kitchen was “a very smooth project from beginning to end.” It even won her an American Society of Interior Designers award in the Residential Small Kitchen category. “I designed all the features I would include in a large kitchen but on a smaller scale,” she says. Examples include a pull-out pantry that is 24 inches wide instead of the standard 30 to 36, as well as more intentional storage, such as a blind corner swingout drawer by Kesseböhmer for pots and pans.

During the pandemic, Stephens and her team also worked on this family’s second-floor bathroom, and who knows? There could be more rooms to upgrade soon, given that both Mom and Dad are now working from home.

“It has been very collaborative, which is my favorite way to work,” says the designer. “I love clients like these.”

This page: Where the range is now was previously the spot for the sink, which overlooked the neighbors’ house and driveway. Now, a vintage-style pendant from House of Antique Hardware and an enlarged window overlooking the yard illuminate the room—and present a much better view. Opposite page: The homeowners had to give up their kitchen table in the renovation, but got tons more counter space and storage in return. “They decided it was worth it because the dining room is just steps away,” says designer Tracey Stephens.

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GOOD AND RED-Y!

Get decked out in the “it” color of the season and pair with anything from basic black to purple, camel and more.

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Versace

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{ FASHION }

Valentino

RED & BLACK Girotti Elegant boots, girottishoes.com; Christian Louboutin Cabata small dégradé spiked tote bag, Neiman Marcus, Short Hills, 973.912.0080; Balenciaga wool-jacquard scarf, net-a-porter.com.

Alexander McQueen

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Fátima Lopes

RED & CAMEL Vionic Ariel wedge sandal, Shoe and Sneaker Barn, Denville, 973.627.2330; Vintage Halston red and beige dotted silk dress, nvisionshop.com; Burberry monogram and logo print silk skinny scarf, Bloomingdale’s, Short Hills, 973.548.2200.

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{ FASHION }

Bottega Veneta

RED & PURPLE Carlisle Collection Arcade blouse, carlislecollection.com.

Alberta Ferretti purple high suede boots, lyst.com; Burberry small Olympia leather shoulder bag, Nordstrom, Short Hills, 973.467.1500.

Tom Ford

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RED & WHITE Isabel Marant Étoile Maria floral print shirt, Saks Fifth Avenue, Short Hills, 973.376.7000; Wandler Isa 85 leather ankle boots, Nordstrom, Short Hills, 973.467.1500; Etcetera premiere halter dress, etcetera.com.

PRISCAVera

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{ FASHION }

Altuzarra

RED & PINK Kate Spade New York party hearts diamond silk scarf, Kate Spade, Short Hills, 973.376.6120; Moncler colorblock pleated midi skirt, Bloomingdale’s, Short Hills, 973.548.2200; Cordaé New York The Los Angeles crocodile bag, cordaeny.com.

Balenciaga

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{ ENTERTAINING }

FIRESIDE FESTIVITIES An outdoor picnic on a winter’s day can warm the spirit if you plan it just right. By Rita Guarna

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All photography by Living 4 Media

Ol’ Man Winter pretty much forbids outdoor entertaining— unless you cleverly make him your collaborator. Learn what people in Scandinavian countries have long known: that the year’s shortest days can be long on chilly charm—beyond those four walls you’ve been hiding within. When you and your guests are adequately bundled and you serve hot liquid refreshments, a winter get-together out in the elements can have an element of rustic, woodsy enchantment. It’s virussafe, of course, and think of the humidity and mosquitoes that won’t bedevil you. (August, eat your heart out!)

All photography by Living 4 Media

This page: Wooden serving ware and flatware establish the cozy, woodsy theme. A blanket-like tablecloth in winter white paired with candles of varying heights and styles adds warmth, both literally and figuratively.

Opposite page: Cheers to your guests with ceramic mugs filled with hot chocolate and a duo of marshmallows. P.S. Fleece-lined gloves are mandatory!

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This page, clockwise from left: Nature-inspired dÊcor makes for an understated celebration. A branch from a pine tree placed in a ceramic vase is eloquently simple and aromatic; faux fur accents in varying shades of gray and black are both cozy and comfy; keep extra serving ware on a wooden coffee table, and use the same green centerpiece and dimly lit candles as you do in the dining area to tie it all together. A wooden sled makes for a rustic, decorative touch and is at-the-ready for a quick ride; snowflake imprints made from strategically placed fallen branches create a focal point and point the way to festivities. Opposite page, a mini firepit is perfect for toasting s’mores and for sparking intimate conversation.

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{ ENTERTAINING }

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{ ESCAPES }

WINTER FUN, 5 WAYS

Ski trip canceled? Try a new outdoor activity that will banish cabin fever and keep you moving. By Darius Amos

Residents in our counties spent much of 2020 cooped up indoors, riding out the height of the pandemic from the safety of our homes. Now, following a brief warmweather respite, Quarantine 2.0 looms large as winter makes its return. But if you’re not quite ready to hunker down and hibernate, a little cold and a few snowflakes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Of course, COVID-related orders may cancel many outdoor activities and travel plans, but a plethora of fun and adventure opportunities still awaits—all within driving distance.

Here are five easy, inexpensive activities to try:

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CAMPING

Fair weather camping is ideal, but pitching a tent when conditions aren’t favorable can make for a more memorable trip. KOA (Kampgrounds of America) operates more than 500 North American campsites year-round, and two nearby locations—East Stroudsburg, Penn., and Plattekill, N.Y.—are popular spots for winter camping. Each is equipped with tent sites for those willing to test their mettle against the elements, but they also include heated cabins for folks who want the “glamping” experience. KOA grounds also feature clean restroom facilities and showers, general stores and firewood delivery.

ICE FISHING

Sure, folks in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been at it for years, but you don’t have to visit Great Lakes country to enjoy this increasingly popular sport. In fact, when conditions are right, anglers of all skill levels can set up their shelters and catch plenty of small- and large-mouth bass at Lake Hopatcong. Members of the lake’s Knee Deep Club (kneedeepclub.org) can provide interested fishermen the scoop on fishing reports, techniques and equipment. If you want to test your luck farther north, a drive to Lake Champlain or Oneida Lake in the Syracuse, N.Y., region will give ice anglers a shot at hooking walleye, perch and pike, among other species.

ICE SKATING

Social distancing at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park will likely be a concern this season, but you can avoid the worry and continue your outdoor ice-skating tradition on this side of the river.

Our towns have plenty of indoor facilities, but you’ll have to trek elsewhere for fresh-air skating.

Jersey City has a pair of open-air venues, Charlie Heger Ice Rink and Newport Skates, that offer public skating and lessons while ensuring safety for all participants. A drive down the Shore takes you to the Asbury Hotel Ice Rink, which has rentals, a firepit area and a food truck. For a seasonal, lodge-like experience, the outdoor rink at Bear Mountain in New York offers views of the park.

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SNOWSHOEING

It’s hard to beat a fall hike— there’s something special about crisp autumn air and dramatic colors—but a trek through snowy woods in winter comes close. To experience it properly, though, you’ll want to strap on a pair of snowshoes to your boots. With a quality set of snowshoes, available at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods in Rockaway and REI in East Hanover, you can traverse trails and reach destinations you never thought possible without high-stepping through mounds of powder. (You’ll still likely work up a sweat, though.) You can try snowshoeing in your backyard or any public park, such as Pyramid Mountain in Montville, or head to Bruce Lake in Pennsylvania’s Delaware State Forest on a weekend excursion. The snowshoe trails here are not groomed—motorized vehicles, bikes and other modes of transportation are prohibited— and highlight the forest’s beauty.

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing is allowed in public parks—no chairlifts, no permits needed. On any given snowy day, cross-country skiers will descend on the trails that cut through the woods at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, which has 19 miles of skiable carriage roads and trails, or the High Point Cross Country Ski Center in Sussex. The latter is dedicated to cross-country skiing, with daily fees to explore the trails, lessons, equipment rentals and more. For another unique experience, try the trails of Palisades Interstate Park along the Hudson River in Bergen County.

CROWD PLEASERS Finish off your holiday meal with these French-inspired confections.

Fewer guests this year means more for you!

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{ TASTES }

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKES Yields: 2 to 3 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, plus more for brushing n ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting n 3½ oz. 70 percent dark chocolate n 3 eggs n ½ cup plus 1 Tbs. granulated sugar n 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted n 1 Tbs. milk

EQUIPMENT:

n 3 heatproof mugs or cups

DIRECTIONS:

Brush the mugs with butter and dust with flour.

Chill for at least one hour before starting the recipe.

Using a knife, chop the chocolate. In a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate with the butter, stirring occasionally, until smooth and lukewarm.

Using a medium bowl and an electric beater, whisk the eggs with the sugar but don’t let the mixture lighten in color. Whisk in the melted chocolate and butter. Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder and milk.

Divide the batter among the mugs and chill for at least one hour. The cold batter will cook less in the center, creating a molten texture.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for seven to eight minutes, until the surface starts to crack but the batter remains wobbly below.

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{ TASTES }

JACKY’S COCONUT MACAROONS Yields: approximately 15 macaroons

INGREDIENTS:

n 1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded n 2 cups granulated sugar n 7 egg whites, lightly beaten n ½ cup all-purpose flour

EQUIPMENT:

n pastry bag, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir the shredded coconut with the sugar, then beat in the egg whites.

Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and heat to 140°F, stirring constantly, until the ingredients form a batter. Remove from heat and stir in the flour. Pipe or spoon large balls onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden, rotating the pan halfway through so the macaroons color evenly. Transfer carefully to a rack to cool.

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SPICED BAKED APPLES Yields: 7 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n 7 Golden Delicious apples n juice of 1 lemon n julienned zest and juice of 2 oranges n 2 tsp. vanilla sugar * n 2 pinches nutmeg, freshly grated n 2 pinches pepper, freshly ground n 2 pinches cinnamon n 2 tsp. unsalted butter n 2 Tbs. honey n cinnamon sticks, for garnish * — If you don’t have readymade vanilla sugar, prepare your own by storing used, dried vanilla beans in a closed jar of sugar for at least one week. Simply replace any sugar you use to have a permanent supply on hand.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Peel the apples and core them. Brush with lemon juice to discourage browning.

In a small saucepan, warm the orange juice with the zest, vanilla sugar, spices, butter and honey, swirling the pan until melted.

Fit the apples snugly into an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with the spiced orange juice and cover with foil.

Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F and bake for two hours, turning the apples occasionally.

If desired, garnish with cinnamon sticks before serving.

All recipes and photos are reprinted with permission from Petite Patisserie: 180 Easy Recipes for Elegant French Treats by Christophe Felder and Camille Lesecq. Photos by Laurent Fau © Rizzoli New York.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WOMEN TO WATCH Morris and Essex Counties are home to some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the country.

Many are owned and led by women.

On the following pages, learn more about them and how they plan to be difference-makers in the year ahead.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Smitha Ramchandani Broker Associate, Director of International Partnerships Christie’s International Real Estate NNJ 47 Maple St., Summit, NJ 07901 973.953.7777 | SRRealEstateGroup.com Fearless from the start and driven by passion, Smitha Ramchandani is the embodiment of the American dream. Her entrepreneurial journey across cultures and continents has provided Smitha with an education that no Ivy-league MBA program can teach.

Helming jointly one of the area’s consistently top selling teams in the Northern NJ area with her husband Rahul, Smitha offers a high-touch approach that delivers seamless real estate transactions for all her clientele. Licensed in NJ, NY and CA, their team offers unparalleled global reach, local market expertise, and most importantly a work ethic and mission that have made her a trusted specialist. Real Trends ranked her team as one of the Best Real Estate Teams in NJ. Regularly spotlighted in the media, and in-demand as an international speaker, she has been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Daily Record, Business Insider, NJ.com, Real Estate Business Magazine, and more. She is on the Board of Directors of the Asian RE Association and FIABCI. She also believes in making a difference and fundraises to fight Breast Cancer.

Smitha is so excited to be squarely centered in one of the most exciting Real Estate markets New Jersey has ever seen. Smitha is truly a woman to watch.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Marie (Barbuto) Jenkinson BSN, RN, CANS, CPCP Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Aesthetic Skin Care 310 Madison Ave., Suite 210 Morristown, NJ 07921 973.993.5100 | skincareofnj.com Marie Jenkinson (Barbuto) has built a unique practice consisting of two businesses within a business. Her focus is on two in-demand disciplines: Facial aesthetics, injectables and rejuvenating treatments, as well as medical and cosmetic tattooing known as Micropigmentation.

Marie earned the distinct honor in becoming the first Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist in NJ and one of the first in the country. She is an Advanced Nurse Injector, a Skin Care Specialist, a Certified Cosmetic and Medical Tattoo Professional.

Marie uses highly-advanced tattooing methods to create solutions for hair loss on brows and scalps in addition to improving surgical scars. Marie specializes in 3-Dimensional Nipple/Areola Tattoo following Breast Cancer Mastectomy.

Committed to changing the lives of not only her patients, Marie shares her expertise with her peers and is revered as a highly-celebrated instructor and trainer both nationally and globally.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Sandra C. Fava Fox Rothschild LLP 49 Market St., Morristown, NJ 07960 | 973.994.7564 | www.foxrothschild.com Since dispute resolution rarely happens overnight, Sandra Fava, a partner in Fox Rothschild’s Morristown office, knows that her clients need a trusted and zealous advocate to help them navigate the complex and emotional process of family law issues. Sandra provides effective strategies, innovative solutions and compassionate counsel, all of which lead to an easier transition to her clients’ next phase of life.

Sandra guides you through what may be a one of the most personally challenging times in your life. Working closely together, Sandra crafts a strategic plan that will ensure the most positive outcome for you and your family. A certified mediator and a compassionate and creative attorney, Sandra takes a solution-oriented approach, working closely with clients to identify their goals and develop a strategy that effectively and efficiently meets your needs.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Tanya L. Freeman, Chair, Family Law Department Wiener Law Group LLP 100 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 105, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936 | 973-939-0100 | www.tanyafreeman.law Divorce. Custody. Support.

Deciding who gets what and how it may impact your children…It’s stressful, heartbreaking, and a single misstep can be costly. That’s why for so many people, their next move—or their first—is to call Tanya L. Freeman. Tanya has brought together a team of skilled attorneys and support staff that can help you navigate a family law dispute with confidence. Tanya has represented clients in cases involving corporate executives, professional athletes, television personalities, and other high-profile celebrities.

Prior to the practice of law, Tanya spent fifteen years in key roles leading audit teams in the banking and insurance industries. Tanya’s corporate audit background enhances her ability to effectively represent clients with high net worth cases involving significant assets as well as cases concerning owners of closely held businesses. This know-how helps her develop strong negotiation and trial strategies designed to help her clients move confidently through every aspect of their case.

If you are wondering where to turn to next…call Tanya and her team.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Patty Ann Forsythe, Theodora Exilus, Renee Schuldiner & Katerina Holevas Mount St. Dominic Academy 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-0660 | www.msdacademy.org Patty Ann, Theo, Renee and Katerina, seniors in the Mount’s innovative elective— The L.E.O. Program—are makers in the making.

The students earned the chance to present their start-up—Charcuterie Chix—at the Seton Hall University High School Pirate Pitch. From concept to execution to the “shark tank,” L.E.O. incorporates the entire start-up process while focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship and opportunities. Preparing for college, career and beyond, Mount students are empowered young women to watch.

Christine M. Dalena, Esq, Laufer, Dalena, Jensen, Bradley and Doran, LLC 23 Cattano Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 973.285.1444 | cdalena@lauferfamilylaw.com lauferfamilylaw.com Christine M. Dalena, Esq, has been a family law attorney for over 31 years. For the past 18 years, Ms. Dalena has been an equity partner and the managing partner for the last 3 years. Ms. Dalena has extensive experience in handling complex, high net worth and high conflict mediation, collaborative law and family law litigation matters.

Although Ms. Dalena’s specialty is in handling family law related matters (divorce, dissolution of civil unions, adoptions, domestic violence, custody & parenting time, marital torts, paternity, co-habitation agreements & pre-nuptial agreements), she has extensive experience in other areas of the law—real estate transactions & general litigation—which allows her to handle a broader spectrum of issues that customarily arise in the matrimonial law context. Each case is unique so she employs the most appropriate strategy—mediation, collaborative, arbitration or litigation—based on the particular circumstances that exist in each individual matter. Her mediation and collaborative training skills, coupled with her knowledge of the law, ability to handle complex financial issues, and compassion for her client’s needs and goals have enabled her to handle the intricacies of family law successfully

W OM E N TO WATC H

Barbara Fodero, DDS Chatham Orthodontics 33 Main Street, Suite 104, Chatham, NJ 07928 973.701.2200 | chathambraces.com An aspiring artist and creator of beauty, Dr. Barbara Fodero also has a strong analytical side. Things fell into place in college when she discovered orthodontics, a profession that could blend her two passions. “My medium is not typical of most artists – I work with teeth. By engineering them to create a beautiful smile, I can make a profound impact on someone’s self-confidence.”

Chatham Orthodontics—established by Dr. Fodero over a decade ago—is situated in close proximity to Essex, Morris and Union counties. As a mom, Dr. Fodero understands implicitly the importance of a gentle hand and only recommends treatment she would endorse for her own family. A self-proclaimed kid-whisperer, she delights in her work with young people and enjoys the strong connections made with her adult patients. Dr. Fodero is highly skilled at working with patients who have oral sensitivities and anxiety issues.

Graduating number one from University of Michigan Dental School, one of the top-ranking schools in the country, Dr. Fodero completed her orthodontic residency there as well. She is a supporter of Smiles Change Lives offering orthodontic treatment to those whose families cannot afford braces.

Debra S. Weisberg Donahue, Hagan, Klein & Weisberg, LLC 44 Whippany Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960 973.467.5556 | familylawattorneysnj.com As a partner with Donahue, Hagan, Klein & Weisberg, Debra Weisberg was admitted to practice in 1993 and came to the firm in 1998.

In 2001, with the support of other Partners in her firm, she became Partner.

In addition to her success in the Family Law practice, Debra is proud to have been past President of both the Morris County Bar Association and the Morris County Bar Foundation. Knowing that her clients are facing the most difficult decisions of their lives, Debra believes in educating them about the family law process to best assist them and their families.

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{ POWER FOOD }

The Humblest Veggie When the glamour foods are gone and we crave pure nutrition, it’s the lowly turnip’s turn.

Not every edible can be a delicacy for the king, and the turnip surely isn’t. But down through the ages, this stalwart vegetable has often helped to fill peasant bellies when crêpes Suzette weren’t on the menu. A globular, white-fleshed taproot known to science as Brassica rapa, the turnip has a slightly bitter, peppery taste that mellows when it’s boiled. A hardy plant able to thrive in damp, cold climates, the turnip is easy to store and useful as an animal feed. In ancient Rome, turnips were handy for hurling at a passing public figure—say, the tax collector—whom one despised. Declares a National Geographic website with a fine sense of sequence: “Turnips, throughout their long and lumpish history, have been the food of cows, pigs, sheep, the desperate and the poor.”

POWER UP Still, one group has a kind word for this unsung veggie, and they’re called nutritionists. Turnips are a low-calorie food that’s dense with vitamins and minerals; no wonder they were consumed by folks looking to stay alive. A one-cup (130-gram) serving of raw turnips, just 36 calories, contains two grams of fiber, eight grams of carbs, five percent of the recommended daily value (RDV) of folate, and 30 percent of the RDV of vitamin C. Turnip leaves are also a great source of vitamin K, which can help prevent bleeding; and vitamin A, crucial for healthy eyes, skin and lungs.

Like other cruciferous vegetables, turnips may also help you feel fuller longer than other foods thanks to their fiber, which in many cases helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may even lower heart-disease risk. Because of the folate (and the iron in turnip greens), this food is considered good for expectant moms—thus the Molly Ringwald

character’s line to her parents at an ill-fated Thanksgiving dinner in the 1988 comedy For Keeps?: “I’m pregnant. Can you pass the turnips?”

BUY/STORE/SERVE Although turnips are sold yearround, their peak season is November through March. When buying them, it is best to select heavy, small ones with firm roots.

The color at the top of the root should be a bright purple, with a creamy white color as it nears the base. The best turnips also do not have any bumps or bruises, and you should observe that, if still attached, the greens appear bright and fresh. (The greens may also be sold separately.) Given their long shelf life, you should not encounter any problems when shopping for turnips at a local farmer’s market or produce store. Once you get your hands on them, make sure you store them in a cool, well-ventilated area (55°F).

If they are tightly wrapped, turnips can be refrigerated for two weeks. When it comes time to serve, the first step is to wash, trim and peel the vegetable.

Then you have a variety of options. Turnips can be boiled, steamed or stir-fried. While including them in a tasty vegetable soup may be your first instinct—and it’s a good one—you should also consider a more offbeat snack: Slice the turnip into thin pieces and bake it for a healthy chip alternative.

—Ariana Puzzo

DID YOU KNOW? The heaviest turnip, according to Guinness World Records, weighed more than 39 lbs. Grown by Scott and Mardie Robb, it was presented at the Alaska State Fair in 2004.

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{ SPIRITS }

Holiday Cheers

It’s been a tough year, but this sweet sip will help you celebrate the season.

MAPLE CRANBERRY BOURBON COCKTAIL Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

■ 4 oz. bourbon ■ 3 oz. cranberry juice ■ 2 oz. maple cranberry syrup (adjusted to your desired level of sweetness) ■ 2 oz. seltzer or club soda ■ maple cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for garnish

■ Begin by preparing the maple cranberries and maple cranberry syrup. In a small saucepan, mix the maple syrup and fresh cranberries.

Simmer until the cranberries begin to burst (about five minutes).

Remove from heat and cool completely. (You will have enough maple cranberries and syrup to make 5–6 cocktails.)

■ Next, add ice to two rocks glasses. Top each with a tablespoon of the maple cranberries. Set aside.

■ In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, cranberry juice and maple cranberry syrup.

Shake vigorously.

■ Strain into the prepared rocks glasses. Top each with a splash (1 oz.) of seltzer water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

FOR THE MAPLE CRANBERRIES ■ ½ cup real maple syrup ■ 1 cup fresh cranberries

Recipe courtesy of inspiredbycharm.com MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Morris and Essex counties are home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

PENANG MALAYSIAN & THAI CUISINE 200 Rte. 10 W. #8 973.887.6989 penangcuisine.com

egum palace

FAIRFIELD JOSE TEJAS 647 Rte. 46 W. 973.808.8201 bordercafe.com TIERNEY’S COPPERHOUSE 4 Little Falls Rd. 973.227.6066 tierneyscopperhouse.com

KINNELON CYPRESS TAVERN 174 Kinnelon Rd. 973.492.2700 cypresstavernnj.com HOUSE OF THAI 1483 Rte. 23 # 6 973.750.1600 SAN GIORGIO’S ITALIAN BISTRO 86 Boonton Ave. #86 973.492.5305 SMOKE RISE VILLAGE INN 9 Perimeter Rd. 973.838.7770 smokerisevillageinn.com

The Windlass in Lake Hopatcong

LAKE HOPATCONG

BELLEVILLE

BOONTON

SOLAR DO MINHO 15 Cleveland St. 973.844.0500 solardominhobelleville.com

BOONTON SUSHI HOUSE 701 Main St. 973.394.8811 sushiboonton.com

TOPAZ THAI 137 Washington Ave. 973.759.7425 topazthainj.com

ROMA PIZZERIA 709 Main St. 973.335.1614 romapizzaofboonton.com

BLOOMFIELD

THAI PING 811 Main Ave. 973.335.9541 thaiping.com

BINH DUONG 61 Belleville Ave. 973.680.8440 STAMNA 1055 Broad St. 973.338.5151 stamnataverna.com

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CALDWELL FORTE 182 Bloomfield Ave. 973.403.9411 fortepizzeria.com

HOKKAIDO NOODLE & ROLL 405 Bloomfield Ave. 862.702.3817 hokkaidoroll.com

SCALINI FEDELI 63 Main St. 973.701.9200 scalinifedeli.com

THE PASTA SHOP 13 First Ave. 973.253.4143 thepastashopdenville.com

CEDAR KNOLLS

CHESTER

DOVER

THE PUBLICK HOUSE TAVERN & INN 111 Main St. 908.879.6878 chesterpublickhouse.com

THE QUIET MAN 64 E. McFarlan St. 973.366.6333 quietmanpub.com

REDWOODS GRILL & BAR 459 Main St. 908.879.7909 redwoodsgrillandbar.com

DON JOSE 200 Rte. 10 W. #7 973.781.0155 donjosemexican.com

H2OCEAN RESTAURANT & RAW BAR 41 Ridgedale Ave. 973.984.9594 h2oceanrestaurant.com

CHATHAM RESTAURANT SERENADE 6 Roosevelt Ave. 973.701.0303 restaurantserenade.com

DENVILLE ALEXIS DINER 3130 Rte. 10 W. 973.361.8000 alexisdinerrt10.com

EAST HANOVER

MR. CHU 44 Rte. 10 W. 973.887.7555

Readers should contact restaurants regarding dining protocols and services, as state safety regulations continue to change.

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PAVINCI ITALIAN GRILL 453 River Styx Rd. 973.770.4300 pavinci.com THE WINDLASS 45 Nolans Pt. Park Rd. 973.663.3190 thewindlass.com

LEDGEWOOD ICHIBAN SUSHI 1034 Rte. 46 973.252.0900 ichibanroxbury.com LOVING HUT 538 Rte. 10 973.598.9888 lovinghut.us/ledgewood

LINCOLN PARK 202 ITALIAN BISTRO 177 Main St. 973.709.0093 202bistro.com

MILLBURN

NEWARK

BASILICO 324 Millburn Ave. 973.379.7020 basilicomillburn.com

ADEGA GRILL 130 Ferry St. 973.589.8830 adegagrill.com

CAFÉ MONET 309 Millburn Ave. 973.376.8555 cafemonet.info

SEABRA’S MARISQUEIRA 87 Madison St. 973.465.1250 seabrasmarisqueira.com

DON PEPE STEAKHOUSE 58 Rte. 46 W. 973.808.5533 donpepesteakhouse. com

LITHOS 405 Eisenhower Pkwy.

973.758.1111 lithosgreekrestaurant.com

CARA MIA 194 Essex St. 973.379.8989 caramiamillburn.com

NUTLEY

POMPTON PLAINS

SWEET BASIL’S CAFE 498 S. Livingston Ave. 973.994.3600 sweetbasilscafe.com

MOONSHINE 55 Main St. 973.218.6042 moonshinesupperclub.com

LONG VALLEY

MINE HILL

ANTHONY FRANCOS 60 Beaverbrook Rd. 973.696.0708 anthonyfrancospizza.com SUNSET PUB & GRILL 425 Beaverbrook Rd. 973.694.8700 sunsetpubandgrill.com

LIVINGSTON

LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY 1 Fairmount Rd. 908.876.1122 restaurantvillage atlongvalley.com

MADISON BEGUM PALACE 300 Main St. 973.660.9100 begumindiancuisine.com CENTRAL+MAIN 3 Central Ave. 973.845.6622 centralandmain.com IL MONDO VECCHIO 72 Main St. 973.301.0024 ilmondovecchio.com

MAPLEWOOD CODA KITCHEN & BAR 177 Maplewood Ave. 973.327.2247 codakitchenandbar.com ST. JAMES’S GATE PUBLICK HOUSE 167 Maplewood Ave. 973.378.2222 stjamesgatepublick house.com

MENDHAM THE BLACK HORSE TAVERN & PUB 1 W. Main St. 973.543.7300 blackhorsenj.com DANTE’S RISTORANTE 100 E. Main St. 973.543.5401 dantesnj.com PIATTINO 88 E. Main St. 973.543.0025 piattinonj.com

CHINA PAVILION 263 Changebridge Rd. 973.227.1006

AMERICAN BISTRO 24 Washington Ave. 973.235.0505 americanbistro.net

POMPTON QUEEN DINER 710 Rte. 23 973.835.2086

MEAL 433 Kingsland St. 973.542.8522 mealnj.com

STEFANO’S RESTAURANT 565 Rte. 23 973.616.6624 stefanosrestaurant.net

CINDERS WOOD FIRE GRILL 319 Rte. 46 973.928.7000 cinderswoodfiregrill.com

QUEEN MARGHERITA 246 Washington Ave. 973.662.0007 queenmargherita.us

MONTCLAIR

ORANGE

TAVERN 5 710 Newark Pompton Tpke.

973.835.1426 tavern5.com

EGAN & SONS 118 Walnut St. 973.744.1413 egannsons.com

BELLA ITALIA RESTAURANT 535 Central Ave. 973.676.4300 bellaitaliarestaurantnj.com

V&J PIZZA 500 Rte. 23 973.839.9757 vandjpizza.com

TOAST 700 Bloomfield Ave. 973.509.8099 toastmontclair.com

HAT CITY 459 Valley St. 862.704.6248 hatcitynj.com

MONTVILLE

PARSIPPANY

COLUMBIA INN 29 Rte. 202 973.263.1300 thecolumbiainn.com

CHAND PALACE 257 Littleton Rd. 973.334.5444 parsippany.chand palace.com

THE MONTVILLE INN 167 Rte. 202 973.541.1234 themontvilleinn.com

RANDOLPH BLACK RIVER BARN 1178 Rte. 10 W. 973.598.9988 blackriverbarn.com LA STRADA RISTORANTE 1105 Rte. 10 E. 973.584.4607 lastradarestaurantrandolph. com

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 1 Hilton Ct. 973.889.1400 ruthschris.com

MORRIS PLAINS BOLLYWOOD GRILL 1729 Rte. 10 E. 973.998.6303 bollywoodgrill.net

SUBURBAN BAR & KITCHEN 500 Rte. 10 W. 973.891.1776 sbknj.com

SHAN SHAN NOODLES 333 Rte. 46 973.287.7399 shanshannoodles.com

TABOR ROAD TAVERN 510 Tabor Rd. 973.267.7004 taborroadtavern.com

VERONA RESTAURANT 1171 Sussex Tpke.

973.895.8888 veronarestaurant.com

PEQUANNOCK BARDI’S BAR & GRILL 149 Newark Pompton Tpke.

973.694.1058 bardisgrill.com

UP THAI 981 Tabor Rd. 973.998.8536 upthainj.com

RIVERDALE CONEY ISLAND PIZZA 40 Hamburg Tpke.

973.476.9223 coneyislandwoodfired pizza.com

RIVAAZ GASTRO BAR & INDIAN RESTAURANT 23 Rte. 23 973.686.6040 rivaaz23.com

MORRISTOWN MARKET TAVERNE 995 Mt. Kemble Ave. 908.502.5106 markettaverne.com

ROCKAWAY BRICK 46 68 Rte. 46 973.625.4900 brick46.com

PINE BROOK

REVOLUTION 9 South St. 973.455.0033 revolutionmorristown.com

BONEFISH GRILL 28 Rte. 46 973.227.2443 bonefishgrill.com

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CAFFÈ NAVONA 147 Rte. 46 W. 973.627.1606 caffenavona.com

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Black River Barn in Randolph

THAI NAM PHET 296 Rte. 46 973.627.8400 thainamphet.com

TURTLE + THE WOLF 622 Valley Rd. 973.783.9800 turtleandthewolf.com

THE EXCHANGE 160 E. Main St. 973.627.8488 exchangefood.com

WEST ORANGE

SHORT HILLS BENIHANA 840 Morris Tpke.

973.467.9550 benihana.com THE DINING ROOM 41 JFK Pkwy.

973.912.4756 LEGAL SEA FOODS 1200 Morris Tpke.

973.467.0089 legalseafoods.com

SOUTH ORANGE ARIYOSHI 56 W. South Orange Ave. 973.378.8818 ariyoshijapanese.com WALIA 11 Village Plz. 973.762.2186 waliarestaurant.com

TOWACO

HIGHLAWN PAVILION 1 Crest Dr. 973.731.3463 highlawn.com THE MANOR RESTAURANT 111 Prospect Ave. 973.731.2360 themanorrestaurant.com MCLOONE’S BOATHOUSE 9 Cherry Ln. 862.252.7108 mcloonesboathouse.com

WHARTON 4 SEASONS 322 S. Main St. 862.244.9777 4seasonswharton.com THE CANAL HOUSE 47 Kossuth St. 862.244.4495 canalhousenj.com

WHIPPANY THE AULD SHEBEEN PUB 1401 Rte. 10 E. 973.583.8811

900 DEGREES 626 Main Rd. 973.335.2555 900degreespizza.com

IL CAPRICCIO 633 Rte. 10 E. 973.884.9175 ilcapriccio.com

RAILS STEAKHOUSE 10 Whitehall Rd. 973.335.0006 railssteakhouse.com

MOLLY MALONE’S 352 Rte. 10 973.887.5070 mollymaloneswhippany. com

UPPER MONTCLAIR DAI-KICHI 608 Valley Rd. 973.744.2954 daikichimontclair.net DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 275 Bellevue Ave. 973.893.5008 denovoeuropeanpub.com

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

TRATTORIA TOSCANA 554 Rte. 10 973.386.0303 trattoriatoscana whippany.com

{ ON THE TOWN }

Gatherings

FOOD DRIVE As part of their Silver Award Project, three Girl Scout Cadettes organized a food drive and collected more than 16,600 servings of breakfast items to support MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity), a nonprofit 7 organization working to alleviate hunger in Essex County. 3 Karen Woros, Allegra Martin, Scarlett Smith, Emma Woros

Whether it’s at a fundraiser or a volunteering event, Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.

3

4

ISAIAH HOUSE FOOD PANTRY Members of the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter (NJAC) of Delta Sigma Theta sorority donated $350 to the Isaiah House Food Pantry in East Orange. The money was collected during fundraisers held throughout the pandemic.

4 The North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority

1 & SON The mother-son team of Beth and Ben Stricof held the grand opening of their concept shop “& son” in Montclair. The store offers a mix of styles, art, unique gifts, home décor 1 new and vintage clothing and more. 1 Beth and Ben Stricof (center) welcome items, guests during their ribbon-cutting ceremony.

5

YMCA OF MONTCLAIR The YMCA of Montclair received a $20,000 donation from Rao’s Specialty Foods, part of Sovos Brands Intermediate. The money will be used to help pay for the construction of a playground at the Y’s Geyer Family YMCA location.

5 Risa Cretella, Anneke Demarest, Buddy Evans

NJ SHARING NETWORK NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organ procurement organization, has earned national recognition for its IgG subtype assay, an innovation that enhances crossmatching between donors and transplant recipients. The group received the Fierce Innovation Award—Life Sciences Edition 2020, a peer reviewed awards program from the publisher of Fierce Biotech and Fierce Pharma.

24 The team at NJ Sharing Network

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JPR Group (1), NJ Sharing Network (2), Girl Scouts of America (3), Isaiah House (4), YMCA of Montclair (5)

2

Freelance Special Section Writers

WANTED TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

W OMEN TO WATCH

Debra Rizzi

AS K T H E H E A LT H PRO

Wainscot Media publishes several special sections throughout the year in our regional magazines. Contact us today to learn more about freelance positions available.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases that affect gums and supporting bones of the teeth. Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if it’s determined further specialized treatment is needed when disease is present. In addition, periodontists specialize in the surgical placement of dental implants when teeth are lost due to gum disease or other tooth traumas. A highly-trained periodontist can correct a gummy smile, gum recession or other non-disease complications with surgical and non-surgical techniques. Working closely with general dentists and other dental specialists, my team and I are dedicated to improving the overall health and aesthetics of every patient’s beautiful smile.

Can my teeth be saved if my gums are damaged?

Rizco 2003 Highway 71, Suite 3 Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762 732.223.1944 | rizco.com

Depending on the severity and progression of a person’s periodontal condition, multiple treatment options are available to restore your natural teeth, supporting soft tissue and bone back to health.

Bleeding gums, periodontal pockets, bone loss and loose teeth caused by gum disease may be fully treatable with non-surgical or surgical treatments. Our office offers a more effective method of treating gum disease using LANAP laser surgical technique. A high-energy thin laser fiber is inserted into the periodontal pockets killing bad bacteria and eliminating diseased tissue in a less invasive manner. Two weeks after surgery, our patients are very pleased when their gums have returned to a healthy pink and perio pocketing has substantially decreased.

If full-mouth restoration is necessary, we offer the option of staged implant restorations (one at a time). Whether we’re able to keep your natural teeth using our state-of-the-art surgical techniques or replace hopeless teeth with dental implants or a full-mouth restoration, we’ll work with you to provide the best options possible.

Debra Rizzi, President of Rizco, co-founded the company in 2000 with her husband Keith. Originally established in Manhattan, this creative campaign agency will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Spring Lake Heights in February.

Passionate about helping businesses grow, Debra thrives on the challenge of staying relevant in today’s technology-driven markets by pursuing education and research to stay ahead of trends. Her success stems from co-partnering with clients to increase brand awareness and engagement using web, print, and multi-layered digital strategies.

ANTHONY CARAMICO, D.M.D.

Integrity, transparency, and accountability are the core aspects of Rizco’s promise to clients. These, combined with creativity and proven ROI, set the company apart from competitors.

MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY

Can I get an implant if I don’t have much bone left?

662 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 • 201.447.5555 • midlandparkfamilydentistry.com

A Bucknellian and proud mom of three daughters, Debra inspires others by giving back. Rizco routinely offers student mentorships and supports local not-for-profit organizations, such as The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey.

AT MIDLAND PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY, the word ordinary doesn’t exist. That’s because Dr. Anthony Caramico and his staff consistently strive to deliver extraordinary service to each patient at every visit. Their commitment to delivering the highest quality, innovative dentistry, in a patient-friendly environment permeates the office. From the state-of-the-art office to the friendly staff that greets every patient, their commitment to patient satisfaction is nothing less than extraordinary.

With a passion for changing the way people see and experience dentistry, Dr. Caramico makes continuing investments in his practice with his patient’s oral health and lifestyle in mind. From ongoing training to the implementation of the latest technologies and equipment, he is committed to bringing his patients the industry’s very best practices. These investments ensure that patients have the best smile with less stress. Dr. Caramico has invested in technologies like CEREC to deliver crowns in one visit without messy

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impressions or temporaries, and the SOLEA dental laser to restore a broken tooth or cavity without using a drill or anesthesia. Leveraging the iTero Scanner, which works in tandem with Invisalign®, Dr. Caramico can can show patients what their smiles will look like before orthodontic treatment even begins.

“Our mission has been, and always will be, to pursue excellence and to deliver quality care to our patients,” says Dr. Caramico. “Everything I do is with my patients in mind. I am blessed and humbled to have had the good fortune to travel through life with my patients and my staff. Most endearing of all is to care for patients and their families through multiple generations.”

Midland Park Family Dentistry continues to expand, offering extended evening hours three days a week and Saturday appointments. Proud of their Bergen County roots, both Dr. Caramico and his associate, Dr. Diane Asmar, welcome you to become part of the family.

The short answer is yes! Ninety-nine percent of the time a skillful surgeon is able to regenerate lost bone that’s strong enough for the placement and support of a dental implant. In the upper back teeth area, the sinus floor may prohibit the placement of a dental implant unless bone is first regenerated or grafted into the sinus floor. This procedure, sinus grafting or sinus lift, allows for an implant to be surgically placed into the grafted area after several months of healing time has accrued.

Dr. Richard Shin opened Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implant in 2003. Dr. Shin is a specialist in treating periodontal and gum disease and in the placement of dental implants. He’s been in practice for 20 years and has performed more than 30,000 surgical procedures. After graduating from New York School of Dentistry and completing his residency requirements at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, Dr. Shin completed a specialty program at NYU and achieved board certification in Periodontology in 2003. For more than 15 years he’s taught new dentists, most currently at NYU Dental School.

Services Offered: • Implant Dentistry • Receding Gum & Grafting • Periodontal Care • Laser Dentistry & LANAP • Smile Makeover • IV Sedation (upon patient request) Residency Program

ALPINE PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

680 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite #202, Oradell, NJ 07649 201.634.9400 | alpineperio.com 1/20/20 10:18 AM AskHealthPro_SS_0420_Final.indd 106

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Richard H. Shin, D.D.S.

3/19/20 1:57 PM

11/26/19 9:28 AM

To Learn More, Contact Jacquelynn Fischer: Jacquelynn.Fischer@wainscotmedia.com

“I work in finance, but dance photography is my passion— I like being able to capture the movement of a dancer and freeze those moments that we might miss with a blink of an eye. The dancer in this photo, Kate Kenyon, is a close friend of mine who moved last month from Brooklyn to Morristown.

We wanted to capture some fall-themed shots at Speedwell Lake, by her new home. Everything about this shot just fell into place; the dress did exactly what we wanted it to do, the sunlight hit her perfectly and she’s in perfect form.”

—David Ovitsky, Brooklyn

Morris/Essex Health & Life Volume 19, Issue 6 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 6 times a year by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, NJ, and additional mailing offices.

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Send us your Morris/Essex Moment! Email your photo and a short description to editor@wainscotmedia.com.

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

Photo courtesy of David Ovitsky. Instagram: @dovitsky

{ A MORRIS/ESSEX MOMENT }

Landscape Design

DESIGN

You can feel confident at Lantern Hill.

•

Feel secure in a community of friends, neighbors, and caring staff.

•

Our full-time providers are available for telehealth appointments and even house calls.

•

You can rely on the expertise and financial strength of Erickson Living, a national leader in senior living.

“

Our move to our Erickson Living community was the best move we ever made!

“

In good times and uncertain times, there’s no smarter place to be than at an Erickson Living®-managed community like Lantern Hill in New Providence. Enjoy independent senior living, plus a safety net of additional support should you ever need it.

–Carol B., a community resident

Learn more about senior living at Lantern Hill.

Call 1-800-610-2631 for your FREE brochure.

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New Providence LanternHillCommunity.com