Interactive Content From
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick
Winter | 2019
healthy
together
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HEART- HEALTHY EATING
TELEMED FOR YOU
Parkinson’s Disease
new jersey devils partnership
Find a Doctor
There’s more to know about the topics highlighted in our print magazine. Click away in any order you choose for fresh insights into your health and news about healthcare innovations in our community.
Make 2019 Your Healthiest Year Yet!
Heart- Healthy Eating
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NEW JERSEY DEVILS PARTNERSHIP
LIFESAVING CARDIAC CARE AT RWJUH NEW BRUNSWICK
Your Heart Doesn’t Beat Just for You. Get It Checked.
Whether you're looking for tips and ideas about keeping your heart healthy or you need treatment and care for a heart condition, specialists at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) New Brunswick can help. Click any of the links on this page to learn more.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
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Don't skip meals.
Drink plenty of water.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Be aware of “emotional eating.”
Watch portion sizes with mindful eating.
Keep a diet diary.
6 TIPS FOR STAYING ON TRACK
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease. Moreover, when you eat mostly nutritious (and delicious!) foods, your mood will improve and your energy level will soar. How can you break old, unhealthy eating habits and get all of those great benefits? Try these tips to keep yourself motivated.
click each tip to learn more
If you’re hungry, you may make unhealthy choices. It’s even harder to make good choices when you’re busy and on the run.
Wanting something to eat can simply mean you need fluid. It can be a symptom of dehydration, not hunger. Water is the best choice.
Alcoholic beverages add calories and can impede your ability to burn fat when exercising. Moderation is key: Two glasses of wine (preferably red) for men, and one for women. Have spritzers to extend this by one or two drinks.
If you feel lonely or depressed, don’t try to make yourself feel better with food. Instead, listen to music, call a friend or get a massage, manicure or facial. And don’t forget the power of exercise. It really is a mood enhancer.
Eat slowly and enjoy the company at the table. Be aware of portion sizes: A portion of meat should be about the size of a woman’s palm; stuffing and potato dishes should be about the size of your fist. Cut back on second helpings, eat plenty of vegetables and salad, and drink plenty of water.
Writing foods down helps raise your awareness of what you’re actually consuming every day. Most of us eat quickly because we’re busy and a diary helps us to slow down and enjoy our food. It also helps us to understand what our hunger triggers are, and to understand the difference between emotional eating and real hunger.
Salt/Sodium
Sugar
Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Low-fat protein
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EATING FOR LIFE
You know that what you eat affects your health. But do you know exactly how various foods act on the cardiovascular system? Click on the buttons below to learn how certain elements of your diet can help, or hurt, your heart.
Sodium, a mineral, is a component of salt. It occurs naturally in many foods, but most Americans get too much. Excess salt holds excess fluid in the body, which raises blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. More than 70 percent of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged and prepared foods, so look for labels that specify low or reduced sodium and cook with fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Large amounts of sugar contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Naturally occurring sugars are found in fruits and milk; refined, or processed, sugars are found in cookies, sugar, processed foods and more. The American Heart Association recommends that men have no more than nine teaspoons of processed sugar daily; for women, six teaspoons.
Refined grains are stripped of grain parts that include important nutrients such as B-vitamins, iron and dietary fiber. Studies indicate that high-fiber foods reduce blood cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure. They also make you feel full faster. Look for foods labeled “whole grain” and boost your consumption of grains like brown rice, oats, bulgur, buckwheat, freekeh, couscous and quinoa.
Naturally low in fat, calories and sodium, fruits and vegetables help you feel more full and reduce the temptation to overeat. They also contain fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating across the “five main color groups:” Red & Pink (beets, berries, tomatoes); Blue & Purple (berries, eggplant, grapes, prunes); Yellow & Orange (squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges); White & Brown (pears, cauliflower, garlic, shallots); and Green (artichokes, spinach, kale, zucchini).
Meats are a major source of dietary fat and cholesterol, which is linked to coronary heart disease. Low-fat sources of protein include lean meats without skin, skim milk, fish and beans, including soy. Choose main dishes that combine protein and vegetables, such as soups and stir-fries. And watch portion sizes: 2 to 3 ounces of meat (about the size of your palm) is about right.
To perform its critical task of pushing oxygenated blood to every corner of the body, the average person’s heart beats up to 144,000 times per day. That’s quite a job! Keeping your heart healthy means giving it the fuel it needs while avoiding ingredients that cause damage. Here’s how various foods affect your heart health—and how to make healthy eating a habit.
heart-healthy Eating MAIN
eating for life
6 tips for staying on track
your next steps
Enroll Now
Learn More About RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed
Virtual doctor visits, on demand: With RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed, a doctor is available via videoconference 24/7/365 through your personal devices.
Q
Why Would I Use TeleMed?
How Does it Work?
What Kinds of Problems Can Be Treated?
Who Are the Doctors?
How Much Does it Cost?
How Do I Sign Up?
Get the scoop on getting started with RWJBarnabas Health’s TeleMed service.
FAQs about RWJBarnabas Health
TeleMed
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A
While RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed doesn’t replace your relationship with your primary care doctor, it’s a convenient way to access high-quality care at home or while away, at any time of day or night 365 days a year, and at a lower cost than a visit to an urgent care center or emergency department.
Using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, you can log in, view profiles of the doctors who are “on call” and connect to the doctor of your choice via video. The doctor can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication as appropriate.
Telemedicine can be used to treat a range of common health complaints, such as colds and flu, earache, minor rashes, abdominal pain, allergies, pink eye, joint pain and muscle strains. Telemedicine should not be used for medical emergencies, including chest pain or pressure; uncontrolled bleeding; coughing or vomiting blood; difficulty breathing; sudden dizziness, weakness, change in vision, slurred speech, numbness or other neurological changes. In those cases, call 911 or go to the emergency department instead.
All RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed doctors are U.S. board-certified, licensed, credentialed doctors who average 15 years in urgent, emergency or primary care medicine, and who have been trained in telehealth.
For RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed visits, a charge of $45 will be billed to the credit card on file at the time of the service.
You can enroll by downloading the iOS or Android mobile app (search “RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed”), or by visiting the website.
Why Telemedicine?
RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed offers videoconference appointments with U.S. board-certified physicians via a secure network. Appointments are fast, convenient and comply with all privacy standards. Here are some of the additional advantages for patients.
Streamline Appointments
Get the Advice You Need
Avoid Scheduling Delays
Save Money
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The average total time for an in-person doctor visit is 121 minutes, including travel time. Of the 121 minutes, only 20 minutes is spent in physician contact.* Telemedicine cuts out that travel and waiting time.
*Source: JAMA Internal Medicine
In a recent survey, 85 percent of patients said they were able to resolve their healthcare needs through video visits.
Source: American Well Survey, 2017
The average time it takes to schedule an in-person, new patient physician appointment in major metropolitan areas is 24 days.* With RWJBH TeleMed, appointments are available any time of day or night, 365 days a year.
Source: 2017 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times, Merritt Hawkins Associates
The average cost of a telehealth visit is $40 to $50 (RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed visits cost $45). The average estimated cost of an in-person doctor visit is $136 to $176.*
*Source: Alliance for Connected Care
Telemedicine: Healthcare at Your Convenience
RWJBarnabas Health’s new TeleMed service is a private, secure tool that allows people to get medical help via video, using their smartphone, tablet or computer—when they need it, wherever they are. When can you use this service? Here’s what you need to know.
FAQs about RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed
Best-in-class maternity care close to home.
TELEMEDICINE MAIN
Building Strong Communities
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are committed to promoting the health and welfare of New Jersey communities. The annual Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk raises funds for excellent and compassionate care in RWJBH hospitals. New Jersey Devils players regularly visit RWJBH facilities and bring enjoyment to patients, their families and employees alike.
Compassion in Action
the Devils Spread Holiday Cheer at RWJBarnabas Health Facilities
travis zajac, andy greene and ben lovejoy get into the spirit at saint barnabas medicaL center.
brian boyle, kyle palmieri and taylor hall spread cheer at saint barnabas medical center.
Devils alumnus Bruce driver helps bring "love Your Melon" hats to children at newark beth israel medical center.
devils brett Seney, Will Butcher and Blake coleman visit a fan at rwjuh New Brunswick.
bryce salvador, devils alumnus, helps out at a blood drive sponsored by the devils and RWJBarnabas Health.
the new jersey Devils Spread Holiday Cheer at RWJBarnabas Health Facilities
Healthy Cooking with the Devils
Good nutrition is essential to healthy living, so RWJBarnabas Health has teamed up with the New Jersey Devils and Jason Choate, Senior Executive Chef at Prudential Center, to provide healthy snacks at all Prudential Center events. In addition, the organizations have collaborated to create these delicious, healthy recipes that are perfect for athletes, fans and families.
Avocado and Crab Salad
Asian-Style Chicken Burger
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or penne • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin rings • 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth • 1 small butternut squash, cubed (4-5 cups) • 3/4 cup milk • 1 teaspoon salt • 2/3 cup shredded cheese (note: smoked cheddar is recommended, but any kind of cheese will work) • Parsley for topping • Salt and pepper to taste
• Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. • Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. Sauté onion until fragrant and golden. • Meanwhile, bring the broth to a boil and add the squash. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup broth. • Transfer squash to the blender. Add the onions, milk, salt and reserved broth and puree until completely smooth and creamy. This should yield about 4 cups of sauce. • Pour the pureed sauce over the cooked noodles and add the shredded cheese. Stir to melt the cheese; add water or milk to adjust consistency as needed. Serve with parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
SERVES
6
Asian Chicken Burger
• Cooking spray • 1 small carrot, grated • 1 small red onion, halved • 1 pound ground chicken • 1/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) • 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce • 1 tablespoon peeled, grated ginger • 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce • 3 teaspoons hot Asian chili sauce, such as sambal oelek • 8 ounces white mushrooms, thinly sliced • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil • Juice of 1 lime • 4 whole-wheat sesame hamburger buns
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray. • Grate 1/2 the onion and put it and the grated carrot into a large bowl. Add the chicken, panko, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, the ginger, 3 teaspoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon hot Asian chili sauce and mix until combined. • Shape the chicken mixture into 4 patties and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes. • Meanwhile, thinly slice the remaining 1/2 onion. Toss with the mushrooms, sesame oil, lime juice and the remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce in a bowl. • Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce and 2 teaspoons hot Asian chili sauce with 1 tablespoon water in another bowl. • Warm the hamburger buns in the oven. Serve the burgers on the buns with a drizzle of the hoisin-chili sauce and some of the mushroom mixture
4
Teaching Hockey and Sportsmanship
RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) offers education for youth hockey players that promotes optimal performance and good health while building confidence, sportsmanship and life skills. RWJBH partners with the New Jersey Devils to provide Learn to Play programs, and conducts clinics at each of the more than 30 hockey rinks affiliated with the Devils.
READ Q&A with Taylor Hall
Healthy Habits from Devils Star Taylor Hall
• How do you eat for peak performance? • How do you make sure to stay hydrated? • What’s your workout routine? • Do you have any advice for young athletes?
CLICK EACH question to read the answer
I tend to avoid sugar. With the calories we expend, it’s very important for me to digest healthy carbohydrates and lots of protein. I keep my diet pretty simple—protein, carbohydrates and then as much roughage as I can—a side dish like asparagus or sweet potatoes, and always a salad with dinner. Gluten-free pasta, rice and quinoa—those are really good for people like me who expend a lot of energy. I stick to snacks that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat, like nuts, or high in protein, like Greek yogurt. That kind of snack is not going to give you a big burst of energy before bedtime, so it will allow you to rest properly. My cheat foods are cheeseburgers and pizza. Maybe once a week you have yourself a night where you have those things. Certainly, you’ve got to live your life.
How do you eat for peak performance?
Staying as well hydrated as possible is huge. You don’t want cramps during the game. I drink two 500-milliliter bottles of water as soon as I wake up, to get my metabolism going. All day I drink a ton of water and during games, as many fluids with electrolytes as possible.
How do you make sure to stay hydrated?
During the season, I save most of my energy for games. After the season, I take a month off from physical activity to give my body a rest. Then I work out and skate three times a day, five days a week. My advice for athletes is to focus on what your weaknesses are. Some athletes might already have a very strong core, but need to work on their foot speed. Overall, don’t worry about what you’re good at—just try and correct stuff that might be hampering you a little bit.
What’s your workout routine?
Some parents have their kids in hockey year-round. You see these kids who are amazing hockey players, but they just don’t seem to have a passion for it. I would say that you have to try out different things and have some free time. You have to really love whatever you do. The thing that you have the most passion for in life is what you’re going to be successful at.
Do you have any advice for young athletes?
the Little Devils Zone
With a free Little Devils membership, children 12 years of age and under can visit the designated Little Devils Zone across from section 18 on the main concourse of the Prudential Center. There, they’ll find: • Stick-handling mats for practicing skills • Radar to see how fast their shots are • Signs produced by RWJBarnabas Health that explain the different muscles used while taking a slap shot and while stick handling • Banner to see how tall they are and how their wingspan compares to the NJ Devil • A bubble hockey machine, coloring table and other fun activities
Two powerhouse organizations work together to promote health, fitness and fun throughout New Jersey.
Bringing Communities Together
A WINNING COMBINATION
RWJBarnabas Health the New jersey Devils
and
A WINNING COMBINATION main
In Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than 1 million people in the U.S., nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement become impaired or die. Affected cells produce less of the brain chemical dopamine, which leads to movement difficulties, such as trouble walking and poor balance. Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, there are many treatment options, including exercise, medication, radiosurgery and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
YOUR Next Steps
Other treatment options
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Advances in treatment
Parkinson’s Disease MAIN
Symptoms of Parkinson’s
The most common symptoms include stiffness when you try to move your neck, arms or legs; slight shaking, or tremor, when you’re at rest; slow movement; and poor posture and balance, which may lead to falls. Early Parkinson’s symptoms include the following.
Fatigue or general malaise
A change in handwriting (smaller letters crowded together)
Losing track of a word or thought
A change in voice (becomes soft or hoarse)
Lack of facial expression (may look angry when not)
Trouble moving arms and legs
Gamma knife
MEDICATION
EXERCISE
click each icon to learn more
Your physician will help to determine the best treatment for you based on several factors: your age, overall health and medical history; the severity of your symptoms; your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies; expectations for the course of the condition; and your opinion or preferences. In addition to Deep Brain Stimulation, there are several effective treatment options.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
DBS is a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Wires—also known as leads—are precisely placed in areas of the brain that control movement. The leads, which are passed underneath the skin, are attached to a pacemaker-like device implanted in the upper torso. The device sends a continuous stream of brief electrical pulses to the tips of the leads. The pulses help the damaged brain cells resume more normal functioning. DBS can be a game-changer for patients because it often allows them to take less medication, reducing related side effects. DBS helps to control symptoms, such as tremor, slowed movement and stiffness.
Learn More About DBS
Robotic-assisted DBS improves precision and helps to eliminate the fear of the traditional operation.
Neurologists at RWJUH New Brunswick
Support groups at RWJUH New Brunswick
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or have a family member or loved one with the disease, specialists at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) New Brunswick can help. As one of eight Advanced Centers for Parkinson’s Research designated by the American Parkinson Disease Association, our physicians are at the forefront of investigating the causes of this disease—as well as new treatments.
For more information about Deep Brain Stimulation and the Gamma Knife Center, call 732.418.8002.
The Gamma Knife Icon is a noninvasive tool designed to treat many brain conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Physicians use it to perform radiosurgery, in which precisely focused radiation beams shrink abnormalities or stop their growth. This highly targeted approach means there’s minimal or no damage to healthy tissue. Icon, the latest version of this technology, is more comfortable because the patient’s head doesn’t need to be secured to the operating table. Typically, only one visit is required for treatment, and the risk of complications is low.
The most effective drug for treating Parkinson’s disease is levodopa. When it enters the brain, it’s converted to dopamine, the brain chemical that’s low in patients with the disease. This helps to control symptoms, such as tremor and stiffness. Side effects include nausea, fatigue and orthostatic hypotension, a decrease in blood pressure within three minutes of standing.
Medication
Research shows that exercise can help improve many Parkinson’s symptoms. Patients who begin exercising regularly early in the course of the disease experience a slower decline in quality of life compared to those who start later. Find a workout you enjoy, whether it’s brisk walking or light weight lifting.
Exercise
Learn More About
DBS
Giving For Good Health
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New rutgers partnership
Where you get your healthcare matters. At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, we partner with other local organizations and residents to create healthier communities. We hope you’ve found this information useful. Be part of our better health movement by using the links below to share this interactive digest with friends and family.
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