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Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group provides array of cutting-edge options to correct carpal tunnel syndrome

Dr. Franklin Chen joined Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group in 1998 and has been recognized by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Registry Program and by New Jersey Top Doctors for distinction in the field of orthopaedic surgery.

Typically aggravated by repetitive motion, such as typing, carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm.

“Carpal tunnel is the compression of the nerve at the wrist level,’’ said Dr. Franklin Chen, an orthopaedic surgeon with Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group. “Usually, when patients come to see us, they have been experiencing symptoms for several weeks or months. The condition tends to worsen over time.’’

Dr. Chen is a hand and upper extremity surgeon and general orthopaedic surgeon at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group.

Before resorting to surgery, Dr. Chen has patients try anti-inflammatories, wrist splints, physical therapy and cortisone injections.

“We conduct a thorough exam of each patient to make sure there are no underlying conditions, such as diabetes,’’ said Dr. Chen, who specializes in treating conditions of the hand and upper extremities. “The examination involves tests to elicit the symptoms so we can pinpoint the cause.’’

This may include pressing down along the nerve inside the wrist, and bending and holding the wrists in a flexed position to see if these actions cause numbness or tingling in the hands.

A test to assess the connection and conduction between the nerve and the muscle might also be administered to provide a clearer picture of the severity of a patient’s condition, Dr. Chen added.

Once a thorough diagnostic evaluation is completed, Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedics doctors will discuss options with the patient, which can include surgery. Since continued pressure on the nerve can lead to nerve damage and worsening symptoms, surgery is indicated when all other treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms.

“If we’ve tried all the other options, then surgery is a good option for our patients,’’ Dr. Chen said. “We generally have very good success with this surgery.’’

At Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group, minimally invasive surgery is used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome. This involves making a small incision — approximately 1 inch long — in the wrist area. Surgeons can then open the area in the canal, creating more space for the nerve, Dr. Chen explained.

“Eventually, the canal heals into a more open position,’’ he said. “This can ultimately increase the space by about 24%. It is one of the more common surgeries we do.’’

The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and time in the OR is usually less than one-half hour. For most patients, sutures are removed within 10 to 12 days, while it takes about six to 10 weeks for the incision to completely heal. Most people can return to work in two to three weeks, although people performing manual labor usually need more time. Regaining full grip strength typically takes about five months, Dr. Chen said.

Since carpal tunnel syndrome generally worsens over time, it is important to get an early diagnosis and treatment, he advised.

Dr. Chen earned a medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Chen received subspecialty training during his fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the renowned Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. He joined the Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group in 1998 and has been recognized by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Registry Program and by New Jersey Top Doctors for distinction in the field of orthopaedic surgery.

Founded in 1984 by Dr. Joseph Lombardi, the Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group has grown to be a comprehensive, regional orthopaedic practice with top-notch surgeons in all orthopaedic subspecialties, assisted by experienced physical therapists and multilingual support staff.

Using the latest and most effective orthopaedic treatments available, Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedics’ physicians and other health care professionals help people lead active lives, whether through treating a sports or work-related injury, repairing fractures, replacing a joint or relieving chronic or acute pain. The practice is located in Edison.

For more information, visit emog.net.

Innovation, expertise make University Orthopaedic Associates a leader in patient-centered care

Trauma specialists from University Orthopaedic Associates can address injuries ranging from simple isolated fractures to multiple extremity fractures associated with life threatening accidents.

At University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA), their mission is to offer patients state-of-the-art and proven treatment options, to return them to their sport or activity, live without pain, and regain lost function. Their surgeons are leaders in their fields who drive innovation to improve patient care and offer exciting solutions to problems that matter to patients.

UOA spine surgeons use computer navigation and robotic technology, which allows for less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. UOA spine surgeons also have been at the forefront of motion-sparing (nonfusion) surgery. They perform disc replacement surgery in both the cervical and lumbar spine, which means quicker recovery time, more range of motion postoperatively, and decreased risk of future adjacent disc degeneration.

In addition, their spine surgeons were lead developers in bringing 3D printed technology to spinal implants. These 3D printed devices allow for more patient-specific implants to be used and for improved surgical success with decreased complications.

UOA is using cutting-edge treatments and technologies in other ways, too. Their sports medicine specialists can now treat elbow tendonitis and mild knee arthritis with biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Sports medicine specialists at University Orthopaedic Associates can treat mild knee arthritis with biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Additionally, they can treat bony impingement of the hip and labral tears with minimally invasive hip arthroscopy, which has proven outcomes and success rates. They continue to expand their ability to repair meniscus tears rather than taking out the damaged tissue. Furthermore, they are now able to treat cartilage defects with cartilage transplantation, which helps in achieving the goal of preventing deterioration and knee arthritis.

Their trauma specialists can address injuries ranging from simple isolated fractures to multiple extremity fractures associated with life-threatening accidents. They can correct fracture malunions using the most current technologies such as spatial frame reconstructions, allowing fractures to heal properly.

Their upper extremity specialists are performing more surgery utilizing an approach that avoids general anesthesia, saving patients from unnecessary side effects and complications. Their shoulder and elbow specialists can augment rotator cuff repairs with biologic patches to improve healing and reduce retear rates. They have also been using bone-preserving stems that require less bone to be removed in a shoulder replacement, resulting in less pain.

The joint replacement team at UOA is the most experienced in the region, performing hundreds of anterior hip replacements a year.

This innovative approach means less muscle damage and results in a quicker recovery and reduced dislocation rates. Frequently, patients are able to have their anterior hip replacements as an outpatient and return home the same day.

UOA foot and ankle surgeons have developed a fibular nailing system that allows a minimally invasive solution for treating ankle fractures. Additionally, their foot and ankle surgeons perform all the latest reconstruction procedures including total ankle replacement as well as bunion, hammertoe and hind-midfoot corrective surgeries.

UOA is a team comprised of health care professionals and support staff whose primary goal is to provide care to you as if you were a family member. They offer a hands-on, patient-centered approach that they are proud of. If you are looking for an answer to your orthopaedic problem, please contact them.

Utilizing minimally invasive arthroscopy, Dr. Garfinkel of Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group solves joint problems at the source

In his 28 years treating knee and shoulder issues, Dr. Matthew Garfinkel has gained extensive experience treating high school and college athletes, as well as individuals injured in car accidents or those who suffer work-related injuries.

Using a tiny camera, skilled surgeons at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group pinpoint and repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons helping people get back on their feet faster with fewer complications.

Known as “arthroscopy,’’ this surgical technique enables surgeons to diagnose and treat knee and shoulder issues in one simple procedure, said Dr. Matthew Garfinkel, fellowship trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group.

Dr. Matthew Garfinkel, a fellowship trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder at Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group.

Arthroscopy is a useful way for doctors to confirm the source of knee and shoulder pain and treat the problem. “Using arthroscopy, we make very small incisions,’’ Dr. Garfinkel explained. “The camera allows me to see and evaluate the structures in the joint and to surgically treat injuries such as torn meniscus of the knee and rotator cuff and labral tears of the shoulder.

“We can remove, repair and replace damaged structures,’’ added Dr. Garfinkel, who performs hundreds of surgeries a year and has numerous professional recognitions including Castle Connolly Top Doctors (1999 to 2019), Inside Jersey magazine Top Doctors (2010 to 2019) and New York Magazine Top Doctors (2002).

The procedure begins with a small incision near the joint through which a camera is inserted. A picture of the joint is projected onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to accurately pinpoint the cause of the problem.

“It’s a very effective procedure that can be used to address a range of problems,’’ Dr. Garfinkel said.

So, when should patients see an orthopaedist to determine whether arthroscopy is the right choice?

“If they’re having persistent pain and possibly other issues, such as swelling, clicking, weakness, stiffness or giving way episodes, they should consult an orthopaedic surgeon,’’ Dr. Garfinkel said. “We will conduct an assessment and order diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and MRIs. Then we will consider all treatment options, both non-operative and surgical.’’

Should an arthroscopy be considered, the extent of the procedure and recovery time vary, depending on the condition being treated. Most surgeons agree that the procedure is minimally invasive, with patients typically going home the same day and enjoying good results with modest recovery times.

“Recovery time can vary and be as short as one month to six months or longer for more extensive problems,’’ Dr. Garfinkel said. “It really depends on the underlying issues being treated and the exact procedure which is done.”

Typically, doctors will recommend exercises to aid recovery. Physical therapy may also be part of the post-op care.

In his 28 years treating knee and shoulder issues, Dr. Garfinkel has gained extensive experience treating high school and college athletes, as well as individuals injured in other ways such as car accidents or those who suffer work-related injuries. Dr. Garfinkel earned a medical degree at the Cornell University Medical College in New York City and completed his orthopaedic surgery and residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y. He then did a sports medicine fellowship year at Lankenau Medical Center in Philadelphia where he had additional advanced training in treating knee and shoulder problems.

Founded in 1984 by Dr. Joseph Lombardi, the Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group has grown to be a comprehensive, regional orthopaedic practice with top-notch surgeons in all orthopaedic subspecialties, assisted by experienced physical therapists and multilingual support staff.

Using the latest and most effective orthopaedic treatments available, Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedics’ physicians and other health care professionals help people lead active lives, whether through treating a sports or work-related injury, repairing fractures, replacing a joint or relieving chronic or acute pain.

For more information, visit https://www.emog.net.

Award-winning Prime Healthcare provides exceptional, personalized care for patients

Prime Healthcare utilizes the latest in diagnostic testing, state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical treatments, the most advanced technology, research, residency programs and a compassionate staff to create five award-winning hospitals that provide comprehensive care for residents of Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties.

Prime Healthcare hospitals include:

  • Saint Clare’s Denville
  • Saint Clare’s Dover
  • Saint Clare’s Behavioral – Boonton
  • St. Mary’s General Hospital – Passaic
  • St. Michael’s Medical Center – Newark

Services available at all Prime Healthcare campuses include but are not limited to:

  • Behavioral Health Services
  • Emergency Services
  • Heart and Vascular Services
  • Internal Medicine Residency Programs
  • Oncology Services
  • Orthopedics
  • Senior Services
  • Women’s Health Services

Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive range of emergency services, inpatient and outpatient programs, a substance abuse walk-in program, and one of the area’s only psychiatric medical care units located at Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital.

Saint Clare’s Health

Their multidisciplinary team of physicians, staff and volunteers at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital, Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital and Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health are committed to providing the most advanced treatments and technology in a patient-centered environment. Saint Clare’s Health has been recognized for its award-winning care, receiving Pathway to Excellence designation, achieving Five Star Rating — one of only two hospitals in New Jersey — from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, achieving Leapfrog A Rating for patient safety, and being accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health provides a comprehensive range of emergency services, inpatient and outpatient programs, a substance abuse walk-in program, and one of the area’s only psychiatric medical care units located at Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital. The psychiatric medical care unit allows patients to stay in one unit to receive their psychiatric and medical care. Saint Clare’s Center for Cancer Care offers the latest in radiation treatment close to home. TrueBeam® Radiotherapy System gives patients treatment that is powerful and precise, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and in some cases, less than five visits. Emergency services are available at two convenient locations — Denville and Dover — and have the shortest wait times in the area. Outpatient services include rehabilitation services, cardiac rehabilitation, breast services, laboratory, and radiology. For more information about Saint Clare’s services, visit saintclares.com.

Saint Mary’s General Hospital is an award winning acute care hospital providing a broad range of cardiovascular services as well as a comprehensive program for cancer care.

Saint Mary’s General Hospital

St. Mary’s General Hospital is a community-based tertiary medical center that emphasizes quality, compassionate care. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, St. Mary’s General is an award winning acute care hospital offering a broad range of cardiovascular services as well as a comprehensive program for cancer care. St. Mary’s General also is a center of excellence for maternal-child health and outpatient behavioral health services. It is the recipient of various Healthgrades awards, including the Excellence Award for Gynecologic Surgery. St. Mary’s General is a State Designated Heart Center, Certified Stroke Center and is The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for three consecutive years. It is the only hospital in Passaic County with over 550 physicians and 1,200 employees — one of the largest employers in the county. Every member of the St. Mary’s General team is committed to providing respectful, personalized, high-quality care. The hospital’s goal is to satisfy patients’ needs and exceed their expectations. St. Mary’s General Hospital is a member of the Prime Healthcare System family, which has been lauded as a “Top 15 Healthcare System” by Truven Health Analytics. To learn more about St. Mary’s General Hospital, visit www.smh-nj.com.

For more than 150 years, Saint Michael’s Medical Center has served the health care needs of residents of Newark and the surrounding community.

Saint Michael’s Medical Center

Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 358-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching and research hospital located in the heart of Newark’s thriving business and university community. For more than 150 years, the hospital has served the health care needs of Newark residents as well as the surrounding community. Saint Michael’s is a major teaching hospital affiliated with New York Medical College, offering an internal medicine residency as well as fellowships in cardiology, interventional cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, infectious disease, pulmonary and critical care. The hospital has recently invested millions of dollars in new telemetry equipment throughout the hospital, a top-of-the-line Varian TrueBeam® Radiotherapy System in its Cancer Center, and two advanced, state-of-the-art catheterization laboratories that allow the hospital to offer Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive cardiac procedure for patients suffering from a faulty heart valve condition known as cardiac stenosis. Saint Michael’s is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). The hospital is ranked among the top 10% in the nation for cardiac surgery by Healthgrades and is a recipient of Healthgrades’ 2019 Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award and Cardiac Care Excellence Award. Healthgrades also named Saint Michael’s a Five Star Recipient for coronary bypass surgery, treatment of heart attack, treatment of heart failure and for pacemaker procedures. Saint Michael’s is a leader in the treatment of women’s health issues. The hospital’s highly skilled team of obstetrician/gynecologists and primary care physicians provide patient-focused, compassionate quality care using state-of-the-art technology in line with Saint Michael’s mission to heal with dignity and respect. Saint Michael’s Emergency Department has among the shortest wait times in the Greater Newark area and provides a FastTrack option for patients with less serious ailments. Saint Michael’s has received a grade of A for patient safety for the last three periods from Leapfrog as well as the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades.

At Rothman Orthopaedics, cutting-edge endoscopic surgery helps treat wrist and hand ailments

Surgeons at Rothman Orthopaedics use cutting-edge endoscopic surgery to correct common conditions such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.

A little incision can go a long way for people suffering from hand and wrist pain.

Minimally invasive procedures are now an option for individuals with common conditions such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes and osteoarthritis when medication and therapy haven’t helped, according to Dr. Samir Sodha, an orthopaedic surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, a leader in pioneering treatments of musculoskeletal issues.

Dr. Samir Sodha, an orthopaedic surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

Carpal tunnel afflicts millions of Americans, who suffer from numbness and tingling in the fingers, caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. The condition is commonly linked to repetitive use of the hand, although injury or genetic pre-disposition can also cause carpal tunnel, Dr. Sodha said.

To correct the condition, surgeons at Rothman Orthopaedics use cutting-edge endoscopic surgery in which only a small incision over skin crease in the wrist is used, instead of cutting through the much thicker skin in the palm of the hand.

“When you cut through the palm of the hand, it takes a lot longer to heal,’’ said Dr. Sodha, who practices in Rothman Orthopaedics’ North Jersey offices. “At Rothman Orthopaedics, we make a very small incision in the wrist crease. We then insert a camera and release the nerve without cutting the outer muscle.’’

The procedure takes little time, just 5 to 10 minutes, using local anesthetic. Recovery time is half that of traditional surgery and there is no need for splints or casts.

“Most practices still do it the other way because that’s the way they’re trained,’’ Dr. Sodha said. “Rothman Orthopaedics is one of the few offering this treatment.’’

Another fairly common condition is cubital tunnel, which produces numbness in the ring and small fingers.

“It’s often caused by repetitive flexing of the elbow, like truck drivers who hold their elbow bent for long periods of time,’’ Dr. Sodha explained. “The surgical treatments for cubital tunnel has changed dramatically.’’

Previously, surgeons would cut across the inside of the elbow and move the nerve to the front of elbow in a procedure known as transposition, Dr. Sodha said.

“New data show that just releasing the nerve where it lives is just as good, if not better,’’ Dr. Sodha explained. “The incision size and recovery time are both half of the traditional transposition surgery.’’

Arthritis is another common condition being treated with minimally invasive procedures.

Rather than making an incision along the length of the forearm, surgeons can now remove the small arthritic part of the thumb, which is where most arthritis in the hand occurs. They then insert a tiny internal brace that acts as a ligament — one that never wears out.

“Unlike many other surgeries, this operation lasts forever,’’ Dr. Sodha said.

Rothman Orthopaedics is internationally recognized for the treatment of musculoskeletal issues that prevent patients from living a full life. The practice has 37 locations — including 15 in New Jersey — and has increased its presence in northern New Jersey with office openings in Glen Rock, Paramus (2020) as well as expanded facilities in Rutherford and Montvale.

Not only are Rothman Orthopaedics physicians board certified in orthopaedics, they’re fellowship-trained in specific specialties, meaning joint surgeons only focus on joints, spine surgeons on spines and so on, ensuring the highest level of care.

To schedule an appointment through the practice’s online portal, visit RothmanNJ.com or call (888) 636-7840.

Tips to navigating the germiest spots in the office

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Sharing usually is caring … but not so much when it comes to germs.

According to Susan Hanrahan, MS, CIC, CRCST, infection prevention manager at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, germs are microscopic organisms that can either cause disease or live harmlessly with us — and they are everywhere.

So, it’s no surprise that your office isn’t immune to these “bugs.” After all, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that American adults spend more of their waking hours between Monday and Friday at the workplace than anywhere else, including home. “That’s a lot of time, a lot of people and a lot of germs,” said Hanrahan.

Here are five spots in the workplace that are typically loaded with germs:

  1. Office toilets. “This one actually may not be that much of a surprise,” she said. “All toilets have the potential to harbor germs that can make us ill.” Although this might be common sense for some, it doesn’t mean that every individual washes his or her hands after using the bathroom. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report said that only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using a public restroom. Hanrahan recommends the following hygienic tips when using a restroom, especially one in an office (or any public facility):
    • Use a paper toilet seat cover
    • Use a paper towel as a barrier when touching the door handle to exit
    • Carry and use hand sanitizer
    • Thoroughly wash your hands
  2. Communal kitchen sponges. It does serve its purpose for nicely washing dishes, Susan explained, but it can become a hotspot for food-borne bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella if utilized beyond dishwashing. “If the sponge isn’t routinely discarded it can become grungy,” she added. “And if you use that sponge to then wipe down counter surfaces, you could be trailing and spreading even more germs.” Instead, Hanrahan recommends using disinfectant wipes or paper towels filled with disinfectant spray to clean those surfaces — and remember to adhere to the time guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve disinfection. “All household cleaners have a ‘dwell time,’ ” she said, “which means that the chemical in the disinfectant needs to remain wet for a set amount of time in order to kill the germs.”
  3. Desk keyboards. Research has found that a computer keyboard has 200 times more germs than a toilet seat — and Susan believes this is because they are filled with “lots of nooks and crannies.” However, she said that you shouldn’t try to achieve total disinfection because this is a near impossible feat. Instead, follow these simple rules:
    • Wash your hands routinely
    • Clean your keyboard with a disinfectant wipe every day (but don’t use a spray as this can over saturate and ruin your keyboard)
    • Refrain from touching your face
  4. Desk phones. Office phones can harbor more than 25,000 germs per square inch, according to an article published by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), as they gather germs from your hands, mouth and nose. “If the phone is shared amongst coworkers then the exposure to flu and cold viruses increases,” said Hanrahan. She suggests routinely wiping down the office phone with a disinfectant wipe, washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. “Also, practice respiratory etiquette by wiping down the communal phone if you’re sick,” she added.
  5. Elevator buttons and doorknobs. “Elevator buttons and door knobs are a pet peeve of mine,” said Hanrahan. “Let’s agree to stop using our shirt and jacket sleeves as the barrier between your hands and the elevator button and doorknobs. You are heavily contaminating your sleeve with pathogenic germs and then continuing to wear that contaminated garment throughout the day.” Instead, she advised using your hands and being mindful of not touching your face before you have a chance to either wash your hands or sanitize them.

“If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick,” advised Hanrahan. “This will help prevent spreading your illness to others and/or having these germs live on any surfaces.”

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Get more quick tips on how to stay healthy from local docs.

5 superfoods that are the smart choice to maximize heart health

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It’s no secret too much saturated fat and cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and even heart disease. But when it comes to heart health, what you eat is just as important as what you don’t eat.

“Eating unhealthy foods too often can cause plaque to build up in your arteries over time and deteriorate your heart’s important functions,” said John Quinn, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of Food and Nutrition at Southern Ocean Medical Center. “Certain nutrient-rich foods can have the opposite effect, helping protect your body from conditions like heart disease.”

Here are five superfoods to incorporate into your diet for maximum heart health:

  1. Dark chocolate is the sweetest treat you can eat, but only in moderation, said Irene Yu, MS, registered dietitian nutritionist and clinical nutrition manager at Bayshore Medical Center. About 1 ounce of dark chocolate a couple times a week can improve circulation, decrease inflammation and protect against the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Dark chocolate is also rich in soluble fiber and minerals such as iron, magnesium and copper. Look for dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 70% or higher to get all the benefits.
  2. Dark leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard and spinach aren’t just meant for a bowl of salad. They can be sautéed, stir-fried or roasted to mix the flavor profile while still getting vitamins A, C and K (which plays an integral role in blood clotting). In addition, dark leafy greens have dietary fiber that can lower cholesterol and give you a sharper memory. About 1.3 servings of greens (a half-cup cooked or a full cup raw) are the suggested amount to consume each day.
  3. Whole grains such as whole oats, brown rice, popcorn and oatmeal can lead to better heart health, said Robyn Unrath, MS, registered dietitian nutritionist at Palisades Medical Center. Three crucial parts of whole grains — bran, germ and starchy endosperm — each provide dietary fiber and keep your arteries healthy. Whole grains also support digestion and can reduce chronic inflammation. To reduce your risk of heart disease, consume at least 25 grams of whole grains daily.
  4. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries contain high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, iron and vitamins A and C. These berries can also increase “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing blood pressure. A cup of blueberries or eight medium-sized strawberries three times a week can help widen arteries, prevent plaque buildup and help with your heart’s blood flow.
  5. Fatty fish such as salmon, anchovies, sea bass and albacore tuna each contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. You should aim to eat this type of fish at least twice a week at a serving size of 3.5 ounces cooked or about ¾ cup of flaked fish. There are many options for consumption: bake, grill, steam or broil fatty fish in order to fully enjoy all of its nutrients.

Learn more about nutrition and the best foods to maximize your health.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Type B Flu: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options you should know about

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You may have read news stories about people getting sick from influenza B, but wondered: How is type B flu different than the typical influenza virus that circulates during flu season?

First, you should know that there are four types of flu virus: A, B, C and D.

  • Type A: If you’ve ever had the flu, you’ve likely had type A. It usually causes three out of four cases of illness during flu season.
  • Type B: Can also cause seasonal infections, usually only infecting humans.
  • Type C: Typically results in mild infections.
  • Type D: Only impacts livestock animals, not humans.

Symptoms of Type B Flu Infection

People with type B flu show common influenza symptoms that are also seen with type A, including:

  • fever
  • coughing
  • sore throat
  • body aches
  • headache
  • fatigue

“In adults, it’s generally not as severe as one of the A’s,” said Lawrence Grill, MD, an internal medicine doctor with Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group. “It’s generally a milder illness, but it can still produce serious illness in people, and you can still give it to someone else, as well.”

What’s the Difference Between Type A and Type B Flu?

Influenza B almost exclusively infects humans and is a more infrequent occurrence than Type A. However, children are more prone to severe side effects if they get type B flu.

“It is felt that most adults have built up immunity to some of the influenza B’s, and children less often do that,” Dr. Grill said. “Children, of course, have had fewer years to acquire immunity, so that makes them particularly susceptible to B.”

It’s important to remember that both influenza A and B are very contagious and can cause the same type of illness and symptoms, regardless of age.

Diagnosis and Treatment

See your doctor if you think you have the flu. And if your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, be proactive and take him/her to the pediatrician early to try to catch the illness before it progresses.

Doctors can conduct an in-office test to see if you have the flu. If it’s the early stages of the illness, your doctor may prescribe medication which may shorten the amount of time that you’re sick.

“Even if the test is negative and it sounds like flu, we’ll usually treat you,” Dr. Grill said. “The treatment is generally very well tolerated.”

Whether you have type A or type B flu, your treatment and the length of your illness will usually be about the same. While you have the flu, stay home and prioritize your recovery.

“Take in a lot of fluids, take something for fever and rest,” Dr. Grill said.

How You Can Avoid Getting the Flu

The optimal way to reduce your risk of getting the flu — whether type A or type B — is by getting a flu shot. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine annually.

Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to protect against different types of the flu virus that may be common that flu season. This year, the vaccine protects against two type A viruses and one type B virus.

“The vaccine is not a perfect match this year, but it’s still very important to get the vaccine,” Dr. Grill said. “No matter how good the match, you’re still going to do better having the vaccine than you will without it. If it doesn’t prevent the flu, it’ll make it milder.”

Other steps that you should take to reduce your risk of getting the flu include:

  • avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • cleaning counters, doorknobs and other communal surfaces in your home
  • washing your hands frequently

Dr. Grill is a part of Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, a network of over 1,000 physicians and advanced providers at more than 300 practice locations throughout New Jersey. To find a doctor near you, visit HMHMedicalGroup.org.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Get more quick tips on how to stay healthy from local docs.

Edison-based BRABAR promotes confidence, empowerment and positive self-image for young girls


Eight out of 10 women wear the wrong-sized bra and are uninformed when it comes to shopping for and selecting the right one. BRABAR is on a mission to remedy that. BRABAR offers stylish and functional bras and underwear to preteens, teens and young women, both online and in a brick-and-mortar store at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison. BRABAR is successfully using that iconic ‘foundation’ garment as the basis for a positive shopping experience. In the following interview, company owner/founder Wendy Herman discussed the unique shopping experience BRABAR offers teens and moms alike and how the right bra can help enhance comfort, boost confidence and empower anew generation of girls to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

Jersey’s Best: How does the shopping experience at BRABAR in Edison differ from that of other stores for young girls and their moms?

Herman: From specialty lingerie chain stores in the mall to department and discount/big-box stores, moms have a lot of choices when it comes to bra shopping with their daughters. But between ill-fitting products, incomplete size ranges, uninformed or absentee salespeople and an over-emphasis on brand messaging, all these outlets can prove to be challenging. By contrast, the experience at BRABAR is centered around the girl, her lifestyle, needs and preferences, and the interaction between the girl and her mother. With 10 different bra styles and an assortment of colors in sizes 28AA to 38DDD — all wire-free, fabricated in either microfiber, cotton or a modal blend, and ranging from $34 to $38 — we give girls products that recognize their individuality, ensure their physical comfort, and boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Outfitted with bean bags and private fitting rooms, BRABAR’s cozy lounge space is relaxing, warm and inviting.

JB: Can you describe the shopping experience at BRABAR in Edison?

Herman: When they walk into the store, we talk to the mom and daughter and bring them into our fitting lounge to discuss the girl’s unique needs and our different products. We then measure her rib cage, have her try different products and sizes to determine what’s best for her. Whether in middle school, high school, college and beyond we meet her where she is; for example, we might offer a 10-year-old a tank or cami-type bra, two styles that are comfortable and familiar to that age level. Outfitted with bean bags and private fitting rooms, our cozy lounge space is relaxing, warm and inviting for both girls and their moms. We often see their demeanor change during their time with us; while they may be apprehensive when they come in, they end up happy, smiling and appreciative of the opportunity to be there. We’re proud to turn what was historically a stressful or even neutral experience into a positive and productive outing.

BRABAR is successfully using the iconic ‘foundation’ garment as the basis for a positive shopping experience.

JB: In what ways does BRABAR promote a bonding experience for mothers and daughters?

Herman: The interaction between moms and daughters — e.g., seeing their daughter’s body language change for the better as they stand up straight, look at themselves in the mirror and feel happy with themselves — is truly magical. You can see a lasting memory being built. There aren’t many milestones in life, but the transition from girlhood to young adult/womanhood via the purchase of a bra is a pivotal time in a girl’s life. We take pride in making that experience something special rather than something uncomfortable, embarrassing or a chore. At BRABAR, we take the guesswork out of the experience for moms. We are transforming an age-old coming-of-age experience for girls into a much more positive and memorable occasion.

Follow these seven tips to protect against gym germs

Wiping down equipment is a good way protect against germs while at the gym.

New Year’s resolutions often mean that more people will be doing their best to stay fit. But, it is equally important to stay healthy while working out despite an influx of germs.

“There are risks to hitting the gym,” said Jerry Zuckerman, M.D., vice president of Infection Prevention and Control at Hackensack Meridian Health. “Some of the environment is a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.”

Following are tips on what individuals can to do stay protected and keep from getting sick at the gym:

  1. Clean the equipment. Whether you have to bring your own wipes, or if your gym provides them, cleaning all equipment you use is a must during cold and flu season — and any time of year. Any type of antibacterial or disinfecting wipe will do the trick. The key is to be consistent. “Wipe down equipment both before and after use,” Zuckerman said. Doing so after helps the person who uses the equipment next; doing so before is for your protection. You don’t need to wipe if you are going back and forth between machines, which is common when circuit training. If no one else uses the equipment during that time, it’s OK to only clean it after you are done.
  2. Bring a mat from home. Many people use the gym’s mats for working out, however, they’re used so often that they are a breeding ground for germs. Mats have a lot of nooks and crannies, making them difficult to scrub clean even if other people wipe them down after use. Next to machines, mats are the most used pieces of equipment in most gyms so they are more likely to have germs. Bringing your own mat and placing that, or a towel, under yourself during floor exercises is a good way to be safe, Zuckerman said.
  3. Be aware. Gym equipment is not the only place viruses and bacteria can spread. Be on the lookout for individuals who may have a cold. If someone participating in a contact sport is sick, it’s a good idea to not participate. Additionally, put a bandage on any wounds and cover them up with clothing; pay attention to others who may have apparent rashes or open wounds; without skin to protect us, germs can enter the body directly, making you more prone to infection. Outbreaks of staph infections linked to contact sports have been reported in the past. Wiping things down with a disinfecting wipe can kill staph, and avoiding others with open wounds is a smart idea.
  4. Avoid the towels. Towels available at the gym may seem like a perk, but they also carry germs, even after they have been washed. “Use your own towel; you don’t know how well the gym cleaned theirs,” Zuckerman said.
  5. Watch the wetness. Most of us know not to go anywhere near a wet floor with bare feet, whether in a shower, steam room or pool at the gym. It’s a simple way to avoid germs and fungus. Additionally, use your own towel if you sit down on a bench in the locker room, because that surface could be packed with germs as well.
  6. Protect your kids. See what your gym’s policy is on sick kids before dropping yours off at the child care center. A gym that doesn’t allow sick children to enter means your little one is less likely to catch something. The gym should regularly clean all toys and surfaces in the child care room, but you can protect your child by wiping his or her hands before and after being in the room.
  7. Get into clean clothes. It’s a good idea to shower and change right after a sweaty work out, but if it’s not possible, at least put on a change of clothes. Don’t exercise and then spend the rest of the day in your gym clothes. Even if you did not work up a sweat, it’s a good idea to change, Zuckerman said.

If this sounds like you’ll spend more time cleaning gym equipment than working out, try not to worry. Turning a few protective measures into regular habits means that you can exercise while protecting yourself from infections.

“You can control your own safety by doing some of these very simple things,” Zuckerman said. “And doing them consistently.”

If you’ve come down with a cold or infection and you want to feel better now, Hackensack Meridian Health offers several convenient care options, including urgent care and retail locations as well as telemedicine. Learn more, or find a location near you.

The material provided through Health Hub is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.