HEART
Healthy
2019
the
HEART of the
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2 • HEART
HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019
F
ebruary, appropriately, is American Heart Month. Today, as millions of people send valentines and chocolates and roses to their loved ones, they might do well to check in with their cardiologists. At least 48 percent of all adults in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the latest statistics from the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the number-one killer of Americans, claiming more than 840,000 lives in 2016. Eighty percent of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, according to the AHA. Most people don’t realize that heart disease is the number-one killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, lack of regular physical activity, and diabetes can be treated and managed. So, sure, buy your loved one that heartshaped box of chocolates, but you might also want to consider a gym membership, a session with a nutritionist, and a bloodpressure screening. The life she saves may be her own.
DR. MICHAEL ACANFORA & DR. NOAH DEKOYER INVITE YOU
Are you in a HORMONE
HAZE
Brush your way to a healthier heart!
LET US SHOW
YOU HOW TO
Did you know that studies have shown that good oral health is linked to a lower risk of heart disease?
LIFT THE FOG MAjor InsurAnces AccePteD
Monday February 25 at 7:15 PM
ROBIN LUCAS, DMD • PA 232 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
201.798.8899 www.lucasdental.com
734 BROADWAY BAYONNE Dr. Michael Acanfora
Dr. Noah DeKoyer
201.858.0444
HEART HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019 • 3
Taking Healthy Eating to Heart Heart Disease risk is high in the South Asian Community - but knowledge is a powerful preventive tool
W
ith a cuisine that uses plenty of vegetables and grains and spices, South Asians would seem to have an advantage when it comes to heart health. However, South Asian people in the U.S.—whether immigrants or born here—have a four times higher risk of heart disease than other Asians and people of European ancestry, according to the American Heart Association. “Typical cardiovascular risk calculators used to estimate cardiac risk have been shown to underestimate cardiovascular risk in South Asians,” says Pragnesh Gadhvi, MD, FACC, an Interventional Cardiologist at Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC). One example of this is the body mass index (BMI) score, a measure of body fat based on height in relation to weight. “A BMI greater than 25 indicates being overweight, but for a South Asian, that score should be less than 23,” Dr. Gadhvi says. Other chemical markers not often used in standard evalu-
ations are also uniquely prevalent in South Asians and associated with increased cardiovascular risk. There have been limited studies and mostly speculation as to the exact reason for the increased risk of cardiac disease for South Asians. Dr. Gadhvi says it’s likely a combination of genetics and diet. “In addition, as diabetes has been on the rise globally, there has been a dramatic increase in India,” he says. “Years of untreated insulin resistance may be contributing to premature and
aggressive patterns of heart disease.” To help raise awareness of the issue, Jersey City Medical Center holds many outreach events and hosted a Red Sari gala, co-organized by Dr. Gadhvi. Event organizers created “Red Sari” as an acronym for Recognize, Educate, Determine, Screening, Advise, React and Improve. For more information on JCMC’s Heart health outreach events, call 201-915-2448.
Check Your Love Meter: Hoboken University Medical Center & Athleta Host Heart Health Month Event As
part of national Heart Health Month, CarePoint Health partnered with Athleta of Hoboken this past Saturday, February 9, to host a free Heart Health Month event. The day included complimentary free heartrhythm checks, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, and more. A CarePoint Health doctor was also on hand to provide heart-healthy tips and insights. Attendees were also treated to in-store promotions and refreshments.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. During American Heart Month in February, thousands of American Heart Association volunteers and communities around the country will raise awareness about heart diseases and stroke, the number one and number f ive killers of all Americans. American Heart Month, a federally designated event, reminds Americans to focus on their hearts and encourages them to get their families, friends and communities involved. 4 • HEART
HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019
CarePoint Health brings quality, patient-focused health care to Hudson County. Combining the resources of three area hospitals, Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and Hoboken University Medical Center, CarePoint Health provides a new approach to deliver health care that puts the patient front and center. CarePoint leverages a network of top doctors, nurses and other medical professionals whose expertise and attentiveness work together to provide complete coordination of care, from the doctor’s off ice to the hospital to the home. Patients benef it from the expertise and capabilities of a broad network of leading specialists and specialized technology. And at CarePoint Health, all medical professionals emphasize preventive medicine and focus on educating patients to make healthy life choices. For more information on its facilities, partners and services, visit www.carepointhealth.org.
Christ Hospital Hosted “Women & Heart Disease” Heart Health Talk on National Wear Red Day Feb. 1st is recognized as National Heart Health Month by the American Heart Association ecognition of National Heart Health InMonth and Go Red For Women Day, r
Christ Hospital hosted a talk open to the community on the topic of ‘Women and Heart Disease’ on Friday, Feb. 1 at Christ Hospital, 176 Palisade Ave. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control accounts for one in every four female deaths in America. Cardiologist Dr. Christine Gerula, MD, FACC, FACE of Rutgers’ University Hospital, led the talk and provided important information for women and their loved ones about steps to improve their heart health, as well discussed the risks, steps to reduce your risk, and ways to manage heart disease. Dr. Michael Benz, Chief of Cardiology, was present during the talk. Dr. Gerula graduated from UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School in 1996 where she also served her residency until 1999 and fellowship until 2002. Dr. Gerula is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and echocardiography. Dr. Gerula is also an Associate Program Director of Cardiovascular Fellowship at Rutgers NJ Medical School. Attendees were encouraged, but not required, to wear red in support of National Wear Red Day and Women’s Heart Health. Staff throughout the hospital also dressed in red as part of the National Red Day campaign. While it is believed that the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, a heart attack in a woman may not include chest pain at all. The American Heart Association says women are likely to experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and back or jaw pain. For this reason, it can be difficult to know right away if you’re having a heart attack. Many women think they have an illness like the flu, and don’t seek
medical help right away. This often occurs with younger women, who think they are not old enough to experience a heart attack.
About Go Red For Women
together to provide complete coordination of care, from the doctor’s office to the hospital to the home. Patients benefit from the expertise and capabilities of a broad network of leading specialists and specialized technology. At CarePoint Health, all medi-
cal professionals emphasize preventive medicine and focus on educating patients to make healthy life choices. For more information on its facilities, partners and services, visit www.carepointhealth.org.
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women because it’s not just a man’s disease. In fact, more women than men die every year from heart disease and stroke. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease and stroke. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life.
About CarePoint Health CarePoint Health brings quality, patientfocused health care to Hudson County. Combining the resources of three area hospitals, Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and Hoboken University Medical Center, CarePoint Health provides a new approach to deliver health care that puts the patient front and center. CarePoint leverages a network of top doctors, nurses and other medical professionals whose expertise and attentiveness work
HEART HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019 • 5
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HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019
Stress and inflammation are known to negatively impact your heart health Dr
. Noah Dekoyer and Dr. Michael Acanfora have dedicated themselves to your overall health, including your heart health. They have formulated two specific supplements to reduce stress and inflammation. Stress Rebalancer is a specially selected blend of vitamins, herbs, and amino acids that help counteract the negative effects of stress on the body. By reducing cortisol levels (stress hormones), improving immune functions, acting as antioxidants against
free radical formation, improving muscle relaxation, calming the brain, reducing anxiety and mild depression and helping with better sleep, this blend is a one-stop shop for managing the physical impact of stress. Turmeric has been in the news for its surprising effectiveness to manage inflammatory issues and arthritis pain. However, not all turmeric supplementation is the same. Curcumin is one of the key active ingredients of turmeric but it is not the only one, and
research suggests that supplementing with the whole turmeric is better than extracted curcumin alone. Turmeric is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb, and it is also a challenge to get the minimum recommendation of one gram per day in our diet. Turmeric BCM-95 is a patented form of whole turmeric that helps to address this issue by providing a trademarked formula with 700 to 900 percent better absorption in human clinical trials. In addition, it doesn’t require black pepper to be absorbed which
can be sensitive for some patients. We added medium chain triglycerides (MCT) to BYWG Nutrition’s Turmeric Boost, which is a fat that encourages even better absorption as well. Once again, no fillers, no wheat, no gluten, no diary – just value, quality, and effectiveness. For additional information, stop by the office at 734 Broadway, Bayonne, or visit beyondyourwildestgenes.com
A convenient way to shop for Medicare.
Dental Health and Your Heart U nderstanding the importance of gum health begins with recognizing how gum disease affects your heart health. Gum disease, better known as periodontal disease, is the breakdown and inflammation of tissues and bone that help to support teeth. The condition is due to the presence of destructive bacteria. It begins with gingivitis, a mild form of the disease that sometimes results in the infamous “bleeding gums.” Gingivitis can then progress to periodontal disease, and to advanced periodontal disease, where gums pull away from the teeth. It can result in tooth loss, when left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2 percent of adults age 30 and older have some
form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age. Of adults 65 and older, 70.1 percent have the disease. More important, periodontal disease has been proven to increase the risk for heart or exacerbate existing heart conditions. The bacteria commonly found in periodontal disease are similar to those found in some heart disease. Periodontists and cardiologists have reviewed countless published studies about the link between gum disease and hearth disease. Their findings were published in the Journal of Periodontology and the American Journal of Cardiology: “Gum disease is a risk factor for coronary artery disease; gum disease is a risk factor for diseases
of the blood vessels and arteries; people with gum disease had a higher risk for stroke, and there was a direct link between clogged arteries in the legs and gum disease.” Research has also shown that treatment of periodontal disease may lessen the consequences of heart disease and other chronic systemic diseases. A dental evaluation of your gums can help you better understand your gum health and how to maintain good oral health. Here at Lucas Dental Associates we perform periodontal screenings twice annually and assess your risk for periodontal disease. Having your gums checked regularly is one of the most important decisions in keeping your heart healthy. The experts at Lucas Dental Associates are here to help. Make an appointment today. Keep Smiling!
Stop by to explore your UnitedHealthcare® options and compare plan benefits. And when you’re ready, you can enroll with a local licensed sales representative on-site. If you’re turning 65, ready to retire or losing your employer plan, you may be eligible to enroll now.
We’re here for you. Let’s talk. EMILIO J. SOLORZANO Licensed Sales Representative 4530 Park Avenue Weehawken, NJ 07086-7119 201-293-5985, TTY 711 www.MyUHCagent.com/ emilio.solorzano
A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 201-293-5985, TTY 711. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Y0066_180221_023118 Accepted SPRJ40652
HEART HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019 • 7
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. It
beats for your husband or wife, your children and grandchildren. It beats for your brothers and sisters, your friends and lovers. It beats for everyone who cares deeply about you. So please, get your heart checked. For them. For you. For more information and to make an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiologists, visit rwjbh.org/heart.
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HEALTHY • Thursday, February 14, 2019