Dr. Naana Boakye Focuses on Lifestyle Medicine
NJ IS THE GIVING STATE
Organ Donation In The Garden State
Reaches New All-Time High
ANYONE WITH A BRAIN CAN HAVE A SEIZURE
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation
Spreads Awareness
We’re in this with you. Every specially trained breast expert. Every nurse navigating the way. Every cutting edge technology and innovative treatment option, all here for you. We are one team with one goal, and we will beat this together.
Find your doctor at HolyName.org
Publishers
Sharon & Steven GoldStein
Associate Publisher
Brandon GoldStein
Editorial Director
JeSSica humphrey-cintineo
Art Director
BmG marketinG
Contributing Writers
Dr. Jen AltmAn
SheilA m. ClAnCy, mS, CheS
tArA Delorenzo
Kimberly reDmonD
Sheri riley
StACie roSe
AuDrey zonA
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published by BC The Mag.
Find us at www.BCtheMag.com
Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.
For advertising and information, please call (201) 6945197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.
Copyright 2023. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.
Follow us at @bcthemag
When I was little, my parents used to call me Minkus, as in Minkus from “Boy Meets World.” Minkus, friend to Cory, Shawn and Topanga on the hit Disney Channel show, was the epitome of a nerd. He excelled at school and always had his head in a book of some sort.
In many ways, I was like Minkus – friendly; studious; intelligent; an avid reader. I was the child that always had their nose in a book, or two. I was the child that attacked the recommended summer reading list like the Toys ‘R Us Christmas catalog, marker in hand circling the books that I’d tackle over summer break.
My love for reading continued into high school. In fact, when I opened my first credit card, I looked for one that gave me cash back on “entertainment purchases,” which included restaurants, movies and, you guessed it, books. One of the first places I drove when I got my license was the local library (I am a huge fan of libraries!). In college, my backpack had at least one novel so that at any given moment I could plop down on a bench and get lost in another world if only for a few minutes between classes.
Somewhere along the way, reading fell to the wayside, especially when I became a new mother. The trips to the library halted. The diaper bag surely didn’t hold a book. And so, for a few years, I lost sight of the girl I had once been; I lost sight of Minkus.
Truth be told, I didn’t even realize she was missing until I finally found her – and became her – again a few years ago.
Now, if you find me at the playground with my kids, I might be reading the latest suspense novel by Stacey Willingham. If you find me at the pediatrician’s office (God knows all us moms have been spending way too much time there lately), I might be re-reading my favorite Jodi Picoult novel, “The Pact.” If you find me sitting at the school pick-up line, I might be reading one of Kristin Hannah’s magical and often heartbreaking historical fiction masterpieces. If you see me out and about with a group of women, chances are it is my book club group that meets monthly.
Thanks to my beloved Kindle Paperwhite, you’ll never know for sure what I will be reading, but you can rest assured I will have a book – and probably a handful of others downloaded – in my possession. Because that’s who I am. That’s who I’ve always been, and I’m not losing sight of that girl again.
If you’re like me and have lost sight of one of your core characteristics, I encourage you to rediscover yourself. You’re worth it.
Sending you love and health, JeSSica humphrey-cintineo
When minutes matter, rest assured that the most advanced heart care is available right here. Close to home.
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Surgical Valve Repair and Replacement
Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Stenting
TAVR Procedures
WATCHMAN™
Procedures and Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
In the event of an emergency call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For more information scan
By tara delorenzo
To both honor the late Anita Kaufmann and to spread awareness and education for epilepsy first aid, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation seeks to both normalize any stigma regarding epilepsy and offer help to all those who are affected by it.
Established in 2004, the foundation offers a range of educational material globally to make first-aid knowledge for those having seizures more accessible.
Anita Kaufmann, a New Jersey resident, had loved horses growing up, but a fall as a child where she didn’t have protective gear left her with a traumatic brain injury, which later resulted in epilepsy. In her twenties, as a young lawyer, she was forced to leave one of the country’s top spas after having a seizure there. It was then she decided she wanted to help make a change. She decided to leave her estate to help others avoid the discrimination she faced, and thus the foundation was born. While Anita passed away in 2004, her legacy lives on with the help of the foundation’s executive director and Anita’s childhood best friend, Debra Josephs.
“Anita left us the mission to make this a kinder world for people with epilepsy and to educate the public not to fear people with
epilepsy and brain trauma, and that’s all we do: educate, educate, educate – that is what our foundation does, it’s all about education,” Josephs said.
One out of 10 people have a seizure, and one out of 26 people have epilepsy, but the majority of people are unaware how to help when they see someone having a seizure. The Anita Kaufmann Foundation seeks to change that with publications of education materials, such as flyers, posters and bookmarks.
Their materials are available free of charge on their website, https://purpledayeveryday. org, and they sponsor global events to have more interactive ways to get others involved. These events include one of their largest annual events, Purple Day, which takes place every year on March 26.
Purple Day was originally founded in 2008 by 9-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada to increase epilepsy awareness after she wanted a way to help make people with epilepsy feel less alone. The Fourth Annual Purple Day, which this year will take place on March 25, will be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Fla. It is a day where they encourage everyone
to wear purple – as lavender is the color for epilepsy awareness – and there will be various kinds of educational speakers and resources, as well as sessions and photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who will also be dressed up in purple. People from all over the country will be attending too to raise epilepsy awareness.
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation also has a veterans’ program with educational resources. To help further awareness and education, National Purple Heart Day is observed every year on Aug. 7, and the foundation sends veterans purple packages with epilepsy educational materials and purple goodies.
Education regarding pet safety with seizures too is also available on their site, as dogs are also susceptible to seizures.
Other initiatives include Lace Up for Epilepsy, where the campaign focuses on swapping out shoelaces for purple laces; The Great Purple Cupcake Project, which is a global epilepsy awareness campaign where bakeries, corporations, individuals and organizations around the globe bake purple cupcakes; and the lavender project, which partners the foundation with lavender farms to help spread educational materials for seizure first-aid, among others.
The Anita Kaufmann Foundation has also sponsored Purple Day walks in the Mall of America, among other places, and has worked with hotels from New York City to Los Angeles, as well as United Airlines, to help educate concierges and airline personnel on how to best aid those who have a seizure.
“Any place we go, we like to educate,” Josephs said. “I’m very proud of our educational materials, and we send it out everywhere – to schools, to police and law officers, to bus drivers. We want to educate the public about something so important and common. If you know what to do when someone’s having a seizure, there’s simple steps and if you know them, you can really help them.”
Josephs also emphasizes that knowing how to help someone can save their life and offers some tips on what to do in a situation where a person needs help when having a seizure.
“You have to stay calm, and you have to move dangerous objects. You time the seizure. If the person has fallen to the ground, turn them on their side and put something soft under their head. Never put anything in the person’s mouth and never hold them down. If the person is wandering, gently steer
them away from danger. You seek medical attention for a first-time seizure, if the seizure lasts for longer than 5 minutes or repeats, if the person is injured, pregnant or has diabetes, if the seizure occurs in water, if the person does not resume consciousness or normal breathing and if the person has no idea stating they have epilepsy. These are important things to do,” she explained.
“To be able to add that connection and have their experiences be so diverse and so experiential really kind of prepares them for a lot of different career trajectories that they might be interested in,” Foster said.
Altogether it took Heidi, who works as a retail merchandise buyer for Burlington Stores, about a year to complete the book.
educated in how to best help someone who has it. And one day she hopes to have billboard and bus and subway ads to get the first-aid education spread as far as possible. Their goal is to be as creative as possible to help resonate with the public more.
Spencer, who is now in remission, is a graduate of the University of Maryland and works as an associate buyer for a clothing store, was fully supportive of her mother’s effort to share her story, Heidi said.
Those who are interested in working for Bergen’s Promise may call the organization at (201) 712-1170 or visit the career page at www.bergenspromise.org/ careers.
Instructions on first-aid tips can be found on their materials, which Josephs encourages people to get and try to send to their favorite restaurant or local schools or libraries to help educate and raise awareness.
“I hope other families find comfort in this book,” said Heidi. “It’s what’s inside that really matters.”
To get involved, Josephs encourages everyone to go to purpledayeveryday.org for educational materials and spread the word around the community. Her hope is that with more people having access to the materials, the world will be kinder to those affected by seizures, as was the goal of the founder Anita.
Since its release, Heidi has donated copies to several non-profits that work to help children facing hair loss while battling cancer, including Coming Up Rosies, Sunrise Day Camp and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center.
“Whoever’s out there that feels that we can help them come in and do this job – and help us to do the job – that would be a great service to the community,” Pastras said.
It has also received the endorsement of several medical professionals for its uplifting message.
“We’re one community, but epilepsy is a spectrum,” Josephs said. “It’s hard work because there are so many misconceptions and people don’t know what to do. Getting out the education and important information is so important, and that’s what Anita’s vision was and I, as her best friend and the executive director of the Anita Kaufmann Foundation, am trying my best to fulfill Anita’s wish.”
To access help for your child, you can call PerformCare at 1-877-653-7624. The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
“Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation, has a profound effect on each patient’s body image and no side effect has a more noticeable effect on how a patient looks than hair loss,” said Dr. David Loeb, Chief of the Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
“I think Anita would be very proud of us,” Josephs said. “I’m very proud of the Anita Kaufmann Foundation. With Purple Day, we have united the entire epilepsy world under the color purple. Beforehand people were using all different colors and now we’re all one under the color purple and that’s all because of the Anita Kaufmann Foundation working so hard.”
For more information on Bergen’s Promise, visit www.bergenspromise.org.
He also said, “This inspiring book addresses this issue head-on and it provides the powerful and supportive message that you can be awesome and beautiful and full of love, even without hair.”
Moving forward, Josephs hopes to normalize the
For more information about Purple Day events, which will be March 26, and on the Anita Kaufmann Foundation, visit purpledayeveryday.org.
Copies of “I Have No Hair and I Don’t Care” are available for $15.95 each at ALifeIn
Englewood Health held their annual Medical Staff Recognition Dinner at the Rockleigh Country Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealth.org.
In the Newbury award-winning folkloric, fantasy, adventure children’s novel “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Chin, a young child searches for good fortune. She travels far and wide to bring wealth and prosperity to her village, only to come to understand the abundance she already has. This wealth is in the form of deeply loving parents and a place of belonging. Once she realizes how abundant she has been all along, she returns to her village, where the dormant land and dying crops begin to produce green vegetation and food to feed her village.
You must believe it to see it when it comes to living abundantly. Feelings of scarcity will only sink your ship. In other words, if you create a belief system around abundance, you will begin to see it in everything. How do we come to believe it? One must get back to basics and instill some positivity.
Look at your life. Look at photos; look within the walls of your home and heart. Do you have someone to love and someone who loves you back? Do you have family or a close friend? Do you have a decent home, job or sweet pet? Aspirations? Food? Clean water? Dreams? Wishes? Something for which you are proud? A profession or passion that brings you joy? Take a good look at your existence and notice the things that bring you inner wealth.
You may have heard that abundance is a state of mind and a state of the heart. Dorothy Gale once spoke these words in the beloved movie “The Wizard of Oz,” “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard...”
This sentiment doesn’t suggest that one need not travel. It’s precisely the opposite. Part of travelling through life is coming home. We must travel to gain perspective, understanding and meaning. Whether travelling a short distance or to far away land, these experiences ofttimes help us more deeply understand the things that matter most. They are portals to enlightenment, illumination, and ultimately to our true selves. Whether you travel near or far, the moments spent along the journey provide the context for true appreciation of an abundant life.
You’ve probably heard people speak of the haves and have-nots or how the other half lives. And, of course, the grass is always greener on the other side. It all comes down to perspective, reframing things and steps you take toward abundance. You can practice mindfulness and anything under the sun. But when was the last time you practiced feeling abundant?
Smiling is contagious; studies have shown that people feel happier when they smile. Others smile back, and voila, you’re suddenly sailing a wave of good energy. The art of living in a state of abundance is similar. It’s moving through life with gratitude and acting as if. It means living as if you already have all you need and as if you’re the luckiest person in the world,
knowing that more abundance is on the way and that you have enough to share.
Having it all could be your health, intelligence, a safe space, people who appreciate you, music and love in your heart, or a knack for cooking or growing food. The well is endless and overflowing.
As our world becomes infinitely more complicated, challenges mount and we get knocked down a few times, it’s easy to bemoan the things we have yet to attain or achieve. We must pause. Social media constantly reminds us of the things we don’t have and how seemingly “not enough” we are. The litany of unrealistic portrays of perfectionism, fame, and wealth is a lot to process. How can we shake it off and pave a path to abundance?
There is a place where contentment and abundance merge, and we may learn that we possess way more than we ever realized. It isn’t an imaginary place or fictitious, farfetched destination. Still, it does take a bit of visualization, mindfulness, and a willingness to shift perspective. Putting it simply, we must continue to look within.
Counting our blessings doesn’t always come easy. Some of us naturally see the glass as half empty, while eternal optimists look on the bright side. Coming from a depleted, discouraged, deficient place does not make you pathetic, weak, or a negative person. It’s perfectly normal to feel less than when things get tough. Sometimes when it rains, it pours.
Turbulent moments are opportune times to tap into abundance. As a daily practice, it’s a huge pick me up and even a game changer. And, when the going gets tough, an abundant point of view can be just the thing to pull you through.
Rolling up sleeves and diving in will take grit and discipline. It’s essential to differentiate the type of abundance you are seeking. It may be feeling content in your relationships, home or sense of well-being that you are seeking. Inner wealth is a powerful, inspirational thing. Once you have clarity, you can begin to take positive action. You can lean into that feeling, allowing yourself to believe, get back to basics and begin to manifest.
A tried-and-true way to manifest wellness and shine a light on abundance in a sustainable way is to put pen to paper. You can even help your loved ones with this healthy habit.
When we write down our feelings and our most genuine thoughts flow from our hearts to the paper, we can sync up with our inner being. It’s a meditative, informative way of making sense of things. Writing helps substantiate things. Once you write it, you can begin to believe it, own it, make it so.
You may also see things you never noticed before you jotted them down. The spark that happens when you put words to paper is magic. If you were to list five things you were thankful for each day, you would realize that there are five things (at the very least) to be grateful for each day. Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful tool. It takes little time and can change your mindset and the outcome of your day.
A few deep breaths can change the trajectory of your day. Most people know it, trust it, and forget to do it. Five intentional breaths can change your disposition. Breathe out negativity, self-doubt and shame. None of that stuff serves you. Just breathe it right on out. Visualize all the abundance in your life as you continue to inhale and exhale gently.
Meditation is also a great way to center yourself in the present moment. Get comfy on a chair, yoga mat or plop right down on the floor. Two to five minutes can turn you around. If you’re not a meditator, perhaps you are a reader. There is no shortage of books about abundance.
The point is abundance can mean many things and come in many forms. The most crucial thing is to act, tap into that stuff and keep it flowing! Remain open-hearted, open-minded, and ready to receive abundance, cultivate it and care for that which you already possess.
Proper food, hydration, movement, sleep and connection to others is vital to living abundantly. Feeling our best puts us in the right space to accept the gifts the universe sends and to create prosperity. Remember that self-love and small meaningful choices can make a big difference.
Quality food that is whole, seasonal and unprocessed is what your body needs most. Make sure you are getting ample plant-based nutrition. Hydration is not hard to achieve, but it takes discipline. Setting a timer throughout the day to keep on track with your water drinking goals works wonders. Getting out for a quick walk, soaking up some vitamin D and breathing in fresh air is a mood booster. It can help with anxiety, weight management, digestion and overall well-being. Your movement, your choice! Do something when you can because a little physical fitness goes a long way. Staying in touch with your family and friends may seem harder this time of year. Still, a quick coffee with a friend, a phone conversation or a journey into the world where there are people can be a pick-me-up.
Words of wisdom are good to fall back on when you need to regroup and connect with your own feelings of abundance.
Gentle reminders are sometimes necessary. As humans, we often overlook the beauty and blessings right before our eyes. But what if we gave gratitude a chance during this magical season and made living abundantly a priority? Things could look and feel very different.
Stacie Rose is a singer/songwriter, mother, producer, lover, blogger, integrative nutrition health coach, holistic lifestyle influencer and free spirit. She’s super passionate about making music, writing and helping others create sustainable wellness.
The Forget Me Not Foundation held their annual gala at the Hilton Pearl River. For more information, visit www.fmnfoundation.com.
Magdalena Pawlik, Monique Donnelly
Jennifer Millberg, Connor Belthoff, Katie and JP McCarten
Christina and Brian Kuchmak
Kate Carney, Tom Nakasone, Kathleen Carney
Denise Sepulveda, Maggie Campestre, Amanda Rodriguez
Katie Pekarsky, Ralph and Rachel Manno
Kate and Kathleen Carney, Karen Bertholf
Jamie Bozzo, Peter Hughes, Amanda Gallo
Mary Grace Siracusa, Steve Gambuti
Dan and Amanda Fitzpatrick, Kara and Brian Thorson
Melissa and David Barry Tommy and Kristen Belthoff
Jason and Sandra Thompson Genevieve Ariola, Bianca Taurozzi
Inayah Shabazz, Marissa Rodriguez, Silvana Rivas, Fricci Noche, Ann Dimaculangan
Mary Hughes, Kelly Nakasone, Jess Villarreal, Heather Davies, Maggie Hopkins
By kimBerly redmond
For Dr. Naana Boakye, beauty is much more than skin deep.
As a board-certified dermatologist, Boakye has run a thriving Englewood Cliffs-based practice, Bergen Dermatology, for over 10 years, providing a full range of cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology services for adults and children.
As part of her practice, Boayke focus on lifestyle medicine, which she describes as a “holistic approach” to helping patients look and feel their best, both inside and out.
And while several dermatologists have begun focusing on the use of evidence-based lifestyle approaches to prevent, treat and, in some cases, reverse chronic skin diseases that stem from modifiable factors, like diet, alcohol, smoking and activity, Boakye was among the first to subscribe to the philosophy.
“I spend a lot of time educating patients on the importance of nutrition, exercise, sleep, skincare and stress management – and how all of those pillars impact their condition,” explained Boakye, who said it stemmed from an “aha moment” in which she realized she could better serve patients by addressing the connection between their skin and their lives.
Growing research has shown that proper diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction and good social supports can go a long way towards treating and preventing dermatologic conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
And, Boakye is pleased to see the shift over the past three years towards people, overall, becoming more health conscious.
Over the course of the extended public health emergency, Boakye said, “We finally had the time to self-reflect and realize the importance of taking care of you. Health is wealth and I truly believe you need to be intentional about spending time with yourself.”
Like many of us, Boakye found herself with time to fill while stuck at home during the pandemic, which prompted her to pen “Inside Out Beauty: Your Prescription for Healthy, Radiant and Acne Controlled Skin.”
Released in July 2021, the book, which is available on Amazon.com and BergenDerm.com, offers strategies for addressing skin problems, as well as highlights food and exercise choices to set you on the path to a healthy complexion.
During the COVID-19 crisis, as people developed deeper relationships with their wellness, they became more willing to try products, services and regimes to improve various aspects of their health.
Boayke, who has authored articles in the past for publications like Vanity Fair, Essence, Redbook and O, The Oprah Magazine, described the book as a “quick read” about her approach with patients and ways to improve overall wellness.
“A formula that I share in the book is Self-Love = Daily Inspirational Mantras + Eating Superfoods + Sleep + Exercise + Spirituality + Positive Connections,” she said.
Publishers
Sharon & Steven GoldStein
Associate Publisher
Brandon GoldStein
“For me, it is all about connecting to each patient. I learn so much about their personalities, culture, hobbies etc. We laugh, cry, pray and even have friendly disagreements. It is honestly my therapy and would not trade it for the world,” Boakye said.
Editorial Director
JeSSica humphrey-cintineo
Art Director
BmG marketinG
As a little girl, Boakye – whose family moved from Ghana, West Africa to the U.S. when she was 2 years old – wanted to become an artist, but her father suggested she pursue a more stable career, such as a lawyer, doctor or accountant.
Contributing Writers
Dr. Jen AltmAn
Ashley CAllAhAn
sheilA m. ClAnCy, ms, Ches
Kevin CzerwinsKi
tArA Delorenzo
trACy FlAherty
“Growing up in an immigrant household, this was not a surprise,” she said. “I chose to be a physician because that was what I was exposed to early on life – my parents are both physicians as well as many family members.”
megAn montemArAno
riChArD Posluszny
AuDrey zonA
But, she added, “Dermatology is an art, the skin is a canvas and I can make it beautiful and healthy by prescribing or recommending products.”
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published by BC The Mag.
Find us at www.BCtheMag.com
Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.
For advertising and information, please call (201) 6945197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Wellesley College, Boakye went on to earn a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from George Washington University and a medical degree at Temple University. She completed her dermatology residency at State University of New York Health Sciences, where she also served as chief resident. Boakye is affiliated with several professional societies, including the American Academy of Dermatology.
Copyright 2022. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.
Boayke’s passion for helping people maintain that inner and outer glow also led her to pursue several other ventures, such as launching a skincare brand and teaming up with celebrities looking to develop their own lines of personal care products.
Follow us at @bcthemag
In 2017, Boakye, along with her sisters, Abena Slowe and Akua Okunseinde, founded Karité, a luxury skincare line that offers a range of essentials – including body cream, hand cream and lip balm –made with pure shea butter and palm oil sustainably sourced from their West African homeland, Ghana.
Formulated without harsh chemicals and solvents that can irritate skin, Karité products have been praised by the likes of Cosmopolitan, Elle Magazine, Bronze Magazine and CNN.
In addition to serving as chief executive officer of Karité, Boakye is chief medical officer of A-Frame, a company that focuses on building brands and products that amplify the unseen and unheard.
Through that role, Boakye has wound up working with stars ranging from award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend to actress Gabrielle Union to professional tennis player Naomi Osaka.
For Boakye, the best aspects of collaborating with celebrities is creating affordable and accessible skincare lines.
“For example, Naomi Osaka did not realize growing up the importance of wearing sunscreen and many people of color still do not know the importance of wearing sunscreen,” explained Boakye. “A-Frame brands partnered with her to create a suncare line, KINLO, designed for melanin rich skin tones. In addition, this brand educates people of color on the importance of wearing sunscreen daily.”
A-Frame also collaborated with former NBA star Dwayne Wade and his family to create a baby care line formulated for melanin rich skin tones.
“The Wades were looking for a baby line to address their daughter Kaavia’s skin issues
I kind of thrived with my spacial memory and everything like that waiting on tables,” John said.
and were unimpressed with some of the choices available on the market. They teamed with A-Frame and Proudly was born,” said Boakye, noting that the products leverage plant-based ingredients and are designed to hydrate and protect the skin.
John, who now completes numerous managerial tasks, still considers his title to be a waiter, though, only taking that salary. His approach to customer service is humor.
After marking Bergen Dermatology’s 10th anniversary in 2022, Boakye is looking forward to continuing to help her patients feel more confident in their own skin.
“That’s how I feel in every situation that if someone comes in and you make them kind of smile or chuckle that you now have them. And then it’s up to the cooks to make the food taste good and go from there,” John said.
Despite her busy days at work, Boakye makes sure to practice what she preaches when it comes to keeping a healthy lifestyle, such as eating right, staying active and spending time with her husband, Stanley, and their two children.
Valerie Levy and James Chirillo, a married couple from Teaneck, have been dining at the Bendix for between 15 and 20 years. Chirillo explained that the Bendix is a “flash from the past” where he enjoys Greek omelet. Levy shared that she enjoys that family feeling present and the fact that the diner is family run.
The diner, which has been featured in numerous movies including “Jersey Girl” (1992) and “Caged” (2006), according to IMDb. The diner has recently made its name known in pop culture as well. The Bleachers, a Grammy Award winning American rock band, filmed a music video for “Stop Making This Hurt,” uploaded in May 2021 at the Bendix. In January 2020, Singer Nicole Bus also uploaded her music video “Rain,” also filmed at the Bendix. John also shared in May 2021 that the diner was used as a backdrop in filming for the Sopranos sequel as well.
The 2022 New Jersey International Film Festival in June featured two documentaries on the Diakakis family at the Bendix. In “Bendix: Sight Unseen,” Director Anthony Scalia depicts the life of single-father John Diakakis and his three sons running the diner. “Bacon ‘N’ Laces,” by Director Stephen Michael Simon, featured a similar story on John’s struggles operating the diner and raising the three boys while being blind.
Boakye offers in-person appointments at her office in Englewood Cliffs, as well as telemedicine-based services in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, California, Washington state, Michigan and South Carolina. For
“It’s a nice place to bring people if they’re from out of town and they’ve never seen a real New Jersey diner. Because it is. It’s a piece of history,” Levy said.
Registration: Brunch: Shotgun Start: Cocktail Hour: Dinner:
*Includes: Locker Room, Driving Range, Beverage Stations, Brunch, Dinner, Open Premium Bar & Chances To Win Prizes On 6 Holes Throughout The Golf Course. All proceeds to benefit Bogota Savings Bank Charitable Foundation supporting impactful progress in the Bank’s community in affordable housing, education, arts, health & human services.
Holy Name held their annual golf classic at the Hackensack Golf Club. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.
We spend the winter months focusing on all that is cozy. We look forward to sitting by the fire, cooking soups and stews, drinking hot chocolate, wearing boots and sweaters and hunkering down. We seek warmth and comfort, leaning into the darkness that comes with overcast weather and shorter days. And that’s all good…until it’s not. Come mid-winter, the blues start to settle in. It’s Groundhog Day (literally!) – the same day over and over again. While routines are vital to our daily rhythm, they make life stagnant when the world feels smaller and darker. Symptoms include feeling restless but also fatigued; discontented but also unmotivated. Winter months mean hibernation – static and unchanging. But then something amazing happens – spring arrives!
With the onset of more sunlight and budding trees, moods lift. It is suddenly easier to be optimistic. It’s as though the sunshine helps to germinate those interests and feelings that lay dormant within us. Spring is a time for curiosity. We are so fortunate to live in a county where there are beautiful parks and greenery –watching it all come back to life makes you appreciate the marvel of nature and our surroundings. Newton’s first law is “an object in motion tends to stay in motion.” The energy that starts to generate moves us outside –off the couch, into the light, replenishing the vitamin D of which we are all so desperately in need. Once we have emerged from the cave that is winter, we feel lighter. We are reminded of the world beyond the couch and are propelled forward.
So how do we capitalize on thiS moment? how do we nurture that wonder?
• Be spontaneous. Stop thinking about it and just do it. Book the tickets to visit the tulip fields. Take the drive to see the new installment at the botanical gardens. Make the reservation for the outdoor dining experience you’ve been eyeing. Spring gives us permission to get out of our heads – to stop waiting and act.
• Shake it up. What better way to nurture our wonder than by trying something new? You’ve always been curious about composting? Take a workshop offered by a local farm or town environmental committee. Want a new workout? Sign up for a trial at the new boxing gym opening in your town. It doesn’t have to be a big change to be impactful.
• Get outside. No more excuses to stay inside. Once the frost is gone, time to revitalize the garden. Dust off your bicycles and get the rack back on the car. Hike your favorite trail. Visit your local farmer’s market. The opportunity is literally right outside your door – go for it!
• Clean it out. Few things feel better than a good closet overhaul. In addition to moving the winter clothes from their prominent places, it’s a great time to purge the things you know you’ll never wear and donate them to organizations where they will be put to good use. Or start smaller with that kitchen junk drawer…
• Fill the bucket. With renewed energy comes opportunity to change perspectives. Sunlight allows for more levity. When we see possibility, we start to feel more optimistic. Institute a gratitude practice for your family; have everyone say one thing they are grateful for every day. This encourages a shift in attitude and helps build a more optimistic mindset. What’s better than helping your family see the good? It builds resilience and once again, helps them move forward even when life is challenging.
We may be loath to give up our Uggs and cozy throw blankets. It’s natural to resist the change that the season brings. However, as we restore the bulky winter coats to their cedar closets in exchange for denim jackets; when the thaw arrives and the trees are budding; while we notice the days are longer and brighter; we can allow the promise of what’s to come to germinate, and welcome spring with excitement and gratitude.
Dr. Jen Altman is a New York- and New Jersey-licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She is currently in private practice in Saddle River. Dr. Altman works with children, teens and adults dealing with a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, learning differences, motivation, social skills and family conflict. Dr. Altman consults with schools, offers professional development workshops, writes social-emotional learning curriculum and presents on a wide variety of topics. Dr. Altman is also the mother of two amazing teens, and co-creator of The Worry Chest. Find out more at www.drjenaltman.com.
Pony Power Therapies held their, “A Farm to Stable Affair” honoring Lindsey Inserra. For more information visit: www.ponypowernj.org
One of the best things about spring is watching the world outside your window change right before your eyes. Vibrant colors come back, trees, bushes and flowers start to bloom, and daylight lingers. What better time than now for all of us to commit ourselves to our own season of renewal and regeneration?
Of course, we started the year with the best of intentions. Remember back on Jan. 1 when we were going to eat cleanly, work out and care for our bodies and our minds? But maybe January, when it’s cold and all we want to do is snuggle under a blanket in front of the fire, isn’t the best time to start something new. Maybe instead, we can use springtime, when the earth is reawakening, to inspire us to reconnect with ourselves and commit to a whole different way of thinking and being.
First up, ditch those toxic thoughts. This is going to sound obvious, but what you say to yourself is what you hear. And what you hear gets internalized and affects your gut flora and your stress response. So, if your inner dialogue is a toxic talk loop, you aren’t doing your physical or your mental health any good. Start practicing positive self-talk today. When you hear yourself starting to be negative, just stop and reframe whatever you were saying into something helpful. I personally love to use sticky notes to leave myself affirmations all over the place. Believe it or not, I forget where they are and when I see one on my mirror or posted in my pantry, it always makes me smile.
You can also leave positive notes for yourself in your digital calendar and make sure to turn on your alerts. That way, at random times, a sweet note from you to yourself will pop up and remind you of how special you are. Either way, positive thinking requires practice. So, stick with it the way you stick with any new skill you are learning.
Once your positive self-talk has you thinking more gently about yourself, it is going to seem silly that you keep depriving your awesome self of the things you love. It is time stop dieting and start eating with intention and focus. Small changes to the foods you put in your mouth will make a big difference in how you feel from the inside out. Offering those foods to yourself with grace and goodwill will make it easier to be grateful rather than resentful. Take pleasure in the act of eating and food will start to feel like a gift rather than a drab chore.
Specifically, instead of adhering to a strict low, or no carb diet, try a simple swap like using a lettuce wrap for your favorite sandwich. Find your flavored seltzer of choice and drink that instead of a soda. Swap the low calorie, high sugar yogurt for full or partial fat plain yogurt and then add fruit to dress it up. If you must add sweetener, consider using less than you usually would or swapping in a lower glycemic, zero carb option like Stevia or a monk fruit sweetener. You’ll get all the flavor with none of the sugar crash.
More energy from the foods we consume means we have more energy to move our bodies. But just as with food, small swaps make a big difference. So, instead of working out hard a couple times a week but dreading it beforehand and needing days to recover afterward, give exercise bursts a try. Don’t run a mile, just run to the mailbox. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a little further away from the mall to get a few more steps in. Do some sort of cardio or stretching exercise while you’re waiting for your tea to steep or your lunch to cook. Give yourself the 59th minute of every hour for a micro-workout. Then, and this is the most important part, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
Another way to find more energy and time in your day is to do a detox…from social media. It’s so easy to fall down the scroll hole and lose hours out of your day. Why not brighten your mood and your outlook by listening to an affirming, inspiring, or educational podcast and to start your day? Bombard yourself with positive thoughts from the outside just as you are caring for yourself with positive thoughts from the inside.
Finally, please remember that you are not alone in this world. Just as the natural world is interconnected, so are we. Consider joining a with other people who have goals that are like yours. Visit a meditation class and experience the power and energy that comes from committed mindfulness in a communal space. Sign up for a workout, cooking, crafting or skills class. And, if health and wellness is your goal, consider joining a group like my Zo Program. You will find a beautiful group of likeminded individuals who will support and encourage you and you will do the same for them.
Those tiny buds we’re starting to see on trees, bushes and flowers have the power to change the world. They do it every year. Likewise, even the smallest changes you make in your life have the power to transform you forever. So go ahead. Make the change and see what grows.
Audrey Zona is a certified Eating Psychology Coach, wellness promoter and the founder of Zo Healthy. Connect with her at livezohealthy.com or on Instagram, @zo_healthy.
The Spring Lake Toys Foundation held their annual gala luncheon at the Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.springlaketoysfoundation.org.
Danielle and Domenick DeRobertis, Tara and Rob Adams
Maria Ruggiero, Linda Begley
Lauren Porter, Rebecca Amorosi, Ashley DiMauro
Dana Muro, Sandi Celentano, Gina Abdy
Erica Mazon, Karen Rutherford, Jamie Minsk
Rosa Riotto, Laura Capozzi
Christine DeFranco, Lindsey Tillack
Danielle Voyez, Jessica Martin
Kheira Sanjuanelo, Joseph Chinnici, Giuseppe Cascio, Heidi Gross
Amanda Alfauri, Nova Brown
Karen Rutherford, Paulette Laurenzi, Sal Frassetto
Susan Byrnes, Jeff Rubin
Cathy Marcos, Gab Olsavsky, Danyel Competiello
Sally McQuade, Allison Gioia, Erika Gallagher, Amparo Underfer
Rosa Riotto, Reem Batarseh, Fariba Shahamat Dave Green, Paulette Laurenzi, Sal Frassetto
By Sheila m. clancy mS, cheS
Exercise is a necessary part of becoming or staying healthy. While many people like to head to the gym to do their workout, other people are finding themselves wanting or needing to workout at home. You can get a great workout at home if you set aside some time and make yourself a plan. Everyone’s workouts can be different depending on many different variables-do you have equipment, do you have space, will you be inside or outside, what time of the day will you exercise, and do you need help with the plan? Let’s dive in!
If you have the money and the space, you can invest in home equipment. This could include a tread-
mill, elliptical, bike, a rower or a home gym weight machine system. These items can cost between $2000 and $8000 so make sure you like the machine you buy! If you would rather buy a few less costly items, you could try battle ropes, a BOSU, a stability ball, a TRX suspension system, a rebounder, dumbbells, a bench or bands.
Don’t forget to make your workout area comfortable. Are you going to be excited to go into the cold and dark basement at 5 a.m. by yourself to get a great workout? Yes, there are people that do like that, but figure out if that works for you! Would you rather a room that gets natural sunlight and has bright col-
ors? Is there enough room for you to jump around? Do you need a space heater to warm it up, or a window that you can open to cool it down? Is there a TV to watch a guided workout or to catch the news before you start your day? Also, make sure if you are going to be jumping around that you are not in an area where you will wake up or annoy the other people in the house.
The best time of the day to workout is really whenever it works for you. If you are a morning person, you can get it done before you start your day. If you need to go through your day first and can workout after work when you aren’t pressured for time, that
is great. If you can’t find 30 straight minutes to exercise, you will still get the same benefits if you break up your workouts into three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions. You could do 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise in the morning and then hop in the shower to start your day and then do 15 minutes of weight training at the end of the day or at lunchtime.
Finally, find some guidance. Being on the basketball team in high school does not make you an expert in creating an exercise program for yourself. Look through some books, go to reputable websites, and investigate the new apps that are available.
For example, BeachBody is a website that can offer you all sorts of classes and programs that can provide you structure and guidance for your routine. Peloton, although best known for their bikes, offers a robust app with all sorts of classes that can be filtered by activity, instructor, time frame etc. Even when you find a workout that you love, it’s important that after 10-12 weeks you change it up a bit. Your body adapts to your routine and then you don’t see as many benefits and your risk for overuse injuries begins to increase.
There’s no rule that says working out at home needs to be done alone. Find a buddy to exercise with you, such as a family member or neighbor. This can make it more fun; it can give you quality time with your buddy, and it can make you feel more accountable. Adding your favorite music while exercising can pump you up or give you something to sing along to while walking on the treadmill. No matter what it takes, it is important that exercise is a part of your routine.
Does all of this sound overwhelming to you? If so, start small. If you work from home and are home all day, try adding these small activities to your day. Do calf raises while brushing your teeth. How about 20 squats while your coffee is brewing? Walk up and down the stairs a few times before you sit down to start working. After a Zoom call, get down on the floor for push-ups or crunches. Before lunch try a walk around the block for 5 minutes. These are all things that can add activity to your day and start you on the path to home exercise! No matter what your situation, make a change in your routine to add in some exercise. It will give you a physical and mental break and increase your energy so you can get through your work and do the things you enjoy too.
The St. Joseph’s Health Foundation held their annual gala at The Legacy Castle. For more information, visit www.givetostjosephs.org.
Carolyn M. Welsh, the new president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, the federally-designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the state, announced the number of organ donors (283) and organs transplanted in a single year (670) reached alltime highs in 2022. These unprecedented totals mark significant increases over the previous records of 233 organ donors and 613 organs transplanted. This also marked the fourth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new records in the number of organ donors, underscoring the clear trend of increased support for organ donation in the Garden State.
“Thanks to the generosity of New Jersey organ donors and their families, more lives were saved last year than ever before – ensuring others now have more time to share special moments with their loved ones,” said Welsh, who began to serve in her new role as president and CEO on Jan. 1, after holding several leadership positions during her 24-year tenure at NJ Sharing Network.
“We are deeply grateful for the exceptional efforts of our team members and healthcare partners. They are amazing people who understand that what we do is much more than a job - it is a unified mission to save lives and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life through the miracle of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Together, we are unstoppable, motivated to take on all challenges, and focused on offering compassionate care and support to donor families during their most difficult times of grief,” she continued.
In 2022, the 670 organs transplanted included 350 kidneys (all-time high), 170 livers (all- time high), 71 hearts, 58 lungs, 20 pancreata and one intestine. In addition, 40,000 eye and tissue gifts enhanced the quality of life for those in need. Tissue donations include corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, bone grafts, saphenous veins, ligaments, and tendons. One organ donor can save eight lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of over 75 people.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility located in New Brunswick, had 33 organ donors in 2022 resulting in 102 organs transplanted – both are new records for the most ever in a single year by any hospital in New Jersey. The RWJBarnabas Health network of hospitals had 68 organ donors in 2022 resulting in 195 organs transplanted. Cooper University Hospital and Jersey Shore University Medical Center also set records with 26 donors recovered at each hospital placing them tied for second in the most donors recovered at a single hospital in a year. NJ Sharing Network proudly partners with the 57 hospitals in its service area and is thankful for their continued support in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 people in New Jersey are on
the organ transplant waiting list. However, Welsh believes the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. Welsh is eager to lead NJ Sharing Network in its bold vision for the future to save and enhance more lives than ever before. This includes achieving a goal of reaching 300 organ donors and 700 transplants in a single year by 2024.
“Less than 1 percent of people that die in a hospital can be an organ donor. People’s lives depend on us,” said Welsh. “We have developed strategic plans for growth that includes adding talent, resources, and programs to facilitate the donor process, support donor families, and increase our robust multicultural outreach and education efforts.”
NJ Sharing Network’s compassionate team is making personal connections with more families than ever before within local hospitals to offer the opportunity for their loved ones to become organ donors. Family approaches in 2022 increased by 11 percent over 2021. These tireless efforts are providing more families of every race and ethnicity the opportunity for donation – a precious gift during a tragic time.
NJ Sharing Network team members and volunteers have also boosted education and outreach efforts in diverse communities throughout the state. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 68 percent of the New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant are people of color. NJ Sharing Network earned the prestigious NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award in recognition of its #DonationNeedsDiversity awareness initiative, which is credited with building community trust and dispelling misinformation about donation and transplantation in urban, multicultural communities with the most residents waiting for transplant. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey also honored NJ Sharing Network with a “Champion of Diversity” award.
To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
The YWCA of NNJ held its “Walking the Talk Gala” at the Westmount Country Club. For more information, visit www.ywcannj.org.
By Sheila m. clancy mS, cheS
Let’s face it, most of us feel like there are areas of the house that could use some decluttering. We are busy, we have lots of stuff, many of us share our space with someone else and their stuff, and over time things can get away from us. Or there’s no more room to add in our new stuff! The idea of decluttering can immediately stress people out because of the enormity of the task, but it doesn’t have to. Breaking up your plan into little manageable steps will make it much easier to complete. Here are 10 easy steps that should each take 30 minutes or less.
1) Sit down and make a plan. Waking up one morning and deciding today is the day to declutter my house is admirable but having a plan and breaking it up into short doable tasks will help to set yourself up for success.
2) Break down the plan into small chunks. For example, Monday I will clean out the kitchen junk drawer; Tuesday I will go through the bathroom cabinets. Pick areas that you see a lot so you get to look at the newly organized area; this can keep your momentum going.
3) Take before and after photos. This again will reinforce your success and make the whole decluttering initiative a positive one.
4) Start with small areas that will make a difference right away. The kitchen cupboards or pantry can be a good place to start. Open the cabinets and look at what is in there. Check for expired foods and discard those. Do you need to move things around to organize the area better? Maybe put all the spices on one shelf, the soups and other cans in another section etc. Do you want things that you use the most to be in the front or on the bottom shelf? Also, when you go shopping, put the newest items towards the back and things that are close to expiring in the front. Donate anything that you don’t think you will eat.
5) Don’t let decluttering get derailed by having one project turn into another. You gathered all the magazines and books around the living room and brought them into the other room to the bookshelf. Well, the bookshelf was a mess so you pulled some books off the shelves and now you have started a second project! Stick with one thing at a time.
6) Sometimes decluttering leads to reorganizing. Maybe your mail keeps piling up all over the desk because you don’t have a good system. You could try getting a vertical file system where you put bills in one section, mail that will need to be filed in another section, and things that will need to be shredded in another. Or maybe your coat rack has winter jackets, sweatshirts, bathrobes, scarfs, baseball hats, umbrellas, bags and various other things hanging on it. Should some of those things be kept in a differ
ent place? Maybe organizing clothes by season could help. In the spring put away all the winter clothing; put umbrellas in the corner in a small can, hang the hats on hooks. Find a system that works for you and make sure everyone in the house knows the system.
7) Completely empty the space you are decluttering. Once you do that, you can clean it-wipe it down, vacuum it etc. so you can see the amount of space you have, and you can make a plan to use the space effectively.
8) Figure out if something should be stored out of the way instead of you running into it or working around it all the time. For example, you have a giant tray in the kitchen cabinet that you use once a year to serve your giant Thanksgiving turkey. Can you store that tray in the basement and bring it upstairs when you need it? The space in the kitchen cabinet could be used for items you need on a regular basis.
9) Children’s toys and books can take over a whole house if you let them! Try taking a few things out of circulation. Too many toys can be overwhelming to
a child. Rotating them after a month and bringing back toys they forgot about can be exciting and different for the kids.
10) Frustrated with always trying to match the socks? Try buying 10 pairs of the exact same socks. When you are putting away laundry you won’t have to search for matches-they all match! Struggling with Tupperware? Buy a collection of Tupperware that all use the same size lid or buy 10 of the same containers. Another option is to store the Tupperware containers with the lids on them so there is no searching required.
Research has shown that living in a cluttered or unorganized area can cause stress to our bodies whether we recognize it or not. Frustration in not being able to find things or not knowing where to put things can be alleviated by taking your time and making an easy-to-follow plan to declutter. Each person will be different with how they like to organize, but if you make your plan and break it down into small steps you are sure to be successful.
By Sheri riley
It’s been well-proven that high performers share many common positive traits. Favorable factors relating to discipline, resilience, focus, vision, thirst for knowledge and numerous of other characteristics fueling the fire of their success. On the flip side, like-minded dynamos also make plenty of the same choices and assumptions that are covertly impeding their advancement. This amid flawed thinking and behavior patterns that, at surface level, might seem minor or entirely inconsequential but are working against the grain of one’s goals and ambitions. The good news is that many are controllable choices – however unwittingly or purposely they have been made in the past.
Indeed, some definitions characterize self-sabotage as “a pattern of thoughts and behaviors you engage in,
often without even knowing it, which creates obstacles to achieving your goals.” It’s key to proactively work to identify and rectify obstructive behaviors and malignant mindsets. This can be done by intentionally making productive replacement “do this instead of that” choices, which can be a powerful catalyst – one that kicks open new doors of opportunity.
According to lauded empowerment speaker and award-winning “Exponential Living” author Sheri Riley, a high-performance life coach for the likes of the NBA Coaches Association, Universal Music Group and several other notable organizations and individual athletes, entertainers and C-Suite executives, there are numerous specific, easily rectifiable choices that high achievers are making that often result in needless opportunity loss. Here are her top six.
1
Don’t spend 100 percent of your time on 10 percent of who you are.
Focusing all your energy on fostering professional growth with no intention around personal development is a mistake far too many make. While it’s understandable to do this early in your career, over time things get complicated. Over the months and years, life of high performers becomes more layered and complex, which can make a singular focus on one’s work life a catalyst for other areas of life to fall apart. Instead, endeavor to develop and grow more holistically to include other facets of your existence. Remain mindful that “you cannot fire a cannon from a canoe.” Sustaining high performance also requires personal growth – the kind that influences what type of teammate, parent, friend and spouse you are. The kind that also fosters the ability to handle non-work distractions, promote financial stability and be truly “present” when spending time with your friends and loved ones.
2Leading with entitlement vs. accountability. Entitlement is often created from an environment where things come easily or quickly to someone. It can fuel the belief that the person on the winning end doesn’t just deserve – but is overtly due – their windfalls. Experts at the International Coach Academy agree that, rather than focusing energy on substantiating your “rightful rewards,” try leading with humility by taking accountability for your decisions and actions – namely those that may not have fared as well. They further underscore that doing so can serve as a “power tool” helping high performers build trust in relationships. Holding yourself accountable inherently makes you more vulnerable and, thus, more relatable and even approachable. By not presenting yourself as entitled and by owning and taking responsibility for all of your actions – and results related thereto – your character can grow and you’ll make better personal and professional decisions.
Success will surely open doors for you, both personally and professionally. When undertaken poorly, your ego, how you treat people and how you operate along that path is likely to burn bridges and close all too many of those doors. Instead of entitlement, arrogance or egotism around your wins, a gratitude mindset allows you to appreciate and demonstrate
thankfulness for all you have accomplished while prompting others to equally laud your greatness and achievements.
3Primarily communicating through technology. There is no denying the ample benefits that technology has provided us relative to communication. Even so, it’s not without its downsides. With email or text the chances of miscommunicating increases substantially and the sense of real human connection diminishes. On top of that, your phone or computer can be an omnipresent distraction. You might be on a call with a colleague or business partner, but that doesn’t stop you from answering a text or scrolling through Instagram during the conversation. Humans have become very adept at multitasking with technology but, with that, can come a decreased attention span and a lack of being fully present in the moment. It’s one of the reasons high achievers often experience needless opportunity loss. When you meet someone for a conversation face to face, you can show full engagement, without distractions or the type of miscommunication that can happen in text and email chains. Emphasis and inflections are lost, and even capitalizations or punctuation can be misinterpreted. In-person interactions also prevent others from delaying their response or “forgetting” to get back to you. With face-to-face dialogue, everything can happen in real time, in a free-flowing conversation that allows you to deliver your words as enthused, persuasive or engaged as you’d intended.
4Considering yourself irreplaceable.
It’s not hard to understand why certain high performers develop a highly motivated drive to be in the top 0.1 percent of their field. They live through a career filled with high praises and supporters, which often fuels their ego and drive to overachieve. However, this can easily lead to erroneous thinking that their talents are irreplaceable. The hard truth is that, while a high performer’s talent may appear to be invaluable, everyone is eventually replaceable. Repercussions of this mindset run the gamut: from to being unable to perceive and aptly react to real-life dynamics happening around you to being completely blindsided when you are replaced or, worse, outright laid off or broken up with. High performers would do well to appreciate that,
however great they may be, focusing on personal development better prepares you to make the best decision once a role or opportunity changes. This is whether that is one’s own decision to retire or move on or is driven by the organization due to extraneous factors like financials, politics, relationships and more that can threaten one’s standing. The key is to be as intentional about cultivating internal humility as you are in your external drive to achieve and be recognized. Doing so can sustainably substantiate your presence.
stressed or anxious despite achieving more work/life balance, try broadening your definition of success – especially in your personal, non-work life. The most successful people are reportedly those who achieve full life integration. One report suggests this can be facilitated by pursuing different avenues in life that foster a sense of satisfaction beyond career goals, like hobbies, passions or talents. In truth, this can alleviate some of the stress and compulsions one feels to over-perform and proffer a sense of success in multiple domains of one’s life.
5
Failing to regularly stop and self-assess. High performers often fail to recognize when their skill sets are beginning to wane or when competition is threatening or surpassing them. Many times they will blame a loss or bad performance on a “bad day.” Doing so is a double edge sword. While this mentality can be helpful in demonstrating resilience, it can also prove detrimental when danger signs, risks and threats in and outside of one’s profession are disregarded. Take the time for intentional and deep self-reflection, as continual self-assessment is the only way to optimize every area of life. What becomes tragic for many high performers is when they assume their high performance in one area automatically translates into anything else they decide to do. Being a great athlete doesn’t portend that you will be a great real estate investor. Being a great actor doesn’t mean you’ll thrive as a director. Being a great CEO doesn’t mean you’ll make a great husband or wife. Each area of life requires great self-examination to grow and improve. Otherwise, dangerous habits on each front will continue. If unchecked over a period of time, the result can be calamitous.
6Assuming more work/life “balance” will alleviate the angst.
Work/life balance is a myth. Instead, strive for full life integration. Being intentional about how you allocate your time must include all aspects of what you deem important in life. What do you value? If you say, “I value my family more than work,” yet your calendar is filled with work meetings and not time with your family, is that truly what you value? We must commit to make what we assert as most important, to manifest as most important through your choices and behaviors. If you still feel unduly
“Too many success-driven people willingly and needlessly endure a lifetime of internal emptiness,” asserts Riley, a personal development growth authority revered for helping professionals—and companies at large like The Coca-Cola Company, JP Morgan Chase, Converse, the NBA, select NFL teams and more – identify and overcome obstacles through her Exponential Living programs.
“A favorite technique of many busy high achievers is to rationalize our misery,” she says. “We acknowledge that we are stressed out, unhappy, and unfulfilled, but we tell ourselves this comes with the territory of being successful and the tireless pursuit of more; that it’s the ‘price we have to pay.’ However, the truth is that this angst is the result of non-productive choices that are keeping us on the ‘hamster wheel’ and stagnating our growth potential.”
Apparently, another favorite device of high achievers is distraction. “We keep our minds and lives so full of to-do lists that we don’t take time to think deeply about our own actions, activities and views. We work almost nonstop and then, in the little time off we take, we fill our hours with noisy, flashy, consumable entertainment rather than taking time for self-assessment – the kind that can help us discover new ways to continue ‘polishing the jewel’ that is ourselves.”
It seems that some of a high achiever’s spare time would be better served by reflecting and re-evaluating whether their past and present choices – whether thought patters or actualized “ways of doing things” are best serving them. As a result of such concerted self-analysis regarding choices big and small, high achievers can ultimately determine if there’s any room for improvement. Inevitably, the conclusion will be – and should be – “yes.”
Prostate health may be an intimidating subject for some men, which can lead to misconceptions about conditions and treatments. Some men may even avoid visiting a doctor because of what they might learn. Breaking this stigma around prostate issues could help prevent complications from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
Under a doctor’s care, BPH can be effectively treated; over 14 million men in the U.S. seek treatment every year. To help clear up some of the confusion and fear around prostate health, here is a breakdown of five common misconceptions about BPH.
BPH
Is BPH linked to prostate cancer? No. While both conditions affect the prostate gland, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, and the symptoms can typically be addressed with medications and/or other treatment options.
Misconception: Medication and major surgery are the only types of BPH treatment
Men with BPH may have options for treatment beyond medications that may offer relief without the risk of side effects that can come with medications, such as dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and, in some men, an increased risk of heart and eye issues.
Minimally invasive therapies are available for BPH treatment. The UroLift® System is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used by 350,000 men worldwide. This procedure lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way without cutting to stop blocking the urethra. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center, and patients typically return home the same day without a catheter. For men with BPH, this option may be an alternative to medications and more invasive surgeries like TURP.
The procedure is indicated for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100cc in men 45 years of age or older. Individual results may vary. Most common side effects are temporary and include pain or burning with urination, blood in urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate or the inability to control the urge. Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and require intervention. Speak with your doctor to determine if you may be a candidate.
Misconception: Only seniors have symptoms of BPH
Are senior men the only ones who have symptoms of BPH? No. Even men in their forties may experience BPH symptoms, so don’t assume you’re too young to talk to your doctor about BPH. If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor can discuss treatment options that fit your needs and help you decide on the best approach.
Misconception: BPH-related urination issues will always disrupt a man’s life and sleep
A common symptom of BPH is frequent urination. This has the potential to disrupt a man’s day-to-day schedule and sleep cycle, but it’s not inevitable. If you have BPH, proper treatment can help improve quality of life and reduce the need for frequent urination, which can make it easier to sleep through the night.Yet another great reason to be proactive about BPH diagnosis and treatment!
Misconception: BPH doesn’t affect a man’s bladder health
BPH can affect bladder health if it’s left untreated. BPH can be progressive and lead to difficulty in urinating, bladder stones, UTIs and ongoing need for a catheter. This is another good reason to be proactive and talk to your doctor about prostate health. To learn more about BPH, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, visit UroLift.com.
The Town Title Agency held their annual golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.towntitle.us
The Joseph M. Sanzari Charity Motorcycle Run and Raffle was held at Ross Dock. For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.
Here, you’ll see a mix of in-person as well as virtual events hosted by Bergen County’s area hospitals. Make sure to register for in-person and/or virtual events.
• Drumming is wonderful way to take care of yourself, as well as lessen feelings of burnout and fatigue. Come and explore a new/old way of having fun while reducing stress. Bring your own drum or instruments. This adult-only drumming circle is scheduled for every second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at The Valley Center For Health and Wellness, located at 1400 MacArthur Boulevard in Mahwah. To register or for more information, call 1-800-VALLEY 1 or visit ValleyHealth.com/Events. Please note: In-person attendees must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask.
• Let’s Talk About Uterine Cancer in Women of Color will be held virtually on Thursday, March 2 from 7-8 p.m. Learn the symptoms and treatment options. To register, visit ValleyHealth.com/Events.
• If you struggle with chronic heartburn or acid reflux, a new, breakthrough minimally invasive procedure may improve the quality of your life and possibly free you from long-term medication use. Learn more about the treatment option for heartburn virtually on Thursday, March 2 or June 29 from 6:307:30 pm. To register, visit ValleyHealth.com/Events.
• On Wednesdays, March 15 through Nov. 15 from 9:15-10 a.m. join Danielle Fabrizio, MS, CHES for the Mommy & Me Walking Group. Walk as a community of moms connecting and supporting each other at Westvale Park, Westwood. For additional information and questions, email Thrive@valleyhealth.com.
• Join virtually for a discussion about the challenges facing middle schoolers and teens in the digital age, focusing on what parents should know about how social media may be affecting their kids, and what they can do to help. Learning the discussion will be Nancy Jo Sales, author and journalist for Vanity Fair and The Guardian. The discussion will take place on Thursday, March 16 from 7-8 p.m.
• Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are signs of aging eyes. Learn about the aging eye and the latest enhancements and treatments available virtually on Thursday, March 23 from 7-8 p.m. To register, visit ValleyHealth.com/Events.
• Talking to kids about food and their bodies can be a touchy subject. Hear from Valley Hospital’s obesity specialist – Sherry Sakowitz, MD, director, pediatric wellness and weight management – on the best ways to talk about food, kids’ bodies and their health. The discussion will take place on Thursday, March 30 from 7-8 p.m. Register online at ValleyHealth.com/ ThriveEvents.
• Join virtually on Thursday, April 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to talk about how to start a simple garden and get your family enjoying their own harvest. Register online at ValleyHealth.com/ThriveEvents.
• The support of family and friends is vital for someone living with cancer. Join virtually on Tuesday, April 18 from 7-8 p.m. to learn tips on what you can do to help support and care for a loved one after a cancer diagnosis.
• Healthy Steps is a 10-week walking program designed to encourage people of all ages in a fun and motivating atmosphere. Offered in partnership with the Ridgewood Library, the club will meet on Tuesdays, April 18 through June 20 from 9-19 a.m. at Veterans Field, located behind the Ridgewood Library, 125 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood.
• Virtual Toddler Time will be held on Friday, April 21 from 10-10:30 a.m. Join and get crafty with your little. A free craft bag will be given to the first 20 people to register via ValleyHealth.com/ThriveEvents.
• Exhaustion, numbness, anger, even trauma – the fallout from the COVID19 pandemic is significant even as coronavirus cases decrease. Join to discuss the various mental health consequences of COVID19 and ways to more effectively manage and facilitate these issues on Tuesday, May 2 from 2-3 p.m. Register online at ValleyHealth.com/Events.
• Join virtually on Thursday, May 18 from 1-2 p.m. to learn ways of keeping your child healthy – mentally, physically and emotionally – from Cecilia Godoy, MD, pediatrician. To register, visit ValleyHealth. com/ThriveEvents.
• Find out why a Mediterranean lifestyle is linked with longevity and reduced incidences of chronic conditions. Suggestions and practical tips will be provided virtually on Thursday, May 18 from 6-7 p.m. to assist you with incorporating this eating style. Visit ValleyHealth.com/Events to register.
Anational Cleveland Clinic survey examined a nationally representative, general population of Americans to determine the impact diet has on heart health. We recently discussed the survey with Gerald Sotsky, MD, chair of Cardiac Services for Valley Medical Group and director of Cardiovascular Services for The Valley Hospital. Valley’s cardiovascular program is an alliance member of Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute.
Q: What was the survey’s most significant finding?
A: According to the survey, the cost of healthy food is the biggest barrier to eating healthy. Forty-six percent of Americans view healthy food being more expensive as the biggest barrier to eating, followed by 23 percent being lack of time to prepare food, and 20 percent being lack of recipes or knowledge of how to cook healthier food.
Q: Did the survey say anything about heart-healthy diets?
A: Yes, a Mediterranean diet is considered heart-healthy, and only 18 percent of those with heart disease or a family history of heart disease are more likely to think so. The survey found that some Americans, about 10 percent, choose fast food as the most heart-healthy option. The survey also found that 35 percent of Americans consider a low-carb diet the most heart healthy and 37 percent believe a low-fat diet is the most hearthealthy. Only 15 percent consider the Mediterranean diet healthy for the heart.
Q: What additional steps can individuals take to reduce their risk for heart disease?
A: There are many ways you can reduce your risk for heart disease. First, follow a heart-healthy diet plan. Second, stay active. The survey found that 29 percent of those with heart disease or a family history of heart disease cite being out of shape and not knowing how to start as a main barrier to exercising. Four in ten, or 37 percent, of those at risk of developing heart disease have no desire to work out compared to a quarter, or 26 percent, of those with no risk factors. It is also important to understand the relationship between food, weight loss, and overall health. According to the survey, 71 percent of Americans believe that moderate exercise has a greater impact on losing weight than diet. Those with heart disease or a family history of heart disease are more likely to believe this. While being active is important, a healthy diet is just as important. Overall, reducing your risk of heart disease starts with prevention.
The Valley Heart and Vascular Institute offers a free, comprehensive risk assessment for women and men between the ages of 20 and 79.
The screening begins with a physical exam, which evaluates blood pressure and heart rhythm, auscultation –listening to the sounds of the heart using a stethoscope – to detect heart murmurs, and biometric screenings for body-mass index and waist circumference. Together, a comprehensive risk assessment, findings of the physical exam, and biometric screenings, along with lab work analysis, are used to arrive at an ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) risk score. This score aids in determining a patient’s 10-year and lifetime risk of developing heart disease.
To make an appointment for a cardiac screening and for more information, please call 201-447-8125 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and 201-4478535 during off hours.
Our bones and joints are the foundation of every movement. And at Hackensack Meridian Health, we’re ready for every knee, hip, shoulder, spine and anything else that can crunch and crack. With a top orthopedic team, innovative and minimally invasive procedures and a will that never breaks, we’re ready to get everyone back on their feet.
To learn more visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Ready.
