25 minute read
Food Is Medicine
By audrey zona
Well, it’s winter and you know what that means: cold and flu season. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, remember that to bolster your healthy immune system so you don’t get sick in the first place, food is the very best medicine. What you put in your mouth can not only nourish you during these long winter months, but it can also act as the first line of defense in fighting viruses and infections.
There’s nothing better than some yummy, gooey, cheesy comfort food when it’s cold outside, and indulging in the occasional bowl of mac and cheese or lasagna is one of the greatest pleasures in life. But if you just can’t bring yourself to derail your hard work, even for a big helping of pasta, try satisfying your cravings with bone broth. This healing liquid nourishes the lining of your digestive tract, leading to easier digestion, and it’s also a great source of collagen. So, not only are you keeping your insides healthy and resistant to disease, but you’re also improving the appearance of your outside as well.
If you do end up indulging, strike a balance with foods that will help with gut health. Feeding yourself natural probiotics like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, yogurt, kombucha (if it’s low in sugar) and kefir will help maintain the healthy balance of good bacteria in your body, and good gut health is your first line of defense against illness. Good bacteria, found in all these foods, supports immune function and controls inflammation. It also keeps the bad bacteria from entering your body and multiplying to make you sick. If you don’t love fermented foods, apple cider vinegar is the food superhero that can come to your rescue. Mix it into your drinks, use it in a dressing for salads or roasted veggies, or, if you’re feeling bold take a shot of it each morning to help maintain equilibrium in your body functions. You’re not the only one who needs to eat regularly. Your good gut bacteria, your microflora, needs to eat too. As you can imagine, what it eats affects how you feel. So, give it the foods it likes by eating lots of leafy greens, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and garlic. A big salad with roasted veggies, crunchy nuts, and apple cider vinegar dressing will help you get through this winter without ever having to break out a new box of tissues.
It’s not just your physical health that can be affected by the foods you eat. Your mental health is also affected by the state of your gut. When your microflora is well-fed and the good bacteria are in charge, your gut produces serotonin, a key component affecting your mood, your long-term mental well-being, and your GI activity. It’s safe to say that when your stomach is happy, the rest of you is happy.
Speaking of being happy, remember that food is medicine, but it is also fuel. Once you’ve fed your body well, make sure you take it outside to soak up some vitamin D and get the blood flowing with a brisk walk or run. Not only will this help you stay well all season, but it will also help you stay mentally healthy. If you start getting the winter blues, treat yourself to a lamp that will provide light therapy to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), visit an infrared sauna or indulge in a sauna blanket, or invest in a grounding mat or sheet. All these tools, in conjunction with a consistent sleep routine and a healthy diet, will make a big difference in navigating the winter successfully. But if you do feel those sniffles coming on, make sure to get your daily dose of vitamin C, elderberry, and zinc. Increasing your intake of fluids (add ginger or peppermint to water for a gut friendly zing of flavor) and give your body the rest it needs.
Just remember, winter isn’t here to stay. The days are already getting longer, and spring will be here before we know it. Grab that cozy blanket and a good book, feed yourself intentionally, keep on track with your nutrition and fitness and, most of all, be well.
Audrey’s Favorite Salad Dressings
Basic Gut Friendly Vinaigrette:
½ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard Juice of ½ lemon ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar 2 small garlic cloves, minced sea salt and pepper to taste
Tahini Dressing:
¼ cup raw sesame tahini 2 Tbsp lemon juice ¼ tsp garlic, minced ½ cup water ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp Bragg Nutritional Yeast
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:
¼ cup lemon juice plus zest of one lemon ½ cup EVOO 1 Tbsp dijon mustard 1 tsp honey 2 garlic cloves minced 8 fresh basil leaves ½ tsp dried oregano or fresh ¼ tsp sea salt 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Asian Vinaigrette:
½ cup EVOO 3 Tbsp Tamari ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp minced garlic 2 Tbsp minced ginger Salt to taste
Share the Spirit of Giving
This year, join forces with other like-minded individuals and organizations, such as the ones that follow. Allow us to help you continue Bergen County’s long-standing spirit of caring commitment to improving our communities for all who call it home.
CENTER FOR FOOD ACTION OF NEW JERSEY
192 West Demarest Ave., Englewood www.cfanj.org
Mission: The organization’s goal is to prevent hunger and homelessness and to improve the lives of individuals and families. It provides emergency food, utility and housing assistance, advocacy, counseling services and access to other community resources. CFA helps clients find solutions to problems, achieve financial stability and create a brighter future.
NEW CONCEPTS FOR LIVING 68A West Passaic St., Rochelle Park www.ncfl.net
Mission: New Concepts For Living is a community non-profit organization committed to people with disabilities and their families. Inspired by the vision of families and consumers, New Concepts enables people to realize their dreams and achieve their individual potential through quality community program supports and services.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CARE CENTER Holy Name Hospital 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck www.holyname.org/mscenter
Mission: The Multiple Sclerosis Care Center is New Jersey’s only non-profit licensed facility providing healthcare and related services to patients with MS regardless of their ability to pay.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY
121 Carver Ave., Westwood www.habitatbergen.org
Mission: Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County was established in 1994 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Its mission is to provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families.
CASA
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES
One Bergen County Plaza, Suite 440 Hackensack
Mission: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) For Children of Bergen County is an independent, non-profit organization of professionals and trained volunteers who have been appointed by the NJ Family Court to advocate for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. CASA works to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to these children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
—Author Unknown
HOPE FOR CHILDREN RESEARCH FOUNDATION
700D Lake St., Ramsey www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org
Mission: The hope of the foundation is finding new treatments and cures for children with neurological diseases. The foundation hopes a doctor will never again have to say to a mother or father, “Take your child home; there’s nothing we can do.”
PET RESQ, INC.
24 West Railroad Ave., Suite 172, Tenafly www.petresqinc.org
Mission: Pet ResQ, Inc. is a small group of volunteers who believe that all living creatures deserve a change. They exist solely on donations and the efforts of volunteers and foster homes. They tend to rescue the elderly and handicapped pets that otherwise would not stand a chance at life.
CHILDREN’S CARDIOMYOPATHY FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 547, Tenafly www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org
Mission: The Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation is dedicated to finding the cause and cure for pediatric cardiomyopathy, a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease of the heart muscle, through the support of research, education and increased awareness and advocacy.
200 CLUB OF BERGEN COUNTY
560 Hudson St., Hackensack www.200club.org
Mission: To benefit law enforcement, fire or emergency personnel who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty. Their motto is “serving our servants.” SHARSHERET 1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 2G, Teaneck www.sharsheret.org
Mission: Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Their mission is to offer a community of support to woman of all Jewish backgrounds diagnosed with breast cancer or at an increased genetic risk by fostering culturally relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals and related resources.
—Anthony Robbins
PONY POWER THERAPIES 1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah www.ponypowernj.org
Mission: Pony Power Therapies is a non-profit organization giving special needs and at-risk children and adults a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. The riding and non-riding activities enhance individuals’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing farm environment.
12 Overlook Ave., Suite A, Rochelle Park www.hopeandsafetynj.org
Mission: Center For Hope and Safety’s mission is to assist women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse. The agency provides emergency and transitional housing, emotional support, as well as a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency.
GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
300 Forest Ave., Paramus www.gsnnj.org
Mission: Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills and cooperation with others. The Girl Scouts Council serves one in every four girls in 61 Bergen County towns, over 13,000 girls. Girls, ages 5-17, meet in age-level groups on a regular basis or they may participate in short term activities, special interest groups, neighborhood activity centers or camping.
JDRF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY AND ROCKLAND COUNTY CHAPTER (JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FUND)
1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 306, Woodbridge www.jdrf.org/newjerseymetro
Mission: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research while providing support for those living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the community.
JULIA’S BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION
637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 285, Wyckoff www.juliasbutterflyfoundation.org
Mission: Julia’s Butterfly Foundation is a volunteer, non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of terminally and chronically ill children and their families. The foundation honors the memory of 6-year-old Julia Marie Bommer, who passed away in 2005 following her brave battle against a rare kidney disorder. It is the foundation’s goal to pay tribute to Julia’s life by helping other children and their families struggling with the demands of their unique circumstances. The foundation is humbled by the courage and dedication of the children and caregivers they support, and consider it a privilege to provide financial aid, physical assistance and services to those who need it most.
TOMORROWS CHILDREN’S FUND
30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack www.tcfkid.org
Mission: The Tomorrows Children’s Fund was founded by a group of committed parents to help their children and others like them with cancer and serious blood disorders. With the help of friends and supporters, today, TCF provides a warm, healthy and loving environment for children in treatment, a full scope of services to relieve families’ emotional and financial stress and the very best possible medical care – all of which confirms TCF’s belief that through hope, hard work and heartfelt generosity, extraordinary things are possible.
100 Hollister Road, Teterboro www.advancehousing.org
Mission: The mission of Advance Housing, Inc. is to expand the range and scope of supportive housing opportunities available to persons with psychiatric disabilities. In addition, Advance Housing, Inc. seeks to make similar options and services available to other individuals who are in need of supportive housing. The array of outreach services, designed to help people live independently and productively in the community, will exceed the highest standards of professional practice.
RAMAPO-BERGEN ANIMAL REFUGE, INC 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland www.rbari.org
Mission: RBARI believes that all animals have a natural right to humane treatment, including proper care, respect and safe shelter. Their primary mission is to provide sanctuary while finding permanent, loving homes for the many animals that arrive in their shelter, including feral, elderly, handicapped and formerly abused animals. Animals in their care receive lots of love, shelter, food and medical care. RBARI adheres to a “no-kill” policy, giving animals an open-ended stay at a warm, safe place until loving homes can be found.
WEST BERGEN MENTAL HEALTH
120 Chestnut St., Ridgewood www.westbergen.org
Mission: The agency’s mission is to treat severe mental illness in children and adults and promote psychological health and personal growth. It provides comprehensive treatment and supportive services for clients and the surrounding community.
THE VOLUNTEER CENTER OF BERGEN COUNTY
64 Passaic St., Hackensack www.bergenvolunteers.org
Mission: The Volunteer Center of Bergen County strengthens the community by connecting people with opportunities to serve, operating model volunteer programs, building capacity for effective volunteering and participating in strategic partnerships that meet community needs.
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (NNJCF)
1 Grand Ave. Suite 3, Englewood www.nnjcf.org
Mission: NNJCF focuses on civic engagement, education, public health and the arts by working with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits and citizen groups to improve community life. Foundation partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by sharing ideas, services and resources. The Arts-Bergen initiative supports and encourages creativity and the integration of arts and culture to build community and boost the local economy.
THE COMMUNITY CHEST
122 S. Van Brunt St., Englewood www.communitychestofenglewood.org
Mission: The Community Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to residents and provides coordinating and planning services in Englewood, Englewood Cliffs and Tenafly to support a range of needs, including hunger, afterschool programming, elderly care, career counseling for women, mental health services, environmental education and medical care to low-income pregnant women.
YCS FOUNDATION (YOUTH CONSULTATION SERVICES)
235 Main St., Third Floor, Hackensack www.ycs.org
Mission: AT YCS, the mission is to advocate, educate, shelter and care for children in need and their families so that each can further develop the skills, self-worth and hope necessary for success within their communities.
THE COMEDY CURES FOUNDATION
122 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly www.comedycures.org
Mission: The Comedy Cures Foundation is a national non-profit organization bringing joy, laughter and therapeutic humor programs to kids and grown-ups living with illness, depression, trauma and disabilities. FAMILY PROMISE OF BERGEN COUNTY 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood www.bergenfamilypromise.org
Mission: To provide hospitality to the homeless and to keep families together in times of crisis, guiding them through temporary periods of homelessness by helping them create an achievable vision and develop a strong foundation for self-sufficiency.
—Kahlil Gibran
NORTH JERSEY FRIENDSHIP HOUSE
125 Atlantic St., Hackensack www.njfriendshiphouse.org
Mission: To maximize the independence and community living skills of persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, in order to reduce unnecessary hospitalization, secure other health and welfare services, as required by each individual referred to Friendship House for treatment, and to render assistance voluntarily in a safe, comfortable environment. Friendship House is a nonprofit rehabilitation center offering comprehensive behavioral health services, vocational training and employment support for adults with all types of disabilities. Services are designed to address the unique needs and goals of every individual.
P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee www.verismoopera.org
Mission: New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s mission is: 1) to enhance the cultural life of the community by providing a complete range of fine musical programming; 2) to educate the community about the uplifting benefits of music and, in particular, grand opera; 3) to educate and introduce youth to the joy of fine music; and 4) to provide performance opportunities to musicians and offer study grants to young performing artists.
THE DANIEL JORDAN FIDDLE FOUNDATION
1701 Tower Drive, Edgewater www.djfiddlefoundation.org
Mission: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, the first not-for-profit and only all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult autism has been blazing trails since 2002. It creates paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives. The endowed programs at America’s leading universities, resources, and public policy/awareness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
JEWISH HOME FOUNDATION OF NORTH JERSEY
10 Link Drive, Rockleigh www.jewishhomefamily.org
Mission: The mission of the Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey, Inc. is to provide aid and support to the not-for-profit organizations of the Jewish Home Family, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Jewish Home Assisted Living, Jewish Home at Home and Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center. The purpose is to make healthcare, education, life enrichment, scientific and other charitable efforts available to the seniors, the elderly and infirm in the community, without regard to the individuals’ ability to pay.
ALZHEIMER’S NEW JERSEY
4690 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 300, Oradell www.alznj.org
Mission: Alzheimer’s New Jersey, formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, provides programs and services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers who live in Bergen County and the 13 other New Jersey counties. Association programs and services include education and training, support groups, respite assistance and a toll-free telephone, HelpLine.
ADLER APHASIA CENTER
60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood www.adleraphasiacenter.org
Mission: The Adler Aphasia Center’s mission is to be a vital resource to anyone whose life or profession is touched by aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken language, reading and writing. It occurs most often form a stroke or brain injury. This condition affects a person’s ability to communicate, but does not affect their intellect. Adler Aphasia Center provides people with aphasia the assistance they need in regaining basic communication skills, as well as their self-esteem and self-confidence, often lost as a result of their disability.
—John Bunyon
THE OFFICE OF CONCERN FOOD PANTRY
55 West Demarest Ave., Englewood www.officeofconcern.com
Mission: The Office of Concern Food Pantry serves “the poorest of the poor” in northern New Jersey by supplementing their food and other basic needs with bags of food each week. Food packages contain canned goods and other non-perishables, as well as fresh poultry, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. St. Cecilia’s Church in Englewood sponsors The Office of Concern Food Pantry, but the pantry is independent functionally and financially. It serves all regardless of religion, race or culture. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week, they move 4.5 tons of food from their warehouse to their front office for distribution to 750 needy families. The 501 (c)(3) organization is staffed by dedicated, unpaid volunteers, who operate through the generosity of foundations, businesses, churches, schools, community organizations and individuals.
THE FRIENDS OF THE HERMITAGE, INC.
335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus www.thehermitage.org
Mission: The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. was established to restore, maintain and interpret The Hermitage, along with its grounds and outbuildings. Their mission is not only to provide these services, but also to communicate to a diverse audience of students, scholars and the general public, the site, its archives and its collections as they relate to local, regional and national history beginning in 1740.
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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proactive measures are being taken.
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.
On Wednesdays 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.
Yoga has many mind and body benefits that can aid in recovery from a substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or drug addiction and in overcoming an eating disorder. The practice can stabilize your mood, help you relax and manage anxiety, allow you to reconnect with your body, increase self-control and coping skills, explore self-compassion and acceptance and even improve insomnia. Visit facebook. com/thegrafcenter from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 4 to participate in the Facebook Live class.
Join Lisa Susmann, PsyD, Intergrative Medicine, and learn how to deal with a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter. This free webinar is approximately 45 minutes and will include a Question-and-Answer portion. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have for the speaker. The session will take place on Jan. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Register here: events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common irregular or abnormal heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 3 million Americans. Thankfully, more options to treat AFib are available than ever before. Learn about AFib and the latest treatment options available on Jan. 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. during a virtual event. For more information or to register, visit www.valleyhealth.com/events/atrial-fibrillation-38.
The Paramus Health Department is proud to host an educational program about starting new eating habits in the new year with Danielle Fabrizio, Community Health Educator, on Jan. 12 from 1-2 p.m. To learn more or to register for this virtual event, visit valleyhealth.com/events/new-year-new-eatinghabits.
If you have atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems and need an alternative to blood thinners, you will want to learn more about WATCHMAN™ and AMULET™, one-time procedures that may reduce stroke risk for a lifetime. Learn more during a Jan. 17 virtual event, hosted from 4-5 p.m. To register, visit www.valleyhealth.com/events/ need-alternative-blood-thinners-11.
Ready Set Baby will take place on Jan. 23 from 2-3 p.m. virtually. To register, visit HMHforU.org/ events.
Jumpstart 2023 by learning how to make physical activity a part of your lifestyle to improve your health and wellness on Jan. 25 from 7-8 p.m. Make the commitment to finally put your own health as a priority this year. Register for this virtual event here: www.valleyhealth.com/events/rx-life-exercise-medicine.
Healthy Weight: Healthy Lifestyle will take place on Jan. 26 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. virtually. Listen to speakers Michelle Maresca, MD and Marianna Nicoletta-Gentile, DO from the comfort of your home. To register, visit HMHforU.org/events.
Join Stacy Doumas, M.D. for an overview of depression including signs, symptoms, treatments and different types. This webinar, to be held on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., is approximately 45 minutes and will include a Question-and-Answer portion. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have for the speaker. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yvnsdcp7. Getting enough sleep is imperative to overall health and wellbeing. Are you getting enough quality sleep? Join on Feb. 8 from 7-8 p.m. to learn the importance of a good sleep routine, how to get better sleep and benefit from a good night’s rest. This event will take place in person at the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood. Register here: www.valleyhealth.com/ events/good-night-sleep-tight-person.
Being a mom is the most rewarding job there is, but it can be all-encompassing. Join virtually on Feb. 15 from 2-3 p.m. to talk about how you can take care of you, to better take care of your family. Register here: www.valleyhealth.com/events/ mom-matters-too.
There are many diets and food plans out there, but which are healthy and effective? Learn more about common diet plans so you can start making healthy decisions about the nutrition plan that will best fit your lifestyle. This event will take place virtually on Feb. 23 from 7-8 p.m. Register here: www.valleyhealth.com/events/fad-diets-andnutrition-trends.
Happy, Healthy Feet
The average person takes about 5,000-10,000 steps per day. This adds up to around 115,000 miles in a lifetime, the equivalent to walking around the earth four times. This can explain why about 75 percent of Americans will experience foot problems at least one time or another in their lives. We recently had a conversation with Valley Medical Group podiatrists John J. Beronio, DPM and Mina M. Hanna, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM to find out what we can do to have happy, healthy feet.
Q: What does a podiatrist do? Q: What should I do if I get a sports-related injury to my feet or ankles?
A: Dr. Hanna: The foot and ankle are a complex network of tissues made up of 28 bones (30 including sesamoids), 33 joints, 112 ligaments, 13 extrinsic and 21 intrinsic muscles/tendons. Podiatrists take care of and treat conditions that affect your feet and ankles. Foot and ankle surgeons treat a variety of conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, cavus foot, foot or ankle arthritis, sports injuries, tendon disorders, fractures, ingrown toenails, neuromas, dermatological conditions, neuropathy, wounds and infections.
Q: When should you see a doctor for your feet?
A: Dr. Beronio: The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends seeing a foot and ankle surgeon any time you have an injury, diabetes, poor circulation, heel pain, painful joint pain or arthritis, impaired ability to walk or perform activities, discomfort after standing, abnormal growth, back or knee pain related to flat feet or high arches and/or any changes in foot or ankle appearance.
Q: Are there specific medical conditions that require regular checkups?
A: Dr. Hanna: You should schedule regular checkups if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Nerve damage from diabetes can lead to numbness, tingling, burning and pain in the feet. If the nerve damage is severe, patients can develop a lack of sensation and may not quickly recognize a wound or infection. Diabetes can also cause poor circulation and make wounds difficult to close. An infection can lead to an amputation if not promptly treated. A: Dr. Beronio: If an injury occurs, remember RICE. Sports-related injuries can often heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, what may look like a simple sprain may actually be a bone or cartilage injury. It is important to be examined by a qualified physician to rule out a more serious injury. The sooner you are treated, the sooner chronic problems such as arthritis or instability can be prevented, and you can get back to your favorite activities.
Q: What are some quick tips for happy, healthy feet?
A: Dr. Hanna: Proper footwear is essential to prevent injuries. Running shoes are ideal and have a lot of cushioning and padding. Some of the brands that we recommend include New Balance, Asics, Brooks, Saucony and Hoka. These sneakers typically have a wide toe box and are essential for patients with bunions, hammertoes and neuromas. You also want to make sure shoes are not too tight or too long.
A: Dr. Beronio: It is also important to apply sunscreen to your feet during the summer. Feet are often neglected. It is just as important to apply sunscreen to your feet as it is to your face to prevent sunburn or melanoma. Also, inspect, wash, and moisturize your feet daily. It is important that you care for your feet and check them for cuts, calluses, ingrown toenails and more.
Valley’s podiatry practice is located at 171 Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beronio or Dr. Hanna, please call 1-800-VALLEY 1 (1-800-825-5391).
NATIONALLY RENOWNED THORACIC CANCER SURGEONS IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Hackensack University Medical Center’s experienced thoracic surgeons are nationally renowned pioneers in lung and esophageal cancer treatment, using groundbreaking robotic-assisted surgery techniques to deliver minimally invasive care with faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, a lower risk of complications, and outcomes that exceed national averages. Our thoracic surgeons partner with medical and radiation oncologists to offer the latest therapies and clinical trials, which provides new hope for patients with complex tumors that may be considered inoperable or untreatable at other centers.
We are committed to your care and offer expedited access in many cases for consults and surgeries. Call 551-996-5960 to schedule an appointment.
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