Monmouth Health & Life's Dec 2010 issue by Wainscot Media

MONMOUTH THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE from MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E ■

DECEMBER 2010

health

life

DECEMBER 2010 / $3.95

PARTY TIME! H O L I D AY E N T E R TA I N I N G

PROS’ TIPS FOR EASY ENTERTAINING

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YOUR GO-ANYWHERE OUTFIT

SAY ‘NO THANKS’ TO HOLIDAY

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WEIGHT GAIN Health Link

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Better breast cancer detection

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ONLY 255 HOSPITALS IN THE COUNTRY EARNED THE EMERGENCY MEDICINE EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM HEALTHGRADES. ONLY THREE ARE IN NEW JERSEY. ONLY ONE IS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY.

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Contents

December 2010 6 Welcome letter

Planning a kids’ bash

Divine dinner party

8 Editor’s letter 15 Monmouth mix

• Helping you help • Santa on board • Love the cove • Chocolate, Jersey style • The slice is right • Find that special someone • Tomato fever

18 Flash

Captured moments around the county

20 Profile Care for an ‘angel’ Parents gratefully recall the

compassionate treatment their preemie received.

22 Health link

• Healing a broken ankle • A birthday break • Surgery with quicker recovery • Colon cancer, defeated • Fixing reflux • Fast action for stroke • New life after a brain tumor • Breast imaging advance • Family-inspired careers

36 At home / Topping your table

A party-ready tablescape is the perfect stage for your feast.

40 Party time / Sweet soiree

Coffee meets chocolate—and suddenly you’ve got a surefire holiday affair.

Whimsical décor and treats galore can be the makings of a great children’s party.

Three local chefs share recipes for a holiday meal your guests will long remember.

50 Escapes / Spas with a plus

Why not go somewhere sunny and fascinating—an exciting city or a sun-kissed beach—to be pampered and restored?

54 Glorious food

Healthy handful Irresistibly munchable, yet also super-healthy?

That’s nuts!

56 Monmouth gourmet

Crazy good Enjoy fine Italian fare in a lively, high-energy

atmosphere at Pazzo in Red Bank.

58 Where to eat 60 Be there

Your Monmouth County dining guide

Local events you won’t want to miss

62 What’s happening at Monmouth Medical Center 64 End note / What your favorite holiday movie says

about you Which seasonal classic do you love most? Take our quiz to find out what your pick reveals.

cover Image: masterfile

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Welcome letter

things to be proud of Another holidAy seAson is upon us, And As we approach the new year’s celebration, we at Monmouth Medical Center look back upon a year of remarkable accomplishments highlighted by two national recognitions of the quality of our care. the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center—which this fall brought its renowned breast health services to western Monmouth County through the region’s first satellite of the Wilentz Center—became the first facility in new Jersey and the 10th in the nation to be accredited as a Certified Quality Breast Center. Certification by the national Quality Measures for Breast Centers (nQMBC) demonstrates that we place the quality care of our patients as a priority. the Wilentz Center’s commitment to meeting the needs of all women when it comes to breast health care was crucial to this coveted recognition. Also illustrating this commitment to excellence is Monmouth Medical Center’s naming by healthGrades—the nation’s premier independent health care quality company— as a recipient of its 2010 emergency Medicine excellence Award. What this means is that patients in need of emergency care who choose treatment at Monmouth Medical Center are being treated at one of the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide for emergency medicine excellence. in a life-threatening emergency, patients’ lives may depend upon where they seek emergency care. the healthGrades study proves what we’ve long known: Monmouth Medical Center is the best hospital in the region for emergency medicine. As evidenced by these most recent prestigious national awards, Monmouth Medical Center remains unrelenting in our quest for continued success. We have embraced new ideas and implemented new strategies, and as a result of our dedication and commitment, 2010 has been a year of exciting accomplishments that have set the stage for continued achievements. From the Monmouth Medical Center family to yours, i wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and the healthiest of new years.

Frank J. Vozos, m.d., Facs executive director Monmouth Medical Center

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Organization is a beautiful thing.

editor’s letter

memories are made here it’s that magical time of year once more. as we gather with our families and friends, the holidays bring special moments we’ll always treasure. But making those memories takes planning—and this issue of Monmouth Health & Life can help. sprinkled through our pages, you’ll find advice you can trust from pros and experienced hosts alike. check out the tips marked with the snowflake. our articles themselves are also full of ideas you can use. for example, we show you how to host a festive, threecourse dinner party designed by a trio of top monmouth county chefs (page 46). and what’s a dinner party without a beautiful table? learn how to top your table for maximum eye appeal on page 36. if a dinner seems too ambitious, you can match two potential soulmates—coffee and chocolate—for an easy dessert party (page 40). or throw a bash for the kids that will give you an excuse to mingle with other parents (page 44). of couse, if you’re like us, you’ll steal two luxurious hours from busy shopping and the social circuit to wrap yourself in a blanket in front of the tube, watching a favorite holiday film whose lines you can almost recite by heart. But which movie will that be? your choice speaks volumes about you, as you’ll learn on page 64. We hope this issue inspires you to make some great holiday memories. as for me, this magazine’s readers, advertisers and my amazing staff have helped me create some incredible memories of my own. this letter marks my last as editor in chief, a position i’ve held since the inaugural issue. But i’m not going far. my new role as Vice President and editor in chief of the custom media group will enable me to work on new products—print and digital—related to the wonderful brands we’ve created, and i’m looking forward to it. so thanks for the memories, and happy holidays!

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editorial contributions: The editors invite letters, article ideas and other contributions from readers. Please write to Editor, Monmouth Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201-571-7003; fax 201-782-5319;

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senior vice president SHANNON STEITZ

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advertising inquiries: Please contact Wilkie Bushby at 201-571-2220 or wilkie.bushby@wainscotmedia.com. subscription services: To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Monmouth Health & Life, Circulation Department, PO Box 776, Mason, OH

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Monmouth Health & Life is published four times a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Monmouth Medical Center. This is Volume 9, Issue 4. ©2010 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $14.00 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a health care professional.

11/9/10

2:05 PM

FIsCAL FITNEss CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYsTTM

A Time for Change

s the weather changes and we prepare to set the clocks back, this tends to be my time to reflect, be open to new ideas and prepare for the New Year. With so many changes taking place around us, how many changes have you made? Have you planned for the unexpected? Why does it take a major transition in someone’s life to finally address their finances? Why do so many widows come to me after their spouse have passed and are completely stunned at their financial situation? Are you lacking knowledge about current financial affairs? Rather than wait for the unexpected to happen, begin taking control of your finances. It’s a time for change. The majority of my articles have been focused on helping individuals going through major transitions such as divorce. I write these articles because more often than not, I meet with people who did not work with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ while making some of the most important financial decisions of their life. The court system and attorneys are not prepared to advise you on the long-term impact of a proposed divorce settlement. Items such as home refinancing, re-titling of homes and cars, retirement asset division - all the things that should be mentioned in the divorce documents. There are smaller but also important items such as removing the ex-spouse from credit cards, bank accounts, gym memberships, and so on. Here are some items that are sometimes overlooked. Protect your credit both during and after divorce. How you handle yourself during divorce can make a big difference on your financial future. How many people do you know who max out their credit cards during a divorce without any thought to how it will affect their credit down the road? Remember, joint credit accounts are the responsibility of both spouses. All it takes is one

late payment to hurt your credit score. Establish credit in your own name. If you don’t have credit established, consider applying for your own credit card before the divorce is finalized. If you will be maintaining the marital home and utility bills are in both names, consider putting in your name only. Re-financing or new purchase. Most people do not realize that in order to use alimomy and child support income for mortgage qualifying purposes, it is necessary to be able to document at least 3 months receipt of the income. This is not true with all mortgage programs so it is important to speak with a professional who specializes in divorce-related lending. Fully document the receipt of any monies received from your ex-spouse that are to be used to purchase the new home. Keep full and accurate records and copies of all checks and deposit slips Learn to Live Below Your MeansAdjusting to a new standard of living is one of the hardest challenges that newly divorced individuals can face. Going from a two income family or the financial support of your spouse on a single income can be challenging, to say the least. How you deal with your finances and other areas of your life as a result of divorce will determine your long-term success or failure.The legal work may be done, but there’s often a long list of financial clean-up that lies ahead. Don’t be a procrastinator and seek the guidance of a qualified and experienced professional. I can help. n

Debra Fournier CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™

This information should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Please contact your accountant before implementing any type of strategy. Debra Fournier is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC

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Debra Fournier, CFP®, CDFATM AbouT The AuThor: Debra Fournier is a Principal of Harbor Lights Financial Group, a full service wealth advisory firm located in Manasquan, N.J. She has been providing comprehensive financial planning and fee-only asset management to affluent families in Monmouth and Ocean counties for over a decade. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, a professional designation that certifies her to examine the financial ramifications of a proposed divorce settlement. These services are especially productive in divorce cases where there are complicated financial issues, significant assets or an imbalance of financial knowledge between the divorcing couple. Debra has been a frequent guest on Good Day New York and quoted in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. She is a member of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts and serves as an executive board member of the Jersey Shore Collaborative Law Group. To schedule a private, no-obligation phone consultation, please call 800-995-4534 or email debra.fournier@hlfg.com

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10/27/10 3:30 PM

Monmouth MIX

your guide to local trends, treasures, people & well-kept secrets

Helping you help

Looking to help families in need this season? Check out operation sleighbells/holiday Giving, the centuryold program run by Long Branch-based Family & Children’s Service (732-2229111, www.fcsmonmouth.org). “We aim to provide 2,500 children with clothing, toys, books and other items each year,” says Samantha White, manager of volunteer services. Donated items must be new and unwrapped, though gently used coats are accepted. Ambitious donors can “adopt” a family by purchasing items on wish lists for the children. “We get the kids’ ages and sizes and what they’d like for the holidays from their caregivers, then pass that information along to the sponsors,” says White. Some sponsors also provide gifts for the caregivers and nonperishable items for a holiday dinner. Nurse Mary Feliciano of Howell has used the program to “adopt” local families with her coworkers at High Point Insurance Company in Red Bank for three years and has found it a touching experience. “It’s wonderful to know that you’re making a difference,” she says. To sign up for the program, call Family & Children’s Service and ask to speak with White.

Santa on board A ticket on the Polar Express may be a bit out of reach, but you can give your little ones the next best thing this holiday season with the New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s Christmas Express with Santa Claus (732-938-5524, www.njmt.org)—a fun-filled train ride in a century-old passenger coach pulled by a nearly 70-year-old diesel engine. The best part: Old Saint Nick will be on board to greet children and pose for pictures. Embarking from the train station at the museum at Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, the 20-minute rides are offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 26 through 28 and December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19; there are also nighttime rides from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on December 11 and 18. Rides run through the park on the Pine Creek Railroad, providing vistas of deer and other wildlife; each child is also given a keychain trinket from Santa’s elves. Tickets, $5 per person, must be purchased for a specific date and time by check or with cash at the museum station. Proceeds benefit the museum, an all-volunteer organization. “We’ve been doing this for 30 years,” says chairman Victor Crisanto. “We see a lot of locals who rode the train as kids come back with their own children.”

love the Cove

Indecisive diners beware: With so many tantalizing options on the sweeping menu at Mariner’s Cove (732-528-6023)—a cozy breakfast and brunch spot in Brielle—choosing just one plate is an exercise in restraint. “We’re known for our huge menu and our large portions,” says owner Nick Psaros. The eatery’s signature giant three-egg omelets, for instance, come in a whopping 250 varieties, from seafood stuffed to “country style”—a blend of cheeses, meats and potatoes. You can also choose from about 40 types of waffles and pancakes available in such tasty flavors as banana-nut, apple-cinnamon and chocolate-chip. Other early-morning delights include French toast, eggs benedict and fruit cups. If you’re in the mood for midday fare, the Cove also whips up a host of sandwiches, wraps, crepes and salads. You may encounter long lines on weekend mornings, but the eatery is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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Monmouth mix CHOCOLATE, Jersey style If there’s a more tempting way to indulge your Garden State pride, we don’t know it. Decadent 2¼-ounce JERSEY GIRL chocolate bars by Chester-based Jersey Brands (908-879-3072, www.jerseygirlchocolate.com), retailing for about $2 each, promise to leave your taste buds in a blissful state indeed. “I felt the name conjured up a very positive image of women in New Jersey,” says founder Steve Swanbeck of Chester, who started the business four years ago. “And many female customers like the name—especially those who grew up in the state.” The bars come in four varieties: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, milk chocolate and peanut butter, and caramel and milk chocolate. You can purchase them at several stores around the county, such as Chocolate Carousel in Wall, Mike’s Beach House in Asbury Park and Battleview Orchards in Freehold, or on the company’s website. Besides chocolate bars, the company also peddles 2-ounce wrapped pieces of fudge made with Belgian chocolate and Dutch cocoa ($1.75/piece), affectionately called Jersey Shore Fudge.

The slice is RIGHT There’s red pizza and

white pizza. But “green” pizza is the specialty at Red Bank’s PIZZA FUSION (732-345-1600, www.pizzafusion.com). Open since March, the casual eatery keeps the earth in mind with every slice, serving pizzas and other fare made in-house with about 75 percent organic ingredients. Decked out with eco-friendly touches such as reclaimed wood flooring and a bar made of recycled concrete and bottles, the restaurant offers waiter service or local delivery with energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. “Anything that’s not organic is all-natural, and we also offer many gluten-free options,” says owner Paul Finkler. What’s more, all meats are certified humane and preservative- and hormone-free. An added incentive to come back for more? The restaurant credits customers 25 cents for every pizza box they return.

Find that special someone “We’re the ‘flip side’ of online dating,” says Brielle native Rachel DeAlto, co-founder of Wall-based FLIPME (866-543-4245, www.flipme.com), an innovative new dating service that involves passing a card with a catchy pick-up line to someone who catches your eye in person, then allowing the connection to kindle online. Here’s how it works: Each FlipMe card pack ($24.99 each; includes a three-month membership) contains 30 business card-size dating cards available in a variety of creative categories based on the types of pick-up lines they feature, such as “Ice Breakers” or “Sweet Somethings.” No personal information is printed on the card; instead, each card includes the private online ID code of the member and a unique card ID. If the person who receives the card is interested, he or she can log on to www.flipme.com, enter the ID codes and contact the “flipper” free via the web. The two parties can then decide if they’d like to arrange a date. “Unlike traditional online dating, we give real attraction a chance to happen first,” says DeAlto, who runs the business with her husband, John. Launched in July, the service now has 4,000 members and offers iPod and Blackberry applications. Says member Jessica Thompson, 32, of Middletown: “I find the cards help take the pressure off trying to meet someone.”

TOMATO FEVER

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SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY OF PIZZA FUSION

If fall’s chill has you longing for the juicy goodness of homegrown Jersey tomatoes, Bergenfield-based TWO GUYS FOOD GROUP (201-954-6051, www.twoguysfoodgroup. com) has a perfect solution: canned tomato sauces made with only Garden State tomatoes. The idea for the year-old company—run by longtime friends and New Jersey natives Scott Stark and David Stoff—came from Stark’s experience selling local farmers’ products through his wholesale produce business. “I thought, ‘Why not extend the Jersey tomato season a bit by making a sauce that can be enjoyed year-round?’” says Stark. Sold locally at Super Foodtowns (see website for locations), the sauces come in varieties that include marinara, tomatobasil, garden vegetable and “spicy.” They retail for between $3.99 and $5.99 per 25-ounce can, and they’re low in sodium and gluten-free with no added sugars.

DECEMBER 2010

10/29/10 10:17 AM

YOUR HOMETOWN FAMILY OPTOMETRIST FOR ALL YOUR VISION CARE AND EYE HEALTH NEEDS WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Medical Care for Allergies, Eye Infections & Injuries, Dry Eyes • Disease Management for Glaucoma, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure • Evaluation & Routine Monitoring of Cataracts and Macular Degeneration • Full Service Optical Shop with Designer Frames, Safety & Sports Eyewear, Sunglasses • Contact Lenses: Fitting, Instruction and Ordering • Sports Vision: Member of the Sports Vision Section of the AOA • Specialty Lenses such as Multifocal and Astigmatism

Family Eyecare Erin Moss Curtis, O.D.

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ERIN M. CURTIS, O.D.

RED BAN K

41 East Front Street Red Bank, NJ 07701

732-741-0170 www.redbankfamilyeyecare.com

11/9/10

8:58 AM

FLASH guests hit the links at THE count basie Theatre’s annual golf outing at Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands. Monies raised will be used for a theatre endowment, a restoration and operations. At the Clean Ocean Action’s “Sunset at Sandy Hook” event at Sea Gulls’ Nest Restaurant on Sandy Hook, locals enjoyed fare from more than 30 area restaurants and caterers, plus auctions and live music. Funds raised will aid the group’s effort to improve the quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast. Finally, the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick hosted its “Better Together” casino night at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Proceeds help provide a place to stay for the families of seriously ill children.

Clean Ocean Action’s Sunset at Sandy Hook

1. Robin Fitzmaurice, Barbara Ward and Nancy Reinhart

4. Roberto Suarez, Leo Gasienica and Ritch Roby

2. W. Kang and T.S. Kim

5. Nancy and Capt. David “Fuzz” Harrison

3. Todd Axt, Tom Bernard, Bruce Severance and Jim Dowd

Count basie THEATRE GOLF OUTING

Ronald Mcdonald House Casino Night 7. Chris Kelly and Patrick Lyman

6. Michelle Roe, Jamian LaViola 8

christopher barth; CHRISTOPHER GORE

5 Gala Name

Think you belong in Flash? Send photos from your gala or charity event to Monmouth Health & Life, att: Flash editor, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; or e-mail editor@wainscot

8. M innie and Gina Thomas

media.com. Include your contact

9. K athy and Bill Rosato

tion and names of all who appear.

enise Goldstein, Lisa 10. D and Michael Borghese

information, a short event descrip(Submissions are not guaranteed to be published and must meet the following image specs: 4x6 color prints or 300 dpi jpg, tif or eps files. Prints must be accompanied by an SASE in order to be returned.)

DECEMBER 2010

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10/29/10 10:07 AM

Tenth in the Nation First in New Jersey The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Colts Neck

The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center is proud to be the tenth in the nation and the first in New Jersey to be accredited as a Certified Qualty Breast Center by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC). And now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought our renowned breast health services to western Monmouth County. Mammography & Laboratory Services Adult and pedicatric blood drawing services available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most insurances accepted. Walk-ins welcome for both laboratory and mammography services. For more information, a tour of our facility or to schedule an appointment, call 732.923.7700. www.monmouthwilentzbreastcenter.com

310 Route 34, 2nd Floor, Colts Neck, NJ 07722

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Monmouth Profile

Care for an ‘angel’ Parents gratefully recall the compassionate treatment their preemie received

community hospital in the nation to establish a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Now a state-designated Level III regional perinatal center—the largest of its kind in Monmouth and Ocean counties—it has consistently attained one of the highest infant survival rates among NICUs in the country. In the early morning hours of December 30, baby Angelina made her grand entrance into the world. Weighing just 2 pounds, 14 ounces, the Cassilianos’ “little angel” required hightouch, clinically excellent ’round-the-clock care in the NICU. “It was so hard, but watching the NICU staff perform their magic was amazing,” says Rob. “Just knowing they were there to save our little angel, no matter what, made all the difference.” For close to two months, Melissa and Rob came regularly from their Freehold home to visit Angelina in the NICU. “The staff there became our family. We would call at all hours of the night and there was always someone there to talk and Little Angelina Cassiliano’s parents update us on our baby girl,” says Melissa. knew she was getting the best possible The following Valentine’s Day was care at Monmouth Medical Center. especially sweet for Rob and Melissa. When they arrived for their visit, they discovered Angelina dressed in a pink hearts sleeper with a card she had made—with a little help from her NICU People say miracles happen when you family—for her mom and dad. “Even with all the stress we least expect them. On December 14, 2009, Melissa and felt, these little things made a world of difference,” recalls Rob Cassiliano were definitely not expecting one. Only 26 Melissa. “We were like normal parents and we cherished that.” weeks into her pregnancy, Melissa arrived at Monmouth Angelina, who is almost 1 now, has gone from the Medical Center late in the evening with dangerously high care of many specialists to just a few. Her smiling face is blood pressure. a reminder to her parents that miracles really do happen When Melissa was immediately admitted and put at the most surprising times. “We tell everyone that the on total bed rest, the first-time parents-to-be were brachospital should be called Monmouth Miracle Center,” says ing for the unknown. “We knew our baby would likely be Melissa. “We can’t express the gratitude we feel to all the born prematurely and we were scared. But the doctors and doctors and nurses who went above and beyond to make nurses made us feel we were in good hands,” says Melissa. our little miracle possible.” n “They took the time to educate us about prematurity, and that really helped.” The Cassilianos were indeed in good hands. When To learn more about the Regional Newborn Monmouth Medical Center opened its Regional Newborn Center at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Center in 1968, the hospital made perinatal history by Medical Center, call 888-SBHS-123. becoming the first hospital in New Jersey and the first 20

DECEMBER 2010

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10/29/10 4:15 PM

NJCPC&U MH&L FP 9-10_ad 8/9/10 4:43 PM Page 1

We have the area’s most experienced and respected surgical team for robotic prostatectomies.

We do it better. And we can prove it.

Dr. Nitin Nick Patel, Dr. Gregory G. Lovallo, Dr. Vincent Lanteri, Dr. Mutahar Ahmed and Dr. Michael Esposito New Jersey Center for Prostate Cancer & Urology at Monmouth Medical Center

At Monmouth Medical Center we know that it’s results that matter most. That’s why, for the treatment of prostate cancer, we added the pioneers of minimally invasive Robotic Prostate Surgery, Doctors Vincent Lanteri, Michael Esposito, Mutuhar Ahmed, Gregory Lovallo and Nitin Nick Patel to our team. With their unmatched experience (to date they are approaching 2500 successful robotic prostatectomies with a zero percent mortality rate), patients are more likely to experience a positive outcome with a decreased risk of incontinence and post-operative erectile dysfunction. These fine surgeons are a further example of our commitment to excellence. In addition to saving lives, they have written the first textbook on robotic prostatectomy and continue to teach and proctor other surgeons on the subject. They also have consulted with respect to the design of the da Vinci robot and its new instruments. When it comes to robotic prostatectomy we were the first in the area to offer this breakthrough option for those with prostate cancer and we continue to be the regional leader in the field.

New Jersey Center for Prostate Cancer & Urology at Monmouth Medical Center: The Area’s Leader in Robotic Prostatectomies • Pioneers and the first in New Jersey to perform robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy surgery. • More than 2500 successful robotic prostatectomies to date. • Authors of the country’s first textbook on robotic prostatectomies. • First in state to perform Robotic Cystoprostatectomy, Partial Nephrectomy, Sacrocolpopexy, Adrenalectomy. • Lowest complication rate. • Zero conversion rate from robotic to open surgery. • First to broadcast live robotic prostatectomy to American Urological Association (AUA) Meeting. • Instrumental in achieving the highly coveted HealthGrades Award in Prostatectomy

255 Third Avenue, Long Branch 732- 403-5506 www.RoboticUrology.com

A national leader in delivering outstanding health care outcomes.

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10/27/10 3:30 PM

Health Link

Healing a broken ankle After a scary injury, treatment puts a young athlete back in action

For high school softball player Jillian Olsen, it was a routine sliding drill that turned out to be anything but routine. Jillian, 15, who recently completed her freshman year at Brick Township High School, was injured while sliding into second base at a softball practice on March 29, 2009—which happened to be the 49th birthday of her father, Wayne. Her cleat got caught in the dirt, but she kept sliding, causing her ankle to “pop” backwards. Both she and her parents knew right away that it was not just a simple twisted ankle, and looking back on the accident a year later, they point to the decision to turn to The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center as the key to her full recovery.

“Her foot was literally hanging off the ankle,” says her mother, Barbara Olsen. “We took her to our local hospital, where she was splinted and told to see an orthopaedist within four days.” Noting how difficult it was to get in to see an orthopedist, she says that a nurse in Jillian’s pediatrician’s office recommended they go to the emergency room at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, where they would have access to specialists in pediatric orthopaedics. “At Monmouth, we were met by a phenomenal nurse, Big Mike, who was wonderful and explained everything to us and to Jillian,” Barbara says. “Jillian said that at the other hospital she was scared because she was in pain and didn’t know what was going to happen. But at Mon-

The growth plate Also known as the epiphyseal plate or physis, the growth plate is the area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates, one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When growth is complete, sometime during adolescence, the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone. Because the growth plates are the weakest areas of the growing skeleton—even weaker than the nearby ligaments and tendons that connect bones to other bones and muscles—they are vulnerable to injury. Injuries to the growth plate are called fractures.

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mouth everyone took the time to talk to her and explain everything that was going to happen.” “She was treated at Monmouth with warmth and open arms,” Barbara adds. “They put her in a private room in an area away from the commotion of the emergency room, and they checked on us frequently.” At Monmouth they also met Lawrence Stankovits, M.D., a fellowshiptrained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon who immediately put the Olsens at ease. “Dr. Stankovits was very gentle and also spoke directly to Jillian, explaining everything,” Barbara says, noting that he showed them the X-rays that revealed a growth-plate fracture in her ankle, and presented three options. Wayne notes that after discussing the severity of the injury, Dr. Stankovits explained the treatment options as an orthopaedic surgeon and as a father—and that by putting those two roles together he put the family at ease. “He talked to us about the growth plate, and how it was not a just regular broken bone in the ankle,” Wayne says. “We asked what he would do if this were his daughter, and he said he would go to the operating room and under anesthesia try and set the ankle, and if that didn’t work, do surgery to insert a pin.” The Olsens agreed with the recommendation, and Dr. Stankovits took Jillian to the operating room, where he inserted a titanium screw to fuse the fracture. She was released from the hospital the next day. “A fracture in a child can be very different from a fracture in the same location in an adult,” Dr. Stankovits says. “Some injuries, if left untreated or improperly treated, can cause permanent damage and interfere with proper physical growth. Whether an arrest of growth occurs depends on the treatment provided.” Following the surgery, the Olsens were shocked at how fast their daughter bounced back. “She had a cast and then a couple of weeks later a boot, and when he took the boot off, Dr. Stankovits told her to ease back slowly, and she never looked back,” Barbara says. “By the fall, she was playing field hockey, and in the spring she was back on the softball field with no pain—and no limitations.”

In fact, she was again sliding into base without hesitation. Jillian—whose Jillian Olsen 17-year-old sister, Corinne, also plays softball for Brick High School—notes that if her ankle had not been treated properly, she would not have been able to return to sports, which are very important to her and her family. “Right now she’s at her peak, and nothing is holding her back,” Wayne says. “The sky’s the limit.” “There is never a bit of pain for her when she’s playing—she’s not afraid to slide, or run all out,” Barbara adds. “As parents, we find it very reassuring to know that we made the right choices. Going to Monmouth—I’m 100 percent confident that we made the right choice there.” Monmouth’s Emergency Department, which treats more than 15,000 children each year, is staffed by pediatricians with fellowship training in pediatric emergency medicine and supported by physicians like Dr. Stankovits with specialty training in a host of pediatric areas. “As a designated Children’s Hospital, we see a high volume of pediatric patients regularly in our Emergency Department,” says Catherine Hanlon, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at Monmouth. “And we have specialists in every area of pediatric care available to consult with or examine patients.” n

signs that require a visit to the doctor

u Inability to continue play because of pain following an acute or sudden injury

v Decreased ability to play over the long term be-

cause of persistent pain following a previous injury

w Visible malformation of the child’s arms or legs x Severe pain from acute injuries that prevents the use of an arm or leg

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

To learn more about the pediatric emergency department at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth, or for a referral to a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, call 888-SBHS-123.

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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Health Link

A birthday break He turned 13 in the E.R. with a leg fracture, but it didn’t slow

Spring Lake Heights resident Christian Hanlon began his teen years inauspiciously—in the emergency room with a leg fracture. But today he’s back in action.

him down for long

An emergency room is hardly an ideal place to celebrate your 13th birthday, but that’s where Christian Hanlon of Spring Lake Heights became a teenager on January 1—and just where he needed to be. That day, explains his mother, Carol Hanlon, the family returned to New Jersey from a New Year’s ski trip in upstate New York and headed straight to Monmouth Medical Center’s Emergency Department. The day before, Christian had suffered a broken leg when he was hit by an out-of-control skier on Hunter Mountain. “The clinic at the mountain put him in a temporary cast and advised us to see an orthopaedist as soon as possible,” Carol says. “Christian had been in significant pain since the accident occurred and endured an extremely uncomfortable three-hour car ride returning from New York. And to add insult to injury, January 1 was his 13th birthday.” “But once we arrived at Monmouth Medical Center, he was immediately brought into the ER without any wait or delay,” she adds. “The nursing staff could not have been more accommodating in dealing with Christian. They immediately placed him in a comfortable room and addressed his pain, and the physician staff attended to him personally in an extremely prompt and professional manner.” Noting that her son is an “awesome skier,” she says the crash broke his tibia “clean in half,” but says he has since recovered completely and has returned to his active lifestyle, which includes biking, running bases and skimboarding (a sport similar to surfboarding, but using a smaller board). She credits the exemplary care he received at Monmouth’s Emergency Department and is grateful to the “caring and knowledgeable staff ”—including orthopaedic surgeon Marc Menkowitz, M.D.—that attended to him. “There’s nothing worse than a parent seeing her 24

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child suffering or in pain,” she says. “The Monmouth ER staff was able to quickly allay my anxiety over Christian’s condition and make us both feel confident and at ease, knowing that he was being well taken care of.” Monmouth’s Emergency Department, which treats more than 15,000 children each year, is staffed by pediatricians with fellowship training in pediatric emergency medicine and supported by physicians with specialty training in a host of pediatric areas. “As a designated Children’s Hospital, we see a high volume of pediatric patients in our Emergency Department,” says Catherine Hanlon, M.D., chair of emergency medicine at Monmouth. “And we have specialists in every area of pediatric care available to consult with or examine patients.” n To learn more about the Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, or for a referral to a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, please call 888-SBHS-123.

DECEMBER 2010

11/1/10 7:55 PM

Surgery with quicker recovery today’s laparoscopic methods mean less pain and scarring, fewer risks, and a quicker return to everyday activities

COLON SURGERY TRADItionally has been performed through an eight- to 12-inch incision, allowing surgeons to work inside the opening to remove a portion of the diseased bowel and reconnect the two remaining sections. With laparoscopic surgery, a large “open” incision no longer is needed. Instead, surgeons operate through several small incisions—each about one-quarter-inch long—through which they insert the laparoscope and special instruments to perform the same procedure. For patients like George Houng, this minimally invasive technique meant less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. Within several weeks, the 55-yearold accountant was able to return to normal activities, including work. “The advanced visualization capabilities of the laparoscope give us a better view than seeing the surgical site with the naked eye,” explains board-certified colorectal surgeon Roy Dressner, D.O. “We are able to watch the enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs on a television monitor as we perform the procedure through the small openings.” Since laparoscopic colectomy was introduced in 2001, Dr. Dressner and his colleagues at Monmouth Medical Center have performed more than 1,000 procedures. Monmouth has the lowest conversion rate from laparoscopic to open colorectal surgery in the region—4 percent vs. 15 percent nationally. The hospital also was the first in the New Jersey invited to broadcast live laparoscopic colon surgery to a meeting of the American College of Surgeons. “This procedure is proving extremely effective in treating colon cancer, benign polyps and diverticulitis, as well as other diseases of the colon,” Dr. Dressner says. “Because of our experience in this sophisticated technique, a growing number of patients are becoming candidates for the procedure, reducing their risk for complications that can result from open surgery.”

Specifically, patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy are less likely to lose a large amount of blood, or develop wound infections or abdominal hernia. “I feel good, and my recovery went very well,” says Houng, a resident of Eatontown whose surgery was done at Monmouth last September Roy Dressner, D.O., and patient George Houng by Dr. Dressner. “I had almost a foot of my colon removed. Now that my colon is shorter, I know I need to eat smaller meals. “I was on a liquid diet at first, but now I have a normal diet,” he adds. “I ate well, rested, and got my strength back.” Initially diagnosed in July of 2009 when a routine colonoscopy revealed a number of cancerous polyps, he is followed every two months by Dr. Dressner. With a family history of the disease, the father of three (ages 22, 18 and 14) notes that he will encourage his children to be followed closely for the disease, which is highly preventable and curable if caught early. “My father was diagnosed with colon cancer at 70— he had the surgery too, and is doing well now at 81,” he says. Dr. Dressner points to enrollment in the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program at Monmouth as another key to cancer survivorship. In conjunction with the High-Risk Cancer Assessment Program at the Leon Hess Cancer Center, the Registry Program offers a multi-specialty team approach to the assessment of family risk, genetic counseling and testing and treatment of polyps and cancer. The registry promotes knowledge of the risks and implication of a family history of colorectal cancer. A geneticist provides patients with education about the disease, tests, surgical options, lifelong surveillance protocols and genetic testing. n To learn more about colorectal surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, or for information on the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program, call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 888-SBHS-123.

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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Health Link

Colon cancer, defeated Today’s laparoscopic colon surgery means a smaller scar and a quicker recovery

Colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting approximately 130,000 Americans and causing more than 45,000 deaths annually. Traditionally, colon surgery to cure colorectal cancer has been performed through an eight- to 12-inch incision, allowing surgeons to work inside the opening to remove a portion of the diseased bowel and reconnect the two remaining sections. But with laparoscopic surgery, a large “open” incision no longer is needed. Instead, surgeons operate through several small incisions through which they insert a laparoscope and special instruments to perform the same procedure. “The advanced visualization of the laparoscope gives us a better view than seeing the surgical site with the naked eye,” explains board-certified colorectal surgeon Michael Arvanitis, M.D., section chief of colon and rectal surgery at Monmouth Medical Center. “We are able to watch the enlarged image of the patient’s internal organs on a television monitor as we perform the procedure through the small openings.”

Teacher Mike Ferraro, left, knew just where to turn when he was diagnosed with colon cancer—to colorectal surgeon Michael Arvanitis, M.D., at Monmouth Medical Center.

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Laparoscopic colectomy was introduced at Monmouth nearly 20 years ago, and starting in 2001 the hospital became one of the first in New Jersey to plan laparoscopic colectomy for all such surgeries done on an elective basis. Monmouth’s colorectal surgeons have performed nearly 1,000 procedures, making Monmouth Medical Center a leading facility in the state for this type of cutting-edge surgery. “This procedure is proving extremely effective in treating colon cancer, benign polyps and diverticulitis, as well as other diseases of the colon,” he says. “Because of our experience in this sophisticated technique, a growing number of patients are becoming candidates for the procedure, reducing their risk for complications that can result from open surgery.” For colon cancer patients like Mike Ferraro of Hazlet and Eatontown resident Bruce Comins, this minimally invasive technique resulted in less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery and lessened overall disability. Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy also are less likely to lose a large amount of blood or develop wound infections or abdominal hernia. Ferraro, a 58-year-old English and creative writing teacher who has taught in the Holmdel Public School System for 36 years and who was diagnosed with the disease in 2005, says he never doubted where to turn for his treatment. “I choose my doctors very carefully,” he says. “I had been going to Dr. Arvanitis since age 40 for colon cancer screenings, and when I was diagnosed with cancer—knowing his reputation—I put my faith in him.” In September 2005, Dr. Arvanitis performed a laparoscopic resection of the transverse colon, a procedure requiring advanced surgical skills. “Dr. Arvanitis is highly regarded by everyone,” adds Ferraro. “After he removed three feet of my colon, I have only a tiny scar and had a very quick recovery. My surgery went so well that for me the hardest part of my treatment was the six months of chemotherapy that

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“I don’t want anyone to join the cancer club,” says Mike Ferraro of Hazlet. “But people in our community should know we have great care right here, close to home.” followed, and dealing with the side effects of that.” For Bruce Comins, a 44-yearold resident of Eatontown with a 30-year history of ulcerative colitis, recovery from the laparoscopic colectomy was similarly quick. He recalls that when he was growing up in upstate New York, he played Little League and had a typically active childhood despite the illness, a form Bruce Comins of inflammatory bowel disease. He says his disease was managed well with medications until in recent years he developed dysplasia, a condition considered to be a sign that normal cells are undergoing a change toward becoming cancerous. People with ulcerative colitis are most at risk for developing colon cancer from dysplasia, and while Comins tried alternative medical treatments to manage the condition, eventually he realized that he would need surgery to remove the diseased portion of his colon. In April of 2009, he underwent a laparoscopic colectomy, which revealed the development of colon cancer, and Dr. Arvanitis removed his large intestine. “Dr. Arvanitis told me that one out of 47 lymph nodes was malignant, so I did have to go through chemotherapy,” he recalls. In November, after healing from the surgery and completing the course of chemotherapy, he underwent a second, less complicated surgery six weeks later to reverse the temporary ileostomy created during the first operation to divert the intestinal contents to an appliance that is placed on the abdomen. “Today I feel great,” he says. “My body is still adjusting to the way it now has to function, but my recovery from the surgeries was great.” And while Comins points to more and more family members being diagnosed with diverticulitis, a noncancerous disease of the colon, Ferraro—who has hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), the most common known hereditary colon cancer—notes a strong family his-

tory of colon cancer that extends to three grandparents, his mother, two aunts and a younger brother. He cites his enrollment in the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program at Monmouth as another key strategy for surviving cancer. In conjunction with the High-Risk Cancer Assessment Program at the Leon Hess Cancer Center, the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program offers a multispecialty team approach to the assessment of family risk, genetic counseling and testing and treatment of polyps and cancer. The main role of the registry is to promote knowledge of the risks and implications of a family history of colorectal cancer. A geneticist provides patients with education about the disease, tests, surgical options and lifelong surveillance protocols as well as the appropriateness of genetic testing. At Monmouth, the program also provides support to ease fear of tests and surgeries and encourages participation in study protocols. Married 36 years with a 31-year-old son and 28-yearold daughter, Ferraro says he encourages his children to make sure they’re followed closely. A volunteer with the American Cancer Society who counsels newly diagnosed patients, he notes that “you have cancer” are among the three worst words a person can hear, and says his philosophy is “You have to save time for laughter between the tears.” “I don’t want anyone to join the cancer club, but those who do should know that it actually can change your life in a positive way,” he says. “For me, it was an uplifting and comforting time, as there really were angels—the people who cared for me and supported me during my treatment. “I have excellent insurance and could have gone anywhere for my treatment,” he adds. “People in our community who are diagnosed with cancer need to know that we have great care right here, close to home. I’m very happy with Monmouth Medical Center, where all my doctors are, and where all my testing is done.” n

To learn more about colorectal surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, or for information on the Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry Program, call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 888-SBHS-123.

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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Health Link

Fixing REFLUX An incisionless procedure may relieve GERD when medications don’t

Seventy-five-year-old Suzanne Childers wasn’t asking for much from life, but one simple pleasure eluded her. “At my age, I should be able to drink an extra glass of soda if I want,” she says. But because Childers is one of the estimated 15 million Americans diagnosed with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—also known as acid reflux—severe heartburn was keeping her from enjoying soda as well as many of her favorite foods. A widow with two daughters and one grandchild, she suffered from severe reflux that was not relieved by multiple antireflux medications. So she turned to the specialists at The Center for Minimally Invasive Esophageal and Gastric Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, where a cutting-edge endoscopic treatment option for severe heartburn known as EsophyX is offering patients lasting relief from this chronic condition. In October, Monmouth gastroenterologist Ben Terrany, M.D., and minimally invasive surgeon Steven J. Binenbaum, M.D., performed the incisionless procedure that is an alternative to conventional surgery. “GERD causes the backward flow of the stomach’s acidic contents, or reflux, into the esophagus,” Dr. Terrany explains. “The lower esophageal sphincter valve— the muscle that lies at the base of the esophagus and the stomach—normally acts as a barrier to keep food in the stomach, but this valve is usually weak or relaxed in an indi28

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vidual who has GERD.” He notes that the EsophyX device provides an incisionless solution to a disease that today is typically treated with medications, either proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers). While medications often alleviate GERD symptoms, they don’t solve the underlying anatomical problem and generally don’t stop disease progression, according to Dr. Terrany. “GERD could be a progressive disease, and the medications may lose their effectiveness over time,” he says. “Since pharmacological therapy does not treat the underlying causes of reflux, the deteriorated anatomy of the anti-reflux barrier, lifelong medication therapy is required for most people. For certain patients like Suzanne with severe GERD, medication and lifestyle changes bring little or no heartburn relief. The EsophyX procedure can allow these patients to return to a normal lifestyle without medication or dietary restrictions and provide a long-term solution to what for some is an everyday problem.” This revolutionary endoscopic procedure corrects the root cause of GERD. With the patient under general anesthesia, the EsophyX device is introduced into the body through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus under visualization of a video camera inserted down the central shaft of the device. The device is then used to form and fasten several tissue folds to create a robust anti-reflux valve at the gastroesophageal junction, resulting in the effective elimination of GERD. Most patients go home the next day and can return to work and most normal activities within a few days. In the weeks following the procedure, a natural healing process fuses and cements the tissue folds to create a durable anti-reflux barrier. “This is a completely incisionless procedure performed safely, quickly and with minimal patient downtime,” Dr. Terrany says. “The procedure is called a natural orifice surgery (NOS) procedure because the EsophyX device is introduced into the body through the mouth, rather than through an abdominal incision.” Advantages of incisionless surgery over conventional laparoscopic or open GERD surgery include shorter hospital stays, less patient discomfort, faster recovery, no visible scars and typically higher patient satisfaction. The procedure effectively eliminates GERD, according to Dr. Terrany, who is fellowship-trained in gastroenterology and holds board certification from the American Board

of Internal Medicine and in gastroenterology and liver disease. “My condition is 90 percent improved,” says Childers. “In the first week, I was restricted to a liquid diet,” she says, adding that she “never wants to see chicken soup again.” After that, she was able to “pretty much eat whatever I wanted.” Now she is off all anti-reflux medications and has returned to her active lifestyle. “I keep busy,” she says, noting that she is an active volunteer with First Baptist Church of Long Branch’s Family Promise program, which, along with a host of other area churches, hosts families in need of places to stay. ■

What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the frequent movement (reflux) of stomach acids back up into the esophagus. Most people experience such reflux from time to time as heartburn, a burning sensation below the breastbone that occurs after eating or at night. GERD is believed to affect 10 to 20 million Americans. People with GERD usually have an abnormal function of the valve-like tissue structure between the stomach and the esophagus. GERD may be aggravated by other factors, including obesity and smoking. While most people with GERD will lead a fullly normal life, a few develop complications. Chronic irritation of the esophagus by stomach contents, for example, may lead to the growth of abnormal lining cells, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. GERD has also been shown to be a risk factor for the development of cancer at the site where the esophagus and stomach join. Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons

To find out more about the EsophyX incisionless procedure to treat GERD, please call 888-SBHS-123.

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Health Link

FAST ACTION for

stroke Thanks to rapid treatment to restore blood flow in her brain, a woman regains health

More than 3 million Americans today are living with the crippling effects of stroke—the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States. Thanks to the prompt care provided by the Stroke Team in Monmouth Medical Center’s Emergency Department, 50-year-old Debra Kruchinsky is not counted among that number. She recently was discharged from Monmouth with only minor lingering effects of the stroke she suffered at work on July 10. “The first thing I said to my kids when they arrived at the hospital was ‘It was amazing’,” says the mother of three and grandmother of three, who drove herself to Monmouth after developing a severe headache and numbness in her face and arm. While at work as a medical transcriptionist in Eatontown, she notes that she had a “headache in an unusual place” as well as numbness on the left side of her face and her left arm. “I took a sip of very hot coffee, thinking the caffeine would help my headache, and I burned my tongue but couldn’t feel anything on the left side of my tongue—that’s when I knew something was seriously wrong,” she says. 30

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When she arrived at Monmouth’s Emergency Department, she was brought into an examining room within five minutes and was seen by a doctor, who within two minutes called a Code Stroke. At Monmouth, the Acute Stroke Team—comprising a neurologist, a specially trained registered nurse and an internal medicine resident physician—is available to respond to a Code Stroke 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Once she called the code, the ER doctor told me to take a deep breath, because things were going to happen very quickly,” Kruchinsky said. “Within seconds, there were 10 people in the room, and I had a doctor at my head, and nurses starting IVs in each arm.” After she underwent a CT (computed tomography) scan to rule out a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain), it was determined that she was a candidate for thrombolytic treatment, which is approved for the immediate treatment of stroke. In 1996, Monmouth became the first hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties to put in place guidelines for the use of thrombolytic treatment to treat stroke patients. “Most strokes are caused when blood clots move

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“Giving thrombolytics within three hours of the first symptoms can help limit damage.” to a blood vessel in the brain and block blood flow to that area, and for such strokes the bloodclot thinning medicine of thrombolytics can be used to help dissolve the clot quickly,” explains Stroke Center medical director Martin Herman, M.D., chief of neurology at Monmouth Medical Center and the physician who treated Kruchinsky. “Giving thrombolytics within three hours of the first stroke symptoms can help limit stroke damage and disability. In occasional, highly selected cases the window can be extended to four-and-a-half hours, but it is always crucial to seek emergency care as soon as possible when experiencing symptoms of a stroke.” Kruchinsky says that Dr. Herman carefully explained that the most commonly used drug for thrombolytic therapy is tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), and that the key to the safe and effective use of TPA therapy is completing the stroke evaluation and beginning treatment within three hours of the onset of symptoms. “Dr. Herman was excellent, and went over everything with me, and we decided together that this was the best course to take,” she said. “We began the treatment right away, and I had a wonderful nurse who didn’t leave my side for the hour it took to administer the TPA.” Upon completion of the TPA administration, she was transferred to the intensive care unit. She says that by the next day, she noticed a marked improvement in her numbness. “I will do physical therapy to address the weakness in my left hand and my balance, which is a little off, but I have no issues with speech or vision or any other major neurological complications,” she said. Monmouth’s Stroke Center, a division of the hospital’s Neurosciences Institute, provides a full continuum of care to stroke patients, following the “best practice” standards established by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, says Stroke Center coordinator Florence Armour. “We have a great program, thanks to the dedicated staff who continue to work on making it so successful, plus we have the data to show how good it really is,” says Armour, who adds that Monmouth is part of the national database,

through the American Stroke Association, that provides Web-based data collection tools that allow it to benchmark outcomes against similar designated stroke centers. As a part of its mission, The Stroke Center also is committed to educating the community that stroke is an emergency that requires an immediate trip to the hospital. “Patients like Mrs. Kruchinsky who are lucky enough to be evaluated within the three-hour window and to have no contraindications to TPA treatment have a 30 percent greater chance of recovery with either no deficit or minimal deficit as compared to those who do not receive this treatment,” Armour says. “And while we are aware that many stroke patients are not eligible for treatment with TPA— including those who have suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, had a previous stroke, recent or active bleeding, uncontrolled high blood pressure or blood clotting problems—we know that stroke victims who are ineligible for this therapy can increase their chances of survival and decrease the degree of disability by getting to an emergency room quickly.” ■

Know the signs of stroke With the treatments available today for stroke, time can make a life-or-death difference. So if you think you or a companion may be having a stroke, call 911 promptly. Here are the warning signs: • sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding • sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination • sudden, severe headache with no known cause American Stroke Association

To learn more about The Stroke Center at Monmouth Medical Center, please call 888-SBHS-123.

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New life after a brain tumor Thanks to a nOVEL chemotherapy regimen, a patient who had a dangerous Stage IV brain cancer is back to his active routine

Paul and Isabel Margolin CELEBRATED THEIR 20th anniversary on August 26 by renewing their vows at the Doo-Wop Diner in Las Vegas, with Elvis Presley—or a reasonable facsimile—officiating. Paul told the gathering, “I love this woman, no ifs, ands or buts.” Which is remarkable when you learn that, three years earlier, he had been unable to utter that sentence, a clear indication that his aggressive form of brain cancer was destroying his ability to understand language and putting his life in grave danger. Today, Paul is virtually tumor-free, thanks to a radical new chemotherapy treatment administered by Sumul N. Raval, M.D., neurologist, neuro-oncologist and founder and medical director of the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center’s Leon Hess Cancer Center.

Neurologists often ask patients to repeat a phrase or sentence to analyze brain function, Dr. Raval explains. “I chose that sentence because it is a tongue-twister and hard to remember,” he says. “When I saw Paul in 2007 he couldn’t repeat it at all.” Margolin, of Pine Brook, is a retired electrical engineer who worked as a manufacturer’s representative for 30 years. In the summer of 2007, while on vacation in Cape May, “I started acting strangely,” he says. “My speech wasn’t making any sense.” He was about to go play golf, “but my wife wouldn’t let me. She took me to a hospital there,” he says. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan found a brain tumor. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Camden, where neurologists diagnosed Stage IV glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and most aggressive An Elvis impersonator officiated when Paul and Isabel Margolin recently marked their 20th anniversary in Las Vegas.

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“This treatment has almost become the new standard of care for these tumors,” says Dr. Raval. “We’re very happy and excited to be part of this historic development in cancer care.” type of primary brain tumor in humans. (A primary tumor is a tumor that starts in the brain rather than metastasizing from elsewhere in the body.) Surgeons in Camden operated to remove the tumor on July 17. “He was given about nine months to live,” Isabel says. He then went on radiation and chemotherapy treatments at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. But six months later, the tumor was back. The NIH doctors discussed various treatment options, including clinical trials. But then a friend recommended Dr. Raval, and Margolin consulted him for a second opinion. “I told him he had a large, serious and rapidly progressing tumor, and I suggested that treatment begin as quickly as possible,” Dr. Raval says. Dr. Raval offered a new chemotherapy regimen that he had been using very successfully since about 2005. It combines the drug bevacizumab (trade name Avastin), a drug typically used to treat colon cancer, and a second drug used for brain and other cancers called irinotecan (trade names Camptosar and Campto). Dr. Raval has presented and published two papers on this treatment’s effectiveness. It works, he says, because bevacizumab is very effective at breaking through what he calls the blood-brain barrier. “The brain is very good at protecting itself from outside chemicals, including medication,” he says. Researchers like Dr. Raval think bevacizumab gets past that barrier, and brings irinotecan with it. That drug prevents blood vessels from growing into and feeding the tumor, cutting off the tumor’s nutrition supply and, in effect, starving it to death. The treatment has worked so well that the Food and Drug Administration approved bevacizumab for glioblastoma treatment this year. “It has almost become the new standard of care for these tumors,” Dr. Raval says. “We are very happy and excited to be part of this historic development in cancer care.” Margolin started his regimen in April 2008. He received 26 treatments over the next 12 months. “Paul had what we call a CR—a complete response,” Dr. Raval says. “We cannot cure this disease, but his tumor is now almost

Isabel Margolin recalls that in 2007 her husband, Paul, was given nine months to live. Three years later, he’s almost tumor-free and able to enjoy life once again.

completely gone. He’s been off the chemo for a year and is essentially tumor-free.” Margolin needs to get a new MRI every two months to make sure the tumor hasn’t returned. Otherwise, he lives a normal, active life. He and his wife manage a mutual fund and play golf together. “He was a scratch golfer, but now he’s a 12 handicap, much to his annoyance,” Isabel says. They also enjoy time with their five grown children and seven grandchildren. “I have no language problems,” Paul reports. “My memory is a bit less than it used to be, but I’m 75, so that may be normal. I feel like I did before all this happened.” He even brought Dr. Raval a picture of himself, his wife and Elvis, which Dr. Raval proudly hangs on his office wall. “Most patients do well with this treatment, but not everyone responds like Paul,” he says. “He’s had the most amazing, almost unbelievable results.” n

To obtain more information on the treatments available at the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center, please call 888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).

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Health Link

Breast imaging advance BSGI technology goes beyond mammograms to show metabolic activity in breast tissue

If your diagnostic Mammogram is unclear or your doctor needs more information, there’s now another imaging technology he or she can turn to to identify cancerous lesions in the breast. It’s called breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), and it’s available at Monmouth Medical Center’s Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center. Breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is a molecular breast imaging technology that helps diagnose breast cancer by highlighting the metabolic activity of breast lesions. It’s particularly beneficial to women who have had a questionable mammogram, are at high risk for breast cancer, have dense breast tissue or implants, have scars from previous biopsies, or are being monitored for breast cancer reoccurrence. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, BSGI has been performed on more than 80,000 patients in both hospitals and private imaging centers across the country. “BSGI is a valuable tool following a questionable mammogram when further evaluation is needed,” says Debra Camal, M.D., a surgeon who is medical director of the Wilentz Center. It’s especially helpful when patients have multiple or suspicious lesions, or when women newly diagnosed with breast cancer require preoperative evaluation.” During a BSGI procedure, a small amount of tracing agent is delivered to the patient and absorbed by the cells in the body. The agent emits visible gamma rays, which are detected by a special high-resolution camera and translated into a digital image of the breast. Due to the higher metabolic activity of cancerous cells, these cells absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent and are revealed as “dark spots.” By viewing these dark spots of concentrated radioactive material, radiologists can identify where cells are suspiciously active. These areas indicate the possibility of a cancerous or otherwise high-risk lesion. Whereas other tests, such as mammography and 34

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ultrasound, create images of the physical structure of the breast, BSGI captures the actual cellular function of the breast tissue. Jorge Pardes, M.D., radiologist and director of breast imaging at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center, says BSGI can be used on high-risk breast cancer patients when breast MRI cannot be performed. It can also see lesions in very dense tissue, while providing multiple angle views for better diagnosis. “The result is quicker, more accurate detection of breast cancer than with mammography alone,” says Dr. Pardes. n

New satellite location for a much-honored center This fall, in Colts Neck, Monmouth Medical Center’s Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center opened its first satellite location at 310 Route 34. Introduced in 1994 at the main campus in Long Branch, the Wilentz Center brings together all preventive, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial and educational services for women concerned about their breast health. The new facility’s introduction came in the wake of two honors for the original Wilentz Center: • The publication Imaging Technology News recognized the center as among the “Top Five Women’s Imaging Centers for 2010” for its “achievements in innovation, operational efficiency, customer service and teamwork.” • The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, administered by the American College of Surgeons, granted the center a three-year full accreditation. To learn more or to schedule an appointment at the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center, please call 732-9237700 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.

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Family-inspired careers two doctors say their grandparents’ experience influenced their choices

While she was in medical school, Debra Camal, M.D., the Breast Center’s medical director, learned there was more to being a good surgeon than technical skill. “My grandmother had surgery, and I waited for the doctor to come out and tell me how it had gone,” says Dr. Camal, who lives in Holmdel with her husband, Thomas (an employee of the New York Transit Authority), three children and one nephew who is “our fourth child.” “Finally I went to the nurses’ desk to inquire, and they told me he’d left hours ago. I learned forever that family is a part of the process, and while the surgery is important, without communication you lose their confidence.” Dr. Camal was drawn to medicine starting at the age of 5, and surgery interested her most. “I like taking things out and putting them back to fix problems,” she says. She attended medical school at the State University of New York Downstate and recalls: “When I started my surgery rotation, I knew that was it from day one.” Next came an internship at Brown University, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. After joining a general surgery practice, Dr. Camal found that she most enjoyed working with women contemplating breast surgery—again, because of their need for communication. “I like talking to people,” she says. “I enjoy discussing treatment options and explaining the pluses and minuses of each.” Big Yankees fans, her family likes to travel to different stadiums to watch baseball, and a trip to Fenway Park in Boston this summer brought their total to 10, she says.

VLADY OSTROW, D.O.

pediatric endocrinologist

surgeon

Debra Camal, M.D.

AFTER HIS FAMILY EMIGRATED FROM RUSSIA when he was just 2, Vlady Ostrow, D.O., pediatric endocrinologist, watched his grandparents suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. When his grandfather died of a heart attack, “I wished something more could have be done,” he says. That wish helped propel him into the medical profession. Dr. Ostrow, 34, grew up in Philadelphia. He earned his medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency training at Crozer-Chester Medical Center Department of Pediatrics in Upland, Pennsylvania. He also did a pediatric endocrinology fellowship at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia. Pediatric endocrinologists specialize in treating diabetes, thyroid and other hormonal abnormalities in infants, children and adolescents. “I always enjoyed caring for children, but I wanted something more specific than general pediatrics,” he says. “And I became very interested in endocrinology—the interplay of the many hormones in the body and how they affect its different organ systems.” Now living in Morganville, he and his wife, Liya, 29, a pediatric dentist, are expecting a second child in December to join their son Julian, 3. “Technology is my vice; gadgets are my obsession,” he says, noting his latest purchase, an iPad. He also enjoys being outdoors with his family. Dr. Ostrow traveled back to his hometown of Kiev in 2004. “I wanted to see where I came from,” he says. “I even went to our old apartment, and a woman who was our neighbor is still there. She walked us to the train station when we left Russia in 1979. She still had pictures of our family. It was a nice reunion.” n

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at home

Topping Your A party-ready tablescape is the

table perfect stage for your feast

THERE’S NO MAGIC ELIXIR FOR CREATING a festive holiday table other than ensuring that it conveys the warmth you feel for your nearest and dearest and reflects your personal style. “Table decoration is meant to be viewed from all sides,” explains internationally acclaimed interior designer Alberto Pinto, author of Alberto Pinto: Table Settings (Rizzoli, 2010). “Three elements preside over its composition: the type of event to be celebrated, the volume of the bouquets—which must be in scale with the size of the tables—and finally the colors of the flowers, which must continued mesh with those of the porcelain.”

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Bright red carnations and strawberries mark the season and create a striking contrast atop a muted white tablecloth. Crystal plates and glasses and silver animal sculptures add a bit of shimmer. M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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AT HOME

Color, fabrics and lighting are the building blocks upon which your fête will be set. Red, always a hallmark hue for the season, needn’t be your only option. Golds, silvers and winter-whites can also add sparkle to your table. And speaking of sparkle, candles will enhance the ambience, especially if you place them near glass or mirrored pieces that will twinkle in their light. In terms of flowers, don’t be afraid to break with tra-

dition. While poinsettias, holly and evergreens are classic holiday favorites, for example, you may wish to embrace other floral choices of varying colors and styles. Just make sure your bouquet does not obstruct anyone’s view. When guests arrive at your table, the centerpiece you’ve carefully chosen will help create just the right backdrop for merriment, garnering attention almost equal to that of your festive feast itself. ■

TIP: “Instead of flowers, I like to display fresh plants on the dessert table. The Christmas cactus is a nice option because it comes in quite a few colors.” ~ STEPHANIE FAZZOLARI, PARTY PLANNING BY STEPHANIE, ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS Photographs reprinted with permission from Alberto Pinto: Table Settings, text by Dane McDowell, Rizzoli New York, 2010

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From left: Yellow gerbera daisies placed in silver harlequins delight the eye on a mirror-topped table. Stunning black-tinged Protea Nerifolia blooms make a bold and beautiful statement for the holidays. Bundles of white peonies complement delicate Neapolitan porcelain statuettes.

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PARTY TIME

Sweet Soiree

COFFEE MEETS CHOCOLATE—AND SUDDENLY YOU’VE GOT A SUREFIRE HOLIDAY AFFAIR

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PLANNING A HOLIDAY PARTY and deciding what to serve can be a headache. This year, why not simplify things by focusing on those two can’tlose crowd-pleasers, chocolate and coffee? When chocolate’s feel-good endorphins pair up with the energizing power of coffee, you can practically hear them whispering, “’Tis the season to be jolly!” To make your “C & C” party look as good as it tastes, let a tantalizing assortment of elegant chocolate desserts provide visual delight. Create a rich backdrop for the confections by decorating in the soft hues of chocolate, coffee and cream. For instance, try adorning your dining area with vases of brown orchids or hypericum (also known as “coffee bean”). Or opt for bunches of chocolate cosmos, a flower that actually smells like chocolate. Happily, there are infinite possibilities of creative coffee drinks and blissful chocolate desserts to highlight at your no-fret fête. Turn the page for two libations that unite this power pair.

Skip the usual poinsettias for a nosegay of thorny rudbeckias: their brown and gold tones add an unexpected touch of chocolate-inspired warmth (and whimsy). At left, a table covered in brown suede is the setting for a sumptuous array of cake, cookies, tarts and chocolate slabs.

TIP: “To create a festive feel, place pinecones, Christmas ornaments or poinsettia leaves between the serving plates on your table.” ~ NICOLE CHAMBERS, ANNA SOIRÉE, OAKHURST M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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PARTY TIME Chocolate Espresso Malts makes 8 to 10 1 pint bittersweet chocolate ice cream 2 tablespoons powdered malt ¼ cup milk 2 shots espresso, chilled 1 shot Kahlúa (optional) 8 to 10 espresso cups or edible chocolate cups* Whipped cream, chocolate shavings and cinnamon sticks, to garnish • Put the ice cream, malt, milk, espresso and Kahlúa in a blender and blend to combine. • Pour into cups and garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. *Note: Edible chocolate espresso cups may be ordered from Chocolates à la Carte at www.chocolatesalacarte.com.

Delight guests with an inspired dessert coffee bar. Brew decaf and regular coffee with dark espresso beans and set out a variety of after-dinner drinks—think Nocello, Kahlúa, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Amaretto and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. Then garnish the display with an assortment of accompaniments like coffee candies, flavored sugar cubes, dark and white chocolate chips, cookies and whipped cream. Silver shakers filled with cocoa and cinnamon create a perfect finishing touch.

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White Russian makes 1 drink 1 fl oz. Kahlúa 1 fl oz. vodka 1 shot freshly made espresso ½ cup lightly whipped cream Chocolate shavings, to garnish • Pour the Kahlúa, vodka and espresso in a serving glass and top with whipped cream. • Garnish with chocolate shavings. • Serve immediately

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partY time

planning a

kids’ bash Whimsical décor and treats galore can be the makings Of a great children’s party

don’t forget the young ones when you plan the season’s entertaining. Kids deserve to party too, and you may even catch a moment to hobnob with their chaperoning parents. You’ll find that a savvy selection of colors, decorations and tasty treats can help make your bash a smash. Keep children’s ages and genders in mind—along with any special theme you’ve chosen—as you craft invitations to send to your child’s friends. You might consider asking children to dress up and bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal as a “guest.” Set the table with a traditional tablecloth or perhaps an inventive alternative. (In the spread pictured at left, a colorful crocheted bed cover made a party pop.) Napkins are also a must to prevent sticky fingers. Choose colorful cloth napkins, which you can tie with yarn or hair ties. Party gurus suggest serving simple, easy-to-enjoy items that minimize mess. If pizza, ice-cream sundaes and superhero cakes seem trite, try tea sandwiches stuffed with peanutbutter-and-jelly or egg salad—or cookies, cupcakes or other finger foods. You can even use a cookie cutter to cut sandwiches and cookies into stars, hearts and other shapes. And top sweets with colorful frostings and toppings, such as M&Ms, jelly beans and sprinkles. Display desserts on cake stands and consider filling any gaps between the dishes with dolls, figurines, sports trophies or other eye-catchers. You can serve beverages in dainty teacups (or mugs if it’s an all-male group), whether the children prefer traditional tea, juice, punch, milk or hot chocolate. After the kids are suitably stuffed, a fun-filled game session is in order. Feel free to organize old-fashioned favorites such as the breaking of a holiday piñata, or dream up an innovative game of your own. At the party’s end, be sure to give each child something to take home, perhaps a holiday “goodie bag” or a chocolate lollipop embellished with a colorful ribbon. n

TIP: “Make chocolates with a seasonal mold, wrap them and place them in baskets. They’re lovely favors.” ~ mary schibell, frequent host, west long branch

TIP: “Engage all five senses: Light candles. Play the sounds of the season. Simmer mulled cider. Keep soft towels in the powder room. And, of course, serve great food.” ~ alexandra delaney, stella byrd events, rumson M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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TIP: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Use all-white or all-red florals, then insert ivy that trails down onto the table like a runner.â&#x20AC;? ~ Jill Elson-Ann, frequent host, rumson

Divine dinner party Three local chefs share recipes for a holiday meal your guests will long remember

Looking for inspiration for an unforgettable holiday repast? Monmouth Health & Life called on three Monmouth County chefs to create a three-course menu for a festive dinner you can create in your own kitchen.

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Sweet potato and leek soup with sage and smoked turkey DAVID BURKE Fromagerie, Rumson FOR THE SOUP:

heat until leeks are wilted and lightly golden. • Add light chicken stock or broth, sage, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are very tender. • Puree soup in a food processor. • Return soup to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and correct seasoning. • Add butter (4 tablespoons) and whisk until it is completely blended into soup. Add diced turkey. • Pour soup into a tureen or ladle into individual soup bowls. Serve with freshherb wafers, if desired.

CHRISTOPHER BARTH

Serves 6-8 ¼ pound butter, plus 4 tablespoons 2 cups chopped leeks (white parts only) 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 q uarts light chicken stock or canned chicken broth ¼ c up chopped fresh sage or 1 tablespoon dried sage 3 tablespoons coarse or kosher salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper 1 p ound smoked turkey (preferably breast) diced Fresh-herb wafers (optional) • Heat butter (¼ pound) in a large saucepan or soup pot. Add leeks, sweet potatoes and celery and sauté over low

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Rosemary-scented lamb chops with balsamic vinegar and broccoli rabe SALVATORE SCOTTO Portofino, Tinton Falls

For the lamb chops: Serves 1 4 loin lamb chops 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 sprigs of rosemary 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed ¾ cup of balsamic vinegar Salt to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste • Rub the lamb chops all over with the rosemary and garlic. • Add olive oil to a 14” sauté pan and heat on high. Turn heat down to medium, place the lamb in the pan and sauté for 2 minutes on each side. Remove lamb from the pan and keep warm on a plate. • Add the balsamic vinegar and deglaze the pan over moderate heat, being careful to scrape up all the crusty bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. • When the pan juices and vinegar have reduced and thickened a little, quickly pour the sauce over the chops. Add salt and pepper, as desired.

For the broccoli rabe: 1½ pounds broccoli rabe 1 clove garlic, chopped 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. • Trim the ends of the broccoli rabe and place broccoli rabe in the boiling water until tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Drain. • In a 14” sauté pan over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the drained broccoli rabe and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve lamb chops over broccoli rabe.

DECEMBER 2010

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Gingerbread funnel cake

Serves 8 1 egg, beaten 2 3 cup milk 2 tablespoons sugar 1¼ cup flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 t easpoon black pepper 1 ½ teaspoon gingerbread spice

• Mix flour, sugar, salt, black pepper and gingerbread spice in one bowl, and the beaten egg and milk in another bowl. Combine all ingredients together. • In a heavy bottom skillet (cast iron will maintain temperature better than any other), heat 1” of frying fat of choice to 325 degrees on a candy thermometer. • Place batter into a pastry bag with a medium tip, twisting closed. Hold it upside down until ready to pour. • Gently pour batter into fat, making lazy crisscrossing circles about 4” in diameter. When golden brown, about 2 minutes, gently flip to other side and continue for another minute. • Remove from pan and place on roasting rack to drain any excess oil. • Dust with powdered sugar.

CHRISTOPHER BARTH

MICHAEL D’ENNERY Trinity Restaurant, Keyport

FOR THE cake:

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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11/1/10 7:57 PM

escapes

Spas with a plus Why not go somewhere sunny and fascinating—an exciting city or a sun-kissed beach—to be pampered and restored?

this page: shutterstock; Opposite page: Photos courtesy of Victor Elias and Velas Resorts; The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau; The Westin La Cantera Resort; shutterstock

If you’re like many of us, the buzz, bustle and brisk air of autumn are starting to take a toll on your soul. For those ready to reclaim their bliss, we at Monmouth Health & Life found two super spas located in stunning, sultry spots where there’s more to enjoy than massages alone: one in a charming Southwestern city bristling with history, another on a dazzling Caribbean coast. continued

DECEMBER 2010

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1. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, Mexico 2. Spa massage 3. Grand Velas Resort & Spa on Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riviera Maya 4. Scrubbing sea salts 5. The Alamo 6. Invigorating soaps 7. Palmer Clubhouse at Westin La Cantera in San Antonio 8. Hot stone massage 9. Boat cruise on the San Antonio River

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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ESCAPES

Westin La Cantera Resort

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

out Brannon’s Café on site, or venture to local favorite Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine (210-222-0561, www.aldacos.net), where you can unwind with the famous avocado margarita, plus top-rate enchiladas, tacos and more.

 THE PLUS The Westin La Cantera is 15 miles from the heart of San Antonio, where the River Walk (www.thesanantonioriverwalk. com) offers a 2-mile stretch of shops, eateries and galleries that hug both banks of the San Antonio River. Explore downtown on foot or take a leisurely boat ride—for romance, try the noted sunset cruise. (Tours are $8.25 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and over, $2 for children 5 and under; www.riosanantonio.com.) No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo (www.thealamo.org). Today the famed mission and battle site isn’t out in the open the way it looks in the movies—the bustling city has risen around it. Relive the days when martyrs for Texas independence bought precious time for General Sam Houston’s army. Admission is free, and visitors can see historical relics inside the museum and stroll through the site’s glorious gardens.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTIN LA CANTERA RESORT.

SET IN A LUSH 7,600 SQUARE FEET ADORNED WITH live plants and softly glowing candlelight, Castle Rock at La Cantera—named one of the nation’s top 100 spa resorts in Condé Nast Traveler—is home to four massage rooms, two facial rooms, a salon space and more. Of course, the moment your eyes close at this luxurious resort (210-558-6500, www.westin lacantera.com), your body won’t care where it is. In the “journey to renewal,” a 3½-hour sampling of the indulgent pleasures ($270), you’ll experience a massage and facial, a manicure or pedicure, and an “eye zone wrap” treatment, which promises to reduce fine lines and puffiness. In the “hot stone touch-up” ($30 for 20 minutes), heated basalt stones are applied to hands and feet for what La Cantera calls “a quick, yet soothing escape.” A 25-minute soothing massage of the scalp, face and décolleté, with your choice of blue oil or flower water, is $60. Or opt for a romantic 50-minute couple’s massage right in your room ($105 to $110 per person). When it’s dinnertime, Francesca’s at Sunset offers distinguished evening meals with a Southwestern flavor, prepared in many cases with local ingredients in a “farm-to-table” arrangement with Seguin, Texas–based Uncertain Farms. (Try Francesca’s “signature” Caesar salad and the mouthwatering corn crepe-lobster enchilada.) If it’s a casual meal you crave, check DECEMBER 2010

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTOR ELIAS AND VELAS RESORTS.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

FOR SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER PAMPERING, YOU can’t beat the spa at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort (866-634-0047 for the spa, 866-230-7221 for reservations; www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com), which was named “Most Excellent Spa Hotel” in Mexico and Central America by Condé Nast Johansens. At more than 76,000 square feet, the sanctuary boasts 40 treatment suites decorated with native artwork. You’ll find couples’ suites with hydromassage tubs, a clay room, an ice room and an “experience pool” with water falls, a bubbling water geyser and a pebble walkway for happy feet. One of the spa’s private treatment areas boasts a double Jacuzzi, and a beauty salon provides complete hair, nail and body care to put the finishing touches on the suitably refreshed you. Massages, body treatments, wraps and facials are offered here, and treatment options include packages with Indian and Mediterranean flavors. But why not go local with “Journey Through Native Mexico”? It includes a “sacred obsidian stone massage,” an “avocado wrap,” an “Xocol-Ha wrap and coffee scrub” and four other features. Hungry for more than self-renewal? Grand Velas features eight eateries in varying styles and shades of ele-

gance, including Frida, named in honor of the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and featuring grilled flank fillet with roasted cactus leaves and Chipotle chili pepper stuffed with cheese. ■



THE PLUS Just 40 miles from Cancun International Airport, Grand Velas is beautifully situated, with a lush jungle on one side and uncrowded silky-white–sand beaches on the other. Explore the area a bit, and you’ll end up with some cherished Mexican memories—swimming in natural underground pools (called cenotes), strolling among the shops on La Quinta Avenida in the town of Playa del Carmen (just five minutes away) or visiting the theme park Xcaret (www.xcaret.com), which features a coral reef aquarium and a chance to snorkel, scuba-dive or swim with dolphins. A bit to the south, you can visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum or check out Sian Ka’an (www.cesiak.org), a biosphere preserve that offers a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems, with an ecotourism and education center to explain it all.

M O N M O U T H H E A LT H & L I F E

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Glorious FOOD

healthy

handful

IRRESISTIBLY MUNCHABLE, YET SUPER-HEALTHY? THAT’S NUTS!

GO AHEAD—REACH FOR THAT HOLIDAY BOWL. A DAILY SERVING OF NUTS—ENOUGH TO FIT in the palm of your hand—packs a much-needed dose of protein and fiber and offers a heart-health boost. They’re cholesterol-free and low in sodium (as long as you stick to unsalted). And each type of nut shines in its own way.

Walnuts

Cashews

Serving size: 14 halves Calories: 185 Benefit: They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve brain function and protect against plaque buildup by reducing artery-clogging inflammation. Chances are, you need the help: An estimated 60 percent of Americans are deficient in omega-3s. Luckily, one serving of walnuts meets your daily requirement.

Serving size: 18 nuts Calories: 157 Benefit: They’re among the few nuts containing a significant amount of vitamin K, which is mainly found in leafy greens. This multi-functioning vitamin maintains proper blood clotting, helps prevent bone-density loss and works against hardening of the arteries.

Almonds Serving size: 23 nuts Calories: 163 Benefit: They’re an excellent source of a type of vitamin E called alphatocopherol, an antioxidant that helps neutralize damaging free radicals. Foods containing vitamin E may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease and contribute to healthy aging.

Hazelnuts Serving size: 21 nuts Calories: 178 Benefit: Of all tree nuts, they’re tops in folate content. Folate plays an essential part in the production of cells, making it a critical nutrient for expectant moms. It protects against DNA changes that can lead to cancer, and it may also ward off depression and anemia.

Pistachios

Food_MRHL_610_final.indd 54

Serving size: 6 nuts Calories: 186 Benefit: Here a little goes a long way: One nut provides more than the recommended daily value of selenium. This mineral regulates thyroid function, supports the immune system and may help relieve arthritis symptoms. It’s also a possible cancer-fighter. But too much selenium can cause adverse effects (abdominal trouble and hair loss, for example), so it’s best to limit your Brazil-nut intake.

Pecans Serving size: 19 halves Calories: 196 Benefit: When it comes to antioxidants, they’re the number-one nut. The Southern treat is also in the top category of antioxidant-containing foods. That means pecans may decrease the threat of coronary heart disease, cancer and neurological diseases.

Peanuts Serving size: 28 nuts Calories: 161 Benefit: These popular poppables boast a variety of nutrients, including cancer-fighting beta-sisterol. A 10-year study found that eating peanuts two or more times a week was associated with a 58 percent reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer in women and a 27 percent lowered risk in men.

SHUTTERSTOCK; ISTOCK

Serving size: 49 nuts Calories: 159 Benefit: They contain more lutein than any other nut. Recent research suggests that nutrient can help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration. Pistachios also supply eyesight-boosting beta-carotene.

Brazil nuts

DECEMBER 2010

10/27/10 11:24 AM

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10/27/10 3:30 PM

Monmouth gourmet

crazy GOOD

you sit, you’ll feel as if you’re in the center of the action: Pazzo (Italian for “crazy”) is full of motion, loud with chatter and unquestionably upbeat. One thing’s sure: The food helps make the mood light. We started with the stuffed artichoke—so big, one was plenty for two. Redolent of garlic and truffle oil, it announces itself with its aroma. And then you start eating, leaf by leaf, scraping the moist, delicious bread, garlic, tomato and pecorino mixture off with your teeth and hoping the leaves will magically multiply. That’s how good it is. Luckily, we had a plate of pappardelle alla Bolognese awaiting. The meaty ragu (a tad less refined than one you’d find in its namesake city, but respectable nonetheless) clung well to the broad al-dente noodles, rendering each forkful well-rounded in taste and texture. And note that the half-portion we ordered was huge. Entrees are serious affairs here, coming with varied, well-considered and ample accompaniments that make them complete meals unto themselves. Lamb, for instance, comes with fava bean puree and broccolini; filet mignon, with fingerling potatoes and wilted spinach. We sampled the halibut— exceptionally moist and surprisingly tasty Pazzo for what can be a bland, mild fish—and 1412 West Front Street, Red Bank, it came with beautifully sautéed escarole 732-747-4551; and white beans. And based on their forkwww.pazzoredbank.com tenderness, the braised short ribs are no Hours doubt tended to for hours. A Chianti demiDinner: Monday through Thursday, glaze along with caramelized pearl onions 3–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, and carrots brings out the beef ’s sweet3–11 p.m.; Sunday, noon–9 p.m. ness, while polenta (just add salt) turns the Lunch: Monday through Saturday, whole plate into a kind of savory pudding. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Richness and fullness of flavor seem What you should know to be Chef Imbrenda’s hallmarks, and they • Entrees average $28 extend to desserts too, with a chocolate cake • Full bar that’s impossible to leave on the plate (even • Free parking in Corporate Plaza after all the food that came before) and garage a cheesecake with a light citrus note and • Reservations required for groups creamy texture that, while not New Yorkof 6 or more style, you’ll be sure to flip for. Then again, • Handicapped accessible at Pazzo, there’s a lot you’re bound to be • Private parties accommodated • Major credit cards accepted crazy about. n

istock

It’s practically brand new (open just since July), it’s bustling (on a Saturday night, our table for two was a high-top in the big and buzzing bar area) and it boasts some darn good dishes created by executive chef Joe Imbrenda. If you’re in the mood for Italian fare—from pizza to panini, mussels to veal Milanese—in a high-energy atmosphere, odds are you’ll enjoy the flavors, fragrance and pace of your meal as served by Pazzo’s friendly, attentive waitstaff. Simply and elegantly appointed (ochre and red-accented walls contrast nicely with dark wood moldings and furnishings), the newly constructed space is clean and airy, with arches separating the big square 25-seat bar (yes, you can catch the game there) from the main dining room. And no matter where

by Maria Lissandrello

DECEMBER 2010

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event planning holiday cards invitations distinctive gifts

Buy any specialty pizza and receive a FREE cheese pizza of the same size. Gluten-free additional charge $3 Personal/$6 Large. Valid on dine-in, take out and delivery. Cannot be combined with other offers.

479031

~ Complementary gift wrap ~

one mile south of monmouth mall 2005 route 35 north ~ oakhurst, new jersey www.annasoiree.com ~ 732.686.9570

AnnaSoiree_14S_1210JN1.indd 1 057_MNHL_DEC10.indd 1

10/27/10 4:41 PM

$15 maximum value. Good for dine-in and take-out. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for delivery. Expires 11/15/10 HUB

ORDER ONLINE! www.pizzafusion.com/redbank

11/10/10

8:55 AM

where TO EAT If you’ve got a craving, there’s a dining establishment in Monmouth County (or nearby) that will satisfy it. Turn to this listing next time you want a wonderful meal out.

asbury park

colts neck

monmouth beach

Bistro Olé Latin-infused Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 230 Main St., Asbury Park · 732-897-0048

GREEN MEADOWS ReSTAURANT Continental cuisine featuring 1954 Steak. MC accepted. · 270 Route 34 South, Colts Neck · 732-431-8755

SALLEE TEE’S GRILLE Pasta, seafood and burgers. Major credit cards accepted. · 33 West St., Monmouth Beach · 732-834-8999

brickwall tavern and dining room American fare featuring a variety of steaks and salads. Major credit cards accepted. · 522 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park · 732-774-1264 Carmine’s Italian favorites: pasta, pizza and seafood. Major credit cards accepted. · 162 Main St., Asbury Park · 732-774-2222 JIMMY’S Italian cuisine featuring dishes like chicken scarpariello. Major credit cards accepted. · 1405 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park · 732-774-5051 Langosta LoungE Vacation-inspired cuisine and libations. Major credit cards accepted. · 1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park · 732-455-3275 Moonstruck American/Italian/Mediterranean cuisine and cocktail lounge. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 517 Lake Ave., Asbury Park · 732-988-0123 Taka Stylish Japanese eatery. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 632 Mattison Ave., Asbury Park · 732-775-1020

atlantic highlands Julia’s Elegant Italian and Mediterranean Dining. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 91 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands · 732-872-1007

avon-by-the-sea Clementine’s café Charming Cajun eatery. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 306 Main St., Avon-by-the-Sea · 732-988-7979

bay head GRENVILLE HOTEL & RESTAURANT American & French cuisine. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 345 Main Ave., Bay Head · 732-892-3100

belford BELFORD BISTRO New American cuisine. Major credit cards accepted. · 870 Main St., Belford · 732-495-8151

belmar

klein’s Fresh fish, raw bar and sushi. Major credit cards accepted. · 708 River Rd., Belmar · 732-681-1177 Matisse Oceanfront restaurant and catering. V/MC/AMEX accepted. · 1301 Ocean Ave., Belmar · 732-681-7680

brielle DUE AMICI Northern Italian with 10 nightly specials. Major credit cards accepted. · 420 Higgins Ave., Brielle · 732-528-0666 Sand Bar Restaurant Seafood and American cuisine. House specialty: blackened mahi mahi bites. Major credit cards accepted. · 201 Union Ln., Brielle · 732-528-7750

fair haven RAven & the peach International fare featuring steak. Major credit cards accepted. · 740 River Rd., Fair Haven · 732-747-4666

freehold bistro positano Casual Italian fare. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 30 E. Main St., Freehold · 732-294-1112 CAFÉ COLORÉ Unique Italian eatery. Try Veal Roberto. BYO. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 3333 Rt. 9 North, Freehold · 732-462-2233 METROPOLITAN CAFÉ American cuisine with a Pacific Rim flair. · 8 East Main St., Freehold · 732-780-9400

highlands bay avenue trattoria Delightful Italian fare in a casual setting. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 122 Bay Ave., Highlands · 732872-9800

oakhurst Mike and Nellie’s Italian grill with entrées including prime steaks and seafood. BYO. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 1801 Hwy. 35, Oakhurst · 732-531-7251

red bank Bienvenue Classic French cuisine featuring duck. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 7 East Front St., Red Bank · 732-936-0640 GAETANO’S Regional Italian cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, ravioli, seafood, veal and chicken dishes. BYO. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 10 Wallace St., Red Bank · 732-741-1321 NICHOLAS New American cuisine featuring signature braised suckling pig. Major credit cards accepted. · 160 Rt. 35 South, Red Bank · 732-345-9977 PAZZO Italian fare featuring veal Milanese. Major credit cards accepted. · 141 West Front Street, Red Bank · 732-747-4551

chilangoS mexican restaurant Authentic Mexican fare. Major credit cards accepted. · 272 Bay Ave., Highlands · 732708-0505

Pizza fusion Casual Italian eatery specializing in organic and gluten-free pizza. Major credit cards accepted. · 95 Broad St., Red Bank · 732-345-1600

DORIS & ED’S Contemporary American fare featuring seafood. Major credit cards accepted. · 348 Shore Dr., Highlands · 732872-1565

RED American menu featuring seafood, sushi and steak. Major credit cards accepted. · 3 Broad St., Red Bank · 732-741-3232

keyport

TEAK Stylish restaurant featuring many flavors. Major credit cards accepted. · 64 Monmouth St., Red Bank · 732-747-5775

drew’s bayshore bistro Cajuninfluenced fare. Major credit cards accepted. · 58 Broad Street, Keyport · 732-739-9219 Trinity Restaurant and Lounge Inspired American fare. Major credit cards accepted. · 84 Broad Street, Keyport · 732888-1998

little silver RAY’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT and market Fresh seafood selection. No credit cards accepted. · 123–125 Markham Pl., Little Silver · 732-758-8166

long branch avenue Combining French and American traditions. Major credit cards accepted. · 23 Ocean Blvd., Long Branch · 732-759-2900

manasquan Mahogany Grille Creative grill cuisine, steaks and seafood. Major credit cards accepted. · 142 Main St., Manasquan · 732292-1300

marlboro sam vera restaurant Northern Italian fare. Major credit cards accepted. · 476 Rt. 520, Marlboro · 732-834-9889

via 45 Intimate Italian eatery. Major credit cards accepted. · 45 Broad St., Red Bank · 732-450-9945

rumson SALT CREEK GRILLE American cuisine and seafood. Major credit cards accepted. · 4 Bingham Ave., Rumson · 732-933-9272

sea bright MCLOONE’S RIVERSIDE New American cuisine featuring large lobsters. MC/V/AMEX accepted. · 816 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright · 732-842-2894 The Quay Steak and seafood dishes with a location directly on the waterfront. MC/V/ AMEX accepted. · 280 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright · 732-741-7755

sEA GIRt fratello’s restaurant Italian fare featuring seafood. Major credit cards accepted. · 810 The Plaza, Sea Girt · 732-974-8833 Scarborough Fair Eclectic American fare. Major credit cards accepted. · 1414 Meeting House Rd., Sea Girt · 732-223-6658

DECEMBER 2010

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shrewsbury SAN REMO Italian cuisine. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 37 East Newman Spring Rd., Shrewsbury · 732-345-8200

spring lake Black Trumpet New American cuisine featuring fresh seafood. BYO. MC/V/DC accepted. · 7 Atlantic Ave., Spring Lake · 732-449-4700 WHISPERS Modern American cuisine featuring seafood. BYO. Major credit cards accepted. · 200 Monmouth Ave., Spring Lake · 732-974-9755 n

Where to eat by cuisine

AMERICAN: Belford Bistro, Belford • Black

Trumpet, Spring Lake • Brickwall Tavern and Dining Room, Asbury Park • Doris & Ed’s, Highlands • Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport • Mahogany Grille, Manasquan • Mcloone’s Riverside, Sea Bright • Matisse, Belmar • Metropolitan Café, Freehold • lee Tee’s Grille, Monmouth Beach • Salt Creek Grille, Rumson • Scarborough Fair, Sea Girt • Trinity Restaurant and Lounge, Keyport • Whispers, Spring Lake asian: Taka, Asbury Park CONTINENTAL: Green Meadows Restau-

rant, Colts Neck • Raven & the Peach, Fair Haven french: Avenue, Long Branch • Bien-

venue, Red Bank • Grenville Hotel & Restaurant, Bay Head Italian: Bay Avenue Trattoria, Highlands

• Bistro Positano, Freehold • Café Coloré, Freehold • Carmine’s, Asbury Park • Due Amici, Brielle • Geatano’s, Red Bank • Fratello’s Restaurant, Sea Girt • Jimmy’s, Asbury Park • Mike and Nellie’s, Oakhurst • Pazzo, Red Bank • Sam Vera Restaurant, Marlboro • San Remo, Shrewsbury • Via 45, Red Bank mexican: Chilangos Mexican Restaurant,

Highlands Multi-Ethnic: Bistro Olé, Asbury Park •

Clementine’s Café, Avon-by-the-Sea • Julia’s, Atlantic Highlands • Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park • Moonstruck, Asbury Park • Teak, Red Bank Seafood: Klein’s, Belmar • Ray’s Seafood

Restaurant and Market, Little Silver • Sand Bar Restaurant, Brielle • The Quay, Sea Bright

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WTE_MON_410_FInalREV4.indd

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Be there December December 2 through January 23—

See THE TANGLED SKIRT, a new thriller in the tradition of film director Alfred Hitchcock, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the New Jersey Repertory Company Theatre in Long Branch. In the play, a man waiting for the last bus out of town meets a woman who’s “on the run.” Tickets: $40 for adults; $36 for seniors; $25 for students. Call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org for more information. FREE December 3—Get

into the spirit of the season at the annual BELMAR HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND FESTIVITIES, 5:30 p.m. to

8 p.m. at Pyanoe Plaza in Belmar. Call 732-681-3700 or visit www.bel marchamber.com to learn more. December 3 through 18—Catch

the beloved Christmas classic SCROOGE, Fridays through Sundays at the Spring Lake Community House in Spring Lake. Tickets: $28 for adults; $26 for seniors and students; $20 for children under 12. Call 732-449-4530 or visit www.spring laketheatre.com for show times and more information.

Classic Horse-and-carriage rides FREE December 4, 11 and 18—Take

in the sights and sounds of the holidays while traveling at the luxurious pace of a bygone era, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Red Bank. Rides depart from both Bridge Avenue (across from the Galleria) and 26 Broad Street and proceed through Red Bank’s business district. Call 732-842-4244 or visit www.redbankrivercenter.org for more information. classic ballet THE NUTCRACKER, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. The show features local dancers as well as soloists from New York City ballet companies. Tickets: $15 to $35. Call 732-842-9000 or visit www.countbasietheatre.org for more information. FREE December 18 and 19—Delight

in a cup of cider and a VISIT WITH SANTA, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. Parents can take pictures of their children with Saint Nick. Call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com for additional information.

Jan uary

December 11 and 12—Bring the family

to see the Company of Dance Arts version of the

January 2—Ring in 2011 with the Orchestra of St. Peter By the Sea’s VIENNESE NEW YEAR, featuring

holiday open house FREE December 4 and 5—Taste

X0 6

Through January 3—Experience fes-

tive decorating with an eco-friendly twist at the Monmouth Museum’s GO GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

exhibition, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays in Lincroft. The show features holiday trees adorned with trimmings handcrafted from recycled and reclaimed materials. Admission: $7. Call 732-747-2266 or visit www.monmouthmuseum.org to learn more. n

Send event listings to: Monmouth Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; fax 201-7825319; e-mail editor@wainscotmedia. com. Listings must be received four months in advance of the event and must include a phone number that will be published.

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wines, sample gourmet items and visit the Christmas Shop at this event at the Cream Ridge Winery, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Allentown. Call 609-259-9797 or visit www.creamridgewinery. com to find out more.

the music of Mozart and Strauss, 3 p.m. at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. Tickets: $45 for prime seating; $40 for adults and seniors; $30 for students. Call 732-528-9211 or visit www.algonquinarts.org for more information.

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What’s happening C H I L D B I R T H P R E PA R AT I O N / PA R E N T I N G Programs are held at Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch. To register, call 732-923-6990 unless otherwise noted. One-Day Preparation for Childbirth November 21, December 12, January 23, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $179/couple (includes breakfast and lunch). Two-Day Preparation for Childbirth (two-session program) December 4 and 11, January 8 and 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $150/couple (includes continental breakfast). Preparation for Childbirth (five-session program) Janu-

ary 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1; February 15, 22, March 1, 8 and 15, 7:30–9:30 p.m. $125/couple.

at Monmouth Medical Center G E N E R A L H E A LT H

SPECIAL EVENT: Living Well With Diabetes November 17, 5–8 p.m. Information, screenings, presentations, beverages and light fare. At Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. To register, call 1-888-SBHS-123, prompt #4. Free. Free Child Car Seat Inspections November 18, 5–8 p.m.; January 21, 12–3 p.m. At Long Branch Union Fire Company, 199 Union Avenue. Appointment required. Call 1-888-SBHS123, prompt #4. CPR for Family and Friends November 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Babysitters, parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend. At Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch. To register, call 732-923-6990. $40/person.

Two-Day Marvelous Multiples January 30 and February 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. For those expecting twins, triplets or more. $150/couple (includes continental breakfast).

Middletown United Methodist Church Community Health Fair November 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 924 Middletown-

Eisenberg Family Center Tours November 21, December 5 and 19, January 9 and 23, 1:30 p.m. Free. (No children under 14 years old.)

Food Allergies in Children February 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Presented by Tina Zecca, D.O., pediatric allergy and general pediatrics. At Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. To register, call 732-842-4000, ext. 1. Free.

Baby Fair March 6, 1–3 p.m. Free. For parents-to-be and those considering starting a family, featuring Eisenberg Family Center tours, refreshments, gifts. To register, call 1-888-SBHS123, then choose prompt #4. (No children under 14 years old.) Make Room for Baby November 13, December 18, January 22, 10–11 a.m. For siblings ages 3 to 5. $40/family. Becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister November 20, January 29, 10–11:30 a.m. For siblings age 6 and older. $40/family. Childbirth Update/VBAC January 5, March 2, 7:30–9:30

p.m. Refresher program including information on vaginal birth after cesarean. $40/couple. Baby Care Basics (two-session program) December 11

and 18, 1–3 p.m.; January 6 and 13, 7:30–9:30 p.m. $80/couple. Breastfeeding Today December 9, February 3, 7–9:30

p.m. $50/couple. Cesarean Birth Education December 8, February 2,

7:30–9:30 p.m. $40/couple. Grandparents Program January 10, March 7, 7–9 p.m.

$30/person, $40/couple. Adoptive Parenting Private, two-session programs conveniently scheduled to accommodate your needs. $175/couple. Gestational Diabetes Education Program One-session class for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Convenient appointments available; call the Center for Diabetes Education at 732-923-5025. Fee required.

JUST FOR KIDS (Also see sibling preparation programs above.) Safe Sitter (one-session program) February 5, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. For 11- to 13-year-olds on responsible, creative and attentive babysitting. Monmouth Medical Center. Call 1-888-SBHS123, prompt #4. $50/person. (Bring snack and bag lunch.)

Lincroft Road, Middletown. For information, call 732-671-0707.

Diabetes Self-Management Series Four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention/treatment of complications, dining out and exercise. For dates and times, call the Center for Diabetes Education at 732-923-5025. Fee required.

S ENI O R HEA LT H Pre-Diabetes: A Warning Signal November 17, 1 p.m. Presented by Sudha Ganne, M.D., endocrinology and internal medicine, SCAN.* Free. Surgical Options to Treat GERD November 18, 11–11:45 a.m. Presented by Steven J. Binenbaum, M.D., general surgery. At Howell Senior Center (age 60 and over), 251 Preventorium Road. To register, call 732-938-4500, ext. 2554. Avoid Taking the Fall January 12, 1 p.m. Presented by Janet L. Mahan, M.D., internal medicine, SCAN.* Free. Advanced Treatment Options for Women: Urogynecology and Gynecology Solutions for Incontinence, Fibroids and Uterine, Bladder or Rectum Prolapse January 26, 1 p.m. Presented by Martin Michalewski, M.D., urogynecology, obstetrics/gynecology, SCAN.* Free. Prostate Cancer Awareness and Robotic Surgery February 2, 1 p.m. Presented by Nitin N. Patel, M.D., urology, SCAN.* Free. Living with Heart Failure February 16, 1 p.m. Presented by a staff member from the Heart Failure Management Program at Monmouth Medical Center, SCAN.* Free. *SCAN Learning Center (Senior Citizens Activities Network, age 50 and over) is located at Monmouth Mall, Eatontown. To register for programs, call 732-542-1326. SCAN membership is not required.

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If your fave film is … A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or Home Alone

You’re … FUN-LOVING AND ADVENTUROUS Always enthusiastic, you tackle every situation with a smile, like the leading characters in these comedic gems. Your bright, bubbly persona attracts many a friend and admirer. So does your inclination to create fun wherever you go—mixed, of course, with a bit of twinklein-the-eye trouble (a la Clark Griswold). Your solution to most problems? Thinking positive!

If your fave film is … Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or The Santa Clause

You’re … CREATIVE AND WHIMSICAL Like Buddy the elf on his gleeful winter romp through New York City, you are a spontaneous soul who finds joy in the little things. You see life’s possibilities as endless—and seize as many as you can. Your uniqueness and quick wit likely make you the life of the party. And

What your favorite holiday movie says about you Which seasonal classic do you love most? Take our quiz to find out what your pick reveals

They’ve become as ubiquitous as mistletoe, menorahs or last-minute sales—those holiday movies most of us know by heart and watch repeatedly this time each year. But did you know that your cinematic preferences can be a secret clue to your personality? “The movies you watch can reveal aspects of your inner self,” says Risa Williams, a psychologist who with behaviorist Ezra Werb wrote Cinescopes: What Your Favorite Movies Reveal About You. They’ve established personality types keyed to specially selected groups of favorite films. And Monmouth Health & Life developed the guide at right based on their ideas. Just name your favorite holiday film. (If several movies spring to mind, think about which one—if you only had time for one—you’d hate to miss.) Then look for your choice in our guide, and see if the description fits you to a T. n

you’re determined to generously share your magic-loving spirit with others.

If your fave film is … It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol or White Christmas

You’re … IDEALISTIC AND LOYAL Just as George Bailey declined the plum job offered by the villainous Mr. Potter, you put true values—love, friendship and traditional ideals—over worldly gain. That’s why your loved ones appreciate you, maybe more than you know. You rival the awakened Ebenezer Scrooge in your appreciation of this season’s special joy: gathering those loved ones near at home and hearth.

If your fave film is … How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street or A Charlie Brown Christmas

You’re … WISE AND EMPATHETIC Your key traits recall Charlie Brown’s soulful perseverance as he tends to a neglected Christmas tree, determined to keep the holiday’s true meaning alive. The upright characters in these films speak to your ability to maintain a level-headed perspective and the independence that lets you stand up for what you believe in. You’re passionate in your endeavors— especially if they bring happiness to others.

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The decision to have a baby is as wonderful and exciting as any decision you’ll ever make. And for those experiencing fertility problems, reproductive medicine has advanced to the point where we can offer safe and effective treatment options for many couples.

Paul A. Bergh, MD, FACOG Michael K. Bohrer, MD, FACOG Michael R. Drews, MD, FACOG Maria F. Costantini- Ferrando, MD, PhD Rita Gulati, MD, FACOG Doreen L. Hock, MD, FACOG Thomas J. Kim, MD, FACOG Thomas A. Molinaro, MD, FACOG Jamie L. Morris, MD, FACOG Richard T. Scott, Jr., MD, FACOG, HCLD Shefali Mavani Shastri, MD

At RMA, we’re thrilled that over the past thirteen years our founding partners and staff physicians have helped bring close to 20,000 babies to loving parents. This incredible record of success makes us one of the largest and most experienced centers for infertility treatment in the world. As a patient at RMA, you are attended to by a medical team with unmatched skills and experience using the most effective options to treat infertility: State-of-the-art laboratories for embryology, endocrinology, andrology and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Just as important, you will be introduced to a focus on superior care and compassion that is simply unparalleled. So now that you’ve made the decision to have a baby, make one more: let RMA help you. Because sometimes, it takes a little help to have a miracle.

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