Monmouth December 2019 by Wainscot Media

THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE FROM MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

HEALTH & LIFE

DECEMBER 2019 | JANUARY 2020 | $3.95 | MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM | VOLUME 18 ISSUE 7

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

HAPPY & HEALTHY IN 2020

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 7 | DEC 2019/JAN 2020

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CONTENTS

{ DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 }

BIG SKY’S THE LIMIT

Skip the crowds and come to Montana, where America’s largest ski area offers the flavor of the West.

Features Perfect 10 | 31

Monmouth Medical Center earns highest safety rating for 10th straight period.

The Best Team for Cancer Treatment | 32 The Leon Hess Cancer Center is fêted for cutting-edge patient care, services and treatment options.

Better Bariatric Care | 33 The Surgery Center at MMC receives national praise for patient safety and highquality care.

Standard for Excellence | 34

MMC offers patients worldclass care for joint and spine pain.

An Industry Leader | 35

Monmouth Medical Center’s MRI units get “gold” for its safety and highest-quality imaging technology.

Tips for a Healthy 2020 | 36

Want to take good care of yourself in the New Year? Part by part, here’s a body of knowledge you can use.

A Flat Gets Festive | 42

The verdict when a Holmdel designer dressed up an apartment for the holiday season: “Sold!”

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Welcome Letter 10 Editor’s Note 20 Health News 60 Be There 63 Where to Eat

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

CONTENTS

Departments Monmouth Buzz | 12 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in our county.

For Men Only | 14

Complete your look with the season’s hottest scarves. They are as refined as they are warm.

Style Watch | 16

These equestrian-inspired bags will have you riding high.

Jewelry Box | 17

Top off your holiday party look with one of these unique, statementmaking rings.

Home Front | 18

Wreaths signal a warm greeting and attention to detail that make your home more inviting.

Talk of the Town | 19

A historic district combined with a homey, community feel make smalltown Shrewsbury a Monmouth County highlight.

Tastes | 48

These fruity baked treats are a great alternative to traditional pies—and they’re good for you too.

Power Food | 54

Apricots are a dried fruit with priceless health benefits that make it truly golden, inside and out.

Spirits | 55

You’ll make spirits bright with this holiday cocktail, perfect for a party or a festive night in.

Restaurant Review | 62

Dining out this December? Of all the meals we enjoyed in 2019, we pick four can’t-miss plates to sink your teeth into.

Gatherings | 64

See photos from recent events in and around our county.

16 MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

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{ WELCOME LETTER }

Never Resting On Our Laurels R W J BARNABAS HEALTH PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH BARRY H. OS TROWS KY

MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER ERI C CARNEY REGIONAL DIRECTOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER EL I ZABETH BRENNAN MANAGER MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER KATHY HORAN

MO NMOUTH MEDI CAL CENTER

300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 732.222.5200 For more infor mation about Monmouth Medical Center

With the holidays upon us and 2019 drawing to a close, it’s a great time to look back upon a year highlighted by a host of national quality awards for Monmouth Medical Center. Studies have shown that national quality award-winning hospitals have better performance outcomes than those who do not earn these recognitions. In this holiday issue of Monmouth Health & Life, we spotlight five of our most recent national recognitions, which help assure our patients that we are committed to widely recognized standards for evaluating and demonstrating the highest quality services. In November, we learned that we had received our 10th consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Score—the most in the region—by The Leapfrog Group, the nation’s leading experts on patient safety. In cancer services, our Leon Hess Cancer Center achieved another three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACoS CoC) with commendations on several standards. We are the only facility in the region designated as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program by ACoS CoC, and through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, we’re increasing access to the latest advances in cancer treatment and research. Our recent reaccreditation by the Joint Commission, which awarded us disease-specific certification for knee and hip replacement and spine surgery, is a testament to our commitment to excellence in the care of joint and spine surgery patients. Additionally, our Bariatric Surgery Center was reaccredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) as a designated Comprehensive Center. These MBSAQIP standards ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive the highest quality multidisciplinary care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. Finally, the American College of Radiology awarded us reaccreditation for our MRI units, an achievement recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging. This certification assures patients that our MRIs are of the highest quality and that our radiology department offers the safest, most cutting-edge imaging technology. Our shared commitment to excellence has enabled us to continue to achieve great things in 2019. As we prepare to usher in a new year, our focus as always remains on the safety and quality of our care that is reflected in these national quality awards. I wish all of you a joyful and healthy holiday season.

facilities and ser vices, please visit r wjbh.org/monmouth.

PUBLISHED BY

WAINSCOT MEDIA

ERIC CARNEY President and Chief Executive Officer MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER AND THE UNTERBERG CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

,) .)

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BE SOCIAL Join our online community! LIKE us on Facebook: MonmouthHealthandLife FOLLOW us on Twitter: @MonmouthHandL SEE our photos on Instagram: @HealthNLife VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, Monmouth Health & Life, P.O. Box 1082, Asbury Park, NJ 07712; fax: 201.746.8650; email editor@ wainscotmedia.com. Monmouth Health & Life assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials. Monmouth Health & Life is published 7 times a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 18, Issue 7. © 2019 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Monmouth County: $14 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 healthcare professional.

Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY Associate Publisher JODI BRUKER ADVERTISING

Account Executive KAREN AZZARELLO Director, Special Programs LAURA A. DOWDEN MARKETING, DIGITAL & OPERATIONS

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@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, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email susan.windrum@wainscotmedia.com.

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{ EDITOR’S NOTE }

Sharing the Spirit of the Season COMING IN FEBRUARY/MARCH

HEALTH &

FITNESS

ISSUE

The holidays arrive a bit early for the Monmouth Health & Life staff. While the kids are getting reacquainted with school, we’re already dreaming of festive tunes and frocks, sumptuous feasts and gifts galore for our nearest and dearest. We’re not the only ones who get into the spirit earlier than others. Hired to stage a home on the market for end-ofthe-year showings, Holmdel interior designer Anna Maria Mannarino used the visual traditions of the season to appeal to potential buyers—a single person, a couple or a family. The result, seen in “A Flat Gets Festive” on page 42, is a warm and welcoming home where anyone, including me, would want to spend the holidays. With the turn of the calendar in mind, many of us think about the festivities that we have on our schedule and, perhaps more important, what we’ll be wearing when the ball drops. If you’re putting the finishing touches on your look, check out the accessories we’ve curated in this issue’s Style Watch (page 16) and Jewelry Box (page 17). I’m certain you’ll want to get your hands on the statement-making rings and the equestrian-inspired bags featured on those pages. As is our annual tradition, Monmouth Health & Life partners with you for a happy and healthy new year. In “Tips for a Healthy 2020” on page 36, we offer tidbits and advice on how to maintain a healthy body—from head to toe. I’m certain you’ll follow some (or all) of our recommendations; I know I will! This season is also a time for gratitude, and I’d like to offer my thanks to our dedicated Monmouth Health & Life staff and to you, our wonderful readers and advertisers. Without all of you, this magazine wouldn’t be the success it is today. All of us at Monmouth Health & Life wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

To book advertising space, contact Associate Publisher Jodi Bruker at 732.701.1108 or jodi.bruker@wainscotmedia.com. Reservation deadline is January 7, 2020.

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

New name Same commitment

The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Hip Fracture Rehabilitation, Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls has been committed to a higher level of rehabilitative care for our patients and their families. Under our new name, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, a Joint Venture with Monmouth Medical Center, we continue to provide the same inpatient rehabilitative care you have come to expect, connecting patients to superior outcomes and a better way of life.

2 Centre Plaza Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 732.460.5320 encompasshealth.com/tintonfallsrehab ÂŠ2019:Encompass Health Corporation:1371893

{ BUZZ }

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

MERRY AND BRIGHT Regardless of which holiday you celebrate in December, you can be merry with the stunning light installations that illuminate our county’s houses and businesses all season long. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best and brightest light displays: n SPECTACULAR FERRANTE LIGHT DISPLAY Rick Ferrante gets festive for many holidays and has quite the spooktacular light show for Halloween, but he ends each year on a high note with his Christmas display—and we’re sure 2019’s show will top all his previous ones. • 12 Virginia Ter., West Long Branch n JOHNNY’S HAZLET HOLIDAY LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA An inflatable Elsa, illuminated Big Bird and hundreds of other characters get the ultimate holiday treatment at this lighting spectacle, where guests walk up the driveway and through a pathway around the property to view 75,000 wow-worthy lights. Facebook.com/johnnyshazletholidaylightextravaganza has more info. • 3 Bauer Ave., Hazlet n THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW After a two-year hiatus due to logistical and traffic concerns by town officials, Wall Township’s biggest holiday attraction is back in action for 2019 and at a bigger, better location—Spring Meadow Golf Course. The show itself—yes, this one features actual showtimes rather than open hours for visitors—will be new and improved too, featuring pyrotechnics, synchronized lights and of course, a visit from Mr. Clause and his elves. For showtimes and ticket info, visit thechristmaslightshow.com. • 4185 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township n MACCARY CHRISTMAS You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland when you step onto the MacCary property, as every year they light up their front lawn with twinkly snowflakes, snowmen and a ton of members from Santa’s inner circle. Go to facebook.com/MacCaryChristmas for dates and times for the 2019 season. • 8 Timber Dr., Ocean Township n MAGIC OF LIGHTS If it’s too cold to even get out of your car, this drive-through display at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will undoubtedly be your favorite. Load everyone into the backseat and wind your vehicle through the twinkly path of lights that brings the joy of the season to life. You can buy tickets and get information about times and dates at magicoflights.com/events/newjersey/. • Exit 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel

GREATS OF THE GARDEN STATE Let’s hear it for one Monmouth County resident who was recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Held at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park Oct. 27, the 11th induction ceremony honored one of our famous neighbors for his outstanding achievement in his field: Neptune native “Southside” Johnny Lyon. Lyon—frontman of the Asbury Jukes and unofficial godfather of the “Jersey sound”—was inducted by none other than Jon Bon Jovi, who hails from Sayreville but has a home and a restaurant in Red Bank (plus a long history of performing in Asbury Park). During the ceremony, the two rock stars performed a duet of Southside Johnny’s hit “I Don’t Want To Go Home.” Ticket sales from the program benefited The Hall of Fame’s first-ever physical museum, set to be built in the American Dream mall up north in Bergen County’s East Rutherford and slated for a December 2020 opening.

A HOTEL CLOSE TO HOME

Like The Plaza Hotel in New York or The Beverly Hills Hotel in California, every state has an iconic hotel for which they’re known. And New Jersey’s most notable one, The Asbury Hotel, is right here in Monmouth County. The beachy getaway was dubbed the “Most Famous” hotel in New Jersey by Insider, which cited its Victorian-era yet modern décor, its two bars (Soundbooth and Salvation) and Baronet, its sprawling rooftop with outdoor movie theater, as some of its most appealing amenities. Hotel guests undoubtedly also appreciate the hotel’s spacious outdoor pool, retro photos that hang above fluffy, comfy beds in the guestrooms and its two-block proximity to the Asbury Park beach and boardwalk. • 210 5th Ave., Asbury Park, 732.774.7100. theasburyhotel.com MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

A BEAUTIFUL “ARTNERSHIP” If you happened to stumble upon a vibrant display of

triangular art while visiting Bell Works in Holmdel between May 15 and Oct. 15, you were definitely witnessing Howard Schoor’s brilliance at work. The parttime Asbury Park resident and full-time artist displayed his contemporary works for the five-month period at the 3,000 square-foot pop up gallery. The 80-year-old refers to many of his creations as “Happy Art,” with their bold geometric patterns and bright color palettes. But they’re happy in other ways too, as 25 percent of the purchase price of Schoor’s original artwork is donated to a recognized non-profit. Schoor is currently at work at his other home in Jupiter, Florida prepping for his exhibition at Bell Works in the spring, but in the meantime, you can check out his online gallery (and even buy a few pieces) at howardschoorart.com.

YAY FOR NJ

We’ll tell it like it is: We Jerseyans will always find something to complain about (Parkway traffic! High taxes!), but at the end of the day, we can almost all agree that living here is pretty darn great. A new Monmouth University Poll found that six out of 10 people enjoy being a resident of the Garden State and said New Jersey is either an excellent (15 percent) or good (46 percent) place to live. The positive rating of 61 percent is a notable improvement from the 50 percent record low reported earlier this year and the 54 percent result in April 2018. The reason behind the relatively drastic uptick in positivity is unknown, but let’s keep these happy vibes coming, people.

YOU CHOOSE MONMOUTH’S BEST It’s that time again! Online voting for next year’s Readers’ Choice Poll opens on Jan. 13. Visit monmouthhealthandlife.com/ readerschoice2020 and let us know all of your favorite places and things in the county, from bars to boutiques, from dinner spots to day spas. Winners will be revealed in our Sept. 2020 issue and on our website, so stay tuned!

CULINARY CORNER

FROM BK TO NJ Brooklynites are definitely familiar with Gargiulo’s of Coney Island— the classic, family-owned Neapolitan restaurant and catering company first opened its doors in 1907. Well, the establishment has expanded to Monmouth County with its new Tinton Falls location, offering the same delicious menu of pastas, risottos, meat entrees and seafood dishes for which it’s known. There is also an abundant wine list here, but, be forewarned that there is not abundant parking—the parking lot is small, so bring a few extra bucks to tip the valet. • Gargiulo’s, 720 Tinton Ave., Tinton Falls, 732.389.9100

BUT FIRST, BRUNCH If your second requirement behind delicious food is that your brunch dishes look Instagrammable, Project Brunch is for you. The new breakfast spot in Manalapan—there are other locations out on Staten Island—puts fun twists on classic brunch dishes with playful menu items like waffle sandwiches and breakfast pizzas. Even better, all offerings are homemade and based on family recipes. • Project Brunch, 357 Rte. 9., Manalapan, 732.792.6988, projectbrunch.com

ASIAN FUSION Can’t agree on what type of Asian food you and your dining companions are in the mood for? Perfect, because Rice Asian Cuisine offers three cuisines under one roof in Asbury Park—Japanese, Chinese and Thai. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, pad thai or good ol’ chicken teriyaki, this new restaurant excels at all three cuisines, preparing food that is both fresh and authentic. • Rice Asian Cuisine, 718 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, 732.898.9988, riceasiancuisinenj.com MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ FOR MEN ONLY }

That’s A Wrap Complete your look with winter’s hottest scarves. They are as refined as they are warm.

Scarves by Seaward & Stearn, seawardandstearn.com. MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Say it with Diammds this HHiday Seass

Come See Our Full Selection of Diamonds Including a Selection from Our Recent Trip to Antwerp, Belgium The Diamond Capital of the World

661 Broad Street, Shrewsbury 732.389.9041 www.simonesjewelry.com

NOW YOU CAN HAVE THE HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL SMILE

you deserve

C O SM ET IC | I M PL A NT | GE NE R A L

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{ STYLE WATCH }

GUCCI 1955 HORSEBIT SHOULDER BAG Nordstrom, Freehold, 732.308.1117

OSGOODE MARLEY PHOEBE FLAP BAG osgoodemarley.com

CHLOÃ&#x2030; SMALL FAYE DAY SHOULDER BAG CoCo Pari, Red Bank, 732.212.8111

Saddle Up These equestrian-inspired bags will have you riding high.

COACH TABBY SHOULDER BAG 26 Coach, Shrewsbury, 732.219.7007

BURBERRY VINTAGE CHECK D-RING SHOULDER BAG Burberry Outlet, Tinton Falls, 732.587.2929

REBECCA MINKOFF KATE CIRCLE BAG Garmany, Red Bank, 732.576.8500

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ JEWELRY BOX } KENDRA SCOTT COLLINS COCKTAIL RING Wolf Fine Jewelers, Eatontown, 732.460.9653

FREIDA ROTHMAN EMBELLISHED CLOVER COCKTAIL RING Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, Manalapan, 732.577.1030

MEIRA T CHALCEDONY COCKTAIL RING Nordstrom, Freehold, 732.308.1117

Cocktail Hour

1970 VINTAGE MULTICOLORED OPAL AND DIAMOND COCKTAIL RING sidneythomas.com

Top off your holiday party look with one of these unique, statement-making rings.

JOHN HARDY RUBELLITE COBRA RING WITH PINK SAPPHIRE, WHITE & BLACK DIAMOND bloomingdales.com

IPPOLITA 18K GOLD POLISHED ROCK CANDY OVAL CUTOUT RING Nordstrom Rack, Eatontown, 732.676.7200 EVIL EYE COCKTAIL RING Swarovski, Freehold, 732.625.7770

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ HOME FRONT }

GOLD JINGLE BELL WREATH Williams Sonoma, Sea Girt, 732.449.5119

BLUE FLORAL METAL WREATH plowhearth.com

CORN HUSK AND EUCALYPTUS HOOP WREATH Kirkland’s, Freehold, 732.308.3867

You’re Welcome MAINE MADE LAVENDER AND BERRY PINECONE WREATH etsy.com/shop/scarletsmile

NEARLY NATURAL 20” FROSTED PINE CONE WREATH The Home Depot, West Long Branch, 732.935.0100

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays. They signal a warm greeting and attention to detail that make your home more inviting.

PURE GARDEN 16.5” SQUARE BOXWOOD WREATH Bed Bath & Beyond, Eatontown, 732.460.9800

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

FROSTED BARK 21” WREATH Pier 1 Imports, Holmdel, 732.706.0660

22” RED BERRIES WREATH Pier 1 Imports, Holmdel

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

HAMM COPPE CHARG Pottery Hacken 201.45

{ TALK OF THE TOWN }

WELCOME TO

Shrewsbury

DINING OUT

A historic district combined with a homey, community feel make small-town Shrewsbury a highlight of Monmouth County. ESTABLISHED: 1926 POPULATION: 4,050 WEBSITE: SHREWSBURYBORO.COM

Shrewsbury is one of the smaller towns in Monmouth County at just 2.2 square miles, but it still has a lot to brag about. Its lone public school is highly rated and has a lower-than-statewide-average class size. It has a rural vibe, but also has tons of shopping and a downtown area. And there’s a strong sense of community here: Shrewsbury residents are very involved, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities and everybody knows everybody, for better or for worse.

AN HOMAGE TO HISTORY Shrewsbury is sure to remember its historical past with two annual town-wide holiday gatherings. The first is on Memorial Day at Patriot Isle, located within the Four Corners, where the school band plays and winners of the student essay/poem contest read their submissions about American heroism. The second is the July 4th celebration, where the Declaration of Independence is read aloud to the public at the Allen House Tavern Museum (above).

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Not much is known about the New Jersey borough's name, other than that it is named after Shrewsbury, England. There is also a town called Shrewsbury in Massachusetts.

SHOPPING IN SHREWSBURY The Grove and The Grove West at Shrewsbury make up an upscale shopping plaza located on the borough’s main thoroughfare Route 35 (Broad Street), featuring an eclectic mix of stores and restaurants. The plaza even has a rentable space called The Studio, where farmers markets, pop-up shops, yoga classes and the like are set up seasonally for shoppers to enjoy.

HOME SWEET HOME Thinking about buying or selling a home here? The median home value in Shrewsbury is $547,700, up 1 percent from last year, according to Zillow. Home values are expected to rise 1.6 percent within the next year.

Hungry? Great, because Shrewsbury is small-butmighty when it comes to restaurant options. At The Grove you’ll find two gems—d’jeet, with its fresh farm-to-table American menu that switches out seasonally, and Albariño, a Spanish wine bar with delicious tapas. Elsewhere in town is Americana Diner, a longtime favorite for any comfort food you’re craving, or Bayroot Lebanese Restaurant, where diners enjoy homemade hummus and falafel.

FAMOUS FACES Shrewsbury doesn’t have the A-list residents some of its neighboring towns like Red Bank and Freehold do, but a few famous folks grew up here, including journalist Alisyn Camerota

FOUR CORNERS

(pictured), a two-time Emmy

Much of Shrewsbury’s property—40 acres worth—comprises the

CNN’s New Day, and base-

borough’s historic district. This area covers the town’s two major

ball brothers Ryan and Jake

thoroughfares, Broad Street and Sycamore Avenue, and where

Kalish, who each played for the

these two streets intersect is what locals call the “Four Corners.”

MLB and the latter of whom

Four Corners is listed on both the National and State Registers of

was a pitcher during his tenure

Historic Places and includes three churches and the Allen House

at Red Bank Regional High

(pictured), which served as a tavern during the Revolutionary War.

School.

nominee who now co-anchors

DID YOU KNOW? Though technically Shrewsbury borough became its own municipality in 1926 when it separated from Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury has the distinction of being one of the oldest towns in Monmouth County (along with Middletown), since settlers were reportedly here as early as 1682! MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ HEALTH NEWS } DON’T SKIP BRUSHING

We’ve all done it: dozed off while reading in bed before brushing our teeth. A good reason not to abandon your nighttime routine: Researchers have found that the bacteria that builds up in your mouth produces a protein that can lead to memory loss and even Alzheimer’s. —University of Bergen, Norway

CUT CALORIES, CUT HEALTH RISKS

Cutting even 300 calories daily can have major health effects that go beyond losing a few pounds. Research shows that folks who made that small change—and continued to do so for a two-year period—improved their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, all related to lowering risk of chronic illness. —The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

38 FRIENDS KEEP YOU SHARP When researchers studied folks over age 80 who had the memory function of middle-aged adults, they discovered that these “super agers” had more friendships.

The percentage decline in the rate of hospitalizations for heart attacks in people 65 and older in the years between 1995 and 2014. The death rate within 30 days of a heart attack fell by a third to 12 percent during the same period.

—Northwestern University

—JAMA Network Open

WEEKEND SLUMBER

Go ahead and sleep in on the weekend, but it won’t reverse the negative effects of skimping on shut-eye during the week, according to new research. —University of Colorado

30 MILLION

The number of Americans who have eczema. Contrary to what many think, the condition doesn’t always begin in childhood. In fact, one in four of the 18 million adults with the condition developed it after age 18. —Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University

The percentage improvement in bone health of women who engage in just one to two minutes of weight-bearing activity—running or skipping rope, for example—daily. That’s a good thing, because older women lose about 1 percent of bone density yearly.

The percentage of full-time people who said they feel burned out at work very often or always. In the same study of nearly 7,500 employees last year, 44 percent felt that way sometimes.

—Journal of Family & Community Medicine MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

—Gallup

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

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• Pregnancy specialists with expertise in breech, pre & postnatal, pediatric, and family wellness. • Health and wellness experts promoting vitality and anti-aging lifestyles.

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2424 Bridge Avenue Point Pleasant, NJ 08742

732.899.9600 CoombsChiropractic.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND THE WHOLE FAMILY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WOMEN TO WATCH Monmouth County is home to some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the country. Many are owned and led by women. On the following pages, learn more about them and how they plan to be difference-makers in the year ahead.

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Dr. Ashley Azizian, DDS Anthony Sallustio, DDS 1300 Allenhurst Ave., Ocean, NJ 07712 732.531.4046 | drasallustio.com After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University, Dr. Azizian completed an advanced program in prosthodontics at Manhattan VA. At the VA, she worked with veterans suffering from PTSD and received specialized training enabling her to successfully treat patients with anxiety. Dr. Azizian is excited to join Dr. Sallustioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dr. Carboneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice. The complex cases referred to the practice afford her the opportunity to use her training to the fullest extent. Similar to Dr. Sallustio, she provides same day All-on-4 treatments, specializing in crowns, bridges and ceramic veneers. Dr. Azizian finds satisfaction restoring function, focusing on symmetry and esthetics, thus bringing more self-confidence to her patients. Dr. Azizian is a meticulous provider who strives for excellence in outcomes through her keen eye for detail, professionalism and friendly demeanor. She is passionate about incorporating advances in technology and dental materials to provide the best possible patient outcomes.

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Debra Rizzi Rizco 2003 Highway 71, Suite 3 Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762 732.223.1944 | rizco.com Debra Rizzi, President of Rizco, co-founded the company in 2000 with her husband Keith. Originally established in Manhattan, this creative campaign agency will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Spring Lake Heights in February. Passionate about helping businesses grow, Debra thrives on the challenge of staying relevant in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology-driven markets by pursuing education and research to stay ahead of trends. Her success stems from co-partnering with clients to increase brand awareness and engagement using web, print, and multi-layered digital strategies. Integrity, transparency, and accountability are the core aspects of Rizcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to clients. These, combined with creativity and proven ROI, set the company apart from competitors. A Bucknellian and proud mom of three daughters, Debra inspires others by giving back. Rizco routinely offers student mentorships and supports local not-for-profit organizations, such as The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey.

Photo by Peter Gourniak

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Renate Sprung, Cindy Purcell and Lotte Bacho Kitchen Magic Serving All New Jersey 866.332.2621 | kitchenmagic.com Family owned Kitchen Magic, founded in 1979, specializes in kitchen refacing and remodeling throughout the Northeast. Three partners, sisters Renate Sprung, Lotte Bacho and Cindy Purcell, daughters of company founders Jost and Reine Fleck own the company along with company president, Brett Bacho. In 2019, for the eighth time, Kitchen Magic was named Top Performer in Kitchens Nationwide. “Our cabinet refacing gives homeowners the look and feel they love at about half the cost of new cabinets.” commented Sprung. The company has been customer and employee centric since its beginnings forty years ago. The three sisters strive to maintain the same high standards as their parents. Through open book management, employees are actively involved in business strategies and the company direction. “A lot of life happens in the kitchen, and a new kitchen truly impacts the quality of our customers’ lives. We take that responsibility very much to heart,” she added.

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Lauren Van Liew Chef Covas Catering 12 Fourth Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740 732.673.4070 | chefcovascatering.com Fiercely creative, Lauren Van Liew, owner of Chef Covas Catering, makes client expectations a reality. Catering is Lauren’s passion, earning her recognition as Best Caterer of Monmouth for the last two years. Chef Covas Catering provides full-service gourmet catering AND an all-inclusive party-planning service. Lauren’s company is a one-stop-shop, allowing clients to plan parties of any size, budget and occasion. Lauren opened Chef Covas Catering in 2012 and still oversees all aspects of her clients’ affairs. Her reputation for creating modern, clean menus and her skill at handling challenges earned her the title of Chopped Champion on Food Network’s “Chopped.”

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Oakhurst Dental Associates 226 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07712 732.776.9559 With 25+ years in the dental field, Dr. Dlugosz delivers gentle dental care for the entire family. Along with her team of experts, she educates and treats her patients with the latest technology. From Botox, whitening, veneers or implants, she offers a variety of cosmetic services as well as crowns, fillings and dentures all in a comfortable setting.

W OM E N TO WATC H

Michelle Dlugosz, DMD

Dr. Dlugosz communicates the importance of oral health and how it connects to the rest of the body in both English and Spanish. Dr. Michelle embraces the trust her patients put in her and treats them as an extension of her family.

Nikolett Ivanyi Envision Acne & Skincare Center 189 US Highway 9 S., Manalapan, NJ 07726 732.410.4452 | envisionacnecenter.com Nikolett Ivanyi is a holistic Adult Acne Specialist, the owner of Envision Acne & Skin Care Center and the creator of the PoreInfusion Skincare Line. As a previous acne sufferer, Nikolett had a fair share of skin troubles and from that struggle was born her biggest passion and career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My goal is to help women restore their self-esteem by teaching them how to naturally clear up their acne and live a happy, healthy, confident life. After helping thousands of women clear up their acne without medications, Nikolett believes that her signature Acne Free Skin Program can help you change your life if you are struggling with adult acne.

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Dr. Anjali Verma La Fleur Medi Spa & Aesthetics 830 Broad Street, Suite 2 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732.747.2600 | lafleurmedispa.com Anjali Verma, M.D. specializes in aesthetic medicine and is the owner and medical director of La Fleur Medi Spa & Aesthetics which opened in 2018. Her passion for medical aesthetics is evident in the innovative state-of-the-art modalities she offers and the beautiful results she and her team achieve. Dr. Verma is gratified to treat her patients, helping them realize the full potential of their beauty goals. Dr. Verma happily provides private, complimentary consultations for men and women interested in medical aesthetics in the serene and comfortable environment of La Fleur, where science and beauty bloom.

Susan Vitale and Lisa Vitale BarterPays!® 2587 Route 9 North, Howell, NJ 07731 732.364.4614 | barterpays.com Lisa Vitale and Susan Vitale are secondgeneration owners at the original BarterPays!® Founded by their mother, Director Faye Alba, BarterPays!® continues to be the largest and preferred barter network for over 25 years. BarterPays!® serves over 2,500 Jersey Shore cardholders and 800 businesses. They have exceeded sales expectations in 2019 and welcome more NJ businesses to join the barter family; it’s free to sign up! The barter gals are your business matchmakers and drive customers to participating businesses. Barter pays and barter saves with a membership in the original BarterPays!®.

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Stacey Rose, PhD, LCSW The Rose Relationship Learning Center 1405 NJ-35, #206, Ocean Township, NJ 07712 732.517.1177 staceyrose.com

Elizabeth Langtry Triage Organizers 908.507.3876 | triageorganizers.com Known as the “go-to person,” Elizabeth has earned a reputation for rapid problem-solving. Elizabeth opened her business in 2006 and is a Golden Circle member of NAPO. She maintains a loyal client base and looks forward to continued relationships with local clientele and businesses. Elizabeth and Team Triage work with a host of professionals to find solutions for all your problems... what you need done, don’t care to do yourself, or don’t have time to do.

With over 25 years of experience, Psychotherapist and Relationship Coach Stacey Rose, PhD, LCSW helps clients to live their lives to the fullest both in and out of their relationships. Her expertise includes pre-marital/marital, divorce, individual therapy, trauma healing and relationship education. With a positive focus on the future, Stacey offers Relationship/Marital Boot Camps, and Happiness Groups. Stacey is available to be a guest on your podcast or speak to your group.

COMING IN FEBRUARY/MARCH

HEALTH & LIFE

Health Professionals to Watch Maria Lewis Nothing Bundt Cakes 1081 Broad St., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732.544.2253 | nothingbundtcakes.com Mother and daughter team, Maria and Carly Lewis sweetened up Shrewsbury in 2015 when they opened Nothing Bundt Cakes. Offering Bundt cakes from bitesized to tiered selections in several different flavors, Maria and Carly are satisfying clients every day. Maria oversees the main bakery operation, while Carly takes care of training and marketing. They love working together, bringing the best of both personalities to their business and will open their second location in Princeton soon.

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For information, contact Associate Publisher Jodi Bruker at 732.701.1108 or jodi.bruker@wainscotmedia.com

11/26/19 3:54 PM

Your heart doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat just for you. Get it checked.

It beats for your husband or wife, your children and

grandchildren. It beats for your brothers and sisters, your friends and lovers. It beats for everyone who cares deeply about you. So please, get your heart checked. For them. For you. For more information and to make an appointment with one of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top cardiologists, visit rwjbh.org/heart.

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A PERFECT 10

Monmouth Medical Center earns highest safety rating for 10th straight period. Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) was awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Score rating by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Long Branch facility is the only hospital in the region to receive the organization’s “A” Hospital Safety Score for 10 consecutive rating periods. “We are honored to be recognized and understand our responsibility and dedication to our continued journey of high reliability and outcomes for our patients and their families,” says Eric Carney, president and chief executive officer of Monmouth Medical Center. “We understand that what matters most to our patients is safe, effective care, and that’s why we have made a commitment to accreditation and to positive outcomes through evidencebased care processes.” Updated in spring and fall, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only rating focused exclusively on hospital safety. Its A, B, C, D or F letter grades are an easy way for consumers to choose the safest hospital at which to seek care and they have quickly become the gold standard measure of patient safety. Developed under the guidance of a Blue-Ribbon National Expert Panel, the Safety Grade assigns letter grades based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors,

infections and other harms. One of 49 birthing hospitals in New Jersey, MMC also was recognized by the Leapfrog Group for fully meeting its quality and safety standards on three key maternity metrics: Cesarean section, episiotomy and early elective delivery rates. Only eight hospitals in New Jersey achieved this accomplishment. MMC delivers nearly 6,000 babies annually, making it the largest birthing hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Leapfrog Group is a national watchdog organization focused on healthcare safety and quality. Their new report highlights that only 20 percent of hospitals nationwide fully meet Leapfrog standards on all three of these critical maternity measures. An RWJBarnabas Health facility, MMC is part of a system wide Obstetric Collaborative Group formed to better the quality and safety of care delivered to New Jersey women. “We are proud to be leaders in that initiative,” says Robert Graebe, M.D., chairman and program director of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Monmouth Medical Center has built one of the safest obstetrical and gynecologic services in New Jersey, and continues to expand and upgrade its facility to match its commitment to quality care and patient safety.”

For more information on The Leapfrog Group and the fall 2019 scores, visit hospitalsafetyscore.org. MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Pictured from right: David Sharon, M.D., medical director of the Leon Hess Cancer Center, Annette Terzo, NP-C, Monmouth Hematology Oncology Associates; and oncology nurse Eileen McGarry RN, OCN/CBCN

The Best Team for Cancer Treatment

Leon Hess Cancer Center fêted for cutting-edge patient care, services and treatment options. Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has once again successfully completed a rigorous on-site survey for its comprehensive cancer program. In September, the hospital’s Leon Hess Cancer Center achieved another threeyear accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACoS CoC) with commendations on several of the survey standards. The Leon Hess Cancer Center is the only facility in Monmouth County to be designated by the ACoS CoC as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program. This accreditation provides an assurance to patients that they will receive comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the art services and a multidisciplinary approach to providing the best treatment options, says David Sharon,

M.D., medical director of the Leon Hess Cancer Center. “We received four commendations in the areas of cancer registry education, oncology nursing care, and accuracy of data, and our participation,” said Dr. Sharon, who notes that the surveyor provided great praise of the center’s leadership. “Additionally, we were commended for our participation in the Rapid Quality Reporting System, a reporting and quality improvement tool created by the American College of Surgeons to provide real clinical time assessment of hospital level adherence to quality of cancer care measures.” The Leon Hess Cancer Center stands at the forefront of providing the most extensive array of highly advanced cancer services, delivered by a multidisiplinary team of specialists in a caring and sup-

portive environment. For decades, the hospital’s leadership role in oncology services has been broadened through the ongoing expansion of state-of-the-art programs and technologies offered in all areas of cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The center at MMC brings together a host of specialists in a convenient setting to offer comprehensive cancer services. And through the hospital’s partnership with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a competitive designation awarded to only 48 centers nationwide— Leon Hess Cancer Center patients have access to the most advanced clinical trials and cancer treatment options close to home, adds Dr. Sharon.

To learn more, about the Leon Hess Cancer Center at Monmouth Medical Center, call 888.CANCERNJ.

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BETTER BARIATRIC CARE

Surgery Center receives national praise for patient safety and high-quality care.

Patients seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving care at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality in the greater Monmouth County area. The Bariatric Surgery Center at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has been reaccredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The MBSAQIP Standards—Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery—ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient

Members of the Bariatric Surgery Center multidisciplinary team at Monmouth Medical Center

outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers offer pre- and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity. The MBSAQIP Comprehensive Center designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of exceptional patient outcomes in bariatric surgery. MMC is in its 20th year of performing bariatric surgery and has once again received the designation for the maximum three-year term, reserved for applicants who exceed the requirements for full approval. To earn a Center of Excellence classification, the medical center underwent a site inspection during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. “Our outstanding quality of care, low complication rate and high level of surgical experience distinguish our bariatric surgery program,” says bariatric surgeon Frank Borao, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, director of minimally invasive esophageal and gastric surgery. According to the MBSAQIP, centers are given this designation if they “can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence in the care of bariatric surgical patients at the highest levels of the medical staff.” MBSAQIP is the largest society for this specialty in the world. The vision of the society is to improve public health and well-being by lessening the burden of obesity and related diseases throughout the world. Recognized as a serious disease that compromises quality of life and increases the risk of death, morbid obesity is characterized by individuals having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 which equates to about 80 pounds overweight for a female and 100 pounds overweight for a male. Severe obesity also can lead to life-threatening diseases including diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary compromise. “Surgeons reviewed by MBSAQIP must have performed enough cases with successful outcomes to merit the designation,” says Dr. Borao. “It is an honor to have our program recognized—it’s proof we have stellar staff and surgeons in our facility.” To achieve MBSAQIP Center of Excellence designation, a facility must also show that they have a program that provides cross-functional team support to bariatric surgery patients. In addition to bariatric surgery, MMC offers a multidisciplinary comprehensive program to weight loss, which was factored into the analysis by the MBSAQIP. Led by experienced bariatric surgeons, MMC’s bariatric surgery program provides a coordinated and supportive approach to the decision to pursue weight loss surgery. The program features extensive education and patient support before, during and after weight loss surgery. “Monmouth Medical Center is the leader in minimally invasive surgery, was one of the first in New Jersey to perform laparoscopic gastric bypass and is among the highest experienced centers in the tri-state area,” Dr. Borao says. “Monmouth offered the first Bariatric Surgery Center in the region, and our surgeons have vast experience and have compiled the lowest complication rate in New Jersey for bariatric surgery, and one of the lowest in the nation, at less than 1 percent. Because of their level of skill, Monmouth has been recognized as one of the most outstanding bariatric surgery centers in the state.”

To learn more about the bariatric surgery options offered at Monmouth Medical Center, or for a schedule of free new patient lectures, call 888.724.7123.

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

STANDARD FOR EXCELLENCE Monmouth Medical Center offers patients world-class care for joint and spine pain.

The Joint Replacement and Spine Center at Monmouth Medical Center provides top-notch care and treatment options to patients who have experienced pain and limitation of permanent and progressive damage to the hips, knees, shoulders and spine. In fact, the hospital recently received reaccreditation through the Knee and Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery Certification of The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program—a recognition of the program’s commitment to excellence in providing care for joint replacement and spine surgery patients. Whether pain is the result of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma or other joint or spine disorders, patients find life-changing relief under the care of MMC’s highly experienced board-certified, fellowshiptrained orthopedic and spine specialists. “Our comprehensive, coordinated Joint Replacement Program and dedicated Spine Center deliver unparalleled expertise—led by surgeons who have performed thousands of joint replacement and spine procedures with the lowest infection rates and lowest complication rates outstanding outcomes,” says spine surgeon Jason Cohen, M.D., chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at MMC. “Our numbers say it best, with the leading pain management and outstanding patient satisfaction scores in the state.” MMC offers individualized care plans for pain management and a designated inpatient unit that is staffed by nurses and therapists who specialize in treating spine and joint patients. Additionally, MMC’s Joint and Spine Center coordinator serves as the patient’s personal navigator and liaison with his or her orthopedic surgeon to coordinate care from the preoperative class through hospital stay and discharge.

As a leader in surgical services, MMC was the first hospital in the region to offer Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery and was the second healthcare facility in the state to offer a revolutionary GPS navigation platform providing the most accurate trajectory alignment in spine surgery. “Combining the precision of advanced robotic systems such as these with the skills of our surgeons mean patients experience a better recovery and outcome, with a faster return to normal activities,” Dr. Cohen says. In addition to board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with specialized training, MMC’s joint replacement and spine team includes nurses, therapists and others specifically trained to care for those with orthopedic injuries, diseases or conditions.

For more information about joint replacement or spine surgery, or to schedule a consultation with one of Monmouth Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeons, call 888.724.7123.

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

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An Industry Leader

Monmouth’s MRI units get “gold” for safe, cutting-edge imaging technology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) recently received accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR), an achievement recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging. “The accreditation assures patients that Monmouth Medical Center’s two MRIs are of the highest quality and that the hospital’s Radiology Department offers the safest, most cutting-edge imaging technology,” says Tom Piccoli, the hospital’s chief medical physicist. He adds that the accreditation was approved

for a host of categories, including clinical image quality for the head, spine, body, knee and MRA (examines blood vessels), as well as phantom image quality. “This accreditation is a very involved process and requires that we document all requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance,” he says. “The ACR requires the physicist test each coil, including surface, body, breast, wrist, knee, etc., for 10 parameters each, which took at least three days for each unit, and our MRI technologist also had to meet the

requirements for each of the clinical images. On the full 22-page report on each unit from the ACR, there was not one recommendation for improvement on either the physics or clinical images.” In 2018, MMC introduced the most advanced MRI, providing patients with state-of-the art technology that increases patient comfort, while helping radiologists and doctors receive more precise imaging through adjustable receiver coils. The scanner works faster than older MRI machines, and produces less noise. This technology is also revolutionary because patients, who may have felt claustrophobic in older machines, can now enter the scanner feet first. MMC’s Radiology Department has always been a leader in the industry. In 2003, it received one of the first CT (computed tomography) scan accreditations from the ACR for safety and appropriate usage. The department was also among the first in Monmouth County to introduce both uterine fibroid embolization, an interventional radiology procedure that shrinks fibroid tumors by blocking their blood supply, and a nuclear medicine department, fully equipped with Gamma and Spect cameras and computer systems. To learn more about advanced imaging capabilities at Monmouth Medical Center, call 732.923.6800. Chief Medical Physicist Tom Piccoli, right, and MRI Technologist Nicholas DeMonte with the accreditation certifi cate from the American College of Radiation.

CLARIFICATION In “Experts In Epilepsy” published in the November 2019 issue of Monmouth Health & Life, the biography information for Aviva Bojko, M.D., should have read as follows: Aviva Bojko, M.D., is board certified in Neurology with special qualifications in Child Neurology and in Epilepsy. After receiving her medical education in Italy at the University of Rome La Sapienza, she completed an internship at the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel, before coming to the United States. Once in the U.S., she completed a pediatric residency at The New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, followed by a residency in child neurology at The New York Hospital/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-Cornell University Medical College, and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at Montefiore Medical Center-Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Bojko is a member of the Israel Medical Association, the American Epilepsy Society and the American Academy of Neurology. MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

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TIPS FOR A HEALTHY 2020

Want to take good care of yourself in the New Year? Part by part, here’s a body of knowledge you can use. At the start of each year we resolve to eat better, work out more and focus on our health, but a comprehensive overhaul of our habits can seem daunting. By February many of us have turned from making resolutions to making excuses. But what if we break our task into small, doable parts? Here’s a head-to-toe anatomy of small steps you can take to improve your health and well-being in 2020. Do what you can—and don’t beat yourself up! MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

BRAIN: Yes, what you put

into your body influences your health, but your social circle also matters—for the gray matter. A University of Michigan study found that as few as 10 minutes per day of conversation with another person improved memory and cognition. So join a club, invite over a new neighbor or allot time in your schedule for a weekly get-together with pals—and stay sharp.

SKIN: Don’t keep your sunscreen in your beach bag— it’s a skin essential for the entire year. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can do double damage in the winter when it reflects off ice and snow. As you do in summer, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during winter months, especially if you’re doing an outdoor activity like skiing, recommends Jason Krystofiak, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Monmouth Medical Center. EYES: Digital eye strain is real—personal devices and computer screens emit a blue light that isn’t great for our eyes. Allow your eyes to take a break and blink more frequently in 2020 by following what the American Optometric Association calls the 20-2020 rule—take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet in the distance. EARS: We know that loud, pounding music isn’t great for our hearing. But it turns out that even household items like microwaves and hair dryers can generate noise at levels that lead to permanent damage, according to David Owen’s new book, Volume Control: Hearing in a Deafening World. Though you can’t just stop using most of these items entirely, try bringing earplugs along when you know you’ll be in a loud situation, such as watching a war film at the theater or checking out a live band.

HAIR: Stop spending so much money on hair masks and treatments and instead treat yourself to silk pillowcases. The smooth fabric improves hair while you sleep, as it creates less friction on tresses, naturally increases shine and helps prevent split ends. Talk about beauty rest!

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TEETH: Hold off on swishing

around that mouthwash (or water) after you’ve brushed your teeth, as doing so will wash away the fluoride, which protects enamel and helps prevent cavities. Not using mouthwash or water right after brushing reduces tooth decay by up to 25 percent, according to a study by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Instead, use mouthwash before brushing, or at a separate time of day when you’re not scrubbing your chompers at all.

NECK: No thanks to 21st

century technology, “smartphone slouching” and “text neck,” caused by constantly looking down at our devices, are legitimate ailments. An easy fix is to keep your phone, computer or tablet at eye level so that your head isn’t slouching down, or sit up straight so your ears and shoulders are aligned. There are also apps— one is appropriately called “Text Neck”—that give you real-time updates on your good or notso-good posture, as well as reminders when you need to improve.

keep inflammation at bay. Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams, according to the Mayo Clinic.

SHOULDERS: Even if you sometimes feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, you at least have the weight of your stuff on them. Carrying your belongings around in a purse or messenger bag can wreak havoc on your shoulders over time. To alleviate this discomfort invest in a backpack, or place your wallet, phone, tablet and other necessities more evenly in your bag so the weight is more evenly distributed across your upper back. HEART: If you haven’t yet jumped on the

avocado toast craze, here’s a reason you should join. Researchers at Penn State University found that eating one avocado a day could lower your LDL (“bad cholesterol”) count. When LDL builds up in the blood, it can narrow passageways, cause clots and lead to heart attacks or stroke. As for that toast part, opt for 100 percent whole-grain bread. The soluble fiber of this healthy carb has been shown to lower LDL too. Get a handle on your numbers— blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar—and seek appropriate treatment to keep those numbers under control, advises Monmouth Medical Center cardiologist Julie Master, D.O.

Maintaining a balanced diet is very important, especially your protein intake. High-protein diets will increase the workload on your kidneys and can accelerate the aging process.” —Spiros Arbes, M.D., nephrologist, Monmouth Medical Center

LUNGS: The fact that you never smoked

doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t develop lung cancer. Though certain things like genetics are unavoidable, try to avoid prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, radiation and asbestos. A good diet can help too. New research out of Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that people who regularly consumed high amounts of fiber and yogurt were 15 to 19 percent less likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than those who consumed little to no fiber and yogurt, possibly because these ingredients

GUT: You know that foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut contain good-for-the-gut probiotics, but how you eat can also ensure a healthy GI tract. Michael Arvanitis, M.D., chief of surgery at Monmouth Medical Center’s Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Program, recommends mindful eating. In other words, maintain a regular eating schedule throughout the day and don’t rush during your lunch break—consuming food slowly will allow your body to properly digest the nutrients you’re taking in. Bonus: You’ll enjoy your food longer too!

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SPINE: Bend at the knees, not the waist. Everyone knows the golden rule about heavy lifting and muscle strain, but taking care of the spine will pay dividends down the road. Avoid carrying extra weight around the abdomen, which will alleviate strain on the spine. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a smoker, quit now as smoking decreases bone density, which weakens vertebrae.

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{ HEAD TO TOE }

KIDNEYS: From medicine to food, always be

mindful of what you’re ingesting—for reasons more than just counting calories. There’s nothing wrong with taking a couple of ibuprofen to relieve a sudden backache, but ask your doctor for other remedies—heating pads, for instance— if you’re taking over-the-counter drugs to battle chronic pains. “It’s important to avoid some overthe-counter pain medications, particularly NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or high dosages of aspirin, which can further damage your kidneys if taken on a regular basis over prolonged periods of time—and especially if you have preexisting kidney damage,” says Spiros M. Arbes, M.D., a nephrologist at Monmouth Medical Center. Dr. Arbes also recommends monitoring what you eat. “Maintaining a balanced diet is important, especially your protein intake,” he advises. “Highprotein diets will increase the workload on your kidneys and can accelerate the aging process.”

pressure is not good when it’s weighing you down—this can lead to knee pain. Shedding 10 pounds takes 40 pounds of pressure off your knees. Already have achy joints? Low-impact exercises like swimming, biking and rowing will work up a sweat and strengthen your core muscles—which can ease joint pain.

HIPS: Crossing your legs while you sit may feel comfortable, but it can bring plenty of discomfort down the road. A Journal of Physical Therapy Science study found that sitting crosslegged causes the pelvis to rotate and tilt, an awkward position that over time can produce numbness, irritation and pain. It’s best to keep your hips aligned and sit with both feet firmly planted on the ground. ELBOWS/WRISTS:

COLON: The American Cancer

Society recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45, but preventative measures can begin at any age. For starters, limit red meat intake: The ACS notes the risk of colon cancer increases by 20 percent for those who eat 100 grams of red meat a day—that’s equivalent to a small hamburger. Second, add both insoluble and soluble fiber to your diet. Good quantities of insoluble fiber are found in whole wheat and bran products, beans, nuts and cauliflower. Munch on apples, citrus fruit, oats and barley for soluble fiber.

KNEES: They say great athletes perform best under pressure—so can you. Use an ice pack if your workout leaves you with achy knees, but slide the joint into a compression sleeve to effectively manage pain. Whether you’re hurting because of exercise, overuse, arthritis or minor injury, the pressure of a compression sleeve provides immediate comfort by increasing blood flow, says the American Vein & Vascular Institute, while improving stability, preventing the loss of body heat and keeping the joint in proper position. But

Playing a racquet sport isn’t a prerequisite to

developing tennis elbow—you can get it by simply using a screwdriver while completing a DIY project. The pain near the bony part of the elbow on the outside of the arm is usually the result of a muscle imbalance in the forearm. The easiest way to prevent it? The University of Michigan Medical School suggests stretching all the forearm muscles with wrist rolls and wrist flexes before your activity, whether you’re preparing to paint a house or getting ready to start an 8-hour day at the computer.

FEET:

Sure, expensive running and basketball sneakers offer plenty of support, but one of the best ways to strengthen your tootsies is to ditch the shoes. While barefoot, stand on your toes and walk a couple minutes in your home while on the balls of your feet. And, as Monmouth County residents, you’re in luck. While you’re at the beach, remember that long strolls on the sand will stretch and strengthen your feet because the softer surface makes walking more physically demanding, according to Harvard Medical School.

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

LEG MUSCLES: Remember when toe

touches and the heel-to-butt quad stretch were considered ample warm-ups before a jog around the neighborhood? While those and other static stretches are perfectly fine, dynamic movements will do your leg muscles good. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recommends putting your legs through a full range of motion before starting your activity: Try leg swings, lunges and hurdle trails to get the muscles of your lower half warmed up and ready to go.

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ PERSONAL SPACE }

A FLAT GETS FESTIVE The verdict when a Holmdel designer dressed up an apartment for the holiday season: “Sold!” By Haley Longman

Design by Anna Maria Mannarino

Photography by Lauren Hagerstrom Soluptaquia quae volo vellecu lparunt ad et optatquam, nonse vellis volestias ut earciatus dolut quae core nos dem. Re venderro consequis as repero ipsaece

Christmas all year? God forbid! Whether or not you celebrate Dec. 25, no sensible designer suggests you make your home a 12-month Santaland, casting a spell of eternal Noël. But a threebedroom luxury apartment on the market in northern New Jersey had a slew of end-of-the-year showings coming up, and Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs in Holmdel had already given the place one stellar design. When she was rehired to effect a timely makeover, she jumped at the chance to combine novel elements with the soothing visual traditions of the season. After all, what says “home” more than the holidays? Mannarino opted for a mostly time-tested Christmas décor in the hope that it would appeal to any potential home buyer—a single person, a couple or a family. The layers of greens, reds and golds, she says, create a sense of tradition and holiday nostalgia and are nicely juxtaposed with brighter, more contemporary interiors. continued... MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ PERSONAL SPACE }

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs in Holmdel decked out this contemporary model apartment in the traditional red and gold color scheme for the holiday season. “I definitely think it’s good to mix old and new because at the heart of it, holidays are about tradition, nostalgia and memories,” she says. “Decorations should always tell a story.”

space’s sparkle factor. “If you’re entertaining you should use real candles on the table,” Mannarino says, “but the fake ones have a nice realistic look to them so it’s easy to incorporate them elsewhere.” Floral touches are brought in throughout the apartment; for example, with a clear vase filled with red roses on a side table and a poinsettia arrangement beside the island. You can integrate nature into the décor with anything, really; it needn’t be flowers, branches or pine cones. “Put together a bowl of pomegranate and nuts and add in a few shiny balls, so you’re still getting the holiday bling but in a more understated, natural way,” says Mannarino. And make sure your décor appeals to the nose as much as to the eyes. “Cut garland that you can wrap around a railing, or put cuttings from different trees in a basket with some pine cones,” the designer advises. “That way the area is fragrant and smells fresh.” Mannarino’s hard work also brought the scent of success. When she received a text message that the apartment had been sold, she knew that new owners would begin writing their own story there for the holidays—and the rest of the year too.

Achieving such a look involved “keeping it more scaled back and creating vignettes throughout the space that gave it the feeling of Christmas,” Mannarino says. Examples: a stunning tree in the corner, a mini-display with wooden soldiers on the cocktail table, a full tablescape on the kitchen island and fluffy pillows on the sofa. “All of these elements just sort of popped.” The tablespace in particular is a good example of mixing old with new. There she used gold chargers, silverware and Christmas crackers to make it extra festive. A small, personalized gift was left at each setting, wrapped in ribbon adorned with musical notes that matched the ribbon on the tree. Mannarino, who moonlights as a musician, suggests homeowners incorporate some personal elements like this one into the décor so it “tells a story.” The Christmas tree, positioned before a window so that it overlooks the skyline, was first decorated with wide red, white and gold ribbons. Then smaller heirloom pieces and collectibles filled in all the pine’s remaining space. Other large-scale items such as gold votive candles and jumbo gold balls—placed sporadically in a red bowl at the end of the table—up the

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ ESCAPES }

BIG SKY’S THE LIMIT

Skip the crowds and come to Montana, where America’s largest ski area offers perfect powder, breathtaking vistas and the flavor of the West. By Everett Potter I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I can smell the adrenaline in the tiny tram at Big Sky Resort, which is rapidly ascending a sheer rock face to the 11,166-foot summit of Lone Mountain. Crammed inside with me are a dozen pumpedup skiers, gazing out at the seemingly limitless expanse of peaks and the vast sky that gives sprawling Montana its nickname—“the Big Sky country”—and names this resort as well. Big Sky Resort, which was opened in 1973 by the legendary NBC newsman Chet Huntley, is directly below. On the mountain’s north side is Moonlight Basin, a real-estate-developmentturned-ski-resort that merged with Big Sky a few years ago. Like most of the other skiers and boarders on this tram, I’ve been happily skiing between the two, which is easy enough because they are connected. Michigan-based Boyne Resorts, which operates them both, added even more terrain when it acquired a private ski area on Spirit Mountain. With these properties combined, the new Big Sky Resort offers 5,800 acres of terrain, nudging ahead of Vail’s 5,289 to become the largest ski area in America. “It’s blowing a little hard up here,” says a guy wearing enough gear to ascend Everest as we step out of the gondola. A little hard? I’m being blown backwards on my skis. The wind actually clocks at 80 miles per hour, but I won’t learn that until I ski down Marx, one of Big Sky’s famous Dictator Chutes. That’s dictators as in Castro, Lenin and Marx (an honorary dictator, I guess). I am sweating bullets as I ski down the thick, wind-blasted powder on Marx, which turns out to be steeper than anything I’ve ever wanted to ski. How steep? Let’s put it this way: If I fell, I’d probably end up in Utah. But later I also cruise my way into corduroy bliss. Well-heeled doctors, lawyers and corporate chiefs from Minneapolis and Chicago are enjoying the exceptionally long and wellgroomed runs and the absence of crowds at both Big Sky and Moonlight Basin. Nearly 40

percent of the terrain is ideal for beginners and intermediates. Big Sky Resort lies about an hour’s drive south of Bozeman, which is well served by major airlines. Yet this is not Colorado. There are no crowds or lift lines here, despite the fact that the Big Sky area has some of the most extraordinary natural attractions in the lower 48 states. Yellowstone National Park is a few miles down the road from the ski resort. The Gallatin and Madison rivers, nirvana for the fly-fishing set, are within casting distance. And the skiing is as good as it gets: On a typical day, when you jump on a high-speed quad there will be empty chairs ahead of and behind you. You can ski more in a morning here than you can all day at another resort where you have to wait in line for 20 minutes after every run. The numbers tell the story: Big Sky draws about 370,000 skiers a year, while Vail gets 1.7 million. You will have no trouble finding a place to sit at lunch. Dinner is fun, not a mob scene with Type As jostling for reservations. The ski village offers a welcome bustle, and there’s an activity center where non-Alpine sports like tubing, zip-lining and snowshoeing are offered. There are bars and restaurants here, though if you’re used to Vail or Aspen the vibe seems pretty sedate and cowboy-flavored. Places like Scissorbills Saloon and the Cabin Bar & Grill invite you to tuck into hearty steaks and Montana elk. Lodging choices run the gamut, but condo-style accommodations rule. The Lodge at Big Sky and The Summit at Big Sky both offer condos at the mountain’s base, as does the Big Sky Resort Village Center, which is a bit more upscale. I prefer staying over at Moonlight Basin, where lodgings are a bevy of newly built homes, condos, town homes and cabins, all with a strict Western stone-and-timber aesthetic. My favorite is the Cowboy Heaven luxury suites, where it can be hard to leave one’s 860-square-foot, twobedroom. There are handsome leather chairs,

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

drop-dead views of the Spanish Peaks range and a private alfresco hot tub. Just outside Big Sky Resort is the legendary Buck’s T-4 Lodge, a rambling but comfortable place with a slight roadhouse feel, with log walls, stone fireplaces and trophy heads. The star attraction here is the restaurant, arguably the area’s best, and a wine cellar that has been winning Wine Spectator awards for two decades. A destination for those who love cross-country skiing is Lone Mountain Ranch, one of the greatest dedicated Nordic resorts in the United States. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s a treat to enjoy an evening sleigh ride followed by a threecourse dinner in the candlelit lodge. There’s another great skiing option nearby, but it’s only available to member-residents. It’s the Yellowstone Club, which owns the 9,860foot Pioneer Mountain, with more than 2,000 skiable acres. Then there’s the other Yellowstone, the park, easily accessible to all of us. This national treasure gets just 3 percent of its 4.1 million tourists in wintertime. From Big Sky, you can arrange to head into the park with an outfitter on a snow coach tour to see bison and elk herds and observe the geysers steaming in the winter cold. The park welcomes cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers. There are tracks set for cross-country skiers, and the park’s unplowed roads and trails are fair game for those on snowshoes. There are also miles of backcountry wilderness to explore, but unless you’re an experienced backcountry skier or snowshoer, contact one of the park’s nearly two dozen licensed guides to take you safely into the wild. Snowmobilers will also need to go with a registered company. Whether you take your skiing straight or pair it with these other activities, don’t come to Big Sky for a scene, or to be seen. Come for true Montana hospitality and a chance to try Wild West skiing in the biggest mountain complex in the United States.

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Clockwise from top: About an hour south of Bozeman, Montana, you’ll find the magnificent Big Sky Resort, with some of the most thrilling powder skiing this side of Switzerland. Karl Marx didn’t actually get to be a dictator, but this run named for him is one of Big Sky’s famous “Dictator Chutes.” Even the cozy fitness center and spa at the Yellowstone Club is something out of an outdoorsman’s wildest dream. Scissorbills Saloon serves a mean grilled elk steak.

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

NOT SO PIE PIE

Spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen with these low-maintenance yet full-flavored dishes.

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ TASTES }

JANET LONDON FIELDS APRICOT & CHERRY GALETTE Yields 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE TOPPING: n 2 Tbs. sugar n 1 Tbs. all-purpose flour n 1 lb. fresh apricots, washed, halved and pitted n 1²/ ³ cups cherries, washed and pitted n 1 egg, beaten n vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, to serve (optional) n 1 Tbs. almond meal FOR THE DOUGH: n 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting n 6 Tbs. cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces n ¼ cup ice cold water n a pinch of salt n a pinch of sugar

DIRECTIONS

For the dough, combine the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl and either cut in the cold butter with the back of a fork or use two knives. Avoid overmixing—leaving larger chunks of butter than you would expect will make the pastry more flaky. Drizzle in the water and bring it all together into a ball without working the dough. Wrap in plastic wrap, then flatten into a disk and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Let the dough come to room temperature so it’s easier to work. Dust a work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a circle about the size of a dinner plate. Put it into the baking pan and refrigerate for a few minutes. Remove the dough circle and sprinkle the sugar, flour and almond meal over it, leaving a 1¼ inch border around the outside. Arrange the fruit on top of the almond meal—you can put the cherries in the middle and the apricots in a circle around them, or make up your own pattern. Fold over the dough rim to create a crust. Brush the rim with the beaten egg, and bake in the bottom half of the oven for 45-50 minutes, until the fruit is squashy. When cooked, transfer the galette to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or cold, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

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{ TASTES }

STRAWBERRY & BLUEBERRY COBBLER Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n1 ¾ cups blueberries n 3¼ cups strawberries, hulled and quartered n ¼ cup superfine sugar n ¼ cup corn starch n 1¼ cups gluten-free allpurpose flour n 1¼ cups gluten-free baking powder n large pinch of salt n 3½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into small cubes n ²/³ cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the berries, sugar and corn starch and put the mix into a deep 1½ quart baking dish. Put the flour, baking powder, salt and butter into a bowl and use the back of a fork or two knives to break up the chunks of butter into tiny pieces. Pour over the cream and mix until it all comes together. Press the “dough” into a ball and place on a floured work surface. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. Then roll out the dough to a ¾ inch thickness and cut out circles with a cookie cutter. Lay the circles flat over the fruit, brush with extra cream and place on a baking pan to catch any drips. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

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MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

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{ TASTES }

DITTISHAM PLUM CRISP Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n2 ¼ lbs. tart plums n ¼ cup superfine sugar n 3 Tbs. gluten-free allpurpose flour n 1 Tbs. sweet white wine FOR THE TOPPING: n ²/³ cup gluten-free allpurpose flour n 1 cup almond meal n ½ cup slivered almonds n ¹/³ cup packed light brown sugar n a pinch of sea salt n ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon n 1¼ sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into half-inch cubes

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Halve and pit the plums and put into a bowl. Toss with the sugar, flour and wine and put into a deep 9- to 10inch baking dish. Put all the crumb topping ingredients into a bowl and use the back of a fork or two knives to break up the chunks of butter into tiny pieces. Sprinkle the topping lightly over the fruit and place in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden.

All recipes and photos are reprinted with permission from LEON Happy Baking by Claire Ptak and Henry Dimbleby. Photos by Steven Joyce © Hachette Book Group.

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ POWER FOOD }

The Amazing Apricot

Here’s a dried fruit with priceless health benefits that make it truly golden, inside and out. Don’t let apricots’ modest size fool you—they cut a tall figure in the health world. For centuries, this sun-kissed fruit that grows on a small tree has been hailed in Chinese culture as a cure-all ingredient, thanks to apothecaries who often used ground apricot kernels in their medicines. Even today the phrase “expert of the apricot grove” in Chinese describes a physician. And while you can enjoy the semi-sweet tartness of an apricot in its fresh form or in the macerated marmalade on your morning toast, dried apricots take top billing in nutrition and versatility. POWER UP When water is slowly removed from fresh apricots during dehydration, almost all of the nutrients stay behind (except vitamin C, which is heat-sensitive), leaving the dried-out remnants supercharged with the best features of the original fruit. Dried apricots are jam-packed with soluble fiber that’s good for healthy digestion and regularity. In fact, a one-fourth cup serving of dried apricots provides roughly 16 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake while one cup clocks in at 314 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those same high fiber levels make dried apricots helpful in controlling your weight (when serving sizes are monitored) and lowering your cholesterol. They have abundant calcium, which builds bones and protects nerves. They’re also an ideal snack for a stressful workday or a moment of anxiety, as apricots are high in magnesium, a natural relaxant for nerves and muscle tension. The vibrant orange hue of dehydrated apricots indicates that the fruit is rich in vitamin A, an antioxidant that promotes cell generation, healthy eyesight and strong bones.

golden color. However, once you break open the bag for snacking, airtight storage in a container or freezer bag is imperative, as the sulfur will dissipate almost instantly and the fruit’s freshness will begin to dwindle. Looking to make your dried apricots last all year long? The USDA suggests refrigerating them to add six months to their freshness timetable. While you may be most accustomed to seeing diced dried apricots in store-bought fruitcakes during the holiday season, these sweet treats truly shine when added to certain other winter recipes, for example: • Dried apricots provide the perfect touch of sweetness when piled on top of a baked Brie cheese appetizer. • Replacing raisins in a traditional oatmeal-raisin cookie recipe with chopped dried apricots can create a new, more tart take on a beloved classic. • A winter salad of spinach and quinoa dressed with dried apricots is a chance to get your greens with an intense fruity flavor. • Dried apricots dunked in a cup of melted dark chocolate and chilled make a batch of quick and easy party favors for your next holiday get-together. —Gianna Barone

BUY/STORE/SERVE You’re sure to find whole dried apricots in the fruit and nut section of your local grocery store, or pre-diced ones in a bin in any “make your own trail mix” station of the farmer’s market. Turkey is the largest producer of dried apricots in the world, growing fruits that are dried whole, with a bright yellow-orange color and a distinctly sweet taste. (Most of the world’s supply comes from the Turkish province of Malatya, where archaeologists’ excavations have found evidence of civilization dating back to the fourth millennium B.C.) The top producer among U.S. states is California, where the dehydrated fruits are often halved and dark orange with a tart bite to them. Buy dried apricots with no added sugar or artificial coloring listed on the ingredients label. Dried apricots best maintain freshness if they’re packaged in an opaque, light-blocking bag or box. They’re built to last in your pantry, as they’re typically doused with sulfur dioxide during the dehydration process (unless you purchase the organic variety) to ensure longevity and that gorgeous

DID YOU KNOW? Despite apricots’ potent health benefits, they’re thought to bring bad luck in the U.S. Marines. Even saying their name is avoided, as Marines prefer to call them “’cots” or “the A-fruit” the way superstitious actors refer to Macbeth as “the Scottish play.” MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

{ SPIRITS }

Drink & Be Merry

You’ll make spirits bright with this holiday cocktail, perfect for a party or a festive night in. SANTA CLAUSMOPOLITAN: Serves 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE RIM: n 2 Tbs. confectioners’ sugar n 1 tsp. water n 3 Tbs. shredded sweetened coconut FOR THE COCKTAIL: n ¾ cup cranberry juice n ¼ cup coconut rum n 2 Tbs. grenadine n 2 peppermint sticks or candy canes, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

n Place coconut on a small plate and confectioners’ sugar on a separate small plate. Add water to the sugar and mix with a fork until well-combined with no lumps. Dip the rim of one martini glass in the sugar mixture, ensuring the entire rim gets coated well. Immediately dip sugared rim in coconut. Repeat with remaining martini glass. n Fill a cocktail shaker ¾ full with ice. Add cranberry juice, coconut rum and grenadine; shake for about 10 seconds until chilled and mixed thoroughly. Strain into the prepared glasses. n Garnish each cocktail with a peppermint stick or candy cane, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of thekitchenismyplayground.com MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Be There

From festivals and fundraisers to concerts and competitions, there’s something for everyone this season in Monmouth County.

DEC 20 Take a break from shopping and bring the family to Asbury Park’s Paramount Theatre for a screening of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Follow the beloved George Bailey as he learns the true meaning of the season in the quintessential holiday film. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is FREE. Find out more at apboardwalk.com.

DEC 21 Ring in the holidays with the Jersey Jubilation Handbell Choir, which will hold its annual HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS BELLS concert in its popup space at The Grove at Shrewsbury. The 2 p.m. performance will include various holiday favorites and is FREE for all attendees. Get all the details at jerseyjubilation.org.

DEC 22 Calling all collectors and hobbyists! The end-of-theyear COLTS NECK SPORTS CARD AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW takes place from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Colts Neck Fire Department. Dozens of vendors will display and sell rare, unique and the most-sought-after records, comic books, magazines, sports memorabilia and more. Admission is FREE. Email kingroland777@gmail.com for more info.

DEC 23 Celebrate the festival of lights with family and friends at Belmar’s annual MENORAH LIGHTING ceremony, beginning at 5 p.m. at Pyanoe Plaza, 9th and Main streets. The 30-minute program marks the first night of Hanukkah and will include refreshments for all attendees. Admission: FREE. Head to belmar.com to find out more.

DEC 31 Cap off 2019 in a healthy way and join the Jersey Shore Running Club’s annual NEW YEAR’S EVE TWILIGHT FUN RUN/WALK AND PARTY in Manasquan. The 2-mile course will take participants along the Manasquan Beach Walk and local streets before ending with the post-run festivities at Leggett’s Sand Bar. Sign-in begins at 2:30 p.m., and the run will follow at 4 p.m. Registration, which includes T-shirts and a free buffet, is $28 before Dec. 25 ($30 afterward) and $20 for the party only. Find out more at jsrc.org.

JAN 8 Get to know the animals from down under at the Monmouth County Audubon Society’s presentation BIRDS AND WILDLIFE OF AUSTRALIA. The FREE program, led by Susan Phelon, takes place from 8–10 p.m. in the St. Andrews Room at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank. Learn more about the event at monmouthaudubon.org.

JAN 10 Need a good laugh? Funnyman ARTIE LANGE returns to Red Bank for a one-night performance at the

January 11 CUTTING, SPLITTING AND HEWING

Count Basie Center of the Arts. Lange’s been making audiences laugh with his stand-up routine for more than 30 years while gaining national attention for roles on The Howard Stern Show as well as films Old School and Elf. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Find your seat and more details at thebasie.org.

JAN 11 It’s the middle of winter, but you’ll want to roll up your sleeves for the CUTTING, SPLITTING AND HEWING event at Holmdel’s Longstreet Farm. From 12–2:30 p.m., aspiring lumberjacks can warm up using a two-person saw and splitting wedge before learning how to use a broad axe to hew beams. The program is FREE but open to adults only. Visit monmouthcountyparks.com for more details.

JAN 24 College hoops rivals collide when the MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM hosts Niagara University at the OceanFirst Bank Center in West Long Branch. Watch the hometown Hawks take on the Purple Eagles as the two teams battle for position in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10. Find out more at monmouthhawks.com.

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

JAN 25 & 26 Raise your glass and toast to the area’s best brews during the ASBURY PARK BEERFEST, a two-day exhibition at Convention Hall. The charity event will feature assorted craft beers, ciders and retro brews all available for tasting. Admission: $44 in advance, $48 at the door and $10 for designated drivers. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Best Day Foundation, Clean Ocean Action and Officer Down NJ. Visit apboardwalk.com for tickets and the complete schedule.

JAN 27 Surely, you’ve resolved to eat better in 2020, so head to the TASTE OF LONG BRANCH at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant. From 5:30–8:30 p.m., attendees will have the chance to sample food from some of the best restaurants in the city. Tickets are $50, and proceeds from the event will benefit the Kay Guadagno Memorial Award & Scholarship Fund at Monmouth Medical Center. Find your tickets now at eventbrite.com. Send event listings to: Monmouth Health & Life, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; or email us at editor@wainscotmedia.com. Listings must be received two months before the event and must include a phone number or website that will be published.

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SAVE THE DATE HEALTH & LIFEHEALTH & LIFE

2020 READERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CHOICE AWARDS POLL OPENS JANUARY 13! Look for more details soon at monmouthhealthandlife.com/readerschoice2020

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Our Favorite Dishes This Year Dining out this December? Of all the meals we enjoyed in 2019, we pick four can’t-miss plates to sink your teeth into.

Arctic Char Triumph Brewing Company Foodies stood by some five years for this Red Bank eatery to open, and it was well worth the wait. The name might convey a new craft beer joint—and Triumph certainly has its share of cool brews and cocktails—but the upscale tavern fare is the star of the eatery next door to the Two River Theater. This summer, I feasted on a perfectly cooked and generously sized Arctic char filet. The fish was served skin side up, but I flipped it to reveal the wonderful salmon color. It had plenty of flavor on its own, but I gave it a little oomph when I forked it with some of the accompanying lentil ragout and creamed leeks.

Dayboat Scallops Harpoon Willy’s Though it’s not new to the Monmouth County dining scene, this longtime Manasquan fixture continues to please. It’s become a Jersey Shore destination not only for its stunning river views, but also for serving extraordinary seafood all year round. I dined on the pan-roasted scallops this summer, the time to avoid shellfish, according to a general rule of thumb. Rules don’t apply at Harpoon Willy’s though, which served me four spot-on scallops that were full of sweet flavor and cooked to perfection. They were paired with a healthy portion of mushroom risotto, which was just as divine as the scallops.

Triumph Brewing Company, 1 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, 732.852.7300, triumphbrewing.com

Harpoon Willy’s, 2655 River Rd., Manasquan, 732.223.8880, harpoonwillys.com

Tommy’s Tavern & Tap, 3492 Rte. 9, Freehold, 732.543.0053, tommystavernandtap.com

Minchet Abish Ada’s Gojjo Restaurateur Adanech Asghedom wasn’t thinking fusion when she opened Ada’s Gojjo in Asbury Park earlier this year—she went for reinvention. The eatery, an expanded version of the former Ada’s Latin Flavor in Long Branch, specializes in Dominican and Ethiopian cuisines, and each is kept separate on the menu. During my visit, I ordered minchet abish, a traditional Ethiopian dish made with lean ground beef and marked with a bold turmeric flavor. The dish—served with turmeric-spiked yellow split peas and a medley of potatoes, carrots and green beans—had an incredible spicy kick, which was diluted by the spongy injera flatbread. Of course, the dish is meant to be scooped by hand using the flatbread, but I committed a faux pas and used utensils to eat. No worries, as Asghedom herself visited my table and didn’t give me flak for the fork. Ada’s Gojjo, 1301 Memorial Dr., Asbury Park, 732.222.5005, adagojjo.com

—Darius Amos 2nd Floor Restaurant

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Photos by Darius Amos

Sushi Nachos Tommy’s Tavern & Tap When a national chain restaurant vacated its spot on Route 9 in Freehold, many locals were left without a dependable neighborhood eatery. Tommy’s Tavern & Tap, however, moved in and quickly gained the trust and favor of the locals thanks to the staff’s friendly service and an inventive— and tasty—menu. The selections run the gamut, from burgers and steaks to sushi and shrimp tacos. One of my favorite dishes is the ahi tuna nachos, a well-executed spin on typical bar nachos. Fresh spicy tuna and avocado overflow from an oversized bowl, and the chips maintain their crispiness (there’s no moisture from cheese and tomatoes) until the last bite. And believe me, you’ll want to eat it until the very end.

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Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Monmouth County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings. HAZLET

Catch 19 in Red Bank

NEIL MICHAEL’S STEAKHOUSE 1104 Rte. 36, 732.217.3626 neilmichaelsteakhouse.com

NEELAM EXOTIC INDIAN CUISINE 1178 Rte. 35 S., 732.671.8900 neelamindiancuisine.com

KEYPORT

NEPTUNE

DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO 25 Church St., 732.739.9219 drewsbayshorebistro.com

LONG BRANCH AVON-BY-THE-SEA

MODINE 601 Mattison Ave., 732.893.5300 modineasbury.com

CLEMENTINE’S 306 Main St., 732.988.7979 clementinesavon.com

MOONSTRUCK 517 Lake Ave., 732.988.0123 moonstrucknj.com

BELFORD

PASCAL & SABINE 601 Bangs Ave., 732.774.3395 pascalandsabine.com PORTA 911 Kingsley St., 732.776.7661 pizzaporta.com

Photo courtesy of Catch 19

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS COPPER CANYON 51 First Ave., 732.291.8444 thecoppercanyon.com HARBORSIDE GRILL 40 First Ave., 732.291.0066 ahwinebar.com

LA MONDINA 110 Union Ave. 732.612.8331 lamondinabrielle.com

ENGLISHTOWN

BELFORD BISTRO 870 Main St., 732.495.8151 belfordbistro.com

ROSALITA’S ROADSIDE CANTINA 180 Rte. 9, 732.617.0099 rosalitasnj.com

BELMAR

FAIR HAVEN

10TH AVE. BURRITO CO. 801 Belmar Plz., 732.280.1515 tenthaveburrito.com

RAVEN & THE PEACH 740 River Rd., 732.747.4666 ravenandthepeach.net

LA DOLCE VITA 400 Ocean Ave., 732.749.3177 ladolcevitanj.com

FREEHOLD

BRADLEY BEACH THE ELBOW ROOM 416 Main St., 732.898.6860 elbowroomnj.com

BRIELLE DUE AMICI 420 Higgins Ave., 732.528.0666 dueamicibriellenj.com

618 RESTAURANT 618 Park Ave., 732.577.0001 618nj.com AARZU MODERN INDIAN BISTRO 30 E. Main St., 732.333.0933 aarzu.com EL MESON 40 W. Main St., 732.308.9494 elmesoncafe.com

MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

MIDDLETOWN

YESTERDAY’S RESTAURANT 3153 Rte. 35, 732.264.3777 yesterdaysnj.com

CORNUCOPIA RESTAURANT 98 Maple Pl., 732.739.6888 cornucopiakeyport.com

ASBURY PARK

THE SALTY WHALE AND GUESTHOUSE 390 E. Main St. 732.592.3344 thesaltywhale.com

AVENUE 23 Ocean Ave., 732.759.2900 leclubavenue.com CHARLEY’S OCEAN GRILL 29 Avenel Blvd., 732.222.4499 charleysoceangrill.com ROONEY’S OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT 100 Ocean Ave. N., 732.870.1200 rooneysocean.com

IL POSTO 1129 Fifth Ave., 732.775.4823 MOLINARI’S 312 W. Sylvania Ave., 732.775.7733 molinaris.biz

OCEAN ILLIANO’S 933 W. Park Ave., 732.493.2003 illianosrestaurant.net PICCOLA ITALIA 837 W. Park Ave., 732.493.3090 piccolaitalianj.com

RED BANK BIRRAVINO 183 Riverside Ave., 732.842.5990 birravino.com B2 BISTRO + BAR 141 Shrewsbury Ave., 732.268.8555 b2bistro.com

NICHOLAS 160 Rte. 35 S., 732.345.9977 restaurantnicholas.com PATRIZIA’S 28 Broad St., 732.741.5555 patrizias.com VIA45 45 Broad St., 732.450.9945 via45.com

RUMSON BARNACLE BILL’S 1 First St., 732.747.8396 barnaclebillsrumson.com SALT CREEK GRILLE 4 Bingham Ave., 732.933.9272 saltcreekgrille.com

SEA BRIGHT ANJELICA’S 1070 Ocean Ave., 732.842.2800 anjelicas.com

SEA GIRT FRATELLO’S 810 The Plaza, 732.974.8833 fratellosnj.com

SPRING LAKE LARIMAR RESTAURANT 1311 Third Ave., 732.359.6700 larimarrestaurant.com WHISPERS 200 Monmouth Ave., 732.974.9755 whispersrestaurant.com

TUZZIO’S 224 Westwood Ave., 732.222.9614 tuzzios.com

CATCH 19 19 Broad St., 732.268.8543 catch19redbank.com

MANALAPAN

CHAR 33 Broad St., 732.450.2427 charsteakhouse.com

MEEMOM’S 1825 Rte. 35, 732.359.8544 meemoms.com

DANNY’S 11 Bridge Ave., 732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com

MOSSUTO’S MARKET & CAFE 2029 Rte. 35 S., 732.449.8058 mossutosmarket.com

NONNA’S CITI CUCINA 190 Rte. 9 N., 732.536.9050 nonnasnj.net

MANASQUAN THE COMMITTED PIG 152 Main St. 732.223.0030 thecommittedpig.com

MOLLY PITCHER INN 88 Riverside Ave., 732.747.2500 themollypitcher.com

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

WALL

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Gatherings

Whether it’s at a fundraiser or a volunteering event, Monmouth residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors. 2

1 1 UNTERBERG CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL More than 150 motorcyclists from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs braved the cold on Nov. 17 to deliver hundreds of toys and brighten the holidays for patients at the Unterberg Children’s Hospital (UCH) at Monmouth Medical Center. The ride began at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. When the motorcyclists arrived at the hospital, they gathered in the lobby for live music performed by The Black Ties, refreshments and a presentation from a representative of the hospital’s Cystic Fibrosis Center about the impact of the group’s donation on kids living with cystic fibrosis this holiday season. The event concluded with a visit to the hospital’s inpatient pediatric unit by Santa Claus. 1 UCH Medical Director Dr. Meg Fisher, (center) was on hand to welcome the riders and Long Branch Police and Fire departments, which together raised $4,000 for the hospital’s Cystic Fibrosis Center.

3 Hundreds of runners, walkers and supporters recently attended the annual Running With the Devils 5K Run & Walk. In addition to the 5K, participants enjoyed a mascot race featuring the New Jersey Devil and Shadow, the Monmouth University hawk, refreshments and free admission to the Turtle Back Zoo. Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services at RWJBarnabas Health facilities, including Monmouth Medical Center. RWJBH is the official healthcare provider of the New Jersey Devils. 2 President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Barry Ostrowsky (center) poses with friends and mascots from various New Jersey professional and college teams. 3 Members of the #JeffStrong team were among the top fundraisers.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

As part of the Ramps & Rails campaign, volunteers at Habitat for Humanity constructed a wooden ramp at a building in Farmingdale. The program assists low to moderate income homeowners in need of a wheelchair ramp. 5 Volunteers from Wells Fargo bank get to work.

4 MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER The Unterberg Children’s Hospital Council hosted its first ever Sunday Family Funday Event on Nov. 3 at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park. The fun-filled day encouraged families to spend time together with activities fostering excitement, learning and fun. More than 100 people participated in carnival games, live music, bowling and activities for children ages 2-12 years old. In addition, parents were welcomed to participate in a silent auction with prizes geared toward children. In keeping with its mission to serve communities across Monmouth County, The Unterberg Children’s Hospital Council will use the proceeds from this event to provide necessary items for our underserved families of the community over the holiday season. 4 Meghan Del Priore, Liz Toolan, co-chairs of Toast to Children’s Health Committee MONMOUTHHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

5 DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Monmouth Medical Center (1,4), RWJBarnabas Health (2,3), Habitat for Humanity (5)

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH

ONLY THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2019

HOME OF THE TOMAHAWK STEAKS

’ C H O I C E AW

WAGU AND A-5 JAPANESE KOBE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS #MONMOUTHMEATS

Full service, old fashioned butcher shop and meat market located in the heart of

112 Monmouth Street • Red Bank, NJ

downtown Red Bank.

MonmouthMeats.com

732.741.5292

Boutique Design Studio Specializing in Kitchen and Bath design 25 Bridge Avenue | Red Bank | New Jersey | 07701 732 | 345 | 1441

www.tckbdesigns.com

Appointments Preferred