Middlesex Health & Life's January 2010 issue

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THE GOOD LIVING MAG AZINE

from SAINT PETER’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & LIFE ■

JANUARY 2010

MIDDLESEX & health

life

January 2010 / $3.95

FRESH START! Advice to help you: • get fit • eat better • fight stress • declutter ... and more

7 fat-busting foods Hot coifs from star stylist Tabatha Coffey Highland Park’s Mediterranean escape

Health watch ■

Memory testing goes high-tech 10 ways to beat headaches ■

Shake up your exercise routine

■

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Contents

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46

26 January 2010 4 Welcome letter

36 The buzz Notable events at Saint Peter’s University Hospital

6 Editor’s letter 10 Flash

Captured moments around the county

12 Things we love Health ’n’ beauty booty Top look-and-feel-good finds

14

Head-to-toe Things you can do to feel better all over

16

Eat well, head to toe 6 foods that do your body good—in some surprising ways

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7 fat-beaters Burn fat more efficiently with these

19

Resolution solutions! Expert tips on popular pledges

20

On-the-clock workouts Star trainer Jessie

24

38 Faces of Saint Peter’s Conversations with Edward D. Fein, M.D., and Thomas A. Schwartzer, M.D.

40 Inside look What’s behind a top-notch nursing staff?

When a hospital cares about its nurses, they can provide the best care for patients.

43 Tech savvy Getting the jump on memory loss

Computerized testing helps diagnose cognitive impairment early, when treatments can do the most good.

foods and drinks

44 Seasonal health

Shake up your exercise routine Varying your

workout can keep you interested—and fit.

Pavelka suggests 10-, 20-, 30- and 60-minute routines.

Give ‘peaceful’ a chance Steps to lessen your stress

45 Up close Born to serve Family tradition drew this overachiever to medicine, the military and the ministry.

26 Escapes

46 Glorious food

30 Spotlight

47 Middlesex gourmet

Nature’s hot baths Find serenity at 4 glorious springs.

A cut above A chat with TV hair guru Tabatha Coffey

32 Health watch

· 10 ways to beat headaches · Fad or fact?

Be sushi-savvy! A quick primer on calorie counts

Greece is the word Authentic Greek fare in a cheery setting awaits at Pithari Taverna.

48 Faces of Middlesex Your moment of Zen COVER IMAGE : MASTERFILE

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SPECIAL EVENTS Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Welcome LETTER

Monday, January 18, 2010 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM A multicultural celebration. Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center / Saint Peter’s University Hospital / 254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick For more information call the Office of Community Outreach, 732-745-8551.

Nursing at Saint Peter’s University Hospital

Fashion Runway 2010: Springtime in Paris Saturday, March 13, 2010 | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM Annual luncheon and fashion show sponsored by the Auxiliary of Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Fashions by Coldwater Creek; tricky tray, special basket drawings, 50/50 raffle; win a trip for two to Paris! Proceeds to benefit Saint Peter’s Breast Center. Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27, Edison. For more information call the Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542.

Making the Connection: Caring for the Total Woman Women’s Leadership Summit and Wellness Fair Thursday, March 18 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Program includes breakfast panel; roundtable discussions on topics such as finance, social media and stress management; and luncheon keynote speaker. Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Services and other healthcare and wellness specialists will provide health screenings.

Call Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce at 732-745-8090 for information.

SAVE THE DATE: Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Annual Gala Saturday, May 8 The Heldrich, New Brunswick

HEALTH & WELLNESS Weight-Loss Surgery Seminar Thursdays, January 14, February 11 and March 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Saint Peter’s University Hospital 254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick If you’re at least 100 pounds overweight, you simply can’t afford to miss this life-altering seminar. Our bariatric surgeons will explain everything you need to know to make an informed decision on weight-loss surgery. In addition, you’ll learn about The Program for LIFE™, a customized support plan for weight-loss patients. To register, call 1-866-97MYPFL (1-866-976-9735).

Community Mobile Health Services Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Services provides health education and screenings. For information contact Community Mobile Health Services at 732-745-8600, ext.

8903.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, THE FOUNDER OF modern nursing, saw our profession as a calling. She understood the bond between patient and nurse as a sacred one, and she honored that relationship. She also recognized the environment as the foundation on which the healing process takes place. Here at Saint Peter’s, we believe in creating a healing environment focused on our patients’ needs, one that has no barriers to care and is built on a spirit of inquiry.

We also know our patients as individuals whose wellbeing is influenced by a spiritual, cultural and ethnic background, social groups and family units. From the foods we serve to the treatments we administer, we strive to understand on a deeper level the diverse cultures that surround us and to conform our care as much as possible to the customs and beliefs of our patients.

Nursing at Saint Peter’s has a rich history and a reputation for delivering high-quality patient and familycentered care. Our nurses are talented, capable and welleducated professionals who are backed by a dedicated and skillful support staff. We focus intensely on education, because studies demonstrate that educated nurses deliver better care with positive clinical outcomes. Many of our nurses hold advanced nursing degrees, from masters to doctorates, and the majority hold at least one certification in their fields of specialty.

Our every action is guided by knowledge, enabled by skill and motivated by compassion. As clinicians, we ensure that our nursing practice is caring, innovative, scientific and empowering and is based on a foundation of transformational leadership and entrepreneurial teamwork.

Much is expected of the nurses at Saint Peter’s, but the highest expectation is that they lead with their minds and their hearts. In my opinion, our nurses excel! Their work reminds me of a favorite quote by inspirational author Harvey MacKay: “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I am proud and honored to lead them.

Sincerely,

MAUREEN SWICK, PHD, RN, NEA-BC 254 EASTON AVENUE NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901 |

732.745.8600 | www.saintpetersuh.com

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Vice President, Patient Care Services Chief Nursing Officer Saint Peter’s University Hospital

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Editor’s LETTER No one should “learn as you go” about decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. My office should be your first stop in your Divorce process.

Together we will help you plan your strategy, finances, and choose the right attorney for your case. In these troubled economic times, divorce may not be viable or costs must be streamlined.

We will help you decide if mediation or collaborative divorce is more suitable. Please call for a consult.

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Starting fresh IF RESOLUTIONS WERE EASY, WE’D ALL BE FIT and trim, with no debts or vices, perfectly organized closets and oodles of quality time to lavish on family.

The reality, of course, is that change is hard, unwavering discipline gets tiring and our best-laid January plans are often set aside by March. Still, that’s no reason not to try—after all, success is sweetest when the task at hand is a challenge. And there’s no better time than now to get fired up with motivation.

To help you on your journey, we filled this issue with all manner of tips, advice and inspiration. For that “get fit” goal, for instance, we called on star trainer (and big-time hunk) Jessie Pavelka from Lifetime’s TV show DietTribe. To put an end to those “I don’t have the time” excuses, we asked him to design effective workouts you can complete in 10, 20, 30 or 60 minutes. Find his step-bystep plans on page 20. And when you feel your routine has become too routine, turn to page 44 for advice on shaking up your fitness regimen.

If healthful eating is also on your New Year’s agenda, check out “Eat Well, Head to Toe,” page 16, where you’ll find foods you can eat to protect brains, bones, breasts and more.

Those who hope to dial down their stress levels can turn to “Give ‘Peaceful’ a Chance” on page 24, in which we share six strategies to help you relax, and “Nature’s Hot Baths” on page 26, where we describe four getaways centered around soothing natural hot springs.

Kick your style up a notch by following the coif tips of celebrity hairstylist—and New Jersey resident— Tabatha Coffey on page 30, or with one of the many products we showcase in “Health ’n’ Beauty Booty,” page 12.

Don’t see your goal of choice above? Check out “Resolution Solutions!” on page 19, where we offer a roundup of expert advice on eight common January vows.

Regardless of your plans for self-improvement, we wish you a happy and health-filled 2010!

RITA GUARNA Editor in Chief

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Frank DeMonico

THE WOUND CARE SPECIALISTS AT SAINT PETER’S SAVED MY LEG...AND MY LIFE. I’ve got two loves in my life—my family and fishing. But after a wound on my leg just wouldn’t heal, I thought my fishing days were over. As a diabetic I was really worried, because non-healing wounds can cause serious complications. Today, thanks to the wound care specialists at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, my wound has fully healed. I’m back fishing again…and teaching my grandchildren how not to let that big one get away.

To learn more about our Wound Care Center® and Hyperbaric Services, call 732-846-6199 or visit saintpetersuh.com

Treating you better...for life.

254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901 Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen

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editorial contributions: The editors invite letters, article ideas and other contributions from readers. Please write to Editor, Middlesex Health & Life, 110

Appointment Suggested

www.thebathconnection.com

Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201-571-7003; fax 201-782-5319; email editor@wainscotmedia.com. Any manu-

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script or artwork should be accompanied by

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a self-addressed envelope bearing adequate sible for the return or loss of submissions. advertising inquiries: Please contact Doug Barker at 201-573-5557 or doug.barker@wainscotmedia.com.

Tues.–Sat. 9:30am–5:30pm • Closed Mon. Evenings by appointment

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Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Staff president and chief executive officer RONALD C . RAK , J . D .

executive vice president and chief marketing officer PETER CONNOLLY

director, marketing and media relations MICHELLE LAZZAROTTI

marketing and public relations representative

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FREE Bottle of Professional Spot Remover We are certian you’ll love this safe & easy to use spotter, so your 1st bottle is on us!

president and chief executive officer STEVEN S . RADIN , ESQ .

SAINT PETER’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM 254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. For more information about Saint Peter’s facilities and services, please visit www.saintpetersuh.com or call 732-745-8600.

Published by

Wainscot Media chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN

president MARK DOWDEN

executive vice president JOEL EHRLICH

vice presidents AMY DOWDEN NIGEL EDELSHAIN RITA GUARNA SHANNON STEITZ SUZANNE TRON

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 Middlesex Health

& Life, Circulation Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes, FL 34639; telephone 813-996-6579; e-mail lauren.mena@wainscotmedia.com.

Middlesex Health & Life is published four times a year

by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. This is Volume 3, Issue 4. ©2009 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $14.00 for one year. Single copies: $3.95.

Material contained herein is for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Acceptance of advertising by Middlesex Health & Life does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

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FLASH GOLFERS CAME OUT TO THE RIDGE AT BACK Brook in Ringoes for the 23rd Annual Sharon Montero Golf Classic. Proceeds from the event will benefit Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. At the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, meanwhile, Literacy Programs of New Jersey held its first-ever gala. Elsewhere, the Metuchen-Edison Area Branch of the NAACP held a “Freedom Fun Gala,” featuring dinner, cocktails and a silent auction. And the Metuchen-based Women Helping Women held its seventh annual “Starry Night Gala.” Funds raised will help the group provide counseling and support services to women struggling with abuse, depression, self-esteem and other issues.

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SHARON MONTERO GOLF CLASSIC

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4. Joann Roddy, Jackie Holtz, honoree Jean Holtz, Molly Loprete and Kathleen Fredericks

2. Brad Coleman, Michael McCormick and Chris Maltese

NAACP GALA

LITERACY PROGRAMS OF NEW JERSEY GALA

6. Milani and Renata Hernandez

3. Eman Tana and Alex Hill

7. Keith and Toya Beasley

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5. Earl and Ann Marie White, Kasandra Slade

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STARRY NIGHT GALA 8. Sara Lesko and Derek McKechnie 9. Sarah Lamanaco, Gregory Cyrwus and Donna Lamonaco 10. Catherine Rieker 11. Michelle and Siena Marino

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

Include your contact information, a short event description and names of all who appear. (Submissions are not guaranteed to appear and must meet the following image specs: 4x6 color prints or 300 dpi jpg, tif or eps files. Prints must be accompanied by an SASE in order to be returned.)

CHRISTOPHER GORE; CHRISTOPHER BARTH; KATHY KING

1. Dan Plenzo, Susan Rappaport, Peter DeRosa and Bill Szumski

3

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Things WE LOVE

Health ’n’ beauty booty

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OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST LOOK-GOOD/ FEEL-GOOD FINDS OF THE NEW YEAR 2

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1. Reduce your carbon footprint in style with Feelgoodz recyclable and biodegradable flip-flops, $19.99, made of all-natural rubber that molds to the shape of your feet.

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2. Give layered locks extra volume and shine with Redken’s Layer Lift 07 Length Elevating Spray-Gel, $15, featuring new Clean-Feel Technology that helps control frizz.

3. Harsh chemicals, begone! These allnatural towelettes from Organic Wear by Physicians Formula, $9.95 for 25, gently remove makeup and moisturize skin with organic soy and other earth-conscious ingredients.

4. Who knew a water bottle could be so smart? Sportline’s digital HydraCoach, $29.99, keeps your fluid consumption in check by calculating your personal hydration needs, tracking your daily and hourly fluid consumption and more.

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5. A blend of lily of the valley, rose damascena, Italian mandarin pink peony and musk, Becker-Eshaya’s b.e. perfume, $65 9

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for a 51-milliliter bottle, will keep you sweetly scented all winter long.

6. Going nuts with knots? The nutrient-rich Prep by Bumble and Bumble, $17 for an 8-ounce bottle, not only detangles, it gives life to fine tresses and helps styles stay put.

7. Infused with vitamins A, C and E, SkinMedica’s TNS Night Eye Repair, $90, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by strengthening the delicate skin around your eyes.

8. Used by contestants on NBC’s hit weightloss show The Biggest Loser, Apex’s Bodybugg calorie system, $199, tracks how many calories you consume and burn with a sensor-equipped armband and a customizable Web-based program (6-month subscription included).

9. Notes of mandarin orange, bitter almond, chocolate and Bulgarian rose add a twist of sophistication to Van Cleef & Arpels’ intoxicating Orchidée Vanille perfume, $185. ■

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FreshSTART

HEAD-TO-TOE Things you can do—all over—to feel better Sinuses

Head

More than 30 million Americans suffer from stuffiness in these eight walnut-sized cavities. For relief, inhale the scent of eucalyptus, which eases sinus pressure.

Headaches are the most common neurological ailment in the U.S., but few know that perfume, storms, ponytails and hunger can bring on throbbing. The remedies?

Avoid strong scents if you’re sensitive, take ibuprofen when there’s a barometric pressure change, loosen hair and eat regularly.

Heart Go ahead—have that daily cup of coffee. In a recent study, long-term drinkers of one to three cups a day had a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

(But stick to one cup; other research links increased caffeine consumption with weight gain.)

Lungs If you have asthma, try yoga. Its deepbreathing exercises have been shown to strengthen lungs and improve their capacity.

Lower back Need another reason to stop smoking?

Doctors say the habit reduces blood flow to the spine, which causes discs to degenerate and can lead to chronic lower back pain.

Ankle

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Stomach Tummy on the fritz?

Try ginger. Several studies confirm the root’s effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting. Sprinkle powdered ginger in tea, suck on a ginger candy or swallow it in capsule form.

Knee Lose a little weight for your knees’ sake.

Twenty percent of severely overweight people in their 40s and 50s will develop knee arthritis. The good news? For each pound of weight sufferers lose, they relieve 4 pounds of pressure from their knees, studies say.

ROBIN G. LONDON 2008

Nearly 25,000 people sprain an ankle every day, and some of these injuries result from wearing the wrong shoe size. To find the perfect fit, shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest, and get feet remeasured every few years.

Elbow If you spend hours at the computer, you could be at risk for “mouse elbow,” a repetitive stress injury caused by ergonomically unsound desk setups. Avoid it by keeping your mouse directly adjacent to your keyboard to minimize movement.

Anderson & Collins Clinical Research, Inc. is currently seeking volunteers for the following clinical trials: • ARTHRITIS • FIBROMYALGIA • HIGH CHOLESTEROL • HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE) • INSOMNIA • MIGRAINE • OSTEOPOROSIS • OVERWEIGHT • SWINE FLU VACCINE • WOMEN’S HEALTH • VACCINES

• Study-related medical care & medication are provided at no cost to participants.

• Compensation for time and travel.

For more information or to receive our clinical trial newsletter, please contact our office: (732) 287-5130 or email: admin@accrinc.com

Anderson & Collins Clinical Research, Inc.

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EAT WELL, HEAD-TO-TOE 6 foods that do your body good—in some surprising ways Eyes Eat this: SWEET POTATOES Here’s why: They’re a great source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes eye health and can help prevent cataracts.

Did you know? A sweet potato also contains almost twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, which is essential to vision.

Breast Eat this: SALMON Here’s why: Salmon is a rich source of vitamin D, and research indicates that boosting your intake of this vitamin can lower your breast-cancer risk.

Did you know? Salmon also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may add to that cancerfighting benefit (experts aren’t yet unanimous) and which otherwise amount to a health-effects home run, benefiting arteries, blood pressure, brain, eyes, metabolism, muscles and more.

Bones

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Eat this: APPLES Here’s why: They contain a flavonoid called quercetin that has been shown in studies of mice to protect brain cells against injury from oxidation. High apple consumption has also been linked to lower-than-average rates of one kind of stroke.

Did you know? Apple-juice studies suggest that apples also may heighten the brain’s production of a key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, improving memory.

Heart Eat this: STRAWBERRIES Here’s why: They reduce inflammation in the arteries and increase levels of the heart-healthy vitamin folate in the blood.

Did you know? Strawberries can help whiten teeth! They contain malic acid, which acts as an astringent, buffing away discoloration from notso-pearly whites. Combine a mashed strawberry with a half-tablespoon of baking soda and apply the mixture to your teeth, leaving it on for five minutes, then brushing away with toothpaste. (Just don’t do this more than once a week—you risk damaging tooth enamel.)

Stomach Drink this: GREEN TEA Here’s why: It may fight stomach cancer: A recent study found that women who drank five or more cups of green tea a day were 20 percent less likely to develop the disease.

Did you know? Generally, green tea has just one-third to one-half the caffeine of black tea.

ROBIN G. LONDON 2008

Eat this: BROCCOLI Here’s why: It’s not only strong in bone-strengthening calcium, it’s also loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for the maintenance and repair of bones. A cup of broccoli boasts more than twice the recommended daily allowance of C—more than is found in an orange.

Did you know? Broccoli also contains two phytonutrients that may help the body fight cancer—one by suppressing tumor-cell growth, the other by clearing the system of cancer-causing substances.

Brain

Dorothy and Gregory Kacprzynski

THE BREAST CANCER SPECIALISTS AT SAINT PETER’S COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE CARING. I’ve always been there for my son. So nothing was going to stop me from being there at his graduation—not even being diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancer specialists at Saint Peter’s University Hospital understood that I had to win the biggest battle of my life for the both of us. Using the latest cancer therapies blended with a level of caring that was nothing short of amazing, I didn’t miss one of the most important moments in his life…and mine.

To learn more about our Breast Cancer Care, call 732-745-6687 or visit saintpetersuh.com

Treating you better...for life.

254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901 Accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer

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Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen

732.745.8600 State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center

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Fresh START

7 fat-beaters Talk about the best of both worlds: Researchers have discovered that certain foods and drinks actually help your body burn fat more efficiently—so you can nibble and whittle your middle at the same time. Here are 7 such items and their claims to fame: What: GREEN TEA Why: This soothing brew contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of a group of antioxidants called catechins. Research indicates that catechins increase energy expenditure and fat-burning, and may help control weight. A 2007 review of research on the subject concluded that consuming five to six cups of green tea per day does indeed have metabolic benefits.

Calories per serving: 0 calories per cup

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What: OATMEAL Why: High in fiber, oatmeal helps your body burn calories by boosting your metabolism. In 2008, a Penn State University weight-loss study reported that people whose diets were rich in whole grains lost significantly more abdominal fat than those who ate only refined grains. The whole-grain group also had a big reduction in C-reactive protein levels, a heart-disease marker.

Calories per serving: 159 calories per cup

What: CHILI PEPPERS Why: They get their heat from a component called capsaicin, which has been shown to suppress appetite and boost metabolism. One Dutch study reported that subjects ate fewer calories and rated themselves as more satisfied when they consumed capsaicin half an hour before each meal.

Calories per serving: 19 calories for each pepper

What: AVOCADO Why: This fruit is another excellent source of abdominal fat– reducing monounsaturated fatty acids, which in a study reported in Diabetes Care were shown to curb “central body fat distribution.” Avocados also boast betasitosterol, a plant-based fat that may lower cholesterol.

Calories per serving: 80 calories for 1⁄4 avocado

What: ALMONDS Why: Researchers believe that the body may not fully absorb the fat in almonds and that the cell walls of the nuts may act as a barrier against fat.

Besides lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease, almonds can lessen food cravings by making you feel fuller.

Calories per serving: 163 calories per ounce ATSUSHI TOMIOKA

What: BLUEBERRIES Why: A recent University of Michigan study suggests that the phytochemicals in blueberries influence the genes that control how we process glucose, thereby helping our bodies store and burn fat more effectively.

Calories per serving: 84 calories per cup

What: OLIVE OIL Why: Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids—a type of healthy fat recently found to help shrink the accumulation of belly fat. Opt for extravirgin, the least-processed form of the oil, which contains the most antioxidants.

Calories per serving: 119 calories per tablespoon

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F R E S H S TA RT

by Kristin Colella

by Kristin Colella

Resolution solutions!

VOW THIS WILL BE THE YEAR YOU’LL FINALLY STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S GOALS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT? DON’T GO IT ALONE—TAKE THIS ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

HEIDI SCHMIDT

ON HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS WITH 8 POPULAR PLEDGES.

Resolution: Quit smoking Strategy: Meet with your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you, such as over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies or prescription medications, says the National Cancer Institute.

Once you begin treatment, remove all tobacco products from your home, car and work; avoid situations that trigger cravings; find new hobbies to occupy your time; and write down your reasons for quitting, reviewing them whenever temptation strikes. Reward progress with a massage or dinner out— but remember your greatest reward is a healthier life!

Resolution: Work out regularly Strategy: Follow these steps from the Mayo Clinic (but get your doctor’s OK first): Assess your fitness to gage future progress by measuring things like your pulse rate after a 1-mile walk and the time it takes to complete that walk.

Create a workout schedule that each week incorporates at least 5 hours of moderate or 21⁄2 hours of vigorous aerobic activity, and two 20- to 30-minute strengthtraining sessions. Start slowly, gradually increasing your routine’s intensity. Re-assess your fitness after six weeks, and again every three to six months. (Need more guidance? See page 20.)

Resolution: Break your tech addiction Strategy: Can’t stop checking e-mail and Twitter? If technology is affecting your work or personal relationships, it’s time to cut back, says Gary Small, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute and author of iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind. Keep a log of how much time you spend online daily, then shave a few minutes off each day. Set aside specific times for tasks like checking e-mail, so they won’t haunt you throughout your day. And devote more time to offline activities, such as meeting friends for coffee.

Resolution: Get out of debt Strategy: Keep a diary of your daily expenses for one to two months to help determine whether your expenses exceed your income, says Evan S. Branfman, associate financial adviser with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Melville, New York. If you’re spending too much, look for ways to cut back. Plagued by credit card debt? Try calling your credit card company to negotiate a reduction in interest rates, says Branfman. If your debt woes seem too overwhelming to handle yourself, consider scheduling a consultation with a financial adviser.

Resolution: Lose weight Strategy: First get your doctor’s approval, then consider meeting with a dietitian to develop an exercise and calorie plan, says Andrea Spivack, a registered dietitian with the Albert J. Stunkard Weight Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Keep a food journal and surround yourself with supportive people and motivating items, such as fresh fruit. Also make yourself accountable, adds Spivack, whether to a dietitian, a group leader or a friend who’s expecting you at the gym.

Resolution: Declutter your home Strategy: Start by choosing one specific area to tackle at a time and gathering all necessary supplies, such as garbage cans and recycling bins, says Laura Leist, president of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Next, sort through all items in that area, eliminate what you no longer need and purchase and install any additional containers or shelves you think the area requires. Once you’ve successfully organized your space, keep clutter in check by repeating this process every few months.

Resolution: Improve your posture Strategy: “Poor posture causes a tremendous strain on the spine,” says chiropractor Cynthia Vaughn of the Austin Chiropractic Center in Austin, Texas. When standing, avoid slouching by keeping the center of your ears directly above the center of your shoulders, says Dr. Vaughn. At the office, sit with your buttocks and the small of your back pushed into the back of your chair, and keep your feet flat on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle to the floor (adjust chair height if necessary).

Resolution: Stop running late Strategy: Start preparing for your workday the night before, from selecting your outfit to making your lunch, says Atlanta-based personal productivity expert Peggy Duncan, author of The Time Management Memory Jogger. If you’re still running late, set an earlier wake-up alarm to give yourself more time to get ready.

To avoid tardiness to appointments and social engagements, record the dates and times of all your commitments in an agenda book or an electronic calendar. ■

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On-the-clock WORK OUTS IN A TIME CRUNCH? STAR TRAINER JESSIE PAVELKA SUGGESTS 10-, 20-, 30- AND 60-MINUTE ROUTINES ON LIFETIME’S HIT REALITY SHOW

DietTribe, personal trainer Jessie Pavelka helps five real-life friends lose weight while juggling jobs, family and other struggles. It’s a premise many of us can relate to, as our own busy schedules leave little time—and motivation—for exercise.

But the truth is you don’t have to set aside large chunks of time to reap the benefits of fitness: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exercising in shorter bursts throughout the day still does your body good. So Middlesex

Health & Life asked Pavelka to design workout routines of four different lengths to give you a chance to choose what works best for you. (Remember: Always check with your physician before starting an exercise routine.)

10-MINUTE WORKOUT

• Walk for 1 minute at a moderate to fast pace.

• Jog or sprint for 1 minute.

• Repeat this pair of steps four more times.

Kick it up a notch! “If you’re in good shape, challenge yourself by increasing speed and incline,” says Pavelka.

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GREG SCHWARTZ/LIFETIME TELEVISION

“Even though 10 minutes isn’t a lot of time, you can still get your blood pumping and your heart rate up,” says Pavelka. “For great results, try interval training on a treadmill.”

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20-MINUTE WORKOUT “Here’s a quick routine you can do on your lunch hour that helps burn fat and build muscle,” says Pavelka. “You can do these exercises practically anywhere—all you need are some dumbbells and yourself! If you’re a beginner, start off with light weights that aren’t too taxing, and feel free to take short breaks between exercises.”

• DO 3 SETS OF SQUATS (15–20 REPETITIONS PER SET, PICTURED LEFT): Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart.

Keeping your chest up, bend your knees and lower your behind as if you’re sitting in a chair. Do not let your knees jut out past your toes. Return to a standing position. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF PUSH-UPS (15–20 REPS/SET): Lie chestdown on the floor with your hands flat on the ground beneath your shoulders, your legs straight and your toes tucked under.

Keeping your body straight, press into your hands to raise your torso and legs off the ground, then bend your elbows to lower yourself back toward the floor, stopping before your body reaches the ground. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF LUNGES (15–20 REPS/SET, PICTURED BOTTOM LEFT): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step forward with your right leg, bending your knees until both legs are at approximately 90-degree angles. Push up though your right leg to return to the starting position. Repeat with the left leg.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEREK WIESEHAHN; LOCATION: KINETIC PT OF RAMSEY; MODEL: LAUREN COZA

• DO 3 SETS OF BENT-OVER ROWS (15–20 REPS/SET): Standing with your knees slightly bent and your feet about shoulder-width apart, hold a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your arms fully extended so the dumbbells hang straight down. Bend forward at your hips so your chest is leaning over your feet. Keeping your torso stationary, bring your elbows straight back to approximately a 90-degree angle, so that the dumbbells stop at your sides. Return to start position and repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF SIDE LUNGES (15–20 REPS/SET): Stand with feet together facing forward, hands on your hips. Place your right foot out to the side, away from your body, bending your right knee as you do so. Keep your chest up and make sure that your knee does not extend past your toes. Push into your right leg to return to the starting position, then repeat with your left leg.

• DO 3 SETS OF SHOULDER PRESSES (15–20 REPS/SET): Sit on a bench or chair and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Bend your elbows and raise your hands up to shoulder height so the dumbbells are positioned next to your ears. Keeping your back straight, push the dumbbells up until your arms are extended overhead. Lower the dumbbells to shoulder height. Repeat.

Kick it up a notch! As you get stronger, try forgoing breaks between exercises—for example, going from squats straight into a set of push-ups, says Pavelka.

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30-MINUTE WORKOUT Incorporate a mix of cardio and strength training in your half-hour routine by starting with the 10-minute workout described, and then immediately following it with the 20-minute routine, the trainer says.

KICK IT UP A NOTCH! “If things start to get too easy, consider using heavier weights and increasing the number of sets and repetitions,” says Pavelka.

60-MINUTE WORKOUT “If you have time to enjoy a full hour’s workout, here’s one that I do for myself and my clients that combines intense cardio with some good resistance training,” says Pavelka. “The routine may be strenuous for some, so if you don’t get through all the exercises at first, just keep working at it.” You can take a break between circuits, he adds; just aim for each circuit to take about 10 minutes.

Start with stretching and 5 to 10 minutes of walking to warm up.

CIRCUIT 1: • DO 3 SETS OF SQUATS (15–20 REPETITIONS PER SET): Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Keeping your chest up, bend your knees and lower your behind as if you’re sitting in a chair. Do not let your knees jut out past your toes. Return to a standing position. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF PUSH-UPS (15–20 REPS/SET, PICTURED TOP RIGHT): Lie chest-down on the floor with your hands flat on the ground beneath your shoulders, your legs straight and your toes tucked under. Keeping your body straight, press into your hands to raise your torso and legs off the ground, then bend your elbows to lower yourself back toward the floor, stopping before you reach the ground. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF JUMPING JACKS (15 REPS/SET, PICTURED RIGHT).

CIRCUIT 2: • DO 3 SETS OF LUNGES (15–20 REPS/SET): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward with your right leg, bending your knees until both legs are at approximately 90-degree angles. Push up though your right leg to return to the starting position. Repeat with the left leg.

• DO 3 SETS OF BENT-OVER ROWS (15–20 REPS/ SET): Standing with your knees slightly bent and

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your feet about shoulder-width apart, hold a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your arms fully extended so the dumbbells hang straight down.

Bend forward at your hips so your chest is leaning over your feet. Keeping your torso stationary, bring your elbows straight back to approximately an 90-degree angle, so that the dumbbells stop at your sides. Return to start position and repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF EXPLOSIVE VERTICAL JUMPS (10–15 REPS/SET, PICTURED RIGHT).

CIRCUIT 3: • DO 3 SETS OF DEAD LIFTS (12–15 REPS/SET): Stand with your feel shoulder-width apart, grasping a barbell or other weight with an overhand grip. Squat down until your hips are even with your knees, keeping your chest up and your heels down at all times. Come to a brief stop when the weight reaches the floor. Slowly lift back to standing position, pushing up with your thighs and pulling up with your back. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF BICEP CURLS (12–15 REPS/ SET): Stand holding a set of dumbbells at your sides. Bending your elbows, raise both hands to your shoulders, your palms facing in. Slowly lower arms to the starting position. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF SIDE-TO-SIDE JUMPS (10–15 REPS/SET).

CIRCUIT 4: • DO 3 SETS OF STEP-UPS (12–15 REPS/SET): Step onto and off of a platform, such as a step stool or a park bench.

• DO 3 SETS OF TRICEP KICKBACKS (12–15 REPS/SET, PICTURED RIGHT): Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend over at the waist so that your torso is at a 45- to 90-degree angle to the floor. Bend your arms and pull your elbows up to torso level. Keeping your elbows in place, straighten your arms out behind you, then bend them back to the starting position. Repeat.

• DO 3 SETS OF CRUNCHES (15–20 REPS/SET).

End with 5 to 10 minutes of walking to cool down.

Kick it up a notch! Incorporate interval training into the mix (see 10-minute workout) for an extra boost of cardio, says Pavelka. ■

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FRESH START

by Jennifer Cenicola

Give ‘PEACEFUL’ a chance CAN’T PICTURE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT CONTINUAL STRESS? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN—AND WHY YOU SHOULD

A pressure-filled life is about as American as apple pie and Friends reruns—so much so that many of us wear our stress as a badge of honor, accepting the cranky impatience, throbbing headaches and sleepless nights as the price we pay for how in-demand our time is. But the possible long-term effects of stress (a weakened immune system, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart disease among them) are nothing to boast about—or flirt with. So in this issue’s “fresh start” spirit, we offer 6 ways to ease your troubled mind—and, in the process, do your body good.

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quieting the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for our “fight-or-flight” response) and amping up the parasympathetic nervous system (which slows heart rate and breathing and improves blood flow), notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The result: more day-to-day serenity.

Techniques vary widely, but most involve finding a comfortable position in a quiet spot, then either focusing on your breathing or repeating a mantra. You might begin with just five minutes a day, gradually working up to 20 minutes or more. A wide variety of getstarted manuals can be found at your local bookstore.

SHUTTERSTOCK

TAKE A MEDITATION BREAK. Whether or not you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, a few calming moments of silence can have a wonderful soothing effect.

The jury’s still out on just how health-promoting meditation is, but some studies have found it reduces blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels. A recent report published in the American Journal of Hypertension, for instance, found that people at risk for hypertension who practiced 20 minutes of meditation daily lowered their blood pressure significantly and reduced by 52 percent their risk of developing hypertension in the future. Experts suspect that meditation brings benefits by

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SMELL THE ROSES. It’s not just their pretty petals that cause flowers to brighten your mood—their fragrance may actually calm tensed-out nerves. In Japanese research published earlier this year, mice exposed to stress-inducing situations had lower levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes—two types of stressrelated immune cells—when they sniffed linalool, a scented compound found in blooms. They also showed reduced activity in more than 100 genes linked to the stress response. With additional research, this demonstrated physiological reaction may add credence to the therapeutic claims long made by proponents of aromatherapy.

2

PUT THE KETTLE ON. You’ve probably heard that a spot of hot tea can soothe frazzled nerves—now there’s research to support the claim. British investigators (of course) divided 75 men into two groups, one of which sipped black tea daily for six weeks, while the other drank a caffeinated placebo. After this period, the men were asked to complete a stressful task. Researchers took blood samples an hour later and found that the tea drinkers had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, indicating that they recovered from the stress more quickly than did the teafree group.

3

GET SOME EXERCISE. It’s welldocumented that physical exertion can help alleviate stress, so why not try something new? Setting a goal for yourself can help you stay motivated, and Cool Running’s “Couch to 5K” plan (go to www.c25k.com and click “Cool Running”) is a great place to start. Designed for the nonrunner, this nine-week program eases you in (you’ll do

4

no more than 60 seconds of jogging at first), but gradually gets you race-ready for a 5K competition.

Those with more of a techie leaning might opt for iFitness, a $1.99 iPhone app that offers detailed instructions (in pictures, text and video) on some 230 exercises. Choose the area of the body you want to target, and pick the move you like best; design your own workouts by combining individual exercises into different routines. Just slip your phone into your gym bag and you’re ready to go! (Be sure to consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional before embarking on a new exercise program.)

CHUCKLE. There’s good reason why your mood improves when you’ve been giggling over 30 Rock or scanning The Onion’s headlines.

The Mayo Clinic reports that laughter has a positive impact on your stress response, leading to a more relaxed feeling. Chuckles can also stimulate your heart, lungs and muscles and even ease stomachaches, thanks to their positive effects on digestion. Personally, we love any medical advice that deems watching Animal House (Bravo’s top pick on its “100 Funniest Movies of All Time” list) time judiciously spent.

5

GO HIGH-TECH. Sure, venting on your cell phone or zoning out to your iPod might make you feel better, but what about a handheld device designed to help you chill? HeartMath’s emWave Personal Stress Reliever ($199) has a sensor that measures your stress levels based on breathing and changes in heart rhythm. The device then guides you through reducing your stress via breathing exercises and other techniques. A colorful display shows your progress as you go so you can adjust as needed. ■

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Nature’s hot baths

4 GLORIOUS SPRINGS WHERE YOU CAN SOAK YOUR WAY TO SERENITY

Healing waters—they’re a phenomenon often described in myths and lore, but do they really exist? Many believe the mineral-rich natural hot springs that dot America’s landscape, with water bubbling up from deep below the earth’s surface, are a cure-all. And it’s a safe

bet the four dazzling destinations described here, which range from coast to coast, will provide therapeutic relaxation and rejuvenation, thanks to their arrays of luxury pools, soothing spas and other amenities. Read on for all you’ll need to know to take the most memorable bath of your life.

Calistoga, California ocated at the northern end of lush Napa Valley, this charming area attracts families and couples alike with its numerous spas and spa-hotels featuring pools and baths filled with mineral-rich water piped from local hot springs.

Water temperature: Because water straight from the springs is often too scorching for humans (some reach 350 degrees), most spas and resorts cool water to a more comfortable 92 to 104 degrees.

Fee: Spa fees vary; popular treatments include the private mineral bath at Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort ($65 for 60 minutes; 1-800-404-4772, www.romanspahot springs.com), and the mineral whirlpool bath with a 30minute massage at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort ($117; 707-942-4102, www.drwilkinson.com).

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Where to stay: Luxury and eco-consciousness flawlessly

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Other attractions: This is Napa, silly. Oenophiles can

savor sips at some 700 wineries, including Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena (707-963-7777, www.merry vale.com), which offers two-hour wine-tasting seminars on weekends ($25 per person); and V. Sattui (707-9637774, www.vsattui.com), also in St. Helena, which gives tastings and tours in its castle-like stone winery building and features 2.5 acres of shaded picnic grounds, where guests can enjoy food and wine purchased from the vineyard’s European-style marketplace. For a family-friendly activity visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga (707-942-6463, www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com), which sprays 60 to 100 feet of scalding water into the air every 30 minutes ($10 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for children 6 to 12; free for children under 6).

CORBIS

combine at the Solage Calistoga resort (1-866-942-7442, www.solagecalistoga.com), which features 89 environmentally friendly studios and suites, a 20,000-square-foot spa offering baths in natural geothermal mineral waters and 22 open acres surrounded by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountain ranges ($475 to $875 per night).

with fresh, locally farmed ingredients, head to JoLe in Calistoga (707-942-5938, www.jolerestaurant.com), where you can feast on watermelon and feta salad, Alaskan halibut in tomato mint jam, roasted duck breast with corn and chipotle pancakes—and more. Don’t forget to order a glass or bottle from the sweeping wine list, which offers regional and international selections.

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Warm Springs and Hot Springs, Virginia hese two historic towns nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Bath County once welcomed Thomas Jefferson, who visited their hot springs in 1818 in hopes of healing his recurrent rheumatism. Modern-day visitors can bathe in spring water at the European-style spa of The Homestead resort (1-866-354-4653, www.thehome stead.com) in Hot Springs, which offers 36 treatment rooms and a magnificent indoor pool; and Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs, which offers two covered soaking pools (clothing optional between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

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Water temperature: The water at Jefferson Pools is

kept at 98 degrees—the spring’s natural temperature— while the pool at The Homestead spa is cooled to about 89 to 92 degrees.

Fee: $17 per person per day for Jefferson Pools; the pool

at The Homestead spa is free for guests and open to visitors who book spa treatments, such as the 15- to 20minute herbal-infused bath ($58).

Where to stay: In addition to its world-class spa, the

breathtaking Homestead resort offers 483 impeccably

adorned guest rooms and suites—each complete with LCD TVs, plush robes and plump feather pillows—plus three championship golf courses, a downhill ski area and a 48-stable equestrian center and show ring. To experience it all, book the Unlimited Activities Package ($275 and up per night), which includes room accommodations, limitless carriage rides, golf, fly-fishing, kayaking and more.

Where to eat: For a taste of fine country fare with a

side of history, take in a meal at the Waterwheel Restaurant (540-839-2231, www.gristmillsquare.com), located in a century-old mill building at the Inn at Gristmill Square in Warm Springs. Selections include fresh local trout, roast duckling and tournedos au poivre.

Other attractions: With more than 170,000 acres of the George Washington National Forest set in Bath County, back-to-nature opportunities abound, from boating, waterskiing and fishing on Lake Moomaw to hiking and biking on some 120 trail miles. Afterwards, relax with a chamber music concert at the Garth Newel Music Center in Warm Springs (540-839-5018, www.garthnewel.org).

COURTESY OF THE HOMESTEAD RESORT

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Ouray, Colorado ituated 7,792 feet above sea level amid the rugged peaks of the Rockies, this quaint mountain community in southwestern Colorado is home to numerous hot springs that travelers can enjoy at both private hotels and lodges and the city-operated Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a large public swimming pool featuring three different soaking sections.

two-bedroom, two-bath suite with kitchen.

Water temperature: The area’s natural hot springs are about 150 degrees, though pools available for soaking and swimming range from 88 to 114 degrees.

Other attractions: Coloradans love the outdoors, so make like the locals and hike through Box Canyon Waterfall and Park, which features a 285-foot waterfall plummeting into a narrow, quartzite canyon. Visit the Ouray County Historical Society Museum (970-3254576, www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org)—hailed by the Smithsonian Institution as the “best little museum in the West”—which features exhibits focusing on mining, ranching and railroading in the area’s Wild West days.

(Don’t miss the 1882 piano from The Gold Belt Theatre with its telltale bullet hole.) Admission is $5; $3.50 for seniors 60 and over and $1 for children under 12. Or catch a chauffeured mule-and-buggy ride through town (970708-4946; www.ouraymule.com). Run by Tim Saunders and his wife, Lezah, the 45-minute tours depart hourly 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15; $5 for children under 12.

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Fee (public pool): $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students; $5 for children ages 3 to 6; free for children 2 and under.

Where to stay: Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs

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New York strip steak with three spicy shrimp; $26.95) to lamb chops in brown cognac sauce ($23.95), the casual but beloved Outlaw Restaurant (970-325-4366, www.out lawrestaurant.com) offers fine tastes in a rustic, Westerninspired setting.

COURTESY OF BOX CANYON

(1-800-327-5080, www.boxcanyonouray.com) offers rejuvenating springs first used by the Ute Native American tribe. Outdoor tubs, situated on a multilevel redwood deck, offer 360 degrees of stunning mountain views yearround, and the 103- to 108-degree water lacks the sulfurous odor that marks some hot springs. Distinctive rooms feature pine tongue-in-groove paneling; in the low season (October 13 to December 13 and April 1 to May 15) they range from $75 for a small room to $190 for a

Where to eat: From the 12-ounce “scorpion steak” (a

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Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas or more than 200 years people have flocked to this sanctuary in central Arkansas to experience its 47 hot springs, which contain high levels of silica, calcium and other minerals. Today visitors can drink the spring water in various hot water “jug fountains” located throughout the park (you can even fill bottles to take home), or soak in the water at two bathhouses located in the park on Central Avenue, which pipe cooled-down water from the springs.

Buckstaff bathhouse (501-623-2308, www.buckstaff baths.com) offers traditional baths of yore, while the Quapaw Baths & Spa (501-609-9822, www.quapaw baths.com) bathhouse provides a contemporary spa experience with four soaking pools and a variety of massages and body polishes.

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Water temperature: Water straight from the spring

is 143 degrees, while baths are generally kept at 98 to 100 degrees.

Fee: It’s free to enter the park; one-hour traditional

baths at Buckstaff cost $24 per person; aromatherapy baths at Quapaw Baths & Spa cost $35 per person and $45 per couple.

Where to stay: Located in the city of Hot Springs’ his-

toric downtown, the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa (1-800-643-1502, www.arlingtonhotel.com) provides the ambience and hospitality of a grand old Southern hotel with modern-day conveniences, including a full-service spa. Room rates range from $79 to $89 for a standard room to $495 for a historic suite.

COURTESY OF QUAPAW BATHS AND SPAS

Where to eat: For elegant Mediterranean- and

French-inspired cuisine, dine at Chef Paul’s (501-5204187, www.chefpaulsfinedining.com) in Hot Springs.

Menu highlights include cranberry chicken ballotine, veal tenderloin with foie gras and baked orange roughy.

Other attractions: If all that soaking has you longing to stretch your legs, take a leisurely stroll through the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs (1-800-366-

4664, www.garvangardens.com), which offer 2.5 miles of nature trails through 40 landscaped acres. The botanical gardens feature camellias, magnolias, azaleas, roses, chrysanthemums and more. ■

Spring on 3 MORE LUXURY SPA-HOTELS WHERE YOU CAN REALLY GET INTO HOT WATER • An idyllic mountain retreat, Glenwood Hot Springs resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado (1-800-537-7946, www.hotspringspool.com) features the largest hot springs pool in the world—its 405-foot by 100-foot, 92-degree main pool—fed by the “Yampah” hot spring. (Rooms start at $139 per night.)

• The hot springs at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California (1-800-4724334, www.twobunchpalms.com) are thought to stabilize moods due to their high content of lithium. Test that theory by dipping in the resort’s grotto-style pool or booking a “water therapy” spa treatment. (Rooms start at $185 per night.)

• A national historic landmark dating back to 1778, The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (1-800-453-4858, www.green brier.com) contains a sulphur water spring on its grounds. Enjoy the liquid’s reputed healing powers during a luxe treatment at the resort’s 40,000square-foot spa. (Rooms start at $379 per night.)

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Spotlight

by Francesca Moisin

A CUT above

TV HAIR GURU TABATHA COFFEY WINS BRAVOS FOR HER HIP CUTS AND HER STRAIGHT-SHOOTING STYLE

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COURTESY OF BRAVO

AS A CHILD GROWING UP IN SURFERS Paradise, Australia, Tabatha Coffey spent much of her free time cutting her Barbies’ hair into funky coifs and styling the tresses of any friend willing to sit still long enough. She vividly recalls early trips to the beauty parlor with her mom.

“I loved the smell of the salon, seeing the transformation of the people in those ‘special’ chairs and how all the women looked so happy when they left,” says the 42year-old New Jersey resident. “From the beginning, it seemed like this was what I was meant to do.”

And apparently that was true: Having run her own thriving Ridgewood-based salon, Industrie Hair Gurus, for the past eight years, the outspoken stylist recently became the star of two hit reality shows on TV’s Bravo channel, Shear Genius and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, the latter of which is just finishing up its second season (Tuesday nights at 10 p.m.). As a representative for Joico, a hair-care products company, she’s traveled the world educating other hairdressers. And as a respected beauty consultant, she is often quoted in the world’s top fashion magazines such as Marie Claire.

Just how did the plucky blonde embark on a career that would take her literally across the globe? Coffey started early, for one thing: At age 14, she got her first summer job sweeping the floors of a salon in her hometown, a small suburb on Australia’s famous Gold Coast.

One year later she began an apprenticeship program at The Australian Technical College–Gold Coast. The curriculum was demanding, requiring her to attend classes, sit for exams and gain practical experience by working at the nearby Stephen Pratt salon.

“Fifteen was a bit young to do all that,” admits Coffey. “But it made sense, because I always knew it was the work I wanted to pursue.”

After graduating, Coffey realized that to further her education she had to make a drastic move. “London was really the mecca of hairdressing, so I left Australia

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Coffey (center) instructs a staffer at Orbit Salon in Chicago on

when I was 19 to start training and working at the Vidal Sassoon Academy,” she says. This was a period ripe with inspiration, and Coffey credits her growth in large part to the mane masters under whom she studied. “My mentors valued the integrity of their craft,” she explains. “It’s not about coming in at nine, cutting someone’s hair and going home at five. A person can be transformed in the hands of a good hairdresser. There’s honor in that—but also great responsibility.”

Coffey used her newly sharpened skills to manage a salon in London’s affluent Kensington neighborhood.

“Lots of interesting people and personalities walked through that door,” she explains. “I had clients who worked at Buckingham Palace or were related to the Queen. Another time I cut the hair of a Turkish princess.”

Such variety helped Coffey develop the maxim by which she still abides: There’s no such thing as a perfect cookie-cutter haircut. “Trends come and go, but they don’t fit everyone,” she says. “I want to give each person the best possible style for their face and hair type.”

Eventually the bustle of London became wearisome, and Coffey decided it was time for another big change. “I had never been to America before, but I had family in New Jersey so I decided to give the move a try.”

Though the adjustment was initially difficult, the stylist soon found much to love about the Garden State.

“I don’t understand why New Jersey sometimes gets a bad rap!” she says, laughing. “It has incredible clothing boutiques, great doctors and fantastic restaurants.” When working at her salon she regularly orders lunch from two nearby spots, Best of Everything and Sabu Sabu Deli, and often dines at Ridgewood’s Mediterraneo Restaurant. “I love that the town is peaceful and relaxed,” says Coffey— especially now that her life has become more chaotic.

‘My top makeover tips’ PUMP UP YOUR VOLUME. “Fashion

After auditioning on a whim for the first season of Shear Genius, the pixie-like blonde quickly became famous as the show’s spunkiest contestant. Though she was eliminated after the sixth episode due to poor teamwork with Tyson, her partner for the day, America loved her candor and intensity: Coffey was voted “Fan Favorite” and awarded a $10,000 prize.

A few months later Bravo called to offer an even better boon—her own spin-off series. On each episode of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Coffey has one week to save a failing hair parlor from destruction. Her canny business sense and impeccably chic style have yielded consistently positive results, yet the owners aren’t always appreciative of her forthright approach.

“Because I’m pointing out all the things they’re doing wrong, people often get offended by what I suggest,” she says. “But I don’t have time to hold their hands or work in an overly nice manner.”

One thing Coffey does always have time for is her clients. “I’m still at the salon all the time—unless I’m traveling for the show or for work, I’m there cutting hair.”

Indeed, Coffey hasn’t lost the childlike wonder that first drew her to this craft. “There is magic in that final moment, when everything comes together,” she says. “You see a bit of sparkle in the customer’s eye, and you know that person really feels good. It’s incredible to realize that you helped make that happen.” ■

HAIR STYLIST TABATHA COFFEY OFFERS GUIDANCE FOR GETTING A FRESH NEW ’DO

TRY A LITTLE ROUGE. “Red has been really

BRAVE A BOLD TRIM. “My one

is having an ’80s

hot for a while, and

wish is that

moment, and this

you can try anything

women weren’t

translates to hair that’s full of texture and natural movement. So step I-STOCK

Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.

from a rich chestnut to a vibrant crimson hue. Shades of honey and

afraid to try a short cut! Ask for a face-flattering bob, or go

away from the flat iron and that

spun gold are also great for winter

wild with a funky pixie chop. Both

sleek, polished look and embrace

because they soften complexions and

styles will make facial features

your natural waves or curls!”

give pale skin a sun-kissed glow.”

pop in a sexy, feminine way.”

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HEALTH WATCH

10 ways to beat headaches MEDICATIONS CAN HELP, BUT SO CAN KEY CHANGES IN YOUR ROUTINE

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IN THE MIDDLE AGES, THE ARAB SURGEON Ease muscle tension. Soreness and tension can and medical writer Albucasis recommended one of two be caused by sitting in the same position for an treatments for severe headaches: applying a hot iron to extended period—even if you don’t feel particularly the site of the pain or inserting a piece of garlic into an uncomfortable. If you spend a large part of your day seated incision on the temple. Thankfully, today’s treatments at a computer, for example, schedule a five-minute break at are a lot easier to take—and a great deal more effective. least once every 40 minutes: Take a brief walk or give stiff A doctor may recommend a prescription medicamuscles a mini-workout by tensing and relaxing different tion to treat migraines, and a number of over-themuscle groups. And remember to maintain good posture. counter remedies are available to relieve occasional Avoid foods that trigger headaches. If headache pain. But if you’re having frequent headaches, you’ve noticed that eating chocolate frequently leaves you should make an effort to find and address their you with a pounding head, blame it on tyramine, an underlying cause. Try these suggestions: organic substance linked to headReduce stress. Do you aches. If you think you may be When to call the doctor tend to keep your anger bottyramine-sensitive, stay away “Not all headaches require medical attentled up? No wonder you’re feelfrom aged cheeses, vinegar, organ tion,” says the National Institute of ing stressed—and headachy. If meats, sour cream, soy sauce, Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “but some confronting the source of your yogurt and yeast extracts—they types of headaches are signals of more serious anger is out of the question, try also contain the substance. Two disorders.” Contact your physician, advises venting your feelings by writing a other nutritional culprits to avoid the NINDS, if you begin having frequent letter. Make it as vehement as are nitrites (preservatives found headaches that interfere with your routine, or you like. You won’t be mailing it; in smoked fish, bologna, pepperif a particular headache: the idea is to express your emooni, bacon, hot dogs, corned beef, • is sudden and severe tions. Exercise, massage, meditapastrami and canned ham and • is accompanied by confusion tion and biofeedback are other sausages), and monosodium glu• is accompanied by fever or eye or ear pain proven ways to manage stress. tamate, or MSG (a flavor

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experienced before

POLKA DOT IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK

• follows a blow to the head

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HEADACHE RELIEF • AMERICAN HEADACHE SOCIETY COMMITTEE FOR HEADACHE EDUCATION

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with blood-sugar levels, driving enhancer included in dry-roasted Mt. Royal, NJ 08061 856-423-0043; www.achenet.org them down and causing blood vesnuts, potato chips, Chinese food, • NATIONAL HEADACHE FOUNDATION sels to dilate or expand—a natural processed or frozen foods, prepared 820 N. Orleans, Suite 217 setup for a headache. In fact, soups and sauces, diet foods, salad Chicago, IL 60610-3132 researchers have found that not eatdressings and mayonnaise).

1-888-643-5552; www.headaches.org ing for five hours or more can even Drink plenty of water. It’s trigger a migraine. the simplest strategy for keeping headaches at bay, Avoid overusing pain relievers. Ironically, since dehydration is a common culprit. To supply your too much reliance on pain relievers can cause more body with all the water it needs to function properly, distress than relief, triggering chronic headaches doctors drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. And if refer to as analgesic-rebound headaches. Several studies you’re exercising on a hot afternoon, traveling by air, have shown that giving up pain medication can help frefighting a bout of diarrhea or running a fever, you’d do quent headache sufferers get back on an even keel— well to boost your intake. although they may have to survive two weeks of daily Avoid alcohol. Alcohol inflicts a double whamheadaches first. my when it comes to a pounding head: Besides Get a good night’s sleep. Too little—or too causing dehydration, many alcoholic beverages, particumuch—sleep can trigger a common, everyday larly red wine and brandy, contain tyramine. headache, or even bring on a migraine. That’s why bedTake a coffee break. Too much caffeine can time routines are not just for babies. Try establishing a give you a headache, but so can going without it if nighttime ritual by going to sleep and waking up at your body’s used to getting its daily ration. (That’s why about the same time each day. It’s not a bad idea to take some people get early-morning headaches before their a warm bath beforehand or drink a cup of herbal tea to first cup of coffee.) Try eliminating it from your diet, or help you unwind. cutting back significantly, even if that means enduring Take care of your eyes. Few activities are withdrawal headaches for a few days. Enjoy a cup of as relaxing as reading—unless you’re doing it in cocoa (less than half as much caffeine as brewed coffee) semidarkness or for hours on end. In that case, you’re or, better yet, decaffeinated coffee. making yourself vulnerable to eyestrain, a leading cause Don’t go hungry. Letting more than five hours of headache. Use common sense when it comes to lightgo by between meals or snacks wreaks havoc ing conditions, take frequent breaks if you’re on a long drive or reading for an extended period, and if you wear Try keeping a headache diary glasses or contacts, get regular eye exams to make sure If your headaches become a chronic problem, it may help your prescription is up-to-date. ■

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to gather some information about them. For a couple of weeks, try keeping a written record, answering the questions below about each headache. Then show your report to your physician; it may offer clues to what’s triggering your pain—and how to stop it.

1. Did you eat anything shortly before the headache’s onset?

2. Did any symptoms precede the headache?

3. Where did the pain begin?

4. Did the pain come on slowly or suddenly?

5. Describe the pain. Is it throbbing?

6. Are you experiencing nausea or vomiting?

7. Were you under any special stress before the headache occurred?

8. At what time of day did the headache begin?

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HEALTH WATCH

Fad

or fact?

THESE 5 BALLYHOOED REMEDIES ARE ALL THE RAGE, BUT DO THEY REALLY LIVE UP TO THEIR CLAIMS?

1. Probiotic yogurts What they are: While all yogurts are made

with active cultures, those labeled probiotic contain additional strains of “good” bacteria. Some varieties, such as Dannon’s Activia, claim to regulate the digestive system; others, such as Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt, also claim to boost the immune system.

Do they work? Maybe. Research results have been mixed. “Most studies haven’t shown strong benefits, though some have suggested that the yogurts help prevent antibioticassociated diarrhea and may relieve constipation,” says gastroenterologist Josh Korzenik, M.D., co-director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We still have a lot to learn.”

2. Colon cleanses What they are: Centered on the theory that toxic waste

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What they are: Looking

like a cross between a teapot and Aladdin’s lamp, a neti pot supposedly works magic in relieving congestion, facial pain and pressure. To use, fill the pot with lukewarm water and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt, then tilt your head and pour the solution into one nostril at a time, letting the fluid flow through the nasal cavity into the other nostril.

Do they work? Yes. Says Alexander Chiu, M.D., associate professor of otorhinolaryngology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia: “The saline solution helps thin out mucus and cleanse the nasal passages, relieving congestion and helping with overall sinus health.”

4. Ear candling What it is: A long cone made of waxed cloth is inserted

into a person’s ear, then lit at the opposite end. Proponents say the heat creates a vacuum effect that removes excess debris and earwax.

Does it work? No. “There’s no scientific evidence showing that it’s effective,” says otolaryngologist Tom Abelson, M.D., medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Family Health Center in Beachwood, Ohio.

“And there have been reports of ear candling causing injuries, since the melted wax can scar the eardrum.”

5. Antibacterial hand gels What they are: These absorbable gels, such as Purell’s

Instant Hand Sanitizer, are marketed as an effective way to disinfect your hands when soap and water are not available.

Do they work? Yes. As long as alcohol is an active ingredient, antibacterial hand gels are just as effective in killing germs as soap and water, says William Schaffner, M.D., chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. “They’re an excellent option if you don’t have access to a sink,” he says. ■ ALAMY; ISTOCK; JUPITER IMAGES

can build up in the colon, these cleanses are intended to empty the colon of its contents to promote wellness.

They’re available in a variety of forms, including laxatives, teas, enemas and colonic irrigation, a procedure in which water is injected into the rectum through a tube to flush out fluids and waste.

Do they work? No. “There’s no good scientific research showing that colon cleanses bring therapeutic benefit,” says gastroenterologist Gerald Friedman, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. That’s likely because the colon naturally cleans itself of impurities.

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BUZZ

a t S a i n t P e t e r ’s INSURED FOR SURE

We’re

#1

Readers of the Home News Tribune voted Saint Peter’s University Hospital the “Best Hospital in Central Jersey” in the 2009 Readers Choice Awards. Home News readers cast their ballots for their favorite establishments in more than 160 categories, and Saint Peter’s took top honors in the hospital class.

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The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services chose Saint Peter’s University Hospital—the No. 1 maternity hospital in the state—to announce its “Insured for Sure” pilot program. Saint Peter’s and eight other hospitals are screening every newborn for health insurance. If an infant is not covered, hospital staff enrolls the child in the NJ FamilyCare insurance plan using a new streamlined Web application. If successful, the program will roll out statewide in six months, making sure 100 percent of New Jersey’s newborns have health insurance coverage. Left to right are: Betsy Ryan, Esq., president of the New Jersey Hospital Association; Maureen Swick, chief nursing officer; Al Glover, president and CEO; and Garrick Stoldt, chief financial officer, all of Saint Peter’s; Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez; and Health Commissioner Heather Howard.

NURSES HONOR ORTHO SURGEON Donald Polakoff, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a favorite of the nurses on the Orthopedic Unit at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. He received the Apple Award, given by the Institute for Nursing to physicians who share a commitment to quality healthcare. According to the nurses, Dr. Polakoff is a down-to-earth physician who truly partners with the nursing staff. He is a champion of education who turns difficult diagnoses into opportunities to teach the staff, and his patients benefit as a result. Dr. Polakoff works closely with nurses, seeking their opinion so his patients receive the best possible care.

FLU PREVENTION

MEANS A LOT TO US Stay home when you’re sick

Avoid close contact When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

When you are sick, stay home; contact your primary care doctor.

Cover your mouth and nose

Wash your hands

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Practice other good health habits

Our hands carry lots of germs which can enter our bodies if we touch our eyes, nose or mouth.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

For more updated information about the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/flu or Saint Peter’s University Hospital at www.saintpetersuh.com

A MEMBER OF SAINT PETER’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Treating you better...for life.

254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

732.745.8600

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Affiliate of Drexel University College of Medicine

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Faces of SAINT PETER’S

Edward D. Fein, M.D. Edward D. Fein, M.D., wears many hats during the course of a day. Board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary and critical care, he joined Saint Peter’s University Hospital in 1995 after medical school, residency and fellowship training, all at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He also runs the Central Jersey Lung Center in Jamesburg, and a side business in medical technology. Dr. Fein, 46, grew up in Brooklyn and now lives in East Brunswick with his wife, Susan, and children, Rachel, 15, and Matthew, 12.

Q: Were you always interested in medicine?

A: I was interested in both taking care of people and solving problems. I do a lot of both now. Along with managing my practice and my critical care work in the Intensive Care Unit at Saint Peter’s, I also work as a hospitalist for other physicians. I help them with admissions, patient contact and in-hospital care, so they can spend more time in their offices treating other patients. I run it as a private service—they call me to help, and I do.

Q: Tell us about your side business.

A: It’s called LongCall Technologies, and it’s a secure e-mail network just for physicians.

Regular e-mail is not secure at all, so you can’t talk about patients and their cases without violating privacy laws. I wanted to be able to review cases with my colleagues, so I created this service about four years ago. There are now about 300 doctors who pay to use it.

My wife has an MBA, and she helps manage the business and my medical practice as well.

Q: Do you have a technology background?

A: I was chief medical informatics officer at

Q: Is it tough to balance all these duties?

A: Well, when people ask me how many hours a week I work, I say, “All of them.”

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BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

Saint Peter’s until last year. I was involved in bringing in new information systems and training the staff, so I learned a lot about technology. The e-mail network evolved out of my own personal needs.

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Thomas A. Schwartzer, M.D. The first member of his family to graduate from high school, Thomas A. Schwartzer, M.D., worked by day to pay for his undergraduate degree at Thomas A. Edison College in Trenton; his master’s in bacteriology at Wagner College in Staten Island; his Ph.D. in microbiology at Rutgers University/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-Rutgers Medical School; and a postdoctoral research fellowship and his medical degree at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed his residency at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, where he has privileges with his practice, Central Jersey Internal Medicine Associates, in Somerset and Monroe. Dr. Schwartzer, 56, lives in Milltown with his wife, Susan. They have two children, Andrew Thomas, 20, and Maryelizabeth, 22.

Q: Did your family encourage your interest in becoming a doctor?

A: There was antagonism. My family members were blue-collar factory workers, but medicine was my dream. So after high school I became certified as a medical technologist and took a job as a microbiologist at Saint Peter’s. I studied for my other degrees at night.

Q: Even through medical school?

A: Yes, by then I was the director of the AIDS lab at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. I worked there part-time through medical school.

Q: And has it all been worth it?

BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

A: Oh, yes! I think medicine is the greatest vocation there is. Trying to help another human being—that’s what it’s all about. Our practice strives to provide comprehensive care from adolescence through the end of life.

Q: You must be very proud of your accomplishments.

A: Well, I wouldn’t want my kids to do it that way. Actually, I tell my story to show any young person who is told ‘You can’t do that’ that it’s not true. If you really want something, pursue your dream—no matter what it is. ■

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Inside LOOK

by Maureen Swick

Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer S a i n t P e t e r ’s U n i v e r s i t y H o s p i t a l

What’s behind a

top-notch nursing staff?

W H E N A H O S P I TA L C A R E S A B O U T ITS NURSES, THEY CAN PROVIDE T H E B E S T C A R E F O R PAT I E N T S SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, A member of the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, employs more than 600 full-time, part-time and per-diem nurses.

These dedicated professionals possess a combination of knowledge, skills and commitment to excellence that is among the highest, I feel, not just in the state, but in the country. Yes, I’m biased. As their leader, I see their work every day. As someone with more than 25 years of experience in nursing, I know how well they perform their very challenging duties, caring for patients from before they are born until the end of their lives.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Instead, listen to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, which recently gave our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence.

This honor recognizes the nation’s top ICUs, and only 56 units in the country have received this prestigious award. To earn it, Saint Peter’s ICU nurses had to demonstrate that they adhere to nationally recognized best practices, maintain low rates of infection and pneumonia in patients, have a high percentage of specialty certifications in critical care, attend continuing education sessions offered on the unit, actively participate in clinical research and actively influence and improve patient care, among other criteria.

Or listen to the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses Association, which honored Saint Peter’s as the seventh hospital in the country to be designated for a third consecutive term as a “Magnet” hospital. This honor is considered the highest recognition for nursing excellence that a facility can receive. In 1998, we were the 10th hospital in the nation to initially receive this designation. Magnet status is 40

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awarded to hospitals that deliver an extraordinary level of patient care, meet high standards of nursing excellence, establish an environment that encourages nurses to pursue their professional development and emphasize teamwork.

Or listen to Diversified Clinical Services, the largest wound care management company in the world, which presented our Wound Care Center and Hyperbaric Services a Center of Distinction award for healing rates above national benchmarks. We were one of only five recipients in the country.

Awards are very nice, but what do they mean for someone who may someday need our services?

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Maureen Swick (center, in black suit) and representatives from the 600-member-strong award-winning nursing team

BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

of Saint Peter’s University Hospital.

Independent research has shown that Magnet hospitals consistently provide the highest-quality patient care and outperform other hospitals in recruiting and retaining quality nurses, which in turn is directly connected to attracting high-quality physicians. Recognitions like these let you know we will provide you the safest and most effective health care.

Let me share with you a few of the accomplishments we are most proud of.

CERTIFICATION. Nurses can earn certification in specialty areas, such as oncology or pediatrics, and it requires both several years of practical experience and continuing education well beyond a basic nursing

degree. Saint Peter’s has one of the highest nursing certification rates in the country: Sixty-five percent of our nurses hold at least one specialty certification, and many maintain multiple certifications. Earning these certifications takes a tremendous amount of personal initiative and ongoing education. Candidates study for and take the tests on their own time, as well as participating in continuing educational offerings in order to maintain their certifications. But it’s worth it, for our nursing staff and for you. Research has documented that certified nurses take a more active role in their patients’ care and that patient outcomes improve as a result.

RESEARCH. Every nursing unit is involved in a

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Inside LOOK research project of its own choosing to help us find new conduct education sessions and help with anything else and better ways of caring for our patients. For example, residents may need. one unit wondered if care could be improved by regularly PERSONAL ADVOCATE DAY. We have a monthly scheduled nurses’ rounds, in which a nurse or nurse’s forum in which nurse managers meet with administraaide visits all patients at least once an hour to help them tors to address our patients’ comments and concerns. We to the bathroom, adjust their positions, assess their pain talk about everything from standards of care to what’s on or perform other services. Care on this unit was so well the patient menu. We expanded our meal options after received that this program has since been expanded just one of these sessions. We also replaced several TVs throughout the hospital. that had drawn patient complaints. In addition, we Another question now being studied is a walking addressed problems with patient flow in the Emergency program, in which hospitalized seniors are regularly Department by hiring a director of bed management to helped to exercise, improving muscle tone and balance. streamline the admission process and make sure patients Yet another project is providing high-risk pregnant weren’t waiting in the ED for a hospital bed. women, who may be in the hospital for weeks or even PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE COUNCIL. This staffmonths before delivery, with access to computers so led nursing group works to improve care and nursing they can interact with their family and friends while processes through evidence-based practice models. The hospitalized, which should improve their emotional council is made up of staff nurses from every unit in the and spiritual well-being. hospital, who meet monthly to share best practices in their NICHE PROGRAM. NICHE stands for Nurses areas and discuss ways to improve care for their patients.

Improving Care for Healthcare Elders. It’s a national One example is how our ICU nurses, working with program, and Saint Peter’s became a NICHE site this physicians and pharmacists, developed and implemented past spring. To meet the NICHE criteria, we established comprehensive protocols for high-risk medications in a training program in conjunction with the Hartford addition to the specialized care each patient requires.

Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University.

IN-HOUSE TRAINING. We have a strong mentoring These programs focus on age-related changes in health program for new nurses. Mentors have proven effective and function, delirium and dementia, medication and in helping new nurses acclimate to our culture. The quality measures in our elder population. As a result of mentor, who comes from a different unit than the new this program, we now have a geriatric resource nurse in hire, is able to answer questions, solve problems and each unit of the hospital to oversee care make a new nurse feel like part of the for our elderly patients. These nurses team. Our turnover rates are well Saint Peter’s help coordinate our new eldercare serUniversity Hospital below the national average, and that’s vices, such as the Silver Spoons feeding MISSION STATEMENT important for patients. Since constant program (in which trained volunteers turnover disrupts teamwork and in“We are committed to humble serhelp seniors at mealtime), Care Comcreases variability of care, it has been vice to humanity, especially the panions, pet therapy and the walking poor, through competence and shown that outcomes are better when good stewardship of resources. program I mentioned earlier. there’s a strong and stable team whose “We minister to the whole perON-SITE NURSING. Along with members trust one another and comson, body and spirit, preserving the our in-house geriatric care, we have municate well. dignity and sacredness of each life. contracted with many of the adult These are just some of the things “We are pledged to the creation communities in Monroe Township to that make the Saint Peter’s nursing staff of an environment of mutual supprovide an on-site nurse. Some comso remarkable. Each of our 600-plus port among our employees, physimunities have a nurse on site 24/7, nurses believes in and follows our nurscians and volunteers and to the others may have one on hand five days ing philosophy, which closely follows education and training of healtha week, with access to help if the need care personnel. the hospital’s overarching mission of “We are witnesses in our comarises off-hours. Our nurses help with humble service to humanity (see left). munity to the highest ethical and daily care, perform health screenings, Nothing reveals the essential spirit of a moral principles in pursuit of excelmake appointments, coordinate transhospital more than its nurses, and we’re lence and patient safety.” portation to and from doctor visits, extremely proud of ours. ■ 42

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Tech SAVVY

Getting the jump on memory loss COMPUTERIZED TESTING HELPS D I A G N O S E C O G N I T I V E I M PA I R M E N T E A R LY, W H E N T R E AT M E N T S C A N

BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

DO THE MOST GOOD IT’S WORRISOME WHEN MEMORY SEEMS TO be declining. Fortunately, memory difficulties can now be assessed more accurately—and more quickly—than ever before, thanks to a new computerized testing system available at the Comprehensive Care Group at Monroe, an outpatient medical practice of Saint Peter’s University Hospital located in Monroe Township.

A year ago, says Jose C. Vigario, D.O., a geriatrician who directs the group, it could take eight hours, using paper-based tests, to find the cause of a patient’s memory problems. That’s an arduous experience for someone already not feeling their best. But today, at Saint Peter’s Memory Center, computerized testing can be completed in as little as one hour. More important, says the doctor, the new system provides more meaningful information.

Suspected memory difficulties should be evaluated promptly, Dr. Vigario says. They may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments can often help slow its progression. But memory problems may also result from other conditions that, with proper treatment, are reversible—for instance, a severe vitamin B-12 deficiency or normal pressure hydrocephalus (water on the brain). With an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, cognitive function often can return to the level seen before the condition developed.

Saint Peter’s opened The Memory Center in August. Dr. Vigario is one of three geriatricians who works there alongside a social worker and two nurses.

Their services are for anyone concerned about memory dysfunction—people as young as 50 come for testing, says Dr. Vigario.

Geriatric specialists conduct a complete physical examination that includes a history and a routine memory screening. If they decide further testing is indicated,

Do you need memory testing? the MindStreams According to Jose C. Vigario, D.O., director Computerized Imof The Memory Center at the Comprehensive Care Group at Monroe (a service pairment Test is of Saint Peter’s University Hospital), signs of given. The test measerious memory loss may include: sures a patient’s per• Asking the same questions over and formance on a series over again of interactive tasks.

• Becoming lost in places you know well Reaction times are • Confusion about time, people and places measured in mil• Difficulty performing familiar tasks such as liseconds, and results cooking, driving and paying bills on time are compared with • Eating poorly, not bathing or engaging those of the patient’s in unsafe behaviors peer group.

• Failing to follow directions properly The geriatrician then discusses the results with the patient and his or her family and offers recommendations for treatment. A report is also sent to the patient’s referring physician. Patients return for three- or six-month follow-up appointments, depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan.

“The MindStreams program has been proven valid, reliable and sensitive to treatment effects,” says Dr. Vigario. “It provides us with a clear picture of what could be causing poor memory and cognitive functioning.” For this reason, it offers individuals an important new weapon in the fight against cognitive impairment. ■ For more information on Saint Peter’s Memory Center, please contact the Comprehensive Care Group at Monroe, 609-409-1363, or visit www.saintpetersuh.com/ memorycenter. The group is located in the Pondview Plaza, 300 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township.

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Seasonal HEALTH

Shake up your exercise routine

VA RY I N G Y O U R W O R K OUT CAN KEEP YOU INTERESTED—AND H E L P Y O U S TAY F I T

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For help designing an exercise plan, contact a personal trainer at Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute by calling 732-565-5455.

I-STOCK

HAVE YOU FALLEN INTO AN EXERCISE RUT? IF so, you may benefit from “surprising” your muscles with a change in your workout routine. And the start of a new year could be the best time for such a shakeup.

“There’s a philosophy out there that you have to ‘shock the system’ periodically to get the greatest gains from exercise,” says Jeff Erickson, physical therapist and manager of physical therapy at Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Sports Medicine Institute. This school of thought contends that the body adapts to a particular repeated exertion so that it becomes less beneficial after a while—hence the need for a varied workout.

“It’s true that over time, your body finds the most efficient way to adapt to an exercise,” says Erickson.

While he adds that he has seen some exercisers continue to reap good results with an unchanging routine, most of us have a psychological need for an occasional change. “It’s mentally stimulating to do things a bit differently every now and then,” he says.

Also, no exercise routine is perfectly balanced. Let’s face it: We all have certain exercise activities we favor.

Women who spend hours on the treadmill but never train their upper bodies may be heading for lower-back pain; back pain may also afflict male weightlifters who’ve built up an impressive chest at the expense of a lack of attention to the trunk and shoulders. Such problems of “asymmetri-

cal strengthening,” as experts call it, may result when exercisers emphasize a favorite major-muscle activity (bench presses, perhaps) but neglect others that work muscles that don’t get a starring role (the rowing machine, for instance).

The solution? Vary your routine, perhaps focusing on the upper body one day and the lower body the next, to maximize strength in every muscle. And if you’d really like to inject new vigor into your fitness plan, why not go for something completely different? Consider the possibilities below. (Always check with your physician or healthcare professional before embarking on a new exercise routine.)

Water exercise: Exercising in a pool is a no-impact activity that can strengthen your muscles and heart— without straining bones or joints. Unlike air, water provides resistance in any direction you move. In fact, 10 minutes of water exercise can be as beneficial as 40 minutes of movement on land.

Dance exercise: You could try a dance-based activity such as Zumba; this aerobic fitness program, developed by a choreographer, combines vigorous movements in alternating fast and slow rhythms set to Latin music. Zumba uses aerobic principles of interval training (alternating periods of high-intensity exertion with intervals of rest) to maximize calories burned—while you feel as if you’re partying away. “My wife loves it,” says Erickson.

Tai chi: This ancient Chinese technique involves a series of forms, or postures, that flow from one to another in slow, smooth, dance-like movements. Studies show that tai chi helps reduce high blood pressure without raising heart rate, boosts circulation and improves balance and coordination.

Yoga: This Hindu exercise system benefits the body by increasing flexibility; toning the stomach, back and chest; and stimulating circulation.

Core conditioning: These exercises target your core—the body’s center of power, which starts just below your shoulders and ends just below your hips. Pilates is a popular exercise style that focuses on this center. It builds longer, leaner muscles through moves performed on a floor mat and on a special piece of equipment called a reformer.

Stability ball exercises, another form of core conditioning, are moves that are done on a large rubber ball.

You may find that adding a bit of variety to your exercise routine invigorates both your body and your spirit.

Happy 2010! ■

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Middlesex UP CLOSE

by David Levine

Born to serve

BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY TRADITION DREW THIS OVERACHIEVER TO MEDICINE, THE MILITARY AND THE MINISTRY

IF YOUR IDEA OF A PLASTIC surgeon comes from TV shows like Nip/Tuck or Dr. 90210, you haven’t met Robert Martin Olson, M.D. As chief of plastic surgery at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, and through humanitarian work around the globe, the versatile Dr. Olson does a lot more than tummy tucks. In fact, his zeal to serve others has led him to combine medicine with two other worlds: the military and lay ministry.

“In the old days, I would have been a general surgeon, because they did a little of everything,” says the Griggstown resident, who turns 60 in December.

“But I came up in the age of specialization. Plastic surgery gave me a way to be like a general surgeon, in that I get to help people with many different serious illnesses.” He treats those dealing with severe trauma, major birth defects, progressive wasting illnesses like cancer and autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and arthritis. “These patients’ ability to cope with these Job-like, Old Testament health issues is truly inspiring to me,” he says.

But surgical work alone hasn’t been enough to satisfy Dr. Olson’s need to serve. He grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania, in a family that has long produced both doctors and soldiers. As a boy, he heard about ancestors’ military exploits in the Revolutionary War and just about every conflict since. He considered attending West Point, but went to Dartmouth College instead, and on to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Still, he was haunted by what he calls his “Vietnam guilt”—an awareness that he’d missed the military experience of his generation.

“I was going through college while many of my friends served—and some died,” says Dr. Olson.

But as his career advanced, with residencies at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and Children’s Hospital

Medical Center in Boston and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, he found an answer.

From 1988 to 1996, he served in the United States Army Reserve.

He was on the staff at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., during the first Gulf War for three months in 1991.

“There was such a need for surgeons that I felt compelled to join,” says Dr. Olson, who retired from the Reserve with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Working with patients led him into a third realm of service: religion. “I believe in holistic medicine,” he says. “In its simplest terms, it means tending to mind, body and spirit. I sometimes pray with patients.” For this purpose he attended the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, where he graduated magna cum laude in 2004.

“I deal with many people in advanced states of illness,” he explains. “Now, as both a physician and a lay minister, I can deliver both physical and spiritual care.”

Since 1997, Dr. Olson has made 16 overseas missions under the auspices of the medical volunteer groups Operation Smile and Healing the Children. Kenya, China, Peru, Thailand and the Philippines have been among his destinations, and his work has included the repair of cleft palates, deformed limbs and burns.

“Kids are my favorite patients,” he says. “They generally heal well, and plastic surgery gives them a better chance at a normal life.”

Dr. Olson has four children, ages 13 to 31, and two grandchildren. He enjoys hiking, biking and rowing on the Delaware River and Raritan Canal when he’s not busy caring for patients—surgically or spiritually—and continuing a family heritage of good works: “The Biblical Gospel verse, ‘Whatever you do for the least of your brethren you do unto God’—that was expected in my family,” he says. ■ MIDDLESEX

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Glorious FOOD

Be sushi-savvy!

It’s got to be healthy, right? A little bit of fish, a tiny smattering of rice, all rolled up in some seaweed—what could go wrong? In fact, sushi can be one of the healthiest dining-out options there is, nonfattening yet rich in heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids. But as the once-exotic Japanese food has become ubiquitous in the U.S., new varieties have been developed—some with ingredients that have nutrition gurus crying foul. These days, sushi’s calorie count varies widely, with some choices decidedly diet-unfriendly. Here’s a quick primer: FAST FACT 1 tablespoon of soy sauce provides more than one-third of your daily requirement of sodium.

1

THE GOOD

THE BAD

1. CALIFORNIA ROLL (rice, nori, avocado and imitation crab)

4. PHILADELPHIA ROLL (nori, rice, smoked salmon, lettuce, cream cheese and sesame seeds) Per roll: CALORIES: 360 FAT: 11 grams CARBS: 35 grams FIBER: 0 grams PROTEIN: 13 grams

Per roll: CALORIES: 255 FAT: 7 grams CARBS: 38 grams FIBER: 5.8 grams PROTEIN: 9 grams

2 2. TUNA (MAGURO) ROLL (tuna, rice and nori)

3

Per roll: CALORIES: 184 FAT: 2 grams CARBS: 27 grams FIBER: 3.5 grams PROTEIN: 24 grams

4

3. SALMON SASHIMI (just raw fish, no rice) Per 1-ounce piece: CALORIES: 52 FAT: 3.1 grams CARBS: 0 grams FIBER: 0 grams PROTEIN: 5.6 grams

5 6

5. EEL AND AVOCADO ROLL (nori, rice, avocado and unagi—fresh-water eel) Per roll: CALORIES: 372 FAT: 17 grams CARBS: 31 grams FIBER: 5.8 grams PROTEIN: 20 grams 6. SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL (shrimp, rice, nori, frying oil, tempura batter) Per roll: CALORIES: 508 FAT: 21 grams CARBS: 64 grams FIBER: 4.5 grams PROTEIN: 20 grams

DID YOU KNOW? That hot green sushi condiment that clears your sinuses is called wasabi, but in the U.S. chances are it’s not the genuine spice made from the wasabia japonica root. horseradish, mustard and food coloring that the Japanese call “seiyo wasabi,” or Western wasabi.

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ATSUSHI TOMIOKA

Instead, it’s a cheaper, easier-to-handle mixture of

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Middlesex GOURMET

by Sean Ryan

and melitzanosalata (roasted eggplant mix).

The hummus and tzatziki scoops were certainly good enough, though they were outclassed by the other tastes on the plate. But the taramosalata (caviar dip)—made with a white bean base rather than the usual potato or bread crumb—had so little caviar flavor we spent several bites wondering if it was a second scoop of hummus.

For entrées, we recommend the red snapper with red wine–cinnamon sauce.

The sweet, barbecue-like glaze—pleasantly reminiscent of warm apple pie—complemented the flavor of the moist, flaky fish.

Wedges of lemon potatoes had a nicely tart zest, while IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT, BUT ALL roasted red peppers were just a bit sweet. was cheery inside Highland Park’s Pithari Taverna.

The ola mazi platter featured several Greek clasThe sky-blue ceiling mural didn’t hurt, nor did the lively sics, all vegetarian, on one plate garnished with grape blue-and-white color scheme, complimentary olive dishes leaves. The spanakopita (spinach in phyllo dough) was or Greek-language television buzzing in the backflaky and succulent, but the layers of thin dough were difground, all of which gave the causal eatery the feel of a ficult to cut. As a result, most bites were just spinach or just café in Santorini. dough. The moussaka had a generous layer of mashed A first glance at the enticing menu (heavy on the potatoes over grilled eggplant and zucchini, but was Greek terminology) was a bit intimidating. Fortunately, served next to another (also tasty) mashed-potato–stuffed we found, most words are defined in at least one of the eggplant dish, which seemed a bit redundant. listings if you hunt around. The attentive waitstaff gladly Our dessert started with an espresso cup filled accepted both our inexpert pronunciation and, when we from a well-used briki, the classic long-handled cup that gave up, our finger points. boils Greek coffee and grounds directly. The coffee was Pithari brags about its octopus sta karvourna robust and thick, the mighty collection of grounds at the (“We’re famous for it!” the menu declares)—and rightly bottom infusing flavor into every tiny sip. A square of so. Three meaty tentacles were grilled with olive oil coconut-semolina cake was moist, thanks in part to and vinegar, and were tender as filet mignon. Normally Pithari’s light, honey-like syrup. And the lovely galakwe’d alternate bites with other appetomboureko (custard cake with phyllo tizers, but we found ourselves cutting dough) looked pretty and neat piece after piece until no more P i t h a r i Ta v e r n a upon arrival. Once we attempted to remained. The loukaniko, a Greek 28 Woodbridge Avenue, Highland Park; delve into it, however, custard 732-572-0616; www.thepithari.com sausage rubbed with spices and gushed around the edges, but no sliced lengthwise, paled in compariHours matter—it was tasty enough that, Sunday through Thursday, son. Its tough, chewy meat gave our even after stuffing ourselves with 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Friday and jaws a workout, and the multihued Saturday, 11:30 a.m–10:30 p.m. octopus and eggplant, we finished bits visible in the cross-section every last bite.

What you should know reminded us why sausage generally A visit to Pithari Taverna is • Entrées range from $10.95 to $24.95 isn’t served this way.

• BYOB (a sister shop next door sells easier than a flight to Greece. The A selection of cold spreads proGreek wine) restaurant’s seafood is divine, and vided an entrée’s worth of food in big • Major credit cards accepted even amid a Nor’easter you can look scoops. The highlights were the • Take out available up and see blue skies. ■ tyrokafteri (feta mixed with peppers)

CHRISTOPHER BARTH

Greece is the word

• Handicapped accessible

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faces of MIDDLESEX

Your moment of Zen At the Saturday morning yoga class at Comfort and Balance studio in Sewaren, students (left to right) Debbe French, Bunnie Rogers, Dawn Mandico, Jane Smith and Jessica Miller find a little inner calm with the help of instructor Nicolette Reiser.

CHRISTOPHER GORE

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O YSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE II

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OYSTER PERPETUAL AND DAY-DATE ARE TRADEMARKS.

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