Middlesex Health & Life January 2011 by Wainscot Media

T H E G O O D L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E f r o m S A I N T P E T E R ’ S H E A LT H C A R E S Y S T E M M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E ■

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JANUARY 2011

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• Secrets to healthy eyes • Keep kids flu-free! • Care for kids with autism

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Contents

January 2011 Features 16 Fashion & Beauty / Put on your party best

Here’s an evening look that will make you the belle of the ball.

18 At home / Topping your table

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

22 Party time / Sweet soiree

Coffee meets chocolate—and suddenly you’ve got a surefire dessert party.

26 Spotlight / Playing House

Actress Lisa Edelstein has a feisty streak—just like Dr. Lisa Cuddy, her character on the Fox TV medical drama.

40 Escapes / Spas with a plus

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

Departments 4 Welcome letter 6 Editor’s letter 12 Flash

Captured moments around the county

14 Things we love Natural beauty

These luxurious lotions and potions draw on earth’s bounty to help you look your best.

28 Health watch

• Prize those eyes • How friends keep you healthy

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31 The buzz

Notable events from Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

32 Faces of Saint Peter’s Conversations with surgeons Marc I. Malberg, M.D., and Thomas Vates, M.D.

34 Inside look

A passion to treat autism For two professionals who care for young people with developmental disorders, the inspiration to serve was born at home.

37 Tech savvy

Health communications go electronic A Web-based tool

allows hospitals, doctors and patients to talk to each other through a secure, private portal.

38 Seasonal health

Keep your kids flu-free! A doctor recommends 3 ways

you can protect your children from influenza this season.

39 Up close

Still giving For this car dealer, a recession is no reason to stop

helping the community.

44 Glorious food Healthy handful

Irresistibly munchable, yet super-healthy? That’s nuts!

46 Middlesex gourmet

Classically modern Al Dente in Piscataway exemplifies the tasty new definition of Italian cooking—with a tip of the hat to the old as well.

48 Faces of Middlesex Skate away cover Image: Jupiter images

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M I C H E L A2N5 G E L O C E L E B R A T I N G

Y E A R S

O F

E X C E L L E N C E

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SPECIAL EVENTS “Step into Her Shoes” Fashion Show sponsored by the Saint Peter’s Auxiliary Saturday, March 12 | 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM The Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27 (Lincoln Highway), Edison Fashion show to benefit Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Breast Center and breast health programs. $60.00 per person. The event also features a Tricky Tray and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542. Annual Gala Saturday, April 9 | 6:00 PM – Midnight The Heldrich, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick

Annual black-tie fundraising gala hosted by Saint Peter’s Foundation. Music and entertainment by The Infernos. $500 per person. Various sponsorships available to support Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. For details, call Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542.

Saint Peter’s Community Golf Outing & Networking Reception Tuesday, June 7 7:00 AM | Registration and continental breakfast 8:00 AM | Shotgun start Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg

Proceeds to benefit Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. For information, please call Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Community Mobile Health Services Saint Peter’s Community Mobile Health Services provides health education and screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, breast health, cholesterol, stroke, body mass index and more. Community groups and businesses interested in scheduling services at your location can contact Community Mobile Health Services at 732-745-8600, ext. 8903.

Welcome letter

More than meets the eye having arrived at saint peter’s healthcare system just a few months ago, i am struck by numerous first impressions—and what positive ones they have been. Most people know the saint peter’s brand name for its unparalleled skill and unbridled compassion in the care of thousands of women and children every year, from the tiniest of newborns to expectant mothers. and while that is true—no one in Central new Jersey delivers more babies, or protects more fragile infants—there is much, much more to saint peter’s than easily meets the public’s eye. as chief operating officer for the saint peter’s healthcare system, i oversee those plans and strategies that will continue to ensure that saint peter’s remains a preeminent source of top-quality healthcare for all who seek it. this fall, for instance, saint peter’s announced that it has become a regional Medical Campus for drexel University College of Medicine. For new Jersey, that means saint peter’s has added the vast resources of one of the largest and most respected medical schools in the nation, creating new and exciting opportunities in advanced patient care. in another of our growing healthcare partnerships, saint peter’s and the american diabetes association, northern new Jersey chapter, have announced an alliance dubbed “diabetes360Five,’’ a year-round initiative to aid tens of thousands of people throughout new Jersey through a series of programs and community events delivered directly to those who need care and diabetes education. the alliance could hardly have come at a better time, given that the latest statistics show diabetes is on track to become the greatest public health threat of the next quarter century. saint peter’s continues to be recognized for outstanding care and outstanding personnel. as one example, our nursing staff—and as a former nurse, i am especially proud of this—is once again a contender for Magnet recognition from the american nurses Credentialing Center, which rates experience and excellence in patient care. please peruse this edition of Middlesex Health & Life to learn what other advancements are taking place within saint peter’s to better serve you. sincerely,

Patricia carroll 254 EASTON AVENUE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

chief oPerating officer/Senior Vice PreSident Saint Peter’S healthcare SyStem

732.745.8600 | www.saintpetershcs.com

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IT’S NOT IF YOU WIN OR LOSE

BUT HOW YOU STAY IN THE GAME

WE SPECIALIZE IN PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF SPORTS INJURIES…AND MORE. Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that recognizes the unique relationship between sports medicine, orthopedic surgery and physical rehabilitation. Whether you’re injured, suffer from osteoporosis or arthritis, recovering from surgery, or just want to get in shape, our sports medicine team can help. Our staff includes a board-certified sports medicine specialist from Saint Peter’s University Hospital, three in-house, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons from University Orthopaedic Associates, and physical therapists. Every member of our team has extensive experience caring for professional, Olympic and student athletes... even weekend warriors. All of us at the Sports Medicine Institute are committed to providing patients with a prompt diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and thorough rehabilitation.

To learn more about Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute, call 732-565-5455 or visit saintpetershcs.com

Treating you better...for life. 562 EASTON AVENUE, SOMERSET, NJ 08873

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editor’s letter

Memories are made here event planning holiday cards invitations distinctive gifts ~ Complementary gift wrap ~

the start of a new year is a perfeCt time to gather with our families and friends, enjoying special moments that we will always treasure. But making those memories takes planning—and this issue of Middlesex Health & Life can help. sprinkled through our pages, you’ll find timely advice on entertaining from pros and experienced hosts alike. Check out the tips marked with the snowflake. on page 16 we show you how to look glamorous from head to toe—with minimal fuss. we also present inspiration for inviting tablescapes that convey warmth and style (page 18), and ideas for matching two potential soulmates, coffee and chocolate, for an easy dessert party (page 22). are you hooked on House? that popular but quirky fox tV medical drama has folks talking—especially now that the hero has “hooked up” with fellow medic Lisa Cuddy. on page 26, actress Lisa edelstein spills the beans about playing Cuddy—and about her Jersey roots. Despite the delights of the Garden state this time of year, maybe you could use a quick, restorative trip to a warmer clime. in “spas with a plus” on page 42, we describe two destination spas that offer world-class rejuvenation—and happily, they’re also in enchanting areas worth exploring for their own sake. either one is a surefire memory-maker. indeed, we hope this whole issue inspires you to make some great memories as 2011 begins. as for me, this magazine’s readers, advertisers and my amazing staff have helped me create incredible memories of my own. this letter marks my last as editor in Chief, a position i’ve held since this magazine was born. But i’m not going far. My new role as Vice president and editor in Chief of the Custom Media Group will enable me to work on new products—print and digital—related to the wonderful brands we’ve created, and i’m looking forward to it. so thanks for the memories, and happy new year!

❄

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JANUARY 2011 Middlesex Health & Life Staff

editor in chief RITA GUARNA

senior editor TIMOTHY KELLEY

contributing designer EILEEN CRABILL

assistant editor KRISTIN COLELLA

editorial intern DIANE SZULECKI

group publisher WILKIE F. BUSHBY

executive vice president, publishing director DEBORAH JONES BARROW

regional advertising director DOUGLAS C . BARKER JR . senior account executive TRACEY HALL

manager, digital media LARRY VOLLMER

web editor JESSICA SOLLOWAY

director of production CHRISTINE HAMEL

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sales & marketing coordinator ELIZABETH MEE

senior art director, agency services KIJOO KIM

director of advertising services THOMAS RAGUSA

circulation director LAUREN MENA

editorial contributions: The editors invite letters, article ideas and other contributions from readers. Please write to Editor, Middlesex Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201-571-7003; fax 201782-5319; e-mail editor@wainscotmedia.com. Any manuscript or artwork should be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing adequate return postage. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of submissions. advertising inquiries: Please contact Wilkie Bushby at 201-571-2220 or wilkie.bushby@wainscotmedia.com.

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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MY JOB IS TRULY A

LABOR OF LOVE

Susan D’Angelo, BA, ADN, RN, CCRN

Governor’s Nursing Merit Award for Registered Professional Nurse: Acute Care

SAINT PETER’S HELPS ME MAKE A DIFFERENCE…EVERY DAY. As a charge nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Susan D’Angelo has been caring for fragile newborns for over 20 years. She is a shining example of the compassion and dedication that is a long-standing tradition with all the nurses at Saint Peter’s. We’re proud to recognize Susan and all our nurses for their outstanding level of care.

To learn more about our award-winning nursing team, call 732-745-8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com

Treating you better...for life. 254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

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

Published by

Wainscot Media

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chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN

president MARK DOWDEN

executive vice president, publising director DEBORAH JONES BARROW

senior vice president SHANNON STEITZ

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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, P.O. Box 776, Mason, OH 45040; 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 4, Issue 4. © 2010 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $14.00 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is 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 guests gathered at the westminster Hotel in Livingston for “Mission Possible: Prevent, Control, Cure,” the 35th annual award gala of the Iselin-based Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter. The event raises funds for arthritis research and life-improvement programs for people with arthritis and their families. Meanwhile, guests tried their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps tables and more while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a buffet and a silent auction at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick’s “Better Together” casino night at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Proceeds help the organization fulfill its mission of providing a place to stay for the families of seriously ill children who receive medical care nearby.

8 5

7 Think you belong in Flash? Send photos from

Ronald Mcdonald House Casino Night

5. Jon Leidersdorff and David Wirin 6. Minnie Thomas

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& Life, att: Flash editor, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; or e-mail editor@wainscot

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FAsHION & beauty

Put on your

party

best

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an evening look that will make you the belle of the holiday ball

MSHL_410_fashion.v1.kc.indd 16

JANUARY 2011

11/29/10 2:57 PM

Provocative as its name, Swarovski’s stunning Maniac necklace, $500, is ruthenium-plated and features crystal satin, jet hematite and jet crystal beads for an enchanting look of holiday elegance. Complement it with this sea green, pure silk halter dress from Amsale, $260, with delicate pleating, a ruffled sweetheart neckline

masterfile; photograph of dress courtesy of bloomingdales.com; photograph of necklace courtesy of swarovski

and a ruched empire waist with a cluster of rosettes.

“i have nothing to wear!” It’s a common refrain this season. Getting decked out in a dramatic party frock is exciting, but the pressure to find the perfect outfit can leave you feeling more like a desperate housewife than a modern-day Cinderella. The trick is to play with proportion by combining a fitted top with a more voluminous skirt. A tailored bodice will accentuate your figure, and a flirty skirt will make you feel like dancing the night away without sacrificing comfort. No need to stick with your favorite little black dress when any color works. Experts say it’s more about the fabric and fit as long as you wear a hue that suits your skin tone. In terms of jewelry, less is more, but that doesn’t mean unassuming. Think minimal, but striking, choosing one statement piece—chunky earrings, oversize cocktail rings or a dazzling choker. To simplify your search, we’ve put together a memorable ensemble sure to have you sparkling as bright as any holiday lights.

TIP: Want to look dressed up rather than made up? Choose a rich matte lipstick in plum or red. Outline your upper and lower lids and apply two coats of mascara. Go easy on the blush, and finish with a shimmering jewel powder for a subtle sheen.

TIP: Opt for V- or scooped-necks rather than turtlenecks for holiday photos, so your neck appears longer. MIDDLESE X HEALTH & LIFE

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at home

Topping Your A party-ready tablescape is the

table perfect stage for your feast

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

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Bright red carnations and strawberries mark the season and create a striking contrast atop a muted white tablecloth. Crystal plates and glasses and silver animal sculptures add a bit of shimmer.

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AT HOME

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

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

TIP: “When choosing favors, opt for something practical that your guests will really use, such as a wine stopper.” ~ DORI SAYPOL, TOTAL PARTY, EAST BRUNSWICK Photographs reprinted with permission from Alberto Pinto: Table Settings, text by Dane McDowell, Rizzoli New York, 2010

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

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PARTY TIME

Sweet Soiree

COFFEE MEETS CHOCOLATE—AND SUDDENLY YOU’VE GOT A SUREFIRE DESSERT PARTY

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

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

TIP: “Between dessert plates on the table, place votive candles, pinecones, greenery and even fresh coffee beans in hurricane glass holders. They add texture, and the beans make the room aromatic.” ~ LAURA BIANCO, MY BELLISSIMA, MORRISTOWN M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E

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

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

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

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Spotlight by Bonnie Siegler

Playing House Actress Lisa Edelstein has a feisty streakâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Just like Dr. Lisa Cuddy, her character on the smart-aleck Fox TV medical drama

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TIP: Makeup artists say pairing black liner with a sheer, shimmery shadow creates dramatic eyes. Just keep the shadow below the crease to ensure eyes don’t look puffy. As Dr. Lisa Cuddy, Lisa Edelstein matches wits, medical insights and romantic bon mots with series

lisa edelstein isn’t a doctor; she only plays one on TV. But the medical milieu of the Fox drama House is familiar turf for the 44-year-old actress, who grew up in Wayne. “I’ve always loved medicine, and I was around it as a child in New Jersey,” she says, noting that her dad, Alvin Edelstein, M.D., served for years as chairman of Chilton Memorial Hospital’s Pediatrics Department. Edelstein portrays Dr. Lisa Cuddy, girlfriend of the show’s scruffy, cranky title character. “I know the producers are taking this relationship seriously and exploring it,” she says. “I think a lot of viewers wanted it to happen and feel it’s a great way of telling a new story.” The actress concedes that her character “is certainly not making choices that will simplify her life.” And she hastens to explain that she herself is way different from her fellow Lisa: “I’m much more relaxed than Cuddy.” Still, there’s a feisty independence in the TV medic that wasn’t much of a stretch. Edelstein grew up in a traditional Jewish family, but began to make her own distinctive choices early. At 15 she embraced vegetarianism—never to look back—and at 16 she was recruited to fill a cheerleader opening for Donald Trump’s New Jersey Generals team in the old U.S. Football League. “They lost one of their cheerleaders, so they called my dance school in New Jersey and I was recommended to fill in,” Edelstein explains. She worked six home games—then organized a protest against the team for making cheerleaders

star Hugh Laurie on TV’s House.

stand in their uniforms in bars—in effect, a cheerleaders’ strike. After graduating from Wayne Valley High School in 1984, she moved across the Hudson to study theatre at New York University, then became a fixture in the city’s club scene. Edelstein wrote, composed and starred in the musical Positive Me about the AIDS crisis. That project showed her independent streak, and so did her early TV gigs—as Jason Alexander’s risotto-loving conquest on Seinfeld, Rob Lowe’s call-girl date on The West Wing and a transsexual on Ally McBeal. Today she maintains a New York residence but lives mostly in L.A., with her two dogs, Shazam and Kapow. She’s devoted to daily ashtanga yoga, swimming and taking walks with her dogs. Edelstein recently went sugar- and gluten-free and says, “I feel less bloated, and my digestion has improved.” She cites pad thai noodles as a go-to pasta substitute and lemongrass soup as a favorite snack. The actress loves traveling, with Japan, Thailand and India among recent destinations. “It helps put things in perspective,” she says. “Los Angeles can be very isolating, so it’s important to get out. New Jersey didn’t have that isolating feel.” Edelstein says she doesn’t know what lies ahead for the House-Cuddy amour “beyond what we’re shooting right now.” But it’s a safe bet that this ex-Garden Stater will continue to show tart-tongued independence, onscreen and off. “I’m a work in progress,” she declares. n

image courtesty of fox; opposite: Retna

Holidays remembered Actress Lisa Edelstein fondly recalls her Wayne, N.J., childhood in

Holiday eats: “My grandparents lived in Coney Island; that was a

a family that was “probably more traditional than anyone else in

favorite spot of mine—we’d go there for dinner to celebrate. My grand-

town. We attended temple services and observed all the Jewish

mother made good rugula, and I recall her making gefilte fish.

holidays.” She shares memories with Middlesex Health & Life:

But I never really liked latkes or hamantaschen.”

Fave Hanukkah gift: “A pair of Sassoon jeans—very exciting. I still

Fast forward: “I try to remember to light the candles on all eight

remember opening them in our New Jersey living room.”

nights. My parents gave me a good foundation of tradition.”

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health watch

by Janelle Yates

Prize Have you

those

been properly protecting your peepers?

eyes

Windows to the soul? The eyes may be that, but they’re also a precious part of your good health. To guard your eyesight, get regular eye exams and “live a healthy life,” advises Emily Chew, M.D., deputy director of epidemiology and clinical applications at the National Eye Institute. For more good-sight insight, Middlesex Health & Life asked Jeffrey Anshel, O.D. (doctor of optometry), president of the Ocular Nutrition Society, for advice on six possible threats to your eyes. Staring at a computer screen Worry? No. No studies have proved that a long day in front

of the monitor causes serious problems, says Dr. Anshel. What to do: Lower your monitor— the widespread belief that it has to be at “eye level” is wrong, Dr. Anshel says. Position it so that your gaze is downward. Your eyes won’t have to open so wide and you’ll blink more—a good thing, because blinking produces tears and prevents dry eyes. Watching 3-D movies Worry? Maybe. Watching 3-D movies won’t harm your

eyes, but it could offer a clue to existing eye problems. “Three-D images cannot be perceived without two functional eyes, and not everybody has them,” Dr. Anshel says. About 30 to 35 percent of the population struggles to keep their eyes working closely in tandem.

What to do: If your eyes get tired during a movie, or you develop a headache or nausea, “that’s an alarm,” Dr. Anshel says. Get your vision checked. Reading on a Kindle, iPhone, iPad or other device Worry? Maybe. People tend to hold an electronic display clos-

er than a book, Dr. Anshel says. “And the closer you hold something, the more you have to focus. That can lead to eyestrain.” What to do: Of the currently available readers, choose a Kindle if you plan to read outdoors, says the doctor, because it offers “reflective luminance” (the brighter your environment, the brighter the screen). “The iPad and a lot of phones have a glossy screen, so if you use them in bright light it’s harder to see,” he adds. And Dr. Anshel recommends holding your Kindle no closer than 16 inches away. Skipping sunglasses Worry? Yes. “When we tell people to get some sun, we al-

ways tell them to wear sunglasses,” Dr. Anshel says. “Lots of studies show that ultraviolet light is a factor in cataracts.” What to do: Buy good-quality glasses that provide UVA and UVB protection. “About 99.9 percent of drugstore glasses don’t have good lenses,” the doctor says. He recommends a visit to an eyeglasses store or department store instead: “You’ve got to spend a few extra bucks.” When shopping for sunglasses, says Dr. Anshel, hold a pair at almost arm’s length and shift them left to right. If you see any “swimming” or distortion of the image, that’s a sign that the lenses are of istock

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so-so quality. Better yet, have your eye doctor check a pair’s quality with his or her instruments. Rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts Worry? Probably not. “A little bit of rubbing is usually not

a problem,” Dr. Anshel says. What to do: “Do it lightly.” Also figure out what is making you rub your eyes. “If they’re itching a lot, you may have an allergy. If they’re feeling gritty, they may be drying out. Rubbing could be a sign of a problem that needs to be resolved.” Wearing lots of eye makeup Worry? Maybe. Eye makeup can be a problem if it covers

glands in the eyelids that produce essential oils, Dr. Anshel says. These oils become the front layer of your tears and prevent them from evaporating too quickly. What to do: When applying eye liner, avoid the thin line of tissue between the lashes and the surface of the eye. n

Eat right for better sight Which of these two changes is better for your eye health? • Eat more carrots. • Cut down on artificial sweeteners. Surprisingly, it’s the second option. The critical nutrient in carrots is beta-carotene; this converts into vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. But in the U.S., vitamin A deficiency is extremely rare, notes Jeffrey Anshel, O.D., president of the Ocular Nutrition Society. Consuming too much artificial sweetener, on the other hand, can be bad for your eyes. “It breaks down into a type of ethanol that is toxic to the mitochondria,” says Dr. Anshel. “Mitochondria are energy producers, and the rods and cones inside the retina have the highest percentage of mitochondria.” Consuming artificial sweeteners can ultimately reduce your ability to withstand bright light.

When trouble’s in sight The blossom images below show five ways your vision can be distorted by eye conditions:

Macular degeneration

Glaucoma

Cataract

Color blindness

Myopia

What it is: Damage

What it is: Clouding of

What it is: A lack of

What it is: Near-

What it is: Deteriora-

to the optic nerve from

the lens of the eye.

certain pigments in the

sightedness caused

tion of the macula, which

fluid pressure.

Warning signs: Dull

nerve cells in the eye.

by the length of the

lets you see details.

Warning signs:

or blurry vision, colors

Warning signs: Diffi-

eyeball or steepness of

Warning signs:

Glaucoma is painless

that seem faded,

culty distinguishing red

the cornea.

Blurred central vision,

and often “silent” until

frequent eyeglass

from green, or blue

Warning signs: Blurry

sometimes with a blind

peripheral vision be-

prescription changes,

from yellow.

distance vision.

spot. Straight lines

gins to erode. Tunnel

poor night sight.

Who gets it: About

Who gets it: More

may appear crooked.

vision is the ultimate

Who gets it: People

10 percent of men;

than 40 percent of the

Who gets it: Smokers,

outcome.

over 40—although

few women.

population.

the obese, women more

Who gets it: African

it usually isn’t

Prevention: None.

Prevention: It usually

often than men, and

Americans, people

detected until age

It’s usually congenital.

can’t be prevented,

people with a family his-

over age 60, and those

60 or later. Surgery is

but it can be corrected

tory of it. The condition

with a family history of

the treatment.

with lenses or surgery.

is far more common

the condition.

Prevention: Wear

Avoid aggravating

among whites than

Prevention: Cannot

good sunglasses and

the condition with too

blacks. But the greatest

be prevented; early

a hat outdoors, quit

much close work.

risk factor is age.

detection and treat-

smoking and eat a

Prevention: Stop smok-

ment are critical.

balanced diet.

ing, lose excess weight and keep a balanced diet, with lots of green, leafy veggies and fish. MIDDLESE X HEAL T H & LIFE

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HEALTH WATCH by M.L. Puglisi

How friends

KEEP YOU HEALTHY WANT TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE, LIVE LONGER AND STAY SHARP? THE KEY IS RIGHT ON YOUR SPEED-DIAL

JANUARY 2011

Helping you live longer: It’s not family ties, but friendly ties that aid longer life, according to data from the 10-year Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging, completed in 2004, which followed nearly 1,500 people ages 70 years and older. After adjusting for other factors that affect longevity, researchers found that those with a strong social network were 22 percent less likely to die during the study. The friends-longevity link was so strong it persisted despite stressful events such as the death of a spouse or the relocation of a loved one.. Boosting brainpower: In a Harvard study of the elderly, memory among those with few friends declined at double the rate of folks with plenty of pals. And the finding gets added support from a Kaiser Permanente study in which strong friendships were shown to protect folks from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Seems exchanging information, opinions and ideas—even if it’s about the latest Hollywood scandal—can keep a person’s thinking keen. ■

MASTERFILE

OUR FRIENDS ARE THE ONES WE CHOOSE, the ones we want to invite to the party. But did you know those handpicked companions are also scientifically proven to help us lead longer, healthier lives? “Because you choose friends with similar values and belief systems, they’re often better equipped than family to provide comfort and motivation,” says Encino, California, psychologist Debra Mandel. Having buddies is so good for us, researchers say, that its opposite—social isolation—is a risk factor akin to smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. Here are four ways your social circle keeps you in the pink. Controlling your blood pressure: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans, and high blood pressure is often the primary cause. But according to new findings in the journal Psychology and Aging, friends can help keep it in check. In the four-year study of 229 people between ages 50 and 68, those identified as the loneliest experienced a 10 percent spike in blood pressure. Even the “modestly” lonely were affected, said lead researcher Louise Hawkley, noting that “loneliness behaved as though it is a risk factor in its own right.” Helping you stay fit: Whether it’s climbing a steep hill with a heavy backpack (like subjects in a University of Virginia study), losing weight or sticking to a workout program, enlisting a buddy makes a task seem less daunting. In the University of Virginia study, those who trekked with a friend perceived the hill to be less steep than those who sweated their way to the summit alone. And in a University of Connecticut study of 189 women, strong social support proved to be a key factor in whether they stuck with a workout plan for a year or more.

The

BUZZ

at Saint Peter’s

RICHARD J. GREEN; EDMUND M. KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHERS, INC.; TATIANA RODRIGUEZ/LIFESHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Fashion, forward!

HAILING A NEW PARTNERSHIP Ronald C. Rak, J.D., president and chief executive officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, left, joined with Poonam Alaigh, M.D., commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, and Syad Hamad Mirzan, a Drexel medical student at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, to celebrate the recent announcement that Saint Peter’s University Hospital has become a Regional Medical Campus of Drexel University College of Medicine.

The Saint Peter’s University Hospital Auxiliary will hold its annual fashion show from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the Pines Manor in Edison. Tickets are $60 and will cover the cost of a three-course lunch and the fashion show. A cash bar will be available. Ann Taylor Loft of North Brunswick will provide the clothing. As in past years, proceeds will support Saint Peter’s Breast Center and breast health programs. Contact stpeters fashionshow@ gmail.com or call the Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542 for more information or tickets. Pictured is a scene from last year’s show.

Classic foursome From left, Al Gibbons, John Carlson, M.D., Jim Glanzmann and Joseph LaManna get ready to tee off at the 24th Annual Saint Peter’s Golf Classic held on Sept. 13 at The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes. The event raised more than $80,000 to support programs and capital needs at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

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Faces of saint peter’s

Marc I. Malberg, M.D. Orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist Marc I. Malberg, M.D., 64, is originally from Hillsborough Township. He studied at Northwestern University Medical School in Illinois and did further training in general surgery and orthopedic surgery at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University, respectively. Following a two-year stint in the Army, he joined Saint Peter’s University Hospital in 1978. Dr. Malberg lives in Princeton with his wife, Alta, a professional opera singer and voice teacher, and daughter, Ariel, 21.

Q: What drew you to surgery? I grew up on a farm, and the local doctor was my idol. I thought all doctors were like old Doc Husted, making house calls and treating everyone. In medical school, it became obvious to me that there is a big divide in personalities between surgeons and other doctors. I found that I was a surgery personality.

Q: And what is that? Surgeons are more interested in getting things done quickly, being able to intervene and see an immediate response.

Q: Why orthopedics rather than another surgical specialty? My personality fit into that better as well. The mechanical nature of the body allows me to be inventive and innovative. I was the first to bring a new procedure called titanium implant surgery to Saint Peter’s. It allows us to treat certain patients with spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) in a relatively quick, minimally invasive way. I have also designed a new implant for minimally invasive spinal fusions, which awaits Food and Drug Administration approval. I did my first original oil painting at age 8, and I’ve had paintings shown at the Cork Gallery in New York’s Lincoln Center and other galleries. My work could be called surrealist; Salvador Dali is one of my heroes.

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Marc I. Malberg, M.D.

Bohm-Marrazzo Photography

Q: Are you equally creative at home?

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Thomas Vates, M.D. Delaware native Thomas Vates, M.D., surgeon and pediatric urologist, was drawn to medicine by his neurologist father. But he says his introduction to pediatric surgery came from mentors at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and during his internship at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Vates, 47, lives in Holmdel with his wife, Molly, a nurse in his practice, and daughters Sarah, 15; Kate, 13; and Hannah, 10. He joined the staff of Saint Peter’s University Hospital in 1997.

Q: How did mentors influence your choice of a specialty? I didn’t think much about being a surgeon until I met the chief of pediatric surgery at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., while in medical school. It sounds corny, but I liked his overall presence—and even though he was the head guy, he actually took time with me. Then, during my internship, I did a urology rotation. Here again my colleagues helped and taught me, an intern still low on the totem pole. Though I’d had no exposure to urology in medical school, I found the cases really interesting.

Q: What do you enjoy about surgery? I like the technically demanding aspects of it, especially on very small patients. You have to be technically thorough and rigorous. And working with children, I like that I can have an immediate and lifelong impact, making their lives better.

Bohm-Marrazzo Photography

Q: What is life like for you outside of work? Right now, my interests are focused on my kids. Following their activities in soccer, basketball, horseback riding, theater and rowing keeps me and my wife pretty busy. I also have an antique car I try to keep running—a red 1969 Mercedes convertible. n

Thomas Vates, M.D., with his ‘69 Mercedes and daughters Kate (left), Sarah (right) and Hannah (front).

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Inside look

A passion to treat autism For two professionals who care for young people with developmental disorders, the inspiration to serve was born at home

The word autism describes a spectrum of conditions usually diagnosed in early childhood and marked by difficulties in communication and social interaction and sometimes by repetitive behaviors. It is treated today by specialists in the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Division of The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. And for two of that program’s leaders, the cause is personal as well as professional: Developmental pediatrician Barbie ZimmermanBier, M.D., the director, and Genevieve Kumapley, a doctor of pharmacology and oncology pharmacist, both have sons who were born with autism. Despite extensive professional training, neither had known much about the condition beforehand. But they set out to learn as much as they could to assist their children. Today, they put their knowledge to work helping other families cope with autism and similar disorders. The Saint Peter’s program treats a broad range of children, adolescents and young adults with an array of learning, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders (see “What’s Treated, What’s Provided,” on page 36). It also collaborates with other specialty programs within The Children’s Hospital, including speech and language, genetics, nutrition, occupational therapy, audiology, high-risk neonatal follow-up, adolescent medicine and family support clinics. This multidisciplinary approach provides patients and their families with access to a broad range of professionals and medical disciplines, including pediatric neurologists, sleep specialists, pediatric gastrointestinal doctors, speech-language and occupational therapists, physical therapists, geneticists, child psychologists and nursing and family support coordinators. The program is also affiliated with the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities in Edison, Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and its Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center in New Brunswick.

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Dr. Zimmerman-Bier might never have chosen this field had not Sam, the oldest of her four children, been born with autism in 1990. Though she was a practicing pediatrician in New York City, she says, “we learned very little about developmental pediatrics in medical school.” She went for additional training, enrolling in a two-year developmental pediatrics program at New York Medical College. “This didn’t exist as a specialty when I was in medical school,” she says. She and her husband, Steven Bier, M.D, a radiologist, moved to New Jersey in 2001 when she took a job at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. “I had come to realize that caring for Sam would be a long haul,” she says. “We needed a lot of family support. Everyone had to understand Sam’s needs and be involved with him more than with kids without developmental issues— and if something happened to us, we wanted to know that someone could take care of him. Family is also important to provide you with breaks.” In 2008 she was approached by Saint Peter’s to expand its developmental pediatrics services. She started work in January 2009—“the same day President Obama started his job, but he got more fanfare than I did,” she jokes. “I liked that it was a community hospital with ties to local pediatricians, and also an academic center with its relationship with Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Because we interact with primary care doctors and work with researchers looking for new treatments, it made what I do a lot easier. And it’s a nice group of people here.” One of the people she met was Kumapley. She and her husband, Robert, a civil engineer, have three children. When their middle child, Nicholas, 9, was diagnosed with autism, she was even more mystified by the disorder than Dr. Zimmerman-Bier was. “I had no clue—I didn’t even know what autism was,” she says. “It was never even discussed in my schooling. As a health professional and an

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Barbie Zimmerman-Bier, M.D., right, chief of developmental pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, works with Nicholas Kumapley, a child who has autism, as his aunt, Bernadette Forson, looks on.

What is autism? Autism is a disorder that is usually first diagnosed in

Bohm-marrazzo photography

early childhood. The main signs and symptoms of

engineer, my husband and I knew nothing. And we were frustrated by the lack of resources and information out there. I could imagine someone not in a medical profession being even more clueless.” So they started a charity and parent support group called My Goal. That’s an acronym for “My Gateway to Overcoming Autism in Life.” Her group is now affiliated with the Saint Peter’s program. “I work in Dr. ZimmermanBier’s clinic as a parent advocate,” she says. “When she tells me she has a patient whose family needs information, I’m there.” That information covers every aspect of behavioral and developmental needs. “We explain available therapies, dietary concerns, school-related services and resources that they usually don’t even know are available,” she says. She also talks about other health problems that often occur in these children, something she had to learn firsthand. “When we learned Nicholas had a behavioral problem, we didn’t realize such a problem could be ac-

autism involve communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Children with autism may have problems talking with you, or they may not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may have to line up their pencils before they can pay attention, or they may say the same sentence again and again to calm themselves down. They may flap their arms to tell you they are happy, or they may hurt themselves to tell you they’re not. Some people with autism never learn how to talk. Because people with autism can have very different features or symptoms, health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder. Asperger’s syndrome is a milder version of the disorder. The cause of autism is not known. Autism lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. There is no cure, but treatment can help. Treatments include behavior and communication therapies and medicines to control symptoms. Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

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Inside look

companied by other medical issues,” she says. “Often these kids don’t express themselves well—my son is completely nonverbal—so you don’t know what’s bothering them. My son would scream and cry all the time, and we thought it was behavioral. We didn’t know that these kids often have gastrointestinal issues. Nicholas had constipation and heartburn, which we didn’t know until we saw a GI doctor, because he couldn’t tell us he was in pain.” My Goal has also received a grant to train one physician resident each year to better understand how to manage children with these disorders. This training is called “SMART,” an acronym for Specific Mentoring Autism Residency Training. Kumapley also does community outreach, going to disadvantaged areas to screen for symptoms of behavioral and developmental disorders and offering access to services and, for needy families, financial support. Kumapley’s charity also sponsors monthly support groups, lecture series and family counseling and stressmanagement activities at Saint Peter’s. “I started this organization to provide support so marriages could stay together,” she says. “The stress level is so high for these families that the divorce rate is much higher than normal. We offer family counseling to find ways to minimize stress so families are better equipped to stay and work together.” “Genevieve is a very inspiring person,” says Dr. Zimmerman-Bier. The Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Division has teamed with Drexel to develop a number of studies to address the needs of children with autism and developmental disabilities. One study looks at the link between autism and pancreatic enzymes, which help with digestion and may play a role in the GI problems that occur with some types of autism. Another study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is looking at genetic markers for certain behavioral disorders to help identify and treat them better. And The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s has joined a network of other healthcare institutions, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the New Jersey Institute of Disabilities and the Rutgers University Genetics Department and Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. This network provides even more clinicians, researchers, families, educators, students and advocacy agencies, all located within a 10-mile radius of each other in Middlesex County. Kumapley and Dr. Zimmerman-Bier are gratified to be able to help others in situations in which they once

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felt adrift. “I feel great comfort when I see others being comforted—that means the world to me,” says Kumapley. Dr. Zimmerman-Bier feels the same way. “We’re a small program,” she says. “But we’re really having an impact.” n

What’s treated, what’s provided The Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Division at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital treats children, adolescents and young adults with learning, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities such as: • autism spectrum disorders • attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • language and communication impairments • learning disabilities • Tourette syndrome • genetic syndromes • sensory impairments • fetal alcohol syndrome All patients receive: • complete developmental, behavioral, medical and treatment histories, with a focus on pressing family and patient concerns. • standardized neurodevelopmental examination and baseline behavioral assessment. • targeted referral and diagnostic testing, developmental surveillance, medical management and monitoring of progress. • care coordination with primary care physicians, medical specialists and community providers. • family support services, including a parent advocate group through an affiliation with Autism Family Services of New Jersey. The family support service helps families understand the recommendations for school services and provides information about community programs and case management services. To find out more about autism and the Saint Peter’s Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics programs, call 732-339-7045 or log onto: • www.saintpetershcs.com/SPChildrensHospital/ Developmental_Pediatrics • www.MyGoalAutism.org

JANUARY 2011

12/2/10 9:44 AM

Tech SAVVY

Deepak Jain, M.D., (left) uses the Relay Health system to view test results, order prescription refills and advise patients.

Health communications go electronic A WEB-BASED TOOL ALLOWS HOSPITALS, DOCTORS AND PATIENTS TO TALK WITH

BOHM-MARRAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

EACH OTHER THROUGH A SECURE PORTAL THE ERA OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS IS coming fast, and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is getting ready. The federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) mandates that doctors and hospitals use electronic health records (EHR) for all medical information by 2015. Saint Peter’s University Hospital is using McKesson Technologies’ Relay Health clinical information solutions to prepare area physicians and patients for the future today. “It’s a kind of ‘EHR light’ that we feel will help physicians and their patients get comfortable with electronic documentation and connectivity,” says Frank J. DiSanzo, vice president and chief information officer. “The system is fully compliant with HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996] privacy laws and is very secure. But it is not a full EHR system. Saint Peter’s is providing physicians with the capability to view information on a patient as it relates to a particular hospital visit or series of visits. It is also giving patients the chance to connect with their providers online, request prescription refills online and create a personal health record for themselves. Ultimately the system will provide a full range of EHR capabilities should physicians choose to employ it as their full ARRA-compliant EHR.” Relay Health, which in its partnership with Saint Peter’s has been rebranded “My Saint Peter’s,” is a Web-based portal that allows physicians and patients to communicate with each other while letting clinicians view patient demographics, orders, test results and prescription drug requests without the use of faxes, paper or even e-mail. Doctors can also offer online “office visits” for non-urgent care to patients through the portal, DiSanzo says. There may be a co-pay or

other charge for this visit depending on the patient’s insurance. But all other Relay Health services are free to patients. The system is also being used by other hospital members of the “New Jersey Health Connect” Health Information Exchange, or HIE. HIEs, also mandated by ARRA, are being created across the country to further connect regional hospitals, providers and patients electronically over a wider area. The program, launched in June, is being offered to Saint Peter’s providers free under a one-year trial. Patients can sign up themselves, whether or not their doctor is already on board, by accessing the “My Saint Peter’s” link on the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System website. As of November, about 80 physicians and scores of patients had signed up, DiSanzo says, and that number grows every month. To register, physicians may contact Jason Homowitz, a physician liaison with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, at jhomowitz@saint petersuh.com, or call him at 732-745-8600, ext. 2431. “So far, feedback has been positive,” says DiSanzo. ■

What the new communications tool can do Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has incorporated the Relay Health communication tool (see main article) into its “My Saint Peter’s” website. Once patients are registered to use this tool, they can: • consult with their doctor online • send a note to their doctor • request or cancel appointments • request a lab or test result • request medication refills • request referrals To learn more and to find out which doctors are currently using Relay Health, go to www.saintpetershcs. com/mysaintpeters.

M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E

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12/1/10 8:41 AM

Seasonal Health

Keep your kids flu-free A doctor recommends 3 ways you can protect your children from influenza this season

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Is it the flu—or something else? As a parent, you can do everything right to prevent the flu and your kids may still get sick. “But most of those illnesses are not the flu,” says Hemant H. Kesarwala, M.D., a Saint Peter’s specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, allergies and immunology. “There is a lot of confusion between flu and other upper respiratory illnesses (URI), including colds. They are caused by other viruses. And the flu shot does not protect against those viruses.” The flu is typically more severe than a cold or other URI, he says. It brings deeper fatigue and more muscle pain, and patients can take a week or more to recover. “But it’s not always easy to distinguish between these infections,” Dr. Kesarwala says. “No one bats 1,000.” Ask your child’s pediatrician to take a look if the child is very sick, he says, especially if he or she has another, underlying medical condition such as asthma or diabetes.

airway, infecting you,” says Dr. Kesarwala. “So make sure your kids cover their coughs and sneezes.” Frequent hand washing is also important in containing the virus. “Soap and water are good enough, but if they are not available you can also use an alcohol-based product,” he says. Finally, Dr. Kesarwala says that if the child does come down with the flu, take an antiviral medicine as prescribed by a pediatrician to shorten the course of the illness and make it less contagious. n

istock

Even a flu expert is often baffled by the flu. “No one can really predict it fully,” says Hemant H. Kesarwala, M.D., a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, allergies and immunology at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. But Dr. Kesarwala can offer useful tips on how to guard your children against this year’s flu bugs. And there will be bugs. “Every year there is an epidemic,” he says. “The size is not predictable, because the viruses change a lot from year to year. Last year we had a funny flu season with the H1N1 outbreak.” Parents should take three steps to protect their kids, says the doctor. Step one is to make sure they’re vaccinated with this year’s flu shot. Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their immunization recommendations to include everyone over 6 months of age. “This year the vaccine has three virus antigens in it, including the 2009 H1N1, which caused all the trouble last year,” Dr. Kesarwala says. Although it’s best to get immunized in October or November, it’s not too late now. “The flu season usually peaks in February and March, so it’s still smart to get the shot in January if you haven’t already,” he says. Fears of side effects are unfounded, he says: “The shot contains killed viruses, so they cannot cause the flu.” If your children are allergic to eggs, consult with their doctor before getting them the flu shot, as the vaccine is grown in eggs. But recent research suggests that even many eggallergic people may be able to receive the vaccine safely. Step two is to teach your kids how to stop the viruses from spreading. “Every cough or sneeze has viruses in the droplets, which can be breathed in and can deposit in your

J A NU A RY 2 0 1 1

12/2/10 9:40 AM

Middlesex UP CLOSE by David Levine

Still giving for this car dealer, a recession is no reason to stop helping the community NO ONE KNOWS HOW TOUGH THE ECONOMY is better than Bill McDonagh. The owner of McDonagh Chrysler Jeep Dodge in East Brunswick says he’s never seen times worse than they’ve been lately—and his family has been in the car business for more than 40 years. But no matter how tight things are, McDonagh always tries to give back to his community. He estimates his business has donated more than $100,000 since he bought the dealership, once owned by his father, in 2001. For him, it’s a matter of both good will and good business. McDonagh, 45, and his wife, Theresa, a nurse, live in Rumson. They have two children: Ryan, 20, attends college, and Kara, 17, is in high school. Young Bill got his start in the business when he was a high schooler himself, washing cars at his father’s dealership. While McDonagh was studying business at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, his father died, and his mother sold the dealership. Though McDonagh worked part-time selling cars for another dealer in college, he had no intention of following in his dad’s footsteps. “After graduation, I planned to work on Wall Street or land a job with a big company,” he says. “I thought I’d sell cars only until I found a ‘real’ job.” But life has a way of adjusting one’s plans, and selling automobiles—the job he’d watched his dad do as a kid—became increasingly “real” for McDonagh as well. “I made good money, got into management, and had a child early,” he says. “Taking any other job would have meant a pay cut.” In 2001, his father’s old store was put up for sale again and he was able to buy it—more for the business opportunity than any sentimental reason, he says. He had learned a lot about the car business by then, and had strong views about what works for a car dealership when it comes to spending “marketing” dollars. “It isn’t enough just to advertise,” he says. “I always thought that if I could put something back into the community and build good will, that would be a long-term benefit at least as great as newspaper and radio ads.” He started slowly. “I gave small amounts of money,

Bill McDonagh

a couple hundred dollars, to the East Brunswick Township police, the Little League, Pop Warner football leagues, those kinds of things,” he recalls. “Then there was a local guy, a veteran who had lost his son in Iraq, who asked me to help out the Veterans of Foreign Wars [VFW]. I did.” Over the past few years, McDonagh stepped up his giving campaigns. “I ask everyone who works here what organization they’d like to support, and a lot of people wanted to help with breast cancer awareness,” he says. As a result, McDonagh has conducted sales-based fundraisers the past three Octobers for Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Breast Center and breast health programs. “We dedicate $100 for every new and used car we sell, and the first two years we raised a total of nearly $68,000,” he says. Frankly, this year’s event brought in less money— because fewer cars were sold. And there’s no use pretending that’s not a worry. “We’re all working harder, for less,” he says. “I work six days a week, that’s all I do. But cash flow is struggling. I don’t know if I can continue to support the community at the same levels I have been. We try to give quarterly, but this year money is tight.” Nevertheless, this second-generation auto dealer is determined not to let difficult economic times change his habit of giving. “A car is just a car,” says McDonagh. “But when I form a relationship with a hospital, the VFW or another group like that, I believe it’s something enduring. It’s good for me, and good for the community too.” n M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E

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12/2/10 9:44 AM

escapes

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

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

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

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

M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E

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ESCAPES

Westin La Cantera Resort

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

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

 THE PLUS The Westin La Cantera is 15 miles from the heart of San Antonio, where the River Walk (www.thesanantonioriverwalk. com) offers a 2-mile stretch of shops, eateries and galleries that hugs both banks of the San Antonio River. At Boudro’s (210224-8484, www.boudros.com), enjoy Southwest flavors at a sidewalk table right on the Riverwalk. Explore downtown on foot or take a leisurely boat ride—for romance, try the noted sunset cruise. (Tours are $8.25 for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and over, $2 for children 5 and under; www.riosanantonio.com.) No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo (www.thealamo.org), the historic mission and battle site. Relive the days when martyrs for Texas independence bought precious time for General Sam Houston’s army. Admission is free, and visitors can see historical relics inside the museum and stroll through the site’s glorious gardens.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTIN LA CANTERA RESORT.

SET IN A LUSH 7,600 SQUARE FEET ADORNED WITH live plants and softly glowing candlelight, Castle Rock at La Cantera—named one of the nation’s top 100 spa resorts in Condé Nast Traveler—is home to four massage rooms, two facial rooms, a salon space and more. Of course, the moment your eyes close at this luxurious resort (210-558-2200, www.westin lacantera.com), your body won’t care where it is. In the “journey to renewal,” a 3½-hour sampling of the indulgent pleasures ($270), you’ll experience a massage and facial, a manicure or pedicure, and an “eye zone wrap” treatment, which promises to reduce fine lines and puffiness. In the “hot stone touch-up” ($30 for 20 minutes), heated basalt stones are applied to hands and feet for what La Cantera calls “a quick, yet soothing escape.” A 25-minute soothing massage of the scalp, face and décolleté, with your choice of blue oil or flower water, is $60. Or opt for a romantic 50-minute couple’s massage right in your room ($105 to $110 per person). When it’s dinnertime, Francesca’s at Sunset offers distinguished evening meals with a Southwestern flavor, prepared in many cases with local ingredients in a “farm-to-table” arrangement with Seguin, Texas–based Uncertain Farms. (Try Francesca’s “signature” Caesar salad and the mouthwatering corn crepe-lobster enchilada.) If it’s a casual meal you crave, JANUARY 2011

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTOR ELIAS AND VELAS RESORTS.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

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

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



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

M I D D L E S E X H E A LT H & L I F E

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11/29/10 2:23 PM

Glorious FOOD

healthy

handful

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

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

Walnuts

Cashews

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

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

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

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

Pistachios

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

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

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

SHUTTERSTOCK; ISTOCK

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

Brazil nuts

JANUARY 2011

11/29/10 2:20 PM

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12/1/10 10:11 AM

Middlesex gourmet

by Amanda Prost

of eggplant was lost amid the ample cheese, and we didn’t detect any notes from the prosciutto. We definitely did taste the prosciutto that studded the penne alla vodka. While the pasta itself was nothing special, the sauce was plate-licking delicious. The thick vodka sauce had a touch of cream added to the crushed tomatoes, making it hearty but not too rich. Salty prosciutto and bright-green peas added interest and texture. For our main course, we selected the rack of lamb. An herbed crust provided a hint of mustard to the generous serving of chops. The lamb itself, while cooked to the medium temperature we had requested, was a tad dry; however, a Chianti sauce added a refreshing glaze. The rack was served atop mashed potatoes (good, albeit standard) and asparagus (bright green and full of fresh flavor). The phrase “Italian food” used to Our second choice was a special that evening: a suconjure images of spaghetti and meatballs, but these days it per-thick pork chop butterflied and breaded, then topped can mean cutting-edge cuisine a la Mario Batali. So what’s with chanterelles, broccoli rabe and fresh mozzarella. A restaurant to do? If you’re Al Dente, you find a happy mesherry wine sauce added a hint of sweetness that paired well dium, with kicked-up classics and a few twists that are new with the bitter greens and woodsy mushrooms. The herb but nevertheless sure to comfort. crust kept the meat moist and juicy. It, too, was served atop For all the menu updates, the interior of the Piscamashed potatoes and asparagus, although the dish hardly taway ristorante remains an ornate throwback to the days needed any further accompaniment. Altogether, it was an before modern minimalism. A row of stained-glass winenticing and hearty plateful. dows depicts the Italian countryside, while mirrored walls It was hard to find room for dessert are framed by faux stone masonry and enafter such generous servings, but somehow sconced with vines. Altogether, it’s a tad Al Dente we managed! Sweets here tend to stick to 1665 Stelton Road, Piscataway, over-the-top. the classics. A traditional tiramisu seemed 732-985-8220; www.aldenterisLuckily, the food eschews such exa tad heavy-handed in the cream layer to torante.com treme flourishes in favor of straightforward us, but the clear espresso flavors satisfied flavor. We started with the zuppa di vongole, Hours our taste buds. The New York-style cheesesteamed clams in a white wine sauce. The Lunch: Monday through Friday, cake was a study in dense, rich decadence littlenecks were tender and salty-sweet, while 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. that needed no adornment—although the the garlicky broth had plenty of flavor with- Dinner: Monday through Saturday, drizzle of raspberry coulis did dress up out overwhelming the bivalves. In fact, we 5–11 p.m. the plate. used the shells to slurp up every last bit. The In the end, Al Dente achieves a nice What you should know melanzane farcite wasn’t quite as successful. • Entrées range from $16 to $31 balance between old familiar favorites and To be sure, cheese lovers will be happy with • All major credit cards accepted new Italian cooking. And while it’s not the ricotta and mozzarella stuffed eggplant. • Reservations recommended breaking new ground, it is a good spot for However, the flavor of the breaded slices • Private parties accommodated breaking bread with friends and family. n

Classically modern

shutterstock

JANUARY 2011

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SPH-1097 AVRIL AD MHL:SPH-1097 AVRIL AD MHL

11/30/10

11:51 AM

Page 1

I’M TAKING STEPS TO HELP FIND THE CURE

Avril Keldo, MSN, APN-C, RNC, OCN

Oncology Nurse Manager

THE COURAGE OF MY PATIENTS IS ALL THE INSPIRATION I NEED. As the oncology nurse manager at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Avril Keldo helps patients fight the toughest battle of their lives: cancer. But her commitment and dedication doesn’t end when her day does. She also helps patients stand up to cancer by walking for the cure. Avril has received some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in the nation* and leads a team of nurses with the highest percentage of certification in their specialty, another example of nursing excellence at Saint Peter’s. We’re proud to recognize Avril and all our nurses for their outstanding level of care.

To learn more about our award-winning nursing team, call 732-745-8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com

Treating you better...for life. 254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

732.745.8600

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12/1/10 10:05 AM

Faces of MIDDLESEX

Skate away

Andrew Rasmussen of South River was all smiles as he glided along the Roosevelt Park Family Ice Skating Rink in Edison on a recent afternoon. The outdoor rink is open to the public through the end of March.

Christopher Barth

JANUARY 2011

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12/2/10 9:41 AM

FIsCAL FITNEss CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYsTTM

A Time for Change

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

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

Debra Fournier CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™

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

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

2424 Highway 34 Manasquan, NJ 08736 800-995-HLFG www.hlfg.com http://divorce.hlfg.com debra.fournier@hlfg.com

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