Middlesex Health & Life: October 2011 issue 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

embrace

the comforts of fall APPLE PICKING ARTISANAL BREAD CRAFT BEER cozy home design

WHAT’S YOUR MONEY STYLE? TAKE OUR QUIZ! SPECIAL CARE FOR SENIORS SCREENING FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

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Contents 34

on the cover: shutterstock. top: peter rymwid. bottom: shutterstock

october 2011

FEATURES

STRESS BUSTERS Nutritious foods and super-easy moves to relieve tension and anxiety

SERENITY’S ALLURE Redecorating in black and white and ear th tone s created a calm, healthy environment in nor thern New Jersey. i n e v ery i s s ue w e lc o m e l e t t e r E d i to r’s N ot e W h e r e to E at t h i n g s to d o

october 2011

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SPH-1176 Epilepsy MHL MECH:SPH-1176 Epilepsy MHL MECH

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Page 1

A Better Health Update from Saint Peter’s University Hospital

“We offer the highest level of epilepsy treatment.” — Dr. Arno Fried, Neurosurgery “Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Seizures can often be caused by changes in brain waves. At The Epilepsy Center at Saint Peter’s, we have a team of specialists working to diagnose and treat epilepsy in children and adults. As a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, which is the highest rating from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, we are certified to offer the most advanced and comprehensive programs in the state. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons conduct extensive tests to determine the cause of seizures. Using tools like a video EEG, we monitor and record a patient’s brain waves to help us evaluate electrical activity and pinpoint the exact location in the brain where a seizure occurs. Once the source is localized, we have a much better road map for treatment. For some of our patients medication is often used to control seizures, for others surgery is an option that can lead to dramatic results.”

For more information about The Epilepsy Center at Saint Peter’s, visit saintpetershcs.com/epilepsy

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

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254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine

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732.745.8600

State designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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Contents october

DEPARTMENTS

LOCAL BUZZ New ideas, tips and trends in Middlesex County

L O C A L FA S H I O N Stylish fall clothing and accessories for men

AT H O M E

G AT H E R I N G S Recent events at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

TA S T E S All about artisanal bread

POWER FOOD The rich histor y and potent health benefits of squash

WINE + SPIRITS Could beer be better? You bet—tr y craft beer.

FINANCIAL BALANCE What’s your money style?

ESCAPES A visit to Fallingwater, the iconic mountain retreat

from top to bottom: © Loupe Images/Lisa Linder, Christopher Little from Fallingwater/edited by Lynda Waggoner/Rizzoli new york 2011, courtesy of EcoDomo, shutterstock

How to create your eco-friendly kitchen

IN GOOD HEALTH

A S S U R I N G A L I V E LY O L D A G E

A hospital’s geriatric program protects good health.

treating U T E R I N E G R O W T H S

fo llow u s

A safer and more efficient removal procedure

Friend us on Facebook by visiting facebook.com/middlesexhealthandlife

FA C E S O F S A I N T P E T E R ’ S

Meet a patient navigator and a plastic surgeon.

Visit middlesexhealthandlife.com to subscribe!

ou it’s F RE E if y s e x ! li ve in M id d le

october 2011

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7 5 Y E A R S O F L O YA LT Y One seriously dedicated volunteer

SCREENING YOUNG HEARTS Why cardiac testing of student athletes is important

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VA R B E C O

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welcome letter

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

Latina Day of Wellness for Women with Cancer SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 • 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center @ Saint Peter’s University Hospital Come learn ways to reduce stress. Take home tools to bring more energy to your life. Co-sponsored by The Wellness Institute. Call 908-658-5400 to register.

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For Men Only: Prostate Screenings THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 • 3:30 PM – 5:15 PM Call 732-745-8600, ext. 8903 to make an appointment.

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Look Good, Feel Better Makeovers for Women in Treatment for Cancer MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center @ Saint Peter’s University Hospital Free but call 1-800-395-LOOK to register.



Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Now What? WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center @ Saint Peter’s University Hospital Presented by Susan McManus, M.D., director of Saint Peter’s Breast Center. Sponsored by the Saint Peter’s Auxiliary. Call 732-828-5312 to register.



EMS Education Series: Childbirth Review THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center @ Saint Peter’s University Hospital For first responders only. Call 908-238-3254 to register for this free program.

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care for all ages ReadeRs will find a healthy sampling of what makes Saint Peter’s Healthcare System so special and unique among healthcare providers in this edition of Middlesex Health & Life. To start with, check out the Inside Look feature (page 22) on the rapidly growing Saint Peter’s geriatrics medicine program, which is expanding in response to the central New Jersey region’s burgeoning population of senior citizens—a demographic that wants to remain active. You’ll note that the Saint Peter’s geriatrics program specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of good health for today’s older Americans, the newest of whom are among the first wave of the nation’s baby boomers. The interdisciplinary team of board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals, all of whom are trained in geriatrics, works with patients and their families to develop a comprehensive plan of care for improved overall quality of life. And their specialties include areas such as diabetes; diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety; diagnosis and treatment of memory loss; hormone replacement therapy; minimally invasive surgery; nutrition; pain management; promoting and maintaining health, strength and function; and wound care. Not stopping there, please peruse the “Tech Savvy” article (page 25) on a new procedure known as Truclear for the removal of intrauterine fibroids and polyps. Now available at Saint Peter’s CARES Surgicenter, Truclear is faster and more efficient than other surgical methods, and it reduces complications, speeding up recovery time. Finally, turn to page 26 for “Faces of Saint Peter’s,” which focuses on the unique personalities who make the healthcare system run. This edition offers a glimpse into the lives of nurse Melissa Martinez, a patient navigator with Saint Peter’s Breast Center who loves to salsa-dance in her spare time, as well as Kevin Nini, M.D., a plastic surgeon whose way of relaxing is to tend his expansive vegetable garden. There is much more to this issue of Middlesex Health & Life, so please take some time to thumb through its pages and learn what Saint Peter’s has to offer you and your family.

Diabetes: From Head to Toe SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 • 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM North Brunswick Township High School, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick Third Annual Educational Conference sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. Free medical screenings and cooking and fitness demonstrations. No fee but call 732-469-7979 to register.

254 EASTON AVENUE

RONALD C. R AK , J.D. PRE S IDE N T A ND CHIE F E X E C U T IV E OFFICE R S A IN T PE T E R’S HE A LT H CA RE SYST E M

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

732.745.8600 | www.saintpetershcs.com

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JY JY

james james yarosh yarosh associates associates fine james yarosh associates fine art art gallery gallery fine art gallery

Established in 1996, the James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery was founded upon Established 1996, JamestoYarosh Associates Art Gallery was upon and remainsinloyal to the its vision: represent fine artFine for art’s sake and tofounded curate gallery and remainsand loyalthoughtfully to its vision:present to represent fine art art’s sake curate gallery collections art with anfor artist’s eye and tounderstanding. Established in 1996, the James Yarosh Associates Fineartist’s Artdeveloped Gallery wasasunderstanding. founded collections and thoughtfully present arthiswith an eye and Gallery owner James Yarosh draws upon knowledge an artistupon and and remains loyal to itsYarosh vision: to represent fine art’sdeveloped sake and to gallery Gallery owner James draws his knowledge ascurate anand artist and published interior design devotee, inupon addition toart hisfor industry experience variety collections and thoughtfully present art with artist’s and understanding. published interior design devotee, in addition toan hisdeveloped industryeye experience andtovariety of solid relationships with international artists since 1985, offer Gallery Yarosh upon hisartists knowledge developed an artist and of solidowner relationships with draws international developed since as1985, to offer complete fine James art services for residential and corporate projects. He provides published devotee, inclients addition to hiscorporate industry experience variety complete interior fine artdesign services and projects. placing, Heandprovides at-location consultations to for giveresidential guidance with framing, and of solid relationships withtointernational developed since 1985, to offer at-location consultations give clients artists guidance with framing, placing, and displaying original fine art. complete fine artfine services displaying original art. for residential and corporate projects. He provides James Yaroshconsultations Associates Fine hasguidance received critical acclaim on a national at-location to Art giveGallery clients with framing, placing, and James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery has received critical acclaim on a national level for presenting Russian fine art collections and recognizing significant art displaying original fine art. level for presenting Russian art collections and works recognizing art movements early on, as well asfine for representing original createdsignificant by New York James Associates Fineartists. received critical acclaim on national movements on,regional as well asArt forGallery representing original worksinterior created byaNew York City andYarosh Newearly Jersey Jameshas provides collectors, designers, and level forNew presenting Russian fine appropriate art collections and recognizing art City and Jersey artists. James provides collectors, interior designers, and trade clients with fineregional art selections to a multitude of tastessignificant and interests. movements earlyfine on, as for representing works byRed New York trade clientsJames with artwell selections appropriate tooriginal a multitude ofcreated tastes and interests. In addition, exhibits theassolo public art installations at Garmany in Bank, City and New Jersey regional artists. provides interior designers, and In addition, James exhibits the solo James publicline art of installations at Garmany in Red Bank, New Jersey and a custom and decorative artcollectors, available through the Frame of trade clientsand with artNew selections appropriate a multitude ofjudge tastesfor and interests. New Jersey afine custom andJersey. decorative line oftoart available the of Mind Gallery in Holmdel, He also presides as a guestthrough theFrame annual In addition, James exhibits the solo public installations atinGarmany Redannual Bank, Mind Gallery inArt Holmdel, New Jersey. He alsoart as a guest judge forinNew the Bayonet Farm and Music Festival’s plein airpresides competitions Holmdel, Jersey New Jersey custom and decorative line available Frame of Bayonet Farm Arta and Music Festival’s plein air of competitions inthrough Holmdel,the New Jersey alongside hisand invited guest, Peter Trippi, editor ofartFine Art Connoisseur magazine. Mind Gallery Holmdel, NewPeter Jersey. He also presides as aArt guest judge Kips for the annual alongside hisininvited guest, Trippi, editor of Fine Connoisseur magazine. James participates in various charity designer show houses, including Bay, New Bayonet Farm and Music Festival’s plein airshow competitions in Holmdel, New JamesCape participates inMaples, various charity designer Kips Bay,Jersey New York, May,Art Twin and Stately Homes by houses, the Sea,including New Jersey, which has alongside his guest, Trippi, editor ofbyFine Connoisseur magazine. York,toCape May,invited Twin Maples, and Homes the Art Sea, Newdesign Jersey,features which has lead his publication in NewPeter York Stately Spaces magazine and multiple in James inamongst various designer show houses, including Kipsfeatures Bay, New lead toparticipates hismagazine, publication in Newcharity York Spaces magazine and multiple design in DesignNJ others. York, Capemagazine, May, Twinamongst Maples, and Stately Homes by the Sea, New Jersey, which has DesignNJ others. James has proudly achieved In Circle status for the gallery with bronze level lead to his publication in New York Spaces magazine and multiple design features in James hasmagazine, proudly achieved InOlivia CircleNewton-John status for the gallery with bronze level contributions for supporting the Cancer and Wellness Center. To DesignNJ amongst others. contributions for supporting Newton-John Cancer and and Wellness Center. To satisfy his passion for art andthetoOlivia extend his art education experience, James James haspassion proudlyto In extend Circlecountries status the gallery with bronzeJames level satisfy his forachieved art and to his artfor education and experience, travels extensively many European and other abroad locations on a contributions supporting Oliviaworld’s Newton-John and Wellness travels to many European countries andCancer other abroad onToa regularextensively basis,forstudying art the in the greatest museums. Helocations alsoCenter. pursues satisfy passion forthrough art art andinthe tothe extend his greatest artFine education and experience, James regularhisbasis, studying world’s HeJames also recently pursues continued education Bridgeview Artmuseums. Academy. travels extensively many countries andArt other abroadof locations on continued education through the Bridgeview Fine Academy. James recently appeared on HGTVtoand wasEuropean featured in the winter, 2008 edition the Art anda regular Collector’s basis, studying art in greatest museums. Heofalso pursues appeared on HGTV and was featured in thetitled, winter, 2008 edition theabout Art and Antiques Sourcebook intheanworld’s article “Imperial Eye,” written his continued education through the Bridgeview Fine Art Academy. Jamesart recently Antiques Collector’s Sourcebook in an article titled, “Imperial Eye,” written about his fine art collection and involvement with notable Soviet-era and Russian in his appeared on gallery HGTVand and was featured in notable the 2008 edition ofwith theart Artin and fine art collection involvement with Soviet-era and Russian his personal and collections. In 2010, the winter, gallery was honored an A-list Antiques Collector’s Sourcebook an2010, article titled, “Imperial Eye,” written his personal and by gallery collections. thein gallery was honored withabout an A-list gallery award New Jersey LifeinIn magazine; 2011, James Yarosh Associates was fine art collection and involvement with notable Soviet-era and Russian art in his gallery award by New Jersey Life magazine; in 2011, James Yarosh Associates was chosen as top pick for the Best Gallery Award by Wainscott’s Monmouth Health and personal collections. In a2010, the gallery honored with A-list chosen asand top gallery pick foralso the Best Gallery Award Wainscott’s Monmouth Health and Life magazine. James exhibited series ofbyhis own was oil paintings titled “AanFamily gallery award by Newalso Jersey Life magazine; inhis 2011, Yarosh was Life magazine. James exhibited a series ownJames oilofpaintings titled “A 2011. Family Portrait” as a solo window presentation at theof Art Alliance Red BankAssociates in May, chosen pickwindow for the presentation Best Gallery Award by Wainscott’s Monmouth Health and Portrait”asastop a solo at the Art Alliance of Red Bank in May, 2011. All the above services and presentations illustrate essential benefits of Lifeofmagazine. James also exhibited a series of his own oilthe paintings titled “A Family All of the above services and presentations illustrate the essential benefits recognizing and incorporating fine art in the home as part of the everyday living Portrait” as a solo window presentation at the Art Alliance of Red Bank in May, 2011.of recognizing and incorporating fine art in the home as part of the everyday living experience. All of the above services and presentations illustrate the essential benefits of experience. James Yaroshand Associates Fine Artfine Gallery, located at 55 as Eastpart Main in Holmdel, is recognizing incorporating art in the home of Street the everyday living James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery, located at 55 East Main Street in Holmdel, is open to the public Saturdays, 12 to 4 p.m. and by appointment weekdays and experience. open to the public Saturdays, 12please to 4 contact p.m. andJames by appointment weekdays evenings. For further information, at 732-993-5278 or visitand his James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery, atJames 55visit, East Main Street in Holmdel, is evenings. further information, pleaselocated contact atregister 732-993-5278 or visit his website atFor jamesyarosh.com to schedule a gallery for e-card gallery open to atthejamesyarosh.com public Saturdays, 4 p.m. and for byvisit, appointment and website to12 schedule a gallery register consultation. forweekdays e-card gallery show announcements, or arrange antoappointment an in-home evenings. For further information, please contact James 732-993-5278 or visit his show announcements, or arrange an appointment for anatin-home consultation. website at jamesyarosh.com to schedule a gallery visit, register for e-card gallery show announcements, or arrange an appointment for an in-home consultation.

www.jamesyarosh.com www.jamesyarosh.com www.jamesyarosh.com

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As autumn settles in (and, thankfully, the weather cools off), we welcome the changing of seasons and look forward to quieter weekends, the easing of Shore traffic and the crunching of leaves underfoot. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the weather, the clothes and best of all the food—hearty, warm dishes. I can’t wait to fire up the oven and the slow-cooker to make my favorite comfort foods like chili and cinnamon sticky buns (my kids’ favorite too). There’s nothing like walking into a warm kitchen that is filled with the delicious smells of spices, fresh-baked bread or a pot of simmering stew after a crisp hike in the woods, pumpkin picking at a farm, or a day of apple picking in the orchard. (For places to pick apples this season, see page 13.) It always brings me back to childhood and that feeling of comfort and good times with the family, cooking together, playing board games or watching football. So to kick off fall, we’ve created a jam-packed issue that includes something for everyone, such as savvy men’s fashion (page 16), and the latest “green” kitchen trends and products (page 18), my favorite being the hidden composter—so smart! Foodies should check out our article on local artisanal bread (“The Staff of Life,” page 38) to learn how healthy it is to bake your own bread. Then, on page 40, there’s our Power Food article on squash—it’s perfect for roasting or pureeing. And in “Beer Gets Crafty” on page 42, you’ll learn about the proliferation of new brews by small local producers. These last three stories alone could be the hallmarks of fall. Whatever favorite comforts autumn evokes for you, share them with friends and family and create new memories. Enjoy!

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we want to hear from you! Send your feedback and ideas to: Editor, Middlesex Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; fax 201.782.5319; e-mail editor@wainscotmedia.com. Middlesex Health & Life assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

ano middlesex HealtH & life is published 4 times a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645. This is Volume 5, Issue 3. © 2011 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Middlesex County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. advertising inquiries Please contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com. subscription services To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Middlesex Health & Life, C i r c u l a t i o n D e p a r t m e n t , 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.573.5541; e - m a i l c h r i s t i n e . h a m e l @wainscotmedia.com.

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localbuzz middlesex news

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trends

Core values

Apples are good for more than just keeping the doctor away. Studies show that regularly eating apples can help reduce wrinkles, increase bone density, lower cholesterol and strengthen lung capacity. And the crunchy fruit tastes best when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just picked it yourself. You can do just that at these local orchards and farms:

Where to pick Giamarese Farm

East Brunswick, 732.821.9494 Cor tland, Empire, Yellow Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Winesap

Hauser Hill Farms

Old Bridge, 732.591.8405 Blushing Golden, Early Williams Red, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jersey Mac, Macoun, McIntosh, Molly Delicious, Mutsu, New Jersey Greenie, Opalescent, Paula Red, Pristine, Red Delicious, Star, Stayman, Vista Bella, Yellow Delicious

John Himich Farms

East Brunswick, 732.257.1538 Empire, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman-Winesap

Pleasant Hill Farm

Jamesburg, 732.329.0776 Cor tland, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayman-Winesap

Stults Farm

Cranbur y, 609.799.2523 Autumn Gala, Cameo, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Suncrisp, Super Chief Empire

shutterstock

VonThun Farms

Monmouth Junction, 732.329.8656 Autumn Gala, Cameo, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Nittany, Snapp Stayman, Suncrisp

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local buzz

Don’t just sit there—spin!

Want a super-intense workout with a realistic ride? Try spinning. Unlike most stationary bikes, spin bikes have a weighted flywheel so you can gain momentum and add resistance, as if you’re on a real-life bike ride. And while most stationary bikes automatically control these features, on a spin bike you turn a knob to determine the intensity of your workout moment by moment. In an average spin class of 45 to 50 minutes, you can burn between 500 and 700 calories. Diane Pein, a spinning instructor at the original Xtreme Fitness North in Edison, swears by the exercise: “Spinning is by far the best cardiovascular, musculoskeletal workout I’ve ever taught.” Check out the recently opened new branch of Xtreme Fitness at Raritan Center (732.225.1234, xtremefitnessedison.com) in Edison to start spinning.

And the winner is…

You submitted the best photos of your furry friends and then voted for a winner, and the results are in! This year’s “cutest pet” award goes to…(drumroll, please)…Sushi, a Shiba Inu owned by Emily Gutowski from Highland Park! This sweet pup’s favorite pastimes include listening to his iPod, chillin’ with his family and eating cheese. Visit our website to meet the runner-up, a 1½-year-old Collie named Miles.

Bookstore with a Hart

Don’t choose midnight for a visit to Nighthawk Books (732.339.8920, nighthawk-books.com) in Highland Park, despite the name. But from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, the shop, which opened early last year, is the place to buy used books, CDs and vinyl albums—or rent DVDs—as well as a popular locale for author events and musical performances. The owner, author and former newspaperman Steven Hart, held a release party at Nighthawk in July for the more recent of his own two books. Other visitors have included Seamus McGraw, the author of The End of Country; Princeton-area poet Alicia Ostriker; and the local rock band Bodega Satellite. As for that nocturnal nomenclature? “The original location I wanted for the bookstore had enormous windows that always reminded me of the Edward Hopper painting ‘Nighthawks,’” explains Hart. “I ended up not using that location, but the name stuck.”

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The 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year isn’t an ultra-fast sports car, an SUV or a luxury sedan. Instead, it’s an American-as-apple-pie Chevy—one that comes with a plug. The long-awaited Volt, a hatchback hybrid, recharges fully in 10 hours—all you have to do is plug it into any standard 120V outlet. The single charge will take you 40 miles before a gas-powered generator kicks in, creating electricity that’ll win you an additional 340 miles—on a single tank of gas that holds just nine gallons. “The car has regenerated brakes, which means when you brake it sends a charge and actually gives the battery extra power,” says John Wants at Oasis Chevrolet in Old Bridge. “If you’re braking a lot, it will create a lot of energy for you. This is a great car for local driving—you may very well never use a drop of gas.” That’s one of the best perks of all: avoiding pump sticker shock. Chevy estimates it’ll cost the average commuter just $1.50 a day to get to work—gas-free! Check out the Volt at Oasis Chevrolet (732.479.4148, oasisautocenter.com) or Malouf Chevrolet (732.348.2890, malouf.com) in North Brunswick.

top right: courtesy of Emily Gutowski. bottom right: courtesy of Chevrolet. all others: shutterstock

revolution on wheels

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LOCAL BUZZ

Critter-friendly cosmetics

Your makeup leaves you looking good, but how does it make you feel? Not great, perhaps, if animals— mice, rabbits, cats, dogs or monkeys—were used to test the products you apply, and that’s what some manufacturers do. You can feel better by looking for “cruelty-free” or “no animal testing” labels. The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has a shopping guide available on its website, leaping bunny.org, that lists cruelty-free cosmetics products and companies. You can also download the coalition’s app to your smartphone to direct you to cruelty-free options anywhere. Animal-safe products can be found locally at The Body Shop (732.548.3856, thebodyshop.com) in Edison, Anna’s Health Food Center (732.828.9299) in Highland Park and George Street Co-op (732.247.8280, georgestreetcoop.com) in New Brunswick.

TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF EMILY GUTOWSKI. BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY OF CHEVROLET. ALL OTHERS: SHUTTERSTOCK

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION? With the increasing popularity of smartphones these days, teens and young adults are more likely than ever to talk, text or browse the Web while driving. In a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 63 percent of under-30 drivers admitted to using a cell phone when behind the wheel, while only 30 percent of them felt it was dangerous to do so. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Consumer Reports recommend steps parents can take to get kids to put down the phone: 1 Set a good example: Don’t use your phone while driving, and heed the advice in the “Fight the Temptation to Text” box below. 2 Talk to your teen about the danger of dividing his or her attention between a cell phone and the road. 3 Establish rules for not texting or talking on the phone while behind the wheel. 4 Have your child sign a pledge to not use a cell phone while driving, agreeing on penalties for violating the pledge. 5 Educate yourself about the problem: Go to distraction.gov. FIGHT THE TEMPTATION TO TEXT Teens aren’t the only ones who text and drive. Here, some tips for you: • Turn off your phone before getting in the car. • If you think that incoming calls or texts may distract you, put your phone in the trunk. • Check out apps like DriveSafe.ly that can be used to block texts while in motion.

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LOCAL FASHION

LOOK SHARP 3

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MEN’S FALL FASHION IS POLISHED AND PUT-TOGETHER

1 Eton offers a bright spot in a sea of neutrals this autumn. This blue and green plaid shirt, $285, adds a touch of flair to jeans, a blazer or a slim-cut suit. Garmany, Red Bank, 732.576.8500. 2 Ditch the suit and try these separates from Brooks Brothers to add a dose of sexy collegiate style to your look. Neutral, tailored, beautiful fabrics and a touch of color are the way to go this season. Brooks Brothers, Bridgewater, 908.231.0666. 3 A pair of slimmer, straightleg jeans is a must-have for fall. Agave Denim’s Gringo Humboldt Vintage, $245, has the perfect mix of color and sanding for a rugged, worn look. Why Agave? The company operates in an environmentally sustainable way and makes its jeans in California, not overseas. Nordstrom, Edison, 732.603.5000. 4 Add a dash of character to your look with classic yet whimsical cuff links from Thomas Pink. Featured here are the Acorn, $210, Fly Fishing, $105, and the Stag Head, $195, all available at Nordstrom, Edison, 732.603.5000. 5 Canali’s slim, hammered-calfskin iPad case, $395, is a brilliant way to carry and protect your most prized possession. canali.it. 6 Searching for weather-resistant outerwear that is functional and has a certain amount of sex appeal? Try Ralph Lauren Black Label’s Escape Jacket, $895. Inspired by flight suits and military coats, this smartly designed jacket is made from durable nylon, has a zipout hood and includes a removable inner liner. Ralph Lauren, Princeton, 609.497.6441. 7 Unstitched Utilities of East Brunswick has created an innovative and fashion-forward shoe made of the recycled material Tyvek that is lightweight yet stronger than leather. Fast Lane Shoes, $65 at unstitchedutilities. com. 8 Inspired by 1930s New York, J.Crew has delivered retro yet very wearable clothing this fall. Heavy fabrications and dark colors combined with a trim silhouette equal a handsome, masculine look. J.Crew, Edison, 732.603.5000. —ALLISON ANDERSON

CHECK OUT ST YLEDIRECTIONBYALLISON.COM.

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Lic.13VH04755300 13VH04755300 Lic.

TOWN & COUNTRY

k i t c h e n a n d b a t h

25 │ www.townandcountrykitchenandbath.com www.townandcountrykitchenandbath.com 25Bridge Bridge Avenue Avenue Suite Suite 100 100 Red Red Bank, Bank, NJ NJ 07701 07701 │ │ 732.345.1441 732.345.1441 │

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You r ‘g r e e n’ k i tch e n 1 Bamboo and Cork

Futura dishwasher from Miele uses up to 35 percent less energy than the average dishwasher and has sensors to indicate load size, water quality and temperature. Gabowitz TV & Appliance, East Brunswick, 732.257.7846.

3 Composter Nature-

Mill’s under-the-counter electric composter automatically mixes food scraps and paper, regulates the temperature and drops the compost into a selfcontained bin. Williams-Sonoma, Princeton, 609.419.1390.

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Inefficiency central—that’s what the family kitchen was not so long ago, with energy-guzzling appliances, unrecycled materials and an enormous amount of waste. Luckily the past decade has seen a rise in “green” kitchens that are better for us—and better for the environment too. Anna Marie Fanelli, New Jersey kitchen and bath designer and vice president of Floor & Décor in Tenafly, believes a “green” kitchen is the first step to an ecofriendly home. “Going green in the kitchen is important because it’s where every family loves to gather and spend time,” says Fanelli. Indeed, a 2010 survey found that the average American spends more than 770 hours in this essential room each year. Even buying overstock products for the kitchen is eco-smart. Green Demolition in Fairfield sells recycled and overstock cabinetry to “reduce landfill waste and preserve forestry,” according to President Steve Feldman. And going green isn’t just light on the environment, says Feldman. “You gain a lot from green remodeling—healthier living and financial savings as well as the satisfaction of knowing you’re eco-friendly.” With stylish, affordable products like those listed here, going green is easier than you think. —Maureen Scully

all photos courtesy of the companies marketing these products

This vital room can be the heart of your new ecosmart life. Here, some ideas

These are two highly sustainable and durable materials for flooring and countertops, and they are now available in a wide array of colors and patterns. USFloors’ patented Corboo flooring is a strandwoven hybrid of both resources. Taubs Flooring, East Brunswick, 732.390.9663.

2 Dishwasher The

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AT HOME

COOKTOP Induction cooktops, like the 30˝ unframed model from Wolf, are a safe and energyefficient alternative to traditional gas and electric stoves. The use of electromagnetism allows the cookware, not the glass cooktop, to heat up quickly, minimizing energy waste. Seemore TV & Appliance Center, Metuchen, 732.548.9191.

CABINETS Formaldehydefree products such as Teragren’s bamboo-paneled cabinets are certified for healthier air quality and can give you a personalized look without any personal guilt. Jaeger Kitchens, Middlesex, 732.968.3555.

LEATHER For a softer texture and a touch of elegance, leather tiles can be used on floors or walls—or even as a backsplash. EcoDomo’s tiling is as easy to maintain as any tile surface and creates less waste by using recycled leather. AW Eurostile, Shrewsbury, 732.530.9186.

7 PORCELAIN For high-traffic

areas such as kitchen floors, backsplashes or fingerprint-prone walls, porcelain tiles—made from clays, flint and other sustainable materials—are ideal because of their durability. The Trafic Arena series by Porcelanosa is made in a certified eco-friendly process that reduces resource depletion and contamination. Porcelanosa, East Brunswick, 732.613.1915.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES MARKETING THESE PRODUCTS

8 GLASS For a one-of-a-kind countertop or backsplash, consider Vetrazzo, a company that uses recycled glass from old beer bottles and jars as well as art glass. Westfield Kitchens, Westfield, 908.232.3500.

FAUCET The Parche Gantry faucet from Waterstone comes with a leak-detection unit that shuts off the water source and sounds an alarm when it senses moisture below your sink, which is a surefire way to reduce your water bill in the event of a leak. Town & Country Kitchen and Bath, Red Bank, 732.345.1441.

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OCTOBER 2011

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SPH-1176 Diabetes MHL MECH:SPH-1176 Diabetes MHL MECH

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A Better Health Update from Saint Peter’s University Hospital

“We treat diabetes from every angle.” — Dr. Anne Marie Van Hoven, Endocrinology “An estimated one in three Americans is at risk for diabetes, so early detection and treatment are crucial. At the Thyroid and Diabetes Center at Saint Peter’s, we offer the most comprehensive diabetes care programs in the state—all under one roof. Our team of endocrinologists, registered dietitians, diabetes educators and clinical social workers teaches patients how to self-manage their diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication, including use of the insulin pump. Our Center is certified by the American Diabetes Association, a recognition of our leadership role in inpatient, outpatient and community-based diabetes care. Our goal is to help people with diabetes enjoy their lives, today and tomorrow.”

For more information about Saint Peter’s Thyroid and Diabetes Center, visit saintpetershcs.com/diabetes

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

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254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine

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732.745.8600

State designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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ingoodhealth Medicine

t e c h n o lo g y

pat i e n t c a r e at sa i n t p e t e r ’ s u n i v e r s i t y h o s p i ta l

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protecting your health is the basis for good times at any age, whether you’re a student who’s signed up for a new sport or A retiree who wants more than a rockingchair existence. READ ON TO LEARN HOW THAT CAUSE INSPIRES US AT SAINT PETER’S.

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9/1/11 12:09 PM

inside look

Assuring a Lively Old Age

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Geriatric medicine can make the senior years full and healthier

october 2011

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inside look

There’s a 97-year-old

tirelessly to accomplish these objectives. Of course, sometimes people get sick even after doing everything right. When that happens, elderly patients can consult with geriatricians at three locations: the main Saint Peter’s University Hospital site in New Brunswick, the Comprehensive Care Group at Monroe in Monroe Township and the Comprehensive Care Group at Piscataway, a new site that opened earlier this year. “Geriatricians are internists or family practitioners who have undergone further training in the care of older adults,” says Arun S. Rao, M.D., chief of the Division of Geriatrics at the hospital. As such, they provide wound healing, pain-management counseling and end-of-life palliative support. They’re adept at diagnosing and treating diabetes, hypertension, incontinence, musculoskeletal problems, rheumatism and dementia. “Those are the main diseases that occur in the 80-or-older group, which is how I define the senior population,” says Dr. Kothari. “I almost resent the idea of geriatrics applied to someone who’s 65 years old.” Among seniors’ health problems, the memory loss, depression and anxiety

associated with dementia are among the biggest concerns. “Sometimes my patients forget one thing and automatically think, ‘Oh no, I’m getting Alzheimer’s!’” says Dr. Kothari. “But nine times out of 10 they’re not. We have a very good screening process to test for dementia—and even if someone is diagnosed with this cognitive disability, it doesn’t necessarily mean he or she must move into a nursing home right away.” Saint Peter’s geriatricians also work closely with sports medicine physicians who can address orthopedic issues such as hip and knee replacements. Psychologists and psychiatrists help treat the complex psychosocial issues that come with aging. Other specialists are able to perform minimally invasive surgery or provide hormone replacement therapy. “We all come together for our patients,” says Dr. Rao. “It’s truly an interdisciplinary team.” Part of what makes this team effective is its size. “Few physicians want to go into geriatrics because the pay is comparatively modest,” says Dr. Kothari. “So to find six geriatricians working together for one hospital is somewhat rare. I think ours is the largest such

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businessman in Middlesex County who owns banks, attends board meetings, volunteers for charitable organizations and plays regular games of golf. “He’s an example of successful aging,” says Nayan Kothari, M.D., an internist and chairman of the Department of Medicine at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. “I first saw this man 30 years ago, when he was considering retirement,” Dr. Kothari recalls. “Now, with proper nutrition, exercise, regular doctor visits and a good attitude, this entrepreneur has managed to remain fully active.” These actions all fall under the umbrella of preventive medicine, which is a priority when it comes to the health of older patients. “The main goal in my mind is to avert problems before they arise,” says Dr. Kothari. “I want to keep seniors functioning as long as possible, and keep them in their own homes and chosen environments.” The Saint Peter’s geriatric medicine program comprises six geriatricians, two nurse practitioners and numerous social workers and support technicians, and they all work

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INSIDE LOOK

lation because there’s an exchange of learning,” she says. “I teach them about disease processes and they share with me life lessons learned throughout their unbelievable journeys. That social aspect is critical in geriatrics.” From preserving independence to diagnosing and treating disease, a geriatrician’s goal is to improve the quality of a patient’s life. “We can’t necessarily add years to life,” says Dr. Rao. “But we can add life to years.” —FRANCESCA MOISIN

Members of the Saint Peter’s geriatric team, from left: Shira Goldberg, M.D.; Aijaz Hussein, M.D.; Arun S. Rao, M.D.; and Palak Moondra, M.D.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SERVICES AVAIL ABLE FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY AT SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, PLEASE CALL 732.745.8600. TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT MIDDLESEXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

OCTOBER 2011

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vides treatment and there is no care from specially trained geriatricians. “We have a continuity, seeing patients in all stages, whether it’s in one of our offices, in the hospital or at our nursing home,” says Dr. Goldberg. “That allows us to form very close relationships with patients and give their families the time, advice and support they need to make diffi cult decisions.” While geriatrics isn’t for everyone, Dr. Goldberg finds the specialty uniquely rewarding. “I love treating this age popu-

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program in New Jersey.” That means the doctors are able to spend quality time with their patients. Life stories can be listened to and specific health concerns can be carefully considered. “As people age, their medical issues tend to become more complicated,” says Shira Goldberg, M.D., a geriatrician at the Comprehensive Care Group at Monroe. “You can’t just look at an algorithm and follow it strictly. You want to individualize decisions so as to treat an elderly person’s precise needs.” There is also an academic component to this program that further sets it apart. Because Saint Peter’s is a teaching hospital, its doctors are able to work closely with students and residents from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. The partnership that exists between these institutions provides future physicians full-time training in numerous fields, including geriatrics. “Internal medicine residents and students rotate with us for both inpatient and outpatient care,” says Dr. Goldberg. “The focus of our division is to instruct the next generation of physicians to be sensitive to geriatric issues.” Dr. Kothari, who also serves as associate dean for education at the Drexel University College of Medicine, says there is an ongoing effort to combine geriatrics with other disciplines so as to further improve elderly care. “If you’re 90 years old and you have a heart attack, you need different attention than if you have a heart attack at 50, and cancer at 80 looks very different than cancer at 40,” says Dr. Kothari. “So we are currently working to create new programs for geriatrics-cardiology, geriatricsoncology and other specialized fields.” Finally, the 120-bed nursing home in Somerset that is part of the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is different from many other nursing homes in the United States. All six geriatricians take turns rotating at the Margaret McLaughlin McCarrick Care Center, whereas at many other facilities a family physician pro-

TECH SAVVY

into the uterine wall, this greatly reduces the risk of perforating the uterus,” she says. She has also noticed that there tends to be less bleeding after the procedure than there is with the electrical method. And the new approach is more efficient. “With other methods you can’t always remove the growth entirely, but with this one, the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures are amazing,” says Dr. Owunna. “I love using it because I know the uterine cavity is completely clean when I’m done. I know I got the complete specimen.” Both doctors say Truclear was very easy to learn and they now use it on nearly all their polyp and fibroid cases. (Fibroids more than 5 centimeters in size are too large for the system to handle.) “We are delighted to be able to offer our patients technology designed to reduce time in the operating room while improving outcomes,” says Frank A. Mazzagatti, Ph.D., the CARES Surgicenter’s executive director. “It allows them to recover and return to their daily activities more quickly.” —DAVID LEVINE

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Uzoma Owunna, M.D.

BETTER TREATMENT FOR UTERINE GROWTHS A NEW PROCEDURE REMOVES Seated in the CyberKnife WOMEN’S TROUBLESOME FIBROIDS AND control room, urologist POLYPS MORE SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY David H. Koota, M.D.,

FOR WOMEN, UTERINE FIBROIDS

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and polyps can cause painful symptoms. In many cases they need to be surgically removed, and until recently that often meant using an electrical current to break up the unwanted tissue. Now, say obstetrician/gynecologists, there’s a better way. It’s called the Truclear Operative Hysteroscopy System. Performed at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s CARES Surgicenter, it uses a small blade inserted

views a digital image of

the treatment area. through a tube called a hysteroscope to BELOW: the CyberKnife unit simultaneously cut and remove tissue. “The Truclear is quicker than the traditional method—a few minutes as opposed to 15 or more,” says Saint Peter’s obstetrician/gynecologist Uzoma Owunna, M.D. Besides its speed, Truclear has another advantage—it lowers the risk of injuring surrounding tissue, says Ranjana Arora, M.D., another obstetrician/gynecologist at Saint Peter’s. “If a fibroid is growing deep

Consult a physician if you experience any of these symptoms: UTERINE FIBROIDS

• heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods • feeling “full” in the lower abdomen • frequent urination • pain during sex • lower back pain • reproductive problems, such as infertility, multiple miscarriages or early labor UTERINE POLYPS

• irregular menstrual bleeding—for example, having frequent, unpredictable periods of variable length and heaviness • bleeding between menstrual periods • excessively heavy menstrual periods • vaginal bleeding after menopause • infertility Sources: Mayo Foundation, National Institutes of Health

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SURGICAL SERVICES AT SAINT PETER’S CARES SURGICENTER, PLEASE CALL 732.565.5400. TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT MIDDLESEXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

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OCTOBER 2011

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faces of saint peter’s

Melissa Martinez

Being the daughter of Puerto

Nurse practitioner Melissa Mar tinez on the dance floor with husband Amable and daughters Brianna and Marissa

Rican-born parents has greatly influenced both the personal and professional lives of Melissa Martinez, nurse practitioner and patient navigator at The Breast Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Martinez, 32, grew up in Perth Amboy. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the College of New Jersey in 2002, and her master’s in nursing from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2008. Martinez is board-certified as an adult nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She now lives in Fords with her husband, Amable, 33, a teacher in the Newark school district, and their two children, Brianna, 4, and Marissa, 2. How did your upbringing lead you to nursing?

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“my parents, who moved here as teens, spoke mostly spanish. i often went with them to doctors’ appointments, and it felt good to help my family make bet ter decisions about their care.” — melissa martinez

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My grandparents spoke no English and my parents, who moved here as teens, spoke mostly Spanish. I often went with them to doctors’ appointments to make sure things weren’t missed. I translated for my grandmother while she was being treated for cancer. It felt good to help my family make better decisions about their care, and I think it prepared me for what I do now. How so? I work mostly with Spanish-speaking patients, helping them navigate the healthcare system. And I assist those who have no insurance so that they get the services they need. That sounds challenging. It’s very rewarding. And I like that every day is different. I’m always learning something new. The cases are sometimes very complex and I feel lucky to be able to help patients who would not have access to care without Saint Peter’s. What do you enjoy in your spare time? My husband and I love salsa dancing. We both had parents who danced and we actually met while dancing. We danced more often before we had kids, of course. But our daughters love it now too—especially the costumes they get to wear. —D.L.

FACES OF SAINT PETER’S

Kevin T. Nini, M.D.

WHEN HE MET THE PHYSICIAN FATHER

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of a friend while in college, Kevin T. Nini, M.D, plastic surgeon and vice chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery, saw his future path. Dr. Nini, 53, changed his major at Ithaca College to chemistry and then went to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Medical School. His general surgery residency at Pennsylvania Hospital revealed his interest in plastic surgery, and he pursued a residency in that field at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at the University of Miami. Dr. Nini and his wife, Robyn, live in his hometown of Princeton with their two daughters, Christina, 13, and Olivia, 11. WHAT DREW YOU TO MEDICINE? I had a terrific experience during my college years, visiting a friend whose father was an internist. My father was a plumber and all my parents’ friends were in trades, so I’d had no exposure to professionals until college. My friend’s father took us on rounds and introduced me to the hospital environment. I really had no clue what I wanted to do until that experience. I then made up my mind to go to med school. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PLASTIC SURGERY? I had a plastic surgeon as a mentor in my first residency. He did very complex work on the facial skeleton, which captivated me. I didn’t know how anyone could do these operations. In fact, as a resident I still felt it was a big challenge to do them. But he pushed me to try. WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I learned to garden by working with my grandfather, an Italian immigrant, when I was younger. Gardening was not just a job for him—he loved it. In fact, his home was about an acre of gardens with a house in the middle. Not only is gardening my passion, but I also use it to teach my girls the nutritional benefits of knowing your food supply. I feel very strongly about the merits of a healthy lifestyle and try to fit gardening into that. It’s a cultural education that is mostly lost in our society these days. —D.L.

Plastic surgeon and avid gardener Kevin T. Nini, M.D., with daughters Christina and Olivia

“I HAD A PL ASTIC SURGEON AS A MENTOR IN MY FIRST RESIDENCY. HE DID VERY COMPLEX WORK ON THE FACIAL SKELETON, WHICH CAPTIVATED ME.” — KEVIN T. NINI, M.D. TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT MIDDLESEXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

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UP CLOSE

75 YEARS OF LOYALTY V O L U N T E E R J E S S I E K U K O R H A S B E E N A PA R T O F T H E S A I N T P E T E R ’ S FA M I LY S I N C E 1 9 3 6

Longtime hospital volunteer Jessie Kukor is grateful to be able to help.

heart. “I was 8 when he died,” says Kukor, who will turn 84 in November. “The day I started volunteering, I was walking up a staircase and felt a strong sense of déjà vu. I remembered that those were the same stairs I went up when I visited my brother in the hospital.” Saint Peter’s has remained a part of Kukor’s life for 75 years. All three of her children were born there. Her late mother was treated there in the early 1980s.

During that time, Kukor met a volunteer who sold newspapers to patients and visitors. “She told me it was the greatest thing to do, to take time to talk to the people here,” Kukor recalls. “That day, I knew it would become my mission to make people happy in the hospital.” Every Wednesday, Kukor now handles the same job her role model did, rolling a hospitality cart down the hallways with newspapers—though now they’re free. She also helps out wherever else she’s needed. That often means working in the Community Mobile Health Services breast health education program, assembling the collection vials and bags at blood drives or helping out at health fairs and community events. Mostly, though, she chats with patients and families. “If I help make one person happy, I feel 10 feet tall,” she says. Kukor’s work recently earned her a nomination for the NJBIZ magazine Healthcare Hero of the Year Award. “I was very honored and flattered—even though I lost,” she says. “I told everyone I don’t need an award. I have already won because I love, love, love what I am doing.” Kukor—whose husband, William Kukor, passed away 15 years ago— worked in the Lynwood School district’s guidance office for 21 years until her retirement. “I was the office manager, but the kids called me their counselor,” she says. “I loved those kids and felt they were my mission. Now, the hospital is my mission.” She fills the rest of her week gardening. “I like to be outside and watch things grow,” she says. She sees a group of friends from the Lynwood schools at regular get-togethers, and she’s grateful for the energy and health she still enjoys. “God gives me the privilege of doing what I am doing,” she says. “I thank Him every day.” —D.L.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER SERVICES AT SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, PLEASE CALL 732.745.8573. TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT MIDDLESEXHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

OCTOBER 2011

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hours of service at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Jessie Kukor has certainly earned her volunteer stripes. The North Brunswick grandmother of four has been a fixture at Saint Peter’s since 1986. But her relationship with the hospital actually goes back much further. It began, sadly, in 1936, when her 13-year-old brother, a patient there, lost his battle to survive with an enlarged

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AFTER MORE THAN 10,000

SEASONAL HEALTH

Screening young hearts P R E - S E A S O N T E S T I N G O F S T U D E N T AT H L E T E S F O R C A R D I A C P R O B L E M S C A N S AV E L I V E S TWO YEARS AGO, THE MIDDLE-

WHAT IS HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a genetic disease in which the cells of the heart muscle grow abnormally thick. This can cause blockages in blood flow or a sudden, severe interruption in the electrical activity of the heart, leading to a massive heart attack that can be fatal. Data collected by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research in North Carolina suggests that heart-related problems such as HCM claim the lives of 15 high school athletes in the U.S. each year.

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sex County high school community was rocked when two 17-year-old athletes died while playing sports. One, an Edison High School football star, collapsed during a track practice. The other, a South Brunswick High School senior, died playing pickup basketball. Both were victims of a disorder called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), more commonly known as enlarged heart syndrome. This detectable but often symptomless form of cardiovascular disease can cause sudden cardiac arrest

and death in seemingly healthy teens and young adults. With the new school year upon us, this is a good time to remind parents to screen their scholastic athletes for cardiac abnormalities, including HCM. “Beginning in high school and through college, all athletes should be screened, especially those in high-exertion sports like football, basketball, soccer and track,” says David E. Jacob, M.D., chief of cardiology at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Saint Peter’s has just entered into a pilot program to screen freshmen

athletes at Rutgers University for cardiac abnormalities, Dr. Jacob says. “Screening should be done by a physician qualified to do a thorough cardiovascular exam,” he says. This exam includes taking a full health history. “Certain questions need to be asked, such as ‘Have you ever had a heart murmur?’, ‘Has a pediatrician ever said you had a heart condition?’ and ‘Do you get excessively fatigued, short of breath or feel faint when you exercise?’,” he says. A physical exam should include testing blood pressure in both arms and legs, a heart-murmur check and an electrocardiogram. Testing should be done every year, the doctor says. “Even if problems aren’t apparent at age 14, they can show up at 16 or 20,” he says. If screening raises any red flags, the patient should be referred to a cardiologist for a full evaluation. Treatments can vary. Medication is the first line of defense, and if the patient is at a higher risk because of family history or symptoms like fainting, he or she may need a defibrillator implanted. “That’s really the only thing that can prevent sudden death in high-risk individuals,” says Dr. Jacob. The key is screening for heart disease before any problems arise. “A thorough health history plus judicious testing by professionals would all but eliminate the risk of sudden death from these kinds of problems,” he says. —D.L.

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gatherings at saint peter’s

foursome at forsgate Forsgate County Club in Jamesburg was the site of the Saint Peter’s Foundation’s Spring Golf Outing. Doug Tyman, guest of The Provident Bank; Obi Agudosi, DMR Architects; Dan Davitt, guest of The Provident Bank; and Lloyd Rosenberg, DMR Architects, formed one of the many foursomes. More than $35,000 was raised for the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.

honoring long service

health care hollywood style John Serra, project manager of food services, and Suzette Johnson, M.D., obstetrics and gynecology, attend the mock movie “premiere’’ of the newest round of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System television commercials. The spots began airing this summer and feature 11 healthcare system physicians talking about the many areas of clinical expertise at Saint Peter’s, from caring for fragile newborns to orthopedic services to autism treatment and much more. Serra played the role of movie usher for the showing. Johnson, meanwhile, was the lead “character” in one of the commercials on maternity services.

For information on upcoming events sponsored by the Saint peter’s Foundation, go to saintpetershcs.com/Foundation.

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from toP: carol negvesky, rich green, bashir baskinger/saint peter’s healthcare system

The Very Rev. John N. Fell, left, Episcopal vicar for the Health Care Apostolate of the Diocese of Metuchen and a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s Board of Governors, and Ronald C. Rak, J.D., right, president and CEO of the healthcare system, congratulate Valarie Dickerson, hospital food service employee, for her 45 years of service to Saint Peter’s. Dickerson was among dozens who were honored at the healthcare system’s annual service awards luncheon.

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SPH-1176 KNEE MHL MECH:SPH-1176 Knee MHL MECH

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A Better Health Update from Saint Peter’s University Hospital

“We’re a front runner in knee replacement.” — Dr. Alfred Tria, Orthopedic Surgery “At Saint Peter’s, we’ve always been a leader in advanced orthopedic procedures. We were one of the first hospitals in central New Jersey to offer knee implants shaped specifically for women. And we’ve taken that technology one step further. Our specialists now design custom knee replacements to fit each individual patient. Even our instrumentation is specifically designed for your knee and your particular condition. The process begins with MRI blocks, molded into casts of your joints, all done prior to surgery. These casts enable us to lessen the time spent in the operating room, which leads to a smoother recovery. Our team performs close to 1,000 knee replacements a year to help patients get back in the game.”

To find out more about orthopedic services at Saint Peter’s, visit saintpetershcs.com/orthopedics

SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

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254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine

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732.745.8600

State designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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Stress busters Chill—and promote good health—with these nutritious foods and super-easy moves By Elizabeth Larner Did you know that ignoring signs of stress can be a more dangerous risk factor for cancer and heart disease than either cigarette smoking or eating high-cholesterol foods? The experts tell us there are numerous ways to reduce stress, including daily exercise, relaxation techniques and smart eating strategies. But where to begin? We’ve made it simple by gathering six tasty stress-fighting super foods and six easy moves. Make them part of your routine, and you’ll feel more relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

WHAT TO EAT... Almonds vitamins E and B Health benefits Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and helps fight cellular damage from harmful free radicals linked to chronic stress. B vitamins stabilize mood by stimulating production of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that sends calming signals to the brain and helps fight anxiety. They also build up protective fat around brain cells, which gets depleted under stress. Stress-fighting nutrients

Salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins Health benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids prevent increases in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, and they help produce serotonin. (There is also evidence that omega-3s may reduce depression.) Stress-fighting nutrients

Skim milk calcium Calcium alleviates tension and decreases muscle spasms. It may also lessen some symptoms of PMS, including anxiety, mood swings and irritability.

Stress-fighting nutrient Health benefits:

Spinach magnesium Magnesium helps prevent increases in blood pressure and relaxes tense muscles.

Stress-fighting nutrient Health benefits:

Blueberries vitamin C Vitamin C, like Vitamin E, helps regulate and stabilize blood-sugar levels. It also strengthens the immune system, fights free radicals associated with stress and lowers stress hormone levels. Stress-fighting nutrient Health benefits:

Eggs Stress-fighting nutrients

B vitamins and

L-tryptophan With the help of B vitamins, L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid, converts to serotonin, which improves mood and mental health, and melatonin, which aids in sleep.

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Health benefits:

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WHAT TO DO... Sleep

Strike a pose

It may seem like a no-brainer, but controlling stress depends on getting enough regular, restful slumber. Aim for at least seven or eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. And if you’re feeling tired, grab a 15–30 minute power nap mid-day.

Yoga focuses on your breathing as you move through specific poses, reducing stress and anxiety and also developing strength, balance and flexibility. Here’s one relaxing stationary posture: Balasana, or Child’s Pose. Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. As you exhale, bend forward to lay your torso between your thighs. Place your hands palms up on the floor alongside your torso

Get a massage

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When you get a massage your whole body relaxes, including your mind. Swedish massage, which soothes with long, gentle strokes, circular motions and kneading, is believed to alleviate stress by reducing stress hormones in the body such as cortisol. Other benefits include bringing oxygen to tissues, which improves circulation; relieving muscle tension and pain; increasing flexibility, and removing lactic acid and other waste, thereby reducing stiffness and pain. You can also try a hot stone massage or an aromatherapy massage, which employs essential oils such as lavender to reduce anxiety. If you’re crunched for time, try self-massage techniques.

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and allow your shoulders to slump toward the floor, pulling your shoulder blades apart. Remain in this position for at least 30 seconds (and up to several minutes).

Get organized If your work or living space is messy and unorganized, it’s a safe bet that your mind is too. Start by organizing one limited area, such as your desk, kitchen or purse. That way you won’t feel overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning your entire house. (Yikes!)

just breathe—Seriously! This relaxation technique is easy to learn and can be practiced virtually anywhere. When you feel the muscles in your neck start to tighten and your jaw begin to clench, follow these steps: Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap (or lie down) and close your eyes. Think about a serene place such as a warm beach or a peaceful meadow. Breathe slowly and deeply from the abdomen. Continue this mindful breathing for five to 10 minutes, focusing on full, cleansing breaths.

Draw yourself a bath We all know that soaking in a steamy tub is relaxing, but adding 2 cups of Epsom salt, which contains the natural stressreliever magnesium, to a warm bath will ease muscle tension and help the body eliminate harmful toxins.

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Larsen’s Tempo grasscloth warms the entry, where wainscoting was added for character. An ink drawing hangs over the French fruitwood table and Asian vessel.

timely transformation After a major life change, designer meryl stern brought a calm, comforting new look to her New Jersey home written By Sallie Brady · interior design by meryl stern · Photography by Peter rymwid

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“I wanted to go beyond ‘country,’” says Stern of the dining room’s deeply stained beams and Maya Romanoff Bauble glass-beaded wall covering. The leather-bound sisal rug is by Ralph Lauren. The metal chandelier with shades is from O’Lampia.

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‘‘Y

our home is your cocoon, your peace and sanity, the place that is safe and warm when everything else in your life is crazy,” says interior designer Meryl Stern. And she’s not just talking about clients. As a newly divorced mother of two teenagers, Stern used this time of major life change to give her own New Jersey home a new look that was tranquil, organic and reassuring. Like many, Stern appreciated the conveniences of her 1980s construction, but she desperately wanted the look and coziness of an older home, which is typically layered with natural materials. “I exposed fir beams and stained the pine floors a high-gloss ebony,” says the designer. Next was adding wood wainscoting under the chair rail and expanding the existing three-inch base molding to seven inches. “Wood is warm to the touch,” says Stern. “It feels warm physically and emotionally. There’s something very comforting about the transformation of a tree into a floor plank or a piece of furniture. I have a full appreciation for that. It brings me closer to nature.” A hiker who is a regular at Sunday farmers’ markets, Stern says she tries to live a green life—and an important part of that

is decorating with antiques. “I believe in reusing as much as possible,” says the designer. “I have some of my grandparents’ things and other antiques that I have bought on my own. These pieces also add meaning to a house.” Among her collections are round objects such as antique finials, cannon balls and blown-glass spheres. “I love the organic shape of round objects,” says Stern. “Geometric shapes really offer a pleasant simplicity.” It was the simplicity and purity of a photo-mezzotint of a solitary ear of corn that made her want the image for her dining room. “I confess, I was designing the Harvest Bistro & Bar in Closter, which sits next to a 20-acre farm, when I saw this photograph. I bought it for them and then kept it for myself.” The designer arranged her furniture and works of art against a quiet, calm palette of monochromatic oatmeals, mochas, chocolates and ebonies. Natural fibers were another essential decorating tool, with leather-bound sisal underfoot and grasscloth for select walls. “It can take a long time to get a house together,” says Stern. “It’s not something I do quickly, but I think the effect here is both ethereal and anchoring. I feel like I am on solid ground.”

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this page: Beneath the family roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 17-foot-high ceiling, an oversized chandelier and mirror bring intimacy. opposite page: Bookshelves wrap around the library windows. The chocolate paint inside the shelves gives depth to Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural finial and Indonesian artifact collection.

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T h e Sta f f of Life

Nothing be ats the fl avor, te x ture and nutritious goodness of an “artisanal” loaf of bre ad freshly baked the old-fashioned way

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Where to Buy Artisanal Bre ad The Blue Rooster 17 N. Main St. Cranbur y 609.235.7539 blueroosterbakery.com

In its most basic form, a loaf of bread is nothing more than flour, yeast, water and salt. Yet in almost all cultures since the beginning of civilization, bread has been revered as the staff of life. When Christians pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” bread signifies sustenance in general. For the same reason, our slang for money is “bread” or “dough,” and the head of a household is the “breadwinner.” When grains were first harvested, ground, combined with water and exposed to heat, the source of heat was probably a rock warmed by fire—a precursor of the process used for today’s flatbreads. But at some point—about 10,000 B.C., experts estimate—the grain-water mixture was left to sit out exposed to naturally occurring airborne yeast spores, which mystically transformed it into a light, airy and irresistibly fragrant wonder. The transformation of wheat and yeast into bread is almost as magical to us today. Baking bread is part science, part art. To be sure, the Industrial Revolution brought us scientifically produced loaves, with their bleached white flour, highspeed mixing and rising and chemical “improvers” and “conditioners.” But the desire for a return to breads with more complex tastes and textures—not to mention the wholesomeness and nutrition that come with ditching the artificial ingredients and preserving the fiber, essential oils and vitamins that whole grains impart—is behind the current popularity of artisan bakers. Their alchemy includes employing Old World methods and using pristine, locally sourced ingredients. Nina White who, with her husband, Jonathan, owns Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse in Milford, is one such practitioner. While Jonathan is in charge of cheesemaking, Nina produces about a dozen different multi-grain loaves, from a rustic, multigrain loaf and plain ciabatta to an authentic medieval rye—all in a woodfired oven. “It’s the flours that set my breads apart,” she contends. “They are all organic and come from regional sources, and each of my breads contains at least three kinds. When I get my flours, they’ve been milled within the last two weeks. Whole-grain flours degrade quickly. What you find on the shelves of a grocery store is ancient by comparison!” Like many like-minded practitioners,

Highland Park Farmers’ Market Municipal parking lot on Raritan Ave. (between 2nd and 3rd Aves.) Highland Park 732.828.8444 mainstreethp.org Old Bridge Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market Municipal Parking Lot (Arena area) Old Bridge 732.607.7920 oldbridge.com the phoenician bakery 608 Georges Rd. North Brunswick 732.545.3915 rutgers gardens farmers’ market 112 Ryders Ln. New Brunswick 732.932.8451 rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu

White also does long fermentation of her natural starters (with a bit of yeast added in a few of the styles), and slow, cold rises that allow the dough to relax and aerate. “This lets the deep flavors of the grains develop,” she explains. The third component of the artisanal process, beyond impeccable ingredients and exacting, time-consuming methods, is the actual baking. “The oven is very important,” White says. “We have a singlechamber, wood-fired oven. We heat it, then rake out the coals before we bake. This is the retained-heat concept, which improves the texture of the bread. We take care to put in a full load of dough, so that the chamber retains the

What to do with leftover bread? Find a recipe for paIn perdu at middlesexhealthandlife.com/BREAD.

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needed moisture. It’s the old-time way.” White conducts breadmaking classes at Bobolink (visit cowsoutside.com for details) for those looking to produce the crisp crust, satisfying texture and complex flavors of artisanal breads at home. In fact, home bread bakers swear—with tongue only half in cheek—that it is as effective at relieving stress as yoga, meditation and aromatherapy. It forces bread makers to take time out from their busy schedules for mixing and kneading (yoga), waiting attentively for the bread to rise (meditation) and inhaling the wonderful aromas as the bread bakes (aromatherapy). Plus, they get to share the result with family and friends. —Pat Tanner

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power food

Squash for Every Season

did you know? Squash’s history in the United States predates European settlement by thousands of years. Originating in Central America and Mexico, it was a staple for Native Americans for more than 5,000 years. European voyagers were introduced to the vegetable during their explorations of North and South America. While Florida leads the country in squash production today, New Jersey is the fourth-largest producer. Southern counties like Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland grow most of the state’s squash, but Morris, Sussex and Warren counties are also contributors.

powers There are a variety of health benefits attributed to squash, which is typically grouped into two categories: winter squash (such varieties as acorn, pumpkin and butternut squash) and summer squash (which include zucchini and yellow crookneck squash). Both types of squash contain antioxidants. These carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, have been recognized for reducing the risk of chronic eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts and for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial to both the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Recent studies also suggest that the polysaccharides found in squash,

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which come from its high carbohydrate content, may help protect against diabetes and aid in insulin regulation. Leave the squash’s skin intact and eat the flesh and seeds to enjoy the highest concentration of nutrients.

buy · store · grow The main difference between summer and winter squash is at what stage of maturity they’re harvested. Summer varieties are harvested while immature and tender, while winter varieties are allowed to harden. Winter squash should be chosen for their dull, hard rinds. They’re available now through March and are at their peak in October and November. Winter squash can last anywhere from one week to six months, depending on the type. They should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Refrigeration is only recommended once the squash is cut, otherwise the humidity will cause deterioration. When shopping for summer squash, which are available year-round, inspect the rind and opt for those that have a sheen and are free of blemishes. Store summer varieties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days, and avoid washing them until you are ready to use them. Should you choose to grow your own squash, methods will vary depending on the kind you want to cultivate. In general, squash need considerable growing space, and young seedlings can be harmed by frost. You may choose to start seeds indoors or wait until the last frost. Pick a place with lots of sun and good drainage. Space according to seed instructions. If you’re transplanting seedlings outdoors, cover them with a flowerpot for a few days to allow them to adjust and to prevent wilting. The plants should flower and begin producing the prolific amounts of squash they’re known for. Summer squash can be harvested when they are young—no more than 6 to 8 inches long. Winter squash are harvested when fully mature, at the end of the growing season.

media bakery

With a rich history and even richer nutrient content, this vegetable is credited with a variety of health benefits

—Kelley Granger

for a recipe for butternut squash soup, go to middlesexhealthandlife.com/powerfood.

9/6/11 9:04 AM

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beer wine + spirits

gets CRAF T Y

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The big br ands arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all this be ver age can be, and microbrews will prove it to your pal ate

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Econ 101 pop quiz: If most industries are consolidating into a few dominant players, and 45 U.S. breweries produced beer in 1978, how many do so today? The surprising correct answer—about 1,600—suggests that something special is going on in the world of beer, and it is. The craft beer or “microbrewery” movement is producing a beer renaissance—a proliferation of new brews by small local producers that make up in big taste what they lack in big numbers. Retail liquor shops that have long stocked an array of domestic and international wines are making room on their shelves for a vibrant new collection of artisanal beers. And aficionados of these brews argue that they—and not those giant national brands you see advertised during football games—are the real deal. They explain that beer is basically water, some type of grain, yeast and hops. Craft beers, like the European ales of old, use barley as the grain of choice, while many of today’s mega-brewers substitute rice, corn or other ingredients. Result: Money saved, but flavor lost. Craft breweries often age beer prior to bottling and selling. Their small scale allows them to alter beer’s basic formula with imagination rather than cost calculation. Their use of higher-quality ingredients and their ingenious addition of novel elements such as fruit, unusual hops, cacao, herbs and even vegetables allow microbreweries to branch out and create new flavor profiles, providing more tasty variety for the casual quaffer. Of course, craft beer is nothing new to the Trappist monks of Belgium. Since the Middle Ages they’ve been concocting their own brews—“dubbels,” “tripels” or “quadrupels” depending on alcohol content, which can run as high as 12 percent. Microbreweries abound also in the United Kingdom (where the term is said to have originated in the 1970s) and in Germany. But American versions of many flavorful European “real” beers have been embraced by consumers, and the U.S. has recently won respect as a beer innovator in its own right. “The U.S. has become the center of the beer world, and even Europe is looking into the beer culture here,” says Gene Muller, the president of New Jersey’s largest brewery, Flying Fish in Cherry Hill. And he believes the competition small beers are giving the national brands

Ne w Jerse y’s top microbre weries Flying Fish Brewing Company 1940 Olney Ave. Cherr y Hill 856.489.0061 flyingfish.com River Horse Brewing Company 80 Lambert Ln. Lambertville 609.397.7776 riverhorse.com High Point Brewing Company 22 Park Pl. Butler 973.838.7400 ramsteinbeer.com Cricket Hill Brewing Company 24 Kulik Rd. Fairfield 973.276.9415 crickethillbrewery.com Triumph Brewing Company 138 Nassau St. Princeton 609.924.7855 triumphbrewing.com

today makes eminent sense. After all, he says, “if you want the most interesting cheese, you won’t buy Kraft Singles.” Just as the U.S. hasn’t always dominated the beer world, so has New Jersey been something less than America’s brewski mecca. But that may be starting to change. Some 31,000 barrels were brewed in the state last year, and breweries such as Flying Fish (flyingfish.com) and Lambertville’s River Horse (river horse.com) are making connoisseurs sit up and take notice. Given my own weakness for Belgianinspired ales, it’s no surprise that one of my favorites is Tripel Horse Belgian Style from River Horse. It packs a powerful 10 percent alcohol by volume, but you’d

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never know it, and it’s both refreshing and extremely flavorful. Another Garden State venture is the Exit Series by Flying Fish, which honors New Jersey’s iconic turnpike by naming special reserve beers after different exits. (See exitseries.com for details.) Finally, Cricket Hill, a smaller brewery in Fairfield, boasts an array of craft beers and an owner/president—Rick Reed—who doubles as an evangelist of craft beers. (Check out crickethillbrewery. com for Reed’s amusingly infuriated rant on mainstream beer commercials and the watery thinking they represent.) “Good beer is simply five ingredients: barley, malt, hops, yeast—and passion,” says Reed. “The big boys leave out the passion.” —Evangelos Mihelis

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where toeat f i n e

AVENEL

fa m i ly

BUD’S HUT Casual dining featuring seafood and steak, 906 Route 1 North, 732.634.5530

MARIA’S Family-friendly traditional Mexican fare, 194 Buckelew Ave., 732.656.9722

THE OLD BAY Cajun and creole dining, 7 Church St., 732.246.3111

CARTERET

KENDALL PARK

SAPPORO Hibachi and sushi dining, 375 George St., 732.828.3888

JULIAN’S American steak house with seafood options, 1000 Roosevelt Ave., 732.541.9500

SHOGUN 27 Hibachi steak house with a sushi bar, 3376 Route 27, 732.422.1117

COLONIA

KINGSTON

CRANBURY

OSTERIA PROCACCINI Quaint Italian restaurant with organic and local produce, 4428 Route 27 North, 609.688.0007

CHATEAU MADRID Spanish and Portuguese fare, 8 Holly St., 732.969.0692

LUSO BARBECUE American and Portuguese BBQ, 330 Inman Ave., 732.499.0455 CRANBURY INN Traditional American dining, 21 S. Main St., 609.655.5595 CRANBURY PIZZA Casual Italian pizzeria, 63 N. Main St., 609.409.9930 ZINNA’S BISTRO Casual Italian fare, BYO, 1275 S. River Rd., 609.860.9600

DUSAL’S Casual Italian seafood and pizza eatery, 3300 Route 27, 732.821.9711

ENO TERRA Italian seafood, homemade pasta and an extensive wine list, 4484 Kings Hwy., 609.497.1777

METUCHEN

ANTONIO’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA Traditional Italian pizzeria, 435 Main St., 732.603.0008

SPICE’IN Contemporary Indian cuisine, 371 George St., 732.247.1177 VERDIGRE Eclectic dining with a tapas bar, 25 Liberty St., 732.247.2250

NORTH BRUNSWICK

ARTHUR’S TAVERN Traditional American steak house, 644 Georges Rd., 732.828.1117 THE RUSTY NAIL Contemporary American eatery, 1609 Route 130, 732.821.4141

OLD BRIDGE

BIG ED’S BARBECUE American Tex-Mex BBQ, 174 Route 34, 732.583.2626

MAIN STREET TRATTORIA Upscale Italian cuisine, 413 Main St., 732.589.7141

PONTE VECCHIO Classic Italian fare with seafood options, 3863 Route 516 East, 732.607.1650

FUJI Japanese hibachi and sushi, 485 Georges Rd., 732.274.8830

THE ORCHID Fine kosher dining, 455 Main St., 732.321.9829

PERTH AMBOY

LA TAVERNA Cozy traditional Italian dining, 375 Georges Rd., 732.274.2200

SPICE MELANGE Upscale Indian eatery, 419 Main St., 732.906.9050

DAYTON

EAST BRUNSWICK

MIDDLESEX

EDISON

MILLTOWN

CASA NOVA 68 Traditional Italian fare, 68 Ryders Ln., 732.246.1888 CAFÉ GALLO Family-style Italian dining, 1153 Inman Ave., 908.756.5752 LOUCáS Upscale American and Italian fare, 9 Lincoln Hwy., 732.549.8580 MEEMAH Casual Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, Colonial Village Shopping Center, Route 27 at Parsonage Rd., 732.906.2223

CARPACCIO Southern Italian fare, 651 Bound Brook Rd., 732.968.3242

MONMOUTH JUNCTION

PIERRE’S Fine international dining with awardwinning wine list, 582 Georges Rd., 732.329.3219

GARVEY’S Family-friendly American eatery, 405 Gravel Hill Rd., 732.521.3311

LITTLE SPAIN RESTAURANT Authentic Spanish cuisine in a charming atmosphere, 582 New Brunswick Ave., 732.738.7300

LA VILLA Casual Italian dining, 335 Applegarth Rd., 609.655.3338

MCLOONE’S WOODBRIDGE GRILLE Traditional American bar food, 3 Lafayette Rd., 732.512.5025

RESTAURANT 2FIFTY4 Saint Peter’s University Hospital restaurant, offering healthy dishes and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 254 Easton Ave., 732.745.8600, ext. 7773

PAD THAI Vegetarian-friendly Thai eatery, 217 Raritan Ave., 732.247.9636 PITHARI TAVERNA Greek and Mediterranean seafood fare, 28 Woodridge Ave., 732.572.0616

ISELIN

CASA GUISEPPE Southern Italian fare, 487 Route 27, 732.283.9111 URBAN SPICE Authentic Indian fine dining, 42 Marconi Ave., 732.283.1043

JAMESBURG

FIDDLEHEADS American fine dining, Sunday brunch served, 27 E. Railroad Ave., 732.521.0878

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middlesexHEALTHandLIFE.com

CHAND PALACE Family-friendly Indian restaurant, 1296 Centennial Ave., 732.465.1474

PLAINSBORO

MONROE

MIDORI SUSHI Asian fusion with a sushi bar, 237 Raritan Ave., 732.246.4511

AL DENTE Traditional Italian eatery, 1665 Stelton Rd., 732.985.8220

TOMATO FACTORY Family-friendly Italian fare, BYO, 264 Ryders Ln., 732.249.1199

PENANG Malaysian and Thai eatery with a sushi bar, 505 Old Post Rd., 732.287.3038

HIGHL AND PARK

PISCATAWAY

MIDORI Authentic Japanese dining, 1392 Centennial Ave., 732.981.9300

SENS ASIAN Far East fusion cuisine, 4095 Route 1 South, 732.355.1919

VILLA BORGHESE Traditional Italian fare with modern twists, 432 New Brunswick Ave., 732.738.0666

THE BARGE Waterfront restaurant featuring steak and seafood dishes, 201 Front St., 732.442.3000

FRESCO Seafood and steak fare, prix fixe menu, 210 Ryders Ln., 732.246.7616

MING Vegetarian-friendly pan-Asian fare, 1655 Oak Tree Rd. #185, 732.549.5051

FORDS

c a s ua l

NEW BRUNSWICK

CHRISTOPHER’S American seafood and steak fare, 10 Livingston Ave., 866.609.4700 CLYDZ Contemporary American cuisine with an extensive martini selection, 55 Paterson St., 732.846.6521 DUE MARI PESCE E VINOTECA Modern Italian food featuring fresh local and seasonal ingredients, 78 Albany St., 732.296.1600 THE FROG & THE PEACH American fare with a focus on fresh ingredients, 29 Dennis St., 732.846.3216 HARVEST MOON BREWERY American pub fare, 392 George St., 732.249.6666

CASA ROSARIA’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE Classic Italian food with modern American influences, 607 Plainsboro Rd., 609.799.9009 CROWN OF INDIA Authentic Indian cuisine, 660 Plainsboro Rd., 609.275.5707 EAST Asian fusion fare with a bubble tea bar, 5 Market St., 609.750.3278

SAYREVILLE

SPANISH RIVIERA Spanish and Mediterranean fare, 1776 Route 35 North, 732.316.1500

SOUTH AMBOY

COSTA VERDE Portuguese and Spanish cuisine featuring fresh seafood, 6039 Route 35 South, 732.727.7070

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

ADELINES RiSTORANTE Casual northern Italian dining, 2243 Hamilton Blvd., 908.755.8520 FLANAGAN’S American and Irish pub fare, 2501 Plainfield Ave., 908.757.1818

SOUTH RIVER

KRAKOWIAK Casual Polish restaurant, BYO, 42 Main St., 732.238.0433 RIA-MAR Traditional Portuguese fare, 25 Whitehead Ave., 732.257.1100

WOODBRIDGE

CHRIS MICHAEL’S STEAKHOUSE Seafood, steak and sushi bar, 40 Oakwood Ave., 732.634.5355

KAIRO CAFÉ Casual Greek dining, 49 Bayard St., 732.545.2476

J.J. BITTING BREWING CO. Traditional American fare, 33 Main St., 732.634.2929

MARITA’S CANTINA Classic Mexican fare, 1 Penn Plz., 732.247.3840

MULBERRY STREET RESTAURANT Italian seafood eatery, 739 Rahway Ave., 732.634.4699

For our complete list of dining options, visit the “where to eat” section of middlesexhealthandlife.com.

9/6/11 9:49 AM

Financial balance

WHAT’S YOUR MONEY style?

How you handle finances can affect your health and relationships. Take our quiz and identify your spending type Are you a miser—or wiser? Do you feel the urge to splurge? While many of us can describe our fashion style or our decorating style, self-knowledge often fails us when it comes to our financial habits. But knowing how you tend to handle money is a key to financial success, and it’s important for happy marriages too. “Money drives people crazy,” says Highland Park psychotherapist and couples’ counselor Arthur Greenberg, noting that in some families it’s a taboo subject. “The idea that ‘We shouldn’t talk about money’ has done the same thing for money as ‘We shouldn’t talk about sex’ has done for sex—made a big mess,” he says. Sometimes, he adds, a couple needs to recognize that one of them is simply better than the other at handling finances. It’s important to get a handle on your approach to money, agrees Simon Chu, a regional vice president of East Brunswick-based Cornerstone Financial Strategies Inc., who helps baby boomers do financial planning for retirement. “Financial habits,” he says, “can be your destiny.” To determine your money style, take the quick quiz below. It may give you a fresh look at your life with money so you can make sure the dollar is your servant and not the other way around. —david levine

Out shopping, you see a great pair of shoes on sale. They’re not in your week’s budget, and you’ll have to put them on a credit card, but you do need shoes. What do you do?

You’re shopping for a new TV. The high-definition set looks fantastic, but it’s more than you planned to spend. Do you:

A R esist the impulse and stick to the budget. B B uy the shoes and make a note to pay off that credit-card bill as soon as you can. C S imply buy the shoes and worry about your credit-card balance later.

A D ecide not to buy a set till you can determine what kind best fits your needs and budget? B B uy the high-def TV and hold back on another planned expense to make up the difference? C J ust go for it, figuring that a TV is a long-term investment?

Which gives you the most pleasure?

shutterstock

A S eeing the balance on my 401K account rise. B H aving my financial affairs in order so that I can concentrate on other things. C B uying myself an impulse gift.

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Which statement best describes how financially ready for retirement you are for your stage of life?

A I ’m right on track for the amount I need to save. B I’m saving, but not as much as I should. C I’m way behind, or I don’t even know quite where I stand.

Which best describes your use of credit cards? A I never—or hardly ever— use them. B I use them regularly but pay off balances promptly to avoid high interest charges. C I have significant balances on them that I can’t pay off right away.

key

A Deposit the inheritance in a money-market account and forget about it. B Spend a few grand on things you’ve been wanting—home improve- ments, a nice vacation— and put the rest in a savings account. C Take this chance to trade in your car for a fancier one to lift your spirits.

A I write down each expenditure and deduct it from amounts I’ve allotted monthly for various categories. B I know generally what I need to spend on different items each month and try to keep within those limits, but I don’t keep exact written records. C I spend it if I’ve got it, use credit if I don’t, and deal with the totals only when I have to.

Your uncle just left you $25,000, but things also seem shaky for your employer. What do you do?

How do you budget your money?

Give yourself 1 point for each a answer, 2 points for each B response and 3 points for each C. Then total your points and find your “money style” below.

7 to 9: SUPERSAVER. Good for you for saving! But you may need to loosen up once in a while and permit yourself to enjoy the things money can provide.

10 to 13: PRUDENT SAVER. Life is full of trade-offs, and you’ve been dealing with them pretty well. Congratulations on achieving some measure of financial balance!

14 to 17: BORDERLINE OVERSPENDER. You’re not going hog-wild, but you may need to spend less and learn to derive more satisfaction from saving.

18 to 21: SUPERSPENDER. We can relate—it’s tough out there, and many things money

can buy can provide an emotional pick-me-up. But happiness isn’t for sale, and you defeat your purpose if you let long-term money worries accumulate. Consult a financial adviser to develop a strategy to handle funds more prudently.

9/1/11 11:34 AM

thingstodo Oct 4–Nov 6

A musical comedy for anyone with parents, It Shoulda Been You will be playing at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. Tony Award- and four-time Emmy Award-winner David Hyde Pierce from TV’s Frasier directs. Tickets: $26.50–$63.50 . Call 732.246.7717 or visit georgestreetplay house.org for additional information.

Oct 6–16 Get transported

back to the Harlem Renaissance when high-society nightclubs were filled with piano players banging out the best new beat: swing. Ain’t Misbehavin’ will be performed at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $25 for a preview, $50 for opening night, $35 for general admission. To learn more, call 732.545.8100 or visit crossroadstheatrecompany.org.

Oct 8–22 Plays in the Park’s

19th annual indoor children’s musical, Three Little Pigs in a Blanket, is an event for the whole family. It will be showing at Roosevelt Park in Edison on Oct. 8, 9, 15, 16 and 22 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets: $3 for adults, $2 for children. Call 732.548.2884 or visit playsinthepark.com to learn more. A still from the movie Inuk, to be shown as part the New Jersey Film Festival October 2

n ov e m b e r

Oct 11–Dec 13

The East Brunswick Public Library presents the finest in recent global cinema at its Fall International Film Festival. Movies will be shown in their original language, with English subtitles as needed. Showtimes: 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. Free admission. To learn more, call 732.390.6767 or visit ebpl.org.

Oct 14 In the mood for a

good laugh? Wanda Sykes has been ranked among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 funniest people in America. See her perform at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, 8 p.m. The show includes mature content. Tickets: $35–$95 . To learn more, call 732.246.7469 or visit statetheatrenj.org.

Oct 15–16 The East

Brunswick Museum will be holding Candlelight Tours of the historic Chestnut Hill Cemetery in East Brunswick, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, that time period will be featured, with displays and narratives depicting the former village of Old Bridge. More than 500 luminarias will outline the walking path, and there will be light refreshments after the tour. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight. Admission: $8 for adults, $2 for children under 12. Call 732.257.1508 or visit eastbrunswick museum.org for additional information.

Oct 16 Have fun with friends

at the Run for RAH charity race at the Rutgers University Stadium in Piscataway. Registration and a health fair begin at 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile fun walk at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., participants begin the 5K race, which is followed by refreshments and awards at 10:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to run with a team, but it is not required. Proceeds will benefit Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH). If registered by Oct. 10: $20 for the 5K ( $18

october 2011

for USA Track & Field members), $15 for the fun walk. Registration on race day: $25 for the 5K ( $23 for USATF members), $20 for the fun walk. For additional information, call 848.932.2299 or visit ralumni. com/homecomingrun.

Oct 22 The critically acclaimed

Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre will be putting on a special presentation for Hispanic Heritage Month: Spain…The Trail of Gold. The cross-cultural program, with various dances and musical performances, will explore Spain’s age of exploration in Latin America. Tickets: $20 for preferred seating, $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students. Call 848.203.3420 or visit alboradadance.org to learn more.

Through Oct 27

The 30th annual New Jersey Film Festival will feature more than 60 screenings of American independent features, new international films, experimental and short-subject films, classic revivals and documentaries at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Tickets: $10 general admission, $9 for seniors and students, $8 for Rutgers Film Co-op members and friends of the New Jersey Media Arts Center. For additional information, call 732.932.8482 or visit njfilmfest.com.

Through Oct 28

Peruse the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum’s exhibition Mystics and Moderns: Painting in Estonia before Glasnost at Rutgers University in New Brunswick to learn about the continuity of Estonian culture through the Soviet occupation and the withdrawal in 1991. Tickets: $6 for nonmembers; $5 for seniors over 65; free for members, children under 18, Rutgers University students, faculty and staff with a valid I.D. and all visitors the first Sunday of every month. Call 732.932.7237 or visit zimmerlimuseum. rutgers.edu for more information.

Mike Magidson

o c to b e r

middlese xHEALTHandLIFE.com

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9/6/11 9:50 AM

things to do

Oct 28 The comedian and

Saturday Night Live veteran Kevin Nealon, who stars in Showtime’s Golden Globe-winning series Weeds, will be performing at the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 . For more information, please call 732.545.HAHA (4242) or visit stressfactory.com.

Oct 28–30 Designed for

homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating, the New Jersey Fall Home Show displays hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits with product demonstrations and interior and exterior vignettes. The show will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. For more information, call 888.560.EXPO (3976) or visit acshomeshow.com.

Nov 7Are your kids way ahead

left: courtesy of march of dimes. right: Peter Jacobs

of you in the technology department? Catch up with iPhones, iPads & Smartphones, an educational program designed to teach the fundamentals of these devices, at the East Brunswick Public Library, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Preregistration is required. Cost: $25 . For more information, call 732.390.6777 or visit ebpl.org.

Run in the 5K for Healthy Babies on November 12.

Nov 12

Through Nov 18

Through Nov 13

Bryan Callen has been on such TV shows as King of Queens, MADtv, Sex and the City and The West Wing. See him perform live at the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick, 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets: $23 . For more information, call 732.545.HAHA (4242) or visit stressfactory.com.

Head to Johnson Park in Piscataway for the inaugural 5K for Healthy Babies to benefit the March of Dimes. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race, which takes place on a certified, timed course, starts at 9 a.m. A kids’ race will commence at 9:40 a.m. Afterward, enjoy prizes, food and beverages. Participants who return registration forms or register online by Oct. 6 will receive a commemorative T-shirt; T-shirts will be given to other registrants while supplies last. Kids’ race: $10 . 5K: $25 if registered by Oct. 6, $30 later. Call 732.952.9018 or visit marchofdimes.com/newjersey for more information.

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick will be exhibiting Cast Me Not Away: Soviet Photography in the 1980s, which features more than 50 works by 18 artists who explore universal themes of human existence such as love, family and rebellion during that period. Tickets: $6 for nonmembers; $5 for seniors over 65; free for members, children under 18, Rutgers University students, faculty and staff with a valid I.D. and all visitors the first Sunday of every month. For more information, call 732.932.7237 or visit zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu.

Purchase fresh locally grown and prepared foods this fall at the Rutgers Gardens Farmers’ Market at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in New Brunswick, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. Free admission. For more information, call 732.932.8451 or visit rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu.

Nov 17–20

Nov 22 Calling all Deadheads!

Enjoy the Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead tribute band, as it performs at the State Theatre in New Brunswick as part of its “Fly Through the Night” fall tour, 8 p.m. Tickets: $27–$36 . Call 732.246.7469 or visit statetheatrenj.org to learn more.

Send event listings to: Middlesex Health & Life, 110 S u m m i t Ave n u e, Mo nt va l e, NJ 076 4 5 ; o r e-mail us at thingstodo@wainscotmedia.com. Listings must be received two months before the event and must include a phone number that will be published. Share events online by clicking the “Submit an Event” link below the Community Calendar at middlesexhealthandlife.com.

View images of daily life in the Soviet Union through November 13.

middlesexHEALTHandLIFE.com

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october 2011

9/6/11 9:51 AM

escapes

clockwise from top left: The house

Ge t ting there

appears to hover cantilevered over the stream; the polished stone floor of the living room suggests the wet stone of the streambed outside; at dusk, rooms seem to glow in uninterrupted horizontal planes.

fallingwater 1491 Mill Run Rd., Mill Run, Pa. 724.329.8501, fallingwater.org Driving time: about 6 hours

modern majesty When renowned architect Philip Johnson was at Fallingwater to celebrate his 85th birthday, he stood on its west terrace gazing at the tower window and declared, “It is the greatest house of the 20th century.” When a staff member asked if he could be quoted, he replied, “Certainly not. I’ve designed a few buildings myself, you know.” The amusing anecdote is recounted by Fallingwater’s director, Lynda Waggoner, in the introduction to the new book Fallingwater (Rizzoli New York), published to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the legendary house built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936, which dramatically hovers over a 30-foot waterfall. This anniversary year is an ideal time to visit the iconic modernist house located in the Pennsylvania mountains about 90 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. As we went to press, celebratory events were set to culminate in a 75th anniversary gala

_MID1011_Escapes_REV2.indd 1

in September, featuring drinks, dinner and a light installation on the building. “It’s going to be a wonderfully magical event with a forest theme,” Waggoner explained as the event neared. Much has been written about Fallingwater, which was designed as a weekend home for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann. And although you can read about Wright’s concept of organic architecture—the harmonious union of art and nature—nothing beats seeing the embodiment of this concept for yourself. “It has a profound impact on you when you see it,” says Waggoner, who has been working at Fallingwater since 1965. “I think there’s something within everyone that wants to connect back to nature. Being in Fallingwater is almost like being in a tree house. There’s a delight about this building that few other buildings can aspire to. Once you see it, you’ll never forget it.”

Fallingwater belonged to the Kaufmann family until 1963, when the house, its contents and its grounds were entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., and it is the only major Wright work to come into the public domain with its setting, original furnishings and artwork intact. Various tours (from a regular one-hour version to a special sunset tour complete with hors d’oeuvres) are held daily (except Wednesdays) from March through Thanksgiving, and advance reservations are essential. In fact, the rise in attendance has been the biggest change at Fallingwater over the years, says Waggoner: “At the dedication ceremony, one of the speakers speculated that one day perhaps as many as 25,000 people each year would find their way to this remote mountain location, and now it’s 160,000.” —Marisa Sandora

to see more photos of fallingwater, go to middlesexhealthandlife.com.

Christopher Little from Fallingwater/edited by Lynda Waggoner/Rizzoli New york 2011

nestled in the pennsylvania wilderness lies fallingwater, the iconic house by frank lloyd wright

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