By: Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri

Maintaining your ideal weight and enjoying a balanced, healthy diet is an important part of your well-being and can significantly reduce the risk for chronic diseases, including: diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. Know your body mass index, or BMI, and waist measurement compared to your height, so you can track how you are doing. Regular exercise is a must; be sure to get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week plus some form of resistance training or weight lifting and stretching. Proper nutrition is also very important. Enjoy a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, proteins low in saturated fat and switch to water instead of sugary drinks.

The following guidelines can help you select nutritious foods for you and your family.

Limit your saturated fats and avoid trans fats: butter, some margarines; vegetable shortening; foods containing “hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,” such as cookies, crackers, pastries, microwave popcorn, and some frozen meals; deep-fried foods, such as doughnuts, french fries, and fast foods; cheese; butter; fatty meats, such as hamburger, steak, and prime rib; cold cuts; poultry skin; whole milk and whole-milk products, such as ice cream and cream; and tropical oils, such as palm kernel or coconut.

Increase your intake of good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated): olive oil; canola oil; peanut oil; flax seeds and flaxseed oil; wheat germ; nuts, including almonds, cashews, filberts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and peanuts; avocados; peanut butter (look for all-natural brands) and other nut butters, such as almond butter and cashew butter; corn, soy bean, safflower, and sunflower oils; sunflower seeds; fish, including herring, bluefish, salmon, pollack, flounder, lake trout, tuna, and sardines; fish-oil pills with EPA and DHA (500 to 1,000 milligrams per day).

Enjoy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains: oranges and orange juice; green and red peppers; collard greens; broccoli; spinach; tomatoes; strawberries; kiwi; apricots; carrots; pumpkin; cantaloupe; sweet potatoes; dark, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, hubbard squash, and papaya; Brussels sprouts; asparagus; bananas; avocados; almonds; cashews; peanuts; macadamia nuts; hazelnuts; pistachios; walnuts; peanut butter and other nut butters; 100-percent whole-grain bread; oatmeal; whole-wheat pasta; whole-grain crackers; whole-wheat flour; wheat berries or cracked wheat; quinoa; brown rice; barley and millet.

 Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri is medical director of the Institute for Weight Loss at Raritan Bay Medical Center. The Institute provides individualized medical and surgical solutions and support for individuals seeking weight loss who have been unable to lose weight through conventional dieting, exercise or weight loss medication. For more information or to make an appointment, call 1.855.TIME.4.ME.

Health Fair to be Held at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge
-The Filipino-American Community of Old Bridge, Inc., Raritan Bay Medical Center, Community Health Partners and Physician Practices Co-Sponsor Free Health Fair-

OLD BRIDGE, NJ, September 7, 2011… A free health fair will be held at Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Old Bridge location Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., One Hospital Plaza, off of Ferry Road, Old Bridge. The event will provide education on living healthy and information about a variety of healthcare topics. Free screenings will be offered, including: breast cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, BMI (body fat analysis), cataract, foot screening, lung capacity, dental, physical therapy and more. The Blood Center of New Jersey will also hold a blood drive. For more information call (732) 910-9062 or (732) 360-1405.

The fair is co-sponsored by Raritan Bay Medical Center, Filipino-American Community of Old Bridge, Inc., Bay Practices Obstetrics & Gynecology  and Family Medicine and various community health partners and physician practices.

-RBMC-

Center for Women Promoting Early Detection of Breast Cancer in October
-The Center is Hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Event with Giveaways,
Prizes and Educational Resources Saturday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Lower Level, Center Court, Woodbridge Mall-

PERTH AMBOY, NJ, September 28, 2011… This October marks 25 years of observing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That’s a quarter century of creating breast cancer awareness, education and empowerment nationwide. “At Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Center for Women, designated a pink ribbon facility, our physicians and highly-trained staff bring that same commitment to our community every day,” says Stephen Warren, MD, a board certified radiologist and chairman, department of diagnostic imaging at the medical center.

According to the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, this year more than 230,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer*1 and over 40,000 women will die because of breast cancer.*2 While those statistics may seem intimidating, early detection of breast cancer, through self-breast exams or breast screenings, can greatly improve treatment success. “Women should discuss their family and health history with their doctor and whether they should have additional tests or mammograms at an earlier age; but generally, women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40,” says Dr. Warren.

As part of month-long efforts to increase breast cancer awareness and promote self-breast examination, the Center for Women is hosting an event Saturday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Woodbridge Mall’s lower level center court complete with giveaways, prizes and educational resources. The mall is located at 250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

Women’s healthcare technology company Hologic recently recognized the Center for Women, with locations at the medical center’s Old Bridge and Perth Amboy locations, as a Pink Ribbon Facility TM certifying that the medical center provides its patients the best possible imaging technology available for the earliest possible detection of breast cancer. “Our technology is state-of-the-art,” explains Dr. Warren, “but ultimately each patient’s care rests in the hands of our expert radiologists and compassionate healthcare professionals. Our radiologists use a ‘double read’ method, unlike most facilities where a single radiologist scans the images. Double read means that two doctors evaluate every digital screening mammogram and provide two opinions. If the doctors do not concur, a third radiologist is called upon for an additional read. The mammogram is then checked by a CAD computer algorithm, providing yet another assurance.”

Patients appreciate the extra touches that make the Center a special place. “I’ve always maintained my health and have been diligent with recommended screenings all my life,” says Marlboro resident Andrea Sohnen. “I’ve made sure to get my annual mammography each year since I turned 40. When my longtime physician retired, I went to a couple of different free-standing imaging centers which promised a ‘personal touch’ for this testing. But after hearing about the Center for Women’s double read method I decided to give them a try. It surpassed all my expectations. I made a convenient appointment and did not have to wait the day of my testing. The technologist who performed the test was wonderful. She was talented, friendly and made me feel at ease. All and all it was a very comfortable experience. I was so impressed that I’ve recommended the Center for Women to all my friends.”

In addition to digital mammography, the Center for Women at Raritan Bay’s Perth Amboy location provides both breast MRI imaging and MRI-guided biopsy. To schedule an appointment, call (732) 324-5270. For more information, call (732) 360-4232 or visit www.rbmc.org. The medical center also provides breast cancer support group meetings at its Medical Pavilion at Woodbridge. For support group schedule and registration call (732) 362-3860.

*1 National Cancer Institute: United States, 2010
*2 American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2009

-RBMC-

Orthopedic Surgeon Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., Joins Human Motion Institute
Opens Practice Office in Perth Amboy

PERTH AMBOY, NJ, October 14, 2011… Board certified orthopedic surgeon Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., MD, has joined Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Human Motion Institute and added a new office location to his practice Brunswick Orthopaedic Associates in the hospital’s Medical Pavilion at Perth Amboy, 516 Lawrie St., Perth Amboy. 

“I’m excited to join the Human Motion Institute,” said Dr. Swan. “RBMC is doing a great job with this initiative, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”  To make an appointment, call 732-846-6100.  The surgeon, who also has an office at 303 George St., Suite 105, New Brunswick, NJ, accepts most medical insurances and is accepting new patients.

Dr. Swan specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery, orthopedic trauma and general orthopedics. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ.  Dr. Swan believes his training began before college, in high school, where he was a three-sport varsity athlete. As such, he suffered several sports injuries requiring orthopedic care. He attended Cornell University where he played varsity football, and was a part of Cornell’s third and most recent Ivy League Championship in 1990. 

Dr. Swan earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. He completed five years of orthopedic residency and trauma surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ. Dr. Swan obtained an additional year of training at the University of Colorado, where he earned sub-specialty expertise in shoulder surgery and sports medicine. During that time, he was assistant team physician for the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the University of Denver Pioneers.

-RBMC-

The Human Motion Institute (HMI) at Raritan Bay Medical Center is an integrated team of orthopedic surgeons, specialty physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and allied health professionals providing complete and comprehensive musculoskeletal healthcare including joint, spine and foot and ankle specialties. A wide variety of conditions are treated including:

• Joint replacement and reconstruction
• Disorders of the spine
• Fractures
• Sports related injuries (knee, shoulder, foot & ankle, hand & upper extremity)
  Other injuries involving tendons, joints, bones, and muscle 

HMI provides:

• Specialty trained surgeons & physicians expertise and prompt diagnosis
• Prompt access for initial evaluation, diagnosis & treatment
• A smooth admission process
• Dedicated & private rooms
• Specialized nursing staff (Magnet status)
• Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation

These services are coordinated to ensure patients and families receive superior and compassionate care. Professionals work with each patient and their family to develop a customized treatment plan. The goal is simple: return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible.  For more information, call 855.5.MOTION or visit rbmc.humanmotioninstitute.org.

Orthopedic Surgeons Lu and Beiro Open Practice in Woodbridge,
Join Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay Medical Center

WOODBRIDGE, NJ, September 29, 2011… Orthopedic surgeons Michael T. Lu, MD, and Cristobal Beiro, MD, have joined the Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay Medical Center and opened the practice Garden State Bone & Joint Specialists in Woodbridge, NJ.

“We’re both excited to join the healthcare professionals at Raritan Bay, especially as part of the Human Motion Institute program, known for high-quality care and successful patient outcomes,” said Dr. Beiro, who specializes in sports medicine. “I’m sure our patients will appreciate the medical center’s amenities and courteous, expert Magnet nursing staff, nationally recognized for nursing excellence,” said shoulder and elbow specialist Dr. Lu. Their new practice is located at 1000 Route 9 North, 3rd floor, Woodbridge, NJ. To make an appointment, call 732.626.5946. The surgeons accept most medical insurances and are accepting new patients.           

Dr. Beiro received his medical degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Newark, NJ and also completed his residency at UMDNJ, where he served as administrative chief resident. Dr. Beiro completed his fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine at Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, and served as assistant team physician to the Baltimore Ravens NFL team, Washington Nationals MLB team, and Baltimore Blast MILS team. During this time, he also served as assistant team physician to local Baltimore undergraduate schools, including: Morgan State University Division I Football and Basketball, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College and Goucher College.  He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. His primary research interests include ligamentous reconstruction of the ACL and posterolateral knee. Dr. Beiro is also a First Lieutenant in the Navy Medical Corps Reserves. He is fluent in Spanish.           

Dr. Lu, a board eligible orthopedic surgeon, received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and completed his residency at UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Dr. Lu completed a fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Dr. Lu has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and multimedia presentations. He has been awarded numerous honors for his ongoing clinical research, which he has also presented at both national and international orthopaedic conferences. In addition to general orthopedics, he specializes in all aspects of shoulder and elbow surgery, including fracture care, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery.

-RBMC-

The Human Motion Institute (HMI) at Raritan Bay Medical Center is an integrated team of orthopedic surgeons, specialty physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and allied health professionals providing complete and comprehensive musculoskeletal healthcare including joint, spine and foot and ankle specialties. A wide variety of conditions are treated including:

• Joint replacement and reconstruction
• Disorders of the spine
• Fractures
• Sports related injuries (knee, shoulder, foot & ankle, hand & upper extremity)
• Other injuries involving tendons, joints, bones, and muscle 

HMI provides:

• Specialty trained surgeons & physicians expertise and prompt diagnosis
• Prompt access for initial evaluation, diagnosis & treatment
• A smooth admission process
• Dedicated & private rooms
• Specialized nursing staff (Magnet status)
• Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation

These services are coordinated to ensure patients and families receive superior and compassionate care. Professionals work with each patient and their family to develop a customized treatment plan. The goal is simple: return patients to normal function as quickly and safely as possible.  For more information, call 855.5.MOTION or visit rbmc.humanmotioninstitute.org.