Comments Off on How the MIND Diet can Improve Brain Health
By Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE Registered Dietician, Shore Physicians Group
As we age, it is natural for our minds to show signs of slowing down. Due to normal brain changes, we may find it more challenging to multitask or remember what we had for lunch yesterday. But there are things we can all do to prevent or slow cognitive decline with age and reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. One of those ways is through diet, particularly the MIND diet.
MIND stands for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It is a fairly new diet first published in 2015 by Nutritional Epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris and a team of researchers with Rush University Medical Center. It combines two heart-healthy diets—DASH and Mediterranean—and is predominantly plant-based with a moderate amount of animal products.
Plant-based diets are high in polyphenols and green leafy vegetables, which have been shown to slow cognitive decline. Plant-based diets are also high in Vitamin E because they generally contain nuts, seeds, and plant oils like olive oil and avocado oil. Fruits such as berries are also prominent in plant-based diets, and have been shown to decrease neuron loss and improve memory performance in relatively large scientific studies.
What’s more, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are essential blood pressure and cell signaling regulators. The MIND diet balances them by reducing processed foods and providing a base of foods like kale, spinach, fruits, and seafood.
Additionally, elevated blood sugar can create inflammation which impacts every organ in the body, including the brain. Since the MIND diet is high in plant-based fiber, it can help slow digestion to release glucose at a slower pace, which can lower a person’s A1C and support regulating blood sugar.
You won’t find processed and packaged foods like fried potato chips, cookies, and all-purpose flour-based products with the MIND diet. Instead, it emphasizes whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. It also supports a reduction in fried foods, fatty conventionally grown beef, and limits poultry to twice a week. Plenty of vegetables and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are allowed in the MIND diet.
I would recommend the MIND diet as a preventative diet against Alzheimer’s and as a diet that supports overall health.
Tiffany Rios treats patients at the Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology office, located at 18 West New York Avenue in Somers Point, NJ. To learn more or make an appointment with Tiffany, call 609.365.5300.
Comments Off on Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques Offer Many Benefits
With modern minimally invasive surgery techniques, you usually don’t have to sit on the sidelines for months recovering. Minimally invasive, or laparoscopic surgery, allows patients to return to their everyday lives much quicker than traditional open surgery.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery
Dr. James Tayoun of Shore Physicians Group is a Board Certified General and Vascular Surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery. He says, “Should you need surgery, you want it done with the least amount of trauma, less impact on surrounding tissue, and a smaller incision with less scarring. Laparoscopic surgery allows patients to get back to work and back to what they enjoy much quicker than traditional open surgery. With a large incision, the body needs to spend so much of its energy healing that wound. There can be issues with the pain of a large incision, making daily tasks such as walking more difficult. Pain can also interfere with breathing and slow down recovery.”
Laparoscopic surgery helps patients avoid large open wounds or incisions, thus decreasing blood loss, pain, and discomfort. Patients have fewer unwanted effects from analgesia because less is required. According to the National Institute of Health, fine instruments are less apt to cause tissue trauma and blood loss.
A mind is a powerful tool
“Minimally invasive surgery has a psychological advantage as well,” said Dr. Tayoun. “If you can get back to your normal, if you can ambulate, if the pain is not causing issues with breathing, and you can participate in activities that you did before the surgery, you will feel more like yourself, and it will honestly help shorten your recuperation.”
Thanks to improvements in technology
Dr. Tayoun said the first laparoscopic techniques were used in 1901. “They were much larger and rudimentary back then when they initially used them for obstetrics. But the changes in instruments and techniques are constantly improving. The instrumentation, the scopes, and the cameras have made so many surgeries much more direct, surgeries that used to sideline patients for a long recovery time like gallbladder removal, hernias, and appendectomy.”
During laparoscopy, the surgeon will make a small incision, about 1 to 1.5cm (0.4 to 0.6 inches), usually near the patient’s belly button. A tube is inserted through the incision and gas, typically carbon dioxide, is pumped through the tube to inflate the abdomen. According to Dr. Tayoun, inflating the abdomen allows the surgeon to see the organs more clearly and affords more room to work. A laparoscope, a narrow tool with a light and video camera at the end, is then inserted through this tube. The laparoscope relays images to a screen in the operating room, where the team can get a clear view of the whole area.
Laparoscopy is for diagnosis and treatment
If the laparoscopy is used to carry out the surgical treatment, such as removing your appendix, further incisions will be made in your abdomen. Tiny surgical instruments can be inserted through these incisions, and the surgeon can guide them to the right place using the view from the laparoscope. Once in place, the instruments can be used to carry out the required treatment.
After the procedure, the carbon dioxide is released from the abdomen, incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied. As Dr. Tayoun explained, laparoscopic surgery is done under a general anesthetic, so the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure. When laparoscopy is used to diagnose a condition, the procedure may take 30-60 minutes. If the surgeon is treating a condition, it will take longer. Dr. Tayoun cautioned that patients often think laparoscopic surgery will be shorter than open surgery because of the smaller incision. However, that is not the case. Laparoscopic surgery takes roughly the same amount of time as open surgery.
Huge strides for gallbladder surgery
Fatty foods can be tough on our digestive system. The gallbladder’s job is to help break down those fatty foods and push them through to the intestines. The gallbladder is a small organ, roughly the size of a robin’s egg, and is in the upper right lobe of the liver. It is part of the digestive system and stores bile, made chiefly of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts, which aids in the digestion of fatty foods. It can grow to the size of a pear, and after we consume a meal, it emulsifies the food and sends it on to the small intestine.
Dr. Tayoun said the gallbladder function is like a triangle with all three sides the same. “Think of one side of the triangle as fluid – in this case, bile. Another side of the triangle is solvent or cholesterol. The third side of the triangle is the motion that keeps it flowing. If one of those three sides of the triangle is off, it will not function properly, and the gallbladder will begin to give you problems,” said Dr. Tayoun. “The good thing, while the gallbladder is important, it is not an essential organ, and if it is diseased, if it should need removal, we can do that easily through a laparoscopic procedure. The patient can often go home the same day, and while they may have some minor discomfort, recovery is normally pretty straightforward, and they are back to work and back to their normal life rather quickly.”
But that bounce back from gallbladder surgery using traditional open surgical procedures can be long and uncomfortable. As Dr. Tayoun explained, in open surgery, the gallbladder location necessitates a larger incision and moving around muscles to gain access to the gallbladder. Likewise, laparoscopic surgery reduces trauma to the body in other surgeries such as appendectomies and repairing a hernia.
The cure
“Minimally invasive techniques allow me to do the most important part of my job as a surgeon: cure the patient. I am able to use technology and go in and take care of what it is that was causing you pain and negatively impacting your life. I can fix that, and you will feel better. Your life will be more enjoyable because the pain you had, or whatever made you sick, is taken care of,” concluded Dr. Tayoun.
Comments Off on PRP Injections: Shore Physicians Group brings MVP-worthy treatment to Somers Point
On May 17, the Associated Press reported that Philadelphia Phillies superstar and reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper missed a game against the San Diego Padres as he recovers from a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow.
Harper had the injection because of a small tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow that limited the slugging right fielder to play only as Philadelphia’s designated hitter because his throwing motion was impacted by the tear.
As baseball fans in the area await Bryce’s return to outfield, many may be wondering what exactly is a platelet-rich plasma injection and why would a patient choose to receive one.
Shore Physicians Group orthopaedic hand surgeon Dr. Jasmine Bauknight and non-operative sports medicine physician Dr. Steven Cetel, who are treating patients with platelet-rich plasma injections at the Shore Physicians Group Orthopaedic Division in Somers Point offer valuable insight on this subject.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. A small amount of blood is drawn from a patient, and then the drawn blood is placed into a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
Dr. Bauknight explains, “The platelets release small healing factors to damaged tissue. It can be an effective for tennis elbow, golf elbow, tendonitis, other tendon issues and joint arthritis. My patients who were suffering from tennis elbow have had success with it. PRP therapy can be useful when other options have not worked, and if successful it can be a way for a patient to prevent or delay surgery.”
Dr. Cetel added, “Platelet-rich plasma has been shown to be highly effective in acute tendon injuries more so then chronic injuries. High level athletes have been using Platelet-rich plasma at much higher rates over the past few years due to the ability to avoid surgery and get back to play sooner.”
Baseball fans who are following the news on Harper’s recovery may be asking themselves why is it taking so long for him to get back in right field. The reality is that while PRP can be effective, it is not a quick fix or instant cure.
“I want people to understand that PRP therapy is not a short term pain reliever like a cortisone shot,” said Dr. Bauknight. “PRP a long-term healing process. It takes time, as the tissue is repairing itself. For example, patient who receive an injection in their Achillies tendon can expect to be sore for up to a week, and maximum improvement can take several weeks to months, although benefits can last for several months to years.”
Dr. Cetel echoed this sentiment by stating, “It is not an immediate fix and the injury has to heal – but PRP and physical therapy can get you back sooner. It is still an experimental treatment but results have been very good so far.”
For an appointment with Dr. Bauknight or Dr. Cetel to see if PRP might be an option for you, call 609.365.6280.
Comments Off on Shore Physicians Group Welcomes Primary Care Physician Dr. Maria Cerna to its Northfield Practice
Shore Physicians Group announced today that internal medicine physician Maria Jose Jimenez Cerna, MD, will be joining its Northfield Primary Care practice located at 2605 Shore Road. Dr. Cerna is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and fluent in Spanish and Eng-lish, and treats patients age 19 and up. She will begin seeing patients on Tuesday, May 31.
Dr. Cerna hails most recently from Cooperstown, NY, where she served as an attending physi-cian in primary care and hospital medicine at Mary Imogene Bassett Medical Center since 2017. She received her Medical Degree from Universidad Autonoma de Honduras. She completed her internal medicine residency with Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in Bronx, NY, affiliated with Weil Cornell Medical Center College.
In addition to caring for patients during her tenure at Mary Imogene Bassett Medical Center, Dr. Cerna also supervised and taught internal medicine residents and medical students. Before com-ing to the United States, Dr. Cerna served as a primary care physician in Honduras. She has partici-pated in numerous community service programs both in Honduras and the United States, including a project in the Bronx to help reduce the obesity rate in children.
At the SPG Northfield office, Dr. Cerna will join Shore Physicians Group primary care providers Seblewongel Bulcha, MD; Cindy L. Nunan, DNP, FNP-BC; Ulices Perez, MD; and Marlene V. Rodriguez, MD. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cerna, call 609-365-5300.
Comments Off on Spring can be a Real Pain in the Neck, Back, and Knees
For so many of us, we spent the winter months sitting more and exercising less than is recommended. The American Heart Association says only one in five is getting the heart-pumping exercise our bodies need for optimal health each week. But seasons change, and those early beautiful spring days beckon us to be outdoors. Whether we are weekend warriors on the tennis court, the soccer field, or in the garden, early spring sore muscles and achy backs can be the result. Jumping into activities without ramping up, stretching, and conditioning can be a real pain.
Stretch it out Primary Care and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Steven Cetel of Shore Physician Group in Somers Point said everyone needs to make sure they are prepared when they head out in the spring for sports or heavy chores. “In the spring, we see an uptick in sprains, strains, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, and concussions with people involved in sports. We will see more knee and back pain with people working in their garden,” said Dr. Cetel. “Stretching is so important, both before and after an activity, to cut down on injuries. I remind patients to start with bending whatever the joint is they might be pushing. They also need a strong core. A weak core leaves you susceptible to back pain and knee pain.”
Getting to the core For athletes, whether on the varsity squad or with the over 40 men’s baseball league, injuries are a part of the game. “To avoid injuries, it is important to have strong mechanics and a strong core. There is a reason for spring training, to get athletes ready for their sport and to ramp up to whatever activity they plan,” said Dr. Cetel. “For those who may be older, start low and slow. You cannot go from sitting on the couch to playing tennis or pulling weeds in the garden for four hours. That is how people wind up with problems.”
Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities. In fact, most sports and other physical activities depend on stable core muscles.
“For my older patients planning to do work in their garden, I remind them to work up to it by bending over for a few minutes and remaining active,” said Dr. Cetel. “To avoid injury, sometimes people need a reminder to bend from the hips and not from their back. Once again, a strong core helps keep pain at bay.”
Kneeling is another cause of discomfort and injury. Dr. Cetel explained that knee pain is often due to arthritis. He reminds patients that kneeling for an extended period will result in pain. Kneel for shorter periods and use some type of knee pad or protection to cut down on knee pain or injury.
RICE is always nice for sprains The classic advice Dr. Cetel offers patients is the acronym RICE, which stands for “rest, ice, compress, elevate”. RICE still holds true for strains and sprains, but according to Dr. Cetel, the amount of time someone should follow RICE has changed over time. “That guideline is for right after the injury. It used to be that if you sprained your ankle, you stayed off of it and followed RICE protocol for a longer period. Now we want to make sure you are getting your range of motion back earlier. When the swelling goes down, start moving around as much as you are able. But on the flip side, if it is too tender for you to walk on that ankle, you need to come in for an evaluation.”
A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or awkwardly turn your ankle. These injuries can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue or ligaments that help hold your ankle bones in place. The ligaments stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement. A sprain happens when the ligament is forced beyond its normal range of motion.
A high-ankle sprain is different and, according to Dr. Cetel, will take longer to resolve or heal. A high ankle sprain is when you tear or damage the high ankle ligaments that connect the tibia to the fibula. The ankles connect the leg bones to the foot bones. Dr. Cetel said, a patient with a high ankle sprain might need crutches or wear a boot to keep weight off the area until it heals. Sometimes, the high ankle sprain may require surgery, depending upon the severity of the strain. Football players may get a high ankle sprain and be out for weeks until it heals. Baseball players sliding into a base can experience a similar injury.
Shouldering the season “The best way to avoid shoulder injuries is to maintain proper mechanics,” said Dr. Cetel. “You need a strong shoulder, upper body, and scapular muscles to avoid pain. We often sit stooped in our chair, or worse, stooped with a phone in our hand, texting. That is just setting you up for pain,” said Dr. Cetel.
Shoulder injuries are common in the garden as well. Dr. Cetel explained that people may use improper form to lift heavy landscaping rocks or do repetitive work too often. “They should be lifting with their legs and glutes, not with their back,” said Dr. Cetel. “People in pain should move as quickly as possible to avoid getting stiff.”
Help for those knees For an acute knee injury that results from a direct blow, unusual twisting, bending, or falling on the knee, Dr. Cetel suggests stopping the activity and RICE. For pain caused by arthritis, Dr. Cetel said strengthening activities, possibly physical therapy, can help the affected area get stronger. He also suggested glucosamine chondroitin may help. “In some cases, a brace on the knee might be helpful. The patient and their doctor could also look at the possibility of steroids or gel injections to help alleviate pain and promote healing.”
For shoulders, knees, and even hamstring pulls, Dr. Cetel said it is important to strengthen the area surrounding the injured joint to make it stronger. “It is our goal to make sure they heal safely. Included in that equation is also good nutrition, proper sleep, and staying hydrated. All of those factors will help everyone get back to the baseball field, the tennis courts or out in the backyard, pulling weeds and planting flowers.
Dr. Cetel recently served as the team physician for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He also served as the NBA League Delaware Blue Coats Asst. team physician as well as team physician for the University of Delaware men’s and women’s basketball and lacrosse teams. To make an appointment with Dr. Steven Cetel call 609-365-5600 for the Primary Care in Northfield office or 609-365-6280 for the Orthopedic office in Somers Point.
Spring is officially here, and with the extra hours of daylight and sunshine many enjoy, others are already in the throes of their seasonal allergies. Even on the prettiest days, they can be miserable with symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat.
Dr. John Kulin, urgent care medicine physician and director of Shore Urgent Care in Northfield, said it is tree pollen that has allergy sufferers sneezing and sniffling this time of year. “Tree pollens can really trigger the body’s allergic response, and this is the time of year when trees are getting ready to bloom. We walk outside in the morning and see that fine coating on top of the car, that is pollen, and some people can have a very strong reaction to it. March to June is peak tree pollen season,” said Dr. Kulin. “In June through early September, grass pollens will cause most of the allergic reactions. Molds and dust mites can be present throughout the year and are worse on hot, damp days.”
What is an allergic reaction? When the sniffles and the itchy eyes start, we think the allergic reaction is in the nose or eyes, but as Dr. Kulin explains, those are the symptoms of the allergic reaction. The allergic reaction really stems from the immune system going overboard. “Our immune system has a very important job and that is to defend our body against an invader such as bacteria or virus that might harm it. But when a person has an allergic reaction, the immune system releases antibodies, and the cells send out histamines and other chemicals, which causes blood vessels to expand and trigger the allergy symptoms. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system recognizes a harmless substance as a threat, causing the body to produce an over-the-top response to it.”
Antibodies are quite specific, according to Dr. Kulin. Each antibody will target only one type of allergen, which is why a person can have a strong allergic reaction to ragweed but not to tree pollen. He added that people’s individual immune system, stress, and even family history may factor into the body’s allergic response.
Managing allergic reactions According to Dr. Kulin, when the pollen is heavy in the spring, most of us may have a mild reaction to it. An allergic reaction to pollen would be nasal congestion, often accompanied by a chronic mild cough as well as red, irritated, and watery eyes.
Dr. Kulin said many seasonal allergies can be managed using over-the-counter products. Nasal sprays such as Nasonex or Flonase will help to reduce the swelling in nasal passages. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec are helpful for allergy sufferers. Zyrtec and Claritin block the histamine that causes the itchy eyes, runny nose, and hives the body makes during an allergic reaction.
Dr. Kulin did not recommend the common antihistamine Benadryl to relieve allergy symptoms. “Although Benadryl is a strong antihistamine, it will likely make the person drowsy, so I do not advise it for relieving milder allergy symptoms. Both Zyrtec and Claritin are better for managing mild to moderate allergy symptoms,” said Dr. Kulin.
Patients who use over-the-counter medications like Zyrtec and Claritin should use them daily and not rely on them on an ‘as-needed basis.’ “These medications are much more effective when taken daily for allergy symptoms,” said Dr. Kulin.
Seeking help for allergies “If any pain or pressure in the cheeks or the head accompanies nasal congestion, or if they develop a fever, they may be at risk of developing a sinus infection. If so, it is time to seek medical attention,” said Dr. Kulin. “They can go to their primary care provider, or if they cannot get into their primary care quickly, they can easily go to their local urgent care center.”
Dr. Kulin suggests they meet with an allergist for bad allergies or those not well controlled by over-the-counter medications. They will be able to do testing to see specifically what the patient has the strongest reaction to and may be able to desensitize the person over time.
Epi-Pen Patients who have the potential for a severe reaction may need to carry an epi-pen with them at all times. “Food and nut allergies can be severe. They can have swelling of the lips and tongue. They might start wheezing and need an Epi-pen to shut down the symptoms quickly. But people need to understand that the Epi-pen is merely a bridge until the person gets emergency help. If they need to use the Epi-pen, they need to also seek immediate medical help,” Dr. Kulin said emphatically.
He went on to explain, “People’s reactions can escalate. A food allergy or a bee sting may have caused a mild reaction the first time they were exposed. It can be a month later or years later before that reaction is triggered again, and while the hope is that it is mild, it can be much more severe. For that reason, people who carry an Epi-pen need to make sure it is not expired. They last about a year before they need to be replaced,” said Dr. Kulin.
Poison Ivy and other outdoor allergens When we are outside, there are a number of plants innocently growing in the yard that can cause strong allergic responses, like poison ivy or poison oak. The oil from these plants is the culprit. Dr. Kulin advised using over-the-counter products like TechNu Skin cleaner to get the plant oil off the skin. “People also need to take off the clothes they have been wearing and wash them in a strong soap. Likewise, they need to wash whatever kind of shop rag they have been using in the garden,” said Dr. Kulin.
Topical products may work for mild reactions. According to Dr. Kulin, more severe poison ivy reactions may require oral steroids to control. He added that you should not use hydrocortisone products on the face as they may cause damage to the skin.
Primary Care or Urgent Care When patients are having allergic reactions, they need to decide what is best for them. “If they can get in to see their primary care provider quickly, that is a great option. If they choose to visit their urgent care center, they can get the same treatment and have the same medications prescribed to solve their problem. At Shore Urgent Care, we have made it as easy as possible to ‘get in line and save time.’ Patients are seen quickly. They can register from home on our website, know how many people are in front of them and get a call to head in when they are third in line,” said Dr. Kulin. “We know how important our patients’ time is.”
Comments Off on Shore Physicians Group Welcomes Board Certified Primary Care Provider Dr. Alexandra Buford
Shore Physicians Group (SPG) announced today that Alexandra Buford, DO, has joined its Primary Care division. Dr. Buford is Board Certified in Family Health with additional training in allergy and aerospace medicine, and she has a special interest in women’s health. Dr. Buford will begin treating patients on Tuesday, April 5, at the Shore Physicians Group office in Somers Point, located at 401 Bethel Road. She will transition her patient care to the new Shore Physicians Group location coming to the Festival at Hamilton Plaza in Mays Landing later this year.
A native of Mays Landing, NJ, and a graduate of Stockton University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Buford returns home to Atlantic County after serving full time in the United States Air Force since 2013. Her impressive Air Force career includes serving as the Medical Director at the Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina and as the Medical Director of the Flight Medicine Clinic at the Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. In addition to seeing patients with Shore Physicians Group, she serves in the Reserves one weekend each month as a physician at the Langley Air Force base in Virginia.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buford, please call 609.365.6200.
Comments Off on What is Good for Baby can be Heart Healthy for Mom
Healthcare providers encourage new mothers to try breastfeeding their baby because of the benefits for the newborn. Researchers have found that breastfeeding is also very beneficial to the mother as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in July 2021 that shows breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and both breast and ovarian cancer. The numbers bear out that mothers who breastfed their newborns have a lower incidence of some cancers and type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure was also less common for breastfeeding mothers.
Before the baby arrives
Maggie Stanley of Shore Physicians Group’s OB/GYN Midwifery practice said she encourages expectant mothers to breastfeed at their initial appointment and continues to reinforce it throughout pregnancy to initiate education as well as readiness. “We also hope to identify any barriers or misconceptions that the expectant mother may have about breastfeeding,” added Stanley.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Lauren Matalucci of Shore Medical Center said for new moms who may be hesitant to breastfeed, “We always let our patients know that we support all infant feeding choices. But we do promote breastfeeding as it is an ideal nutrition for infants, and provides so many benefits to the newborn and well as the mother.”
Advantages to the newborn
Midwife Joanna McGrath of Shore Physicians Group OB/GYN said breastfeeding brings tremendous advantages to the newborn baby including a reduced incidence of asthma, allergies, respiratory illness, ear infections, obesity and type 2 diabetes. “Also, the breast milk composition actually changes to meet the optimal nutrition demands of a growing infant,” said McGrath.
“The advantages to the newborn are vast,” said Matalucci. “Just a few include increased brain development, a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and it aids in the development of the infant’s immune system. When a mother is exposed to certain viruses or diseases, the mother will produce extra antibodies to be transferred to the baby through her milk.”
New mothers benefit as well from breastfeeding
“Primarily, bonding is facilitated through breastfeeding,” said Stanley. “Not to say mothers who bottle feed do not bond with their baby – of course they do – but the skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding is paramount to promote bonding.” Other advantages to the breastfeeding mother include the extra 400-500 calories burned daily and the oxytocin that is released to shrink the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size, according to Stanley.
Breastfeeding in some cases will delay the start of the mother’s period after the birth of the baby, but not always. It is also linked to a decrease in the risk of early menopause, according to McGrath. The theory is, slowing of egg loss during pregnancy and breastfeeding delays menopause.
According to research, lactation decreases the insulin levels in the blood due to decreased glucose present in the blood. There is evidence that lactation also decreases the activity of the pancreatic cells which preserves their function.
Breastfeeding and stress
According to Matalucci, the hormone oxytocin that is secreted when breastfeeding naturally lowers the stress response. Breastfeeding mothers also have a natural contraceptive and experience a lower incidence of post-partum depression.
Convenience is a big advantage
When the newborn is screaming in the middle of the night because they are hungry, breastfeeding is a convenient fix. “It is right there, it is the right temperature and it is free,” added Matalucci. “There are no bottles to wash, or formula to mix or warm up and it is eco-friendly.”
Stanley added, “Ideally women should exclusively breastfeed for six months as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. With expectant mothers, we emphasize that any amount of time breastfeeding is preferable to no breastfeeding.”
Statistically, about 80% of new mothers will try breastfeeding, according to Matalucci, who is also a childbirth educator and Director of Shore Beginnings: Prenatal and Wellness program. “Many, however, choose not to continue for various reasons. It is important for all new breastfeeding mothers to have bountiful support. In the hospital setting and beyond, I provide patients with breastfeeding education, correct latch and position techniques and what to expect during their breastfeeding journey. We support all infant feeding choices, but promote breastfeeding as it is an ideal nutrition for infants, providing benefits for both the baby and the mother.”
Top 20 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby
Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby.
Breast milk provides perfect infant nutrition.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
Breastfeeding is associated with a higher I.Q. in infants.
Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of the baby’s immune system.
Breast milk is more digestible than formula.
Nursing helps mom lose weight after the baby is born.
Breastfeeding reduces the chances of baby developing allergies/asthma.
The DHEA, (a hormone produced in the adrenal gland to make androgens and estrogens) in human breast milk cannot be replicated.
Breastfeeding reduces the baby’s risk of ear infections.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of the development of type 2 diabetes.
Breast milk is always available and always the right temperature.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Breastfeeding protects baby against vision defects.
Breastfed babies are statistically healthier than formula fed babies.
Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive.
Breastfeeding helps reduce the infant’s risk of obesity later in life.
Breastfeeding becomes less time-consuming than bottle feeding.
Breast milk is free. (The average cost of formula for the first year of life is $2,000)
It is what babies were designed for.
To learn more about Shore Physicians Group’s new OB/GYN and Midwifery practice or to make an appointment with Certified Nurse Midwives Joanna McGrath or Maggie Stanley, call 609-365-5300.
For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, lactation support, or for any questions contact Shore Beginnings: Prenatal and Wellness at 609-653-3500 x 2860.
Comments Off on Being Heart Smart at the Dinner Table
What you eat has an effect on how your body functions, including your heart. Changing eating habits may seem like a daunting task but it is one that can provide benefits in the long run.
Shore Physicians Group Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE works closely with patients, getting them on the right track to a healthier life and a healthier heart. Each individual is different. Rios said, “The first step in prescribing the right type of diet is determining what the cardiac related issue is. While it’s true most dietitians agree that the Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet, there are very important nuances related to each cardiac issue. For example, if you have congestive heart failure, sodium and fluid intake are carefully monitored. If you’re taking blood thinners such as Warfarin or Coumadin, you are most likely having your PT/INR monitored, which are biomarkers for the thickening of your blood. In this case, monitoring the quantity and eating consistent amounts of Vitamin K is necessary.” She advises patients about food and drug interactions with grapefruit. (Many drugs are broken down with the help of an enzyme in the small intestine. Grapefruit juice may block that enzyme. According to the Federal Drug Administration, instead of the drug being metabolized, more of the drug enters the blood and stays in the body longer. The result is too much of the drug in your body.) If the main problem is high cholesterol or elevated LDL, the Mediterranean diet is a great approach.
Head to the Mediterranean (diet)
“The reason the Mediterranean diet gets all the hype is that it is centered on healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil which makes it a great candidate for a heart healthy diet,” explained Rios. “What’s more, the Mediterranean diet is generally high in fiber because it promotes the intake of chickpeas and a wide array of vegetables. Since soluble fiber attaches to cholesterol in the small intestine and helps to remove it in the feces, fiber plays an important role in cholesterol reduction.”
Controlling risk factors
An important part of achieving a healthier heart is to control risk factors. Patients with type 2 diabetes need to get their A1C down. Rios said, “When I work with patients who have type 2 diabetes we co-create a tailored list of low glycemic carbohydrates and a strategy for how to balance them with proteins and healthy fats. We use the plate method to structure meals: ½ plate vegetables, ¼ protein, and ¼ healthy fat. This is a simple tool that makes portion control easier. Eating vegetables prior to the rest of the meal can also improve satiation with the meal, and help regulate appetite.”
While the plans are similar, Rios said, “The common denominator with all healthy diets is a large focus on non-starchy vegetables and plants, with a healthy balance of protein and fat.”
Diet pitfalls
When you are trying to be heart smart, there are some foods that need to be avoided. Rios said at the top of the list is trans fats. Usually identified as hydrogenated oils on packaging labels, they can wreak havoc on “good cholesterol,” or HDL that absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver where it is then flushed out with toxins. Next is fast food. While it is convenient, fast food is typically high in industrial seed oils (canola, corn, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and rice bran) and traditionally loaded with excess sodium. The third healthy diet pitfall is processed foods. Rios said packaged crackers, cookies and chips are usually laden with added sugars, synthetic fats/industrial seed oils, and unbalanced micronutrients. “These foods impact your blood sugar, and when consumed in excess, can result in inflammation and even cause weight gain because they do not satiate your body and leave you hungry for more food.”
Hold the salt, please
Rios advised to watch the salt intake. She explained, “Salt is a solute (a substance that dissolves in another substance such as sugar dissolving in water) and solutes generally attract water/fluid to balance out the blood chemistry. In consuming excess sodium we are increasing the volume and pressure in the blood vessels which can also increase stress on the heart.”
How much protein is too much?
Too much of anything can be bad for you. Rios advised that too much protein, particularly from the wrong sources, can be the real problem. “Excess protein can put stress on your kidneys, and since most protein sources come from an animal, the extra cholesterol and saturated fat will not do much to help heart health. So think fried meats, including poultry, and excess saturated fats.” The Keto diet promotes a high intake of protein to achieve weight loss. So for the person who is trying to maintain a heart smart diet and lose weight, Rios suggests to patients, “Before they try the Keto diet, I encourage a modified low carbohydrate diet that emphasizes high fiber carbohydrates like beans, lentils, and berries. The standard Keto diet is 70% fats, 20% protein, and 10% carbs,” said Rios. “Since 70% is a large percentage, it is understandable that if caution is not used with the types of fats consumed, this could potentially be negative for overall heart health.”
To aid in portion control, Rios suggests a person consume a portion the size of your palm and then add slightly until you feel full. “This is a good way to determine what is the right portion for you,” said Rios. “Seeing a dietitian can be very helpful to determine your own protein needs.”
White or red?
Wine, in moderation, can be a good thing for your heart. Rios said, “Red wine has been found to have more polyphenols and resveratrol than white wine, although both are touted as heart healthy. But don’t be fooled, too much of a good thing can have diminishing returns.” She suggests women limit their intake of wine to one 5-ounce glass per day and for men, one to two 5-ounce glasses per day.
Easy heart smart diet add-ins
Rios suggested adding extra virgin olive oil, olives, and nuts, seeds such as chia and flaxseed, avocados, fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
To schedule a consultation with Tiffany Rios call 609-653-5300.
Comments Off on The Twenty Minute Screening That Can Save Your Life
The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels from the heart to the brain, supplying it with life-sustaining blood flow. There is a carotid artery on both sides of the neck, each one feeding one side of the brain. When there is carotid stenosis present, meaning the carotid artery is narrowed or blocked by plaque, it can lead to a stroke. According to General and Vascular Surgeon Dr. Matthew Lawrence of Shore Physicians Group in Somers Point, finding any carotid stenosis early is so important. Vascular screening is the number one tool used to find any stenosis or any other irregularity in the arteries and veins. Dr. Lawrence said,“Our goal is to catch any carotid stenosis before it becomes symptomatic.”
Symptoms of carotid stenosis
Dr. Lawrence said symptoms of carotid stenosis are very similar to that of a stroke. There could be weakness on one side, slurred speech, and an inability to grab something, weakness in one arm or leg and even facial droop. “The symptoms are not bilateral. They would appear primarily on one side or the other indicating there may be some blockage. I would want to look further with vascular screening.” Dr. Lawrence said some people may have symptoms that affect their vision. He added, “The blood flow to the back of the eye occasionally will be affected by carotid stenosis. While it might be short-lived, it is an indication of something we need to really look into further to understand why it occurred.”
Stroke statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year.
Carotid stenosis, along with carotid artery disease, is caused by a buildup of plaques in arteries that deliver blood to the brain. Plaques are clumps of cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue and other cellular debris that gather at microscopic injury sites within the artery. Carotid arteries that are clogged with plaques are stiff and narrow. Clogged carotid arteries have trouble delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital brain structures that are responsible for your day-to-day functioning.
Screening for carotid stenosis
Dr. Lawrence says that vascular screening at Shore Physicians Group Vascular Testing and Diagnostics Center is an invaluable tool. “The ultrasound does such a good job in helping to detect any irregularities,” said Dr. Lawrence. “The testing is not stressful, it takes about 20 minutes, and there is no need for an IV and no need for radiation. We are able to take pictures of the patient’s arteries and see what is going on.”
Because ultrasound technology is efficient in helping to detect any narrowing of the arteries, it gives the physician a baseline for the patient. The advantage is being able to plot the best course for the patient.
Managing carotid stenosis
Dr. Lawrence said patients who have some narrowing may be able to manage it medically, at least early on. “If they make some lifestyle changes it will help. If they make the decision to stop smoking, get their blood pressure under control and begin managing their cholesterol level with a statin we can continue to monitor,” said Dr. Lawrence.
Once the ultrasound studies have been done and the carotid artery is significantly narrowed or blocked, surgery is often the only option. Dr. Lawrence said, “The open surgical option, an endarterectomy, is where we open up the carotid artery and put a patch on the artery to permit proper blood flow to the brain, and it really does take care of the problem. It is a quick rebound for the patient. They are normally only in the hospital overnight and go home the next day, most with nothing more than an extra strength Tylenol and bandage on their neck. The risk of any complications is very rare.” The patient returns to have sutures or staples removed in a week to 10 days and again for a checkup in a month, six months and a year as we continue to follow them.”
Getting you back to your life
Dr. Lawrence said patients will ask if they should take it easy. “I tell them, they got the repair so they can get back to their life and I encourage them to do it. If they are used to taking a walk, they should feel comfortable taking a walk. That patch that I put in is very strong and we know it can take the pressure of blood pumping through there, it can certainly handle a walk or going to the gym.”
Managing your numbers
Dr. Lawrence said it is so important for long term health to manage the numbers critical to remaining healthy. “Keep your cholesterol in check, get your blood pressure under control, and watch your diet along with watching the scale. Right now we have an epidemic of obesity. We have too many people, even young people in their 20s and 30s who are sedentary, and the long term effect is unhealthy. Get up and get some exercise every day,” concluded Dr. Lawrence.
To make an appointment with Dr. Matthew Lawrence or to be evaluated for vascular screening at the Shore Physicians Group Vascular Testing and Diagnostic Center, call 609-365-6239.
