Healthier Middlesex

Weighing In On Weight Loss

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:17:29 GMT

By: Stephanie Syzlar RN, APN-C

Obesity is one of the top concerns for residents in our community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, 1 in 5 children and 2 in 5 adults are obese. Obesity is a costly chronic condition and is an underlying factor in several chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. ^[1] Poor sleep, high stress, genetics and the environment are risk factors to becoming obese. ^[1] The United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 “provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and help prevent chronic disease.” These guidelines help our community at all stages of life make healthy food choices. ^[2] There are suggestions based on cultural preference and cost and recommend nutrient dense foods and drinks and avoiding processed and ultra processed foods, limiting sugar, saturated fats and high salt foods, drinks and alcoholic drinks. ^[2]

With that said, there are several diets that are gaining popularity. Below is a quick reference chart for some of the popular diets used for weight loss, chronic disease management and improvement of overall well-being.

Mediterranean Diet

Plant based, whole grains, olive oil, lean protein
Heart benefits, chronic disease management and weight management

Keto Diet

High fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrates. Meats and above the ground vegetables
Weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, manages seizure activity

Intermittent Fasting

Cycles of fasting and eating. Eating healthy foods. Black coffee, herbal tea or water during fasting periods
Weight loss improved metabolism and reduced inflammation

Veganism/plant-based diet

No animal products, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds
Weight loss, improved digestion reduced risk of chronic illness

DASH diet

Low sodium, high potassium fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
Improve blood pressure, promotes weight loss, improved heart health

There is no one size that fits all, and the best diet is the healthy diet that follows common healthy eating principles consistently. It is easier to continue a healthy diet when the food is enjoyable. Always check with the provider to make an informed decision on which diet could work best and if there are restrictions or additional monitoring. Some diets above are more restrictive than others and require additional monitoring of blood sugar or blood pressure especially if there are medications taken daily to manage diabetes or high blood pressure.

Always check with a provider or a dietician for any other helpful advice before starting and periodically while you are improving your diet. These check-ins can provide support and encouragement and help trouble-shoot when needed. With a consistent healthy diet and regular physical exercise, weight loss and successful management of chronic illnesses can be achieved.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). About obesity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/php/about/index.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture (2024). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Retrieved from https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines
Lubell, J. (2023). Diet patterns that can boost longevity, cut chronic disease. AMA. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/diet-patterns-can-boost-longevity-cut-chronic-disease

Healthy Gut Promotion

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:22:46 GMT

By Stephanie Syzlar

A healthy human gut has trillions of microorganisms that play a role in our general health, such as nutrient absorption, supporting immunity, and protecting us from disease. Some bacteria help prevent disease, while others cause it. The growth or inhibition of bacteria depends on what we digest.

The gut microbiota is a community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that are as unique to each person as fingerprints. The microbiota is affected by the food we eat and environmental exposures. Each can either enhance or worsen the environment, thereby affecting general health.

In a study published this month in Nature Biology, the University of Cambridge looked at over 12,000 samples from over 40 countries using AI to analyze the data. [2] Two different families of bacteria were identified. The bacterial family Faecalibacterium protected the study subjects from an Enterobacteriaceae family which includes bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae which if they become overgrown can cause diseases such as Crohn’s disease. [2]

Researchers found that the family Faecalibacterium broke down fiber from ingested foods into compounds called short-chain fatty acids. [2] These provided protection against the Enterobacteriaceae family. [2]

So, what is the best way to get a healthy gut? Starches, found in plants, are mostly absorbed in the small intestine. However, a group of resistant starches pass through the small intestine and get broken down, fermented by the native bacteria. [3]. They can lower inflammation, improve metabolic health and immune function, and improve brain health. [3]

Here is a list of several healthy foods to keep gut healthy. [1]

Fruits like raspberries or apples with the skin [1]
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts [1]
Whole grains like barley or quinoa potatoes [1]
Legumes such as lentils, almonds, chia seeds or sunflower kernels [1]
Drinking plenty of water [1]

More research is needed to see how gut health can potentially help in various areas of health including in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Eating high-fiber foods encourages good bacterial growth and provides protection against bacteria that can cause disease. Remember the old saying… an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

References

[1] Mayo Clinic Staff (2023). Chart of high-fiber foods. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948

[2] Yin, Q., da Silva, A.C., Zorrilla, F., Almeida A.S. Patil, K.R. & Almeida A. (2025) . Ecological dynamics of Enterobacteriaceae in the human gut microbiome across the global populations. Nature Microbiology. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01912-6

[3] Chen, Z., Lian, N., Zhang, H., Li, H., Guo, J., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y.,, Wang, Y. & Shi, N. (2024). Resistant starch and the gut microbiome: Exploring beneficial interactions and dietary impacts. Food Chemistry 21. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101118

Living with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:40:49 GMT

By: Stephanie Szylar

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half or 48% of Americans have high blood pressure or hypertension. More than 70% of adults over the age of 65 have hypertension. ^[4] Hypertension leads to other heart diseases like congestive heart failure and stroke. High blood pressure develops slowly over time and has no symptoms earning the nickname ‘the silent killer’. We are all at risk of developing high blood pressure, but certain risk factors can increase the chances of having high blood pressure. Certain chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity, lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diets, and uncontrollable factors like age or family history all increase the risk. ^[4]

What is hypertension? Defined as Systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or above, (130/80) or currently taking medication to lower blood pressure. ^[4] Blood is pumped out of the heart into the vessels and back again. When vessels are damaged, they narrow, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. This results in high blood pressure. High blood pressure has a systemic effect on the body. The damage to the vessels makes them less flexible causing damage to the heart (heart attacks, heart failure), the brain (stroke), and the kidneys (kidney failure). ^[2]

High blood pressure is diagnosed by taking an average of more than 2 readings on 2 separate occasions with the result being above 130/80. Doctor visits, community screening days or even checking the pressure in a local pharmacy will help in the diagnosis of high blood pressure. ^[2] Once a patient is diagnosed, managing it is multifaceted and needs consistency.

Medicine is prescribed with frequent monitoring of blood pressure and clinical outcomes (regular provider visits)
Increase in physical activity (finding a fun sport to play, walking around the neighborhood, walking the family dog)
Healthy eating (Mediterranean diet, DASH diet)
No smoking, no alcohol
Managing stress (meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, friend and family support)
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight

Even with monitoring and lifestyle changes, people with high blood pressure should monitor and notify their provider if they have persistent blood pressure readings of 180/120 with or without chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. ^[1] These could be signs of a life-threatening condition like stroke or heart attack.

Living with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure requires daily maintenance, monitoring, and support. Choosing a healthy lifestyle early in the diagnosis will help prevent future complications. Utilizing blood pressure screenings in your local community can be a great way to inexpensively monitor your numbers in between doctors visits.

Follow @HealthMiddlesex on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for more information on community screenings, health fairs and education near you.

References

[1] American Heart Association (2024). When To Call 911 About High Blood Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis-when-you-should-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). About High Blood Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). High Blood Pressure Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/risk-factors/index.html

[4] Fryar C.D., Kit B., Carroll M.D., Afful J. (2024). Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among adults age 18 and older: United States,. National Center for Health Statistics. NCHS Data Brief, no 511. Retrieved from DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/164016

Novel Way to Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:49:47 GMT

By: Stephanie Szylar

Alzheimer’s disease is a costly and devastating disease marked by changes in the brain caused by plaques. Alzheimer’s affects men and women usually after age 60, with characteristics including memory impairment, problems with executive function, difficulty with problem-solving, poor judgment, difficulty with word finding, and behavioral issues, amongst others ^{. [2]} Primary care offices provide in-office screening for those with cognitive impairment using cognitive and physical exams. Diagnosis is made using diagnostics tools such as a PET scan or CT scan or undergoing a lumbar puncture to collect and test cerebrospinal fluid. However, there is ongoing research to help with the early diagnosis or prediction of Alzheimer’s disease using tests that can be performed in the primary care office. ^[1]

The National Institute for Health (NIH) is researching whether a blood test done in the primary care provider’s office would be a helpful screening tool to identify Alzheimer’s early. The study was done in Sweden. In Alzheimer’s patients, proteins in the brain called amyloid beta and tau build up and then spill into the bloodstream. ^[1] Researchers compared the blood test results to that of the cerebral spinal fluid test, PET scan, and other evaluations, including cognitive testing, physical exam, and CT scan. ^[1] The blood test was accurate compared to these tests, showing promise in the prediction and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. ^[1] For now, though, the blood test needs broader community testing. It is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor is it covered by insurance. [1]

Taking your loved one to the doctor when subtle cognitive symptoms are noticed is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can add quality years to their life and slow the progression of the disease.

If there is a need for support groups, further education or information on community services for Alzheimer’s patients, Healthier Middlesex has resources to look at, which can be found at https://middlesexcountynj.findhelp.com/search/text?term=alzheimer%27s&postal=08863&language=en

References

[1] NIH (2024). Accurate blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/accurate-blood-test-alzheimer-s-disease

[2] Wold, D.A., Dickerson, B.C. (2024). Clinical features and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-alzheimer-disease

SADness in winter: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and How It’s Treated

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:29:39 GMT

By: Stephanie Szylar RN MSN APN-C

Autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere mean shorter days, colder temperatures, quiet, snowy nights, and holidays. But for some, this season ushers in sadness, decreased energy, over-sleeping, overeating, and loss of interest in social gatherings. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression is a form of recurrent depression associated with changes in the seasonal pattern, causing changes in the chemicals in the brain. SAD is triggered by less sunlight, which causes a shift in circadian rhythms. ^[5] For some, these symptoms are mild and do not cause impairment of daily functioning. ^[3] Others can experience debilitating symptoms. ^[1]

A practical and first-line treatment for SAD is using light therapy. Light therapy involves using a light therapy box that emanates bright light to imitate natural light. Many can see an improvement in symptoms within a week. It is used for about 20-30 minutes daily, usually in the morning, and continues consistently during winter. In addition to artificial light, going outside daily or sitting by a window increases natural light exposure and helps with symptoms. If possible, rearrange a room you frequently use to optimize the natural light. ^[1] Let’s not forget that regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and staying involved in social meetings (family, friends, volunteering) are also helpful to help combat SAD. ^[3]

In addition to light therapy, other clinical treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or the use of antidepressants. A psychologist uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients learn their unhealthy thinking and reexamine those thoughts from a different perspective. It assists with problem-solving and coping skills and develops confidence in oneself. It also helps calm a person’s mind and body. ^[2] Both CBT and antidepressant use need a trained medical provider involved to review medical history and current medication and to confirm another medical reason is not causing the symptoms. ^[1]

References

[1] American Psychiatric Association (2024). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder

[2] American Psychological Association (2017). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

[3] Avery, D. (2024). Seasonal affective disorder: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment

[4] Jupe, T., Giannopoulos, I., Zenelai, B., Myslimi, E. (2023). Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The efficacy of Light therapy. European Psychiatry 66(S1) S604-S605. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.1262

[5] NIH National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Physical Activity in the Winter

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:43:39 GMT

Staying active and safe during the winter months

By Stephanie Szylar RN, MSN, APN-C

Daily physical activity is a mainstay in keeping good control of chronic diseases and good overall health and wellness. In the northern hemisphere as the weather gets cooler, we move indoors so it’s more challenging to keep active. Here are some tips on how to stay active during the cold winter months.

Have a plan and check the weather forecast. Have an alternative indoor winter activity you enjoy. You can find an indoor track at a local gym or walk the hallways of a local mall or take a break and walk up and down an indoor flight of stairs ² .
Check out a free YouTube video or an app on the phone to get a fun program to keep you moving.
Dress for the weather ² . Wear multiple layers that trap the heat in and keep you warm. You should be able to remove or add layers as you need them. Don’t forget about your hands and head. Warm wool socks are a great way to keep your feet warm.
Watch for treacherous areas. During the fall months, leaves on the ground can be wet and slippery. Look out for icy or snow-covered patches during the winter months. These can increase the risk of falls and injury. Wearing proper footwear can help prevent falls and injuries ² .
As the sun sets earlier, wear clothing that is reflective or easily spotted if you are on a road.
Try a winter sport – maybe sledding with the family or skiing or an old-fashioned snowball fight. Whatever keeps you active ² .
Watch out for signs of hypothermia. What are they? Slow gradual worsening of shivering, slurred speech, slow shallow breathing, weak pulse. In the late-stage you would experience clumsiness/drowsiness/confusion and loss of consciousness. ¹
Stay hydrated. You may not feel like drinking, but take some sips of water anyway

The lesson is to stay active even when it’s cold outside by doing something you’ll enjoy. Make sure you are safe, hydrated and your body temperature is regulated. Cold weather should not keep you on the couch.

References

Mayo Clinic (2004). Hypothermia, Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682
NIH (2024). 5 Tips for Exercising Safely in Cold Weather. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/5-tips-exercising-safely-cold-weather

Your Voice Matters!

rlaforgia@saintpetersuh.com (Robert LaForgia) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:40:09 GMT

2024- 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment: Community Survey

As part of a larger 2024-2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, RWJBarnabas Health - in collaboration with their health coalition partners (Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset), Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Capital Health, Lawrence Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, local health centers, county and local health departments, and community organizations - is conducting a survey to learn more about the needs and strengths of our community and its residents.

This information will be used to guide future Healthier Middlesex community health improvement planning and to support future services and programs.

Filling out this survey is voluntary, and your responses are confidential. You will not be asked your name, address, or any other information that can identify you. This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Your input helps make sure that future plans meet different community and resident needs.

Keeping You and Your Family Healthy and Clean: the importance of personal hygiene habits

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 16:22:36 GMT

Did you know...

Only 58% of Americans wash their hands after every time they use the bathroom? [1] Three out of every four millennials brush their teeth only once a day. [4] How do your personal hygiene habits measure up?

Many of us incorporate personal hygiene into our daily routines, and for good reason; the CDC identifies over 15 diseases as “hygiene-related”. [3] Common conditions like head lice, tooth decay, athlete’s foot, and swimmer’s ear, are just some of the conditions that relate to one’s hygiene habits. [3]

Often, the germs that cause these diseases live in plain sight. Common items like cell phones, remote controls, and steering wheels can be more than 9 times dirtier than the average toilet seat. [5] One study examined the cleanliness of participants’ bodies and found over 2,368 species of bacteria living in their belly buttons! [6]

Most health professionals suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Additionally, it is recommended that you shower at least three times a week and after becoming visibly dirty or after physical activity. [3] Many of us know and follow these hygiene rules. [7] However, many hygiene -related diseases—like diarrheal illnesses, pinworm, and hand-foot-mouth disease—are tied to another habit that’s importance is sometimes overlooked…

Handwashing!

Handwashing is the single easiest way to prevent the spread of disease. Yet, more than 40% of Americans don’t wash their hands after every time trip to the bathroom. [1] And, of those hands that are frequently washed, sometimes they’re not washed well enough. Proper handwashing takes 20 seconds, and includes washing the tops, palms, fingertips, and webbing of the fingers. Check out this graphic from the WHO showing the steps needed to completely clean hands.

Nail hygiene is also an important part of keeping yourself clean and healthy, as germs love to hide around and underneath fingernails. [2] The CDC recommends frequently trimming nails short and cleaning under them every time you wash your hands. It is also important to clean the tools you use to trim and file nails. Using dirty nails tools, biting, or ripping nails or cuticles can cause pain and infection.

Follow these simple steps below to ensure you are properly washing your hands!

References:

1. Ballard, J. (2020, January 30). Many Americans don’t always wash their hands after going to the bathroom. YouGov. https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2020/01/30/hand-washing-soap-poll-survey

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, November 3). Nail Hygiene. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/hand/nail_hygiene.html

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021b, November 8). Hygiene-related Diseases. CDC. Retrieved November 8, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/index.html

4. Delta Dental. (n.d.). 5 surprising dental statistics. Grin! Delta Dental. https://grin.deltadentalins.com/archive/2018/winter/surprising-dental-statistics/

5. Freeman, D. W. (2011, April 28). Steering wheels germier than public toilet: Can they make you sick? CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steering-wheels-germier-than-public-toilet-can-they-make-you-sick/

6. Hulcr, J., Latimer, A. M., Henley, J. B., Rountree, N. R., Fierer, N., Lucky, A., Lowman, M. D., & Dunn, R. R. (2012). A Jungle in There: Bacteria in Belly Buttons are Highly Diverse, but Predictable. PLoS ONE, 7(11), e47712. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0047712

7. YouGov. (2021, August 12). Daily Question. YouGovAmerica. https://today.yougov.com/topics/entertainment/survey-results/daily/2021/08/12/3d0b7/1

Healthier Middlesex- Meeting the Needs of the Community

rlaforgia@saintpetersuh.com (Robert LaForgia) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 14:21:55 GMT

In early of March of 2022, the Township of Jamesburg Public Schools Family Advocate, Rosa Zaremba, contacted Healthier Middlesex to help meet one of the emerging needs in the Jamesburg community, personal health and hygiene kits for young boys and girls. Healthier Middlesex mobilized our partners to acquire the necessary materials to create Health and Hygiene Kits for 100 students. The kits were assembled at our Healthier Middlesex offices and included toothbrushes and toothpaste, boys’ and girls’ deodorants, hair brushes, soap and more.

Having good hygiene is an important part of a student’s health, wellness, and self-esteem. Kids with poor hygiene face potentially harmful consequences in both their physical and mental health. According to the World Bank, hygiene promotion is the most cost-effective health action to reduce disease (CDC, 2021). Good personal hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting gastrointestinal or infectious diseases such as COVID-19, colds and flu. Washing your hands with soap removes germs that can make you ill. Maintaining good personal hygiene will also help prevent you from spreading diseases to other people.

Personal hygiene includes:

cleaning your body every day,
washing your hands with soap after going to the toilet,
brushing your teeth twice a day,
covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when sneezing or coughing,
washing your hands after handling pets and other animals.

Healthier Middlesex serves our community to help provide the opportunities for all in Middlesex County to live their healthiest lives. Through our partnerships, Healthier Middlesex occupies an ideal position to continue being the anchor for health in our community. If you or your community have a health-related question, concern or need, please contact Healthier Middlesex at 732-745-8600 extension 5831.

Body, Facial and Dental Hygiene (2021, February 1). In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/body/index.html

Looking for Healthy Food? Try this!

rlaforgia@saintpetersuh.com (Robert LaForgia) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:22:44 GMT

The Middlesex County Healthy Foods Map

Healthier Middlesex along with our partners at REPLENISH and the Middlesex County Office of Health Services have developed an interactive tool to help the community and organizations locate local food pantries, farmers markets, and grocery stores – as well as public transportation routes that can get you there and back.

Visit our interactive Middlesex County Healthy Foods Map for details on just about every source of healthy food in the County.

For more information, please email REPLENISH@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-729-0880.

The Behavioral Health Referral and Reference Miniguides

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 17:44:00 GMT

These Guides were compiled from resources found in the larger Behavioral Health Referral and Resource Guide: Greater New Brunswick and Middlesex County, 2019 Edition. Click on the links below to view the Mini Guides for each topic.

Miniguides were edited by Maria B. Pellerano, MA, MBA, MPH and Robert LaForgia with assistance from Alisa Fatima, Yuneldys Garces, and community partners* involved in the Behavioral Health Workgroup, co-sponsored by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Healthier Middlesex, a project of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.

Complete Set

Addiction and Substance Abuse Resource Guide

Adverse Childhood Experiences

LGBTQIA and Gender Identification Guide

Stress and Anxiety During Challenging Times

Suicide Prevention Resource Guide

Teen Depression Guide for Adolescents, Families, and Friends

Youth Behavioral Health Resource Guide

* Community partners participating in the Behavioral Health Workgroup include: Coming Home of Middlesex County, City of New Brunswick, Elijah’s Promise, Middlesex County’s Office of Health Services, Mount Zion AME Church New Brunswick, NAMI-NJ, New Brunswick Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition, New Brunswick Tomorrow, PRAB, Rutgers Eric B. Chandler Health Center, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, Unity Square Neighborhood Revitalization Project, Wellspring Center for Prevention, and YRM Consulting. Please contact Maria Pellerano at pellerma@rwjms.rutgers.edu for more information.

http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/community_health/other/healthier-new-brunswick/behavioral-health-mini-guides

2020 NJHA Community Outreach Award Recipients

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:16:00 GMT

Saint Peter’s University Hospital , Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital , New Brunswick Tomorrow and the Middlesex County Office of Health Services were recognized for our combined efforts to improve living conditions in New Brunswick through our Healthy Homes Project. The Healthy Homes Project uses a cross-sector approach to ensure that all New Brunswick residents live in safe homes that facilitate healthy living.

Four local Community Health Ambassadors have visited 150 unique homes, encompassing 785 individuals, providing educational materials, workshops, home assessments and connecting residents to services to promote healthy living conditions. Moving forward the program will continue to conduct tenant educational sessions for community residents in New Brunswick, and with that growing body, give residents the tools they need to address their housing and health concerns. For more information please reach out to: Mariam Merced, RWJUH (mariam.merced@rwjbh.org) or Robert LaForgia, Healthier Middlesex (rlaforgia@saintpetersuh.com)

The Behavioral Health Referral and Resource Guide (BHRRG)

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:01:00 GMT

Mental and Behavioral Health continue to be a top health care concern of area residents identified in Healthier Middlesex’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA, 2019). Middlesex County residents reporting 14 or more poor mental health days out of the last 30 days ranked in the lowest quartile compared to the County Health Rankings benchmark. Working with our partners at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Alliance for a Healthier New Brunswick, Healthier Middlesex has created a comprehensive guide to assist community-based and faith-based organizations as they help their clients and parishioners with behavioral health resources. This guide provides the community with basic information about behavioral health issues. In addition, it contains a comprehensive list of resources offering support and services for behavioral health and substance abuse issues. Step-by-step instructions are provided to assist access to the resources available on the Internet.

For an electronic version of the guide or to download the PDF please visit: http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/community_health/other/healthier-new-brunswick/behavioral-health-guide

The post The Behavioral Health Referral and Resource Guide (BHRRG) appeared first on Healthier Middlesex .

Saint Peter’s Mobile Health Clinic

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 20:10:00 GMT

The Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s Mobile Health Clinic is a licensed ambulatory care center which was staffed with an administrative assistant, technician, registered nurse, and primary healthcare provider, such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Medical Doctor (MD). Beginning in April 2019, the Mobile Health Clinic delivered community-oriented primary care, which emphasized health promotion and a sustained relationship between the provider and patient. When patients have adequate access to high quality primary care, it can prevent avoidable conditions and/or hospital visits. Emergency Room visits tend to be higher in vulnerable populations throughout Middlesex County, specifically in New Brunswick, NJ.

Healthcare barriers, include but are not limited to transportation, language, and low literacy levels, which can lead patients to forgo preventative care. Saint Peter’s aims to increase access to healthcare by addressing those barriers for uninsured and low income patients. During 2019, the Mobile Health Clinic was located at Sacred Heart Church’s parking lot at 56 Throop Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ on select dates until the end of October. This site was chosen due to the great need for healthcare resources and a lack of transportation that many residents in this community experience. Saint Peter’s Mobile Health Clinic offered physical exams, sports physicals, vital signs measurements (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and pulse oximetry), triage of walk-in patients, vaccinations, height and weight measurements, visual acuity testing, venipuncture, and various point-of-care tests and screenings, such as blood glucose, cholesterol, HbA1c, rapid strep, urine pregnancy, urine dipstick, and urinalysis.

Overall, the Mobile Health Clinic is a healthcare resource for the medically underserved and assists to promote health and wellness in these diverse populations. This initiative closely aligns with Healthier Middlesex’s vision and mission to work collaboratively with our community partners in bringing health and wellness activities to the population by meeting them where they live, learn, pray and play.

Got a Health Question? Ask the Librarian- Just for the Health of It!

Mon, 06 May 2019 16:51:00 GMT

Good health starts upstream in the community and what better place than the East Brunswick Public Library leading the way on a national scale! The library was awarded a two-year grant by the New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI) of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to mobilize its proprietary Just for the Health of It program to improve community health through health literacy. The project is called Mobilizing Just for the Health of It: Health Information Library on Wheels (HILOW). NJHI recognized the important role that health literacy plays in the making of healthy communities and saw potential to broaden the HILOW program throughout Middlesex County with public librarians at the heart of change.

The HILOW program uses the library’s team of consumer health librarians who receive special ongoing training and professional certification through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM). Librarians participate in monthly webinars given by NNLM in all areas of consumer health spanning the entire life cycle from birth through seniors. Each webinar builds upon their research knowledge of high quality medical websites and NIH resources for evidence-based health information. These webinars cover the health needs of adults, kids & teens, parents, new immigrants, LGBTQ community, drugs, mental health, nutrition, pet health, plus lifelong wellness for all. Librarians take the information that they glean from their NNLM training and venture weekly out into places in Middlesex County where people of all ages, languages and cultures gather. While onsite, they create welcoming and festive tables with articles that showcase a broad range of health topics in an engaging and non-intimidating way. Our librarians encourage people to stop by, browse, chat, pick up some nifty giveaways like a back scratcher, and become empowered patients! Librarians are specially trained to be sensitive to the needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities they visit. While onsite, they provide appropriate health resources that break down barriers to equitable access to health information. These barriers are language, literacy level, physical access, and physical and visual disabilities. The HILOW mobile program focuses specifically on the poor, elderly, and new immigrants; however, it recognizes that anyone is at risk for poor health literacy. Today over 90 million people in the United States lack basic literacy skills to comprehend medical information beyond an eighth grade reading level. Anyone lacking basic health understanding is at risk for poorer health outcomes, longer recoveries and hospitalizations, more frequent hospital re-admittances, poorer quality of life while living with a chronic condition, and higher rates of mortality. Our librarians address health questions while visiting community fairs, senior centers, shopping malls, schools, support groups, conferences, movie showings, and book fairs. All information is tailored to each person and is packaged in their native language, at their appropriate reading level, and oftentimes text is enlarged to aid those with visual disabilities. To date, librarians have interacted with a total of 1337 people who visited our table since December 2018. Librarians have answered health questions on the spot or conducted more intensive research at the library that is sent to the requestor by email or U.S. mail. Librarians have answered questions such as: What foods can I eat with Type 2 Diabetes? Why is Vitamin D important? Is exercise necessary when living with Parkinson’s? What is Crohn’s disease? Can you send me some recipes for low sodium cooking? Where can I find a doctor who speaks Hindi? A sampling of places visited by the HILOW team of librarians include the Franklin Township Senior Center; East Brunswick Square Mall; Annual Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease Conference; Spotswood Public Library; Sayreville Public Library; and even a visit to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ to discuss health literacy with 60 medical students as part of their curriculum entitled The Ecology of Patient-Centered Medicine. Many people that librarians interact with in their travels express their frustration with the medical system. Others are hesitant to question a doctor or be honest about their lack of understanding in a short, fifteen minute doctor’s visit. Many have a critical need for health information about their condition or medication but have cultural, language, literacy, or disability barriers that hinders understanding in a standard “one size fits all” doctor’s appointment.

The HILOW is well on its way to making a difference in improving the health of Middlesex County residents wherever we travel. Today our team of consumer health librarians are busy frontline ambassadors of public health travelling throughout the county and breaking the mold of traditional librarians. We’re hoping to show libraries nationwide that librarians can be formidable players in public health and to follow in our footsteps by using their skills to enrich community knowledge of health issues. In the meantime, we’re having fun, making people smile as they become informed and empowered health consumers. Our end game is simple. We make health information less intimidating, more inclusive, and most importantly, equitable so that everyone has an equal chance to live their best life possible.

Go Red for Women’s Heart Health

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:45:00 GMT

On February 1 ^st , Saint Peter’s University Hospital with their partners held the Annual Go Red for Women’s Heart Health Village in their lobby. In order to recognize and raise awareness of the importance of women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease (which includes stroke and heart attack) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, taking more female lives than all cancers, respiratory diseases and Alzheimer disease combined, and claims the life of a woman every 80 seconds. However 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases in women can be prevented. Many women of color, including African American and Latino Americans, are more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease and are at a higher risk of death, yet they are less likely to recognize their risks.

Saint Peter’s employees and members of the public had an opportunity at this event to learn how they could reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Participants were also encouraged to take part in the free health screenings that were offered by Community Health Services, a department of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, which included: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar*, HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c Test)**, body mass index measurement and nutrition counseling.

Free chair massages for stress reduction was done by Renata Szuba, physical therapist. There was also chair yoga given by Catherine Andruzzi a performance and leadership coach and a Rutgers University faculty member. A heart healthy cooking demonstration, food samples and recipes were provided by Elijah’s Promise Culinary School. Magic 98.3FM was also in attendance assisting with broadcast promotion of the event and providing free giveaways for attendees.

This serves as an example of various community organizations that joined together to promote a nationally recognized health initiative in Middlesex County.

www.elijahspromise.org

www.magic983.com

The Community Health Needs Assessment for 2018/2019 is ready to be completed!

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:30:00 GMT

The 2018/2019 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey is online and ready to be completed by our community members. Please visit www.rwjbh.org/chna to complete the survey.

A community health assessment gives our organizations and partners comprehensive information about the community’s current health status, needs, and issues surrounding Middlesex County. This information will help in developing our new community health improvement plan (CHIP) by justifying how and where resources should be allocated to best meet our community’s needs.

Healthier Middlesex Selected as 2018 HRET Community Outreach Award Winner For ‘Healthy Kids Camp: Partnering For Children’s Wellness

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 15:32:00 GMT

The 2018 HRET Community Outreach awards recognize hospital-initiated programs that identify, respond, collaborate and successfully fulfill community needs.

For Middlesex County school kids, the summer is time for amp—but it can also be a time when health behaviors decline due to the absence of school reinforcement. Under the banner of Healthier Middlesex, Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital have partnered to develop evidence-based camp curriculums, activities, and polices to maintain the healthy habits and education that occurs during the school year.

In Middlesex County, there are an estimated 135,000 school-aged children who may not receive any health messaging for three months out of every year, particularly in lower income areas. Within that group, approximately 34,000 children are overweight or obese, a major risk factor for a variety of health issues.

Healthy Kids Camp (HKC) brings together a diverse array of service and summer camp providers to design, develop implement and evaluate health behavior programming and policy.

In year one, HKC was piloted at a single location, the Raritan Valley YMCA, with activities from the YMCA’s Healthy U CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) curriculums. CATCH seeks to increase physical activity and combat child obesity through movement education, fitness, and non-competitive games. SANP-Ed uses integration of the best research evidence with the best available practice-based evidence to implement nutrition education and demonstration activities.

Since the initial camp, the program has expanded to include six summer camps and a wide variety of service providers who target increasing physical activity, improving nutrition choices, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and sun and water safety. Currently, HKC is developing a train-the-trainer curriculum and toolbox to disperse the activities across all summer camps in Middlesex County.

HKC has reached more than 1,000 Middlesex County kids in 07 with proven techniques to improve adherence to healthy behaviors. The hospitals anticipate reaching 3,500 kinds in the county by 2020.

ABOUT THE HEALTH RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST (HRET) OF NEW JERSEY:

New Jersey Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey develops research projects and educational initiatives to promote quality, affordable and accessible healthcare and actively participates in various campaigns to raise public and provider awareness about vital healthcare issues. These initiatives use sound methodologies to understand the landscape of healthcare delivery systems in New Jersey. They help to identify healthcare needs and challenges in our communities, provide best ways to overcome them and improve quality of healthcare and health outcomes of all residents. Our outreach and educational resources empower consumers to make more informed choices concerning their healthcare and link them to sources of assistance for improved access to care.

Puerto Rican Action Board Names Healthier Middlesex as its 2017 Community Partner Award Winner

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 15:36:00 GMT

PRAB’s Community Partner Award recognizes a local institution that embodies the spirit of genuine partnership, and benefits PRAB and the Central New Jersey community it serves.

In selecting Healthier Middlesex as the Community Partner Award recipient, PRAB determined that it exemplifies the best that an institution has to offer a community. In particular, PRAB noted that Healthier Middlesex (formerly the Community Health Consortium for Central Jersey) has created and administered a joint community health improvement plan (CHIP) for Middlesex County and Somerset County/Franklin Township. This has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders representing numerous community institutions, which has established a roadmap for the future health of individuals and families in its target communities. Already, Healthier Middlesex has conducted a few community health needs assessments, and has been addressing critical health issues affecting residents. It has identified and linked community assets, leveraged expertise and resources, and enhanced initiatives already underway to create healthy and prosperous counties with a clear vision for a better future. Certainly, these efforts have contributed to efforts beyond the work of the two contributing hospitals.

ABOUT THE HEALTH RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST (HRET) OF NEW JERSEY:

PRAB is a non-profit, comprehensive human services organization with its headquarters in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. PRAB is the primary institution for the provision of diverse bilingual/multicultural services to the Central New Jersey community. Each year, they serve approximately 30,000 diverse individuals and families through their early childhood, youth, family, and community programs. PRAB provides opportunities for individuals and families to become self-sufficient, and work for a better life for themselves and others. Ultimately, PRAB strives to build thriving communities alongside individuals, families, businesses, community-serving organizations, and public and elected officials.

New Brunswick Partnership Selected To Participate In Nationwide ‘Build Health Challenge’

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 15:31:00 GMT

The New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative has been selected by a coalition of 12 funding organizations to participate in the BUILD Health Challenge, a national program that puts multi-sector community partnerships at the foundation of improving health for everyone.

The project will focus on the physical and environmental conditions that contribute to healthy housing, as well as the relationships between local community members and organizations to serve the Esperanza and Unity Square Neighborhoods in the city of New Brunswick.

New Brunswick is one of 19 communities selected to participate. BUILD awards funding, capacity building support, and access to a national peer-learning network. The program emphasizes cross-sector collaboration among local non-profit organizations, hospitals, and public health departments to address upstream conditions that create opportunities for better health. BUILD selected New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative because of its Bold, Upstream, Integrated, Local, and Data-driven (BUILD) ideas to improve the health of its residents.

The New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative is comprised of New Brunswick Tomorrow, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, and the Middlesex County Office of Health Services. These organizations will work together, with guidance from BUILD advisors, to identify and implement innovative solutions to community challenges. Matching funds from both hospitals, combined with BUILD’s $138,700 two-year grant, will further extend the partnership’s capacity to encourage safe and healthy housing in New Brunswick.

“We are delighted to call New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative our partners in supporting communities to become healthier,” said Bob Atkins, director of New Jersey Health Initiatives, a BUILD funding partner. “The work this collaborative is doing in New Brunswick to address housing, childhood lead exposure and the environment takes the health conversation upstream and exemplifies the ambitious goal of building a Culture of Health in New Jersey and the nation.”

“Every community faces its own set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to improving the health of its residents,” said Emily Yu, executive director of the BUILD Health Challenge. “With this award, we hope to catalyze the work of New Brunswick Healthy Housing Collaborative and bring together residents and organizations from across sectors to address the root causes of health issues in New Brunswick—and ultimately transform how we think about health in America.”

ABOUT THE BUILD HEALTH CHALLENGE

BUILD seeks to create a new norm in the U.S. by addressing upstream factors affecting health. It is supported by a unique collaborative of local and national funders, which includes the Advisory Board Company, The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, the Colorado Health Foundation, the de Beaumont Foundation, The Episcopal Health Foundation, Interact for Health, The Kresge Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, New Jersey Health Initiatives, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Telligen Community Initiative, and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Healthier Middlesex Named 2017 HRET Community Outreach Award Winner

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 20:31:00 GMT

The 2017 HRET Community Outreach awards recognize hospital-initiated programs that identify, respond, collaborate and successfully fulfill community needs. Sponsored by Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Healthier Middlesex partners collaborated to create the Outside the Box: Partnering with Local Libraries to Increase Community Health Literacy program to help patients better advocate for their own health.

By partnering with public libraries throughout Middlesex County, as well as the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region; the United Way of Central Jersey; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; and Rutgers University, the program has increased access to health information.

The Outside the Box program was started in 205 to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate—and evidence-based—health information to populations particularly vulnerable to poor health literacy: the elderly, the poor, and new immigrants. Access to care is a pervasive issue across the United States, and was identified as an area for improvement in the Middlesex County Community Health Needs Assessments, especially as Middlesex County is very culturally and linguistically diverse. Public libraries are trusted and accessible locations, and the research expertise of librarians can help guide patrons to culturally and literacy level appropriate materials.

Through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, librarians at six Middlesex County libraries were trained in all areas of consumer health and given access to a professional certification called the Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS). During this training, librarians are instructed on how to identify and select information that is uniquely tailored to a patron’s literacy level, native language and visual, mental, or physical impairments.

The reach of the literacy program is estimated, by utilizing a baseline from East Brunswick Public Library, the inspiration for the program, to potentially touch more than 50,000 community members in 2017 through direct question, health information and education events, and a direct health portal.