Dr. Barbara Edwards | Princeton, NJ | Dr. Barbara R. Edwards

May 25, 2018July 6, 2018

Malawi Trip – One Year Later

Dr. Barbara Edwards (Princeton) in Malawi May 2017

This time last year I volunteered for a medical mission trip to Malawi with Villages in Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to medical treatment and quality of life for those in need abroad. Over the span of the 10 days that I spent there, we created 4 clinics that served 5,000 patients.

Upon arrival there was a rumor about the government clinics running out of malaria medicine. On the second day of clinic work myself, 2 Malawi medics, and a nurse practitioner were able to help suffering patients with the appropriate treatment. At one point we ran out of malaria test strips so we had to treat empirically for the symptoms until they brought new ones from another clinic.

Spending 10 days in an unfamiliar country that is vastly different from what you are accustomed can be difficult, but I’ve learned a lot from the people of Malawi, and they’ve appreciated the work we did for them. From living in their environment with tough conditions, to eating their food, and going to their churches, it makes me so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to go and volunteer to help them.

Learn more about my experiences here.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

May 12, 2018July 6, 2018

The Joys of Volunteering with Your Children

With summer approaching, parents can sometimes struggle to plan engaging activities with kids to stimulate their brains while on summer vacation. Volunteering is a rewarding experience as it is, and encouraging children to be more interested in volunteering makes it even more worthwhile. Volunteering with children can help them to understand that what they’re doing is appreciated, and they also get a lesson on their local community. Some benefits of volunteering with children include learning through experience, teaching them the importance of taking care of their community, and having fun while helping others.

Life-Long Lessons

Setting an example and being a significant role model is very important because children usually follow what their elders do. Leading by example and showing them that taking care of their community is an important part of growing up. Giving your children the firsthand experience of volunteering while they’re young can help them become more empathetic people in the future. They’ll have a better attitude toward giving back because they know that they’re helping others.

Building Community

Taking care of your community pays off in the long run. Your kids may or may not see results right away but the bonds that are created during volunteering can influence them for years to come. Help children realize that volunteering is important because they can learn a lot about those around them, while also making life long friends.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

April 26, 2018January 4, 2019

5 Great Low Sodium Recipes

Finding great, low-sodium recipes can be time consuming and discouraging, but they are out there. Being conscious of your sodium intake in your daily diet is important because consuming large amounts of salt can result in heart problems. Having high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to more serious cardiovascular issues like an increased risk of stroke and heart attacks. Other health risks that come along with high sodium levels in the body include water swelling in places like the ankles and legs. Congestive heart failure can occur as well, within people who have pre-existing cardiovascular issues. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we limit our sodium consumption to less than 2,300mg per day, or about 1 teaspoon of salt. Below are 5 delicious low-sodium recipes that are not only heart-healthy but will also satisfy those taste buds!

1. Berry Yogurt Cup

With this light, refreshing yogurt recipe, you’ll be wanting to wake up earlier to get your hands on it. The fresh berries blend perfectly with the plain yogurt, making it a great, easy breakfast meal.

Sodium Content: 29mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/berry-yogurt-cups

2. Southern Pecan and Apple Salad

This tasty salad will become your go-to lunch meal. The pecans and apples will add crunch to every bite and will leave your taste buds wanting more. The salad includes both sweet and savory flavors, satisfying everyone’s cravings!

Sodium Content: 28mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

http://www.health.com/health/recipe/0,,10000002011076,00.html

3. Oven-Baked Salmon

Nothing screams heart-healthy more than freshly baked salmon. Salmon contains a variety of necessary nutrients that also benefit the body. One piece of salmon is packed with protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important not only when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart but also aid in regulating blood pressure.

Sodium Content: 170mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oven-baked-salmon-recipe-1911951

4. Baked Chicken and Rice

This recipe is so simple, yet a favorite to many. No one will even know how healthy this dish really is because it tastes that great. The chicken is packed with protein and is low-fat at the same time, making it great for those who are trying to eat heart-healthy.

Sodium content: 266mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.thespruce.com/baked-chicken-and-rice-2246418

5. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

There is no better way to end the day than with a delicious cookie in hand. These peanut butter blossom cookies are both sweet and savory, making them the perfect treat. Low in sodium, you can even have 2 of these cookies and you’ll be going to sleep guilt-free.

Sodium content: 16.7mg per serving

Find the recipe here:

https://www.hackingsalt.com/low-sodium-peanut-butter-blossom-cookies/

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

April 16, 2018May 30, 2018

Volunteer Opportunities in the Princeton Area

By volunteering, you will discover all the benefits, both for the volunteer and for the community. Being a volunteer has personal benefits which include skill development, improved quality of life and making contacts for future possible employment. The list goes on, but volunteering can also be overwhelming if you don’t manage your time effectively. Some go overseas to volunteer in other countries and stay for weeks, but if it’s your first time volunteering it can be better to start off a few days at a time, for just a few hours. That’s why volunteering locally is a perfect way to start giving back. Since I practice near Princeton, NJ, here are some ideas of places to volunteer in the Princeton area:

The Watershed
The Watershed is an organization in central New Jersey with a mission of keeping water clean, safe and healthy. They are constantly looking for people who are willing to volunteer. By volunteering at The Watershed, you could help by clearing brush, feeding their animals, helping out with office work, staffing the front desk or assisting at one of their events. No matter if you enjoy the great outdoors, or to be in an office, there is a wide range of opportunities to choose from.

TASK – Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
TASK is a non-profit organization with a mission to feed the hungry in the Trenton area. TASK truly depends on the help from volunteers. They have volunteer opportunities both on-site and off-site. By being an on-site volunteer, you get to help prepare and serve food. Since offers different programs for all ages, families can find ways to give back to the Princeton community. If you don’t have the ability to be on-site, you can still prepare and drop off lunch and dinner.

Arm in Arm
Arm in Arm is a non-profit organization which welcomes more than 4,000 families to their food pantries. Families in the Princeton area turn to Arm in Arm for food and financial support, and they also work with prevention of homelessness with on-the-job training and job search mentoring. Depending on your interests and goals, there are different areas in which you can help. Help out in the pantry by providing healthy food for families or working in the garden. You could also help the families find work and financial stability by being a Job Trainee Mentor, or conduct mock job interviews. If you feel like you have a special skill you think would benefit the families, feel free to contact them.

Everything you can do is highly appreciated, whether it’s donating a pair of socks to a shelter or serving food in a soup kitchen for a couple of hours. It’s important work like this that will keep these valuable non-profit organizations going.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton doctor internal medicine practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.

March 20, 2018May 30, 2018

4 Best Days of the Year to Volunteer

If you’ve been searching for a pocket of time to give back, it can be difficult given all the commitments you need to tend to in your day-to-day life. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are times throughout the year when volunteer days are celebrated and encouraged. In order to plan ahead, here are some holidays to circle on your calendar that make setting aside time for volunteering a little bit easier:

Martin Luther King Day (Third Monday in January)

To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the third Monday in January has been set aside as a day of service for all Americans. Many employers observe this holiday by offering employees the day off, giving them the opportunity to be of service to their communities. This day was established as a day of service in an official capacity in 1996, and many presidents since then have carried out the tradition of volunteering in underserved communities on that day.

Spring Break (Mid-March)

Many families take advantage of the fact that kids get a week off in Spring by taking a family vacation. Plan to do something different this year by taking the family on a mission trip! This way, you can get away from the buzz of everyday life while still learning valuable lessons about giving back to others who are less fortunate. There are countless organizations that organize trips around Spring Break to take advantage of this.

Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)

Starting a tradition of volunteering on Thanksgiving Day, or even the night before, is a great way to practice gratitude and provide a meal for those in need at a time that is especially meaningful. The holidays should be a time of love and generosity, and getting the whole family involved can multiply your impact. Donating some of the ingredients you’re using in your thanksgiving dinner to a food bank is a great way to give back as well.

National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11th)

Launched in 2002, the nonprofit established to remember and honor the fallen on 9/11/2001 announced that 9/11 would be used not just as a day of reflection, but also to be of service. It celebrates the memory of those selfless first responders who stepped up in response to the attacks. Visit 9/11day.org to explore volunteer opportunities near you.