Category: Health

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Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center – Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center Accept $10,000 Donation

As an Internist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health Physicians at the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, I’m fortunate to also be the Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center. Recently, we accepted a generous donation from the Provident Bank Foundation to support our Diabetes Program at the Health Center.

A Bit About Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center

For those who are uninsured or underinsured, getting sick is more than just a quick trip to the doctor’s office. These individuals can end up with medical bills they may be unable to pay, and as doctors, we want to provide quality care regardless of insurance status. The mission of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center is to provide comprehensive healthcare to those uninsured or underinsured in the communities of Mercer and Middlesex Counties. We also put a focus on providing mental health services for patients whose physical illnesses can be worsened by mental health issues.

Diabetes Program

The Diabetes Program at our health center empowers diabetic individuals in our community to maintain control of their disease through education, diet and exercise. Diabetes is a serious medical condition for millions throughout the country which causes blood sugar to spike, and must be closely monitored. In our program alone, there are over 500 patients enrolled with that number expected to rise.

We are incredibly grateful to the Provident Bank Foundation, who has granted more than $22 million over the years to nonprofits and institutions who work to build more resilient communities.

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

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The Definition of High Blood Pressure Has Just Changed

New research has prompted the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology to redefine the classification for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This means that those who may not have been concerned about their blood pressure may now need to start making lifestyle changes to control it. In fact, these updated recommendations have increased the percentage of Americans with high blood pressure from 32% to a staggering 46% of the population.

The new classification for high blood pressure is anyone with a reading of 130 over 80, compared to the prior definition of 140 over 90. The rest of the new classifications are as follows:

  • Normal Blood Pressure: Under 120 over 80
  • Elevated Blood Pressure: Top number 120-129 and bottom number less than 80
  • High Blood Pressure / Stage 1: Top number of 130-139 or bottom number 80-89
  • High Blood Pressure / Stage 2: Top number at least 140 or bottom number at least 90
  • Hypertensive Crisis: Top number of at least 180 or bottom number at least 120 (consult a physician immediately)

These heart organizations decided to change these definitions in order to prompt early diagnoses that can be life saving. Hypertension is a known cause of heart disease and stroke.

It’s important to speak with your doctor about ways to handle high blood pressure, as medication isn’t always the only way to get you back in a healthy range. A low-sodium diet that is high in leafy greens, vegetables and fruit in combination with an active lifestyle can be effective in lowering blood pressure to the normal range.

Many diets plans, such as the DASH diet have been shown to help reduce blood pressure–and in my opinion, they’re also delicious! Heart disease is the deadliest disease worldwide, and it’s particularly dangerous because symptoms can be easy to ignore.

Make an appointment with your doctor today if you’re concerned about how high blood pressure could be affecting your health, and urge family members who also may be at risk to do the same.

Dr. Barbara R. Edwards is a doctor of Internal Medicine in the Princeton, New Jersey area practicing at Princeton Medicine and is affiliated with University Medical Center at Princeton.

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Heart Healthy Tips from the Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet

The flavors of a Mediterranean diet are not only mouthwatering, but they’re also great for your heart. Authentic food hailing from the cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea are easy to create, and can help lower blood pressure. Here are some aspects of the Mediterranean diet you can use to improve heart health.

 

Eat Less Red Meat, Try Fish Instead

The amount of red meat consumed in America is staggering, and likely has something to do with the levels of heart disease we see throughout the nation. Fish became a staple of the Mediterranean diet centuries ago because access to the sea made it a plentiful, nutritious meal. Fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids which are great for heart and brain health. Try eating less red meat and replace it with fish at least once a week.

 

Eat More Veggies

Mediterranean dishes are full of vegetables, and that’s no accident. Their cuisine was formed through a history that overcame hard economic times, which limited the amount of meat people could afford. As a result, vegetables are the backbone of many Mediterranean dishes prepared in creative and delicious ways. The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies per day.

 

Choose Oils Wisely

Extra-virgin olive oil is the ingredient that holds just about every Mediterranean dish together. Extra-virgin olive oil comes from the first press of the olive, before chemicals are added to get the rest out, meaning you’re getting the purest form of oil. Try substituting butter for extra-virgin olive oil in order to benefit from those monounsaturated fatty acids which can help improve your “good” cholesterol.

 

Eat in Moderation with Company

A hallmark of Mediterranean culture is enjoying long meals together with family and friends. Eating slowly while enjoying the company of others lets you savor the food more while allowing your body to take its time telling you when you’re full. Portion control is an important practice to staying healthy, and eating slowly gives your stomach a chance to tell your brain when it’s full.

Read more about Dr. Edwards Princeton

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The DASH Diet

Salmon - DASH Diet

As a medical professional, I try to ensure that my patients aren’t only putting a bandage on their symptoms, but also taking a pragmatic approach to becoming healthier. When we get busy, it can be easy to reach for quick meals instead of nourishing food. Unfortunately, if you want to get serious about dealing with chronic illnesses, your lifestyle may have to change. Always work with your doctor to develop a food and exercise plan to improve your health.

 

What is the DASH diet?

It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet was formulated to lower blood pressure, but it also can help aid weight loss. The diet consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains. This is one of my favorite diets to recommend to patients because of how easy it is to follow, as well as how delicious it is! This diet is also a great guide for those looking to decrease their meat intake. The DASH diet is recommended by the US Department of Agriculture as one of the ideal eating plans for all Americans.

 

What this diet limits:

  • Processed sugars
  • Sodium
  • Saturated fats
  • Alcohol

 

What you will be eating:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)
  • Lean poultry and fish
  • Whole grains (quinoa, whole wheat couscous, brown rice)

 

DASH recipe examples from EatingWell.com:

  • Curried parsnip and apple soup
  • Indian edamame quinoa burgers
  • Seared chicken with mango salsa and spaghetti squash
  • Strawberry and yogurt parfait
  • Orange-sesame shrimp salad

 

Read more about Dr. Edwards Princeton