According to the US Census Bureau, the population of adults over age 65 is expected to double by 2025, and the American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that the incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is expected to triple during the same time period.

In 2010, more than 10 million people were affected by AMD, and looking even further into the future, that number is expected to jump 150 percent by 2050, based on the National Eye Institute’s (NEI) Projections for AMD.

The leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50, AMD damages the macula (center of the retina) and as the disease progresses, it blurs one’s central vision. AMD presents in two forms, wet and dry. Dry AMD is more common, and occurs when the visual cells in the macula slowly break down. Dry AMD that goes untreated can progress to wet AMD-caused by the abnormal growth of blood vessels under the macula. Wet AMD-is considered advanced AMD and-can lead to rapid loss of central vision,-which is-typically more severe than the dry form.

The NEI recently released the results of AREDS 2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2), a five-year, 4,203 patient study of people between 50 and 85 years of age with intermediate AMD in both eyes, or advanced AMD in one eye.

The objective of the AREDS 2 Study was to determine if the addition of Zeaxanthin, Lutein, and Omega 3′s to the original AREDS formula would further reduce the progression to advanced AMD. Numerous clinical studies suggest these nutrients protect vision.

The original AREDS study results were released in 2001, and revealed that high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals including Vitamins C and E, Beta-Carotene, Zinc, and Copper reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25 percent, and the risk of moderate vision loss by 19 percent.

By adding Zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and Lutein to the original AREDS nutrients, study results demonstrated that the progression to advanced AMD was reduced by 9 percent when compared with no lutein and zeaxanthin, and an 18 percent reduction in progression to advanced AMD in subjects who received the AREDS supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin versus the original AREDS supplement with beta carotene.

Another important take-away from the AREDS 2 Study, which applies to most Americans, was a 26 percent reduction in progression to advanced AMD for subjects with the lowest dietary intake of-lutein and zeaxanthin. In the US, dietary intake of–lutein and zeaxanthin is typically less than 1 mg per day – well below the 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin in the AREDS 2 Study.

A superior photo-protector and antioxidant, Zeaxanthin protects the cones in the eye which are responsible for our central vision. Lutein, the other predominant macular pigment, protects the rods in the eye, which are responsible for our peripheral vision. Both of these macular pigments act like internal sunglasses to protect and enhance vision.

The AREDS 2 Study also included supplementation of the Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. While Omega-3s did not prove beneficial in slowing the progression to advanced AMD, DHA is a major component of the retina, and both EPA and DHA have been identified as important compounds to support eye health, heart health, and other organ systems.- -

Finally, in the original AREDS study, approximately two thirds of the subjects also took a multi-vitamin daily, and 90 percent of subjects in the AREDS 2 Study consumed a multi-vitamin. Multi-vitamins contain other essential ingredients that benefit eye and overall health.

The AREDS 2 Study demonstrates that AMD progression can be slowed through eye vitamin consumption, and many other clinical studies confirm that healthy macular pigment density protects and enhances vision. Eye vitamin brands like EyePromise feature optimal levels of these protective macular pigments along with other natural nutrients essential for ocular health.

Consult your Eye Care Professional about age-related eye disease and the importance of the new AREDS 2 Study.

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Following a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C, a patient should ask their physician whether the liver is already damaged and whether they should begin treatment. The long-term consequences of not treating chronic hepatitis C may increase over time. The longer a patient waits to get treated for chronic hepatitis C, the more likely they are to experience severe liver damage that may make it more difficult to treat the infection.

“Guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate testing baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965 for chronic hepatitis C today,” says Dr. Eirum Chaudri, executive director of medical affairs at Merck. “As liver damage progresses, the likelihood of responding to treatment decreases; so testing is critical to disease identification and management.”

Anyone can be infected with chronic hepatitis C, but certain populations are more at risk than others including baby boomers, veterans and Hispanic-Americans. Given that these populations are at greater risk for the disease, it is important that they consider getting tested for hepatitis C. Testing for hepatitis C can be done with a blood test.

Patients with chronic hepatitis C should feel comfortable discussing their condition with their physician, including their treatment options. Healthcare providers are the best source of information about your medical condition.

Merck and the American Liver Foundation are teaming up to urge Americans to take action and learn more about chronic hepatitis C today. Visit www liverfoundation.org to learn more.

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1. Hepatitis B is serious

In the United States, chronic hepatitis B infection results in thousands of deaths per year. If left untreated, up to 25 percent of people with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems such as cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Liver cancer caused by the hepatitis B virus is a leading cause of cancer deaths among Asian Americans.

2. Two out of three Asian Americans with hepatitis B don’t know they are infected

People can live with hepatitis B without having any symptoms or feeling sick. Often, people don’t know they have hepatitis B until they have been tested.

“A staggering two out of three Asian Americans living with chronic hepatitis B do not know they are infected,” says Block. “Getting a simple blood test is the only way to know if you have been infected with the virus.”

3. Treatments can be lifesaving

Testing can help some people find out if they have hepatitis B in time to benefit from medical care and treatments that can save their lives. For many, treatments can help prevent serious liver damage. -

“Because of the high rate of infection among Asian Americans, testing among this population is critical to identify people living with chronic hepatitis B and help them access lifesaving medical care,” says Jeffrey Caballero, executive director of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and co-chair of Hep B United.

4. The vaccine can protect people who have not been infected with hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is effective and can prevent many people from getting hepatitis B. People who get tested and do not have hepatitis B can get the hepatitis B vaccine. This protects them from getting the virus. -

However, the vaccine cannot help people who already have hepatitis B. Many people with chronic hepatitis B were infected as infants or young children, before the hepatitis B vaccine was widely available. Hepatitis B spreads easily through blood or other body fluids, from someone who has hepatitis B, such as from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Today, the CDC recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for all babies born in the United States, as well as anyone else at risk for hepatitis B.

5. People who have hepatitis B can help protect their family- -

People who get tested and find out they have hepatitis B can encourage hepatitis B testing for family members and anyone living with them. Vaccinating family members who do not have hepatitis B can prevent further spread of the virus.

“Testing can also help identify other people, such as family members or sexual partners, who may be at risk for getting the disease,” says Caballero. “Remember, loving your family starts with caring for yourself, so talk to your doctor about getting tested for hepatitis B.”

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Any way you figure it, the math doesn’t add up to a promising picture. In 2012, there were more than 115,000 people in the U.S. awaiting an organ transplant – enough to overflow the country’s largest football stadium. Each year, more than 28,000 Americans receive a donated organ, but sadly, more than 6,500 people die each year waiting for an organ.

While many are on the waiting list for years, their number increases at the rate of more than 50,000 people a year, nearly one new person every 10 minutes. Day after day the list and the problem grow. It is, however, a problem with a solution – one that depends a lot on education and selflessness.

Professional snowboarder Chris Klug knows first-hand what the waiting game is like. After being diagnosed with PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), a rare degenerative bile duct condition, Klug learned that he needed a liver transplant. He spent several years on the waiting list, eagerly anticipating the call that a donor organ had become available.

After a successful surgery and aggressive rehabilitation regimen, Klug won the bronze medal in snowboarding in front of the home crowd in Salt Lake City – just a year and a half after his transplant.

-”I’m so blessed to be here today,” Klug says. “I will forever be grateful for my second chance. Every day I thank God and I thank my donor and his family for the decision to donate.”

A new survey released by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. shows that while 60 percent of people are familiar with their state’s organ donor registry and 57 percent would be willing to donate their organs after they pass away, only 43 percent are actually registered as organ donors and 48 percent don’t know how to register.

“We are very encouraged by the number of Americans who view organ donation positively and are willing to donate,” says David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. “However, knowing the large number of people awaiting a transplant, we are committed to continuing to educate all Americans on the importance of registering in their state, and ensuring they know.”

Registering to become a donor is a simple process that can be completed online or through many local departments of motor vehicles. Transplantation gives hope to thousands of people with organ failure and provides many others with active and renewed lives. Register today to become an organ donor at donatelife.net/register-now.

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The concept of fetal programming (also called prenatal programming) theorizes that during fetal development, poor intake of one or more essential nutrients during critical periods in an organ’s growth can potentially alter or program the structure, size or function of that organ for the rest of the child’s life. The developing baby will attempt to compensate for deficiencies in the womb, but that compensation can carry a price later in life.

Eighty-eight percent of mothers and women who are currently pregnant agree that a diet including nutritious foods, beverages and vitamins will have a positive long term effect on their child’s health, according to a recent survey conducted by NMI Research and DSM Nutritional Products. However, despite this awareness, 99 out of 100 Americans don’t meet even the minimum standards of a balanced diet.

“Many pregnant women think they are doing OK diet-wise, but in reality they are likely not getting the essential vitamins and nutrients that they and their babies need through diet alone. For instance, the average American eats four servings or less of fruits and vegetables daily, which means they may be lacking essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and K,” says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and author of “Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy.”

Today, women who are pregnant have the option to supplement their diets with prenatal vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Somer provides nutrition tips for mothers to help support their child’s future health.

Tip No. 1: A mother’s diet rich in vitamin B12 has been found to correlate to a lower risk for insulin resistance in her child later in life, according to the Prune Maternal Nutrition Study. Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of blood cells, nerve sheaths and various proteins, and is also necessary for growth. Sources of B12 include meat, eggs, fish and milk products.

Tip No. 2: Vitamin C status has been shown to lower oxidative damage to fetal tissues and lower the risk for heart problems later in life. Stock your fruit and vegetable basket with popular food sources of vitamin C, including citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, spinach and tomatoes.

Tip No. 3: There is emerging evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including rickets, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, type 1 diabetes and cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. You can find a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement that includes vitamin D and is formulated for the needs of women who are pregnant.

Tip No. 4: DHA omega-3 is an important building block of a baby’s brain. In fact, 97 percent of the omega-3s found in the brain is DHA. Primary sources of DHA include fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon) and a vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA from algae can be found in foods, beverages and supplements on store shelves. Look for the life’sDHA logo on the packaging to know you’re getting a vegetarian source.

Tip No. 5: Children born of mothers with low folate status during pregnancy were 57 percent more likely to have emotional problems later in life, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Increase your folate or folic acid intake by eating dark leafy greens or supplementing with 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily.

It is important to talk with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

The post Programming your child’s health – 5 nutrition tips for baby’s future health appeared first on NJ Top Doctors Blog.

Scotch Plains, NJ – May 2013 –

NJ Top Docs Include:

Acupuncture
Ross Rosen
Center for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Union County

Cardiology
Dr. Bart DeGregorio
Essex County

Dr. Abbas Shehadeh
Essex

Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Scott Spiro
Spiro Plastic Surgery
Essex County

Orthopedic Surgery
Femino-Ducey- Queler Orthopaedic Group
Essex County

Dr. Paul Kovatis  
Orthopedic Spine & Sports Medicine Center
Bergen County
Orthopedic Surgery – Foot & Ankle

Dr. Kenneth Kopacz, Dr. Casey Lee & Dr. Christopher Zarro
Spine Care and Rehabilitation
Essex County
Orthopedic Surgery & Spinal Disorders

Dr. Raphael Longobardi
Univeristy Orthopaedic Center
Bergen County
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Pediatric Cardiology

Dr. Donald Putman &Dr. Jared LaCorte
Metro Pediatric Cardiology Associates
Essex County
Pediatric Cardiology

Reproductive Medicine & Infertility
Dr. Jane Miller
North Hudson IVF
Bergen County

NJ Top Dentists Include:

General Dentistry
Dr. Edward Gaines
Lawrence Dental
Mercer County

Dr. Richard Meleo & Dr. Jane Ligums
Somerset County

Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Irvin Sherman
Shore Children’s Dental Care
Monmouth County

These providers were chosen based a number of criteria including but not limited to:

• Years in practice
• Board certification review
• Education & Training
• Review of malpractice insurance and license
• Continuing education requirements
• Patient reviews                        

NJ Top Docs is a comprehensive information resource of Top Doctors, Dentists and Hospitals. We profile over 900 Healthcare Providers, in over 100 specialties across the state and have made it convenient for you to find them.

NJ Top Docs and NJ Top Dentists allow patients to “meet” these providers online before making their appointment.

For more information, e-mail us at info@NJTopDocs.com and/or visit www.NJTopDocs.com.

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Scotch Plains, NJ – April 2013

Dr. Gregory J. Gallina, an NJ Top Doc, is recognized as being a leading expert in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of disease of the colon, rectum, anus, and small bowel with a specialization in robotic colon surgery. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallina has been awarded numerous awards, including NJ Top Doctors 2011 – NJ Monthly, the Gold Doc Award 2010- Arnold Gold Foundation, and Patient Choice Award 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 among others.

Dr. Gallina specializes in treating diverticular disease, familial colorectal cancer syndromes, ulcerative colitis, anal cancer, rectal prolapse, and pilonidal disease along with many other disorders. He is a renowned expert in screening and surveillance for colon cancer, colonoscopies, minimally invasive intestinal surgery, colostomy sparing surgery, and Da Vinci robotic surgery for rectal cancer.

A colon and rectal surgeon has the knowledge and skill to diagnose and treat an array of diseases of the small intestine, colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area through medical and surgical means. These specialists also deal with other tissues and organs that may consequently be affected by intestinal diseases. As an outstanding colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Gallina understands all of the aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders as he stays in the forefront of novel technologies in his area of expertise.

Dr. Gallina has extensive experience in the treatment of:

Rectal bleeding
Hemorrhoids
Diverticular Disease (including diverticulitis)
Familial Colorectal Cancer Syndromes
Polyps of the Colon and Rectum
Ulcerative Colitis
Anal Cancer
Rectal Prolapse
Anal Abscess/Fistula
Anal Fistula
Anal Warts
Pilonidal Disease

Dr. Gallina’s practice is conveniently located in Northern, New Jersey.  For more information please visit Dr. Gallina’s full profile at http://www.NJTopDocs.com/DrGallina

About Us

NJTopDocs.com is a comprehensive information resource of Top Doctors, Dentists and Hospitals. We are profiling over 900 Healthcare Providers and have made it convenient for you to find them.

NJTopDocs.com allows patients to “meet” these providers online before making their appointment.

For more information, e-mail us at info@NJTopDocs.com and/or visit www.NJTopDocs.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook – Twitter – YouTube

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Fortunately, the focus on rare diseases like IPF is growing because they’re more common than we think: when combined, they affect nearly 30 million, or about one in 10 Americans.

The National Institutes of Health says there are nearly 7,000 such conditions and many are difficult to diagnose. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act, a federal law to encourage the development of new treatments for rare diseases, progress has been made, but patients with most rare diseases are still without an FDA-approved treatment.

One such rare disease is IPF. This debilitating and often fatal lung disease which gets worse over time, causes lung tissue to scar and thicken. Breathing is difficult for IPF patients, which can make everyday tasks, like walking up stairs or doing errands, a challenge.

Like many rare diseases, IPF is difficult to diagnose particularly because the cause of the disease is unknown.

For this reason, organizations like the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, American Thoracic Society and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals are working to raise awareness of this deadly disease. Observances like Rare Disease Day, an international advocacy day aimed to raise awareness of rare diseases, are opportunities to further this mission and recognize the challenges faced by patients.-

“This is a milestone year for rare disease awareness and we are excited to see continued progress for patients with IPF,” says Dolly Kervitsky, of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “We are encouraged by the accomplishments of the research community, as we continue our efforts to spread awareness about the disease through forums like Rare Disease Day.”

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation believes it is imperative that patients and those that treat them become more knowledgeable of IPF in order to better address patients’ needs.

With no FDA-approved therapies, a lung transplant is often the last resort for people with IPF. However, a lung transplant is rare – about 30 percent of IPF patients who are waiting for a lung transplant don’t survive long enough to have the surgery.

Symptoms like a dry cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss are not always present until IPF has worsened. Additionally, the damage that IPF causes is permanent. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation encourages patients to visit a physician if they are concerned about their symptoms.

For more information about IPF and resources for patients, please visit The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

This article is provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.

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The health care system is comprised of teams working with and among each other within the same “universe.” The core of the health care universe is the patient, and the group of people working directly with the patient to provide care – from friends and family to nurses and physicians – is called the “microsystem.” In recent years, this microsystem has become the focus of much research and discussion, as its successful function directly impacts the delivery of care.

A new revolution toward these improvements is being led by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees. Nurses with this advanced level of education have the knowledge to understand and apply research in the clinical setting to provide greater patient safety and continuous quality improvement.

“Doctorally prepared nurses are at the core of a revolution in health care,” says Dr. Carole Eldridge, director of graduate programs for Chamberlain College of Nursing. “By applying research to solve problems, these nurses are reducing costs and increasing health care quality, which in turn improves patient outcomes and transforms health care delivery.”

Chamberlain offers a DNP degree program focused on clinical practice and implementing solutions within the patient microsystem. The post-master’s professional degree program is designed to give experienced nurses the advanced education necessary to assume leadership roles in health care.

APRNs with DNP degrees are becoming increasingly valuable to employers, and the degrees are bringing these nurses rewarding career options and, in some cases, higher salaries. In fact, nurse practitioners with DNP degrees earn on average $7,316 more annually than those with master of science in nursing degrees.

This trend illustrates the expanding role nurses play within the health care system. The Institute of Medicine recommends nurses become full partners with physicians and other health care professionals in redesigning health care in the United States, according to its 2010 report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” As the largest segment of the nation’s health care workforce, nurses are uniquely positioned to drive the quality improvements necessary for its successful transformation.

Where an associate degree in nursing was once the standard for registered nurses, a bachelor of science in nursing degree is quickly becoming preferred, if not required, by employers. Similarly, as the health care universe grows and becomes more modernized, industry leaders will look to APRNs with DNP degrees to increase efficiencies and lower costs within the microsystem.

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National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), held this year April 20-27, serves as a great reminder to parents and caregivers that vaccines can help protect children from 14 childhood diseases by age two. NIIW is an annual observance supported by the CDC to highlight the importance of vaccination in helping to protect infants from certain diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in helping to promote healthy communities.

“Incidence of many serious childhood infections has greatly declined because of the widespread use of childhood vaccinations,” said Dr. Patricia Samuelson, a family physician based in Sacramento. “However, if vaccination rates drop, disease rates could rise again, so it’s important that we are diligent in vaccinating to help protect children.”

Parents should know that it’s recommended to vaccinate their children at certain ages and with the appropriate number of doses. Maintaining the schedule of a child’s well visits helps ensure children get the vaccines they need, at the right times.

NIIW can also be a reminder that vaccines are recommended not only for children, but for people across a lifetime. While parents are naturally concerned about the health and safety of their children, it is important to remember that vaccination is important in helping to maintain health and wellness for people of all ages. In fact, the CDC has recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as adults.

Dr. Samuelson recommends talking to a health care professional or visiting sponsor.WebMD.com/VACCINES to learn more about what vaccines are recommended for people of all ages. The website provides information developed by Merck on WebMD about the history of vaccines and how they are developed, approved and manufactured. It also offers a resource that can be used when talking to your health care professional.

“By staying informed and learning about recommended vaccines, people can learn how to help protect themselves and their loved ones from certain infectious diseases.”

NIIW is also part of a global effort to raise awareness about vaccinations, celebrated as part of the World Immunization Week, April 21-28, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

This information is provided by Merck.

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