Let's Be Healthy Together
Take Charge of Your Health
Regular exercise, a healthy diet and preventive screenings are among the keys to good health.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a life choice – and the benefits are immeasurable.
By taking charge of your health, you’ll look and feel better and live a longer healthier life.
Should you need medical care along the way, RWJBarnabas Health is here for you.
Schedule Your Annual Checkup
Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. Exams and screenings depend on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices like what you eat, your level of activity, and whether you smoke.
By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you’re taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Be sure to schedule your annual physical with your physician. If you need a referral to a primary care doctor, call 1.888.724.7123.
Know Your BMI
You know your weight but do you know your Body Mass Index (BMI)?
BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Typically, those with higher BMIs are more likely to develop conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. But many factors – including your family history, eating habits and activity level – also influence your overall health. BMI results are grouped into four main categories: underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese.
Discuss your BMI results with your doctor or health care provider as BMI recommendations differ based on gender and other variables.
SAD this winter? Fight the Blues
Feeling extra blue during the dark winter months? This could be a sign that you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that usually occurs in the winter. According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- lack of interest in normal activities
- social withdrawal
- craving foods high in carbohydrates
- weight gain
These symptoms often dissipate as spring arrives and stay in remission through the summer months. If you or someone you know exhibits one or more of these symptoms as the seasons change, seek the help of a trained medical professional. Some people coping with SAD may be prescribed light therapy, which uses a special lamp with a very bright light that mimics light from the sun. Others may feel relief by taking a long walk outside or exposing their home or office to more natural light. As with other types of depression, a health care provider may recommend antidepressant medicines and talk therapy.
Beat the Flu this Season
While flu season is in full swing, there are steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy! Flu can spread from person to person from touching something with the virus on it like a counter top or doorknob and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes to breathing in air produced with droplets produced by coughing and sneezing.
- Get a flu shot! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older gets a vaccine each year, especially those with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
- When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth, or cough into your sleeve.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth as germs are easily spread that way.
- Wash your hands often, especially after sneezing. Use hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available.
- Keep a safe distance from a person who is sneezing and coughing.
- Regularly clean common surfaces like counter tops, telephones, computer keyboards and chairs.
- If you’re ill with the flu or respiratory infection, stay home so you don’t infect others.
