January’s Featured Healthy Recipe: Retro Triple-Layer Parfaits

Ingredients: 2 envelopes plus 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin 4 1/4 cups chilled no-added-sugar cranberry-pomegranate juice blend, divided 1/2 cup cold heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Pour 2 envelopes gelatin over 1 cup cold juice in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Heat 3 cups juice in a microwave-safe dish at HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes or until scalding hot; pour over gelatin mixture, stirring until dissolved. Pour 1/3 cup of mixture into each of 6 glasses, reserving remaining mixture. Refrigerate 15 minutes. While gelatin chills, place bowl with remaining gelatin mixture in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Vigorously whisk mixture until it becomes a dense, pale-pink foam and no liquid remains (about 10 minutes). Evenly divide foam among glasses. Chill 30 minutes. Place remaining 1/4 cup juice in a small microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon gelatin, and let stand 5 minutes. Microwave mixture at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until gelatin is dissolved. Cool. Combine cream and vanilla in a bowl; whisk just until the whisk begins to leave trails in the cream. Add microwaved gelatin mixture in a steady stream while whisking; beat just until soft peaks form. Evenly Read More

NJ Top Docs and NJ Top Dentists are proud to feature the following December 2016 approved providers:

Scotch Plains, NJ – December 2016 NJ Top Docs and NJ Top Dentists are proud to feature the following July 2016 approved providers: (Please note that all listings hyperlinked in blue are links to their online profile.  Those that are bolded in black do not have an online profile at this time.) NJ Top Docs Include: Cardiology Essex County Dr. Frank Iannacone Chiropractics & Spinal Disorders Atlantic County Dr. Christopher M. Yecco Bergen County Dr. George N. Logothetis Dr. Daniel E. Golden Essex County Dr. Andrea Buccino Hudson County Dr. David Sylvester Middlesex County Dr. Daniel Newcomer Monmouth County Dr. Jordan Kovacs Sussex County Dr. Andrew Grano Facial, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Burlington County Dr. Stephen Chidyllo Mercer County Dr. Jill Hazen General Surgery Bergen County Dr. Sebastian R. Eid Nephrology Bergen County Dr. Rosy Joseph OBGYN                Bergen County Dr. Judi Gerardis Middlesex County Dr. Antoinette Ham Ocean County Dr. Moty Tal Ophthalmology Morris County Dr. Sean C. Lalin Orthopedic Surgery Morris County Dr. Leigh Ende Otolaryngology (ENT) Morris County Dr. Brian Lebovitz Pain Management & Physical Medicine  Bergen County Dr. Jeffrey Fossati Pediatrics Bergen County Dr. Darren Saks Burlington County Dr. Bryan Read More

NJ Top Dentists Presents, Dr. Richard Bucher!

NJ Top Dentists Presents, Dr. Richard Bucher! Dr. Richard Bucher was recently reviewed and approved as an “NJ Top Dentist”! At the office of Dr. Richard L. Bucher, they aim to help their patients achieve the best oral health possible. The family dental practice emphasizes comprehensive care, cosmetic dentistry, and the use of lasers in treatment. They strongly believe in treating the patient as a whole, rather than on a symptom-by-symptom basis, and in using state-of-the-art technology to offer our patients the most comfortable and efficient care possible. Having served the dental needs of Oakland since 1991, their practice has grown deep roots in the community, as have the members of their staff, many of whom have been with the practice for more than a decade. The office space feels warm and homey, much like stepping into a neighbor’s living room. Their practice values punctual, on-time service and patient access to care. They offer early morning and evening appointments, as well as 24-hour emergency coverage. Most insurance plans are gladly accepted, and financing is available to those who qualify. Dr. Richard L. Bucher has been practicing dentistry in his home state of New Jersey for over 20 years. After earning Read More

December is National Human Rights Awareness Month!

Throughout the past there have been occurrences of vicious cruelty, and an obvious violation of the rights and freedoms of mankind. Whether that was based on the color of one’s skin, their nationality, religion, or merely being unfortunate enough to be living under the command of another country, people have regularly been treated like animals, or worse. Human Rights Month is here to remind us of that day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly codified the basic human rights of every individual on the planet. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some ways to celebrate Human Rights month is to take time out to understand and appreciate what exactly this arranged set of freedoms does for you. Studying and researching it is a way to honor the work and lives that went into making sure this document came to exist for the good of all mankind. Spend time volunteering for organizations like Amnesty International, which is a charity organization that works tirelessly to support and spread human rights. Working with organizations like these will help millions of people around the world, and the ways to Read More

Dr. Kovatis of Orthopedic Spine and Sports Medicine Center has been recognized as an “NJ Top Doc” since 2011

Dr. Paul Kovatis is celebrating yet another year as an “NJ Top Doc”! At OSSMC, Dr. Kovatis treats all surgical and non-surgical disorders of the leg, ankle and foot. He also specializes in general Orthopedics and Traumatic Injuries to the entire Musculoskeletal System; excluding the Spine. Dr. Paul Kovatis completed his orthopedic leg, ankle and foot fellowship training at the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City. He is one of very few orthopedic surgeon (MD’s) who concentrate on this subspecialty. Dr. Kovatis performed the first total ankle replacement at HackensackUMC in May of 2013 and continues to have the highest surgical volume and quality and safety results in this specific orthopedic subspecialty. He currently serves at the Chairman of the Medical Board, overseeing the administrative policies and procedures of over 1500 physicians at HackensackUMC and also serves on the institution’s Board of Governors, Board of Trustees and is the Chairman of the Quality and Patient Safety Committee of the governing Board of the Medical Center. He also serves as an orthopedic consultant to the new Wellness Center affiliated with HackensackUMC and is the Co-Chair of the Division of Orthopedics Foot and Ankle and involved in the formation of Read More

December’s Featured Healthy Recipie: Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients: 3 to 4 medium shallots, in their skin Kosher salt, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons 1 pound fresh green beans, stemmed, and halved crosswise 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups mushroom, vegetable, or chicken broth (see notes) 3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves Freshly ground black pepper Vegetable cooking spray 1 cup fresh bread crumbs Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the shallots (in their skins) on a small baking dish, roast until soft, about 30 minutes. When cool enough to handle, skin and coarsely chop the shallots. Set aside. Bring a medium-large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add kosher salt, to taste. Add the green beans, and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain the beans in a colander and rinse with cold water. Transfer the beans to a large bowl. Bring a medium-large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add kosher salt, to taste. Add the green beans, and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain the beans in a colander and rinse Read More

NJ Top Docs Presents, Dr. Eugene Batelli for the 2nd Year!

NJ Top Docs Presents, Dr. Eugene Batelli of Metropolitan Ankle & Foot Care Specialists! Eugene Batelli, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S, is celebrating one year being recognized as an NJ Top Doc! Along with his wonderful accolades and stellar patient reviews, Dr. Batelli continues to be recognized for his commitment to excellence in podiatry. Congratulations, Dr. Batelli! Dr. Eugene Batelli is a highly trained Podiatric Surgeon who specializes in treating athletes and their injuries, pediatric foot conditions as well as specialized treatments for chronic podiatraic afflictions. Dr. Batelli actively treats high end athletes in high school, Division I college, and participants in the NYC and Boston marathons. He is also a lecturer and instructor on the latest surgical techniques. The office is complete with all the latest technologies such as cold laser and extra corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Dr. Batelli has advanced surgical training in total ankle replacements from Tornier (Salto Talaris), Small Bone Innovations (STAR), Zimmer (Trabecular Metal Total Ankle) and Wright Medical (In-Bone, Infinity and Prophecy). He is also on the product development board for Trilliant Surgical, Ltd. The physicians at Metropolitan Ankle & Foot Care Specialists are among the most well trained and experienced in the country in surgical Read More

NJ Top Docs Presents, Dr. Mahesh Bikkina of Heart & Vascular Associates of Northern Jersey, P.A.!

Dr. Mahesh Bikkina has been reviewed and approved as an “NJ Top Doc”! Mahesh Bikkina, MD, MPH, FACC, FSVM, FSCAI trained at the following prestigious institutions: • Guntur Medical College, Guntur, India • University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL • Michigan State University, Saginaw, MI • University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL • Boston University, Boston, MA Dr. Bikkina is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology. Heart & Vascular Associates of Northern Jersey provides care at nine locations in Northern New Jersey, their testing facilities are now affiliated with Christ Hospital as out-patient hospital testing facilities to provide their patients with state-of-the-art cardiac and vascular testing. Their board certified Cardiologists specialize in a wide array of cardiology, interventional cardiology, vascular, and electrophysiology services. Cardiologists at Heart and Vascular Associates are attending physicians at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center with privileges at Valley Health System, Hackensack University Medical Center, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Christ Hospital. Heart and Vascular Associates is committed to providing the highest quality cardiac care in Northern New Jersey. They strive to optimize patient health through the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, in a caring environment that ensures the health and well-being of Read More

Dr. Richard Champagne of Champagne Smiles Celebrates 2 years as a NJ Top Doc!

Dr. Richard Champagne is a gentle, dedicated cosmetic dentist creating attractive, confident smiles. Dr. Champagne skillfully combines his dental expertise, empathetic chairside manner and the latest technologies to help even the most discriminating patients achieve their dental goals. Dr. Champagne and his team of dental professionals strive to provide each patient with the most advanced dental treatments and outstanding customer service. Dr. Champagne personally meets with his patients to review their medical histories and discuss any concerns and goals while developing highly customized treatment plans. Upon arriving for their treatments, patients are invited to relax on a massage mat while enjoying soothing music. Dr. Champagne strives to make all dental procedures as comfortable as possible by providing patients a hot and cold beverage bar. At the conclusion of their treatments, patients receive warm, soothing paraffin baths for their hands, which helps to create a truly spa-like experience. Dr. Champagne’s education and training allow him to provide his patients with a wide range of treatments, including dental implants, bonding, crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, porcelain veneers, Invisalign teeth alignment and teeth whitening. For those patients experiencing high levels of anxiety, Dr. Champagne offers conscious sedation, which allows patients to enter a Read More