Penn Medicine Princeton Health

Pickleball, the fast growing sport in America, attracts enthusiasts of all ages. Among older adults, this has led to an unfortunate increase in related injuries. Princeton Medical Center physical therapist Barbara Kutch says because pickleball isn’t as intense as tennis and the equipment is lighter, people can play for much longer, dramatically increasing the workload on tendons in the shoulder (rotator cuff) and elbows. This can lead to overuse injuries. To avoid these injuries, she says it’s important to stretch before and after playing and gradually increase your length of play. If you do get hurt, physical therapy may help. And the good news is, most patients can continue playing while undergoing therapy. Exercises are personalized to each patient’s needs and may involve: → Stretching → Strengthening muscles around the affected joint → Improving posture → Expanding range of motion → Refining the patient’s form to avoid future injuries To find a Penn Medicine Princeton Health provider, please call 800-789-7366 or visit http://spr.ly/6040qHTM8

Princeton House Behavioral Health nurse Karen McPherson (left), an advisor on the board of Jazz for Dads in East Windsor, NJ, raised $15,000 to support Jazz for Prostate Cancer Awareness (Jazz4PCA). McPherson received a Penn Medicine CAREs grant which helped cover some of the event’s marketing and advertising costs. Ralph Stowe (middle) founded Jazz4PCA to honor his brother, a renowned jazz musician who died of prostate cancer at age 61. McPherson says she plays “a small, yet significant role in bringing awareness of prostate cancer to African American men,” who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center’s Center for Digestive Health is pleased to offer a convenient and innovative program, Direct Access Colonoscopy, to help speed the scheduling of routine screening colonoscopies. You can schedule a procedure without first having an office visit with a gastroenterologist if you meet these criteria: ✓ Are age 45 or older or 40 or older and have not been screened ✓ Have a family history of colon cancer ✓ Have no significant heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease (ask our nurse for details) ✓ Are not on blood-thinning medications other than routine aspirin (ask our nurse details) ✓ Have no history of stroke or blood clots ✓ Do not have active asthma Individuals who meet the criteria above can call 609-853-6390, option 2, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

Each person’s risk for developing breast cancer depends on a variety of factors. Some—like age, family history, or having dense breasts—can’t be controlled. Some can: ✓ Maintain a healthy weight ✓ Limit alcohol intake ✓ Don’t smoke ✓ Understand your risk and get genetic counseling if appropriate ✓ GET AN ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages, when most treatable. Schedule your mammogram: 609-853-7070. Princeton Medical Center provides mammograms on the hospital campus in Plainsboro and at the Breast Health Center in Plainsboro. Extended hours are available.

On September 29, Princeton Health Community Wellness hosted their first Annual Autumn Self-Care Retreat at the serene Plainsboro Preserve. Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed a day of nourishing activities, including nature walks, breathwork, meditation, mindful art, and yoga, along with specialty classes like backyard birding, Tai Chi and Qigong. A heartfelt thank you to Plainsboro Preserve, our talented and knowledgeable instructors (listed below), Nick Palumbo from Willow Tree and Vanessa Sanford for the relaxing chair massages, and to everyone who made this retreat a huge success! → Beth Young, nutritionist → Carolyn Schindewolf, Craig Harley, Cynthia Sinicropi-Philibosian, Maria Benerofe - → Community Wellness → Cynthia Maltenfort, Ed Parma, and Jessie Kraja - Princeton Fitness & Wellness → Leena Dave, Creative Corner of Plainsboro → Tara Miller, Plainsboro Preserve → Rajan Narayanaswamy We’re excited to announce our Spring Self-Care Retreat will take place in May 2025 at the same location. Stay tuned for more details.

Anxiety over making food choices has led to an increase in online testimonials on meal uniformity throughout social media platforms. Rebecca Boswell, PhD, supervising psychologist at the Princeton Center for Eating Disorders at Princeton House Behavioral Health, states that having the same daily foods can stem from psychological issues around food, including textural sensitives, food-related fears, and even disordered eating. Read the full article at http://spr.ly/6041UiuTV

CAREGIVERS: You're invited to join Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center for a virtual conference, Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The online event is for anyone (age 18+) who helps care for and support a person with a cancer diagnosis. You'll find caregiving information, practical resources, understanding, and support. Register at https://lnkd.in/eUtSzgD4 We use Microsoft Teams to meet online. After registration, you will receive a link.

Penn Medicine Princeton Health held a fun and informative fall hike on September 25, at the Plainsboro Preserve led by Princeton Health's Associate Director of Community Wellness & Engagement and Environmental Educator Craig Harley. Attendees enjoyed the calming natural setting and paused for a few mindful photos of the autumn colors while listening to Craig share interesting insights into the Preserve's history, ecology, and wildlife. Participants explored the beauty of Lake McCormack, learned about the land’s unique characteristics as well as information about various walking trails through the Preserve. Stay tuned for more details about our 2025 monthly walking group, for a chance to explore a variety of trails across Central New Jersey and to connect with nature and community!

Penn Medicine is going green for good health. Princeton Health recently received Partner for Change Environmental Excellence Awards from Practice Greenhealth for ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Princeton Health's initiatives include reducing the use of inhaled anesthetics and upgrading to all LED lighting. This is Princeton Health's third consecutive award. Read more about Penn Medicine’s sustainability efforts: http://spr.ly/6040UPL9i

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer screening helps identify cancer even before you may notice symptoms. To know when and how to get screened, it is important to check with your OB/GYN or primary care provider and to know your breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines for women at an average risk depend on your age. Age 40: May begin yearly screening with a mammogram. Over 40: Get a mammogram every year. 55 and older: Continue with an annual mammogram or switch to a mammogram every other year until your life expectancy is less than 10 years. Schedule your mammogram: 609-853-7070