Dr. Godkar featured in article from Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology

Increasing Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Through Improved Short-Term Monitoring

Originally published: Dec 07, 2021, on https://www.dicardiology.com/article/increasing-early-detection-atrial-fibrillation-through-improved-short-term-monitoring

DAIC logo
Dr Godkar featured in a-fib early detection article
pg 2 article featuring dr godkar about a-fib detection

View original article: https://www.dicardiology.com/article/increasing-early-detection-atrial-fibrillation-through-improved-short-term-monitoring

Cardiac Catheterization do's and dont's

Do’s and Don’ts after your Cardiac Catheterization

Do’s….

  • Keep your bandage clean and dry for 24 hours after the procedure
  • You can remove the bandage after 24 hours from your procedure, remember to wash your hands before removing the bandage 
  • If you notice any bleeding, lie down, apply pressure over the site and call your doctor
  • You can shower after 24 hours from your procedure
  • If we used your wrist for the procedure- you may elevate it on a pillow for comfort
  • Take your medications as directed by your doctor 
  • Take short walks around your house 
  • Rest and resume your usual activity

Don’ts…

  • Don’t lift anything over 10 pounds for 1 week
  • Don’t submerge your site (wrist or groin)  in water (bath or pool) for 1 week after procedure
  • Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery for 48 hours after your procedure 
  • Don’t consume alcohol for 48 hours after your procedure 
  • Don’t sign any legal documents for 48 hours after your procedure 
  • Don’t strain while having a bowel movement, make sure you eat fiber rich foods like fruits whole grains and vegetables 

Go to the Emergency room if  you have ….

  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fast heart beat 
  • Feeling dizzy 
  • Numbness or weakness of your face, arm or leg specifically on one side of your body 
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance
  • Sudden onset of severe headache 
help scheduling covid vaccine nj

COVID-19 VACCINE – What NJ Residents Need to Know

COVID-19 VACCINE Information

We are over a year into this pandemic but we now have a light at the end of the tunnel. We have 3 safe and effective vaccines approved in the U.S.  Almost everyone should be getting vaccinated when it is your turn.  If you have specific questions about the vaccine or if you should get it, please contact your doctor to discuss.  The vaccine is free to everyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. The bigger question now is how to get the vaccine scheduled.  This is a summary of all the places and websites with special emphasis on help for seniors over 65 finding it hard to find a vaccine or difficulty navigating the internet/computer.

NJ SENIORS CAN CALL 855-568-0545 8am-8pm for help scheduling a vaccine

Websites NJ residents can register on:

State of New Jersey:  https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/

Atlantic Health: https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-vaccine.html#alerts

St. Luke’s Health Network : https://www.slhn.org/covid-19/protect-yourself/covid-19-vaccine

By County – Websites to register on:

Warren county : http://www.co.warren.nj.us/Healthdept/WCCOVIDVaccine.html  must check repeatedly for when vaccine available

  If you need assistance scheduling an appointment you can call 908-878-3188 press 2  Monday-Friday 10-2

Morris County : sign up at Atlantic website

Sussex County : register for Fairgrounds: https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?TPID=17520

Seniors 65+ can call 856-249-7007 8am-8pm for assistance

Pharmacies offering the COVID Vaccine:

Shop Rite:  https://shoprite.reportsonline.com/shopritesched1/program/Imm/Patient/Advisory

CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302

Seniors 65+ can call their local Walmart for dedicated senior appointments if that store is giving the vaccine.

Weis: https://www.weismarkets.com/pharmacy-services

Helpful Websites for Seniors Scheduling the COVID Vaccine

 Here are other sources for seniors (computer savvy children or grandchildren may need to help) 

NJ Vaccine Matchmakers for seniors

 (65 and older) : https://wgirls.org/requestforhelp/

Get My Vaccine : https://www.getmyvaccine.org/

Find a Shot : https://www.findashot.org/appointments/us/NJ

Vaccine Spotter : https://www.vaccinespotter.org/NJ/

Facebook New Jersey COVID  Vaccine Info Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/891546924927251/

Twitter Resources

Vaccine Bot NJ

 Twitter: twitter.com/nj_vaccine / Vaccine Bot NJ @nj_vaccine

CVS COVID Vaccine Bot-NJ : @NJCVSCovidVax

Additional resources

Related website with resource guide: sites.google.com/view/vaccine-bot-nj

tristate obesity society logo

Speaker at the Tri-state Obesity Society: Obesity Medicine Virtual Career Panel 2021

February 2021

The Tri-state Obesity Society (TriOS) enthusiastically welcomes three physicians who have trailblazed careers in obesity medicine. Join us for a 1-hour presentation and Q&A during which Drs. Bijal Dave, Rameck R. Hunt, and Amy Articolo share their professional journeys, practical advice for those newly interested, and their visions for the future of obesity medicine.

Dr. Godkar awarded prestigious Burton L. Eichler Award, for outstanding community contributions.

Is type 2 diabetes putting your or a loved one’s heart at risk?

 ♥ If you have type 2 diabetes, understanding

your risk for heart disease is one of the most

important things you can do—for the sake of

your health and the people you cherish most.

But the good news is, the sooner you

understand your risk, the sooner you can

talk to your healthcare provider to learn more

about the link between type 2 diabetes and

heart disease. Learn about the connection.

Recognize your risk. Talk to your

healthcare provider. Spread the word.

The sooner the better.

  That is because people with diabetes are

two to four times more likely to develop

cardiovascular disease than people without

diabetes.1 That means you may have a higher

chance of having heart disease, stroke or even

dying—precious time lost with those who

mean the most.

Scheduling an appointment with your

healthcare provider is an important first step

to addressing the link between type 2 diabetes

and heart disease.

BELOW ARE SOME QUESTIONS THAT CAN HELP YOU START THE CONVERSATION:

  Do you think I am at risk for a heart attack or stroke?

♥  Is my diabetes increasing my risk?

♥  What else contributes to my risk?

  Is this something I should be concerned about now?

♥  What lifestyle changes can I make now to lower my risk for
heart disease?

  If I already take a medication for my heart, am I still at risk?

  Is there something I can do to help prevent a heart attack
or stroke?

♥  What resources can help me learn more about this?

  How will I know if I’m making a difference?

Type 2 diabetes & your heart What’s the connection?

 

 


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<div class=Diabetes causes plaque buildup 
that can clog arteries, leading to 
a heart attack or stroke



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<p>“></a> </p>
<div class=If you have diabetes, you are up 
to 4x more likely to 
develop heart disease
 


<div class="mid_txt">Heart disease is the<br class="br1024"><span class="red"><strong> #1 cause <br class="br767"><br class="br1250">of death</strong></span><br class="br1024"> in adults with <br class="br1250">type 2 <br class="br1024">diabetes</div>
<p>“></a> </p>
<div class=Heart disease is the #1 cause 
of death
 in adults with 
type 2 diabetes
 


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<p>“></a> </p>
<div class=In adults with type 2 diabetes, 
2 out of 3 deaths are 
caused by heart disease
what foods are heart healthy?

What foods are good for my heart? Posted in New Jersey Herald 1/9/2018

Bijal Dave, M.D., is a family physician specializing in diet-oriented treatment of chronic diseases and a medical staff member at Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown Medical Center and Newton Medical Center

Q. What foods are good for my heart?

A. A heart-healthy diet is not only good for our heart but also for our waistline and our pockets in the long term. Eating certain foods on a regular basis can certainly reduce the risk of heart disease.

1. Turmeric — The yellow spice that gives Indian curries its distinct color has been known for its medicinal properties in the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. Science is now backing up that curcumin, turmeric’s active compound, has plethora of health benefits.

a. It can benefit the heart in multiple ways. It has heavy duty antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activity, which means it not only lowers inflammatory changes that are the root cause of heart disease, but it also acts as a blood thinner, which prevents clot formation in heart disease. It also helps in repair of cardiac muscle after a cardiac event occurs. Patients who have irregularity of cardiac muscle, known as cardiac arrhythmia, will benefit by regular intake of curcumin, as curcumin helps with regulation of calcium homeostasis in heart muscle which causes cardiac arrhythmias.

b. It is also helpful in patients who have already gone through heart surgery. Curcumin supplementation at certain amounts will reduce ischemia (i.e. reduced blood supply), injury or inflammation to the already-affected heart muscle.

c. Curcumin has super antioxidant activity is comparable to vitamin C and vitamin E and it also helps with improving blood flow through vessels. It is especially helpful in diabetics to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications such as heart failure. Curcumin extracts that contain black pepper have also been shown to reduce the LDL or bad cholesterol. Add turmeric to your foods or take a good quality curcumin extract daily to improve your heart health.

2. Fish – high in omega-3s such as Atlantic mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, trout and cod liver oil should be consumed at least thrice weekly for optimum heart benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease triglycerides, lower blood pressure slightly, reduce blood clotting, decrease stroke and heart failure risk and reduce irregular heartbeats.

3. Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, pistachios … munch on a handful of them, a couple of times a week and you will be doing the old ticker a big favor. In addition to packing a protein punch, nuts are great sources of PUFAs and MUFAs, which help lower the bad cholesterol. They are also rich in fiber and plant sterols, which reduces cholesterol; vitamin E, which helps reduce the development of plaque in arteries; and L-argininie, which improves the flexibility of arterial walls, thereby reducing incidence of narrowing and less prone to blood clots.

4. Berries – Berries are chock full of heart healthy phytonutrients such as polyphenols and fiber, which are very helpful in preventing heart disease. They have a heavy dose of antioxidants, which makes them a sweet medicine indeed for prevention of cardiac disease.

5. Chia seeds – ground flax seeds and hemps seeds in that order are omega-3 powerhouses and should be consumed on a daily basis. Just add them to your salad, smoothie or cereal to ensure optimal heart health.