Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey

09/12/2025

It's that time of year again! Pumpkin spice has returned to menus. Try this seasonal recipe for pumpkin-apple soup with pepitas. 🎃🍎🍏

Even without added cream, pumpkin soup takes on a luxuriously velvety texture after it's simmered and pureed. Make sure all the ingredients are very tender so they'll blend together smoothly. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

09/09/2025

September 10 is ***depreventionday, a time to reach out to loved ones and show you care. Seniors can be especially vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. su***de rate reached a historic high in 2022. Older Americans fared the worst. Compared to 2021, su***de deaths rose 8.1% among people age 65 and over. Seniors who are homebound can be especially prone to lonliness and depression.

Please take this opportunity to check in with yourself and your loved ones. Show people you care and you could be the lifeline that helps prevent su***de!

***deprevention ***deawareness ***depreventionmonth

09/07/2025

September is : The time to shine a spotlight on the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions worldwide ( ).

AFib affects 1 in 4 adults over 40, yet many don’t know the symptoms or treatment options. Together, we can close the gap through education, prevention, and action. Check out heart.org/afibmonth for more information.

09/05/2025

If you love cauliflower substitutes, you'll love this recipe for cauliflower mac 'n' cheese! The cauliflower gives this dish an even richer, cheesier taste. This cooler-day staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower) boosts vitamins and fiber. Win - win!

The cauliflower gives this dish an even richer, cheesier taste. This cold-night staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) boosts vitamins and fiber.

09/03/2025

September is , which gives us providers the opportunity to remind you about stuff you already know. So do it!

* Check your blood pressure
* Quit smoking
* Be physically active
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Stretch every day
* Manage your blood sugar
* Get enough sleep
* Stay engaged with family, friends and community members
* See your doctors for regular checkups
..ya know...the good health basics!

09/02/2025

is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the US? But there's hope with regular eye exams and support from EyeCareAmerica. Learn more.

https://www.vnannj.org/communications/did-you-know-september-is-glaucoma-awareness-month

08/31/2025

What You Should Know About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV

​Respiratory illnesses are viruses that cause you to feel sick by affecting your nose, throat, and lungs. Common respiratory viruses include influenza ( ), respiratory syncytial virus ( ), and -19. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized from complications associated with respiratory viruses.

Examples of respiratory virus symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache, muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
• Weakness

Groups of people at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses:
• Older adults
• Young children
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with disabilites
• Pregnant or recently pregnant people

Core prevention strategies:
• Vaccinating against flu, COVID-19, and RSV can help keep you from getting sick.
• Even if you do get sick after getting vaccinated, your symptoms will likely be mild
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away immediately
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Germs spread this way
• Eat well and get enough rest. Avoid getting “run down” which can lower your immunity to illness
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people

Contact your professional or Primary Care Physician for specific guidance.

08/29/2025

Stewed summer squash is plump, juicy, and delicious straight from the pot. Start with a mix of zucchini and yellow squashes, preferably small ones. Small, because squash is denser, more flavorful, and less seedy when small. Add basil at the last minute to keep it fresh and green.

Plump, juicy, and delicious straight from the pot. The recipe here is for stewed summer squash, the way I like it, and it's so simple that there's hardly a thing to say about it. I start with a mix of zucchini and yellow squashes, preferably small ones.

08/27/2025

Great tips here for who are balancing with activities! Check it out!

Caregiving doesn’t pause when school starts. Whether you’re juggling school drop-offs and doctor’s appointments, coursework and care responsibilities, or parenting again as a grandparent, this guide offers practical tips to help you navigate the season with more clarity and less stress.

08/26/2025

A healthy diet may reduce your need for diabetes medication. While it's important to note that every individual's condition is unique and treatment plans should be discussed with healthcare professionals, adopting a healthy diet can often help reduce the need for diabetes medication or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn more: https://www.vnannj.org/communications/managing-diabetes-with-diet.

08/22/2025

🍋🥬 Called “Lahanosalata” in Greek, this very simple bright-and-tangy lemon cabbage coleslaw salad adds a nice crunch to any dinner menu. Serve at your next BBQ!

Called “Lahanosalata” in Greek — though you can call it Greek coleslaw— this very simple bright-and-tangy salad adds a nice crunch to any dinner menu.

08/21/2025

is celebrated annually on August 21. It's a day to honor the achievements and contributions of older adults and to encourage communities to support them in living independently - a task often overlooked. This holiday was officially recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Join us in celebrating our !