I wouldn’t trade my primary care physician for anyone! She’s professional, personable, up-to-date on the most recent medical breakthroughs and procedures, and…she doesn’t let me off the hook either! (As soon as she walks into the examination room, she can tell if I’ve had a cookie that week! Amazing!!)
September is a good month to take personal inventory of your own health. Whether you already get your check-ups on schedule (like me) or you don’t even remember the last time you’ve visited a doctor’s office. Care for your overall physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual we;;-being helps you maintain a good life balance, reduce stress, and generally improve your quality of life.
Self-care includes the physical components of exercise, good nutrition, and regular check-ups, the emotional elements of therapy, journaling, and mindfulness, the social components of support from friends and family, and group activity, and the spiritual components of meditation or prayer or connecting with nature.
Yes, I know. You hear this all the time. But it’s true and it’s critically important.
What’s the passenger’s rule of thumb in handling an emergency while flying with children? Always put on your own oxygen mask first before you put the child’s mask on. How could you help a child in an emergency if you’re unconscious yourself? Makes sense. The concept of self-care is just as logical. If you don’t take care of yourself, you certainly can’t effectively take care of anyone else.
So, if you don’t have a primary care doctor (for whatever reason: inadequate insurance, procrastination, or even fear), do your research and find one. Now. Today.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton RWJ Barnabas Health), has a free Better Health Program for those who are 65 years and older, with educational programs for heart health, good nutrition, as well as arts and crafts, holistic programs, community events and workshops, and even tips on aging well. This month’s program listing includes “gentle jazz”, Tai chi for seniors, chair yoga, and a social hour especially for seniors. Some workshops are in-person, some virtual. Call (609)584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org for”, programs that engage your mind, encourage you to move, and help you reflect.”
Not to be outdone, Capital Health at Hopewell has many wellness workshops and events too. Go to capitalhealth.org/events, or call (609) 394-4153 or (800) 637-2374. If you have already been using the free shuttle service from Bellevue Avenue to Hopewell, please be aware that as of August 30th the shuttle service has been discontinued BUT NJ Transit has added a Hopewell stop on the #608 bus route that will drop you off right at the hospital (see the NJ Transit website online or pick up a bus schedule at the Trenton Transit Center (train station in downtown Trenton).
Patients who prefer to visit the Capital Health Regional site (formerly, Helene Fuld) at 750 Brunswick Avenue in Trenton, may still take the #603 or #613 bus right to the hospital door.
Are you a visually-impaired or low-vision patient, employee or visitor to RWJ Barnabas Health? Download Aira, from the iOS App Store or Google Play. An agent will give you instructions, directions, explanations, guide you through the safest route throughout the hospital, read test results, messages, help you fill out forms, and much more! 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Henry J. Austin Health Center, The Center for Wellness is located at 321 N, Warren Street (near the monument) in downtown Trenton. Visit their website at Henry J. Austin Health Center: The Center for Wellness to learn about their services and community health fairs.
Join your friends, coworkers and other Trentonians on September 24th for “Trenton Plates, save the Date” at Cure Arena to pack meals for families in need. Sponsored by nonprofits Rise Against Hunger and Cross Community, Inc., you can register for this Hands Against Hunger Event on Instagram at #TrentonPlates #EndHungerNow #VolunteerNJ, or go to: Register – Rise Against Hunger or contact crosscommunity,inc at kaustin@crosscommunityinc.org to choose a morning or evening volunteer shift between 7 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Volunteering is also fun! (I’m a volunteer advocate myself and a former volunteer coordinator in Trenton for the NJ Talking Book and Braille Center (f/k/a the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped). Bring friends, family, or colleagues to volunteer as a group or just come yourself and meet other Trentonians!
Also this month:
A community service to honor the victims and heroes of September 11th will be held at Veterans’ Park, Memorial Grove, at the Klockner Rd entrance on September 11th at 10:00 a.m.
Check TV listings for 9/11 remembrance programming throughout the day.
September is also the start of Hispanic Heritage Month from 9/15 to 10/15.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and history of Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain.
If you missed Fiesta Latina 2025 September 6th at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, here are some other events you won’t want to miss:
Community Day Fiesta Latina at The Newark Museum of Art, on September 20th, beginning at 12 noon. FREE.To register, go to: Welcome to The Newark Museum of Art
Hispanic-Latino Heritage Festival, Centre Street Boys and Girls Club. 212 Centre Street Trenton. Saturday, September 27th
Contact Joselin Arana at (609) 392-3191 or jarana@bgcmercer.org to register for this free, family event food trucks, and music. Rain or shine.
Visit The Philadelphia Museum of Art for the Latin American Art and Artists Tour! go to VISIT PHILADELPHIA | Visitphilly.com
There’s so much to do this month. Let’s get started!