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What the Experts Prescribe... for Themselves   by Nancy A. Ruhling

I always eat a breakfast rich in fiber and protein. I enjoy Fiber One cereal with dry-roasted peanuts and fat-free milk because it boosts metabolism and controls hunger throughout the day.

I never eat tomatoes from a tin can because the resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen linked to heart disease and reproductive problems. The acidity in canned tomatoes causes the BPA to leach into your food. Instead, I go for tomatoes in glass bottles or Tetra Pak boxes - or, of course, fresh Jersey tomatoes!

Jacqueline Gomes, R.D., spokesperson, New Jersey Dietetic Association, and corporate dietitian, ?The Great A&P Tea Company

I always extend my skin-care regimen/sunscreen to include my neck, décolleté area, and hands because these areas take just as much abuse from the elements as facial skin.

I never tug on the skin around my eyes when applying eye cream or makeup because skin is the most fragile in this area and is easily prone to loss of elasticity and early signs of aging.

Melissa Astone, licensed esthetician, The Dermatology Group of West Orange

I always use my prescription fluoride toothpaste and Rota-dent toothbrush two times a day because they prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

I never drink soda. It takes paint off a car, so I know it will decay my teeth.

Michael R. Cortese, D.M.D., maxillofacial prosthodontist, Princeton Prosthodontics, Princeton

I always eat a container of yogurt every day because it provides calcium for bone health and lactobacillus to help maintain gynecological wellness.

I never watch TV without running in place or using a stationary bike. It's just as enjoyable to watch a program and get some exercise in at the same time.

Gloria A. Bachmann, M.D., interim chair, Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

I always wear polarized sunglasses because they protect my eyes from ultraviolet light and horizontal glare.

I never touch my eyes or contact lenses without washing my hands first because I want to avoid contracting an eye infection.

Cecily Lesko, M.D., ophthalmologist, North Jersey Eye Associates, Clifton

I always try to see or hear something funny each day that will make me laugh. Increased laughter is associated with a better attitude and a longer life.

I never take antibiotics for the "common cold" because they do not eliminate symptoms any faster but can add to developing resistant bacteria.

Arthur Atlas, M.D., pediatric pulmonologist, Respiratory Center for Children, ?Morristown

I always try to exercise regularly to reduce my chances of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity - all important risk factors for developing heart disease.

I never smoke. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S. It causes heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

Jacqueline Hollywood, M.D., ?director of the Women's Cardiac ?Health Center, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center

I always try to get enough quality sleep - seven to nine hours is my preference - because I know it affects my energy level, which affects my performance.

I never neglect stretching because too many injuries are related to muscle imbalances.

Amy E. Weller, physical therapist and geriatric clinical specialist, Pro-Activity Associates, Lebanon

I always make sure that the portion sizes of foods that I shouldn't eat every day, but occasionally like to enjoy, are about two-thirds of the normal portion size. Portion size is the key to weight issues.

I never forget that "all things in moderation" applies to eating, drinking, exercise, and conversation because overindulgence in anything leads to trouble.

John Rumberger, M.D., Princeton Longevity Center, Princeton

I never buy shoes made of synthetic materials because they can cause the feet to become hot, sweaty, and smelly.

I always bring my own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon does not use proper sterilization techniques.

Sharon M. Root, D.P.M., past-president of New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society

I always carry a small bottle of essential oil of lavender. It is great to combat stress or headaches - just a few whiffs help me. It's also a useful addition to your natural first-aid kit since it is good for burns and cuts.

I never take herbs unless I have researched the company that is selling them to make sure the ingredients are organic and its practices are ethical.

Maria Tabone, wellness consultant in Maplewood and author of The Holistic Root to Managing Anxiety

I always tell people a colonoscopy is much easier than having colon cancer.

I never (should) eat a big meal after 8 p.m. because it is a recipe for acid reflux.

Jeffrey Hartford, M.D., Advanced Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and director of endoscopy at Hunterdon Medical Center, both in Flemington

I always use plenty of positive words with a child and try to avoid using sarcasm. Children often don't understand it, and if they do, it creates a negative interaction.

I would never use physical punishment on a child. Parents should institute both rewards and restrictions many years before adolescence to help prevent trouble during the teenage years. Allowing children of any age to constantly break important rules without being disciplined only encourages more rule violations.

Mike Segarra, M.D., North Brunswick Pediatrics and president of the NJ chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

I always brush the fronts and backs of my teeth and clean the sides of my teeth at least once daily, but preferably after every snack or meal. I use floss; my wife prefers interproximal brushes dipped in Listerine. This helps prevent periodontal disease and bad breath.

I never use toothbrushes with natural bristles, because their rough tips can cause recession of the gums and subsequent abrasion of teeth at the gum line.

Harvey S. Nisselson, D.D.S., Denville, and editor of the Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association

I always take a vitamin D3 1,000-unit gel cap daily because it is good for the immune system and helps prevent osteoporosis.

I never sit for hours in a plane or car without getting up and walking around because sitting still for hours can lead to deep vein thrombosis and is not good for the knee joints.

Marjorie L. Slankard, M.D., allergy director, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, and clinical professor of medicine, Columbia University, New York

About the Author

NJL Health + Beauty tackles serious health issues using local experts and resources. We have all the tips and info you need to Live Your Ultimate Life. Find expert advice, recipes from the state's hottest chefs, upcoming events, exercise programs, and more at njlhb.com.