When your blood work results hit your patient portal, it can look like a confusing mix of numbers, medical terms and abbreviations. To help sort it out, we asked Varun Thapar, MD, a family medicine physician at Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care in Freehold, to break down the most [...]
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults in the U.S., according to the National Council on Aging. And falls can happen to anyone. What’s more, as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, we tend to become more sedentary, which increases the risk of [...]
Perimenopause isn’t just “menopause lite”—it’s a complex hormonal journey that can come with unexpected twists. But it’s also a time of insight, growth and the opportunity to care for your body in new ways. Farah Benarba, DO, a women’s health expert and OB/GYN at Women’s Health Specialists of CentraState, [...]
Busy days or long gaps between meals can leave you dragging—or reaching for quick snacks that spike your energy and then crash it. But choosing the right mix of complex carbs, lean protein and healthy fats can keep your energy stable, support focus and curb cravings, according to CentraState [...]
While a heart attack doesn’t always look like how it’s portrayed on television, one thing is certain: it’s important to get to the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience symptoms. “Some people have the crushing chest pain that’s often associated with a heart attack, but I always advise [...]
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) is one of the primary causes of knee pain and stiffness. It erodes the cushioning cartilage, allowing bones to rub against each other. Age, sex (females are more susceptible), excess body weight, past joint injuries, genetics and repetitive high-impact activities all increase your risk. “It’s [...]
When stress is overwhelming or sleep feels like a distant dream, the 4-7-8 breathing technique is a powerful tool that can help reduce anxiety and promote calm, according to CentraState psychiatrist Ankur Desai, MD. Here’s how this simple exercise works: gently inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, relax [...]
Rehabilitation is often an integral part of a patient’s recovery following surgery. But research also suggests that “prehabilitation” – exercise, healthy eating and mental prep before surgery – results in better outcomes for patients. In fact, a British Medical Journal study found that prehab exercise was associated with a [...]
Americo Cirelli quit drinking and smoking more than a decade ago. While these changes were a win, he subsequently began to eat too many unhealthy processed foods. “Whenever I felt pressure or anxiety, I’d eat – and it was usually a sleeve of cookies,” the 55-year-old Manalapan resident explains. “When [...]
You yawn, hit the snooze button three times and immediately check your email. Before you know it, you’re overwhelmed and behind. But what if you could swap that scatter for focus simply by changing how you start your day? A purposeful morning routine doesn’t just sound good – it works. [...]
