HEALTHY DIRECTIONS
Start your wellness journey and live your best life with
timely health information from our physicians and clinicians.
Protein powder is a popular trend. But does it really measure up to the hype? CentraState registered dietitian Chelsea Dyer, RD, a protein powder user herself, provides the scoop. PROS: Protein powder can help build muscle and repair tissue, keep you feeling fuller for longer and increase protein intake [...]
Research is ongoing about the specific health benefits of herbs, according to CentraState registered dietitian Caryn Alter, MS, RD. But she notes that both herbs and spices can help you slash sodium by adding a burst of flavor to your meals. Replacing salt with flavorful herbs and spices can [...]
If you often feel like you’re dragging through your day, you’re not alone. One of the most common health complaints is physical and mental fatigue. “Fatigue has many possible causes,” says CentraState family practice physician Robert Pedowitz, DO. “It could be the stressful times we’re living in, the result [...]
Deep within your abdomen near your kidneys lie two small yet powerful glands that play a crucial role in the endocrine system and your well-being: the adrenal glands. Your two adrenal glands are triangular and about the size of a fortune cookie. The adrenal glands produce the “fight or [...]
Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) are blood clots that typically form in a deep vein in the leg (also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and travel to the lung, blocking blood flow. The average pulmonary embolism is the size of a small grape. These blood clots are common – [...]
Having trouble getting a restful night’s sleep? Try focused breathing before bed. “Any type of breathing that emphasizes the exhale is relaxing and calming, especially at night to settle the body and mind,” says Beth Ando-Brenman, MPT, yoga instructor and community health educator at CentraState. She recommends the 4-4-8 [...]
Sharon Crawford of Freehold never had any trouble with her A1C levels, a simple blood sugar test to check for prediabetes and diabetes. But after gaining some weight during the pandemic and about with COVID-19, she was alarmed to learn her A1C reached 6.2 – indicating prediabetes. “Diabetes runs [...]
While the rate of new cases of lung cancer has fallen over the last 10 years, it’s still one of the top three most diagnosed cancers in the United States. CentraState thoracic surgeon Jean-Phillipe Bocage, MD, debunks common myths about the condition. 1. Only smokers can get lung cancer [...]
Many people love a warm or hot shower, while others say a cold shower has certain health benefits. Here’s what the research says, according to CentraState physical therapist Marcus C. Ward, PT, DPT. A COLD SHOWER is good for recovery after an intense activity. It has a cooling effect [...]
As the saying goes, no one’s perfect. But trying to hold yourself to those standards is unrealistic and can even be toxic. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and eating disorders, according to CentraState behavioral health specialist Amy Metzger, MSW, LCSW. It can also [...]
