HEALTHY DIRECTIONS
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timely health information from our physicians and clinicians.
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 [...]
Gianna Lauria was surprised to learn she was pregnant with twin girls since multiple births don’t run in her family. Then, just 32 weeks into her pregnancy, the 24-year-old Howell resident was amazed to learn she was in early labor. “I was putting my toddler to bed and noticed [...]
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 [...]
In some cases, yes, according to CentraState cardiologist Mitul Patel, MD. The body’s normal response to cold temperatures is to make sure it can keep the core warm. To do this, the body vasoconstricts (squeezes or clamps down on) the blood vessels farthest from the heart and core to [...]
Resolutions, as well-intentioned as they are, don’t change your life; habits do. This year, instead of grand proclamations – I’m going to lose weight, eat clean and run a marathon – try something new. Start building healthy habits with a proven plan and simple strategies. Make tiny adjustments with [...]
The new year is a perfect time to refocus and explore new ways to maximize health and wellness. Joshua Raymond, MD, who specializes in family medicine and geriatrics at CentraState, provides some tips for seniors to improve their physical well-being and mental outlook in ways that deliver significant benefits [...]
Rutgers University wrestling coach Jordan Pagano, 27, was recently demonstrating simple wrestling moves with a student-athlete, something he does regularly. When he placed his hands on the mat to change positions, the unexpected happened: he ruptured a disc in his neck. The herniated disc pushed on Jordan’s spinal cord, [...]
For most people, a healthy diet is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But if you’re planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, your body needs extra nutrients beyond the healthy foods you eat – and those can be provided in a prenatal vitamin. “Pregnancy [...]
