The holidays often bring families together for laughter, recipes and traditions. But they also offer something else of lasting value: a chance to talk about your family’s health history. It might not sound like typical dinner-table conversation, but your next holiday gathering could be the perfect time to start [...]
The vice grip. The temple throb. The pounding hammer. Not all headaches and migraines feel the same, but when one hits, it can be debilitating. Most people are familiar with common triggers like stress, but the following not-so-common triggers could also be culprits, according to CentraState family medicine physician [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
Think you don’t have enough outdoor space to start a garden? Think again. “Container gardening can help you create your own oasis of fresh herbs and veggies and enjoy the many health benefits that come with gardening,” says CentraState health coach and avid gardener Neftali Flores, RN. “Gardening reduces [...]
