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 [...]
Spring is the start of peak tick season in New Jersey. While ticks can be removed, the illnesses they often leave behind can be serious if left untreated. Ramanasri Kudipudi, MD, an infectious disease expert at CentraState, shares information on common tick-borne illnesses found in our area, prevention tips [...]
It’s easy to forget about hydration when the temperature drops. Staying hydrated in winter can feel less pressing without summer heat or perspiration as reminders. However, according to Nancy Peters, MD, primary care physician at Family Practice of CentraState, maintaining your fluid intake is just as vital in winter [...]
What’s more comforting than a hot bowl of soup or stew on a cold winter’s day served with a chunk of earthy bread for soaking up all the yummy goodness? Even better, soups and stews are all-in-one, easy-to-make meals that fill your home with an inviting aroma while they’re [...]
Have you ever felt captivated by the glow of the moon against a deep blue sky on a clear night? How about the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread or the sound of a child’s laughter? These everyday moments, known as “glimmers,” are fleeting yet powerful, evoking feelings of [...]
While you may typically seek the expertise of your primary care physician or main health provider for physical concerns, these healthcare professionals also serve as an important resource for the health of your mind. “Primary care providers are highly skilled in treating all aspects of a patient’s health,” says [...]
