When Julie McLaughlin suggested that her husband, Mark McLaughlin, MD, join her for a swim class at the CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center, he couldn’t have predicted it would become one of his favorite ways to exercise. “I'm a wrestler and a runner, but these activities come with muscle [...]
Exercise is good for your body, but did you know that those benefits also extend to your brain? “Exercise improves the function of your cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems, all of which support your brain's health and ability to do its job,” says CentraState neurosurgeon Mark McLaughlin, [...]
Spring cleaning is not only good for your home – it’s good for your health and well-being. “The chaos in your home often reflects the chaos in your mind,” says CentraState behavioral health consultant Amy Metzger, LCSW. “Decluttering, cleaning and organizing can give you a sense of agency over [...]
Want to make your walking routine more challenging and fun? Follow these tips from CentraState physical therapist Patti Guttormsen, PT, DPT. Turn up the tunes Turn up the tunes and keep up with the beat of the music. It’ll help you pick up the pace and maintain it. A [...]
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 of [...]
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 flight” [...]
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 – and [...]
When Maria Rotella felt a lump on the back of her left thigh, she was concerned about a blood clot and went to urgent care. The initial diagnosis was a lipoma, a harmless, fatty tumor. The 83-year-old Perth Amboy resident didn’t think much about it for several months – [...]
