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 – [...]
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 breath: [...]
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 in [...]
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 [...]
Can winter put extra stress on the heart? In some cases, yes, according to CentraState cardiologist Mitul Patel, DO. 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 [...]
