Retired Freehold couple Jane and Donald O’Brien, ages 62 and 63, hadn’t been prioritizing healthy eating and exercise habits – until they were both diagnosed with prediabetes last fall. After enrolling in CentraState’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program, they’re now healthier than they’ve been in [...]
Terry Marcus enjoyed playing baseball in his younger days and now loves to toss a ball around with his grandson. But while America’s favorite pastime is near and dear to his heart, it’s boxing – among other therapies – that’s helping Terry in the fight of his life. Terry, an [...]
Joanie Sapienza placed second in a surfing contest last summer on Long Beach Island. It’s one of many trophies the 59-year-old lifelong competitive surfer has won. This honor was the sweetest, however, because it marked the Manasquan resident’s return to the sport she loves after a potentially life-altering injury. [...]
Helen Yorke’s life has been defined by her love of running. The Manalapan resident was the state champion in the 1960s in the half-mile and was a high school track coach for years. In fact, when she had a severe heart attack 10 years ago, her doctor said she [...]
When pediatrician Ramarao Gajula, MD, sought a permanent solution to his ongoing back pain, he turned to CentraState colleague Mark McLaughlin, MD. Dr. Gajula, 67, spent a decade in pain. He suffered from lower back pain, tingling, and numbness nearly every day. While walking, he often had to sit until [...]
Fitness in the Family After completing CentraState’s cardiac rehabilitation program to address a heart condition, 84-year-old Galina Balsirow often depended on a walker to remain mobile. To continue improving her heart health and gain balance and strength, she and her daughter, Emily, joined CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center with [...]
On October 4, Spencer Halper spent his birthday a little differently than most people turning 85. He pedaled 85 miles with companions from his local bike club, the 600-member Princeton Free Wheelers, traveling one mile for every year of his life. He began this annual tradition at age 80 [...]
Francis Schultz is well-versed in remaining calm during stressful situations. The 64-year-old Jackson resident has volunteered as a first responder for more than four decades, most recently in the role of directing traffic and keeping people safe when fire or police services respond to a call. When Francis experienced [...]
East Brunswick resident Natalia Bogataia loves to travel but has been grounded for the last few years by urinary incontinence. Now, after surgery, she’s looking forward to a vacation to her native Moldova and many more adventures. Natalia, 50, began experiencing pelvic pain and urinary leakage five years ago. [...]
When Mildred Grace, 72, had an EKG as a safeguard before a scheduled surgery, it signaled that she may have a cardiac issue. At the advice of a friend, she contacted the Gloria Saker Women’s Heart Program at CentraState—where she learned that despite not having any symptoms, she had [...]
