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 [...]
As the saying goes, no one’s perfect. But trying to hold yourself to those standards is unrealistic and can even be toxic. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and eating disorders, according to CentraState behavioral health specialist Amy Metzger, MSW, LCSW. It can also cause [...]
Can winter put extra stress on the heart? In some cases, yes, according to CentraState cardiologist Mitul Patel, MD. 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 [...]
Resolutions, as well-intentioned as they are, don’t change your life; habits do. This year, instead of grand proclamations – I’m going to lose weight, eat clean and run a marathon – try something new. Start building healthy habits with a proven plan and simple strategies. Make tiny adjustments with [...]
The new year is a perfect time to refocus and explore new ways to maximize health and wellness. Joshua Raymond, MD, who specializes in family medicine and geriatrics at CentraState, provides some tips for seniors to improve their physical well-being and mental outlook in ways that deliver significant benefits [...]
Shuvro Ghose felt fine after a cardiac procedure at another hospital in November 2022 – until he tried to swallow medication and began choking. An MRI of his brain revealed he had several small strokes during the procedure. Due to neurological damage from the strokes, Shuvro’s vocal cords wouldn’t move [...]
