Diabetes Eye Disease — Dr. Gioia’s thoughts
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness month and we’ve compiled a quick rundown on what Diabetic eye disease is and possible treatments. The now common maxim of “Don’t get Diabetes, you’ll go blind” may seem dramatic out of context, but vision is a great concern for optometrists when working with Type 1 and 2 Diabetic patients. So why exactly is this the case? Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of the disease. Anyone with diabetes is at risk for vision loss or blindness from diabetic eye disease. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness in adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and is caused by microvascular damage to the retina. Other diabetic eye diseases include diabetic macular edema, cataract, and glaucoma. According to the DivFuss study , DR remains a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Despite clinical trials showing that tighter control of blood glucose and blood pressure reduces the risk of microvascular diabetes complications, and despite tremendous advances in the clinical management of diabetic eye disease, rates of DR in the USA have increased by […]
Knee Arthroscopy Monmouth County NJ
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. A lot of moving parts and soft tissue in a body part which takes a lot of abuse mean a lot of opportunity for injuries. Any way you move during the course of the day means movement for this joint, without even realizing it. It seems that only when an injury happens do people realize how much they depend on their knees. The knee joins the femur (thigh bone) to the Tibia (shin bone). A smaller bone runs alongside the tibia called the fibula, and the kneecap, or patella, are the other bones that make the knee joint. The kneecap rests against a groove at the end of the femur, allowing it to move around. There is a protective layer of tissue called cartilage which provides cushioning, allowing the bones to glide around without difficulty. Between the femur and tibia are disks of tissue called menisci which also help absorb the pounding the knee takes. Now add tendons (which connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint) and ligaments (which join the knee bones […]
When is Neck Pain More than Just Stress?
After being told her neck pain was due to stress, 34-year-old Erika Kiel discovered she had a malignant tumor in her brainstem and made an incredible recovery following neurosurgery. Healthy, active and in her 30s, Erika Kiel had no real cause for concern when she began experiencing neck pain. She chalked it up to being a stomach sleeper and tried to put it out of her head with plenty on her plate between working full time and studying to earn her master’s degree. When it didn’t subside, she headed to a chiropractor who started treating her for what they believed was stress-induced neck pain. But after four weeks of treatment and intensifying pain, Erika knew something was really wrong. “It came to the point where it felt like I had charley horses constantly going down the back of my deck,” says Erika. “It was incredibly painful, and it got so bad, I went to the emergency room. Like the chiropractor, the ER doctors told me it was just really bad stress. They sent me home with a few Valium and instructions to follow up with an orthopedic doctor.” Before she could even get in to see the orthopedist, Erika, searching […]
Ozone Therapy
Most people have heard of Ozone, but only in how it relates to the Earth’s atmosphere in which it absorbs the ultraviolet light, is considered a pollutant, and is thin with holes in it. Ozone has actually been used therapeutically for 150 years. It is a gas, which is colorless, and is a form of oxygen. Ozone Therapy is widely used in other countries including Germany, Russia, and Cuba. There are professional medical Ozonotherapy societies in over ten countries worldwide. Ozone has been studied globally for its ability to disinfect and treat disease by inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa, stimulation of oxygen metabolism, and activation of the immune system. Also referred to as Ozonotherapy, it is used in alternative medicine. There are claims that it will increase the amount of oxygen in the body through the introduction of ozone. Diseases treated are infected wounds, circulatory disorders, geriatric conditions, macular degeneration, viral diseases, rheumatism/arthritis, cancer, SARS, and AIDS. Ozone therapy leaves bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa essentially inactive. While its natural form is a gas, it should not be inhaled as it irritates the airways. It is administered directly to the tissue in a protective covering, intravenously, or […]
Should You Give Epidural Injections a Shot for Your Back Pain?
When back pain hits and you can’t work, run errands, or play with your kids, you may feel isolated, but know you are not alone. In fact, you’re among the 31 million Americans searching for pain relief. Research shows back pain is the top cause of disability around the world. The team of experts at NJ Spine and Wellness helps people throughout New Jersey relieve their aching backs for good by approaching the pain from multiple angles. We have orthopedic surgeons, pain management doctors, chiropractors, sports medicine professionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and acupuncturists all working together to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique symptoms. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to tackle your back pain from multiple angles and offer treatment options that range from conservative and traditional to alternative and innovative — we leave no stone unturned when it comes to stopping your pain. If you’ve tried therapy, with little to no improvement, it may be time for an epidural injection, which we offer here! Common causes of back pain Back pain is an umbrella term covering a long list of conditions which can involve your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, and nerves. Some of the most common types of back pain are: Sciatica Herniated discs Buldging […]
Why Minimally Invasive Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
High school math teacher Carrie Mazak credits her recovery from a ruptured brain aneurysm to a calculated decision to perform open surgery. It was 5:40 a.m. when Joe Senerchia heard his wife, Carrie Mazak, reciting her ABCs in the guest bedroom of their Ocean Township, New Jersey home. “I had heard on a newscast that if you think you’re having a stroke, you may not be able to recite the alphabet,” says Carrie. “I could, but my right leg was numb. I had an awful headache, and it sounded like the room was underwater.” A few minutes earlier, Carrie was getting out of the shower and flipped her head over to put her wet hair in a towel. “It felt like an explosion went off in the right side of my head,” she explains. “Not knowing exactly what had happened, I checked in on Carrie and saw her sitting on the floor, leaning up against the bed,” recalls Joe. “When she told me her right leg was numb, I asked if she thought she was having a stroke. She said she just needed a minute. But in less time than that, she was passing out and struggling to breathe, so […]
Restore the way you look and feel after breast cancer surgery
What is breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is plastic surgery to rebuild the breast or breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. What are my options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy? Reconstruction after a mastectomy is accomplished either by autologous reconstruction, using a patient’s natural tissue taken from another place on the body or by implant reconstruction, inserting saline or silicone breast implants as you would during a breast augmentation. How is breast reconstruction performed after a lumpectomy? Reconstruction after lumpectomy is usually performed as either an oncoplastic reduction or fat grafting. Oncoplastic reconstruction is similar to undergoing a breast reduction. This procedure will allow the patient to have a smaller, lifted, and more cosmetically pleasing breasts. Fat grafting is a procedure in which liposuction removes fat from one or several areas of the body and it is then transferred to the breast. Will insurance cover my breast reconstruction? The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act specifies that healthcare insurers must cover breast reconstruction following mastectomy. It also stipulates that any surgery needed to the opposite breast (i.e. lift, reduction or augmentation) to obtain symmetry will also be covered. I had breast cancer surgery years ago. Can I still have reconstruction? Immediate […]
October is Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month!
Every October, the United States Bone and Joint Initiative promotes Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week. Their focus is on educating the general public about musculoskeletal (bone and joint) conditions. Why October? October 12 – World Arthritis Day October 16 – World Spine Day October 17 – World Trauma Day October 19 – World Pediatric Bone and Joint (PB&J) Day October 20 – World Osteoporosis Day Bone and joint diseases affect roughly 50% of the nation’s population. The disease presents itself in the form of arthritis in various kinds, Spondyloarthritis, osteoporosis, Metabolic bone diseases, Scoliosis, fractures, and muscle and ligament injuries and is a leading cause of chronic pain and physical disability worldwide for backs, knees, and hips. These conditions include everything from childhood conditions to advanced arthritic issues in elderly patients. The Baby Boom generation started becoming eligible for Medicare beginning in 2011. The older we get, the more frequently we fall down and go boom while still leading increasingly healthy and active lives. One of the keys to the outreach program is prevention as part of joint and bone health. How can you help keep your bones and joints healthy? Keep a healthy body weight – Additional weight can increase the stress […]
When Blue Lights are Not Special
We have always heard of UV protection for your eyes to protect from the sun, but now there is talk about the harmful blue lights. UV is short for ultraviolet, one of the colors on the light spectrum. All visible light contains the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from red to violet. What makes this light different is electromagnetic radiation, which is present in sunlight. This light is also produced by electric arcs, and specialized lights such as mercury-vapor lamps, tanning lamps, and black lights. UV light is associated with suntan, freckles and sunburn on skin which are the familiar effects of overexposure to it, along with higher risk of skin cancer. It has similar effects to your eye and is known to be responsible for cornea burns and cataracts. Less known is the effect blue lights have on your health. Blue lights are found inside and outside in your environment. Within the color spectrum are blue light waves or rays, they have shorter wavelengths and more energy. Any source of observable light gives off blue light waves, it is naturally emitted by the sun but also comes from fluorescent bulbs, and LED screens like your computer and phone. You […]
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Having a child with Special Needs presents challenges. What many people don’t realize is that each Special Needs child is so unique in their needs. Everything you do and arrange for them needs to be tailored exactly to them, which carries on through their teen and adult years. Included in that list is Dental Care. If you have a child with Down’s Syndrome, there are certain dental issues you need to be aware of to address. Down Syndrome children have what is referred to as Delayed Eruption for both baby teeth and permanent teeth. They may come in late compared to children without Down Syndrome. On average, babies with Down Syndrome get their first teeth at 12-24 months, compare to those without Down Syndrome who typically get their first teeth between 6-12 months. Down Syndrome children may not get all 20 baby teeth until 4-5 years of age compare to 2-3 years of age. Teeth may also erupt in a different order than expected. Teeth may be smaller than average with a shorter root and frequently people with Down Syndrome have missing teeth. The smaller teeth change the spacing between the teeth. There is a tendency of smaller jaws which […]
What is a Metabolic Detoxification? By Dan Cardellichio DC, MS.
People either swoon or cringe when they hear the word “detox.” Some think it might be drinking lemons and water, sitting in a sauna, or maybe doing a juice fast. However, within Functional Medicine, detox has a specific definition: it is the process of reducing the body’s toxic load by lessening exposure to harmful chemicals we are taking in, while simultaneously implementing nutrition and lifestyle strategies to promote efficient elimination of toxins from the body. Food can be a large part of a toxic load in the body. Individuals have a specific biochemistry and metabolism. As such, certain foods can cause an inflammatory response that can lead to a chronic lifestyle disease such as type II diabetes or an autoimmune condition. Simple blood tests in the form of food sensitivity testing can be extremely helpful in determining what foods you should be eating and what foods you should be avoiding. Therefore, the first step of detoxification can be done, in part, by lessening the immune system load by removing reactive foods from the diet. The gold standard for this removal is the aptly named “elimination diet”, which is a simplified list of foods to eat and foods to exclude as […]
After Debilitating Series of Misdiagnoses, South Jersey Dentist Learns to Walk Again Following Neurosurgery
In a matter of months, Robert Karasek, DMD went from seeing patients and exercising every day to barely being able to walk. A South Jersey dentist who was practicing for 28 years, Dr. Karasek was more accustomed to being a healthcare provider than a patient, but his own medical journey – which spans more than two years – started when he began experiencing slight numbness in his hands. Initially, he was diagnosed by an orthopedic practice with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition dentists are known to be at increased risk for given the stress of the profession on their hands. He received corticosteroid injections in both wrists but didn’t feel any improvement. While the numbness was still somewhat present, it wasn’t interfering with Dr. Karasek’s work or daily life until about a year later when the numbness got much worse. That’s when he went to see a hand surgeon. The surgeon’s EMG showed he didn’t have carpal tunnel after all. The diagnosis was that he had a type of neuropathy, or nerve damage that can cause numbness or pain. “At that point, I was in a lot of pain,” explains Dr. Karasek. “I was physically getting worse and in addition […]
ANS | ALTAIR HEALTH PROVIDES CUTTING-EDGE SPINE AND NEUROVASCULAR CARE AT NEW EATONTOWN LOCATION
Eatontown, NJ – To conveniently deliver top spine and neurovascular care to more patients in and around Monmouth County, ANS | Altair Health has opened a new location at 4 Industrial Way W in Eatontown, NJ. Here, patients have access to recognized neurosurgeons specializing in spine care and cerebrovascular disease, including conditions like strokes and brain aneurysms. The facility will also be built out to support onsite outpatient procedures and physical therapy. “We’re excited to further expand our presence in Monmouth County as we help patients and their loved ones navigate complex – often critical – medical conditions,” says John Knightly, MD, president of ANS | Altair Health. “Leveraging the power of integrated, evidence-based care, we improve outcomes and deliver convenience, so patients can focus on what matters most.” ANS | Altair Health’s office locations now include: Eatontown, NJ Freehold, NJ Jefferson, NJ Morristown, NJ Pompton Plains, NJ Somerville, NJ Summit, NJ Wayne, NJ In addition, ANS | Altair Health’s facilities include: The Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center – Overlook Medical Center (Summit, NJ) and Morristown Medical Center The Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center brings the most comprehensive and innovative treatments to benign and malignant tumors of the […]
Shouldering Shoulder Pain By Marshall P. Allegra, M.D.
Now that the world is opening up a bit, especially for outdoor activities, certain body parts and joints may be making themselves known to you. Most have had it very easy for the last 4-5 months and do not share your exuberance to resuming your athletic life. One particularly cranky one can be your shoulders, especially if you play golf, tennis, baseball, volleyball or even if you swim. You do not have to play a contact sport like football to get injured. Repetitive motion can make joints irritable. We rely on our shoulders to support many of our most basic motions, including pushing, pulling, lifting, and throwing. Anything you do with repetitive or strenuous motion can impair functionality, range of motion, and cause you pain. Be on the lookout for signs of: Shoulder Arthritis– loss of the normal cartilage (smooth surfaces) that line your shoulder joint. This makes moving your shoulder and arm painful and inflamed. If you have trouble lifting your arm, hear a clicking when you do, or have pain, stiffness, or redness in the area…it could be a sign. Frozen Shoulder– the capsule of connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder thickens and contracts which leads to stiffness […]
THE NEW NORMAL IN DENTAL PRACTICE SAFETY
In all of our years practicing dentistry, we have prided ourselves on the safety and cleanliness of our office at all times. The highest degree of hygiene on our part is what our patients have always deserved. Dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and others in the field were forced to take a spontaneous hiatus, only dealing with emergency cases due to the outbreak of Covid19. We have always applied Best Practices, meaning the most professional and superior standards for procedures in dentistry. It was for this reason we made use of the time off due to the Govenor’s closure mandate to update our protocols to take the steps necessary to meet and exceed the new guidelines. Our patients need to keep up with their regular checkups to maintain dental health. We have invested tremendous thought, time, and money to bring you state of the art safety, as nothing but the best is given to our patients. Welcome to our new normal: DISINFECT An American Ultraviolet Mobile Room Sterilizer MRS33-8-POZ is wheeled into the treatment room and activated after every patient. The high energy specific ultraviolet light disrupts microorganism DNA/RNA and kills the organisms (germs, bacteria, viruses, including the Covid-19 virus). This […]
OBESITY Dan Cardellichio, DC, MS
Obesity statistics are more staggering than you might imagine. The latest information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows 39.6 percent of Americans are obese. Overall, there are over 100 million obese people in this country and these numbers continue to climb. Half of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030! Studies show we have a global epidemic of obesity in all age groups for both developed and developing countries. In 2017, The Guardian reported that there are now 124 million obese children worldwide. Researchers define obesity as a condition where fat accumulates in the body to become a risk factor or marker for many chronic diseases including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mood disorders, heart disease, reproductive disorders, liver disease, hypertension, and even cancer. Research shows obesity is often a major risk factor for development of disease, significant disability, and premature death. Obesity also creates lost productivity and missed economic growth because of things like lost workdays, lower work productivity, mortality, and permanent disability. What is even worse is that there are self-proclaimed world-renowned experts with their endless “miracles,’ tips, tricks, hacks, and products all in the name of being “healthy.” Every […]
The Keys to Beating Back Pain in Your 80s, According to a Patient Who’s Been There
Eighty-two-year-old Jaqueline Camuso shares how she conquered a year-long battle with spinal stenosis. “I just can’t believe how great I feel.” That’s the first thing Jaqueline Camuso, 82, says when you ask about her health. You would never know she had been grappling with intense back pain on and off for nearly 12 months. It all started when she was scrubbing her bathroom floor. She quickly turned her body and recalls pain instantly shooting through her back and not being able to stand up straight. This episode set her medical journey in motion. After seeing three physicians, undergoing multiple treatments for spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spaces between vertebrae that compresses nerves in the back – and finally getting relief, she’s now sharing her experience to educate others about key lessons for beating back pain in your 80s, or at any age. Understand spine care is a process. “After my injury, my primary care doctor told me I needed to see a pain management doctor. That physician gave me three epidurals, one each month, but I didn’t feel any pain relief until the third injection,” explains Jaqueline. “I was finally relieved, but seven months later, the pain returned. […]
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract Surgery Basics Cataracts happen to almost everyone, but cataract surgery has been established as one of the safest, most common, and most effective procedures performed today. Cataracts form gradually as our eyes get older, and 9 in 10 Americans develop them by the time they’re 65. If you have cataracts, you’ll need an outpatient surgery to remove and replace the clouded lens within your eye. Relief Most people say cataract surgery was easier than they expected. Comfort There is little to no discomfort during the process. Clarity Cataract surgery offers the opportunity to enhance your vision for greater, clearer focus. Satisfaction Most people who have had cataract surgery say they wish they had done it sooner. Your Vision, Your Health Cataract surgery can have a transformative impact on your vision, which may affect many other areas of your health and happiness. Cataract surgery and clear vision may be associated with: Mind Reduced risk of cognitive decline Spirit Increase in happiness Balance Reduced risk of falls and hip fractures Overall Health Walking faster and sleeping better Benefits Beyond the Basics Taking full advantage of your cataract surgery means understanding your options. While the procedure provides outstanding benefits in its own regard, cataract surgery also gives you the opportunity to […]
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty, is often covered by health insurance. It can be a cosmetic procedure if someone simply would like smaller breasts. However, because there is typically pain, a breast reduction can be considered a medially necessary surgery. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin to create a breast size more proportionate with a women’s body size. A breast reduction is sought after by women who have disproportionally large breasts. This may cause them physical pain and emotional distress. “Many of my patients have been helped by breast reduction. For years, these women have struggled with neck and back pain, indentations on their shoulders from bras, and skin irritations. Additionally, large breasts can cause women to feel self conscious, limit their physical activity, and make choosing clothing difficult. By reducing the size of their breasts, we can relieve pain and lift spirits,” said Dr. Said A Samra, founder of Samra Plastic Surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a breast reduction is about $5500 plus anesthesia and surgical facility costs. These costs my be covered by health insurance providers. The individual will need to get […]
Virtual Physical Therapy and Wellness for the Win: How Telehealth is Enabling Patients Like Steve Delman to Continue PT Progress Online
As if having four surgeries in three years wasn’t enough, Steve Delman, 73, was forced to stop his in-person physical therapy sessions due to COVID-19, just when he was beginning to get some relief from back spasms that were limiting his sleep and quality of life. Fortunately, Altair Health’s telehealth program meant he didn’t need to give up on his progress while he stayed safe at home. “After three ankle surgeries and a laminectomy [back surgery] to resolve an issue with two discs in my lower back, I wasn’t walking very well. I was also having muscle spasms as the soft tissue in my back was healing after surgery,” Steve explains. “I had been going to physical therapy but I wasn’t making any sustainable progress, so my physiatrist, Kara Allen, DO, suggested I try working with the team at Altair Health Physical Therapy.” Steve began PT with Michael Lampman, DPT, Director of Physical Therapy at Altair Health Physical Therapy, one month before the COVID-19 lockdown went into effect. In a matter of weeks, Steve was making great strides. “The difference working with Altair Health Physical Therapy was incredible,” says Steve. “Most physical therapists I’ve seen work on strengthening the area […]