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 […]
The Future of Spine Surgery
NJ Spine and Wellness is thrilled to introduce you to our Director of Spine and Orthopedics and the originator of the Awake Spinal Fusion procedure, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS. Dr. Sharan has been recognized by: Best Doctor by Castle Connolly New York Magazine Best Doctor Westchester Magazine Best Doctor Dr. Sharan has also co-edited a textbook entitled Basic Science of Spinal Diseases, and has been featured in publications such as Becker’s Spine Review, Los Angeles Times, Reader’s Digest and The Star Ledger. Dr. Sharan also spoke at the Seattle Science Foundation’s 5th Annual MIS Spine Symposium. To learn more about Dr. Alok Sharan, you can view his full bio here. As the originator of the Awake Spinal Fusion procedure, Dr. Sharan’s unique and advanced approach to spine surgery allows patients to have dramatically improved outcomes. What is the Awake Spinal Fusion Procedure? Awake Spine Surgery is an enhanced recovery protocol that allows patients to recover faster and mobilize quickly after spine surgery, with overall less pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure involving a small incision (approximately one to two inches) in the skin. In this procedure, Dr. Sharan substitutes the use of general anesthesia with local anesthesia, allowing patients to get better faster sooner with significantly fewer […]
From Quadriplegic to ‘Miraculous’ Recovery: How Advanced Spine Surgery Saved One Man from Permanent Paralysis
By all measures, Johnny Barbone, 69, of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey should have been permanently paralyzed after he slipped on black ice and endured a traumatic spinal cord injury. Instead, today he’s walking, using his arms and hands, and well on the road to recovery. “Johnny had just gone out to bring the trashcans in and get us a few cups of coffee. When I peeked out the door about 20 minutes later, I saw him laying at the end of our driveway calling for help,” recalls Johnny’s wife, Cece Ciliberto. “I ran to help him and realized he couldn’t move. He was paralyzed from the neck down.” Responding to Cecily’s 911 call, an ambulance was at their house in minutes. She assumed they would take Johnny to the closest hospital, but the paramedics went straight to Morristown Medical Center where Johnny could get the highly specialized spine care he would clearly need. “When Johnny arrived at the trauma center as a quadriplegic, MRIs revealed he severely injured several discs in his spine and had torn stabilizing ligaments throughout his C4, C5, C6 and C7 levels. This resulted in instability in his cervical spine and crushing pressure on his spinal […]
Does Going to the Dentist Make You Gag?
Everyone has a gag reflex aka pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm. It is when the back of your throat contracts when triggered by something touching the roof of your mouth, the back of your tongue or throat, or near your tonsils. As with anything, some people are more sensitive than others and there are conditions that can aggravate it…one of them being stress/panic/anxiety. For some patients, it is a physical reaction to being touched in the mouth. For others it is psychological or a combination of both. For some, the apprehension about getting into the dentist’s chair is enough to do it. It is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and annoying but by all means not a reason to avoid going to the dentist. Your gag reflex is one of the body’s defense mechanisms designed to keep foreign objects from entering your throat and blocking your airway, causing you to choke. It is this reflex that makes it difficult for some people to swallow pills. There are a few things you can do on your own to try and overcome the reflex when having dental work done. Avoid mouth breathing, focus your attention on breathing deeply through your nose instead. You can take […]
Telemedicine, the new normal or just for now?
Many medical professionals are offering telemedicine services during this Coronavirus pandemic. Patients can be treated from the comfort, convenience, and safety of their own homes via a phone, tablet, or computer. This patient visit can be conducted as simply as a telephone call or as sophisticated as a video call. The platforms are HIPAA complaint to protect patients. Telemed services can include initial consultations, follow-up appointments, sick visits, or potentially any type of communication for which you would normally seek the advice and guidance of a physician. These appointments are being referred to as virtual visits, video appointments, and phone consultations. If the patient requires treatment, the physician can discuss a plan based on the diagnosis and emergent nature. During this critical time, when the CDC is recommending people try to ‘flatten the curve’ by not gathering in places and standing 6 feet apart from one another, physicians had to find an alternative way to communicate to replace the traditional in-person visit. This was further complicated by not limiting the amount of patients a doctor can see in a day based on having to stagger patient visits. This service that has been around for decades and is commonly used in […]
Spring Brings Eternal Hope…For Golf
We have all heard the saying Hope Springs Eternal, which is taken to mean that people will continue to hope although it seems unlikely. Well, we can all hope that Spring will bring eternal health, happiness, and the joy of life back to us after weathering the last several months in quarantine. It appears as though our elected officials are testing the waters, allowing some access to parks and the great outdoors. Even the golf courses are open! That being said, within a short period of time after a delayed golf season being declared, the phone starts to ring with golf injuries. Be mindful that for the last few months most people have been a combination of lounge lizard and couch-potato…you need to ease into the roll of Tigger and slow your roll to avoid injuries. Most golf injuries are a result of poor mechanics and overuse. Non-golfers do not understand that you use your entire body to execute a golf swing in a complicated, coordinated movement. It truly is a sport and not just a hobby. Most common injuries in golf Back pain Elbow tendonitis Rotator cuff Shoulder pain Knee pain Wrist pain You may want to play a […]
Top Lawyer Credits Health After Brain Surgery to NJ-Based Neurosurgical Care
Mark Boyland went from brain tumor-induced seizures to white water sports in seven weeks. “I don’t have time for this.” That was the first thought that crossed Mark Boyland’s mind when he was diagnosed with a skull base brain tumor. With a high-powered legal career, hobbies like waterskiing and paddle boarding, and an equally active family at home, it was hard for Mark to fathom slowing down. Mark was used to having a clean bill of health and being the type of person who never even catches a cold. That started to change when he began experiencing episodes where he would zone out – which he learned later were seizures. In one instance, Mark was working at home and his wife, Sonja, noticed something was off. His typing came to a noticeable stop as his right arm cramped up, and when she asked if everything was ok, his speech was noticeably slurred. Sonja insisted Mark get medical help and his three daughters agreed. At urgent care, the doctors told Mark he was having a stroke. He went immediately to the ER, but they couldn’t find any real symptoms of a stroke. It wasn’t until he had an MRA scan – […]
Face Masks Can Prove Tricky for Those With Eyeglasses
As more Americans don face masks to venture outside during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those who wear glasses are finding that their lenses fog up. It’s a problem that bespectacled surgeons, as well as goggle-wearing skiers, have long experienced. Why does it happen? In a 1996 article in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, Tom Margrain, a professor at Cardiff University’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, explained that in general “when a spectacle wearer enters a warm environment after having been in a cooler one, his/her spectacles may ‘mist up’ due to the formation of condensation on the lens surface.” He went on to say that polycarbonate lenses demisted more rapidly than those made of glass. Best Face Mask Materials: Cotton With Chiffon If you are making a homemade mask, a new study published in the scientific journal ACS Nano found that homemade face masks that use a combination of tightly woven cotton and polyester-spandex chiffon or silk will provide a very effective filter for the aerosol particles that spread the COVID-19 virus. Masks made with one layer of cotton and two layers of chiffon (a netlike fabric often found in evening gowns) or silk will filter out some 80 to 99 […]
Coping with Quarantine- Don’t let Corona Get the Better of You and Yours
Life is not easy for anyone, anywhere right now. You have the threat of physical illness, financial worries, shortages of necessities, children home 24/7 driving you nuts, weak and elderly loved ones you can’t get to and a sense of isolation. Staying positive is so important. Don’t watch that sad movie, don’t dwell on the fears, continually count your blessings. Here are some ideas to come out of this traumatic life event in one piece and maybe a little wiser, healthier, and happier. Physical exercise is really important, though this may be particularly hard confined to home. Consider jump roping, Yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates from online classes or something you find on the web. 10 minutes a day makes a difference. Turn up some good music and dance, dance, dance. Keep moving and your heart pumping. Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect. Walk off your anxiety, with or without Fido and the kids. Fresh air and sunshine does wonders for the mood and the endorphins need an airing out too. Chat with your neighbors from 6 feet away. Create a daily routine, it will add structure to your day. Set your alarm clock regardless, get yourself […]
Is Physical Therapy Necessary?
Physical therapy uses special equipment and exercises to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities that may be impaired by an injury. Physical therapy can help people of any age who have injuries that limit their normal capabilities. With physical therapy, you can strengthen your muscles, improve range of motion, adopt lifestyle changes and prevent future injury. Doctors usually refer patients to a physical therapist first when they experience pain, as it is a conservative treatment method that makes other treatments more effective. Why is physical therapy important? Here are the top six reasons: Relieves or Eliminates Pain Manual therapy, carefully designed exercises like soft tissue mobilization and treatments like electrical stimulation all help relieve pain, strengthen muscles and improve joint function. This helps relieve pain, enhance healing and even prevent the pain from coming back. Enhances Mobility If you have trouble walking, moving or standing, physical therapy helps you regain strength. Stretching and joint mobility exercises boost your ability to move. Physical therapists may help you use crutches, canes or other assistive devices that enable you to move until your legs regain full strength. Your therapist can design a customized therapy plan so you can perform your favorite […]
Samra Plastic Surgery Still Open For Some Procedures
COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives, conduct business, and take part in social activities. In order to decrease the spread of Coronavirus, we’ve witnessed the closing of most recreational businesses in our towns including spas and salons, theaters, gyms, sporting venues, and the like. Even businesses deemed essential may have limited operating capabilities. Restaurants are only authorized to offer pick up and delivery, grocery stores are holding special hours for senior shoppers. While medical professionals are considered essential, non-emergent procedures, whether they are cosmetic or medical, are currently on hold to conserve limited resources. Yet, some plastic surgery practices remain open because they perform necessary procedures and supplement hospital staff. MHW: What makes Samra Plastic Surgery different from other practices in the area that were considered non-essential healthcare operations? SPS : “Our practice has always provided a unique combination of cosmetic and reconstructive services. We are experts in both fields and under normal conditions it’s not uncommon for us to go from performing a breast augmentation to a carpal tunnel repair to closing a skin cancer wound,” says Dr. Said A Samra, founder of Samra Plastic Surgery. “We’re happy to help those in need during this temporary […]