The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition June 2025

VOLUME LXXIV

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

Bridgewater, Branchburg, Hillsborough, Martinsville, Somerville Bridgewater-Somerville Edition

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING Support Our Local Restaurants! HEALTH HOTLINE Prevent Arthritis, Preserve Function & Stay Strong for Life COMMUNITY NEWS Plan for a Year of Celebrations & Hot Air Balloons

PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6!

Cover Artwork By Harsha Balamurugan

Celebrating 12 years as a 5 STAR REAL ESTATE AWARD WINNER!

WARREN SOLD

WARREN SOLD

WATCHUNG SOLD

WARREN SOLD

BRIDGEWATER SOLD

CHATHAM TWP - Land for sale! Approximately 7 acres of picturesque, level land in a quiet location bordering preserved open space just a short drive from NYC train. Located in Green Village, this property is suitable for a "gentleman farmer", private estate, or subdivision. WWW.685SHUNPIKEROAD.COM

THINKING ABOUT SELLING? 5 STAR AWARD WINNING MARKETING & SERVICE PROVIDED BY DIANE BELCUORE

• professional advice - making the right investments in your property to maximize return • least cost staging suggestions • property maintenance recommendations

• full term digital and print marketing • superior negotiation to get the highest price and best terms • full service to ensure successful closing

Here's what Diane's customers say about her award winning service! "Diane helped us selling our house during the winter time while we are living in a different state . She did the excellent job to find the local contractors to satisfy the buyers’ requirements with reasonable prices. She took care of the house during our absence. The sale went well, and we really appreciate her help. She is indeed a 5 star agent!" Wendy Chen, 4 Sugarwood Way, Warren, NJ "Diane was our buyer agent on the house we bought ... She guided us with all the inspections and due diligence. We were so impressed that we decided to list our old house with her. Little that we knew that her work selling our old house would be even more impressive. Diane is very knowledgeable and responsive agent whose attention to details makes sure nothing falls through ... She was relentless on the promotion of the house in print media and online ... she worked tirelessly on every single step to close on the house!' -K.A., Bridgewater "Your knowledge, patience, and guidance in selling my mother's house are much appreciated! It will be my pleasure to recommend you in the future." - R. Gogia, Martinsville "Five stars are not enough to indicate the extraordinary talents of Ms.Diane Belcuore. She promised me the process would be painless and she fulfilled that pledge beyond measure. Ms. Belcuore handled every issue during the sales process and resolved them to my satisfaction. The entire process was handled flawlessly by her. In my 32 years as a lawyer, I have never met a more diligent, intelligent, and kind professional as Diane." R. Burzichelli, Bridgewater

TOP 1% OF NJ REALTORS 5 STAR AGENT 2014-2025 YOU WILL FEEL LIKE MY ONLY CUSTOMER

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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm • Closed Saturday & Sunday

Trust our Expert Guidance for a Great Experience and Maximum Sale Price

Johanna Wiseman Sales Associate Kevin Collison Sales Associate Sandra O'Keefe Broker Associate

Congratulations to Sandra O'Keefe, NJAR Circle of Excellence Platinum Sales Award, 2024

Search Properties at: www.MyBridgewaterHome.com

214 Mountain View Road, Washington Twp. FOR SALE

5 Seville Drive, Somerville FOR SALE

63 Foxwood Court, Bedminster UNDER CONTRACT

5 Brightwood Lane, Bedminster SOLD

74 Pinehurst Drive, Washington Twp. SOLD

10 Suffolk Way, Marlboro SOLD

TESTIMONIALS:

Sandra and her team did a great job helping us through the entire home buying and selling process. This is the second time we have worked with her team and wouldn't use anyone else. In today's crazy market we had the full support and expertise of her entire team which made the process the best it possibly could be. We couldn't be happier with our experience! -AS, Somerville

I highly recommend Sandy and Johanna. They are a great team! They helped us sell my dad's house and knew the locale and neighborhood, were very profes sional and friendly, and provided great advice on what we needed to address with the house before putting it on the market. They priced the house right and we had multiple offers over asking price. They know the process and helped us to navigate it, including unexpected things that came up with buyers. I did not have to worry about a thing. Sandy and Johanna are worth their weight in gold! - DC, Bridgewater

2102 Explorer Lane, Marlboro SOLD

II70 Route 22 East • Suite 300 • Bridgewater, NJ 08807 • 908-685-0700 Office Sandra Cell 908-642-0997 • Johanna Cell 908-705-0652 • Kevin Cell 732-266-5430

Follow us for local real estate news: facebook.com/ BridgewaterRealEstateFriend

THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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H ighlights...

A Note From Our Publisher...

As the publisher of The Connection Magazines and a longtime resi dent of this area, I take great pride in the small businesses that make our towns so special. These businesses are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods, offering unique products, services, and experienc es that you won’t find anywhere else. I hope you enjoy all that the Bridgewater-Somerville edition of our June issue has to o er!

8

Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell

10 12 14

Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs

Lawyer’s View: Maleski, Eisenhut & Zielinski

With summer beginning and graduation season upon us, it’s the perfect time to cele brate and support our community. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, planning a cele bration, or simply enjoying all that the season brings, be sure to check out our Shopping, Beauty & Events section for inspiration and ideas. Patronize our local restaurants, not only for graduation parties and celebrations, but also for casual summer dining. Think of it as a fun night o from cooking in the heat! Your Guide to Summer Dining makes it easy to find an amazing, new local restaurant. In honor of this exciting season, we are proud to feature cover artwork created by talented high school students from our local school districts. Choosing from among the many incredible submissions was no easy task! Each selected artist shares the story behind her work in a short bio—be sure to read about what inspired their creativity. Heritage is the title of our cover art, and it was created by Harsha Balamurugan , a senior at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School . She is staying connected to her cultural roots through her artwork. Harsha’s gorgeous drawing of ornate, ethnic jewelry being cradled in hands “represents the emotional weight of carrying one’s culture across generations and geography.” Anyone can make a di erence—why not start this summer? Summer is a season of renewal and possibility, making it the perfect time to give back and get involved in your community. HOME of Somerset County (Housing Outreach Multifaith Empowerment) is making a powerful impact by supporting individuals and families in need. Read our Community News article and visit homescnj.org to learn more about their inspiring work and to discover how you can be part of the change. With summer approaching, we look forward to outdoor dining, BBQs, and grilling. Cooking and dining in our backyards usually entail some type of open flame and the use of plastic containers. In our Food for Thought column, Lori Koldin discusses the neces sary precautions to take to stay safe and healthy when grilling and using plastic utensils/ containers. As always, when you visit a business you discovered through The Connection, let them know you saw them here and #TellThemWeSentYou! Wishing you a joyful and meaningful start to summer! Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazines

16-19 HEALTH & WELLNESS 16 Heath Hotline: NMR 18

Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds

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20-28 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING 29-35 SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS 29

Community News: Warren County Farmers’ Fair

30 32 34

Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell

Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson

Community News: HOME of Somerset County

36-39 KIDZ CONNECTION 36

Teen Voice: Adithya Bharath

37 38 39

Commends: Mount St. Dominic Academy Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle Camp Confidential: Greater Somerset YMCA

40-45 HOME & DESIGN 40

Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors

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46-47 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 48 SENIOR LIVING

THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adithya Bharath, Gail Bicknell, Barry Farber, Giulia Grotenhuis, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Alyssa Martini, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Dr. Vincent Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Johanna Wiseman

PUBLISHED BY The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059

908-903-1799 |

info@theconnectionsnj.com

ON OUR COVER

Somewhere in this magazine is a FAKE AD . Spot it and send your answer, along with your name, city or town and phone number to: spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com The WINNER of the InstaGourmet ad in the April issue is Wade Killman of Somerville . Wade won a gift certificate to the Bridgewater Bakery in Bridgewater. Next Issue September! Advertising deadline August 8, 2025 SPOT THE FAKE!

Harsha Balamurugan Title: Heritage Medium: chalk pastel pencil

My name is Harsha and I’m from Bridgewater, New Jersey. I’m currently a senior in high school and will be attending Northeastern University this fall, where I plan to major in Public Health and Business Administration. For me, art has always been my non-verbal voice, and a way to express what I’m thinking and feel ing when words fall short. Throughout high school, I’ve dedicated a huge part of my time to creating. Being featured in The Connection Magazines is an opportunity I’m unbelievably excited about. I’m also the founder of the ArtHealth Initiative, a nonprofit I started to help bridge the gap between art and mental health. Through this project, I’ve worked with students to create and donate student designed coloring sheets to hospitals and mental health facilities across the country. Seeing how some thing as simple as art can comfort, calm, and connect people has been incredibly meaningful. As I move forward into this next chapter at Northeastern, I hope to continue combining my passions for creativity, community, and health to make a positive difference—both through my art and in the work, I pursue beyond it.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles are the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Connection Mag azines. We publish all advertisements, editorials and other content in good faith. We cannot guarantee or accept liability for the accuracy of the claims made by the advertisers.

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

SENIOR

CORNER Walk for Years By Ellyn Mantell

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he mornings may no longer be crisp, but even in the summer, it is the perfect time to walk for longer years! We live on an over 2-mile oval, and since the weather is summer-like all the time, the mornings teem with people getting their daily exercise. It feels wonderful to be in the fresh air and to start our days in this way. Burning some calories and getting our heart rate up is a wonderful dividend. Of course, seeing the same people each day gives us a sense of camaraderie, and with or without a destination, we feel our selves progressing toward being as healthy as possible. Seniors have a particularly motivating reason to walk. Taking in deep breaths, absorbing vitamin D from the sun, and smiling at others are all “steps” toward living a longer and better life. For those with mobility issues, and there are many along our route, walk ers are a great aid. Of course, changing the expectation from the entire oval to a more manageable expectation is import ant. Standing up straight and tall and not bending over the walker is another goal, and one that is attainable with awareness.

mindful to walk as soon as possible in the corridors of the hospital. My running shoes accompanied me with cushy socks to give me added support. I found that my strength returned faster than I believed it would had I not been so motivated. Upon returning home, my driveway became my “track.” I would walk the perimeter each day and do my best the following day to increase by two more times. Eventually, I would walk to the mailbox, which sat at the top of the driveway, a goal that seemed impossible the first two weeks home. A few things to remember when em barking on a walking program. Be sure to obtain your doctor’s approval first. Wear sunblock even if there is no sun because it may sneak up on you, and the sun’s rays are increasingly deleterious to our health. Layer your clothing and be sure it is comfortable and appropriate for the temperature. Your waist is a great place to tie a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved tee shirt. Bring your phone and designate an ICE number (In Case of Emergency). If you have any health issues, I strong ly recommend wearing a medical alert bracelet with your name, a person to contact, and list of health issues. Pay at tention to traffic signs. I, personally, like to walk facing the traffic. Of course, the safety of the sidewalk is most desirable. Getting fresh air, burning calories, getting vitamin D, and expanding our lungs are all gifts that keep on giving. Ask a friend to join you for an added bonus. Enjoy your time together and continue to walk for years to come! Getting fresh air, burning calories, getting vitamin D, and expand ing our lungs are all gifts that keep on giving.

A conversation with a physician is important and many begin walking while in physical therapy. Friends who have had knee and hip replacements set their goals accordingly, with the hopes of doing a little better each week. Having had more than 20 abdominal surgeries over the years, I was always

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

MEDICAL MINUTES Spinal Stenosis Explained: The Breakthrough Treatment Changing Lives

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By Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPMR, RMSK W

hat Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)? Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (lumbar spine). As we age, nat ural changes like arthritis, thickened liga ments, herniated discs, or bone overgrowth can put pressure on the spinal nerves. The result? Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the legs—especially while walking or standing. Many people unknowingly adjust their pos ture to find relief—leaning over a grocery cart, for example, can reduce nerve compres sion temporarily. But that’s not a solution— it’s a sign.

Introducing the MILD® Procedure: A Game-Changer in Spinal Care The MILD® procedure is an FDA-cleared FDA-cleared, outpatient treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves without stitch- without stitch es, implants, or general anesthesia. Rather than masking pain like injections, MILD® MILD® treats the root cause. Dr Mejia explains, “the MILD® procedure has been the single most non-operative ad vancement in spinal care in my 15 years of practice. We now have a path forward for pa tients that have failed therapy and injections and can’t have or don’t want spinal surgery, truly remarkable”. What Patients Can Expect: Outcomes & Benefits • 85% Patient satisfaction rate • 100,000+ Procedures performed nationally • No stitches, No hospital stay, No implants What Performance Ortho Patients are saying: “Before the MILD procedure I could not walk upstairs, now I am traveling around the world.” Ellen L., Real Performance Patient, Watchung location, 2025. Next Steps: How to Get Evaluated At Performance Ortho, we specialize in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments that change lives. If you’re struggling with back/leg pain, walking limitations, or frus trated with temporary solutions, it’s time to explore MILD®. MILD®. Same-Day / Next-Day Appointments No Referral Needed Medicare and Most Major Insurances Accepted Meet Your Expert: Dr. Joseph Mejia Dr. Mejia is a triple board-certified special- triple board-certified special ist in Pain Management, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine. With over 15 years of experience, he has helped thousands of patients restore func tion, reduce pain, and avoid unnecessary surgery. He currently serves as Medical Di- Medical Di rector at Performance Ortho Performance Ortho, with offices in Watchung, Branchburg, Somerset, and Hill sborough, NJ. Visit www.PerformanceOrtho.com. Call Today and Reclaim Your Mobility 908-718-1907. The first step toward a pain-free future starts here.

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Key Symptoms of LSS • Pain or numbness in the legs while walking or standing • Relief with sitting or leaning forward • Weakness, heaviness, or burning in the lower limbs • Difficulty walking long distances Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short Before medical advancements, treatment op tions for LSS were limited: • Physical Therapy: While helpful for many conditions, when dealing with LSS, relief is often temporary or minimal if not supported with more advanced spine procedures in a team-based approach. • Spinal Injections: Reduce inflammation and often provide temporary relief. • Spinal Surgery: For severe cases, surgery was the next step. However, many patients feared the risks, long recovery, or simply didn’t qualify due to age or other conditions. “Lumbar spinal stenosis is a complex condi tion that can severely impact mobility and quality of life if left untreated. What makes Performance Ortho unique is our integrated team-based approach—combining surgeons, pain specialists, and physical therapists to deliver comprehensive care. For lasting relief and improved function, collaboration is key.” — Dr. Joseph Mejia

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Shapiro Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

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a forward-looking roadmap. However, a net worth statement becomes a great starting point for a full nancial plan. As a boutique rm, we pro vide personalized service to our clients. Our practice is skilled in advanced planning techniques, uniquely equipped to manage the complex needs of successful individuals and closely held and family businesses. We believe

ble property includes real estate, both residential (houses) and commer cial. e character and tax basis of assets provide insight into future tax li ability. Holdings should be separated between current holdings and re tirement, along with pre- and post-tax. Retirement assets can be a mix of pre-tax and post-tax. Tax basis can be compared to

By Robert Shapiro CPA, ABV – Owner Shapiro CPAs Summer - e Perfect Time for a Financial Checkup L ooking forward to summer! Fami ly milestones, beach days, backyard barbeques, and (hopefully) one sheet for a business, a net worth statement will provide essential information about your family’s assets, allocation, leverage, and capital. ere are several facets to a well-constructed net worth statement. Successful individuals and business own ers will bene t from professional assis tance. putts. is is the perfect time for a nan cial checkup. I am o en asked the best way to start or update one’s nancial health. Financial plans need a starting point. is comes in the form of a net worth statement- a point-in-time measurement detailing an individual’s assets, liabili ties, and net worth. Much like a balance

that e cient tax management can add meaningful long-term returns. I person ally have over four decades of experience helping clients across a wide range of - nancial issues. As a multi-disciplined professional, I enjoy providing timely, tailored guidance. If you are interested in achieving better nancial outcomes, please contact me directly. I would welcome the opportunity to help your family and business prosper.

the current market value to measure unre alized taxable gain or loss. A taxpayer’s ba sis is comprised of cost, inheritance, and/ or donor gi . Liabilities should be detailed along with the associated collateral. e most common liability is real estate mortgages. Liabilities would also include debt secured by investments, commercial and personal debt, and personal guarantee. Liabilities can be compared to various assets to de termine leverage ratios. Analysis of net worth will include an overall allocation amongst assets and liabil ities. We have found it useful to drill down and provide detailed sub-allocations. Asset allocation is viewed as a key determinant of potential investment returns. Of course, a nancial plan not only encompasses the current, but it is also

A well-cra ed net worth statement needs to identify ownership. Assets and liabilities can be titled either individually, jointly with rights of survivorship, joint tenants in common, trust, partnership, or corporation. is is a critical detail and provides insights into rights, wealth trans fer, estate planning, and taxation. Assets should be further divided by liquidity, nature, and tax basis. Liquidity is simply the ability to convert an asset to cash. Liquid investments include cash and publicly traded securities. Less liquid assets combine closely held or restricted stock along with tangible property. Tangi

As a multi-disciplined professional, I enjoy providing timely, tailored guidance. If you are interested in achieving better nancial outcomes, please contact me directly.

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

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LAWYER’S VIEW The Importance of Marital Lifestyle When Determining Alimony

When calculating alimony, the court careful ly examines the marital lifestyle via a detailed review of financial records, bank statements, tax returns, and any expense report. At times, experts are hired to analyze the parties’ fi nancial records to derive the marital lifestyle. Discrepancies or a lack of documentation may complicate the process and lead to disputes and prolonged litigation. Experienced family law attorneys can help a party advocate for their position and establish the true lifestyle of a marriage. Marital lifestyle is the standard of living estab lished by both spouses during the marriage. It reflects economic and social circumstances... The attorneys at - Maleski, Eisenhut & Zielins ki, LLC are available to assist you to carefully review your situation and help you assess your rights and interests.

Lifestyle in New Jersey Alimony Law As a key factor considered when determin ing alimony, the statute emphasizes that both parties, to the extent possible, are entitled to a lifestyle reasonably comparable to the one es tablished during the marriage. This standard applies to both initial alimony awards and any modifications that might be requested later due to changed circumstances. Alimony, often referred to as spousal support, is designed to allow both spouses to maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce to the extent possible. It is more expensive to main tain two households than one, and courts em phasize that alimony is not intended to enrich one party or impoverish the other; instead, it aims to provide a fair and balanced approach to financial stability for both parties. The Crucial Role of the Case Information Statement (CIS) A vital tool in capturing and presenting the marital lifestyle is the Family Part Case Infor mation Statement (“CIS”). This comprehensive financial document is required in all New Jer sey divorce cases and is prepared by each party to show their income, expenses (i.e., lifestyle), assets, and liabilities. The CIS includes a section detailing average monthly expenses during the marriage across all categories of spending. The accuracy and completeness of the CIS are important because it serves as a roadmap through the parties’ fi nancials and provides a snapshot of the marital lifestyle.

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entertainment activities. Gifting: Lavish birthday and holiday presents, or modest gifts or tokens of affection. Clothing: Designer wardrobes or department store attire. Luxury expenses: High-end vehicles, club memberships, personal services.

hat is a Marital Lifestyle? Marital lifestyle is the standard of living estab lished by both spouses during the marriage. It reflects economic and social circumstances and includes choices about housing, vacations, dining habits, entertainment, gifting, clothing, luxury expenses, and even how savings and debt are accumulated. Examples of Marital Lifestyle Components: Vacations: Frequent inter national travel, more mod est travel, or no regular va cations. Dining habits: Regular fine dining, frequent takeout, or meals at home. Entertainment: Season tickets to cultural or sporting events, or occasional movie nights; modest or no hobbies or expensive hobbies/ Housing: Owning a large home in an affluent neigh borhood or renting a mod est apartment.

Savings and Debt: Consis tent contributions to retire ment accounts, minimal savings, or significant debt accumulation. Marital lifestyle may change over time. For ex ample, a couple might prior itize saving early in the mar riage and then spend more Savings and Debt: tent contributions to retire change over time. For ex ample, a couple might prior itize saving early in the mar

freely later. Some expenses might be one-time and not representative of lifestyle. Regardless, it is a measure of the marriage before separation. This is important because the courts in New Jersey consider lifestyle as a benchmark when calculating alimony.

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JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2025

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DINING OUT HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HEALTH HOTLINE Arthritis Prevent Arthritis, Preserve Function, and Stay Strong for Life ~ All Through Natural Approaches! By Dr. Vincent Sferra, DC DIBCN CCN

Regain your Health and Restore your Strength for Life! At NMR, the reasons for your health concerns will be comprehensively assessed and a care plan designed to address all aspects of your condition. Care plans may include: • Hormonal and Metabolic Optimization • Acupuncture • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Chiropractic • Onero for Osteoporosis • Biofeedback Therapy • Shock Wave Therapy (EPAT) • Nutrition Counseling • Functional Medicine's Approach to Arthritis • Medical Weight Loss

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rthritis will affect most of us at some point in our lives. Finding out what you can do to prevent arthritis from de veloping, or reduce its progression, all through natural and lifestyle-based ap proaches , will help you stay strong and en sure a healthier lifespan with an increased quality of life. If you are looking for a drug-free way to treat arthritis, or help prevent it from developing, a functional medicine doctor can help you enjoy healthy joint func tion. Functional Medicine is a dynamic approach to assessing, preventing, and treating complex chronic diseases, such as arthritis. By utilizing innovative laborato ry testing, we can uncover triggers and in- flammatory responses for arthritis. These specific blood markers of inflammation are not routinely tested but can assess the hidden ‘drivers’ of arthritis. Arthritis is almost always preceded by a period of declining function and health in one or more body systems. For all of us, such dysfunctions are the result of lifelong interactions with our environment, life style, and our genetics. The good news is, with new healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors, many chronic diseases are very manageable and sometimes even prevent able! Even people with a genetic predis position to arthritis can learn to maintain healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk, defer the onset, or at least better man age the progression of this condition. If you are looking for a drug-free way to treat arthritis, or help prevent it from developing, a functional medicine doc tor can help you enjoy healthy joint function.

part, be influenced by their environment and lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a lack of exercise, poor diet, and inadequate, stress-tempering techniques to relieve chronic stress can all lead to the development of chronic disease or in crease the progression of it. A functional medicine doctor committed to bringing their patients to greater health, focuses on patient education, therapeutic lifestyle choices, and integrative therapies that sup port the person’s own genetic expression of health.

Call our center at 908-252-0242 for a consultation to see how NMR can assist you in reaching your health and wellness goals. NMRNJ.com | (908) 252-0242 | 399 Campus Drive, Somerset Dr.Vince Sferra , DC DIBCN Founder of Natural Medicine and Rehabilitation

While many people understand the ben efits of a healthy lifestyle, they lack the skills and dedication needed to sustain these good habits. Finding a doctor who can provide appropriate interventions and encourage healthful behaviors by educat- ing you with nutritional counseling, phys ical reconditioning, and stress-tempering techniques to start and maintain these healthy lifestyle habits, will help you pre vent arthritis, preserve your function, and stay strong for life. Dr. Sferra is board certified in Chiropractic Medicine and Chiropractic Neurology, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and is a Cer tified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certified by the National Strength & Con ditioning Association. He is the founder and Clinic Director of Natural Medicine & Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation. For more information visit www.NMRNJ.com, or call 908-252-0242.

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The genetic tendencies a person has to wards any given disease could, in large

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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DINING OUT HEALTH & WELLNESS

PAGE 18

FOOD THOUGHT

o A Pi

for

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f... Chicken Kabobs • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 white onion, quartered • 1 red bell pepper, cut up • Fresh pineapple • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon turmeric • ½ teaspoon cumin • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper • ¼ cup lemon juice (3-4 large lemons) • ¼ cup olive oil 1. Cut up chicken, onion, pepper and pineapple into large pieces. 2. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, turmeric, cumin and pepper on chicken. 3. Combine lemon juice and olive oil. 4. Arrange chicken, vegetables and pineapple onto skewers. 5. Paint lemon juice-olive oil mixture on chicken, onion, pepper and pineapple with a food brush. 6. Marinate in refrigerator for an hour. 7. Preheat grill. 8. Arrange on grill pan and cook on low flame. 9. Turn often until browned all over, 15 – 20 minutes ENJOY! Submitted by: Lori Kolodin, RD, MPH LSKnutrition.com

Summertime Dining The Heat Is On-Proceed with Caution By Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD

une is a popular month for cele brating graduations, weddings, and numer ous outdoor activities. We cherish the warm weather that accompanies the summer sol stice. Many of us find ourselves welcoming a less rigorous schedule and a more relaxed state. We may trade classrooms for camp, and a 5-day work week truncates into a lon ger weekend with the initiation of “Summer Fridays” through Labor Day. Long, lazy days do not come without warning, however, and a laissez- faire attitude can easily obliterate healthy meal planning as we shift from in door dining to patio kitchens and grills. Recently, I was reminded how microplastics have J une is a popular month for cele

known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). HCAs are formed when animal proteins are cooked at high temperatures, while the PAHs are formed from the burning or com bustion of fats and juices from the food. To minimize exposure to these toxic byprod ucts we can implement precautions such as: • cook animal protein (red meat, poultry, game meat or fish) on lower temperatures • purchase a grill thermometer for accuracy around temperature control • turn your food over frequently •separate your food from the grill by using a grill pan Whenever

been subversively incorporated into animal tis sues. Plastic, once deemed as the safer alternative to shattering glass, became quite pop ular and was often preferred over paper products for outdoor dining.

possible, try to prepare fresh food, which includes the marinades. I have swapped bottle sauces for homemade creations. De pending upon the dish, you

can always choose between citrus, either fresh or juiced, various flavored vinegars, oils (olive, avocado, peanut, or sesame), mus tard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, fresh herbs, and spices. Be creative and try some thing based on the type of cuisine that you are trying to design. For me, summertime is filled with color. One of my favorite dishes is skewered chick en with vegetables and pineapple. I prefer reusable 14” stainless steel skewers, which are dishwasher safe, and a grill pan. Happy and safe dining! Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD is the owner of LSKNutrition, a clinical practice providing nutrition counseling and consulting ser vices to individuals and corporations. Her office is in Martinsville. More information can be found on her website, LSKNutrition.com.

According to a recent New York Times ar ticle, global plastic production has nearly doubled every 10 – 15 years since the 1960s. The result of constant plastic exposure has led to concentration in our oceans’ marine life, our food supply, and our own cells. This is not to alarm you, but you should be aware and help reduce risk by keeping plastic away from heat. It is believed that heat accelerates plastic degradation therefore, key points ap ply. First, always wash plastics in cool, soapy water rather than in the dishwasher. Also, never reheat plastic in the microwave, and avoid the use of plastic utensils when cook ing. Instead, be sure to purchase silicone, stainless-steel, or wooden alternatives. One more thing, kick the habit of leaving plastic water bottles in your car; replace them with a reusable thermos. There are numerous brands available to suit everyone’s likes and needs. Frequent outdoor dining can be another major safety concern. The high temperatures created with open flames can lead to the production of two carcinogenic compounds

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

PAGE 19

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THE ART OF LIVING By Barry Farber, Diamond Minds e Pain/Pleasure Principle A ll humans have one thing in common. We are

choice would you feel better having? · Fried chicken/T-bone steak with macaroni and cheese, ice cream, and cake for dessert or... · Salad with broccoli, mushrooms, chickpeas, carrots, walnuts, lentil soup, and fruit for dessert? Sure, that steak makes some people’s mouths water. Maybe you won’t have the same excitement if you choose the sal ad. Here’s the scenario. At rst, it was men tally painful for me to go to a steakhouse with 20 people and order a cauli ower steak and salad for dinner. But guess what? Here are a few of the pleasures a er that painful decision. You feel amazing that evening, the next day, and for the rest of your life because you made food your medicine, not the other way around. Believe it or not, a er 30 or more days, your taste buds begin to change, and all the healthy foods start to taste bet ter. You’re fueling your body with healthier choices. (By the way, it’s OK to enjoy cake and certain pleasures once in a while; I’m not against that... I’m just citing an exam ple.) Here’s another bene cial example. I have worked with various training methods in martial arts to increase strength and resil iency over the years. One is rolling on var ious surfaces like grass, sand, cement, and wood, or weighted steel rings around your arms, slamming into your muscle tissue and bones over time. At rst, there is a little pain,

but it goes away a er a while. But here’s the interesting phenomenon that took place. I recently had a bad fall from a ight of stairs with steel rings on my arm. Yet there were no bruises or pain from that fall. A er that, I spoke with a cardiovascular surgeon who explained that all those minor hits over time create microscopic tears in your muscle - bers, and they become stronger and more resilient over time. Most of us are afraid of pain because we don’t realize that there are many lessons to be learned from embracing pain for future pleasure. Barry Farber is a best-selling author, an award-winning radio and television host, as well as an agent and marketing consul tant for corporations, professional athletes, and entertainers. He’s also the creator and marketer of the FoldzFlat® Pens. His latest release is an inspirational children’s book, “In Search of the Magic Tree,” available at www.barryfarber.com. Tune into his new TV Show, Diamond Minds, now on Brinx.tv and follow @barryfarbero cial.

and feeling miserable a erward. en he mentioned the Seesaw Metaphor. “If you indulge in pleasure rst (like drugs, alco hol, etc.), dopamine is released, and you’re riding high on the seesaw, but there’s al ways the pain from withdrawal when your body then craves that dopamine chemical and you go low on the seesaw. Alternative ly, you can experience ‘pain’ rst (working out, running, ice bath, reading, getting your mind to do something di cult), and be low on the seesaw, then your brain/ body rewards you a erward with the re lease of dopamine.” According to recent data, nearly 50% of Americans claim to actively try to eat healthier, with many citing healthy eating as a top priority. However, barriers like cost and time constraints o en hinder their e orts, with a signi cant portion still consuming fast food regularly. So, what is painful about how we eat? It has to do with the choices we make. For instance, let’s say you’re deciding on what to have when you’re out for dinner. What

fundamentally guided by the “pain-pleasure principle”, which means we are motivated to seek pleasure and avoid pain. is is understandable. Nobody goes around looking for painful experiences, right? Well, maybe we should. at’s not to say we need to go out and actively search for ways to experience pain. Pain happens to us all, whether it’s an ac tual physical injury, depression, loss, men tal anguish, or needing to make a di cult choice. We need to learn to deal with pain when it inevitably appears in our lives. I was having a conversation with my son when he brought up research. He found that the brain releases dopamine when one has pleasure from drugs or al cohol, but then the brain makes us pay for the pain with depression, withdrawals,

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YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING

PAGE 20

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8 Pieces of Chicken Single French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1/2 lb. of Salad of Choice $22.95 Family Chicken Fiesta 12 Pieces of Chicken Double Order of French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1 lb. of Salad of Choice $35.95 Expires 9/8/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 9/8/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only.

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