September 2019

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OLDBRIDGE

OLD BRIDGE

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OLD BRIDGE AND WAITT FUNERAL HOMES HONORED WITH 2019 PURSUIT OF EXCELLENT AWARD BY NFDA

Michael V. Grandi and David L. Hernandez, Jr Old Bridge Funeral Home and Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service were recently honored by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) with the 2019 Pursuit of Excellence. Only 160 firms from around the world reContinued on page 26

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

DR. LEONARD SOMARRIBA ADDED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Leonard Somarriba, DPT, CSCS, to the Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees. Dr. Somarriba was formally named to the board in August.

“The board of trustees is excited to welcome Dr. Somarriba to the Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation,” said Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer of the Hackensack Meridian Health Meridian Health Foundation. “Leonard brings with him a fresh perspective

and a unique background that will greatly benefit the medical center.

“He is a successful business owner who also gives of his time to serve the Aberdeen community as a member of its Economic Business Council, in addition to serving as an active member of the Old Bridge Business Alliance and other chamber organizations. We look forward to his expertise as we work to enhance care for our community.”

Dr. Somarriba specializes in outpatient physical therapy and has been treating and managing Continued on page 7

In 2009, The Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling topped the pop charts, Glee made its TV debut, and pilot Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III was hailed as the “Hero of t he Hudson” for his quick thinking and successful landing of US Airways flight 1549

i n t h e Hu d s o n R i v e r.

In Old Bridge news was being made that year as well. Though it wouldn’t make national headlines, the opening of the Old Bridge YMCA certainly grabbed everyone’s attention here. The Old Bridge Y is celebrating its 10th anniversary in September and is inviting the community to take part in the celebration.

On Sept.14 the Y will be open to the community, with refreshments, giveaways, and a raffle planned.

“In Old Bridge, the Y is more than a gym, it’s a place of comContinued on page 12

OLD BRIDGE YMCA TO CELEBRATE 10YEAR ANNIVERSARY BY HOLDING ACTIVITYFILLED OPEN HOUSE ON SEPT. 14

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AMBOY BANK TO HOLD SEMINARS FOR SENIORS AND THEIR ADULT CHILDREN Old Bridge, NJ – As part of continuing efforts to serve the senior community, Amboy Bank will hold a number of complimentary “Caring for Aging Parents” seminars

throughout September and October.

Covered topics will include estate planning, senior home equity options, recognizing financial abuse and fraud and long-term care.

BRANCH LOCATIONS AND DATES: Aberdeen Saturday, September 14 Millhurst Thursday, September 19 Freehold Thursday, September 19 Manalapan Saturday, September 21 Sayrewoods Thursday, September 26 Sayreville Thursday, October 3 Woodbridge Thursday, October 3 Browntown Thursday, October 10 Monmouth Junction Thursday, October 10 Ocean Thursday, October 17

10:00 am 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:30 pm

“Amboy Bank has always been at the forefront of providing information and consultative services to the seniors in our community,” said Gregory Scharpf, Amboy Bank’s President and CEO. “We believe these free, no-obligation seminars can be of great value to many families.”

Attendance is encouraged for those aged 62 and over and/or their adult children. To register for preferred dates and locations, please visit https://www.amboybank.com.

Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank a full-service commercial bank with 23 offices in Central New Jersey prides itself on quality service and responsiveness. Amboy Bank has been voted “Best Bank in Central Jersey” for the past 21 years in a row.

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24TH ANNUAL OLD BRIDGE DAY CELEBRATION SET FOR SEPT. 21 AT MUNICIPAL COMPLEX The 24th annual Old Bridge Day celebration, which this year runs in conjunction with the Township’s 150th anniversary, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex.

The double celebration will feature live bands performing throughout the event, as well as a variety of family and fun themed activities.

Vendors will be on hand selling crafts, toys, clothing, jewelry and many other items, and there will be a food court featuring a wide array of festival-type food, with new additions offering Spanish and Thai cuisine.

The Township Departments of Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, Public Works and MUA will be displaying their vehicles and large construction equipment that children can climb onto and explore.

Parks and Recreation will have

several free giveaways, and businesses in town will be on hand as well to participate in the day’s activities.

The Old Bridge Animal Shelter will be hosting an Adoption Day that day, with dramatically reduced adoption fees of $20 for cats and $25 for dogs.

Calvary Chapel will sponsor a “Kids Corner,” with the theme this year being “Carnival.” The Kids Corner is free and will feature carnival games, rides and crafts. The Calvary Motorcycle Club will be on hand for pictures on the bikes, and there will be free giveaways.

Parking will be available at Sandburg School and shuttles will run from Old Bridge High School every 1 5 m i nut e s .

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE – SEPTEMBER 2019

Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Municipal Complex.

The event features live entertainment, food, games, performances from local groups, vendor tables and the opportunity to meet with Township and local government officials. Let’s hope for good weather!

I also hope many of you will join me for our monthly Walk with The Mayor on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

We meet at 9 a.m. at the Shoppes Mayor Owen Henry at Old Bridge near the Texas Road entrance, in front of the former I hope everyone had a won- Bensi restaurant. It is a great time derful summer and is excited to share your Old Bridge expefor the new school year and the riences with me, meet new folks events planned for September. I and get some exercise as well. look forward to supporting our A reminder about recycling; the local sports teams and interact- township is committed to educating ing with residents at the many our residents on the importance of activities planned around town. recycling and we encourage everyWe will honor those who lost one to participate as a way to help their lives during the horrific attack improve our environment. If you on our country have not done on Sept. 11, 2001.

We will gather for a s o a l r e a d y, Our yearly re- happier occasion during our please downannual Old Bridge Day on membrance cerload the handy Saturday, Sept. 21 emony will b e app – our free held at 6 p.m. on Recycle Coach Wednesday, Sepapp that allows tember 11, at the 9-11 Memorial you to get helpful information right Site located near the Library in the on your smart phone. For more inMunicipal Complex. This solemn formation on the items mentioned occasion allows us to honor and this month, please feel free to visit pay tribute to those local residents our website: www.oldbridge.com. and all those who lost their lives Hope to see you around town! during this devastating day in our history; we must never forget. Mayor Owen Henry We will gather for a happier occasion during our annual Old Bridge

BETH OHR MEN’S CLUB TO GIVE SHOFAR LESSONS The approach of the High Holidays is signaled by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn) in the synagogue daily, except on the Sabbath, during the morning service. Getting the right notes out of a ram’s horn is a skill that few naturally possess but which can be taught. Beginning Sunday morning, Sept. 1, the Men’s Club of Congregation Beth Ohr will give lessons to any man, woman or child of any age who wants to learn. The Men’s Club will furnish the shofars for the lessons.

Instruction will be given during the morning service each Sunday from Sept. 1 through Sept. 29.

The service runs from 9 a.m. through 9:45 a.m. and is followed by a complimentary bagel breakfast to which all are invited.

F o r r e a s o n s o f s e c u r i t y, please bring photo ID with you.

Congregation Beth Ohr is located at 70 Route 516, Old Bridge. For further information contact Ed Mendlowitz at emcpa1@aol.com

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OLD BRIDGE BUSINESS ALLIANCE’S MONTHLY MEETING PROVIDED UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR NETWORKING

Council Woman Debbie Walker (left), Mayor Owen Henry, Butch Patrick and Council President Mary Sohor.

Mayor Owen Henry and Steve Mamakas, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, recently hosted the Old Bridge Business Alliance’s Monthly meeting along with the Chamber of Commerce OBSSA. The networking event was attended by many of Old Bridge’s local business owners and managers, as well as several from the surrounding and tristate area. A wide variety of businesses, industries and not for profits were represented at the event. It provided an excellent opportunity to make new connections with those who conduct their business within the Old Bridge Community.

Mayor Henry addressed the attendees by discussing the steady and continued growth of the business community and the positive effects it has on the township. He has stated that he and Steve Mamakas continue to meet with a wide array of businesses that are very interested in opening their doors in Old Bridge. The appeal is attributed in part to a variety of resources that are available, from the size of the township to the main roads running through it, the easy access to public transportation and the close proximity to New York City.

The Chamber of Commerce serving the Old Bridge, Sayreville and South Amboy communities was represented by The Chamber President Russ Azzarello as well as board member Annette Maxwell.

It was a great opportunity to get both groups together and to allow them to network with each other.

A special guest appearance was

SEPTEMBER 2019

made by Butch Patrick, know as “Eddie” from popular 1960s sitcom “The Munsters.” He is now an Old Bridge Alliance member. Business owners were delighted to meet and speak with Mr. Patrick, and he was asked a variety of trivia questions about the show and its co-stars.

One of Old Bridges newest restaurants, Via Sposito, was the gracious host for the evening event. The restaurant, located on Route 516, is known its southern and northern Italian specialties. The meeting was a great opportunity for them to let the local businesses sample their food and see their restaurant.

The Old Bridge Business Alliance is a free networking program offered by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. If you have a business and would like future information how to join or host an event please visit the township website at www.oldbridge.com or call 732-721-5600, extension 2060.

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DR. LEONARD SOMARRIBA ADDED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION

Continued from page 1 patients with orthopedic and neuromuscular disorders for nearly 15 years. In 2013, he co-founded ProFysio Physical Therapy, serving Aberdeen, Holmdel, Old Bridge and East Brunswick, and continues to serve as the co-CEO of ProFysio.

In addition to giving of his time to help the community, Dr. Somarriba has also committed a major gift to Raritan Bay Medical Center Fou n d at i on i n supp or t of t he

newly planned Emergency Department (ED) in Old Bridge.

“It’s important to me to give back to my community,” said Dr. Somarriba. “Joining the board of trustees now, at such a pivotal moment in Raritan Bay Medical Center’s history as they embark on their ED expansion, means that I will be able to help shape care for area residents and rally support from likeminded individuals. It’s a special time and I am honored to be part of the excitement.”

The addition of influential community members to medical center boards is paramount as Meridian Health Foundation continues its capital campaign to raise $150 million for eight Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals within Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, including: Jersey Shore University Medical Center; K. Hovnanian Children’s Center; Bayshore Medical Center; Ocean Medical Center; Raritan Bay Medical Center

-- Old Bridge; Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy; Riverview Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center. Called “Giving Heals,” the campaign supports four important initiatives: strengthening oncology services, improving clinical outcomes, enhancing the patient experience and broadening clinical research and academic programs.

To date, more than $95 million has been raised by individual donors, corporations and public grants.

To learn more about how you can support Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation, or the “Giving Heals” campaign, please contact Linda Hill, executive director, Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation, at 732-324-5376 or visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/GivingHeals.

Enjoy a lovely breakfast with the Old Bridge Republicans 2019 candidates. Breakfast will include pancakes, and a buffet style breakfast. Hope to see you join us! Location:. 15 Oak Street, Old Bridge, NJ at Friendly Sons of the ShillelaghTime: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Tickets are $25 per person Please RSVP by October 1st by clicking the link below: obgop2019candidatesbreakfast. eventbrite.com For tickets please contact George Gough at 732-607-8449 or contact the candidates.

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BRIGHT FUTURE EDUCATION OPENS NEW OLD BRIDGE FACILITY

Bright Future Education, whose mission is to prepare children from six weeks to 5 years old to love learning and to ease their transition into future learning environments, has opened a new 4,500-square foot facility at 2 Jocama Boulevard off Route 9 in Old Bridge, director and owner Danielle Palomba announced.

The new learning facility features safety-first protocol and a state-of-the-art security and monitoring system; experienced teachers and staff that have a passion for teaching and educating children, and a foam rubber padded secure outdoor play area located in a secure, low traffic corporate park.

“Bright Future is about the children,” said Palomba. “There is no expense spared on security and safety, from the state-of-the-art security and monitoring system to healthy nutritious meals and snacks, to the foam rubber flooring

outdoor play area, to the extensive fingerprinting and background checks of every staff member to the well-rounded and experienced teachers who love the children as much as they love where they work.”

Palomba said that Bright Future Education’s “teacher to child ratio, which is greater than state requirements, means that there is greater individual detailed focus to each child.

“Our curriculum is play-based, allowing easy absorption of knowledge for infants and toddlers. Our kindergarten prep team gets 3- and 4-yearolds ready mentally and emotionally for kindergarten and beyond.”

For more information call 732-591-5500 or visit info@BrightFuturePrek.com.

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HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH RARITAN BAY CENTER RECEIVES FIRST HUMAN BREAST MILK DONATION

Raritan Bay Medical Center first milk donor Anna Milrud (left) and Kaaba Chenault, RN, BSN, IBCLC. Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center -- Perth Amboy received its first human

breast milk donation on Aug. 26.

The breast milk will be sent to the New York Milk Bank to be processed and then used for infants in need.

“Breast milk is so healthy for newborn babies but not all moms can produce enough breast milk or are on medication that cannot be given to the newborns,” said Steven Goldberg, M.D., chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “ This milk bank gives additional opportunities to give newborn babies breast milk.”

Raritan Bay Medical Center supports families and their babies throughout the life cycle by educating and supporting families on the benefits of human milk and breastfeeding. Committed to the health of the community, Raritan Bay Medical Center became a licensed Human Milk Donor Depot, the first for Hackensack Meridian Health. In July of 2019, Raritan Bay Medical Center received its first donor milk and since July had two additional donors.

The New York Milk Bank is the first comprehensive nonprofit milk bank based in New York State. It collects milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurizes it and distributes to infants in New York State and the surrounding area. The Milk Bank’s vision is that all women are supported in their breastfeeding and lactation goals and that all babies have access to safely pasteurized and affordable donor milk in situations where their mothers can’t breastfeed.

For more information about Raritan Bay Medical Center’s comprehensive array of maternity services, combining leading-edge medicine with integrative health therapies, visit: https:// www.rbmc.org/maternity-center/ About Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center For more than 100 years, Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy and Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge have provided a full continuum of health care services to

residents of Central Jersey. Raritan Bay Medical Center is one of less than one percent of hospitals in the world to achieve Magnet Recognition, the “Gold Standard” for nursing practice, quality, and safety in patient care, four times. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Raritan Bay Medical Center as high performing in Orthopedics, Nephrology, COPD and Heart Failure.

The medical center is a New Jersey state designated Primary Stroke Center and recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, recognizing optimal treatment of stroke patients. Raritan Bay is also a recipient of the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the AHA’s Heart Check Mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers and the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award recog-

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nizing high-quality care of patients experiencing a severe heart attack.

The Joslin Diabetes Center, Affiliate at Raritan Bay-Old Bridge, provides the latest advances for treating diabetes and its complications as well as other metabolic and endocrine disorders. Among its flagship programs are the Human Motion Institute, a comprehensive orthopedic program, and Institute for Weight Loss at Raritan Bay-Old Bridge and Center for Bariatric Surgery at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, both specializing in weight loss surgery.

As part of Hackensack Meridian Health, one of New Jersey’s most comprehensive health networks, patients have access to advanced specialized services with a seamless continuum of care, close to home.

For more information, visit www. rbmc.org. To make an appointment for an outpatient test or treatment, call 732-324-5270. For a free physician referral, call 1-800-560-9990.

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OLD BRIDGE YMCA TO CELEBRATE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY BY HOLDING ACTIVITY-FILLED OPEN HOUSE ON SEPT. 14

Continued from page 1 munity,” said Laurie Goganzer, President and CEO. “As the needs of the community have shifted, our mission has shifted as well.

Today we work to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to reach their full potential -- whether that’s through fitness, swimming lessons, summer camp, or providing financial assistance to our neighbors during times of hardship.

We’re here for you and your family.”

When the Old Bridge Y opened in 2009 it welcomed over 9,000 member at the outset, bringing group fitness classes, youth sports, and swimming to the community. Since then the Old Bridge Y has increased its programming to include summer day and travel camps, an adult

basketball league, a safety around water program, and special events.

Today, the Old Bridge Y partners with Old Bridge Township, the police department, schools, and local businesses to provide opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility to the community whenever possible.

“We’re thankful to our members and the community for 10 successful years,” said Denise Bucciero, Branch Executive Director of the Old Bridge Y, “and we look forward to continuing to strengthen Old Bridge and surrounding communities for many years to come.”

For more information about the Old Bridge Y, visit ymcanj. or g , or c a l l 7 3 2 - 7 2 7 - 0 7 0 4 .

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OLD BRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADDS TWO NEW OFFICERS

Mayor Owen Henry, Business Administrator Himanshu Shah, Police Chief William Volkert, and Township Clerk Stella Ward proudly swore in two new Police Officers to the Township of Old Bridge Police Department in August. William Kenney and Evan Migliore joined the Police Department in a ceremony in front of friends and family.

Kenney served as a Corporal in

the United States Marine Corps and received several medals and ribbons for his exemplary conduct and work ethic. Most recently, Kenney worked as a security officer and this will be his first position as a police officer.

Migliore served as a Private 1st Class in the United States Marine Corps and has graduated from the Camden County College Police Academy. Migliore also received many awards and recognition for his outstanding service while serving in the Marine Corps.

“These men are great additions to our Township and I am delighted to have them on board,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m sure they will work hard for the benefit of our community.”

Both new officers will begin and complete their field training over the next few months following their swearing-in ceremony.

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DISNEY’S TOY STORY 4 TO SPONSOR LIBRARY SIGN-UP MONTH

September is not only the start of the new school year – it’s also national Library Card Sign-Up Month! This year, the sign-up month is being promoted by Disney’s “Toy

Story 4.” We’ll be celebrating with great programs for kids and teens which will feature Toy Story themed activities, i n c lu d i ng Toy Story Shorts and Crafts on Friday, Sep. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. All ages are i nv it e d t o drop-in to watch a few of your favorite Toy Story short films, make some Toy Story themed crafts and enjoy light refreshments.

Then, on Tuesday, Sep. 17 at 7p.m., we’ll be offering Sid’s Toy

Transformations for grades 6 through 12. This program will allow teens to take old toys apart and put them back together again in new combinations. Then you can bring your transformations home to show your friends your creativity!

Please be sure to check our website – www.oldbridgelibrary.org – for the most up-to-date schedule of events.

Speaking of school, the Library once again sponsored a successful school supply drive in conjunction with the Old Bridge Food Bank to help those students in need in the community. Thank you to everyone who generously donated necessary supplies to help ensure that all students have the items they need for a productive school year. Old Bridge Food Bank Manager Anahita Feltz

is shown here with the donations.

This month we will also begin hosting a valuable new session – the WISE Program: A Wellness Series for Seniors, which begins Monday, Sep. 16 at 11 a.m. This six-week wellness and prevention series for older adults will provide valuable information on topics including nutrition and exercise, medication use, stress management, depression and substance abuse. It will be presented by the Wellspring Center for Prevention, a local non-profit, community-based health organization, and will conclude on Oct. 21. One-time registration for this multi-part series is required by calling 732-721-5600, extensionx5033, or on our website.

Lastly, we hope to see many residents during Old Bridge Day on

Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m. We’ll have plenty of information about our various programs and resources available, along with our popular prize wheel. Be sure to stop by with the kids and let them spin to win! Kids will also get a special treat if they show us their library card. Residents who don’t have a library card can sign up for one at our table as well.

Hope to see you in the Library!

Upcoming Events Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: US Census Bureau Job Fair

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.: Sid’s Toy Transformation

Thursday, Sept. 12, noon: Stroke Support Group

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m.: Downton Abbey High Tea and Millinery Madness **

Monday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.: Autumn Bath Bombs **

Thursday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Stop Surviving, Start Thriving

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.: Finding Meaning in Astrology

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2:30 p.m.: Second Saturday Concert: Inside Drivers

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.: Sandy Hook and the Bayshore During the Revolutionary War

** Registration required

KNOW YOUR CAT’S LITTER BOX BEHAVIOR TO CATCH BLOCKAGES EARLY

By Anita Greenberg, DVM

Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for 30 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 If your cat suffers from urinary obstr uction, all of his nine lives are in jeopardy if he does

not receive quick treatment.

When kidney function decreases and toxins build up in the blood, electrolyte abnormalities and fluid imbalances occur. If the obstruction is not removed, the result is hypotension, acute kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmias and death.

There are many times pet owners call and report their cat is constipated, as they see their cat going in and out of the litter box straining, when, in fact, their cat is obstructed and cannot urinate.

Urinary obstruction is more common in males than females, as the male’s urethra is very narrow.

The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The inability to empty the bladder results in increased pressure in the urinary tract, which is ver y painful.

Cats may initially show signs of straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, painful urination, and inappro-

priate urination, such as urinating out of the box. Once completely obstructed, cats may become restless, cry and vocalize, hide due to discomfort, and eventually lose their appetite and become lethargic.

On physical exam, the cat presents with a large, firm bladder that is non-expressible and when the bladder is palpated, it is very painful.

Bloodwork is taken to evaluate kidney function and electrolytes.

Radiographs can determine if calculi – stones -- are present in the kidneys, bladder or urethra.

Emergency treatment is necessary if there is an obstruction.

A urinary catheter, inserted under sedation, can be passed into the urethra to flush out the plug and force the calculi into the bladder. The bladder is thoroughly flushed and drained through the catheter to remove any remaining sediment. The urethral catheter remains in place for several days until the urethral swelling subsides.

Meanwhile, the cat is on intravenous fluids to keep the kidneys profuse as he is being monitored.

Once the catheter is removed, the cat is evaluated to make sure he can urinate freely before being discharged from the hospital. He will go home with pain medication and the recommendation of a diet that is appropriate to decrease crystal formation. Often anti-anxiety medication is necessary.

A cystotomy (opening of the bladder) may be necessary if there is an accumulation of bladder stones.

If a cat has multiple reoccurrences that cannot be managed medically or cannot be unblocked, he may need a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU) to widen the urethra. This procedure is intended to provide a permanent opening that minimizes the chance of re-obstruction.

Most urinary crystals are made of struvite (magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate). Cats will

benefit from eating a food that contains low levels of magnesium and phosphorous, which promote a urinary pH that makes it less likely crystals will form.

Wa t e r i s t h e k e y t o a happy urinary tract.

Some cats prefer drinking from a running source of water, such as a cat water fountain. The moisture in canned food is beneficial. Anxiety does seem to play a part in urinary issues with cats.

And obese cats may be more prone to urinary obstruction.

Remember, if you are not seeing your pet urinating, and he is straining, this is a medical emergency. Seek veterinary attention immediately!

Back to school for the kids ! means back to fitness for you Next 10-Week Challenge begins September 16 th

Before

After

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of OLD BRIDGE 3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857

732-606-4111

THEMAXChallenge.com

“I have lost 74lbs, I’m down 4 sizes, and I feel so much stronger, not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I’m not depressed, am stronger and healthier, and actually like myself again. I love THE MAX and the way it’s changed my life. I have made new friends and have gained a whole new MAX family.”

– Teri “Food was always comfort.

Exercise was always a struggle.

I have congenital heart disease, asthma, IBD, got frequent migraines and was on medication for all of these. THE MAX Challenge has helped me to not only make a physical change, but I am now off most of my meds!”

– Jessica

18 bonfire. In Princeton only LIVING STONES public two believers were discovered in A TIME FOR REVIVAL

By Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge The 90’s were a pretty dark time in our nation’s history. Drunkenness was epidemic. Profanity was in vogue. Women were afraid to go out at night for fear of assault.

Bank robberies were an everyday occurrence. Churches were losing more members than they were gaining. Anti-Christian sentiment was at an all-time high.

Students in New Jersey rioted and burned a Bible taken from a local Presbyterian church in a

the entire student body. Christian students met in secret like a communist cell and wrote their notes in code for fear of being found out. You may be thinking “That’s not how I remember the 90’s.” It may come as a surprise, but I’m referring to the 1790’s not the 1990’s.

If you ever thought of the past as the “good old days” it is only because you perhaps remember growing up with wholesome shows like The Little House on the Prairie and Leave it to Beaver. But religion in America has not declined constantly from the beginning as you may have thought but has instead experienced a series of ups and downs over the course of our national history.

Right now, we are admittedly at a very low point in history where it appears we are unlikely to recover.

We have racial tension resurging, rampant and legalized drug use, immorality being promoted in our once public but now government-controlled schools, political corruption and the list goes on. But things looked even more bleak in our past.

The decline from our biblical roots

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE and Judeo-Christian values and the resultant decay of the family unit has moved us away from what made us great, caused our economy to soar and created a desire for many to want to live the “American Dream.”

Yet, during some of the darkest times in our nation some desperate souls were moved to pray. This resulted in some of the most amazing revivals of religion. The Welsh Revival of the early 1900’s ignited a religious fire. Churches were packed throughout Wales and the revival spilled out of those churches and left a wake of transformation in lives all through North America, India, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

It changed the course of history!

In what way did the revival transform society? Crime in Wales essentially ended and police officers had so much free time that their only activity was performing musical quartets. Imagine that! No crime and no drunkenness. Illegitimate births dropped to practically zero.

People flooded into churches, praying, being restored to God and transformed in their families.

Oddly the revival also created a slowdown in production in the coal

SEPTEMBER 2019 mines in Wales. Apparently, the donkeys that were used to pull the coal carts stopped moving. Because the coal miners refused to swear, their animals could not understand their masters’ new language without profanity. If this were not documented it would sound like a tall tale!

Before that, there was another great period of time within our nation shortly before the Civil War. In September of 1857, what started as a pathetic gathering of six souls for prayer in NYC at the request of a layman, Jeremy Lanphier, eventually led to tens of thousands gathering every day. This led to the Third Great Awakening in the United States. Without this revival and awakening to religion (which was powerfully reflected in the letters of soldiers from both the north and south) we would not have survived as a nation during the Civil War. What has been the key feature

in every revival has been prayer.

Prayer makes a difference since it is motivated out of a humility and brokenness coupled with an awareness that there is no other help that can make a difference except from God. Such prayer is also rooted in faith in the Bible’s revelation of God as merciful, kind and forgiving who demonstrated his love by His own son’s death on the cross.

Will we see such a revival again in our nation? Will God restore us once again? Perhaps He will, when we realize that there is no other hope but God, and we find our identity and purpose in being made in His image to do justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. Perhaps when we believe that God truly has made us, loves us and wants to rescue us and we pray for His help, then we may have that glimmer of hope restored.

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BACK TO SCHOOL? NOW’S THE TIME TO REFRESH THE FLOORS AT HOME!

It’s September, and you know what that means: The kids are back in school and the house is empty during the day. As a result,

this might just be the best time of year to spruce up your home. Of course, here at SMART Carpet and Flooring, we recommend you

start with—what else?—the floors!

Fall: The Home Improvement Season In all seriousness, September is an excellent time to get started on those home improvements you’ve been talking about. The busy summer season has wound down, and there’s still plenty of time before the holiday season starts. Better yet, the heat of summer is giving way to fresh autumn air, making home improvement projects infinitely more enjoyable during this time of year.

Flooring First By starting with the floors, you can set the tone for the whole home. Installing new flooring in just one room can refresh the house and provide plenty of inspiration for working on the rest of the house as time and budgets allow.

There’s another reason we recommend new flooring as the starting point for home updates: It’s a manageable task, whether you’re having the SMART Carpet and Flooring team tear out (and haul away) the

old flooring and install beautiful new floors or you’re taking the DIY route. There are no drop cloths and tape involved (sorry, paint, but it’s true), no tricky wiring to deal with, no ladders necessary. Once the furniture has been moved out of the room, the work can begin right away.

September’s Pick: Shaw Timberline Laminate Flooring So what’s our choice for flooring this month? Shaw Timberline laminate flooring. Hand-scraped for a classic look, Timberline is available in five colors that lend themselves well to fall home improvements: • Sawmill Hickory, a rich mixture of deep red-gold browns and black that imparts a traditional lodge feel; • Corduroy Hickory, a sleek hickory look that leans more toward the golden brown hues; • Trailing Road, a clean look that complements traditional and minimalist décor alike; • Peavey Grey, a new neutral that will instantly update any home; and • Lumberjack Hickory, a rustic

look that’s perfect for a country home (or a city apartment).

Timberline laminate flooring is easily installed with Shaw’s glueless LocNPlace® technology and is GREENGUARD® Children & Schools Certified. Thanks to Shaw’s 30-year residential and five-year commercial warranties against staining and wearing through, you can count on these floors to look beautiful season after season, year after year.

Ready to make fall your home improvement season? Give us a call at 1-800-526-7847 and we’ll get our mobile flooring showroom scheduled to give you an in-home viewing of laminate flooring, hardwood floors, carpet, luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, tile, and many more options. Your home can be refreshed in plenty of time for holiday visitors!

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

GAETA KOUTAS

Gaet a Kout as, 87, of Old Br idge, NJ p ass e d away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at the Madison Center in Old Bridge, NJ. Gaeta was born on August 6, 1932 to Ignazio and Julia (Consales) Modica in New York, NY. She was a resident of the JOHN FRANCIS CORCORAN

John Francis Corcoran, 80, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, NJ. John was born on October 31, 1938 to John Corcoran and Nancy Russo in Long Island City, NY. Upon completing his education, John proudly served his country in the MELVIN LOUIS BONIS

Melvin Louis Bonis, 58, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at his residence in Old Bridge, NJ. Melvin was born on August 19, 1960 to Melvin and Carolyn Bonis in Perth Amboy, NJ. During high school, Melvin volunteered for the Perth Amboy Fire Department.

COLIN PATRICK MEANY

Colin Patrick Meany, 17, of Matawan, NJ, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019 at his home.

Colin was born on September 7, 2001 to Michael and Karen Meany in Edison, NJ. He was a lifelong resident of Matawan.

Colin graduated from St. John Vianney High School in 2019.

Colin was not only a gifted student-athlete, but he was also the person that everyone wanted to be around. He was extremely passionate about two things, ice hockey and spending time with the people that he loved. His love for others is STEPHEN S. MAMAKAS

It is with sadness in our hearts that we share the passing of a great father and grandfather Stephen S. Mamakas. A wonderful man and great loss. Our God has taken him home to rest in peace and we know he will be watching over all of us. He will keep us safe from the heavens.

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IN MEMORIAM

Bronx, NY before settling down in Old Bridge 31 years ago.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, George Koutas; her father, Ignazio Modica; and her mother, Julia Consales.

Gaeta is survived by her two daughters, Julianne Grillo and

her husband Andy of Mt. Kisco, NY, Lorraine Mancuso of Yorktown Heights, NY; son, George Koutas and his wife Maryann; her brother, Ignatius Modica; six grandchildren, George, Melissa, Samuel, Daniel, Kristen, and Christopher; and two great-grandchil-

dren, Makenna, and Avianna.

Visitation was held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and 7:00pm to 9:00pm, and on Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, August 12, 2019, at 11:00am, at the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Old Bridge, NJ. Burial took place in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.

United States Marine Corp. John worked as a Warehouse Supervisor for Key Food in Brooklyn, NY for 25 years, before retiring in 1997.

On October 24, 1964, John married Carole Wielk. John and Carole lived in Brooklyn, NY for 40 years before moving to Old Bridge 14 years ago.

He was preceded in death by his

father, John F. Corcoran, and his mother, Nancy Russo Corcoran.

John is survived by his loving spouse of 55 years, Carole Wielk Corcoran; his son and daughterin-law, Terence and Valentina Corcoran of Monroe Township, NJ; his daughter, Lora Corcoran and her companion, Larry Sciascia of

Spotswood, NJ; his brother, Patrick Corcoran and his wife Renata of Saugerties, NY; two Grandchildren, John Corcoran, and Matthew Corcoran; and two nephews, Phillip Corcoran, and John Corcoran.

Visitation was held Sunday, August 18, 2019, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Old Bridge Funeral Home,

2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ. Funeral services were held on Monday, August 19, 2019, 10:15 am, at St Thomas the Apostle, Church, 333 State Highway 18, Old Bridge NJ. Burial followed in the Brigadier Gen. Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery in Wrightsville, NJ.

After completing high school, Melvin worked in the construction industry for 36 years with the last four years working as a Construction Manager for Toll Brothers. On May 15th, 1982, Melvin married Diane Davidson. Melvin and Diane lived in Perth Amboy before moving to Old Bridge 32 years ago.

He was a former congregant of

Grace Lutheran Church in Perth Amboy, NJ. Melvin loved fishing, country music, the NY Giants but most of all, his loving family.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Diane Bonis; his mother, Carolyn Bonis; his son, Craig Bonis; two daughters, Heather Bonis and her companion, Justin Foster, and Gail Shaffery and her

husband Greg; and his sister, Kelly Florkiewicz and her husband Richie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Albert Bonis.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 16, 2019, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 7:30 pm,

in the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ. C re m at i on t o o k p l a c e i n private at the Holy Cross Crematory in East Brunswick, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Memor ia ls were sug geste d to t he A m e r i c a n C a n c e r S o c i e t y,

a quality that drew so many people toward him. If you were around Colin, you knew that he was going to push you to be better and you would have a fun time doing it.

His smile and laugh were contagious and will never be forgotten.

Colin is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Barbara Surdoval; and his paternal grandfather, Edward Meany.

Colin is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Karen Meany, his brother, Jack; his paternal grandmother, Michele Meany; three uncles, John Meany, Ed Meany,

and Paul Rossi; three Aunts, Kelly Meany, Danielle Meany and Lisa Rossi; and three cousins, Barbara Rossi, and John and Caroline Meany; and many, many close friends.

Visitation was held at the Church of St. Clement, 172 Freneau Ave.,

Matawan, NJ. on Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, August 19, 2019 at the Church of St. Clement at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, Colin’s family

was asking for donations to be made to The Concussion Legacy Foundation, concussionfoundation.org. Online condolences can be given at www.waittfh.com

His spirit will live in our family and within all our hearts forever. He will truly be missed. Until we meet again in Heaven. May God Bless him.

Stephen is sur vived by his spouse, his son, daughter in law, and two granddaughters.

To Submit Obituaries Email Editor@AllaroundOB.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

OLD BRIDGE AND WAITT FUNERAL HOMES HONORED WITH 2019 PURSUIT OF EXCELLENT AWARD BY NFDA

9/11 MEMORIAL SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2019 6:00pm at the Township 9/11 Memorial – in the event of rain it will be in the senior center. Honoring all those especially the 15 members of the Old Bridge Community that had perished on that tragic day.

Continued from page 1 ceived this prestigious recognition, placing Old Bridge Funeral Home and Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service among an elite group of funeral service professionals.

Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.

In addition to receiving the 2019 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service was one of seven funeral homes to be inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence. Created to recognize a consistent display of service excellence, NFDA-member funeral homes are inducted into the Hall of Excellence upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award.

To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a participating funeral home must meet or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and pro-

fessional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs.

Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.

“Old Bridge Funeral Home and Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service’s voluntary participation in the Pursuit of Excellence Award program reflects a steadfast dedication to exceed the expectations of those they serve,” said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper, CAE. “This prestigious recognition assures families of the high-quality, compassionate service they will receive the moment they walk through the funeral home’s front door.”

More information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award program can be found on the association’s website: www. nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence.

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, a beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

DR. JAMES PENN JOINS GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS

James R. Penn, MD, has joined Gastroenterology Consultants PA of Edison and Old Bridge and will be seeing patients at both locations.

Dr. Penn was serving as the chief gastroenterology fellow at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School prior to joining Gastroenterology Consultants this summer.

“We waited many years to get the right young associate, someone who will provide the excellent and compassionate care to our patients that is an integral part of our approach to our practice of gastroenterology,” said Dr. Steven Hodes of the decision to add Dr. Penn to the Gastroenterology Consultants medical staff.

Dr. Penn earned his medical degree as well as served his internship, residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

“I chose gastroenterology because the field offered me different types of relationships with patients,” Dr. Penn said. “You could be called upon to acutely save a person’s life one day and the next day be seeing patients in your office that you’ve been taking care of for many years.

It’s also one of the few fields where

there is an emphasis on disease prevention, with screening colonoscopies. I’ve had amazing mentors who guided me along the way.”

A 2012 inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Dr. Penn was the recipient of the Intern of the Year Award from the Department of Internal Medicine in 2013, the Resident of the Year (the Avedis K. Khachaduirian Award) in 2015, the Best Teaching Attending Award in Internal Medicine in 2016 and Outstanding Fellow Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2017. He was board certified in internal medicine in 2016.

Dr. Penn was appointed Chief Medical Resident for the 2015-2016 academic year and was an Academic Teaching Hospitalist at University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro from 2015 until this year.

As an undergraduate at Rutgers University, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Biological Sciences, winning numerous scholarships in his field of study.

The son of Robert and Lucille Penn of Sayreville, Dr. Penn grew up in the Middlesex County community, graduating from

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Bishop Ahr (now St. Thomas Aquinas) High School in Edison.

A sports enthusiast who played baseball through high school, Dr. Penn resides in Piscataway with his wife, Jennifer and their two children, Andrew and Charlotte.

Gastroenterology Consultants was founded by Dr. Steven E. Hodes and Dr. Marc R. Wolfman in 1984. Dr. David Rosenheck joined the practice in 1988 and Dr. Michael S. Goldberg in 1997.

Its offices are located at 205 May Street in Edison and at 3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 415, in Old Bridge.

The Gastroenterology Consultants doctors have admitting privileges at the Hackensack Meridian hospitals: John F. Kennedy Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center.

The practice also operates the May Street Surgi-Center [MSSC], an outpatient endoscopy facility specializing in colorectal cancer screening and the treatment of digestive diseases, which is located at 205 May Street, Edison, on the first level.

To contact Gastroenterology Consultants, call: 732-661-9225 for the Edison office, 732-360-2282 for the Old Bridge office and 732-820-4566 for the May Street Surgi-Center.

For More Information, contact Jeanette Homsher at Gastroenterology Consultants at 732-661-9225 or by email at jhomsher.gastro@gmail.com.

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732-723-0023 1314 Englishtown Road Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Offset Dementia’s Early Signs with Exercise Dr. Ira Shapiro, Director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center There are at least 5 million people currently living with age-related dementia in the United States, says a report from the Alzheimer’s Association. The publication goes on to estimate “that one out of every six women and one out of every ten men, living past the age of 55 will develop dementia.”

Not a specific disease, dementia is a general term used to describe the symptoms most often associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills. In most cases, this means a severe reduction in the individual’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Memory loss, confusion, problems speaking and writing, and difficulties in planning, solving or understanding problems or visual information are just a few examples.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60 to 80 percent of these cases and is oftentimes caused by damaged brain cells that lose the capacity to communicate with each other. Varying forms of dementia are typically associated with the type of cells and brain regions experiencing problems.

Although the research is still ongoing, the Alzheimer’s Association recently reported that regular physical exercise and its ability to directly increase the brain’s blood and oxygen flow can help to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. The UK-based Alzheimer’s Society seconded this position when it stated that “of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, taking regular physical exercise appears to be one of the

best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia.”

In fact, the Alzheimer’s Society combined the results of 11 separate global studies to find that regular exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate) can significantly reduce the risk of middle-aged or older adults “developing dementia by about 30 per cent. For Alzheimer’s disease specifically, the risk was reduced by 45 per cent.”

The Alzheimer’s Association, also recently reviewed nearly 30 different papers and found “a clear link between physical activity levels and cognitive performance, suggesting that exercise might be an effective way to reduce cognitive decline in later life.”

In general, this means some form of aerobic exercise performed for a sustained period, several times a week for at least a year. For instance, organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise as a baseline for controlling weight, fighting disease, and improving mood and sex lives. Others recommend two to three days-aweek of cardio interspersed with two-to-three days of weight training for making a real difference, especially one that’s noticed at the beach or pool.

Some like to run. Others play tennis, bike or swim.

The truth is that what you do is less important than the pleasure or benefits you derive from the activity. Unless you’re a competitive athlete training for the next game or

big event, there is no set way to go about it. Just find something you like and do your best to do it every day or every other day. You can even mix and match. Walk one day. Take an aerobics class the next. Find some time to lift weights in between.

The trick is finding what you like and staying with it. Another is to stop viewing exercise as a chore. Look at the time you spend on yourself as an indulgence that benefits both mind and body.

For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family please contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732723-0023 or visit www.plazachiro.com. Our trained staff will be happy to work with you, no matter your age or condition, to develop a safe and effective wellness program that complements your life style and offers long-lasting fitness rewards.

Dr. Ira A. Shapiro is the director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, which he founded in Old Bridge, New Jersey in 1984. Recently selected to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council (ACASC) Hall of Fame and a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic team medical staff, Dr. Shapiro has spent the past 35 years providing safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care to tens of thousands of patients ranging from community members to professional athletes competing at the world’s highest levels.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

DISPELLING MYTHS ABOUT PHYSICAL THERAPY

By Dr. Nichole Chaviano, D.P.T.

Dr. Nichole Chaviano, D.P.T., Clinic Director of ProFysio Physical Therapy’s East Brunswick location, with patient Amanda Richardson.

Physical therapists are experts in movement, helping those with a wide range of problems to restore mobility, reduce pain, and remain active, There are some widely-held misconceptions around physi-

cal therapy that may discourage people who could gain a great deal from seeking treatment. People assume they need a doctor’s referral to schedule an initial physical therapy evaluation, that physical therapy is only for the elderly or injured, that medication or surgery is their only hope for relief, that physical therapists aren’t highly-trained medical professionals, or that physical therapy is never a viable standalone option. These are myths. In fact, within their range of expertise physical therapists can provide care and proven benefit for patients in all stages of healing from initial diagnosis through the rehabilitation process, and can even provide support to prevent a recurrence of various conditions.

When patients begin treatment with a physical therapist, which in New Jersey does not require a doctor’s referral, they can expect a thorough physical examination and review of their health history, including an evaluation of their muscle and joint performance, posture, and flexibility as appropriate. Their physical therapist will likely be a Doctor of Physical Therapy that has completed a four-

year bachelor’s degree and three or more years of graduate-level training. They will draw on their expertise in anatomy, physiology, and neuromuscular and musculoskeletal pathology to provide their patients with a clinical diagnosis and discuss their prognosis, as well as provide a recommended plan of care and goals. In subsequent appointments they will provide ongoing treatment and intervention and offer an exercise plan or other self-management recommendations to support their patient’s therapy goals.

People are often surprised to learn the wide range of issues that can benefit from physical therapy.

Despite stereotypes to the contrary, it is not just for the injured or the elderly. While there are certainly benefits to those who have musculoskeletal injuries and for older patients who have conditions that limit their mobility or physical function, physical therapy has a wide range of additional applications. It can also help people with neurological disorders, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, pediatric conditions, healing wounds, concussions, balance issues, or congestive conditions that result in fluid accumula-

tion. It can also be used to manage pain and reduce dependence on opioids; help patients avoid surgery; improve athletic performance; prevent falls; increase mobility and movement; or aid in recovery from stroke, paralysis, trauma, and more.

Although people are often convinced that medication or surgery are their only route to relief for various conditions, this is not necessarily the case. Physical therapy can provide relief for the management of most non-cancer related pain through manual therapy and targeted exercise. In addition, it can often provide an alternative that can be as effective as surgery in many cases, for conditions ranging from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to degenerative disk disease, to shoulder, knee, or lower back pain. And, even if a patient ultimately decides to undergo surgery for these conditions, physical therapy will help them to increase their strength and mobility, improving their prognosis and postoperative outcomes.

Finally, it is a mistake view physical therapy’s role in improving health conditions as somehow limited, secondary to, or less than other clinical interventions.

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Amanda Richardson, a physical therapy patient who was diagnosed in March 2019 with Primary Lateral Sclerosis, describes her reaction when her physicians informed her that for this chronic condition she could “only really do physical therapy.” At first she was crushed.

“When you hear the word ‘only,’ you kind of feel defeated because you think, well, that’s not really going to have any measurable results. You know, how can something ‘only’ be good enough?” Yet, despite her originally low expectations, Ms. Richardson found herself extremely pleased with the results she has achieved with “only” physical therapy. “There’s nothing only about physical therapy,” she says. Of the staff at ProFysio Physical Therapy in East Brunswick, where she has been treating since her diagnosis, she observes, “They have a vast knowledge of how the human body works and

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2019

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 888-523-4331

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