Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Improved Hearing For A Healthy Mind

Did you know that better hearing might be a key to better brain health? A growing body of research ties hearing loss to cognitive-decline problems such as dementia. So, let’s take a look at the connections and the importance of regular hearing care.

Both dementia and hearing loss are on the rise. An estimated 55 million people live with dementia, per the World Health Organization, which predicts the rate will reach 139 million in 2025. Hearing loss, estimated at over 1.5 billion youth and adults worldwide, could climb to over 2.5 billion people by 2050.

Older adults with more severe forms of hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of dementia, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-led study released this year. Researchers uncovered a 61% greater prevalence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

The study adds to ever-increasing reports on links between hearing loss and significant dementia risk. It stands apart from some other investigations by having relied not only on in-clinic data but also homebased information — including testing and interviews — comprising a more nationally representative population across a 65-plus age group.

Like a rising number of studies, the findings also showed potential benefits of better hearing in curbing the dementia threat. According to the investigators, hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among those with moderate or severe hearing loss.

It’s not quite conclusive that hearing aids prevent or reverse dementia — future research will continue to probe the issue. But it looks promising. In an online report, the investigation’s lead author stated, “This study refines what we’ve observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access.”

What can you do? Staying sharp and engaged is easier than you think and starts with regular hearing screenings. Whether your hearing seems to be changing or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, contact our caring team for an evaluation today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always here to answer your important hearing care questions. Please contact us today at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Floriography: The Victorian Language Of Flowers

TOMS RIVER – These days, social media and texts make it easy to let someone know how you feel about them. Back in the late 1800s, though, directly expressing your feelings was frowned upon.

So, what did those straight-laced Victorians do? They developed a “language” of combining flowers to let that special someone know how they were feeling… whether it was love, compassion, jealousy, or even “I can’t stand the very thought of you!”

Learn to use flowers to express your emotions with this fun and informative presentation. Lecture will be held on July 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River. Fee is $5 per person. Open to ages 16 years and older.

Junior Arts & Musical Theater Camp

JACKSON – Students entering grades 4 th through 9 th in September 2023 can spend their summer at the Junior Art & Musical Theater Summer Camp!

Camp runs July 17 to August 3 (no weekends). Students will learn all aspects of musical theater production, including vocal coaching, dancing & acting lessons and learning about costuming, painting & set design.

Students will work collectively to produce a live performance of “The Music Man Jr.” on August 3.

This 3-week program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson Memorial High School from July 17 to August 3 (no weekends). The Final Performance of “The Music Man Jr.” is August 3 at 12 and 6 p.m.

Camp Fee is $575 for the 3-week program For more information and to register, visit jacksonsd.org

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Exploring Ozempic And 8 Natural Alternatives For Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Balance

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

You may have been hearing a lot about a pharmaceutical drug called Ozempic and how it works for weight loss. Known generically as semaglutide, it’s prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. This med belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is given by subcutaneous injection.

GLP-1 is a hormone in everyone’s body that helps to regulate (specifically lower) blood sugar levels. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion which then reduces glucose production in your liver. In doing so, there is less glucose secreted by the liver, and this helps manage blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

I am glad that people are waking up to the idea of balancing blood sugar and insulin, and the more complex idea that cravings can be controlled by working on these mechanisms. I talked about this in my book called Diabetes Without Drugs and used my knowledge to formulate a dietary supplement called GlucoScript.

Prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs have increased dramatically due to commercials and promotions about its value for weight loss. You can certainly talk to your physician about it.

Aside from medications, I recommend a ketogenic or keto-carnivore diet to help one reduce weight dramatically and quickly. The ketogenic diet will result in greater weight loss compared to the drugs. The trial I reviewed showed about a 10-pound reduction over 30 - 56 weeks for participants taking the drug. Compare that to a keto diet which might give you a 20-pound weight loss over about 6 months to a year. Naturally, the weight loss achieved is contingent on how many cheats you have.

Now let’s talk about a few natural approaches that some people consider. Many of these herbs are in my GlucoScript which I sell at my vitamin shop.

1. Dietary Changes: A low-carb, no refined sugar diet can only help!

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of weight management.

3. Cinnamon: It’s not a substitute for blood sugar medication, however some studies suggest it helps. Sprinkle it!

4. Berberine: This herbal has been studied for its potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and has strong evidence for its use.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Sometimes used for neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid has also been studied for its benefit to blood sugar.

6. Banaba Leaf: Provides “corosolic acid” which may improve insulin sensitivity, helping you to use blood sugar more effectively. It blocks the absorption of some carbs in the gut leading to a reduction in blood sugar spikes after eating.

7. Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, it increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. It reduces cortisol which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain.

8. Resveratrol: It improves insulin sensitivity and activates AMP-activated protein kinase an enzyme that scoops up glucose from the bloodstream.

For a longer version of this article, and more natural remedies that work well, as well as recipes, please visit my website suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Composting: Black Garden Gold

JACKSON – Reap the rewards from composting at home. Reduce household waste, while creating wonderful, nutrient rich compost for your flowers and vegetables. Outdoor event, please dress accordingly.

Event will take place on July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Ocean County Tree Nursery, 499 South Stump Tavern Road, Jackson. Free event. Opens to adults. For more information, visit oceancountyparks.org.

Ocean County Parks Announces New Trail App

OCEAN COUNTY – “Don’t hike alone...take your phone!” Introducing the Trail Tracker App to help you pinpoint your location on the trails of Ocean County. Follow the link to download: bit.ly/OceanCountyTrailTracker. NOTE: This web app was created to assist park visitors. It is currently in a beta test and may not completely, accurately depict information. To better improve this app and user experience, let Ocean County Parks & Recreation know your feedback here: OCParks@ co.ocean.nj.us.

Hospital: Continued From Page 12 the NJMCQC, New Jersey Maternal Mortality Review Committee (NJMMRC), and the New Jersey Maternal Data Center (NJMDC).

This report card is part of the larger NJMDC in NJDOH, which is responsible for developing data collection and submission protocols for maternal mortality, morbidity, and racial and ethnic disparity data from relevant health care facilities in the state; conducting data analyses and developing reports and a public-facing dashboard on the state of maternal health; and disseminating information and analyses to the NJMCQC, the NJMMRC, other relevant stakeholders, and the public.

The ultimate goal of the New Jersey Maternal Data Center is to provide timely data on the state of maternal health in a transparent manner to the public and to help drive changes to improve maternal health outcomes.

To view previous Maternal Health Hospital Report Cards visit: nj.gov/health/ maternal/morbidity/mhh_reportcard.

To learn more about the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, visit NurtureNJ.nj.gov

The Coral Reefs

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

One of the most interesting forms of life on this planet is the coral reef, with their existence dating back approximately 240 million years. These colorful ecosystems are found all over the world. Unfortunately, they are at risk of being destroyed. The good news is that we can take some easy steps to help them bounce back and continue to thrive.

Contrary to popular opinion, the coral reefs are not plants, but in fact, animals. They live in large colonies and are of hard and soft varieties. They make up less than 1% of the ocean but are home to around 25% of the world’s marine life. More than 4,000 fish species rely on the corals to provide food, which then provides food for human consumption. Approximately 500 million people consume fish found on the coral reefs.

The corals thrive in clear, shallow water where sunlight is strongest. The problem is, too much heat, increasing the ocean temperatures, can cause them to expel their algae and turn white in color. This process is referred to as bleaching.

Aside from providing food for humans, they also help protect coastal communities from storms and water surges by providing a buffer, slowing down water flow and coastal erosion. Corals and sponges keep their water clean by feeding on particles found in the ocean.

Tropical waters are usually associated with coral reefs; however, the deep-sea corals don’t rely on photosynthesis for their survival, unlike their warm-water counterparts. Instead, food particles from surrounding water are their sole source of nourishment.

Some ways we can help the coral reefs – don’t litter, resist the temptation to stir the sediment as it can smother corals inhibiting them from the ability to photosynthesize. Avoid stepping on coral reefs – they are animals who can be injured or even killed. Don’t feed the fish or buy coral or any other marine life to keep as souvenirs.

Let’s respect all our ecosystems by allowing them to manage themselves –when left alone, human intervention is not necessary.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Learn To Play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ At Library

TOMS RIVER – Ever wanted to learn to play “Dungeons & Dragons,” but didn’t know how to start? As part of our Adult Summer Reading Program theme, “All Together Now,” the Ocean County Library will present a “Dungeons & Dragons” crash course at six branches:

• Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, 732657-7600, 6:30 p.m. July 19

• Plumsted Branch,119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-758-7888, 6:30 p.m. July 24

• Lacey Branch,10 East Lacey Road, 609-6938566, 6:30 p.m. August 7

• Stafford Branch,129 N. Main Street, Man- ahawkin, 609-597-3381, 6:30 p.m. August 23

• Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200, 6:30 p.m. August 28

The presentation will cover basics of the Fifth Edition. Learn how to fill out a character sheet, what each part means, and how to run a campaign as a Dungeon Master. This 90-minute program will help develop your gaming skills and get you started on a pastime full of fun and adventure.

Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events for this free program. For more information, visit or call any participating branch, or call 732-349-6200.