HEALTH

TIPS

from the PROS

BRENT CELEK

Life After Football

courtesy of Chef Mitzi Jackson-Robinson @mj_thechef

www.chefmitzijackson.me

Welcome to Chef MJ’s Corner, where we will feature stories about food, nutrition, health, the latest trends and hotspots and last but not least, stories that inspire each reader. You know my motto, “Food is a segue into intimate conversation!” So, take a load off and get intimate.

Brent Celek is an NFL football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, when you hear his name, you immediately think of him as one of The Eagles. He played his entire

HEALTH 11 season football career with them. Celek also helped the team win Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots during the 2017 season; he subsequently retired that offseason. Now he runs a successful real estate business here in Philadelphia and has three children (with another on the way) with his wife Celeste.

Chef MJ:

You played football with the Philadelphia Eagles for 11 seasons. How was the transition from football to your career now? Did you start planning before your retirement? BC: The transition for me was a little easier because [The Eagles] won the Super Bowl and that was the last game I ever played. However, transitioning when that’s all you ever did your entire life is really tough. There are times that can actually be a little depressing if you don’t know what you don’t know. I just happened to have something that I loved, which was real estate. I tried it while I was playing and loved it, so it made [the transition] a little easier. I created a team and we have a family vibe very similar to the one I had in the locker room.

Chef MJ:

How important has a healthy diet been to you to maintain your body? Also, has mental health and your diet been important to you, as well, since retiring to fight the battle against depression? BC: Yes, I think it is. I don’t think I eat as healthy as when I was playing, because I don’t have to. But I will say this, since I’ve retired, I realized I need working out in my life. I need to sweat. Otherwise, I feel like my brain doesn’t work properly. Then obviously, eating healthy helps you feel better when you do work out. As you get older, inflammation is tough, so anything to keep it down helps. I eat a ton of vegetables. In fact, I eat a lot! However, I don’t eat bad food and I love to cook.

Chef MJ:

What advice would you give players who are leaving the NFL or have had to leave the NFL because of injuries? What advice would you give them in trying to start the next chapter in their life? BC: Try to find something outside of football that you can do to stay active. For me, I play basketball. It’s not super competitive, just getting out there running and having fun. It’s a great release!

Chef MJ:

You have a beautiful family. How do you balance work life and home life? BC: This is one of the reasons I’m in real estate. I have a little more time to do things with the family that I didn’t have when I was playing football. In football, you’re all in. Football life wasn’t bad, but if I wanted to stay in that world as a coach, it’s tougher on coaches than on players. I really wanted to be around my kids while they are growing up. I wanted to be the father figure that they need; that every kid needs. My kids mean everything to me, and my wife does an amazing job, as well.

Chef MJ:

Do you ever see yourself coaching? BC: Not right now. I’d like to watch my kids play sports. Maybe, be their coach if they need it. I do love it! Maybe one day when the kids are out of the house, I might consider coaching, if it makes sense.

Chef MJ:

You were with the Philadelphia Eagles for 11 seasons, so what advice would you give to players trying to have a successful season? To add to that, the Super Bowl was the Eagles’ most successful season. What did it take for you guys to get there? BC: Treat every season like it’s your last! If you were to know you were gonna die next year, how would you treat your life, this year? You would do everything you could do to put a smile on your face. Let me experience this, let me do that. In football, you can be done tomorrow so you want to treat every day like it’s your last. Every season like it’s your last. Every team will be different. Players will be different. But if you can do this, you can have success. Lastly, do your job! Focus on your job and be great at it, but also inspire your teammates to be great, as well!

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by Theresa Collins BA CADC Facility Director/Primary Therapist Directions Outpatient Centers

While the opioid epidemic has been the center of the drug abuse problem in Philadelphia, a new drug is now plaguing the city and causing concern for the professionals who help those struggling with substance use disorder. Methamphetamine use is on the upward and alarming rise. Prior to this year, meth misuse in the city and surrounding counties seemed to be very small and isolated incidents. Whatever the reason for a sudden cause in the spike, meth use looks very different then opioid use and is just as dangerous.

Meth use releases an incredibly large amount of dopamine in the brain making it highly addictive and an extremely hard habit to break. Meth use typically causes people to be more hyperactive, awake, unable to sleep. It causes a decreased

appetite, irregular heartbeat, and increased breathing. Because meth is the most powerful stimulant, when meth use stops, there is a HEALTH depletion of dopamine in the brain causing increased depression, fatigue, and low energy. Unlike other drugs that can be treated with medical assisted treatment, currently there are no medications to help with methamphetamine misuse. Meth abuse can be treated through behavioral interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. Like other drugs, education on prevention is always the best tool to help curb the problem. Directions Outpatient Center is working hard to help those who have fallen victim to meth addiction and will continue to work on using the best evidence-based practices in our clinical program. PRH

Directions Outpatient Centers is a member of the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine (PRH) Business Network. Directions Outpatient Centers 2300 S. Broad Street | 1 877.228.2073

Superfood Smoothies

courtesy of Jamie Flowers

Antioxidants are substances found in foods that may protect your body against free radicals, which, if consumed regularly, may reduce a person’s chances of developing heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidants found in plants. Here are some great “superfoods” to incorporate into your smoothies. Recipes below! Berries: High in fiber, full of antioxidants and flavonoids, good source of Vitamin C Cherries: High concentration of Vitamin C and anti-inflammatories

Pomegranates: High concentrations of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and shown to reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides Acai Berries: High concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids, shown to reduce levels of triglycerides, blood sugars and insulin Citrus: High concentration of Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and fiber Leafy Greens: High in fiber, good source of Vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and several phytochemicals Nuts: High in protein and good source of monounsaturated fats Creamsicle Smoothie

1 blood orange, peeled, cut into rough 1-inch chunks and frozen I cup leafy greens (spinach or kale) 1 cup plain, 2% Greek yogurt 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 tbs almond butter 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

1 cup frozen cherries 1 cup plain, 2% Greek yogurt 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1 tbs almond butter 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Very Berry Smoothie

1 cup mixed berries (frozen works too) 1/2 cup acai berries 1 cup leafy greens 1 frozen banana 1 cup coconut water

Blend all ingredients. Add water until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

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