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MAR 2018
BULLETIN
The Light at the End of the Tunnel Pushing Past Loss
T here are moments that shape us and upend our understanding of the world. Often, those experiences challenge us to grow in important, though painful, ways. Occasionally, I’ll see this with one of my patients as they push through the pain of a debilitating injury and work to return to their normal life. Nomatter the circumstances, we often emerge from these seemingly impossible situations as stronger, more empathetic people. We become more appreciative of our loved ones and are more invested in our everyday lives. My first experience with true adversity came with the passing of my grandfather, which occurred in 1994, just as I was enteringmy freshman year as an undergraduate. It was my first real brush with death, and the loss of someone so important tome left me reeling. Following his passing, I went through one of the darkest periods of my life, and I was forced tomake some tough decisions. In the end, the experience shapedme inmeaningful ways, and I ultimately matured as a person. When I was growing up, my family lived in the same apartment building as my grandparents, and we spent a lot of time with them. Every Thursday, they’d cook spaghetti with homemade marinara sauce for my brothers, my parents, andme, while Sundays were reserved for macaroni. They were like a second set of parents tome, always welcoming us with open arms. To say my grandfather was a character would be an understatement. He never received any formal education, and as a result, he couldn’t read or write. Instead, he had a shrewd street intelligence and drive that allowed him to
hustle and grind his way through any situation. He was a gambler who would often hang out in local social clubs. When he met anyone new, he’d expertly work an angle on them and figure themout with just a glance or two. Tome, though, he was just an incredible guy, always cracking hilarious jokes. Despite his mischievous side, he would definitely be the first person to give you the shirt off his back. When he passed away, I was inmy first semester at St. Peter’s College. I had never lost any family or anyone close tome, and his loss hit me harder than I could have imagined. Though up until that point I’d been a great student, my GPA began to plummet, and I startedmissing days of class, slipping into a kind of post-grief depression. As I considered the incredible man who was no longer a part of my life, I was forced to reckon with the way I saw the world, relying onmy faith as a Catholic. Though I’d felt like a grown-up as I headed to college, I now felt like a little boy thrust into an adult situation. In the end, I decided that nomatter what I was going through, I needed to process it and move forward. I transferred to Richard Stockton College, and that was the first significant adult decision I made. I wanted to do right by the memory of my grandfather, so I relied on the street smarts and perceptive vision that he’d taught me to propel my life and career forward. Even now, long after my grandparents have passed, that experience sticks in my mind. My grandfather was an amazing person, and his passing taught me there are ways to push through adversity to transform your life for the better.
—Dr. Michael Russo
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Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
When people think of heart attack symptoms, they often think of stabbing chest pain. However, that’s not always how symptoms manifest, particularly in women. The following are serious symptoms that can indicate a looming heart attack. If any of these symptoms are present, consider seeking medical attention. Chest Discomfort The most common symptom is chest discomfort, including pain, tightness, squeezing, or pressure. In women, chest discomfort is more likely to feel like pressure or tightness. Radiating Pain Pain isn’t necessarily restricted to the center of the chest. It may be felt at the sides or even in the upper abdomen or back. It can also radiate into your shoulders, jaw, neck, or arms. Remember, anything above the waist could be related to the heart. Shortness of Breath Sometimes your body will present symptoms well before an attack. For instance, you may experience shortness of breath during normal activities. If you notice this symptom, your doctor may run blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests and administer an EKG. Feeling Faint, Lightheaded, or Dizzy Feeling like you’re going to faint or actually fainting are both warning signs of a heart attack or other cardiac issue. This is especially worrying if it happens while exercising. Sudden Sweating Sudden sweating can easily be confused with night sweats or hot flashes. However, sweating that indicates a heart attack is particularly extreme, doesn’t go away, or can make it difficult to sleep. and stand. After coming to therapy and going throughmy full plan of care, I felt 90 percent better.Walking and standing have becomemuch better.When I went down the shore this past weekend, I was able to stand andwalk for at least two hours without pain. My experience here has been great! Very friendly staff.” Patient Success Story –Joseph A. “My original pain startedwithmy right hip. I was usually feeling painwhen I wouldwalk
Nausea or Vomiting Often, women who experience nausea or vomiting think they have food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, or a bug. However, these are common heart attack symptoms and should be taken very seriously. Unusual Fatigue New, unexplained fatigue may be a warning sign of a heart attack. However, fatigue can also be a symptom of many other issues, including anemia, depression, thyroid conditions, and even cancer. So even if it’s not a heart attack, it’s still important check in with your doctor. Research suggests that women often don’t recognize heart attack symptoms simply because they don’t know what they are experiencing. The best thing a woman can do is make herself aware of heart attack symptoms and get checked out immediately if there is a concern.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHOULDER PAIN
perfectly — until it doesn’t. If any of the rotator cuff tendons become torn or frayed, the rotator cuff can no longer attach completely to the bones, leading to all kinds of dysfunction and severe, debilitating pain. These tears usually occur from falling down on your outstretched arm, lifting something too heavy, or a gradual deterioration of the muscles. Symptoms almost always include severe pain, even when resting or sleeping, that spikes when lifting or lowering the arm. Some serious cases may cause general muscle weakness and an inability to lift the arm at all. Luckily, if you have a rotator cuff injury, you don’t have to tolerate chronic pain. While some intense cases will require surgery to correct, it’s important to consult a physical therapist before going under
Though most of us take our shoulders for granted, they’re important parts of our bodies. From typing at our computer and driving to putting away groceries and going to bed at night, our shoulders are used for many daily tasks. However, they’re complex organic structures that can be subject to damage and pain. If a shoulder does begin to hurt, it can be difficult to think about anything else. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in one of your shoulders, there are a number of potential causes, including bursitis, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and a whole slew of dysfunctional diseases. But perhaps the most common reason people seek treatment for their shoulder is for rotator cuff tears, a problem that afflicts nearly 2 million Americans each year.
the knife. Contact the experts at New Jersey Institute of Balance today and take the first step toward eliminating shoulder pain for good.
Your shoulder is composed of three bones linked together in a ball-and- socket joint, with everything supported by a collection of four muscles called the rotator cuff. The whole setup is remarkably complex, working
Zesty Zucchini
HAVE A LAUGH!
ENCHILADAS
For a lighter take on enchiladas, go carb-free by swapping tortillas for zucchini!
Ingredients
• • • • •
4 large zucchinis
• • • •
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup prepared enchilada sauce
2 teaspoons cumin
Directions 1.
Heat oven to 350 F. To make enchilada sauce, heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken to 1 cup prepared enchilada sauce. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon
chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. Cover the enchiladas with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!
3.
2.
Adapted from delish.com.
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INSIDE This Issue
Michael Russo on Overcoming Adversity
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Patient Success Story
Shoulder Pain? It May Be a Torn Rotator Cuff
Go Carb-Free for Dinner
Events Around Hoboken This Spring
Hoboken What to Do Around
Where: Theaters all over the city Website: nyicff.org
As the weather warms a little and the icy breeze turns crisp and refreshing, more Hobokenites are going out and enjoying the city. Here are a few of the most promising events to look forward to over the next few weeks.
Do you have kids, but feel weary of all the Trolls, Minions, and other half-baked children’s movies? Take them to one of the 100-plus films on display at New York’s renowned International Children’s Film Festival. The monthlong event is chock-full of hidden gems that you might not see at the multiplex — stories just a little more complex and interesting than your run-of-the-mill kids’ production. Spring Fling Egg Hunt When: April 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Columbus Park Website: hobokenfamily.com/?p=12876 Come on down to Columbus Park for the Hoboken Family Alliance’s 18th annual egg hunt! You’ll have a chance to win a bag of prizes at the egg hunt and participate in bunny hop and egg races. It’s the classic Easter activity. Don’t let your kids miss out!
NewYork’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade When: March 17, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: From 44th Street to Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street, onward to 79th Street, and finishing at the American Irish
Historical Society. Admission: Free
Deck your family out in your green finery and make your way across the Lincoln Tunnel for one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country! Whether you’re Irish or not, people of all ages will appreciate this massive celebration of Irish culture, featuring live, authentic Irish music, dance, and more shamrocks than you can count. NewYork International Children’s Film Festival When: February 18 to March 18
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