Hackensack, NJ
Lifestyle
Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose
Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose Almost everyone at Retro Fitness of Hackensack seems to know Alex Rivera. The 37-year-old is rarely without a red Gatorade and look of determination on his face. He's got a black belt in karate, too, and isn't afraid to tell you that's why he's at the gym -- training to become a better fighter. He's affable. Social. Hardworking. Oh yeah, and he has Down Syndrome.  Alex has never let his disability hold him back nor define him. Instead, he's using it to get further and help others do the same. "I'm a role model," he said proudly after a routine training session last Thursday. …

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by Cecilia Levine
Paramus, NJ
Lifestyle
Homeless Bergen Pittie Gets To Be Dog Again; Now All She Needs Is A Family Homeless Bergen Pittie Gets To Be Dog Again; Now All She Needs Is A Family
Homeless Bergen Pittie Gets To Be Dog Again; Now All She Needs Is A Family A Bergen County Animal Shelter pit bull that spent her first years on city streets with her homeless owner finally has the golden ticket to her best life. All she needs is a home. At two years old, Asia was surrendered by her owner to a local humane society before being transferred to the Teterboro shelter. She is sweet and goofy -- especially with her toys -- and will form a strong bond with anyone who she notices takes time to train her and play with her. Asia needs moderate exercise daily but is happy to lounge on the couch, too. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

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by Cecilia Levine
Briarcliff, NY
Lifestyle
5 Holistic Activities To Help You Manage Stress, While Managing It All 5 Holistic Activities To Help You Manage Stress, While Managing It All
5 Holistic Activities To Help You Manage Stress, While Managing It All You’re a mother, a caretaker, a provider and so much more. You’re constantly surrounded by people who need your help, which leaves little time for you. In many ways, women are pushed into juggling multiple roles while trying to maintain a perfect work/life balance, and this is often what causes stress. His Stress vs. Her Stress We all experience stress, but what makes stress different for women? In addition to our many roles, we have to deal with financial pressures and try to maintain interpersonal relationships while sustaining our sense of self. Women consistently report higher stress le…

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Content Partner: Phelps Hospital
Greenburgh, NY
Schools
Third-Graders At Elmsford's Grady School Learn About Living Healthy Lives Third-Graders At Elmsford's Grady School Learn About Living Healthy Lives
Third-Graders At Elmsford's Grady School Learn About Living Healthy Lives Students at the Alice E. Grady Elementary School in the Elmsford Union Free School District were reminded of making healthy lifestyle choices during a fun interactive presentation that took place in the school’s cafeteria April 29 called “Home Run Against Drugs Give a Book Program.” The presentation, delivered by Kemi Pogue, program director of Home Run Against Drugs, is designed to educate youth about choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Pogue delivers the program to third- and fourth-graders in schools across Westchester. This was her second year bringing the program to the Grady Scho…

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by Jon Craig
Beekman-Poughquag, NY
Lifestyle
What Is Endometriosis? A CareMount Expert Explains What Is Endometriosis? A CareMount Expert Explains
What Is Endometriosis? A CareMount Expert Explains According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, endometriosis affects at least 11 percent of American women between the ages of 15 and 44. It is especially common among women in their 30s and 40s. Endometriosis is an often painful disorder which occurs when the tissue lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It is typically found on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, tissues that hold the uterus in place and the outer surface of the uterus. Symptoms • Bleeding or spotting between periods • Painful periods • Infertility • Pain during interco…

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Content Partner: CareMount Medical
Darien, CT
Lifestyle
Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good? Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good?
Teens And Antidepressants: More Harm Than Good? With teen depression on the rise, medication may seem like the easiest and quickest way to treat struggling or suicidal teens. However, the results of these treatments have been mixed, and in some cases, ultimately cause more harm than good.  How Antidepressants Work To some extent, depression and its effects on the brain are a mystery. However, the simplest explanation for how antidepressants work is that they impact the behavior of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are released to send messages between nerve cells that trigger serotonin, dopamine and norepi…

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Content Partner: Newport Academy
Fairfield, CT
Sports
$21.8M Bobby Valentine Athletic Center To Debut At Sacred Heart University $21.8M Bobby Valentine Athletic Center To Debut At Sacred Heart University
$21.8M Bobby Valentine Athletic Center To Debut At Sacred Heart University Sacred Heart University announced on Friday, April 13 that it is building a $21.8 million state-of-the-art fitness facility. It will be named the Bobby Valentine Athletic Center, after SHU’s executive director of athletics and Major League Baseball great. The expected completion date is August 2019. Designed by the renowned architectural firm, The S/L/A/M Collaborative, the 57,400-square foot, three-story center will be one of the most advanced athletic facilities in the nation, complete with an indoor track, a bowling center, an 18-bike spin center, a 45-foot climbing wall and exercise an…

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by Daily Voice
New City, NY
Lifestyle
Feeling Stressed? Highland Medical Explains Potential Health Hazards Feeling Stressed? Highland Medical Explains Potential Health Hazards
Feeling Stressed? Highland Medical Explains Potential Health Hazards Stress can cause more than just aggravation and mental discomfort. Chronic stress can take a toll on the heart and is shown to promote dangerous conditions such as high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating. As Highland Medical celebrates Stress Awareness Month this April, they explain stress' effects and how to improve overall health.  “Stress can increase the levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase blood pressure,” said Dr. Duane Bryan, cardiologist at Highland Medical, P.C., Advanced Cardiovascular Care, chief medical director of Nu…

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Content Partner: Highland Medical
Poughkeepsie, NY
Lifestyle
HRHCare Expert Provides Pneumonia Prevention And Recovery Tips HRHCare Expert Provides Pneumonia Prevention And Recovery Tips
Hrhcare Expert Provides Pneumonia Prevention And Recovery Tips As cold and flu season continues, the last thing you want to deal with is pneumonia. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent getting pneumonia and some great at-home treatments to eliminate it if you’ve already been diagnosed. Even though pneumonia often clears up in two to three weeks, it can become more serious, especially for older adults, babies and people dealing with other illnesses. Visit your health care provider as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms like coughing up mucus, fever or shortness of breath. Prevent Pneumonia The number one step is to get…

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Content Partner: HRHCare Community Health
Armonk, NY
Lifestyle
Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS
Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS With warmer weather on the way, trading the snow shovel for a golf club or tennis racket is right around the corner. However, before hitting the course or court this spring, it's important to take the proper preventative steps to ensure your body isn't being put at risk. “If you haven’t been using the muscles necessary for your sport in the past few months, you’ll need to start slowly and make sure you have the strength and conditioning needed to play,” said Robert Spatz, director of physical therapy at the Harrison, New York office of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists. A simple pre-…

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Content Partner: ONS
Darien, CT
Lifestyle
Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS
Spring Training: It's Not Just for Pros Says ONS With warmer weather on the way, trading the snow shovel for a golf club or tennis racket is right around the corner. However, before hitting the course or court this spring, it's important to take the proper preventative steps to ensure your body isn't being put at risk. “If you haven’t been using the muscles necessary for your sport in the past few months, you’ll need to start slowly and make sure you have the strength and conditioning needed to play,” said Tanya Kalyuzhny, DPT, MDT, director of physical therapy at the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialist…

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Content Partner: ONS
Newburgh, NY
Lifestyle
Feeling The Winter Blues? Here's How To Get Your Diet Ready For Spring Feeling The Winter Blues? Here's How To Get Your Diet Ready For Spring
Feeling The Winter Blues? Here's How To Get Your Diet Ready For Spring ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. -- Winter's cold days and long nights can wreak havoc on even the most disciplined dieter. As the snow begins to melt and the promise of outdoor activities returns, here's how to make sure your body is ready to "spring ahead." “Over the cold months, most of us tend to hibernate," said Susan Epstein, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian at The Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). To shed those extra pounds and reclaim warm-weather figures, she encourages people to get m…

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Content Partner: St. Anthony Community Hospital