The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
You’ve probably been there – sitting in your car after touring a memory care facility, staring at the pricing sheet with tears in your eyes. Maybe you’re there right now. The reality of memory care costs hits hard when you’re already watching someone you love slip away bit by bit.
Continue reading A Guide to Understanding Medicaid And Memory Care Coverage
Nationwide Surge in Protein Supplement Use Raises Red Flags for Teen Health
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Hackensack NJ, a recent health warning has spotlighted a potential link between regular protein shake consumption and an increased risk of colon cancer, especially concerning given the sharp rise in protein supplement use among teenagers. According to the latest National Poll on Children’s Health, nearly 2 in 5 parents report their teen has consumed protein powders, bars, or shakes in the past year, with usage more common among teen boys than girls.
Continue reading New Study Links Protein Shakes to Increased Colon Cancer Risk Among Teens
In recent years, the wellness industry has seen a noticeable shift toward holistic health. People are no longer satisfied with quick fixes or isolated treatments that address only one part of their well-being. Instead, a growing number of individuals are embracing a more complete, integrated approach to health—one that considers the physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of life.
This trend is not just a passing fad. It’s a response to the realization that health isn’t simply the absence of illness but the presence of balance and harmony across all areas of life.
Exploring the Surprising Link Between Cold Drinks and Irregular Heartbeats
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day—but what if that frosty lemonade or iced tea could actually trigger a heart rhythm disorder?
For some individuals living with atrial fibrillation (Afib), that may be exactly what’s happening. A recent survey, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, has identified a surprising trend—cold beverages may act as a trigger for irregular heartbeats in people with Afib, a condition that affects millions of Americans.
When dealing with musculoskeletal pain, injuries, or movement issues, choosing the right healthcare professional can be challenging. Chiropractors and physical therapists both specialize in improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function, but they do so using different methods. Understanding the distinctions between these two fields can help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.
Continue reading Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist: Which One Is Right for You?
If you are suffering from ailments related to your foot and ankle, approaching the right podiatrist will determine how well you recover from the pain. This is because the amount of experience in handling patients, knowledge, and the extent to which a patient will be cared for will invariably differ from one podiatrist to another. As such, it is essential to seek advice from a reputable podiatrist and a well-established foot clinic with a proven track record of effective patient care.
Continue reading Not All Foot Clinics Are Equal: What to Expect from A Good Foot Doctor
Ever notice how everyone suddenly has a fitness tracker, a mobility app, or a standing desk? At some point, “take care of your body” stopped being a gym poster and became a lifestyle. Health is no longer a sideline conversation—it’s the center of how we live, work, and even study. That shift is showing up on college campuses too. More students are choosing fields that blend movement, science, and practical health knowledge. At the front of that trend? Kinesiology.
Continue reading Why Kinesiology Is Becoming a Popular College Major
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Ridgewood NJ, In a sweeping and unprecedented move, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the removal of every member of the CDC’s influential vaccine advisory panel, a decision that marks a seismic shift in federal vaccine policy and oversight.
Wellness isn’t just personal anymore—it’s becoming social currency. Gift-givers are rethinking what feels meaningful, choosing items that reflect care, awareness, and values over hype. The shift isn’t subtle: thoughtful, everyday goods are replacing flashy, status-driven gifts, especially among younger buyers who see wellness as part of their identity, not just a habit.
Continue reading Giftable Goods That Actually Align With Wellness Trends
Groundbreaking research confirms what fitness fans have long suspected: exercise doesn’t just make you feel better—it could save your life.
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Ridgewood NJ, a landmark clinical study spanning 15 years has revealed that a consistent aerobic exercise regimen significantly reduces both the recurrence and death rates in colon cancer patients. The findings—hailed as a first-of-its-kind breakthrough—show a direct, causal relationship between exercise and cancer outcomes.
Continue reading Landmark Cancer Study Shows Exercise Slashes Colon Cancer Deaths by Over One-Third
When people think about cosmetic surgery, they often think of procedures aimed at women. But for thousands of men across New Jersey, one condition quietly affects how they look and feel every day.
Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, can lead to years of discomfort, frustration, and self-consciousness.
Continue reading New Jersey Gynecomastia Center Q&A on Helping Men Regain Confidence
Long-term mental health conditions, such as chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, can feel like an unending cycle. For many, traditional treatments don’t always provide lasting relief. In response, the mental health field is seeing a wave of innovative solutions that approach these challenges from new angles—biological, digital, social, and cultural. Here’s a closer look at how some of these developments are changing lives.
Continue reading Innovative Responses to Long-Term Mental Health Struggles
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who simply enjoys staying active, muscle recovery is a key part of your wellness routine. Traditional recovery methods—ice packs, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, or prescription painkillers—are effective but often come with side effects. Many individuals are considering natural, plant-based alternatives to support muscle health, reduce inflammation, and encourage quicker recovery. The science is beginning to catch up with these ancient practices. Continue reading Natural Recovery: How Plant-Based Ingredients Are Supporting Muscle Health
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Ridgewood NJ, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced major changes to how annual COVID-19 boosters are approved in the U.S., signaling a shift in vaccination policy that could limit eligibility to older adults and high-risk individuals. The new guidance, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, emphasizes the need for new clinical trials before extending yearly COVID-19 vaccines to healthy Americans under age 65.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Valley Medical Group’s Center for Sleep Medicine is proud to offer cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of insomnia – a sleep disorder categorized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia also manifests in daily living experiences, with low energy and irritability at the top of the list.
