New Jersey Institute of Balance - September 2018

New Jersey Institute of Balance - September 2018

SEPT 2018

BULLETIN

Basking Ridge, Twins, and Back-to-School A Russo Autumn Update

L ately, between everything going on in my personal life and the clinic, I’ve felt like I barely know whether I’m coming or going most moments of the day. Luckily, most of the chaos stems from good things; it’s a lot easier to keep on the grind if you know you’re doing it both for the patients you serve and the people you care most about in the world. After tackling a serious, heavy topic last month, it seemed the perfect time to give my readers a little update on the two biggest developments of the past few months: our new clinic in Basking Ridge, and my 4-month- old twins, Michele and Michael. Since opening the Basking Ridge clinic in early summer, we’ve had a steady influx of new patients from the area. It’s been a consistently gratifying process, meeting all these new folks from a notably different demographic than I usually see at my original clinic in Elizabeth. In many ways, between all the young athletes and older folks coming in, it’s almost a new world in terms of treatment. I’m grateful to be able to extend my impact throughout the area, to reach out and help even more people escape from pain and injury. Of course, opening the new clinic means there is no shortage of hard work on my part. Just last month, I was laying fresh flooring for the new space all on my own, finishing up some of those little aesthetic tweaks that make the place pop. Searching for an experienced, compassionate, and talented new therapist to lead Basking Ridge while bouncing back and forth between both places to accommodate everyone has been a challenge, but it’s one I’ve welcomed at every step. And of course, knowing I have my growing family waiting for me at home makes it easier. We’re coming up on five months with the twins, and though there have been a couple small health concerns along the way, they’re doing fantastic. Meanwhile, my son Jack’s third birthday is coming up on the 22nd. Ever since the twins arrived, he’s been absolutely phenomenal, trying to be as helpful

as he possibly can — even if sometimes his definition of “help” is a little different than his parents’. He’s just started preschool for the first time, but with the small classes we had him attend over the summer, the transition has gone off without a

hitch. And, of course, Lia Grace is doing well as always. She just joined the cheer squad, a sport she’s already completely gung-ho about, even at age 7.

Over the past couple of years, my family and I have been through some difficult times. The loss of my mother last year and the much more recent loss of my cousin still weigh on me heavily. But as it always seems to go, those tragedies are matched by the arrival of abundant new, good things. I still miss those who have gone, but I’m also absolutely content with my wife and kids, all of us moving forward in a positive direction.

–Dr. Michael Russo

1 www.NJIB.org

Published byThe Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com

The Pullman Strike and the Origin of Labor Day Today, Labor Day mostly means a day off and the closure of public pools. But when it was first created, it was a president’s desperate attempt to curb the tension after one of the most violent strike breakups in American history. The tension increased when Eugene Debs, the president of the American Railway Union, organized a boycott of all trains that included Pullman cars. The strike continued to escalate until workers and Pullman community members managed to stop the trains from running. How a Railroad Protest Laid the Foundation for a National Holiday

Eventually, President Grover Cleveland sent in soldiers to break up the strike. Violence ensued, with soldiers making a great effort to quell the strike at its core. By the time the violence ended, 30 people had lost their lives and an estimated $80 million in damages had been caused throughout the town. A few months later, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a federal holiday. Many experts believe that this act was an effort to build rapport among his pro-labor constituents after handling the incident so poorly. This month, as you fire up the barbecue and enjoy your day off, take a moment to remember the workers who fought for labor rights in our country.

In the late 19th century, the workers of the Pullman Company, which manufactured luxury train cars, all lived in a company-owned town. George Pullman, the owner, lived in a mansion overlooking houses, apartments, and crammed-together barracks, all of which were rented by the thousands of workers needed for the operation. For some time, the town operated without a hitch, providing decent wages for the workers while netting the higher-ups millions of dollars. But after the economic depression of the 1890s brought the country to its knees, everything changed. George Pullman slashed his workers’ wages by nearly 30 percent, but he neglected to adjust the rent on the company-owned buildings in turn. As a result, life became untenable in the town, with workers struggling to maintain the barest standards of living for themselves and their families. In response, the workers began a strike on May 11, 1894. As the event ramped up, it gained the support of the powerful American Railway Union (ARU). But Pullman, stubborn as he was, barely acknowledged the strike was happening, and he refused to meet with the organizers.

Patient Success Stories

“Before coming to therapy, I was getting pain in my neck, shoulders, and a bit in my elbows. This really hindered me when I would cook for my family or bring the groceries in from shopping. After coming to therapy, I have improved in all aspects. The pain has gotten better, but is not completely gone. I can

“My experience here has been very good. The treatment from the technicians and the physical therapist was extraordinary. They have helped with the pain in my neck and spine. In general, therapy has improved my life.

They alleviated my pain through heat therapy exercises and manual therapy. I am very grateful for their help. They are excellent people, and I am going to go back to see them. They have all my consideration and love.”

function better in my daily activities, and I feel much stronger. Overall, I have enjoyed my experience and will come back if I have any future issues.” –Elena T.

–Sheila G.

2 908-353-0500

Need a Personal Assistant to Manage Your Kids’ Crazy Schedules? Try These 3 Tips Instead

schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious.

School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year can make it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and find more time for yourself. Tag Team There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” exists because managing the stressors of life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities — or if you’re lucky, have some freedom. The Right Tool for the Job Technology makes organization easier and more accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in. You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way to manage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks; it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love.

Beans and Greens Rigatoni

HAVE A LAUGH!

Ingredients

• • •

12 ounces rigatoni pasta 1 bunch Tuscan kale, rinsed 1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

•

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• • •

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt, for pasta water and to taste 2 ounces fresh grated Parmigiano- Reggiano (optional)

•

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, boil 6 quarts of liberally salted water. On another burner, heat a large skillet to medium-low. 2. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package recommends. 3. While pasta is cooking, add beans, red pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil to skillet. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 4. Add cooked pasta, kale, and 1 cup pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously as kale cooks, about 4 minutes. 5. Transfer to bowls, top with a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle with cheese or salt, and serve.

Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine 3 www.NJIB.org

216 Palmer St. Elizabeth, NJ 07202

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Monday 9-7 Tuesday 9-7 Wednesday 9-1 Thursday 9-7 Friday 9-1

INSIDE This Issue

Basking Ridge, Twins, and Back-to- School

Why Labor Day Is Indebted to the Pullman Strike Patient Success Stories

3 Tips to Organize Your Crazy Life Beans and Greens Rigatoni

What to Do This Month in North Jersey

What to Do This Month September in North Jersey

Grossology: The Impolite Science of the Human Body When: Sept. 22 and 23, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Where: Liberty Science Center 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ Admission: $22.75 for adults, $18.75 for children Kids love gross stuff, and this humorous exhibition answers all their questions. Whether it’s what they can find up their noses or what occurs during the digestive process, Grossology teaches kids about the human body with lots of laughs. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Grossology explores all the questions you’ve always wondered but have been too afraid to ask. As you crawl and climb through the human body and play games that reveal the secrets of boogers, vomit, odors, andmore, you’ll find yourself saying“Ewww, gross!”in the best way possible!

Night Under the Stars When: Sept. 8, 15, 22, and 29, 8-10:30 p.m. Where: United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey 333 State Park Rd., Great Meadows, NJ Admission: Free The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) provides free public programs at their observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings. An astronomy presentation begins at 8 p.m. in the lecture hall, regardless of the weather. The lecture is followed by stargazing on the observatory’s telescopes until 10:30 p.m. The possibility of seeing shooting stars andmeteor showers during these fall months is significantly heightened due to the timing of the Perseids. So, grab the kids, some blankets, and some hot cocoa and come on down to enjoy a fun-filled evening of stargazing.

Downtown Rumble When: Sept. 15, 4-6 p.m. Where: MetuchenTown Plaza 1 Pearl St., Metuchen, NJ Admission: Free

Let’s get ready to RUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMBBLLLLEEEE!!! Come on out to our first ever Downtown Rumble for an intense and exciting night with our friends from WrestlePro! This is a free event sponsored by the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, and you will have the opportunity to purchase some delicious food and beverages.

4 908-353-0500

Published byThe Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com