All Around Old Bridge- October,2022

OLDBRIDGE

KAREN TORTORICI, A CRUSADER FOR HEALTHY LIVING

By Laurie Coletti

Mrs. Karen Tortorici will be greatly missed. Tor torici was the Coordinator for the Old Bridge Mu nicipal Alli ance for over 25 years. She was dedicated to helping the citizens of our town live a safe, healthy life free from drugs and alcohol addictions. Tortorici facilitated the GCADA grant (Governor’s Council on Alco holism and Drug Abuse), for our town. Through these funds and the partners she made with township organizations and businesses, Tortorici was able to bring a variety of programs to our youth through school outreach over the years. We will be forever grateful for her continued support of so many of these wonderful programs. Some of these programs were Safe and Sure for our young elementary students, in cooperation with the OBPD DARE and then LEAD as the program changed to the evidence based Too Good for Drugs for our Fifth graders, the Fourth grade HOFNOD fishing program with a partnership

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COACH DONAGHUE TAKES THE HELM

By Avery Person

Matthew Donaghue has taken over as the new varsity head football coach of Old Bridge Highs School. Anthony Lan zafama stepped down last year after leading the Knights for 12 outstand ing seasons. Donaghue’s experience on Lanzafama’s staff has prepared

him for his new post. “Coach Donaghue has been instrumen tal in a long run of successful seasons at OBHS, coaching on both sides of the ball and serving as Defensive Coordinator for the last five years,” said Lanzafama.

a very competitive atmosphere that makes us as players work harder,” explained the offensive guard and defensive tackle.

Photos by Kaden Bu chalter, Frank Papeo, and Tim O’Neill

Athletic Director Daniel DiMino gave coach Donaghue his. “He shows our athletes how much he cares about them and this community. That’s great leadership,” explained DiMino.

Senior Shane Hughes, echoed that sentiment. “The energy he brings onto the field promotes

Under his leadership, the team got off to a strong start with a win in the season opener and a 5-2 record. “I felt great for the players to win that first game at home,” explained Donaghue.

According to Lanzafama, the program is in good hands. “As the former head coach and alum, I could not be prouder!”

Reprinted with permission from Knightlife Tim O’Neil.

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE

There’s a crisp in the air… welcome to Fall! The col orful foliage and Autumn harvests abound in our community. October will be an exciting month for Old Bridge residents as we begin to celebrate and join in on harvest events and activities. I would like to start off by wishing our local athletes the best of luck as they begin to start off a new season. I look forward to visiting the schools and watching them play. I will be supporting and cheering them on from the crowd. Thank you for representing Old Bridge and making us Old Bridge Proud.

A Special Fall Paper Shredding event will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022. This event is being held at 2 locations: Cheese quake Village from 10am -11am, and the Old Bridge Recycling Center from 12pm -3pm. Only confi dential documents will be accepted with a maximum of two boxes per car. Visit OldBridge.com/Recycling for more information.

Each year, the Depart ment of Parks and Rec reation offers a variety of activities and events. These exciting recreational ac tivities and events are for residents of all ages. The Fall 2022 Recreation Bro chure for Old Bridge Town ship is available on our website at oldbridge.com.

This month my clean team will be hosting a few clean ups where volunteers are more than welcome to join in and receive com munity service hours. The

Clean Team works closely with municipal government, schools, neighborhood committees and various local 501c groups to keep Old Bridge clean through public education and litter removal projects. Annual activities include park clean ups, beach front clean ups, and local roads. We also host special events such as Earth Day, Inter national Coastal Cleanup Day, Old Bridge Day and education programs throughout our schools.

Halloween and fall fes tivities are not just for chil dren! Silver Linings at Old Bridge, our activity center for residents 60+ has fun classes, activities, and events each day during Halloween Week. To participate, resi dents can register by calling 732-721-5600 ext. 6600.

I invite all residents to take part in our first annual town-wide Restau rant Week October 13th

thru October 27th. For more details and for a list of participating restaurants, please visit oldbridge.com.

As a reminder, Election Day is on Tuesday, No vember 8th. Polls will be open from 6am until 8pm. Early Voting will take place on Saturday, October 29th through Sunday, Novem ber 6th at the Old Bridge Municipal Library. The hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, 10am – 8pm and Sunday, 10am – 6pm. The last day to register to vote for the general election is Tuesday, October 18th. Forms can be obtained at the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Please call 732-721-5600 ext. 2200.

I hope to see you around town cheering on one of our sports teams, enjoying our many delicious restaurants, or at one of our upcom ing events. Have a healthy and happy Halloween.

Mayor Owen Henry

Mayor Owen Henry

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THINK OLD BRIDGE

By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development

Calling all foodies, Restau rant week is coming Oct 13 to the 27th The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development is proud to pres ents the First Annual Old Bridge (Restaurant Week). Calling all resident foodies to experience all the different types of cuisine Old Bridge has to offer. We invite you to visit and enjoy the participating restaurants offer ing special menus and creative fare during Fall Food Fest. This townwide event is the perfect opportunity to visit your favorite local food establishments, or the ones you’ve been waiting to try! Reservations are available at many participating restaurants while others are first come first serve. Check www.oldbridge. com to see the participating es tablishments. Please contact the individual restaurants to see if they are participating or with any questions regarding reservations, availability, hours, and offers.

Mayor Office of Eco nomic Development

Progress with a mea surable difference

“Think Old Bridge” Shop, Dine and Buy Local Feature Business

All of our businesses

Visit the Mayor’s Office of Eco nomic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetowne do or Twitter @ twitter.com/ obedonj for more information

We have made significant progress in putting economic development planning into action to support our busi ness community. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Develop ment provides professional economic development services and provides a single point of contact for economic and business-development related inquiries and responsiveness to area business needs. Clearly, economic development efforts are important to a community, a proactive approach to helping businesses and entrepreneurs also directly helps our commu nities – keeping our towns and as a great place to live, work, and play, now and into the future.

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MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

JAR OF HOPE RUNNING IN NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

with some JAR of Hope friends in the NYC marathon. A mara thon is 26.2 miles of pure hell… there’s no other way to describe it. But we do it for a very simple reason – these kids deserve a chance to become adults. And they won’t get that chance unless we find a cure. So we run to raise funds to research a cure.”

THE ALL AMERICAN SUBARU PET-A-PALOOZA IS BACK AGAIN THIS FALL!

JAR of Hope foundation re searches a cure for an extreme ly-rare – and always fatal – child hood disease. Only one in every 5,000 children (mostly boys) are born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. And every single one – so far – has died from it.

Children born with Duchenne md lose the ability to walk by 12-13. They’re breathing on ventilators by their midteens. And they die in their low-20’s from asphyxiation.

Jim and Karen Raffone of Manalapan founded JAR of Hope (https://www.jarofhope.org/ after their son, James Anthony (“Jamesy”) was diagnosed with Duchenne at four. Now 13, Jamesy can no longer walk. But 52-year-old Jim Raffone can run. In fact, he’s running in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 6 – again - to raise funds to research a cure for this disease.

“I’ve run marathons before,” Raffone says. “And I’ll be running

“At the end of a marathon, we’re all gasping for air,” Jim Raffone says. “But kids with Duchenne, once into their low-teens, will never be able to breathe without gasping for air unless we find a cure. And they’ll take their last breath of air while still in their low-mid twenties.”

“These kids will be in our thoughts every step of the way,” he says. “Their fight is what keeps us running.”

The All American Subaru Pet-A-Palooza is back again this fall, hosting its 7th annual pet adoption event. The event will take place on Saturday, October 22nd from 11am - 3pm in the All American Subaru showroom, 3706 Route 9 South in Old Bridge. There will be many local shelters and adoption agencies, along with pet-friendly vendors

with giveaways, music and the always popular Cutest Pet Contest with huge prizes. In ad dition, there will also be games, crafts, and the Friendly’s ice cream truck will be on site as well.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator

1. PROPER TY TAX REIM BURSEMENT “SENIOR FREEZE”

FORMS

of $2,025,600.00 was collected for Premium and $223,845.49 was collected for Taxes, Interest & Penalty. OBMUA did not participate in this year’s tax sale due to COVID restrictions.

4. SPRING VALLEY ROAD CULVERT EXTENSION

KAREN TORTORICI, A CRUSADER FOR HEALTHY LIVING

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3. PSE&G GAS MOD ERNIZATION PROJECT

Himanshu R. Shah

The deadline to file the 2021 PTR form with the State of New Jersey is October 31st, 2022. Ap plications must be postmarked by this date. For additional information, residents should contact the State of NJ Division of Taxation at 1-800-882-6597 or the Division of Tax Collec tion at 732-721-5600, x2999.

2. 2021 TAX SALE

The municipal tax sale was held on September 21st with the following results: 35 third-party liens were sold, 34 liens were sold with a Premium, 1 lien sold at an interest percent and 4 liens were no bid on and were struck off to the Township. A total

PSE&G Contractor, Crisdel Construction Corporation will begin pavement restoration within the Arbors Develop ment beginning with Shadow lawn Drive, Whitewood Place and Cedar Grove Place on or about Wednesday, October 5th, weather permitting. Notification has been provided to the resi dents by PSE&G. No parking signs will be posted 24 hours prior to the commencement of work. For updates on this project, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and at oldbridge.com/projects. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Engineering Office at x2302.

Old Bridge Township Con tractor, CMS Construction, Inc. will begin construction on the Spring Valley Road Culvert on or about Monday, Septem ber 26th, weather permitting. Spring Valley Road will be closed between NJ State Route 18 and Amboy Road for the duration of the construction project, which is anticipated to take ap proximately 1 to 2 months. For updates on this project, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and at oldbridge.com/projects. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Engineering Office at x2302.

with Fishermen of America, our local ELKS Club, and Cheese quake State Park, Project Grad uation for our Seniors, the Intergenerational Program, the Teen Alliance, and the Peerto-Peer Leadership program.

While this incredible woman supported so many programs in the schools over the years, it was under Tortorici’s leadership that the Municipal Alliance’s outreach in our township was ex emplary. She was instrumental in acquiring the medication drop box located inside the police department lobby. Tortorici worked tirelessly to secure a bill board on Route 9 to bring a PSA (Public Service Announcement) about drug addiction and where to go for help. She worked closely with the police department to bring services for those in need to fruition. As a crusader for healthy living Tortorici never

missed an opportunity to bring awareness to our community. She attended every Old Bridge Day, handed out countless pam phlets, attended every Parent University Night, sponsored drug awareness night for parents of our middle schoolers, and facilitated the Mayor’s Town hall Drug Awareness Nights for the Old Bridge citizens.

Ms. Tortorici was excited to retire and spend more time with her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren. She was thrilled to leave her life’s work in the very capable and committed hands of Rosemarie Rivoli, the new Coordinator of the Municipal Alliance. Thank you, Ms. Tortorici, for giving so much of yourself to Old Bridge, to our children and their fam ilies, and to the many people who you helped over the years. You will never be forgotten.

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AS SEASONS CHANGE, SO DO PET CONCERNS

By Anita Greenberg, DVM

Dr. Anita Green berg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for more than 30 years.

Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 School supplies, Halloween candy and other products of the autumn season represent concerns for the health and well-being of pets.

With schools back in session, be wary of markers and glue, which may be toxic to pets. Chewing pens, pencils, paperclips or erasers may cause bowel obstructions. Make sure these items are kept out of the reach of your pets.

And don’t blame the dog for chewing your homework!

Halloween decorations inside our homes as well as outside can be danger ous for our pets. It is important to prevent pets from chewing wires and décor.

Ingesting candy poses risks for our

pets as well. Make sure you keep candy stored carefully as chocolate is dangerous. It not only causes vomiting and diarrhea but possibly more severe problems. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine as well as caffeine. Both chemicals act as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator and a smooth muscle relaxant. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine as well as people can.

Candy containing Xylitol and other ar tificial sweeteners can be fatal to animals. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. The Xylitol is quickly absorbed in the blood stream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. The rapid release of insulin causes a profound drop

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WHAT DOES MY CHILD’S PSAT MEAN?

Most stu dents will take the PSAT on October 12th. So what? It doesn’t count for anything, right? Wrong!... Mostly. Here are some ways the PSAT counts for everyone who takes it:

(1) The PSAT is an opportuni ty for students to put themselves in a real test setting before taking their first official SAT. It is a chance to “work the nerves out.”

(2) Although the PSAT is 15 minutes shorter than the SAT, it is still 2 hours and 45 minutes. It’s tough to focus for 2 hours and 45 minutes! Movies are rarely longer than 2 hours so they don’t push the limits of people’s attention spans. (And frankly, the PSAT is not as enter taining!) Focusing for that long period of time a few more times after taking the PSAT will put students in a better position to maintain their focus for the SAT. Here is a breakdown of the

PSAT 8/9 (taken by freshmen):

Section 1 reading: 55 minutes, 42 question

Section 2 writing and lan guage: 30 minutes, 40 questions

Section 3 math (no calc): 20 minutes, 13 questions

Section 4 math (with calc): 40 minutes, 25 questions

The total score scale ranges from 240 to 1440. The section score scale ranges from 120 to 720. Cross test score ranges from 6 to 36.

Here is a breakdown of the PSAT/NMSQT (taken by sophomores and juniors):

Section 1 reading: 60 minutes, 47 question

Section 2 writing and lan guage: 35 minutes, 44 questions

Section 3 math (no calc): 25 minutes, 17 questions

Section 4 math (with calc): 45 minutes, 31 questions

The total score scale ranges from 320 to 1520. The section score scale ranges from 160 to 760. Cross test score ranges from 8 to 38.

The cross-test scores from

each test enable parents and students to compare reading to writing and language to math apples to apples even though the PSAT is 50% math, 25% reading, and 25% writing and language.

The NMSQT part of PSAT/ NMSQT stands for “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.” Here’s how it works: about 1.5 million high school juniors take the PSAT each year. 50,000 of those who take the test qualify for a national merit scholar ship. Only 15% of those who qualify receive a national merit scholarship. Earning a schol arship is an 18-month process, which includes consideration of

extra-curriculars, GPA, and im provement to the SAT. Last year, NJ had the 3rd highest qualifying score—a selection index of 222, which is roughly equivalent to a 1480, or 40 points away from a perfect score. This was 2 points behind Maryland and DC (224).

PSAT results will be available online December 5th. Students will receive their questions, along with a report of what they had in correct, what wrong answer they put, and the correct answer. For more information on the PSAT/ NMSQT, call Paul Pscolka at 732-485-6480. Suggestions for a topic? You can reach us at https:// www.ivymasters.com/contact/

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LIVING STONES

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE OF ALL: OUR CHILDREN

Today I write about the most valuable re source being negatively impacted in our state— our children!

There is a great divide today over state-mandated health curriculum in our schools which has already been imple mented in many districts. And parents have been waking up all across the nation, shocked over the very sexualized curriculum being taught under the guise of health. Discovering that there are 40 times more gender-con fused students today than just a decade ago has caused me to take a closer look. Yes, social media and media in general, have contributed to this sta tistic, but schools feeding into this confusion is simply wrong.

Recently reading the account of a young woman who tran sitioned into a man and later

regretted it and changed back (there are many men and women like her), mobilized me most to address this issue. She lamented over her now sterilized and deformed body asking this simple question: “Where were the adults to speak out to protect me when I was a child making these decisions?” And so, I took a closer look at our own local school board’s decisions on curriculum in Old Bridge and encouraged the folks in our church from other towns to take a look at theirs as well.

Some school districts in New Jersey have refused to adopt the state’s radical standards, while others have accepted them but require parents to “opt-in” only if they want their children to participate. In Old Bridge, parents discovered they needed to “opt-out” from being taught these classes, which can prove a difficult thing to do. And even if they do opt-out, children cannot escape the curriculum “sprin kled” in almost every subject.

Since we operate a Christian

school, it would be easy for us to tell parents it is time to simply exit public education—but not all want a Christian education. And what of the many families who cannot afford private ed ucation? Someone must speak up for innocent children even if they are not in our tribe. Perhaps it is time for parents to demand parental choice and see that vouchers are provided to give them more options.

As a young boy, a man molest ed me. He used pornography to loosen my resistance and then performed before me. Though I was repulsed by this man and never returned, I was exposed to images that would leave me confused right into middle school. Thankfully, biblical truth rescued me from a whole evil underbelly that would have neg atively impacted me. But when I saw one of the “AMAZE” videos teachers are encouraged to use in the new health curriculum, it was reminiscent of the same type of grooming I was subject to, just on a larger scale. Parents,

please check it out! It is one thing to be groomed by a deviant in the neighborhood, but we can’t sit idly by while the same thing is seen in the curriculum man dated by officials in Trenton.

At the time of this writing, I know a historic record number of parents planning to attend a special upcoming Old Bridge School Board meeting. I trust they will do the right thing and eliminate the curriculum for all grades, but especially elementary and middle school.

Some fear the state may cut off much-needed funding if the school does not use the required curriculum. My answer is that it would only mean a few less points and would amount to no funding cuts. But even if it did, what price would you put on protecting our children? Parents, it is up to you! In this upcoming election, make a note of who

pushes for what! I am hoping many more parents will run for the school board in the future.

The idea that a child can determine whatever gender they feel is more of an ancient pagan religious belief—that we all have a masculine and femi nine spirit inside of us¬—than science. Is this not a state reli gion being promoted, which is unconstitutional? It blurs our God-given identity of male and female and tramples over parents’ God-given author ity to protect their children.

All boards of education should reject these government-man dated radical health standards. Let teachers teach the basic subjects, as many students are falling behind in these critical areas. And respect parental rights over their children, who will one day answer for them before God.

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

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AS SEASONS CHANGE, SO DO PET CONCERNS

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in blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia. If ingested, veterinary care is critical.

As the weather gets colder people may resort to using rodenticides to prevent rodents from entering the household. Use rodenticides with extreme caution and keep them in a place inac cessible to your pets. Brodi facoum is the active ingredient in many roden ticides. It is an anticoagulant that inhibits Vitamin K’s normal func tion in the blood clotting cascade.

Within in one to seven days post-inges tion, depending on the quantity, the blood fails to properly clot, which is life-threat ening. If your pet has ingested any roden ticides seek medical care immediately.

Although tick nymphs peak in the spring months, the number of adult deer ticks is higher in the fall, more

than any other time period in the year. Using a tick and flea preven tative will keep the ticks away and decrease the spread of Lyme disease.

If you change the coolant in your car, be mindful to clean up spills. Eth ylene glycol based coolants are toxic. Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste, and our pets love to lick it. As little as a teaspoon can be fatal for your pet.

Signs of early poi soning include acting uncoor dinated, exces sive thirst and lethargy. Seek medical attention immediately if your pet has ingested any ethylene glycol in order to administer the effective antidotes, fomepizole and ethanol. Use pet-safe antifreeze, con taining propylene glycol based products.

Be safe and enjoy the fall!

THE BRIDGE WOMEN’S CENTER 3RD ANNUAL GALA IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022 AT 7:00PM!

You’re invited for a beautiful celebration for LIFE with Keynote Speaker, Kayleigh McEnany. With a firm belief in the value of life, Fox News Analyst and former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany believes, “It is not a woman’s right to choose, it is a baby’s right to live.”

Bridge Women’s Center has had the honor and privilege of being a part of the fight to save pre-born lives, and our mobile medical unit, “Hannah,” has been blessed to be a part of saving over 400 babies lives since its pioneer ing voyage in May 2020! We now are expecting a second Mobile Medical Unit, “Joshua,” to join Hannah on the roads of New Jersey early January 2023!

We believe that every life is a pre cious gift created in God’s image. It is because of this belief that we will con tinue to strive to be the hands and feet of Christ and show unconditional love and grace with every mother, father, and child we have the privilege to serve.

All proceeds from the Gala help support Bridge Women’s Center as we continue on in our mission of

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HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES OLD BRIDGE CELEBRATES 1 YEAR & 3RD SEASON!

The series dates are Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 at 11:30am at Old Bridge High School 4209 County Rd 516, Matawan, NJ 07747.

healthy habits” Laura said.

HKRS-Old Bridge kicked-off its 3rd season with over 100 runners running on a raining day at the Old Bridge High School practice fields. Runners are ages 2-14 with all abilities.

“It’s our first season running on grass -cross country running style-. I was very surprised on how the kids adapted quickly switching from the track to the grass. This is what running and this program are about. Get the kids ready to accept challenges with grace and fun” – said Laura Aliberti, race coordinator of the HKRS series in Old Bridge.

Exercise is not only fun, but beneficial for the development of motor skills and coordination in younger participants. Running is the core part of many sports and fitness activities. Thus, making it important for children to practice and enjoy – stated Laura.

“I’ve spoken to many parents who revealed just how much their child has looked forward to each race because of how good they feel after. They enjoy coming to a welcoming and fun environment at an event that is family friendly.

“Because it is only five weeks and the event itself is close to an hour from start to finish, I think families enjoy the fact it isn’t a big-time commitment. Yet, it’s a great way to bond and support

For those interesting in racing, pre-registration is required to participate on any selected race day. To register, visit https:// runsignup.com/hkrsoldbridge or arrive 15min prior the race start to register on site.

LIBRARY DIRECTORS REPORT

Please participate in our community survey. The Old Bridge Public Library wants to know what programs are of interest to you, even if you do not visit very often. It just takes a few minutes, and is completely anonymous. You may scan the QR code above to start the process, or go online at: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/N3ZFK8C. Of course you can stop by the library and fill out a paper copy. The deadline for taking the survey is Halloween - Monday, October 31, 2022. In addition to the survey, we have many programs of interest going on this month at the Old Bridge Public Library.

• Best-selling local author Audrey Vernick will be here to read her favorite children’s stories and answer ques tions about writing books on Thurs day, October 6th from 4:00-5:15 PM. Registration is required. Please visit https://www.oldbridgelibrary.org/events.

• The Second Saturday musical concert series this month features the Jammin Steel Band and their calypso, reggae, and R&B sounds on Saturday, October 8th. Show starts at 1:00 PM in the Large Meeting Room of the library, and no registration is required.

• A Tea Seminar: Drink to Your Health will be presented by the Rutgers Coopera tive Extension of Middlesex on Thursday,

October 13th at 2:30 PM in the computer lab. Registration is required. Please visit https://www.oldbridgelibrary.org/events.

• Adult Coloring takes place on Friday, October 14th at 10:30 AM. Get together at the library with other adults and explore your creative side. No registration required.

• Our monthly Book Discussion Group, Novels at Night, will be held on Monday, October 17th at 7:00 PM. This month’s selection is “The Lost Apoth ecary” by Sarah Penner. Registration is not required, and copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk.

• Crafternoon Pumpkin Painting takes place on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 2:30 PM in our Large Meeting Room. Registra tion is required, and the program is limited to adults aged 18 and over. Call (732) 721-5600 x 5033 for more information.

• Ghost Hunting NJ & NYC features author, investigator, and founder of the NJ Ghost Hunters Society L’aura Hladik Hoffman, who will discuss some of her favorite paranormal sites on Thursday, October 27th at 7:00 PM. No registration required.

So, visit your Old Bridge Public Library for some fun-filled Autumn activities and programs. We are open 7 days a week, and don’t forget to take our community survey.

MOOD AND SPIRIT

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After months of social distancing and obeying “stay-at-home” orders, individuals statewide are once again expanding their environments with a keen knowledge of the precautions needed to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.

Although an executive order is still in effect that advises against unnecessary driving on state roads, the hope exists that we will sooner rather than later take control of this terrible pandemic and return to the roads for responsible, leisurely drives that clear the head and allow us to tour New Jersey’s many scenic landscapes, beaches and historic sites from the safety of our own vehicles.

In fact, this may be the time to plan ahead and identify the wealth of attractions that are just few hours away from virtually any starting spot in the state. From the top of the High Point Monument in Sussex and Jersey Shore Alpacas farm in Cape May to the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia and Well-Sweep Herb Farm in Port Murray, New Jersey is lled with highpoints that you probably didn’t know existed or even considered for an off day. Ever been to Thomas Edison’s research laboratory in Menlo Park or Washington’s headquarters in Morristown? There are literally hundreds of fun, interesting and beautiful locations like these throughout the state that are begging your attention. That said, sitting whether at home or in a car or plane for too long is never a good idea. Considered the “new smoking,” sitting for extended periods, especially in enclosed areas with limited legroom like a car can wreak havoc on the body. In addition to leaving you stressed, tired, stiff and sore, certain pressures and forces from the awkward position.

Research has also linked sitting for long periods to obesity, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic leg pain, varicose veins and even swelling.

In extreme cases, long periods of inactivity, like too much sitting, extended bed-rest or long trips can even lead to blood clots. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone traveling more than a few hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots, which can form in the legs when the ow of blood moves too slowly and against gravity upwards while sitting for too long. Clots that break free and travel to the lungs, heart and brain are not only the cause of medical emergencies, they can be life-threatening.

As a result, long trips should be treated almost like athletic events. Contracting and relaxing muscles are imperative for helping the blood to ow properly. That’s why it’s so important to warmup and cool down before and after long trips:

• Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place four ngers behind the back of your thigh closest to your knee. If you cannot easily slide your ngers in and out of that space, you need to re-adjust your seat

• Consider a back support. Using a support may reduce the incidence of low back strain and pain. The widest part of the support should be between the bottom of your rib cage and your waistline

• Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any

swelling, fatigue or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10. Count to ve while you tighten your calf muscles, then your thigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders forward and back, making sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Flex and straighten your legs, feet and ankles as often as possible

• To minimize arm and hand tension while driving, periodically adjust the positions of your hands on the steering wheel

• Do not grip the steering wheel. Instead, tighten and loosen your grip to improve hand circulation and decrease muscle fatigue in the arms, wrists and hands.

• While always being careful to keep your eyes on the road, vary your focal point while driving to reduce the risk of eye fatigue and tension headaches.

• Take frequent breaks. Stop the car, get out and stretch your legs or even take a brief walk every hour or so. Never underestimate the potential consequences of fatigue to yourself, your passengers and other drivers.

To establish a new sense of health, balance and well-being please feel free to contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com. Our dedicated staff located at 2309 Hwy 516 in Old Bridge, NJ will be happy to meet with you and tailor a chiropractic and wellness program speci cally targeted to your needs using the least invasive yet highly-effective techniques and services.

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Anthony DeLuca, Director

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