CentraState - Healthy Directions

the healing Road less traveled A dvances in medicine are astounding, but many physicians are supplementing cutting-edge medications with age-old methods. If you have a chronic health condition, there may be an alternative therapy that works for you. Many people who are concerned about the side effects of pills or just want to try a more holistic approach are turning to complementary and alternative medicine. In some cases, these natural aides can help improve specific health problems and even eliminate the need for medication. "A number of common ailments facing Americans today—such as chronic pain, insomnia, and fatigue—are interrelated," says Aly Cohen, MD, FACR, rheumatologist with Integrative Rheumatology Associates and on the medical staff at CentraState. "Many medications only treat one aspect of a condition, and without the medication, the symptoms return. Complementary and alternative medicine helps address underlying causes." Dr. Cohen says one underlying cause she finds in many of her patients is stress. Long-term stress can exacerbate symptoms of many health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic fatigue, and even joint pain. "Eastern therapies such as yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture address the body as a single unit," Dr. Cohen says. "By treating the body holistically, these therapies can offer multiple, long-lasting benefits. I have a great deal of respect for Western medicine, and I try to incorporate integrative options, such as acupuncture, dietary and exercise changes, biofeedback, cognitive therapy, and sleep hygiene, into traditional medical care." Meet the Doc: Aly Cohen, MD, FACR Medical specialties: Rheumatology and Integrative Medicine Medical school: MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Now Drexel University College of Medicine) Residency: Beth Israel Medical Center, New York Fellowship: Albert Einstein/Montefiore Hospital What led you to the medical field? I've always wanted to be a doctor, but it wasn't until medical school that I became interested in using holistic, natural options to treat common health issues. After studying acupuncture and other Eastern medicines, I decided rheumatology would be an ideal outlet to promote my belief in "natural living." I just received the 14 March/April 2012 James/Lovell scholarship from the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, which will allow me to train with Dr. Andrew Weil and colleagues over the next two years. It's a great honor, which I hope will serve me and my patients well. I was also asked to join the Whole Foods team as a medical consultant and lecturer for the Whole Foods Wellness Center. What brought you to Monmouth County? I grew up in Middlesex, NJ, and had a strong desire to live and work near where I grew up. When the opportunity to move closer to home arose, I knew I had to take it. Office: Integrative Rheumatology Associates, PC 213 Applegarth Road Suite 110 Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (609) 662-5212 Healthy Directions GOT A MINUTE?

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