Author Archives: Joe Hilbert

  1. Shore Physicians Group Announces Fall Flu Vaccine Clinics

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    Shore Physicians Group (SPG) will host two flu vaccine clinics this fall, offering adults a convenient way to get vaccinated ahead of flu season.

    The first clinic will be held Friday, Sept. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at SPG’s Somers Point Primary Care office, 401 Bethel Road. A second clinic will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at SPG’s Northfield Primary Care office, 2605 Shore Road.

    Flu vaccines will be available for adults age 18 and older, including vaccines specifically recommended for adults age 65 and older. Individuals at higher risk for complications from the flu are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider about vaccination.

    While flu vaccines may be available as early as August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends vaccination in September or October to help provide protection throughout flu season.

    SPG patients can schedule an appointment by calling 609-365-6200. Appointments will be scheduled in five-minute intervals to make vaccination quick and convenient.

    The clinics will offer flu vaccines only. COVID-19 vaccines and combination flu/COVID vaccines will not be available at these events. Those seeking COVID-19 vaccination should contact their local pharmacy.

  2. Rectal Bleeding: What Patients Should Know

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    Dr. Matthew J. Finnegan a robotic colorectal and general surgeon with Shore Physicians Group in Somers Point, New Jersey discusses the causes of rectal bleeding. One of my first thoughts is that most people wait too long to seek help because they think it will stop or there is some social stigma associated with discussing our personal abnormal bowel habits.

    Seeing blood after a bowel movement can be alarming, but rectal bleeding is a symptom—not a diagnosis. Many causes are common and treatable, such as hemorrhoids or small tears near the anus, but bleeding can also come from conditions that need prompt medical attention. If you notice blood in the toilet, on toilet paper, or mixed with stool, it is important to tell your healthcare provider so the cause can be identified.

    What Rectal Bleeding Can Look Like

    Rectal bleeding may appear in different ways. You may see bright red blood on toilet paper, streaks of blood on the stool, blood dripping into the toilet bowl, maroon-colored stool, or black, tar-like stool. Bright red blood often comes from the lower colon, rectum, or anus, while darker or black stool may suggest bleeding from higher in the digestive tract.

    Common Causes

    • Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in or around the anus or rectum. They may cause bright red bleeding, itching, discomfort, or a lump near the anus.
    • Anal fissures: Small tears in the anal lining, often caused by hard stool, constipation, or diarrhea. They may cause sharp pain or burning during or after a bowel movement.
    • Constipation or straining: Hard stools and straining can irritate hemorrhoids or cause small tears.
    • Diverticular bleeding: Bleeding from small pouches in the colon, which can sometimes be sudden or heavy.
    • Inflammation or infection: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, proctitis, or infectious colitis can cause bleeding, diarrhea, mucus, or abdominal pain.
    • Polyps or cancer: Growths in the colon or rectum can bleed. Most rectal bleeding is not cancer, but bleeding should not be ignored, especially if it is new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

    When to Seek Emergency Care

    Call 911 or go to the emergency department if rectal bleeding is heavy or continuous, or if it occurs with symptoms such as fainting, confusion, dizziness when standing, rapid breathing, pale or clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or very little urination.

    When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

    Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any rectal bleeding, even if you think it may be from hemorrhoids. Make an appointment promptly if bleeding lasts more than a day or two, comes back after stopping, is mixed with stool, is associated with abdominal pain or diarrhea, or occurs with unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, a change in bowel habits, or a family history of colorectal cancer.

    What Your Clinician May Ask

    Your clinician may ask when the bleeding started, how much blood you saw, whether the blood was bright red, maroon, or black, whether it was on the toilet paper or mixed with stool, and whether you have pain, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits. They may also ask about medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory medicines.

    Possible Tests

    The evaluation depends on your symptoms, age, medical history, and exam findings. Testing may include a physical exam, rectal exam, stool testing, blood tests, anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging if bleeding is severe. A colonoscopy may be recommended to look for inflammation, diverticular disease, polyps, or cancer and to treat some sources of bleeding.

    What You Can Do

    • Do not ignore rectal bleeding or assume it is only hemorrhoids.
    • Drink fluids and eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains to help prevent constipation.
    • Avoid straining and sitting on the toilet for long periods.
    • Stay physically active, if your clinician says it is safe for you.
    • Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you take, especially blood thinners, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medicines.
    • Keep track of bleeding episodes, stool color, pain, bowel habit changes, and any associated symptoms.

    Key Takeaway

    Rectal bleeding is common, but it should always be discussed with a healthcare professional. Most causes are treatable, and early evaluation helps identify problems before they become more serious. If bleeding is heavy, continuous, or associated with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or weakness, seek emergency care right away.

  3. Healthy Metabolism, Healthier You: What to Know About Metabolic Health

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    When you think about a healthy metabolism, you may think about how quickly your body burns calories. But metabolic health is about much more than that. It reflects how well your body turns the food you eat into energy while managing important factors such as blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. The good news is that everyday choices, from what you put on your plate to taking a short walk after a meal, can help support it.

    Recent data show just how common metabolic health concerns are. According to a 2025 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from August 2021-August 2023, only 36.4% of U.S. adults had no cardiovascular risk factors: uncontrolled high blood pressure, unhealthy blood lipid levels, high blood sugar and high BMI. There were 34.9% who had one and 28.7% had two or more.

    Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian with Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology, says metabolic health is typically evaluated by looking at several factors together, including waist circumference, blood sugar, A1C, insulin levels, cholesterol and triglycerides.

    “Metabolic health really affects all of your body’s major systems,” Rios said. “It impacts cardiovascular health, blood pressure and blood sugar, so it is something we should all be paying attention to.”

    The American Heart Association defines metabolic syndrome as a cluster of conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. It is diagnosed when a person has at least three of five risk factors: elevated blood sugar, low HDL or “good” cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and excess abdominal fat.

    Knowing your numbers can help you better understand your metabolic health. According to the American Heart Association, metabolic syndrome markers include a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or higher, fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher and blood pressure of at least 130/85 mm Hg. Low HDL cholesterol is also a marker, defined as less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.

    If there is room for improvement, Rios says food choices are an important place to begin. She recommends first taking inventory of the carbohydrates in your diet and replacing low-fiber, highly processed choices such as chips, white bread, crackers and baked goods with fiber-rich foods.

    Beans, lentils, berries, vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash, edamame and other plant-based foods provide fiber that helps support healthy blood sugar levels while also helping you feel satisfied after eating.

    Rios also recommends including a lean source of protein at every meal. Fish, chicken, lean turkey or beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans and lentils can help with fullness while supporting more stable blood sugar. Healthy fats, including olive oil, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and other nuts and seeds, can also be part of a balanced approach.

    Movement matters, too. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Rios says even a simple 10-minute walk after a meal can be a valuable habit, particularly when the goal is improving blood sugar management.

    Rather than focusing only on losing weight, Rios encourages people to think about the bigger picture.

    “Weight loss can be a side effect of improving your metabolic health,” she said. “The goal is to help your body take the food you eat and use it more efficiently for energy.”

    Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, is a registered dietitian with Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology, located at 18 West New York Avenue in Somers Point. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 609-365-5300.

  4. Is Creatine Right for You? What You Should Know Before You Take It

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    Whether it’s promoted by fitness influencers on social media or recommended by a workout partner at the gym, creatine has become one of today’s most popular sports supplements. While it’s often associated with building muscle and improving athletic performance, Scott Warren, PharmD, Ambulatory Care Pharmacist with Shore Physicians Group, says creatine isn’t something everyone should take without first understanding how it works.

    Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces on its own and also gets from protein rich foods such as meat, fish, beans, and nuts. It serves as one of the building blocks muscles use to produce energy during short bursts of high intensity activity, such as weightlifting or sprinting.

    “When you’re exercising and breaking down muscle, your body rebuilds it stronger,” Warren explained. “Creatine provides part of the building material needed for that process.” For people who regularly strength train, a creatine supplement may help support muscle growth, improve workout performance, and aid recovery between workouts.

    But Warren cautions that doesn’t mean everyone will benefit. “If you’re not exercising and putting those muscles to work, taking creatine doesn’t really have a purpose,” he said. “You’re simply giving your body more than it needs, and your kidneys have to process and eliminate the excess.”

    One of the biggest misconceptions Warren hears is that creatine is harmful to healthy kidneys. Research has shown that standard doses of creatine are generally safe for healthy adults. However, people with kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or other underlying health conditions should talk with their healthcare provider before taking it. Staying well hydrated is also important because adequate water helps the kidneys process creatine efficiently.

    Warren is even more cautious about combination products that mix creatine with pre workout formulas. Many of those products contain stimulants, including caffeine, that can contribute to dehydration.

    “If you’re taking creatine, choose a product that’s just creatine,” Warren said. “The more ingredients that are added, the harder it is to know exactly what you’re putting into your body.”

    He also reminds consumers that dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications. Independent testing has found that some products contain different ingredients or dosages than what appears on the label, making it important to choose well established, reputable manufacturers.

    Warren’s advice is straightforward. If you exercise regularly, choose a quality creatine product, follow the recommended dose, and drink plenty of water, it can be a reasonable supplement for many healthy adults. But before starting creatine or any other supplement, have a conversation with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s appropriate for your health needs and fitness goals.

    Scott Warren, PharmD, sees patients at Shore Physicians Group’s offices at 401 Bethel Road, Somers Point, and 2605 Shore Road, Northfield. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-5300.

  5. A Surgeon’s Thought on Diverticulitis By Matthew J. Finnegan, M.D.

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    Dr. Matthew J. Finnegan is a robotic general and colorectal surgeon with Shore Physicians Group in Somers Point. His surgical team operates at Shore Medical Center.

    Have you ever had a colonoscopy, or another imaging study and been given results describing “diverticulosis” observed in your colon? Have you been told you have a condition called “diverticulitis“?

    What is diverticulosis?

    Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon. These pouches are most common in the lower part of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.

    The causes of diverticulitis include genes, lack of fiber, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, immunosuppression, age, NSAIDs, alcohol, and patients with multiple comorbidities like diabetes and kidney disease.

    Left-sided colonic diverticulosis remains more common among elderly patients; however, a dramatic rise in its incidence has been seen in younger age groups in recent years. Recent evidence suggests that the lifetime risk of developing acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis is about 4% among patients with diverticulosis, and data suggest that up to one-fifth of patients with acute diverticulitis are under 50 years of age.

    What symptoms are associated with diverticulosis?

    While most people with colonic diverticulosis remain asymptomatic, approximately 20% experience abdominal symptoms, episodes of diverticulitis, or bleeding. Symptoms of diverticular disease can be acute or chronic, ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, like crampy lower abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation and diarrhea; to acute symptoms resembling appendicitis, like fever, acute abdominal pain, elevated white blood cell count, chronic abdominal pain, or recurrent severe attacks of abdominal pain associated with fever.

    How do you treat diverticulitis?

    Mild disease is treated with a low fiber diet and addressing the etiology of symptoms. If symptoms don’t resolve, further workup with a CT scan and blood work ordered to rule out more severe disease and starting oral antibiotics. Patients with severe disease may need admission to the hospital for IV antibiotics, and patients who do not respond to treatment or have recurrent symptoms as an outpatient will see a surgeon for a consultation.

    The indications for urgent or emergent surgery are well-defined. The indication for elective surgery is based on a multidisciplinary evaluation, with significant input from the patient, on the disease’s effect on quality of life. We discuss the risks and benefits of surgical intervention versus conservative medical management with patients and their families.

    After the patient is evaluated, imaging and testing are completed, and a diagnosis is made, we must prepare our patients for surgery, focusing on nutrition and enhanced recovery after surgery. We educate and prepare our patients to promote better outcomes and fewer complications. Patients undergo bowel preparation prior to surgery. The surgery consists of a robotic-assisted laparoscopic removal of the sigmoid colon with reconnection of the bowel. Most patients are hospitalized for 3-5 days. (The length of stay in the hospital depends on their pre-existing disease, age and how complicated their disease is.)

    Although the pendulum has moved toward conservative management, many patients with chronic recurrent disease benefit from elective surgery. Surgical consultation can give patients more information on treatment options. We recommend a patient-specific, tailored approach to elective surgical indications.

    Matthew J. Finnegan, MD, is a Robotic General & Colorectal Surgeon with Shore Physicians Group specializing in robotic general surgery, colorectal surgery, and advanced surgical wound healing. He treats patients age 18 and older at 649 Shore Road in Somers Point. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-6239.

  6. Could A Focus Supplement Be Doing Men More Harm Than Good?

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    Walk through the vitamin aisle or spend a few minutes on social media, and you’ll likely see supplements promising better focus, sharper thinking, and improved mental performance. Many contain L-tyrosine, an amino acid that recently made headlines after a study suggested higher levels may be associated with a slightly shorter lifespan in men.

    Tyrosine is one of the amino acids, often called the building blocks of protein, that naturally occurs in everyone’s body. It helps produce important brain chemicals and hormones, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

    “The study wasn’t showing that taking a tyrosine supplement causes men to die sooner,” Scott Warren, PharmD, Ambulatory Care Pharmacist with Shore Physicians Group, explained. “It found that men who naturally had higher than normal tyrosine levels were associated with a slightly shorter lifespan.” Even then, the difference was modest. Researchers found an average reduction of less than one year over a lifetime.

    Importantly, researchers did not find the same association in women. But Warren says the study’s biggest takeaway applies to everyone: don’t assume a supplement is right for you simply because it’s popular or promises better focus.

    According to Warren, the concern stems from tyrosine’s role in producing norepinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline. When adrenaline levels remain elevated over long periods, the body stays in a heightened state of stress. That can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among men.

    That does not mean everyone should avoid tyrosine. In fact, most people consume it every day through protein rich foods without any concern. The bigger issue, Warren says, is taking supplements without knowing whether you actually need them.

    “Many people see a supplement advertised for focus or mental clarity and assume it will help them,” Warren said. “The reality is you may already have enough or even too much. Without knowing what’s causing your symptoms, you’re really just guessing.”

    Difficulty concentrating can have many different causes, from poor sleep and stress to anxiety or an underlying medical condition. Treating yourself with a supplement before identifying the cause may do more harm than good. Warren recommends speaking with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. A medical evaluation and, when appropriate, blood work can help determine whether you actually have a deficiency or another condition that needs attention.

    He also reminds patients that supplements are not risk free simply because they are sold over the counter. “It is possible to take too much of many vitamins and supplements,” Warren said. “More isn’t always better.”

    The study is less a warning about tyrosine itself than a reminder that supplements should be personalized, not self-prescribed. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another, and understanding what’s happening in your body should always come before reaching for a bottle.

    Scott Warren, PharmD, treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s offices at 401 Bethel Road, Somers Point, and 2605 Shore Road, Northfield. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-5300.

  7. Two Kiwis a Day May Help Keep the Doctor Away

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    Although kiwi is available year round, its bright flavor and refreshing taste make it a popular choice during the summer months. But its health benefits extend well beyond its sweet, tangy flavor.

    According to Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology, kiwi offers a unique combination of nutrients that can benefit immunity, digestive health, and heart health.

    One of kiwi’s biggest nutritional surprises is its vitamin C content. “Gram for gram, kiwi delivers nearly twice the vitamin C of an orange,” Rios said. Per 100 grams, green kiwi contains approximately 90 milligrams of vitamin C compared with about 53 to 59 milligrams in an orange. Vitamin C supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

    Beyond its impressive vitamin C content, kiwi also supports digestive health. A healthy gut depends on maintaining a balanced community of beneficial bacteria, also known as the gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria help reduce inflammation, support the absorption of vitamins and minerals, protect the lining of the digestive tract, and promote regular digestion.

    “When that balance is disrupted, people may experience constipation, bloating, stomach discomfort, or irregular bowel habits,” Rios said. “Supporting the gut microbiome through healthy food choices can make a real difference.”

    One reason kiwi stands out is because it contains actinidin, a natural enzyme concentrated in both the flesh and skin of the fruit. Actinidin helps promote gastric emptying by helping food move more efficiently from the stomach into the small intestine and through the digestive tract. Research has shown that eating two kiwis each day may help improve bowel regularity and reduce constipation by supporting healthy digestion.

    In addition to actinidin, kiwi is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut, creating a healthier digestive environment while supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining.

    Another important nutrient found in kiwi is potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, supports healthy muscle function, and contributes to normal heart function.

    Adding kiwi to your diet is simple. It can be eaten on its own, blended into smoothies, or added to plain Greek yogurt. While many people peel kiwi before eating it, the skin is edible after washing and contains additional fiber along with some of the fruit’s naturally occurring actinidin.

    “Kiwi is a simple food that’s packed with nutritional value,” Rios said. “Adding it to your diet is an easy way to support gut health, boost your vitamin C intake, and contribute to your overall wellness.”

    People with a known kiwi allergy should avoid the fruit, and anyone taking medications that require careful monitoring of vitamin K intake should discuss significant dietary changes with their healthcare provider.

    To schedule an appointment with Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, at Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology, located at 18 West New York Avenue in Somers Point, call 609-365-5300.

  8. Think It’s Just a Pulled Muscle? What Groin Pain Could Really Mean

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    Groin pain is easy to dismiss. Maybe it started after a workout, while lifting something heavy, or after spending the weekend working in the yard. Many people assume it is simply a pulled muscle that will get better with time.

    While muscle strains are common, persistent or worsening groin pain can sometimes signal a more serious medical condition. Knowing when to seek medical attention can help prevent complications and get you back to your normal activities sooner.

    According to Matthew J. Finnegan, MD, a robotic general and colorectal surgeon with Shore Physicians Group, one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring pain or a lump in the groin because it doesn’t seem serious.

    “Hernias often don’t start with severe pain,” Dr. Finnegan said. “Many people notice a small lump or occasional discomfort and simply live with it. Then they become more active, start exercising, lose weight, or lift something heavy, and suddenly that area becomes painful.”

    One of the most common causes of groin pain is an inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. You may notice a bulge near the crease where your abdomen meets your thigh that becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing, or lifting. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain, particularly during physical activity.

    Dr. Finnegan says any new lump in the groin deserves attention. While he recommends prompt evaluation for lumps about the size of a golf ball, even smaller lumps that persist for several weeks, continue to grow, or are associated with pain should be examined. “If you’re concerned, get it checked,” he said. “It may not be a hernia, but it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.”

    Not every case of groin pain is a hernia, however. Muscle strains are also common, especially among people who play sports or work out regularly. Dr. Finnegan says injuries involving the large adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh can cause pain that closely resembles a hernia. In some athletes, a tear of the muscle or tendon can result in what is commonly known as a sports hernia, which is actually a muscle injury rather than a true hernia.

    “The treatments are very different,” Dr. Finnegan explained. “A sports hernia often responds well to physical therapy, while a true hernia usually requires surgery to repair the defect in the abdominal wall.”

    Not every lump in the groin is a hernia, either. Enlarged lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas, which are benign fatty growths, and skin infections can all cause swelling in the area. Dr. Finnegan notes that fatty growths larger than about a Kennedy half dollar should also be evaluated, particularly if they begin to enlarge after remaining unchanged for years. Infections affecting the legs, feet, or groin can also cause nearby lymph nodes to swell as the body fights infection.

    Dr. Finnegan recommends seeking medical attention if a lump persists beyond a few weeks, becomes larger, or is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, changes in bowel habits, fever, or increasing pain. Even small hernias can become trapped, cutting off blood supply to the intestine and creating a surgical emergency.

    “We always prefer to repair a hernia before it becomes an emergency,” Dr. Finnegan said. “The earlier we diagnose it, the more options we have and the easier the operation typically is. I’ve operated on patients who waited years and ended up needing much more extensive surgery because the intestine became trapped. If you notice a lump or have groin pain that isn’t improving, don’t ignore it. It’s always better to have it evaluated early.”

    Matthew J. Finnegan, MD, is a Robotic General & Colorectal Surgeon with Shore Physicians Group specializing in robotic general surgery, colorectal surgery, and advanced surgical wound healing. He treats patients age 18 and older at 649 Shore Road in Somers Point. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-6239.

  9. Exploring the Neurological Questions Surrounding GLP-1 Drugs

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    researchers are exploring how these drugs may affect more than appetite, blood sugar, and weight loss. A Washington Post article updated on May 28, 2026, and distributed through Yahoo News examined emerging research into how GLP-1 medications may interact with the brain, raising questions about their potential influence on areas involved in appetite, reward, motivation, and emotion.

    While the article discussed intriguing findings, it also highlighted an important reality: scientists are still learning about the full effects of these medications throughout the body.

    To help readers better understand the topic, Shore Healthy Living spoke with Reeva Salkin, DNP, APN-BC, ANP-BC , a neurology specialist with Shore Physicians Group. Salkin was not involved in the research discussed in the article but shared her professional perspective on the questions being raised.

    Originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have become widely known for their effectiveness in helping patients lose weight. For many people, these medications have produced significant health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and reduced risk factors for chronic disease.

    “These medications were originally developed for diabetes management and are now widely recognized for their weight-loss benefits,” Salkin explained. “What we’re learning is that their effects may not be limited to the stomach and digestive system.”

    Because the medications affect pathways involved in appetite, glucose metabolism, and inflammation, researchers are studying whether they may also influence certain functions within the brain. Some patients have reported symptoms such as brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or changes in mood, but determining the cause can be challenging.

    “The challenge is determining what’s actually causing those symptoms,” Salkin said. “Are they related to the medication’s effects on the brain, or are they the result of reduced food intake, dehydration, changes in blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies?”

    That distinction is important. Because GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, some patients consume significantly fewer calories than they did previously. Rapid weight loss and reduced nutritional intake can sometimes lead to symptoms that feel neurological but may actually be related to hydration, blood sugar, or nutrition.

    “If someone comes in experiencing brain fog, dizziness, weakness, or fatigue, we need to go back to basics,” Salkin said. “We need to evaluate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, hydration, protein intake, and overall nutritional status before drawing conclusions.”

    Researchers are also investigating the potential long-term effects of GLP-1 medications. In addition to diabetes and weight management, these drugs have been studied for possible applications in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. While some findings have generated interest, research remains ongoing.

    At the same time, rare side effects continue to be identified. One recently recognized condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), has been associated with a very small number of users and can affect vision. Although the risk appears to be extremely low, it serves as a reminder that all medications carry both benefits and risks.

    For Salkin, the takeaway is not fear or alarm.

    “The goal isn’t to create fear,” she said. “The goal is informed decision-making.”

    For many patients, GLP-1 medications can be life-changing. The key is understanding that these are powerful medications that should be used thoughtfully and under medical supervision. Patients who experience new symptoms should discuss them with their healthcare provider rather than making assumptions or attempting to manage concerns on their own.

    “We’re still learning,” Salkin said. “That’s why regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are so important.”

    As science continues to evolve, that partnership between patients and providers remains the best way to make informed decisions about treatment and long-term health.

    Reeva Salkin, DNP, APN-BC, ANP-BC is a neurology specialist with Shore Physicians Group who treats patients age 18 and older. She sees patients at 700 Shore Road, First Floor, Somers Point, NJ 08244. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-6202.

  10. How Much Protein Do You Need to Build Muscle?

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    Protein is one of the most talked-about nutrients among people looking to build muscle, lose weight, or improve their overall fitness. A recent Medical News Today article highlighted research suggesting that individuals seeking to increase muscle mass may benefit from consuming between 1.2 and 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, particularly when combined with strength training. However, according to Dante Marconi, MD, FAAOS, an orthopaedic surgeon with Shore Physicians Group Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, the ideal amount of protein depends on more than just the number on the scale.

    “Generally, for muscle maintenance, I recommend about 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of lean body mass each day,” says Dr. Marconi. “For individuals actively trying to build muscle, that number increases to about one gram of protein per kilogram of lean body mass.”

    Lean body mass refers to your body weight minus body fat percentage, a distinction Dr. Marconi says is important to understand when determining protein needs. Rather than basing recommendations solely on total body weight, he advises using lean body mass to calculate protein intake, particularly for individuals carrying excess body fat.

    While protein gets much of the attention, Dr. Marconi emphasizes that nutrition and exercise must work together to support muscle growth. “Without physical activity, especially strength training, you’re not going to maximize muscle development,” he says. Resistance training creates the stimulus for muscles to grow, while protein provides the building blocks needed for repair and recovery.

    The importance of preserving muscle mass has become an even bigger topic with the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications. Although these medications can be highly effective for helping people lose weight, Dr. Marconi notes that some of that weight loss can come from muscle tissue if patients are not careful about maintaining adequate protein intake and exercise habits.

    “When people lose weight rapidly, some of that weight loss comes from muscle,” he explains. “It’s crucial to maintain adequate protein intake and continue exercising to preserve muscle mass and support bone health.”

    For those trying to meet their protein goals, Dr. Marconi recommends spreading protein intake throughout the day rather than consuming most of it in a single meal. Including protein with every meal can help support muscle maintenance while also improving satiety and reducing unhealthy snacking. He notes that a high-protein breakfast is often a particularly effective way to start the day.

    Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and protein-fortified foods. Protein supplements may also be useful for athletes and highly active individuals who struggle to meet their daily requirements through food alone.

    Beyond helping people look and perform their best, maintaining muscle mass plays a critical role in long-term health. Strong muscles support balance, mobility, and independence, while helping reduce the risk of falls and fractures as people age.

    “It’s much easier to build a foundation of muscle when you’re younger than it is to develop it later in life,” says Dr. Marconi. “Maintaining muscle strength throughout adulthood is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health.”

    Dr. Dante Marconi treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Division offices located at 710 Centre Street, 2nd Floor in Somers Point, NJ, and at Shore Physicians Group Primary and Specialty office located at 4450 East Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Marconi, call 609-365-6280.

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