New Yorkers Heart Their Dogs

By Linda Arntzenius

Dogs of every shape and form can be seen on the streets of New York City, where they enjoy superior opportunities for civil society than do their suburban and country cousins. Just watch any of the professional dog walkers and their fan-shaped packs as they go about their daily rounds. In that respect, Manhattan dogs are more like their European counterparts than dogs from other parts of the United States.

On a recent trip to the U.K., my (human) companion and I visited a small bustling town in the North of England where the local dogs habitually roam free. We were amused, and slightly astonished, to see a pack of five mutts walk purposefully along the sidewalk, with not one master in sight. They stopped at the traffic lights, waited for the signal to change, and then crossed to the other side of the street, where they continued their journey, bothering no-one as they maneuvered through the crowds. None of the locals gave them a second glance. more

Barre in Bergen County

bergen barre

Thanks to its proximity to New York, New Jersey is on the cutting edge of many fitness trends.

Pronounced “bar,” Barre is a popular fitness program that combines ballet and Pilates. Movements are highly focused and involve lots of repetition in order to rapidly change specific body parts. The exercise routine is low impact, but it does elevate the heart rate, resulting in great cardiovascular benefits. A given class almost always involves props such as a ballet barre and lightweights. Read on to find a studio near you.

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Traveling for Healthcare

By Taylor Smith 

Patients have different reasons for traveling for healthcare. Some may be in search of the latest technology while others are seeking out particular specialists. No matter the reason, traveling out of state gives patients treatment options beyond their local medical center.

Clinical studies show that the best outcomes for patients with life-threatening illnesses occur at hospitals with the most experienced surgeons and staff. While there are many excellent surgeons in the United States, the greatest expertise can be found at facilities handling large numbers of patients with the same illness. By choosing to have treatment at these facilities, you are increasing your chances for the best result. more

From Reconstruction to Renewal

By Anne Levin 

Kathy Kowalewski had just stopped breast-feeding her toddler son when she noticed her right breast felt different from her left. With no family history of breast cancer, and at 38 still too young to have begun annual mammograms, the Hunterdon County mother of two wasn’t particularly concerned. But she consulted her doctor, who recommended a screening. On seeing the results, the doctor urged Kowalewski to have a biopsy of both breasts right away.

It was cancer—in her left breast. But the right side looked suspicious, too. Stunned, Kowalewski was referred to a breast surgical oncologist who recommended she have her left breast removed. After recovering from shock and weighing the options, she made the difficult decision to have both breasts removed and undergo reconstructive surgery. more

A Look Inside of Jennifer’s Way

The Rising On East 10th Street

By Jamie Saxon

Photography by David Kelly Crow

Jennifer Esposito has fallen in love with jelly doughnuts -- twice.

Growing up in an Italian-American family in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, actor/entrepreneur Esposito was immersed in a childhood defined by food—and her ravenous hunger for it. She ate everything in sight—bagels, cake, spaghetti, zeppolis at the Italian street fair, jam dot cookies she baked with her sister at Christmas. “Food is very tied to emotion and remembering events,” she says. more

Dr. Ron Noy – Orthopaedic Surgeon, Athlete, and New Yorker

By Taylor Smith

What initially drew you to the field of sports medicine?

I was a very good athlete growing up, but often injured myself, hampering my career. While at my peak, an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] injury actually ended any hopes of continuing on professionally, so I decided to dedicate myself to learning how to get athletes back to pre-injury performance.  I didn’t want anyone else to have to give up their dreams because of an injury. more

Beat the Clock: Lifestyle Choices and Early Detection in the Battle Against Breast Cancer

By Ellen Gilbert

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to draw attention to the principle cause of death from cancer among women globally. WHO (World Health Organization) and the National Breast Cancer Association get behind the October endeavor, and smaller, local groups participate as well. The color pink, which has become associated with the campaign, is in particularly wide evidence as people sport pink ribbons, tee-shirts and other accessories to announce their support of the fight against breast cancer. more

Redefine Your Gluteus Maximus in New York City

By Taylor Smith

New York City is rife with fitness-class offerings and the variety can be overwhelming even for a native New Yorker. Urban Agenda has sorted through some of the most popular workout options in the greater-New York area—classes that are guaranteed to get your endorphins flowing and your blood pumping. There is absolutely no need to be intimidated since nearly every studio on our list welcomes walk-ins. The one universal is that fitness of this caliber comes at a steep price, so be prepared to dig deep for that weekly sweat session. (Note: Studio locations are relevant as of October 2013)

SOUL CYCLE
www.soul-cycle.com more

Treating Infertility with IVF

By Taylor Smith

Millions of couples suffer from infertility and the causes are sometimes elusive for doctors and patients. However, technology related to IVF can help make pregnancy and parenthood a reality.

WHAT IS IVF? more

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Non-Surgical Treatments

By Taylor Smith 

If dermatologists wore capes instead of lab coats, you might mistake them for magicians. Treatments that improve the appearance of youth and wellbeing have improved dramatically over the past several years, and there’s no better place than New York City to experience the best that technology has to offer. Autumn in New York is sublime, so why not make a vacation out of your dermatological procedure? Spend a long weekend at a boutique hotel in Manhattan and you’ll reemerge with younger looking skin. more