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Acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
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If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Piscataway, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Piscataway, NJ
New Book Vending Machine Unveiled at Knollwood Elementary in Piscataway
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/piscataway/sections/education/articles/new-book-vending-machine-unveiled-at-knollwood-elementary-in-piscataway
Pete the Cat atop a Book Vending Machine at Knollwood Elementary School in PiscatawayPhoto Credit: Piscataway Township SchoolsBook Vending Machine at Knollwood Elementary School in Piscataway.Photo Credit: Piscataway Township Schools By Kenneth SimmonsPublishedOctober 5, 2023 at 1:14 AMLast UpdatedOctober 5, 2023 at 1:19 AMPISCATAWAY, NJ – Pete the Cat sat high on top of a vending mac...
Pete the Cat atop a Book Vending Machine at Knollwood Elementary School in PiscatawayPhoto Credit: Piscataway Township Schools
Book Vending Machine at Knollwood Elementary School in Piscataway.Photo Credit: Piscataway Township Schools
By Kenneth Simmons
PublishedOctober 5, 2023 at 1:14 AM
Last UpdatedOctober 5, 2023 at 1:19 AM
PISCATAWAY, NJ – Pete the Cat sat high on top of a vending machine at Knollwood Elementary School this week, encouraging young Kindergarten through 3rd Graders to embrace the joy of reading.
This isn’t an ordinary vending machine. No candy or snacks will be dispensed, just books with characters and themes of all types, including Pete the Cat.
“The machine, unveiled as part of the Positive Behavior Supports in Schools (PBSIS) program, is stocked with a wide selection of high-interest books for young readers,” said school officials.
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“Students can select books using special gold tokens, which they can earn by setting and achieving individual goals, exemplifying one of the six Pillars of Character, or engaging in a random act of kindness,” they said.
The vending machine was made possible through grant funding and is stocked with books provided by the Knollwood PTO through its partnership with Scholastic Books, they said.
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Football: Piscataway extends winning streak against former Thanksgiving rival Franklin
cnalwaskyhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/09/football-piscataway-extends-winning-streak-against-former-thanksgiving-rival-franklin.html
When times got tough, Piscataway didn’t flinch as it took down Franklin at home on Friday night, 20-12, at Kenny Armwood Stadium.Piscataway now leads the all-time series between the neighboring rivals who used to play on Thanksgiving Day, 33-21-3. The Chiefs have won 15 in a row. Franklin last won in 2006. Complete Box Score »Franklin used up about 90% of the third quarter clock before it finally scored a passing touchdo...
When times got tough, Piscataway didn’t flinch as it took down Franklin at home on Friday night, 20-12, at Kenny Armwood Stadium.
Piscataway now leads the all-time series between the neighboring rivals who used to play on Thanksgiving Day, 33-21-3. The Chiefs have won 15 in a row. Franklin last won in 2006.
Franklin used up about 90% of the third quarter clock before it finally scored a passing touchdown as time expired in the frame on fourth down to make it 14-12. This came after Piscataway was stopped short on fourth-and-goal. The two-point conversion pass was broken up.
Following the Warrior’s touchdown, a long kickoff return gave the Chiefs the ball at their own 45-yard line. Two runs later, they were already down inside the Franklin 5-yard line. Piscataway would tack on a touchdown to go up by eight.
Franklin took an early 6-0 lead on a 31-yard deep ball grab down the right side line. The Warriors punted from way inside their own territory, but a roughing the kicker penalty extended the drive.
Piscataway was able to get on the scoreboard on a Micky Simmons 5-yard rushing touchdown in the second. The home team then recovered a fumble two plays in Franklin’s next drive, and scored moments later on a James Bodley 6-yard run.
The Chiefs intercepted a pass in the end zone on defense with 17 seconds left in the first half.
Kickoff for the game was pushed back to 7:30 p.m. from 6:00 p.m. because of thunderstorms.
Next week, Piscataway heads on the road to play Monroe while Franklin is home against New Brunswick.
Piscataway (1-2) had lost its first two games by a total of three points including a week ago by one in overtime. Franklin is also 1-2.
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Heavy Rain, Flooding Prompts Road Closures and After School Cancellations in Piscataway
tapinto.nethttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/piscataway/sections/green/articles/heavy-rain-flooding-prompts-road-closures-and-after-school-cancellations-in-piscataway
PISCATAWAY, NJ -- Heavy rain fell on Piscataway much of Friday morning, prompting road closures and cancelations of most after-school activities.A travel alert from Piscataway Township issued at 11:40 a.m. advised drivers that South Randolphville Road was closed from Centennial Ave. to Thornton Lane due to flooding.Another travel alert was issued at about 1:15 p.m. advising drivers to avoid Possumtown Road from Centennial Ave. to Third Ave. due to flooding.Sign Up for FREE Piscataway NewsletterGet...
PISCATAWAY, NJ -- Heavy rain fell on Piscataway much of Friday morning, prompting road closures and cancelations of most after-school activities.
A travel alert from Piscataway Township issued at 11:40 a.m. advised drivers that South Randolphville Road was closed from Centennial Ave. to Thornton Lane due to flooding.
Another travel alert was issued at about 1:15 p.m. advising drivers to avoid Possumtown Road from Centennial Ave. to Third Ave. due to flooding.
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Drivers were advised not to drive through high-water areas and to seek alternate routes.
The weather prompted Piscataway school district officials to cancel all after-school activities scheduled for Friday, including all middle and high school athletic games and practices. They cautioned parents that some buses may be late dropping off students due to detours that were in place.
However, the district's aftercare program remained open as scheduled, and the Chiefs football game scheduled to be played away against Old Bridge High School was at first moved up to begin at 5:00 p.m. but then pushed back to 6:00 p.m. due to weather conditions.
Heavy rain was expected to continue overnight on Friday, with rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches possible before tapering off Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. They said creeks and streams may rise from their banks, flooding low-lying and flood-prone locations.
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33-year-old beloved N.J. pub reopens 10 days after closing
cburchhttps://www.nj.com/business/2023/09/33-year-old-nj-pub-reopens-after-closing-for-just-10-days.html
A New Jersey restaurant and bar closed after 33 years in business— for 10 days.Buzzy’s Food & Spirits in Piscataway reopened on Aug. 22 after closing just over a week earlier on Aug. 12The beloved local bar, which is located at 200 Stelton Rd., announced its resurgence ...
A New Jersey restaurant and bar closed after 33 years in business— for 10 days.
Buzzy’s Food & Spirits in Piscataway reopened on Aug. 22 after closing just over a week earlier on Aug. 12
The beloved local bar, which is located at 200 Stelton Rd., announced its resurgence via Facebook on Aug. 21.
“It was painful for us to face the reality of closing completely. This takes a little bit of the sting out,” co-owner Rob Brownlie told MyCentralJersey. “When I saw how my family reacted to closing, it made me try to think of a way we could make it a little more acceptable. The support from the community when we announced the closure was also overwhelming and as a business owner, it’s hard to walk away from that.”
Buzzy’s is now operating five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday) with a limited menu and seating.
Its kitchen opens from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and its bar opens from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The bar’s owners are fielding offers from potential buyers and a deal is expected to be finalized within the next three to four months, according to MyCentralJersey.
Potential buyers include a prospect who wants to turn the pub into a sports bar and another who wants to carry on with the Buzzy’s tradition.
The pub is likely to temporarily close again for some remodeling once a deal is finalized.
Buzzy’s grew popular for eats like its signature crab meltaways, burgers, chicken and eggplant parmigiana, wings, nachos and salmon. It boasts an extensive beer, wines and spirits list, as well.
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Piscataway teacher saves swimmer and captures rescue on video
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/piscataway/sections/education/articles/piscataway-teacher-saves-swimmer-and-captures-rescue-on-video
Photo Credit: Gary Miller, Piscataway Township Schools By Gary Miller, Piscataway Township SchoolsPublishedSeptember 12, 2023 at 9:13 PMLONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ - A Piscataway Township Schools teacher is being lauded as a hero for diving into action on Labor Day weekend to save a swimmer who was being pulled into the deep water off Long Beach Island by dangerous rip currents.Steve Houser is a special education history teacher in Piscataway’s PATHS program (Pupi...
Photo Credit: Gary Miller, Piscataway Township Schools
By Gary Miller, Piscataway Township Schools
PublishedSeptember 12, 2023 at 9:13 PM
LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ - A Piscataway Township Schools teacher is being lauded as a hero for diving into action on Labor Day weekend to save a swimmer who was being pulled into the deep water off Long Beach Island by dangerous rip currents.
Steve Houser is a special education history teacher in Piscataway’s PATHS program (Pupils Achieving Their Highest Standards), a Marine veteran, and an avid surfer. He was wearing a GoPro action camera to film a surfing video, so he caught the entire rescue on video and has gotten worldwide attention for his selfless actions.
As a teacher, he is hoping the news media attention and detailed video can be used as an educational tool about rip currents and water safety.
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“Hopefully I can help save other lives through the video to provide awareness for people,” he said. “Who knows how many people this will reach. It already reached a national level and is starting to go global.”
The incident started on Sunday, Sept. 3, in the town of Harvey Cedars while Houser was working with his daughter on a video using a boogie board from Tandm Surf, one of the sponsors of his YouTube Channel about surfing. He noticed the water was getting especially rough from rip currents and was taking his son and daughter out of the ocean.
“I was getting really uncomfortable,” he said. “It’s time to get out, it’s getting too rough.”
Then he noticed a group of people who were too far out from the beach and were struggling to get back.
“I could tell right away, those people were stuck,” Houser said. “They were stuck in the rip current being sucked out. I could see it. I know what it looks like and when they need help.
“I already had the board in my hand so I just went for it. There was a good football field between the lifeguard on the stand and those people in the water.”
So Houser, who had swim training in the Marines, took his boogie board and swam out to the group. One man in particular, Gabe McCabe, was in trouble.
“One of the guys was calling for help and waving his hands,” Houser said. “He was panicking. And I know when you’re panicking in that situation, you’ve got only a matter of seconds.”
When Houser arrived, McCabe latched onto his oversized boogie board, which has handles and is meant to be used by two people together.
With McCabe hanging on, Houser swam them both back to the beach.
“I was aiming for the waves on purpose to ride them in. We took a really gnarly hit, it slammed us on the sandbar. But I looked, and he was still hanging on. It was so chaotic.
“He was super thankful. He’s such a nice guy. It was nice to meet him and his family afterwards.”
As for the video, it was the last thing on Houser’s mind.
“I had no idea I was even filming. I forgot the camera was still filming.”
It’s not the first time Houser has helped save someone in trouble in the ocean, but because the whole incident was captured on video, Houser has been inundated with news media attention. The rescue has been covered by Good Morning America, Fox News, News 12 NJ, the Asbury Park Press, the BBC, PBS, and others.
“It’s a good teaching tool,” he said. “What better visual tool than actually seeing it.”
Houser, who is starting his sixth year as a teacher in Piscataway, also sees it as something he can use to teach his own students.
“I always try to tell my students: Do the right thing at the right time,” he said. “I think it’s a good teaching opportunity. We can educate and show people if you’re in a situation where you can help somebody, definitely do it.
“I think every teacher is like that. They want to help, they want to provide, they want to be good community members.”
Houser has wanted to be a teacher since he was young. However, he also wanted to be a Marine, especially after growing up in the era of 9/11, which had a heavy impact on him as a teen.
“In high school, my history teacher was a Vietnam veteran,” he said. “I remember going up to him, and saying, ‘I want to be you one day.’ Just to have that presence to have a veteran teaching history.”
He joined the Marines out of high school in 2006 and served in the Marines and Marine Reserves until 2014. In the meantime, he also went to college and was certified to teach history. During a deployment on a peace-keeping mission to Morocco in 2011, Houser went surfing for the first time, and fell in love with the sport.
“I picked it up really quick, and I got really dedicated,” he said. “It’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Your whole life is based around the ocean.”
After his discharge with the rank of sergeant, Houser started out teaching at a private school in Pennsylvania and added a certification for special education. But there’s not a lot of surfing in Pennsylvania, so he convinced his wife Christine to move to New Jersey so he could be closer to the Shore. He just needed a new job – and he found “the perfect job” in Piscataway.
“To do the combo of special education and history, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect job,” Houser said. “Where I’m at in this program, I feel really connected to these kids. I struggled a lot when I was in school. I had an IEP and I was told by my principal – this was in the ’90s – that I wasn’t going to make it and wasn’t going to amount to anything.
“So I can really relate to having those emotional disabilities as a kid, and I’m able to really relate to these kids in smaller group instruction and giving them a lot of attention.”
Part of his classwork is studying current events, and one of the biggest news stories of Labor Day weekend in New Jersey involved their teacher.
“I had to put on the news, and I’m in every news highlight,” Houser said with a grin. “I didn’t say anything, I just put it on. And they were like, ‘Wait! That’s you!’ It was a shock to them.”
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